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No Easy Target
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen, an explosive thriller featuring fan favorite Margaret Douglas, an animal psychic
ON THE RUN
Margaret Douglas has worked hard to put her painful past behind her. Raised off the grid in an abusive home, her only escape was the nearby forest where she sought refuge whenever she could. There, in the peaceful woods, she discovered a strange gift: the ability to understand animals and to communicate with them. Now, Margaret wants nothing more than to live a quiet life, close to the animals and under the radar. But her abilities have not gone unnoticed...and there are those who would use them for their own purposes. Determined not to be a pawn in anyone's game, every time someone gets too close, Margaret uproots her life and outruns them.
INTO THE LINE OF FIRE
When CIA operative John Lassiter breaks into Margaret's apartment, she vanishes again. Still, Lassiter has good reason to be persistent: one of his men is being held captive by an unrelenting enemy--someone who has set his sights on Margaret. Which means that Lassiter must control her to use her as bait...With danger in hot pursuit, Margaret finds herself matching wits with a man who refuses to stop or be stopped. Turning from the hunted to the hunter, Margaret must use everything she has ever learned to not only survive, but to defeat a great evil. And to prove once and for all that she's no easy target. . .
This edition of the book is the deluxe, tall rack mass market paperback.
ON THE RUN
Margaret Douglas has worked hard to put her painful past behind her. Raised off the grid in an abusive home, her only escape was the nearby forest where she sought refuge whenever she could. There, in the peaceful woods, she discovered a strange gift: the ability to understand animals and to communicate with them. Now, Margaret wants nothing more than to live a quiet life, close to the animals and under the radar. But her abilities have not gone unnoticed...and there are those who would use them for their own purposes. Determined not to be a pawn in anyone's game, every time someone gets too close, Margaret uproots her life and outruns them.
INTO THE LINE OF FIRE
When CIA operative John Lassiter breaks into Margaret's apartment, she vanishes again. Still, Lassiter has good reason to be persistent: one of his men is being held captive by an unrelenting enemy--someone who has set his sights on Margaret. Which means that Lassiter must control her to use her as bait...With danger in hot pursuit, Margaret finds herself matching wits with a man who refuses to stop or be stopped. Turning from the hunted to the hunter, Margaret must use everything she has ever learned to not only survive, but to defeat a great evil. And to prove once and for all that she's no easy target. . .
This edition of the book is the deluxe, tall rack mass market paperback.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 25, 2017
1061 people are currently reading
4275 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
226 books7,333 followersIris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 526 reviews
May 4, 2017
Have read this author's Eve Duncan series from the beginning, and it was in one of those that the lead character in this makes her appearance. Found her abilities and back story fascinating, that she can communicate with animals, escaped from the head of a drug cartel, an interesting combination.
A usual Johansen has multiple characters wanting opposing things, a little romance, sexual tension, adventure and much running from the various bad guys. Her books are easy to read, they flow quickly, and though I found some parts better than others, on the whole I got tired of the constant dialogue, back and forth nature of conversations and was disappointed. Or maybe that is not the correct phrase, since she does what she always does, what her fans expect from her writing. I think maybe the correct phrasing may be that I have outgrown this author. Though I expect next time an Eve Duncan novel come around I may attempt her once more.
ARC from NetGalley.
A usual Johansen has multiple characters wanting opposing things, a little romance, sexual tension, adventure and much running from the various bad guys. Her books are easy to read, they flow quickly, and though I found some parts better than others, on the whole I got tired of the constant dialogue, back and forth nature of conversations and was disappointed. Or maybe that is not the correct phrase, since she does what she always does, what her fans expect from her writing. I think maybe the correct phrasing may be that I have outgrown this author. Though I expect next time an Eve Duncan novel come around I may attempt her once more.
ARC from NetGalley.
April 11, 2017
This author has been recommended to me by many people over the years. When I read the blurb for this book I was excited to finally get to her work. A pet whisper who helps take down a killer/drug dealer. I'm a sucker for paranormal stories, add animals and I'm a happy reader. I was not a happy reader while reading this. I'm warning you I was feeling a bit rant-ish after finishing it.
