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The Target
Sara Michaels is the daughter of a prominent senator who has just announced his candidacy for President of the United States—the same senator who has been receiving death threats against his family for some time.
Sara is also the owner of a self-help clinic and is hell-bent—despite the FBI's warnings—on leading a group of ten women on a two-week sojourn through the Rocky Mountains.
In an effort to protect Sara, the FBI recruits homicide detective Jaime Hutchinson to infiltrate the group and secretly provide the protection they are so certain Sara will need. After some clever maneuvering, Jaime finds herself welcomed by the ten conservative women—who soon begin playing matchmaker with Sara and Jaime.
But then Jaime is reminded of the reason that she has joined this group of women when she's forced to lead them out of the mountains and away from a sniper's bullets.
Will Sara finally figure out who is behind the death threats? And will Jaime realize the truth...and be able to save Sara before it's too late?
When Jaime realizes the truth, she must convince the FBI to return to Colorado Springs before it's too late to save Sara.
Sara is also the owner of a self-help clinic and is hell-bent—despite the FBI's warnings—on leading a group of ten women on a two-week sojourn through the Rocky Mountains.
In an effort to protect Sara, the FBI recruits homicide detective Jaime Hutchinson to infiltrate the group and secretly provide the protection they are so certain Sara will need. After some clever maneuvering, Jaime finds herself welcomed by the ten conservative women—who soon begin playing matchmaker with Sara and Jaime.
But then Jaime is reminded of the reason that she has joined this group of women when she's forced to lead them out of the mountains and away from a sniper's bullets.
Will Sara finally figure out who is behind the death threats? And will Jaime realize the truth...and be able to save Sara before it's too late?
When Jaime realizes the truth, she must convince the FBI to return to Colorado Springs before it's too late to save Sara.
279 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
47 people are currently reading
1324 people want to read
About the author
Gerri Hill
56 books1,542 followersGerri began writing lesbian romance as a way to amuse herself while snowed in one winter in the mountains of Colorado, and hasn’t looked back. Her first published work came in 2000 with One Summer Night. Many more romances have followed, with the occasional murder mystery in the mix.
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
Gerri’s love of nature and of being outdoors usually makes its way into her stories as her characters often find themselves in beautiful natural settings. When she isn’t writing, Gerri and her longtime partner, Diane, can be found at their home in East Texas, where their vegetable garden, orchard, and five acres of woods keep them busy. They share their lives with an ever-changing cast of furry friends.
Her favorite pastimes include camping, hiking, birdwatching (though she insists she doesn’t wear funny hats yet!), photography, and cooking. She collects things nature offers, like an unusual pinecone, colorful rocks, or an abandoned bird feather. Dawn is her favorite time of day, the moment right before sunrise...
"I love the morning... the beginning of a brand new day. Because even things that we know are unattainable flutter within our grasp. In the early morning—at that cusp of a new day—everything is possible."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
April 26, 2020
Ahhhhhh...... Gerri. Ahhhhh.... Abby. I love listening to my old fave Gerri Hill books in audiobook form. This one is also great even though there are some similarities between it and a few others. Hot springs....nakedness in the hot springs... flirtatious jokes about drowning the impossibly attractive woman in said hot springs. But who cares?!? Gerri loves nature, hiking, birds and wildlife - and I never get tired of reading about these outdoor adventures and imagining the beauty she so eloquently describes. It doesn't matter if they are cop thriller books with romance or straight romances, Gerri's books are so wonderfully written that I'm always completely sucked in and along for the ride. This was no exception. AND we get the bonus of a brief return of Jake McCoy and Nicole from The Killing Room! Love when that happens. And of course Abby Craden's wonderfully delicious voice and performance of the story. You know, if Abby and Angela Dawe narrated every damn thing I'd be happy. Okay, okay, variety is important and there are other talented narrators out there, but they are both SO TERRIFIC at it. They kill me. So yes - another great, romantic, exciting, sexy read. There's a reason Gerri's books take up so much room on my bookshelves. And also now in my Audible account. :-)
June 2, 2017
This was a good, enjoyable Gerri Hill book. There is something about being out in the wilderness and experiencing danger, that I enjoy in books. It's probably why I like so many of Kim Baldwin's books, and this had that same kind of feel to me. The characters are likeable, even the secondary ones, and of course the setting in the mountains is great. The romance was a little bit rushed, but when you go through a life-threatening experience, you can reason people would bond quicker.
I would definitely recommend this to romance/action fans.
I would definitely recommend this to romance/action fans.
September 10, 2024
3.5
I really enjoyed the concept of women bonding in the wilderness during a crisis, which made for an engaging and well-written read. But by chapter 37, the pacing started to lag, and the story became a bit repetitive. Some of the language and clichéd drama felt slightly dated—probably because of its 2007 release—giving off that early 2000s cheesy Hollywood blockbuster vibe. The ending also felt so abrupt that I thought I’d missed a final chapter! Despite these issues, it was still a worthwhile and enjoyable read overall.
I really enjoyed the concept of women bonding in the wilderness during a crisis, which made for an engaging and well-written read. But by chapter 37, the pacing started to lag, and the story became a bit repetitive. Some of the language and clichéd drama felt slightly dated—probably because of its 2007 release—giving off that early 2000s cheesy Hollywood blockbuster vibe. The ending also felt so abrupt that I thought I’d missed a final chapter! Despite these issues, it was still a worthwhile and enjoyable read overall.
April 9, 2023
Well, guess this could easily be my Fallback Friday read...on Thursday. I did not realize this book was released in 2007.
Sara Michaels is the estranged daughter of a conservative senator and presidential candidate. When some death threats are reported against her, the FBI recommends protection. Sara declines, having to run a backpacking trip into the Colorado Mountains for her successful company. Jamie Hutchinson is a Denver based detective with the police department. Her strong backpacking background gets her assigned to intercept Sara Michaels while on the trails. Initially thinking the threats were baseless, Jamie has to assume command of the eleven women party when a sniper threatens all their lives.
The premise that gets Jamie assigned to the case is, quite frankly, silly. The perpetrators go out of their way to impersonate an FBI agent so a cop can track the otherwise unarmed women instead of having their professional hitman do it himself. Why would anyone want to involve law enforcement when the crime would otherwise be in complete isolation and against unprotected subjects? If one can get past this, then the story is a well written (as expected for this author), entertaining but straightforward read. There is no big twist to the conspiracy and the thrill is on seeing these women move through the mountain fighting for their own survival.
The banter between all the women, not just the main characters, was good. There was a sense of urgency at times but at others things seemed very lax. I’m not an alcohol drinker, but enjoying wine when there is a sniper on the lose seems a little far fetched. That said, the main characters’ interactions seemed more real and can see the connection developing in such a short time due to the intensity of the experience.
I would have liked to see an epilogue to close out the story a little better. A look at the women’s feelings after such a life changing ordeal would have been nice since there was an issue with the coping of the situation as it happened.
With respect to how it holds over time, the answer is well. Cellphone reception can still be unreliable up in the mountains. Batteries were dead so perhaps carrying a portable charger would be the difference nowadays.
Overall an ok read for action fans.
Sara Michaels is the estranged daughter of a conservative senator and presidential candidate. When some death threats are reported against her, the FBI recommends protection. Sara declines, having to run a backpacking trip into the Colorado Mountains for her successful company. Jamie Hutchinson is a Denver based detective with the police department. Her strong backpacking background gets her assigned to intercept Sara Michaels while on the trails. Initially thinking the threats were baseless, Jamie has to assume command of the eleven women party when a sniper threatens all their lives.
The premise that gets Jamie assigned to the case is, quite frankly, silly. The perpetrators go out of their way to impersonate an FBI agent so a cop can track the otherwise unarmed women instead of having their professional hitman do it himself. Why would anyone want to involve law enforcement when the crime would otherwise be in complete isolation and against unprotected subjects? If one can get past this, then the story is a well written (as expected for this author), entertaining but straightforward read. There is no big twist to the conspiracy and the thrill is on seeing these women move through the mountain fighting for their own survival.
The banter between all the women, not just the main characters, was good. There was a sense of urgency at times but at others things seemed very lax. I’m not an alcohol drinker, but enjoying wine when there is a sniper on the lose seems a little far fetched. That said, the main characters’ interactions seemed more real and can see the connection developing in such a short time due to the intensity of the experience.
I would have liked to see an epilogue to close out the story a little better. A look at the women’s feelings after such a life changing ordeal would have been nice since there was an issue with the coping of the situation as it happened.
With respect to how it holds over time, the answer is well. Cellphone reception can still be unreliable up in the mountains. Batteries were dead so perhaps carrying a portable charger would be the difference nowadays.
Overall an ok read for action fans.
March 16, 2019
I really love the way Gerri Hill writes - can do no wrong in my eyes - this is my 14th book by her & all score 5* or 4*. The story carries me along & I'm caught up in the mood. Thanks again.
August 23, 2021
3.5 Stars - action/thriller/romance - a good listen, I mean it's Abby Craden, so duh, but for some reason the MC's didn't really click for me. The story was interesting and the ending was exciting.
December 13, 2023
Gerri Hill delivers another page-turner, brilliantly narrated by Abby Craden. Jamie’s character, with her smart, relaxed demeanor and humour, is particularly engaging. The chemistry between her and Sara is palpable yet natural and well-developed. The assassination plot line adds an element of suspense, making it a thoroughly engaging read. Hill's skillful storytelling, combined with Craden’s captivating narration, makes for an absorbing and thrilling read that grabs your attention right from the outset.
As always, Hill's passion for nature is evident in her vivid descriptions of hiking, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Whether she's crafting a suspenseful cop drama or a heartfelt romance, her ability to weave captivating narratives in amazing settings is unmatched. This book is a testament to that skill, effortlessly drawing readers into its world.
Looking forward to my next read from Gerri Hill!
As always, Hill's passion for nature is evident in her vivid descriptions of hiking, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Whether she's crafting a suspenseful cop drama or a heartfelt romance, her ability to weave captivating narratives in amazing settings is unmatched. This book is a testament to that skill, effortlessly drawing readers into its world.
Looking forward to my next read from Gerri Hill!
May 19, 2023
Story: 3,5 ⭐️
Narrator Abby Craden: 4,5 ⭐️
Narrator Abby Craden: 4,5 ⭐️
March 6, 2021
The perfect setting. Likeable characters, lots of playful bantering. Great secondary characters. Also: Very intense, intimate and exciting story at the same time. I liked the dynamic between Jaime and Sara as well as the group of women.
SPOILER:
I was quite floored that Sandra actually died, I didn't expect that and didn't like it either.
SPOILER END
All in all my favorite , or one of my favorite, Gerri Hill books.
And of cause, because Abby Craden.
SPOILER:
I was quite floored that Sandra actually died, I didn't expect that and didn't like it either.
SPOILER END
All in all my favorite , or one of my favorite, Gerri Hill books.
And of cause, because Abby Craden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2022
Another great read/listen by Gerri Hill and Abby Craden. I just love that these two have come together to reimagine all of Hill’s library.
Sara is a politician’s daughter who wants nothing to do with that life. Jamie is a hiker/detective assigned to guard Sara by the FBI. I wonder how this will end?
Regardless, what we do know is that Hill can write stories so well. She builds her characters and gets her readers invested in them. This had a ton of supporting characters that really made it a well rounded book.
This book was a thriller romance and I couldn’t love it more. I must also add that it had one of the best sex scenes I have ever came across in a book. Craden can work some magic in that area, but even if I had been reading I would likely have read it again and again. I have already recommended this book to a friend just for the one sex scene alone. I am also happy to say that the story is also amazing as well. ;)
Sara is a politician’s daughter who wants nothing to do with that life. Jamie is a hiker/detective assigned to guard Sara by the FBI. I wonder how this will end?
Regardless, what we do know is that Hill can write stories so well. She builds her characters and gets her readers invested in them. This had a ton of supporting characters that really made it a well rounded book.
This book was a thriller romance and I couldn’t love it more. I must also add that it had one of the best sex scenes I have ever came across in a book. Craden can work some magic in that area, but even if I had been reading I would likely have read it again and again. I have already recommended this book to a friend just for the one sex scene alone. I am also happy to say that the story is also amazing as well. ;)
March 14, 2014
Wow, what an suspenseful, emotional and entertaining story. I couldn't put the book down until I was finished. This book just captivated me and drew me in right away. Thumbs up!
June 2, 2021
Five stars.
Well I was afraid there will be much more USA politics than there actually was. So that part was great.
I'd classify this as an enjoyable action-adventure thriller that's ideal for switching off your brain after a long day.
I also appreciated Jake's (Killing Room) cameo :)
It always makes me smile whenever I notice some small reference to Hill's other books. It gives it a feeling of being a connected world without forcing the reader to read the books in a particular order, because the potential "lack of knowledge" won't impact the reading experience.
Well I was afraid there will be much more USA politics than there actually was. So that part was great.
I'd classify this as an enjoyable action-adventure thriller that's ideal for switching off your brain after a long day.
I also appreciated Jake's (Killing Room) cameo :)
It always makes me smile whenever I notice some small reference to Hill's other books. It gives it a feeling of being a connected world without forcing the reader to read the books in a particular order, because the potential "lack of knowledge" won't impact the reading experience.
April 13, 2020
I dont know how to start, i just know i really like this book. I enjoyed it alot. A group of people went for 2 weeks hiking to refresh their mind, inprove themselves, mentally and physically. Bush walking, hiking, hot spring and skin dipping, what not to like? Well, with assassin trail behind them, it make this hiking more adventurous. I mean them no harm, but i really enjoyed every bit of it. With all the hints of who, why and the purpose behind this assassination, Gerri Hill really made my mind gone wild for a bit. 😆👍
And thanks Lex for recommend this book for me. Now you make me want to read about Jake's story. 😅
And thanks Lex for recommend this book for me. Now you make me want to read about Jake's story. 😅
December 19, 2019
Loved the setting: group of women hiking and camping, collegiate peaks, hot springs and a fucked up plot. Just devoured this book. Read it couple of years ago and now listened to the audio. Was making my commute a joy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
3.5⭐
This is different from the normal romance books I read and I enjoyed that.
The plot was definitely interesting but the romance didn't hit for me.
It felt a little forced and even annoyed me a little at first.
Despite enjoying it I don't think this will stick with me for very long. I've honestly already forgotten what happened at the very end and I've finished this like 4 hours ago.
This is different from the normal romance books I read and I enjoyed that.
The plot was definitely interesting but the romance didn't hit for me.
It felt a little forced and even annoyed me a little at first.
Despite enjoying it I don't think this will stick with me for very long. I've honestly already forgotten what happened at the very end and I've finished this like 4 hours ago.
November 12, 2008
One of Gerri's fantastic mystery/lesbian romances
Easy read but couldn't put it down
Easy read but couldn't put it down
February 25, 2023
I fell victim to sunk cost fallacy with this one but I really should’ve DNFed. It got very boring very quickly and I didn’t care much for the couple.
February 12, 2022
4.50⭐ Eu amei praticamente tudo nesse livro. A história, as personagens, a ambientação, o casal principal, as cenas de ação.
Pra mim o único ponto fraco dele foi o fato da Sara não ter sido melhor aproveitada. Agora, vou defender meu caso:
Eu senti como se a Sara tivesse se tornado praticamente uma personagem passiva na segunda parte da história. Ela começou tão imponente e líder pra terminar como uma personagem que só sabe dizer "eu me sinto segura com você" e "eu tô com medo" . Sim, faz todo sentido ela ficar com medo, até porque ela é uma empresária sendo perseguida por um assassino, quem não teria medo de uma p* dessa? Mas, cara, foi dito que ela fez aulas de defesa pessoal, assim como já praticou tiro ao alvo - logo sabe manusear arma de fogo - mas em nenhum momento ela usa essas habilidades e termina ficando metade do livro em uma posição passiva onde ela só espera que as coisas aconteçam e que a Jaime pense em algo pra salvar ela e o grupo.
Tipo, eu não esperava que ela fizesse nada extravagante como a Jaime que é a policial treinada do grupo, mas poxa é uma ficção dava pra ter dado mais independência pra Sara.
Annnd, o romance foi um pouco rápido. Eu senti que Hill quis entregar a maior parte do desenvolvimento delas na primeira metade do livro - que durou mais ou menos 1 semana - então foi corrido, ✨MAS✨ eu entendo que na situação em que elas estavam se apegar a alguém em busca de segurança e estabilidade emocional é o esperado (assim como aconteceu com as outras mulheres do grupo que se apegaram com suas duplas de barraca, mesmo que não tenha sido relacionamento romântico cresceu um afeto genuíno entre elas que foi amplificado pela situação tensa que elas estavam passando), então eu relevo o romance ter sido apressado e concluo que eu gostei da forma que foi trabalhado.
E pra terminar:
Jaime e Sara embaixo de uma árvore... 🎶
Pra mim o único ponto fraco dele foi o fato da Sara não ter sido melhor aproveitada. Agora, vou defender meu caso:
Eu senti como se a Sara tivesse se tornado praticamente uma personagem passiva na segunda parte da história. Ela começou tão imponente e líder pra terminar como uma personagem que só sabe dizer "eu me sinto segura com você" e "eu tô com medo" . Sim, faz todo sentido ela ficar com medo, até porque ela é uma empresária sendo perseguida por um assassino, quem não teria medo de uma p* dessa? Mas, cara, foi dito que ela fez aulas de defesa pessoal, assim como já praticou tiro ao alvo - logo sabe manusear arma de fogo - mas em nenhum momento ela usa essas habilidades e termina ficando metade do livro em uma posição passiva onde ela só espera que as coisas aconteçam e que a Jaime pense em algo pra salvar ela e o grupo.
Tipo, eu não esperava que ela fizesse nada extravagante como a Jaime que é a policial treinada do grupo, mas poxa é uma ficção dava pra ter dado mais independência pra Sara.
Annnd, o romance foi um pouco rápido. Eu senti que Hill quis entregar a maior parte do desenvolvimento delas na primeira metade do livro - que durou mais ou menos 1 semana - então foi corrido, ✨MAS✨ eu entendo que na situação em que elas estavam se apegar a alguém em busca de segurança e estabilidade emocional é o esperado (assim como aconteceu com as outras mulheres do grupo que se apegaram com suas duplas de barraca, mesmo que não tenha sido relacionamento romântico cresceu um afeto genuíno entre elas que foi amplificado pela situação tensa que elas estavam passando), então eu relevo o romance ter sido apressado e concluo que eu gostei da forma que foi trabalhado.
E pra terminar:
Jaime e Sara embaixo de uma árvore... 🎶
July 5, 2022
The Target by Gerri Hill: This is a 5-star thriller. It had a solid well-written story. The characters were fleshed out very well. The wilderness setting added to the feeling of imminent danger. The tension built consistently. I loved listening to this one. The romance angle was not forced but was hurried along but did not ruin it. I liked this adventure a lot and will certainly read this one again. 4 to 5 stars. I think I lean more toward 5.
March 30, 2019
The target
Another great novel by this author; loved the development of the characters and then the suspense and thrill of the hunt, combined with the heat of a newly kindled relationship.
Definitely worth the read, I know I will definitely be re-reading this at some point.
Another great novel by this author; loved the development of the characters and then the suspense and thrill of the hunt, combined with the heat of a newly kindled relationship.
Definitely worth the read, I know I will definitely be re-reading this at some point.
January 29, 2008
Spannend en sexy. Graag gelezen.
Read
October 20, 2009Fun to do laundry by.
May 4, 2012
This was a great book! Thanks Ms Hill for another great track through the woods with some bullets and romance thrown in. I really enjoyed this one immensely. ;)
March 28, 2012
Enjoyed reading this, very easy to read.
April 16, 2012
One of my favorites to reread
April 21, 2012
Great Book. You won't be disappointed. Gerri Hill is a good author.
February 4, 2016
The idea of an attack on a candidate's family is not new, but the way the author handled it was creative.
December 16, 2014
God dammit. With Gerri Hill, it seems like each book is better than the one before. I couldn't put this one down. Fastest reading I've ever done. I was captured by the story instantly.
January 25, 2015
The story was convoluted and cliche, but it was a quick read and ultimately if you didn't think too terribly hard about the logistics, it was dumb fun.
April 8, 2023
I am surprised that I liked this book. Mainly because it’s a wilderness setting and since I’m not into that scene, outdoor survival or camping for that matter I had low expectations. I just noticed that in the middle of the story I was quite enthralled by the journey of the characters and I was reading past midnight not wanting to stop. Therefore, I deduced from my subconscious reaction that the story was captivating despite my earlier reservations.
The story has some thrilling points in it, plot to assassinate, political, homophobia and lots and lots of outdoor adventures. It was a fun, fast paced read.
The story has some thrilling points in it, plot to assassinate, political, homophobia and lots and lots of outdoor adventures. It was a fun, fast paced read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews