🎯 💻 🏹 🚨 “Targeted” (2022) 🚨 🏹 💻 🎯 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Language: English
ISBN: 0800740289
ISBN-13: 978-0800740283
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“Three women. Three men. Three unsuspecting targets.
Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors!
In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead--and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.
In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president's son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.
In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they'll have to learn to trust each other--before it's too late.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Books (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads Blogger Program. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
With novellas, it is often hard to review them as a whole, and even individually.
This review will go by each novella as individuals and how they connect as a whole to the theme.
ON THE RUN – Review
Those who’ve read the author’s previous series, Danger Never Sleeps; as well as her current one, Extreme Measures, will be happy to see some characters back.
I have read three (4) of the four (4) books in the Danger Never Sleeps series. With regard to the Extreme Measures series, I read the first book that features Penny and Holt (Life Flight), the second book (Crosshairs) is on my TBR list, and I am on the launch team for the third book, Critical Threat, so I will be reading that one. There is also a fourth (4th) book in that series and I will likely read that one as well.
Daria Nevsky, who helped save Heather’s life in Active Defense, is back for her own story. Heather and Travis also return as well. Caden Denning (Hostile Intent) also returns to lend them some assistance. Holt and Penny are there as well.
It starts with the break-in of Marsha’s home. Marsha manages the home of Daria’s late father. After a break-in at her place, Daria finds herself in Asheville, NC and meets Dr. Ryker Donahue.
Daria is running from someone who is connected to her father. In short, she hated him; he hated her; and he even tried to kill her. But, she isn’t alone on the run, she has Ryker who refuses to leave her side. Incidentally, he’s friends with Caden Denning.
But, who wants Daria? And, why?
I have to admit, the reason was interesting and Daria’s solution to getting away was even better. While Daria is a computer hacker, there are very few computer terms in this, so readers won’t have to feel like they will be overwhelmed.
Eason doesn’t let up on the gas for this one. She kept my attention from beginning to end.
I read this one in about 90 minutes, so it was a quick read, hard to put down for any length of time. It was fast-paced, intense, and exciting. I loved the non-stop action. Definitely an edge of the seat read. The POVs alternate between Daria and Ryker.
While it is published by Revell, there were only a few Christian references in the book. It focused on the characters’ beliefs and not a central part of the story.
Those who’ve read both series will not want to miss this read.
(Length of story: 108 pages)
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating
Books in the Danger Never Sleeps Series:
Series: Danger Never Sleeps (Book #1)
Publisher: Revell (January 7, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 080072934X
ISBN-13: 978-0800729349
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“Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.
Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.
When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.”
Series: Danger Never Sleeps (Book #2)
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell (August 4, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800729358
ISBN-13: 978-0800729356
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“Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when her convoy is attacked and she's taken hostage. When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander--Sarah's imposing father--to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.
Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she's discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army. Until she learns of her brother's suicide. Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth. What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah's career--if she can survive long enough to write it.”
Series: Danger Never Sleeps (Book #3)
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell (January 5, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800729366
ISBN-13: 979-0800729363
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“As a former field surgeon in Afghanistan, Heather Fontaine is used to life-or-death situations. She just didn't expect them to follow her home. When she returns from a party to find that someone has broken into her house--and threatened her friends--she assumes it is the stalker who has been following her and creeping her out. She hopes to find safety and peace of mind by leaving the city and hiding out in a small town. But trouble has followed her even there.
Luckily, a stalker isn't the only one watching Heather. Travis Walker has been secretly watching out for her for weeks. As owner of his own security agency, it's what he does. Together, Travis and Heather must figure out who wants her dead--and why--before it's too late.”
Series: Danger Never Sleeps (Book #4)
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell (August 3, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800729374
ISBN-13: 979-0800729370
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“Ava Jackson entered the military shortly after high school, but her mother's illness has forced her to request an early discharge. She already lost her father while deployed, and there's no way she's going to let her mother die alone. But after a visit to the nursing facility where her mother lives, Ava is attacked walking back to her car. Fortunately, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning arrives in time to help fight off her attacker.
Caden reveals to Ava that she may hold the key to the murders of three families, and he needs her help before anyone else is harmed. The hits show a pattern, and clearly the killer has an agenda. But if Caden and Ava can't discover what it is, Ava may be next on the hit list.”
Books in the Extreme Measures Series:
Series: Extreme Measures (Book #1)
Paperback: 336 Pages
Publisher: Revell (January 4, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800737334
ISBN-13: 978-0800737337
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“EMS helicopter pilot Penny Carlton is used to high stress situations, but being forced to land on a mountain in a raging storm with a critical patient--and a serial killer on the loose--tests her skills and her nerve to the limit. She survives with FBI Special Agent Holt Satterfield's help. But she's not out of the woods yet.
In the ensuing days, Penny finds herself under attack. And when news reaches Holt that he may not have gotten his man after all, it will take all he and Penny have to catch a killer--before he catches one of them.”
Series: Extreme Measures (Book #2)
Paperback: 336 Pages
Publisher: Revell (August 2, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800737350
ISBN-13: 978-0800737351
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“FBI special agent Julianna Jameson is a top-notch negotiator who has never lost a hostage. Surely she can manage to take care of her much younger sister, Dottie, who showed up unannounced to live with Julianna while she finished her senior year of high school.
A former sniper with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Clay Fox left the army after a tragic incident that he can't get past. Now he's working as a high school resource officer until he can figure out what to do with the rest of his life.
Their paths cross when Julianna is called in to negotiate a courtroom hostage situation involving Clay's sister. Impressed and a bit intimidated by the calm, capable woman with the dark hair and blue eyes, Clay invites her to speak at his school. Dottie's school.
But as the anniversary of a school shooting from Julianna's past approaches, it becomes clear that her perfect record is about to be tested and that Dottie is at risk. If Julianna and Clay can't figure out who's behind the attacks, more innocent people will die--and Dottie is next in line.
This intense story of revenge and redemption from bestselling author and master of suspense Lynette Eason will have you up all night as you race toward the explosive finish.”
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800737342
ISBN-13: 978-0800737344
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“FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn't mean they're not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer--in prison but certainly not out of Sam's life, as much as he wishes he was.
When bodies start showing up with Peter's MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They've met before--and though Grace thought they'd made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They'll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case--especially because it's about to get personal.
USA Today bestselling author Lynette
Eason doesn't give you time to catch your breath in this breakneck race to stop
a serial killer.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. of Life Flight and several romantic suspense series. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
You can follow her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynetteeason/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lynetteeason
DEADLY OBJECTIVE – Review
While I haven’t read the author’s Dive Team Investigation series, I have read the first two books of her Defend and Protect series. DTI is still on my TBR list, though I will get them read … someday. Unlike the Defend and Protect series, there are no characters from DTI in this book.
It is the first book – Unknown Threat – where we meet Luke and Faith who have an appearance in this book. Readers who haven’t read that book will want to before reading this due to the ending of this novella.
Emily Dixon is Gil’s twin, and those who’ve read the first book will know how intense that book was. Gil and Ivy’s story was Malicious Intent. He makes an appearance in this book along with Zane, Tessa, Luke, Faith, and Ivy. There is a new agent introduced, Jesse, and I would LOVE to see him get his own story somewhere.
This is told solely from Emily and Liam’s POV.
Emily is a physical therapist (PT) taking care of the Vice-President’s son. While the kid is a pain for some agents (his nickname is Royal Hiney, which I thought was really spelled heinie – my WORD program like my version as of note), the kid and Liam seem to get along. Though Mason does come off as a spoiled brat in some cases, I could not fault his affection or loyalty for Emily.
This comes as a result of multiple attacks – bombing, shooting that seem focused on the poor kid. While he can be a brat, who wants to harm him? And Why?
Emily knows how hard it is to love Secret Service agents – her brother is one, but she knows the job is too dangerous and doesn’t want to worry. Though, she soon starts falling for Liam.
I thought it was SWEET the way he’d call her “baby” in a loving and assuring way.
While Liam has no idea who is after the kid, it is surprisingly Mason who provides some information during a camping trip that cracks the case.
Like On the Run, this continues the theme and definitely delivers on the fast-pace, intense story-telling.
Readers of Unknown Threat will get a surprise treat at the end of this novella. And, I already have the third book – Under Fire – on my TBR list. I read this in about over 2 hours. Blackburn does keep the story interesting, intense, and exciting and kept me reading until the end.
The romance is definitely secondary with the suspense being primary. I do hope to find out about Emily and Liam in another book.
I have a version of something Liam says in regard to Mason getting a job, paying taxes and having a say. My version is “you don’t pay the way, you don’t get a say”. It was interesting to see something similar in a book. I also loved Emily’s nightmare that included a NASCAR reference. Her aversion to camping due to the lack of toilets is 100% relatable on my part.
Those who’ve read the first two books in the series won’t want to miss Emily’s story and see a “bonus” as well.
Given that the kid’s father is a VP, there is a reference (with no political party) about the VP’s ideals and morals being objected to quite strongly. While some might not like the reference, Blackburn is careful to not name parties.
There is bit more reference to themes of the Christian faith in this story as opposed to Eason’s. This is again, more central to the characters than part of the plot.
(Length of story: 122 pages)
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating
Other Books in the Series:
Series: Defend and Protect (Book #1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (March 2, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800737954
ISBN-13: 978-0800737955
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“US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell is lucky to be alive. Three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in the past ten weeks. Luke is devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, and his inability to locate the killer feels like a personal failure. He's an expert at shielding others, but now the protectors are in need of protection.
FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is driven to succeed and confident in her ability to solve every case she's assigned. She's been put in charge of the investigation into the unprecedented attacks, and with Luke's life in danger, the stakes have never been higher. But it's hard to know how to fight back when you don't know who the enemy is.
As more agents are targeted, Luke and Faith will have to work together to bring a killer to justice and prevent any more names from joining their fallen brothers and sisters on the Secret Service Wall of Honor.”
Series: Defend and Protect (Book #2)
Paperback: 368 Pages
Publisher: Revell (March 1, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800737962
ISBN-13: 978-0800737962
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“Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc., is ready to begin clinical trials of her company's cutting-edge prosthetic. Her work has been heralded by government, medical, and advocacy groups and everyone hopes the device will be a success. Well, almost everyone. Someone is trying to sabotage Hedera and the launch, but to what purpose--and how far will they go to get what they want?
Meanwhile, U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon can't believe he's finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. Now that he's found her again, Gil intends to spend the rest of his life with her. But it will take all his skill to uncover the truth in time to save Ivy's life's work, her own life, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynn H. Blackburn is the bestselling award-winning author of Unknown Threat and the Dive Team Investigations series. Learn more at LynnHBlackburn.com.
She can be found on the following social media networks:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LynnHBlackburn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnhblackburn/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LynnHBlackburn/
Website: https://lynnhblackburn.com/
CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS – Review
Living Lies from the Harbored Secrets series was Walters’ debut book and incidentally the first one I read by her. And, I have read every one of her books since, including her new SNAP AGENCY series (even the prequel novella).
Natalie Walters returns readers to the series with Pecca Gallegos’ sister, Claudia – a CIA operative. Pecca was featured in Silent Shadows. Pecca, Colton, and Maceo return, if only via phone or Facetime. The story is told from Claudia and Ari’s point of view.
In addition to the return of Pecca, Colton, and Matteo – Ryan Frost (Deadly Deceit) returns as well to help out Ari and Claudia.
Like Eason and Blackburn before her, Walters wastes no time in getting the action going.
Claudia, due to getting caught up in work, doesn’t understand Pecca’s countdown. She realizes it is towards Thanksgiving. After talking with her sister, Claudia is contacted by a Saudi Prince’s security head. She ends up finding the prince dead. Though the FBI doesn’t think she’s involved – it is obvious someone does.
Claudia is almost killed in an accident, and Ari decides to watch her. Of course, he’s good looking, the “Playboy” agent. But, he is more than his looks. And, there does become a “budding” attraction between the two in between figuring out what is going on.
Ryan Frost is called upon to assist them. And, Walters kept me reading until the very end.
Like the other two novellas, this is heavy on action as well as non-stop pacing. The main “crux” of the plot is an interesting look into American businesses in Saudi Arabia.
I absolutely LOVED the TV show references (Miami Vice, Walker: Texas Ranger), as well as the movies Die Hard and Lethal Weapon which were Christmas staples in my home for over a decade. The funny thing about that – I watched Die Hard as I was reading this book and finished this within 77 minutes. So, this was the quickest read of the three novellas.
Like the other two novellas this is also intense, fast-paced, and more on the suspense with a side of romance. And, the short chapters keep it going with little time to stop.
There a few moments of humor. The biggest is on page 282, with Claudia saying “I’m pretty sure that wasn’t a ticked-off squirrel chucking acorns at us”. Though Ari’s reply is just as humorous – “Not unless your squirrels are trained by Rambo”. I couldn’t stop laughing.
I have the author’s third book, Blind Trust, from the SNAP Agency series on my TBR list. So, I think it’s safe to say I’ll be reading it when it is released next year.
Those who enjoyed the Harbored Secrets series are sure to want to pick this one up!
(Length of story: 114 pages)
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating
Other Books in the Series:
Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.
Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.”
Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.”
Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the undiagnosed disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action. But Colton's involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer--and more deadly--than they realized.
With this suspenseful new story, Natalie Walters welcomes you once more to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TARGETED
The entire novella collection is based on three women who are in the crosshairs of someone who is after them for various reasons. And, the novellas are connected to past and/or current series of each author so some of the returning character’s background has been established.
That isn’t usually the case for novellas. Those looking for more in-depth character set-up and progression will likely be disappointed.
As someone who’s read most all of the books in the “connected” series, I wasn’t about to miss this book, and I absolutely enjoyed it!
As a theme, all three stories definitely keep to that theme; and the cover also works well with the collection.
This is a great way to include stories that are short enough to be a novella, but just long enough to attract the reader’s attention and have a quick, entertaining read.
Basically, in these stories the authors don’t establish a lot of background; especially the characters, as the focus is more story-driven; suspense with a romance as a result.
The stories also have short chapters so it is easy to keep reading and engaged. All three are fast-paced, intense, at times explosive
I do recommend that readers read the connected series for each author and novella to familiarize themselves with each series as there are events referenced in the novellas that happened in the other books.
Total Time Reading: 4 hours, 40 minutes
OVERALL 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;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
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