I raced through this book because it was so intense and compelling. With characters that jumped off the page into my heart, the author did a stellar job of writing a medical-legal-romantic suspense that had all of the elements of each one, twisted together into a complicated plot. Caroline Bragg is the strong female protagonist, a newly hired lawyer for the oncology research lab Praecursoria. She is developing a romantic relationship with Brandon Lancaster, a former pro-football star who owns and operates a home for foster children. The two have a relationship that conflicts with the research of P. because the lab wants to use one of the children there for their experimental treatment. Bethany, the little girl, tugged at my heartstrings since she was already suffering from not having her biological parents and then is diagnosed with a deadly case of leukemia. A further complication to the plot is that Brandon has invested a lot of his money in the science lab and needs a solid return to keep Almost Home open. This was a book that broke my heart, had tears flowing freely and had me turning pages as fast as I could to find out if the arrogant, seemingly heartless heads of the research lab would ultimately be caught in a nefarious scheme or if they really were working for the good of the children involved in their study. By the time I reached the ending, I was totally wrung out, issued a deep sigh and continued to think about what I had just read. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time because of its deep themes of ethics in medicine and corporate secrets. Fans of legal thrillers will want to set aside time to read this book quickly because you will not want to put it down.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book Thomas Nelson Publishers via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Caroline Bragg is hired as in-house counsel for a pharma company that is developing specialized stem cells for autologous transfusion into kids with blood cancers. It's not long before Caroline starts finding serious issues with this new CAR T-cell therapy trial and there are several "accidents" that result in the deaths of key researchers on the project. Many legal and ethical questions surround this new treatment. Someone is feeling very upset about the trial protocol/limitations and has an idea how to make it all more successful as well as wildly profitable.

Meanwhile, Caroline is falling in love with Brandon Lancaster, a former pro football player who has turned to setting up and running a temporary foster care situation called Almost Home and there are some concerns about its future due to recent regulatory changes. Unfortunately, in order to avoid the trap of an insider trading accusation since Brandon has invested heavily in the company she works for -- Praecursoria -- they can't discuss her work and that leads to some difficulty in their budding relationship. Can Caroline and Brandon figure out how to save the research as well as his group home? NO SPOILERS.

This novel was 8 parts romance, 1 part legal maneuvering, and 1 part medical drama with 100% heavy Christian overtones. The science of the CAR T-cell study is simply described and easily understood but is not a huge part of the novel anyway. Most of the narrative is spend describing how Brandon and Caroline feel about each other and their daily interactions with others in their lives. There's really not much action or suspense so I would not label this a thriller. It was a quick easy read, but not what I was expecting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This book got off to a bit of a slow start for me but once firmly into the plot it was engaging. Putnam is always good at revealing aspects of legal work and this novel concentrates on cutting edge cancer research. Caroline, the heroine, is a new legal hire and has to deal with a corporate structure that leans toward cutting corners to get necessary treatment to children as soon as possible. It was interesting to learn some of the FDA requirements for approved clinical trials. I also learned a bit more about CAR T-cells and HeLa cells.

Putnam adds two side issues to fill out the plot. One issue is ethical as Caroline is dating Brian, a man who has invested in the company for which she has started working. She can't talk about her work with him as any information she relates could result in insider trading charges. That puts pressure on their budding romance.

The other issue is about foster care. Brian has established a foster care facility where siblings can stay together rather than be sent to different foster families. He faces a number of glitches in what seems like continually changing regulations.

