Unknown Threat

To start with, suspense is always a great category to read! That automatically earns these books 3 stars, in my opinion. I think I must be the only person on Earth who doesn't rate these 2 books at 5 stars. So take these reviews (it'll be the same for both books) with a grain or two of salt. I found the characters to lack depth. I didn't find myself caring about them and would have liked to have seen them fleshed out a little more, maybe? I'm not sure how that would look, or what it would take. They just seemed shallow to me. A couple places were a little contradictory in my opinion, but that could just be the way I took the instances (I don't want to give spoilers). I had a hard time putting myself in the story. I usually can imagine everything really well, but I just couldn't in these books. Again, I think I'm the only person with these opinions, but those are my thoughts.

This was my first book by Lynn Blackburn, and it certainly won't be my last. She had me on the edge of my seat from the very first chapter, and my younger brother and I absolutely burned through this book, it was so good. I loved the team members (except for Janice of course, haha!) and their fun camaraderie. Luke and Faith made an awesome team, though they were like fire and ice in the beginning, and I felt like cheering them and their budding relationship on. This book was perfect except for three things: -2-3 mentions of screw** -1 mild but overly flirty comment between a engaged couple -It was done too soon! I received this book free from Revell for an honest review, and the thoughts and opinions above are my own.

Unknown Threat by Lynn H. Blackburn is the first book in her Defend and Protect series. Someone has it in for the Secret Service Agents in Raleigh, North Carolina. Agents are dying in unusual circumstances. FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is brought in to solve the case. She teams up with US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell and a few of his fellow agents. But everybody seems to be in danger from the unknown assailant. From the first page to the last it felt like I was in an action movie. Every page was filled with action and suspense. The chemistry between Faith and Luke was there but it didn’t overwhelm the story. If the rest of the series keeps pace with the beginning then we are in for a very intense ride! I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

"People say it's best to fall in love with someone who is very much like you. I guess that's true sometimes. But sometimes love happens, and the joy of it is discovering how to love someone who isn't like you at all." What an adrenaline-filled start to the new series Defend and Protect! Lynn H Blackburn has outdone herself with this newest book. It has everything a romantic suspense fan could possibly want - a fast-paced and intricately woven plot, that elusive villain, wonderful characters who really bring the book to life, sweet romance, easy-to-read writing style, funny and often witty dialogue, and a great faith thread with themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. It's a must-read book for 2021! This new series sends the readers to the US Secret Service office based in Raleigh, NC and Luke is determined to find the murderer of his friend and mentor. When he and the other agents in his office become targets, Faith from FBI steps in to lead the investigation of both events. Luke is the steady, loyal, dependable alpha hero but isn't afraid to let Faith take the lead, though he has some past issues with the FBI. Faith is the driven, intelligent workaholic who has something to prove to the world and has trust issues with men. The story line is quite fascinating and has multiple gasp-worthy twists and turns. I also enjoyed learning about what actually takes place within the Secret Service office and what the agents do when not in protective detail. The secondary characters of Gil, Zane, and Tessa are seamlessly integrated into the plot and I'm looking forward to future books in the series about these Secret Service agents. And for those who are fans of the previous Dive Team Investigations series, you'll be squealing with delight when certain characters make cameo appearances. Those who enjoy nail-biting suspense will totally love this book. I received the book from Revell/Baker Publishing Group and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.