To protect an innocent child, danger will follow them at every turn.

Child Protective Services agent Carys Aldric is caught between doing what’s right and following protocol.

Especially when it comes to rancher Blaize Wilde, the potential father of an orphaned baby, and hopefully the kind of man worth breaking the rules for.

But unraveling the web of deception around Blaize’s connection to the baby puts them in the line of fire as they dodge bullets and search for safety.

Danger closes in from a past that refuses to stay buried—and a mysterious mother who may have secrets of her own.

Titles in the Wilde Country series include:  Custody in the Crosshairs ~ Betrayal at Close Range ~ Ambush at Close Range ~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  Custody in the Crosshairs
Series:  Wilde Country #1
Author:  Barb Han
Published:  July 28, 2026
Publisher:  Harlequin Intrigue
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Custody in the Crosshairs is the opening story in the Wilde Country series.   Carys and Blaize’s story starts off fast and intense, and doesn’t slow down until the end… if even then.  I enjoyed this one, but I always enjoy Barb Han’s stories.  This time, we have an innocent baby caught in danger and mystery, with a future up in the air.  Carys believes she’s tracked down the father of an orphaned baby.  Blaize knows she hasn’t, because he isn’t the father.  But that will not stop him from protecting them both as the danger grows and the puzzle deepens.

Carys and Blaize’s story is fast-paced; some might think it’s too fast, but once I fell into its rhythm, I had no problem.  It’s well-written, intense, and emotional, with twists and turns that kept me on edge throughout.  I’m looking forward to the rest of the Wilde family’s adventures.  If that sounds like your kind of Modern Western/Romantic Suspense Romance, then you’d love this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. I chose to leave a review sharing my personal opinion of this book.*

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