Criminals want her mind… Her protector wants her love.
Special agent Vincent Fitzgerald's mission is to find missing naval scientist Dr. Skylar Baang. The brilliant Filipino American beauty has been kidnapped for her knowledge and research on top secret projects. But even after Vin rescues her from a dangerous group, he knows they'll be back.
A long-ago promise has kept Skylar committed to her work—love is a distraction she's never allowed herself. Now in the protective custody of a complicated NCIS agent who surprises her at every turn, Skylar wants to stop thinking and start feeling. But as the thugs come after her, she'll need everything she is—and smart, sexy Vin—to stay alive.
Award winning, bestselling author Karen Anders is a three time National Readers’ Choice Award finalist, Romantic Times Reviewers Choice finalist and has won the prestigious HOLT Medallion. Two of her novels made the Waldenbooks Bestseller list in 2003. Published since 1997, she currently writes for the Harlequin Romantic Suspense line. Karen’s love of reading is what ultimately led her to writing romance.
Karen came to romance early when, at sixteen, her Valentino-loving grandmother gave her The Sheik to read. Ever since that day she devoured romance in all types of genres including: historical, western, fantasy, time travel, and science fiction. It wasn’t until she started reading contemporaries that she couldn’t find the type of books she wanted to read. That’s when she thought she would try her hand at writing one herself. Her fourth book Jennifer’s Outlaw written for Silhouette Intimate Moments sold in 1995 and was published in April 1997.
Karen then went on to sell to Harlequin Blaze in 2001 and her first Blaze was released in January 2002. She’s written 12 books altogether.
Karen is proud of her two daughters whom she raised as a divorced mom for 15 years. One is launched into the world and the other is attending college. Although she misses the beautiful mountains of her home state of Vermont, Karen moved to Northern Virginia is 1981 and then to Raleigh, North Carolina in 2006.
Karen loves to paint in both watercolors and Chinese Brush painting as just another creative outlet.
“Karen Anders brings stimulating characters to life with scrumptious scenes.” – Shannon Short, Romantic Times
“Author Karen Anders certainly knows how to grab a reader's attention.” – Jan Springer, The Best Reviews.
“Karen Anders is on my “look for” list when I hit the bookstores.” – Jess, A Romance Review.
Upcoming Releases:
At His Command, To Protect and Serve, Book #1, Harlequin Romantic Suspense
Current Projects:
Working on a three book proposal for Romantic Suspense: The Bride Wore a Bulletproof Vest Silent Running, To Protect and Serve, Book #2 Shadowdancer, Shadows of the Past, Book #1
The Starbuck Chronicles: Afterlife, an Urban Fantasy
Vincent Fitzgerald was a Marine. Now he's a special agent. He is assigned to protect designated target Dr. Skylar Baang. She is a Filipino naval scientist who is a genius. Attended university at age 10 kind of genius. She is being hunted by some Russians for reasons unknown, but since she is working for the U.S. government on a top secret submarine project, she is going to have the best protection. ...
This book was fun. Amazing sex, cute characters, and action-movie-style fight scenes.
The ideal balance of danger and passion makes the latest book in the To Protect and Serve miniseries continuously enthralling. Whether the main couple are fleeing from ruthless kidnappers or enjoying a moment of sensual intimacy, the scene is always believable with genuine emotions conveyed. Karen Anders makes her suspenseful story particularly convincing by creating true-to-life characters whose reactions come across as very realistic. DESIGNATED TARGET has adrenaline-pumping scenarios where outcomes are never assured until the last second.
Since Dr. Skylar Baang was kidnapped when she was young, she is alarmed when sounds associated with that ordeal are heard in her house one night. Though evasive action is attempted, she is taken captive by armed men. When NCIS special agent Vincent Fitzgerald and other team members are called upon to locate Skylar, he knows the scientist needs to be quickly found because of the secretive navy project which she is currently working on. Though they manage to get her back using his deductive skills, the threat to her has not been eliminated and Vin is assigned to be her guardian.
