In Unknown Threat, Lynn Blackburn has created a page-turning novel with all the elements I’ve come to love in her books. The hero and heroine are unique and compelling, while surrounded by a rich cast that adds depth to the story. The suspense thread is intense and pulses with energy and pressure. And the romance? It’s perfection with tension to keep me rooting for the characters. It’s a perfect read for those who love engaging stories that are threaded with hope.

This was an exciting, suspenseful book. I loved it! The danger and action started up from the first pages and didn't let down until the end. Someone is killing agents from the local Secret Service office and shows no signs of stopping. FBI agent Faith Malone is tasked to head up the investigation. She has her own issues and is desperate to solve this case before it becomes too personal.

The suspense and mystery were fantastic. The book had an incredible pace to it. I felt like the characters were believable and real. I felt like I was getting an inside look into how the different agencies interact and investigate. I enjoyed the writing style and the snarky thoughts. "...she was in shock that he'd somehow managed to both crawl under the bus and drive over himself at the same time" (location 2682). I even learned a new safety tip...that you can call 911 by hitting the power button repeatedly on your smartphone.

This was a great read. I'd highly recommend it. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I had never read this author before but really enjoyed this book. In fact, I liked it so much I bought more of her books on Amazon. The family feeling between the Secret Service agents felt real as did the animosity toward the FBI. It has a good mystery but not a lot of gore. Anxiously waiting for the next release.

Four U.S. Secret Service agents in the Raleigh, North Carolina, were murdered under suspicious circumstances over the course of three months. This resulted in the local FBI needing to get involved. Agent Faith Malone feels up to leading the task force investigation, but not everyone is as confident in them. Will she be able to find the answers needed? Will the doubters change their minds?

This is fast-paced romantic suspense book starts a new series for Lynn Blackburn.
I greatly enjoyed this book. Without giving any spoilers, here are some of my reasons.

The Secret Service aspect ... I thought that the Secret Service were around to protect the President. I had no idea all that of the areas of oversight involved. The men and women of this department bravely serve. I feel like the author did a substantial amount of research into these positions. The position explanations are woven into the storyline. While I do not feel like I read an encyclopedia by any means, I do feel like I understand so much more about the Secret Service.

The suspense ... While I did figure out certain parts of the mystery, much of the storyline was a complete surprise to me. The author did an excellent job of creating a puzzling case. The plot was not far-fetched and was well-supported with interesting details.

The romance aspect seemed to be well-paced. Yes, you can guess from the beginning who will become a couple. But their connection makes sense. The passion does not push the storyline as can happen sometimes. The roadblocks that did get in the way of them of getting together were not overly emphasized, but they did make sense as why the characters were hesitant about dating.

The supporting cast was also well-developed. I enjoyed the minor characters as much as the major characters. Mostly. There was one character that was added to annoy. Discovering the bias later helped the actions make sense. Some of these "smaller" characters are going to come into play later in a significant sense. That is why I do think that "Defend and Protect" is going to be a great series. I already know who is going to be featured next, and I definitely cannot wait to read their story.

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author and also now an e-book version from NetGalley.. I have read all of her previous full length novels. I knew that I wanted to read this next book. This review is my idea. All opinions are my own.

I love suspense novels, especially ones about law enforcement agents, and this one is a really good one!
This first novel in an exciting new series, Defend and Protect, by Lynn Blackburn delivers a high level of action and causes lots of rapid page turning and may cause insomnia if you take the option of reading it late at night…
I was immediately drawn into this story and was hooked from the very first page.
FBI Agent Faith Malone is put on a case involving the deaths of several Secret Service Agents, all from one location in Raleigh. The pieces aren’t making sense, but it seems highly likely that all the deaths are related, and it is up to Faith to make sense of it all.
I love mysteries involving law enforcement agencies, and I found this one a fun, and attention-grabbing read.
Luke, one of the targeted Secret Service agents, has nothing at all for the FBI (something in his past). But in spite of all of that, he doesn’t mind working with Faith, in fact, he rather likes it. And her. ….and you can about guess where I’m heading with this. (it is a romantic suspense, after all!) Even though it didn’t take a mad scientist to figure out the romance part of this, I still enjoyed reading about their journey, and the way the relationship progressed.
This story has believable characters. Luke and Faith both have some deep seated issues from their growing up years. Issues that have a big impact on their relationships in the current time period.
And then, something I found quite fun, some old favorite characters from Lynn Blackburn’s earlier series made some brief appearances throughout the book. (It’s always fun when old friends show up!)
This story was very unpredictable and full of twists and turns. I found myself in the dark until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and look forward to reading it’s sequel.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wow! Secret Service agents are usually not the target of bombs and bullets wherever they go. They are usually the one protecting others. In this story the tables are turned and they are the ones in need of protection and they are the targets.

FBI agent, Faith Malone has been put in charge of the investigation and Secret Service agent, Luke Powell is assigned to work with her. The building romantic tension between the two of them as they work together to solve these crimes was well paced.
This story had a plot I couldn’t figure out and was truly the definition of romantic suspense. These characters were daily living on the edge always wondering if their lives were going to end any moment. The romance thread builds through the book along with the clues to the mystery of who was threatening these agents.

I loved learning some of the inside workings of these agencies. There were a few too many meetings to sit through for me. And sometimes the story was a little difficult to follow.

But this was an impressive first book in this series and I’m really looking forward to reading the next book.
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this ebook. The opinions are entirely my own.

A good complex story. It had suspense and romance but they both seemed well balanced. Recommended to others!

This book was non-stop action and heart pounding moments! The characters and relationships were realistic and believable. The faith stories were very relatable and meaningful. I can’t wait for the next book!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Luke Powell who a secret service agent recently list a co worker to a car bomb. Two other men from his unit were killed, and him and another coworker were shot at. With multiple attempts on his life it will be up to him and fbi agent to capture a killer. This book captured my attention from the beginning.

Defend and Protect Book #1

Set in North Carolina this story has US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell and FBI Special Agent Faith Malone working as a team on the same case. This is very personal for Luke; three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in recent weeks. They were experts in shielding others now they are in need of protectors. Faith is put in charge of the investigation but how to fight back when you have no idea who is behind the attacks.

The story opens with a bang: bullet wounds and explosions...who would have a vendetta against the Secret Service agents....this is the million dollar question that is intriguing. From the get-go the storyline is intense with some thrilling moments that come along at the right moment. I particularly enjoyed the tension between Luke and Faith although both stayed professional in their investigation. To make things exciting, just when the case starts to get solved Luke and Faith muddy the waters by admitting their mutual attraction...awe....The story is definitely an attention grabber that held me captive till I reach the final chapter. This story is not gory or overly violent it is more an action/suspense/romance novel which is very softly written and includes a great amount of acronyms to challenge us. The author does a fantastic job balancing the action scenes with investigative scenes and relationships. A lot is going on; all threads are handled with ease. I particularly liked that the threat against the agents remained unknown for a long time.... it gave me something to speculate on.

I loved those two characters: Luke, the handsome, headstrong and cocky agent simply made me smile and Faith, a gentle, sensitive yet strong person is the dream female agent....again awe...

Well-said, well-done. I am looking forward to book#2

This book began with a bang and doesn't let up until the explosive ending.

Secret Service agent Luke Powell lost one of his best friends to a suspicious bombing. When he and his partner are targeted by a sniper and nearly blown up themselves, they begin to feel the bulls-eyes on their backs. As they recover from their wounds, they find out that two others from their same office weren't as lucky as they were. Who could be targeting their unit, and why, and will they even survive to investigate it?

Special Agent Faith Malone of the FBI is given the lead on the Secret Service case. She has worked with Luke Powell on a joint terrorism task force, so she knows he's not a fan of anything FBI related. Her work ethic is unparalleled, and she has solved every case she's been given. Can she wade through the mishandling of the first case that came through her own office to find the real culprits before they finish the killing spree they started?

As Faith and Luke work together, can they each see that integrity isn't limited to the Secret Service or the FBI, and that their investigation can only be better if both of them are concentrating on it?

This is my first Lynn Blackburn book, and wow, it was a doozy! The suspense was killer, and I also appreciated the strong message of faith in God that came through. The female protagonist was strong, almost to a fault. She wasn't willing to accept less than the best from herself, or her coworkers. She was hardest on herself, though. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series! The teaser at the end of this book was enough to whet my appetite and make me keep an eye out for another Defend and Protect series novel.

This book is especially geared to those who love romantic suspense, as there is enough of each to keep readers flipping pages. This would also work for anyone who enjoys stories featuring those who work in law enforcement. I can absolutely recommend this!

I received this book free from Revell via NetGalley, but every opinion here is my own.

Unknown Threat has a striking plot which begs readers to read on to discover who has such a vendetta against the Secret Service that nearly all of the agents at the local office have been attacked and the remaining agents fear for their lives. Luke barely escapes with his life and is thrust into a game of survival with FBI agent Faith Malone who is heading up the investigation to discover the intent behind the attacks. The book while suspenseful, with some action scenes that pick up the pace, does lag with countless meetings discussing long winded backstories which are somewhat difficult to follow. The romance between Faith and Luke is the main focus of the story. I enjoyed reading this book, but had to push through several sections to continue to the end of the story.

Unknown threat was such a thrilling read full of twists and turns. I couldn't stop reading. Luke Powell is a secret service agent and Faith is a FBI agent that both have deep back stories. I loved that this book was fast paced from the get go. It kept me wanting more and I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
#unknownthreat #netgalley

Readers are happily entertained with this story! Interests and fascinations are piqued with threats, bombs, and explosions. Everything one identifies within a good FBI/government agency novel! “Unknown Threat” tugs at heartstrings as lives are in danger. Agents must race against the clock--literally, a time bomb--to bring down what seems to be an invisible enemy. Readers are immersed in two mysteries, actually--no spoilers here though! Which also made it an enjoyable read. Blackburn successfully intertwined love, faith, and intrigue in her novel. Old wounds from the past needed to be worked through; and through that processed pain, new opportunities arose. I appreciated that hard questions of faith were brought up. There was no shying away from tougher topics. Human emotions and experiences were touched on. Readers felt sadness, grief, and happiness. Love, joy, and healing. Be sure to check out your preferred eReader apps and stores for this entertaining read!

#1.UNKNOWN THREAT...Lynn.Blackburn
..Defend and Protect.Series
Secret Service Thad had been killed an Asian woman was also in the car.
Zane and Luke helped celebrate Thad’s twins eight year birthday. Reminiscing how much the twins took out of them to do it. Use to be the three of them on their daily runs. Heading to their cars, shots fired and cars blown, injuries resulted, was it a sniper.
Thad’s case hasn’t been solved, now with two dead from the FBI, the case goes to Speciial Agent Faith, known for solving high profile cases. Meeting with Jacob she is told she has two weeks, since three months has passed, Thad’s is still open.
Who was the Asian woman, did a father or a boyfriend want revenge. What reason could there be that she was with him in the car.
A plot that runs deep between two Agency that has suffered deep loss. Will keep one to the end to figure out who was behind it and why.
Good characters , especially the role of Faith. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Revell and Net Galley.

What happens when it's those whose job it is to protect are the ones in need of protection? That is just the question in Lynn H. Blackburn's newest novel Unknown Threat in which it members of the secret service including Special Agent Luke Powell are being targeted. Despite his distrust of the FBI, as more agents are targeted he gives into the help of FBI Special Agent Faith Malone. What follows is a high paced suspense with just the right amount of romance mixed in.

From the start, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat, never quite certain what is going to happen next and when. The action never backed down throughout the story, making it a quick and thrilling read. I enjoyed getting to know Faith and Luke and seeing their romance blossom, but I also enjoyed getting to know the fantastic cast of side characters as well. As the first book in a new series, I felt like it was really set up well to make me want to read more about this group... and I cannot wait. Those who are already fans of Lynn H. Blackburn's will also appreciate the familiar characters that make small appearances as well.

