The Targeted: Book review and JustRead Tour

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Targeted by Cara Putman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Targeted 

Series: Secrets to Keep #3 

Author: Cara Putman 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: May 19, 2026 

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Can she protect her gym students before her past catches up? 

When Chloe Ainsworth's older sister reappears after fourteen years, she brings with her the news that Chloe's abuser is back in town. Chloe is a coach at her childhood gym and fiercely protective of her young gymnasts. She won't allow them to suffer the way she did, but she's desperate for an ally—one who can help her make her case. 

 Law student Dare Shepherd works at the local legal clinic, where he meets Chloe and hears her out. He believes her case but can't get the clinic director on board. As he learns more about her story, he finds himself bound by a deepening personal care for Chloe. 

They band together in search of answers, and suddenly the stakes skyrocket. It's clear they're onto something, but will they be able to find the answers before it's too late? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

My review:

Targeted handled a very difficult subject, which not everyone has the courage to tackle, but Cara Putman provided a story with the right amount of detail to give the reader an idea of what happened without giving too much to make readers uncomfortable.

The legal side of the story was also done in such a smooth way that you could understand the process but did not feel overwhelmed with all the legal jargon. The romance was also in the background which I appreciated considering the subject matter and the focus of the plot.

The mystery and suspense had a slow build with the intensity climaxing at the end.  The author also added twists and murder at the right moments. Some of the twists you sort of suspected as the story unfolds and details were provided to the reader, and others totally pulled your feet out from under you.

“....that didn’t matter. If people leave her or let her down. God never would. He promised that, and his promises were true. Always.”

I loved the remembrance that God is always with us and that no matter what challenges we face or seasons we are in, He is with us, always.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

More Books from this Series:

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About the Author

Cara Putman is a professor, an attorney, and an award-winning, best-selling author of more than forty novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series, the Hidden Justice series, and The Vanished.

Connect with Cara by visiting caraputman.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Targeted and $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 20, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 27, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!