Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
***Previously published as Abducted by Samantha Keith 2018***

Some targets are too hot to kill . . .

Money comes at end of bullets.

Cal Hart walks a blurred line of honor. The rock-hard former Marine has his lethal skills at the service of the highest bidder.
Until a contract comes in to kill Lana Vanderpoel, the sultry heiress and billionaire’s daughter. She’ too damn sexy to end up at the wrong end of a silencer.
Cal is tempted to learn who and why someone wants her eliminated. Cal takes the job and removes Lana from danger, questioning his own sanity.

Rich as sin.

Lana will fight tooth and nail against her kidnapper. But the beast who snatched her from her life is too strong. Her stern-faced captor sends a tremor of ice through her veins, yet a thrill lies beneath her unease.
He’s dark and dangerous, his body ripped, honed, and capable. But lust is more lethal than trust—and whether or not she can believe what Cal’s telling her, there’s at least one person close to Lana who wants her dead . . .

Abducted is the first book in the seductive and edgy Dangerous Distractions series. Abducted tells the tale of what happens when betrayal and destruction collide with an alpha protective hero. The result is a dangerously sexy encounter

✤ Enemies to lovers
✤ Morally grey
✤ Grumpy sunshine
✤ Ex-military
✤ Feisty heroine

Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2018

90 people are currently reading
531 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Keith

6 books2 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
59 (46%)
4 stars
31 (24%)
3 stars
24 (19%)
2 stars
7 (5%)
1 star
5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
3,126 reviews
June 25, 2018
Lana works in her dad’s company and works with many charities. While her father and stepmother are away on business, she gets kidnapped. Cal is former military and now is a freelance security specialist. He is hired to kill Lana but he doesn’t kill innocent women, so ke kidnaps her and tries to figure out who wants her dead. She is terrified but Cal finally convinces her to trust him. He gets two of his buddies to help, one is a FBI agent and the other is good at hacking. When the person who hired Cal finds out he didn’t kill her, he tries himself. They go into hiding but they are found and then the real person who wanted her killed takes her while Cal was fighting the two other guys. Can he save the woman he loves so soon after finding her?
Excellent story. I have never read this author before and can’t wait for the next book. Plenty of action, suspense, and sex. Lana might be rich but she’s strong and fierce. Cal is handsome and deadly except with Lana. She’s the first woman who he would give up his career for. The sex will leave you needing a cold shower. This book will have you reading until you finish it. I read it in one day. Couldn’t put it down.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
Profile Image for Amy Popewiny.
102 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2018
I received an ARC copy of Abducted from NetGalley for an honest review.

My review could be summed up to one work honestly.... HOT! This story though I felt it was predictable it was so fun to read. It was a super quick read and I will be keeping my eyes out of the next part of this series.

Cal is just doing his job when he's hired to take out(not the good take out) Lana. He only takes the job so he can protect Lana while trying figure out who's out to kill her.

Of course these two have insane chemistry. Though I knew how this would turn out I found myself missing sleep just to read more! Anyone likes to get lost in a good romantic thriller I highly suggest this one!
Profile Image for Danielle Haas.
6 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2018
Abducted is a fast-paced steamy romantic suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! The instant attraction between Lana and Cal pulls you right in, and the back-and-forth between wanting each other, yet not trusting enough to fall builds the sexul tension to suuch a crazy peak, the satisfyng end-game leaves you begging for more!

The twists and turns had me turing the pages as quickly as possible. Ms. Keith was able to create an alpha male who's sexy as hell, but still gentle and respectful of the fiery and smart Lana. These characters came alive on the page, and I can't wait to read more from this debut writer.
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,767 reviews56 followers
October 3, 2018
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

The moment I read a sample of this book, I HAD to read it! It was heart pumping good! There was so much action, so much slow-burn romance and fabulous characters that made this one of the most enjoyable romantic suspense stories I have read recently.

The idea of a sexy and dangerous hero kidnapping the heroine to save her I will admit, make me melt. And this one..the way Lana our heroine fights until she learns WHY she was kidnapped made it impossible not to like her. She is strong, beautiful, smart and feisty and our hero Cal is one drool worthy hero! I loved EVERY SINGLE THING about this book and enjoyed Samantha Keith's style of writing immensely! Its intoxicating and will have you falling in love with these Dangerous Distractions series!

Abducted gets a BRILLIANT FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
188 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2018
Hired to assassinate Lana, Cal has a hard time understanding why. He elects to kidnap her in hopes of finding out who put out the hit. Lana may be more than he can handle. Can he protect her while keeping his head in the game.
Profile Image for Christina.
632 reviews26 followers
August 5, 2018
Well this was something different. Young woman gets abducted, but she's taken in order to save her life, not destroy it. It worked for me.

Cal is former military who still walks the line, contracting himself out to the FBI and those in need of "special" services. But when he's hired for a job that doesn't make sense nor fall in line with his normal job, he knows he has to step in to make it right. So now he has to abduct the woman who he's supposed to kill. Easy, right?

Lana is the daughter of a billionaire. Although she still lives on her parents property in the guest house, and works for him as well, she tries getting out and living her life as much as possible. But on this night, coming home from partying with her friend is different. She finds herself attacked and kidnapped while sleeping, drugged and taken to the coast where she's sure she's going to be killed. Except for one thing. The guy who took her claims he doesn't want to kill her and instead is trying to save her. Huh? What's going on?

At first, I thought that this was going to be another damsel falling for her capture. But that's not the case here. Cal truly IS the good guy. He even brings in his FBI friends to help find who's behind the whole "wanting Lana die" thing. Of course the chemistry between Cal and Lana works well, but I found that the constant "who done it" vibe and non stop action is what actually pulled me in to this book. Overall, I really liked this book and am already looking for the next release to this series.
Profile Image for Bec.
1,659 reviews42 followers
December 9, 2018

Cal Hart earns a living by taking contracts from the highest bidder. However, when he takes a contract to kill Lana Vanderpoel, he knows there's no way he can go through with it. So, instead, he decides to kidnap her while trying to hunt for the person that put the hit out on her. But when the truth comes out, will Cal be able to protect Lana or will they lose their chance at happy ever after?

What an exciting, fast-paced, engaging read Ms. Keith has delivered in this first book of her Dangerous Distractions series where the main characters -- especially the heroine -- go through a lot, as they try to get to the bottom of who wants Lana dead. How long will it take for Cal to discover the truth? Will he be able to keep Lana safe in the meantime? The way this story starts sets the fast-pace of the story and I loved the moment these two meet, as Lana doesn't make things easy for Cal. Then again, what person being kidnapped would make things easy for their kidnapper, even if they are kidnapping them for the right reasons?

As for the dialogue, it was intense and riveting due to the main characters back stories and everything these two go through on their journey to happy ever after. There's danger, intrigue and surprising twists that had me worried for the heroine's safety. Still, Cal is good at his job and I liked how far he's willing to go to protect Lana. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked that she put her trust in Cal, especially after how they meet that gives her no reason to trust him. While the hero, I loved how driven he is in his pursuit of finding the person responsible for wanting Lana dead. I also liked how determined he is to protect Lana because the person wanting her dead could be anyone. Maybe even someone she thinks she can trust.

Overall, Ms. Keith has delivered a really good read in this book, which had a good dose of suspense and where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful; and the ending took me by surprise when the person who wants Lana dead was revealed? Why do they want the heroine dead? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as Lana and Cal both surprise each other with something that will bring more happiness to their lives. I would recommend Abducted by Samantha Keith, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Kari Lemor, Kendall Talbot, Desiree Holt and Karen Rock.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
September 13, 2018
4 Cranky Stars


I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would call it well balanced. It had enough of all of the elements to keep me interested. There was romance, thrills, suspense, sex, and comedy all in balance.


I thought the characters each had their own personalities which is very important to me. Underdeveloped characters can kill a book or make me not care about them. Without quirks and personality, why would we care?


I found myself wanting to read the next book in the series immediately. The only “criticism” that I would give is to the heroine of the story. She came across as a damsel in distress a few too many times. She had to be rescued a lot. Other than that, I had no complaints. I look forward to reading more of her material.
Profile Image for Marija.
698 reviews45 followers
August 24, 2018
So this is a bit of a different approach in the kidnaping of the wealthy girl that works for her dad by the man who is doing it just for the sake of saving her...I've read it in almost one sitting because it kept me on the edge simply "forcing" me to turn the pages wanting to see how this story will end
Profile Image for Caitlyn Lynch.
Author 210 books1,825 followers
August 23, 2018
Abducted isn't your average kidnapping story. Yes, it starts with a pretty, wealthy girl being kidnapped, but it then takes an unusual twist as we discover Cal, the kidnapper, has taken Lana to prevent something much worse… a kill order being executed.

Cal doesn't know who hired him to kill Lana, only that he can't let it happen. Together, the two of them track down the baddies and get justice, while falling in love at the same time.

This is actually a really intriguing plot, but I'm afraid the execution left something to be desired. I really liked Lana when she was fighting like a demon to escape, but the way she just took Cal’s word for it about the danger she was in was stupid. It didn't even occur to her that a ransom kidnapper might son just such a story to keep her quiet and cooperative.

There were way too many unexplained things in the story… like Cal booking into a hotel under an alias but the bad guys somehow finding them anyway. Or a security expert who leaves his phone in another room while guarding his protectee.

Apart from these things which just made me roll my eyes in disbelief, there was also the ridiculous speed of the romance. Lana and Cal were having sex within a couple of days, declaring love another day or so later, and then moving in together after knowing each other a week, under intensely stressful circumstances. With the blessing of Lana’s father.

Basically, all of the characters reacted in the most stupid, unrealistic ways possible. After a promising start and with an interesting premise, I was really disappointed. Two stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Melinda.
900 reviews
October 17, 2018
I was so impressive with this story, I couldn’t put this book down at all. I read “abducted” in one sitting, devouring the fast paced action and revealing in how fabulous this book really is. Can’t wait to read more by this author as I loved every minute of reading this book. Totally recommend
Profile Image for Beth Von Voigt.
121 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2025
Abducted is the first installment of Samantha Wilde’s Dangerous Distractions series. Lana is a very wealthy heiress who works for one of her father’s companies. Cal is a freelance security contractor who is former military. Cal meets Lana when he is contracted to kill her. However, he realizes he can’t kill her and doesn’t want anyone else to follow through on the hit either. Instead of taking out his target, his job now becomes keeping Lana safe. Their attraction is magnetic and instantaneous. Cal enlists the help of his two closest friends, Ethan and Nate, to help him protect Lana.

This book was previously published by the author and is being re-released. I sometimes get nervous reading an earlier piece of someone’s work and wonder if it will live up to what I now know as the author’s potential. However, there’s no need to be nervous about this one. Samantha Wilde is pure perfection! The chemistry between the characters is electric and sizzling! This isn’t a book that you can easily put down, even when you are forced to. I couldn’t wait to see how the story ended, but didn’t want it to be over! The book is jam packed with action to keep you on your toes. There’s just as much fire and spice between Lana and Cal to keep you fanning yourself! There’s nothing hotter than a man getting protective of and defending his woman! You can’t help but swoon over Cal! Lana is so likable! I can’t wait to get to know Ethan and Nate’s stories in books two and three of the series!

*A special thank you to the author for the opportunity of an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
967 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2025
Cal and Lana's story gripped me from the first page. A fast-paced, action and danger filled story with plenty of suspense. I was hanging on every page as these two desperately hunted the person who wanted Lana dead. Plenty of twists kept the investigation rolling as the passion ignited between the two and another broody, grumpy single for life man fell hard.
Profile Image for Heather.
589 reviews11 followers
March 2, 2019
The book started out strong, with an interesting take on the kidnapping trope. Cal is hired to kill Lana, but takes the job only so he can rescue her and figure out who is after her. Lana and Cal seemed evenly matched at first, but the book soon went downhill for me. With nothing more that Cal’s word, Lana decides to trust him and his story of murder-for-hire. She has only just met him, and in that time he’s broken into her home, kidnapped her and taken her to a remote location. But sure, why not trust him?
The story doesn’t get much better after that. It was very unrealistic, with several plot holes that kept bothering me. And I was not at all happy with all the gratuitous violence. Yes, it’s a romantic suspense novel, but I felt like the lead character resorted to unnecessary violence far too often. I also thought the almost insta-love was a bit much. Two people thrown together in extraordinary circumstances manage to fall in love in less than a week? Sure. And I found it so annoying that Cal kept calling Lana, “babe.” All in all, I can’t say that I would recommend this one.
Note: I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Meiwilli.
1,645 reviews5 followers
September 2, 2018
Abducted starts out interestingly enough but doesn't last long before you realize how utterly and insanely predictable the story becomes.

Cal Hart is a freelance specialist of sorts who, in order to save the life of Lana Vanderpool, agrees to take on the task of killing her and kidnaps her instead to keep her safe...*sigh*...

Lana is the beautiful damsel in distress who, although her father is filthy rich, Lana doesn't know why anyone would a) kidnap her and b) want to kill her. But of course, kidnapping or killing he for money would be too mundane and ordinary. Instead, Lana is kidnapped for more sinister reasons that make about as much sense as Cal kidnapping her in the first place.

For the duration of a week, Cal manages to keep Lana safe by hiding her in different locations with a little help from his friends, while trying to figure out who would want Lana dead and of course, the pair come together and fall madly in love ending the story with a happy ever after when the bad guys are caught. The culprit behind the hit is no surprise and the reason is totally bizarre.

Free Amazon read, 2.5 stars..proceed with caution.
3,079 reviews13 followers
November 19, 2023
Lana, 26, is the daughter of a billionaire and someone wants to kill her.
Cal, 32, is in security, but grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, and he's taken the job.
Not really, but he knows if he doesn't do it, someone else will.
He abducts her to keep her safe.
In the world's fasted ever case of Stockholm Syndrome she almost immediately starts admiring his six-pack abs, his expansive shoulders and, ahem, the bulge in his pants. Phew, she needs a cold bath stet.
But, not only is he a complete gentleman around her, he also believes that she's out of his league.
So it is just a matter of time before they'll be at it like rabbits! Yep, I got that bang to rights.
Now it's just a matter of bringing in some specialist friends, and finding out who is behind the plot, dealing out some justice with maximum violence, and a HEA.
“Abducted” is not a bad read but is let down by being very predictable.
3 Stars.
4 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2019
Omg I finally had a chance to read the book and holy hell was it great! I literally couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Samantha is such an amazing author and this was so nice and easy to read.
Profile Image for Ashlee.
747 reviews
June 26, 2018
Quick read. A little too predictable for my tastes but it was a fun romance to lose myself in for the afternoon.
2 reviews
January 2, 2019
I loved this book! I really like the characters they connect with each other really well. I feel as though I know them.
It's a GREAT book! And the sex scenes are very steamy!!!!
Profile Image for Stephanie Fiacco.
7 reviews
November 12, 2019
The action/violence was great. I found the sexual tension a bit boring and the sex scenes just went on too long.
11 reviews
February 6, 2020
Great read

I enjoyed this book because it incorporated suspense with romance. Characters were described very well. It kept me on the edge of each page.
Profile Image for BarbaraAnn.
180 reviews16 followers
August 12, 2020
One of the best romantic suspense novels I’ve read this year.
Profile Image for Sandy DeCoste.
4 reviews
December 25, 2023
Great book! Great author can't wait to read more of her work. Definitely fast paced and engaging
Profile Image for Katie_la_geek.
823 reviews108 followers
July 10, 2018
Despite my better judgement I actually like Abducted. It was very silly and there was far too much sex. It was also incredibly unbelievable in virtually every conceivable way. Despite all this I found myself enjoying this quick book. Abducted is not going to blow your mind with in-depth character development or rich writing. However, if you can suspend reality for a few hours and if you are willing to leave your brain at the door then Abducted is a fun ride.
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,052 reviews54 followers
April 7, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! Right from the first page I was pulled into the story and had a hard time putting it down. Danger starts immediately and continues throughout the read and it’s sprinkled with laughable moments that truly add to the scenes they’re in. Full of action, danger, suspense, humor, great chemistry and steam, along with a good mystery thriller that pulls you in and keeps you flipping pages.

Cal is a wonderful villain/hero, lol. You’ve got to read the book to understand. He’s an awesome character with a good heart and ever better friends who chip in and help him out when danger surrounds them. He’s used to being alone due to his line of work, and he likes it that way. No attachments, no mess. Then a job – Lana – comes along and blows everything he thought he wanted out the window. She gets under his skin and he’ll do whatever it takes to find answers and keep her safe. I loved Lana! She’s no wilting wallflower. She has a great inner strength, determination, and spunk in spades. And she’s the perfect match for Cal, to balance out his rough edges. I enjoyed how they complimented each other in actions and conversations. It’s a great book beginning to end and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for Ethan and Nate. Absolutely recommend!
720 reviews11 followers
April 22, 2025
Gripping Page Turner
Cal Hart is a freelance security contractor who’s career has forced him to live a solitary life, to be cautious and private. When he is shown a picture for a potential job he knows this is not his usual target. There is no way he would hurt an innocent person, however, if he refused to kill Lana Vanderpoel someone else will without a second thought. He takes the job and kidnaps her. Now he finds himself fighting their strong mutual attraction as he searches who wants her dead. This is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense story that had me guessing from the first page till the last. It is packed with steamy, betrayal, danger, violence and action. Samantha Wilde knows how to write terrific romantic suspense novels with strong females and protective alpha males and this is definitely one of them. Looking forward to reading about Cal’s best friends in the next two books in this series.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.