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Smoky Mountain Defenders #1
Targeted for Revenge: A Secret Baby Christian Inspirational Suspense Romance
The daughter he never knew
needs his protection…
After she spent years in hiding, turning to mounted police officer Mason Reed for protection is the last thing Tessa Vitale thought she’d do—until her mafia family tracks her down. With her brother planning to kidnap her daughter and kill Tessa, her little girl’s secret father is their only hope. But can the man she left behind put their past aside to save their daughter?
From Harlequin Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
Smoky Mountain Defenders
needs his protection…
After she spent years in hiding, turning to mounted police officer Mason Reed for protection is the last thing Tessa Vitale thought she’d do—until her mafia family tracks her down. With her brother planning to kidnap her daughter and kill Tessa, her little girl’s secret father is their only hope. But can the man she left behind put their past aside to save their daughter?
From Harlequin Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.
Smoky Mountain Defenders
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
About the author
Karen Kirst
77 books257 followersKaren Kirst was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn't until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. The pursuit of her dream would take longer than she first anticipated...years, in fact. In the fall of 2010, she got the happy news that Harlequin Love Inspired Historical wanted to publish her manuscript-a true blessing from God. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom, and romance writer. She enjoys reading, hosting tea parties and spending time with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 3, 2023
Another great story that kept me on the edge of my seat!!
April 14, 2021
The spellbinding suspense novel from Karen Kirst’s new series Smokey Mountain Defenders will leave your heart stopping and your fingers itching to read more. Targeted for Revenge finds Tessa Vitale on the run and hiding from a powerful brother who can shatter her world with one command. Consequently she races to the one man, Mason Reed, who once held her heart, to save her life and the life of the child he knows nothing about. Set in the small town of Serenity TN, Kirst skillfully weaves an action packed story of love, redemption and second chances. I highly recommend reading this amazing book.
August 6, 2021
Excellent read. Great story with several exciting moments and a great cast of characters. Hope we see more stories with them. Enjoyed!
February 2, 2021
This was such a great story! You will be pulled in right away. I live in East TN and love the little "nods" to our local area.
May 3, 2021
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Targeted for Revenge. I always enjoy Karen's books. This one is well written, action packed, and full of faith. I know you are really going to love this one.
Tessa Vitale is the daughter of a crime family. She has been hiding from her brother but her brother has tracked her down is attempting to kidnap her daughter and kill Tessa. She doesn't know what to do but turn to her daughter's father. A man who left pregnant and alone. He isn't aware he has a child will he be willing to help her?
Mounted Police Officer Mason Reed loved Tessa but her brother had informed him that Tessa had another part time boyfriend. So he left her. Now he finds he has a three year old daughter. Can he keep the girls of his life safe and out of the hands of a killer?
A horrendous journey to keep out of the sites of this killer and his thugs. God has a plan for you these three, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life even in the midst of chaos.
Tessa Vitale is the daughter of a crime family. She has been hiding from her brother but her brother has tracked her down is attempting to kidnap her daughter and kill Tessa. She doesn't know what to do but turn to her daughter's father. A man who left pregnant and alone. He isn't aware he has a child will he be willing to help her?
Mounted Police Officer Mason Reed loved Tessa but her brother had informed him that Tessa had another part time boyfriend. So he left her. Now he finds he has a three year old daughter. Can he keep the girls of his life safe and out of the hands of a killer?
A horrendous journey to keep out of the sites of this killer and his thugs. God has a plan for you these three, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life even in the midst of chaos.
October 30, 2023
I give up. It's been WEEKS since I forced myself thru the last Kirst book, and I thought since this was in my collection and from the same series, I'd swallow both pills at the same time, but...
It's STILL sitting on the end table waiting to be finished. Because it's SO UNAPPEALING a story, I can't pick it back up. And frankly, I have a Goodreads challenge that I'm gonna fail, if I sit here waiting for any hint of desire to read this book to ever come upon me.
I can't even trash it. There are dog-ears all over the place, but I don't even want to open it to look at the problems I had with it, at this point. I want to just SHOVE the thing out the door, and move on with my life.
So that's what I'm doing.
The ONLY interesting thing about this book is Silver's arms/hands... which is some big hush-hush secret for another story. And how the HELL does he own dozens of pristine, beautiful cabins all over the state with in-ground pools and soaring ceilings that are just sitting empty for convenience?!?!?!
GAHHHH!!!! Save me from this stupidity!!!!!
It's STILL sitting on the end table waiting to be finished. Because it's SO UNAPPEALING a story, I can't pick it back up. And frankly, I have a Goodreads challenge that I'm gonna fail, if I sit here waiting for any hint of desire to read this book to ever come upon me.
I can't even trash it. There are dog-ears all over the place, but I don't even want to open it to look at the problems I had with it, at this point. I want to just SHOVE the thing out the door, and move on with my life.
