Hot Target

Ballistic Cowboys #2

by Elle James

Delta Fierce!

On loan for a local assignment, Max "Caveman" Decker already feels at home in the backcountry of Wyoming. Protecting one womaneven petite spitfire Grace Saundersis a vacation to the Delta Force warrior. But Grace thinks something darker is at work than the murder she witnessed. It wasn't a case of the wrong place at the wrong timeit was her "curse." Every man she gets close to dies. Now she's saddled with Decker, her sworn protector, who won't leave her side. Any hope for a simple assignment will change once they're living under the same roof, where Grace's curse will be just as inescapable as the crosshairs of a killer.

"

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 21, 2017

About the author

Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!

Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.

Reviews

[Paula Brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elle James definitely isn't my favourite Intrigue author. Her books are underplotted and don't work well as standalones if they're part of a series. On top of not resolving anything, this is also saddled with a heroine who could benefit from some VERY intensive psychiatric care.

The plot has Grace Saunders witness a shooting. Luckily for her, as she escapes from the shooter, she is saved by Max "Caveman" Decker. He is part of the Homeland Security team that was cobbled together in the first book, "Hot Combat". He is given the mission of protecting Grace. She insists that he shouldn't fall in love with her, because every man she's been close to has died, and believes she carries a curse. They must figure out who shot and killed RJ Khalig, a pipeline inspector.

Where do I start with this one?

First of all, I know that mini-series are a big part of category romance. Most of the time, the individual books can work well as a standalone story. Elle James has not mastered that art. This has the overriding arch of bubbling social unrest, possible terrorist activity, and the stockpiling of a large amount of weapons. That's all well and good. That can be spread across four books. However, the central plot of this book is the shooting death of RJ Khalig that Grace witnesses. You would think the aim would be to discover who did it, and why they did it.

Not so here.

And it just makes me think, WHAT'S THE BLOODY POINT IN READING A BOOK THAT ISN'T GOING TO RESOLVE IT'S MAJOR MYSTERY?!? It drives me absolutely bloody nuts! We find out that Wayne Batson was hired to kill RJ. But we don't get told who ordered it, or why they wanted RJ dead. So, again, what was the point? There's already mystery about possible terrorists and stockpiling to keep us going for the remaining books. This book REALLY should have wrapped up its main mystery, instead of expecting us to wait for the next book. It pissed me off royally. I had been going with 3 stars, but the stupid ending that doesn't fucking resolve anything made me drop off an entire star.

It's capped off by a heroine that tested my last nerve. Despite Max saving her life, she's, well, a total bitch to him for the longest time! But then she has nasty thoughts about any other woman who looks at him twice. She was all over the place. The real kicker for me was her belief that she carried a curse that caused the men she loves to die. Her high school sweetheart died after he popped her cherry. Her husband died on their honeymoon. A guy she dated died after three dates.

Unlucky, yes. A bit far-fetched. That too. But a curse? A CURSE? From a supposedly smart woman who's apparently a biologist? Good grief! Or, in Delores Fossen's language: mercy! I think we've all lost three or more loved ones in our lives. How many of us carry on about it being a curse? I didn't warm to Grace at all, and thought she could benefit from several sessions with a shrink!

Basically, if you want me to like your book, at least be bothered to wrap it up properly! A heroine who isn't a complete dolt would help as well! Ugh. And this series has two more books to go.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Hot Target by Elle James took me on a journey—a journey where danger, passion and emotional turmoil lurked. I was astounded by the conflict, felt engaged with the story through believable dialogue and got a grip of the setting through the finer visual details which brought the well-developed characters to life and had me captivated with what will happen next. I truly believe that fans of romantic suspense stories with a twist will find this book a compelling read as much as I have.

Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Target by Elle James

2nd in the cowboy series by Harlequin Intrigue and Elle James.

A town stressed by financial hardships is under threat by disheartened men. The heroine witnesses a murder then is under threat herself. The new local counter terrorist unit and hero try to protect her while investigating.

The author does a great job of drawing the reader into the action and hearts of the characters.
It can be read as a standalone.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another suspenseful, romantic story from Elle James.

Hot Target grabbed me right from the get go and kept me on the edge of my seat. Like the first book in this series, Hot Combat, the story line for the main characters is resolved giving them an HFN (happy for now), but the larger mystery remains unsolved.

Max (Caveman) Decker is assigned to protect Grace Saunders after she witnesses a murder and her life is threatened. Grace is a very independent woman who doesn't think she needs protection but grudgingly accepts it eventually. She also believes she's cursed since every man she's been involved with romantically has died and she doesn't want to get involved with Max. Max and Grace try hard to fight the attraction between them but eventually they give in.

I'm not sure how many stories there will be in this series but I hope the mystery is eventually solved. I wouldn't say that this book is a cliffhanger because the story for Max and Grace is resolved with a HFN.

I really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

2. Hot Target
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy Wyoming set Harlequin Intrigue romance Hot Target: Ballistic Cowboy Book One by Elle James and this review was given freely.
Bonding over attraction, grief, and murder, this is an intense steamy instant attraction novel with a persistent assassin.
Convalescing, PTSD-suffering Army Delta Force sniper Max “Caveman” Decker finds himself temporarily assigned to Homeland Security to protect a pipeline inspector in Wyoming only to stumble upon the injured Yellowstone National Park wolf biologist Grace, who witnessed a murder and find himself back under attack.
18+ for violence and intimate scenes. Best if read in series order. Contains an intense but happy ending.

3. Hot Zone
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy Wyoming set Harlequin Intrigue romance Hot Zone: Ballistic Cowboy Book Three by Elle James and this review was given freely.
An action and drama-packed “almost instant” attraction romance where the new owner of Stone Oak Ranch is the last in her family line, which a persistent killer wants to end.
When Army Ranger Trace “Hawkeye” Walsh chases a bomber off government land, Hawkeye finds himself rescuing the grieving Olivia and her foreman from a truck fire, volunteers to be her ranch hand and bodyguard, and is instantly attracted to his client.
18+ for violence and intimate scenes. Best if read in series order. Contains an intense but happy ending.
4. Hot Velocity
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the steamy Wyoming set Harlequin Intrigue romance Hot Velocity: Ballistic Cowboy Book Four by Elle James and this review was given freely.
A fitting Fourth of July novel featuring Homeland Security, national safety, the US military, empowerment, and selfless, fiercely protective main characters.
Grieving US Marine Captain Rex ”T-Rex” Trainor and newly emancipated abuse victim, divorcee’, and Mother’s Day Out Day Caregiver Sierra Daniels find themselves strongly attracted to each other, and amid one danger-filled scene after another in this action and violence-filled conclusion to the series.
18+ for violence and intimate scenes.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ballistic Cowboys Series is just wonderful. You take a hot, Spec Ops warrior who, in this case, is almost recovered from a combat injury, put him on special assignment with Homeland Security in the wilds of Grizzly Pass, Wyoming, add a prickly, stubborn, independent biologist and you have the makings of a wild ride of a book. But, the prickly, stubborn, independent bit got a bit old after awhile and the insta-love thing was a bit unbelievable given the prickly, stubborn, independent persona of the heroine.

Max "Caveman" Decker was badly wounded in action when his US Army DELTA Force was attacked. His recovery is almost complete and he is on loan to DHS for Task Force Safe Haven. He's not sure this is going to work and only wants to return to his Army unit. He is assigned to protect an oil pipeline inspector who has received death threats. Unfortunately, he was to little, too late.

Grace Saunders is a biologist working on the Wolf Project for the Yellowstone National Park when she witnesses the murder of RJ Khalig, the pipeline inspector Caveman was supposed to protect. The gunman has turned his sights on Grace and Kevin Garner the leader of Task Force Safe Haven now wants Caveman to protect her.

Grace is not at all happy with her assigned babysitter and said babysitter is equally unhappy with her. That there is an instant attraction is not at all welcome to either of them, but, hey, who can argue with insta-love? As Caveman tries to keep Grace safe, the baddie keeps trying to kill her. Caveman needs to find out who it is and put an end to the threat against Grace. 3 1/2-Stars

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! It's well set up and I love that it's a task force right here in the states to help figure out the issues and stop them before they happen. Terrorists have been using the unrest in the backcountry of Wyoming to get the people there to turn against the government. They are giving them the means and the push to take it into the physical arena. Caveman has just gotten clearance after an injury and instead of returning to his unit he is sent to Wyoming as part of this task force. At first, he has a hard time with it because he wants revenge/justice on the people that took out part of his unit. He is put in a bodyguard position for Grace after his original protectee is killed before he ever gets there. Grace witnessed it, and now the killer is coming after her. I loved Grace. She is a strong independent woman and so has a hard time at first letting Caveman help her out but as the killer keeps trying and she gets to know him it quickly becomes easier. The two of them have some instant chemistry but neither really plans on anything happening. Their chemistry grows though as they get to know each other and spend more time together and soon it becomes hard to deny. I loved their interactions. The sex is explicit but it doesn't happen very often which fits the story, as they are on a timetable to figure out who is after Grace. There is plenty of action and intrigue to keep your attention the way through. Once I started the book, I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

Max, aka Caveman, is a member of Delta Force. He's recently been cleared after being injured and is on loan temporarily to the Department of Homeland Security for Task Force Safe Haven. Though he'll do his job, and do it well, he's itching for clearance to return to his unit, and his personal mission...avenging the death of his entire team, save himself and Whiskey. Plus, being bodyguard to a pipeline inspector isn't exactly what he trained for.

Grace, a biologist, is studying the wolves of Yellowstone when she witnesses a murder. Thinking quickly, Grace tries to see the shooter so she can identify him later, but has to make a hasty escape when she becomes a target.

Caveman is shocked when not only does a bullet hit his truck, but the action startles an approaching horse, causing him to toss the rider. He immediately asks if she's okay, but doesn't understand why she expects him to shoot her. Though Caveman plans to take her to the clinic, Grave insists on seeing the sheriff. When Caveman hears her story, it seems as if the victim is the man Caveman was on his way to meet and protect.

Though it's neither the time nor the place considering the situation, both Caveman and Grace feel an attraction and under different circumstances they'd each like to explore it. Thankfully, it seems as though they'll get that chance when Caveman becomes Grace's live-in protection.

"Suddenly, being in Wyoming on temporary duty didn't seem so bad." - Caveman

While the investigation continues, Grace goes about her days as much as possible. But with her and Caveman being in such close proximity, and getting to know one another, neither can resist their chemistry for long. Unfortunately, Grace is targeted more than once, and though she's worried for herself, she's more concerned that Caveman will be injured, therefore confirming the curse that seems to follow her around, ending the life of any man she gets close to.

Can Caveman keep Grace safe? Who was responsible for killing the pipeline inspector? Is it the same person after Grace? Is Caveman safe? Or will he be the next victim of Grace's curse? Can Caveman prove to Grace that it's safe to love him? That he loves her and he's not going anywhere? Is there a HEA for Caveman and Grace?

One-click now and follow along as two people, both determined to not fall in love for different reasons, discover a love worth fighting for amongst dangerous circumstances. Please keep in mind this is book two in the series, and though it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading book one, Hot Combat, first.

On a purely personal note, as with the first book, Hot Combat, I could've done without other women flirting with the hero in front of the heroine. While it doesn't seem, at least it wasn't said as fact, that Caveman enjoyed the attention or flirted back, I don't feel it was at all necessary to include this in the story. I don't want to read about the hero with any woman other than the heroine in any type of sexual, intimate, or overly friendly scenario. It lessens the connection I'm building in them becoming a couple.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title fit the book perfectly. Grace Saundersis is a biologist tracking and gathering information about a wolf pack. She was riding her horse looking for one wolf when she saw a man get murdered. She rode her horse as fast as she could to avoid being shot next. She got thrown off, and ended up passing out.

Max Decker known as "Caveman" was hurt on duty. Before he can be sent back to his unit that is deployed he gets assigned to a small town.

First day assigned to the small town he goes to meet a local man. Before he can meet him, he see's Grace get thrown from her house. She is knocked out. He picks her up to take her to the local clinic. She wakes up in his truck, and demands to go to the sheriff office. After reporting the murder, she becomes the next target. Caveman became her personal body guard. The action is this book is intense. The chemistry between Caveman and Grace was sizzling. The only problem is Grace makes Caveman promise not to fall in love with her. Everyone she has ever loved has died. She thinks she is cursed. She was once married, and her husband died on her honeymoon. A guy she dated a few years later died from a farming accident.

The more they dodge bullets, the more the chemistry between them heats up. Great book. Loved it!

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the 2nd book in this series..this book we get to know Caveman more..he comes to the rescue of Grace when he comes across here being thrown by her horse. He was there looking for someone else...While he rescues her she is afraid he is going to kill her as she just witnessed a murder..Once they get to the sheriff's office they report it...She warns Caveman not to fall in love with her that men tend to die around her...As they keep investigating the Free America group they are sneaking into the taxidermist place when they are caught and took the firing range..they are giving a 5 minute lead to get away as they are going to be shot...as they are running trying to get away they are dodging bullets left and right.can they get away and put a stop to what these guys are doing? A thriller that is a page turner.

[Merle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another conspiracy story in the series. "Caveman" Dexter is ready to return to his unit and await redeployment after an injury. He is detailed to the special task force in Wyoming investigating homegrown terrorists plotting against the government. He rescues a woman trying to escape a gunman whose horse is spooked. She is a magnet, since she saw a murder and someone wants to silence her. Grace is a wildlife biologist and a native of the area and will not be intimidated. Caveman will protect her, or die trying. Btw, my edition of this book mentions Ghost as Delta and Caveman as a SEAL in the first chapter. This is corrected in the next chapter but I wonder if a correction was made electronically.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Target by Elle James is a hot romance. Right from the beginning she sweeps me into her book. I was addicted. The hot hero and amazing heroine make a fabulous pair. But both are a little damaged. Especially, the woman. Every man in her life ended up dead. Now, she and her new lover, are in danger. A killer on the lose with mad shooting skills. Luckily, her lover, was also a sniper and knows how to stay safe. But can he really protect the woman he's fallen for? Intrigue, suspense, and tons of action. I loved this new romance by Harlequin. Elle James has just been added to my list of favorite writers. Her words are just that good. Overall, I recommend this romantic suspense novel to all.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A killer crazier than a rabid skunk"

A Delta Force soldier who is a closet poet and an independent, feisty and very sassy woman battle the crazy killers out to destroy Grizzly Pass, Wyoming and who have targeted Grace. Grace may have seen more than she should have...but should that cost her her life? She thinks not and is determined to fight those who are targeting her every step of the way, thankfully with Cowboy on her six she survives far longer than she would have alone, and Cowboy gets to claim the woman of his dreams...one kiss at a time!
I love this series of dinted warriors who find a future they weren't looking for and never expected.

[karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Elle and her writing I like. Things are getting interesting. Sad about Loki. Lot of excitement, evil, revenge, anger. Grace is a go getter, experienced a lot of loss but a fighter. Caveman gas experienced the worst possible disaster of war in losing so many. Fate and love at first has brought them together and saved each other.
But unlike the 1st book,where the why was explained that us missing in this book. Why the humans?

[VR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read the books by Elle James and the Ballistic Cowboy series is great. Each book is a stand alone but have a mystery that connects all of them. I read book 3 before I read book 2 and plan to read book 1 next. This book is about Caveman and Grace and was a great read. I highly recommend it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Gracie and Caveman both have ghosts. There is a lot of action with fanatics, getting shot at and trying to stay alive. Caveman is on medical leave for the time being working with a special task force and assigned to protect Gracie, although she doesn't want it. I would recomment this book to anyone.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice series so far

I've read 2 of this series its really cute and I will continue to read the next 2 of these. Hopefully there will be more as there are 2 more people on the Team. Everyone needs a HEA!

[charmaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing

Elle James gave this one her all.There's something happening in every single page.This book never slows down,just when you think you can relax warm something else happens.

[Sue Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked Caveman and Grace and their story. Really good series with story within a story. Reading Hot Zone next.

[Heather M Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I really liked the book and I really like thee series. Just needed a longer ending. What happens to the couples? I guess I like epilogues.

[Kathy Beaucourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. James has done it again.

Great storyline. Love the intrigue and romance tied together. The suspense is ramping up and I can hardly wait to read the next book.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

I love Elle James well written storys awesome characters. Journeys that gives you goose bumps and a ride on emotional rollercoaster. Full of suspense cant wait for more

[Debra Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Caveman and Grace's story

[Kathy Sue Stumpf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and series, but would not be interested in reading it again.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving the new Ballistic Cowboys series by Elle James. I could not wait to get my hands on Hot Target and started reading it as soon as it was in my hot little hands. This is yet another captivating story with drama, suspense, mystery, action, and romance. This book has it ALL!

Max "Caveman" Decker is ready to return to his team after being injured on a mission. Instead he's assigned to new task force in Wyoming. This guy is one that I would want in my corner if someone wanted me to disappear in a permanent way. He's smart, really good at his job, charming, and just a good guy.

Grace Saunders has suffered a lot of heartache in her life. The poor lady thinks it is all her fault and there must be something wrong with her. She has a heart of gold and loves animals. Her love of animals is what puts her in the wrong time and wrong place to see some one murdered.

Caveman was assigned to watch after someone else. Caveman and Grace end up working together after an encounter in the mountains. I quickly bonded with both Caveman and Grace. I loved Grace's attitude. She has just a touch of sass and a whole lot of Independence. It was interesting watching Caveman convince Grace to take him up on his offer of protection. That could have a little bit to do with the incredible attraction between them. The attraction leads to some hot passion with plenty of fireworks.

The suspense in this book is breath taking. My heart was pounding as I quickly flipped pages wondering how these two were going to get out of danger. I won't tell you too much because you are going to want to grab up your own copy of Hot Target and start reading now!

This is the second book in the Ballistic Cowboy series but stands on it's own just fine. I have read Hot Combat and it is just as awesome as Hot Target. I would suggest grabbing them both now. If you are an Elle James fan like me your going to love them both!

I was given the opportunity to read this fantabulous book and it is my pleasure to share my thoughts with you.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Wonderful Series

I love to read series books. I love to be read books that can stand alone but if I can toss the characters with other characters or sorry lines is even better!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Elle James has a jam-packed action hit with this story, Hot Target. Delta Force sniper, Max "Caveman" Decker was injured during a mission in Afghanistan. Following his recovery he is loaned to the Department of Homeland Security to help Task Force Safe Haven in Grizzly Pass, WY where the task force is investigating possible domestic terrorist activities. Caveman is assigned to protect Grace Saunders after she witnesses a murder. Sparks fly between Caveman and Grace even though Grace fights the connection. Multiple attacks on Grace have the Task Force questioning why. As they work on getting the answer the action keeps rolling quickly and the suspense builds.

Pick up a copy of this book to find out just what happens when Caveman and Grace face some deadly challenges while falling for each other. You'll be glad you did.

[Jimnlori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series by Elle James! I will most definitely read more books in this series!
Max Decker is on leave after suffering an injury serving overseas. He has been called to help out protecting Grace Saunders who lives in a small town in Wyoming.
Grace witnessed a murder and now the murderer is after her, but Max takes his job seriously and is going to make sure no one can get close to Grace.
What starts as a simple assignment soon becomes anything but simple and now their feeling for each other have changed also.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I was sucked into the story. This author always writes amazing books. I loved the chemistry between Max and Grace, and this story kept me captivated. I definitely recommend this book!

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Ballistic Cowboys