Terri Reed delivers an intense romantic suspense with great twists and turns.

It was inspiring to see both Paige and Lucas turn to God during the crises. As a US Marshal, Lucas preferred a more active assignment so when he’s assigned protective detail for Paige, her son, and her son’s medical therapy dog, he isn’t thrilled. Paige is fiercely protective of her son but must rely on Lucas’s wisdom and experience to see them to safety.

In the middle of it all, sparks fly between Paige and Lucas. I liked that the author seamlessly wove the romance into the story at just the right time and that she acknowledged emotions were heightened due to the trauma unfolding.

Including Paige’s epileptic son was a brilliant move by the author. His medical condition added to the suspense and his dog provided a wonderful element. My favorite part of the book? The ending drama. Amazing!

Fans of inspirational romantic suspense will enjoy this page-turner. Expect to lose some sleep because you won’t want to put it down!

Romance: Squeaky clean with only light kissing.
Faith: Both characters relied on God through crisis.

Disclaimer: I requested and received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

(4.5) Romantic Suspense with faith! I love a book that can pull me in and still be inspirational in faith. Terri Reed does that. Right out of the gate we are with Paige at her bosses office. He is murdered, she is spotted and we take off. U.S. Marshall Lucas is called into protect her and her son Kenny. This is fast paced, lots of action, suspense and slow burn romance. Things keep happening and its brought up a couple times, that you are not promised an easy life on earth, there will be trials We have numerous perps, and I knew who the main "big reveal" was from the get go,. Though I have not read the complete series, and this is the last in the US Marshall series, I was not lost. Fabulous read. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions #ShieldingtheInnocentTarget #USMarshalls #TerriReed #LoveInspiredSuspense #Harlequin #NetGalley

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4.5 Stars!!

Get ready for a non-stop action in this romantic suspense!! From the very first opening scene, Terri Reed does an excellent job in hooking the reader in. The book opens up with Paige Walsh witnessing her boss's murder. A well renown and elusive assassin sets his mark on Paige and her son. When her boss's files for prosecuting a high profile arms dealer, she is the only one that has information and can identify the killer. Deputy US Marshal, Lucas Cavendish, becomes assigned their protector and vows to get revenge on the assassin he has had a history encounter before in the past. Once he meets Paige and gets to know her and her son, Kenny, more, the line between personal and work relationship begin to blur. Knowing she is being hunted, he vows to do whatever he can to ensure their safety. Their journey for witness protection has them going from Florida to Texas, however, the assassin always seems to be right where they are....could there be a mole somewhere??

I couldn't put the book down. I read it all in one day! The characters were fantastic. Paige, a single mother raising her medical needs son, has an inner strength you just love and admire. She puts herself behind the needs of her son and will do anything, even sacrifice her life to ensure his safety and well being. She is honest and genuine as well as considerate of others. It is unfortunate her circumstances develop from a wrong place at the wrong time scenario. Lucas, handsome, bit of a lone wolf mentality because of his line of work. He is an "all in" for his job; selfless and willing to risk his life for complete strangers. His carefully constructed walls begin to crumble the more he gets to know Paige and her son. Kenny is adorable....so sweet and his companion dog, Aslan, plays several important roles in this story. I loved the faith elements weaved into the story as well and the dependance on God to persevere through trials especially one like this. My only complaint was that the romance wrapped up very quickly at the end and would've like to see a little more build but other than that well done!!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Harlequin - Romance!

Shielding the Innocent Target is a well written romantic suspense. This book has and edge of your sea plot and is a real page tur. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance book. This is my unbiased review.

These books take the reader on such a heart pounding journey! I wanted to read as fast as I could to get to the end to find out what happened! It was so good to read about some familiar faces and get acquainted with Paige, Aslan, Kenny and Lucas. I loved how strong Paige was and how selfless Lucas was.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Shielding the Innocent Target is a blend of romantic suspense and unfaltering faith in the face of grave danger. Paige Walsh finds herself in a terrifying situation after witnessing her boss's murder. The assassin knows she can identify him so he must have her killed. He sets his sights on both Paige and her young son, Kenny. Deputy US Marshal Lucas Cavendish is appointed their protector, their shield so to speak. This until they can get her and Kenny into witness protection. 

Terri Reed is not shy about portraying God as the comforting presence in the middle of constant danger. Paige’s prayer offering is her lifeline and strength during moments of despair. Lucas, too, looks to God for guidance and protection. Given the closeness of their situation, a bond is inevitably formed between the two, really the three, including Kenny. 

The story was relentless as they are pursued by some very dangerous people. No matter where they hide, in a city or along a desolate highway, the assassin is always one step ahead, leaving Paige and Lucas perpetually on edge and Kenny scared and insecure. 

If you start Shielding the Innocent Target, etch out time in your day as you won’t want to put this book down, because danger lurks around every corner.

This book is the last book in her US Marshall series, but I read it as a stand alone and thoroughly enjoyed it even though I had not read any other books in this series and I’m not much of a romance novel girl.

If you like action, I highly recommend this book

Shielding the Innocent Target
Terri Reed
May 21, 2024

Paige Walsh was working late trying to get all the paperwork done for a very serious upcoming trial. Her boss, Prosecutor Donald Lessing was staying late as well. He looked forward to gathering all the correspondence so he could prepare for the following week's proceedings. His door was closed and from within she heard angry voices shouting at Donald. Concerned she held back then out of nowhere she heard a gunshot. Her boss had been executed.
Shielding the Innocent Target will be published on May 21 by LoveInspired. I was able to read and review Ms. Reed’s latest novel via the ARC from NetGalley. As always, Reed’s books are full of suspense. This one involves the government’s long process of finding the team that wanted to get the information that Walsh held as well as another important block of information that she found on her desk. The Deputy Marshals Team steps in to protect her and her son with a mission to take her to a safe house in Texas. When the trial is rescheduled she would be testifying. This is a good one - do enjoy!

Shielding the Innocent Target by Terri Reed is a breath-stealing blend of romantic suspense and unshakeable faith. We meet Paige Walsh, a woman thrust into a terrifying situation after witnessing her boss's murder. As a relentless assassin sets his sights on Paige and her son, Deputy US Marshal Lucas Cavendish becomes their protector - a shield against physical harm and the relentless shadows of fear.

This novel goes beyond typical romantic suspense. Reed authentically portrays God as the comforting presence, offering solace amidst the constant danger. We see Paige clinging to prayer as a lifeline, the sovereignty of God -- drawing strength from her beliefs during moments of despair. Lucas, too, looks to God for His peace, guidance, protection, offering a unique dynamic to their bond.

What truly sets this book apart is the pervasive sense of danger. Unlike stories with temporary safe havens, the threat here is a constant companion. No matter the bustling city or desolate highway, the assassin seems to be one step ahead, leaving Paige and Lucas perpetually on edge. This relentless pursuit creates a suffocating atmosphere, amplifying the emotional stakes with every turn of the page.

In the face of relentless danger, Lucas's faith becomes a lifeline. His whispered pleas for divine intervention punctuate the narrative. From the providential discovery of a functioning truck despite a flat tire to the overwhelming relief of surviving a night unscathed, every moment underscores their gratitude for God's protection. These instances highlight the profound connection between faith and resilience, where even the smallest blessings are celebrated as divine intervention in the midst of life-or-death situations.

Shielding the Innocent Target isn't for the faint of heart. It's a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride where danger lurks around every corner. What elevates this novel is its genuine portrayal of the Christian journey. Through the characters' struggles and the ongoing terrors, the unwavering presence of God shines brightly. This journey leads to a deeper faith for both the characters and the reader alike. Brace yourself to be ensnared not just by the relentless suspense, but also by the formidable shield of faith, piercing through the darkest of circumstances with a beacon of hope and unwavering courage, hitting the target of your heart with its transformative force.

I received a digital copy of Shielding the Innocent Target from the publisher via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Shielding the Innocent Target, concluding the wonderful U.S. Marshall series, is fast-paced and packed with action! I figured out early on who was behind the plot to eliminate the witness, but that did not distract from the enjoyment of the read. The smoothly flowing plot drew me in from the beginning and held me fast to the end. The characters are expertly crafted and realistic. The romantic tension between U.S. Deputy Marshall Lucas Cavendish and witness Paige Walsh runs as high as the suspense of the dangerous circumstances they find themselves in on their perilous trip from Florida to Texas never knowing who to trust. I love Paige’s strength and Lucas’s determination. Who could resist brave six-year-old Kenny and his super-attentive therapy dog Aslan? I enjoyed being reunited with characters from previous books. Even though there are carryover characters, this book is easily read as a standalone. I think fans of romantic suspense will love this story. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another action packed book by Terri Reed. I enjoy books that hike my attention from the beginning and this one definitely did. It kept me guessing until the very end and is sure to keep you awake to finish it. I highly recommend it. This book is scheduled to be released May 21, 2024 and I was given a complimentary copy of it by Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

This book pulled me in and fid not let go. I didn’t want to put it down. It was enjoyable. Quick fun read.

Action packed page turner. This romantic suspense caught my attention immediately and never let go. Several wonderful characters and a few not so nice ones. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

This is a Romantic Suspense. This book pulled me into the story, and I did not want to put it down. I really loved getting to know the characters in this book, and the mystery in this book kept me guessing. When everything was revealed it made sense, but I did not see it coming. The ending was cute and everything I wanted from this kind of book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

This suspenseful book starts out with a bang and the action just keeps on going! Paige witnesses her boss’s murder and US Marshall Lucas is assigned to protect her and her son, and their protector dog, Aslan (love that name). As they head west to safe houses and possibly WITSEC, trouble follows. Will they make it? How will it all end up? Who is the bad guy? It is the last in this series, but I read as a stand alone and really enjoyed it!

This book is a Christian romantic suspense. The assassin seems to know exactly where Lucas and Paige are even after they check for tracking devices, so Lucas thinks it must be one of the people who are handling Paige's case and protection. But who? There's plenty of suspense, including a thriller movie worthy ending. I was confused when Lucas, whose one job is to protect Paige and her son, who doesn't know who to trust, and who is now surrounded by people he doesn't know, orders a stranger with no bodyguard training to protect her while he runs off to help fight a fire (which he's not trained to do) in place of that man. That made no sense.

Anyway, the main characters were likable. Paige's husband died from foolish risk-taking, so she's not interested in a man who risks his life on his job. Paige and Lucas came to care for each other as they spent time together and built up trust. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting suspense novel.

Fast-paced suspense that keeps you guessing! Paige Walsh has witnessed her boss's murder and is now under the protection of U.S. Marshall Lucas Cavendish. In a cross-country move to keep her safe, the trip is fraught with peril. As she and her son Kenny and his support dog Aslan along with the Marshall try and outrun a known assassin, Lucas is struggling to find out where the leak in law enforcement has occurred. Is it his previous boss, his current boss or a fellow Marshall or FBI agent? Wind your way from FL to TX as danger, romance, and a crazed killer has you flipping pages long after bedtime! For suspense lovers, a definite must-read.