So that's what I'm doing.
The ONLY interesting thing about this book is Silver's arms/hands... which is some big hush-hush secret for another story. And how the HELL does he own dozens of pristine, beautiful cabins all over the state with in-ground pools and soaring ceilings that are just sitting empty for convenience?!?!?!
GAHHHH!!!! Save me from this stupidity!!!!!
March 17, 2021
Targeted for Revenge is the first book in a new series about Smoky Mountain Defenders by Karen Kirst. While this is part of a series it can definitely be a stand alone book. The plot twists and attention grabbing details make it a page turner.
The hero and heroine, Mason & Tessa, share a child that he has no idea about until her Mafia family forces Tessa to turn to Mason for help keeping their daughter safe. Through out several diabolical attempts to kill them both and kidnap their daughter, Mason and Tessa learn to forgive each other and rely on God and Mason's fellow mounted officers to make it through.
I loved following Mason and Tessa's story and can't wait to read the stories of the rest of the Smoky Mountain Defenders who played such important roles in Mason and Tessa's.
I received an advanced copy free from the author and this is my honest review.
The hero and heroine, Mason & Tessa, share a child that he has no idea about until her Mafia family forces Tessa to turn to Mason for help keeping their daughter safe. Through out several diabolical attempts to kill them both and kidnap their daughter, Mason and Tessa learn to forgive each other and rely on God and Mason's fellow mounted officers to make it through.
I loved following Mason and Tessa's story and can't wait to read the stories of the rest of the Smoky Mountain Defenders who played such important roles in Mason and Tessa's.
I received an advanced copy free from the author and this is my honest review.
April 17, 2021
Targeted for Revenge is another riveting read from author Karen Kirst! This is the first book in the new Smoky Mountain Defenders series & I cannot wait for the next installment.
In this book, Tessa Vitale is on the run from her mafia family which in turn leads her straight back to the love of her life and her daughter's secret father, Mason Reed.
I adored everything about this suspenseful story. I loved the characters, the setting of the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, and the never-ending mystery that had me sitting on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next.
Targeted for Revenge is unlike any other book Karen has done in my opinion and it was amazing!! I have loved every book Ms. Kirst has written & this one did not disappoint.
I highly recommend this wonderful book!
In this book, Tessa Vitale is on the run from her mafia family which in turn leads her straight back to the love of her life and her daughter's secret father, Mason Reed.
I adored everything about this suspenseful story. I loved the characters, the setting of the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, and the never-ending mystery that had me sitting on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next.
Targeted for Revenge is unlike any other book Karen has done in my opinion and it was amazing!! I have loved every book Ms. Kirst has written & this one did not disappoint.
I highly recommend this wonderful book!
May 4, 2021
Karen Kirst introduces her new Smokey Mountain Defenders series with a gripping tale that will have you turning page after page.
Tessa Vitale’s brother is a criminal. He’s out to kill Tessa and kidnap her little girl.
Mason Reed is a Mounted Police Officer, and Tessa’s former love. He didn’t know when he left her several years ago that she was pregnant, but he’s about to find out when Tessa turns to him to save her and their daughter.
While on the run, Tessa and Mason learn much about forgiveness, depending on each other, and the Lord.
Be ready to sit a spell, because once you pick Targeted for Revenge up, you won’t be able to put it down!
Tessa Vitale’s brother is a criminal. He’s out to kill Tessa and kidnap her little girl.
Mason Reed is a Mounted Police Officer, and Tessa’s former love. He didn’t know when he left her several years ago that she was pregnant, but he’s about to find out when Tessa turns to him to save her and their daughter.
While on the run, Tessa and Mason learn much about forgiveness, depending on each other, and the Lord.
Be ready to sit a spell, because once you pick Targeted for Revenge up, you won’t be able to put it down!
April 28, 2021
Fantastic
If I could fib this 10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I would. Action from beginning to end. This was one of my favorite authors in the historical Christian romance genres. When that genre was discontinued I was very sad. But Mrs. Kirst has found her niche with Love Inspired Suspense. The heroine is trying to escape her mafia brother, the only person she can think of is her former boyfriend Mason. This book has attempted murder, kidnapping,and arson. Can hardly wait for the next book in this series. Kudos to the author👏👏👏👏👏
If I could fib this 10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I would. Action from beginning to end. This was one of my favorite authors in the historical Christian romance genres. When that genre was discontinued I was very sad. But Mrs. Kirst has found her niche with Love Inspired Suspense. The heroine is trying to escape her mafia brother, the only person she can think of is her former boyfriend Mason. This book has attempted murder, kidnapping,and arson. Can hardly wait for the next book in this series. Kudos to the author👏👏👏👏👏
July 21, 2021
Good clean read!!
With n God all things are possible!! Good to know that this book is clean and a witness to His unfailing mercy! Even a teenager can read this book and understand the wisdom of following the guidelines of following Gods principles. God lets us have do overs sometimes We don't need to take it for granted . we should always trust Him to guide us as we trap through life's journey!! Trust and obey is still a good mantra.
With n God all things are possible!! Good to know that this book is clean and a witness to His unfailing mercy! Even a teenager can read this book and understand the wisdom of following the guidelines of following Gods principles. God lets us have do overs sometimes We don't need to take it for granted . we should always trust Him to guide us as we trap through life's journey!! Trust and obey is still a good mantra.
February 5, 2021
I read this super fast because I couldn’t put it down. There were twists that I didn’t expect all around! Loved being familiar with some of the areas as well (from East Tennessee). Karen did a great job at keeping it exciting all the way to the ending. Without giving it away, I have to say I was very pleased with some of the details surrounding the conclusion.
May 6, 2021
This book has all the romance, friendship and action you wanted. I could not read fast enough to find out what will happen next. One of the things I like about it is that God’s love does cover a multitude of sins. You see God working on the hearts of his people to trust him. I cannot wait to see how the relationships evolve and grow in this series.
February 14, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. The suspense was woven through the whole story well. Not too much all bunched together. I like stories with horses included in the story. Protecting Tessa and Lily was crazy to read about. Every time they turned around Tessa's evil Mafia brother was trying to kill her and get a hold of her daughter, Lily.
January 14, 2026
Anticipation
The love story i thought would never come back. I was ready to crawl into the book and shake both of my character and rid them of Dante myself. I fell in love with lily and felt my blood pressure rising every time a good touched her. It was edge of seat excitement and can't wait to read the rest.
The love story i thought would never come back. I was ready to crawl into the book and shake both of my character and rid them of Dante myself. I fell in love with lily and felt my blood pressure rising every time a good touched her. It was edge of seat excitement and can't wait to read the rest.
February 18, 2021
This was the first book I have read by this author and I was certainly not disappointed! The non stop action, strong characters, strong story line and the beauty of the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, made this a couldnt put down read!
May 19, 2021
Intense
Targeted For Revenge is a fast paced, intense, edge of your seat clean romantic suspense! I didn't want to put the book down. Karen Kirst has a great way of blending together suspense, faith and romance seamlessly in her writing. I highly recommend this book.
Targeted For Revenge is a fast paced, intense, edge of your seat clean romantic suspense! I didn't want to put the book down. Karen Kirst has a great way of blending together suspense, faith and romance seamlessly in her writing. I highly recommend this book.
October 10, 2021
So I read them out of order. They work that way too. Excellent story. I can't wait for the other two books in the series. Karen Midst is a great story teller. A great story of vengeance and recovered love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2022
Targeted for revenge
Every day I see God providing all I need. How refreshing go read a story so well written weaving God's love, care, and protection into the fabric of the story.
Every day I see God providing all I need. How refreshing go read a story so well written weaving God's love, care, and protection into the fabric of the story.
July 17, 2022
Leaving her family and her boyfriend was a huge step for Teresa Valine. Now years later she returns to,Chicago for her work to investigate a case. What results is secret is revealed and a serious threat to her life and her loves.
October 23, 2022
Always an excellent read!
Karen Midst never fails to deliver a story full of danger, angst, love and faith. Her characters are warm and realistic and I am always glad when she writes a full series so I can revisit them over and over!
Karen Midst never fails to deliver a story full of danger, angst, love and faith. Her characters are warm and realistic and I am always glad when she writes a full series so I can revisit them over and over!
February 18, 2021
Karen did a fantastic job when writing this book! I couldn’t put it down because it was so captivating and intriguing with all of it’s twists and turns.
Read
March 2, 2021Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Smoky Mountain Defenders
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Smoky Mountain Defenders
Read
March 2, 2021Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Smoky Mountain Defenders
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Smoky Mountain Defenders
April 28, 2021
What a wild ride! Great book!
February 6, 2022
Great read
Very good suspense, great action, loved every minute of this book. I would recommend this book to all my friends
Very good suspense, great action, loved every minute of this book. I would recommend this book to all my friends
February 9, 2022
Good
a book where a young women who has a three year old daughter and is a single parent. she is running from her Moffat fanily
a book where a young women who has a three year old daughter and is a single parent. she is running from her Moffat fanily
February 12, 2022
Keeping faith
All things work together for good if you just have faith and believe. God is good and his love never fails.
All things work together for good if you just have faith and believe. God is good and his love never fails.
February 14, 2022
When Second chances find you..
First loves are never forgotten.. Although time, distance, and age change,, so does Love. Love grows with God as the guide..
First loves are never forgotten.. Although time, distance, and age change,, so does Love. Love grows with God as the guide..
February 18, 2022
Wow just wow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews