Lethal Intent brings together characters that many Putman fans will recognize. However, this romantic suspense that combines cutting edge medical research, legal proceedings, and deep truths about relationships is a standalone read. The combo gives the reader a lot to think about in terms of ethics — legal and medical — and the necessity to have a strong circle of friends. I really liked Lethal Intent. It’s a recommended read!

Both the romance and suspense start out strong in Lethal Intent. The friend-to-more trope is explored in the tentative romantic relationship between Caroline and Brandon. Both characters are fiercely loyal and are committed to being great friends to each other and others in their circle. But the two have lots of trust issues and hold each other at arms length a lot of the time. Their relationship grows as they begin to learn that dependence on another is not such a bad thing. As their bond strengthens, the suspense ramps up. There are mysterious deaths, secrets in the lab, and some very suspicious activity. I had my eye on more than one suspect! I liked that the two decided to team up to determine what was going on with the research company that Caroline worked for. No spoilers, but a very wise decision. 😉 As I said, the plot gives the reader things to consider — legal restrictions vs. need for quick research results. I appreciated the research that Putman did to make Lethal Intent a relevant and timely read.

Another romantic suspense winner from Cara Putman, Lethal Intent will check all the boxes for fans of this genre.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

"Lethal Intent" is a Christian legal suspense novel. There were several areas of suspense: Brandon's group home for foster children is threatened by new legislation; Caroline can't talk with Brandon about the things troubling her at work due to legal reasons, putting great strain on their relationship; and Caroline objects to the way her boss pushes the legal line regarding rushing the testing of their treatments on children. When some of the researchers start dying when they question certain treatments, Caroline's worried for her own safety as she investigates. But it's difficult to track down who, exactly, is the threat.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Caroline's smart, caring, and determined to do the right thing, but she has trouble asking for help. Brandon's past allows him to connect with the foster children, but he has trouble believing that Caroline would choose him, especially as she seems to be putting up walls between them. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting, interesting suspense novel.

LETHAL INTENT by Cara C. Putnam is a new legal/medical romantic suspense mash-up. This book is a listed as a Christian romantic suspense, but it has only subtle references to belief and prayers and the romance subplot is what I call a cozy romance due to the fact that there are no sex scenes. The story is easily read as a standalone and only loosely tied to other female heroines in Ms. Putnam’s legal romantic suspense books.

Caroline Bragg has landed a new job as the legal counsel for a new medical start-up, Praecursoria. They are in FDA human testing for a cutting-edge genetic therapy, CAR T to save children with leukemia which has reoccurred or not responding to previous treatments. While learning the new technology for her job, people tied to the company begin to die in what are believed to be accidents, but Caroline receives an email from one of the dead that has her starting to investigate and places her in the sights of a killer who refuses to be stopped.

Brandon Lancaster is facing his own problems when the government changes the laws regarding is group foster home, Almost Home. As he works to come up with a new plan, his feelings for Caroline become deeper, but she has learned he is a major investor in Praecursoria and appears to be backing away. When Brandon needs Caroline the most will the secrets she keeps break them apart?

I loved the suspense in this story and was riveted to the pages. The legal questions of experimental technology, the ethics of having a loved one be a major investor in a company you work for and the large amount of money and potential profit involved in this type of company. The technology and legal aspects of the story were clearly written and did not slow the story. The twists and turns kept me guessing throughout.

Caroline and Brandon were both strong, intelligent and committed main characters and Ms. Putnam brought the intersections of their different problems together nicely. This is a couple just starting to commit and the romance is a cozy romance with no sex scenes even behind closed doors. I also enjoyed the scenes where Caroline turned to her friends for support and advice, who are characters from other books.

I highly recommend this Christian romantic suspense and author!

I enjoyed this book. I liked the depth of character development, and I thought the romantic tension was built into it well. The only issue I would have is that it was a little slow at time. It may just be that I am used to a little more action. I would definitely read more of Ms. Putman’s works.

Lethal Intent is a fast-paced suspense novel that will keep you wanting to read until you reach the end! Ms. Putman’s novels are full of suspense and issues regarding legal situations. This book focuses on Caroline who has just started a new job for a laboratory. She is dating Brandon who used to be a pro football player. Now, he runs a foster care program. Brandon’s goal is to provide a home for kids who do not have parents. With Caroline’s new job, she is busy learning more about what the company does and how she can protect the company as their legal counsel. Their lives intersect in their work environment due to one of Brandon’s foster kids being sick. Caroline witnesses some weird occurrences with some of the doctors/researchers associated with the trial Brandon’s foster child is a part of. For one, several people have died. As Caroline investigates it becomes clear someone is out to get her. This is a fantastic suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The novel also really pushes you to think about decisions that are made at the research level that can affect people. I highly recommend this book and know that you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

This exciting legal drama offers an intense, clean read. Caroline Bragg has just taken a job as an attorney with a medical research company. As she learns the ropes, her misgivings grow, and the longer she works there, the more issues come to light. In addition, suspicion arises as more people associated with their premium research die unexpectedly. Caroline’s boyfriend, former NFL star Brandon Lancaster, runs a foster home for needy kids, one of whom has cancer and is involved in the test treatment from Caroline’s company, muddying the waters even more. The masterful plot keeps readers glued to the book’s pages, with all its twists and surprises, until they can finally breathe a sigh of relief at the end and long for another installment from this gifted author. I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This intense, superbly written suspense novel is amazing! I loved it, from the very human characters with realistic dialogue and faith challenges to the medical and legal combination theme. It is one of the author’s very best to date.

Caroline is hired as in-house counsel for Praecursoria, a company that is developing the future of cancer-fighting treatments that will save the lives of children and teens. The company has trials on several products. Caroline’s work includes all the supporting legal documents required for patents, the FDA, and patients.

Brandon, a retired football player now in charge of his nonprofit, Almost Home, fosters siblings to keep them together until adopted. Recent changes to the law will determine if he will be able to stay open without major, costly changes. After many years of being close friends with Caroline, he is ready to take the next step. She is the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. They have begun to date, rather than spend time together as dear friends. Unknown to Caroline, Brandon invested in Praecursoria as part of his portfolio to help support himself and Almost Home. When she found out, Caroline could not share her work challenges with him as it could be misconstrued as insider trading.

Caroline is navigating her way through the scientific aspects of the company and drug trials, and it is not as cut and dried as in law school. Quentin, the CEO, and Samson, the chief science officer, are intent on getting the drugs to save young patients. Following the legal established guidelines isn’t their priority. Anna, Brandon’s cousin, is the doctor in charge the trial on one of his foster children, Bethany, whose leukemia returned with a vengeance. This trial is her last chance at recovery. There is a boy who may have special cells similar to those found only one other time in in studies. He is also going to die unless they can start the trial.

Something is wrong and Caroline is at a loss. The company is pressuring her to do what goes against her ethics. Anna has questions about trial data and infusions being supplied from Praecursoria that do not match what she has been told. Bethany is dying, even with the cutting-edge treatment that her body should not be rejecting. And people associated with the lab and hospital begin dying mysteriously.

I love these two deeply wounded people, Caroline and Brandon! They are examples of what God can do with surrendered lives. Brandon “lived with the permanent limp of an orphan who struggled to let anyone other than Caroline close”. A similar description could be made of Caroline. They have solid friendships with people who are mutually encouraging, even though neither are used to asking for help.

I was captivated throughout this heart-pounding novel. It is an excellent example of one s life being a testimony of the God they believe in. Caroline and Brandon are a couple whose success I want, and their romance does not overwhelm the drama. I had a good idea what was behind the deaths but was also surprised at some of the outcome. The end came quickly and was very satisfactory. I highly recommend this novel to those who appreciate Christian medical – legal – suspense novels with sweet romance.

From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from the publisher, Celebrate Lit, and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Medical thillers can be very chilling. This one is intense! I absolutely love how this author puts faith into her books along with the legal aspect that aren't cheezy. It makes these stories simply, well, thrilling! Our romantic couple has decided they are a couple and should move forward with their relationship. While they are working on that, with all the issues that entails, Caroline now has a super new job! She's the legal help for a company with cutting-edge new genetic treatments for children with cancer. Leukemia is a big focus of this "cure." Even so, something is wrong. Caroline can't ignore it and she can't drag Brandon into it, so now what? Moral, ethical, legal, faith issues are all confronted in this story. Realist, relevant with just the right amount of romance, this book can make you think long after the pages close.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is my own, and contains my thoughts and opions of this book. A positive review wasn't required.

Have you ever watched a TV show that seems to start a bit slow so that you can get to know the characters before things start getting interesting? Well, this book is just like that. The story starts with best friends Caroline Bragg and Brandon Lancaster, who’ve just decided to take the next step in their relationship even though they both have some insecurity issues they need to work out. Life seems pretty good for them right now – Caroline just got her dream job and Brandon is running a group foster home so that siblings don’t get separated while in foster care; however, after a few chapters, things start to pick up. Fatal “accidents” start happening at Caroline’s new job and when she looks into them, she is pulled into several dangerous situation and Brandon may not be able to keep Almost Home (his group foster home) open due to new state regulations. Also, to make things worse, Bethany, a young girl with cancer who is part of Praecursoria CAR-T Cell treament isn’t responding to the treatment and is getting worse. Be prepared, if you start this book, you may not be able to put it down!

Overall, there were parts that were sweet, funny, romantic and suspenseful, so if you like legal thrillers, whether books or TV shows, you have to check this book out!

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars

Special thanks to Cara Putman, Celebrate Lit, Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this book -- all opinions are my own.

Rereading the blurb for this book, I realized it's not accurate. Caroline does work for a start-up, her new boss doesn't listen well, Brandon is having trouble running his group foster care; the rest, eh, no. Ignore it.
One thing the blurb failed to say was that the research involves cancer and there's a young child with cancer. I swore. A lot. I try to avoid books with cancer. I considered forgoing the book but I was already intrigued so I kept reading. There were several times I almost said the heck with it but I kept reading because I was feeling stubborn and wanted to see if I could do it. Although I did finish the book, I think the unhappy surprise did affect my feelings about the book and my reaction to it. So, something for you to keep in mind as you read my review.

Caroline often felt naive to me. Despite her years clerking for a judge, she seemed to have little actual legal experience, and her professional interactions were sometimes unnecessarily abrupt. Her communication skills were lacking, especially with her significant other Brandon. She really botched communicating with him about a possible conflict of interest and avoiding the appearance of insider trading. And Brandon went complete ahole on her when they finally did discuss it. I ranted on Twitter about it. he redeemed himself, happily, but the whole Big Misunderstanding was so unnecessary; if they had just talked to each other and shared their concerns. Instead, insecurities and a desire not to rock the boat, caused more problems than they solved.

As for the mystery, it was easy to figure out who the villain was though it took Caroline a while to figure out. The romance is "clean"; there's no sex and only mild kissing. There's also no swearing as the book is published by a Christian publisher. Both Caroline and Brandon pray to God and rely on the Bible for advice.

The story was interesting even if I did get impatient with Caroline at times. The medical and legal jargon was over my head at times but that didn't bother me much. Despite the strong presence of cancer, I was caught up, and I even Googled a few things after I finished to see what was real. I didn't love the story but it was engaging, at times exciting, and the characters well drawn. I might try Putman again.

Lethal Intent is a legal thriller that takes the reader on a roller coaster ride into the world of science and medicine. Cara Putman's research and knowledge was evident as she delves into the ins and outs of starting a medical tech company and the difficulty of balancing patients lives and well-being with staying within the confines of the law. The science part of this story is well balanced with the suspense of "whys" and "who dunnits" along with the sweet romance between the two main characters, Carolyn and Brandon. I also really enjoyed that Brandon is a retired football player. His background added a fun aspect to the story. If you're a fan of legal thrillers then
definitely give this one a try!

I received a complimentary copy of this story through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Cara Putman writes books that could make you a bit paranoid. I like to read them because I find myself questioning whether I have read it in her book or was it a headline. Putman also has an uncanny ability to write timely books. Ones that are relevant to what it going on in the world.
Carolina Bragg has her life together. Starting a new job as legal counsel for a research lab and a relationship that is ready to move into something more serious.

When she sees the company doing things she can't agree with, it puts her at odds with them. But is she right? Is the company putting lives in danger? Children's lives? Carolina is racing to find the answers before one of Brandon's foster kids is hurt.

Putman writes 'ripped' from the headlines books.

I enjoyed this new legal thriller story. There is a lot of scientific information woven throughout the book. For the most part, it is written in layman’s terms. The hope of new cell technology to help fight cancer turns deadly. Unfortunately, I pegged the culprit early on. There is also a secondary story line about providing care for foster siblings hoping to place them together through adoption.
I enjoyed the interaction between the two main characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love how the author slowly builds her story until it reaches an unnerving peak. The story is so good I was driven to read until I finished it. I love medical suspense and this one tops them all. It isn’t far fetched, yet borders on ethics. How far would you go to save a child who is dying?

The medical details are riveting and are easy to understand. I began to wonder if this CAR -T cell therapy was something that a company would push in order to gain recognition. Oh the old, “love of money is the root of all evil,” rears it’s ugly head in this story. Caroline is very efficient in her job as an attorney but is she over her head at her new job? She isn’t one to look the other way when the law isn’t followed.

I love the way Brandon fits into the story. He has a big heart for foster kids due to his childhood. He wants to make a difference in children’s lives and running his group home is helping his dream come true. I like the relationship between him and Caroline. It seems natural and not rushed. The story brings these two together more when the company Caroline works for could help save one of the children from Brandon’s group home. There are times I wanted to cry during the story as I read about trials, medical tests and discouraging news that at any moment could deliver devastating consequences . Brandon is desperate to keep his group home up and running and turns to God to give him direction .

The action is fierce and the danger never stops in this suspenseful story where someone is willing to risk it all for money and power. I loved how the author keeps you guessing as Caroline is given data that could legally take down a corporation. Who is behind the sinister plot to destroy evidence that could cost Caroline her life?

I really enjoyed learning more about foster care and the red tape that is involved with keeping kids safe until adopted. I’m sure the number of children in foster care is staggering. This story shines a light on the work that needs to be done to give happy endings to the children who want a forever home. Brandon had a special place in my heart because of his compassion for children who needed to feel wanted.

This is a story that has all the essentials to be made into a movie. The story is very well researched and is something that people go through when they decide to try everything they can to beat the disease that is trying to kill them. The author is one of my favorites when it comes to intrigue and this book is by far her best.

“Fears lose their weight when brought to the light.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Lethal Intent, by Cara Putman is a Christian Romantic Suspense story that takes place modern day in Washington DC. This is a stand alone story that brings in characters from some of the authors previous stories. Caroline is an attorney whose boss recently past away. She has now taken a position at a research lab that is working on leukemia treatments. Several people connected to the research are killed and she is suspecting something is wrong.
Brandon is a former sports star that has started a foster home community that focuses on keeping children from family units together. With laws ever changing he struggles to keep his business operating. One of his foster children is in the leukemia study for the company Caroline takes a job with.
This is an action packed story from start to finish. The story is well written with strong, generous characters. There are several things that stand out to me in this story. One is the strong feelings Brandon has for keeping families together. The other is the love he has for Caroline, that he would sell his shares in the company she just started working at to keep their relationship. I also like the close friendships Caroline and her friends from college continue to have.
I received an ebook copy of the book from Thomas Nelson, Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, this is my honest review.

Lethal Intent by Cara Putman is the author’s newest legal thriller, and is quite the unnerving, suspenseful ride. From the fast-pace of Caroline’s job working for an up-and-coming medical tech company to the secretive and borderline unethical workings of the science behind it all, you will be intrigued and motivated to keep turning page after page.
Caroline’s story is one that is important for our day. Being a voice of reason and moral conviction in a world greedily wanting more at all costs, she stands for more than the ethics she learned in a lecture--but for the general code by which we should treat others every day. I may have been frustrated with how she treated her boyfriend, Brandon, a few times and her inability to be completely honest/open with him, but I understand how her background and her worry over ethics related to her job would also affect her relationship with Brandon.
Brandon is a rock (and a hunk)--and not just as a defensive lineman on the field. I loved how he kept giving back, even after his big paychecks were long gone. His soft heart, and his ability to see Caroline for who she really was under all her pain and fear, endeared me to him. He is a fighter for all who feel helpless, and a champion for the unconditional love of God.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, but I will admit to really getting hooked in the second half. If you love legal suspense, this book will satisfy your cravings! Happy reading!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home.

When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda?

Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her?

I had trouble getting into this book. It seemed to have a slow start. Once I got into it, it was better. For this reason I'm giving it 3 starts instead of 4. I was expecting more suspense than there was in the book. Not a bad book but not one I would go out of my way to re-read.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Putman has written another fantastic legal thriller and a medical thriller combined. This combo made for a great read. Then add a bit of romance along with the mystery and you have an interesting novel to keep you turning the pages wondering how it will end and who the monster is and how all will be exposed. I loved the characters and how all were intertwined. Although it is a legal thriller, the medical field was brought in as in the developing of a new drug with genetic therapies for leukemia treatments in children. But something sinister is going on in this development. People ending up dead and children are even sicker. Putman has another winner in this thriller from Thomas Nelson......Thankful to receive a complimentary NetGalley copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

There is so much to like in this book. Brandon has a group home that works to keep sibling groups together. It was enlightening to learn a bit more about that and some of the unique challenges and joys that go along with that.
Caroline is working with a scientific research company that is on the cutting edge of helping kids with leukemia. Her boss is a little too enthusiastic in trying to push things forward and Caroline is often left pulling back on the reins to get him to slow down and do things right.
As Caroline seeks to understand how this treatment works, things turn sinister. There’s a lot of suspense as she tries to figure out what someone is desperately trying to keep secret. It’s a fascinating book with a good balance. It never feels bogged down with scientific information but gives you a good sense of what is happening. I enjoyed it.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

First of I want to say a huge thank you to Partners in Crime Tours as well as to the publisher Thomas Nelson--FICTION, the author Cara C. Putman and NetGalley for inviting me to join the blog tour for this book as well as letting me read and review it. Because of them I was introduce to a new author and found a book that was a mixture of legal thriller as well as medical thriller, and other thing is how surprised I was that I actually enjoyed it a lot more then I thought I would because in the past I tried to read Christian mysterious before and just couldn't do it, I just couldn't enjoy the story or even get past the first couple of chapters, but with this one I had no problem at all. Here is just some of the things I liked about the story
List

How the author tacked the hard topic of cutting edge research with genetic therapies for leukemia treatments for kids, and how far some labs are willing to go to get rich as fast as they can.

The characters came to life and was compelling, and faced real-world situations that tugged at the heart strings. And showed how strong they could be.

And with each turn of the page there was something always happening that made either your heart feel like it was going to break or had you setting at the edge of your set.