Secondary Target

Author: Angela Carlisle (Debut)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: The Secrets of Kincaid #1
Pages: 336
Release Date: May 7, 2024
Publisher: Bethany House

A ruthless murderer. A deadly secret. An unbreakable love.

After the brutal murder of her mother and brother twelve years ago, Corina Roberts built a new life in Kentucky. But when strange things begin to happen, she is thrust into a perilous game of life and death. With nowhere else to turn, her best hope of survival depends on her ex-boyfriend, army veteran Bryce Jessup.

Recently returned from service, Bryce has every intention of staying away from Corina, but when threats close in around her, he isn't willing to leave her safety to chance. As their search for answers uncovers lethal secrets her detective father kept hidden, Bryce and Corina must untangle the mystery of the merciless killer intent on terrorizing and eliminating Corina's family before it's too late.

"A thrilling debut that pulled me in from the first scene and kept me enthralled until the final page."--LYNN H. BLACKBURN, bestselling and award-winning author

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Reviewer: Connie Porter Saunders

How did I know that Secondary Target would be a book that I would enjoy? The beginning paragraphs have a security alarm blaring, a German shepherd guard dog howling, and a young woman grabbing her .38 Special LadySmith revolver! Why did I find it hard to put down? It's an exciting debut novel filled with non-stop action, heart-pounding suspense, and a frantic search for answers. Why has Corina Roberts become a killer's target?

It's hard to believe that this is Angela Carlisle's first published book. I loved the small-town setting, the relatable characters, and the myriad of emotions that they experience. I felt Corina's fear and trauma as she recalled a tragedy from her past and her uncertainty when Bryce Jessup returned to Kincaid, Kentucky. Would this be a temporary reunion or a second chance at love? 

If you're looking for a page-turning story filled with twists, turns, faith, and romance,  grab a copy of Secondary Target. I recommend it to all who enjoy romantic Christian suspense and I look forward to another book from this Kentucky author! 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Kristina Hall

An epic debut romantic suspense novel!

Bryce and Corina were both sympathetic, well-developed characters. Their backstories and the way they reacted to them gave them depth. Most romantic suspense books have one or both characters involved in law enforcement, but Secondary Target took a different route that I quite enjoyed for a change. Bryce (even though he was former military) and Corina were just "normal" people caught up in crazy events. I enjoyed Bryce and Corina's second-chance romance and am excited to get to read Allye's story next year.

The plot moved along quickly, with plenty of moments of suspense, danger, and high stakes. Poor Bryce and Corina experienced a lot of problems. I appreciated that Angela Carlisle kept both the language and romance clean, and I liked her clear, fast-paced writing style.

Overall, I found Secondary Target to be an exciting read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction and romantic suspense novels. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received this book free from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

I was blown away by Secondary Target, one of the best debut novels I’ve ever read.

The backstory for Corina and Bryce gave extra depth to the overall flow of the relationship between them and strengthened the emotion behind their interactions. I couldn’t help rooting for a second chance amid all the trouble they faced as Bryce helped Corina escape the plans of a demented and organized killer.

With her father in the hospital and threats against her escalating, Corina has two choices: face things on her own or trust her friend Allye and her brother Bryce—her ex-boyfriend—to help her figure out what’s going on and stay one step ahead of the person who’s threatening her. Easy choice, right?

As Bryce spends more time with Corina, he is determined not to let the past determine the future of their relationship. His priority must be keeping her safe, but somewhere the lines are blurred, and his emotions could get in the way. How can he focus on keeping her out of the hands of the person threatening her when she’s right in front of him, stirring up feelings he thought he’d put aside?

The book is a testament to great writing, fleshed-out characters, and suspense that is perfectly paced to draw the reader in and keep them there long into the night. I loved it.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. This is my honest opinion of the book.

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