Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the first line: US Secret Service Agent Tessa Reed was no stranger to hangovers.
Wow! That line really drew me in. But first the photo and verse. The Redbud is just down the street from me and again I practically stood on my head to get this angle. I love the wisp of cloud at the top. And I’m always amazed at all the things God has created.
Now for Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn. It’s Book #3 in the Defend and Protect Series, and this is Tessa’s story. But first the cover and back copy:
USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker has landed his dream assignment protecting the president of the United States. When the president plans a fundraiser at the exclusive estate of a political supporter in Raleigh, Zane is thrilled to be working again with Special Agent Tessa Reed, his best friend–and the woman he desperately wishes could be more.
Though Tessa almost lost everything, she battled her demons and came out on the other side healthy and healed. But when her role as the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president’s protective detail wrenches her past back into the present, her greatest failure threatens to come to light.
Zane refuses to let Tessa go through this alone. But can he stand by the woman he loves and protect the president from a mounting threat at the same time?
Sparks fly as award-winning romantic suspense writer Lynn H. Blackburn closes out her Defend and Protect series with this explosive tale of secrets kept, lies exposed, and relationships restored.
My Take:
I was glad to finally discover Tessa Reed’s secret alluded to in the other two books. And if you haven’t read them, you can still enjoy this one, but I’m certain you’ll want to go back and read them–they are great books!
I love a competent heroine and Tessa was that and more without being snarky. And Zane is just WOW! This is the story that kept me up until 2 a.m. Monday morning when I had to get up at 6. There is plenty of mystery, action, and suspense. And romance. Well…relationship is a better word when two people decide to just be friends. Except the reader knows they both want more than friendship so the romantic tension was there without getting in the way of the suspense. Blackburn weaves a story that will have readers flipping the page to see what happens next!
You can find buy links for Under Fire here. And Baker BookHouse has it for 30% off and free shipping here!
Okay, Readers, leave a comment or the first line of the book you’re reading and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library!
Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn is this week's Reader Friday! Check out my review, leave a comment and I'll enter you in a March drawing for a book from my library! Share on X
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Comments 36
Banshee, demon-baby wailing from the apartment next to mine for the millionth hour straight.
Author
That’s an attention-getter, Carole! lol
Under Fire sounds like a great read. I’m reading Dog Days of Summer by Kathleen Y’Barbo. It’s a humorous, dog-filled cozy mystery. The first line: “When I told Mama I was fine with whatever Christmas plans she had, I had no idea I would arrive in my hometown of Brenham, Texas, to discover I’d been named grand marshal of the annual Lighted Christmas Parade.”
Author
That sounds like a cute read Vera!
I’m glad you’re sharing another redbud photo, Pat. I just love the color contrast between the red flowers and blue sky. And the verse is another simple reminder of the power of God’s word.
I will start “Under Fire” at breakfast this morning. I love Lynn’s books. Since you’ve got her book covered, I’ll share the first line from the book I finished last night: “Assistant District Attorney Baxter Scala strode purposefully along the sidewalk leading to the Milwaukee County Courthouse.” is the first line from “Protection Detail” by Laura Scott. This is a courtroom thriller as Bax goes after a famous musician for the murder of the musician’s girlfriend. Sheriff’s deputy Kyleigh Finnegan is assigned to be Bax’s bodyguard after he receives threats on his life.
Author
Wow, I’ll have to get that one, Tim! And I love the Redbud tree, even though it isn’t red here. 🙂
Truly a lovely photo. I enjoy watching redbuds bloom. They’re such a determined tree popping out and blooming right after winter ends or almost ends.
I read Under Fire by Lynn Blackburn a few weeks ago and I agree it was a page turner. Dog Days of Summer was another good read by Kathleen Y’Barbo.
Tim, Protection Detail, by Laura Scott, just got added to my list, as well!
“Air raid sirens wailed as Beryl jumped off her bicycle and rushed into the house,” is the first line of The Escape Game, by Marilyn Turk.
Author
Barbara, The Escape Game just went on my TBR list! As for the redbud tree, I know winter is almost over when I see them blooming everywhere. Love that tree!
At the sound of a footfall behind her, Cady Matthew’s back muscles tightened faster than a mousetrap snapping its prey. Hidden Secrets by Christy Barritt. Always love your scripture choices.
Author
Love Christy Barrit’s books Judy. I’ll have to review some of hers that I’ve read soon!
nice flowers
Author
Thanks, BN!
Milly’s pale skin provides her with special privileges, but every luxury comes with a command. This is from April Gardner’s latest book We Are Come to Die.
Author
Oh, wow, Judy. This sounds chilling, but in a good way. 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous photo Pat and the verse is very fitting! I have read the two previous books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them. Plan to read Under Fire soon.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!
Author
I think you’ll really enjoy it, Miss Mary!
What a beautiful photo! This book sounds like a great read! Thank you for sharing about it. Have a great day and a great week.
Author
You are welcome, Alicia! I hope your weather is as nice as it is here!
Lynn Blackburn writes such great suspense!
Author
Gail, you are so right! And I’ve loved this series.
book sounds great! I love Lynn’s books!
Author
Me, too, Shelia!
Beautiful picture from God’s creation and a wonderful verse from His Holy Word. I finally saw a redbud on my way to Roanoke, VA the other day.
I have been checking the local library for Under Fire the past few weeks. Hopefully they will get it in by the time I’m ready to read it.
From the prologue of The Best We’ve Been by Beth K. Vogt:
I was waiting. Again. She should be here by now. Where was she?
Author
I really love Beth’s books, Edward! I’m glad you got to see a redbud!!
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
Diana, it kept me up until 2 a.m.! Lynn is a great writer.
Ahh, thanks to all the comments my TBR pile is growing…but I don’t consider that a problem! 🙂 I finished Courage in the Shadows by Robin Patchen in the wee hours this morning. It begins with “When the bearded stranger stepped into the hospital room, a chill slithered down Summer’s spine.” I have really enjoyed her Coventry Saga series!
Glad you’re soaking in the beautiful red buds; they’re gone way too quickly!
Author
I’ve got to get started on that series, L.! I have it on my Kindle, just haven’t had time to read lately. lol
History didn’t haphazardly repeat itself in the chapters of Elise Malvern’s life. From In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel. Hopefully, it is because I was really tired when I started the book last night but I haven’t really gotten into it.
Author
That’s an intriguing opening line, Joan!
The picture is so pretty. The verse fits it well. I need to check out this book. It sounds like a great series. I’m reading Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem . A girl like you oughta be in pictures.
Author
Thank you, Erika! Code Name sounds very interesting!
Beautiful photo for the scripture, Pat!
Heartbeat, Hamish. Assess your surroundings.
Murder at the Flamingo – Rachel McMillan
Author
Thanks, Caryl! And your first line has me wanting to read more!
Under Fire is a great book. This is the first line from The Promised Amish Bride by Marta Perry: The country road was a familiar as Aaron King’s own body, even after all these years away.
Author
Hi, Gloria! I like that opening sentence!