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Caught in the Crosshair
Lauren James had ignored the recent spate of calls from her brother. After all, he was a big player linked to a major cartel, and he’d been dead to her for nearly a decade. Then she receives the one call she can’t ignore—her brother’s been kidnapped and will be killed if she doesn’t bring money. No matter how far gone her brother is, Lauren can’t turn her back on him completely. Deep down she’s always wanted to save him. Now, she’s forced into action because he’ll die otherwise.
Ex-Special Forces sniper Jaden Dean owns a private security firm and after losing his older brother to gang violence, needs to take down as many scum bags as he can—single-handedly if need be. And he was the best. Until he trusted the wrong woman on his last assignment and ended up nearly dead in the street.
On a tropical island with a hurricane brewing and dangerous men closing in, Lauren and Jaden will need to work together to survive and find her brother. The cartel seems to be one step ahead, and Jaden’s operatives are being killed one-by-one. He will have to use all his specialized training and risk everything, including his heart, to outwit the deadly group and keep Lauren safe. Their magnetic attraction isn't helping matters...because even a slight distraction might just get them both killed.
Ex-Special Forces sniper Jaden Dean owns a private security firm and after losing his older brother to gang violence, needs to take down as many scum bags as he can—single-handedly if need be. And he was the best. Until he trusted the wrong woman on his last assignment and ended up nearly dead in the street.
On a tropical island with a hurricane brewing and dangerous men closing in, Lauren and Jaden will need to work together to survive and find her brother. The cartel seems to be one step ahead, and Jaden’s operatives are being killed one-by-one. He will have to use all his specialized training and risk everything, including his heart, to outwit the deadly group and keep Lauren safe. Their magnetic attraction isn't helping matters...because even a slight distraction might just get them both killed.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2013
7 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Barb Han
366 books211 followersBARB HAN is a USA TODAY, Publisher's Weekly, and Amazon Bestselling Author. Reviewers have called her books "heartfelt" and "exciting."
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.
Sign up to receive Barb's news and release announcements at www.BarbHan.com.
She lives in Texas—her true north—with her adventurous family, and a spunky rescue who is often referred to as a hot mess. She is the proud owner of too many books (if there is such a thing). When not writing, she can be found exploring Manhattan, on a mountain either hiking or skiing depending on the season, or swimming in her own backyard.
Sign up to receive Barb's news and release announcements at www.BarbHan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 12, 2013
This page turner has a strong focus on the romance. There's plenty of suspense but no gore and the action is a backdrop to two people falling in love. I fell in love right along with them!
I also really liked the way the sensuality built up so that when they came together it was really making love... very sensual and from the heart.
The back story is woven so well throughout the book that it never slows the action but adds emotional depth. I was especially touched by Lauren's background and why she loved her flawed brother.
I also really liked the way the sensuality built up so that when they came together it was really making love... very sensual and from the heart.
The back story is woven so well throughout the book that it never slows the action but adds emotional depth. I was especially touched by Lauren's background and why she loved her flawed brother.
March 19, 2014
**The author provided a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review**
Lauren has been ignoring her brothers phone calls she knows he is involved with a drug cartel, but when she gets a call demanding a ransom or he will be killed she rushes to his aid. Jaden owns a security firm he lives with guilt every day, over his brother's death, trusting the wrong woman and the deaths of his men. The two of them have to work together to stay alive and find her brother. The beginning of this book pulled me in, the prologue and the phone call had my interest peaked, then a burst of action had me glued to my kindle wanting to see what was going to happen next. I liked how the author set the story up and the characters themselves. I loved all the action packed drama and how the author worked the romance into the storyline without making it the complete focus of the book while at the same time not making it inconsequential. As much as I liked the book for all the reasons above I did not really like this authors writing style, I felt that the book was a bit verbose and at times I felt myself concentrating a little more on the actual words themselves than the storyline. If you enjoy this writing style then this is a book for you, even if you do not the storyline itself keeps you interested and gives you a good read.
Lauren has been ignoring her brothers phone calls she knows he is involved with a drug cartel, but when she gets a call demanding a ransom or he will be killed she rushes to his aid. Jaden owns a security firm he lives with guilt every day, over his brother's death, trusting the wrong woman and the deaths of his men. The two of them have to work together to stay alive and find her brother. The beginning of this book pulled me in, the prologue and the phone call had my interest peaked, then a burst of action had me glued to my kindle wanting to see what was going to happen next. I liked how the author set the story up and the characters themselves. I loved all the action packed drama and how the author worked the romance into the storyline without making it the complete focus of the book while at the same time not making it inconsequential. As much as I liked the book for all the reasons above I did not really like this authors writing style, I felt that the book was a bit verbose and at times I felt myself concentrating a little more on the actual words themselves than the storyline. If you enjoy this writing style then this is a book for you, even if you do not the storyline itself keeps you interested and gives you a good read.
September 21, 2013
244 pages
Its a roller coaster ride of drama, action, romantic suspense and intrigue.
Lauren gets the call. The anguish in his voice is enough to convince her. Draining every penny from her accounts she hies off to Antigua to pay the ransom demand for her brother Max who’s been involved with some shady characters over the years.
Special ops hunk Jaden working on a case intercepts a frustrated and very angry Lauren before she can hand over the money. Now what?
Well settle in for some nonstop action amidst the maelstrom of a hurricane, a drug cartel, murder, dodging bullets, car chases, a rescue and an unknown enemy who wants Lauren wiped out. Over Jaden’s dead body!
Throw in a romance that simmers to a an explosive boil and it’s a thrilling ride.
All a reader asks is to be entertained and the author delivers from the first page and never lets up.
First read by this author and a great read.
July 15, 2013
I love Barb Han's contemporary novels, but since I'm a romantic suspense nut, I really think this book is my favorite. The adventure was real and tense, not to mention getting caught in a hurricane and a brush with a shark. Add that to bad guys who want her dead and a hunk sworn to protect her, and you have a real keeper. Well done, Ms. Han.
July 31, 2015
Awesome story line, kept me in suspense. I love how the story starts, the characters are believable. This author is one to watch, each book she does gets better and better . So far I have read every one she has written and never been disappointed. Keep them coming Mrs. Han!
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September 13, 2013Full of non-stop action!
January 29, 2017
I received this book free from Amazon as part of a boxed set hearts in Danger and I am voluntarily writing a review. This was action and adventure from page one to the end and was an enjoyable read even though there were several glaring holes in the plot. I would read this authors works again.
November 1, 2016
.
Could not put this book down. Read all night & all day till i finished it! Suspenseful, romantic, twists and turns wow what a read!
Could not put this book down. Read all night & all day till i finished it! Suspenseful, romantic, twists and turns wow what a read!
June 2, 2017
.....Crosshair review
Great book. Couldn't put it down. Read it in one day. Loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters.. You have found your calling.
Great book. Couldn't put it down. Read it in one day. Loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters.. You have found your calling.
March 21, 2014
3.5 shining stars
Caught in the Crosshair is an inviting blend of tension-filled romance and suspense between Lauren and Jaden whose romance blossoms in the midst of a dangerous situation revolving around a South American Cartel, a rescue attempt, an island hurricane, and escapes from a constant barrage of bullets. Hans pulled me into the book quickly and easily by starting off with adrenaline-packed action that is practically non-stop in the first half of the book. I initially had a difficult time finding a stopping place to take a break and was actually quite surprised at how quickly I finished the book.
After learning that her brother Max has been kidnapped by a cartel he was once associated with, Lauren is determined to do whatever is necessary to rescue Max, trusting that it will be as simple as handing over cash in exchange for her brother’s release. Unfortunately, Lauren’s arrival on the island of Antigua brings her even more trouble until Jaden Dean comes to her rescue, and Lauren finds herself increasingly relying upon Jaden’s expertise and protective nature to keep her safe and locate Max. Jaden and his operatives are on a mission to bring down this vicious cartel, and Jaden has a personal interest in the takedown since the cartel goons have already killed several of his team members. Perilous circumstances bring Jaden and Lauren together, and they bond in their quest to survive.
The couple’s journey is teeming with conflict and drama. The villains they face are one-dimensional clichéd “bad guys” except for the major antagonist whose identity isn’t revealed until very close to the end. However, Hans provides enough clues along the way so that it is wasn’t too difficult for me to figure out the final enemy. People aren’t the only external conflicts in the book. Jaden and Lauren also get caught in a terrifying hurricane and the obstacles they encounter are vividly described and suspenseful, making this my favorite part of the book.
Hans does a very good job of putting Lauren and Jaden’s romantic relationship at the heart of the story and effectively weaving it into the dramatic suspense that is a major component in the unfolding plot. The couple’s growing intimacy is strongly connected to the decisions they each make, increasing the tension of the suspense and furthering the plot. The attraction and chemistry between them emerges very early in the book and as the story progresses their interest in each other feels genuine. They offer a warmth and support to each other that neither realized had been lacking in their lives. This isn’t an insta-love relationship, but it’s awfully close. I do have to keep in mind, though, the length of the book which doesn’t allow time for a long-drawn out process of falling in love.
The story really centers on the protagonists’ romance and rescue of Max, and, overall, Hans has developed this part of the plot very well. However, I think the broader scope and backstory of Jaden and his team’s history with the cartel could have been fleshed out more. Hans offers enough information to give you the gist of what has happened to explain some of the characters’ motivations, but, the details are too vague for my satisfaction. I also found two of the most anticipated events, the rescue of Max and the climatic showdown to be much less dramatic than I expected.
While Jaden’s and Lauren’s characters are well-rounded, I was surprised that the supporting characters, those part of Jaden’s team are minimally developed, so I felt no emotional connection to any of them. I am keeping in mind, however, that this book is not part of a series, and these secondary characters are not going to become featured in future books. Hans has plenty of material to work with, though, if she decides to expand this novel into a series.
If you are looking for a fast-paced romantic suspense with a tidy ending, then check out this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Caught in the Crosshair is an inviting blend of tension-filled romance and suspense between Lauren and Jaden whose romance blossoms in the midst of a dangerous situation revolving around a South American Cartel, a rescue attempt, an island hurricane, and escapes from a constant barrage of bullets. Hans pulled me into the book quickly and easily by starting off with adrenaline-packed action that is practically non-stop in the first half of the book. I initially had a difficult time finding a stopping place to take a break and was actually quite surprised at how quickly I finished the book.
After learning that her brother Max has been kidnapped by a cartel he was once associated with, Lauren is determined to do whatever is necessary to rescue Max, trusting that it will be as simple as handing over cash in exchange for her brother’s release. Unfortunately, Lauren’s arrival on the island of Antigua brings her even more trouble until Jaden Dean comes to her rescue, and Lauren finds herself increasingly relying upon Jaden’s expertise and protective nature to keep her safe and locate Max. Jaden and his operatives are on a mission to bring down this vicious cartel, and Jaden has a personal interest in the takedown since the cartel goons have already killed several of his team members. Perilous circumstances bring Jaden and Lauren together, and they bond in their quest to survive.
The couple’s journey is teeming with conflict and drama. The villains they face are one-dimensional clichéd “bad guys” except for the major antagonist whose identity isn’t revealed until very close to the end. However, Hans provides enough clues along the way so that it is wasn’t too difficult for me to figure out the final enemy. People aren’t the only external conflicts in the book. Jaden and Lauren also get caught in a terrifying hurricane and the obstacles they encounter are vividly described and suspenseful, making this my favorite part of the book.
Hans does a very good job of putting Lauren and Jaden’s romantic relationship at the heart of the story and effectively weaving it into the dramatic suspense that is a major component in the unfolding plot. The couple’s growing intimacy is strongly connected to the decisions they each make, increasing the tension of the suspense and furthering the plot. The attraction and chemistry between them emerges very early in the book and as the story progresses their interest in each other feels genuine. They offer a warmth and support to each other that neither realized had been lacking in their lives. This isn’t an insta-love relationship, but it’s awfully close. I do have to keep in mind, though, the length of the book which doesn’t allow time for a long-drawn out process of falling in love.
The story really centers on the protagonists’ romance and rescue of Max, and, overall, Hans has developed this part of the plot very well. However, I think the broader scope and backstory of Jaden and his team’s history with the cartel could have been fleshed out more. Hans offers enough information to give you the gist of what has happened to explain some of the characters’ motivations, but, the details are too vague for my satisfaction. I also found two of the most anticipated events, the rescue of Max and the climatic showdown to be much less dramatic than I expected.
While Jaden’s and Lauren’s characters are well-rounded, I was surprised that the supporting characters, those part of Jaden’s team are minimally developed, so I felt no emotional connection to any of them. I am keeping in mind, however, that this book is not part of a series, and these secondary characters are not going to become featured in future books. Hans has plenty of material to work with, though, if she decides to expand this novel into a series.
If you are looking for a fast-paced romantic suspense with a tidy ending, then check out this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2014
Barb Han’s Caught in the Crosshairs is one electrically charged romantic suspense thriller. Protagonist Lauren James is faced with the prospect of saving her brother’s life. However, saving his life is not cut and dry. When she attempts to meet his kidnapper’s demand her own life is caught in the crosshairs.
Like any good novel, you must have a hero and Jaden Dean definitely fits the bill. The six foot three take charge government agent appears on the scene in the nick of time, just as she was almost kidnapped. Unfortunately, he loses a friend; naturally he suspects Lauren James and her brother of illegal activity.
His suspicions are sidelined in the attempt to escape the kidnappers. They commandeer a boat as a storm comes ashore, in the hopes of losing their enemy. But their enemy is not deterred, following them out to sea. Lauren and Jaden’s only alternative is to vacate the boat and swim to safety. The sea becomes the enemy of the moment, angrily churning and swelling pulling them under every time they make headway.
The struggle to live has a way of making people re-examine their life, which is what Lauren and Jaden did. They realized they substituted love with employment. The fight for survival forced them to be dependent upon someone else, thus awakening those feelings they had buried. Caught in the Crosshairs had me all caught up in Lauren and Jaden’s passion.
Like any good novel, you must have a hero and Jaden Dean definitely fits the bill. The six foot three take charge government agent appears on the scene in the nick of time, just as she was almost kidnapped. Unfortunately, he loses a friend; naturally he suspects Lauren James and her brother of illegal activity.
His suspicions are sidelined in the attempt to escape the kidnappers. They commandeer a boat as a storm comes ashore, in the hopes of losing their enemy. But their enemy is not deterred, following them out to sea. Lauren and Jaden’s only alternative is to vacate the boat and swim to safety. The sea becomes the enemy of the moment, angrily churning and swelling pulling them under every time they make headway.
The struggle to live has a way of making people re-examine their life, which is what Lauren and Jaden did. They realized they substituted love with employment. The fight for survival forced them to be dependent upon someone else, thus awakening those feelings they had buried. Caught in the Crosshairs had me all caught up in Lauren and Jaden’s passion.
March 30, 2014
Barb Han’s Caught in the Crosshairs is one electrically charged romantic suspense thriller. Protagonist Lauren James is faced with the prospect of saving her brother’s life. However, saving his life is not cut and dry. When she attempts to meet his kidnapper’s demand her own life is caught in the crosshairs.
Like any good novel, you must have a hero and Jaden Dean definitely fits the bill. The six foot three take charge government agent appears on the scene in the nick of time, just as she was almost kidnapped. Unfortunately, he loses a friend; naturally he suspects Lauren James and her brother of illegal activity.
His suspicions are sidelined in the attempt to escape the kidnappers. They commandeer a boat as a storm comes ashore, in the hopes of losing their enemy. But their enemy is not deterred, following them out to sea. Lauren and Jaden’s only alternative is to vacate the boat and swim to safety. The sea becomes the enemy of the moment, angrily churning and swelling pulling them under every time they make headway.
The struggle to live has a way of making people re-examine their life, which is what Lauren and Jaden did. They realized they substituted love with employment. The fight for survival forced them to be dependent upon someone else, thus awakening those feelings they had buried. Caught in the Crosshairs had me all caught up in Lauren and Jaden’s passion.
Like any good novel, you must have a hero and Jaden Dean definitely fits the bill. The six foot three take charge government agent appears on the scene in the nick of time, just as she was almost kidnapped. Unfortunately, he loses a friend; naturally he suspects Lauren James and her brother of illegal activity.
His suspicions are sidelined in the attempt to escape the kidnappers. They commandeer a boat as a storm comes ashore, in the hopes of losing their enemy. But their enemy is not deterred, following them out to sea. Lauren and Jaden’s only alternative is to vacate the boat and swim to safety. The sea becomes the enemy of the moment, angrily churning and swelling pulling them under every time they make headway.
The struggle to live has a way of making people re-examine their life, which is what Lauren and Jaden did. They realized they substituted love with employment. The fight for survival forced them to be dependent upon someone else, thus awakening those feelings they had buried. Caught in the Crosshairs had me all caught up in Lauren and Jaden’s passion.
October 4, 2013
I'd been hearing buzz about this novel for a few weeks before I picked it up and read it in two days:) I love suspense novels and mysteries, but romantic suspense has always been a hard sell for me because the author doesn't always get the right mix. Really? Someone's shooting you and you're turned on by the damsel in distress? Well, I didn't need to worry about that common problem with Barb Han. She sinks her character motivation in quick and deep. And because she sets it up so well, the love story never feels fake. Nor does the suspense let up for more than a minute (well, except when Jaden and Lauren are safe and alone).
As the suspense storyline spins out, I kept wondering, as does Jaden, why are these guys after Lauren? And why does it feel like this betrayal might be personal? Could his covert operation have been infiltrated by a traitor? From shark-filled waters to big city skyscrapers, Jaden and Lauren follow the trail of a killer intent of seeking twisted justice. I never guessed who was behind the criminal acts, and that final reveal took my breath away but also made perfect sense. If you're a fan of romantic suspense, trust yourself in Han's capable hands.
As the suspense storyline spins out, I kept wondering, as does Jaden, why are these guys after Lauren? And why does it feel like this betrayal might be personal? Could his covert operation have been infiltrated by a traitor? From shark-filled waters to big city skyscrapers, Jaden and Lauren follow the trail of a killer intent of seeking twisted justice. I never guessed who was behind the criminal acts, and that final reveal took my breath away but also made perfect sense. If you're a fan of romantic suspense, trust yourself in Han's capable hands.
August 9, 2013
Caught in the Crosshair is a non-stop action thrillride. Ms. Han grabs you from the very first paragraph and plunges you into heart-stopping action that doesn’t let up. From the hurricane ravaged beaches of Antigua to the steamy streets of Dallas, this story will keep you up at night!
Lauren has ignored the calls from her brother, Max. She’d given up on his years ago when he’d thrown his life away working for a drug cartel. But when she gets a call from a man who has kidnapped her brother, she will do anything to get him back safely. Scraping together every penny she can, she agrees to meet them on the beach with the ransom money. Jaden is working a case undercover and has been watching Lauren. But when his partner is killed on the beach and “his asset” is nearly abducted he risks everything to save her.
I simply loved these characters. Jaden is sweet and caring with Lauren. From the very page to the last, you know these two were meant to be together. This story if chockfull of action, adventure and romance. You will love it!
Lauren has ignored the calls from her brother, Max. She’d given up on his years ago when he’d thrown his life away working for a drug cartel. But when she gets a call from a man who has kidnapped her brother, she will do anything to get him back safely. Scraping together every penny she can, she agrees to meet them on the beach with the ransom money. Jaden is working a case undercover and has been watching Lauren. But when his partner is killed on the beach and “his asset” is nearly abducted he risks everything to save her.
I simply loved these characters. Jaden is sweet and caring with Lauren. From the very page to the last, you know these two were meant to be together. This story if chockfull of action, adventure and romance. You will love it!
November 7, 2013
WOW - I guess this kind of writing is just not for me. I only gave this 2-1/2 to 3 stars but the rest are all 5 stars practically. I thought it was a very abstract style. None of the details I wanted (what kind of business does she own? WTH is she so concerned with his "real name" when 1st meeting him, did they ever recover the $ & why would he reveal his real name in the Youtube video when his cover ID would have been fine? etc.) were given yet there were way too many adjectives (especially hyphenated 2-word adjectives) per paragraph for me. I lost focus because every single noun had to be described with so many adjectives.
SO, if you like the abstract, overly-described style - this book is for you. The storyline overall was great but this is not my cuppa.
SO, if you like the abstract, overly-described style - this book is for you. The storyline overall was great but this is not my cuppa.
October 28, 2013
I loved this book. It kept me guessing. Very descriptive and almost felt I was in a hurricane in Antigua! Characters were lovable and was pulled into the story quickly.I highly recommend this read!
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March 8, 2018I'm the author and I do hope you enjoy reading Jaden and Lauren's story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews