I’ve enjoyed the first three books in the Redemption Harbor Series and did a little fangirling when I got my ARC for Innocent Target. Yes, there have been some plot hole and timeline issues that have taken away from the experience, but I’m really getting into this group of characters. They are all loyal to each other and have each other’s back through thick and thin. What I’m really enjoying is the diversity of the character types. They are each strong in their own way and I’m relishing getting to know them. For instance, Skye is the ultimate badass female character whose favorite accessory is explosives, but the heroine of this story is Hadley, who is sweet, kind, and more than a bit naive but who has also had a rough childhood that she didn’t let break her. She’s not tough at all in a lot of ways, but a strong character nonetheless.

This does not mean that Hadley didn’t have me rolling my eyes a bit with some of her actions. After an attack at her school, she agrees to go out on a date with a relative stranger, to his house no less! At least she took some steps so that if the worst had happened someone knew who she was with, but still. As much as I liked her, this crossed the TSTL line in a big way. The good news is it happened early on and it was her only jaunt through TSTL land. For the rest of the book, she played it fairly smart.

Unbeknownst to her, her date was a hired killer who was given a contract on her. It’s lucky he’s an assassin with a moral compass who had decided to protect her, not kidnap her. I really liked Axel. From the start, something about him tugged at my heartstrings. Like Hadley, he’d had a tough upbringing. He started out as a good guy wanting to save the world, and a convoluted path led him to his current vocation. Still a good guy, but he definitely worked in some dark gray areas.

Like the first and third book, there were a couple things that kept me from awarding this all the stars. As much as I liked Axel, I don’t feel like we got very deep into his character which was a bit frustrating. My main issue was the bad guy. Once again he was almost caricatured in his evilness, and it was never fully explained why he had such a hard-on for Douglas. In fact, when we finally got more info, it confused rather than clarified the issue. None of this kept me from enjoying the story though.

There was suspense, a small bit of action, and time spent with the Redemption Harbor group of characters that I am so fond of. Plus the chemistry between Hadley and Axel was off the charts and they were sexy as hell together. All this together made for an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to see who falls next in this exceedingly interesting group of friends.

Rating: 4 Stars

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Whew, I had to read the book straight through as it was so engaging as Hadley was targeted by a crazy person who wanted to kidnap, torture, then kill her just because of who her father was.

Since I have read the previous books in this series, it was so much fun to see them as part of the team to keep Hadley safe and also meet Axel who fell for her when he first met her. While I loved the previous characters in this book, it is not necessary to have read any of the previous books as this can be read as a stand alone book.

The romance between Axel and Hadley was fast and hot but also love that they were so honest with each other and there were no games involved! The conclusion to the danger that HAdley was facing was kind of quick but so glad that she didn't wait for the guys to rescue her and took action

I really love this series and hope that we will get a book focusing on Gage soon!

Having read all three previous books of this series, I can attest each one is a standalone that ends with a HEA for a main couple you can’t help but root for, folks. Katie Reus also once again gives us a handsome, alpha protective, lethal weapon type hero who has a heart of gold beneath a mountain of muscle.

Hadley, the sweet 22 year old veterinarian school student, may be the doe-eyed, innocent target here, but she sure shot a cupid’s arrow bullseye straight through the unsuspecting heart of Axel, the hero, who started falling for her before laying lips, hands, or even eyes on her. Yeah, this good guy assassin hasn’t lost his soul, despite his nefarious occupation, and still fights for goodness and justice. Unlike many other associates in his line of work, he won’t turn a blind eye just to fatten his paycheck. What he wasn’t expecting was to lose his heart so easily and quickly. Hadley ultimately had it just as bad for Axel, pretty much from first glance. So it is a very quick to love type of read.

Honestly, there’s not a lot of reason to say much more, because the synopsis spells the storyline out really well. I breezed right through this one and enjoyed seeing familiar characters from previous books intermixed with the plot. Overall, this romantic tale seemed more direct and less complex than other books in this series. Other than wishing the leading lady was older, which is just a personal preference, I enjoyed this quick romantic read.

