If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman.
Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids … desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home.
When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda?
Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her?
This latest romantic legal thriller by bestseller Cara Putman shines a light on the shadowy world of scientific secrets and corporate vendettas—and the ethical dilemmas that plague the place where science and commerce meet.
“I loved Cara Putman’s Lethal Intent and rooted for her heroine Caroline Bragg through every twist and turn. This legal thriller perfectly captures what it’s like to grow from law clerk to lawyer, and when Caroline finds herself faced with a heartbreaking ethical dilemma that leads to the corporate battle of her life, she confronts the challenge with strength and resources she never knew she had. Putman seamlessly blends the story with a wonderfully inspiring romance, too. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Lethal Intent!” –Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestelling author of 30 novels, including her upcoming, After Anna.
“Intriguing characters. Romantic tension. Edge-of-your-seat suspense. And a fast-paced ending that will leave you exhausted (in a good way!).” —Robert Whitlow, award-winning author of Promised Land
more
There were so many things I loved about this story. I loved Caroline and Brandon. I loved the suspense throughout the story. This showed some of how a lawyer is used in a company that works with Car T cells to help save children with different types of cancers. We also see how some people run foster homes. I did not want to put the book down and I really want to hear what happens in Caroline’s and Brandon’s lives. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
“Lethal Intent” was another great read by Cara Putnam! Even though this is the fourth book of the Hidden Justice, this book could be read alone. I have enjoyed every one of the books in this series. I have enjoyed getting to know all the women in these books. I feel like they are lifelong friends!
This book centered on Caroline and Brandon. Caroline is the legal counsel for a research lab, while Brandon has a foster home. Their two worlds end up colliding, in more than one way. This was one of those books that was hard to put down and stays with you even after finishing.
This book has romance, medical, and suspense in it. I was really amazed at how much medical research Cara Putnam must have done for this book.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good, clean, suspenseful read. In fact, I recommend all of Cara Putnam’s books. I haven’t read any of her books that I haven’t loved! I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
Lethal Intent by Cara C. Putman is an intense medical thriller that held my interest from start through finish. I appreciate the integrity and faith of the main characters.
Caroline Bragg is a corporate attorney who interviews and accepts a new job. She has never worked for a company in the medical field but feels assured she will be able the learn the protocols needed to apply her legal knowledge for Praecursoria’s compliance with the FDA. The company is a relatively new start-up that is focusing on T Cell manipulation and experimentation to help children recover from leukemia. Caroline is excited to feel a part of such a noble endeavor but is met with reluctance among the owners and some of the scientists to meet the legal guidelines before proceeding with the human trials.
Caroline has recently started a closer relationship with her best friend, Brandon. He was a professional football player who is now running a group home for foster siblings. He knew the pain of being separated from his younger brother when his mother died. He has lost contact with his brother and this pain propels him to make sure he can protect as many groups of siblings as possible when they go into foster care. He has used most of his professional earnings to provide a large lodge-type facility with individual cabins for the house parents. The state requirements for funding have changed and this is causing some financial hardships for his group home. Also, he had made investments in a new start-up company, Praecursoria, on the advice of his financial manager.
As Caroline learns more about the new company she works for, she begins to have questions as to why the management is so reluctant to follow her legal advice. When she discovers Brandon is an investor with the company she works for, this causes conflicts in their relationship. She must be very careful what she says about her employer so Brandon will not be implicated for insider trading.
Three employees who work with the T Cell program die within a couple of months. Caroline suspects there is a link and she is determined to investigate. This causes more trouble and danger for Caroline.
I am wondering if there will be a sequel. I would like to know if the relationship between Caroline and Brandon results in a proposal and also I would like to know if Bethany survives the treatment!
Publication Date: January 12, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Attorney Caroline Bragg is at her witts end with her new job as a high powered attorney for a research lab for genetic therapies. She is dancing on the edge of a serious relationship with former football star Brandon Lancaster.
Brandon is potentially a conflict of interest for her job on more than one level, and his foster children’s home seems to be a mutual interest they have. I liked Caroline but her job was extremely intense and her boss not very open or friendly. Brandon was friendly and easy going but was up to his eyeballs in the foster home, and the laws kept changing and working against his original plan of keeping foster siblings together. Both main characters did not have a good childhood, so that was one thing they really had in common. Expect lots of surprises with this one and it is pretty intense, so be forewarned. Trigger Warning: If you have or are close to a family with a seriously ill child, you might want to skip this one.
I borrowed a copy of this book from my local public library and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
Romance, clean, contemporary; Suspense, murder, intrigue; Christian faith elements
Caroline and Brandon’s developing relationship and friendship becomes complicated as Caroline’s new job as legal counsel is in conflict of interest with Brandon’s investment in the company. The compelling backstories of Brandon’s work with children in foster care, and also Bethany’s treatment by the medical group that Caroline works for made for compelling twists and turns in the plot of the story. Scientific secrets and corporate vendettas, along with an unscrupulous individual with no fear of taking lives as he sees fit made for a compelling and page turning read.
The romance between Brandon and Caroline sweetened the story as they figured out the how to make their relationship be the best it possibly could, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Their sweet, tender, and compelling romance, along with their back stories, made for a more human, and real part of this novel. Strong side characters and back story, along with the crimes committed and dilemma with the home for foster children made this a perfect read! Perfect for readers of suspense who enjoy a bit of romance in their reading. Their faith, and the faith of those at the home and elsewhere all apparent as they work through the difficulties both for the home, at work for Caroline and personally for them both.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
LETHAL INTENT by Cara C. Putnam is a new legal/medical romantic suspense mash-up. This book is a listed as a Christian romantic suspense, but it has only subtle references to belief and prayers and the romance subplot is what I call a cozy romance due to the fact that there are no sex scenes. The story is easily read as a standalone and only loosely tied to other female heroines in Ms. Putnam’s legal romantic suspense books.
Caroline Bragg has landed a new job as the legal counsel for a new medical start-up, Praecursoria. They are in FDA human testing for a cutting-edge genetic therapy, CAR T to save children with leukemia which has reoccurred or not responding to previous treatments. While learning the new technology for her job, people tied to the company begin to die in what are believed to be accidents, but Caroline receives an email from one of the dead that has her starting to investigate and places her in the sights of a killer who refuses to be stopped.
Brandon Lancaster is facing his own problems when the government changes the laws regarding is group foster home, Almost Home. As he works to come up with a new plan, his feelings for Caroline become deeper, but she has learned he is a major investor in Praecursoria and appears to be backing away. When Brandon needs Caroline the most will the secrets she keeps break them apart?
I loved the suspense in this story and was riveted to the pages. The legal questions of experimental technology, the ethics of having a loved one be a major investor in a company you work for and the large amount of money and potential profit involved in this type of company. The technology and legal aspects of the story were clearly written and did not slow the story. The twists and turns kept me guessing throughout.
Caroline and Brandon were both strong, intelligent and committed main characters and Ms. Putnam brought the intersections of their different problems together nicely. This is a couple just starting to commit and the romance is a cozy romance with no sex scenes even behind closed doors. I also enjoyed the scenes where Caroline turned to her friends for support and advice, who are characters from other books.
I highly recommend this Christian romantic suspense and author!
Lethal Intent is a fast-paced suspense novel that will keep you wanting to read until you reach the end! Ms. Putman’s novels are full of suspense and issues regarding legal situations. This book focuses on Caroline who has just started a new job for a laboratory. She is dating Brandon who used to be a pro football player. Now, he runs a foster care program. Brandon’s goal is to provide a home for kids who do not have parents. With Caroline’s new job, she is busy learning more about what the company does and how she can protect the company as their legal counsel. Their lives intersect in their work environment due to one of Brandon’s foster kids being sick. Caroline witnesses some weird occurrences with some of the doctors/researchers associated with the trial Brandon’s foster child is a part of. For one, several people have died. As Caroline investigates it becomes clear someone is out to get her. This is a fantastic suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The novel also really pushes you to think about decisions that are made at the research level that can affect people. I highly recommend this book and know that 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.
This intense, superbly written suspense novel is amazing! I loved it, from the very human characters with realistic dialogue and faith challenges to the medical and legal combination theme. It is one of the author’s very best to date.
Caroline is hired as in-house counsel for Praecursoria, a company that is developing the future of cancer-fighting treatments that will save the lives of children and teens. The company has trials on several products. Caroline’s work includes all the supporting legal documents required for patents, the FDA, and patients.
Brandon, a retired football player now in charge of his nonprofit, Almost Home, fosters siblings to keep them together until adopted. Recent changes to the law will determine if he will be able to stay open without major, costly changes. After many years of being close friends with Caroline, he is ready to take the next step. She is the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. They have begun to date, rather than spend time together as dear friends. Unknown to Caroline, Brandon invested in Praecursoria as part of his portfolio to help support himself and Almost Home. When she found out, Caroline could not share her work challenges with him as it could be misconstrued as insider trading.
Caroline is navigating her way through the scientific aspects of the company and drug trials, and it is not as cut and dried as in law school. Quentin, the CEO, and Samson, the chief science officer, are intent on getting the drugs to save young patients. Following the legal established guidelines isn’t their priority. Anna, Brandon’s cousin, is the doctor in charge the trial on one of his foster children, Bethany, whose leukemia returned with a vengeance. This trial is her last chance at recovery. There is a boy who may have special cells similar to those found only one other time in in studies. He is also going to die unless they can start the trial.
Something is wrong and Caroline is at a loss. The company is pressuring her to do what goes against her ethics. Anna has questions about trial data and infusions being supplied from Praecursoria that do not match what she has been told. Bethany is dying, even with the cutting-edge treatment that her body should not be rejecting. And people associated with the lab and hospital begin dying mysteriously.
I love these two deeply wounded people, Caroline and Brandon! They are examples of what God can do with surrendered lives. Brandon “lived with the permanent limp of an orphan who struggled to let anyone other than Caroline close”. A similar description could be made of Caroline. They have solid friendships with people who are mutually encouraging, even though neither are used to asking for help.
I was captivated throughout this heart-pounding novel. It is an excellent example of one s life being a testimony of the God they believe in. Caroline and Brandon are a couple whose success I want, and their romance does not overwhelm the drama. I had a good idea what was behind the deaths but was also surprised at some of the outcome. The end came quickly and was very satisfactory. I highly recommend this novel to those who appreciate Christian medical – legal – suspense novels with sweet romance.
From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from the publisher, Celebrate Lit, and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Lethal Intent, by Cara Putman is a Christian Romantic Suspense story that takes place modern day in Washington DC. This is a stand alone story that brings in characters from some of the authors previous stories. Caroline is an attorney whose boss recently past away. She has now taken a position at a research lab that is working on leukemia treatments. Several people connected to the research are killed and she is suspecting something is wrong.
Brandon is a former sports star that has started a foster home community that focuses on keeping children from family units together. With laws ever changing he struggles to keep his business operating. One of his foster children is in the leukemia study for the company Caroline takes a job with.
This is an action packed story from start to finish. The story is well written with strong, generous characters. There are several things that stand out to me in this story. One is the strong feelings Brandon has for keeping families together. The other is the love he has for Caroline, that he would sell his shares in the company she just started working at to keep their relationship. I also like the close friendships Caroline and her friends from college continue to have.
I received an ebook copy of the book from Thomas Nelson, Celebrate Lit and NetGalley, this is my honest review.
This author never seems to disappoint with her books, they always keep me on the edge of my seat wondering what is coming. That was the very case with this book, I get to thinking its one person who does it then she has another character acting shady and wondering if they did it. I really liked Caroline even though at one point I was yelling at her in this book. She has a heart of gold and will stop at nothing to help those she cares about or comes in contact with. Brandon was a huge heart for families who just need to be together. There is something that Brandon seeks and I really hope that the author intends to follow up with that situation in a future book because a girl has got to know. Overall this book is well worth the read, she keeps it clean and has you walking away wanting more. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Cara Putman writes excellent legal thrillers, and Lethal Intent is my favorite of her books so far! The combination of legal and medical issues brought up some ethical dilemmas that added to the suspense in a unique way. I loved the dynamics between Caroline and Brandon – they had been friends for years and were already dating at the beginning of the book, so the story follows the growth rather than the beginning of their relationship. That’s not as common in romantic suspense, but it worked so well for this story! I also really enjoyed the focus on foster care, especially learning about the different challenges Brandon faced with his unique version of a foster home.
This book does include some characters from Cara Putman’s past books, but it is a stand-alone novel. I would recommend Lethal Intent for fans of romantic suspense, especially fans of Rachel Dylan and Irene Hannon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In this continuation of The Hidden Justice series, Caroline finally gets her story while the reader also gets to catch up with Hayden, Emilie, Jaime, and Savannah from the previous books. It can definitely be read as a stand alone, though becoming acquainted with Caroline’s tightly-knit circle of friends prior to reading this book will increase the reader’s appreciation. The plot moves at a good pace and is infused with cutting edge medical technology which becomes the basis for the suspense.
Caroline is a newly hired counsel for a medical research company and the reader learns about the fascinating world of patent law, FDA approval, and research protocols along with Caroline. Brandon is a former pro-football player running a group foster home specifically for siblings. The book opens with Caroline and Brandon already in a serious relationship, which is sorely tested and tried when one of Brandon’s foster children becomes a subject in her company’s trial. Things unravel quickly for both of them professionally and personally as the child gets sicker, Brandon’s program is threatened by new laws, Caroline’s days are filled with confusion, and several people tied to the research are targeted. There are glimpses into the villain’s thoughts which add an interesting layer to the plot. The ending didn’t tie up all loose ends, but felt realistic. If you are a fan of legal suspense with a dose of romance, you will definitely enjoy this book.
I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Lethal Intent is part of the Hidden Justice series where we meet several young women who met and became friends while in law school. Each new story pulls one back into the friendship developed over the years. They all live in DC and meet every month for a meal and fellowship. In this story, we read about Caroline Bragg and her friendship, and maybe more, with former professional football player Brandon Lancaster. Caroline is a sweet likable character who had a hard upbringing with a mother who was not the best role model and left Caroline with some fear issues. Brandon also had a bad upbringing when his parents died and his brother was put into the foster care system while Brandon stayed with different friends until college. He doesn’t know where his brother is even now. Brandon is doing his part to make sure siblings put into the system stay together as much as possible. Caroline has a new job as attorney for a research company working with stem cells used to help cancer patients, in particular children. One of Brandon’s foster children is sick with cancer and a patient in the research program. Someone in the company is not happy with his name missing from a patent and is retaliating, leaving dead coworkers that get in his path. Caroline is trying to make sure the company stays within the law and FDA requirements but things get dicey for her and those who try to help her. This is a suspenseful and edgy read that kept me engaged to the end. A great addition to the series of faith, love, and support of friends.
I received a complimentary ARC from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only and I was not required to give a positive review.
Ahhhh what a satisfying book. Lethal Intent by Cara Putnam was so good. It had it all.
If you know me at all, you know I love anything medical. This book certainly satisfied that for me. Caroline is legal counsel for a company that is developing genetic therapies. Right up my alley.
Her love interest is Brandon. Yup. I love a good love story. Don’t you?
Murder. Oh yeah! Not one but three! Who did it? You have to read the book to find out.
Do you love legal thrillers? I do!
There was so much to like about this book. If you like any one thing I mentioned, you will like this book. Her writing is easy to follow even when there is a lot going on. It wasn’t confusing. You need to try Cara Putnam.
Lethal Intent by Cara Putman is the author’s newest legal thriller, and is quite the unnerving, suspenseful ride. From the fast-paced of Caroline’s job working for an up-and-coming medical tech company to the secretive and borderline unethical workings of the science behind it all, you will be intrigued and motivated to keep turning page after page.
Caroline’s story is one that is important for our day. Being a voice of reason and moral conviction in a world greedily wanting more at all costs, she stands for more than the ethics she learned in a lecture–but for the general code by which we should treat others every day. I may have been frustrated with how she treated her boyfriend, Brandon, a few times and her inability to be completely honest/open with him, but I understand how her background and her worry over ethics related to her job would also affect her relationship with Brandon.
Brandon is a rock (and a hunk)–and not just as a defensive lineman on the field. I loved how he kept giving back, even after his big paychecks were long gone. His soft heart, and his ability to see Caroline for who she really was under all her pain and fear, endeared me to him. He is a fighter for all who feel helpless, and a champion for the unconditional love of God.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, but I will admit to really getting hooked in the second half. If you love legal suspense, this book will satisfy your cravings! Happy reading!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Lethal Intent gives readers an intriguing story! Caroline Braggs is an attorney who takes a job with a research laboratory as their inside counsel. She dives into the world of experimental research for developing life-saving treatments and drugs. But she begins to discover that the data doesn’t add up, and several key employees have suddenly died. The more she digs, the more danger she finds herself in. She also finds her relationship with Brandon Lancaster in jeopardy because of her job.
I love the characters in this novel. Brandon has given up his life and career to help care for foster children. Caroline starts to realize what’s important to her after watching Brandon in action. The storyline is also fascinating. Cara Putman did a lot of research on genetic therapies and Car-T cell therapies. The book had lots of suspenseful moments, but not as much as some of the other books by this author. Much of the story focused on Brandon and Caroline’s relationship. Lots of characters from prior novels have cameos, which I always enjoy!
Definitely check out this thought-provoking and intense new novel from Cara Putman.
Overall Rating:
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
Suspense Rating:
4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I would guess a great deal of research went into this book with how a drug or medical procedure goes through the process of being approved through the FDA, all the testing and trials. Attorney Caroline Bragg is hired to make sure the company has all its legal ducks in a row for a new method of curing cancer that is coming out. Her friend Brandon Lancaster is pulled into the new company when he tries to help a foster child dying of cancer. This is definitely a legal thriller, with threats coming at Caroline from every direction and not knowing who she can trust. Full of suspense, fast paced action and a touch of romance. The reader will get a peek into the pharmaceutical world, the legal world and the foster care system.
I raced through this book because it was so intense and compelling. With characters that jumped off the page into my heart, the author did a stellar job of writing a medical-legal-romantic suspense that had all of the elements of each one, twisted together into a complicated plot. Caroline Bragg is the strong female protagonist, a newly hired lawyer for the oncology research lab Praecursoria. She is developing a romantic relationship with Brandon Lancaster, a former pro-football star who owns and operates a home for foster children. The two have a relationship that conflicts with the research of P. because the lab wants to use one of the children there for their experimental treatment. Bethany, the little girl, tugged at my heartstrings since she was already suffering from not having her biological parents and then is diagnosed with a deadly case of leukemia. A further complication to the plot is that Brandon has invested a lot of his money in the science lab and needs a solid return to keep Almost Home open. This was a book that broke my heart, had tears flowing freely and had me turning pages as fast as I could to find out if the arrogant, seemingly heartless heads of the research lab would ultimately be caught in a nefarious scheme or if they really were working for the good of the children involved in their study. By the time I reached the ending, I was totally wrung out, issued a deep sigh and continued to think about what I had just read. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time because of its deep themes of ethics in medicine and corporate secrets. Fans of legal thrillers will want to set aside time to read this book quickly because you will not want to put it down.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book Thomas Nelson Publishers via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
In a world of science and law, there is so much mystery. Caroline just wants to find the answers to her questions, in order to keep the new company she’s working for safe from legal ramifications. However, she keeps getting the run-around, and there seem to be questionable events and suspicious deaths happening. Will she find the answers she needs before anyone else dies?
This book was so packed full of murder, suspense, action, drama, intrigue, scientific jargon, legal references, and a bit of romance! Wow! I didn’t know I would learn so much in one book. I was enlightened to the world of scientific research and what the processes are to come up with new cures for illnesses. It doesn’t fall too far from current events in our country and the author does a good job showing concerns that might be valid now.
I also loved learning all about the legal side of things, and all the many aspects of the scientific community.
Cara Putman is a wonderful author who gives stomach-churning drama, as well as depth to her story. Her books are always full of suspense, mystery, and action. She loves throwing twists and turns in her stories. I kept trying to figure out who the actual bad guy was, but it wasn’t easy.
If you like twists and turns, “who-done-it” stories, then you need to buy this book! It will keep you on the edge of your chair. I actually couldn’t put it down! Of course, I also didn’t want to go to bed until I found out what was really going on!
I highly recommend this if you’re looking for an entertaining book to read….but just be warned….you might not sleep until you’re done with it!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
SERIOUS INTRIGUE!
Bestseller author Cara Putman has written another fantastic romantic legal thriller in LETHAL INTENT! This one is sure to grab plenty of attention as it tells the tale of the dark world of scientific secrets and corporate espionage and the myriad of ethical dilemmas that are at the heart of where science and and commerce meet. Putman makes it personal by adding a stellar cast of characters with the main two being Caroline Bragg and Brandon Lancaster. These two have been good friends for quite some time, but both come with a lot of baggage. They are on the verge of taking their relationship to the next level as they already know they each bring out the best in each other. They both must work on their trust issues and their lack of self-worth. Caroline has started her dream job as legal counsel for the drug company Praecursoria. Brandon has his own dream job running a Group Home he has worked so diligently to build since he retired from playing Pro Football. Each of them are facing challenges at work. One of them finds themselves in the midst of a situation where several co-workers have died — or is it something far more nefarious? Who can be trusted? Putman concludes this novel with edge of your seat excitement until the very last word!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Thomas Nelson & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.