Deadly Intent was an engaging, heart-pounding conclusion to the *Defend and Protect* series! Special Agent Zane Thacker is assigned to protect the president during a fundraiser, but his mission becomes complicated by his feelings for Special Agent Tessa Reed. The chemistry between Zane and Tessa adds emotional depth to the suspenseful plot. Blackburn skillfully weaves tension, romance, and intrigue as Tessa faces her past while Zane struggles with his protective instincts. The thrilling twists keep the reader hooked, and the resolution is satisfying. A must-read for fans of romantic suspense looking for a powerful, emotional finale. When does book 3 come out??

I really like this book it was a great tale with good characters and settings. I received a review copy from NetGalley but the views and opinions expressed herein are my own.

Under Fire by Lynn H Blackburn is a fabulous contemporary Christian suspense that thrilled me from the start. It is book three in the Defend & Protect series but can be read as a stand-alone.
From the very start, the reader is drawn in as we have questions that need answers.
This was a highly suspenseful read. As the action came thick and fast, so the reader’s pulse rose.
We see that in uncertain times we can rely on a steadfast God. “I know God is in control. I also know He is love.” God’s character is love, and we know that He will love us completely, especially when life makes no sense. “You [God] have the power to fix them both. I’ll never understand why You don’t.” There are some questions that will never be answered this side of heaven.
Prayer is important. “I think we should pray before we go.” Prayer builds relationship with God. Covering ourselves with prayer is wise, especially if there are decisions to be made. “I’ll pray about it.”
We see that addiction has no boundaries. Even highly educated people in good jobs can stumble. “I’m not perfect… But I refuse to allow alcohol to steal the life God has purposed for me.” We witness a character having love and support to help her overcome her battle with alcohol. Sometimes it is tough loved that is needed.
There is the question of identity. “People are far more than their address or addiction.” Our character is who we are in God. We also see the need to celebrate our heritage, as a character has “rich heritage [Native American] on all sides.”
“Lord… I’m not even sure what to say.” When we have no words, God has already heard the longings of our hearts.
Under Fire enters the political world of America as we follow a group of agents who are assigned to protect POTAS – but one of the group is under attack. Can the rest protect her and still do their job?
I thoroughly enjoyed Under Fire. It was an exciting, suspenseful read.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to Lynn H. Blackburn and her publisher for sending me an arc copy of this book. I can not wait to read it.

My THOUGHTS: UNDER FIRE is book 3 in this exciting series, but in my opinion it didn't stand out as the others. There was a massive information dump, though it is all need to know, but it really stalled the story. And Tessa was a very strong willed woman who had a massive problem. Zane is a wonderful hero and he gets serious points for standing up to Tessa's drama I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! Tessa and Zane are both Special Agent's working to protect the President at an upcoming event. They've worked together in the past and have great attraction to one another. However, due to her alcohol addiction (which Zane discovered and helped her seek recovery for) Zane knew it wasn't the right time to pursue a relationship, and made it clear that they were just friends. Zane was then transferred to another branch. After some time had passed, we come to the setting of this story and Zane has returned to assist the team again. Sparks fly between them from the beginning. Tessa's addiction and recovery were handled realistically. The relationship between Tessa and Zane was also beautiful to watch unfold. He understands her in a way no one else does, and seeks to protect her throughout the story.

The faith elements were nice to read, but also seemed unrealistic: i.e. EVERYONE on their service team were fellow believers and prayed together often. Although this WOULD be awesome, it doesn't seem that likely to happen in real life.

The suspense of the case they were on was great and I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author to read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book for free, in exchange for my honest review.

What an incredible ending to an adventurous series! Under Fire brings the series all together and the ending is perfect! It was great to be back with the gang as lies were exposed, secrets were kept, and personal lives were made whole again.

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

Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn is an intense thriller that shines from start to finish. This book starts out quite uniquely and makes you immediately wonder what comes next. The plot twists are fascinating as they try to keep the President safe. Ms Blackburn has written such a fun suspense novel that I was sad when it was finished! Readers of clean romantic suspense will love this book! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Since the first book I have been waiting on Zane and Tessa's story. They have a history that is brought to the foreground in this story. Their relationship is based on a friendship that distance can't break. Zane Fletcher has his dream job of being Secret Service agent to the president and Tessa Reed works for the Secret Service branch in Raleigh. When the president is invited to a party at the home of one of his dearest friends Zane returns as part of the protection detail and gets to work with his old friends including Tessa Reed who is in charge of the protection detail while the president is in Raleigh. When threats are made on her life, the team works together to not only protect the president but to make sure Tessa stays safe. This story is full of humor, romance, intrigue, suspense, forgiveness, friendships, and a faith in God. It was fun to have the characters from Carrington (another series) show up and help out. This was a great ending to this series and I can't wait to read the next one.

Action and suspense from the get-go! Loved this one!
USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker is protecting the US President-a job he loves. Zane's bestie is Special Agent, Tessa Reed. Zane would love their relationship to be far more than just friends. They get to work together at a special fund raiser the president has planned. How lucky could Zane get?
Tessa has her own battles she is fighting. Is Zane trying to protect her, or does he distrust that her past is just that-her past?
Great story with characters from the previous two books in this series.
I was given an advanced ecopy from the publisher, Revell and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

FBI Special Agent Tessa Reid has worked hard and overcome many obstacles and she’s feeling at home in the Raleigh field office. When her best friend, Secret Service Special Agent Zane Thacker comes to town on a presidential protection assignment, she’s thrilled to spend time with him again. Even though they’re enjoying their time together, they have a very important job: ensuring the safety of the president.

When secrets from Tessa’s past begin to threaten her present, and perhaps even impinge on her ability to do her job as liaison between the Raleigh office and the Secret Service, there’s danger on the horizon for Tessa and potentially for the president she and Zane are sworn to protect.

Zane, fighting his ongoing attraction to Tessa, is not about to let her face the dangers on her own.

Can they survive the secrets, the danger and still protect the president?

Ms. Blackburn rounds out her Christian suspense Defend and Protect series with an action-packed read in Under Fire. As the tensions increase between Tessa and Zane, you’ll find yourself cheering for them to make all the right decisions.

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.