Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan + q&a

The more I read romantic suspense, the more I like it! Here’s a new to me author with her Bethany House debut, Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan!

about the book

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan (Atlanta Justice book 1)

Release date: September 5, 2017
Genre: Legal Romantic SuspenseTapped as lead counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, Kate Sullivan knows this case could make her career. What really drives her, though, is getting justice for the victims whose lives were ruined by the company’s dangerous new drug. But when a whistleblower turns up dead, it paints a target on the back of everyone involved.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James steps in to handle security for Kate. He’s still haunted by mistakes in his past and is determined never to let something like that happen again. But it soon appears someone is willing to do anything–even commit murder–to keep the case from going to trial.

As danger closes in, Landon can’t help but admire Kate’s courage and resolve–but will her determination not to back down become too great of a risk?

goodreads | amazon | bookdepository | christianbook

 

my thoughts

Note: I am currently reading this title and will post my full review once I finish it in a day or two. Until then, please forgive the delay and here are my initial impressions of the first third of the story:

The plot unfolds from multiple points of view which I especially appreciate in suspenseful situations (I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a bit of a scaredy cat). The level of legal procedure and inner workings is just right, in my opinion. I’m completely fascinated with the process without being lost or overwhelmed by legal jargon.

I adore Kate Sullivan. She is the real deal, honest, passionate, and dedicated (oh, that ALL attorneys possessed her level of integrity!) Landon James charmed me right away. He has the fierce protector vibe going and he’s oozing with trustworthiness (and manliness! He IS a former Army Ranger after all).

Despite the fact that I keep nodding off due to the late hour, I am definitely going to read a bit more before I set the book down for the night!

Update: I can neither confirm nor deny dropping this book on my face before finally surrendering myself to sleep last night but I can definitively say that this book is hard to put down (unless you unexpectedly find yourself sleeping)! Here is my full review:

This story truly shines! Dylan skillfully builds suspense while maintaining a strong sense of faith and a nice dose of romance. Deadly Proof has a creative storyline to keep readers guessing and authenticly flawed, relatable characters.

Kate Sullivan is a hero. She has a strong sense of integrity and rock-solid dedication to her clients. I’d like to have half her courage (without the stressful job and dangerous situations, thank you)! Kate is talented, hardworking, and compassionate. Kate has weaknesses but the fact is that she soldiers on in faith despite the many obstacles in her path.

Landon James is the epitome of masculinity. He’s a strong manly protector but he also possesses qualities that often seem more difficult for the testosterone-laden kind to obtain, vulnerability, humility, and trust. Landon isn’t all brawn and broken gooey insides, he is intelligent and willing to call in reinforcements when necessary.

As the promising first book of the new Atlanta Justice series, Deadly Proof has set the bar high and I’m looking forward to the stories to come!

I requested the opportunity to read this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

about the author

Rachel Dylan was a litigator in one of the nation’s most elite law firms for over eight years and now works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers.

She is the author of four Love Inspired Suspense novels and lives in Michigan with her husband. She is active on social media and you can visit her website.

website | facebook | twitter

 

q&a

The Atlanta Justice series is centered around strong, female lawyers who take on high-stakes cases. What made you want to write their stories?

I’d have to say it’s personal! Having been an attorney for eleven years now, I love being able to pour parts of myself into the books. My everyday life as a lawyer isn’t that exciting and is definitely not as dangerous! But I’m able to draw on what I’ve lived through to bring life and authenticity to these characters.

What type of research did you do for Deadly Proof?

One of the great things about writing books related to my career is that I know lawyers who practice all different types of law. Deadly Proof focuses on Kate Sullivan, who is a plaintiff’s attorney taking on a big pharmaceutical company. I don’t do this specific type of plaintiff’s work, but I know lawyers who do, and I was able to talk with them. Also, I was able to relate to my characters on the defense side because I’ve done that work for years. It was really fun to write the perspectives of characters on both sides of the case.

Is there a reason you chose Atlanta for this series?

Yes! I’m from Georgia and lived in Atlanta, practicing law at a large law firm, for eight years. I wanted to pick a setting I was intimately familiar with to give readers an authentic Atlanta experience—sweet tea and all.

Where do you think Kate’s passion for her work comes from?

Kate truly believes that her life’s work is to help those who have been wronged. I believe a lot of her passion stems from her strong faith that has developed over the years. She’s not a lawyer to make big bucks but to change people’s lives for the better.

What is the next book in the Atlanta Justice series about?

Book two is about Kate’s friend Sophie Dawson, who we meet in Deadly Proof. Sophie is an Atlanta prosecutor. This story is exciting because it involves a completely different type of legal case than Deadly Proof. But I promise things get just as dangerous!

 

Atlanta Justice series

 

giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Bethany House is giving away four Suspense Novels and a $25 Starbucks Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

click to enter the giveaway

 

Who else loves those “can’t put it down” suspense novels?