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Ranch Under Fire

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A witness on the run.

A mission to survive.

Fleeing after witnessing a shooting in her office, Bailey Scott must rely on cowboy Jackson Walker for protection when the gunman turns his sights on her. With a drug ring determined to silence her, Jackson promises to protect her at his ranch. But he’s an undercover DEA agent with secrets he can't reveal. Can he take down the criminals before their pursuers lead them straight into an inescapable trap?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2023

19 people are currently reading
65 people want to read

About the author

Tina Wheeler

14 books116 followers
Tina Wheeler is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, wife, mother, grandmother, and retired teacher. Her first Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, Ranch Under Fire, debuted at #10 on the Mass Market Bestseller’s list.

Her stories are influenced by her years growing up on military bases in the desert Southwest, watching mysteries on television with her mother, listening to family members in law enforcement, and marrying her romantic husband, nicknamed the Irish Charmer.

She enjoys playing with her granddaughter, learning how to decorate sugar cookies, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband. Although she calls Arizona her home, her favorite place to plot a new book is on a balcony overlooking the ocean.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,884 reviews47 followers
December 21, 2022

Ranch under Fire is written by Tina Wheeler. This is my first book that I’ve read by this author and it will not be the last. This is part of the Love Inspired Suspense line. The book is jam packed full of heart pounding action and a suspense.

Bailey is a book keeper in a plastic surgeons office. She is arriving to work late on a Saturday morning. While she’s getting tomorrow from the supply closet she hears a masked gunman come in and shoot the receptionist and the doctor that she works for. She flees and runs into the complex handyman, Jackson.

Jackson has been working undercover for several months. His job as a handyman allows him access to all the various offices in the complex. He’s been tracking drug traffickers and thinks that Bailey’s boss was caught up in it. He holds on to the fact that he’s with the DEA in order to keep Bailey safe.

Both of our characters have pain and guilt they have been carrying around. In all the action and suspense they find themselves attracted to each other. Bailey is afraid to let anyone get close after her broken engagement. Jackson is afraid to tell her his actual job. Seeing the characters slowly put their walls down was fun to see.

The author has created a suspenseful adrenaline pounding adventure for her readers. I didn’t want the story to end.

Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead for allowing me to read a copy or this book. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 28 books616 followers
January 30, 2023
Ranch Under Fire by Tina Wheeler is a Love Inspired Suspense.

I love how this story begins. Bailey Scott is having a bad morning, one of those that makes a person wonder if it wouldn’t be better to go back to bed and try again. But to work she goes, and ends up on the run for her life!

I find stories with undercover characters fascinating. I liked that Jackson’s family knew his truth, but wish he could have told Bailey. But that’s the tension of the story! And I like how Bailey handled it, and what caused the relational climax at the end. One trouble after another follow the pair as they try to stay ahead of the killers while also finding answers to put Bailey’s life back together, making this an intense romantic suspense. I’m hoping we’ll see more of Jackson’s family in future books by this author.

If you enjoy romantic suspense, then definitely grab a copy of Ranch Under Fire. It’s high-action story with characters you want to see suceed.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,112 reviews125 followers
May 10, 2023
Good story and characters.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,294 reviews43 followers
February 5, 2023
Can they outwit the killers stalking them...?

I always love reading a good Love Inspired Suspense debut novel – especially when the author writes with some skill. Ranch Under Fire may be Tina Wheeler's debut with the imprint but it sure didn't seem like it, no, she fits right in with the rest of the Love Inspired Suspense talent.

Ranch Under Fire was certainly an exciting read. It starts out with murder and the mayhem doesn't let up from there on out. Tina Wheeler kept up the fast paced suspense and didn't give her characters even a moment to stop and breathe. Of course, readers don't get a break either as you can't help but turn those pages like mad to find out who did and why.

As you can tell, I enjoyed Ranch Under Fire. It was a good read from a debut Love Inspired Suspense author and I will certainly be looking for more from Tina Wheeler in the future, hopefully soon...

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Faith.
2,197 reviews
January 9, 2023
Witness to murder, Bailey Scott finds herself in the killer's sights.

Jackson Walker takes her under his wing, while hiding a secret of his own. Can they stay one step ahead of the killer and stop them before its too late?

A fast paced adventure, with a lot going on. I liked how this book kept pulling me in, with great interaction and growth from the characters. Jackson has great instincts, and I liked that he wanted to be proactive in keeping Bailey safe even though he couldn't always give her answers.

Bailey is a strong Christian, she is doing her best to keep trusting. I liked that she was level headed and always tried to see the light in each situation, as well as her relationship with her dad.

Overall, an engaging and action-packed read, with great interaction, faith, and characters that I could cheer for all the way through. You won't regret picking it up!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
Author 33 books11 followers
February 20, 2023
Great book, great story.

I love the characters. Although I knew the bad guys were out there, I didn’t know where they were going to come from next. I couldn’t wait to get to the end, but I didn’t want the book to end.
Profile Image for Charles.
29 reviews
January 28, 2023
Loved it! My first love inspired suspense, but it won't be my last!
Profile Image for Shavona Thompson.
582 reviews14 followers
January 15, 2023
To find a book I don't want to put down is rare for me. However, this particular book IS one that grabbed my attention in the first paragraph not just the first page and chapter. When Bailey Scott hears the gunshots, she flees for her life. Jackson Walker just happened to pull into the parking lot as Bailey runs from the building. Seeing she is being shot at, he doesn't think twice. "Get In". With the back door still open and Bailey hanging on for dear life, they careen out of the lot and search for someplace safe. That proves to be quite the challenge. Jackson is an undercover DEA agent, but he can't risk blowing his cover. He contacts his brother, a local detective for help. To make matters worse, there is a leak in the local police department. The suspense is riveting. I can promise the details are accurate as I am married to a former DEA agent, so this story was a nail-biter and very real for me. I have read several of Tina Wheeler's books but this one is her best work yet. It has romance and suspense and will keep you guessing until the end. The added bonus for me is that it is clean and inspirational. I hope this becomes a series and we find out more about the Walker family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
406 reviews8 followers
January 10, 2023
Great story I would recommend it to everyone
Profile Image for Christi.
1,164 reviews35 followers
February 2, 2023
Bailey Scott finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, accidentally witnessing a double murder of her colleagues, and now has some very bad man on the hunt for her. Little does she know that the company’s newest handyman is an undercover officer that is more than willing to keep her safe as he tries to find the kingpin of a huge drug trafficking ring.

The violence is immediate and sudden, though not graphic in the slightest, plunging the reader into the suspense like an ice bath. The tension is tight from the start and doesn’t leave until the climactic ending.

Being more into the suspense genre lately I love a good heart pounding read with some mystery swirled in, but sadly there were no surprise twists, which was so disappointing. I was hoping the ending would redeem it for me but it was so cliche that I actually rolled my eyes in frustration. It is a sweet, happily ever after, which I really couldn’t be mad at, but still I craved more. It also didn’t help that Bailey rubbed me the wrong way. In my mind she had a haughty attitude, which I know is her way of pushing people away, but it was grating to me. I know I’m supposed to be rooting for her but it was a real struggle.

Despite those few issues I really enjoyed this quick read. You are instantly dropped into this world and you know the situation and you know these characters without much explanation. The flow is natural and the chemistry between Bailey and Jackson is obvious and unspoken. Jackson and the Walker family were my favorite part of this story, their fierceness and devotion to one another was both admirable and entertaining. I would love to see them featured in future novels, as they could easily carry a whole series.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 29 books162 followers
February 7, 2023
Ranch Under Fire
By Tina Wheeler

When a shooter enters her workplace, Bailey Scott takes cover before trying to escape from a masked killer. But the killer has a secret to protect, and Bailey is a threat. Fortunately (or not), Jackson Walker comes to Bailey's rescue. What does a handyman know about avoiding a determined killer? What Bailey doesn't know, and Jackson isn't at liberty to say, is that he is an undercover DEA agent. But for her safety, Bailey is kept in the dark.

But when the killer seems to know their every move, Jackson fears that there may be a leak and nowhere will be safe.

Ranch Under Fire is a standalone book that immediately throws one into the middle of the action. There is non-stop danger as Bailey and Jackson work together to figure out what is happening.

This is the first book by Tina Wheeler that I have read, and her writing style is well-executed. The characters are believable, and of course, there are secrets that could destroy a possible romance. Ranch Under Fire is what one would expect from a Love Inspired Suspense offering. Danger, Suspense, Clean Reading, and the potential of a happy ending.

The cover is what caught my eye first. I love books with horses, and though the horses are just the smallest part of the story, you can tell they are involved from this cover.

I would love to revisit this setting and these characters if a sequel comes along, which is the highest praise one can offer an author. I recommend this book to fans of clean-reading romantic suspense. If you are a fan of Virginia Vaughan, I would suggest Tina Wheeler as a read-alike author.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,785 reviews47 followers
February 6, 2023
I never really enjoyed Mystery and Suspense novels until I discovered Love Inspired Suspense books. The books are easy to read and the Suspense is soo exciting to get into. Ranch Under Fire by Tina Wheeler is the latest book in the LOVE Inspired Suspense books that I have read.

Bailey Scott was a witness to a shooting in her office, and now the Gunmen are after her. Jackson Walker is a cowboy and a DEA agent who has been assigned to protect Bailey and agrees to have her stay at his Ranch. Jackson is a DEA and therefore can't reveal everything about his case or his job. The pair grow attracted to one another during the time Bailey is on the Ranch. Can he protect Bailey and capture the Drug Ring that is after her? Will Jackson tell Bailey what his real job is?

WOW, this is probably one of my favorites from the LOVE-Inspired Suspense books! The storyline has many twists and turns, it really captured my attention and I finished reading it in about 3 hours. Bailey is still heartbroken from a broken engagement and doesn't want to give her heart so freely. Jackson feels torn because he can't reveal his actual job to Bailey. I LOVE how they work together to keep Bailey safe. Bailey's is a strong Christian and the faith in this book is very encouraging. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who LOVES Romance and Suspense! GREAT BOOK!
Profile Image for Rachel DeVaughn.
1,090 reviews32 followers
February 7, 2023
Wow I really enjoyed this fast paced suspense story!
Bailey finds herself on the run after witnessing her boss getting shot at work. She and handyman friend Jackson are on the run in Arizona trying to stay alive and figure out who wants them dead and why.
This story has it all- blackmail, drugs, moles, disguises, revenge… I really liked getting to know the main characters and Jackson’s brother Cole and family. I always love reading about a close knit family working together.
I highly recommend this clean romance and action story. LOVED it! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,117 reviews18 followers
February 3, 2023
I love a good suspense novel. This book definitely fits the bill. You’ve got murder and mystery and running for your life. And of course, it feels like you’re in the novel running right along with them!

Jackson will do what he can to protect Bailey. But will his best be enough as a drug ring is out to get her? And can they actually trust each other? Jackson thinks maybe Bailey is involved in everything going wrong. And of course Jackson is undercover as a DEA agent acting as a handyman. Lots of suspense to go around!

I loved this fast paced book and highly recommend you take the time to read it as well.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bouldin.
Author 45 books705 followers
January 31, 2023
Starts with a great opening and ends with a moment of complete tenderness. Every page in between is a constant tug-of-war between romance and suspense, along with a need for truth that puts Bailey and Jackson at odds. Neither can fully trust the other, and for Bailey, that's a dealbreaker. I loved Bailey and Jackson's ability to work together, and even though Bailey thought Jackson was hiding something from her, she knew she could trust him to keep her safe. Jackson's secret might mean the end of their relationship before it ever truly begins, but he's willing to risk it all to keep Bailey out of danger. The Walker family is fantastic, and I enjoyed the scenes with Jackson and his family enough that I want an entire Walker family saga that never ends. I received a copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
73 reviews
February 14, 2023
This was Tina Wheeler 1st book I thought it was pretty good. It will keep a person in suspense to the very end so I suggest you grab a warm blanket and snuggle in front of a warm fire and spend the day reading this book. I would like this book to continue on with other members in the family. Just an idea Tina. Happy Reading Everyone!
Profile Image for Karen Baney.
Author 42 books448 followers
March 25, 2023
A true page-turning mystery.

Wheeler grips the reader from the first chapter. I read half the book in one sitting and only put it down because I had to work the next day. I loved that this was set in Sedona, Arizona.

The romance between Jackson and Bailey develops while he is saving her life from thugs who want her dead. The suspense doesn't let up.

I liked the way Wheeler included Bailey's faith and how her example helped Jackson grow in his.

Must read for fans of Christian suspense.
Profile Image for Kay Garrett.
600 reviews93 followers
February 17, 2025
RANCH UNDER FIRE by Tina Wheeler is the captivating, page-turning, suspenseful story of Bailey Scott and Jackson Walker. Bailey appears to be in the center of the drug cartel’s bullseye. With few that they can trust, they will have to figure out the answer to why and not get killed in the process.

Bailey has been the bookkeeper for Dr. Daniels at the Red Rock Cosmetic Surgery Clinic for the past ten years. This particular morning she had been running a bit late, but brought pastries to try to make amends. She isn’t there long before things take a nasty turn. She had gone back to the walk in supply room when she heard a loud, angry man asking the receptionist the whereabouts of the doctor. Next thing she heard was the receptionist scream and gunfire. Instincts at first said go help Amy, but then she knew she had to hide. Locking the little room might be safe for now, but for how long? Should she stay there? She figured he would come looking for her so she decided to escape his rath by making a run for the back exit. In the process, she hears more shots causing her fear to rise substantially. After making it through the squeaky back door and out in the alley, she took off running fast, not looking back. That’s where the recently hired handyman found her as he was drove into the alley. It must have been the terror on her face because he immediately told her to get in and then he left the alley driving fast even though she wasn’t completely inside his vehicle yet. She knows she will forever be in debt to this man because he had just saved her life!

Jackson is DEA working undercover as a handyman for the complex that included the cosmetic surgery clinic and the dentist office next door. They are working hard to get evidence against Dante Hill, kingpin of a massive drug trafficking ring. They are convinced that he’s working with the dentist and possible the surgeon. Regardless of what happens, he can’t afford to lose his cover by letting it be know his true occupation – especially to Bailey - not after what happened to him before. Instead, he makes it appear that Cole, his brother and a detective with Sedona PD, is the one calling the shots. With a leak within the PD, Cole is the only one Harrison will trust. With not enough proof for the DEA to provide protection for Bailey and not trusting the local PD, Harrison has no other choice but to be the one to keep Bailey safe.

How many times can they avert danger before they take a hit themselves? Will making one phone call to her father so he won’t worry add to their worries and put them in grave danger? When Harrison is accused of kidnapping Bailey, can they keep their identities hidden so not to be spotted by the public who don’t know the true circumstances? Will pieces of Bailey’s past memory start to be like putting pieces of a puzzle together? But what if pieces are missing because they are unknown to Bailey? Will staying temporarily at the Walker ranch bring them all into danger – including the Walker family livelihood? How many times will Harrison save her life and will she be able repay the favor? With issues from past experiences about lying and cheating, can Bailey really trust Harrison? Even though he’s saved her live numerous times, there seems to have a lot of secrets he’s not telling her about? Can Harrison, despite his determination to stay professional and clear of any personal feelings, hold his ground on this case? The more he’s around Bailey, it’s making him to want to be her lifelong protector instead of only on this assignment?

RANCH UNDER FIRE is an exceptional story that will grab your heart - both with adrenaline pumping danger and suspense and with the sweet feelings of growing love. Extreme situations will keep you turning pages to figure out who is after Bailey, why do they think Bailey is a danger to them, what will it take to catch bad guys and find out who the PD leak is, when will this danger all be over and can they survive it all, and where will it leave Bailey and Harrison once the case is solved and it’s all over. Tina Wheeler gives us a story about family, doing what is right, mystery, not giving up on love, suspense, justice, forgiveness and wraps it in a wonderful thread of faith. RANCH UNDER FIRE is without a doubt FIVE STAR reading. I highly recommend it to everyone!

I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#RanchUnderFire #TinaWheeler #LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,502 reviews26 followers
June 14, 2023
Full sarcasm ahead! Review below that.

Did you just meet this guy you have only seen in the distance after escaping a murdering gunman but feel instantly attracted to him?

Does it not matter that you just watched two good people and supposedly great coworkers die and barely escaped with your own life?

Or that people are repeatedly trying to kill you?

Can you not help but feel sad thinking about leaving his presence after being involved in a car chase and accident, then a gun fight despite only knowing him for a few hours?

Do you not care that he is giving you the vaguest answers known to man?

And his known job description does NOT line up with what he is telling you and how people refer to him in high risk situations?

Did you ignore his warnings and make that phone call you weren't supposed to make and then delete the events off his phone even though you KNOW they suspect the phones are tracked and hacked?

Yes? Then you are this idiot female main character whom I can't stand. If no, please continue.

Are you a DEA undercover agent who decided to go into 'work' on your day off?

Did you save a woman, from a gunman, that you don't really know?

Are you attracted to her almost instantly?

Did you decide to drive across a golf course because it would be less conspicuous then taking the road?

Are you not on full speaking terms with god?

Did you let someone knock your vehicle off the steep side of the road and then only shoot once when they are obviously trying to kill you and the woman who just witnessed a couple of murders?

Did you seriously let a dude get the jump on you after you know a bunch of drug members swarmed your apartment complex?

Did you go to a crappy motel in a trailer park to lay low instead of getting out of dodge?

Well you might be the male lead character. And if you said no to all these questions, congratulations you are not in this book (thank god).

But in all seriousness, the first 65 pages of this book were not great. There is nothing I dislike more then someone trying to convince me that someone who had friends/coworkers killed near their person, narrowly escaped death, is repeatedly tracked and attacked and nearly murderized (that is a technical term) would be thinking romance...while hiding in a vehicle, being shoot at and run off the road and shot at some more. Who in their right mind would be thinking who handsome their rescuer is as he gets you shoved off a mini bluff in an SUV and how sad you will be when he leaves cause he's somehow wormed his way into your affections? Not me. I would be thinking how much I really don't want to die. How hot my escapee helper is would be very low on the priority list. And him leaving me? Well so long as I was handed off to another capable person or the danger was over, I would NOT be thinking I was sad that he would be leaving. Maybe hysterical if he was abandoning me to save himself...

Seriously though, you don't even know the guy!!! You know his name and his supposed occupation as a handyman for the building you work in. You know he's not telling you the full story. You noticed that something is up. But you are telling me you're too dense to care? And that phone call...after all the phone hacking and tracking talk? After he makes you write text messages in code words??? You're just going to phone and then hide the fact you did it? Anyone nowadays would be thinking global positioning using cell towers to track your location when you make a phone call. Bravo! Good god. TSTL.

So obviously a DNF. 65 pages and I was done.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
March 15, 2023
My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Ranch Under Fire. This is Tina's first book for LIS. I want to welcome her to our group. This is a great read and I look forward to reading more of her work. This story is well-written, action-packed, and full of faith. I know you are going to love it.

Bookkeeper Bailey Scott is running late to work at the surgical office. She's in the walk-in closet when a man comes in yelling for the doctor. He proceeds to shoot the young receptionist. A few minutes later two more shots are fired. Bailey takes off. She's rescued by the handyman.

Undercover DEA Agent Jackson Walker rescues the beautiful bookkeeper and takes her to his ranch. Can he keep her safe without revealing who he is? He has secrets he can't reveal.

A terrifying journey when the killer comes after them both trying to trap them. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a plan for peace and an expected end.
3,930 reviews1,763 followers
February 22, 2023
High stakes. High octane. High stress. A new edge-of-your-seat LIS author for me to start following. I couldn’t be happier ’cause I always have room on my TBR for stellar authors who write the unputdownable kind of suspense I so love reading. And, phew! This one had me turning pages until the read was over…in one sitting.

Love the way Wheeler set up the opening scene. A normal, if harried, day for our heroine until — wham — it isn’t! And then the tension mounts and the investigation begins. And Jackson being undercover makes things that much more complicated in the romance department. And, while this isn’t labeled as a series, I checked the author’s website and she does have a follow up novel coming out in August. Eeeep! I ams so there for more perilous adventuring with Tina Wheeler.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/02/22/r...
Profile Image for Christy.
1,277 reviews69 followers
November 15, 2024
This was such an exciting book! I really enjoy reading Love Inspired Suspense books because I know they'll be filled with action, clean romance, and Christian themes. Ranch Under Fire by Tina Wheeler was no exception! I loved Bailey and Jackson and how well they worked together in spite of the danger they were in. I thought that the plot was well-developed and filled with lots of exciting moments. The gospel is clearly presented and themes of forgiveness are evident throughout the story. I highly recommend this book!
142 reviews7 followers
March 12, 2023
Wow! What an action-packed suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is Tina Wheeler's first Love Inspired Suspense but I'm sure it won't be her only one because she nailed it! I will be watching for more books by this author. She held my interest/attention from the beginning to the end. I can't wait for her next book! You will definitely want to read this if you like inspirational suspense.
85 reviews
January 1, 2024
I've read several of these Love Inspired Suspense novels that a friend gave me, and they are generally not my jam. This is the best by far. I felt like the plot was somewhat realistic. The romance wasn't too yucky. The references to God were not too preachy. I will probably read more from this author.
Profile Image for amy beck.
31 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2024
Full of suspense and excitement. If you're looking for a great Christian thriller story this is your book. I love Tina Wheeler short stories. They are always full of excitement and sometimes a great love story but I also like how she basis her story about Faith in God.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,342 reviews38 followers
June 11, 2025
This is the 1st book I read by Tina Wheeler. I liked this book's storyline. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I liked Bailey's character. I liked Jackson's character. I liked the ending.
Profile Image for Ethelann.
426 reviews
March 10, 2023
Great book with lots of action and suspense. Loved the ending too.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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