Title: Innocent Target, Series: Redemption Harbor (Book 4), Author: Katie Reus, Pages: 250, standalone but part of series, younger/vet school student heroine, alpha protective assassin hero, some steamy scenes, some violence, romance safe, non-virgin main couple, very quickly fall in love. Rating: 3.5 stars

Book 1 - Resurrection (Skye & Colt), Pages: 250, 7/11/17
Book 2 - Savage Rising (Olivia & Savage), Pages: 250, 9/26/17
Book 3 - Dangerous Witness (Darcy & Brooks), Pages: 300, 1/30/18
Book 4 - Innocent Target (Axel & Hadley), Pages: 250, 5/22/18

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Innocent Target

**received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hot, steamy and sexy! This book is filled with romance and non-stop suspense. I recently became a fan of this series and love how Katie Reus keeps not only her characters on their toes but the reader also. Just when you think everything is working out, she adds another twist that will have you wondering what will happen next. I love Hadley and Axel together also. They both are trying to find themselves and at the same time not lose a relationship with one another.

Axel is in town to save a woman from being a target of kidnapping and who knows what else. What he finds instead is someone who could change his life for good. But he knows he can’t play for keeps, but it doesn’t stop him from wanting to.

Hadley can’t believe this handsome man is interested in her. He has come out of nowhere and literally swept her off her feet. But there is something going on and little does she know her life is in danger and that Axel is stopping anything from happening to her with any means necessary.

Axel wants to change his life because of Hadley and if she will allow him, he wants to be in her life. But will it work out? Can she get past what he does for a living? And is she still in danger?

Innocent Target is an electrifying read that held me captive from beginning to end.

Hadley and Axel are two very strong, compelling characters that easily caught my attention and then ensured that I fell for them. Their romance is spicy and full of danger which makes for a very exciting courtship as their sizzling chemistry kept the passions burning hot while distracting them from emotional issues and their determination to keep their hands off of each other.

Excitement, danger and suspense keep readers glued to the pages as anticipation and thrills build throughout the story since Hadley has come to the attention of several killers and it’s a good thing she has caught Axel’s attention or sooner or later one of the attempts on her life would be the end and readers can’t help but become caught up in all the danger and excitement as Hadley and Axel easily drag readers along with them throughout their dangerous adventure.

The thrills and excitement never end in this fast paced story that is full of passion and romance. So far every visit to Redemption Harbor has been exciting but this one really got my adrenaline pumping and had me biting my nails in suspense while I got to know Axel and Hadley and of course renew my acquaintance with the characters that I have already met who by the way added quite a bit of intensity to the situation in regards to Axel’s involvement with Hadley. Did I mention that Axel is one sexy and dangerous hunk that sent chills down my spine…yum! I do believe that Katie Rues has her work cut out for her in bringing another such hunk to my attention because Axel is just so memorable (did I mention, yum!) but I am sure that Katie Reus is up to the task because she always brings her characters to vivid life and ensures that I enjoy each and every one of them.

I am in love with this series and loved Hadley and Axel. They were sweet, funny and perfect for each other. This was a pretty insta-love story that had very likable MCs and a little bit of everything to keep things interesting. There was action, suspense, some mystery, great supportive characters and a steamy romance between two awesome characters. I loved seeing a bit of all the previous couples in the series, especially Sky and Cole. Can’t wait for Gage and Nova’s story next!

Memorable Moment:
My favorite moment has to be when Axel finds himself texting with Hadley and catches himself sending an emoji, LOL! It was too cute :) I loved seeing how Hadley’s positivity rubbed off on him. He’d been living so long in the gray but Hadley brought him lightness and reminded him that love and goodness still existed.

The second best moment is actually when Sky meets Axel – she was just so funny and protective of Hadley but also kind of a matchmaker when it came to Axel. It was a really funny scene.

I have really enjoyed this series by Katie Reus. It has definitely become a favorite of mine. The series takes place in Redemption Harbor in SC. Each main character has left a big organization such as the FBI or the military and started their own “Good Guys” team. This particular book featured the daughter of the main financial man on this team, and a guy who seems like he is “ bad” but really good in his deeds....just a little unorthodox like the rest of the team. I enjoyed the plot and I have really liked seeing this whole team as the come together.

Hadley Lane is getting used to a lot of life changes. She's started veterinary school, she's still adjusting to having her long-lost billionaire father and ex-marine step-brother in her life (who may be *slightly* overprotective), and the man who saved her from an attack at school, the same man she's falling for, tells her he's a hired killer. And did I mention there's a contract on her head? Axle O'Sullivan only meant to warn Hadley someone wanted her kidnapped, but from the first moment he saw her, he knew she already owned his heart.

Katie Reus is a master when it comes to action packed adventure, intense drama and sizzling chemistry. I’ve been a fan of hers since I read the first Red Stone Security book, so I jumped at the chance to read an early copy of this book, and she definitely delivered! I loved the unique backstory of the heroine and the hardened, jaded hero with the marshmallow center. Hadley and Axle's story was one of non-stop action, nail-biting suspense and sweet, steamy, soul-deep romance that kept me riveted to the page from the first word to the last. I loved this book and wholeheartedly recommend it. Somehow I've missed the first books in the Redemption Harbor series and plan to read them ASAP, because I fell in love with all of these characters. In fact, I’ve already started reading Resurrection. If you like strong, military heroes, independent, intelligent heroines, intense action and suspense, and tender, steamy romance, you’ll love this one!

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up without realizing it was part of a series. Luckily the fact that I hadn't read the prior books didn't keep me from enjoying this one. This book stands completely on it's own. Axel & Hadley are both great strong characters and the story is filled with enough suspense, action and twists to keep you on the edge all the way through.

I highly recommend this one and I for one will be going back and reading this series from the beginning.

his is the 4th book in the series and while it could be read as a stand alone the secondary characters are all from previous books so I recommend starting with the first one. I like this series, the characters and it certainly has plenty of action and suspense. It also has two MC's I liked. The hero, Axel is very straight forward, sexy, protective and Alpha. I also liked the heroine who was a bit younger but still strong. I liked that while she was out of her element with the changes in her life she also understood that her life had changed and wasn't afraid to realize that not everything is black and white. She didn't judge the actions of Axel or her brother and his friends. It was also VERY instant love which was a bit much at times but I overlooked that and still thoroughly enjoyed the book. I'm really looking forward to Gage's book.

Innocent Target, part of the Redemption Harbor Series by Katie Reus is a real change –up in the beginning. It certainly gives a freshen up to an already awesome series. This is not the typical protector or security detail story at all. I found it to be one of the best in the series.

Hadley is the newly discovered sister to Brooks Alexander, a character who is in the series. However, if you have not read the entire series, you will have no problems jumping in with this one. The title says it all but do not mistake innocent for stupid; nothing could be farther from the truth. Axel has a much darker background but true to Katie Reus’ heroes, he is still a good guy. The choices he makes in this story clearly show this.

The book is a well-written quick read as you are pulled into the story at the very beginning. I don’t usually find instant lust/ love to be my favorite type of romance between characters. However, Hadley knows her mind, maybe more so than the big strong dangerous Axel. That part I really liked.

Characters from the previous books make an appearance which is great. Romantic suspense fans will find that this one fit the bill. There is danger to survive, suspenseful moments to piece together as well as bad guys to be stopped with love to be found along the way.

What’s it About? Moving to Redemption Harbor was supposed to be easy for Hadley, she wanted to continue veterinary school and get to know her half brother and her father. But then she’s attacked in the school parking lot only to be saved by a man more dangerous that she’s ever encountered. Axel was only supposed to warn her that she was in danger but the minute he sees Hadley he just can’t walk away. He knows she’s innocent and that he’s far from that but their connection is intense and with the danger to Hadley increasing, Axel won’t walk away from her any time soon.




Overall reaction to the story? I never tire of Katie Reus’ romantic suspense stories and I hope she never stops writing them because she has a way of making men look heroic without having to “dumb down” a woman.


Not gonna lie though, I was concerned when I found out Hadley was going to be the heroine of Innocent Target. I thought she was too young and therefore would end up being stupidly naïve and that there was a high probability that she would be a virgin, which I don’t care for in contemporary romances.


Hadley is a bit naïve and innocent, I’m not going to lie, she’s really young compared to the rest of the cast of the Redemption Harbor series and I’m not talking about chronologically. She is SOOO a fish out of water among the hackers, former army rangers, possible assassins, and a whole host of dangerously impressive skills. Meanwhile she’s trying to find her place in her new life where she has a half brother and a whole mess of extended family through him. It’s pretty chaotic for her emotionally. Added to that is that someone is trying to have her kidnapped and/or killed which brings tall, dark, and dangerous Axel into her life. Both characters were much more than I assumed they’d be. I never got bored with Hadley, even though she lacked the mileage on her soul to be considered a seasoned character. She’s brave, smart, and while inexperienced, she wasn’t stupid enough to hand over control of her life to anyone and I loved that about her.


Hadley and Axel are an unlikely couple too, she’s young and in some ways inexperienced and he’s older and jaded. What could they offer each other right? Well for one thing, they balance each other out. Axel has seen the worst humanity has to offer and he is a tired soul. In Hadley he finds that little bit of goodness he needs so that he doesn’t lose himself completely. He sees the bit of good life has to offer with someone like her. He can let go of some of the weight he is carrying around and he can let himself be a good man. I loved that bit of redemption and acceptance he found with Hadley because while she didn’t like that he has killed before, she isn’t one to stick her nose in the air about it.


Hadley benefits from Axel’s presence in her life as well. Like I said, she’s young and a bit inexperienced. Axel’s life experience helped ground her to reality instead of an idea of the world that was giving her a false sense of security. She was able to see the danger she was in more clearly with him around while still being protected and that was something I felt she needed. She wasn’t a TSTL heroine, just sweetly naïve but willing to learn and adapt herself to her new surroundings. I enjoyed both characters’ growth and of course I should have known better than to think Katie Reus would ever write a female character that wasn’t strong, capable, and intelligent enough to know what she wanted no matter what her age was. There was an instant interest and a strong connection between the two characters that while hot was also a slow burn, with Axel being more of a gentleman than Hadley expected. I loved that about their relationship. It wasn’t about Axel taking control; it was about him giving Hadley the space and time she needed to figure out what she wanted to do about him. He never used the situation to manipulate his way into her bed or to make her feel like he was the only one who could protect her. He just wanted to help and figured an extra set of skills wouldn’t hurt. I also loved how Axel never got between Hadley and her family. She had spent most of her life being kept away from them and she was in the middle of getting to know them better so Axel respected that.


Innocent Target can be enjoyed as a stand alone romance but I would suggest starting with the first book and reading in order so that you don’t miss out on the amazing characters and the dynamic between them as a team of close knit friends. Skye in particular is my favorite character. She’s just so bad ass! I love how each book connects in the smallest ways but all of the characters tend to book hop so it’s like getting mini reunions with each passing book. Hadley and Axel are different in the way that they didn’t start off knowing the group that runs Redemption Harbor Consulting. They’re technically outsiders, Hadley’s familial connection to one of the members is what brings these two into the fold.


Click It or Skip It? Click It. The whole series has been one solid book after another and Innocent Target is no exception.

Book four of the series is another gratifying story of an “Innocent Target”, caught in the crosshairs of enemy, a normal situation for her new found wealthy father and her special ops brother, an entirely different world than what she’s used to. All Hadley wants to do is pursue her veterinary classes, get to know her new found family. But she ends up on the hit list of her family’s enemies and into the hands of her savior Axel.

A mercenary and as a man hired to take out the evil in society, he was never supposed to have made it personal with Hadley, protecting her, loving her. Saving her once is all it takes for Axel to get into the inner circle of Hadley’s family and into her heart.

Secrets need to be revealed, and the hit on Hadley needs to be eliminated before Hadley and Axel can even dream of a future together. With her brother and team rallying around her and Axel as her bodyguard, Hadley has to face the threat to her body and her heart.

Instant gratification!!!! That’s the end result of reading Katie Reus and her innumerable and memorable books. The Redemption Harbor series is no surprise of her writing talent and her creative mind.
Received an ARC from KR Press LLC, via NetGalley for an honest review.

I have been eyeing up Katie Reus’ “Redemption Harbor” series for some time now, awaiting the time to dive into it. Now having read “Innocent Target”, book #4 in the series, I am berating myself for not having carved out time for this fascinating series!

Hadley Lane is a young grad student with a lot of changes in her life. She is starting veterinarian school in a new town on the other side of the country where she was raised. She is getting acquainted with the father and half-brother who did not know of her existence due to her mother’s secret. She is adjusting to having not just a father in her life, but a billionaire father anxious to do right by her. And as she learns in this story, Hadley has a contract out on her to be kidnapped, then…..well, just think the worse. After the first attempt, Redemption Harbor Consulting, her brother Brooks’ company, is on the case. Who is behind the plot? Who are the kidnappers? Ah, but the real mystery that drives the book is just who is the shadowy rescuer who intervened at the perfect time?

It is that question that really drives the plot in this read that contains many of the usual Katie Reus “feels”, and I mean that in a good way. Some really immoral bad guys, some kick-ass good guys ( and gals!) and a young heroine for the hero to engage in some steamy sex with are all within the pages. But that is just the bare bones sketch of this story, for also inhabiting the pages is a hero that is complicated in a way you do not see in most romantic suspense books. Axel O’Sullivan is quite the character - I really fell in love with this world-weary, jaded yet smitten hottie. Family dynamics, including work family dynamics, play an important role as well. Does some of the book require you to suspend belief a bit? Sure, but this is fiction - a well-written, page-turning and enjoyable tale that transports you to Redemption Harbor for a night. It was fun, suspenseful and a time well-spent! I will definitely catch up on the rest of the series.

Innocent Target, although a little slow to start, did soon pull me in and with little action or suspense, during the first half the characters especially Skye kept the story entertaining and moving along.

However, there was a nice build up of tension and suspense during the second half, and with a few moments of action, especially towards the end I found it enjoyable to read.

Not to mention the two main characters were likable, had a connection and an insta love romance going on. Which wasn't necessarily the most believable I've read. But did keep me engaged, and there were a few hot moments.

And so I would happily recommend this story and series to others. And look forward to reading more from this series in the future.

4.25 stars.

Book four in Katie Reus’ Redemption Harbor series is one of the strongest, and after finding the last offering a little steadier than its predecessors, Innocent Target sets things right back on track.

“I kill people for a living.”

What did come from book three was the introduction of Brooks’ sister, Hadley so for her to have her story told so quick was a treat. And having a huge protective extended family around her is about to prove an advantage as it becomes evident that someone wants her dead.

“I…don’t want to be someone you regret.”

Sometimes a H/h need to fall hard and fast and this was exactly one of those occasions as Axel realises that Hadley is the one contract he doesn’t want. And with a good dose of humour coming courtesy of her big brother playing his role perfectly as well as plenty of steamy moments as they get to know one another, Hadley and Axel quickly shaped up to be my favourite couple of the series so far.

“I think I fell a little in love with you when you spilled coffee on me.”

Looking forward to book five!

In the last book, we’re introduced to Hadley. Turns out she’s the half-sister of Brooks Alexander (DANGEROUS WITNESS). Talk about a surprise! Hadley is young and trying to find her footing in a new town and new family when her world gets turned upside down. Hadley becomes the target of an unknown enemy and finds herself falling hard for an unlikely savior.

INNOCENT TARGET provides a fast-paced storyline, comic relief from secondary characters and explosive chemistry between Hadley and Axel. Opposites definitely attract in this latest installment to the Redemption Harbor series!

Already familiar with Katie Reus via her Redstone Security series, I requested this fourth book of the Redemption Harbor series. Since I hadn't read the first three parts, I didn't know who Hadley was and why there was a hit placed on her. Her billionaire father, who she just met actually, has many enemies and one is determined to make him suffer via his only daughter.
Axel wasn't supposed to find out about the hit on this innocent girl. But when he did, he vowed that he would keep her safe. Infiltrating into her life, he found out that she was not only innocent, but a very attractive and wonderful girl. So when sparks are flying, how will Axel be able to tell her the truth, without her running away from him and the life he has lead?
Hadley never realised that having a billionaire father would make you an easy target. So when some handsome stranger saves her from a mugging attack, she is thankful and appreciative. But when there are more attempts on her life and this handsome guy keeps popping up, she realizes she actually doesn't know who to trust and who not. Will she be able to outsmart them all? Or will the attacker have his revenge on the billionaire? Find out in this book full of suspense, sparks and lies. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Innocent Target by Katie Reus

He thinks she is adorable. Everything from the dimple in her smile, to her sweet innocence and clear want in her eyes. Even the silly pajamas with the dogs all over them is adorable.
He will change who he is for her. “He’d been drowning for a long time in his own loneliness and meeting Hadley had been like seeing the light. Because that’s what she was, a light in the darkness.”
Not that she’s asking for him to change.

A romantic suspense novel. 4th in the Redemption Harbor series. Can be read as a stand alone but don’t miss the others.
I’m so looking forward to reading the next book. Fantastic adventures and series.
These are not “nice” men, but they are good and they will do anything to protect their family.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to gift.

Excellent distraction from real life events - actiony, steamy goodness with compelling characters and easy flowing plot! Recommend!