I think it's essential when reviewing novels to base your opinions on the specific efforts of the author. Anne Patrick wrote a good romantic suspense in Out of the Darkness bringing her characters to life with stark personalities and appeal.
Alex (Alexandria) Michaels is one of the best FBI profilers, but a tragic incident which left her both devastated and somewhat handicapped causes her to clean out her desk and disappear by seeking a ride with a stranger (Royce McIntire) at a truck stop. As he attempts to find out why she needs transportation to points unknown, she willfully misleads him - including not telling him her real last name - in order to hatch a plan for her recovery and safety.
Through limited conversation during the ride, Alex asks if she can work for the truck driver at his home office for room and board until he finds a replacement for his absent secretary. He agrees and sets her up in an adjacent upstairs apartment on his ranch in the middle of nowhere. Over time, as she's establishing her new "career", shrieking nightmares wake Royce who comes to her aid. Without revealing the reason for the nightmares, Royce is patient but encourages her to talk about it. Her reluctance to do so works until the reason for them becomes unavoidable.
Having grown into enjoying the small town atmosphere, the country space of this new "home", and most importantly her genuine attraction to this man, she inevitably is forced to explain what has caused her tremendous pain and why she needs to help her old FBI team catch the man who's responsible for what she's endured.
Anne Patrick gives Alex a prickly personality, delivers on her grief and trauma, and demonstrates her ultimate courage and selflessness when faced with incredible danger. Royce is the perfect counterpart with his generally easy-going ways but he's all man when it comes down to her old team. We all know there are only so many plot points that can be engineered in mysteries and suspense, but this one makes it work with the characters and circumstances.
Out of the Darkness shows how a professional who goes through spirit-crushing trauma is able to finally climb out of that darkness and into the light of a new life. Faith issues are present, organic, and well-presented without being overbearing. If you're in the market for a romantic suspense, Out of the Darkness is a good one.
Father, please continue your blessings upon Anne's life and writing. Keep those stories coming that you have just for her to tell. Keep her safe and may she honor you in all she does. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.