Not being able to work on her research does not make Skylar happy, as her whole life has been dedicated to her career choice. There has been no time for a social life, so being around a sexy man like Vin is something totally new for her. As the two try to stay a step ahead of whoever seems determined to kidnap her, he vows to keep her safe. Yet for the first time in his life, Vin is tempted to let his desire for Skylar make the mission more than just duty.
If watching any of the NCIS programs are a favorite pastime, then you will definitely enjoy the To Protect and Serve miniseries by Karen Anders. Or the story could make you want to discover what riveting plots you have been missing. The author takes you into the heart of this government organization where agents keep others safe by any means possible. Situations are realistically depicted with details that grab your attention, and I came to care for those who put their lives on the line for someone they just met. The jeopardy to Vin and Skylar is extremely perilous at times, and what would ultimately happen to them caused several very anxious moments. As for the mystery of who is responsible for terrorizing Skylar, any related events are cleverly handled.
While threats make the story gripping, the mounting desire plus emotional connection between Vin and Skylar is just as engrossing. He is someone who constantly remains in control, yet being around the desirable scientist causes Vin to make this assignment very personal. Being in a sexual relationship with a man is something that Skylar has never before faced, and her extraordinary mind becomes confused when feelings turn conflicted. Though these two characters are opposites in many ways, both have a strong-willed personality and it shows up quite a few times. A number of qualities Vin possesses make him honorable, yet it is his kindhearted caring that I will long remember. While Skylar may someone who is awkward around people, she is still able to do what is necessary when needed. The desire felt by them for each other is off the charts, and they expressed their feelings with much passion. Karen Anders makes these two individuals come to life in every scene. DESIGNATED TARGET is an adventurous romance filled with one risk after another.
Designated Target is a romantic suspense by Karen Anders. It is in the To Protect and Serve series. Dr. Skylar Daang is a genius. She was kidnapped by the Chinese government when she was six years old. Her Mother, an American, and her Father, a Filipino engineer, worked very hard to get her back. Six months later, her Mother was killed in an automobile accident. When her Father was charged with her murder, he took his daughter, Malaya Matapang, to Washington DC to a good friend and they changed her name. She was adopted by her “Aunt Audris Baang, when she was seven. From the time she was six until she was seven, she was homeschooled. She entered high school at eight and college at ten. She had her PHD from MIT by the time she was seventeen. She is working for the Navy on some top secret project. Her work is her life as she had promised her parents to make something of herself and so she dedicated herself to her science. She was kidnapped from her home by some men she identified as speaking Russian. They had her and her laptop. What did they want from her? As she was escaping from the Russians, Special Agent Vincent Fitzgerald took her into the NCIS custody for her safety. Special Agent Vincent Fitzgerald took his job seriously. He had a computer engineering degree from MIT and served in the Marines before joining NCIS. His Father had wanted him to go into the family business and was extremely upset when he refused to do so. His sister wants him to come home to talk but now he has a job to do. He is to protect Dr. Daang. When the safe house is compromised and he had to fight their way out, he went rogue and took her to a cabin belonging to a friend without telling his boss or anyone where they were. He discarded their phones to prevent tracking that way. He purchased drop phones to use when he had to. As he tries to keep her safe, he has to try to figure out who wants Skylar and why. Can he keep her safe? Are they safe from each other? This book is very interesting and the suspense is really there. How are they finding out where they are? Who is leaking the information and why? Whoever it is has cost them two agents already, will there be at least one more lost?
Designated Target by Karen Anders Source: ARC from author My Rating: 4½/5 stars My Review:
Dr. Sky Baang has been, since age of six a tool anyone and everyone wants get their hands on. Both her mother and her father gave their lives to protect Sky and keep her out of reach of those who would abuse Sky and take advantage of her vast intelligence. As such, Sky has devoted her life to her work and honoring the sacrifice made by her parents. Her name and abilities are well-known around the world and so Sky has always isolated herself from others, taken steps to insure her personal safety and, devoted herself completely to the work she does. Despite Sky’s best efforts, she is still a target.