I recommend this entertaining and informative novel dealing with ethical issues in medical research and the heartbreak of kids in foster care. The character development was done well and the plot was good after a slow start.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

In a world of science and law, there is so much mystery. Caroline just wants to find the answers to her questions, in order to keep the new company she’s working for safe from legal ramifications. However, she keeps getting the run-around, and there seem to be questionable events and suspicious deaths happening. Will she find the answers she needs before anyone else dies?
This book was so packed full of murder, suspense, action, drama, intrigue, scientific jargon, legal references, and a bit of romance! Wow! I didn’t know I would learn so much in one book. I was enlightened to the world of scientific research and what the processes are to come up with new cures for illnesses. It doesn't fall too far from current events in our country and the author does a good job showing concerns that might be valid now.
I also loved learning all about the legal side of things, and all the many aspects of the scientific community.
Cara Putman is a wonderful author who gives stomach-churning drama, as well as depth to her story. Her books are always full of suspense, mystery, and action. She loves throwing twists and turns in her stories. I kept trying to figure out who the actual bad guy was, but it wasn’t easy.
If you like twists and turns, “who-done-it” stories, then you need to buy this book! It will keep you on the edge of your chair. I actually couldn't put it down! Of course, I also didn't want to go to bed until I found out what was really going on!
I highly recommend this if you’re looking for an entertaining book to read….but just be warned….you might not sleep until you’re done with it!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

If legal thrillers are your thing, then you have to read Lethal Intent by Cara Putman! Cara writes a thrilling story with plot twists that keep you guessing until the end who the bad guys are. She writes strong female characters who are fully supported by the men that love them. I highly recommend Lethal Intent for a thoroughly engrossing read.
So grab a pitcher of sweet tea and head to your favorite reading nook for a great read.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

SERIOUS INTRIGUE!

Bestseller author Cara Putman has written another fantastic romantic legal thriller in LETHAL INTENT! This one is sure to grab plenty of attention as it tells the tale of the dark world of scientific secrets and corporate espionage and the myriad of ethical dilemmas that are at the heart of where science and and commerce meet. Putman makes it personal by adding a stellar cast of characters with the main two being Caroline Bragg and Brandon Lancaster. These two have been good friends for quite some time, but both come with a lot of baggage. They are on the verge of taking their relationship to the next level as they already know they each bring out the best in each other. They both must work on their trust issues and their lack of self-worth. Caroline has started her dream job as legal counsel for the drug company Praecursoria. Brandon has his own dream job running a Group Home he has worked so diligently to build since he retired from playing Pro Football. Each of them are facing challenges at work. One of them finds themselves in the midst of a situation where several co-workers have died — or is it something far more nefarious? Who can be trusted? Putman concludes this novel with edge of your seat excitement until the very last word!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Thomas Nelson & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

When Caroline is hired as the attorney by a company doing cutting edge treatment of cancer patients, she entered a whole new world. But when persons associated with the company start dying and she’s experiencing difficulties getting critical information to do her job, the stakes get higher.

This book was very slow. On one level, I understood that the science was complex and both Caroline and the reader had to learn enough to be able to understand the nuances, but a lot of the details felt like minutiae. I kept waiting for the detailed events to play a major role but except for a couple of instances, it didn’t. I kept waiting for the clock to start going faster, but it didn't.

The backstory was thrown in at times that sometimes distracted from the story and was more of a telling than a showing. While there were several sympathetic characters in Lethal Intent, I couldn’t get invested in any of their stories.

There was a twin theme of trust and forgiveness. Both Caroline and Brandon had to learn to trust each other but struggled to do so because of hurts in their past. I like that both characters had a relationship with God and were learning to lean on Him.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers through NetGalley and Celebrate Lit; a positive review was not required.

Have you ever had a moment where right versus wrong lost its black-and-white contrast? - Caroline

What an incredible story! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I certainly would! The author takes the lawyer into the field of biomedical research and puts you, the reader, on the edge of your seat wondering what on earth could happen next...

Praecursoria is a research company that offers terrible hope to those who have none, that proverbial Hail Mary, for those that have no other choice medically speaking. Caroline is the lawyer tasked with keeping everything legal, working with the FDA, filing patents, etc. But when people start dying, files are missing, and threats are made she begins to wonder if she is helping at all. What is the impetus behind all this - helping people or making money??

