3.5 stars (rating shown may vary depending on whether site allows half star ratings).

I don't think I've read this author before.

The book had a slow start, but it did draw me in to the story after a while.

Likes:
*the friendship between Danni and Jaycee
*the friendship/mentorship between Caleb and Zach
*that Caleb is willing to admit that he doesn't feel attraction to Zach's mom even though she has all the attributes he might be looking for in a spouse. (Instead of giving in to the "she's good enough and I'll come to love her in time.)
*Caleb and Danni don't go beyond holding hands and kissing.

Dislikes:
*that Danni feels Rob Evans is "the one" when he obviously doesn't value spending time with her over other things.
*that Caleb and Danni get serious after only a short time of knowing each other. (Common for this type of book in this genre.)
*The Christian aspect of the book is toned down. Yes, Jaycee invites Danni to church and yes, Caleb attends church but being a Christian is more than that. And there were probably ways the author could have put more of that into the book without the book becoming "preachy" (since reviewers tend to be turned off by that). It just didn't seem to be emphasized enough for me to call this a Christian fiction book. ( )

Thank you in advance to JustRead Publicity Tours, New Hope Publishers, and author Kathy Harris for providing a review copy. A positive review was not required, all words and thoughts are my own.

“Deadly Commitment”, a Christian Suspense/Christian Fiction novel, is the first in the “Deadly Secrets” series by author Kathy Harris. The novel is set in the author’s home town of Nashville, Tennessee which is also known as Music City.

What immediately grabbed me was “will she discover in time who she can trust”.

“Deadly Commitment” centers around Danni Kemp, a restaurant owner. She is engaged to be engaged to Robert Evans, a music promoter who spends almost 40 weeks on the road.

Danni thinks she is being stalked. But it is a secret that her fiancé is keeping that proves to be far more dangerous. Despite Robert handing her a suitcase full of cash to “hold”, she doesn’t have any suspicions as to what he is doing.

Homeless man Caleb Samuels isn’t what he seems either, and Danni learns who he is quite by accident. But, she also learns another truth – Rob isn’t all he claims to be.

Now, Danni finds herself doubting everything he told her and caught up in his lies and crime. Danni also finds herself drawn to Caleb who finds himself drawn to her.

She also sees the “other side” of the drug trade which has cost her mother her life, as well as the life of one of Danni’s employees. She at first vows to clear Robert; and then later, helps to convict him as she learns more and more. Kidnappings, car bombs, and stalking aside – Danni is in it for better or worse in this engaging, fast-paced, captive novel.

The author, Kathy Harris, expertly tackles both sides of the drug trade – the dealer/supplier who is in it for the money as well as the addict who cannot escape the drug’s deadly hold. The novel moves at a fast, but not rapid (or break-neck) speed as some suspense books do. I read half the book in one session and finished it in the second. The short-medium length chapters make this an easy read, in addition to the pacing of the novel. I found myself cheering for Caleb and Danni early on in this novel.

Caleb is strong, honest, but not over-bearing. He carries his own demons which makes him believable as the hero. Danni has her own demons as well. I would’ve liked to have seen more of Danni’s family featured a bit more, especially towards the end. I would’ve liked to see more of what happened with Rachel, one of the women at the “center”. I hope to see her in the next book or book #3. Danni’s connection and words to her were very moving.

Being that it falls under the “Christian” genre, there is non-existent to “mind” sexual tension (kissing) between the main characters. Harris expertly tackles loss, redemption, deception, and recovery - giving all of us hope for our lives.

Definitely enjoyed this book and looking forward to “Deadly Connection”, book #2, in this series. ( )

A commitment to do what’s right can sometimes plunge you into danger! That’s what you’ll find in Kathy Harris’ romantic suspense, Deadly Commitment. Set among the tall buildings of downtown Nashville, this southern-vibe novel introduces the reader to all sides of the drug epidemic — law enforcement seeking justice, innocent victims of other’s choices, those fighting to recover, and the drug traffickers that put everything in motion. With likable characters and a true-to-life story, this book will appeal to those who like suspense with a strong Christian message.

Main characters Danni Kemp and Caleb Samuels are at odds when they first meet. Danni defends her soon-to-be fiance’, Rob, when faced with Caleb’s accusations that Rob is a big part of a drug trafficking ring. Soon, though, her sense of right and wrong has her facing difficult truths and joining the efforts to put an end to the criminal activity around her. I really liked Caleb’s character — a man with past sins who is working hard to trust God and make the world a better and safer place. I was initially frustrated with Danni’s character. She was naive and wishy-washy, but as the book progressed she found a backbone and some smarts 😉 . Both characters struggle with baggage from their pasts that color their perceptions of themselves and others. They each lean on God for direction and protection. The book moved a little slow at first, but towards the end the action heats up and their is a good deal of danger facing all the characters.

With the news full of drug crimes, Deadly Commitment is a timely read. If you enjoy romantic suspense with a strong message of God’s grace, then you need to check it out.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to JustRead for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

While Deadly commitment is a romantic suspense, the story does not proceed at the breakneck pace other books in the genre do with little room to breathe. There are plenty of intense moments but there is also solid character development in this new release from Kathy Harris.

Early on, readers are made aware of at least one of the criminals. Yet, the questions continue to pile up as we try to unravel how everything connects.

Danni and Caleb are characters I would love to be friends with if they weren’t fictional. Even the supporting cast is memorable.

Another aspect of this book I enjoyed is the insider’s look into living in and around Nashville. From Broadway to Green Hills to some of the surrounding areas, Harris often had me nodding my head in agreement with Danni’s view of the city.

Fans of romantic suspense that lists more toward the romance and character insights will enjoy this one. And if you’re new to the romantic suspense genre, Deadly Commitment would be a great place to start.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )