This book gives off Karen Rose vibes, but I struggled to connect with the characters. I had to double check that it was not a sequels to another book at first as it seemed disjointed, this works with the some books as the backstory unfolds, I didn’t find it with this book. This is my personal opinion only.

4.5 stars

Buckle up, dear readers – and take a few deep breaths before you start reading this book – because you may forget to supply yourself with oxygen from the very first line onward. I mean… a book that begins with “Security alarms shattered the autumn morning’s tranquility” has me on high alert right away and there wasn’t a lot of time to relax in the plot’s entirety. Which I love in a romantic suspense novel. I want to be glued to the page, biting my nails, holding my breath, and fully immersed in the race for survival/search for clues all the way to the story’s end – and Secondary Target by Angela Carlisle delivered exactly that!

Corina is very likable and it’s easy for readers to sympathize with not only her current plight but also her tragic past and how her subsequent grief has fractured her faith and her hope for a happily-ever-after. She wrestles with questions that most of us have when faced with shocking loss, and her faith journey felt honest and realistic without being trite or forced. Bryce has his own demons to battle, not the least of which is how things ended between him and Corina a few years before. Just because the relationship is broken, however, doesn’t mean the feelings are gone, and I enjoyed watching them reconnect and work through their hurt together. Into the mix, Carlisle adds a great cast of supporting characters – including local law enforcement, Corina’s loyal dog Houston, and bag-toting/free spirit Allye (Bryce’s sister & Corina’s BFF) – and a twisted & riveting suspense plot that had me catching my breath in surprise more than once. Like…. there were a couple of turns that I really did not see coming and I always admire an author that can do that for me.

Secondary Target also marks the third time this week that I’ve been able to re-visit my old Kentucky home on the pages of fiction (the other two were A Run at Love and The Song of Sourwood Mountain) and while this one wasn’t super atmospheric as far as the setting (because, you know, they’re doing the minor thing of RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES haha) I still loved being back in the Bluegrass state again. There’s something inherently peaceful about Kentucky, and I love when I get to read suspense novels set here because it’s such a great contrast to its natural mood & enhances the drama for me.

Bottom Line: Angela Carlisle bursts onto the romantic suspense scene with Secondary Target, a compelling debut novel that also quite nicely kicks off a brand new series. And I’m already eager for the next book because it involves two of my fave supporting characters from this one. The layered plot hooks you right away and keeps you riveted to the pages as you devour every word, knowing that you can (probably) count on a happily-ever-after resolution but not at all sure what the characters will have to go through to get there. I also appreciated the faith thread and Carlisle’s willingness to let Corina and Bryce share their doubts and raw emotions with readers and with each other. If you’re a fan of Patricia Bradley’s Pearl River series, Lynn H. Blackburn’s Gossamer Falls series, or Laura Scott’s Smoky Mountain Secrets series then you absolutely need to read Secondary Target too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

From the opening scene, I was hooked and wanted to know what was happening. Then I needed to who the villain was. I was fully invested in figuring out what secrets were being kept from Corina, if her dad would be okay and could they figure it out in time. I appreciated how the Bryce and Allie put their lives at risk and on hold to be there for Corina. This villain was evil and quite talented at getting past the defenses. Quite a few people are seriously injured or killed. I do not normally enjoy second chance romances, but these characters captured me quickly and had me rooting for them to get back together. A tragedy in the past separated them, but being reunited got them to discuss their reactions to what happened and figure out how to move forward. This tragedy affected their faith in different ways and I appreciated how they discussed the past and their faith. It felt natural and flowed well. It was refreshing to read a suspense book where neither of the main characters are in law enforcement themselves, but rather stuck in this dangerous situation and work with the police for assistance. The ending reveal shocked me just as much as Corina felt shocked. I am looking forward to the next book in the series as the preview included in this one let me know that we've already met the main characters.

In my opinion, there was nothing special about this book. The characters were flat, the dialogue was generic, and I found myself skimming the plot because it wasn't engaging enough to hold my attention. Corina seemed extremely dense. Receives a suspicious piece of mail after being stalked and having her car rammed, but almost doesn't open it up - seriously? The romance was completely unbelievable to me also. I seriously doubt I would have time to kiss and cuddle my boyfriend if I was on the run from a killer. I chose this book because it was listed as Christian, and it does have Christian elements in it that I appreciated, but the story itself was disappointing.

