Innocent Target continues the Redemption Harbor series and brings everything I love about Katie Reus. You get peeks into the characters from previous books, creating a 'family' for characters. You get danger. You get romance. What more could I want in a book? There is a reason Reus is one of my go to authors!

Hadley has just moved to Redemption Harbor to be close to her new found family when she is attacked in a parking lot at school. Turns out, someone wants her dead and Axel was given the job. These two meet but Hadley doesn't know exactly who Axel is or what he does.

I was surprised at how vulnerable Axel seemed at times. He is a badass but there are these flashes of insecurity or something that pop up once in awhile. I thought it made him seem more real. Hadley was sweet and likable; not my favorite heroine, but she was still enjoyable. Skye and Colt play a big part of the story (given their history with special operations and such) attempting to find out who is targeting Hadley. Brooks is obvious a large part of the story since he is Hadley's newly found brother! Axel takes on the role of Hadley's protector while they try to find out who wants her dead. He isn't honest with her about who he really is though, which creates tension in the relationship. They have some instant attraction, but overall, I found their relationship sweet.

Innocent Target is a great addition to the Redemption Harbor series and I am really loving the world Reus has created for these characters. Certainly looking forward to more books in this series!

 

• POV: 3rd


• Tears:


• Trope: secret identity


• Triggers: none


• Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series.


• Cliffhanger: no


• HEA: yes

books by Susan Stoker, Kaylea Cross, Anne Conley...then you will probably like Innocent Target!

 


Innocent Target





See full review on The Book Disciple ( )

I'm behind in my Redemption Harbor series reading--until this one, I'd only read book 1 ( Resurrection ), which was actually kind of perfect, since Skye and Colt played pretty big roles here too--Skye was one of the occasional POVs (along with an assortment of bad guys) besides Hadley and Axel. Being reminded of how much I enjoy Ms. Reus's writing--plus seeing the team in action once again here--ensures that my TBR just keeps getting bigger...

Even though Hadley and Axel were essentially an example of insta-lust turning into insta-love, I honestly barely even noticed except when realizing the short time span of their story. Extreme events brought them together, and their connection felt real. Who doesn't love a good future vet falls for the hit man story? ;) (And it can't be just me thinking that the guy with the heart of gold who does a questionable job for good reasons is a turn on, surely? Because the reason Axel left the FBI and the kinds of jobs he takes as a hired killer? Gotta respect that...even while being glad he takes a different path by the end.)

Innocent Target was one of those I-don't-want-to-put-this-down-yet-can't-you-make-your-own-dinner? books; it's fortunate it wasn't too terribly long or I might never have gotten any sleep! Nova and Gage are next--can't wait!

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. ( )

Innocent Target by Katie Reus

He thinks she is adorable. Everything from the dimple in her smile, to her sweet innocence and clear want in her eyes. Even the silly pajamas with the dogs all over them is adorable.
He will change who he is for her. “He’d been drowning for a long time in his own loneliness and meeting Hadley had been like seeing the light. Because that’s what she was, a light in the darkness.”
Not that she’s asking for him to change.

A romantic suspense novel. 4th in the Redemption Harbor series. Can be read as a stand alone but don’t miss the others.
I’m so looking forward to reading the next book. Fantastic adventures and series.
These are not “nice” men, but they are good and they will do anything to protect their family.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to gift. ( )