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Special Agent Assignments #1
The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn
Stolen . . . for her safety?
Kenzie Thorn has never worried about teaching at a state prison complex until Myles Parsons joins her class…and his abduction plan succeeds. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his explanation—that he’s an undercover FBI special agent in place because someone wants her dead.
Myles has never had such an uncooperative assignment, especially one who refuses to stay in the safe house. When Kenzie insists she’s going to uncover the truth, Myles knows he’ll have to use all of his skills to keep them both safe. But the more he tries to protect her, the more she takes care of him.
No matter how much he tries to focus on his mission and a pursuer closing in, Myles soon realizes that this assignment is more dangerous than any other. This time his heart is on the line too.
Kenzie Thorn has never worried about teaching at a state prison complex until Myles Parsons joins her class…and his abduction plan succeeds. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his explanation—that he’s an undercover FBI special agent in place because someone wants her dead.
Myles has never had such an uncooperative assignment, especially one who refuses to stay in the safe house. When Kenzie insists she’s going to uncover the truth, Myles knows he’ll have to use all of his skills to keep them both safe. But the more he tries to protect her, the more she takes care of him.
No matter how much he tries to focus on his mission and a pursuer closing in, Myles soon realizes that this assignment is more dangerous than any other. This time his heart is on the line too.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2009
23 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 13, 2023
Since I've read and enjoyed Liz Johnson's other books, and this one was free, I thought I'd try it. The plot was interesting and kept me reading.
June 24, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I picked this up from the library for a light suspense read. It was just that for me. I enjoyed Myles and Kenzie as characters and their need to rely on God together to figure out what was happening and to get to safety. This was an older book & the author’s first Love Inspired Suspense - I would be interested in reading more from her.
I picked this up from the library for a light suspense read. It was just that for me. I enjoyed Myles and Kenzie as characters and their need to rely on God together to figure out what was happening and to get to safety. This was an older book & the author’s first Love Inspired Suspense - I would be interested in reading more from her.
October 22, 2016
Great
Lots of action, fast moving.Has plenty of thrills and suspense.Kept me guessing all through this one.I never did figure out the ending.
Lots of action, fast moving.Has plenty of thrills and suspense.Kept me guessing all through this one.I never did figure out the ending.
Read
August 5, 2020This was a fun "mystery romance." I enjoyed the interaction between Myles and Kenzie, especially as she came to realize who he really was. The mix-up was hilarious.
May 31, 2023
Kenzie is teaching prisoners to get their ged. A plot is to get her kidnapped. Who is behind the plot???
May 1, 2025
I didn't even finish the book. I just couldn't get into it. I didn't find it very captivating. I was struggling to want to read it.
November 12, 2012
It was an honor to read Liz Johnson’s first novel. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thornis full of mystery and romance. I loved the spunk of Kenzie as she boldly refused to be protected in the safe house. Only a woman as stubborn and courageous as Kenzie would refuse to obey an FBI agent! Kenzie’s spunk coupled with Myles’ instigating sass make this a sparking romance that is a pleasure to read. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is a great read!
I had the opportunity to interview the author, Liz Johnson. First let me tell you a bit about her:
Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being a part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream- becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.
Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church’s bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel.
Thanks Liz for stopping by and answering some questions for my readers.
Having a background in publishing, was it challenging to be on the other side of creating a novel?
I’m not sure it was challenging so much as bizarre. I’m so used to the publishing process from inside the publisher, and it was quite strange watching the publishing process of my book from a relatively external position. But I really enjoyed it. It was fun to see how a different house produces a book.
The character, Myles, gets injured during the story but you’ve written it in a way that keeps him from seeming wimpy even when he’s vulnerable. Where you concerned that his vulnerability would undermine his FBI tough-guy feel to the reader?
Oh, gosh. I never thought about the idea that I could undermine his tough-guy feel. Don’t know what that says about me as an author. I suppose that I’ve always enjoyed books where tough guys get injured and have to deal with it. I think they deal with injury so differently than other character types, and I love how Myles puts the pain aside for the good of his assignment and the woman he cares for. Plus, it adds drama and gives Kenzie a chance to shine in her concern and care for him.
I agree. I loved Myles even more because he let Kenzie help him. It takes a big man to see he’s vulnerable and accept help. I think it made him stronger in my mind.