Overall, this was a fantastic read and one that fans of romantic suspense will certainly want to check out!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Wow, this book had all the things I was looking for - a thrilling storyline, a romantic thread and no bad language or smut.

Faith is an FBI agent who gets involved with a case of Secret Service Agents being murdered and injured. The main agent that she works with, Luke, doesn't like the FBI one little bit so it takes Faith a bit of time to convince him that not all FBI agents are bad. The case is complex and perplexing and it takes all of Faith's experience and sleuthing skills to figure out what is going on. Without Luke and his team though, who are hardly slow-on-the-uptake types themselves, her job would have been much harder. Then sparks begin to fly between herself and Luke - unexpected, yes, but nice for the reader to get swept away with. Both Luke and Faith have difficult families and this makes it even harder for the two of them to come to terms with the attraction that is growing between them.

Considering this is book 1 in a series, I am looking forward to reading the next one!

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell.

Award-winning author Lynn Blackburn kicks off a new romantic suspense series with a bang -- three Secret Service agents from the same office are killed and two more are nearly killed in a short period of time.

In Unknown Threat, FBI Agent Faith Malone heads up the investigation when Secret Service Agent Luke Powell and another agent are attacked after a morning jog. Luke helps Faith in the investigation while trying to stay out of the killer’s crossfire. As more agents are threatened, it becomes a bigger challenge, especially when the clues are slim. Can they bring the killer to justice before anyone else gets hurt?

Set in Raleigh (NC), the story involves agents from the local FBI and Secret Service offices. Normally the protectors, these Secret Service agents are the ones in need of protection. Characters from her earlier series make a cameo appearance.

The characters are diverse in their ethnicity and backgrounds. A few examples are an agent of Pakistani ancestry, another with olive skin tone, and another with Cherokee ancestry. Faith’s sister Hope is wheelchair-bound but strong in her faith, while able-bodied Faith struggles in her faith. Luke wrestles with a family history of bitterness towards the FBI, and Faith has her own family drama.

Blackburn’s writing continues to improve since her debut novel. Unknown Threat is an action-packed thriller filled with faith elements, a clean romance, realistic characters, and a plot that will keep the reader up late trying to unravel the twists. The book combines several themes: family relationships, forgiveness, and hope.

Recommended for adult collections and fans of romantic suspense, especially fans of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Dani Pettrey. Watch for book 2 coming in March 2022.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I received this complimentary copy as part of the Revell Reads blogger program. I am not required to write positive reviews.

Lynn Blackburn exemplifies gifted writing and her new Defend and Protect series may be the best yet. Unknown Threat captures your attention and time from page one. The partnership between the Secret Service and FBI is complex and challenging. This case requires a collaboration to manage the twisted and heart-wrenching situation, but places all parties at risk.

Thankfully, the book has a satisfying conclusion without loose ends. It can be read as a stand-alone, but with the included sample of book two, the remainder of the series is a given on the Must Read list.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

Wow. In Unknown Threat it really was an unknown threat chasing these guys and it seemed to be coming from no where as secret service agent after secret service agent was targeted in the Raleigh office.

As they were down agents and this fell into the jurisdiction of the FBI, the politics and the dislike the two different agencies had was on full display. However, they really needed to work together. Too many agents were dead and wounded and whoever was doing this was outsmarting them all.

Faith is the FBI agent in charge and she takes her job very seriously. She has a crush on Luke, who is one of the wounded agents. Their biggest issue- they don't quite trust one another yet. But the bad guys don't care rather the good guys can get along or not, they are bound and determined to see their agenda play out. I could definitely feel the emotion these characters had for their fallen comrades and the emotional and physical brinks they were all pushed to.

This was a top notch thriller. There were surprises throughout the book and the sudden attacks just popped out of nowhere it seemed. I was kept guessing, as Luke and Faith were, throughout the entire novel. I really enjoyed this suspense and it ranks in the top five I have ever read.

I was provided a copy of this novel from Revell publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.