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The Target
Sweet With Suspense
Rising country music star Henley Riggs is being stalked. Concerning emails and a series of scary drive-bys convince her to hire a bodyguard for her upcoming national tour.
Before she can follow through, her father, a powerful United States Senator, hires a team of ex-Navy SEALs to protect her at a safe house on the central California coast.
Talon Jax and his team are fresh off a dicey firefight in the South Pacific. Guarding a singer seems beneath their qualifications, but when the Senator specifically requests Talon—the most elite personal protection agent in the industry—the team accepts.
From the first meeting on the picturesque seaside cliff, Talon feels something is off about the case. Henley’s strained relationship with her father, an NFL star ex-boyfriend who wants a second chance, and a new round of suspicious events put everyone on high alert. Once the tour begins, a harrowing string of dangerous cross-country encounters makes it clear things are not as they appear.
From a coup halfway around the world, to the false security of a safe house on a cliff, to the hard-won stage of Nashville and the woods outside Arlington, Virginia, the team uncovers fragments of a multi-layered deception that will bend and break relationships and send them all into a mad scramble to protect the target.
Warm up the edge of your seat and settle in for Book One of the Bodyguard Series. The Target is a happily ever after romance with a cliffhanger suspense.
Rising country music star Henley Riggs is being stalked. Concerning emails and a series of scary drive-bys convince her to hire a bodyguard for her upcoming national tour.
Before she can follow through, her father, a powerful United States Senator, hires a team of ex-Navy SEALs to protect her at a safe house on the central California coast.
Talon Jax and his team are fresh off a dicey firefight in the South Pacific. Guarding a singer seems beneath their qualifications, but when the Senator specifically requests Talon—the most elite personal protection agent in the industry—the team accepts.
From the first meeting on the picturesque seaside cliff, Talon feels something is off about the case. Henley’s strained relationship with her father, an NFL star ex-boyfriend who wants a second chance, and a new round of suspicious events put everyone on high alert. Once the tour begins, a harrowing string of dangerous cross-country encounters makes it clear things are not as they appear.
From a coup halfway around the world, to the false security of a safe house on a cliff, to the hard-won stage of Nashville and the woods outside Arlington, Virginia, the team uncovers fragments of a multi-layered deception that will bend and break relationships and send them all into a mad scramble to protect the target.
Warm up the edge of your seat and settle in for Book One of the Bodyguard Series. The Target is a happily ever after romance with a cliffhanger suspense.
667 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2025
6 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 5, 2025
I finished this yesterday; it just took me a day to process all that I’d read. First, I loved this story. Perfection romantic suspense. It started with a literal bang and didn’t really slow down at all. I’ve never been SO tempted to skip to end to see who dunnit. Other than Jax and Henley, I suspected EVERYONE. The chemistry between all characters was fantastic and I’m definitely looking forward to the second book.
February 17, 2026
Another Cali Black book I’ve loved! I stayed up wayyy too late multiple nights to read this! A bodyguard guarding a singer who’s got a stalker. The romance was great and the mystery/suspense element was great, too! That plotline wasn’t 💯 resolved and will continue on in the next book. Which I saw Cali posted about recently so, yay!
Closed door
Closed door
November 26, 2025
Spoilers will be scattered around, so read at your own risk!!
Stars: 3.0
I must say the reviews excited me for this one. I've only read one series with this type of genre from a different author and I loved it. Other books I've read have been faulty and this one joins the group for me.
First to say the things I loved included the plot with the whole stalker thing (basic but still interesting), Talon's team structure, and the cowboy/cowgirl inclusions since she's a country artist and the small romance moments we see between Talon and Henley *heart eyes*.
The things I struggled with (and I'll try to be short with it) were:
1. Henley-> her behavior was extremely childish and immature most of this book. I thought there'd be a development and there was a small one towards the middle end of the book where she admits she likes Talon. But that's useless in my eyes, a person should strive to be good just to be good, not because they love someone now. Everyone says they "get off on the wrong foot" but no, it was just her behavior. She was egotistical and all up in the clouds, it made it extremely hard to like her and I genuinely didn't care she was being stalked because of how annoying she was.
The second problem became that there were small parts where the author made her likeable and it gave me hope that she'd change only for the next few pages to be filled again with her repetitive behavior and it was exhausting.
In the beginning of the book, for example, Talon has to force her into the car to secure her from danger and this girl... what does she do? She spits in his face. Hello?? How is this a likeable, even remotely enjoyable character to read?
2. Next Talon-> I get it, he's a hot shot elite bodyguard and all that, but thinking about his client like he was, was so unprofessional. Especially this one talk he has with Ian.
T: "She's a client."
I: "She's a woman."
T:"I need to focus."
I: "It's been a long time, Jax, and I've never known you to not be focused."
?? Extremely improper. And again, I get it, its a romance book so they're bound to fall for each other but like that? There were better ways to have these conversations, better ways to make their attention fall to each other, this and all the other thoughts he had for his client, felt very wrong truly.
3. Now as for the extra characters, we only really get to see Chloe and Vi for a bit and then King, Ian, and Bodie in his team. Bodie is also extremely unprofessional *rolls eyes*, he was a jokester sure, but at times too much of a flirt for a serious situation like that. I would've liked to see him face consequences for his actions, but apparently he was just supposed to "grow" and all was well. Also that little addition of his feelings for Henley? Unnecessary when there was already so much going on, but whatevs, ig it makes sense for the plot ending.
4. The typos. OMG. So many typos there and I feel if you're publishing something, there should be extra eyes to catch these things because it does get a bit distracting. Not super fun to read
5. As for the climax of this book *big sigh* I was so confused. (SPOILERS) It feels like the author tried to reach for the stars with the switch of missions, but it just felt like a headache to me personally. If the book delt with Henley and her stalker, I would've liked it to stay there not instead for Talon to be added to another mission when his first mission was not complete, only to have to go and rescue Henley when she had been left unprotected rightly so. The entire time, Talon, King, and Ian watched over her along with Bodie and even then, they had to be careful. What made them think that Bodie alone would do the trick? Especially after she had been attacked in the house with them?
When Nora added them to a separate mission and King went home, I was agitated because Henley's stalker HADN'T been caught yet. So y'all had to stay with her until that was done. I sound like a broken record but nothing about this team was competent. Nora, I get it, she's involved in some things, she had her hidden agenda so I don't blame her, she's literally doing this intentionally. but for the team to just up and leave Henley alone? So much for that. Additionally, when Talon gets sent off to that other mission, he then gets saved by you-know-who (also makes no sense) and has to go save Henley who had been kidnapped (rightfully so with the lack of protection she had). But he didn't even do in the end? Why was that handed to Bodie? I was skimming through the end, I'm not gonna lie. So most of these things were confusing and that's probably on me but there was a lot of info dumping that just didn't keep me entertained.
Anywhooo, I said I'd keep this short lol
Not the kind of team I would want, not the kind of plot that served its purpose, it felt too distracted and immersed with different political issues. I loved in the middle and towards the end parts because they had romance. It was one of the few things that kept me interested after a climax like that. I wouldn't re-read again, I don't think I'm interested in the next books since the author's style of writing is not my favorite.
It's definitely not a short read, so you're in for a ride loll If you liked this book, then enjoy! If not, then join the club :)
Stars: 3.0
I must say the reviews excited me for this one. I've only read one series with this type of genre from a different author and I loved it. Other books I've read have been faulty and this one joins the group for me.
First to say the things I loved included the plot with the whole stalker thing (basic but still interesting), Talon's team structure, and the cowboy/cowgirl inclusions since she's a country artist and the small romance moments we see between Talon and Henley *heart eyes*.
The things I struggled with (and I'll try to be short with it) were:
1. Henley-> her behavior was extremely childish and immature most of this book. I thought there'd be a development and there was a small one towards the middle end of the book where she admits she likes Talon. But that's useless in my eyes, a person should strive to be good just to be good, not because they love someone now. Everyone says they "get off on the wrong foot" but no, it was just her behavior. She was egotistical and all up in the clouds, it made it extremely hard to like her and I genuinely didn't care she was being stalked because of how annoying she was.
The second problem became that there were small parts where the author made her likeable and it gave me hope that she'd change only for the next few pages to be filled again with her repetitive behavior and it was exhausting.
In the beginning of the book, for example, Talon has to force her into the car to secure her from danger and this girl... what does she do? She spits in his face. Hello?? How is this a likeable, even remotely enjoyable character to read?
2. Next Talon-> I get it, he's a hot shot elite bodyguard and all that, but thinking about his client like he was, was so unprofessional. Especially this one talk he has with Ian.
T: "She's a client."
I: "She's a woman."
T:"I need to focus."
I: "It's been a long time, Jax, and I've never known you to not be focused."
?? Extremely improper. And again, I get it, its a romance book so they're bound to fall for each other but like that? There were better ways to have these conversations, better ways to make their attention fall to each other, this and all the other thoughts he had for his client, felt very wrong truly.
3. Now as for the extra characters, we only really get to see Chloe and Vi for a bit and then King, Ian, and Bodie in his team. Bodie is also extremely unprofessional *rolls eyes*, he was a jokester sure, but at times too much of a flirt for a serious situation like that. I would've liked to see him face consequences for his actions, but apparently he was just supposed to "grow" and all was well. Also that little addition of his feelings for Henley? Unnecessary when there was already so much going on, but whatevs, ig it makes sense for the plot ending.
4. The typos. OMG. So many typos there and I feel if you're publishing something, there should be extra eyes to catch these things because it does get a bit distracting. Not super fun to read
5. As for the climax of this book *big sigh* I was so confused. (SPOILERS) It feels like the author tried to reach for the stars with the switch of missions, but it just felt like a headache to me personally. If the book delt with Henley and her stalker, I would've liked it to stay there not instead for Talon to be added to another mission when his first mission was not complete, only to have to go and rescue Henley when she had been left unprotected rightly so. The entire time, Talon, King, and Ian watched over her along with Bodie and even then, they had to be careful. What made them think that Bodie alone would do the trick? Especially after she had been attacked in the house with them?
When Nora added them to a separate mission and King went home, I was agitated because Henley's stalker HADN'T been caught yet. So y'all had to stay with her until that was done. I sound like a broken record but nothing about this team was competent. Nora, I get it, she's involved in some things, she had her hidden agenda so I don't blame her, she's literally doing this intentionally. but for the team to just up and leave Henley alone? So much for that. Additionally, when Talon gets sent off to that other mission, he then gets saved by you-know-who (also makes no sense) and has to go save Henley who had been kidnapped (rightfully so with the lack of protection she had). But he didn't even do in the end? Why was that handed to Bodie? I was skimming through the end, I'm not gonna lie. So most of these things were confusing and that's probably on me but there was a lot of info dumping that just didn't keep me entertained.
Anywhooo, I said I'd keep this short lol
Not the kind of team I would want, not the kind of plot that served its purpose, it felt too distracted and immersed with different political issues. I loved in the middle and towards the end parts because they had romance. It was one of the few things that kept me interested after a climax like that. I wouldn't re-read again, I don't think I'm interested in the next books since the author's style of writing is not my favorite.
It's definitely not a short read, so you're in for a ride loll If you liked this book, then enjoy! If not, then join the club :)
April 14, 2025
Another wonderful story from Cali Black. And this time it's a romantic suspense, which is my favorite genre.
The book grabbed me from the start and wouldn't let go. Lots of action and danger and suspense and intrigue and twists. And then there was the added romance between Henley and her primary bodyguard Talon Jax.
I admit, I wasn't sure if I wanted to see them end up together for a while, but their relationship grew on me.
There was a lot going on in this book. It went from Talon and his team protecting a political person to them protecting Henley from a stalker, but then learning that there was so much more to the situation.
