Perfect Target (Love Inspired Suspense) (Emerald Coast 911, #1)

by Stephanie Newton

This was alright. It started off strong but got steadily more preachy which was annoying.

I liked Bayley and her attitude to life. I liked that she was all about trying new things and making bold choices. I mean I wouldn't paint all the rooms in my house rainbow colours, but I liked the thought of it. I liked Bayley's job as the director of Hope House - a safe haven for abused women - and her dedication to ensuring the women's safety and happiness.

Cruse was alright. Spent a bit too much time beating himself up about not being good enough, but otherwise was okay. The main thing that annoyed me about him was the spelling of his name - why not Cruise or Cruze or Cruz. I don't know - pretty much anything other than Cruse.

The romance was pretty non-existent but they did build a friendship, sharing their pasts and that. I would've liked to see them spend more time with Sailor (Cruse's sister) or the rest of their friends/church group.

The plot moved along at a good speed. I have read a lot of stalker books with a cop next door neighbour - particularly with the living on a beach, but I felt this was sufficiently different in being fleshed out more and providing greater character depth. Perhaps also different because of the lack of romance and sex than some of the other books have had.

The mystery was interesting and the culprit was sufficiently hard to guess. Decently written, 3 stars.