Mari and her son Theo, aged 4, are being relentlessly targeted. Mari has no idea why someone has tried to kidnap Theo. Then she's informed that her violent ex-husband has escaped from prison! Now Sam is assigned to protect them and he's surprised at how quickly he becomes invested in the life of Mari and Theo. But who is behind the crimes against them? Can they wrap the case and keep safe?
This is a fast-paced, easy to read book. It is enjoyable because the characters are personable and the ranch setting is fascinating. I like how realistically Theo behaved and how Mari and Sam responded to caring for him.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley. I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Texas Kidnapping Target is written by Laura Scott. This book starts off with lots of action and suspense when Mari's four year old son is almost kidnapped. It becomes clear that it's connected to her ex husband, who has a colorful past. When Texas Ranger, Sam shows up, it confirms it. Her ex has escaped prison and she is caught in his sites. Sam and Mari have to try and stay ahead of him to keep everyone safe.

This book is fast paced, adrenaline filled and will leave you reading late into the night. I may have gone to bed a little later than normal trying to find out what happened next.
Well written, great characters and a suspsenseful storyline. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

When Mari's son's safety is threatened, her worst fears are confirmed when a Texas Ranger comes to her aid informing her that her ex has escaped from prison.

Sam Hayward can't help but be drawn to Mari and her young son, Theo, as he helps to protect them from the ongoing threats. Mari is suspicious of Sam at first but quickly comes to trust him as he goes the distance to keep them safe.

Suspense filled read, with well-developed characters, a great plot, strong themes of faith, and engaging relationship building. Theo is a sweet boy, and I liked how Sam and Theo bonded throughout this ordeal. Highly enjoyable, and well worth the read!


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

This is a well-written story by Laura Scott, of the attempted kidnapping of a little boy allegedly by his escaped prisoner dad. The Texas Ranger Sam, must protect this little boy, as bodies are discovered and attempts to get this little boy continue.
The mother is a young woman. Is so vulnerable and pretty that the Sam’s heart is keeping him close by her side while his men search. Can they stop this madman and why would he want this small child who would only hamper his escape from prison?
I recommend this book its a great beach read, mystery, with drama, and romance. Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin this review is voluntary and my own opinion.

This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's full of action, suspense, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading it, you can't put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of romantic suspense.
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.

Fast-paced and intriguing

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced and intriguing story. Single mom Mari is surprised one night to someone in her house trying to kidnap her son. The timely arrival of Texas Ranger Sam is both good and bad. Good because he was on site quickly to help and bad because his reason for being there isn’t the kidnapping attempt, but to find out more about her ex-husbands escape from prison.

I was on the edge of my seat through this suspenseful story. The twists and turns Laura Scott so deftly included had me unable to guess who could possibly be behind the attacks. I was captivated from the beginning and couldn’t put this story down. I loved the immediate connection between Sam and Mari, but also between Sam and her son, Theo. There is a Christian overtone in Mari’s life, yet, I enjoyed it is incorporated in such a way that it is a normal part of the character, and not at all preachy to the reader. This is a wonderful first book in the Texas Justice series and I’m looking forward to reading about the other lawmen in Sam’s unit.

Great Suspense

This is a wonderful, suspense-filled story. It grabbed me from the start, kept me on my toes, and kept me guessing the entire time. Along with the suspense, there is a blend of romance. However, the suspense and intrigue are the stars of the story. I enjoyed following the changes in Mari and Sam's relationship as proximity and unexpected events kept bringing them closer together, and Theo added a sweet touch to their story. This great suspense story with just the right amount of romance blended in should not be missed.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

(4.5) Red herrings, twists, murder and faith, what a combination. I knew someone had to be dirty, just had to be, but I guessed wrong several times. Texas Kidnapping Target starts with the attempted kidnapping and takes you on a twisty ride. Mari is living alone on a ranch with Theo her young son. In spite of her past she has her faith. Sam one of the Texas Rangers is busy trying to solve her ex husbands case and keep feelings out of it. This is fast paced with a lot of action. I enjoyed the ride Laura Scott took us on and that faith was wrapped around us. Thank you for the complimentary copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #TexasKidnappingTarget #TexasJustice #LauraScott #Harlequin #LoveInspiredSuspense #NetGalley

Texas Kidnapping Target by Laura Scott, book one in the Texas Justice series, is a Christian romantic suspense, packed with intrigue, murder and a huge conspiracy; keeping me guessing about the gunmen and why they were hunting a single mom until close to the end of the story.

Mari Lynch was married to Roy, who became abusive. After leaving him, she and her baby return to her childhood home, a small ranch; living with her father. Roy was imprisoned for murder after Mari divorced him. With some help, he escaped and is trying to kidnap their 4-year-old son, Theo, from her house; though she has no idea why, nor do the Texas Rangers pursuing him. Texas Ranger, Sam Hayward, is tasked with keeping Mari and Theo safe when things start happening on the ranch. With people shooting at Mari and leaving dead bodies behind, it is obvious that something more complex is going on.

Sam and Mari’s life becomes entwined as they try to stay safe, together with Theo. They are constantly watching over their shoulders. The more time Sam spends with Mari and Theo, he develops feelings for them. Despite this, he must maintain professionalism and, above all, uncover who is after them and why. Mari believes in prayer and Sam soon joins her; hoping above all that he can keep her safe. This is a sweet and clean romance, although they face many challenges along the way.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Harlequin

The opening scene in this book is chilling with the sound of glass breaking and a child's scream. Mari Lynch runs into her child's room where someone has tried to kidnap her son. When Texas Ranger Sam Hayward arrives shortly before the police, she gets the news she hoped she would never receive. Her ex-husband has escaped custody. She is sure that he was there to kidnap their son.

Sam vows to keep them safe while trying to locate and arrest her ex-husband. The race is on to keep them safe, but you will soon realize that there is something a little more sinister going on. No one can be trusted except for a small circle which makes solving this case even more tedious.

It was jam packed with action and the characters were very easy to like. Mari was especially likable as it was very evident this poor woman has been put through the wringer more than once, but her faith held fast.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Texas Kidnapping Target was a miss for me. This was the story of a woman and her son who were being shot at and have to escape. It felt like there were too many plot holes, random answers to things & not reality at all. The concept was good but I really felt like it was missing some things.

Single mother finds her son and herself caught up in the middle of a violent case involving her ex. Falling for one of the Rangers tasked with protecting them wasn't part of the plan. Leaning on her faith might be the only thing that keeps her going. Who is responsible for all of the attacks? Will they solve the case before anyone else gets hurt? Why are they targeted?
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given

Danger from the start!

This story starts out with intense danger, drama, and suspense and it continues almost until the last page! Lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing who all the bad guys really are.

Sam and Mari’s life becomes so intwined as the plot unfolds, and together with little Theo, they must constantly watch over their shoulder. Their circumstances draw them closer to God and each other. Theirs is a sweet and clean romance, although they face many challenges along the way. I enjoyed the story very much.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGallery and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

There’s something about the way danger presses in when a child’s safety is at stake that hits deep, leaving an undeniable impact. In Texas Kidnapping Target, the stakes are sky-high, but it’s not just the twists and turns that keep readers hooked. The story’s heart lies in the relentless courage of a mother, fiercely fighting tooth and nail for her child, and the quiet strength of a lawman who steps into the chaos to protect them both. The tension, sharp and palpable, envelops the reader like an unyielding current, pulling them deeper into the story.

The ranch is more than just a setting—it serves as a silent witness to Mari’s unyielding resolve, the place where she’ll defend what’s hers with every ounce of strength. Her love for Theo is fierce and unwavering, never flinching in the face of fear or danger. It’s raw, visceral, and deeply moving, illustrating the profound lengths a mother will go to in order to keep her child safe.

Texas Kidnapping Target is a gripping tale of danger, determination, and love against impossible odds. The suspense pulses with urgency, and the heartfelt moments shine through, creating a thrilling ride from start to finish. While the romance offers moments of connection, a deeper, more consistent integration of faith could have further elevated the emotional and spiritual depth of the story.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

I have always loved the Love Inspired books. This was a page turner and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend this book.

Texas Kidnapping Target
Laura Scott
December 24, 2024

A simple country ranch is where single mother, Mari Lynch lives with her son, Theo. In the middle of the night she hears his cry, picks up the shotgun she keeps in the closet and runs in his room. Standing over the young boy is a man with a mask over his face. When the child refuses to follow the bad guy he runs to jump out of the window he had broken to enter into the room. His mother, too fearful to shoot at the abductor, picked up Theo and ran to her room to call the sheriff.
The two had lived in her childhood home on the ranch ever since she left her ex,Roy, and returned to her father’s home with the baby. Since then, she taught school until losing her father. She ran the ranch and worked as a sub in the school system when she could. For almost 5 years the two had been safe here in the house.
Texas Kidnapping Target will be published on December 24, 2024 by Love Inspired of Harlequin Digital Publishing. I was able to read Ms. Scott’s latest novel via NetGalley. This first in the Texas Justice series is a pleasant yet suspenseful adventure. It is the story of Mari’s challenge against her ex’s revenge and his tribe of men he connected with in prison. It’s a short, excellent read for a weekend. Do Enjoy!

This was an engaging story. In it, Mari and her son, Theo, are in danger, and Texas Ranger Sam steps in to protect them. However, as he spends more time with Mari and Theo, he begins to develop feelings for them. Despite this, he must maintain professionalism and, above all, uncover who is after them and why.

The story blends suspense and romance well, though for me, the suspense element took center stage, with the romance being a bit more subdued than I expected. While the romance is present, it felt somewhat rushed—strong emotions between the characters are evident, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly how those feelings developed so quickly. Perhaps it was simply that they were naturally drawn to each other. As a romance reader, I tend to prioritize the romantic aspect, so my rating reflects my thoughts on the romance first and the suspense second. The suspense earns a 5 from me, but the romance is closer to a 3—it just wasn’t as believable as I hoped. Averaging the two, I give it a 4-star rating, which is still a great score. Laura has written many books, and if you're after a suspense-filled story, this one delivers! Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the advance copy. This review reflects my personal opinion.

Mari Lynch's four-year-old son narrowly escapes kidnapping. In desperation, she reaches out to her best friend, Texas Ranger Sam Hayward, for assistance. Sam, who was also the best friend of Mari's late husband, has been a longtime confidant. During the investigation, Sam discovers a dead body on Mari's property, prompting him to move her to his home for increased safety. It appears that someone is determined to abduct her adopted son. A truly captivating tale.

This is a fast-paced romantic suspense. Something is constantly happening to cause our main characters to be in danger. A few twists and turns and surprises to keep one guessing. A light, quick read despite all the gunplay. Sweet, capable and relatable characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I was immediately drawn to the cover of Texas Kidnapping Target. To protect Mari and her son Theo, Ranger Sam Hayward defies his own rules by becoming emotionally invested. I love their meet cute, if you can call meeting a guy with the business end of a rifle cute lol.

I couldn’t handle the isolation of living alone on a ranch, so I admire Mari’s strength in raising her family and escaping an abusive marriage.  Theo is a little cute pie with the “two” reference in the story, what a cute touch.

This book has it all: romantic suspense, cop procedural, political thrillers, cowboys, single moms, love after divorce, inspirational romance, and a cute kid, so if that’s your thing, check out “Texas Kidnapping Target.” I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.