Threats, Thrills, and Second Chances

Valerie Massey Goree’s Dangerous Dalliance is a suspenseful and heartfelt novel that expertly blends romance and danger. This was my first experience with Goree’s work, and her ability to craft a compelling story with well-rounded characters left a lasting impression.

The main character is Jan. Jan’s journey is both emotional and intense. A year after the mysterious disappearance of her fiancé, Bryan, she is thrust into a whirlwind of events when she meets Hatch, a widower with a young daughter. Their connection is sweet and complicated, made all the more poignant by Jan’s lingering heartbreak and Hatch’s well-meaning but occasionally overbearing attempts to help her heal. Their dynamic feels authentic, capturing the complexities of grief and new beginnings.

The tension in the story ramps up as Jan becomes the target of increasingly menacing threats. Goree weaves suspense into the romance seamlessly, keeping the reader engaged as the danger escalates. The mystery surrounding the threats—and Bryan’s possible return—adds layers of intrigue.

The pacing is brisk but balanced, with moments of emotional depth to counter the action. The author’s vivid descriptions bring both the serene and sinister scenes to life, immersing the reader in Jan’s perilous world.

While the story resolves well, the twists and emotional stakes make Dangerous Dalliance a memorable read. Fans of romantic suspense will find much to enjoy in Goree’s storytelling, and I’m eager to explore more of her work.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

Dangerous Dalliance is on Tour with Celebrate Lit!

Author: Valerie Massey Goree

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: July 25, 2023

amaJan’s fiancé, Bryan Buchanan, disappeared a year ago. She has no idea why he left or where he is. Since then, she’s had no interest in romance, but saving a little girl from a playground accident propels her into the world of possibilities.

Hatch, the child’s grateful father, has met many women since his wife’s passing. Jan is the first one to catch his attention, but his instinct to offer counseling to any woman he meets who seems depressed is a big turn-off for her.

Although Jan is flattered by Hatch’s attention, the rest of her life is turned upside down when she receives threatening phone calls, is nearly run off the road, and is shot at.

Can Hatch protect Jan as the men’s threats escalate? If Bryan returns to her life, will she forget about Hatch?

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About the Author

Award winner Valerie Massey Goree resides in the beautiful Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio. After serving as missionaries in her home country of Zimbabwe and raising two children, Valerie and her husband, Glenn, moved to Texas, his home state. She worked in the public school system for many years, focusing on students with special needs.

Valerie began her writing career late in life and has now published 10 romantic suspense novels. Glenn wrote 12 non-fiction books which Valerie edited. Valerie retired from teaching and spends her time writing, traveling, and spoiling her grandchildren. She loves to hear from her readers.

More from Valerie

The Interesting “Task” of Choosing Character Names

I wrote the first rendition of Dangerous Dalliance many years ago. Obviously, it wasn’t published, so I put it aside and continued writing other novels. After publishing my ninth book, I decided to revise the story.

Choosing names for my characters, especially the hero and heroine, is a task I take seriously. I read through my lists and check online sites. I don’t go to that much trouble for my secondary characters, but I have a quirky way to choose their names.

I spent twenty-five years working in the public school system. Many students stand out in my memory for positive reasons. However, I remember a few kids or their parents less favorably. Any teacher will understand. Well, the names of those students or parents often play a role in my stories as secondary characters who don’t leave a positive impression.

The name of a major secondary character in my original Dangerous Dalliance was Brandon. From the first moment my student with that name entered my classroom as a four-year-old with severe allergies, a language delay, and behavioral issues until the day his family moved out of state, his behaviors and antics provided me with giggles and frustration.

Fast-forward several years. I live in a retirement community where we have 24/7 concierge services. When I moved here, the young man in charge was named Brandon. When I revised my original story, I frequently chatted with him. He was such a lovely person and treated us “older” folks with so much compassion.

Now, the name Brandon no longer conjured up images of my student but of the man I wanted to adopt as a grandson. (I found out many residents felt the same way.) I told him about my story and the reason I chose a different name for my guy.

Brandon left a few months later, and in a note he wrote me, he said, he would always remember that I changed the name of a character in my novel because of him, and he hoped he could live up to my high opinion of him.