Book Review: The Targeted by Cara Putman

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far. When you're reading this my house should be in the market so things are in full swing! I'm nervous, excited, and everything in between. I just pray that the right family comes along because it's going to be hard letting this house go.

To keep my minds off of my feelings I've been reading some pretty deep novels like the one I am featuring today.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Romantic Suspense and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

The Takeover JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

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?

My Review

It is sickening the lengths people will go through to satisfy dark desires, and the ripple effect it has is so far-reaching. This is the thought that stayed with me the entire time I was reading The Targeted. If you know anything about the US Gymnastics abuse scandal that came to light a few years ago, then you will see parallels in this novel, as it also deals with similar abuse.

If you’re wanting a light and airy read, this is not the book for you. This handles tough subjects that hold a lot of weight, but it is all handled with the utmost care and respect. I appreciate the author’s bravery for delving as deep as she did into this subject.

You can't help but feel a heaviness while reading, especially when it comes to Chloe. It's clear she has been through it, and my heart went out to her instantly. Heroic Dare always seems to be there when Chloe needs him the most and is a bright spot in an otherwise darker read. Their dynamic is refreshing, and it was nice to see Chloe not have to deal with everything alone.

There was a shocking plot twist that I did not see coming that had me audibly gasping. It was so unexpected and turned the entire story upside down for me.

While a harder read due to the weighty subject matter, I enjoyed this novel. The characters are well fleshed out, believable, and easy to root for. Plus, it has a satisfying ending that was believable and reminds you that there's always hope, even in the hard.

My Rating: ★★★★1/2

More Books from this Series

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Be sure to check out my other reviews of books by Cara Putman

About the Author

Cara Putman

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.

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

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