The night Dr. Sky Baang is targeted for kidnapping, Agent Vin Fitzgerald responds to the call and not only helps save Sky’s life but takes a bullet for her. Vin has spent his life in the service of his country and protecting Sky and all that she knows is a further extension of his service. Vin is committed to his career and now, he is committed to protecting Sky until the threat to her safety and life are neutralized. Within the first 24 hours of knowing Sky, Vin discovers that the threat to her is not only real but far, far more serious than anyone initially suspected. In fact, Vin decides the best and most effective way to protect Sky is to get her out of town and into a safe house.
The safe house Vin chooses for he and Sky is remote, isolated and, the perfect place for the two to lie low until the threat to Sky is eliminated. It is also the perfect place for the two to further explore the very confusing feelings they have for one another. The physical attraction is certainly there – they did meet under extreme adrenaline pumping circumstances – but there is also a connection on deeper level. Sky has rarely ever encountered anyone who can keep up with her intellectually and Vin has rarely ever met anyone who can totally understand his decision to work as an agent and not as a part of his family’s business. The time in the safe house is hot, heavy, erotic, tension-filled, flirtatious, and sometimes a bit scary. Both Vin and Sky fully appreciate the nature of their circumstances are unique and likely heightening their responses to one another. Both are along for the ride but both are also wondering if there is a future for them beyond the confines of the safe house.
The Bottom Line: I devoured this read!! Designated Target is fast-paced, well-written and has two main characters that I enjoyed thoroughly. In fact, both Vin and Sky are such full, well-rounded characters that I found it difficult to like one more than the other. Where Sky is nerdy (YAY!) and a bit awkward in social settings, Vin is intelligent and comfortable around nearly anyone. Sky’s intelligence has always been her shield and her protection but Vin is able to keep up with her intellectually and breaks down some of her walls. The sexual chemistry between the two is red hot and with Vin’s patience and willingness to be “used” by Sky, Sky is able to overcome some of her awkwardness and thoroughly explore Vin. Seriously, these two have some seriously sensual moments!! Don’t mistake my meaning here: sure, the sex is a good chunk of the read but it never overwhelms the characters or the plot. The naughty bits are tied to the plot and the drama, always appropriate and, a total enhancement to the overall read. The action is just right for this read and keeps the read moving at a quick though not too fast pace. In all, Karen Anders has once again delivered a solid and entertaining read for Harlequin!
Good suspense and romance. Skylar is a brilliant scientist who has been kidnapped by those who want to use her intelligence for their own ends. Vin is the NCIS agent sent to find and rescue her. Though he saves her from immediate danger, he knows that those who took her will try again. When another attempt nearly succeeds, the only way to protect her is to take her into hiding while the rest of the team tries to discover who is behind it.
The cabin is isolated and the perfect place to hide out, but it is difficult also. Sky has made her work the focus of her life. She was kidnapped as a child and her parents gave their lives to rescue her and get her to safety. Since that time, her work has been her way of honoring their sacrifice. Because she was so focused on her education (college at ten, PhD by seventeen) and work, she never developed a social life. Her first impression of Vin blows her away with his good looks and determination to protect her. But as much as she is attracted to him, she can't let herself be distracted. Vin also puts a lot of himself into his work, but for him it is his way of being true to himself. He has never allowed a woman to distract him from his duty, but something about Sky has him in turmoil.
I loved seeing the development of their relationship. Vin can't believe the way that Sky has shut herself off completely from living a full life. He does everything he can to show her what she has been missing. I especially loved the fishing scene. Sky really starts to get into all the new experiences but the things she starts to feel also scare her. She realizes that she is falling in love with him, but believes that love has no place in her life. Vin had been hurt before by a woman who didn't understand that what he does is a huge part of who he is. Since then he has kept tight control over his feelings, but Sky blows that control to pieces. He wants them to pursue the feelings and see where they go, but Sky can't let go of what she sees as her responsibility. I ached for them both as their differing attitudes ripped them apart. Those same attitudes ended up undergoing some changes as the other's influence opened their eyes to their own misconceptions. I loved the ending and seeing how they came together.
The suspense of the story was good. It started out with some intense action as they fought off the kidnappers. It then backed off a bit as they went into hiding, and the action became more mental than physical. There were some spots where we get the bad guys' point of view, and an idea of just how intent they are on getting to Sky. The action picked up again at the end, as Sky and Vin are captured and must find a way to stop the bad guy. Sky's brains and Vin's skills combine to create an unforgettable solution.
This was a fast moving, action/suspense packed book. I also loved that it was equal parts romance.
The book starts out with Dr. Sky Baang being kidnapped by Russian mercenary's. She was able to escape with the help of special agent Vin Fitzgerald, and his team. Sky is a genius, for she attended university at the tender age of 10. She was kidnapped at age 6 by the Chinese government to be used as a tool. Now she works for the U.S. Government on a top secret project as a scientist. Her parents gave up everything including their life, to keep Sky safe, now she feels it is her duty to give back, and honor their memory. She only has time in her life for her work. She is book smart, but with her work, and studies, she has very little real world experiences, and has only had the opportunity to spend time with other super smart, lab wearing scientist.
Vincent is assigned to protect Sky. For the first time in her life she noticed a man's muscles. No one she has worked with looked like Vincent. She was immediately drawn to him. Vincent is drawn to the sexy scientist. He enjoys her random facts. When Sky feels uncomfortable she has a tendency to throw out random facts. It is a relief to find another person that she can talk to, and that understands her.
This was a fun book, with action, and suspense. Vincent knows that Sky is not just another job. He will do anything to protect her, and keep her safe, including stepping in front of a bullet. Will Vince and his team find out why the Russians are attempting to kidnap Sky, and will they be able to protect her?
Sky and Vin are such awesome characters! And what a "protection mission"! The suspense, the action, the clever sexual banter and those HOT sex scenes - romantic suspense at it's Absolute Finest! And the Epilogue - "sigh' Loved it!
Can't wait for the next book in the To Protect and Serve series - Joint Engagement with NCIS agent Beau Jerrott!
Been wanting to read this one for months - it was very steamy and though you knew they end up together, you just weren't quiet sure it would happen in this book! Don't pay attention to the page number we you get close to the cliffhanger......or ending!
Wow! I bought this book a few years ago and finally read it. Oh wow, I loved it! It is a romantic suspense, and it was very romantic (sexy!) and very suspenseful! I loved it that Skylar was so "nerdy" as she and Vincent would say. I love a brilliant heroine! And tough and sexy Vincent - oh man! I really loved the part at the end in the sub where she goes all "brainiac" and saves the day with her intelligence. I won't say more & give it away. Read it yourself. This is such a good book!!
Sky and Vin are such awesome characters! And what a "protection mission"! The suspense, the action, the clever sexual banter and those HOT sex scenes - romantic suspense at it's Absolute Finest! And the Epilogue - "sigh' Loved it!
Can't wait for the next book in the To Protect and Serve series - Joint Engagement with NCIS agent Beau Jerrott!
This is the 1st book I read by Karen Anders. I loved ❤ this book's storyline. I loved ❤ the action in this story. I loved ❤ the hot 🔥 & steamy scenes. I loved ❤ Vincent's character. I loved ❤ Skylar's character. I loved ❤ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Anders.
The sex scenes were both improbable and tedious. The heroine is impossibly beautiful and a virgin! She's a brilliant scientist who has never allowed herself to feel anything! It ends with a proposal by the handsome dashing hero during intercourse, complete with a ring box. Who says men can't multi-task?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.