What went wrong for me: Never ending telling and retelling, over explained everything down to the smallest little detail, repetitive explanations, cold mechanical sex, weird methodical dialog, silly goading, too many dialogs, one dimensional characters, conversations that I could not figure out who was speaking, the conversations with the animals were odd and didn't feel emotional like they were told to be. Yes, told, the book spent a lot of time telling me how it was to be felt. They talked/inner dialog/explained so much I just wanted them to shut up so I could read the story. The romance, sigh, what romance ? It was ridiculous, heated glares, glances, and "let's have sex" after you kidnapped me and plan on using me in a way that could get me tortured and killed. It was step A, step B, step C, done. Really, is that supposed to work ? The suspense, was so cheesy, the big bad guys so hollywood derived, I never felt it. The worst ? Raping/kidnapping/killing of 12 year old girls, brought up then passed along without a glance. If you bring up something so horrendous don't brush it away. The ending was, nothing, it went to nothing.
What did I like about the story ? When she rescued Juno, that was a good moment. Till the dog started talking, ugg ruined moment that lasts and lasts. I hope that I never get to talk with animals if they keep repeating themselves like Juno. My dog is looking at me now and I'm so grateful I can't hear a word, sorry pup.
Stubborn to the end I finished this book even when I knew at 10% in it wasn't working for me. I will not be reading more from this author her style does not work for me.
What went wrong for me: Never ending telling and retelling, over explained everything down to the smallest little detail, repetitive explanations, cold mechanical sex, weird methodical dialog, silly goading, too many dialogs, one dimensional characters, conversations that I could not figure out who was speaking, the conversations with the animals were odd and didn't feel emotional like they were told to be. Yes, told, the book spent a lot of time telling me how it was to be felt. They talked/inner dialog/explained so much I just wanted them to shut up so I could read the story. The romance, sigh, what romance ? It was ridiculous, heated glares, glances, and "let's have sex" after you kidnapped me and plan on using me in a way that could get me tortured and killed. It was step A, step B, step C, done. Really, is that supposed to work ? The suspense, was so cheesy, the big bad guys so hollywood derived, I never felt it. The worst ? Raping/kidnapping/killing of 12 year old girls, brought up then passed along without a glance. If you bring up something so horrendous don't brush it away. The ending was, nothing, it went to nothing.
What did I like about the story ? When she rescued Juno, that was a good moment. Till the dog started talking, ugg ruined moment that lasts and lasts. I hope that I never get to talk with animals if they keep repeating themselves like Juno. My dog is looking at me now and I'm so grateful I can't hear a word, sorry pup.
Stubborn to the end I finished this book even when I knew at 10% in it wasn't working for me. I will not be reading more from this author her style does not work for me.
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April 27, 2017E-galley provided by Edeweiss, St. Martin's Press and author Iris Johansen, for my honest review. Published April 25, 2017
The Hook - Many years ago I was intrigued by the idea of forensic facial reconstruction and how it would help identify bodies found and solve crimes using science and artistry techniques. Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan series was a natural to explore. I read a few of these and this new book reminds me to consider the others.
No Line per request of the publisher.
The Sinker What a premise! Iris Johansen’s latest protagonist, Margaret Douglas, is a woman with a special relationship with animals. She’s kind of like an animal whisperer extraordinaire, but don’t think, “If I could talk to the animals” of Dr. Doolittle fame. Margaret Douglas is a resilient, smart, though somewhat flawed woman harboring a painful past, who really can communicate with animals of all species. Margaret was introduced in Taking Eve, part of Johansen’s long running series featuring Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor but it’s easy to see how fan demand and a character with the Douglas’ incredible abilities needed her own book and a vehicle to tell her story.
I was hooked from the prologue that finds Douglas in the San Diego Zoo trying to make a connection with a tigress that is rejecting her cub. In a perfect world Douglas would use her talent only for good; unfortunately others can see how this gift can be used to their corrupt advantage.
In No Easy Target, Margaret Douglas proves that the title is aptly named. I had some quibbles with the romantic angle and fleshing out the plot but this tense thriller still managed to fulfill the promise that there’s a new gal in town for accomplished author, Iris Johansen. I can’t wait to see where this character takes us next.
The Hook - Many years ago I was intrigued by the idea of forensic facial reconstruction and how it would help identify bodies found and solve crimes using science and artistry techniques. Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan series was a natural to explore. I read a few of these and this new book reminds me to consider the others.
No Line per request of the publisher.
The Sinker What a premise! Iris Johansen’s latest protagonist, Margaret Douglas, is a woman with a special relationship with animals. She’s kind of like an animal whisperer extraordinaire, but don’t think, “If I could talk to the animals” of Dr. Doolittle fame. Margaret Douglas is a resilient, smart, though somewhat flawed woman harboring a painful past, who really can communicate with animals of all species. Margaret was introduced in Taking Eve, part of Johansen’s long running series featuring Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor but it’s easy to see how fan demand and a character with the Douglas’ incredible abilities needed her own book and a vehicle to tell her story.
I was hooked from the prologue that finds Douglas in the San Diego Zoo trying to make a connection with a tigress that is rejecting her cub. In a perfect world Douglas would use her talent only for good; unfortunately others can see how this gift can be used to their corrupt advantage.
In No Easy Target, Margaret Douglas proves that the title is aptly named. I had some quibbles with the romantic angle and fleshing out the plot but this tense thriller still managed to fulfill the promise that there’s a new gal in town for accomplished author, Iris Johansen. I can’t wait to see where this character takes us next.
April 19, 2017
Abandon hope of a realistic plot all ye who enter here. But then this is Johansen, and this is what makes her different series fun. Private planes and yachts, island hideaways and Colombian torture camps all in one story?
NIcos, Salva and Brukman, the worst villains evah. John Lassiter, Silicon Valley rich guy and his merry band of assassins and former special forces military men who are trying to rescue a comrade. The woman Lassiter plans to use as his dangle, Margaret Douglas, an animal communicator and empath.
Actually being an animal communicator and an empath might seem the hardest to swallow, but are maybe the most realistic aspects of the story. Although I've never heard of someone being both and I've only known dog communicators.
Minor quibbles. Only one character per book should be able to twist his lips, and then only once. (Just like a character can only smirk once per book) I think Johansen should have a better update on the political situation in Columbia-confusing as it might seem at times. "Do you want to have sex?" is neither sexy nor romantic even when spoken by an earth child/woman.
If this is the beginning of a series I would certainly read others. Entertaining, moves right along, original-even if highly unrealistic-plot and characters you care about are all part of this book. I even shed a tear or two over Margaret.
Oh, and that ending! I kept thinking three problems, three bullets. After all ya got that fine assassin along with you. But no, Johansen shows why she is a bestselling author and will remain so.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
NIcos, Salva and Brukman, the worst villains evah. John Lassiter, Silicon Valley rich guy and his merry band of assassins and former special forces military men who are trying to rescue a comrade. The woman Lassiter plans to use as his dangle, Margaret Douglas, an animal communicator and empath.
Actually being an animal communicator and an empath might seem the hardest to swallow, but are maybe the most realistic aspects of the story. Although I've never heard of someone being both and I've only known dog communicators.
Minor quibbles. Only one character per book should be able to twist his lips, and then only once. (Just like a character can only smirk once per book) I think Johansen should have a better update on the political situation in Columbia-confusing as it might seem at times. "Do you want to have sex?" is neither sexy nor romantic even when spoken by an earth child/woman.
If this is the beginning of a series I would certainly read others. Entertaining, moves right along, original-even if highly unrealistic-plot and characters you care about are all part of this book. I even shed a tear or two over Margaret.
Oh, and that ending! I kept thinking three problems, three bullets. After all ya got that fine assassin along with you. But no, Johansen shows why she is a bestselling author and will remain so.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 7, 2017
Iris Johansen has done it again. I like that she takes a fringe character from her other books and writes a whole story around that character. Margaret Douglas has been on her own since she was very young. Relying on no one and trying to do it all on her own. She has been running for over 3 years trying to stay out of the hands of the psychopath Nicco that she has escaped from. Enter Lassiter who is looking for Margaret to use as a pawn in an effort to get what he wants from Nicco. Against her better judgement after he captures her she becomes involved in his plan and finds herself strangely attracted to him the more she gets to know him. With her straight forward and way of innocence she has become important to him as well. In this book as we learn in more detail the story about Margaret Douglas' early years. Great read. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
September 9, 2017
Let me start by saying I hope nico's and salva rot in HELL!!!!! Iris Johansen has written some really scum bag villains before but these two are some of the worst!!! No Easy Target was a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end. Our heroine Margaret Douglas the animal whisper who we first meant in Taking Eve is being hunted down not only from Stan Nico's the monster who almost destroyed her,but she's also being hunted down by the charismatic and deadly John Lassiter who will use Margaret to save his friend and mentor Sean patrick,but when Lassiter finally finds her and spends time with Margaret he starts to rethink his plans.together Margaret and Lassiter with the help of some good friends like Neal cambry and mandell will go up against Nico's and all his network to bring Sean Patrick home and put a end to Nico's and salva's reign of terror.I loved this book so much and learning more about Margaret and her talent with animals and seeing her relationship with our mother to be, golden retriever Juno who she finds trapped in a mine barely alive and mourning the lost of the little girl she loved, who died.I went through every emotion reading this book from crying to laughing to rage to finally Hell ya!!! I hope to see more of Margaret and Lassiter they have awesome chemistry and when they finally came together it was explosive and hot!!!!
January 14, 2017
Yeah, Margaret's story was fantastic! She has a heck of a story to tell, and yeah, new character Lassiter! I don't know if there'll be a series for them (though I kinda hope for one) but I know they'll be in future books!
May 18, 2017
I was really intrigued by the synopsis on this book and was eager to read it after I picked it up from the library. I was immediately pulled into the book and the type of character Margaret was and then she got kidnapped.
And from that point to the end, the story wasn't working for me. The dialogue between Margaret and Lassiter made me cringe. I began skim reading to avoid cringing too much. I found it hard to believe that Lassiter really needed Margaret and the plot pivoted on this "need" or what would be the point in kidnapping her. Everyone had to "talk" about why they were doing something and the excessive dialogue was just too much.
The story has potential, but for me it fell way short.
And from that point to the end, the story wasn't working for me. The dialogue between Margaret and Lassiter made me cringe. I began skim reading to avoid cringing too much. I found it hard to believe that Lassiter really needed Margaret and the plot pivoted on this "need" or what would be the point in kidnapping her. Everyone had to "talk" about why they were doing something and the excessive dialogue was just too much.
The story has potential, but for me it fell way short.
May 28, 2017
Finally finished this book. It seemed to take forever and I am not sure if it was because of the book or my mood. I was definitely heading towards the did not finish category. The plot was a little convoluted, with a main character who was a kind of Dr. Doolittle who could communicate with animals. Funny that I have no problem reading shape shifter books, but this one took a toll on my level of belief.
My copy was called No Easy Prey and it seems like the publisher changed the name after the ARCs were handed out. I'm not sure that I would recommend this book.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
My copy was called No Easy Prey and it seems like the publisher changed the name after the ARCs were handed out. I'm not sure that I would recommend this book.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
April 9, 2017
Made it a third of the way through this one. Simply put, this was not my cup of tea. I wasn't a fan of the romantic suspense elements paired with the extraordinary/unexplainable. I also found the main characters to be rather flat and kind of boring. Moving on!
January 12, 2018
I loved it!
June 12, 2017
This book introduces Margaret Douglas, who can communicate telepathically with animals. She is on the run from an evil drug lord, and being used as bait by an ex-CIA agent.
I really like the premise of this book, and for me, the animal communication was well-done, and those were my favorite parts of the story. (Not that I didn't like the rest.) One thing I also liked about Margaret was that she was sincerely concerned about the animals she communicated with, and didn't just use them for her own agendas.
The rest of the story was also good and I'd love to see more books about this character!
Note: I got this book from netgalley, which did not influence my review. Thanks for the fun read!
I really like the premise of this book, and for me, the animal communication was well-done, and those were my favorite parts of the story. (Not that I didn't like the rest.) One thing I also liked about Margaret was that she was sincerely concerned about the animals she communicated with, and didn't just use them for her own agendas.
The rest of the story was also good and I'd love to see more books about this character!
Note: I got this book from netgalley, which did not influence my review. Thanks for the fun read!
February 4, 2017
I used fantasy as category because the plot is so fantastical. I've tried this author before, and I know that many people love her novels, but they simply don't work for me. This one is fast-paced and full of romance, violence, and the paranormal as usual. Rinse. Repeat. This one doesn't feature Eve.
March 6, 2017
If you like Iris Johansen's thriller style of books, you will like this one. It takes Margaret Douglas, who we met briefly in a previous book and throws her into the role of main character. Like all of Johansen's characters, Margaret has a past that is shared with the reader throughout the book as her relationship with Lassiter, the male lead, deepens. Margaret escaped from a psychopath, Nicos, three years earlier, but he has not stopped looking for her. When Lassiter's mentor, BFF is kidnapped and tortured by Nicos, he finds Margaret, hoping to use her as leverage to be able to free his friend. Of course once he meets Margaret he is intrigued by her, and his plans change. Margaret, on the other hand, is tired of running and decides that she needs to end this once and for all.
Margaret, as the female lead, is a strong character as are all of Johansen's women. She has a strange talent where she is able to meld with animals and they can communicate telepathically. This helps her out of some jams as you might expect. Lassiter is a good guy and does bad things to bad people to right wrongs. The white hat/black hat storyline. The one thing I do not like about his book and so many of the others written by this author is the sexual assaults on children and/or young women. Fortunately they are not described, but it is still there and somewhat taints the book, so it does not get that last star. It is a thriller that is fast paced and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. It was a good story that had me reading throughout the day to finish to find out if Margaret and Lassiter succeed in their quest. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Margaret, as the female lead, is a strong character as are all of Johansen's women. She has a strange talent where she is able to meld with animals and they can communicate telepathically. This helps her out of some jams as you might expect. Lassiter is a good guy and does bad things to bad people to right wrongs. The white hat/black hat storyline. The one thing I do not like about his book and so many of the others written by this author is the sexual assaults on children and/or young women. Fortunately they are not described, but it is still there and somewhat taints the book, so it does not get that last star. It is a thriller that is fast paced and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. It was a good story that had me reading throughout the day to finish to find out if Margaret and Lassiter succeed in their quest. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
April 25, 2017
First I would like to thank net galley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review. When I first started reading the book I thought it would be an Eve Duncan book but it wasn't. The author introduced a new character by the name of Margaret Douglass who is an animal whisperer. Margaret is being hunted down who she presumes is by the drug dealer that kidnapped her and friend Rosa when they were young. Margaret was been on the run for 3 years so who is hunting her down friend or foe.
This book has it all murder, romance chills and thrills. Even though some may find the animal whispering a little far fetched I thought it fit right in since it didn't go overboard on the subject. Just in key scenes. I am an animal lover and it is always nice to see that the animals aren't hurt in anyway. I would like to see more books written around this character because she could grow a lot.
This book has it all murder, romance chills and thrills. Even though some may find the animal whispering a little far fetched I thought it fit right in since it didn't go overboard on the subject. Just in key scenes. I am an animal lover and it is always nice to see that the animals aren't hurt in anyway. I would like to see more books written around this character because she could grow a lot.
May 8, 2017
No Easy Target is a huge disappointment.
After reading the first two chapters I knew exactly how the story would progress and I wasn't impressed. In a nutshell; girl finds out she is in danger, does not run away. Boy finds girl, beats her unconscious and kidnaps her. Girl tries to escape, boy beats her unconscious again. Boy wants to catch 'bad' guy (never realising that he is 'bad' as well) by using girl. Awkward sex, girl now likes boy. Girl gets injured while helping the boy. Big climax (as in ending). Boy swears he will stalk girl until end of time until she is his.
Blegh!
After reading the first two chapters I knew exactly how the story would progress and I wasn't impressed. In a nutshell; girl finds out she is in danger, does not run away. Boy finds girl, beats her unconscious and kidnaps her. Girl tries to escape, boy beats her unconscious again. Boy wants to catch 'bad' guy (never realising that he is 'bad' as well) by using girl. Awkward sex, girl now likes boy. Girl gets injured while helping the boy. Big climax (as in ending). Boy swears he will stalk girl until end of time until she is his.
Blegh!
November 17, 2018
"Margaret" has always been on the run. Ever since she was young, she has had men out for her blood.
She's learned to enjoy her own company, to own very little and keep her spirits high by enjoying the little things.
When she's finally captured, she panics but slowly learns that not all humans are evil.
I absolutely loved Margaret's character. She was strong, funny, and I sympathized with her throughout the book. Definitely one of my favorite fictional characters of all time.
She's learned to enjoy her own company, to own very little and keep her spirits high by enjoying the little things.
When she's finally captured, she panics but slowly learns that not all humans are evil.
I absolutely loved Margaret's character. She was strong, funny, and I sympathized with her throughout the book. Definitely one of my favorite fictional characters of all time.
March 12, 2019
Not my favorite.
May 23, 2017
ARC REVIEW
No Easy Target by Iris Johansen a spin -off novel of the Eve Duncan series. The main character Margaret was previously in an Eve Duncan novel. I use to read Eve Duncan but I got burned out because it seemed just the same ole same ole. It really feels like this is suppose to be the replacement for Eve, especially with the ending. (that's all I'm sayin' on that, draw your own conclusions). It started off really good, very exciting a bunch of sexual tension tied with animosity. John and Margaret don't like each other at the start. Margaret is on the run from a sadistic sociopathic arms and drugs dealer and she will do anything to not go back to Nicos. To John, Margaret was just suppose to be a means to an end; the key to getting back his mentor back from Nicos who is holding him to torment John and to teach him a lesson.
John learned everything he could about Margaret, he tracked her down and planned on trading her for Patrick, the one person who understood John and helped put him on the path of special forces to CIA to multi-millionaire. But once John finally caught Margaret and understood how scared she was to go back he changed his plans to that she would never have to go back to Nicos. Margaret's empathic ability that allows her to communicate with animals also lets her feel powerful emotions from people so when she feels the terror and desperation coming from John she agrees to help, but she tells him she will never return to the island, unfortunately sometimes things can't go the way they are planned.
Margaret has to face the man who causes her nightmares. Margaret thought she learned her lesson about getting close to people but Nicos reinforces that lesson in a way she will never forget. It didn't work like Nicos planned however Margaret didn't break she got stronger. Face to face with him again she is stronger than she has ever been. She has keep people at a distance however for her to escape Nicos she must rely on John to help her out. Despite the rocky start Margaret knows she can count on John and his team of security experts to pull her out safely.
Overall, I enjoyed it but it almost felt like I had read the book before the characters reminded me way too much of Sarah Patrick and John Logan and the overall situation reminded me of The Search. I found myself asking if the Eve Duncan series was being rebooted or on an alternate timeline or something.
3.5 stars I rounded up. the ending killed it for me and not in a good way.
No Easy Target by Iris Johansen a spin -off novel of the Eve Duncan series. The main character Margaret was previously in an Eve Duncan novel. I use to read Eve Duncan but I got burned out because it seemed just the same ole same ole. It really feels like this is suppose to be the replacement for Eve, especially with the ending. (that's all I'm sayin' on that, draw your own conclusions). It started off really good, very exciting a bunch of sexual tension tied with animosity. John and Margaret don't like each other at the start. Margaret is on the run from a sadistic sociopathic arms and drugs dealer and she will do anything to not go back to Nicos. To John, Margaret was just suppose to be a means to an end; the key to getting back his mentor back from Nicos who is holding him to torment John and to teach him a lesson.
John learned everything he could about Margaret, he tracked her down and planned on trading her for Patrick, the one person who understood John and helped put him on the path of special forces to CIA to multi-millionaire. But once John finally caught Margaret and understood how scared she was to go back he changed his plans to that she would never have to go back to Nicos. Margaret's empathic ability that allows her to communicate with animals also lets her feel powerful emotions from people so when she feels the terror and desperation coming from John she agrees to help, but she tells him she will never return to the island, unfortunately sometimes things can't go the way they are planned.
Margaret has to face the man who causes her nightmares. Margaret thought she learned her lesson about getting close to people but Nicos reinforces that lesson in a way she will never forget. It didn't work like Nicos planned however Margaret didn't break she got stronger. Face to face with him again she is stronger than she has ever been. She has keep people at a distance however for her to escape Nicos she must rely on John to help her out. Despite the rocky start Margaret knows she can count on John and his team of security experts to pull her out safely.
Overall, I enjoyed it but it almost felt like I had read the book before the characters reminded me way too much of Sarah Patrick and John Logan and the overall situation reminded me of The Search. I found myself asking if the Eve Duncan series was being rebooted or on an alternate timeline or something.
3.5 stars I rounded up. the ending killed it for me and not in a good way.
February 7, 2017
Really wonderful premise/gimmick in this book; the heroine can communicate with animals. The author does it well and it is easy to believe and enjoy (especially with the dogs). Because of this gift she is valuable to a drug lord who uses her to get his shipments through customs. She is a prisoner until she breaks free. The book begins with her recapture and return. Excellent elements of thriller, romance, and just good storytelling. I thought it dragged a little bit but I received an advance copy so maybe this was addressed. A very good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I always thought Margaret was a very interesting character and a rather mysterious one. Here, we get her backstory, and it is as riveting as you would expect but it answers why she is always on the move and always under the radar.
Margaret is very smart and capable, and her abilities with animals are amazing, but they take the backseat to this story as we see Margaret in action - fighting against her past as she is finally unable to outrun it.
The action is fast and the pacing is great in this. Margaret is a very relatable character, and this is a great book.
Margaret is very smart and capable, and her abilities with animals are amazing, but they take the backseat to this story as we see Margaret in action - fighting against her past as she is finally unable to outrun it.
The action is fast and the pacing is great in this. Margaret is a very relatable character, and this is a great book.
February 28, 2017
Thank you to Goodreads, St. Martins Press and Ms Johansen for allowing me to read this novel. It was a great read. It followed logically, the characters (including animals) were likable even with their flaws. I didn't want to put the novel down. Thanks again
November 4, 2017
A typical Johansen novel. Suspension, action, fear. Although some things become pretty predictable after reading several of her books, I still enjoyed this one very much. The animal communication stuff gave me chills every single time.
June 27, 2018
Brought into the Eve Duncan series some time ago; this appears to be the first in the Margaret Douglas series. Margaret Douglas has always been a mystery, no one truly knows her or how her ability to connect to animals works. Now, the reader is introduced to the strange person who is Margaret.
We learn why Margaret appears so stingy with her past and why she appears to be always on the run. She had been raised off the grid by an abusive father who called her freak because of her ability. She often escaped to the woods near her home; and used those same woods to escape her father. At the age of 12 she was raped, learning that the only way those men could hurt her is if she allowed it; she learned to strengthen her resolve.
Three years ago Margaret once again escaped a tormentor, a torturer, a murderer; now, whenever anyone gets too close, she uproots her life, escaping again. This includes former CIA operative, John Lassiter who is after her to use as a pawn in his rescue of his mentor and friend; a man who is slowly being tortured to death with pictures arriving via text to Lassiter.
Margaret’s inbred desire to be left alone and not be victimized is put to the test when John Lassiter finally finds and kidnaps her. Will she get away from Lassiter or will they become something neither expects? Can Margaret turn the tables on her nemesis and become the hunter rather than the hunted? Can they save Lassiter’s friend before it’s too late?
We learn why Margaret appears so stingy with her past and why she appears to be always on the run. She had been raised off the grid by an abusive father who called her freak because of her ability. She often escaped to the woods near her home; and used those same woods to escape her father. At the age of 12 she was raped, learning that the only way those men could hurt her is if she allowed it; she learned to strengthen her resolve.
Three years ago Margaret once again escaped a tormentor, a torturer, a murderer; now, whenever anyone gets too close, she uproots her life, escaping again. This includes former CIA operative, John Lassiter who is after her to use as a pawn in his rescue of his mentor and friend; a man who is slowly being tortured to death with pictures arriving via text to Lassiter.
Margaret’s inbred desire to be left alone and not be victimized is put to the test when John Lassiter finally finds and kidnaps her. Will she get away from Lassiter or will they become something neither expects? Can Margaret turn the tables on her nemesis and become the hunter rather than the hunted? Can they save Lassiter’s friend before it’s too late?
November 22, 2018
I don't often totally regret kindle book purchases, but I do with this is one.
It has been more than a decade since I last read an Iris Johansen book, but now I remember why I didn't enjoy them: they are not my cup of tea, and I have a inkling they haven't gotten better with the years. There's something about the plot and circumstances the characters find themselves in that comes over as fabricated to please a certain audience. For me, it simply feels unrealistic and there's action for action-sake, romance just to throw it in there, but there's no authenticity. The characters feel like cardboard personas who will never convince me of their pedigree. They don't have weight - they have a narrative, but I don't feel their heart and soul.
Note to myself: I need to start a list for my future reference 'Authors to never read again', and this one's on it..
It has been more than a decade since I last read an Iris Johansen book, but now I remember why I didn't enjoy them: they are not my cup of tea, and I have a inkling they haven't gotten better with the years. There's something about the plot and circumstances the characters find themselves in that comes over as fabricated to please a certain audience. For me, it simply feels unrealistic and there's action for action-sake, romance just to throw it in there, but there's no authenticity. The characters feel like cardboard personas who will never convince me of their pedigree. They don't have weight - they have a narrative, but I don't feel their heart and soul.
Note to myself: I need to start a list for my future reference 'Authors to never read again', and this one's on it..
Read
February 25, 2020No easy Target⭐️
Margaret is an animal lover. She talks to the animals and they listen. This makes her dangerous. But shes in trouble. Margaret finds herself in the middle of a feud between a dirty agent and his target. Margaret is kidnappped to be used as bait and she has to use her skills to get out before the deal is done and its too late.
I love the eve ducan series but besides when Margaret was with the animals I found it dragging.
Margaret is an animal lover. She talks to the animals and they listen. This makes her dangerous. But shes in trouble. Margaret finds herself in the middle of a feud between a dirty agent and his target. Margaret is kidnappped to be used as bait and she has to use her skills to get out before the deal is done and its too late.
I love the eve ducan series but besides when Margaret was with the animals I found it dragging.
August 9, 2017
I have read several of Iris Johansen's books, but I struggled to finish this book and in fact, did not like it. I recently read her latest installment of her Kendra Michaels series and loved it. This storyline did not "flow" -it was choppy and disjointed.
April 25, 2017
Margaret has been on the run now from Nicos for three years and she has no intention to ever be caught. She has a very unique talent and can communicate telepathically with animals. It was the reason Nicos wanted her to start with. Now, she receives a phone call that will change everything from a good friend.
Lassiter has been looking for his friend for more than a year and Margaret may just be the only way to get him back.
Even though someone is hunting her she must get the tiger she is working with to accept her cub. This might very well be her down fall.
Will Lassiter catch up to Margaret and will she be as valuable to Nicos as he thinks she is? Will he be able to save Patrick and find where he is being held? Or will everything he's done be for nothing and will he ruin Margaret's life as well.
This will keep you glued to the page and cheering for the good guys.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Great story. I didn't know this was a series and I didn't feel left out at all. It does, however, make me want to start the Eve Duncan series and get to know her better.
Lassiter has been looking for his friend for more than a year and Margaret may just be the only way to get him back.
Even though someone is hunting her she must get the tiger she is working with to accept her cub. This might very well be her down fall.
Will Lassiter catch up to Margaret and will she be as valuable to Nicos as he thinks she is? Will he be able to save Patrick and find where he is being held? Or will everything he's done be for nothing and will he ruin Margaret's life as well.
This will keep you glued to the page and cheering for the good guys.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Great story. I didn't know this was a series and I didn't feel left out at all. It does, however, make me want to start the Eve Duncan series and get to know her better.
April 26, 2017
Suspenseful, macabre and entertaining!
This is an intense, often disturbing, romantic thriller that reminds us of the dark, despicable evil that exists in the criminal underworld and takes us on a journey into the jungles of Colombia and a world filled with sadism, violence, murder, revenge, lust and a little supernatural.
The writing is good. The main character, Margaret, is intelligent, determined, and unique, and the other characters are a mix of despicable villains, a handsome hero and an adorable dog.
Fans of Johansen will not be disappointed with this latest outing which utilizes her trademark strong, female protagonist and straightforward storyline and will be excited to finally get a better understanding of the Margaret Douglas character we’ve often seen a glimpse of in the Eve Duncan series.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and Goodreads Giveaways for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
This is an intense, often disturbing, romantic thriller that reminds us of the dark, despicable evil that exists in the criminal underworld and takes us on a journey into the jungles of Colombia and a world filled with sadism, violence, murder, revenge, lust and a little supernatural.
The writing is good. The main character, Margaret, is intelligent, determined, and unique, and the other characters are a mix of despicable villains, a handsome hero and an adorable dog.
Fans of Johansen will not be disappointed with this latest outing which utilizes her trademark strong, female protagonist and straightforward storyline and will be excited to finally get a better understanding of the Margaret Douglas character we’ve often seen a glimpse of in the Eve Duncan series.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and Goodreads Giveaways for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
May 1, 2017
Another great read by Iris Johansen who has broken out Mary Douglas, she who communes with animals, in to an adventure that is solely hers. Having been on the run for years, she is finally tracked down by John Lassiter who has been hired by Stan Nicos, a drug lord and arms dealer and thoroughly nasty character. Mary had escaped from his private island but now is in the process of being taken back. Ok, that's the bare bones of this tale, you will have to find out the rest for yourselves. Its well worth the trip.
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