"Still standing alone in the deserted parking lot, she couldn't help feeling like a target. She backed farther into the shadowed doorway while she evaluated her surroundings. The area immediately around her was well lit, but the darkness beyond seemed sinister, almost mocking as it concealed its contents."

Corina has already faced tremendous tragedy in her life. So stepping back and keeping to herself feels like the best way to stay safe. But soon she wonders if the feeling of safety is actually illusion - she feels like a target is on her back. Bryce had loved and cared for Corina once upon a time. So he knows that he has to help her while she tries to figure out why someone seems to be after her. Is there any hope for them to regain their relationship again?

This book is about uncovering secrets. Corina's dad thought that he was protecting her by trying to handle everything. But not knowing certain details actually put her into more danger. She comes to realize that the truth will set you free even if the ride to get there involves some danger and loss.

Oh the twists and turns of this book. It kept me up at night. What a fantastic debut novel! I highly recommend it!

I did receive an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

I received this book as a gift.
There is quite a lot going on in this tale. Wait until you meet Carina. She is a very strong young woman, having to deal with the grief of losing her mom and brother, her dad up and moving her from their home to Kincaid, a small town near Chicago. Fast forward twelve years.
In Kincaid, Carina and her dad thought things had settled down, though Carina still struggled with all the grief that had built up over the years and still had questions – the big one being: Why? Strange things begin to happen. A new neighbor. Bryce returns to town, unbeknownst to Carina, and his sister, Allye (also Carina’s best friend) says nothing. Carina also has a dog, Houston, and her own business. More strange things happen.
Allye – We all need a colorful best friend like Allye. Wait until you read the description of how colorful she is, not just in personality, but her clothes choices. You’ll see.
Bryce – He’s the kind of guy who just wants to protect Carina because his feelings for her never truly disintegrated.
Will – Carina’s dad. A PI by trade. Wait until you read about the mess he got involved with.
I like that Carina is a strong young lady, but she also struggles with her faith, which makes her relatable. I like that she is dealing with all these “normal” things that we deal with on a day-to-day basis, which makes her even more relatable. Bryce isn’t a character who shies away from his feelings for Carina, he went into protector mode, and held onto his own faith. And Allye, she’s a good sister and a good friend. I also enjoyed that there was a bit of darkness to this tale with the bad guy. I have to say I sure didn’t see that one happening. By the end of this tale, I was pretty invested in these characters, and it appears that there is more to their story. It will be interesting to see where this tale goes.

Years after the murder of her mother and brother, Corina Roberts has rebuilt her life in Kentucky. But the past is anything but buried when strange occurrences begin, and Corina finds her life in jeopardy. She has no one to turn to other than the man she once loved.

Back in town, army veteran Bryce Jessup vows to stay far away from Corina or as far as possible when trapped as next-door neighbors in a small town. But when a brutal killer tracks her down, Bryce knows that’s one promise he won’t keep because protecting Corina is more important than safeguarding his heart. As the pair uncovers long-hidden secrets, they will face a killer determined to eliminate Corina’s entire family and anyone who stands in the way.

Fast-paced suspense packs the pages of Angela Carlisle’s debut Secondary Target. With the perfect balance of romance and action, it offers all the characteristics a reader of the genre could hope for — engaging characters, a tangled mystery that keeps one guessing until the end, and settings that turn from peaceful and beautiful to terrifying and deadly in the span of a paragraph.

A few things at the end that I can’t mention due to spoilers felt a bit farfetched and unrealistic, but it didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying the story as attested by the fact I devoured it within 24 hours. I cannot wait for book two in the Secrets of Kincaid series. I recommend Secondary Target to fans of Dani Pettrey and romantic suspense novels.

This book was such a roller coaster ride. I loved the characters and I felt deeply for them. The characters were complex and some were mysterious. Twists and turns were jaw dropping. The book has a second chance trope. The book has it all; Suspense, Mystery, investigation, secrets, second chance, Killer on the loose and vengeance.

