Under Fire (Defend and Protect Book #3) Kindle Edition

Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.Those who’ve read the Dive Team Investigations (DTI) series, as well as the first two books of this series (Unknown Threat and Malicious Intent), will definitely want to get Under Fire. I highly recommend picking up the Targeted novella which has Deadly Objective. That novella is about Gil’s sister Emily and her love interest Liam. Those who haven’t read that novella will get major spoils from this book.Also, those who haven’t read DTI or the previous two books should read those as well. Adam, Sabrina, Gabe, and Anissa from DTI show up in this book.When it comes to book covers – I don’t get too excited. There are some that look like works of art. Others? The background color makes them pop. As someone who likes purple – this popped right out at me. But, covers are NOT everything. It is the characters and story that is the biggest part of any book.Obviously the characters from the other books in this series return (Emily and Liam are only mentioned):🚓 Luke (Secret Service)🚓 Faith (FBI)🚓 Gil (Secret Service)🥼 Ivy (CEO of Hedera)🤿 AdamThis is Zane Thacker and Tessa Reed’s story told not only from their POV, but also a mystery POV.Tessa’s story is one that definitely sparks interest. As a result, it might be triggering for some readers. She is a recovering alcoholic, which incidentally she’s forced into rehab because of an event almost two years before the main story that comes back to haunt her – though it does make for an interesting plot arc which starts off the story.There are also mentions of domestic violence, mental illness, and drug abuse.This is a multi-layer story that involves the protection detail section of the Secret Service. The president is coming for a visit, and the Raleigh office has had a bad past.Blackburn gives us multiple story arcs:🐍 Tessa’s stalker🎯 Multiple threats against the president💕 Zane & Tessa’s romanceThis starts off with Tessa calling Zane for help. But, that incident hurts the relationship/friendship she has with Zane. She sees his help as controlling her.Almost two years after the incident, the president is set to visit Raleigh.Tessa and Zane are slowly becoming friends again, but her emotions are all over the map. Still, as they work closer together, and Tessa offers to help Zane decorate his D.C apartment; something builds between the two.The romance is definitely a will they/won’t they with a slow burn. But, Zane’s reasons for not jumping right in are sound – his own experiences with his alcoholic mother, also Tessa’s time from her rehab completion. Blackburn keeps it slightly rooted in reality.In addition, between checking what threats are real and finding Tessa’s stalker – it keeps the agents busy.There is a slimy reporter that reminded me of a character from the movie Die Hard (the reporter Thornburg). This guy, Hank, has absolutely no professionalism – even making up a story without doing any fact-checking, and not taking “no” for an answer when it comes to Tessa.Also, regarding Tessa – given her family background being from India (her mother half Indian) – there is a moment where she’s eating a cheeseburger, and I was wondering about that. There is some misinformation about the consumption of cow meat with regard to the Indian culture.I did relate to her finding bargains – that is a skill I’m quite proud of myself.Under Fire is definitely balanced on the romantic suspense genre – it is, for me, more romance than suspense though. The suspense isn’t a wild ride, but definitely one that kept me guessing. At no time did Blackburn really give a heads-up as to who Tessa had an encounter with until nearly the end. Also, the threat against the president was a more toned-down affair. It was a different and unique plot without the violence that is usually prevalent in similar “terrorist” type stories.Overall, it is a calmer conclusion for a series that started with a bang. I definitely had a hard time putting it down for the time I was able to read it.There are elements of humor throughout, and the agents’ family bond is endearing, given what they’ve all been through.As this is from a primarily Christian-based publisher, readers can expect some Christian themes. There are multiple incidents of the characters praying and their faith is definitely rooted in who they are.I’m excited to see what Blackburn has planned next, though I still have the Dive Team Investigation series on my TBR.