I loved this book! I wanted it to go on and on! Special Agents Zane and Tessa are friends and assigned to keep the President of the US safe while on a visit. The suspense grabbed me immediately, since dangerous, life-threatening situations were going on when least expected. Both agents were part of a team led by Tess whose cool-thinking wit saved her skin several times. Both seem to want to be more than friends, but can they stay at that level? Can they work out their personal issues that get in the way? Who is causing so much deadly trouble? It was so much fun to find the answers! I can't wait to read the next book by this popular Christian suspense author!
I very much appreciate being able to read this e-book. compliments of the publisher. My thoughts about it are my own.

This story launches with a bang and the action doesn't stop until the last page is turned. The suspense is gripping, and the love story included is a slow simmer. I loved this addition to  Lynn Blackburn's "Defend and Protect" series featuring US Secret Service agents.

When the president decides to hold a fundraiser at the home of one of his supporters in Raleigh, NC the Secret Service office there is put on high alert. Special Agent Tessa Reed is placed in the command position, her first, and she works tirelessly to show everyone that she deserves to be there. She battled her demons and came out stronger and more focused than ever, but as she starts this new job, attacks on her character come out of the woodwork. Could someone know about her past, and if so, what will they do to take her out of the equation?

USSS Agent Zane Thacker is living his dream. He has worked his way into the presidential protection detail of the Secret Service, and is excited to be assigned to work with his old colleagues in the Raleigh office. He considers Tessa one of his best friends, and was there for her when her life imploded. Even though their chemistry is strong, neither is willing to act on it. Tessa is ashamed of her past, and doesn't want to "taint" Zane and Zane doesn't want to do anything that might send Tessa spiraling again. When Tessa's new assignment crosses his, and she becomes a target, all bets are off. Zane is in the business of protection, and Tessa needs to be protected. Can they figure out why Tessa is being singled out before the attempts on her life succeed?

I loved this look into the inner workings of the US Secret Service. They do so much more than protecting the president, and this book highlighted some of that. Actually, this whole series has highlighted Secret Service agents, and it has been eye-opening. 

Readers who love romantic suspense with a side of faith will love this book. I read WAY past my bedtime until I finished this, and I highly recommend the whole series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but it was fun to "catch up" with characters from the first books when I read this one.

I quickly fell in love with Lynn H Blackburn’s books when I started in the middle of her Defend and Protect series. I quickly realized I needed to go back and read the beginning and more of her works. This was the third and final installment of this series. It was such a good series that I was so sad when it was over. Blackburn creates the kind of characters that you can easily fall in love with. Their banter between each other makes them feel real and their genuine, relatable struggles encouraged me in profound ways. The way she weaves suspense into the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, but my favorite part had to be Zane and Tessa’s character arcs and the abiding, committed love they shared. Blackburn also weaves her faith throughout her stories in a way that makes it seem like it’s a genuine part of the characters’ lives and therefore makes it more real to us. Lynn Blackburn has become one of my favorite romantic suspense authors and Under Fire did not disappoint!

Under Fire
by Lynn H. Blackburn
Pub Date 07 Mar 2023 
 Revell 
 Christian  |  Mystery & Thrillers  |  Romance 

A copy of Under Fire has been provided to me by Revell and Netgalley for review:



USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker has been assigned to protect the president. He is thrilled to be working again with Special Agent Tessa Reed, his best friend--and the woman he desperately wishes could be more to him.


Though Tessa nearly lost everything, she overcame her demons and emerged healthy and whole. Nevertheless, when her role as the liaison between Raleigh and the president's protective detail drags her past back into the present, her greatest failure threatens to be exposed. 


Zane will not allow Tessa to go through this alone. Can he protect the president from a mounting threat while standing by the woman he loves?



I give Under Fire five out of five stars!

What a story of true love, faithfulness and forgiveness! I loved how USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker loved and supported his best friend and woman he secretly loves, Special Agent Tessa Reed. Zane's assignment is to protect the president of the United States and they are going to visit Raleigh where Tessa is assigned. A failure in Tessa's past is about to be exposed and Zane sticks by her through the ordeal. If you enjoy romantic suspense, Under Fire is the book for you! I received an e-book of Under Fire through NetGalley.

Under Fire, the conclusion to Lynn Blackburn’s series centered around a team of Secret Service agents, is the long-awaited story featuring Zane and Tessa. It is more character-driven than the rest of the series has been, although there is plenty of action and suspense - especially at the end! Zane and Tessa have been through a lot as friends, and they are both realizing the depth of their feelings for each other. The story deals with some heavy topics, including alcoholism, addiction, and abduction.

Because this book is so focused on the characters and the team, I would recommend reading the series in order rather. It is heavier on the romance and lighter on suspense than some of the other books in the series, but it was a good way to wrap up the series and finally get resolution for Zane and Tessa. Lynn H. Blackburn's fans will love Under Fire!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley through Revell Reads. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Revell!

"I have a bad feeling today's stunt may have poured fuel on the fire. And I'm not talking about the threat against me. I'm talking about the threats against the President."

Since the beginning of this "Defend and Protect" series, Zane and Tessa have been a part of the storylines. They obviously had a connection, but there was something that was always a bit off. In this book, we finally get to understand their stories. Their romance was definitely long anticipated.

The suspense portions definitely kept me guessing. Determining what was going on behind the scenes was a challenge. I loved that there was enough action and adrenaline pumping parts to keep me reading without keeping me up too late at night. Other than to finish the book, of course.

Finding out what duties that the Secret Service performs is a fascinating part of the Defend and Protect series. This title deals with all that preparing for a Presidential visit to a location would entail. While part of the process was fictionalized for the book, it was still interesting to ponder how complicated it would be to set anything up.


I absolutely loved all three books in this series. The characters definitely overlap between the titles. While you could probably follow along if you read only this book, I highly recommend reading the books in order. The two novellas that are also connected to the series are not quite as crucial. But they are all such great books - why not read them all?

I did read an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. I had been looking forward to reading this book for over a year!

Lynn H Blackburn does it again with Under Fire! While stand alone, this story continues the thread of stories from the Defend and Protect series about US Secret Service Special Agents in Raleigh, North Carolina. This time, we get a peek behind the curtain to see the relationship between Special Agent Tessa Reed and USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker. 

This story was action packed, and was a new twist on a mystery/suspense that I haven't read before. I enjoyed every minute of this story!

Under Fire is the third and final book in Blackburn's christian suspense series, Defend and Protect. I jumped into the series with this book having not read the first two. This is a fast paces suspense story and while I liked the plot I just wasn't a big fan of the main characters and maybe that's because I missed out on the first two books of their build up of a relationship. I think I will go back and read the first two then maybe update my review. 

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Blackburn has moved to the throne of Christian suspense queen in my book. Can't wait to see what she writes next!

“Under Fire” by Lynn H Blackburn is an exceptional addition to the Christian suspense genre. This book is a thrilling and engaging read that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. I have been so excited for this book and to finally see Zane and Tessa’s story unfold.

The plot of “Under Fire” is fast-paced and exciting. The suspense builds steadily throughout the book, and the action scenes are intense and gripping. Blackburn does an excellent job of balancing the action with the more emotional and character-driven moments, making for a well-rounded and satisfying read.

Another standout feature of “Under Fire” is its exploration of faith. The Christian themes are woven seamlessly into the story and are never preachy or heavy-handed. The characters’ faith journeys are compelling and add another layer of depth to the story.

Overall, “Under Fire” is an excellent book that will satisfy fans of the Christian suspense genre. With well-crafted characters, a fast-paced plot, and themes of faith, this book is sure to leave readers feeling uplifted and entertained. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read.

I enjoyed this story and the characters in this book.  As an FBI procedural it is a type of novel that I like a lot.  This however was very different.  There was a Christian angle to this book that, though I didn't object to, I found sometimes unrealistic.  For a character to have a spiritual perspective when dealing with their job I can well understand but for the entire team to stop and pray felt a bit unusual.  Again, the story line was great and I enjoyed it.  I am not sure it would speak to the larger audience of this genre of work.  I would definitely recommend this book to those who like this type of story without the sex that usually is part of thriller and suspense works.

UNDER FIRE is a great mix of thriller/suspense combined with romance. 

I confess that I have not read the other books in the series, so I jumped into this one cold after hearing Lynn interviewed on a podcast. At first, I had a little trouble keeping all the names straight, particularly the other agents. However, I'm sure if I'd been familiar with the series, I would not have had any problem. 

I like how the author keeps the plot moving, and the focus on protecting the president as well as Tessa's reputation. Also, I live in Raleigh, so that was fun (and a little unusual) to have the story set here. 

You can tell that Blackburn plots her stories carefully to ensure the reader is satisfied with their reading experience, including the ending, which wraps things up beautifully. I especially admired how the faith elements are woven into the narrative. The characters pray throughout their days, which I love to see, and as their journeys progress, they learn to trust God more.

I will definitely go back and read this author's other books.

Received complimentary e-galley from the publisher; all opinions are my own.

I love books that start off with action and that is exactly what Under Fire does. Blackburn's novel takes off with a bang, taking you on a journey filled with thrills and much suspense. I found the book to be full of intrigue and romance. It also deals with one of the main characters who is a recovering alcoholic. If you are looking for a book that is filled with lots of action and suspense, then this is the right book. I love the way that Blackburn deals with her characters and brings life to them and the action is so real that you can visualize it as it happens before your eyes. She also brings in faith and trust in your fellow man and that is very important to a recovering alcoholic. Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an E copy and I am happy to leave my review in my own words.

So much trouble mounts as the team of special agents hustle to solve crimes and to create plans to protect the US president when he visits Raleigh. Special Agents Tessa Reed and Zane Thacker have issues of their own, which affects their friendship and squelches any chance of something more, but one can hope. The rapid-fire-paced book will make you not want to put it down until everything gets worked out in a satisfying conclusion. This thriller can stand alone but it does include some characters from the first two exciting books in this series. The characterization and plot of all make for great reading. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #UnderFire #NetGalley.

Finishing Under Fire has me feeling like I need to go back and reread the rest of the series because wow did I miss so much. I always felt there were undercurrents of Tess's story in the previous 2 books, so this book was one of my highly anticipated reads for 2023.

I said it before when I read her first book, but Lynn Blackburn is becoming an author to watch for! I don't read that much suspense anymore. That's because I went through a phase where that's all I read, and they started to get too predictable for me. But this book - and this series! - manage to include the perfect amount of realism, humour, and deep topics that stands out from all the other suspense books I've read.

I really enjoyed getting to know Zane and Tessa better, and I thought the journey of their friends-to-more relationship was one of the best I've seen in fiction. It felt very realistic and not rushed at all. Both characters had concerns and needed to work through some

Content Notes
- 'Mild' swearing (I remember one use of 'crap' but forgot to mark any others so this might be the only one). Okay, so I have thoughts on this and since I'm noticing this more and more in Christian contemporary novel, I want to address this. It bothers me a little as it seems the standards are lowering. I know it doesn't bother most people, but I don't like seeing how liberal the language is becoming. 'Set apart' means not conforming to the world, which is what I feel like happens when milder forms of language slips into our Christian fiction/nonfiction.
- Potential spoilers ahead, although it happens right in the prologue:
- Tess struggled previously with alcohol and had gone through rehab.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book in Lynn Blackburn's Defend & Protect series.
This is one that I've been looking forward to for quite some time, and it did not disappoint!

Zane and Tessa were fun to get to know, and I especially enjoyed the beautiful unfolding of their romance (uh-oh...did I say too much?! I guess this is a romantic suspense, right?! So there has to be romance somewhere)
Tessa's main task it to protect the President when he's visiting for a fundraiser.
But, there also seems to be someone out to get her, and she has no idea why.
Zane is determined to protect her at all costs.
And...they finally move forward in admitting how they feel about each other (have you read the earlier books in this series? if not, you need to!)
This story has lots of action, suspense, and mystery. I loved it, and recommend it for anyone who likes a good mystery novel.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Will this case spell the beginning or the end...

Wow, it's hard to believe that the Defend And Protect series is now over... However, I can say that Lynn H. Blackburn certainly concluded this series with a real bang! I was on tenterhooks from page one all the way to the end of Under Fire. 

I have been waiting through the entire Defend And Protect series to finally find out what was really going on between Tessa and Zane. Would she continue to beat her destructive behavior? Would he beat his destructive past to have a chance at a future? And what kind of dangerous crisis could bring them together? Well, I sure found out in Under Fire!

Lynn H. Blackburn really brought her characters to the brink in this book. Disparate threads that seemingly have no connection keep Tessa, Zane, the others, and readers guessing until the rather explosive conclusion. And trust me, the final showdown is real edge-of-your-seat stuff!

Under Fire was a good romantic suspense read. It was enjoyable all the way through and I loved how the characters weren't always perfect. For those reasons – and more – I am sorry to be saying goodbye to the Defend And Protect people as they have become almost friends in the two years that I have been reading about them. So, now I am left wondering...where will readers be going next with Lynn H. Blackburn....wherever it is one thing can be guaranteed...it will be exciting...

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

Under Fire is the extremely satifying conclusion to Lynn H. Blackburn's Defend and Protect series featuring the United States Secret Service.  Lynn H. Blackburn is one of my favorite inspirational romantic suspense authors.  I love that her books are typically about 50% suspense and 50% romance, and she allows her readers to connect to the characters in a way that not many authors can do.  

Even though this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the entire series to get more of the backstories of the supporting characters.  I love how the Secret Service agents have formed a strong friendship and support each other, no matter what.  Get ready for a wild ride as USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker returns to Raleigh to protect the President while USSS Special Agent Tessa Reed's past comes back to haunt her.  Fans of Zane and Tessa's will not want to miss their story.  

The ending gives readers a preview into her new series, and I cannot wait for more stories by Lynn H. Blackburn.  Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are mine.

This suspense novel is one wild and crazy ride! From page one Blackburn grabs the reader’s attention and keeps it the entire time. I could not seem to put the book down, I had to know what would happen. This story has it all; suspense, danger, mystery, and romance. I loved the relationship between Tessa and Zane. Their friendship was a natural springboard into romance and I wondered if they would ever get there. The friendship between their coworkers and their loyalty to each other was amazing. I think we all wish we had a friend group like that. Blackburn keeps the reader on their toes with this high stakes suspense mystery novel. I never knew what was coming next! I loved watching it all come together and the web being unraveled piece by piece. If you are a fan of suspense novels, Under Fire is a must read! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.