Targeted in the Swamp

Forest Ranger Rescuers #3

by Kerry Johnson

Hunted by killers. And time is running out fast...


Laurel Bell’s first day as a wildlife photography ranger takes a treacherous turn when she is nearly drowned by a masked assassin. Her witness protection cover has been blown, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before her attacker returns to finish the job. Her only chance at survival is police sergeant Heath Calhoun, who will do anything to deliver Laurel to her marshal handler. But when Heath’s young daughter is taken hostage, the stakes are raised, and now they must race to outsmart the powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to exact their revenge...



Mills & Boon Love Inspired Suspense — Courage. Danger. Faith.

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Expected publication March 31, 2026

About the author

Kerry Johnson has been conversing with fictional characters and devouring books since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A long-time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America), she’s a seven-time Genesis Contest finalist and two-time winner. Kerry lives in the Sunshine State with her family, a lazy boxer, a temperamental sun conure, and way too many books. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, and iced chai tea.

Reviews

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurel is excited to begin her new job and agrees to meet Molly in the swamp to take photos. Only Molly is late and while she waits, she is attacked by a masked man. She barely has time to call for help before she is nearly drown in the swamp. Luckily Molly's police officer brother Heath is nearby and races to help. Being in WITSEC, Laurel can't tell Heath who she thinks is after her and her handler isn't answering her calls. It becomes non stop attempts on her life and she has to let Heath in on her situation as she is scared it will affect not only him but his young daughter. They must race to figure out who is after her and who to trust. It is a fast paced story with a bit of romance and a Christian theme running throughout. The story is one for anyone who like a clean romantic suspense.

[Jennifer Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was hooked into the life of Laurel and how within the first couple paragraphs her life is turned upside down again! I love how the author tells her story of being in WITSEC while she is being chased and hiding from the bad men. I love how Heath, who is dealing with being an only father to a sweet girl, ends up rescuing Laurel and gaining her trust when she hasn't been able to trust before. I highly recommend this book if you want to be hooked! I had this read within a day!!!

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a well written clean romance story. Definitely kept me on my toes as I read this action packed book. You will want to look for this one when it is released. This book is part of the Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense series and is scheduled to be released March 31, 2026.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Targeted in the Swamp by Kerry Johnson. This is book 3 in her Forest Ranger Rescuers series. Grabbed you from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. Great characters that pull you into their story. This love inspired romantic suspense should be your next read. Loved it. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin-Romance for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases March 31,2026

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the inspirational. and exciting story. With Laurel's life in danger, Heath makes it his personal goal to keep her alive. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of intrigue and mystery, and a must read riveting story.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I've never read anything by this author before and was pleasantly surprised. Full of suspense and mystery that kept me on my toes. A sweet romance too!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Targeted in the Swamp" is a Christian romantic suspense. Laurel's policeman father was killed, then her adoptive parents died. Witness Protection just moved her to a new town where she knows no one, and she's feeling pretty lonely. Heath helped save her from an attacker, but he's certain she must know her attacker and kept pressuring her to tell him who it was. But Laurel didn't recognize the man, and the man she witnessed against was still in prison a week ago. Her handler's not responding, and she's not supposed to tell anyone that she's in witness protection. This delayed Heath and Laurel from really being able to work together, but trust did build between them as Heath protected her and helped her discover what was going on.

The main characters were generally likable and acted realistically, though a few decisions didn't make sense to me. The suspense came from the repeated attacks on Laurel and the spill-over danger to those around her. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable story.

I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another great story by this author. This book starts off with a bang and definitely keeps your interest throughout. Plenty of mystery and intrigue, along with lots of action. I was given a complementary copy of this book and the opinions are my own.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting, quick read. A sweet and action-filled romantic suspense. The first I have read of this series. I do want to read the previous ones and any that follow. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Kalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I often appreciate Christian fiction because it is generally wholesome, something I wouldn’t mind if my daughter picked up and read. This book was also a very easy, fast read, which is something I occasionally enjoy.

However, there were several elements that did not make sense to me. The story contained plot holes and confusing dialogue that made it difficult to fully engage. The central premise revolves around Laurel being pursued for a crime she witnessed as a child that placed her in Witness Protection. The issue is that there was no clear reason for her to still be in danger. August was already serving a life sentence, and her death would not have resulted in his release, which made the threat against her feel unnecessary and unclear.

There were also character decisions that felt unrealistic. For example, Laurel immediately suspects her handler of betrayal rather than considering that he may have been murdered, despite having trusted him for years. Additionally, some of the dialogue, particularly August’s conversations with Laurel near the end—did not feel natural or believable.

Overall, the book was fairly predictable. That said, I do appreciate a quick read from time to time, and I would be open to reading another book by this author in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.