🏚️🌧️ "Texas Target Standoff" (Cowboy Lawmen #3) (2021) 🌧️ 🏚️ - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Cowboy Lawmen (Book #3)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (March 9, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335405100
ISBN-13: 978-1335405104
⬅️ Click Picture for Pre-Purchase Information
“A sniper lurks closer…
and only a navy SEAL can save her.
When psychologist Shelby Warren suddenly becomes a sniper’s target, navy SEAL Paul Avery springs into action to protect her. He needs her evaluation to get back to his team…and rescuing her might finally give him the redemption he’s been searching for. But when danger follows them to his family’s Texas ranch, keeping Shelby safe could be his most difficult assignment yet.”
Thank you in advance to the author, Virginia Vaughan, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.
Although I had the author’s book, Killer Insight, it wasn’t until Texas Twin Abduction that I read a book by the author. And, let me just say … WOW! The book that starts this series starts of with a bang! And, Vaughan carries that momentum into book #2 – Texas Holiday Hideout.
Each book revolves around one of the Avery siblings.
Book #1 – Lawson Avery
Book# 2 – Miles Avery
Book #3 – Paul Avery
While this COULD act as a standalone read, it truly is best read as part of the series to get the full idea of each of the brothers’ backgrounds and connections since they do make appearances in the book. This one is as suspenseful and intense as the previous two books.
This is Paul’s story and if the cover is intense looking and eye-catching, so too is the story. It starts off with a literal bang while he’s in the middle of a visit with psychologist visit with Dr. Shelby Warren.
Each one of them has a secret that impacts their goals – for Shelby, it is her brother as to why she wants to keep soldiers from going back too soon. For Paul, it is Terry who he not only uses to ground himself; but also a guide to balance himself. As a result, this deals quite a bit with the effects of PTSD, which might be a bit of a trigger for some readers who can identify – either for themselves or a family member.
It is clear, right off, that Shelby is the intended target – though the why is elusive, or is it?
Right off, I did not like Shelby’s practice partner, David. There was just something in him I DID NOT LIKE.
Shelby decides to plan a “home” visit to interview Paul’s family to assess his readiness as well as see the conditions he lives under. She is a bit of a skeptic of “self-reporting” when it comes to problems. When there’s another attempt on her life – it is perfect timing – to head to where Paul is staying.
While this is a spoiler, I wanted to mention it as I’d seen it in FBI: Most Wanted – Shelby’s car system is hacked causing her to lose control of the vehicle. That is something that is really quite terrifying.
But, even heading to Courtland County isn’t enough to get the killer to back off. And, I had to wonder how the person kept finding Shelby. Readers are going to be shocked to find out who the real culprit is. While the reason for one character’s motive is clear, there is another character that lurks in the shadows and is a bit of a surprise.
Throughout shootings and bomb threats, Vaughan keeps the action going so well that it is hard to investigate, or even take a breath. Paul and Shelby’s romance is bordering between “will they” or “won’t they”, but in a natural way.
I really enjoyed the suspense of this story as well as the “whys” and “whats” of counseling. It was engaging as well as thrilling. While a bit calmer than some Love Inspired Suspense on the action, this still got my pulse rate up at times.
While this was mainly about Paul and Shelby, this is the second book that completely omits Ashlee (Bree’s twin from Texas Twin Abduction). While she isn’t directly connected to the main characters, she is Bree’s twin. I am definitely interested to see what’s up with her since the end of that book.
As this is the suspense version of “Love Inspired”; there will be themes of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. There are also references to God and prayer, but are not a central theme and not important to the overall plot of the story.
Fans of the genre, those who’ve read the previous two books, and those who enjoy the Love Inspired Suspense books are sure to love this book!! This was another “day” read for me, so obviously I had some issues putting it down.
I can’t wait to read the fourth (4th) book in the series which will feature the Avery sister – Kellyanne.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Other Books in the Series:
Series: Cowboy Lawmen (Book #1)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin] (June 2, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 133540287X
ISBN-13: 978-1335402875
⬅️ Click Picture for Purchase Information
“This twin’s past is a blank…And she might not have a future.
Waking up in a bullet-ridden car with a bag of cash and a deputy insisting she’s his ex-fiancée, Ashlee Taylor has no memory of what happened—or of Lawson Avery. But with her twin missing and someone hunting her down, she must trust him with her life. Can Lawson save her and her sister—even as Ashlee’s forgotten secrets become an inescapable trap.
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin] (October 13, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335403124
ISBN-13: 978-1335403124
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“When her identity’s exposed,
hiding on a lawman’s family ranch is her last hope.
After her mother is killed, Melissa Morgan’s shocked to learn she’s spent her life in witness protection. Now it’s US marshal Miles Avery’s job to keep her and her little boy safe. And with a mole in his agency, the only way to evade the killer is to hide Melissa on Miles’s family ranch…and pretend she’s his wife for the holidays.”
You can pre-order book #4 – Texas Baby Cover-Up here:
Series: Cowboy Lawmen (Book #4)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin] (June 29, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335405283
ISBN-13: 978-1335405289
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Virginia Vaughan is a born and raised Mississippi girl. She is blessed to come from a large Southern family, and her fondest memories Blessed to come from a large, Southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted around the dinner table. She was a lover of books from a young age, devouring tales of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. Connect with Virginia through her website www.virginiavaughanonline.com or through the publisher.
You can follow her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginvaughanbooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiavaughanauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gin_vaughan
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