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Danger in Destiny #4

Caught in the Crosshairs

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Cole Massy has worked security in the private sector for years. He takes each job seriously, and that includes the single mom and her son that he was hired to protect. Unlike most jobs, Erica has no idea he's there to keep her safe. It isn't until someone tries to kidnap the boy that Cole is forced to reveal who he is.

When Erica Keyes' ex-husband walked away from their family eight years ago, she worked hard to support her son. Everything she knows is turned upside down when young Peter becomes a target. Cole is clearly willing to risk his life to save theirs, but can Erica put her trust in him long enough to find out who's after her son?

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2024

269 people are currently reading
83 people want to read

About the author

Melanie D. Snitker

46 books305 followers
Melanie D. Snitker is a USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children. They share their home with three dogs and a variety of small animals. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, training her dog, playing computer games, and hanging out with family and friends.

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5 stars
505 (75%)
4 stars
127 (18%)
3 stars
34 (5%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,196 reviews
March 17, 2024
Caught in the Crosshairs is exhilarating, intense, and heartwarming. Cole and Erica have an instant connection, although both shy away from relationships due to issues in each of their pasts. When danger finds Erica, Cole is quick to step in. I loved their characters, as well as the friends and family both have surrounding them. The book is fast paced, filled with suspense and emotion, and I couldn’t put it down!
2,398 reviews17 followers
March 18, 2024
Loved it! So much mystery and suspense. I loved Cole and Erica together and little Peter was such a sweet kid. This is a sweet, clean romance.
Profile Image for Jill.
1,237 reviews9 followers
July 14, 2025
Best one yet in this series.
321 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2024
Family, Security, and Their Common Thread

"Christian Romantic Suspense" wasn't a familiar genre for me, so I hesitated to read Caught in the Crosshairs. Would it be predictable? Hokey? Cringe-inducing? A weird combination of suspense with prayer and a few kisses? Having taken the plunge and read the book, I can answer: not at all; only in spots; a lot less than I'd thought; and yes, but I don't mind.
Erica Keyes is a single mother who owns a B&B in a small town (Destiny, Texas). But the similarities to Gilmore Girls end there; she was divorced by her husband after becoming pregnant with her son, now-eight-year-old Peter, and she employs a college student to manage the inn while Erica drives Peter to and from school. A well-oiled machine, right?
Wrong. One morning, Erica is run off the road by an SUV with a scary-looking passenger who stares directly at Erica before the swerve occurs. Fortunately, one of her guests is going the same way and witnesses the whole thing. Even better, that guest is Cole, a trained personal security officer who's on his way to meet with a Realtor about potential new sites for his family's security firm. The family wants to move the firm to a small town with a friendly police department, and since Erica's on a first-name basis with many uniformed officers, Destiny is high on the list.
Cole uses the term "family" in quotes because he doesn't see himself as a member of the Durham family--just a burden Mr. and Mrs. Durham took on when he was dumped at their door at age 13 by his addict mother. He doesn't see himself as a Durham by love, which to them is more important than blood. He's close to Mac, his older half-brother, and Asher, the youngest Durham and a computer expert, but regarding the rest he feels like an outsider. He doesn't even carry the Durham name, which would (perhaps) help him feel more secure in his position. Erica, meanwhile, hears him telling Mac he's not sure about staying in the business, and she's surprised at how sad she feels about him not moving to town with the company and the other Durhams. (Hokey spot "A".)
Peter plays peewee football and admires Cole so much he invites him to the away game that weekend. Erica, still shaken by the road rage incident, gladly accepts his offer to drive two hours to the game location.
Someone else drove two hours, though. Both Erica and Cole notice a strange man near the sidelines, and Erica recognizes him as the SUV passenger who stared at her. At the postgame pizza party, Erica emerges from the restroom to find Peter grappling with a man edge hasn't seen before. When she tells the man to let her son go and grabs Peter's arm, the man points a gun at her and drags them both outside. Alerted by the door alarm, Cole rushes out and shoots the would-be kidnapper, then calls for medical assistance, hoping that he hasn't killed the man and he can provide valuable information about who's after Erica, Peter, or both of them--and what they want.
When they return to the inn, it appears that an intruder let himself in (no sign of forced entry), then left and locked the deadbolt from the outside--meaning he had a key. All keyholders are accounted for... except the assistant manager, who left home the morning after the scratching took place but never arrived on campus for her class. The police find her the next day, shot to death, with her purse and wallet intact but her keys missing. Erica is beyond freaked out now, thinking that her escape somehow caused her assistant's death, but Cole comforts her and finds himself wanting to kiss her. (Hokey spot "B" and pasting "romance" into the story...)
Erica's brother, a fireman, installs window sensors that will notify all of Destiny and its neighboring towns if anyone opens Erica's or Peter's bedroom windows. But neither of them feels like staying there without guests, and Cole (the only one still checked in) is due to leave the next day. Cole, however, obeys his protective instinct and decides to stay until those who are after Erica and Peter get caught.
Mac comes to the rescue, reserving two motel rooms under his name and letting Erica and Peter stay in one room while he and Cole take turns on watch. When Asher calls in a theory that the bad guys are tracking them, Cole suddenly thinks of Peter's backpack! He takes it everywhere except football games, so the passenger must have confirmed Erica's and Cole's presence at the away game so his associate could enter the inn and put the tracking device in Peter's backpack.
The previous sentence illustrates why I rated this book four stars, not five. The bad guys know too much about Erica and Peter! How do they know what car Erica drives, who her assistant manager is and what car *she* drives, Peter's football schedule, or the location of their bedroom windows? There are also many loose ends left untied; it's implied that Erica's ex-husband was masterminding a plot to kidnap Peter for ransom, but to what end? When he's found dead, apparently all problems went away!
Still worth reading.

Profile Image for Gretchen Garrison.
Author 3 books32 followers
March 23, 2024
"Suddenly, the black SUV jerked to the right, hitting them with a sickening crunch and a squeal of metal against metal. She gripped the steering wheel and struggled to keep her vehicle from veering off the road and into the ditch and embankment beyond. A dozen thoughts screamed through her head."
As a single mom, Erica is used to facing challenges. Her son, Peter is a good kid, but running a bed and breakfast business and keeping up life is still hard. But when a car accident proves to be purposeful, she cannot figure out who would target her.
Cole Shepard decided staying at a B & B would be more relaxing. The young woman running the place impressed him. As a security specialist, he is used to trouble. But he did not anticipate having it happen at the place where he was staying. He knows he can't stand by and not help Erica figure out what is happening. Can they discover why her life is suddenly in danger?
The answers are not clearcut in this suspense book. There were definitely elements that made discovering the answers confusing and challenging. I thought the plot was well done.
Not surprisingly, the two main characters are drawn to each other. The connections are emphasized but not the passion. That part did not take over the story.
Part of the story has to do with calling. Both of the main characters had to determine whether their current occupations fit their life goals. Finding one's place can be hard. I enjoyed the introspection and interactions.
I have really enjoyed the "Danger in Destiny" series. While one could follow along and read this title first, the books do go along with each other. I am glad they read them in order. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
  I did read an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,074 reviews23 followers
March 23, 2024
Caught in the Crosshairs captured my attention in the first few pages, and I may have been a little cross when I had to put it down for awhile. I was eager to get back to the story and find out what was happening to Erica, Cole, and Peter. I like the main characters and love the close family relationships that Erica and Peter have. I rejoiced with Cole about his newfound understanding of his family dynamics. The action starts quickly in the book and continues all through it. The plot has twists and turns to keep me very interested. The romance moves along at a good pace and is sweet and tender with a few swoony kisses. The mystery of the who the villains are is resolved, but as sometimes in real life, not all the questions are answered. This is NOT a book that leaves you hanging so that you have to read the next one. It's definitely a standalone. There's a great epilogue and an HEA.
I would definitely read more in the Danger in Destiny series and more of other works by author Melanie D. Snitker.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written book.
310 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2025
Protection of Someone Precious

Cole was staying at Erica's B&B while he searched for a property for Durham Security to relocate from the city. He found Erica and her son Peter to be friendly and easy to be around. When he saw her being run off the road he stopped to help. Then strange things began to happen at the B&B. Someone trying to break in. Someone at school asking Peter and his friends questions. The dangers increase and Cole suspects it has something to do with her ex husband who was into drug sales and was suspected of stealing a large amount of drugs. Cole is determined he will protect Erica and Peter from the men after them. Durham Security joins him in protecting them. When Erica is threatened with a gun, Cole steps in front of her and takes the bullet for her. While in the hospital Cole realizes that he really is part of the Durham family when they all come to see him there. He also knows he wants Erica and Peter to be a part of the rest of his life. This is a story of facing insecurities and doubts, and finding understanding and love of family. I really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Priscila.
858 reviews87 followers
March 23, 2024
Caught on the Crosshairs was really good! I loved this Romantic Suspense, which delivered on both accounts. Erica and Cole's relationship was sweet and their slow-burn attraction made it all the more enjoyable, while the pace of this book, along with the action + suspense combo made it for a hard-to-put-down read. It certainly had me guessing how all of these things would tie up, and the ending didn't disappoint. Also, Cole's background added a deeper layer to the story, and I loved how his family and their security business played a major factor in the story. Of course, the adoption angle was interesting, and I loved how it was presented and handled.

I loved seeing past characters like, some police officers, as well as Erica's brother Bryce and his family, which makes it more enjoyable if you've been following this series (his is book #1), but doesn't detract if it's your first time jumping in. The level of research and attention to detail are top-notch as usual, and they're very much appreciated. I can't wait to read the next one! ~ 5 stars
341 reviews
March 26, 2024
Erica leads a quiet life running her B&B and caring for her son, Peter. When she and Peter are ran off the road, things start to get strange.
Cole happens to be staying at the B&B while scoping out properties for his family to purchase for their private security business. As more unsettling things happen to Erica and Peter, Cole brings in some of his family members to try to figure out what is going on. As Cole continues to spend time with and protect Erica, he considers, for the first time ever, that he may want to get married and have a family.
Grab this book if you love contemporary suspense with a love story wove between the pages! I received an advance e-copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,953 reviews30 followers
March 19, 2024
Erica and Cole meet at the right time at the right place. He's intrigued by her, and her relationship with her boy and her brother. And she needs his protection.

He doesn't notice, until she points is out, that his family go all-in to help him help her, not because of who they are, but because he asked for help.

I loved that. He was so focused on the family who abandoned him that he didn't see the blessing of the family that took him in.

The story is well written and fast paced. The suspense is on bursts so it's not overwhelming, but the excitement of the story holds on even in the quiet moments.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Profile Image for Michelle Dodge.
523 reviews6 followers
March 22, 2024
Christian action suspense romance. Part of a series, but can be read as a stand -alone.

Megan is a single mom who owns a B&B. One of her guests, Cole, is there scouting out business properties for his family business as they want to move. Megan is all of a sudden being targeted. Cole’s family business is security, and he becomes concerned for Megan and her son. Who is targeting her and why?

Great book that you don’t want to put down. Next time I read a book from Melanie I’ll need to remember to have several hours free so I don’t have to put the book down. Definite twists and turns and keeps you reading and wanting to find out the mystery. A definite must read.
161 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2024
Who is after B&B owner and single mother Erica Keyes and her son Peter? The story starts out with a crash and the action never ends. Cole, a Security Specialist staying at the B&B finds himself drawn to Erica and Peter and is compelled to keep them safe, despite the fact that he is probably leaving soon. Erica draws strength from her relationship with God and Cole, though he hasn't done any praying in awhile, is quick to remember how. I love how he wonders if God is surprised when He hears from someone He hasn't heard from in awhile. The book is enjoyable from start to finish and I love how they learn to love each other, leaning on each other's strength as well as God's.
Profile Image for Tonya Bryner.
1,260 reviews7 followers
August 29, 2024
I hate to leave only 3 stars, but I felt like it ended really suddenly, leaving me with questions.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW: i kept waiting for more info on the people after the not. If the bad guys could find out the ex has a son, couldn't they figure it he'd never even seen the kid? I kept waiting for some other information on the guys behind it. They obviously didn't catch all the bad guys off the ex was killed after they were apprehended. And what about the guys staying at the B&B in the beginning? They found some stuff in his history--was he a plant there and what happened to find?

Maybe I just didn't read closely enough, but I feel like it just ended with answering all my questions
Profile Image for BrendaLee .
434 reviews19 followers
September 24, 2025
I know I say this about all these books but I’m loving this “Danger in Destiny Series”. I’m to the point that I’m feeling like these people in Destiny are kinfolk.
I loved these characters and how a guest at Erica’s Bed and Breakfast cared enough to help keep her and her son safe. Cole was at the right place to see the first accident. The danger, suspense and the romance will keep you listening for more. I can just about guarantee the person that starts listening to this audiobook will have a hard time putting it down.
Oh and the narrator was great too.
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
299 reviews9 followers
March 18, 2024
Caught in the Crosshairs had me hooked from the very beginning. This is Erica and Cole’s story with lots of mystery, suspense, emotions, and romance. The characters are wonderful with lots of good family interactions. I especially like Erica’s little boy, Peter who is full of energy and life. This is the fourth book in the Danger in Destiny series by Melanie D. Snitker. They can each be read as standalones but I highly recommend all of them in order to fully enjoy the character development.
Profile Image for Sharon S.
1,012 reviews7 followers
March 19, 2024
Great clean addition to the series by Melanie D Snitker. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Erica is a single mom with an eight year old son and runs a B & B. For unknown reasons she is run off the road while taking her son to school.
Cole is in town on business and staying at the B & B when he witnesses an SUV force Erica off the road.
When more incidents occur Cole gets suspicious and decides to stick around for a while longer. Why is Erica being targeted?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
231 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2024
The Tranquil B & B was not very tranquil for Erica and her son Peter! Danger seemed to be everywhere they went, so it was definitely a blessing to have Cole Shepherd staying there and available to help them out during this trying time. I enjoyed this book and its twists and turns as they tried to discover where the danger was coming from and why. Peter was a joy! The author did a great job of developing the growing relationship between Erica and Cole. The book was very well written, and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Kath.
933 reviews9 followers
March 26, 2024
This was a very intense and fast paced drama. Erica and her son, Peter, were running the town's B&B when things went sideways for them. She had Cole, a security guard who also works for Durham Security, staying at he B&B when he saw trouble had landed for them.

There were several surprises in the path of the story and a couple were down right unexpected, keeping the story had to put down. Enjoyed the mysterious and intriguing read until the end.

I received an early, free copy for my honest and voluntary review.
390 reviews6 followers
March 26, 2024
Cole is a protection specialist with a lot of decisions to make. Erica is the single mom of a ten-year-old son. Cole is staying in Erica’s B & B as he finds a new property for his family’s business. While staying there, Erica and her son are targeted by an evil person. Cole protects them – and finds himself emotionally drawn to both mother and son.

This story is very good, with lots of edge-of-the-seat suspense, romance, and godly aspects.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
Profile Image for Sheila.
612 reviews4 followers
March 26, 2024
This is a great read. The characters are so down to earth, they will grab your attention and your heart from chapter 1. You're fearing for them, you're cheering for them, and you may even relate to some of them and their feelings.
I loved getting to know Erica, her cute son Peter, and felt pain with all they faced - especially as a mom.
Add in Cole and his family, parents, and siblings who truly care for each other and the help and love they give is amazing.
The town of Destiny has some pretty awesome people - Jenny, Bryce, Megan and for a short time Bethany.
76 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2024
Cole has a decision to make. To do so, he must sort through the pain and rejection in his past. The quaint B&B is giving him the time and opportunity to sort through that pain. However, the owner of the B&B seems to have trouble of her own and no idea how to work through it.
I loved that the author doesn’t give away too many hints. The mystery is very much a mystery to me until the end. My family says I am too good at knowing what is happening before it is revealed in most stories. I didn’t have a clue in this one. It’s fun!
519 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2024
This excellent, clean, romantic suspense kept the reader riveted as the action packed narrative along with the emerging romance and strong God centred themes throughout contributed to a powerful read!

Enjoyed getting to know the well rounded main characters, Cole and Erica, and their backgrounds along with their family connections which gave them depth and resonance with the reader.

There is violence so this may be triggering for some readers.

Highly recommended - please read!

I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy from the author and this is my own opinion, given voluntarily.

4,589 reviews33 followers
January 27, 2025
We get just the right amount of danger, romance, humor and surprises in this addition to the Danger in Destiny series. Erica Keyes and her son, Peter, are probably the last people anyone would ever expect to be deliberately run off the road or threatened. Who would have guessed that her knight in shining armor would be one of the guests at her bed and breakfast, Cole Shephard, a specialist with a security company. We’re kept guessing who and why she has been targeted to the end. Block out some time to read so you won’t be irritated by interruptions.
4,582 reviews38 followers
March 27, 2024
Caught in the Crosshairs is an exciting, Christian, suspenseful romance. I just had to read this straight through. It is edge of your seat from practically the first page! I identified so much with Erica when no one could figure out why these things kept happening to her. Cole is a swoony hero determined to protect both Erica and her darling son Peter. I love the closeness of the families in this fantastic book.
1,843 reviews12 followers
November 23, 2024
What does Erica have that someone wants? That's what this mystery story is all about. She runs a B&B, is divorced, and doesn't have money. Fortunately, she does have Cole staying at the Inn. He works for a security company and is the right person to help her figure it out. I loved the voice Ms.Brunk used for the little boy Peter. She does an excellent job narrating this book. The author gave me this audible copy. This is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Carol.
847 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2025
Caught in the Crosshairs

Cole met Erica and her son when he stayed in her B&B. They got along fine but when he saw her get run off the road he charged in like the white knight. Little did either know his search for company property would lead to protecting Erica and Peter. As their relationship grew they both realized if they made it through this mess there just might be something more.
Profile Image for Carlien Peens.
216 reviews4 followers
March 26, 2024
Melanie D Snitker draws you into her story and gets you invested in Cole and Erica's lives! Someone is targeting her and her son Peter, but why? I love how Cole grows as a character to come to a place of acceptance. Edge of your seat suspense filled with drama, family, community, intrigue, romance and faith! What more could you want? Nothing! So start reading . . .
Profile Image for Ann.
2,652 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2024
This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It has a cast of wonderful characters and is full of suspense, action, drama, and sweet clean romance. Erica and Cole's story will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Nari.
1,262 reviews11 followers
March 28, 2024
romance and a mystery

This book has a mystery of who is targeting Erica and her son Peter. It also has Cole and his struggles with decision on what he wants in the future vs what his family wants. I really liked Cole’s family. There is also a connection between Erica and Cole. Overall a great book with a well written story.
Profile Image for Jill.
132 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2024
Great story!

Caught in the Crosshairs was full of suspense, oh my! And definitely a page-turner. I kept reading to find the answers to why Erica and Peter were being targeted. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Erica, Peter, and Cole's story and even shed some tears along the way. Looking forward to what comes next in this Danger in Destiny series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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