Targeted Risk

R.I.S.C. #7

by Anna Blakely

HE'LL TRUDGE THROUGH THE DEPTHS OF HELL JUST TO KEEP HER SAFE.

Returning to the dangerous world of deep cover is the last thing Mike Bradshaw—former Delta Force operator and newest member of R.I.S.C.’s Alpha Team—wants to do. But just when he thinks he’s finished with covert life for good, Mike discovers the woman he left behind—the woman he still loves—is in danger. Determined to protect her, he must once again become the man Juliet believes him to be. A man who doesn’t really exist.

Trust doesn’t come easy for Juliet. Having a father in the Russian mob could do that to a girl. Then she meets Mike—the mysterious, tattooed man sent to protect her. Before long, lines are crossed and the love Juliet never thought existed is found…until the life she’d built for herself is suddenly ripped from her hands, and Mike disappears without a trace.

When Mike unexpectedly waltzes back into Juliet’s life nearly two years later, neither can deny the same magnetic pull that first drew them together. Soon, however, their newly formed trust is put to the ultimate test when secrets are revealed and hearts are broken. Even worse, someone still wants Juliet dead.

Determined to save the woman he loves, Mike will stop at nothing to get the target off Juliet’s back. After all, he’s the one who put it there.


*Targeted Risk is a full-length romantic suspense novel that can be read as a standalone or part of the series.

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

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2020

About the author

Author of the exciting R.I.S.C. Series, Anna Blakely brings you stories of love, action, and edge of your seat suspense. As an avid reader herself, Anna writes what she loves...strong, Alpha heroes and the intelligent, independent heroines they love.

Anna's dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they'll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.

Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she's not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed Targeted Risk ~ R.I.S.C. Alpha Team ~ Book 7 by Anna Blakely from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

Mike Bradshaw left the Army Rangers, the government faked his death and he spend ten years under deep cover taken to take down the worst criminals in the world that threatened the United States. He returns to his life and joins his best friend and brother-in-law in R.I.S.C. to continue working to make the world a better place.

During his last undercover assignment he took on bodyguard duties for the daughter of his target and he fell in love with her. Mike decides to find her and he arrives just in time to safe her from an assassin's with a gun pointed at her head. A couple of other attempts on her life and Mike finally with help from his teammates figures out who is after her and saves her. The attempts were planned from an unexpected source. Lots of unknowns along the way and a brave hero works hard to save the woman is his one and only.0

[Jane A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike and Juliet's relationship was built on secrets and lies. They have a second chance but can they get past the lies, can Mike keep Juliet safe as her life is threatened, convince her of his love and earn her trust before it's too late? Action packed, a twisting and turning, fast moving plot with plenty of intrigue, Targeted Risk will keep you gripped and entertained. Loved Juliet and whilst Mike is never going to be one of my favourites I will let him off as it's a thoroughly enjoyable read. This is a truly excellent series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets and lies are told and trust is broken all bringing Mike back for that 2nd chance that has haunted him daily for the past 2 years. Can he keep Juliet safe and convince her of his love or will he lose her forever? Fast paced, heart racing , page turner with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Loved it!! ❤❤❤❤❤ I volunteered an honest opinion for this book.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike,Mike,Mike. Men are so stupid. Mike has kept his distance from Juliet for years, when he decides to come back to her, all of the secrets and lies unfold. This story kept me on the edge all the way through. Lots of action and drama. Mike has to fight hard for Juliet, and it’s great to see. Sweet epilogue and great set up for book eight.

[Sharon Roush · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars really isn't enough for Targeted Risk, it is such a great story. If you have been following the R.I.S.K series than this is the story you have been waiting on, Olivia s brothers story, Mike. It will grab you from the first page and you won't want to put it down till you've finished it. Another great book by Anna Blakely.

[Kim Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances

A second chance if they can get past their secrets and survive what's to come. You get it all and this book will grab you from the first page. Fast paced, intrigue, surprises, secrets, heat and heart. Really like both Mike and Juliet along with seeing other characters from previous books. Can be read as a standalone

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get Mike's story!! I have wanted his story ever since we saw him in the very first book! Mike spent years undercover and when he was finally allowed to go home, he left someone behind. Someone he never thought he would be able to see again because of all the secrets and lies. But he can't get his mind off of her, and takes the chance to see her. Juliet's whole life changed in an instant. It has taken time but she is finally at least attempting to live her life. When someone comes after her, Mike will do whatever he has to make sure she is safe. Including going back undercover. But when secrets and lies come to the surface, can Juliet forgive him? Or will it mean not only the end of their relationship but the end of her life.

I absolutely loved Mike's story! He and Juliet have a connection that I wasn't really expecting but that I loved! She is sweet and loving but she also has a spine of steel and a willingness to protect herself when necessary. And it was great! Mike finally see's another side to the woman he loves. And when the lies come out, he finally realizes just what he could lose. I loved how protective he is but also how much he loves. The chemistry between them is hot as all get out! But seeing them actually coming together and getting their HEA was even better!

[Deborah Cantillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that Mike Bradshaw´s, aka Jay Reynolds when working undercover for the CIA, story is finally here and was worth the wait! Targeted Risk has the infamous Russian Mob. plenty of heart-pounding suspense, a slew of action, sizzling romance and possible second chances. I am pretty sure that you got the gist of the story from reading the book´s blurb. I found so much more while reading the book, I felt like I was really there, I sensed Mike´s and Juliet´s emotions and at times I wanted to cheer them on along with other times I wanted to hit them upside their heads. You have these two people reconnecting a few years after Mikeś´s undercover assignment where he met Juliet. Each of them is hiding secrets from the other. Amid attempts to kill Juliet, trying to figure out who ordered her hit, Mike desperately wanting to come clean about who he is and both of them coming to the realization that they love each other, which they finally make known o the other. Will Mike and his loyal team members figure out who wants Juliet dead, before she loses her life? What will Juliet do when she finds out who Jay (Mike) really is? I received a copy of the book from BookSprout and definitely recommend reading it.

[Reading Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Targeted Risk is the latest installment into this romantic suspense series and Mike and Juliet's story was another great addition! Mike Bradshaw worked undercover for the CIA for a decade before joining RISC two years ago. On his last undercover op he fell in love with the woman who he was supposed to be observing. Juliet Farrow had the misfortune to be born the only daughter of a Russian underworld criminal. She has been determined all of her adult life to live separately from her criminal father and brothers. Two years ago her father hired Mike aka Jay to guard her and they became involved but then he disappeared. When Mike aka Jay shows back up into her life two years later at the most needed moment Juliet is shocked, thrilled and confused. These two have a lot to talk about but while they need to clear up their past there is someone trying to kill Juliet in the present! Great story, lots of action, plenty of heat and a bit of angst. Targeted Risk was told from dual POV and stands alone however I do recommend reading the rest of the series too.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Blakely has to be one of my favorite authors! She makes military romances so intense, not only with the action but also the romance. Targeted Risk focuses on Mike Bradshaw, a man thought to be dead by all his loved ones including his sister for 10 years. Now back with his family and friends, readers will get a first hand look into what Mike, or his undercover name Jay, was up to for those missing years. In comes Juliet, an important part of Mike's, I mean Jay's, life. She is the daughter of a terrible Russian mob boss who also was a big part of Mike's undercover years. For two years, Juliet and Mike (Jay) didn't know what happened to one another, but now that someone is after Juliet's life, Mike will do everything he can to keep the woman who never left his mind or heart alive. Unfortunately, he needs to do it as Jay since Juliet still doesn't know about his true identity. There was nonstop action and steamy moments throughout Target Risk and I can't wait to see what is in store for these characters in future books.

[Stacy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in this series keeps getting better and better and I loved the first one!!

What do you do when you meet your other half but yet your job requires you to be someone else? What happens when they find out the truth?

Juliet is a wonderful woman just born into the wrong family. She is constantly guilty by association. When she meets Jay (Mike) she thinks he sees the real her and she can get the quiet life she always wanted. Bombs get dropped and these two are pulled apart.

Mike loves Juliet who knows him but doesn't really know him. He knows that he has to tell her who he is and why he was in her life but the thought of losing her all over again is too much.

Juliet has a target on her back and Mike will do everything he can to keep her safe.

I really liked reading about Mike and Juliet but I also liked when Mike works with Jake and the other guys. You can tell that they are one well oiled machine who also like to have fun together on their downtime.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never to late

Mike/Jay and Juliet. Mike is a best friend and brother who has been part of or mentioned in almost every book of this series, but now he is back and we get to see him in action and find his HEA. Juliet is new to the series and has a complicated back story as her dad is a crime boss and she was in wit sec as she knew information. She met Mike while he was undercover and now they are back together, but she still doesn’t know the truth about him. Danger returns and Mike is determined to help as he wants to tell her the truth, but things aren’t that easy. The danger and betrayal part is somewhat obvious, but the outcome with Ryker was interesting. The parts with Jake and Olivia were sweet, especially the ending and parts with their daughter. The first look at the next book has me intrigued and ready to see more about Eric and Riley and how Derek and RISC help!

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Targeted Risk

OMG! This story is intense! This story starts out as Mike being undercover as Jay then he fell in love with Juliet. However, when Juliet was taken into custody, Mike was told his job and career was done with the CIA. He tried to get Juliet out of his head and heart but couldn't. He decides to look for her and finds that she moved to a city close to where he lived. Mike goes to see Juliet only to find she was in trouble. The story gets really intense when people try to kill Juliet. Come to find out Mike's ex-boss is involved in trying to eliminate Juliet. It gets really scary towards the end but Mike is there to save Juliet after her third attempted murder. Now that all of the evil people have been taken care of, this couple begins their happily ever after! FANTASTIC job Anna! I would recommend this book!

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, fast and furious pace. Mike (or Jay as he's known to Juliet), has been lying to her for years, but it's for her protection. He comes back into her life, literally at the right moment. From there, they are on a whirlwind of a ride. Things are blowing up and people are being shot at and run off the roads. "Hey, honey I'm back. Oh, and by the way, my name's not really Jay ... " How do you start that conversation? It does not go well when it happens and it might be too late. I love the family at R.I.S.C. and all there interactions. I read this book in one day, it grabbed me and would not let go. I'm still thinking about it after I'm finished.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you're undercover and meet your other half. If you're Mike you just leave her and think you're doing the right thing. He's under an assumed name and identity working for the CIA trying to take down her dad and brother when he meets her. He doesn't mean for it to go that far, but pretty soon they're inseparable. At least until the feds come and take her to a safe house and Mike isn't included.
Nearly 2 years later and Juliet can't forget Mike even though she never heard from him again after she was taken to the safe house.
They both have secrets, but can they still make this work? Love this series and this new book is no exception. I can definitely see myself rereading this series over and over.

[David Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike and Juliet’s reunion.

Great book and a great author. Plenty of intrigue and action and Mike the undercover CIA operative who was believed dead by his family for 10 years fell in love with Juliet, the king pin Volkov’s daughter when the case he was working on was raided and she was whisked off by the FBI and he was made to stand down.
He returns to his family and begins work for his brother-in -law’s security company. After two years of agonising over her, he decides to have her traced which was very easy. He set off to see her only to just arrive in time to save her from a killer. This starts a new case trying to woo her and find out who wants her dead. The guilty parties were closer than they think!!
Excellent read and would give it more stars if I could.

[Elinda Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike and Juliet

Mike Bradshaw was picked for a special assignment while he was with Delta Force. Little did he know, it would last years longer than he planned. While undercover, he meets Juliet. Her father is a Russian mob boss. Mike's assignment is to get evidence against her father, no matter what. He didn't expect to fall for her. Fast forward 2 years. Mike is home now and he thinks of Juliet all the time. He makes the decision to go to her and confess everything. However, things take a left turn when he ends up saving her life. Afterwards, they discover a traitor, or two in their midst. Mike will do anything to make up for the lies he told the woman he loves. Will he get to her in time to save her? Get this book and find out. Sorry, no spoilers.

[Rose Boniello · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/*

The books in this series have been interesting and great reads. This book is a bit of a rehash of the last book — Italian mob vs. Russian mob. Woman hiding from family members.

I liked Mike despite his inability to tell Juliet the truth about who he was because she was under so much stress — get over it! He was just too chicken. Again, this book like the others needed better editing. Even the location of characters was wrong at times! And I hate when a driver is holding a gun on a passenger and she doesn’t grab his hand and pull the trigger on him. He’s driving and distracted — just shoot him!

Next book looks interesting. Storyline is partners in love — hope it’s not too similar to Coop and Mac’s book.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

While on an undercover CIA Op that ended two years ago, Mike Bradshaw fell hard for Russian mob princess, Juliet Farrow. He last saw her being taking away by FBI for witness protection. But they never got over each other and Mike finally asked his team for help, he got Juliet’s address. She was only a couple of hours away and he sped toward her.

Over her head, Juliet heard footsteps and her cat isn’t that heavy besides her cat was at her feet. After a brief gunfight, Juliet is the victor, she called 911. By the time Juliet hung up, the burglar moved and just as he was about to kill her, he was shot. Dead. Actually, dead and the man with the smoking gun was her lover from two years ago, Mike. But Juliet knew him as Jay!
Rating: 4.5stars

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Second Chance Romantic Suspense, and this is the 7th book in the R.I.S.C. Alpha Team series. I have read the first six books in this series before picking up this book, but you can read this book as a standalone. This book is Mike's story (who has showed up in several other books in this series), and his character was working undercover for years. This book pulled me into the story right from the start. There is a ton of action and suspense in this book. I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters in this series, but I think his character is my favorite so far. The ending of this book had me sitting on the edge of my seat, and there is a ton of suspense and drama in this book.

[Mechelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Mike, coming back from the dead after actually being a cover operator isn’t the hardest part. It’s leaving Julie behind. She was supposed to be part of a job, but he fell in love. She wasn’t who everyone thought she was. When he decides he has to find her to be able to move on with his life after 2 years of not being able to get her out of his head or heart, his friends at RISC are there to help. What follows is a story of Mike and his secrets coming out but Julie and hers as well. Her life is in danger. They need to learn to trust each other to survive. You do not want to miss this one! All the action, adventure, intrigue you crave with a hard fought for love story woven in.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Targeted Risk is the seventh book in the R.I.S.C. Series by Anna Blakely. It is a thrilling blend of romance, action, and suspense that keeps readers hooked from the very first page. The series revolves around an elite private security team - Rescue, Intel, Security, & Capture - whose members are as fiercely loyal as they are skilled. Each book introduces a new mission, a new romance, and a fresh dose of heart-pounding danger.
Each book focuses on a different team member, allowing us to dive into their unique backstories, vulnerabilities, and the romantic connections that bring light to their otherwise dangerous lives.
Happy Reading…

[LaTonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Bradshaw was a loyal member of Delta Force, but due to circumstances out of his control he had another mission he had to go on. For 10 years everyone thought he was dead. He did it to work undercover for the CIA. His last mission was the one that lead home to the love of his life, Jules. Jules didn't know him as Mike, she didn't know she was apart of his mission.

2 years later they meet again. The mission he thought was over still was in the present day.

So much suspense in this story. I couldn't put the book down. Read Mike and Jules' story.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Blakely has delivered another thrilling book in the RISC series with Targeted Risk. It has everything that you want in a good story. It has suspense, a hot alpha protector, a smart, bold woman, a sexy love story, and a happily ever after. You are going to love Jules and Mike. They have some obstacles to overcome, but it all works out nicely. I couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait for the next book from Anna Blakely!

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 7 of the RISC series is an exciting, edge of your seat, ride. Mike, while undercover, falls for Juliet. Two years later he comes back into her life and has a second chance to get it right, but with all the secrets, lies, and danger how can they survive and get their Happily ever after? This is an amazing 5 star read that you will not want to put down. I received this as an ARC from BookSprout and voluntarily give my review.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this one was totally unexpected. It starts of with action and it just keeps going from there. I love how Juliet is not afraid to defend herself from an intruder and how Mike is so protective of her. But with so many lies and half truths will they finally see there way through it all. Especially when a suppose good guy turns out to be the bad guy. Don’t miss out on this amazing story and series.

[Laura Duvall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna out did herself once again with Targeted RISK. Mike and Juliet have had some secrets but the biggest one that Mike has still yet to tell could tear them apart once they finally have each other back. However others in play are trying to do just that.... tear them apart and get rid of Juliet for good. Juliet is one strong woman to have to deal with the emotional and mental issues from her family but now also from Mike's secret. If you haven't read please do. You won't regret it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story

I loved this action packed romance. Anna Blakely pulled out all the stops here. It's the story of Mike and Juliet, they fell for each other whilst he was undercover trying to bring down her fathers crime family. Unfortunately some one is still after her and he still hasn't told her who he really is but protects her anyway. She's a really strong heroine though so it all adds up to be a great story. One of my favourites now

[Tammy Dangiolillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the RISK series! Mike aka Jake couldn’t get Juliet out of his thoughts even after 10 years so he locates her when she needs him most, will he tell her who he really his before it’s too late? Need to read it to find out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

I absolutely loved Targeted Risk, it has everything I'm looking for in a romantic suspense book. Mike and Juliet definitely did not have an easy time getting their HEA, danger, lies, deception, made things tricky, but ultimately love wins! Another 5 star R.I.S.C book from Anna Blakely, now I can't wait for the next book, Savage Risk.