Your characters are often saying prayers in the midst of tough situations. Do you find that you pray in your mind often when things aren’t going according to plan?
I definately try to. I find especially when I’m at work or writing that if a pitch letter, press release, or scene just won’t come together, I definately sit down and pray. It helps m clear my mind of all other distractions and focus on why I’m doing what I’m doing- the goal is always to glorify God. It’s become a habit as well, as I’ve definately learned some of the lessons about relying on God that Kenzie and Myles learn in the book.
What message do you hope readers will take away from The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn?
I hope readers are encouraged to rely on God even when friends and family let them down. I hope that like Kenzie and Myles do in the book, readers will find hope in knowing that God is walking with them in hard times and that His eyes are on those that fear Him.
Do you have any plans for future books?
I recently finished my second romantic suspence novel, which isn’t under contract yet, but is currently in consideration with my editor. It’s not a follow up to The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, but it has some overlapping characters and is a rousing romp into the fictional Crescent City, Colorado. Since finising that manuscript, I’ve been working on a proposal for a contemporary romance set in my hoe state of Arizona. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens with both of these stories.
I had the opportunity to interview the author, Liz Johnson. First let me tell you a bit about her:
Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being a part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream- becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.
Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church’s bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel.
Thanks Liz for stopping by and answering some questions for my readers.
Having a background in publishing, was it challenging to be on the other side of creating a novel?
I’m not sure it was challenging so much as bizarre. I’m so used to the publishing process from inside the publisher, and it was quite strange watching the publishing process of my book from a relatively external position. But I really enjoyed it. It was fun to see how a different house produces a book.
The character, Myles, gets injured during the story but you’ve written it in a way that keeps him from seeming wimpy even when he’s vulnerable. Where you concerned that his vulnerability would undermine his FBI tough-guy feel to the reader?
Oh, gosh. I never thought about the idea that I could undermine his tough-guy feel. Don’t know what that says about me as an author. I suppose that I’ve always enjoyed books where tough guys get injured and have to deal with it. I think they deal with injury so differently than other character types, and I love how Myles puts the pain aside for the good of his assignment and the woman he cares for. Plus, it adds drama and gives Kenzie a chance to shine in her concern and care for him.
I agree. I loved Myles even more because he let Kenzie help him. It takes a big man to see he’s vulnerable and accept help. I think it made him stronger in my mind.
Your characters are often saying prayers in the midst of tough situations. Do you find that you pray in your mind often when things aren’t going according to plan?
I definately try to. I find especially when I’m at work or writing that if a pitch letter, press release, or scene just won’t come together, I definately sit down and pray. It helps m clear my mind of all other distractions and focus on why I’m doing what I’m doing- the goal is always to glorify God. It’s become a habit as well, as I’ve definately learned some of the lessons about relying on God that Kenzie and Myles learn in the book.
What message do you hope readers will take away from The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn?
I hope readers are encouraged to rely on God even when friends and family let them down. I hope that like Kenzie and Myles do in the book, readers will find hope in knowing that God is walking with them in hard times and that His eyes are on those that fear Him.
Do you have any plans for future books?
I recently finished my second romantic suspence novel, which isn’t under contract yet, but is currently in consideration with my editor. It’s not a follow up to The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, but it has some overlapping characters and is a rousing romp into the fictional Crescent City, Colorado. Since finising that manuscript, I’ve been working on a proposal for a contemporary romance set in my hoe state of Arizona. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens with both of these stories.
July 16, 2009
Kenzie Thorn is the granddaughter of the governor and teaches a GED class to inmates at a state prison. Myles Borden is one of her students, or so she thinks. Myles is actually an FBI agent working undercover in a plot to kidnap Kenzie in order to save her life. There is a plot to kill Kenzie and until the killers can be found, Myles has to keep Kenzie safe. But, Kenzie refuses to go to the safe house; instead she wants to help Myles find her killer. As they work together, they face danger, protect each other, and trust God to see them through this. God has a plan for them, and His plan includes love.
The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is Liz Johnson’s first novel and I must say, well done! I really liked this story and the characters. This book had just the right amount of action and romance to make for a nice read. The chemistry between Kenzie and Myles could felt on each page and I really enjoyed seeing their love bloom in spite of the stress they were facing.
This book is very entertaining, but it also conveys strong Christian themes. The prominent theme throughout this book is trusting God. So many times in this story, Myles and Kenzie would pray. They included God in their mission at all times, asking for His guidance and doing only His will. I really appreciate that trusting God was emphasized so much. We may not face situations like the ones Myles and Kenzie faced, but we do need to learn to pray without ceasing and to trust God to protect us.
Overall, this book is well written. There was some tension, but not too much. The characters were real and likeable. The plot was interesting and the spiritual lessons can be applied to our daily lives. My sincere thanks to Liz Johnson for writing this book. I really enjoyed it.
The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is Liz Johnson’s first novel and I must say, well done! I really liked this story and the characters. This book had just the right amount of action and romance to make for a nice read. The chemistry between Kenzie and Myles could felt on each page and I really enjoyed seeing their love bloom in spite of the stress they were facing.
This book is very entertaining, but it also conveys strong Christian themes. The prominent theme throughout this book is trusting God. So many times in this story, Myles and Kenzie would pray. They included God in their mission at all times, asking for His guidance and doing only His will. I really appreciate that trusting God was emphasized so much. We may not face situations like the ones Myles and Kenzie faced, but we do need to learn to pray without ceasing and to trust God to protect us.
Overall, this book is well written. There was some tension, but not too much. The characters were real and likeable. The plot was interesting and the spiritual lessons can be applied to our daily lives. My sincere thanks to Liz Johnson for writing this book. I really enjoyed it.
April 11, 2010
Myles Parsons is trouble. Kenzie knows it from the time he walks into her prison GED class, upsetting her routine with his piercing blue eyes and impertinent smile. Small she may be, but Kenzie Thorn is no pushover. She can be sweet, but she can be spicy as well, and the saucy redhead has no intention of allowing an inmate--even one as handsome as her new student--to intimidate her.
But Myles does much worse.
When he kidnaps her, then tries to convince her he's Myles Borden, an undercover FBI agent whose goal is to keep her safe from someone who wants her dead, Kenzie has a hard time believing him. But then he places himself in mortal danger protecting her ... why would he do such a thing, if he's really out to do her harm? When she tries to return the favor by tending to his wounds, Kenzie finds her heart could be in far more danger from Myles than her body ever was.
Myles' plan included removing Kenzie from harm's way, then removing himself from her vicinity, no matter how cute, angry or frightened she is. But circumstances get in the way, and he finds himself thrust into the company of the sweet and spicy GED instructor longer than is safe for his heart. As she tends to his physical wounds, and he strives to keep her safe from an unknown enemy, Myles finds himself falling in love.
Liz Johnson's debut novel is a charmingly sweet romance with just the right dose of mystery and suspense. From prison to mountain cabin, and back to city streets that harbor dangerous unseen assailants, Ms. Johnson takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotion and action that keeps the pages turning fast enough to stir up a whirlwind of anticipation and interest. A well-written tale with a number of unexpected twists along the way. Beautifully done!
But Myles does much worse.
When he kidnaps her, then tries to convince her he's Myles Borden, an undercover FBI agent whose goal is to keep her safe from someone who wants her dead, Kenzie has a hard time believing him. But then he places himself in mortal danger protecting her ... why would he do such a thing, if he's really out to do her harm? When she tries to return the favor by tending to his wounds, Kenzie finds her heart could be in far more danger from Myles than her body ever was.
Myles' plan included removing Kenzie from harm's way, then removing himself from her vicinity, no matter how cute, angry or frightened she is. But circumstances get in the way, and he finds himself thrust into the company of the sweet and spicy GED instructor longer than is safe for his heart. As she tends to his physical wounds, and he strives to keep her safe from an unknown enemy, Myles finds himself falling in love.
Liz Johnson's debut novel is a charmingly sweet romance with just the right dose of mystery and suspense. From prison to mountain cabin, and back to city streets that harbor dangerous unseen assailants, Ms. Johnson takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotion and action that keeps the pages turning fast enough to stir up a whirlwind of anticipation and interest. A well-written tale with a number of unexpected twists along the way. Beautifully done!
March 17, 2010
Wow, this got really good reviews, but I can't say I was that impressed. Granted, no one who picks this up is expecting War and Peace ... and it's not a bad read ... but I found it pretty typical. Except that, despite its classification as a romance, there isn't any sex. (For the record, I admire that.) Main character Kenzie is petite, red-haired, and fiesty. Her burgeoning love interest Myles is tall, "rugged," and a former high school football star. Pretty conventional stuff. For a little spice, Kenzie teaches GED classes in a prison and Myles is an undercover FBI agent. And instead of the usual lusty goings-on there is tension and, well, prayer. The protagonists Kenzie and Myles are both Christian characters and pray openly on several occasions throughout the book. Over the course of roughly a week and a half, our main characters find out all sorts of things about each other and get into and out of more scrapes than a kid learning to skateboard. It was largely predictable, and sometimes quite strained, but not an unpleasant read for lighter fare. Actually, I rather like the author's use of place and her characterization of Mac ... but I think her finer points are lost in the mire of the genre.
July 22, 2009
I know I say this a lot, but this was a pretty good book. And because, again this is a debut novel, I have to say that I think Liz Johnson has found her witting niche - romantic suspense.
Kenize Thorn was a pretty good character. She had a good head on her shoulders and didn't play the damsel in distress part. She was strong but, like all women, had her emotional moments. I really liked her and the fact that she didn't just let what was going on happen, she took the bull by the horns and did what she needed to do.
The story was intriguing. The first few chapters I read 4 or 5 pages at a time, and found it hard to put it down. Once I had the time to really sit and read it I became so engrossed in the story that I felt like I became part of it.
The twist in this one was good and it put the whole story into a different perspective. And actually there was a second twist that really got me. But you'll just have to read it to find out what I'm talking about :-)
It was a pretty good book and I would recommend it. Again, I really think Liz Johnson has found her nice with this genre and I hope to see her name on a cover again.
Kenize Thorn was a pretty good character. She had a good head on her shoulders and didn't play the damsel in distress part. She was strong but, like all women, had her emotional moments. I really liked her and the fact that she didn't just let what was going on happen, she took the bull by the horns and did what she needed to do.
The story was intriguing. The first few chapters I read 4 or 5 pages at a time, and found it hard to put it down. Once I had the time to really sit and read it I became so engrossed in the story that I felt like I became part of it.
The twist in this one was good and it put the whole story into a different perspective. And actually there was a second twist that really got me. But you'll just have to read it to find out what I'm talking about :-)
It was a pretty good book and I would recommend it. Again, I really think Liz Johnson has found her nice with this genre and I hope to see her name on a cover again.
July 13, 2009
Kenzie Thorn is the granddaughter of the governor, and a teacher in a trial program that offers GED instruction in one of the state's prisons. Myles Parsons is the handsome new convict in her class ... or is he? Take nothing for granted in The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn. We learn that Myles is really an undercover FBI agent trying to protect her. But poor Kenzie doesn't realize that when Myles kidnaps her. Once he finally convinces her that he means her no harm (quite the contrary - he’s as attracted to her as she is to him), they must work together to discover who wants her dead.
When I finished this book, I was surprised to learn that this is Liz Johnson’s first novel. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is a well-defined mystery that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the author threw in surprise. And then another. The suspense draws out in a way that made me want to keep turning pages. And the romance… ah! I could see Myles’ piercing blue eyes and feel the love that grew between he and Kenzie.
When I finished this book, I was surprised to learn that this is Liz Johnson’s first novel. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is a well-defined mystery that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the author threw in surprise. And then another. The suspense draws out in a way that made me want to keep turning pages. And the romance… ah! I could see Myles’ piercing blue eyes and feel the love that grew between he and Kenzie.
July 9, 2009
The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn by Liz Johnson is a terrific romantic suspense novel from a debut author. Kenzie Thorn, the granddaughter of Oregon governor Mac Thorn, loves her job working in the prison helping inmates get their GED. Her professionalism is put to the test by the piercing blue eyes of new student Myles Parson, but when he kidnaps her and then swears he's an FBI agent trying to keep her safe, her whole world collapses. Kenzie is an incredibly feisty heroine without ever being annoying or strident. I love that she wants to find her would-be assassins just as much as Myles does. She's not overbearing, but neither is she the wimpy heroine crying as her hero gets knocked around. Myles is a terrific man of faith who is caught off guard by Kenzie's spicy spirit, and while he breaks more than a few bureau rules for her, the reader understands that he just can't help himself. If you're looking for a romantic read to bring to the beach this summer, this is the book for you!
January 31, 2015
I had a serious love hate relationship with this book.
I loved the bones of it. Great story line.
BUT there were numerous times I nearly stopped reading or looked to see how much longer!
The author made the characters do some really stupid things at times and that just irritates me! If a person's life is in danger, an FBI agent wouldn't agree to just not take them to a safe house and let them them tag along! The author could have found another way to keep the person in the story line.
Many times dialog lines in the book were also extremely aggravating! There is one point where a grown adult is praying to themselves and it reads "Oh Daddy God..." REALLY?! I don't know anyone who prays like that?!
I finished the book to see how it would end, but will not be rereading this book again!
I loved the bones of it. Great story line.
BUT there were numerous times I nearly stopped reading or looked to see how much longer!
The author made the characters do some really stupid things at times and that just irritates me! If a person's life is in danger, an FBI agent wouldn't agree to just not take them to a safe house and let them them tag along! The author could have found another way to keep the person in the story line.
Many times dialog lines in the book were also extremely aggravating! There is one point where a grown adult is praying to themselves and it reads "Oh Daddy God..." REALLY?! I don't know anyone who prays like that?!
I finished the book to see how it would end, but will not be rereading this book again!
October 12, 2014
This Love Inspired Novel (a first for me) was about a GED instructor in a prison that is kidnapped by an FBI Agent posing as a student. The main problem that I had with this novel is that much of what happened didn't seem realistic to me. As an example, the FBI Agent slept in a hotel room while Kenzie guarded him from a car in the parking lot outside the hotel at one point in the story. This doesn't sound like the way an FBI Agent would handle keeping someone safe.
I also did not care for some of the comparisons used in the novel, such as her lips tasting like grape jelly from breakfast.
I completely understand that different readers have different tastes. This book just wasn't for me.
I also did not care for some of the comparisons used in the novel, such as her lips tasting like grape jelly from breakfast.
I completely understand that different readers have different tastes. This book just wasn't for me.
February 8, 2011
The story line for this book had me hooked from the get-go. The characters were interesting - easy to like, but I had a hard time connecting with them. This was the authors first published book - and I give it an A for effort! :) As I said, I enjoyed the plot, it had me very intrigued - but I found myself wanting to be finished with it! I hate to say that, usually I don't want a book to end! That being said, after a bit more writing experience, I have a feeling this will be a great new author in the romantic suspense genre. I look forward to Liz Johnson's next book :)
January 27, 2012
Possibly the most unbelievable, unromantic, unsuspenseful, boring Christian novel I have ever read. Kenzie, the governor's granddaughter, prepares inmates to take the GED, when Myles, an undercover FBI agent, joins her class to protect her from a death threat. They are attracted to each other from the start. She second guesses herself when she tries to escape after he kidnaps her and returns to him. And it goes downhill from there. Sadly, it is was waste of a few hours of my life.
April 24, 2016
Now this is a good suspense book!
I kind of went into this book without knowing much about, and it was a pleasant surprise.
It was cute, it was intriguing, and overall a good book to help pass the time.
I kind of went into this book without knowing much about, and it was a pleasant surprise.
It was cute, it was intriguing, and overall a good book to help pass the time.
December 23, 2021
Couldn’t put it down!
It’s been a long day & it’s late, but I absolutely COULD NOT put this book down! Fabulous characters, intriguing storyline that is chock full of suspense & a awesome conclusion. I can now sleep in peace. LOL
It’s been a long day & it’s late, but I absolutely COULD NOT put this book down! Fabulous characters, intriguing storyline that is chock full of suspense & a awesome conclusion. I can now sleep in peace. LOL
May 3, 2012
Average mystery but enjoyable.
Note: This line of suspense/romance books from Steeple Hill are very simple, Christian and clean, and can be read in a few hours.
Note: This line of suspense/romance books from Steeple Hill are very simple, Christian and clean, and can be read in a few hours.
July 12, 2016
ending --not plausible if we accept the governor was a good parent to hos grandchild
Read
June 25, 2014awesome!
July 10, 2015
7.2015 love inspied suspense. Good quick read
March 4, 2022
Good story but the typos in this author's books are driving me crazy!
July 17, 2009
T loved this book. A cute little romance with a great suspenseful storyline.
January 19, 2012
Loved this book. :)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews