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Mission: Rescue #1
Protective Instincts
STALKED!
After losing her family, and then nearly her life when she was held hostage in Africa, grieving widow Raina Lowery only wants to put the past behind her. Instead, she's finding her son's toys in the woods and dodging a gunman's bullets. Raina is trapped in a real-life nightmare—until Jackson Miller reappears. Months ago, saving Raina was Jackson's job as a member of HEART, a private rescue team. But now it's personal. The hardened protector wants to give Raina—and himself—a second chance at love. But first he has to save her…again.
Mission: Rescue—No job is too dangerous for these fearless heroes
After losing her family, and then nearly her life when she was held hostage in Africa, grieving widow Raina Lowery only wants to put the past behind her. Instead, she's finding her son's toys in the woods and dodging a gunman's bullets. Raina is trapped in a real-life nightmare—until Jackson Miller reappears. Months ago, saving Raina was Jackson's job as a member of HEART, a private rescue team. But now it's personal. The hardened protector wants to give Raina—and himself—a second chance at love. But first he has to save her…again.
Mission: Rescue—No job is too dangerous for these fearless heroes
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
143 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 6, 2016
Heroine Raina has a stalker. Hero Jackson, and the members of the private rescue team he belongs to, are there to protect her and seek out the stalker's identity. The story never really drew me in and I didn't connect with the main characters or feel any chemistry between them. Raina kept putting herself at risk even though she knew she was in danger. I also didn't think she was in a place in her life emotionally where she should have been taking on the responsibility of raising Samuel, the little boy she had brought over to the US from Africa. Jackson seemed way too possessive of Raina after only knowing her for a brief time. I did like secondary characters Larry (Raina's elderly neighbor), and Stella (Jackson's fellow team member).
July 15, 2018
Protective Instincts is the first book in the Mission: Rescue series. I've previous read books 3, 4, and 7; I loved those stories, but this one wasn't as good in my opinion.
I liked the characters, but the suspense felt a little predictable and certain characters seemed to do things without thinking of the danger. I guessed the villain the moment he/she entered the story, so it was just a matter of finishing the story to see why.
All in all, I liked the book. It is not my favorite of the series, but I'm glad I read it.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I liked the characters, but the suspense felt a little predictable and certain characters seemed to do things without thinking of the danger. I guessed the villain the moment he/she entered the story, so it was just a matter of finishing the story to see why.
All in all, I liked the book. It is not my favorite of the series, but I'm glad I read it.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
July 21, 2018
I enjoyed this book, but the ending left me feeling as though I somehow missed a few pages. I thought the romance happened very quickly, but that on it's own is okay though I would've enjoyed more conversations between them. I was honestly more interested in the secondary characters, Boone and Stella in particular, and hope to read their respective stories sometime soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
July 6, 2018
This is the 1st book I read by Shirlee McCoy. I liked the action in this story. I was into the beginning of this story. Then it jumped to something else & I got confused. I felt this story had too much going on it. This story would have been really good if it would stayed with one thing instead of so many things.
July 25, 2014
Another nail-biter from Shirlee McCoy! The first book of her new Mission:Rescue series, "Protective Instincts", is a page turning suspense with an inspiring theme of coping and moving on with life after the loss of a loved one by a stalker or kidnapper. With the aid of HEART, a hostage rescue team devoted to rescuing victims and reuniting families, the characters were given a second chance at love. What an incredibly powerful story! and so wonderfully written! Love your books, Shirlee, have never been disappointed in any of them! Looking forward to the next one in this new series. Definitely give this book a 5 star rating and recommend it to anyone wanting a good inspirational suspense written by a lovely Christian lady.
August 11, 2014
http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2014/08/bo...
A still grieving widow, Raina is plunged into a nightmare with mysteriously appearing toys of her dead son, sudden appearances of a hooded man who is hell bent on killing her and a hardened protector who makes her heart skip a beat and who inspires a yearning so deep in her that it almost makes her frightened.
"The hard, quick beat {of her heart} reminded her of shy first glances and giddy first words, of nerve-racking first dates and tender first kisses. It reminded her of dreams and hopes and yearnings."
Who is this stalker and what does he want from Raina? What is this feeling between Raina and her protector, Jackson? Can she hope for a love filled future or is thinking of such things a betrayal of the memories of her lost family? Will God show Raina the correct way?
"That's what had been missing in her life- hope in the future, belief that life still had wonderful things to offer, trust that God would take the bad and make good out of it."
This is my first book by Shirlee and I thoroughly loved her book. The first thing that attracted me to this book was the blurb and then the cover. I read the blurb and knew instantly that I had to read this book. The cover is also intriguing and will attract the reader.
The plot is well plotted and executed. Shirlee has a simple style of writing which is very down to earth and instantly connects the readers with the story. The story flows fluidly at a comfortable pace and I was kept fully engaged in the story right till the very end.
The characterization is very beautifully done. Raina instantly fills our hearts with sympathy, a sense of sadness and loss but also makes us admire her strength. She is a woman who has lost everything in her life and has also silently faced the accusations of those people who think that had she been a good wife she would have either died with her family or saved them. This type of thinking angers me but I also acknowledge that there are people like this all over the world. Humans are same everywhere only the upper polish of their style of living, the language they speak and the religion they follow is different.
Jackson is a strong character with protective instincts. He has faced loss in his life and so can empathize with Raina's loss. He fell for her while rescuing her in Africa where he was part of HEART, the rescue team specializing in getting people out from difficult situations; and his feelings have only strengthened over time. So when someone threatens her, Jackson is all set to have a one-on-one with that person.
The slow sensual romantic development between Jackson and Raina is fresh and very beautifully portrayed. It touched my heart and made me all fuzzy with the warm feeling of love. :)
"A day when past is only the past and the future is something to hope and dream about." He touched her cheek, his fingers gentle and warm. "A day when everything I've ever hoped for is standing right in front of me."
Samuel is another important character and he touched my heart and made me pray for children like him all over the world. Children who have lost their childhood, their family and their sense of security. With no one to look after them, these children crave love, a warmth of family and a place to call home.
There are other characters like Jackson's brother, Chance; Jackson's teammates, Stella and Boone, Raina's boss, Kent Moreland; her best friend, Destiny; Destiny's brother and the cop, Andrew and Rain's neighbor, Larry.
The author has introduced her characters in this first book in the Mission: Rescue series and I loved each and every one of them. I would definitely read the successive books in the series to know more about them.
The story kept me hooked and very interested till the end. I prayed fervently for a happily-ever-after for Samuel, Raina and Jackson. While I guessed the identity of the stalker early one, this didn't diminish my interest in the story even one bit. I loved the story, connected with the characters who felt like acquaintances and friends to me and enjoyed the suspense and mystery.
There was only one thing that I felt was not explained properly. No solid reason is given why the stalker was after Raina. How his wife died is also left a mystery. Some indications of foul play are given but no closure provided. I wont tell you the name of the stalker but you would know what I am talking about when you read the book.
All in all, a great story that will entertain and take you away in a world inside the book where there is lots of action, excitement, thrill of chase and the fear of a stalker. I give Protective Instincts 4.5 out of 5 and recommend everyone to read the book. I love Shirlee's writing style and look forward to reading more from her.
I received the book from NetGalley and the publishers, Harlequin and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
A still grieving widow, Raina is plunged into a nightmare with mysteriously appearing toys of her dead son, sudden appearances of a hooded man who is hell bent on killing her and a hardened protector who makes her heart skip a beat and who inspires a yearning so deep in her that it almost makes her frightened.
"The hard, quick beat {of her heart} reminded her of shy first glances and giddy first words, of nerve-racking first dates and tender first kisses. It reminded her of dreams and hopes and yearnings."
Who is this stalker and what does he want from Raina? What is this feeling between Raina and her protector, Jackson? Can she hope for a love filled future or is thinking of such things a betrayal of the memories of her lost family? Will God show Raina the correct way?
"That's what had been missing in her life- hope in the future, belief that life still had wonderful things to offer, trust that God would take the bad and make good out of it."
This is my first book by Shirlee and I thoroughly loved her book. The first thing that attracted me to this book was the blurb and then the cover. I read the blurb and knew instantly that I had to read this book. The cover is also intriguing and will attract the reader.
The plot is well plotted and executed. Shirlee has a simple style of writing which is very down to earth and instantly connects the readers with the story. The story flows fluidly at a comfortable pace and I was kept fully engaged in the story right till the very end.
The characterization is very beautifully done. Raina instantly fills our hearts with sympathy, a sense of sadness and loss but also makes us admire her strength. She is a woman who has lost everything in her life and has also silently faced the accusations of those people who think that had she been a good wife she would have either died with her family or saved them. This type of thinking angers me but I also acknowledge that there are people like this all over the world. Humans are same everywhere only the upper polish of their style of living, the language they speak and the religion they follow is different.
Jackson is a strong character with protective instincts. He has faced loss in his life and so can empathize with Raina's loss. He fell for her while rescuing her in Africa where he was part of HEART, the rescue team specializing in getting people out from difficult situations; and his feelings have only strengthened over time. So when someone threatens her, Jackson is all set to have a one-on-one with that person.
The slow sensual romantic development between Jackson and Raina is fresh and very beautifully portrayed. It touched my heart and made me all fuzzy with the warm feeling of love. :)
"A day when past is only the past and the future is something to hope and dream about." He touched her cheek, his fingers gentle and warm. "A day when everything I've ever hoped for is standing right in front of me."
Samuel is another important character and he touched my heart and made me pray for children like him all over the world. Children who have lost their childhood, their family and their sense of security. With no one to look after them, these children crave love, a warmth of family and a place to call home.
There are other characters like Jackson's brother, Chance; Jackson's teammates, Stella and Boone, Raina's boss, Kent Moreland; her best friend, Destiny; Destiny's brother and the cop, Andrew and Rain's neighbor, Larry.
The author has introduced her characters in this first book in the Mission: Rescue series and I loved each and every one of them. I would definitely read the successive books in the series to know more about them.
The story kept me hooked and very interested till the end. I prayed fervently for a happily-ever-after for Samuel, Raina and Jackson. While I guessed the identity of the stalker early one, this didn't diminish my interest in the story even one bit. I loved the story, connected with the characters who felt like acquaintances and friends to me and enjoyed the suspense and mystery.
There was only one thing that I felt was not explained properly. No solid reason is given why the stalker was after Raina. How his wife died is also left a mystery. Some indications of foul play are given but no closure provided. I wont tell you the name of the stalker but you would know what I am talking about when you read the book.
All in all, a great story that will entertain and take you away in a world inside the book where there is lots of action, excitement, thrill of chase and the fear of a stalker. I give Protective Instincts 4.5 out of 5 and recommend everyone to read the book. I love Shirlee's writing style and look forward to reading more from her.
I received the book from NetGalley and the publishers, Harlequin and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
August 2, 2014
Raina Lowery shouldn't have to worry about being killed after she is rescued from an African mission trip that goes bad. After all, her husband and son are already dead and she should have been--except that the HEART rescue team finds her and brings her home.
Jackson Miller joined the HEART team after his sister is kidnapped; after years of searching, he has concluded that she will never be found, but neither he nor his brother wants other families to suffer as theirs has.
Each of these scarred individuals has strong protective instincts, so strong that Raina insists on bringing little Joseph, who lost his leg in the rescue effort that saves Raina, with her when she is brought home. As a nurse, she knows what Joseph needs in order to live and his kindness to her, even as a child soldier, is not lost on her. Jackson can't seem to get Raina out of his mind, even after she is home and safe. When Joseph is ready to leave the hospital, he agrees to help deliver the boy back to her and runs headlong in a series of mysterious situations that coalesce into a threat to Raina's life.
Who killed a man in her town? Who is stalking her? Is it the same person who has stolen a stuffed animal that was her late son's favorite? And why?
Jackson Miller joined the HEART team after his sister is kidnapped; after years of searching, he has concluded that she will never be found, but neither he nor his brother wants other families to suffer as theirs has.
Each of these scarred individuals has strong protective instincts, so strong that Raina insists on bringing little Joseph, who lost his leg in the rescue effort that saves Raina, with her when she is brought home. As a nurse, she knows what Joseph needs in order to live and his kindness to her, even as a child soldier, is not lost on her. Jackson can't seem to get Raina out of his mind, even after she is home and safe. When Joseph is ready to leave the hospital, he agrees to help deliver the boy back to her and runs headlong in a series of mysterious situations that coalesce into a threat to Raina's life.
Who killed a man in her town? Who is stalking her? Is it the same person who has stolen a stuffed animal that was her late son's favorite? And why?
June 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. It had great suspense, and action, with a hint of romance.
After Raina lost her husband and son, she went to Africa with her boss. Out of the team that went, She and her boss were the only ones that survived the trip. Jackson worked for Heart. They went on missions. If Heart could bring someone home, reunite loved ones, make one less person suffer loss... they'd do it. No matter what the cost. It was Jackson and his team that saved Raina, and her boss Kent.
Once they got back to the states Raina had a stalker. Once again It was Jackson and his team there protecting her. The buildup of the story was really good. I had guessed who the stalker was before the end of the book, but I still enjoyed the book. I did wish the climax was longer. Everything just happened so fast.
I liked Raina, and Jackson, and the little boy that Raina had saved. This was a good book.
After Raina lost her husband and son, she went to Africa with her boss. Out of the team that went, She and her boss were the only ones that survived the trip. Jackson worked for Heart. They went on missions. If Heart could bring someone home, reunite loved ones, make one less person suffer loss... they'd do it. No matter what the cost. It was Jackson and his team that saved Raina, and her boss Kent.
Once they got back to the states Raina had a stalker. Once again It was Jackson and his team there protecting her. The buildup of the story was really good. I had guessed who the stalker was before the end of the book, but I still enjoyed the book. I did wish the climax was longer. Everything just happened so fast.
I liked Raina, and Jackson, and the little boy that Raina had saved. This was a good book.
June 18, 2019
'She wanted to close her eyes, pretend she was in a place where she could believe forever existed, believe that love could last, believe that her heart would never be broken.'
I discovered Shirlee McCoy only recently and found her books to be so good, I am now on a mission to read them all. This one is great!
Raina is rescued by a special team called HEART from a mission gone bad in Africa. Jackson Miller, member of HEART gets her out, only for her to discover a few months later that someone is aiming for her. Now it's up to Jackson to rescue her again.
McCoy writes fast paced, top of the line inspirational romantic suspense and does it incredibly well. Love this!
I discovered Shirlee McCoy only recently and found her books to be so good, I am now on a mission to read them all. This one is great!
Raina is rescued by a special team called HEART from a mission gone bad in Africa. Jackson Miller, member of HEART gets her out, only for her to discover a few months later that someone is aiming for her. Now it's up to Jackson to rescue her again.
McCoy writes fast paced, top of the line inspirational romantic suspense and does it incredibly well. Love this!
April 6, 2019
This book would have been better had the obvious person turned out NOT to be the crazed stalker. Jackson was an okay and understanding love interest. I kept having problems keeping to exact time line in mind. The romance wasn't an afterthought this time. Action was decent. Samuel was cute, but didn't seem like the traumatized 10 year old they were saying he was. In fact, he kinda takes a huge back seat to the storyline....
All in all, it was okay. Really wanna know what's up with Stella. I think I'll be reading her book next, if I can get my hands on it!
All in all, it was okay. Really wanna know what's up with Stella. I think I'll be reading her book next, if I can get my hands on it!
August 11, 2022
I'm glad that I was able to read the first book of this series. They all stand alone nicely, but it's nice to get the backstories of the different characters.
Raina has been grieving the loss of her husband and son when she decided to go on a medical mission trip to Africa, where she nearly died after her team had been captured. Fortunately, she was rescued by HEART shortly after a 10-year-old boy helped her by giving her some water. Now, with the help of HEART, the boy has come to the US for medical attention and Raina is being attacked by a stalker.
Raina has been grieving the loss of her husband and son when she decided to go on a medical mission trip to Africa, where she nearly died after her team had been captured. Fortunately, she was rescued by HEART shortly after a 10-year-old boy helped her by giving her some water. Now, with the help of HEART, the boy has come to the US for medical attention and Raina is being attacked by a stalker.
February 27, 2020
The story was pretty far fetched, but think of it as the romantic suspense version of a cozy mystery and it's ok. I liked how the refugee kid was written; he was given a personality and actions not integral to the main plot. The villain seemed to disarm the professional body guard far too easily, but it's a story. I started this series with a "Christmas" book and I think it's worth continuing at least for now.
June 15, 2023
I liked Raina's struggles after losing her husband and son. It made her reluctance to enter into a relationship with Jackson make sense. The stalker angle was interesting and I appreciated how she started out awkward with Samuel, the African boy who saved her life. Overall satisfying, if a bit predictable.
March 2, 2024
Really good and I couldn't put it down! I have read this book before and it was just as good as it was before. I love this series of books because it gives me mystery/suspense with love and Christian values. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for Christian suspense with a little romance.
July 27, 2020
This was a clean sweet read. It had frequent references to faith and God. While distracting, the repeated religious emphasis wasn’t overly preachy. It was an easy read, although I won’t read any more of the series unless it goes on kindle unlimited.
July 26, 2020
Excellent Storyent
It is difficult to read stories about loss especially children. Recently my cousin lost her husband and brother within a. Week of each other and a few months ago I lost my beloved husband of 58 years. This story is well worth reading.....
It is difficult to read stories about loss especially children. Recently my cousin lost her husband and brother within a. Week of each other and a few months ago I lost my beloved husband of 58 years. This story is well worth reading.....
December 6, 2023
Enjoyed first book of the series
This was an excellent introduction to a great new series. Lovable and believable characters. Interesting mysteries. Fell in love with African orphan Samuel. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
This was an excellent introduction to a great new series. Lovable and believable characters. Interesting mysteries. Fell in love with African orphan Samuel. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 9, 2018
Great book
Great book, thank you Ms. McCoy for writing this book. Great characters and a great mystery and romance. Lot's of twists and turns.
Great book, thank you Ms. McCoy for writing this book. Great characters and a great mystery and romance. Lot's of twists and turns.
July 22, 2018
Excellent story and great start to a series. Loved the characters. Lots of action and romance. Suspense keeps you guessing until the end.
September 3, 2018
Awesome!
I enjoyed a realistic heroine and of course all my favorites from Heart! Keep up the good work, I totally enjoy it
I enjoyed a realistic heroine and of course all my favorites from Heart! Keep up the good work, I totally enjoy it
April 18, 2019
WOW!!!!!!!
This is a fantastic book. It is filled with intrique, mystery, a faith in God and a beautiful romance. A belief in a future that God has planned for the characters.
This is a fantastic book. It is filled with intrique, mystery, a faith in God and a beautiful romance. A belief in a future that God has planned for the characters.
October 18, 2019
Nice light reading.. just enough drama to keep you reading
May 26, 2020
very intersting
July 12, 2020
Great Read
Wow a really enjoyable read,I couldn't put this book down.It grabbed me from the very beginning and held on until the very end.
Wow a really enjoyable read,I couldn't put this book down.It grabbed me from the very beginning and held on until the very end.
August 12, 2020
Enthralling
Lots of twists and turns with faith and humor interspersed. Well worth the reading. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Lots of twists and turns with faith and humor interspersed. Well worth the reading. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
June 27, 2022
This is a really good book, I liked all the characters and the storyline.
April 17, 2019
I enjoyed the ending of this book very much! 👍
June 29, 2014
4 STARS
This is one series I want to read all the books in the series. I really like the characters and want to see more of them. It is a good suspense. I did figure out who the bad guy was early on. I like the humor and banter between the brothers. I like that they worry about keeping people safe over money. It has some action, caring relationships and is a clean read.
Raina has suffered a lot in the past few years. She lost her family, then was kidnapped. Now she is trying to bring Samuel a little boy that helped her when she was a captive to live with her for a year and to get a artificial leg fitted.
Samuel has lost his family in Africa. Then he lost his leg during the rescue of the missionaries. You just want to hug him and comfort him. He comes here to where things are so different. He has a mind of his own about what he wants.
Jackson Miller helped bring Raina home from being kidnapped in Africa. Now he and another member of their team are escorting Samuel to Raina. When they get there they find Raina in danger. Jackson is not just going to leave her and Samuel to fight by themselves.
When Jackson is questioned by the cops, his brothers show up to help him.
Raina is wanting to help Samuel, but she can't face going back to Africa. So she arranges for Samuel to be escorted so he is not traveling alone. She has cleaned out her son's room to make room for Samuel. It was hard for her, but she is doing the right thing for her.
I just really enjoyed reading Protective Instincts.
I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it in return by Netgalley and Harlequin.
September 15, 2014
Protective Instincts opens with a gritty, scary scene in Africa where the heroine is at the risk of dying. That's a pretty good way to hold the reader's attention from the page one. After Raina Lowery is rescued by Jackson Miller, she returns home and tries to get on with her life. But her home and her heart are empty after the death of her husband and her little son. Jackson knows how it feels to lose a loved one as well, after disappearing of his sister. When Raina is in danger from a stalker, Jackson becomes her protector again. But will he be able to heal her broken heart?
Protective Instincts is the first book in Mission: Rescue series, and I can't wait to read the next book. Stella sounds like a strong, brave heroine, and Chance is an interesting hero. And Boone's story should be a great fun to read!
Protective Instincts is the first book in Mission: Rescue series, and I can't wait to read the next book. Stella sounds like a strong, brave heroine, and Chance is an interesting hero. And Boone's story should be a great fun to read!
July 28, 2014
Great new series by a much loved author. Jackson has my vote for swoonworthy hero of the year. I didn't even bother getting up from my fainting couch when I read this one. :-) Jackson is a wonderful combination of tender and brawn and one hundred per cent protector. Just what Raina needs when her life is turned upside down by a creepy stalker. You're going to want to keep shoulder checking if you read this book at night! But McCoy has woven some precious moments of humour along with all that taut suspense. And she's done a great job of introducing her readers to the HEART team. I predict more thrilling reads in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews