Shielding the Innocent Target - by Terri Reed (Paperback)

Shielding the Innocent Target by Terri Reed pulled me in from the beginning. I liked the characters especially Kenny and Aslan (what a clever and sweet therapy dog). I enjoyed the action, suspense, and mystery. There were twists and turns that kept things lively. There is a thrilling conclusion to the whodunit. Faith was nicely woven into the story. My favorite phrase is from the verse in Romans “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” The finale had me smiling. I did feel, though, that the ending was a tad rushed (I would have liked an epilogue). I have a feeling that Kenny will continue to wear a cowboy hat like his hero. Shielding the Innocent Target is the final book in the author’s U.S. Marshal series (Lucas first appeared in Forced to Hide), but it can be read as a standalone. Shielding the Innocent Target is a suspenseful tale with a slain prosecutor, an adorable boy, a protective cowboy, an astute therapy dog, a resolute killer, and a rare romance.

Shielding the Innocent Target, concluding the wonderful U.S. Marshall series, is fast-paced and packed with action! I figured out early on who was behind the plot to eliminate the witness, but that did not distract from the enjoyment of the read. The smoothly flowing plot drew me in from the beginning and held me fast to the end. The characters are expertly crafted and realistic. The romantic tension between U.S. Deputy Marshall Lucas Cavendish and witness Paige Walsh runs as high as the suspense of the dangerous circumstances they find themselves in on their perilous trip from Florida to Texas never knowing who to trust. I love Paige’s strength and Lucas’s determination. Who could resist brave six-year-old Kenny and his super-attentive therapy dog Aslan? I enjoyed being reunited with characters from previous books. Even though there are carryover characters, this book is easily read as a standalone. I think fans of romantic suspense will love this story. I highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A quick stop at the boss’s office ends in a run for her life. Paige, a paralegal for a federal prosecutor, sees and hears a murder and now she is the target. Lucas is a US Marshal tasked with protecting her and her young son, Kenny. Running for her life becomes a game of cat and mouse as somehow the murderer always seems to find her, her son and her protector. The danger will not end until the perpetrator is caught. Only problem - he seems to have endless resources as RPGs demolish vehicles and buildings alike. The non-stop action of this Love Inspired Suspense is sure to keep you guessing all the way through. An early copy was received through BookFunnel. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.