Customer Reviews

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn (FBI Special Agent Series #1) (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense #158)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn adheres to the suspenseful romane genre -- boy meets girl, sparks fly, hearts burst, some big miscommunication or issue rips the couple apart then comes the longed for happily ever after conclusion. Add the elements of faith or inspiration and you've got a Christian romance.

I have to admit that romance isn't my favorite. I tend to lean a little more toward realism and the issues that wreck budding fictionalized romances often make me crabby. Really. And, no matter how nice it is to hope for, real men rarely speak romance. Romantic suspense is a much better fit for me. That said Liz Johnson has created the classic, must-have romance characters and scenarios but added a few fresh elements that made Kidnapping an enjoyable read. A nice twist or two ramped up the suspense and the ending was very satisfying. Her storyline is creative, her writing is solid and the faith elements are strong.

Those of you who love romance should look further into this novel. Chickens need to be aware of a little intensity and some blood. Non-romance fans may decide to investigate further into it after checking out the story premise.

Myles Parsons is trouble. Kenzie knows it from the time he walks into her prison GED class, upsetting her routine with his piercing blue eyes and impertinent smile. Small she may be, but Kenzie Thorn is no pushover. She can be sweet, but she can be spicy as well, and the saucy redhead has no intention of allowing an inmate--even one as handsome as her new student--to intimidate her.

But Myles does much worse.

When he kidnaps her, then tries to convince her he's Myles Borden, an undercover FBI agent whose goal is to keep her safe from someone who wants her dead, Kenzie has a hard time believing him. But then he places himself in mortal danger protecting her ... why would he do such a thing, if he's really out to do her harm? When she tries to return the favor by tending to his wounds, Kenzie finds her heart could be in far more danger from Myles than her body ever was.

Myles' plan included removing Kenzie from harm's way, then removing himself from her vicinity, no matter how cute, angry or frightened she is. But circumstances get in the way, and he finds himself thrust into the company of the sweet and spicy GED instructor longer than is safe for his heart. As she tends to his physical wounds, and he strives to keep her safe from an unknown enemy, Myles finds himself falling in love.

Liz Johnson's debut novel is a charmingly sweet romance with just the right dose of mystery and suspense. From prison to mountain cabin, and back to city streets that harbor dangerous unseen assailants, Ms. Johnson takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotion and action that keeps the pages turning fast enough to stir up a whirlwind of anticipation and interest. A well-written tale with a number of unexpected twists along the way. Beautifully done!

I know I say this a lot, but this was a pretty good book. And because, again this is a debut novel, I have to say that I think Liz Johnson has found her witting niche - romantic suspense.

Kenize Thorn was a pretty good character. She had a good head on her shoulders and didn't play the damsel in distress part. She was strong but, like all women, had her emotional moments. I really liked her and the fact that she didn't just let what was going on happen, she took the bull by the horns and did what she needed to do.

The story was intriguing. The first few chapters I read 4 or 5 pages at a time, and found it hard to put it down. Once I had the time to really sit and read it I became so engrossed in the story that I felt like I became part of it.

The twist in this one was good and it put the whole story into a different perspective. And actually there was a second twist that really got me. But you'll just have to read it to find out what I'm talking about :-)

It was a pretty good book and I would recommend it. Again, I really think Liz Johnson has found her nice with this genre and I hope to see her name on a cover again.

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn by Liz Johnson is a terrific romantic suspense novel from a debut author. Kenzie Thorn, the granddaughter of Oregon governor Mac Thorn, loves her job working in the prison helping inmates get their GED. Her professionalism is put to the test by the piercing blue eyes of new student Myles Parson, but when he kidnaps her and then swears he's an FBI agent trying to keep her safe, her whole world collapses. Kenzie is an incredibly feisty heroine without ever being annoying or strident. I love that she wants to find her would-be assassins just as much as Myles does. She's not overbearing, but neither is she the wimpy heroine crying as her hero gets knocked around. Myles is a terrific man of faith who is caught off guard by Kenzie's spicy spirit, and while he breaks more than a few bureau rules for her, the reader understands that he just can't help himself. If you're looking for a romantic read to bring to the beach this summer, this is the book for you!

I loved this book. I am the type of person who falls in love with characters and within the first couple of chapters I was hooked and loved both Kenzie and Myles. The suspense makes you want to turn the pages as fast as you can but the sweet love story wants you to take in every word! It was perfect summer reading!

In her debut novel released in July 09, Liz Johnson provides us with a unique heroine-a gal who prepares inmates for their GED exams. But not much of the novel takes place in a corrections institute. Before Kenzie Thorn can adjust to the new (and disturbing!) inmate in her classroom, Myles up and kidnaps her. And then tries to convince her he did it only to protect her.

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is a romantic suspense published by Steeple Hill, Harlequin's inspirational line. I keep telling people I'm not much of a suspense buff but I totally enjoyed Kenzie and Myle's adventures as he tries to convince her he's the good guy-and then they have to figure out who the bad guy really is.

Kenzie Thorne helps prisoners at the Oregon State Prison get their GED. She gets along well with the inmates until Myles Parsons shows up. He has an attitude, a smirk, and he seems to go out of his way to rile her. Then Kenzie gets curious about what is going on at the prison and she asks too many questions. Someone who wants her dead puts out the word to get rid of her, and Myles is given the job of kidnapping and killing Makenzie Thorn.
He does get her away from the prison, and reveals that he is an FBI agent who had infiltrated the prison in an attempt to keep her safe, but Kenzie doesn't believe him. Now they are both on the run, trying to stay alive long enough to discover what is going on. Kenzie and Myles are strongly attracted to each others, but can their love survive the threats they face?
Spine tingling suspense that never lets up. Liz Johnson knows how to hook the reader with a thrill packed action story, seasoned with romance, and tied together with a strong faith message. I couldn't stop until I finished it, and I'm looking forward to the next book from this talented new writer.

"The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn" is a seriously adorable book. If you like the romance/suspense genre than this book is definitely for you. I knew I was really enjoying it when I found myself hurrying with chores or errands so I could quickly get back to it (always a good sign). For only $5.50 it's a bargain, and its small size means it can fit in a purse or suitcase easily. This would be the perfect book to take on vacation!

Every girl wants a little adventure in her life now and then, but being kidnapped certainly wasn't the type of adventure that Kenzie Thorn would have expected. Kenzie knows that her job teaching prison inmates might be a bit dangerous, as is being the granddaughter of the governor, but she never expected something like this. When she's kidnapped by one of her new students she's not sure she's going to come through the experience alive.

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is a wonderful debut novel from author Liz Johnson. With just the right amounts of drama, suspense and romance, Johnson weaves a tale that will keep you reading late into the night. This is a great summer read!

I read and review many books, and I have to admit that I did not expect more than a good read out of an author's first book. But I was blown away! Liz did an amazing job and I highly recommend this book. I could not put it down and read during my child's Bacheloreate instead of paying attention to the speakers! Could not put it down!!!!

Super job, Liz! I can't wait for your next book!