Twelve years ago, Corina’s mother and brother were brutally murdered but there are secrets that his father kept from her and they moves to Kentucky to start over but the secret from the past is still threatening their lives. It shattered their family twelve years ago and unfortunate happenings won’t stop until the killer will seek his revenge. Corina is trying to find the missing link to save herself and her father but the mystery is too deep. She is not able to fathom why she is the target of the killer. The unthinkable happenings, secrets from the past and twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. The book is a heart pounding and jaw dropping romantic suspense with twists and turns. I loved the character of Bryce and Corina’s father. I loved the dedication and epilogue. The author certainly has a way to reach to the readers heart. The suspenseful vibe of the book and all the twists and turns kept me gripped till the end.

What a breathtaking debut novel for Miss Carlisle! This book really wowed me. The characters were so complex and intricate. Bryce and Carina were really meant to be. Can’t wait to see what next in the Secrets of Kincaid series!

Secondary Target by Angela Carlisle is a fast-past thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Corina Roberts can’t understand why she’s the target of a killer. But she begins to understand when she unravels her past. Someone with a longstanding vendetta against her family has set his sights on Corina, and her ex-boyfriend Bryce Jessup steps in to investigate and protect her. But the killer seems to know their every move.

I love the plot twists in this story! Each page brings more suspense as the killer escalates. And the story contains quite a lot of the killers point of view, which makes the story extra-intense. I There’s some romance, but most of the story is focused on investigating and trying to dodge a madman’s threats. Definitely a run-for-your-life story. I enjoyed Secondary Target and can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

You know, I've never really wondered before how authors can sleep after researching for, and writing, certain books (well, I HAVE wondered about Jaime Jo Wright. But doesn't everyone?). But I have to ask: Angela Carlisle, HOW did/do you sleep? You HAVE to be having nightmares from the research you must have done.

I'm not trying to scare anyone away from this book-it's a FABULOUS book, but it is DEFINITELY a thrill ride! Whew! I'm just glad my husband's been here while I read it!

If you're looking for a Christian thriller from a debut author that will keep your heart pounding, look no further.

Now. Where do I preorder the next one???

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

I enjoyed this debut mystery. I liked the character development. I became engaged with the main characters and wanted them to succeed in their uncovering the past and surviving in the present. There is a good faith message as Corina faces her disappointment in God and grows beyond it.

With respect to the mystery plot, there were plenty of red herrings. The villain reveal in this novel was certainly a twist and almost beyond belief. The denouement included additional information we readers did not know ahead of time. It wrapped up the mystery but I do wish the information would have been revealed during part of the investigation.

Nonetheless, this is a good debut effort. I like Carlisle's writing style, a good balance of character development, faith struggle and plot moving action. The second chance at a relationship made the romance aspect believable and well developed.

I liked this novel, the first in a series. I will be watching for the sequel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

What a fantastic debut novel! I could not put this one down, the story is really well written and the backstory/cold case was right up my alley. The end was a jaw drop for me and so well done. I am already excited for the next book in the series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.

Wow! Secondary Target by author Angela Carlisle keeps you on the edge of your seat!
After her mother and brother were horrifically murdered when she was young, Corina’s dad picked up and moved them to Kentucky. She’s worked hard to move through grief and loss, and has made a decent life for herself.
But now, someone is toying with her, and she’s become an unwilling participant in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, against an unknown opponent. Who is after her, and why?
Bryce Jessup is an Army veteran, recently returned home. He and Corina dated in the past, but he’s also suffered loss, and they couldn’t make it work. But he can’t stand by and ignore her being targeted. This story has more twists and turns than the largest oak tree. As Corina and Bryce try to stay one step ahead and stay alive, can the Lord work in each of their hearts to give them a second chance, this time for a love of a lifetime?
You will definitely want to find out! Plus it has my favorite, an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

Secondary Target is a suspense novel written by Angela Carlisle. It is book one in The Secrets of Kincaid series.

Summary: Corina Roberts’ father has been keeping secrets.

Secrets that now threaten her very life.

Someone is stalking her-and they mean business.

Can Corina and her ex-boyfriend Bryce piece together enough of her family history to find the culprit before they (or someone they love) ends up dead?

My Thoughts: This book definitely has plenty of action and suspense. There is a good surprise twist to the story as well.

I liked the characters, and the unique plot line, and I think this book is a good beginning to a new series.

This isn’t one I would re-read, but I am definitely interested in reading the next one, and if you enjoy suspense novels with plenty of action, then this one could be up your alley.

I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

SECONDARY TARGET (The Secrets of Kincaid Book #1) by Angela Carlisle is an action filled gripping Christian romantic suspense set in small-town Kentucky where danger from one of the heroine’s P.I. father’s cold cases come back to threaten all those she loves. This is a well written start to a new series from a debut author.

Corina Roberts has built a new life with her father in a small Kentucky town. Strange things begin to happen that are increasingly threatening and she also discovers her father has been keeping secrets from her. With her father in the hospital, she turns to her Army veteran ex-boyfriend to assist her in discovering who is after her.

Bryce Jessup returned to his hometown hoping to stay out of his ex’s way, but when Corina is threatened, he is not willing to leave her unprotected. Corina and Bryce must untangle the mystery behind a ruthless killer from her father’s past before he eliminates everyone she loves, including her.

I really enjoyed these characters and the main suspense plot. Corina and Bryce both had communication issues after a tragic accident that ended their relationship, but they slowly resolve these problems even as they are dodging a killer. Corina is also dealing with her father keeping secrets from her, and her loss of faith after the two horrible tragedies in her life. While Corina and Bryce both have moments of prayer and discussions of faith, it did not disrupt the pace of the suspense plot. This is a Christian romantic suspense so there are no sex scenes in this second chance romance. I enjoyed both the well-developed characters and the well-paced romantic suspense plot.

I recommend this exciting Christian romantic suspense and I am looking forward to the next book in this series from this new author.

This is a *Must Read* book! It's full of action, suspense, secrets, and drama. It's a well written romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved everything about this book and look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Angela Carlisle's debut novel, Secondary Target, packs a punch that defies expectations for a first-time author. Corina's journey, as she confronts her haunted past while rekindling sparks with the dashing Bryce Jessup, an Army vet now residing next door to her dad, is a rollercoaster of suspense, action, and a sprinkle of second-chance romance.
Carlisle nails the suspense, keeping readers guessing and delivering twists that even the most seasoned romantic suspense buffs will appreciate. There's this scene—gives me chills just thinking about it—that showcases Carlisle's knack for the eerie. The villain was definitely playing with Corina. I appreciated Carlisle's bold move to explore multiple viewpoints, including those of the antagonists, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Count me in as a fan, eagerly awaiting Carlisle's next book in the series!

I am so happy that Secondary Target is the first book of a new series, and I have other books to look forward to. Angela Carlisle has done an incredible job of plotting this romantic suspense with a second chance romance trope. The suspense definitely takes precedence over the romance, so if you are not a fan of romance, don't let that deter you from reading this book. I'm not often surprised by an ending to the degree I was by this book's ending. That in itself is good enough for me to recommend it so highly, but the characters and believable dialogue are additional reasons. This will be a great summer night or beach read if you are picking it up soon after release, but will be an equally good chilly night read snuggled up under a blanket with a hot beverage if you are coming across it later.

I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Secondary Target from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This is Angela Carlisle debut novel and honestly I couldn't believe it. She writes like a seasoned author! I was captivated right from the start. This story centers around Corina whose past comes to haunt her in the present. This forces her to rekindle her relationship with hunky Bryce Jessup who is an Army veteran.

This story is all about uncovering secrets and being forgiven for past mistakes. Corina's past is hard. Her family was murdered for what seems no apparent reason. Her dad has kept this from her and when she finds out she is left with lots of questions but no answers especially when someone comes after her. Personally she is also struggling with guilt regarding Bryce's younger brother.

The story is full of action and some twists and turns. The characters were well developed but I did struggle a bit with the romantic aspect between Corina and Bryce. At times it felt like their chemistry truly didn't spark. Maybe we will get a better connection with them in the next book. The mystery aspect was very well done and I didn't have a clue who it was until it was revealed so to me that makes for a great story. Elements of faith were throughout the storyline which I definitely appreciated.

Overall I thought it was a good book and can't wait to read more from this author. If you enjoy Lynette Eason or Lynette Blackburn you will enjoy this author as well!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.