Review: HUNTED IN THE FOREST by Kerry Johnson

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335980595 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:04/29/2025 Series:Forest Ranger Rescuers , #1 Pages:208

Caught in a hail of gunfire, FBI agent Eli Buchanan’s only thought is to protect his five-year-old daughter. With no other option left, he turns to his ex-girlfriend, US Forest Service ranger Molly Calhoun, for help. Together, they flee into the Pennsylvania wilderness, but the cybercriminal targeting them is hot on their trail. As they navigate the dangers of the wild, Eli and Molly must put aside their past and team up to ensure Skylar’s safety. Will they be able to outsmart their pursuer, or will they become his next victims?

My Thoughts

The story of the FBI agent who has to flee cybercriminals in the Allegheny Mountains is a compelling one. But when Eli’s young daughter Skylar and his former girlfriend Molly were added to the mix, the book became even more satisfying. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and was drawn to Molly, the ranger who studies plants and tries to save things, When she is faced with danger and has to choose to help Eli protect Skyler, she doesn’t hesitate. Molly is courageous and willing to sacrifice for the safety of others, even though that is not her area of expertise. The plot is fast-paced and kept me guessing all the way to the end. I had a suspicion about who the criminals might be, but I was wrong multiple times, since the red herrings were so well crafted. The setting is atmospheric and perfect for the action taking place, with plenty of places to take refuge and lots to enjoy along the way. The chemistry between Molly and Eli was definitely perking, but the relationship between Skylar and Molly was touching. Skylar is a motherless child and seems to bond with Molly seamlessly, knowing that she can be trusted. That bond was carried throughout the story and was a sweet portrayal of the innocence of a child as well as their intuitive knowledge of who can be trusted. Filled with suspense and jaw-dropping twists, this tale is one not to be missed because it has it all: a riveting plot that is fast-paced, characters that popped from the page into my heart, and a setting that was unique and realistic.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Kerry Johnson spent a magical childhood climbing mossy rocks and forging cold streams in the woods outside Newtown, Connecticut. She moved to Florida as a teenager, and now lives in Tampa Bay with her patient engineer husband, two active teen boys and one bubbly niece, and a few unique pets you can’t really pet. She earned her B.S. in English Education from the University of South Florida, and taught middle school remedial reading and drama before spending eight years as a stay-at-home mom and wife. She has been published in Creation Illustrated, Granola Bar Devotionals, and was a regular contributor to Tampa Bay’s Overflow Magazine from 2011-2013.

Kerry is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and FHLCW (Faith Hope Love Christian Writers). Her middle grade manuscript and contemporary romance won their categories in the ACFW Genesis Contest (2017 and 2020), and she finaled seven times. Her contemporary romance won RWA-Georgia’s Maggie Contest in 2019.

She loves Jesus, Florida thunderstorms, chai tea, first drafts, Thursday nights, laughing and praying with friends, and all creatures great and small. If she’s not outside taking a long walk, then she’s inside watching a Marvel movie with her family and rearranging her books so her husband doesn’t notice how many there are. You can find her online at www.kerryjohnsonbooks.com,