Hunted by killers.  And time is running out fast…

Laurel Bell’s first day as a wildlife photography ranger takes a treacherous turn when she is nearly drowned by a masked assassin.

Her witness protection cover has been blown, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before her attacker returns to finish the job.

Her only chance at survival is police sergeant Heath Calhoun, who will do anything to deliver Laurel to her marshal handler.

But when Heath’s young daughter is taken hostage, the stakes are raised, and now they must race to outsmart the powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to exact their revenge…

Titles in the Forest Ranger Rescuers series include:  Hunted in the Forest* ~ Abducted in the Woods^ ~ Targeted in the Swamp^ ~

This is a no-spice romance, perhaps with closed-door or fade-to-black scenes. Tension and kisses might be involved. Yet, keep in mind that this story is a “Suspense” novel, so there may be some indication of violence within the storyline.

Title:  Targeted in the Swamp
Series:  Forest Ranger Rescuers #3
Author:  Kerry Johnson
Published:  March 31, 2026
Publisher:  (Harlequin) Love Inspired Suspense
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Targeted in the Swamp is the third title in the Forest Ranger Rescuers series, this time bringing us Laurel and Heath’s intense, dangerous romance.  Laurel has spent most of her life living constantly on edge within the witness protection program.  On her first day on the job, photographing a site, she’s assaulted by a masked person and tossed into the murky swamp.  She’s certain that the killers who are always on her trail have finally caught up with her.  Heath, a police sergeant, is attempting to get Laurel to the US Marshal, who will protect her and move her once again… until the next time she’s found or killed.  She’s so tired of hiding, yet reluctant to fully explain her situation.  Trust doesn’t always come easy.

I enjoyed returning to this world with Laurel and Heath so much.  There were some familiar faces from the earlier books, yet this time, if you haven’t read the first two stories, you won’t be the least bit lost.  Targeted in the Swamp, in my opinion, can stand on its own, but I’m certain that if you enjoyed this one, you’ll want to go back for the others.  Their relationship moves naturally from protector to friendship to, perhaps, even more.  Some might call it a slow burn; for me, it felt more like a naturally developing relationship as trust and emotions grew.  Their story is well-written, full of danger and intrigue as tensions build when Heath’s daughter becomes part of the situation.  I was kept on edge throughout, and I didn’t even try to figure out who was after Laurel; I only acknowledged that they were evil incarnate.  Yes, I was so involved that the whodunit aspect wasn’t as important as the relationship development.  If that sounds like your kind of romantic suspense, then you’d love this one.  While this is a clean, faith-based read, keep in mind that it is a ‘suspense’, so there may be indications of violence within the storyline.

*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. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon