Undercover ATF agent Jack Spencer has been running away his entire life. His last assignment has him questioning who he really is, what he believes, and who he can trust. When his cover is compromised, and he’s injured, he must disappear in order to survive.
She wants a fresh start.
After five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, ex-Army medic Maggie Coleman wants a quiet life, one without emotional trauma. The peace and serenity of the Hawai’ian Islands is just what the doctor ordered. Then Jack crashes into her life, taking her on a rollercoaster ride into the unknown.
Now, they’re running for their lives.
Maggie and Jack flee the Islands only to find their every move is anticipated. As the days wear on, they form a bond that transcends their situation, and they must learn to depend not only on each other, but God as well. When they finally reach the safe house in the mountains of Montana, Jack and Maggie hunker down and wait for reinforcements. Before help arrives, Maggie is kidnapped, and Jack has only one option—offer himself in exchange. Failure is not an option. Because if he does, they both stand to lose more than just their budding relationship.
Undercover Agent, Jack Spencer is shot during a mission. Maggie Coleman, an EMT, and vet is taking care of his care and makes sure he gets to his destination. Against Jack's advice Maggie decides to stay with him in spite of the danger. Being hunted at every step, they run for their lives.
The characters are well-developed and have many layers, especially Jack. The story has intrigue, lots of danger, suspense, betrayal, and a hint of a budding romance.
The story is fast action, steeped in faith, and tension that keeps you glued to the pages. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
I was provided with an ARC and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
The action is non-stop and high-octane in this Christian romantic suspense. Jack Spencer is an undercover ATF agent with a blown cover who is running for his life. Wounded and barely surviving, he is blessed beyond measure to be under the care of EMT Maggie Coleman, a woman who is dedicated to saving lives and has decided that she will save Jack’s, no matter the cost. Set in Hawaii at first and then moving to the cold mountains of Montana, the settings had me hooked as much as the characters and the plot. Jack and Maggie make an unlikely couple in an impossible scenario and getting to know them was pure pleasure from start to finish. The suspense was breath-stopping, with constant danger for the couple at every turn and in unexpected ways and places. The characterization was so realistic that I found myself giving Jack and Maggie advice and even laughing at their back-and-forth banter as they discovered their attraction for each other. This was a completely engrossing story with an extremely powerful message of faith and redemption and the power of love. Spiritual truths jumped off the page consistently, keeping the focus on the relationship that the characters had with God and their dependence on Him. This is a well-crafted and compelling story that kept me thoroughly engaged and wanting to read late into the night. This story is also a sensitive exploration of PTSD and trauma and coming back from the unthinkable. There are so many layers in this creative and unique tale that I highly recommend you grab a copy and enjoy it yourself. It is romantic suspense at its best, with a fast pace and plenty of misdirection to keep the mystery buffs intrigued. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her review team. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
This was my first time reading this author. And it won't be my last. Lethal Intentions was an awesome read. With fast paced action it kept me turning the pages. A great story from beginning to end.
In this debut release from author Jennifer Chastain, she has provided readers with two realistic characters who are running for their lives. Why? Jack, an ATF Agent, has been betrayed by everyone he trusted and wounded in a shootout and Maggie is the EMt Nurse an ex-Army Medic who is sent to see that he gets to medical treatment safely. That quickly turns into running for your life and hiding out in places no normal people would stay in hopes of throwing those following off their path. It only buys them bits and pieces of time while they piece together the bigger picture of what really went down with Jack’s failed op and this growing attraction between them. Because one thing is for sure, undercover ATF Agent Jack Spencer lived by one hard and fast rule: Don't get attached. No exceptions. There is just one problem. Maggie may well prove to be his exception! It is going to take all their trust in each other and more importantly their faith to see them through to rescue. Do not miss this exciting new release to read the superb ending!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
One undercover ATF agent whose cover has been blown. One EMT medical caregiver who only wants to do her job and go home. Now they’re running for their lives. This debut story by Jennifer Chastain is an active, dramatic, and suspenseful story. From the first page to the last it was full of action and adventure. The author does an excellent job of telling this story and keeps the reader wanting more. Jennifer Chastain is a new author whose writing style is full and captivating. I think she will be one I’ll watch for in years to come. One thing I appreciate in her writings is that she weaves lessons of God’s love and grace throughout the story. It’s not forced or fake. I really liked this quote from the book: “It’s okay to be afraid, Maggie. However, we can’t let our fears replace our trust in God.” Great thought for the day! I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I highly recommend you pick it up to read!
Lethal Intentions by Jennifer Chastain is a fast paced, suspenseful ride from beginning to end. This was a great series beginning, and I can’t wait to read more!
I was provided a copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Lethal Intentions is an exciting start to the Targeted for Elimination series. The action-packed, suspenseful plot, with its twists and surprising revelations, drew me in from the beginning and kept me invested to the satisfying ending. The characters are well-crafted and realistic. A bit of sweet romance adds interest to the read. I appreciate the strong faith thread with themes of redemption, God’s provision, and second chances. I enjoyed this book and recommend it for romantic suspense fans. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was the first book I have read by this author and it was so good! What an adventurous, suspenseful, wild ride! Great characters helped to bring this story to life!
This is a Christian romance but full of suspense. The characters and their relationship is raw and real. Could not put it down. This was my first book by this author but won't be the last.
I did receive an ARC of this book but these opinions are mine.
Wow! A new author for me and I will be following her. Well developed characters and plot lines. Plenty of action in this book. I highly recommend it to suspense lovers.
Wow! This book was a marathon. I feel like I have been on the run with these characters dodging bullets and runaway cars. Don't let the beautiful landscape of Hawaii fool you, there is danger lurking beneath the surface. Jack Spencer is an undercover agent whose cover has been blown. When he is running away, he suffers a gunshot wound. He cannot stop running, and he cannot just walk into a hospital. His handler makes arrangements with a local medi-flight company to patch him up and get him off the island. This is how we meet Maggie Coleman, EMT. Maggie is getting ready for six glorious days of vacation to enjoy doing absolutely nothing when her boss, Tua, tells her he needs her to assist Jack. She is not happy, but she feels duty bound to help her patient.
Jack's plans are to get patched up and move on without him, but Maggie will not allow him to leave without her. She knows there is a mystery here, but her oath to put the patient first is more important than ever. They both are survivors, and they do not realize it immediately, but they need each other. They both have past wounds. The action amps up from that point forward. My stomach was in knots at times as I wanted to reach into the book and help them along. They were both American heroes who have always put others first before their own safety. I knew this was going to be an unputdownable book after only two chapters. The characters had so much integrity and heroism and it was admirable. The inspirational message was deep and emotional. As their faith grew deeper and they leaned on it further, they realized just how much they needed it and each other. The explosive ending will leave you breathless and wanting more.
One quote stood out to me - "A glimmer of fear mixed with hope shone in her eyes. Yes, that's what they needed - hope. As quickly as it appeared, it disappeared." It was heartfelt, exciting, suspense-filled and romantic.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book . . . grabbed me from the opening scene. When undercover Jack Spencer finds himself with an intruder in his Hawaii home and his life in danger, he fights and is shot. He needs to get to a safe house on the mainland. But his injury makes that difficult.
After an op gone horribly wrong in the middle East, EMT Maggie Coleman is trying to heal working in Hawaii. When she is tasked to help an injured man get the medical care he needs, she has no idea of the life-endangering, lifesaving events that will forever change her. As she helps Jack from Hawaii to a safe house in an isolated mountain location, they are constantly targeted.
Through the story Jack and Maggie, two broken people still grappling with things from their pasts, learn how to trust each other, and how to be strong for each other.
This romantic suspense has some surprising twists and turns and surprises. Chastain did a good job using the setting as a character, at times, even as a nemesis. The secondary characters were engaging. The thread of God being faithful weaves throughout this story in a beautiful not overdone (in my opinion) way.
I know a story is good when I keep wanting to get back to it. I found my thoughts wandering to “what will happen next?” When I wasn’t reading the story.
With themes of second chances and new beginnings, this story has a number of feel-good elements in it and a satisfying ending. If you enjoy high action romantic suspense with strong, flawed and redeemable characters and a sweet romance thread, you will enjoy this book.
***I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are strictly my own.
Confession: Had I known I was reviewing an e-book, I would have passed on this one. Not an e-book fan, and I like books I review to be on my shelf. But had I passed, I would have missed a great read.
This was a completely new author to me. It looks like she has one other book under her belt, a Christmas novel. The description of the book made reviewing it an easy sale. And it did not disappoint.
The book starts out with a bang - literally. Jack and Maggie are thrown together as she rides along to save his life, ultimately making the decision to stick with him as he runs for his life while she does her best to keep him alive.
I can't really come up with anything negative about the book. As with any movie, TV show, or book, a gunshot victim always gets around better than they would in reality, yet I felt the author did a better job on that than most authors, especially with an EMT along for the ride to keep an eye on the wound.
I loved the two main characters. Jack made a great hero/male protagonist, and Maggie made a great heroine/female protagonist. The book had non stop suspense - just as I like it - a lot of attraction/romance, and the author did not shy away from Christian content, with Jack and Maggie realizing and discussing how God was protecting them. On the romance part, I wanted to knock their heads together a few times, but all is well that ends well.
And the book did have a great ending. As I said at the beginning of my review, I would have passed on this had I known I was reviewing an e-book.....so I am glad I didn't pass. This may be the author's first suspense novel, but she knocked it out of the park. Definitely a 5-star review.
I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.
Reading this novel was like watching an episode of Hawaii Five-O and Magnum P.I. - action, drama, shooting, murder and beautiful scenery everywhere you look. This was a fast paced thriller of a read. Maggie cannot wait to take her days off on the beach with some sun, sand, drinks and books to get lost in the real world, but her boss has different plans for her. An unexpected situation has Maggie attending to a gun shot wound on a stranger who has a target on his back and without any choice in the matter, soon they are on their way stateside. Having no idea who Jack is, what is happening or the danger they are in, she tries to focus on doing her job as a medic and keeping the patient alive and as safe as she can under the circumstances. Having been double crossed, Jack now has to rely on a stranger to tend to his wound while fleeing for his life in hopes of understanding who crossed who and why. Not knowing who to trust, the two escape to various terrains in the US and quickly have to learn to rely on each other only to stay safe and one step ahead of those who always seem to know their next move before they do. Maggie and Jack both have baggage and a past that often hinder split second decisions but it is life or death and they must focus on the now and training they've done their entire careers to get them out of this mess. Thank you to the author for sending me a free ebook. This review is my own opinion.
What a debut book! From almost the first page until the end, the adrenaline is pounding hard and doesn't let up. In a desperate race to escape a dangerous cartel, Jack also has to find out how his identity was compromised. Without the answer the danger will never stop. Maggie agrees to help her boss with one last medical run that turns into a race for her life, and that of her unwilling patient. Together they must find the answers or risk their lives and risk putting everyone who crosses their path in danger. The action in the first day alone is enough to keep the reader up late into the night. Trying to dodge cartel members, car chases, dingy hotel rooms to cover their tracks all feed into a thrilling chase that ends at the choice of life or death to finally find out who is pulling the strings behind the scenes. Tying it all together is the underlying emotions that refuse to be ignored, both for each other and for the God who has the entire thing in the palm of His hand. Can they trust God and each other enough to see this through to the end? Jennifer Chastain keeps the reader engaged with high-octane action that never lets up. Through beautiful landscapes that cover the gambit from sunny beaches to noisy blizzards, her marvelous descriptions keep every sense involved in the story. The sky is the limit for this great author. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Lethal Intentions is romantic suspense in the style of Tolkien’s The Hobbit. This story is full of action scenes bookended with lots of travel and eating. As the story’s plot involves the main characters trying to solve a mystery while attempting to flee from the bag guys, this makes sense and fits that Hobbit-like structure.
It is a book by a new-ish author, and sometimes it reads as such. This translates into a suspense story that does involve gunfights and serious consequences, but it doesn’t feel as intense as many other suspense stories often do, and while the stakes are very high for the main characters, other lives aren’t dependent upon them solving this mystery. People who are interested in mystery stories but aren’t ready for super high stakes and intense scenes might be really interested in Lethal Intentions.
I enjoyed the main characters but was just as interested in the locations. Having just returned from a field trip to Hawaii, it was interesting to see how each this and the other locations impacted the action in the story.
Lethal Intentions is an interesting start to a new series. Fans of sweet suspense should give it a try.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I’m a huge fan of Christian romantic suspense, so I was thrilled to be on the launch team for Jennifer Chastain’s new book, Lethal Intentions. Jack Spencer is an undercover ATF agent whose cover is blown and ends up running for his life. He meets up with Maggie Coleman who is the EMT who is charged to care for him as he was shot while trying to escape. They both end up on the run, trying to get Jack to a safe house. Yet, they can’t seem to shake their tail. As they scramble to evade the cartel (or whoever it is that is actually tailing them), they wonder who betrayed him and who they can trust. At the same time, they find themselves falling for each other. All along the way they are trusting in God and spiritual truths are shared. I really wanted to love this book, but found myself only being able to give it three stars. I do tend to like my suspense very suspenseful, and I found that even though they were constantly being tailed, it wasn’t near as suspenseful as I was expecting. I won’t give any details beyond that, as I don’t want to spoil the book for you. Also, I found quite a few inconsistencies that I just couldn’t get out of my mind. And the romance didn’t seem quite believable to me, especially because the first line of the book states, “Undercover ATF agent Jack Spencer lived by one hard and fast rule. Don't get attached. No exceptions.” Their relationship was only days old and I wasn’t sure what they were basing their thoughts and feelings about each other on. I did appreciate the spiritual truths and the fact that they put their lives in God’s hands and trusted in him. I received this book for free from the author as a part of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.
Lethal Intentions Targeted for Elimination #1 By Jennifer Chastain
Jack Spencer's cover is blown, he's injured, and on the run. But if he hopes to live long enough to stop the people who are behind this he needs help. All Maggie Coleman wants to do is start her vacation, but she needs to get Jack to the Mainland first.
But Jack and Maggie are dealing with baggage from their pasts while trying to stay ahead of the people who are after Jack. But now Maggie is in their sights. Can Jack live long enough to get Maggie back to Hawaii?
This is the first time I have read a book by Jennifer Chastain, and I would say her style would be a good fit for fans of Love Inspired Suspense. Immediate danger starts off the book, and Maggie quickly gets drawn into the danger that is tracking Jack. I would say that this book falls into the clean-read category. Nothing too graphic in regard to violence. I would say this is a fairly good read if you are looking for suspense, mystery, and romance and don't want PG-13 or worst situations popping up throughout your reading. This would be an excellent weekend or spring break read.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
From beautiful Hawaii to the snow packed roads and mountains of Montana, Lethal Intentions, has you on the edge of your seat as you turn the pages. What will happen next? Who is really the betrayer? Jack Spencer, an undercover ATF agent, is working on an undercover case in Hawaii. There is a hitch in the operation and Jack’s life is now in danger. EMT Maggie Coleman, who willingly helps without realizing her own life would be in peril, becomes the person to help to safe Jack’s life. Together they encourage one another as past experiences surface, especially Maggie’s PTSD. I read the book in one day, because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I was surprised by the twists and turns. Both main characters show their relationship with God and how He works in their lives, drawing them to Him—weaving and working for His purposes. If you like a good mystery, then you need to purchase a copy and delve into this book.
I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy from the author as part of her review team. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the first story I read from Author Jennifer Chastain. And boy was I pulled in from page one. This action packed, suspense Faith filled and added romance is a keeper. I am looking forward to more reads from this author.
We are introduced to Agent Jack Spencer and former Army vet medic Maggie Coleman. Who within these pages show us sadness, witty conversations and surprising adventures in detours from Hawaii all the way to the beautiful Montana mountains. His mission has been blown, her wish is to go home. But now...... they are the target of enemy or friend. Here in the mountains they must hide in places never imagined and trust each other despite past betrayals from people close to them. They will need that trust to come out alive from being the next target. Jennifer Chastain crafts together a great story that will keep readers like me wanting more. She does an excellent delivery with lessons of God's love mixed in the lines.
Like I mentioned before Jennifer Chastain will be an author I will keep my eyes open for my of her books.
I received an e-ARC from the author. All stated here are my own.
Lethal Intentions is a romantic-suspense novel well-written by author Jennifer Chastain. It is installment #1 of the Targeted For Elimination series.
Undercover ATF agent Jack Spencer believed sentimentality made a person weak and was a surefire way to lose focus. What if he had overlooked an important piece of evidence in his last cartel assignment? Abi had been his cover, now what? EMT Maggie Coleman was called in to take care of Jack Spencer.
I was invested in the novel from the very beginning. I just had to find out what was going to happen. I didn’t want to put the novel down, reading late into the night. This was a novel that wouldn’t let me go. I look forward to reading installment #2. I give Lethal Intentions 5*/5*
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
This book reads more like an episode of a fast paced t.v. show. It was very fast paced and a lot of conversation between the two main characters. I wanted a little more time to get to know the characters before all the action started. Although, you do get to know more about the characters throughout the book.
Usually with suspense books, I like a little more time to be able to process whose responsible for the crime. I also like being able to get to see the side of the perpetrators, even while not knowing who the perpetrator is. The book seemed more about the characters and less about the crime.
The positive aspect of the book is the overall arching theme of God and how He is our protector. I like the message and how the characters worked to remind each other to trust God and pray.
I received an ARC and was not required to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are my own.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and WOW! The story started with action and did not stop until the end. There is a strong faith element to this story too, it's what keep the characters going when everything seems lost. Jack Spencer and undercover ATF agent is wounded when his cover is blown, Maggie Coleman and EMT is given the task of saving his life by honoring a favor from her boss. This story starts in Hawaii, takes you to Montana and then on to North Carolina. It is a wild ride throughout the story with some respite during a blizzard but Jack and Maggie are constantly on alert for the danger that follows them at every turn. Who can they trust? They both remind each other that God is the only One who can get them out of this mess safely. The story is full of intrigue, edge of the seat action, suspense, a touch of romance, and faith that God will overcome the evil that is after them.
This read quickly became a page turner, filled with action and suspense, and add in some sweet romance, along with sadly some PTSD. We are running with an Undercover ATF Agent and an EMT, who I'm sure never knew what an adventure she was about to embark on when she took this case! This is Christian read that I couldn't put down, what was going to happen next, around each corner there was a vehicle following them, along with bullets flying, but how does this evil know where they are? From Hawaii to the mainland, from the tropics to snow banks, you will be looking for answers. Why? Well answers come, along with more questions, keep reading, as I did, and now I'm looking for more! I received this book through the author, and was not required to give a positive review.
This book has it all! Suspense, intrigue and romance! It also deals with the sad reality of PTSD. The characters are fabulous! Jack Spencer is swoon worthy! He's a tough undercover agent but he has a heart of gold! He's loyal and determined. Maggie is a former military EMT who battles with PTSD. She is compassionate and the perfect caretaker. I enjoyed the setting of Hawaii. The imagery really made me feel like I was there. I enjoyed the many twists and turns that unfolded. The ending was a complete surprise! A definite must read! I was provided an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This fast paced, run for your lives adventure kept me wanting to turn the page! I loved everything about this book! The characters were relatable and easy to get to know. I especially loved Rick and RiAnne, the Christian couple Jack and Maggie met on their journey. There was a very strong faith theme that was beautifully written that made me look at my own faith walk. This was my first read by this author and I will definitely be coming back for more. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author. My opinion is my own.
If you want a book with fast action and romantic tension, this is a book for you.
While undercover agent, Jack Spencer, and Maggie Coleman, an EMT try to learn how to depend on each other for survival, they must also learn to depend on God, too. Once Jack's cover is blown they jump into a race for their lives, literally.
I enjoyed the development of the characters and loved their story together. Highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book with no expectation in return. The opinions above are my own and honest regarding this book.
Jack and Maggie are totally different yet they are brought together to save Jack’s life in more ways than one. The pressure of not knowing who to trust, they have to lean on each other.
The plot twists can keep you guessing as they race to find the answers and bring down a cartel. Will the danger bring them closer or will it end their relationship?
I received an ARC with no expectations of an review except to be honest.