Today for Fiction Friday I’m sharing my book recommendation for Perilous Tides, the second book in Elizabeth Goddard’s Hidden Bay romantic suspense series releasing on July 15, 2025.
Here’s the Book Description:
High-Stakes Romantic Suspense from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard
Three years after her mother’s suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder–and becomes a target.
More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect her–none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother’s death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together.
As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide before the truth can be revealed.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Perilous Tides, the second book in Elizabeth Goddard’s Hidden Bay romantic suspense series. I read the book quickly, within twenty-four hours, because I couldn’t put it down. Jo has been hiding in Hidden Bay, Washington, for three years after her mother was murdered in Michigan. Her father, who she met after her mother passed, is now missing. Jo is worried and she’s searching for her father.
Cole served in the military in special forces and he’s now a private investigator. He’s back in Washington to investigate Jo’s mother’s murder. The cold case has been reopened in Michigan and the main suspect’s sister has hired Cole to clear her brother’s name.
Cole and Jo’s meet cute, on the water in Puget Sound, is terrifying and action packed. Jo witnesses a murder and Cole rescues her from a life threatening situation. They’re shocked to see each other again in dire circumstances. They previously dated until a few months ago when Cole left Hidden Bay and ghosted Jo.
Danger surrounds them from multiple sources. Jo has trust issues, and she is forced to rely on Cole, and others in Hidden Bay, to stay safe. Secrets are revealed from Jo’s past that makes her question everything she believed was true regarding her biological parents.
Cole and Jo’s reunion romance is delightful and I enjoyed journeying with them as they overcame many obstacles in the story. The twist and turns in the suspense plot kept me guessing through to the satisfying story ending. I recommend Perilous Tides to romantic suspense readers who like second chances romances with high octane suspense and relevant faith elements that include trust and forgiveness themes.
Many thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.