Lucas Cavandish, deputy U.S. Marshall finds himself facing an enemy very well known to him as well as a mix of unexpected dangers. While protecting a witness, Paige Walsh and her son, Kenny and his therapy dog, Aslan, there were just too many roadblocks – it was as if someone knew his every move. Lucas isn’t sure who he can trust in light of the number of coincidences that have had them facing danger. Nothing in this world was going to keep him from SHIELDING THE INNOCENT TARGET, even if it meant he had to do it alone.

Paige had the misfortune to see the man who killed her boss – the prosecutor who would present the case against an arms dealer. She had lost her husband and her mother recently and her heartbroken father was now living out of the country she had no choice but to trust the deputy marshall to keep her and her son safe. He was like an answer to her prayers.

SHIELDING THE INNOCENT TARGET is author Terri Reed’s final addition to her U.S. Marshal series. The action is fast and furious as readers begin by diving right into the danger and intrigue as witnesses to the shooting of Paige’s boss, her harrowing escape and again a short time later almost meeting the same fate as her boss. The pace does not slow down at all until the rather surprising ending is reached.

As fans of this series might note, Lucas had been introduced in “Forced to Hide” and it was obvious that he would have much rather been pursuing the bad guys than be on protective detail as a man of action. But the more he was with Paige and Kenny, the more he began to think about his future plans. Did he want the adrenaline rush from chasing bad guys or a home and family? And, of course, as a Love-inspired suspense, there is a sweet romance that makes its way into the pages giving more reasons why you will not be able to put SHIELDING THE INNOCENT TARGET down.

Ms. Reed also features past characters who arrive to help Lucas and Paige in defeating their enemies. So, fans of the series will be able to enjoy seeing these characters one more time. Please note that though SHIELDING THE INNOCENT TARGET is part of a series it certainly can be read as a standalone. I am sure once you have finished this one you will want to go back and grab all the others you missed and enjoy those as well.