3.5 stars personally.
Trigger Warning: mental asylums on-page, those held there against their will, & suicide mentions

About this book:

“Tough-as-nails Kenzie King has finally earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she didn't get the position because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.
Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own--if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members, one by one.
It's all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper's bullet?”


Series: Book #2 in the “Lake City Heroes” series. Review of Book #1 Here!


Spiritual Content- Prayers & Thanking God; ’H’s are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; A few mentions of churches, church going, & church events; A couple mentions of those & events in the Bible; A mention of Heaven; A mention of faiths;
*Note: A couple mentions of VeggieTales; A couple mentions of some not believing in jinxes; A mention of someone who has passed not being at her grave, but in Heaven.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: A ‘good grief’, a ‘oh my word’, a ‘sheesh’, a ‘ticked’, two ‘dang’s, three forms of ‘heck’, four ‘dumb’s, eight ‘idiot’s, ten ‘stupid’, and eleven forms of ‘shut up’; A mention of someone working her “tail” off; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Lots of Attacks/Ambushes, Fighting back, Hostage situations, Being shot at, Gunfire, Explosions, Being stabbed, Being attacked, Being hit, Being kidnapped and tied-up, Being held at gunpoint & threatened, Nearly being hit by a car, Being drugged, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding (semi-detailed); Seeing someone shot and killed by a sniper (barely-above-not-detailed); Seeing a criminal attempt to commit suicide (with a gun, but is stopped, barely-above-not-detailed); A SWAT K-9 attacks a shooter on command (up to semi-detailed); In the flashbacks, there is a young woman being held at a mental hospital against her will (she is told she tried to commit suicide and has bandages on her wrists; She has to go through shock therapy (barely-above-not-detailed); *Spoilers* She recalls that her sociopath father was actually trying to kill her and tries to escape from the hospital with help from a doctor and a friend; She eventually leaves under the guise of being submissive so her father will take her back home and is kept in their home like a prisoner until she is later successful in later running away from him *End of Spoilers*; There is a comment from Cole and Kenzie about people not knowing how to deal with mental illness back then and that a lot of people don’t know how to deal with it today either); Many mentions of an attempted murder, suicide attempts, a mental hospital, it being a terrible place with abuse and shock therapy, screams from those there, & someone being held there against her will (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of hostage situations, explosives/bombs, fires, weapons, gunfire, shooters, people being shot, attacks/ambushes, concussions, pain, injuries, stitches, & blood/bleeding (semi-detailed); Many mentions of the car accident that killed Kenzie’s mother & made her father paralyzed (including mentions of possible foul play, her grief for her mother; *Spoiler* The brakes were cut and while her mother wasn’t supposed to be in the car, she was a victim of the murder attempt *End of Spoiler*); Mentions of World War II, deaths of brothers, & grief; Mentions of other car wrecks, deaths, & injuries; Mentions of other deaths (including from a heart attack, fires, cancer, & a hunting accident *Spoiler* The last one was not an accident and was murdered *End of Spoiler*); Mentions of domestic violence; Mentions of being drugged & kidnapped; Mentions of someone nearly being hit by a car & a slashed tire; Mentions of fires & arsonists; Mentions of a break-in & and intruders/burglars; Mentions of stealing & stolen items; Mentions of crimes, crime scenes, criminals, prison/jail & arrests; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunk driving; Mentions of drugs, drug overdoses, dealers, addicts, & rehab; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of jealousy & hatred; Mentions of rumors; Mentions of Kenzie’s parents having marital difficulties & sleeping in separate rooms; A few mentions of battlefields & tours overseas; A few mentions of bullies; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of lice; A couple mentions of stalkers; A couple mentions of blackmail; A couple mentions of a man leaving his family; A couple mentions of teens sneaking out & parties; A couple mentions of urine; A couple mentions of throwing up; A mention of possible internal bleeding;
*Note: Kenzie and her father have a very strained relationship due to his bitterness and how he would always put her and her brothers against each other when they were growing up (verbal abuse included) (When she thinks of her father, it’s said “now there was a subject worthy of a multitude of therapy sessions” and while she loves him, she spends as little time as possible with him for her own mental health; She also does not do well with apologies because they would be thrown back in her face growing up as it showed weakness; She tries to avoid thinking about how she always felt she had to earn her father’s love; She comments that it took her five years of counseling to understand that nothing is wrong with her); Eliza in the historical setting thinks about how she used to relish her father’s approval; Kenzie has a team member that doesn’t like her because of her gender (he makes comments and snide remarks towards her and her abilities; Others and herself stand up for her, but it does get to her at times as she feels she’s proven herself over and over again); Mentions of crime in areas where people are “poor and desperate” and the SWAT team wanting to show that police officers can be good (also a mention of kids being trapped in their situations and some kids being leery towards the police); Mentions of a child battling anemia & needing blood transfusions; Mentions of brand names (M&M’s, Hershey chocolate bar, Snickers, Jell-O, Coke, Band-Aid, Motrin, & Scrabble); Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of a movie & an actor (Tom Cruise & Shemar Moore); A few mentions of apps/websites (FaceTime, Zoom, & Google); A couple mentions of Alzheimer’s & dementia; A couple mentions of Uber; A mention of Kenzie using a picture of someone on her punching bag for her type of therapy; A mention of HGTV.


Sexual Content- Two cheek kisses, an almost kiss (up to semi-detailed), three barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and a semi-detailed kiss; Staring at another’s lips & Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Cole says he’s not a player because he doesn’t lead anyone on, but Kenzie says he “plays the field”; Cole doesn’t want to cross the line with Kenzie as he is her supervisor; A guy is called “hunky”; A ‘smoking hot’; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dates, dating, break-ups, & exes; Mentions of flirting & blushes; Mentions of attraction; A few mentions of guys stealing other guys’ girls; A few mentions of crushes; A couple mentions of kisses & kissing; A mention of a couple kissing; A mention of jealousy; Attraction & Longing; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Kenzie thinks that she has great legs thanks to exercise & a friend compliments her on them; A couple mentions of a man being interested in a woman who is fifteen years his junior.

-Kenzie King, age 34
-Cole Garrison
P.O.V. switches between them & Six Flashbacks to 1947
304 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)

Trigger Warning: Scenes at a mental asylum & mentions of suicides

I really enjoyed the first book of this series, so I’ve been excited to read this one as soon as it released. I would definitely say I liked the first book more, but it was neat to see behind the scenes of a SWAT team as I’m not sure if I’ve read about one of those before.

I’ll admit to when I opened the book and saw a long list of the cast of characters and how everyone was connected, I got a little nervous for this book. Thankfully, I was reading a Kindle edition so I was able to search for names to keep track of them all as I read, but it did take me out of the story because I couldn’t keep everyone straight.

The historical parts of this book felt a little shoehorned in and dramatic. Not that it couldn’t have happened—this is fiction overall—but it pull me out of the contemporary setting where all the action and suspense was happening. I knew both times would eventually intersect together, but for the first half of the book, I felt kind of meh on those parts.

I will say that the dialogue and pacing felt a little off to me at times, but I still mostly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the third book when it releases next year!


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2024/08/target-acquired-by-lynette-eason.html?m=0



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.

Kenzie King's dream come true, she's on the SWAT team, the only female member. Cole Garrison the SWAT team leader is attracted to her but trying to keep a professional distance. When someone targets her and attempts are made on her life he goes into protective mode. A very high paced, adrenaline rush, action packed, suspenseful story. Full of family drama, faith, humor, friendships and a team that pulls together and supports each other.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Lynette Eason and Revell for a chance to read Target Aquired. It is a must read. I couldn't put this down. It captured me right from the beginning. This is the first book I read by this author. I cant wait to read the rest of the series. I definitely will be reading more by this author. If you want a book that you will be shocked and not expecting the ending then this is a book for you. The two timeline story really makes sense and sets up the characters story.

Lynette Eason's book just keep on getting better and better if that is possible! Perfect mix of suspense and romance and leaves you satisfied.

Another thrilling mystery! The pace and tone were a little different from the first one, but this also includes an intriguing historical family mystery that I loved! Filled with constant motion, this story kept me reading long into the night. I enjoyed meeting Kenzie and Cole in the first book, Double Take, so I knew that I was in for an exciting read when picking this one up. I just didn't realize how wild this ride would actually be. I did end up figuring it out (as least most of the way) before the big reveal, but I was kept in guessing and in suspense until the end! I tend to guess the culprit in most of the mystery books I've read, which os one reason I love romantic suspense, since there's usually a few different plotlines going on at once, not just the mystery itself. As such, Target Acquired does a fantastic job of providing everything I love about this genre!

Target Acquired by Lynette Eason
mysterious medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0

This was part of a series but I read as a stand alone. I couldn’t help wondering if I would have connected with the characters more if I had read the first one in the series. The mystery was full of twists and turns with an ending I didn’t see coming.

Lynette Eason delivers another pulse-pounding thriller with Target Acquired. This second installment in the Lake City Heroes series seamlessly blends intense action, buried family secrets, and a touch of romance, making it a standout read for fans of clean suspense.

Kenzie King has fought hard to earn her place as a tactical medic on the all-male SWAT team, but proving herself isn’t easy. With rumors swirling that her position came from connections, not skill, she’s determined to show she belongs. When team members become targets of a deadly assailant and Kenzie herself receives threats, the stakes skyrocket.

SWAT leader Cole Garrison has his own struggles—balancing his growing feelings for Kenzie with his commitment to the team. As danger mounts, the pair must work together to untangle a web of threats tied to a decades-old family feud and Kenzie’s mother’s suspicious death.

Eason excels at crafting fast-paced narratives, and this novel is no exception. Action-packed scenes and gripping twists keep readers on edge, while deeper themes of faith and redemption add emotional weight. The nuanced portrayal of SWAT life and Kenzie’s resilience as an unconventional heroine add richness to the story.

While the intertwining storylines occasionally falter, the book’s riveting suspense and strong character dynamics more than compensate. Target Acquired is a breathless ride full of danger, buried secrets, and the hope of second chances. 4/5 stars

** Thanks to the publisher for a comp of this novel. The opinion expressed are my own.

Target Acquired by Lynette Eason is a great read. Truthfully I think all of hers are. I grab her new books as soon as I can. This book is an action packed thriller.This is the second in a series, but but it also stands alone.

Kenzie has made it to a SWAT team and quickly shows that she is worthy of the spot. She and fellow member Cole work together and slowing the relationship changes to more. There are two timelines that tie together in the end. Enjoyed the book very much and look forward to her next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Loved this new book by Eason! Great slow burn between Kenzie and Cole. I really appreciated the absence of insta-love. It was a slow burn, deep connection. Really good pacing,interesting content. Great story and plot twists that are hard to guess. Overall, great book with deep characters.

I received an ARC in exchange for a fair review.

Great story! I did not guess the twists at all, which is always fun :) This is my favorite trope (though admittedly it's a little hard to read right now) and I just loved Kenzie and Cole as characters.

One of my favorite elements was the history and connections between the two families. Part of that is shown in a bit of a time split element, and I liked that the historical element was interwoven, but the way it wrapped up fell a little bit for me. It was almost like it was an after thought, "oh yeah, this happened", and I think it could have been neat to "see" it play out on the page. Another favorite element were James and Cole's interactions. They were GOLD!

Something surprising to me was Kenzie's family. I'm not used to characters with families like hers and I did not like, though I am sure that is point.

I also have to mention that I think this was the best treatment of "women in a male dominated field" that I think I've ever read!

I want to thank Lynette Eason and publishers for giving me an Arc copy of this book so that i can read and review it. Lynette Eason is a great writer and would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

I really enjoyed this story! Kenzie and Cole had such a good journey. I enjoyed the banter and overall their relationship. The twist I had figured out, but the reasoning did surprise me. Also, I enjoyed the earlier timeline story too. Literally could not put this one down. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story has a twisting plot that is told through two timelines. The current storyline is enhanced with the past story giving depth to the characters and the history of their family interactions. I love the plot and the character interactions.

This is a great second book for the Lake City Heroes series and it did not disappoint. The book has a dual time line which at first I wasn't sure how it would all tie in but boy did it come together nicely at the end. The historical timeline does add a depth to the story I didn't even know I needed. In the present time Ms. Eason had me at the edge of my seat with all the action and mystery that was happening and kept me turning the pages until I sadly came to the end and the book.

I really enjoyed Kenzie and Cole. It was great to see how their storylines and relationship developed. The SWAT team really came together for Kenzie after being so distant from her. The romance between Kenzie and Cole was a slow burn and although you may want it to move faster I think if flowed perfectly and made it more realistic.

Overall I thought this was a great story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see some of these characters again.

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

If a book has Lynette Eason listed as the author, I ALWAYS put it at the top of my TBR stack. I've never counted how many of her books I've read, or how many years I've been devouring her books, but in my opinion, she only gets better.

Target Acquired features Tactical Medic Kenzie King who just won her spot on the Lake City SWAT team. Unfortunately, there are those who think she got the job because of who she knows (her father is the former police chief) and not on her ability to do the job. As her team is called out to incident after incident only to have one of them seriously injured, she begins to see that the pattern surrounds her. Can she continue to do her job without endangering her teammates?

Cole Garrison sees the antagonism some of his SWAT team have for Kenzie, but he sees first a more than capable medic who is willing to put her own life on the line for a team member. It's the second look he's having some issues with. He sees a beautiful woman who could possibly be the one he's been looking to settle down with. He's definitely interested, but where she goes, trouble seems to follow. Can they get past the sparks that fly when they're together to find the person trying to knock her off the team?

I liked how Eason started out with some "family history." I spent the rest of the story trying to figure THAT mystery out, in addition to the ongoing suspense in the rest of the story. Love Eason's writing style and can hardly wait for the next book featuring another strong woman.

Aaa-maaa-zing!! Beware, once you start reading, you won't be able to stop! The edge of your seat, suspense, and drama will draw you in and not let go!! When you get so invested in a book that you want to smack someone against their head to wake up, you know you have a winner!
I love to see how the characters develop and grow. The mix of suspense, drama, romance, history, and faith is spot-on!
Kenzie has to fight for her job, to be accepted, but also to stay alive! Luckily, her old friend and team leader Cole is there to lend a hand in more ways than one!
Thanks, Lynette Eason, for this awesome book that blessed me on so many levels!

Target Acquired is an entertaining mystery/thriller. I enjoyed both the main characters, Kenzie and Cole, as well as, the storyline, which was fairly fast paced. If you love a strong heroine, flashbacks/dual time line, clean romance, plot twists, and an hea, this is the perfect rainy day read! 4 Stars!

Kenzie King has fought her way into a prime spot on a SWAT team, as a tactical medical, and everyday proving time and again that she has earned her spot.

A high stakes game of cat and mouse, as the SWAT team is continually drawn out and hunted, by a mysterious antagonist who manages to stay just out of their reach. Cole has been interested in Kenzie for awhile, but he's also never had trouble finding a date. But as their team is in danger, they find themselves closer together as the stakes raise and the dangerous plot unfolds.

An action packed read, with secrets from the present and past, strong protagonists with a slowly building romance. A highly entertaining read, with an edge of your seat plot, strong faith, plenty of suspense and romance!

An excellent addition to a fantastic series, but also great as a standalone. Great character development and interaction, I loved seeing familiar faces from the previous book as well. Great for fans of action and suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Kenzie is the only girl in her family and she grew up around her brother and his friends. She is very competitive and is determined to do everything the boys do, so after she finishes medical school, she applies to be the medic for a swat team. Her secondary reason for becoming involved with police is to prove that her father is innocent and was, in fact, not a corrupt cop. Themes of friendship and faith as well as overcoming the resistance of the other men on the team to having a woman among them. This is the second in a series, but is easily read as a stand alone. I will be interested to see what comes in a third book. Thanks to Netgalley for an arc, and no pressure for a positive review

Rating: 5 stars ~ Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense ~ Pages: 299 ~ Publish Date: 20 Aug 2024

The year is 1947 and a young woman 22 years old is in a hospital because her father put her there. Supposedly she tried to kill herself. And the keyword in that sentence is … supposedly. No other patients have a private room. Why did she? She does not remember if what she has been told is true. Her name? Eliza.

The story moves to “present day” with a new team medic assigned to SWAT. Not exactly new, having been on the team for six months but when your team doesn’t accept you, you feel “new”. It probably doesn’t help that your father was chief of police until she was 14 years old. Or that he was known as TD — “The Dictator”. She was good at her job but one team member made it VERY clear he did not think so. Snide remarks. Uncooperative when he could get away with it. Her name? Kenzie.

The mystery? Why does someone want Kenzie dead? And exactly what did happen in the accident that ceased her father’s career? And … what does Kenzie’s story have to do with Eliza’s?

To find out, you’ll need to read “Target Acquired” by Lynette Eason which is book two of the Lake City Heroes series. I had not read book one so this one can be read standalone. I felt no “missing parts”. A five-star read that engaged me immediately and kept me that way until the end. To this reviewer, the ending was great. Loved it.

If you love “clean” mysteries, this book is for you. If you love “Christian” suspense, this book is for you. I recommend it highly.

I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Target Acquired” via NetGalley from the publisher, Revell. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars
Series: Lake City Heroes
Cover: Eye-catching.
Pages: 299
Publish Date: 20 August 2024
#TargetAcquired #NetGalley #LynetteEason