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First Responders #3
High-Caliber Holiday: A First Responders Stalker Suspense Romance
CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS
Held hostage on a train, ex-lawyer Morgan Thorsby finds her powers of persuasion failing her for the first time. Former marine sniper Brady Owens is her only hope—but his split-second hesitation on the trigger leaves her wounded. Yet when an obsessed stalker threatens Morgan, Brady steps up. Protecting someone so tough and beautiful is hardly a chore, but Brady pulls back every time they get close. Morgan isn't ready for the connection forming between them, either, but she knows she needs his help. Can Brady capture the culprit in time for Christmas?
First Responders: Brave men and women alert and ready for danger and love.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
About the author
Susan Sleeman
132 books830 followersSUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 20, 2026
This is a Christian Romantic Suspense, and this is the third book in the First Responders series. I have read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I really enjoyed this audiobook. The beginning of this book puts you right into the action, and you have to take a minute to figure out what was going on. I did get pulled into this story once I figured out what was going on. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book. There were some good messages mixed into this story. This is a fast pace book with a lot of suspense and craziness. I enjoyed reading this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
October 18, 2016
by Andrea Renee Cox
A great addition to the First Responders series, High-Caliber Holiday kept me guessing until the very end. Right when I thought I'd figured out who the perpetrator was, things got flipped around, and I lost my sleuthing equilibrium for a while. Overall, I fantastic story with plenty of surprises. An intriguing plot line filled with a variety of characters that were all well developed.
The only disappointment for me was that the lead male was touted to be a sniper and that he was struggling with that calling, but then there was barely any focus on that skill throughout the entire book. It became much more of a bodyguard-type role for him rather than performing his regular duties for the team.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Emergency Response. This author, Susan Sleeman, has totally hooked me in on her First Responders series! Fantastic bunch of characters that work well together but push each other to be better.
I was not compensated for this honest review.
A great addition to the First Responders series, High-Caliber Holiday kept me guessing until the very end. Right when I thought I'd figured out who the perpetrator was, things got flipped around, and I lost my sleuthing equilibrium for a while. Overall, I fantastic story with plenty of surprises. An intriguing plot line filled with a variety of characters that were all well developed.
The only disappointment for me was that the lead male was touted to be a sniper and that he was struggling with that calling, but then there was barely any focus on that skill throughout the entire book. It became much more of a bodyguard-type role for him rather than performing his regular duties for the team.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Emergency Response. This author, Susan Sleeman, has totally hooked me in on her First Responders series! Fantastic bunch of characters that work well together but push each other to be better.
I was not compensated for this honest review.
June 7, 2025
This is an excellent, fast paced holiday themed romantic mystery. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters.
September 28, 2015
High-Caliber Holiday is a love inspired suspense by Susan Sleeman. It is a First Responders book.
Brady Owens is a member of the first response team. He is their sniper. He had joined after his time in the marines as a sniper. It was a way to continue using his skills and to help people at the same time. Brady was unsure about himself after the last event. The man he had to shoot was a former marine and when the shot came, he hesitated. The shot had counted but it left a question in his mind. Could he shoot his target without hesitation?
Morgan Thorsby, an ex-lawyer, and her associate and friend Lacy were on the MAX and headed home after a long day. Suddenly, there was a man with a gun coming towards them. Was he about to shoot all of them? What should they do? Thinking of the film they had seen recently on safety, she knew they had to hide or run. There was nowhere to hide and on the train, nowhere to run. When it was obvious that the man was after her, Morgan was determined to somehow live. She tried talking the man down but it didn’t work. He was after her for her role in a lawsuit against her father’s mill. He and several others had threatened to kill her. He was actually ready to do that. Her only hope was to talk him down or to have the rescue squad talk him down.
As Brady shot this time, he missed the perpetrator because Morgan tripped him. However, his bullet hit Morgan. Guilt and his job made him make sure she got home safely. There they found someone had been in her home and left a threatening note. What was going on? Whatever it was, Brady could not leave her in danger.
Who is stalking her? Who wants her dead? Can they figure it out before it is too late?
Brady Owens is a member of the first response team. He is their sniper. He had joined after his time in the marines as a sniper. It was a way to continue using his skills and to help people at the same time. Brady was unsure about himself after the last event. The man he had to shoot was a former marine and when the shot came, he hesitated. The shot had counted but it left a question in his mind. Could he shoot his target without hesitation?
Morgan Thorsby, an ex-lawyer, and her associate and friend Lacy were on the MAX and headed home after a long day. Suddenly, there was a man with a gun coming towards them. Was he about to shoot all of them? What should they do? Thinking of the film they had seen recently on safety, she knew they had to hide or run. There was nowhere to hide and on the train, nowhere to run. When it was obvious that the man was after her, Morgan was determined to somehow live. She tried talking the man down but it didn’t work. He was after her for her role in a lawsuit against her father’s mill. He and several others had threatened to kill her. He was actually ready to do that. Her only hope was to talk him down or to have the rescue squad talk him down.
As Brady shot this time, he missed the perpetrator because Morgan tripped him. However, his bullet hit Morgan. Guilt and his job made him make sure she got home safely. There they found someone had been in her home and left a threatening note. What was going on? Whatever it was, Brady could not leave her in danger.
Who is stalking her? Who wants her dead? Can they figure it out before it is too late?
October 17, 2015
Another winner by Ms Sleeman. Though this is part of a series , it is definitely a standalone. I will not review so much the exact details of the storyline, since that is what most will do, but rather the deeper meaning I felt was very well presented.
Ms Sleeman delivers a story filled with LOTS of action, mystery and romance. The main characters are Morgan, a lawyer from a wealthy family , who has left the family business and home, for a more fulfilling one of work and life. At the beginning of the story is held at gun point in the train and later stalked, and Brady, a former Marine sniper, currently part of the First Response Squad in Portland, OR. They meet during the train attack, since he is working with the Squad sent to deflate the attack and rescue Morgan .
Now for the deeper points brought up by the author. First, some in society have a low option of snipers. When in fact, whether in the military or law enforcement, they are there to keep us safe. These are individuals to whom we should always show a great deal of appreciation for their dedication and sacrifices. They have just as much and maybe more feelings than the rest of us. They have the courage to do their job for the good of our nation.
Another point is that no matter what our social stance in life, the important thing is to be an individual with moral and ethical standards that will make us proud of ourselves, and that thinks of others and their situations. And last , but not least, is letting us know that many of the unemployed are eagered to be once again in the working force and we, as society, must offer resources to these individuals.
Ms Sleeman presents all this with a great deal of suspense, and romance and never does it in a preaching manner. Definitely a story worth reading.
Ms Sleeman delivers a story filled with LOTS of action, mystery and romance. The main characters are Morgan, a lawyer from a wealthy family , who has left the family business and home, for a more fulfilling one of work and life. At the beginning of the story is held at gun point in the train and later stalked, and Brady, a former Marine sniper, currently part of the First Response Squad in Portland, OR. They meet during the train attack, since he is working with the Squad sent to deflate the attack and rescue Morgan .
Now for the deeper points brought up by the author. First, some in society have a low option of snipers. When in fact, whether in the military or law enforcement, they are there to keep us safe. These are individuals to whom we should always show a great deal of appreciation for their dedication and sacrifices. They have just as much and maybe more feelings than the rest of us. They have the courage to do their job for the good of our nation.
Another point is that no matter what our social stance in life, the important thing is to be an individual with moral and ethical standards that will make us proud of ourselves, and that thinks of others and their situations. And last , but not least, is letting us know that many of the unemployed are eagered to be once again in the working force and we, as society, must offer resources to these individuals.
Ms Sleeman presents all this with a great deal of suspense, and romance and never does it in a preaching manner. Definitely a story worth reading.
October 16, 2015
What can I say? I loved this book! I had a hard time putting it down and getting anything else done! The action was so fast-paced that it kept you guessing constantly and, of course, turning pages rapidly! The relationship between Morgan and Brady was so fun to read. I loved how strong Morgan tried to be as she went through, first, being held hostage on a train, and then second, being stalked & almost killed! She's just a former "wealthy lawyer" and doesn't know how to handle all that's happening to her! Brady is a former marine sniper who now works for the First Response Squad and saves her when she's a hostage. I really liked Brady. He was so down to earth and really cared about Morgan but felt "beneath" her because he grew up very poor and had an abusive father. However, he was such a "rock" for Morgan and she could always depend on him. Morgan's wealthy father was a real piece of work and you could see why she wanted to escape him and become independent of him! As the suspense unfolds, he doesn't show any concern for his daughter.
