Cover Image: Never Miss

Never Miss

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Kadance is a sniper. A very good sniper, previously with the CIA. She comes from an extraordinary family, a family of skilled assassins. Once she realized her family was using her for murder, she fled and is in hiding from them.
While at a storage unit, she saves the life of Lyndon. Lyndon is very intelligent, with three doctorates, a guy many would label a nerd, but quite capable of defending himself as well as others.
Kadance owns a rather odd cat that she named Mac. Mac seems to understand her and know when she needs comfort from him. Mac helps her out of jams.
I did like her dedication to putting her own desire to remain hidden to help Lyndon. I felt empathy for both her and Lyndon when a horrible incident came to light for Kadance that impacted both herself and Lyndon. She felt he would never forgive her for her part in it.
The two end up working together to try to save the world from a deadly virus. Interesting with what has been going on in the past year in our own world.
A con on this story is too many details when Lyndon details his attraction for her to Kadance. Uncalled for in what's supposed to be a Christian fiction book. Also, just small mentions of God in the story.
Kadance decides to pray when in a jam and believes God is hearing and answering her prayers. It just doesn't work like that for a unbeliever. God isn't a jenny in a bottle that one can summons at opportune times and have their wishes granted.
I did enjoy the snippet of the author's next book that was at the end of this one. I look forward to reading it.
I was given an advanced ecopy of this book by the publisher, Revell and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

Never Miss by Melissa Koslin is a phenomenal book about a CIA agent. I love how the author set such a unique tone for this book on page 1 with a scene that really brought the CIA life to the forefront. This tone continued through the book and made it quite the page turner. You won't be able to stop reading because of the constant action and the interesting dialogue. Highly recommended! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Christian romantic suspense is my personal favorite genre, and so I am always on the lookout for new authors to read. As such, I was excited to give this debut from Melissa Koslin a try. After finishing the story, I must admit I'm still a bit torn on how I actually felt about it...

On the positive, it started out with a bang and drew me in immediately. Though I've read other stories in which a virus outbreak is threatened, I found that the approach that this story took seemed unique and that did make it more enjoyable. In fact in reading, I found myself thinking often that there was something unique about the telling of this story. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was, but it was certainly different. That could be perhaps the history of the hero and heroine.

While I did enjoy Kadence and Lyndon, their backgrounds seemed almost too perfect. They were both highly trained and highly skilled, almost to the point that it seemed unbelievable. Yes, they had their personal difficulties, but in their chosen professions it almost seemed too easy.

I still enjoyed the story, but I think I might have enjoyed it a bit more had it seemed like there was a chance that this overly capable pair might not succeed. That said, this was quite the debut nonetheless and I so look forward to seeing more from this author in the future!


**I received a complimentary copy of the book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The mixture of science and intrigue makes for an interesting story from beginning to end. It’s the perfect book to grab a glass of iced tea, find a partly sunny, partly shady spot to put your lawn chair in, and spend a lazy summer afternoon reading through Never Miss by Melissa Koslin.

The main characters are perfectly thought out. A young woman CIA sniper and her cat. A handsome, genius doctor who is trying to save the world, both complement and antagonize one another.

You will find family secrets that complicate the story, an anti-government group that wants to change the world, a cross-country trip to save the House, Senate, and President, and the beginning of a loving relationship.

My favorite part of this book is the cat. His name is Mac and he really holds the story together. However, it’s not about him.

My least favorite part of the book is the violence. I totally recognize that it helps to make the story believeable.

All-in-all it’s a very good read and I give it a high five!

Was this review helpful?

A tension fraught, fast paced read, former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle is in hiding from her past and the people who would have her use her sharp eye for evil. After rescuing Lyndon Vaile from the people after him and his research that proves biological warfare, they find themselves fighting for their lives and to stay one step ahead of those who would stop them at any cost.

A fantastic action filled read which is all too timely in a post pandemic world. Lyndon is an analytical wonder with a photographic memory, I admired him for his strong faith, and loved his slight eccentricity. He has a brilliant mind with a slew of masters degrees to prove it, he could do anything with his amazing mind, but he remains humble with a genuine thirst for finding the answers to his questions.

Kadance get's by with her sharpshooting skills, she is good at playing a variety of roles, but lets very few see the real her. I loved her adorable cat, Mac, who adds plenty of cute moments and humor to the story.

Overall, this was an amazing debut, with a suspense read that manages to stay away from feeling stereotypical I loved the unique but engaging characters, as well as the twisting plot that had me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read whatever Ms. Koslin writes next!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book was full of action, suspense and a bit of romance! I loved Kadance’s cat, Mac! Mac brought an element to the book that I enjoy when reading K-9 Suspense books. Totally believable when you’ve had a cat that is very similar.

The storyline draws you in and is well written. Lyndon and Kadance made a great team. Kadance is a former sniper and the Lyndon is a Scientist and also has a degree in cyber security.

I couldn’t find any other books by Melissa Koslin. I look forward to reading her future books especially the teaser at the end of this one!

Was this review helpful?

A new author to me, Melissa Koslin pulled off a tough assignment—make a sniper lovable and make readers want her to see her gain a normal life. Raised in a family of mercenaries, Kadance Tolle knows how to succeed against an enemy better than how to love and be loved. She’s escaped her old life, but it still haunts her. When she rescues a man who is about to be murdered, her life sets off on a new trajectory. Not only do she and Lyndon Vaile grow close as they run from those who wish to harm them, they discover a sinister plot that is much larger than their own paths. Can they stop the disaster in the making or is it too late to save the world? This deals with biological weapons and seems too real in our day and age. A powerful story that makes one think about life. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. #NeverMiss #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Never Miss by Melissa Koslin is an intriguing debut novel.
Two main characters with incredible talents.
They meet under less-than-likely circumstances, when Kadence saves Lyndon's life at a storage unit auction.
Yep, this hooked me too!
Fast paced, action packed, and lots of suspense. I found myself reading quickly to try and figure out what was going on.
I look forward to reading more from this author!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Was this review helpful?

What a wonderful debut from Melissa Koslin!
I always enjoy new authors because they bring something new to the table that I often don't know I've been missing. For me, this book was all about the characters. They were INCREDIBLY unique, but also EXTREMELY likable. Koslin was able to create vastly "flawed" individuals who not only were interesting enough to want to follow through this story, but had you rooting for them from some of the first pages. Because of their unique personalities, the romance was very unique too. I didn't necessarily love it, but it worked for the characters enough to not be a distraction. The fast pace and high action, kept the plot moving swiftly, and I was felt like I let out a big breath I'd been holding when I finished. There were also great breadcrumbs, along the way, about the mastermind behind the plot. I will definitely be in line to read Koslin's next novel.
I listened to the audio version, and found the narrator to be a good fit for the story.

I received a copy of this book digitally via NetGalley. I also ordered a copy from Baker Book House. I read and reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Kadence and Lyndon are perfect for each other and find each other when one of them is almost killed. I love the romance and the suspense. I love how they have to keep each other at arms length as they begin to know each other and break down many layers that they have added over the years. I love how the author treats Mac. He is a fantastic cat. I did not want to put the book down. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Was this review helpful?

A fast-paced book I appreciated a lot of what happened in Never Miss. The suspense side of the story was well done but I was pretty turned off by the romance side, I wish there would have been less of a focus on physical attraction.

Was this review helpful?

Kadence Tolle is a former CIA sniper who is on the run. She possesses a special set of skills that can't be outmatched. While on the run she saves the life of Lyndon Vaile. She looks at him as nothing but a geek and nerd. Little does she realize he has talents of his own. Not only does he have three doctorates, but he has fighting skills of his own. They discover someone is about to launch a bioattck at the State of the Union address. But no one will listen to their warnings. Soon they discover that they have connections to the one behind the attack.

I wouldn't necessarily call this a Christian book. There are a very few references to God. There is no foul language, sex scenes, or violence. So I would class it as a clean read. If you like suspense, this is the book for you. The only problem I had with the book is that the ending was rather abrupt. I will looking for future books by this author.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this story and I think the main reason was because of the unusual and ultra interesting main characters. And that includes Kadance's Maine Coon cat she named Mac. Mac was a good addition and sure did add a lot. Speaking of characters, lets get to the human ones. Lyndon ...wow he was a genius , in several different ways making him an unusual one at that. Now emotions was kind of outside his wheelhouse and Kadance later pointed out, he's a horrible liar. That fact is something that she gets to really like about him, the fact that he couldn't lie. She has had her fill of those (lies) in her life. She was also someone who didn't do emotions really well either. She's had to stuff a lot of feelings back to survive. She'd also been so isolated that what normal people had experienced, she never had a chance to. I found myself liking both of them as their lives/their pasts were slowly revealed. If you're looking for a hot and heavy story of romantic sex, this story doesn't have it. What it does have is 2 people slowly coming to a measure of trust. Then to a careful friendship of sorts. And even a more cautious reaching towards love for them. I found I enjoyed that. Maybe because they both had gone through so much tragedy.
Mysteries, dangers, secrets, emotions, lies, betrayals and plenty of action keeps this story moving. I also enjoyed the gentle weaving of faith that appeared in the story a few times. No hard push but it's there.
I liked how the story ended although I would have liked to see more closure with Kadance's family. Hmm, maybe it left the door open for another story?
By the way, the beautiful cover for this eBook caused me to stop and take another look for the book information.

"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Was this review helpful?

Title: Never Miss
Author: Melissa Koslin

Ch: 43

Pg: 368

Genre: Christian Suspense

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: 5 stars



I was hooked from page one of Never Miss the debut novel from Melissa Koslin. Though the publisher says it’s suspense to me it reads more like a psychological thriller. Kadance Tolle is a former CIA sniper Lyndon Vaile is a researcher studying possible man made virus. After saving him Kadance is determined to not only keep him alive but help him.


This book had some of my favorite things in literature a strong and compatible heroine and a slightly nerdy hero who is more than meets the eye. Who knows the heroine can take care of herself and just wants to help and support her in whatever way she needs.


Kadance was an easy character to relate to because like Kadance my father also taught me how to shoot but unlike characters in the book he never went against the oath. A favorite part was when Kadance was technically hustling the guys at the shooting range but hey it wasn’t her fault they didn’t think she could shoot just because she was a woman she didn’t lie she just didn’t correct them.


Keep in mind if you want to read this one keep in mind it’s more of psychological thriller than suspense. But I am looking forward to the next book from Melissa Koslin

I received a complimentary copy from the publishers as part of a blog tour. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Was this review helpful?

What a stunning a debut from Ms. Koslin! Never Miss kept me on my toes from page one. I became so invested in both of the main characters and fell in love with both of them! I love how Koslin managed to make Kadance to human despite her background, and I loved how genuine and kind Lyndon. The way their relationship slowly unfolded as they both infiltrated each other's hearts was beautiful! The plot was so unique and incredibly well done! I had a few issues with the believability of a few things. However these small issues didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story! Overall, well done! I can't wait to read more by this talented author!

Was this review helpful?

Holy. Cow. I'm not even sure what I just read!!! This was a thriller, romance, inspirational, military, book on steroids! I've never read anything like it and I mean that in a good way! It was deliciously long, and had so many layers and intellect in it that I would often pause and have to think about what I read. Highly, highly recommend this book and anything by this author!!!

Was this review helpful?

This cover drew me and I'm always excited to discover new authors, especially in my favourite genre: Christian suspense/thriller. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to the expectations. The summary of the book gave the impression of a thrilling/suspenseful ride, but it was okay.

The majority of the story played off through dialogue between the two main characters and I don't think this style of writing is for me. Though some was interesting, I did find myself bored a time or two. The plot of the mastermind was interesting and to find out who was behind it, had me finishing this story.

A major other problem for me, and I'm never one to complain about scenes with attraction, is the two detailed scene between the two when Lyndon explained his attraction to Kadance. Less detail would still give the message across and not have left this reader uncomfortable.

Also, at one point I had the thought if this book was for the secular market. And the small part where God was discussed was too light with no decent follow up.

There was also discussions of child abuse to groom as an assassin.

There is a lot of 4 and 5 stars for this book, and I think if you like a book more focused on characters and working through their problems, but as a Christian suspense, this was too light for me.

Will I read another book by this author? Yes, since this was her first novel and she does show potential as a writer.

Was this review helpful?

Melissa Koslin is a fresh, unique voice in Christian fiction! This story features two main characters who are anything but typical. Kadence, a former CIA sniper, and Lyndon, a medical researcher, are two no-nonsense people who are thrown together under some terrifying circumstances and who are certainly not looking for love. As they work together in a race to stop a bioweapon, their mutual trust develops into a deep friendship unlike any either of them has had before.

The action is definitely high-stakes, and the threat of both the impending Ebola attack and the threats on their lives keep the tensions high. But in the midst of the craziness, there are still some quieter moments that help the characters develop and give the reader some moments to breathe. One of the most unique characters isn’t even human - Mac, Kadence’s cat, is an incredible addition to the story as he provides both companionship and some tactical assistance! I really enjoyed this book, and I think fans of James R. Hannibal and Carrie Stuart Parks will as well. I can’t wait to read what Melissa Koslin writes next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Revell!

Was this review helpful?

I highly recommend this newest debut novel by Melissa Koslin! This book is a romantic suspense book with an engaging plot. The story will keep you guessing what is going to happen and who is behind what is occurring. The back story of both characters is interesting. The main characters are Kadance and Lyndon. They meet by chance and by Kadance saving Lyndon’s life. Then, they begin a journey to figure out why someone is after him. Kadance is an underestimated threat to those who are after Lyndon. Besides the suspense of what is going on with the two of them, another interesting aspect of the book was due to the threat of a biological weapon. Reading about the Ebola virus was an additional bonus to this book. I enjoyed how the author tied everything together in the book. I was definitely engaged and intrigued with the story as I read. Be prepared to want to read this book through completely. I highly recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Never Miss starts off with an intriguing premise. Ex-CIA sniper Kadence Tolle lives her life on the run. She saves Lyndon Vaile’s life, and then becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy. Kadence and Lyndon team up to stop a bioterrorism plot and find their lives are instantly intertwined. Lyndon is a scientist, and his research has made him a target while Kadence’s past comes back to haunt her.

I thought this story would be more of a CIA spy thriller based on the back cover blurb, but the romance takes center stage. The two main characters spend much of the novel reacting to their feelings of attraction. Both have struggles in their past that make it hard to have a relationship. The plot seemed to focus more on the internal ramifications of Kadence’s life as a sniper/assassin and how she struggles to come to terms with things she did in the past.

I wished the action and suspense had a better balance with the romance and emotional scenes. Even with some great action scenes in place, the internal and external dialogue of the characters slowed down the pace a bit too much for me.

Overall Rating:
3 stars (good story, maybe not my favorite but an enjoyable read)

Suspense Rating:
3 stars (some suspenseful moments)

I received an ebook review copy of this book through Revell and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Was this review helpful?