Action/Adventure: If you’re looking for suspense, Target Acquired picks up from the first chapter. We follow Kenzie King as she works hard to earn her spot on the SWAT team, all while fighting an enemy that seems to cause division. You don’t need to have read Double Take to follow Kenzie’s story, and you’ll see a whole new side of Lake City history, and how the past ripples out to affect the present.
And I was surprised by an additional time-slip POV, which adds room to breath from the tight-paced plot as well as another thread of mystery. But don’t worry, all the questions you’ll have swirling in your head will come to be answered by the end!

Romance: Kenzie and Cole’s romance was very well done. They have disagreements, some of them valid and some of them from the heat of emotions, but they’re all handled well. The author really surprised me by having them have mature conversations instead of playing up the drama. There’s more than enough intrigue and suspense to have to racing to the end of this book!

Religion/Worldview: The characters are Christian, and they pray to Jesus both for guidance and help in the midst of danger. Since this is a series, there are recurring characters, mainly Kenzie’s friend group. This friend group is very close and they make a point of praying for each other, which is awesome to see how it impacts Kenzie. There is also mention of the characters going to church.

Content:
A character is in a mental asylum and treated poorly (given electro-therapy against her will). There are mentions of an attempt of suicide, attempted homicide, and a few suspenseful scenes with criminals taking hostages. A few characters are also shot (not fatally and not descriptive).

Final thoughts:
On top of the tight-paced plot and stellar worldview, the themes don’t disappoint. Kenzie, being the only girl with three brothers, is competitive and closed-off. In trying to prove herself, she’s pushed people away. She struggles with navigating her family relationships, but she learns how to let people in while also keeping her boundaries.
I loved the way the author handled Kenzie being the only female on the team, coming from a more mature perspective of, “I know I’m qualified for this position. I’ll keep working until they see it, too.” It impressed me, since I was almost expecting Kenzie to pout about the way the other guys treated her. She didn’t take it personally, but was honorable and did her best to serve her team.
With the historical element of the novel, there were themes of inherited attitudes from generation to generation (like bitterness). Some characters break free from the way their parents raised them to be, while others only fell deeper into the hole of resentment and anger.
All in all, this is a great book for readers 16+. I personally look forward to picking up another book with this cast of characters!

Whenever I pick up a new book by Lynette Eason, I know I will be fully absorbed from word one and riveted to the pages until I’ve reached the end. She is just such a master when it comes to creating thrilling plots, and she’s done so again in Serial Burn.

Lake City fire marshal Jesslyn McCormick was the sole member of her family to survive the house fire that upended her life at the age of seven – only because she was at a friend’s for a sleepover. All these years later, she’s still trying to figure out who set the fire and why. But her renewed resolve to bring the murderer to justice ignites a rash of connected arsons and puts Jesslyn in someone’s crosshairs. Because one of the fires was set at Jesslyn’s church – and church fires are considered a hate crime – she’s working closely with swoony FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle whose own emotionally-complicated history with fire bleeds into the margins of their investigation. These are such great characters, and the plot takes such heart-in-your-throat turns that I wanted to hurry up and see what happened next while also not wanting it to end.

The layers that Eason gives Nathan and Jesslyn elevated this book beyond a sweet romance or even a stellar suspense novel, even though it’s both of those things too, and allowed her to explore the exquisite complexities of forgiveness, humanity, and faith. So much good & profound truth to unpack here, all done without overpowering the fiction that we’re all here to read. No stopping the story for a sermon because it’s all seamlessly integrated as a natural extension of what’s going on for the characters. And speaking of the story, I loved the unique elements surrounding how the fires are started as well as the calling card (so to speak) left behind at each scene. The former was so intriguing and the latter left my mind whirring with possibilities. As they pieced everything together – and tried to stay alive – I couldn’t wait to see how it all played out. I was right about some things and super off track about others, satisfying both the armchair investigator and story appreciator in me. And of course I loved watching Nathan and Jesslyn inch ever closer to acting on their mutual – and ever deepening – feelings for each other!

Bottom Line: Serial Burn by Lynette Eason kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, forgetting to breathe and disregarding necessities such as sleep and work. But really, how could anyone expect me to put the book down when whoever wants to silence Jesslyn might either succeed or be caught on the next page? Or maybe Nathan will finally swoop in for a toe-curling kiss? I didn’t want to miss a single moment so I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed myself the whole time. High-stakes suspense, sweet romance, rubber-meets-the-road faith… all of it, plus Eason’s steady pacing and engaging writing voice, makes Serial Burn a must read in every way! Already looking forward to book 4 (and super happy that I don’t have to say goodbye to the Lake City Heroes just yet).

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Jesslyn McCormick sees her past rising up like the smoke off a series of arsons that seem to be tied to the fire that killed her family when she was a child. Now she and FBI Agent Nathan Carlisle must get to the bottom of the fires before its too late.

An action packed read with elements from the past and the present that add to the suspense. I loved that Jesslyn had a great group of friends around her, and it was fun to see her growing friendship with Nathan. There was great interaction, plenty of mystery, with compelling main characters.

A compelling and intriguing story of faith and forgiveness, interwoven with suspense and finding love. Entertaining and well written, I'm hoping this isn't the last that we see of some of the characters!


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

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of Serial Burn by Lynette Eason. If you’re looking for a suspenseful story, get ready for this new romantic mystery! This heart-pounding novel follows a female fire marshal as she seeks justice for her murdered family and soon realizes someone is trying to take her down.

Lynette Eason certainly knows what she is doing when it comes to a creepy, page-turning suspense! I definitely found myself a little spooked and I was certainly interested to see what happened next. The entire mystery was very intriguing, especially the FMC’s tie to it.

Next, I also really liked the strong theme of forgiveness in this story. There were some very challenging and heartbreaking moments in the book, but I think readers will treasure how Lynette weaves forgiveness throughout the trials of Serial Burn.

Finally, I really appreciate stories like this one that shine a light on the work of our local first responders, specifically firefighters and police officers in Serial Burn. The book gives me an even greater appreciation for what our first responders do as everyday heroes!

Please DM me if you want trigger warnings!


Happy reading,

Bethany the Bookworm Girl

[Thank you @netgalley for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]

While it could be read as a stand-alone, Serial Burn is the third book in the Lake City Heroes series. I’ve loved this series and already can’t wait for the next one, though I’m sad it will be the last of this series!

I flew through this book and didn’t want to put it down. This story had all of the danger, mystery, and suspense you’re looking for in this genre, with a really sweet slow-burn romance. I really loved and appreciated the themes of redemption and forgiveness in this story too, as well as identity.

Highly recommend!

Serial Burn is the third book in the Lake City Heroes series by Lynette Eason. This story does contain some of the same characters of the previous books in the series, so this series is best read in order. However the author does a great job of giving background information so it also makes a great stand alone story. This is a well written, easy to read story that is filled with action and suspense. This story grabbed my attention right from the beginning and held it to the end. Jesslyn and Nathan are such good characters and it is enjoyable to read of how their working relationship becomes a friendship and more .

The story focuses on the fires that are happening as well as fires that happened in Jesslyn’s and Nathan’s pasts. I like how the story shows how the different members of law enforcement work together. I especially enjoy how the group of friends are always there to help each other and work together to keep Jesslyn safe. This story is fast paced and left me guessing as to who was setting the fires and why. The story also focuses on faith and forgiveness. I am enjoying this series very much and look forward to the next in the series.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

Awesome read!

Another great story in the Lake City Heroes series. I love all the main characters in this group of friends. This book deals with some really tough subjects, but the author does an amazing job of bringing them into the storyline of forgiveness and redemption. Can't wait to read the final story in this epic series!

Serial Burn is a roller coaster ride of dangerous encounters. The twists, red herrings, and constant suspense will keep readers glued to their seats throughout the book. The author delivers an impactful plot, tension-filled action, and strong, well-developed characters.
Deputy State Fire Marshal Jesslyn McCormick dedicates her life to finding the person responsible for her parent’s and sibling’s tragic death in a house fire that left her the only family surviving family member at seven years old. Now, twenty years later, after a television interview concerning the fire at her church, she boldly tells the arsonist that she is hunting him down. Her comment stirs the killer, and she becomes his next target.
FBI Specialist Nathan Carlisle arrives on the scene since burning a church is deemed a hate crime. He has eyes for Jesslyn, but she has a one-track mind. Find the arsonist. Nathan has personal issues of his own, but protecting Jesslyn becomes his primary goal.
Will Jesslyn find the killer before he turns the flames on her? Can Nathan resolve the secret he’s held back for years and find peace?

"Do you mind if I tag along?"
"Don't mind at all," Nathan said. With someone targeting her, the closer he kept her, the better he felt.
He ignored the little voice that said he liked keeping her close for more personal reasons.

Lynette Eason is such a great romantic suspense author. I have been a long-time fan and always get excited when I see a new book of hers publishing. I thought the romance in this one was one of my favorites.

The suspense and action was phenomenal. So many twists and turns, I was left guessing constantly. It was so fun to go back and look at all of the little Easter eggs along the way.

I was a little surprised by some of the content. This had some more serious, darker themes in it than what I'm used to with her book. The quality and talented writing that she brings were still there. You can read the content/trigger warnings below if you want more info on that!

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

Content/Trigger: fire/police/FBI suspense and action, pursuing a target at all cost, backstories of death of loved ones by fire, infidelity, suicide/suicide attempt, murder, Christian themes throughout with a few religious exclamations, romance-kisses only.

I really could not put this book down. This book did not disappoint at all and the whole book I sweat I thought I had it all figured out it could only be the person I guessed right, Wrong. The author keeps you guessing and then when we finally revels I am like no way I did not see that coming!!! I liked how the author did not finish the book on a cliff hanger or leave you trying to figure out what happens :"next". I really like Jesslyn and her friends they all had each others backs and when one was faced with something everyone would rally around and help out anyway they can. I liked Nathan he really faced some really tough situations and he didn't let that hold him back trying to help those out and trying to heal. There was a situation between Nathan and his brother Eli, while I have see other authors try and approach this subject lightly this author took it head and did not sugar coat it. Its something people deal with all the time and it was nice to see her address it from a christian aspect with out a whole lot of judgement coming off the pages. Overall I would recommend this book to just about any one there are tough topics but it will keep you on the edge of your seat and its well worth the read.

History and the present collide in this fast paced action packed arson romantic suspense you won't want to miss! Can't wait to see what comes next in this series!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

The new fire marshal of Lake City is Jesslyn McCormick whose parents and sisters were killed in a house fire when she was seven years old! It has never been discovered who started that fire but Jesslyn is determined to find out! When Jesslyn's church and other buildings are set on fire, FBI Special Agent, Nathan Carlisle, is called in to investigate. Things heat up between Jesslyn and Nathan as more buildings are set on fire and past memories are recalled. You will find lots of action, danger and romance in Serial Burn.. You will enjoy this intriguing story with a surprising ending by Lynette Eason. I received an advance e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

Jesslyn McCormick, Lake City’s Fire Marshall, sure knows fires. Not only in her job but in her personal life as well. She lost her family in a fire twenty years ago and that fire has never been solved. SERIAL BURN by Lynette Eason will keep readers on the edge of their seats trying to figure out this mystery with Jesslyn. Fires are happening all over Lake City. While Jesslyn is trying to stop an arsonist, someone is trying to kill her. Hang on readers, SERIAL BURN is a very intense story!

FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is helping Jesslyn with the case. Both of them have experienced loss through fire. SERIAL BURN was such a thrilling ride for me! It is a real page-turner. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what had happened. Fans of suspenseful Christian mysteries will enjoy this one. SERIAL BURN is so well written, that even though it jumps back and forth between the present and the past, it is still easy to follow.

SERIAL BURN is a suspenseful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final pages. I highly recommend SERIAL BURN! The mystery, action, and romance were all equally suspenseful! This group of friends are an adventurous, dedicated, and loving bunch. I want to be a part of their click! Lynette Eason has set the stage for future books so well…I can’t wait to read more about each individual department that helped Jesslyn. I will go back and read the first two books and all the rest.

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

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason
Book 3 in the Lake City Heroes Series

This follows Jesslyn McMcormick, the fire marshal of Lake City. She is determined to find who started a fire that killed her family when she was 7 years old. As the 20th anniversary of their deaths approaches, we see a number of fires being set, one being at her church. She must find the person responsible and get answers for who set the fire and killed her family all those years ago. We see FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle called in to work this case with local police. He helped her and they have quite the chemistry together romantically. The story goes on from here.

I really enjoyed this 3rd book in the series! I love a good arson plot in romantic suspense since it's not a common one and seeing the Jesslyn as a fire marshal was so interesting! I loved her character because she was trying to figure out who she really was outside of losing her family 20 years ago in the fire. I also really enjoyed the side story of Nathan and his brother's - the trauma he went through really had me wanting to know the backstory and seeing the start of healing through that was beautifully done - especially with the faith elements.

For the mystery itself, I did not figure it out and was surprised by the ending! Lot of high suspense moments throughout where someone is after Jesslyn that I enjoyed too.

While the romance between Jesslyn and Nathan wasn't my favorite as I just didn't connect fully with that portion personally, I did really enjoy the suspense aspect and their interactions working together. I also think this series is best read back to back though because I do find I forget the characters from previous books since so much time has passed.

Overall, glad I finished this one and looking forward to book 4! Thank you to Revell for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Serial Burn is an excellent read and well written. The latest in the Lake City Heroes series kept me reading, as I was unwilling to put it down. The characters are complex characters who have real issues over the course of the book. I loved that the author didn't just insta-fix them but took time to do so.

This book can be read as a standalone but I suggest if you haven't read all the books in the series, that you go back and read them. Apart from more good books to read, knowing the side characters and their stories is like visiting old friends.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

Serial Burn by Lynette Eason gives readers so much mystery and suspense. Fire Marshal Jesslyn McCormick has a stalker – sort of. Someone is starting fires and leaving clues that point to the arsonist that set the fire that killed Jessalyn’s family when she was young. She’s been hunting the serial arsonist but he might have found her first. She teams up with FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle to help solve the case. Sparks fly between them (haha, see what I did there?) But both have to face off with the past if they want a future together.

I love the mystery in this story. I tried to piece together the clues along side Jesslyn. The story dives deep into Jesslyn’s past and watching her pull on threads that lead to her childhood kept me wanting to read more. And of course, the romance is a slow burn! Both characters have to resolve their past issues in order to move forward.

Serial Burn is a must read for suspense fans!

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

it was okay. was not totally immersed in the story. but great overall plot. it was nice to be in lake city

I have really enjoyed the books by this author that I have read. I loved how this story pulled me in from the first page and made me not want to put it down. I wanted to keep reading to know who was behind everything. I also loved the characters and I loved the group of friends and how they were there for each other. I also loved the romance between Jesslyn and Nathan. I loved how it developed and how they finally expressed their feelings for each other. I loved the unexpected twist and turns in this book and can’t wait to read more books by this author.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own

"We all have a purpose for being here. Some of us just take longer to figure out what that is."

Jesslyn McCormick's world was turned upside down 25 years ago when her parents and two younger sisters were killed in a tragic house fire. She is now the Fire Marshall in Lake City and she is determined to find the person who started the fire. She also wants to honor her family's memory by starting the Youth organization her father planned.

Soon, there are several fires in places frequented by Jesslyn, including her church. Since a fire in a church is considered a hate crime, the FBI becomes involved. When Special Agent Nathan Carlisle arrives, Jesslyn is surprised at the feelings she begins to feel in his presence. Her whole goal in life is to find the arsonist who killed her family. She just doesn't have time for romance!

Nathan is also dealing with his own loss, which he just wants to forget. However, his older brother, Eli, just won't leave it alone. He hopes that the distraction of these fires will give him the space he needs.

The story moves at a fairly quick pace as Jesslyn's life is threatened more than once. As more fires are set, she begins to uncover things about her Father that would have been better left alone. Is the person who is setting these current fires the arsonist that killed her family? Or, is there something else going on?

Throughout the book, the characters' faith in God is evident. The book touches on grief, death, suicide, and forgiveness. "All forgiveness comes from God. The need to find a way to forgive ourselves comes from the need to be released from the guilt we feel."

The ending was a bit unexpected but satisfying, which I appreciate in a romantic suspense book. My only complaint about this book is the number of characters involved in Jesslyn's group of friends. I know that this is part of a series of books and that the author includes these people to tie the series together. However, to me it just didn't seem realistic to have a cadre of people get involved in every aspect of the case.

All in all, this was a good book with plenty of thoughtful insight into forgiveness and purpose, all with God's intervention. I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys this genre.

Serial Burn is the third story in another excellent series by Lynette Eason. That said, all the books in the Lake City Heroes series work as standalone reads too.

Like the others, this was a great read. This story focuses on Lake City Fire Marshall Jesslyn McCormick. Jesslyn joined the fire service after her entire family was wiped out in blaze when she was just seven. Now on the twentieth anniversary of their deaths, Jesslyn goes public with her intent to reopen the case.

Meanwhile, a series of arson attacks see Jesslyn team up with FBI Agent Nathan Carlisle, a man with a messy past and no interest in revisiting history. As the arsons cross over with Jesslyn’s cold case, things between her and Nathan warm up, but with so much baggage there’s a lot to work through.

This story certainly keeps the pages turning. I read late into the night as the plot twisted and turned. It wasn’t until quite near the end I figured out who the bad guy was. Definitely recommended for readers who love tightly written suspense.

I received a copy of Serial Burn from the publisher via NetGalley. The fangirling is all my own.