This book is full of twists and turns and keeps you turning the pages. I loved that it was a clean romantic suspense that had a strong faith content, yet still had the action, suspense, and drama to hold your attention from the first page until the last. It's an outstanding read!
I received a complimentary copy from Harlequin - Romance | Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A great suspense novel that my daughter could read. Lots of twists and turns and kept me turning the pages.

Will be reading more of this style of book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.

Shae went into witness protection for six years, hiding from the crime family who wants her to pay for how she helped put the patriarch away. The only person she can rely on is former FBI Mason Payne, who is also the father of her daughter.

A fast paced suspense, as Mason, Shae, and Gracie try to stay one step ahead of the the deadly gang bent on retribution. The story jumps right into the action, but also has some sweet relationship building moments. I liked how Mason instantly steps up and works with Shae to keep them safe and get to know little Gracie.

An entertaining read with a good plot and great characters. Shae is a great mother, raising her daughter to trust in God and giving her courage. I liked the strong themes of faith, the suspense, and second change romance. A very enjoyable Christmas suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Oh my word, my heart was in my throat the whole time I was reading Hunted for the Holidays, the latest fast-paced, action-packed Love Inspired Suspense title from Deena Alexander. It’s no secret that she’s one of my auto-read authors, but this book may be my favorite so far.

The story opens on an event that most people can connect to a personal memory of their own even if it’s been years since they’ve attended one – a church Christmas pageant. It should be a joyous occasion for Shae Evans, especially when her adorable five-year-old daughter Gracie is the one who improvises a little dance that the crowd loves (you know there’s always one sheep or angel or shepherd who does lol). But that’s when Shae spots the two mafia types lurking in the crowd and she knows… somehow her witness protection location has been leaked to the wrong people. I just cannot imagine the terror that something like this would send through a mom, when men you know are hired to kill you are standing between you and your daughter. Alexander does a fabulous job of conveying everything that Shae is feeling and putting readers right in the center of it, too. That level of intense emotion – for Shae and for the reader – stays high until nearly the very end, and I could not have put it down if I’d wanted to. Good thing these novels are always quick reads because I devoured it in one sitting.

Something else that is throwing a complicated wrench into Shae & Gracie’s Christmas celebration … the guy who shows up to warn Shae that her cover is blown is the FBI agent who disappeared after Shae testified six years ago. The one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. The guy who doesn’t know he’s the father of Gracie. So… yeah. Cue a whole other tangle of emotions to add to the terror of trying to stay alive and keep your daughter safe, too. Not only does the author excel at capturing Shae and Gracie’s fear and heartbreak over the situation, she also excels at vividly portraying Mason’s turmoil over seeing Shae again, learning about Gracie, regretting how things played out before, and trying desperately to keep them safe now. And she does so without making him appear weak or inauthentic.

Bottom Line: A word of advice for when you start reading Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander – don’t. relax. Even when you think it’s safe. Keep your guard up and your eyes glued to the pages. Blink if you must, but only if strictly necessary. I’m telling y’all… this book had me biting my nails, hardly daring to breathe (as though I might make a noise that gives away their location). And yes, the rekindled romance between Shae and Mason made me smile but goodness the suspense and the emotions (especially poor Gracie’s … oh my heart) had me riveted to this story. I hope we get to spend more time with Mason’s team in future books and that this won’t be the last time we see Mason, Shae and Gracie. If you are like me & love your romantic suspense action-packed and faith-based with layered characters, second chances, and some stunning twists along the way, then make sure you read Hunted for the Holidays!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I loved this book! It is amazing in its ability to start off with such remarkable suspense and does not let up! Shae notices 2 strange men watching her daughter Gracie as she participates in the Christmas program. Shae recognizes the danger and knows they need to escape right away. She has given evidence for her former boss, who is now in jail, but something must have happened in security in their witness protection program system. Shae is shocked to find her former flame Mason is assigned to protect her. Can their co-workers and friends keep them safe as they face danger all around? Can their own quick wits and actions help? Can faith?
I appreciate being able to read this advanced reader copy and the views expressed are my own.

It's been 6 years since Shae has been put in the witness protection program with her daughter and during a Christmas Pageant she realizes that they may have been found. Now on the Run with her daughter she runs into FBI agent Mason who is the daughter's father. Because she was in the witness protection and he disappeared He was unaware he had fathered a daughter and now they will do everything they can to protect their little family.

I really enjoyed this book it was pretty fast-paced with so much going on that I kept me on my toes. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing how they work together to figure out who is behind everything as there were many twists and turns going around. Overall this is a pretty good book very fast-paced and since it takes place during the holiday this might be the perfect time to pick it up.

My kind of Christmas novel. I do like a good rom com at Christmas but I ain't going to lie I also love to be kept on the edge of my seat with suspense as well. Because sometimes you need a break from the over the top cheesiness.

Not only is Shae Evans running for her life, she has her precious five-year-old daughter Gracie in tow. She became part of the Witness Protection Program nearly six years ago, but has suddenly lost the firm grip she had on her life and that of Gracie’s. They’ve been found. It is just about the Christmas holidays and all of the plans Shae has made for Gracie have evaporated.

Surprised and perhaps relieved by the sudden appearance of former FBI agent Mason Payne, Shae cautiously hopes that she and her daughter can once again attain safety. However, there is a catch, and Mason realizes it almost immediately upon meeting Gracie for the first time—she is his daughter.

Shae wants safety. Mason wants justice. Can both be achieved without any of them losing their lives? More than that, is there even the tiniest bit of hope that the three can become a family, without ever facing such fear and danger again?

This captivating read is filled with suspense and danger, as Shae races against time with her precious daughter. The book also explores the themes of love and redemption, as Shae and Mason are given a second chance at happiness. Faith is subtly woven throughout the narrative.

Many thanks to Love Inspired Suspense and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Mafia intrigue, witness protection, tense escapes, betrayals, and running through it all love that never died and a surprise family. A clean and spiritual based romance suitable for any age reader - and yes, a HEA.

There was a lot of plot twists and turns in this novel, however, I felt like the pacing was a little off and the script could use a little something. It was a little hard to follow, hard to believe. I really wanted to love the book, but it was actually a little hard to finish. I think the idea or plot is solid, but needs a little more finesse, a little more depth to the characters.

I received an ARC in exchange for a fair reivew.

This starts out with Shae Evans at her daughters Christmas pageant practice. She sees a man who she never wants to see again. This starts her running for her life and trying to keep her and her daughter alive. Along the way Mason Payne, a former FBI agent reappears in her life. He doesn't know that he is the father of Shae's daughter. He is ready to put his life on the line to protect Shae and her daughter. This is a book full of action and suspense.

I received this book from Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway.

Hunted for the Holidays was the perfect little suspense book. Kept me wanting to know more but wasn't too scary. The twist was unexpected but then I was able to figure out the rest, which always makes me feel good!
Shae & Mason were a sweet little second chance love story with their daughter included. Christmas time was a nice added touch@ well done.

Shae Evans and her daughter Gracie have been in the witness protection program for six years, ever since Shae’s testimony put a mob boss behind bars. Shae’s handler, Maria, was recently killed in a suspicious crash, which Shae suspects wasn’t an accident. When Shae spots two men lurking at Gracie’s school pageant, she grabs her daughter and rushes home, packing their lives into duffel bags. But before they can escape, someone starts pounding on her door, calling her old name—the one she left behind. The door crashes open, and there stands Mason Payne, the man she thought she’d spend her life with, who vanished after one unforgettable night.

This book is impossible to put down. The pulse-pounding suspense grabs you from the moment you open it, and you can’t help but root for Shae as she fights to protect herself and Gracie. I loved the depth of Mason’s character, realizing instantly that Gracie is his daughter yet being respectful of Shae’s boundaries. His love for them makes him fight even harder to protect them. The story is clean and full of action, which I found refreshing, especially the slightly amusing dialogue with the mobsters—no cuss words, which isn’t what you’d expect but worked well in this inspirational context. Shae’s faith and prayers felt authentic without being overdone. If you enjoy romantic suspense that keeps you guessing, with strong characters and second chances, this one is a must-read. It’s a story that pulls you in, with surprises that keep you hooked until the last page.

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander is an action-packed tale. I was immediately drawn into the story. I thought the story was well-written and it moved at a quick pace. The book has suspense, intrigue, mystery, tension, romance, and a touch a faith. I enjoyed getting to know Shae Evans, Mason Payne, Shae’s sweet daughter, Grace. I enjoyed the ending. Hunted for the Holidays is a story that will keep you up late because you cannot put it down.

Total page-turner with a heavy dose of suspense and mystery and even a second chance romance included.

What to expect:
-> secret baby & second chance romance
-> secret identities & holiday romance
-> Christian Romantic Suspense

Shae has been living undercover in witness protection for years after testifying against her former boss. But it seems someone has found her! She has no choice but to call for help to get more protection and a new safe house. But then in walks Mason to her rescue. He's not just the man she fell in love with years ago. He's also her daughters father. Mason and her "had" made plans years ago... but all that changed when he left without even saying goodbye, and no one could find him. Yet here he is, trying to protect her and their daughter. Mason always loved Shae, but with a mole in the department and a killer still on the loose, he went undercover to try to keep her safe. What that meant was leaving without a trace. They both still have feelings for each other, but truthfully, it's been years, they've changed, and the first time they broke apart, it was too hard on them both. So they need to focus... find out who is after Shae, eliminate the risk, and then finally they can all go back to their lives. But do they really want that, or would they want something more?

This book was a total page Turner. The romance is there, but it definitely takes a bit for a backseat to the suspense. But the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. And just when you think you've solved who/why Shae is being targeted... the story will surprise you! Definitely give this book a read. I read it all in one day, because I couldn't put it down!

I received a complimentary copy of this story. The review is all my own opinion.

I really enjoy the Love Inspired Suspense books. they are the perfect quick read for a stormy day. This book was a twisty, suspenseful faith filled read with a second chance romance. I found it to be a well-written and enjoyable reading the whole book straight through. Loved the action and suspense along with the tenderness and protectiveness of Mason with Shae and Gracie. Great character growth. Completely entertaining from the first chapter to the last. Great story!

Hunted for the Holidays is a gripping romantic suspense novel that seamlessly blends the festive spirit of the holiday season with pulse-pounding tension and high stakes. At its core, the story revolves around Shae Evans, a woman whose past choices endanger her and her daughter when a familiar face resurfaces during a Christmas pageant. With the threat of a vengeful crime boss's son looming large, Shae must confront her worst fears while managing the complexities of her past and present—making for an emotional rollercoaster that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
The plot kicks off with a sense of urgency as Shae, who has been living under witness protection for six years, uncovers that her cover has been blown. The harrowing reality of her situation becomes even more complicated when it's revealed that law enforcement's help comes in the form of Mason Payne, a former FBI agent and the secret father of her daughter. This relationship adds a layer of depth and tension, as both characters grapple with their shared past and the responsibilities they hold towards their daughter while navigating the immediate threat that encircles them.
Moreover, the festive holiday setting provides a stark contrast to the dark themes of fear and survival.Alexander effectively uses vivid imagery and sensory details to evoke the sights and sounds of the holiday season while injecting moments of heartwarming tenderness that emphasize the importance of family and resilience.
Overall, this story is a thrilling page-turner that successfully combines holiday cheer with a gripping narrative of survival, love, and redemption. Perfect for readers looking for an escape into a world that is both exhilarating and festive, this novel is a testament to the strength of love and the enduring spirit of the holiday season, highly recommend!

Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander delivers an electrifying mix of suspense and faith, keeping me glued to the pages from start to finish. The witness protection plot, with its high-stakes danger and deep Christian themes, makes this one of those reads that resonates long after the last page is turned.

Shae’s dedication to prayer is a thread that runs through the heart of the story. Even in the face of imminent danger, she knows the importance of not just asking for protection, but also listening for God’s voice. I loved the quote where she reflects, “She was also a strong proponent of taking time to pray, not only to ask for what she needed, but to meditate and listen for God’s answer and to thank Him…” It’s a reminder that in the chaos of life, quieting ourselves to hear from God is essential.

Then there’s Mason—whose return into Shae's life is anything but simple. His journey to reconnect with his faith was another standout for me. As the story unfolds, you see the weight of his past decisions and how he's striving to realign his life with the beliefs he once held so closely. His realization—“It was time to return to the right path, time to fully embrace the beliefs he’d always held”—is so poignant. His internal struggle adds depth to the suspense, showing that sometimes the biggest battles are the ones within ourselves.

The action sequences are gripping and relentless—this is not just a story about survival from external threats, but also about spiritual endurance. Whether it's chases, close calls, or the ominous question of who to trust, the tension never lets up. Yet, amidst the danger, Shae and Mason’s faith serves as a lifeline. When their situation seems the most hopeless, prayer and trust in God are the only things that keep them going.

If you're craving a story that masterfully intertwines suspense, second chances, and Christian faith, Hunted for the Holidays will not disappoint. It's a pulse-pounding read with heart and depth, offering a gripping adventure with a powerful message of faith and hope.

I received a digital ARC of Hunted for the Holidays from Harlequin – Romance (Love Inspired Suspense) and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

This romantic suspense story may be relatively short, but it is compelling from start to finish. I literally carried it from room to room with me as the Kindle text-to-speech feature read to me as I went about my daily routine, otherwise I would have accomplished absolutely nothing until I finished the last page. Shae Evans and her five-year-old daughter had been in the Witness Security Program Gracie's entire life, a life her father knew nothing of until he came banging on their door one December 23rd evening.

Deena Alexander was able to flesh out these characters and craft a smoothly-flowing, action-packed plot in just 201 pages. She also, through the characters' thoughts and actions, demonstrates in a very authentic way how one's faith impacts how one handles the really tough times life throws one's way.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Hunted for the Holidays from Love Inspired via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

(4.5) Fast paced, second chance, Christian romantic suspense. I really like that Love Inspired Series shows that we are human, after all Shae has a child from her encounter with Mason. Yes she thought they were building a future, but things happen. This is action packed and when at there darkest there is prayer and faith to hang onto with their fingertips. Sadly we all know there has to be a mole somewhere or safety would exist in witness protection. I really enjoyed this author and will look for more of her books for the suspense and the subtle faith that inspires me. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #HuntedForTheHolidays #DeenaAlexander #LoveInspiredSuspense #Harlequin #NetGalley

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