Targeted in Silver Creek (Silver Creek Lawmen: Second Generation, 1)

Targeted in Silver Creek (Silver Creek Lawmen, Second Generation book 1) by seasoned author Delores Fossen, begins with Deputy Jesse Ryland, one of the Silver Creek Ranch Rylands, hold up in Hanna Kedrick’s ranch house protecting Hanna and their son Evan. Hanna has no recollection of anything prior to being shot 6 months earlier, but Jesse remembers everything and will give everything to protect her and Evan. Bull Freeman, thought to be a ruthless killer and high up in the militia, has escaped prison and has been reported to be out to make sure Hanna doesn’t remember what happened the night she was shot. When Bull calls Jesse directly to say they all have targets on their backs and that he is set to blow the militia case wide open, the story takes another turn. Over several tense days, and with visits from Jesse’s family, Hanna’s mother Isabel, Bull’s sister Marlene, and a suspect ATF agent, the danger escalates until the intense conclusion. This is an interesting story of smoke and mirrors as under cover agents, area deputies, and the head of the subversive militia collide. With page turning moments and intense storylines, I did enjoy this book and do recommend it.

Targeted in Silver Creek by Delores Fossen, book one in the Silver Creek Lawmen: Second Generation series, is an edge of your seat, wild, suspenseful ride from start to finish. There's plenty of action, suspense and a second chance romance to enjoy. Hanna Kendrick has lost her memory after being shot in the head. Unfortunately she doesn't remember Jesse Ryland, a Silver Creek lawman and the father of her baby. There's a militia group running guns and drugs in the Silver Creek area, and all the lawmen in Silver Creek, have been working to round up the members to pay for their crimes. Specifically, they are looking for the person pulling the strings of the group and the man who shot Hanna. Jesse won't give up until this person has been brought to justice, especially since the militia threats impact Hanna and baby Evan, Hanna's and Jesse's six-month-old son. Jessie is determined to protect Jesse and Evan and has never made it a secret that he's in love with Hanna; even if Hanna is unable to voice her feelings for Jesse, despite knowing she has them. Together, Jesse and Hanna protect their infant son and with the help of the Silver Creek lawmen uncover the brains behind the operation; putting an end to their reign. Ms. Fossen did an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes, including red herrings, causing me to wrongly guess who was behind the militia group and boy was I surprised when I found out. I loved Jesse’s protectiveness toward Hanna and their son, and that they finally get their HEA. I highly recommend Targeted in Silver Creek to other readers, especially those who love romantic suspense or crime dramas. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Terrific start to the new series. Bonus points, too, for this being a next-generation series. I love seeing the characters from the first series (Grayson is ready to retire!) and catching up with their lives. It's great to see their kids continue the law enforcement family tradition. Jesse is the adopted son of Boone Ryland and has been a deputy with the Silver Creek Sheriff's Department for eight years. The newest challenge for the department is apprehending escaped prisoner Bull Freeman, murderer and member of a terrorist militia. This manhunt is personal for Jesse because Bull shot Jesse's ex and nearly killed her and their unborn son. Hanna survived, but her memories of the time before the shooting are gone - including her night with Jesse. Jesse spends as much time as Hanna will allow with their son and hopes she will eventually see him as more than Evan's father. Hanna is a strong woman, independent and self-sufficient. She walks a careful line between her body's memories of Jesse and the fact that she no longer knows him. Part of the problem is that her mother has a grudge against the Rylands and does her best to poison Hanna's mind against him. But Hanna's instincts tell her she can trust him, which is a good thing when she learns of Bull's escape. Jesse moves into her house to provide around-the-clock protection until Bull is recaptured. The suspense of the story is outstanding and full of twists. Someone is out to get Hanna, and suspicion immediately falls on Bull, who supposedly wants to ensure Hanna never remembers what happened that day. Matters take an unexpected turn when Bull contacts Jesse to tell him they all are in danger, and he's about to blow the militia case wide open. Can Bull's bombshell declaration be trusted? As Jesse, Hanna, and Evan hole up in Hanna's house, with plenty of backup from the rest of the department and Jesse's family, steadily intensifying attacks bring other suspects to light. Is the ATF agent, Shaw, on the up and up, or does he have a hidden agenda? Is Bull's sister, Marlene, an innocent victim, or does she know more than she's telling? Even Hanna's mom acts suspiciously. I was glued to the pages from start to finish as I tried to decide who the real bad guy was. The author does an outstanding job of providing logical motivations and actions and enough doubt to keep me guessing to the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter and kept me on the edge of my seat as Jesse and Hanna faced off with the person pulling the strings of the militia. The showdown was intense, and the teamwork of Jesse, Hanna, and the other law enforcement ensured a successful outcome. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Jesse and Hanna develop. We learn early on that their night together was supposed to be a one-and-done, as neither was interested in anything permanent. But a birth cont...