A couple of warnings, as I usually read and review Christian fiction. Though the author is a Christian, this book is not considered CF, like some of her other books. I'm NOT complaining, just wanting to make sure people are aware of this. There is a bit of language that is more crass than what I'm used to reading, and though there are not any real descriptive sexual scenes, there is a bit more sensuality than what I usually read.
No, I did not have an issue with this.The book was awesome, with wonderful characters and a gripping story. Oh one other warning, it does end on a cliffhanger. So, hopefully book 2 won't take too long. lol. I'm invested and NEED to know what's going to happen
The book grabbed me from the start and wouldn't let go. Lots of action and danger and suspense and intrigue and twists. And then there was the added romance between Henley and her primary bodyguard Talon Jax.
I admit, I wasn't sure if I wanted to see them end up together for a while, but their relationship grew on me.
There was a lot going on in this book. It went from Talon and his team protecting a political person to them protecting Henley from a stalker, but then learning that there was so much more to the situation.
A couple of warnings, as I usually read and review Christian fiction. Though the author is a Christian, this book is not considered CF, like some of her other books. I'm NOT complaining, just wanting to make sure people are aware of this. There is a bit of language that is more crass than what I'm used to reading, and though there are not any real descriptive sexual scenes, there is a bit more sensuality than what I usually read.
No, I did not have an issue with this.The book was awesome, with wonderful characters and a gripping story. Oh one other warning, it does end on a cliffhanger. So, hopefully book 2 won't take too long. lol. I'm invested and NEED to know what's going to happen
August 13, 2025
3.5
First off, this is a long book. It is not a quick read if that is what you are looking for.
With that, I still did enjoy it. I was really into the first half because it was a bodyguard romance that starts off action packed. The FMC and MMC get off on the wrong foot, they have banter and chemistry (IMO). I was in the right mood for it.
The second half of the book is when it kind of lost me because it became a much bigger mystery and I figured out that this book is going to be a series. Which is totally fine but I assumed this would be a standalone book in a series or that more things would have been wrapped up. I will most likely read the next book whenever it comes out but I felt like the tone shifted in the second half of the book. Less of a romance and more of an espionage mystery.
The other thing I liked about this book is that it was clean. There was action and romance but nothing graphic and nothing spicy. Things were implied in the romance department and the kisses were descriptive but nothing super scandalous. Also, there wasn’t any swearing. So if you want all that stuff in your book, don’t read this.
All in all, I did enjoy it and I will continue the series but I think it could have been a bit shorter.
First off, this is a long book. It is not a quick read if that is what you are looking for.
With that, I still did enjoy it. I was really into the first half because it was a bodyguard romance that starts off action packed. The FMC and MMC get off on the wrong foot, they have banter and chemistry (IMO). I was in the right mood for it.
The second half of the book is when it kind of lost me because it became a much bigger mystery and I figured out that this book is going to be a series. Which is totally fine but I assumed this would be a standalone book in a series or that more things would have been wrapped up. I will most likely read the next book whenever it comes out but I felt like the tone shifted in the second half of the book. Less of a romance and more of an espionage mystery.
The other thing I liked about this book is that it was clean. There was action and romance but nothing graphic and nothing spicy. Things were implied in the romance department and the kisses were descriptive but nothing super scandalous. Also, there wasn’t any swearing. So if you want all that stuff in your book, don’t read this.
All in all, I did enjoy it and I will continue the series but I think it could have been a bit shorter.
April 10, 2025
The Target is action-packed and well-woven with romance and danger. I enjoyed the clash between Henley and Talon. She struggles with her father's overbearing actions in hiring an elite tram of ex-military bodyguards over a crazy stalker. Talon grapples with such a mundane assignment as keeping a musician safe from an obsessed fan. It's way below his skill level. Or at least he thinks so until the risk grows and Henley's life is literally on the line. All the while, they struggle with growing feelings and tension between friends and team members. As Henley and Talon look toward the future, outside forces pose a threat to any hopes they might have for a future together. The supporting characters also offer plenty of scope to keep you guessing who's at the heart of the shady things unfolding in the plot.