This is the 3rd book in this series and I adore all the characters in it! They are cohesive, focused and yet love to joke with each other. However, they watch each other's back, no matter what! Morgan has never seen that type of relationship before so she's a little overcome by it at first but all the First Responders easily win her over with their friendship and caring! As I said, a fantastic book with lots of action that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
***I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
This is the 3rd book in this series and I adore all the characters in it! They are cohesive, focused and yet love to joke with each other. However, they watch each other's back, no matter what! Morgan has never seen that type of relationship before so she's a little overcome by it at first but all the First Responders easily win her over with their friendship and caring! As I said, a fantastic book with lots of action that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
***I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
October 14, 2015
This romantic suspense starts out with, "The gun couldn't be real..." With a beginning like this, the reader knows he/she is in for a wild ride in which the author, Susan Sleeman,can push the pedal to the metal , causing the car of chilling intrigue to ratchet up quickly from 0 to over 100 mph. Hopefully, your seat belt is on for the crazy ride as we meet ex-lawyer Morgan Thorsby, who has defended her family's mill against a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that the mill has dumped poisonous pollutants into the nearby water, causing an abnormal amount of persons to contract virulent cancer.
When the First Responders get a call about a gunman on the train, sniper Brady Owens hesitates at the crucial moment. This causes him to feel responsible for the safety of Morgan,who finds herself inexplicably needy, yet pushing Brady away at the same time. Can these two work through the baggage from their past to work together to find the killer and stay safe, or will their being at odds make them a bigger target?
I love the way that the First Responders become a little more like one's own extended family with every book Susan writes. The suspense is always intense, always present, waiting to push itself into the foreground of even a relaxing time and shoot up the reader's adrenaline. I loved
being able to spend time with past heroes and heroines, and can't wait for the next couple's story. I only hope I have enough calmness to survive the book!!
I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.
When the First Responders get a call about a gunman on the train, sniper Brady Owens hesitates at the crucial moment. This causes him to feel responsible for the safety of Morgan,who finds herself inexplicably needy, yet pushing Brady away at the same time. Can these two work through the baggage from their past to work together to find the killer and stay safe, or will their being at odds make them a bigger target?
I love the way that the First Responders become a little more like one's own extended family with every book Susan writes. The suspense is always intense, always present, waiting to push itself into the foreground of even a relaxing time and shoot up the reader's adrenaline. I loved
being able to spend time with past heroes and heroines, and can't wait for the next couple's story. I only hope I have enough calmness to survive the book!!
I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.
October 16, 2015
This is book three in the First Responders series. Each are a stand alone book, however they all revolve around the same people. So if you enjoy reading a series and catching up a bit on characters from previous novels then read them in order (Silent Night Standoff and Explosive Alliance), plus they are all good.
We meet Morgan Thorsby in an intense situation. She comes from a privileged family, yet is trying to make it on her own. When her independence is threatened can she depend on the handsome sniper, Brady Owens? Will she ever be able to stand on her own or does God have other plans for her? Morgan desperately wants to help other and remain independent but Brady has a way of breaking through her defenses.
Brady Owens is from the other side of the tracts. He knows he could never be good enough for someone like Morgan, yet he is drawn to her. Will he be able to solve her problems before it is to late? Can he trust God with his plans for his life? Brady is a strong and determined man who has some issues to deal with too.
This novel is full of twist and turns and will keep you guessing till the end. There are some things you may figure out and some you may think you have figured out but will not know for sure till you reach the end.
I was given a copy of this novel from the author for my honest opinion.
We meet Morgan Thorsby in an intense situation. She comes from a privileged family, yet is trying to make it on her own. When her independence is threatened can she depend on the handsome sniper, Brady Owens? Will she ever be able to stand on her own or does God have other plans for her? Morgan desperately wants to help other and remain independent but Brady has a way of breaking through her defenses.
Brady Owens is from the other side of the tracts. He knows he could never be good enough for someone like Morgan, yet he is drawn to her. Will he be able to solve her problems before it is to late? Can he trust God with his plans for his life? Brady is a strong and determined man who has some issues to deal with too.
This novel is full of twist and turns and will keep you guessing till the end. There are some things you may figure out and some you may think you have figured out but will not know for sure till you reach the end.
I was given a copy of this novel from the author for my honest opinion.
November 6, 2015
There's something so spine-chilling about a stalker story. Shades of sinister with plenty of twists and turns and a few surprises along the way. And plenty of potential villains to choose from. Sometimes I was ahead of the game and desperately tried to get Morgan and Brady to listen to me, but in true hero/heroine fashion they paid this reader no mind. Other times I was just as shocked as they were when something went awry. Sleeman balances romance and suspense beautifully along with a dash of Christmas cheer.
This is the third book in the First Responders series -- I read the first book, but somehow missed the second one. I'll definitely be correcting that oversight! Each book works well as an independent read but what I love about the series is the way the author has created a memorable First Responding team. Love the care and teasing amongst them all. It will be a thrill to read each of their stories as the series progresses.
This is the third book in the First Responders series -- I read the first book, but somehow missed the second one. I'll definitely be correcting that oversight! Each book works well as an independent read but what I love about the series is the way the author has created a memorable First Responding team. Love the care and teasing amongst them all. It will be a thrill to read each of their stories as the series progresses.
August 3, 2026
Morgan Thorsby has found herself the target of a killer, but in a town where her family name is despised it's hard to nail down a single suspect. As incidents increase, ex-marine sniper Brady Owens comes to her aid to keep her safe and away from the killer's threats.
An action-packed suspense that keeps you on your toes. Morgan is a likable character wanting to make a new start after the fiasco that was working for her family's company that went under. I liked that she has embraced her faith and really wants to help others. Brady feels compelled to help her, as the danger increases, and he sees her clever and quick-thinking at work. I liked how they get to know each other through working together, and their shared convictions.
Overall, a fast-paced listen that I didn't want to pause. Great storytelling, original plot, great narration. Compelling characters that you can cheer for throughout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
An action-packed suspense that keeps you on your toes. Morgan is a likable character wanting to make a new start after the fiasco that was working for her family's company that went under. I liked that she has embraced her faith and really wants to help others. Brady feels compelled to help her, as the danger increases, and he sees her clever and quick-thinking at work. I liked how they get to know each other through working together, and their shared convictions.
Overall, a fast-paced listen that I didn't want to pause. Great storytelling, original plot, great narration. Compelling characters that you can cheer for throughout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 1, 2025
Crap writing. Seriously, there's no introduction to scene/characters, no actual build up to action, just *BAM!* ... Garbage in your face.
And page two: "She knew this man. She'd seen him in the sea of men and women who'd brought a class action lawsuit against her parents..." Who remembers ONE face in a 'sea' of people????
And page three: "The bag holding a present for her mother slid from her fingers, the crystal vase falling to the floor. The sound of breaking glass..." WAIT, you didn't pack a CRYSTAL VASE in bubble wrap and a protective box? Are you *KIDDING* me?????
Crap writing. This is going buh-bye, RIGHT the heck now.
And page two: "She knew this man. She'd seen him in the sea of men and women who'd brought a class action lawsuit against her parents..." Who remembers ONE face in a 'sea' of people????
And page three: "The bag holding a present for her mother slid from her fingers, the crystal vase falling to the floor. The sound of breaking glass..." WAIT, you didn't pack a CRYSTAL VASE in bubble wrap and a protective box? Are you *KIDDING* me?????
Crap writing. This is going buh-bye, RIGHT the heck now.
December 18, 2016
Story is filled with lots of twists and turns right from the beginning. First Morgan is held hostage, then when she returns home she finds someone has left her a sinister present, and these presents keep arriving no matter where she is. Then she finds out someone has been poisoning her. Are these events connected? Brady, a member of the First Response Squad takes it upon himself to try to figure it all out and keep Morgan safe. The mystery kept me guessing most of the way through. I really enjoyed the connection between Brady and Morgan and support of the rest of the FRS team gave Brady.
March 29, 2022
This novel is full of action as someone stalks and tries to frighten and kill Morgan Thorsby, a former lawyer. A former marine who now works with first responders as a sniper tries to keep her safe, but he soon realizes that the miscreant is very clever and determined to get to Morgan. In addition to her problems with an unknown stalker, Morgan also has to deal with an overly demanding father who wants to control Morgan's life. Ms. Sleeman has developed both her plot development and her characters well.
April 5, 2026
Very Suspenseful!
I liked the suspense, and was very much surprised by several twists! Stalking is creepy, so I almost stopped reading a couple of times. The twists were definitely unexpected and surprising. I really enjoy these First Responder series and have enjoyed getting to further know more characters. I also would love to actually see the firehouse/condos because of their great descriptions!
I liked the suspense, and was very much surprised by several twists! Stalking is creepy, so I almost stopped reading a couple of times. The twists were definitely unexpected and surprising. I really enjoy these First Responder series and have enjoyed getting to further know more characters. I also would love to actually see the firehouse/condos because of their great descriptions!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Can be read as a standalone but is part of an interconnected series with characters that may overlap.
She' made major changes to her life after the last case she handled. Unfortunately, not everyone from her past is willing to acknowledge the changes.
He's part of the team that were called to rescue her. When he learns that she's still in danger he assigns himself as her bodyguard.
Opposites attract
Forbidden romance
Family drama
Multiple suspects
Stalker
Betrayal from within
She' made major changes to her life after the last case she handled. Unfortunately, not everyone from her past is willing to acknowledge the changes.
He's part of the team that were called to rescue her. When he learns that she's still in danger he assigns himself as her bodyguard.
Opposites attract
Forbidden romance
Family drama
Multiple suspects
Stalker
Betrayal from within
November 9, 2020
Susan Sleeman knows how to serve up an action filled romantic suspense. Sprinkled with faith, Brady and Morgan's story takes them from measuring their worth by their past history and turning to God who values them for who they are in Him. Multiple dangers keep the reader guessing till the end. Great series built around the 'first responders' theme.
April 20, 2021
I was not a fan of Morgan at first 😐. After she showed how much she cared about the clients at work and her co-workers my opinion changed. 😊 I knew who the "bad guys" were pretty early in the book but watching the takedown was pretty awesome. 😉 Brady is like alot of us and his childhood wasn't terrific but I am pretty positive that his and Morgan's kids will have a Great one. 😀
April 29, 2024
The story of ex-lawyer Morgan Thorsby and former marine sniper Brady Owens. After Morgan is rescued from a hostage situation Brady sees that she gets home safely. He checks out her apartment before allowing her to enter, only to discover that someone has been inside. It looks as though she has a stalker and the two of them work together to try to figure out who it could be.
June 17, 2019
This is the third book in this series I have read, and loved it as much as the others. Susan Sleeman always does an excellent job on her books, and this one was just one more example of that. One of the better stalker type books I have read
November 19, 2021
A suspenseful thriller with lots of action, the plot involves revenge, stalking, deception, and a murder plot. Then you also find faith, clean romance, and forgiveness, a perfect mix. You will enjoy this one if you like suspense.
March 8, 2017
This is a riveting story
This is a great addition to the other books in this series. I can't wait to read the next book. If you like suspense, you should give this series a try.
This is a great addition to the other books in this series. I can't wait to read the next book. If you like suspense, you should give this series a try.
August 18, 2018
Excellent book, a real page turner. Loved it!!!
November 3, 2018
Good story fast reading
January 25, 2019
Not usually my kind of genre but I loved this book.
February 8, 2019
WOW!!!!
This was a really, really good book. I really enjoyed the intrigue, mystery and the fact that God and His presence was very important.
This was a really, really good book. I really enjoyed the intrigue, mystery and the fact that God and His presence was very important.
April 12, 2021
Exceedingly improbable. The mystery elements were overdone. The spiritual application was trite. The romance was incredibly rushed. A lot of people loved this book, but it wasn't my cup of tea.
January 3, 2022
Good faith based mystery.
February 4, 2022
This was a good story, the third in the first responders series. I liked the characters of Morgan and Brady.
December 6, 2023
This was a quick read centered around the Christmas season. A stalker, a wealthy criminal and a sweet romance all rolled into one!
July 10, 2024
Series continues with another fun clean romance. Brady and Morgan need to figure out who is stalking her and why she's so sick. Crazy times. Enjoyed reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews