What do you think?
Rate this book
Targeted
Caught in the Crosshairs
When it comes to a battle of the wills, these two may have met their match--in each other
Claudia Gallegos's career in the CIA once sent her to the Middle East, but that was in the past, and it's against policy to be in contact with any foreign entity outside the scope of a mission. So when the personal bodyguard of a Saudi prince exiled to Virginia calls her with an urgent plea for help, her first instinct is to ignore the request. She's not going to risk her job over some pampered black sheep from a royal family. But, it couldn't hurt to just check it out . . .
Former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman is comfortable putting his expertise to use to influence governments, organizations, and people in ways that are more favorable to the mission at hand. Now he's been charged to use those skills on a fellow intelligence officer to determine whether she's compromised her oath and is involved in the death of high profile foreign national on US soil.
Thrown together in a fight not their own, Claudia and Ari have no reason to trust one another. But they must learn to work together to prevent a coup that could put America at risk.
Claudia Gallegos's career in the CIA once sent her to the Middle East, but that was in the past, and it's against policy to be in contact with any foreign entity outside the scope of a mission. So when the personal bodyguard of a Saudi prince exiled to Virginia calls her with an urgent plea for help, her first instinct is to ignore the request. She's not going to risk her job over some pampered black sheep from a royal family. But, it couldn't hurt to just check it out . . .
Former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman is comfortable putting his expertise to use to influence governments, organizations, and people in ways that are more favorable to the mission at hand. Now he's been charged to use those skills on a fellow intelligence officer to determine whether she's compromised her oath and is involved in the death of high profile foreign national on US soil.
Thrown together in a fight not their own, Claudia and Ari have no reason to trust one another. But they must learn to work together to prevent a coup that could put America at risk.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2023
32 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Walters
14 books1,199 followersMy world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling.
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3cxla3i
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3kQ4UgN
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3l39V63
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/30buJju
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 12, 2024
Second time reading this — as enjoyable as the first! 🥰🥰 LOVE this story!
June 20, 2023
This was a fun romantic suspense novella! My one complaint about romantic suspense novellas is that due to the shortness of the story, the romance always feels a bit rushed. The author did a good job with this, but it still felt rushed to me, as is the nature of the beast. I otherwise thoroughly enjoyed the plot line and mystery for this story. I have read all of Natalie Walters' books, and it was good to visit some of my "old friends" from her Harbored Secrets series (this story could also stand alone, though - it's just made richer if you know the history of some of the side characters). This story is about a CIA agent who has been called by a foreign royal who is in the States urgently asking for help. When she arrives to assist and finds a grisly scene, she's put in the crosshairs. And the agent sent to see if she's involved is the only one who can seemingly help her.
I enjoyed the characters as well as the story line. The faith thread was more subtle in this one - in large part because it's a novella, I assume. The mystery and suspense elements kept me turning pages and though the romance moved too quickly for me, it was not overly mushy and was therefore palatable. All in all, this is one I would recommend to fans of romantic suspense. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of the collection this was initially released in. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
I enjoyed the characters as well as the story line. The faith thread was more subtle in this one - in large part because it's a novella, I assume. The mystery and suspense elements kept me turning pages and though the romance moved too quickly for me, it was not overly mushy and was therefore palatable. All in all, this is one I would recommend to fans of romantic suspense. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of the collection this was initially released in. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
August 31, 2023
Caught in the Crosshairs by Natalie Walters was tense from the jump. I really liked that the leading lady’s allegiance was called into question. That’s an angle I hardly ever see in Christian fiction, so it felt refreshing and kept me flipping pages. I also enjoyed the fact that the leading man was chivalrous. That is something muchly needed in today’s society, and I’m glad this book put it on display.
The scar burning situation was odd. I have a few scars, and none of them ever burned after they healed. Maybe others have more experience with this sort of thing, but it just rubbed me the wrong way. It seemed more like the leading lady’s memories were what seared her, but the pain was attributed to a scar. It just came off weird to me.
And why did the leading characters ogle each other when they were supposed to be doing their jobs? That’s always so awkward to me. As were the physical reactions that stood out enough for me to jot a note about them as I was reading.
Content: alcohol, tobacco, drugs, replacement profanity, tattoos, unwed pregnancy mentioned, marital affairs
The scar burning situation was odd. I have a few scars, and none of them ever burned after they healed. Maybe others have more experience with this sort of thing, but it just rubbed me the wrong way. It seemed more like the leading lady’s memories were what seared her, but the pain was attributed to a scar. It just came off weird to me.
And why did the leading characters ogle each other when they were supposed to be doing their jobs? That’s always so awkward to me. As were the physical reactions that stood out enough for me to jot a note about them as I was reading.
Content: alcohol, tobacco, drugs, replacement profanity, tattoos, unwed pregnancy mentioned, marital affairs
June 21, 2023
Caught in the Crosshairs by Natalie Walters.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Having already read all of Natalie Walter’s books, I knew the main character Claudia, her family, and the history that is referenced. I loved getting to know Claudia more through this novella. Knowing some of the backstory to this novella *did* make it a little more enjoyable to me than the other two stories. So I know I’m definitely (and unashamedly) biased in my review. The character development, both snarky and serious character interactions, fast pace, and life-or-death conflict all made me want to continue reading even when I had other more-important things to do.
Note: I read this in the book Targeted (a novella collection). It’s the same novella, just being offered by itself now so I’m adding my review here too.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Having already read all of Natalie Walter’s books, I knew the main character Claudia, her family, and the history that is referenced. I loved getting to know Claudia more through this novella. Knowing some of the backstory to this novella *did* make it a little more enjoyable to me than the other two stories. So I know I’m definitely (and unashamedly) biased in my review. The character development, both snarky and serious character interactions, fast pace, and life-or-death conflict all made me want to continue reading even when I had other more-important things to do.
Note: I read this in the book Targeted (a novella collection). It’s the same novella, just being offered by itself now so I’m adding my review here too.
June 20, 2023
Action, chemistry, and banter! Oh my! I could not get enough of this feisty duo! This story was everything I wanted it to be! Danger at each turn and a sarcastic one liner to follow! Natalie Walters did a great job of drawing me in as a reader to this plot, while delivering action and an absolutely enticing budding romance between Ari and Claudia. My only complaint is wanting more of this story because I was totally loving the chemistry between Ari and Claudia and I would have read 100 more pages!
June 21, 2023
Claudia and Ari's story was full of suspense from start to finish. And having met Claudia before in Silent Shadows it was nice for her to get her own adventure! Sometimes in novellas, too many characters are mentioned and if you haven't read any of the other stories that feed into the novella it can get confusing. Reading Silent Shadows before Caught in the Crosshairs will definitely make reading it a richer experience (and the Harbored Secrets series is fantastic!), but it can also be read alone.
October 4, 2023
Claudia was meh, liked Ari though
December 15, 2023
I would give this book 6 stars if I could, and would be part of a standing ovation clapping for an encore. Yes, it’s that good!
June 24, 2024
3.5
Read in the collection Targeted (Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Natalie Walters) - Kindle edition
Read in the collection Targeted (Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Natalie Walters) - Kindle edition
July 4, 2023
This novella is the final installment in the Harbored Secrets series. We first met Claudia Gallegos in Silent Shadows, which featured her sister Pecca. Claudia finds herself in the crosshairs after a former contact is murdered. Ari Blackman, another CIA agent, is determined to keep her safe no matter the cost. There’s a lot of action and the suspense kept me engaged. The romance was nice but, as in every novella, it seemed a little quick to happen. This is a drawback of novellas in general and not a reflection on Natalie Walters’ writing ability. I love her stories and was thoroughly entertained with Caught in the Crosshairs. I purchased the Targeted: Three Romantic Suspense Novellas that released in 2022 that included Caught in the Crosshairs.
April 7, 2025
I usually really enjoy this author’s books, but this one was a bit of a disappointment.
January 11, 2024
If you enjoy a rapid paced novella that fulfills your desire for romantic suspense without feeling like you’ve been short changed because the story is too short, then you’ve picked up the right novella. There is plenty of well-paced action along with a dash of romance that will keep you up reading too late! I devoured this novella and was pleased to see one of my favorite authors Natalie Walters with a novella offering. The suspense action is spot on, as is the romance, so you’re in for a treat. You will also recognize some key players from Silent Shadows, which is part of the Harbored Secrets series and a favorite of mine.
I have read everything Natalie Walters has published and I enjoyed revisiting some of her characters from Harbored Secrets. This novella is part of the Targeted novella collection but is available separately as a Kindle e-book. Ms. Walters has a generous backlist that is not to be missed!
I received a copy of this book from a blog giveaway and 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 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I have read everything Natalie Walters has published and I enjoyed revisiting some of her characters from Harbored Secrets. This novella is part of the Targeted novella collection but is available separately as a Kindle e-book. Ms. Walters has a generous backlist that is not to be missed!
I received a copy of this book from a blog giveaway and 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 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews