This week on Jen’s Jewels, bestselling author Dani Pettrey returns with TWO SECONDS TOO LATE, the pulse-pounding second installment in her Jeopardy Falls series. Set against the rugged beauty of northern New Mexico, this romantic suspense novel follows tracker Riley MacLeod and her partner Greyson as they race to find a missing woman—only to discover they aren’t the only ones on the trail. In our conversation, Dani shares what inspired this high-stakes story, the personal ties she has to the setting, and why she still drafts all her books longhand. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of suspense fiction’s most beloved voices.
Jennifer Vido: What inspired the storyline for this novel? Was there a particular event, place, or idea that sparked your imagination?
Dani Pettrey: A combination inspired this story. The overarching story of the MacLeod family is how they were raised by cons and brought into these cons at a young age. Growing up, they’ve turned their lives around and now own a P.I. firm that busts cons and pursues justice in a wide variety of areas. Riley MacLeod is a tracker. She learned from a young age how to disappear, and in turn, how to find those that do. In Two Seconds Too Late, she and Greyson are on the hunt for a missing woman from a high-end resort, but they quickly learn they aren’t the only ones hunting.
Jen: The setting in northern New Mexico plays a significant role in the book. What drew you to this location, and how did you research it?
Dani: I lived in New Mexico for years and adored it so much that I decided to set the series there. Doing so has brought back so many wonderful memories. I still visit NM and it’s allowed me to continue to soak up the atmosphere that I hope comes through in the books. It really is the Land of Enchantment, and I love sharing it with readers.
Jen: Riley and Greyson have a complex relationship. What was the most challenging part of writing their dynamic?
Dani: Riley and Greyson are very in sync with each other, but they also have vast differences in personality and traits. They also approach cases from very different angles and perspectives. While Riley follows her gut, Greyson follows logic. Where Riley is spontaneous and impulsive, Greyson is reserved and never makes a decision without thinking it through. I think the most challenging part was staying true to the characters and working to bring out how their differences really complement one another—making them the perfect pair together.
Jen: This book seamlessly combines suspense, action, and romance. How do you balance these elements while keeping the tension high?
Dani: Thank you so much! I try to weave the suspense and romance into each other, so they’re intertwined. For example, I use the suspense to drive the romance—growing the couple through the action and all that’s happening around them. And the suspense and action drive one another. As the suspense builds, so does the action and vice versa.
Jen: What’s your writing process like? Do you plot everything in advance, or does the story unfold as you go?
Dani: I know four things: my character’s name, occupation, the setting, and the crime. From there I sit down and start writing. I love watching the characters come to life and seeing how they react to and maneuver through the adventure before them.
Jen: What’s currently on your TBR stack? Are there any upcoming books you’re incredibly excited about?
Dani: My TBR pile is huge but I’m especially excited about As Sure as the Sea by Jaime Ogle, Loyally Luke by Pepper Basham, and The Other Sister by Jessica Patch.
Jen: Can you give us a sneak peek into what you’re working on next? Will there be more books in the Jeopardy Falls series?
Dani: Yes. I’m happy to say there will be two more books in the Jeopardy Falls series. I’m finishing book three this month and it’ll be out next spring. It’s Deckard and Harper’s story and I’m really loving telling it.
Jen: Many readers love staying connected with their favorite authors. How can they keep up with your latest news and releases?
Dani: My newsletter is the best place to keep up with everything. You can sign up for it on my website. I’m also on social media. I have a FB readers group called the Suspense Squad where I spend my time, along with my FB Page and IG. Hope you’ll drop by. I love connecting with writers and readers alike.
Jen: What’s one interesting or unexpected fact about you that your readers might not know?
Dani: I write all my first drafts longhand. There’s something about a blank screen that freaks me out. Writing on a blank notebook page isn’t as intimidating to me. Plus, I love the tactile aspect of writing in notebooks. It’s something I’ve been doing—jotting down stories—since I was a kid.
Jen: Thank you so much for stopping by! Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Dani: Thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate it! I’d just love to thank readers for all their support. I hope everyone enjoys Riley and Greyson’s adventure as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Jeopardy Falls #2
A Forced Proximity Romantic Suspense Thriller Book Set in New Mexico
A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive?
In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples' retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman's location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They're not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted.
As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson's secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can't bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival.
Romance Suspense | Christian [Bethany House Publishers, On Sale: April 29, 2025, Paperback , ISBN: 9780764238499 / ]
Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly one million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.
Her Alaskan Courage, Chesapeake Valor, and Coastal Guardian series have received praise from readers and critics alike. She's been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a two-time Christy Award finalist, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award.
She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband.
Jennifer Vido writes sweet romances set in the Lowcountry, earning acclaim as the award-winning author of the Gull Island series. Her debut novel, "Serendipity by the Sea," secured the prestigious Best First Book award from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest. In 2024, Vido's talent garnered further accolades, with Baltimore Magazine readers naming her Best Local Author in their annual Best of Baltimore poll, while the Baltimore Sun acknowledged her with an Honorable Mention in their Best of 2024 Author category. When not writing fiction, she interviews authors for her weekly Jen’s Jewels column, leads water exercise classes, and directs a legal nonprofit. Currently residing in Maryland, she and her husband are proud parents to two grown sons and a rescue dog named Fripp.
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