Today got away from me. The kind of day where I could have sworn I’d already written a post…call it a cold induced fog.

Anyway, I just finished this book a couple days ago, and it’s another great read from Irene Hannon. I’ve enjoyed her romantic suspense…to the point that I read this one with an eye on analyzing why I like it so much.

She creates great romantic tension between the characters. Alison Taylor is a social worker who cares deeply about her clients. She’ll put in the extra hours if she thinks she can help save and reunite their families. As the result of an accident that left her unable to have children, she’s still alone. Then her brother Cole asks her to go on a mercy date with his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan. Neither of them is looking for a relationship…or so they think. Mitch has moved home to St. Louis to help care for his ailing father. But one evening with Alison and he wants more.

Then he’s around when she gets a phone call and is drawn into protecting her from a stalker. The suspense plot builds slowly. Starting with phone calls and escalating. The tension slowly ramps as the romantic tension is high from the beginning. I love how the author uses the make-up of the characters — who they are — to propel the suspense plot forward. And the motivation for the bad guy begins believably, and then as he spirals into meth use, his motivation spirals out of control. Yet she shows how the drugs are a critical component. Without them, he doesn’t have the courage to carry out his plan.

Deadly Pursuit is a thoroughly satisfying romantic suspense. Emphasis on the romance.