All the elements--Henley living her dream, Talon forging through his past, and the politcal stakes--work beautifully together to make this a must-read for romantic suspense lovers.
All the elements--Henley living her dream, Talon forging through his past, and the politcal stakes--work beautifully together to make this a must-read for romantic suspense lovers.
April 8, 2025
The Target is one of Cali’s best works! She has brought the intriguing world of elite protection services and the devastation of celebrity “fandom” together in an explosive story. This enemies to lovers tale is filled with action-packed and suspense-filled storylines that leave you guessing. Characters that are real and emotional, give the story depth amidst the chaos. A tender reveal at the end will tug at your heartstrings.
January 19, 2026
Another good one
I always enjoy Cali's books. Talon was a really fun character. He's brash and focused, but is wounded and soft inside. Henley was complex, she could be annoying at times, but I enjoyed them together, how they brought out the good in eachother. The rest of the cast was so good. I really want to know what is coming next.
I always enjoy Cali's books. Talon was a really fun character. He's brash and focused, but is wounded and soft inside. Henley was complex, she could be annoying at times, but I enjoyed them together, how they brought out the good in eachother. The rest of the cast was so good. I really want to know what is coming next.
April 6, 2025
great start
I admit celebrities and upper class usually are not my world but who can resist a group of determined former seals and a gripping plot full of unexpected twists and turns? Cali created a great start to a new series and I can't wait for the next book to arrive.
I admit celebrities and upper class usually are not my world but who can resist a group of determined former seals and a gripping plot full of unexpected twists and turns? Cali created a great start to a new series and I can't wait for the next book to arrive.
April 11, 2025
This was another fantastic story from Cali Black! From page one I was hooked, and the further in I got, the harder it was to put it down. I loved the push and pull dynamic of Talon and Henley. I definitely recommend this book!!
April 28, 2025
Amazing storyline of sweet love and suspense. This riveting book will take you on a journey of unexpected twists and turns. Add the intrigue of romance between two strong and complicated characters and you’ll be more than ready for more from this author.
January 27, 2026
Romantic suspense has become one of my favorite sub genre’s. This is a clean, spice free book with all the angst and kill her vibes. Definitely cannot wait for the next one.
May 4, 2025
Wow, what a kickoff to a new series. We get action, lots of action, romance, wonderful characters, mysteries, intrigue, and more than a few twists and turns. Not saying a lot more because this is one you need to read for yourself. I LOVED this book and look forward to Book 2.
April 21, 2025
Colleen Hoover meets James Patterson!
This book contains EXACTLY the type of movies that my husband and I watch and now it’s a book! I couldn’t put it down! Cali’s usual faith romance books are my favorites and now her sweet with suspense have been added to my list. I can’t wait for the next one to come out!!
This book contains EXACTLY the type of movies that my husband and I watch and now it’s a book! I couldn’t put it down! Cali’s usual faith romance books are my favorites and now her sweet with suspense have been added to my list. I can’t wait for the next one to come out!!
April 13, 2025
Warning... You will want to find a way to have all day to read uninterrupted before you start this book. It's longer than most of Capita books and you won't want to put it down until the end.
When an up and coming country music star, whose dad is a Senator, finds herself in danger from a stalker, his team is called. They don't make the best first impression though. Something isn't adding up on this assignment and he's determined to protect the target and figure out what's wrong. Falling in love is not protocol though. This is the first book in a new interconnected series that has a storyline overlapping (hopefully) Who can they trust?
When an up and coming country music star, whose dad is a Senator, finds herself in danger from a stalker, his team is called. They don't make the best first impression though. Something isn't adding up on this assignment and he's determined to protect the target and figure out what's wrong. Falling in love is not protocol though. This is the first book in a new interconnected series that has a storyline overlapping (hopefully) Who can they trust?
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews