Designated Target (To Protect and Serve)

Designated Target by Karen Anders
Source: ARC from author
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:

Dr. Sky Baang has been, since age of six a tool anyone and everyone wants get their hands on. Both her mother and her father gave their lives to protect Sky and keep her out of reach of those who would abuse Sky and take advantage of her vast intelligence. As such, Sky has devoted her life to her work and honoring the sacrifice made by her parents. Her name and abilities are well-known around the world and so Sky has always isolated herself from others, taken steps to insure her personal safety and, devoted herself completely to the work she does. Despite Sky’s best efforts, she is still a target.

The night Dr. Sky Baang is targeted for kidnapping, show more Agent Vin Fitzgerald responds to the call and not only helps save Sky’s life but takes a bullet for her. Vin has spent his life in the service of his country and protecting Sky and all that she knows is a further extension of his service. Vin is committed to his career and now, he is committed to protecting Sky until the threat to her safety and life are neutralized. Within the first 24 hours of knowing Sky, Vin discovers that the threat to her is not only real but far, far more serious than anyone initially suspected. In fact, Vin decides the best and most effective way to protect Sky is to get her out of town and into a safe house.

The safe house Vin chooses for he and Sky is remote, isolated and, the perfect place for the two to lie low until the threat to Sky is eliminated. It is also the perfect place for the two to further explore the very confusing feelings they have for one another. The physical attraction is certainly there – they did meet under extreme adrenaline pumping circumstances – but there is also a connection on deeper level. Sky has rarely ever encountered anyone who can keep up with her intellectually and Vin has rarely ever met anyone who can totally understand his decision to work as an agent and not as a part of his family’s business. The time in the safe house is hot, heavy, erotic, tension-filled, flirtatious, and sometimes a bit scary. Both Vin and Sky fully appreciate the nature of their circumstances are unique and likely heightening their responses to one another. Both are along for the ride but both are also wondering if there is a future for them beyond the confines of the safe house.

The Bottom Line: I devoured this read!! Designated Target is fast-paced, well-written and has two main characters that I enjoyed thoroughly. In fact, both Vin and Sky are such full, well-rounded characters that I found it difficult to like one more than the other. Where Sky is nerdy (YAY!) and a bit awkward in social settings, Vin is intelligent and comfortable around nearly anyone. Sky’s intelligence has always been her shield and her protection but Vin is able to keep up with her intellectually and breaks down some of her walls. The sexual chemistry between the two is red hot and with Vin’s patience and willingness to be “used” by Sky, Sky is able to overcome some of her awkwardness and thoroughly explore Vin. Seriously, these two have some seriously sensual moments!! Don’t mistake my meaning here: sure, the sex is a good chunk of the read but it never overwhelms the characters or the plot. The naughty bits are tied to the plot and the drama, always appropriate and, a total enhancement to the overall read. The action is just right for this read and keeps the read moving at a quick though not too fast pace. In all, Karen Anders has once again delivered a solid and entertaining read for Harlequin! show less

Good suspense and romance. Skylar is a brilliant scientist who has been kidnapped by those who want to use her intelligence for their own ends. Vin is the NCIS agent sent to find and rescue her. Though he saves her from immediate danger, he knows that those who took her will try again. When another attempt nearly succeeds, the only way to protect her is to take her into hiding while the rest of the team tries to discover who is behind it.

The cabin is isolated and the perfect place to hide out, but it is difficult also. Sky has made her work the focus of her life. She was kidnapped as a child and her parents gave their lives to rescue her and get her to safety. Since that time, her work has been her way of honoring their sacrifice. show more Because she was so focused on her education (college at ten, PhD by seventeen) and work, she never developed a social life. Her first impression of Vin blows her away with his good looks and determination to protect her. But as much as she is attracted to him, she can't let herself be distracted. Vin also puts a lot of himself into his work, but for him it is his way of being true to himself. He has never allowed a woman to distract him from his duty, but something about Sky has him in turmoil.

I loved seeing the development of their relationship. Vin can't believe the way that Sky has shut herself off completely from living a full life. He does everything he can to show her what she has been missing. I especially loved the fishing scene. Sky really starts to get into all the new experiences but the things she starts to feel also scare her. She realizes that she is falling in love with him, but believes that love has no place in her life. Vin had been hurt before by a woman who didn't understand that what he does is a huge part of who he is. Since then he has kept tight control over his feelings, but Sky blows that control to pieces. He wants them to pursue the feelings and see where they go, but Sky can't let go of what she sees as her responsibility. I ached for them both as their differing attitudes ripped them apart. Those same attitudes ended up undergoing some changes as the other's influence opened their eyes to their own misconceptions. I loved the ending and seeing how they came together.

The suspense of the story was good. It started out with some intense action as they fought off the kidnappers. It then backed off a bit as they went into hiding, and the action became more mental than physical. There were some spots where we get the bad guys' point of view, and an idea of just how intent they are on getting to Sky. The action picked up again at the end, as Sky and Vin are captured and must find a way to stop the bad guy. Sky's brains and Vin's skills combine to create an unforgettable solution. show less