Brandon is a former football star whose sole aim is to keep sibling groups together when they enter the foster system, hoping to find them a forever home together. Will Almost Home survive the endless changes the government is making or will these children lose contact with their siblings just like so many have?

An ARC of this legal thriller was received through Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

** “Fears lose their weight when they’re brought to the light, so let’s get it all out there.” **

Cara Putman returns to her cast of strong female leads in “Lethal Intent,” a medical and corporate conspiracy thriller with a satisfying dash of romance.

Caroline Bragg has just taken a job as general counsel for Praecursoria, a company developing cutting-edge CAR T-cell therapies to battle cancer in young patients. But when some suspicious data falls into her lap, she must determine who she can trust as she tries to find the truth — all before deadly results happen.

Making matters worse, her boyfriend, Brandon Lancaster — a former NFL player who runs a foster home for sibling groups — just happens to be an investor in Praecursoria … and one of his foster children is receiving some of their T-cell therapies.

“Lethal Intent” is a fast-paced thriller with deadly moments, corporate intrigue, medical marvels and strong, yet flawed and relatable characters. Both Caroline and Brandon have to overcome traumatic childhoods, including abandonment and self-sufficiency scenarios. And as a part of Putman’s “Hidden Justice” series, fans will delight to once again visit with Caroline’s friends: Hayden, Emilie, Jaime and Savannah.

Putman also fills her novel with many great themes, like facing fears head on; deciding who you want to be and being confident in that choice; overcoming self-sufficiency and learning to trust in others; and becoming the hands and feet of Jesus.

A major concept is also the importance of relying on God, and that even simple prayers can move mountains.

Cara Putman is a master at legal thrillers with just enough romance to get your toes tingling, and “Lethal Intent” is no exception. Fans of authors like Lynette Eason, John Grisham and Randy Singer, as well as fans of strong female characters, will enjoy this novel. Even though this is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone. (Due out Jan. 12).

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

I'm not sure how to do this good book justice but I loved loved this story to the fullest! This book y'all!
So much knowledge and action in here! Like just wow!
Putnam sure knows her stuff! I learned quite a bit from her.
I was kept on the edge of my seat and my heart... well let's just say this book was that exciting!
I loved Caroline Bragg! I'd take her on my side anytime and anywhere! She was my favorite. She knew what needed to be done and did it it.
This is the 4th book in this series.
5 stars for sure and highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This is a remarkable, spell bounding medical thriller, I could not put down, with characters to root for and a situation that feels like it was ripped out of today’s headlines.

The author shares in an interview why it is important to make her books compelling. She states, “As a reader I find it critical that a story have some type of ticking time element to keep me engaged…. Readers want an experience that is outside their day-to-day. We want to feel and see things that are different and unique. This is even more so when we’re reading a mystery or suspense. So, keeping that sense of pacing and series of readers expectations at the forefront is critical to creating a mystery they can’t put down.”

I whole heartly agree! This author does a brilliant job of keeping the reader engaged, as the drama unfolds through characters you instantly care about. The topic is a very timely one as the medical world has been scrambling to create a vaccine to fight a virus that has impacted our planet. Main character attorney Caroline Bragg’s is a new hire medical counsel for Praecursoria, a company that is on the cutting-edge of genetic therapies to fight leukemia.

Brandon Lancaster is a famous athlete who is passionate about helping kids find a forever home. He has started a group home called Almost Home, to help siblings stay together until they can be adopted. Brandon has invested a large sum of money in the Praecursouria company hoping for a big pay out to help his group home.

When Caroline goes to work for this company, she must be extremely careful not to say anything to Brandon about her job because she did not want him to be accused of insider trading. This puts a strain on their relationship.

As the new kid on the block Caroline goes about trying to understand what this the company does. Caroline told Quentin, “…If she did not comprehend the depth of what happened in the lab, she could miss something important for the various trials and patent applications…There was something amazing about being part of a team that was pushing the envelope of what was possible. She’d gotten chills a few times as she’d met with different researchers.”

The author takes a subject that could put you to sleep but explains things in a manner that has you fully alert as Caroline digs into the process of her new company. Strange things are happening, and she must get to the bottom of it if they were to have things in order to be approved by the FDA. They were in a hurry to help sick kids get better.

I enjoyed this mysterious, medical suspense thriller, alongside characters I could root for as I watched their sweet romance bloom and grow. I highly recommend this novel for a fun read and one that would work well for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This was a very good romantic suspense story., with both legal and medical elements. I love the author’s writing style as it kept me glued to the story from the very beginning. There were many twist and turns along the way that kept me in suspense.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Part medical drama, part legal thriller, part romance... Cara Putnam has all the bases covered in her new romantic legal thriller, and I couldn't get enough!

Lethal Intent is the fourth book in the Hidden Justice series, but can be read as a standalone. Though I have not read the books in this series myself, it is my understanding that the primary characters met in a previous books and there were some side characters who were introduced previously as well, but it didn't feel as though I was missing anything relevant to the story at hand.

In this story, we meet Caroline whose life seems to be going quite well. She just started a new job as legal counsel for a research lab and her relationship with Brandon was evolving into something more. But that all changes when things at work seem to be off and people are dying around her. Could it all be related...and how? She finds herself in a race against the clock to figure it all out before anyone else ends up killed.

The suspense in this story was fantastic and had me at the edge of my seat. I suspected the bad guy long before the reveal, but I was still left wondering how it would all play out and what would happen next. There were many twists that I didn't see coming. While I must admit some of the medical speak was over my head and perhaps slowed the pace down just a bit for me, it was needed in the story. I appreciated that Caroline likewise not familiar with the medical field and so as things were explained to her and she made sense of it all, I was likewise gaining understanding as I read too.

I will admit that the relationship between Caroline and Brandon confused me a bit at times. At points I was under the impression that they were boyfriend and girlfriend, whereas at others it felt like it hadn't quite been define yet. Perhaps they were in a courting stage? Either way, I enjoyed their story and chemistry and appreciated the slow buildup that we don't often see in romance novels.

There were a few loose ends that I wished had been tied up in the end, but that also leaves me hopeful that perhaps we will see more from these characters in the future. I certainly hope so anyway! Overall, it was a wonderful story that fans of legal thrillers are sure to appreciate.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Cara C. Putman is back with a brand new thriller, Lethal Intent. One that mixes legal and medical thriller themes with romance and more.

For a moment there, Caroline Bragg thought she had it all. She had the perfect job, and her relationship with Brandon Lancaster was finally going somewhere. Better yet, the company she works for (Praecursoria) has just developed a new treatment for leukemia. One that could save the lives of the children she knows.

However, nothing is quite as it seems. Her company is too intent on trying this brand new drug on a child. One from Brandon's foster home, and it quickly becomes a conflict of interest for Caroline and Brandon both, as they have more in stake than it would appear at first glance.

“No, she wanted to build forever with this man she'd loved from a distance for years.
Now was their time.”

I can tell you with complete honestly that I have never read a thriller with such a unique blend of genres and elements. Lethal Intent is a romantic thriller, which isn't new to me, but the addition of medical and legal thriller elements made it stand out. As did the fairly subtle infusion of Christian fiction.

All put together, it made for a unique read as I've never seen before. That's always an impressive feat, as any avid reader will certainly know! So for that reason alone, I know that Lethal Intent will stick out in my mind for years to come.

I love how complicated the story became, the further it moved along. What seemed like a dream come true quickly became more complex, all thanks to the wonders of human behavior. Well, 'wonders' is certainly not the right word in this case, but you get what I'm saying.

I should warn you; if the world of medical research seems terrifying to you (even only at times), then this novel is going to chill you to your core. No exaggeration. It perfectly portrays some of the more...corrupt natures that seem to find their way into any sector that can provide money.

Long story short: Lethal Intent was every bit the thrilling novel I had hoped it would be, and then some. This is the first novel I've read by Cara C. Putnam, but I don't think it will be the last.

I would guess a great deal of research went into this book with how a drug or medical procedure goes through the process of being approved through the FDA, all the testing and trials. Attorney Caroline Bragg is hired to make sure the company has all its legal ducks in a row for a new method of curing cancer that is coming out. Her friend Brandon Lancaster is pulled into the new company when he tries to help a foster child dying of cancer. This is definitely a legal thriller, with threats coming at Caroline from every direction and not knowing who she can trust. Full of suspense, fast paced action and a touch of romance. The reader will get a peek into the pharmaceutical world, the legal world and the foster care system.

Wow, this book has it all. Legal suspense, some romance and a medical theme. Caroline's new job as legal counsel for a research lab brings out realistic themes as you see the behind the scenes events that occur as a new treatment for leukemia is being developed and tested. It's a fast paced book full of action.

You will find yourself quickly involved in the characters and all their emotions! So much happening in this book that it will keep you reading. You won't want to miss any of the action! It's a book that makes you think and does not disappoint. With all the Covid-19 going on, it is a very timely book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

This is a Must Read book! It is full of twists and turns and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. I can't say enough good things about this book without letting a spoiler slip out, so all I'm going to say is, this is a book that will stay in your mind long after you've read the last page. I loved it!! Thank you Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lethal Intent is exactly what I would expect from the very talented author Cara C Putman. I was excited to have another book of hers in my hands and am honored to have the opportunity to read her newest release. I was not disappointed. This one may be one of my top favorites I have read by her to date. Right from the start I was on a thrilling ride of hanging on the edge of my seat. There were quite a bit of twists and turns than I had expected. I never knew what was going to happen next. It was so very good. I loved it!
I am giving Lethal Intent a very well deserved plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading suspense filled thrillers. I thought it was fabulous.
I received Lethal Intent from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

A research lab looking for legal counsel, a lawyer looking for a job, and someone with a personal vendetta—something is bound to go wrong. Caroline Bragg (a minor character in Cara Putman’s other legal thrillers) gets hired to work for Praecursoria—a cutting-edge medical research company that might hold the key to curing childhood leukemia.

Caroline’s zealous boss wants to start clinical trials and cut corners, but as his new legal counsel, Caroline strives to put on the brakes. If the company doesn’t go by the book, it could ruin their endeavor before it has a chance to save kid’s lives.

Kids like Bethany—an 11-year-old foster girl who lives at former football star Brandon Lancaster’s group home. Brandon, Caroline’s boyfriend, will do everything possible to protect and help Bethany, and he doesn’t understand Caroline’s hesitancy to enroll Bethany in Praecursoria’s clinical trial for Car-T cell therapy.

When Caroline finds out Brandon has invested in Praecursoria, she feels like her hands are tied. In order to avoid insider trading accusations, Caroline can’t discuss her work with Brandon. And he’s the one person she trusts the most to help her with a mounting sense that something isn’t right at her new place of employment.

When data starts disappearing and her coworkers start dying, Caroline realizes someone has something to hide. Brandon has problems of his own—the state has changed the rules and regulations for group foster homes. How will he flip the script on his life’s work and continue to provide a safe place for kids who need it?

Their jobs erect a barrier between Caroline and Brandon—one they don’t know they can overcome before time runs out.

Why I Love This Book

Cara Putman’s well-researched novel highlights the latest experimental therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia as well as the changing scene of foster care. Her legal expertise brings authenticity to the legal dilemmas of both research laboratories and foster care. Her well-developed characters and sense of tension will keep the reader turning pages from start to finish.

If you’re a fan of Kelly Irvin, Siri Mitchell, John Grisham, Lynette Eason, Colleen Coble, or Carrie Stuart Parks, you’ll love Lethal Intent.

#lethalintent #netgalley

This book had a lot of intrigue, action and mystery. I would recommend to readers that are looking for action packed adventure!