When I saw this book on Netgalley, I was immediately interested. The cover is interesting, as well as the blurb. I liked the concept of not knowing who is responsible. This book did not disappoint. I did not want to put the book down. Right from the beginning I was hooked. I needed to know who was responsible and whether or not Luke and his friends would survive.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was the fact that it wasn’t until about 2/3 of the way through the book before there was even a suspect. It really lives up to the title ‘Unknown Threat’. I enjoyed the tension and suspense as well as the relationship between Luke and Faith.

I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series as it comes out and going back to read the other books by Lynn H. Blackburn.

This was a great book with a really interesting story line. The mystery of it as great and it kept you guessing until the very end. The characters were very interesting and had a great arc over the course of the book. I didn't want to put it down!

A Secret Service team, grieving the loss of one of their own, becomes the new target. When the FBI gets the lead on the investigation, tensions rise.

Secret service agent Luke Powell doesn't trust the FBI, nor does he want to. After losing his friends he's compelled to bring them to justice. The lead agent, Faith Malone, strives to be professional, and thorough despite the animosity. Each of them carries a past that's fighting against them. When the team gets attacked again, it means working together to discover the perpetrator before any more lives are lost.

I enjoyed this action packed story, and am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC, and the opportunity to post an honest review.

“Unknown Threat” by Lynn H. Blackburn is a read that will keep you guessing throughout the whole book! The action started in the first chapter and continued to the end.

I liked how this suspense book was a different subject area than what I’ve already read. In this book, Secret Service agents are being targeted. So, they, along with the FBI are trying to figure out who wants all these agents gone.

I highly recommend this book, along with all of Lynn H. Blackburn’s books. She is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. This book will keep your attention, yet it is a very clean read.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Secret Service agents were being killed. Three had died, two others had been targeted but survived by sheer luck. And it did not look as if the attacks were over. When an arm of the US Government was attacked stateside, it was the job of the FBI to investigate. Except in Raleigh NC the Secret Service and the FBI had a history - a history that could prevent the two agencies from fully cooperating. FBI Special Agent Faith Malone would need to tread carefully as she had to convince both the local Secret Service office and her own FBI office that she and those that worked with her were up to the task.

Lynn H. Blackburn presents another faith-based, romantic, thriller that holds the reader’s attention from the opening moments of the first chapter to the end of the book. More lives were on the line and the author does an admirable job of weaving together a series of plot lines to make a believable story.

Neither the faith nor the romance is loaded on too heavy, leaving a book that can be enjoyed by many. It could easily find a place on the shelf of the local public or church library. I give the book 5-stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

What a fascinating storyline! Secret Service agents are being targeted and killed or injured and this madman needs to be stopped. Us Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell, who himself has barely escaped with his life during this killing spree, is named as chief agent in charge of the investigation. As much as Luke and his fellow agents dislike getting help from the FBI, Special Agent Faith Malone is tasked with helping with the investigation. They both face harrowing situations and all the action and suspense make this an edge-of-your-seat page-turner. I like how the developing relationship between Faith and Luke progresses throughout the story.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a novel much more about characters and relationships than it is about investigating who has been killing Secret Service agents and why. Faith, the lead FBI agent on the case, has a number of relationship issues, including with her mother and with God. Luke, the hero Secret Service agent, has distrust of the FBI from past experiences. That doesn't stop him from falling for Faith, however, and there is much about the budding romance. It seemed like there is more dialogue about the romance than the investigation. I felt it was too much emphasis on romance. At one point Luke wasn't thinking about being the target of a killer, we're told. “There was only Faith.” (3171/4913) At another point, he is overwhelmed with the desire to kiss her. “So much for being professional,” we're told. (3881/4915) That's not my idea of a suitable hero in a novel of suspense.

There is also a great deal of interaction between the agents in the novel. There is more emphasis on their chatter and quips and talk of potential romance than talk about the case. I have to admit I skimmed parts of that interaction, wanting to get to the next plot moving scene. And I was surprised that a private citizen was better at getting leads on a suspect than the FBI. (3864/4915)

This is definitely a novel for readers who like a little bit of suspense from time to time with most of the book dealing with potential romance.

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

The Defend and Protect series started with a bang! Literally.

When a peaceful jog ends in bullet wounds and explosions, Luke and his friend, Zane wind up in the hospital and Faith winds up heading an investigation that has confounded the FBI and the Secret Service. No one knows who would have a vendetta against so many of the Secret Service agents so the protectors find themselves under protection.

Having read other books by this author, it was no surprise that I loved the characters.

Luke, the handsome, headstrong, and slightly (maybe more) cocky agent had me smiling. The bond he had with his fellow agents was more than that of brothers. And he had a strong faith that he had built his life around. Yet he had deep-seated issues with the FBI and was determined to keep Faith at arm's length.

Faith was very strong and had no problem taking charge. She was still gentle and sensitive when dealing with victims and quite blew Luke's preconceived ideas away as she handled the investigation with such skill. I loved her strong relationship with her sister, Hope, and ached because of her poor relationship with her mother - though, with the things her mom did, I didn't blame Faith for that!

I cracked up at the tough-guy attitudes from Luke and his friends. When they were using the number of bullet holes they had acquired as a way of one-upmanship... What can I say about that? But it wasn't in an inappropriate manner, it was largely to break the tension of being targets of an unknown enemy.

There was a strong faith message throughout the story. Luke, as a believer, had to learn to let go of his bitterness. And Faith had lost hers - faith, that is. When her dad abandoned their family, she decided that God didn't really care. Unknown Threat tells the story of her turning her heart back to God.

Despite the number of bombs and bullets, this is not a gory or overly violent story. It is more action and suspense. While I had some idea who was after them, the full details surprised me and the motive had been beyond my grasp.

I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the Dive Team Investigations series appear. And appreciated how their parts were such that it wasn't necessary to know their backstories, though readers, like me, who had gotten to know them will have the privilege of catching up on their lives.

I really appreciate the way Lynn Blackburn can take such a full cast of characters and not lose me in keeping track of who's who. I can't think of a single place in the story where I felt lost or frustrated at not recognizing a name. I did, however, find myself constantly looking up the alphabet soup of acronyms that were used because I couldn't seem to remember what the letters stood for. ATF, RICD, FBI... Ok, just kidding about that last one! This isn't the author's fault - just my ignorance.

The details about the investigation and the various situations encountered, how processes work, were all presented in a pleasant story-telling manner. I learned quite a bit about them and was amazed at the incredible amount of research that must have gone into this story.

My one, minor complaint was that things were wrapped up in the epilogue in a way that was more laundry list-ish than story. Though after the details of how the case was resolved, the finale was quite satisfactory and sweet!

Readers of romantic suspense will want to be sure to read Unknown Threat and are bound to be waiting with bated breath, as I am, for the next one!

This is the first book in this series by Lynn Blackburn. This book has lots of action, humor, and twist and turns. Great read for romantic suspense readers

There's no other way around it! This is her best book yet! I simply just loved it and I really enjoyed burning the midnight hours!
Faith is really awesome! I liked her from the get go!
So much action in this book that it will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next!
I just about cried when I reached the end! Oh my what a wonderful read! I didn't want the book to end!
Blackburn is my go to author for suspense reading. Her writing is fantastic and she leaves nothing out and knows to keep you interested!
The romance is perfect. Not too mushy and not too weak either.
She has done her research to the T. I am looking forward to reading what she has coming out next!
This is definitely worth a reread and it's staying on my keeper shelf. I will also be sure to add it to my 2021 list of favorites.
I love a good read like this. Lots of heart stopping sciences to be sure!
Highly recommend it!
My thanks to Revell publishing for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own.
5 stars!

The author instantly grabs readers attention and their heart as agencies scramble to figure out what is going on and who is behind these attacks. Readers are simultaneously informed when the officers are…“Ladies and Gentlemen, This morning three separate attacks were carried out on agents from the US Secret Service Raleigh resident office…we have no idea why…..”If someone’s attacking our brethren at the Secret Service, we could very well be next in their sights. Let’s find out who did this. Why they did this. And get justice for our friends. Dismissed.”

I enjoyed getting to know the lead officer Faith and how she went about uncovering clues and protecting the officers being targeted. I liked the witty dialogue and the well-timed humor laced in the middle of this suspenseful drama.

“What’s your hurry Gil? All you have tonight is a hot date with a pot roast.”

Gil laughed. “I have a great recipe. I’ll share it with you. It’s foolproof.”…Luke clapped him on the shoulder. “Not everyone wants to have their own cooking show.” Gill stated this as fact, with no hint of arrogance. “I can hear the promos now. They’ll play up my secret Service career. I’ll be a hit.”

This book is the first in the Defend and Protect series that would work well for your book club meeting as there is so much to talk about. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last. I enjoyed this romantic suspense with its page turning drama and look forward to reading the next novel in this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. 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

Unknown Threat is a wonderful romantic-suspense read. It is action packed with bullets flying, bombs exploding, and emotions sizzling. The guilty party is not easily deduced, allowing the author to hold her readers in the palm of her hand and to keep them on the edge of their seats. If it were a film, this book would be the perfect date night movie. The book is the first in Blackburn's new Defend and Protect series, but characters from her previous series, Dive Team Investigations, appear, much to the readers' delight. It works equally as well as a stand-alone read, my favorite kind of series book, one that has a continuation of characters and a thread to tie the series together, but no cliff-hangers.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The action, the suspense, the amazing characters…please tell me this is the beginning of a new series! FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is assigned one of the toughest cases of her career. Two Secret Service Agents have been killed and several others targeted. She arrives on the scene shortly after US Secret Service Agent Luke Powell and his partner barely escape being killed. Could the unsolved case of an agent who was killed earlier by a car bomb have some connection to this recent attack? They have not identified the woman who was in the car with him, but will her identification finally provide them with a new lead to follow? As Luke and Faith work together, an attraction flares between them, but she must stay focused on keeping Luke and his team safe. The author carries the reader along as evidence becomes available that sheds light on who is targeting the agents and why. A thrill ride from beginning to end. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Unknown Threat by Lynn Blackburn has been a much anticipated new release for me. Lynn creates characters that I just fall in love with.
In Unknown Threat we have a coordinated attack on the Secret Service. Faith is the FBI agent assigned to the case.

What I loved about this story. The characters and the author’s ability to have my trying to figure out they why behind the attacks.

She’s an amazing author and is at the top of her game with this page-turning suspense story. I cannot wait for future books in the series!

The characterization and their relationships pulled me immediately into the story. Sometimes the first book in a series is overwhelming as the author introduces the characters and lays the land. That did not happen in this book at all. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns.

A bonus for me was the cameo of Sabrina. 😊


I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Strap yourself in for the ride of your life in another heart-pounding romantic suspense by Lynn H. Blackburn. This was a stay up late, can’t put it down book with plenty of action, and just the right amount of intrigue.
In the Secret Service Luke is willing to put his life on the line every day. He never expects to be the target of a bomb while out for an early morning jog—Until he and fellow agent Zane are shot at and almost blown up. As bodies pile up this has suddenly become personal.
Faith is the lead investigator assigned to the case. This could be her big chance, if she can keep her attraction to Luke under wraps, and keep the Secret Service from stealing her case.
Both Luke and Faith must overcome personal hurts and confront their faith as they work together to solve the case.
The characters were well written, realistic, and relatable and the suspense perfectly paced. This was a great book and I loved the thread of faith that was woven throughout the story. It was realistic without being preachy.
I recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews and this is my honest opinion.

This is definitely a book you are not going to want to put down. This starts with a bang and keeps you wondering all the way to the end. This has such great suspense and some romance. I loved all the characters. It was great to have some previous characters from other stories helping out. I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

“Pain pierced his abs, his biceps, his quads. But pain beat being dead.”

Wow, talk about an intense and riveting read. This series started with a bang and kept up a thrilling pace. I think this is my favorite book by Blackburn to date. It takes a different journey into the life of FBI and Secret Service that was interesting and kept me hooked. I loved Luke and Faith’s relationship being partnered to stop the unknown killer targeting the Secret Service team. As they drew closer to each other and the truth, the intrigue revved right up to the end. The romance was just right between our two lead characters.

I cannot wait to see the rest of the team’s stories come together. The sneak peak into the next book is just as awesome. I’m so excited about this series! I loved Luke...swoon!

“If her life and heart ever had room for a man, Luke Powell would be the type of man she would want to come home to. A little snarky. A little funny. Confident. Calm. And when he said her name in his deep voice, she felt safe. A good man in a storm. That was Luke.”

If you love a good mystery that keeps you guessing until the end, I think you’ll enjoy “Unknown Threat.” I was totally hooked!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am excited about this new series, Defend and Protect, by Lynn Blackburn. Set in Raleigh, North Carolina we meet a new set of characters and a visit from old friends from nearby Carrington and the Dive Team Investigations. In this new series, the story revolves around the US Secret Service and FBI offices in Raleigh. Special Agents in the Secret Service office are being targeted and FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is assigned the case. On a Monday morning, two agents are shot at and their cars explode when they are close by. They are injured but alive. Other agents are targeted at the gym and their home with those being killed. Faith is acquainted with the agents since she is on the Joint Terrorist Task Force with some of the guys. Injured Special Agent Luke Powell is assigned to work with Faith as the liaison between the two agencies. He has some negative feelings toward the agency but Faith soon wins his respect with her dedication. The Secret Service recently lost a fellow agent in a car bomb with an unknown woman in the car. They have to decide if the event is linked to the new events. The action continues until the group has to go into a secret location and use extreme caution when out of the hotel. This story has an interesting mystery with an unusual plot with twists and turns to the end and likable, realistic characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next great story that I know to expect from Lynn Blackburn. Oh, and there is romance in the air with a nice thread of faith.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Unknown Threat is book one in the Defend and Protect series by Lynn H. Blackburn.

Summary: Secret Service Agent Luke Powell’s life has exploded. Literally. One moment he is reminiscing about a fallen comrade with a friend, and the next, they are being shot at with cars exploding all around.

Before the day is done, it is obvious that his entire division is being targeted by an unknown assassin.

Everyone is in danger-but from whom?

FBI Agent Faith Malone is assigned to the case. Can she and Luke figure out what is going on before more agents die? Or will Luke’s entire division get wiped out before his very eyes?

My Thoughts: This is one of the best books I have read this year. It is very well-written. There is tons of action and suspense. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and can’t wait to read more about them in coming books. There is also a good romance-not too mushy, but romantic.

This book hit all the highlights for me and is just the type of book I really love to read.

The only thing I didn’t quite get into was the reasons behind the bad guy actions, but it is a minor point and I still really liked it.

I would buy this one, and I give it five stars. It is very good, and I will have a hard time waiting for the next one for sure.

I would like to thank Revell for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!!!

"Unknown Threat" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. Even though Luke believes that the FBI is incompetent due to something that happened in his childhood, he's impressed with how competent Faith is (and she is!). He pushed through injuries to help Faith coordinate all of the information coming in on the case. They investigated some of the scenes and people personally, but much of what they did was to sort through the evidence coming in from the many crime scenes. The suspense came from the repeated attempts to kill several of the secret service agents.

The main characters were complex, likable, honorable, determined people who reacted realistically to the situations. I cared about what happened to them. Luke and Faith were attracted to each other but both had childhood hang-ups that they needed to forgive and move past. Faith didn't trust men because of how her father had abandoned her family. Luke's family deeply distrusted the FBI and would be prejudiced against Faith. The Christian element was the question of why a powerful, loving God would allow bad things to happen to his faithful followers. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I would recommend this enjoyable, exciting suspense novel.