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Targeted
MARKED FOR MURDER
When photos of Stephanie O'Brien are found in a serial killer's home, she must face the horrible truth that she's the next intended victim. She has nowhere to hide, nowhere to run—except to K-9 cop Rick Powell. As her self-appointed bodyguard, Rick will do anything to protect the innocent teacher—even keep his attraction at bay. He's known loss; he won't lose Stephanie. But the killer seems to anticipate their every move. And Rick fears he's never faced an opponent so cunning. One who won't stop till he has his victim right where he wants her…six feet under.
When photos of Stephanie O'Brien are found in a serial killer's home, she must face the horrible truth that she's the next intended victim. She has nowhere to hide, nowhere to run—except to K-9 cop Rick Powell. As her self-appointed bodyguard, Rick will do anything to protect the innocent teacher—even keep his attraction at bay. He's known loss; he won't lose Stephanie. But the killer seems to anticipate their every move. And Rick fears he's never faced an opponent so cunning. One who won't stop till he has his victim right where he wants her…six feet under.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
11 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Becky Avella
5 books40 followersBecky Avella grew up in Washington State with her nose in a book and her imagination in the clouds. These days she spends her time dreaming up heart-pounding fiction full of romance and faith. Becky married a real life hero and follows him around begging him to give her material she can use in her stories. Together with their children, they make their home in the beautiful Northwest.
Becky is also the author of the non-fiction book, And Then You Were Gone. After four miscarriages and two failed adoption attempts, she is no stranger to loss. Today she celebrates a healed heart and a joyful life. It is her passion to point others to that same healing.
Becky is also the author of the non-fiction book, And Then You Were Gone. After four miscarriages and two failed adoption attempts, she is no stranger to loss. Today she celebrates a healed heart and a joyful life. It is her passion to point others to that same healing.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 22, 2025
1 1/2 stars.
On the plus side there is a story. Officer Rick Powell tries to protect school teacher Stephanie O'Brien from an obsessed serial killer. There are several scenes of danger and action and the pacing is steady. But the writing is very basic, all tell and no show, as well as predictable.
11-21-2025
On the plus side there is a story. Officer Rick Powell tries to protect school teacher Stephanie O'Brien from an obsessed serial killer. There are several scenes of danger and action and the pacing is steady. But the writing is very basic, all tell and no show, as well as predictable.
11-21-2025
November 17, 2018
Awesome book!. I was a bit unsure when I start reading. But, well done Becky!. Fast pace, tons of suspense, many unexpected situations and a lovely end. If you like a good suspense story, this is a great choice!.
September 14, 2022
In this novel, a young schoolteacher is targeted by a serial killer. K-9 officer Rick Powell and his dog Axle work hard to keep her safe from the killer. It is a fast-paced, suspense-filled novel that keeps the reader's attention.
August 8, 2023
At times it was a bit too predictable. I tend to get annoyed if I know what's happening but the main characters (including the cop) don't. It was still a good book with characters i really liked and cared about. It does introduce one to the dark world and mindset of a serial killer.
August 13, 2024
I liked that this was a unique take on serial killers - Stephanie being stalked by an IT tech was effectively set up. I like that she and Rick already knew each other, which made the progression of their relationship feel believable and natural. And Rick's K9 partner Axle was an appreciated touch.
August 10, 2017
Loved it! One of my favorite crime shows is Criminal Minds, and this story reminded me of something you would see on there.
June 26, 2018
very suspenseful and a fast pace book
July 28, 2020
This was one of the best books I have read in this series. The plot was excellent and the romance wasn’t too cheesy until the very end.
August 11, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
November 3, 2024
This is a very suspenseful book about a serial killer who targeted a teacher. I didn’t want to put it down.
May 5, 2015
Becky Avella’s newest book, Targeted, from the Love Inspired Suspense series of books, is truly a walk on the tense side. Her main character, Stephanie O’Brien, a young, professional educator, inadvertently finds herself the target of a malevolent spirit out to destroy her. What possibly could Miss O’Brien have done to deserve an early expiration date being placed on her life? That’s exactly what she wants to know. The answer she is given is less than comforting.
The author does an admirable job of constructing the story around several heartwarming and one fear-inspiring character. Along the way, Miss O’Brien is not only challenged with preserving her own life, with the help of Officer Rick Powell and his K-9 partner Axle, but she is challenged to discern God’s plan for her future, if she has one, and she is forced to examine and come to terms with her feelings for and responsibilities toward those she holds most dear to her.
Overall, I found the book enjoyable and a welcome read. Targeted is a good fit in the suspense series of the Love Inspired imprint. I think, however, that the overall tension of the book would have been greatly enhanced had the psychological construct of the main antagonist been drawn out a bit more, and at an earlier point, and that the insecurities of the two protagonists been lessened slightly.
This and other reviews posted at http://www.idyllbooks.com
The author does an admirable job of constructing the story around several heartwarming and one fear-inspiring character. Along the way, Miss O’Brien is not only challenged with preserving her own life, with the help of Officer Rick Powell and his K-9 partner Axle, but she is challenged to discern God’s plan for her future, if she has one, and she is forced to examine and come to terms with her feelings for and responsibilities toward those she holds most dear to her.
Overall, I found the book enjoyable and a welcome read. Targeted is a good fit in the suspense series of the Love Inspired imprint. I think, however, that the overall tension of the book would have been greatly enhanced had the psychological construct of the main antagonist been drawn out a bit more, and at an earlier point, and that the insecurities of the two protagonists been lessened slightly.
This and other reviews posted at http://www.idyllbooks.com
April 30, 2015
Title: TARGETED
Author: Becky Avella
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
April 2015
ISBN: 978-0373446629
Genre: Romantic Suspense
MARKED FOR MURDER
When photos of Stephanie O'Brien are found in a serial killer's home, she must face the horrible truth that she's the next intended victim. She has nowhere to hide, nowhere to run—except to K-9 cop Rick Powell.
As her self-appointed bodyguard, Rick will do anything to protect the innocent teacher—even keep his attraction at bay. He's known loss; he won't lose Stephanie. But the killer seems to anticipate their every move. And Rick fears he's never faced an opponent so cunning. One who won't stop till he has his victim right where he wants her…six feet under.
TARGETED is Ms. Avella’s debut Love Inspired Suspense. I enjoyed getting to know Rick and Stephanie. It was rather scary how the serial killer tracked Stephanie. The bad guy was known through-out the book. There are no secrets there. The suspense is in where and how he would attack next.
Ms. Avella is a very talented author. Both of her characters has a lot of baggage. They both have secrets. Hurts. Wishes. Struggles.
If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you might be interested in TARGETED.
4 stars. Available in ebook and paperback. 224 pages.
This book was provided by the author and Suspense Zone in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Becky Avella
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
April 2015
ISBN: 978-0373446629
Genre: Romantic Suspense
MARKED FOR MURDER
When photos of Stephanie O'Brien are found in a serial killer's home, she must face the horrible truth that she's the next intended victim. She has nowhere to hide, nowhere to run—except to K-9 cop Rick Powell.
As her self-appointed bodyguard, Rick will do anything to protect the innocent teacher—even keep his attraction at bay. He's known loss; he won't lose Stephanie. But the killer seems to anticipate their every move. And Rick fears he's never faced an opponent so cunning. One who won't stop till he has his victim right where he wants her…six feet under.
TARGETED is Ms. Avella’s debut Love Inspired Suspense. I enjoyed getting to know Rick and Stephanie. It was rather scary how the serial killer tracked Stephanie. The bad guy was known through-out the book. There are no secrets there. The suspense is in where and how he would attack next.
Ms. Avella is a very talented author. Both of her characters has a lot of baggage. They both have secrets. Hurts. Wishes. Struggles.
If you are a fan of romantic suspense, you might be interested in TARGETED.
4 stars. Available in ebook and paperback. 224 pages.
This book was provided by the author and Suspense Zone in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2015
Officer Rick Powell (SP/D, K-9 Unit) & Axle (Belgian Malinois) are in hot pursuit of Julian Hale (murderer) Once again he escapes & is a wanted fugitive.
Detective Gary Shelton (FBI) had informed Sergeant Terrell Watkins (SP/D, supervisor) there were 3 murdered victims: Lora Johnson (35, St. Paul) Kelly Halloway (32, Milwaukee) & Naomi Folsom (25, Milwaukee).
Somehow Julian had emigrated to Seattle, WA.
Is he the killer & if so who is his next victim?
Will Officer Rick Powell bring down the murderer?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written police crime murder book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great suspenseful police crime murder movie, or paid-per-view mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Harlequin Autographed paper back
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Detective Gary Shelton (FBI) had informed Sergeant Terrell Watkins (SP/D, supervisor) there were 3 murdered victims: Lora Johnson (35, St. Paul) Kelly Halloway (32, Milwaukee) & Naomi Folsom (25, Milwaukee).
Somehow Julian had emigrated to Seattle, WA.
Is he the killer & if so who is his next victim?
Will Officer Rick Powell bring down the murderer?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written police crime murder book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great suspenseful police crime murder movie, or paid-per-view mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Harlequin Autographed paper back
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
February 23, 2015
Full of suspense from beginning to end, Targeted held me captivated throughout. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who’s a fan of inspirational romantic suspense.
When K-9 officers Rick Powell and Axel are part of the team serving an arrest warrant for a serial killer, he’s shocked to find the evidence leading to the next victim who’s an acquaintance through a mutual friend. The next target is teacher Stephanie O’Brien, and Rick and Axel track her down just in time to save her. Unfortunately, the killer escapes, but clearly hasn’t given up. It’s up to Rick to keep Stephanie safe, but that proves difficult, as the killer is a technology expert who’s always able to track them down.
I could hardly believe this was Becky Avella’s debut novel. It was so well written. The story was well-paced and I liked how the relationship developed between Rick and Stephanie. They’d already known each other, so it wasn’t love at first sight. The heroic dog, Axel, was an added bonus!
I just loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future! Targeted will release on April 7th. Thanks to the author, Becky Avella, for the free copy I won from the http://teamloveontherun.com/ blog. It was a special treat to read this book!
When K-9 officers Rick Powell and Axel are part of the team serving an arrest warrant for a serial killer, he’s shocked to find the evidence leading to the next victim who’s an acquaintance through a mutual friend. The next target is teacher Stephanie O’Brien, and Rick and Axel track her down just in time to save her. Unfortunately, the killer escapes, but clearly hasn’t given up. It’s up to Rick to keep Stephanie safe, but that proves difficult, as the killer is a technology expert who’s always able to track them down.
I could hardly believe this was Becky Avella’s debut novel. It was so well written. The story was well-paced and I liked how the relationship developed between Rick and Stephanie. They’d already known each other, so it wasn’t love at first sight. The heroic dog, Axel, was an added bonus!
I just loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future! Targeted will release on April 7th. Thanks to the author, Becky Avella, for the free copy I won from the http://teamloveontherun.com/ blog. It was a special treat to read this book!
May 19, 2015
This is the first book by Becky Avella I've read, but I'm already a fan. Targeted is a great Christian romantic suspense, and faith is wonderfully interwoven into the plot and characters development. Considering that the heroine is a teacher, I might be partial, but I loved the character of sweet, kind-hearted, and brave teacher Stephanie O'Brien who dreams of becoming a missionary. Rick Powell is a hero with strength and flaws, and he's fighting a good fight to protect Stephanie against a very smart villain - a serial killer who chose her as his next target. While villain is known from the beginning, the dangerous situations kept me turning the pages. And I can't help mentioning a brave and loyal K-9 Axle who made a great book even better.
I won this book in the giveaway, but considering how well-written Targeted is, Mrs. Avella is going to be on my auto-buy list.
I won this book in the giveaway, but considering how well-written Targeted is, Mrs. Avella is going to be on my auto-buy list.
July 17, 2015
What a great thriller to get my heart pumping! Non-stop action from beginning to end as Rick and Stephanie try their best to outsmart a killer. Officer Rick Powell and his dog Axle are itching to get back to work after a deadly attack left him and his dog clinging to life. As they storm a known killers house, Officer Powell finds disturbing pictures of the killers victims and an intended victim he knows! School teacher Stephanie O'Brien didn't realize how much her life would change in one day. One minute she's grading papers at school and next she's being saved by Officer Powell from a serial killer, whom she thought was just an IT guy. Now it's a race against time to survive for Rick and Stephanie and maybe a chance at love?
August 6, 2015
Loved this debut from Becky Avella! There were so many great things about this story. Our church has an ongoing relationship with the Vai people of Liberia, so the passion the heroine (Stephanie) has for the Liberian people was especially sweet to me. I'm also a sucker for any sort of K-9 story and I loved the relationship between the hero (Rick) and his K-9 partner (Axle). And can we just talk about the villain for a moment? Julian Hale is one very creepy villain. If you're interested in some page turning romantic suspense, check out Targeted!!
January 24, 2016
Very suspenseful! Follows the same plot as many other Christian Love Inspired novels, but still enjoyable. Stephanie O'Brien must trust officer Rick Powell to protect her when a serial killer comes after her, but trusting men is not in her nature.
April 4, 2015
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was OK for the genre. I am not really into romance so I would have preferred the romantic perts left out but the suspense was done well.
This was OK for the genre. I am not really into romance so I would have preferred the romantic perts left out but the suspense was done well.
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January 12, 2016"Avella makes a solid LIS debut. The dialogue is strong and fast-paced. How can one go wrong with a heroic dog thrown in the mix?" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
April 26, 2015
Strongly relationships
The relationships between two characters development is amazing. Storylines with two plots was enjoying almost leave with second guess yourself.
The relationships between two characters development is amazing. Storylines with two plots was enjoying almost leave with second guess yourself.
January 16, 2016
Exceptional Story
This is the first book I have read by this author, them story was wonderful it was exclusively from beginning to end. I really enjoyed this book.
This is the first book I have read by this author, them story was wonderful it was exclusively from beginning to end. I really enjoyed this book.
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January 12, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews