Cover Image: Accidental Target

Accidental Target

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Member Reviews

Accidental Target started out promising, but then became unbelievable to me. I grew tired of the back-and-forth of "someone has found Allison and attacked/captured her" to her being safe. It happened a few too many times for me.

I did like the characters and thought the romance was nice - not a favorite, but sweet.

All in all, this was an okay read. I wish I would have enjoyed it more, but there were just a few too many unlikely things that bugged me.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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I enjoyed this fast paced romantic suspense. With storyline kept me turning pages. I couldn't put it down.

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Accidental Target starts out with a bang, which isn't an unusual tool for grabbing a reader's attention, and it works well enough here except that this one feels almost stilted, like the author wasn't quite sure of herself. I'll admit that I was a bit worried about the rest of the book if it was done the same as the beginning. Nevertheless, I kept reading, and things picked up almost immediately and only improved from there. It was as if the beginning was written by someone else or maybe it was added later? Either way, the story picked up considerably and it held my attention all the way through. It was kind of like seeing the author's confidence grow with each chapter.
There is a good mix of rising tension, suspense, and action, and Allison and Jackson are likable and easy to root for. They have good chemistry and Theresa Hall does a solid job of showing the growing feelings between them as well as the growing trust. Granted, the feelings and trust grow faster than they would in real life, but that's the beauty of fiction - All of this happens quick as a whip in a book that can easily be read in an afternoon.

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I think this is Theresa Hall’s debut novel, and there’s some things about this book I really liked. The storyline was intriguing and suspenseful. At one point in the story, I had no idea who was a good guy or bad guy. I could feel Allison’s tension building as to not knowing who to trust, Everything tied together very nicely at the end of the story. The action in the book was non-stop, and the intensity kept building until the very end. As far as the storyline goes, this was a great story.

But no matter how much I tried, I could not seem to make a connection with the two main characters, Allison and Jackson. Even though I felt sympathy for them, especially knowing their backstories, there was something missing in the chemistry between them. Also, I felt the “faith inspiration” was minimal in this book. However, since this is the author’s first book, I’ll say she’s made a very promising entry into the Love Inspired Christian suspense genre, and that we’ll be reading good stories from her in her future books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Who is Allison and what happened that she witnessed? Who is Jackson? What does he promise her? Where is Allison from and where is she headed? What is happening around her? What happens to her when she is going to Maggie's house? Who is Maggie to her? Who is the Captain of the local police department? What do we learn about him? I like Devon. Who is he and how does he meet or know the players involved? Tex was a HUGE surprise for me! Read and see what happens in this suspenseful romance story.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT from Netgalley FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

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4.5 stars

This is a book by Theresa Lynn Hall in the Love Inspired Suspense line by Harlequin Books.

This was a very exciting book. I enjoyed the back and forth drama between Allison Moore and police sergeant Jackson Archer. Allison thinks she is helping out a stranded motorist when what she finds is a disgruntled member of a crime family disposing of a dead body of a DEA agent. She accidentally gets a photo of this guy while trying to use the flashlight app on her phone. The man shoots at her and she speeds away not realizing what danger she is truly in. Even Sergeant Archer doesn’t grasp the intent of the man until a good way into the book.

Jackson had lost his wife, daughter and not yet born son to an accident years earlier and he is still reeling from that loss. It has kept him far away and angry at God. Allison helps him to refocus on something meaningful in his life. She becomes important to him very quickly.

I love how the story ended. The epilogue was a nice touch since we don’t usually get to see what happens after they fall in love. Great book. Looking forward to more from this author.

If you like romantic suspense, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

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She just wanted to help but now she's on the run...

I absolutely love trying new Love Inspired Suspense authors, especially when it's their debut novel. Accidental Target is precisely why I enjoy them so much! What. A. Wild. Ride! From start to finish Theresa Hall wove a tale of riveting suspense, spine-tingling danger, and, one must not forget, romance.

I have Accidental Target in paperback and I think the pages may have smoked a little from how fast I was reading. I couldn't put it down. Seriously, when a story starts out with proof of the old saying about no good deed going unpunished, well, how could I not be intrigued?

This book may be Theresa Hall's first Love Inspired Suspense but I certainly hope it won't be her last. I really do look forward to reading more from this talented author.

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)

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So, I decided to start this book while on my lunch break at work -- -and I did not want to return to work. I wanted to keep reading. This book starts out with a whole lot of action - and does not let up throughout the whole book.

In this book - we meet Allison. She has traveled to see her sister and new baby niece. She relies on her faith to get her through life. She has a great job, a great place to live -- she does not want to ever get involved with anyone that may break her heart. While she is trying to drive there, she is almost run off the road and is involved in an accident. The other vehicle is a truck that overturns. Allison does what most would do - and calls 911, and goes to check on the other driver. Doing so causes real evil to try and hunt her down.



Jackson Archer has been a Police Officer for a long time. However, he has seen his own share of heartache. He lost his wife, young daughter and unborn child 5 years ago. He has lost his faith in God and has not been the same man since that happened. He is dispatched to the accident that Allison is involved in and things change in that moment.

Jackson and his fellow officer Devon are convinced that there is a dirty cop in their department. Every-time they try and bring Allison to safety, something happens. How are they finding out where they are moving her? Jackson promises Allison that he will keep her safe. He would give his life doing so. What he doesn't count on is the sparks between each other. Can they uncover if there is a dirty cop? Will they survive the numerous attempts on their lives.



This book has well written, likeable characters. I love how they are able to lean on each other while going through this harrowing ordeal. The storyline will keep your adrenaline pumping - and you will not want to stop reading.



I received a copy of this book through the JustRead Publicity tour blogging program -- all thoughts are my own.

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Wow - with the FBI, DEA, mobsters, murderers, mystery and so much more this is a real page turner. This story had me gripped from the very beginning! Allison Moore is on her way to see her sister and meet her new nephew. The icy conditions make driving hazardous but when a truck careers towards her then spins off the road she stops to notify the authorities and to see if she can help. However, something is accidentally thrown from the truck . . . something wrapped up but with a lifeless hand exposed. When the driver of the vehicle starts shooting at her she's in deadly danger . . . . As Allison endeavours to escape she crashes her own car but is rescued by police sergeant Jackson Archer. He promises to keep her safe but will he be able to?

This story is an enthralling read with great characters, plenty of action and enough twists and turns to make you feel you're on a roller coaster ride with no idea of what will happen next. It is a story where faith and love have key roles and one in which healing from the past, discovering traitors and being prepared to take a chance on romance are also important. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys reading this genre.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and finding it a fascinating read.

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When I pick up a suspense novel I expect to be kept in suspense from beginning to end. I want to be on the edge of my seat, feverishly turning from page to page to see if my sleuthing skills has figured out the mystery before the characters do. In Accidental Suspense, I got my tension from the very beginning. All Allison was trying to do was be a Good Samaritan and help someone who had just been in a horrible accident. What this decision does is put a target on her life that won't be removed until she is dead.

My attention was instantly captured, and I eagerly turned the pages to see where the manhunt would lead Allison and police sergeant Jackson Archer, the officer who vows to protect Allison at all cost. In many suspense novels there is predictability that is unavoidable, but Accidental Suspense was so predictable that it made the story lose its luster for me. I pressed on, hoping for a twist that would give me that jolt that I so craved, but it never happened.

I wonder if my lackluster reaction comes from the fact that I didn't completely connect with either Allison or Jackson, and honestly I'm not sure why. Though I did feel bad for the situations that each character fount themselves in, I didn't have that emotional connection that vests me into a book. Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind to read this novel. Sometimes that happens, but I think in this instance there is a lack of development. Sure, you read backstory, but there is something lacking.

Though the book fizzled out for me, I did give it a chance, and did enjoy the ending. Every situation is resolved, and there is that happy ending that I craved, but I had wished there was more depth and more action in the final climax. The whole end felt rushed to me.

All in all it's a sweet book, it was just a little too predictable for my taste. It started off strong and with so much promise, but ended in disappointment. It is a quick read, and has a wonderful premise with decent writing, I just didn't fall in love like I hoped I would.

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Theresa Hall's debut novel, Accidental Target, has a slam dunk of a premise and opening scene for a Love Inspired Suspense titles. When she witnesses something she shouldn't, Allison Moore finds herself relying on the grumpiest cop on the local police force. Having lost his family years before, Jackson Archer is determined to keep Allison safe, but the cartel seems to find her no matter where she goes or what precautions he takes.

The characters do get a moment or two to take a breath, to say a prayer, and to express some angst over Jackson's grief. But somehow not all of the threads of the perilous story lined up for me and I couldn't get past Jackson's lack of professionalism and some jumps that their relationship took.

With suspense that keeps an edge and almost non-stop action, this is a new LIS author to take note of despite any quibbles my review may have with the relationship or, occasionally, the writing. A promising debut, I'm looking forward to seeing how Theresa Hall's talent develops.

This review refers to a digital galley I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the author and publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

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Accidental Target
By Theresa Hall

It was just supposed to be a weekend get-together with her sister's family - a chance to meet her newest niece. Now she'll be lucky to live to see another day. Allison Moore has a life she is satisfied with - a good job and a place to call her own. But when she is involved with an icy road accident rendering assistance could cost her her life.

Sergeant Jackson Archer is first on the scene of a car going off the road into a fence. The victim claims that she is the victim of attempted murder. When evidence seems to maybe collaborate her story Jackson needs to dig deeper into her story. Soon everywhere Allison goes someone seems intent on killing her.

If Jackson can't keep her safe her good samaritan story won't have a happy ending. Worse spending time with Allison is bringing up memories of his own loss - the vehicular death of his family five years ago.

As the killer continually tracks them down - suspicion takes root that there maybe someone on the inside betraying them. With no one to trust Jackson may have to turn to the one person he blames for his loss - God. There is one thing he knows with certainty he can't do it alone much longer.

Theresa Hall's Accidental Target will keep you engaged as Allison's weekend away turns into a fight to survive. Allison and Jackson both have a lot that they are carrying around and this brush with losing their lives makes both reconsider just how they have been living. Allison is living with a crushed dream and a betrayal of the heart. Jackson is living with a reminder of his lost future and what could have been. Both have a time of growth and a meeting of hearts - which occurs quickly over a few days, this is, after all, a standalone book. Now as to whether they have a happy ending you will have to read the book. This was an enjoyable read that satisfied a weekend reading need. I would recommend this for those who what clean-reading suspense that is not filled with graphic descriptions. I also look forward to future offerings from the author. At just over 200 pages I found this to be a good weekend length to enjoy - I will admit I stayed up late as I wanted to know how it all turned out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own honest opinions.

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Accidental Target is the debut novel by Theresa Hall. Allison Moore is looking forward to her vacation, especially the chance to meet her new niece. But when she’s run off the icy road, her plans derail just as quickly.

Police Sergeant Jackson Archer has seen his share of tragedy so when he responds to a traffic accident, he wants to get away as soon as possible. At first, he’s not sure the victim, Allison Moore, is actually innocent. Until someone tries to kill her. With danger on her tail, Jackson takes it upon himself to get her to safety.

Accidental Target is a fast moving story full of danger and questions. Who is after Allison? How do they keep finding her? Who can they trust? Each time Jackson thinks he has her in a safe place, more trouble appears. The author did a good job of twisting the plot so that it kept me second guessing who I thought the suspects were.

Allison was a great character. Strong in the face of such constant danger. I found Jackson trickier to relate to. His past made him gruffer than I prefer in a hero. His friend and co-worker agrees. Allison, however, wasn’t afraid to stand up to his moods.

If you’re looking for a light, quick read with plenty of danger and a little romance, pick up a copy of Accidental Target. It’s a good story.

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I received this book free from JustRead Publicity Tours and the author in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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When Allison stops to help an accident victim on her way to visit her sister, the last thing she expects is to become a target.

Author Theresa Hall weaves a tale of intrigue with some twists and turns I did not see coming. While it did not detract from the overall story, I was anticipating one twist that never came to fruition.

Both Allison and Jackson have heartaches from their past that shape who they are now. And while Allison’s concern for others is made clear, so is Jackson’s gruff protective shell. Put the two of them together, and they balance each other out well.

This story never fell flat or into a slump for me, and there is a good balance of romance with the suspense.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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This book starts out with an action scene almost immediately. Allison is traveling to see her sister’s family and new niece when she is almost involved in an accident as a truck rounds a curve on her side of the road. Though she is okay, she looks in the rearview mirror and sees that the truck has rolled over.

Knowing it’s not good enough to call 911 and drive on, she calls and then maneuvers ice and darkness to circle around and go check on the truck driver.

But what she discovers jolts her into fleeing the scene. All she can think about is getting away. Quickly.

Though the first chapter is meant to catch your attention and produce suspense, it didn’t do that for me. It felt a bit choppy, hard to imagine and in short, it just didn’t seem to be the same quality writing that came afterward.

As the book progressed, I started to see quality writing and characters that began to take form. The story moved at a good pace and kept me flipping the pages. The relationship between Jackson and Allison began to bloom as they grew to know each other. And in time, they felt safe enough to confide their painful backgrounds.

For me, with the exception of the very first of the book, I found this quite entertaining. If you’re a fan of Love Inspired Suspense stories, I think you’ll find this one very enjoyable.

My rating is 3.5 but I round up.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

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I loved this book.  It was a fast read full of mystery and suspense plus a little love and romance of course.  Allison tries to be a good Samaritan and check on the vehicle that drove her off the road.  Little does she know it's a murderer and she's about to become his next target.  Jackson has had his share of loss and he's staunchly against having a new love.  But when he's the first to the scene and vows to protect Allison things start to heat up. 

It becomes apparent early on that someone on the inside of the police force is giving locations to the person out to get Allison.  Jackson doesn't know who to trust so he goes rogue.  Add in a kidnapper who's not a killer and says he's going to keep Allison safe and her world is upside down as well.  She's never thought about how much independence she has until it's gone.  

This was such a fun book.  It read really fast and though it was mostly predictable there were a few little twists and turns thrown in for good measure.  You'll love this one!  Make sure to grab your copy and settle in for a few hours as you're not going to want to stop reading once you start.  I did feel bad for Allison being so close to meeting her new niece and then not being able to because of everything going on.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours.  All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

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The story starts immediately with a nightmarish type of action and the intensity and danger continue throughout the book.
I liked the premise of the tale - on the personal level with the characters - the healing of the deep personal wounds both protagonists suffer with, finding the peace of heart and mind after tragic events, the resolution for forgiveness, and renewing your faith in God. Allison Moore and Jackson Archer struggle with their issues and personality faults while trying to stay alive and avoiding the attraction budding in between them, all the mayhem delivering a lot of drama, danger, and imperilment.
An overall great, entertaining story that was a quick, enjoyable, adrenaline rush read. There were a couple of points when a bit of polish could have made a difference, yet no major issues that would be putting me off from reading future books by this author.
~ Four Spoons

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Allison Moore just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time and now only police Jackson Archer can keep her safe.

This was such a fun fast paced, non stop read. Like there so much action going on that I just couldn't put this book down. I loved getting to know the characters seeing what they were going though. I also appreciate the fact that this book remained clean throughout what was going on. Clearly there was an attraction between the two, but they are too busy running for their lives and trying to keep safe to much. Highly recommend!

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Review:

No good deed goes unpunished. Or so it seems for Allison Moore, who stops to help a truck that runs itself off the road, and ends up with a murderous gang on her heels.

Action packed adventure, with one thing after another sending Allison and Jackson scrambling to stay one step ahead. Police Sergeant Jackson Archer is determined to do whatever he can to help keep Allison safe, he's been struggling since the death of his wife, this case may what he needs to help him find his way again. I loved the suspense, and how it kept me guessing how they would find their way out.

Allison lives her faith, and does her best to stay strong throughout this whole ordeal. I liked that she kept a level head, and was there for Jackson when he needed her.

A high stakes, fast-paced adventure. It was pretty much nonstop action, with great main characters of depth, and I liked Jackson's arc over the course of the book. Engaging, entertaining, and suspenseful!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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If you're looking for a quick read with nonstop suspense, Accidental Target is one to add to you TBR. The action started right from the very start as we meet Allison as she's finding herself at the scene of a car accident while on her way to visit her sister. When she tries to help the driver of the other vehicle, she finds herself getting shot at and on the run for her life. When police officer Jackson finds her car crashed, the action is only just beginning. It continues right on through to the very end, keeping me as a reader turning the pages anxiously waiting to find out what is going to happen next!

The action and suspense in this story is fantastic. As I said, it's very fast paced and intriguing making it hard to step away. There are several interesting twists to keep the reader guessing too. Now, I must admit that I did figure out a couple of these twists quite early on in the story, but that didn't make the enjoyment any less. The romance definitely helped in that area too, I enjoyed the chemistry between these two, and always find that romance can make any story even better.

Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read that fans of romantic suspense are sure to enjoy!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts are 100% my own.

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