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Ranger Ops #5

Target in Range

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Avery Aarons believes it’s fate that she will die by the hand of a criminal. As a child, she hid in a cupboard while men ransacked their home. In college, she met with an attacker walking home on campus. After that, going into law enforcement is her only path to protect herself and others who can’t. She’s never felt so empowered, until she ends up in the wrong place without backup.

When Jess Monet attends a CPR refresher course and runs into the sexy brown-eyed officer his special ops team helped out, he’s just as impressed this time around. He must admit, Avery’s got some pretty damn good moves on the CPR dummy too, though Jess has had his fill of rejection lately and is reluctant to pursue more than a friendship with the tough, beautiful woman. He also knows she’s completely right for him.

While on a short hiatus from her job due to an investigation, Avery has no idea what to do with her time. Spending it with the hunky special ops man is driving her to distraction, though, and she wishes he’d just make a move. Preferably one that lands them both naked in bed. Too soon fate comes after her again, and this time she’s sure it’s the end for her. But Jess isn’t about to let anything happen to the woman he’s growing too fond of to deny… the only woman who can rescue him right back.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2019

247 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

Em Petrova

222 books1,439 followers

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5 stars
322 (68%)
4 stars
117 (24%)
3 stars
23 (4%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
2,793 reviews40 followers
October 23, 2019
Target in Range (Ranger Ops Book 5) by Em Petrova Target in Range (Ranger Ops Book 5) By: Em Petrova
He's Got A "Target in Range," But Is He Ready To Make A PLAY...
She's ON Suspension... For doing Her DUTY!
As a Cop, She's SWORN to Serve & Protect...
And that means stepp'n IN when you see SomeThing WRONG!
Well... Once the "Target in Range" IS Drawing ON You,
You take the SHOT, before He ENDS YOU!
EveryOne says... They'd have DONE the SAME!
But that's Li'l HELP with the Situation She's IN!
He's work'n BOTH ENDS of the Candle now that the "Target in Range" is making MOVES,
Which is mak'n Him Cranky, Stressed, & Questioning choices of LATE!
Then, He meets Her... And His WORLD is thrown for a loop,
Cuz She's look'n like the ONE, but He's got a Horrible track record with Women!
Could She be the "Target in Range" He brings into Focus for an HEA...
or will His Work's "Target in Range" take OUT whole Play'n Field before they can settle Terms...
How will "Target in Range" END... You'll have to One-Click to find OUT & Read for YourSelf!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Em Petrova's "Target in Range (Ranger Ops Book 5)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Rose Bassett.
343 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2019
This is the fifth story in the Ranger Ops series. You do not have to read the previous stories, but it does give you better insight on the rest of the guys on the team and some of the cases they have been through. It is a stand alone, if you don't have the time to read the rest, but after you read this one, you will fall in love with Em Petrova's writing and you will become a faithful reader of her stories like I am. She has such rich, delicious characters that are so deep and have a diverse background. She brings you to different scenario on where the guys are call into duty. You get to see both points of view so it is even richer.

Avery believes that she will die by the hands of a criminal. She has had several very close calls throughout her life so the only thing she can do is go into law enforcement. That way she can protect not only herself but other innocent people. When she goes out on a call without backup, things go sideways and she is on suspension until it can be investigated. Of course, they are taking their sweet @$$ time to do so. She takes another CPR class and is partnered up with a hottie. What is she supposed to do with the time off but to spend some time with the hottie.

Jess is taking a refresher course on CPR when he is partnered with Avery. He sure likes her moves but he is reluctant to make a move after being rejected lately. Not only does he do his usual duties with his Ranger unit, he also listens in to conversations from a suspect, so he has been burning the candle from both ends. He has had very bad luck lately with the ladies being rejected because he is always working. He loves spending time with Avery and she gets him with his job. He tries to keep it in the friends zone, but she won't have it.

When bad luck comes again for Avery, ....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,185 reviews32 followers
July 28, 2025
Jess Monet describes himself as "utterly dumpable." A rather harsh assessment but it certainly describes the state of his love life or lack thereof. Avery Aarons is a good cop with some life altering tragic events in her past. After doing the right thing she finds herself on suspension and at loose ends. Who woulda thought being partnered with a sexy guy in a CPR class would lead to a relationship? Blame it on the practice dummy. Jess is reluctant to try the dating thing again but there's something about Avery. She isn't exactly successful in the dating department but her determination to keep Jess in the friend zone quickly goes by the wayside. His secondary assignment, electronic surveillance of of Mexican Cartel leader, wears him out physically and emotionally. He's becoming too invested. Avery evens some of that out. Finally unraveling nefarious plans puts them both on the frontline and fighting for the safety of their community. Ultimately, the goodguys win and the bad guys are vanquished. Jess and Avery find the love the both need and deserve.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,258 reviews6 followers
October 13, 2025
No matter the circumstance

Jess and Avery. Special Ops and a cop. A fun meet cute over CPR, but both are also unsure of next steps for different reasons. Jess is always the friend and never the groom. Avery is in a rough spot at work and unsure of the future. Add in a surprise that Jess has a daughter and that the team is on a serious mission trying to find a terrorist and this book has quite a few twists and turns. The chemistry and build up of the relationship is great and their hesitations sweet. The lengths Avery goes to for friends and then Jess and his daughter was lovely. The frustration with her job and work problem was understandable and also left me confused since there wasn’t any real answer on her reinstatement, finding of the shooting, etc. Overall a good read and a sweet HEA with everyone.
Profile Image for Debs.
1,189 reviews13 followers
February 15, 2020
"Target in Range" is action packed as Avery, a police officer on temporary suspension is waiting to be cleared of a shooting while on duty. Having to give a CPR classes while she awaits her fate, during one of her classes she meets Jess, a Ranger Ops man taking a CPR refresher course. Jess is working to break code from terrorists to find where their next strike will be. As these two connect w/each other, the romance begins, but they never lose sight of their individual goals. With the suspense and action heating up, so does their attraction with each other, leading to a HEA for Jess and Avery. ** I was gifted "Target in Range" by Booksprout and leave my review based on my reading** 4.5 Stars!
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
July 12, 2021
3.5. Special OP Agent Jess Monet has the leading role this time. Jess has kept a big secret from his Brothers-In-Arms. He is currently working an assignment that is getting to him like no other operation has. He needs a distraction.
Jess has never been lucky in love. So he is weary with his new relationship with Avery. He takes them from Friends Zone to the bedroom and never looks back. As with most books by this author, there are too many repetitive detailed sex scenes that act as fillers and don’t add to the storyline. I found myself skipping pages to get back to the intrigue. One or two sexy love making spices up a book, more than that takes away from the plot.
As for the plot, Avery’s storyline is a first for me. It’s refreshing to not get the same old story.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
August 28, 2022
Partnered in a work related CPR class, officer Avery Aarons and ranger analyst Jess Monet share coffee afterward. Interest is mutual but Avery’s concerned about her suspension and review for shooting a culprit and Jess’ wants a loving relationship but keeps meeting women only interested in one-night stands.

As their romance grows so does Avery’s frustration over how long the review is taking and how even her teenage issues are included. Jess is accused of allowing personal issues to overshadow a case he’s been invested in for months while trying to build a relationship with his estranged daughter.
Rating: 3stars
1,448 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2020
Target on Range

This follows the previous 4 books as being an interesting, intriguing and thoroughly great book. This isn't my usual genre to be reading but was intrigued by the Ranger Ops so thought it would be a fairly good read. Was I surprised when each book turned out to be just as good as the one before. Now it seems there's only 1 more. Wish there was one for each of the guys, which leaves at least 3 more books. Could or will there be that many more?
Profile Image for Susanne Scott.
1,465 reviews15 followers
February 12, 2021
Amazing! I loved this. The tension and suspense were brilliant and the pure insta love from Jess to Avery was beautiful. The stress and strain from the intel was getting to Jess, you could really sense that, but the unconditional love from Avery was the extra strength he needed to get through.
I love this series.
2,047 reviews16 followers
December 15, 2019
This is the 5th book in the Ranger Ops series and it doesn't disappoint! Another good book by a equally good author.
This is the story of Jess (she is a cop on suspension) and Avery (He is a ranger). These two meet at a CPR class.
They both have baggage and a lot going on in their respective lives. They learn to trust each other and then lean on each other as friends can do.
Will these two overcome their fears and just let life take its course? or will they just let life pass them by??

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
77 reviews
January 26, 2020
Enlightening

Had to read the story can't put it down , loved it I recommend this book to anyone looking for something special and interging.
1,503 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2020
This book was gripping, well written & the chemistry between the characters, Avery & Jess, sizzled throughout this wonderful read.

Well done Em. I look forward to more!
62 reviews
July 1, 2020
Loving the series!

Lots of fun, great characters, sexy alpha males and their strong female partners and tons of heat. Now onto my next book in the series!
4,756 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2022
Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
138 reviews
February 24, 2024
Good book 👌

Would recommend this series to anyone looking for a great read 📚. Em Petrova is an outstanding author. 👏 📖
Profile Image for Connie.
1,667 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I have been looking forward to Jess Monet's story for awhile now. I was not disappointed either. Each of the Special Op Rangers have been a joy to read and so was this one. The series is about a group of Homeland Security Special Op Rangers. While these men go after the criminals to keep the U.S. safe, they also find their special lady love.

Jess has been unlucky in love for some time now. Just when he gets to the place where he is ready to move the relationship forward, the woman begs off. Now that really just breaks my heart! Avery Aarons is a cop that is on admin leave for a shooting a man while off duty. These two are both good at what they do and each deserve a HEA. Reading about these two really kept me glued to my e-reader.

The plot was a great one. Jess and the team are after a man selling intelligence to the wrong people. They need to find him in time before some thing really big happens. In between the intrigue of catching the villain here, there were several spicy scenes here. Jess and Avery really clicked.

This book was written in my favorite dual POV format here. I adored seeing into the minds of Jess and Avery. Both tough, protective people but getting a glimpse at their softer, vulnerable side really made them more human.

The plot flowed very nicely. I was disappointed to see the book end. I adored getting caught up with the characters like old friends and before I know it, the book is over.

This is a spicy read. It is one that I would highly recommend to anyone over the age of 18 especially if you LOVE a strong yet sensitive hero and a tough no-sense female. I look forward to the next book then I will have to re-read the entire series all over again. I just love them!
212 reviews
October 18, 2019
Ranger Ops team member Jess Monet wants love in his life. He's lonely and becoming a bit depressed as his fellow Ranger Ops teammates fall like dominoes in the world of love. While he is happy for his buddies, he can't help wondering what it will take to meet the woman of his dreams and settle down. Sure he meets plenty of women. He has no problem scoring, dating and committing. The women he has dated, however, have failed to stick around once he professes his interest. Then he meets Avery Aarons at a CPR recertification class. A police officer and total hottie, he immediately wants to get to know her better. But how to go about doing so without scaring her off like all of the other women he has dated?

I have to say, I have a MAJOR crush on Jess! What a blend of super hot qualities: an Alpha who protects what is his but who is sensitive and vulnerable when it comes to women. It is SO refreshing to read about a guy that is physically strong, handsome, commanding in bed, intelligent, and compassionate--- yet internally questions what it takes to land the woman of his dreams. He's been hurt in the past and is vulnerable. Rather than get hurt again, he tries to put Avery safely in the "friend zone". What he didn't expect is for Avery to resist. That is one zone she has no desire to be placed in. Can Avery successfully chip away at Jess' resolve? Can her will for Jess battering ram its way through the thick walls around his heart.

This was a book that I devoured in one sitting. Engaging and likable characters, passionate and sizzling chemistry, and a fast paced plot make this book a definite "must read"! Every book in the Ranger Ops Series is a standalone novel but I highly recommend reading the series in its entirety and in the order in which they were published. I'm already looking forward to reading Cav's book. I'm completely hooked on this series!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.3k reviews46 followers
November 11, 2019
Can they battle their attraction while battling those against them

Target in Range by Em Petrova is a very interesting and engaging story about a strong woman and an equally strong man who both fight their attraction for each other as they seem to stumble and bump their way to each other and a relationship.
This is a very steamy and sizzling hot story that is filled with action, suspense, danger and cool emotion, until it gets really hot and steamy.
I enjoyed reading Target in Range and getting to know Avery and Jess's story as they battle their attraction and those that want revenge.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Nate.
23.5k reviews19 followers
November 16, 2019
I loved Avery & Jess's story. Great characters. Lots of unexpected twists & turns. Wow!! I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
1,813 reviews11 followers
November 11, 2019
Another terrific Ranger Op story from this fabulous author. Danger, suspense and sexy romance. Who knew a CPR course would lead to finding “the One”? Jess is a hunky Ranger that runs into a pretty face from the past in Avery a police officer. Both have a lot going on In their lives and a not so good history in the love department but their steamy connection is too hot to ignore. Good action, mystery and intrigue with a sizzling couple. Always worth the read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2019
Romantic Suspense has NEVER looked Sooo Good!

I found this to be a superb storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and on edge throughout the whole book!

Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well.
The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting.
Add in drama and steamy passion and you have a good read.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
590 reviews
November 10, 2019
What a great story!

I just loved this story. Avery and Jess. They’re perfect for each other. Shes a cop, hes a Ranger. They met as friends, neither wanting mire. Both having a lot of baggage and troubled backgrounds. But through time they learn to trust each other and lean on each others strengths. And surprisingly find love. I was totally engrossed in this story. Couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews212 followers
November 10, 2019
Story line is great and I loved the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Unexpected twists and turns had me reading this book in one sitting. Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicoletta Tsalafaos.
433 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2019
Target in Range by Em Petrova is a Western, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense. A good addition to the series. Well-written, with an enjoyable, steamy storyline and likable characters. Can't wait for the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Trish.
1,618 reviews7 followers
October 17, 2019
This is book five in the Ranger Ops Series and is Jess and Avery’s story. Once again Em Petrova has hit it out of the park. It’s another great book in the series. This book has it all, from action and suspense to hot and steamy romance. It can be read as a standalone and be an enjoyable read but there are always little spoilers that pop up and Jess and Avery to interact with characters in the previous books. The Rangers Ops are a tight knit family. I highly recommend reading the other four books. It’s a great series.

Jess is what you could call unlucky in love. You get glimpses of it in the previous books in the series and you can’t help but feel a tad sorry for him. He seems to be the guy women love to dump. He can’t seem to catch a break in the with relationships, so he’s pretty much swore off them for now. Avery believes she’s fated to die at the hands of criminals due to past experiences she’s had so she becomes a cop to control her fate and to protect the people. When she was 10, she was home alone when robbers broke in and when she was in college she was attacked.

Jess and Avery meet at a CPR training class. They both are interested in each other, but Jess is gun shy about dating and Avery is dealing with the fallout from an off-duty incident. They start a friendship that soon turn into more. They’re relationship has to weather a lot of crazy stuff, but can they handle all that is sent their way or well Jess crash and burn in the love department again?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,715 reviews18 followers
November 3, 2019
Sometimes jobs require the patience of Job. Avery chose to overcome the challenges of her past, by making herself as self-sustaining, independent, capable and awesome as possible. She is a well respected cop. Jess has struggled through the series to find 'the one'. He choses to focus on his job and leave romance alone. They meet in a CPR class each letting their baggage block the other. While Jess is working on intel analysis. Avery went through every cop's nightmare, shooting a person whom she thought was reaching for a gun only to find him unarmed. She was suspended pending a review. They are too focused on holding onto themselves, that they don't recognize the stressors they are facing. Will it negatively affect their jobs? Will Avery get cleared? Will Jess finally get his bad guy? How will their jobs affect their personal lives? Do they have the time to start a relationship? Good story. Suspense for all personal/professional quandaries has great build-up. Good story, well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.
Profile Image for Vinessa.
1,951 reviews23 followers
November 10, 2019
Thos is a complicated story.
A womens empowerment read more than a romance.
Over coming trama and danger.
Building a steel spine to handle any problem.
But her attraction is going to get her killed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tayra Sanders.
2,313 reviews31 followers
November 12, 2019
This book is totally worth the time to read. Every page will have you enthralled and panting for more. Let’s not forget mention the chemistry of these two. You can really feel the passion.
1,542 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2019
Brave Hearts

These two brave but cautious hearts find each other in a world of danger. This is a sweet and steamy romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews

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