Without Warning

Sam and Blake shared a brief (very brief) thing in high school. However, stupidity burned that bridge before they could completely cross it. Grown and hopefully wiser, they are successful in their own ways and about to be reacquainted in the least likely of ways: Blake as an author, Sam as his bodyguard. This is a long overdue second chance at romance for both but there are hurdles to get over before their tentative love can become a forever love. The most important, as it's why Sam is watching over Blake, is a stalker. It was interesting getting to see the story through the stalker's eyes. It gave the story added depth since those machinations are usually kept hidden from the reader. Being able to see inside the stalker's mind was awesome. The other matters that needed attention were Sam's reluctance to engage in a relationship with Blake. There's a reason, other than professionalism, for her hot/cold reaction to him. Those times of coolness were astounding compared to the times of barely restrained heat, and getting to know the woman behind the toughness was enlightening. Blake's redemption of his mistake years ago was humbling. What he felt for Sam then grew to epic proportions when he came face-to-face with her, and he knew that she was still the one he wanted. And while the stalker was never far from his mind, a future with Sam wasn't either. It was just making it happen that proved to be the challenge. I can't recall reading anything by Ms. Holt so I'm not familiar with her style or voice, but this is an excellent introduction for me. She writes with precision and created a world that mirrored reality without overwhelming me with it. I read to escape, including mystery/suspense romances, and this was a beautiful offering for a few hours of escape for me. 4.5* Received from publisher for an honest review

Desiree Holt’s Without Warning is a thrilling read full of fascinating characters and suspense that kept me turning the pages in anticipation of finding out what would happen next. Blake and Samantha have lots of sizzling chemistry and an heated attraction that heats up the pages of this romance, but the couple has a rocky past that adds to the tension and with the whole ‘not fraternizing with the client’ thing going on it keeps the suspense of whether they will have a happily ever after until the very end. The suspense of Blake’s stalker keeps readers on the edge of their seat throughout the story with lots of twists and thrill building events that pushes at the couple’s emotions and this story has another mystery that keeps readers wanting to know more… Blake has no idea why he was targeted which adds to the uncertainty of the situation. Desiree Holt paints vivid imagery that makes it easy for the reader to picture each and every scene and brings her characters to life with the dialogue and vibrant personalities so that readers feel as if they have really gotten to know them. I was caught up in the story from the very beginning and though this is the first book that I have read in the Vigilance series, Vigilance Security has caught my attention so I will be reading Hide and Seek and looking for A Deadly Business when it releases in August.

Emotionally thrilling, teasingly sexy, action packed and engaging second chance romantic adventure for two high school sweethearts that spent many years apart. Blake Edwards is now an international bestselling author and in need of protection due to some overly aggressive fan. As a bodyguard Samantha Quenel has found the perfect outlet for her military experience. She is assigned to protect Blake (her old high school flame) and is all for keeping a close watch on him at all times.... Highly enjoyed this heart pounding, emotional and thrilling reading experience.