Unexpected Target by Penny Zeller Review

Unexpected Target is another great Christian romantic suspense book from Penny Zeller.

Oaklee is one of quite a few people who has their house broken into, yet in all cases, nothing appears to be stolen. However, as Oaklee attempts to just live her life she is suddenly the target of different attacks that keep escalating. She has no clue why she has been targeted. 

Grayson is the third of three Brenneman brothers that are the male main characters in this series. He is in law enforcement and is handling Oaklee's case, though he also knows her because he takes the cycling class she leads at the gym. He is determined to find out who is targeting her and realizes he is falling for her along the way. 

Faith plays an important part in this story, as it does in all of the author's books. We also see the importance of redemption and forgiveness. 

I loved getting caught up with the previous characters in the series and I loved the furry characters. 

There was a good amount of suspense and danger, and I loved that Oaklee was not a helpless female. She tried very hard to take care of herself and get herself out of danger, though that didn't always work. There was a huge cast of possible suspects, the mystery was knowing exactly what they were up to, though things were slowly revealed as the book progressed. There were some things that were obvious, and others that had me wondering. I admit I wish the reason for her being targeted was a bit stronger. It seemed that she was being targeted before she really should have been. 

All in all, this was another awesome, faith-filled book by the author.

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

 

Friday Fun - March 27, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays, the Friday 56, and First Line Friday.

This week I have two books and a novella to share with you.

I'm continuing my reread of the Holly series by C.C. Warrens in anticipation of reading her newest book that releases this May, Crossbones. I zinged through book three, Crossed Off.

I also zinged through the next book, Injustice for All, which is technically part of the Seeking Justice series, but is recommended to be read after Crossed Off and before book four, Cross the Line.

I'm currently reading the novella that fits between the two Seeking Justice books, Holly Jolly Christmas.

        Book Beginnings on Friday    

 

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selections:

 Crossed Off by C.C. Warrens:

"Ash drifted down around me like snowflakes from the night sky as I watched the women's shelter smolder."

This book starts off right where book two left off. It was quite the cliffhanger. And quite a devastating beginning for this book.

Injustice for All by C.C. Warrens:

The last time I shared about this book I had shared from the prologue. This time I am sharing from chapter one.

"It was like staring at an insect display - pinned in place with arms and legs outstretched and labeled for all to examine - only this display featured a man pinned in place by scalpels that had been driven through his hands into the tile of his kitchen floor."

Well, that is quite disturbing.

Holly Jolly Christmas by C.C. Warrens:

The last time I shared about this book I also shared from the prologue. So, here's the first line from chapter one.

"Marx sat in his car, staring at the familiar white house a hundred feet away."

Why was he staring at the house and why was it familiar?

Now for:

The Friday 56 

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections:

Crossed Off  by C.C. Warrens:

"'What are the chances you would run into an ex-con bent on revenge at the address Danny gave you?'

'Slim. But Daniel wasn't lookin' to have me killed, so if this was a set-up, I don't think it was his doin'. If anythin', he was probably just the messenger.'

'You think he honestly didn't know? That someone used him to set you up?'

I followed Marx's and Sam's eyes to the apartment. If this was a trap, what or who was waiting behind that door? I seriously doubted it was Riley's owner."

Injustice for All by C.C. Warrens:

"Marx gazed at Lola as he tried to find his way into the mind of her killer. 'What happened that made him hate you so much?'

'Are you talking to me or the dead body?' Ella asked, her blond eyebrows arching with interest. 'I talk to dead bodies all the time. It's nothing to be ashamed about, and sometimes it's even therapeutic. Unlike living people, they don't interrupt or offer unsolicited advice.'"

Holly Jolly Christmas by C.C. Warrens:

"Dad grunted. 'So she does have a brain.'

Tired of his rudeness, Marx grabbed the piece of glass with the tweezers and ripped it out of Dad's foot without warning. Dad let out a string of profanity that would make a nun faint.

'Augustus Gray!'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books and a short story in my Friday fun post. I'm still reading the one book, but here is the link to the other review:

Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens

Winter Memorial by C.C. Warrens

Cross Fire by C.C. Warrens

Two weeks ago I shared two books in my Friday Fun post. I already shared the link to the one review, but here is the other one.

Unexpected Target by Penny Zeller

Winter Memorial by C.C. Warrens Review

 

I'm rereading the Holly series and seeing as I never read Winter Memorial the first time around, I thought I should do so now. It was a great short story. I enjoyed another peek into the lives of Holly and her friends. 

This short story takes place in between Criss Cross and Cross Fire. I admit, one of the reasons I was determined to read it this time around is because I wanted to make sure I hadn't missed anything of importance in the storyline. I would have to say that you could read the series without reading this short story and not really miss anything. However, you can't just pick up Winter Memorial and understand the story.

Holly attends a memorial for fallen police officers with Marx and Sam and Jace. She is feeling guilty because Marx's friend and fellow officer had been killed while guarding her. She dreads meeting his family. At the same time we get to learn more about what happened to Jace's brother Scott who is currently in a coma. The importance of forgiveness plays a huge role in this short story.

Cross Fire by C.C. Warrens Review

 

Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved this second book in the Holly series!! Such a roller coaster of emotion. In tears for Holly, who is of course still struggling with her past and the impact on her, then laughing at her antics and the interactions between her and Marx, her and Jordan, and their interactions with each other. And the tension of the suspense with Collin and the new "bad guys."

I loved discovering more of Holly's background.

It wasn't quite as suspenseful as the first book was for me. Though she was not only dealing with her stalker ex-foster brother, but also being in the middle of the conflict with drug dealers. Still suspense-filled, with twists and turns I sort of saw coming. Though I wasn't quite sure about the final reveal until moments before reading it. And yes, this book ends on a huge cliffhanger, bigger than the first book. If you read this book, make sure to have book 3 waiting. 

And I loved it just as much after rereading it. I had forgotten quite a bit from this book. A lot more than I had forgotten from book one. 

Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens Review

 

I have now read Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens two times. Originally I had the book on KU for a while before I got around to reading it. When I finally had a chance to get to it, lets just say, I could hardly put it down. I had regretted not getting to it sooner. This book has wonderful suspense, but there was also humor and witty dialogue, which really helped keep the book from being too intense at times. Yes, I laughed out loud multiple times.  

Holly has been on her own, running from danger in her past, danger that seems to have caught up with her. We quickly meet Detective Marx toward the beginning of the book when she is attacked in the park. We discover her distrust in cops and learn that she trusts barely anyone and would very much prefer that they keep their distance. We do see that she has one neighbor who is a friend, though there is much Holly doesn't share with her.

I like the way the author unraveled the mystery around Holly's past. A past that she only partially remembered due to her suppression of her early life due to some sort of horror. I also loved seeing her relationships with her acquaintances evolve. 

I do wish Holly wasn't so stubborn at times. It's like, come on, there is a killer out to get you, please listen to the professionals who are trying to protect you. Sigh. 

I had a feeling the book would end on a cliffhanger, so I was prepared for that and couldn't wait to start book 2.

After my reread I have to say I am still in love with these books and these characters. I zinged through this first book a day faster than the first time. I had forgotten some details, but was surprised with how much I had remembered. I'm rereading the series in anticipation of the newest book releasing this spring.

Friday Fun - March 20, 2026

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with three different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays, the Friday 56, and First Line Friday.

This week I have two books and a short story to share with you.

I am rereading the Holly series by C.C. Warrens in anticipation of reading her newest book that releases this May, Crossbones. I zinged through Criss Cross.

Then I read the short story, Winter Memorial by C.C.Warrens, which I had actually not read previously. 

I'm currently reading book two, Cross Fire.

        Book Beginnings on Friday    

 

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

and

First Line Friday

(Please join Carrie for First Line Friday.)

Here are my Book Beginnings/First Line Friday selections:

 Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens:

"The ominous sound of something scraping across the cement behind me raised the hairs on the back of my neck."

Well, that got my attention. Definitely sets the tone.

Winter Memorial by C.C. Warrens:

"Life is a temporary gift - a fragile, fleeting moment in time."

Truth.

Cross Fire by C.C. Warrens:

"The aroma of sweat and coconut shampoo filled the room, bringing to mind a tropical sweat lodge."

A bit of a different first sentence than book one. I was curious why she was focusing on the scent and where exactly she was.

Now for:

The Friday 56 

The Friday 56 is normally hosted over at Freda's Voice. But Anne from My Head is Full of Books is taking over for a while. 

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections:

Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens:

"'And then there's the matter of the young woman covered in blood.'

'What young woman?' Detective Marx demanded.

'She's approximately five-one, red hair, brown eyes,' the man explained.

'You've got to be kiddin' me,' Detective Marx groaned. 'Is she all right?'"

Winter Memorial by C.C. Warrens:

"'I was so scared I just ran home and hid in my room. My Grams would be so disappointed if she knew.'

A disappointed Grandmother would be the least of his problems, but Sam didn't mention that at the moment. 'Tell me about the other guys.'"

Cross Fire by C.C. Warrens:

"'Look, Holly,' he began, his voice low and gentle. 'I realize that talkin' about the man who hurt you is painful. I've also learned that when you're scared or hurt, your defenses come up. But you don't need to hide behind those defenses with me.'

I stared into my hot chocolate.

'I promise you, sweetheart, I will put that man behind bars or in the ground if it's the last thing I do, but I need to know who I'm dealin' with.'"

Reviews:

Last week I shared two books in my Friday fun post. I'm still reading the one book, but here is the link to the other review:

Reign Breaker by J.J. Fischer

Reign Breaker by J.J. Fischer Review

 

I absolutely adored Reign Breaker, the second book in the Painted Wind series by J.J. Fischer. It was awesome to get to travel back to this fantasy world she created and revisit Rigan and Corcoran, plus get to know Prince Soren better and be introduced to the newest main character, Isel. Plus we got to see old friends, yay! And old enemies, boo! Not really "boo," but I definitely could have done without seeing a couple of the villains from the first book, especially with the parts they played in this story.

Reign Breaker was told from four points of view. We again got to follow Rigan and Corcoran, and we also get to follow Prince Soren and Isel, the young lady who looks so very much like Rigan. The story takes place on both parts of the Twin Kingdoms, Jardia and Calidore. 

There is adventure and danger and political intrigue and war. We get to learn more about the Shro Khan, the evil, shape-shifting monsters who play a much bigger part this time around. In fact, they seem to be a lot more powerful now and I'm really concerned about how they are going to affect our characters in the upcoming books. There is a lot in this book about how the Khan are affecting characters in different ways already. 

But we have also learned more about the Divine Will and see more characters who trust in Him and urge others to as well. I loved the introduction of the new "race" that seems to be followers of this Divine Will, and I hope we get to see more of them. I'm also wondering if we will ever get to learn more about this world besides the Twin Kingdoms.

I have to say, the relationship between Rigan and Corcoran could use a bit of help. They need to work on their trust and their communication. Hopefully they get a chance to do so. I loved the way the relationship between Prince Soren and Isel has been progressing, except for the fact that there is a bit of a love triangle that was going on, and then maybe not going on, but then might be an issue again. 

And in all this, who can we really trust what with the Shro Khan being able to control people. And then there are prophecies that may or may not be real. And unexpected twists that kept me glued to the book. 

Yes, this is a book and a series that I can definitely recommend. Be aware though, this book ends on a cliffhanger, so you may want to wait to read it closer to when book three comes out. And definitely make sure to read book one, The Heart of the King first, as this story picks up right where that one left off. 

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.