Eighteen years ago, a group of men killed Regan Miller's boyfriend and tried to kidnap her daughter, Kelsey. Since then they have lived in hiding, always vigilant and never getting close to anyone.When Kelsey goes away to college, Regan finally begins to relax. She even starts to think she can have a real relationship, perhaps with her flirtatious neighbor, Tyler Sloane. Then Regan is attacked again.Desperate to get to her daughter, Regan accepts Tyler's help-despite her suspicions about him. She knows nothing about Tyler but he knows a shocking amount about her past. Tyler can't tell her what he knows or who he works for, but he insists she can't face her enemies without him. Tired of living in fear, Regan is ready to take the offensive, with Tyler by her side. But is she relying too much on a man she can't trust-and falling for him, too?89,500 words
Natalie J. Damschroder hasn't done anything remotely worthy of bio documentation in a very long time, unless you count making up the romantic adventures that her characters live out in her books. She loves combining end-of-the-world stakes with the relationships that make those stakes personal. Love with a Shot of Adrenaline has infused nearly every story she's published. Whether you like quick reads you can finish in a day or sinking into longer books, you'll find something to satisfy your craving for action, romance, and happy endings. She also writes paranormal young adult romance as NJ Damschroder, where all of the same elements apply.
Besides her dozens of published books, what Natalie is most proud of is her family. She and her husband have been married over 30 years and still have the kind of partnership she makes her characters fight for every day. They've raised two awesome kids now living their own fulfilling lives, which you would think would mean she'd write more books faster. But she's enjoying reading, relaxing with good TV, and sleeping too much to give any of that up. In the fall and winter, almost nothing will keep her from cheering on her New England Patriots, even though they don't win as much anymore. Visit her website at nataliedamschroder.com to learn more about her books and sign up for her newsletter.
Natalie J. Damschroder is a new author for me. Having never heard of her before didn't stop me from requesting for an ARC of this title on Netgalley, which is to be released on the 28th of this month from Carina Press. The cover was what drew me to the story at first and then the blurb gave the impression that this could be my kind of story. And from the very first chapter itself, Fight or Flight reeled me in and kept me captivated, turning the pages to reach its conclusion, to see how Regan and Sloan fare in the end.
37 year old Regan Miller is a woman who has been on the run, who has continually looked over her shoulder for any danger that may come for the past 19 years. Regan had lost her parents in a home invasion when she had been 12 years old and had become a victim of the foster care system from which she had escaped with the help of an excellent social worker who opened up the opportunity for her to enroll in an elite boarding school in California where she meets Scott Harrison the father of her daughter Kelsey. The news of Regan's pregnancy had brought immense joy to Scott which had been short lived as Scott ends up giving up his life to save that of his pregnant girlfriend and to warn her to run for her life.
Regan is a woman who would do anything to keep her daughter safe, even if it means working hard at creating a facade of normalcy in their lives. Kelsea had grown up thinking that her mother suffers from psychological problems at worst, living life constantly at the edge waiting for a danger that had never materialized.
But the minute Regan lets her guard down enough to invite even a semblance of normalcy into her life, the danger that she has been waiting for explodes into her life without a care for the wake of destruction and chaos it leaves behind. 18 years of training and words of advice Regan has given kicks in when Kelsey receives the call that brings life as she knows it tumbling down right in front of her.
And thus begins a race against unknown enemies who are willing to cross anything or anyone that stands between them and Kelsey. It is Regan's sexy next door neighbor of 2 years Tyler Sloane that steps into help at the most unexpected hour, someone who seems to know more about them than he lets on, earning Regan's continued distrust as danger continues to greet them at every turn. However, even a lifetime habit of being wary around people doesn't stop Regan from responding to the heat that flares between her and Tyler every time, a fire that burns out of control long before Tyler gains Regan's full trust.
With surprising twists towards the end, Fight or Flight is a novel that lives up to its very well deserved title. Regan's race to keep her daughter safe at all costs is one that requires her to be vigilant at all times, ready to fight dirty or to flee and get the hell out when the moment calls for it. The adventure of the nail-biting variety is non-stop which is complemented by the very well done and explosive scenes of passion between Tyler and Regan whose feelings blossom amidst all the chaos that reigns.
I enjoyed my first novel by Natalie immensely which features a kick-ass heroine who would lay down her very life for the daughter she loves. Tyler is a bit of a mystery throughout the story until towards the end when everything about him comes to light. Even then, the story is not told from his point of view at any stage in the story, but his feelings are well portrayed by other means which makes his feelings towards Regan seem more real.
My only peeve with the story is the lack of a proper ending; for me the way the story concluded seemed a bit rushed. I would have loved to see Regan's life with Tyler afterwards, a completely different Regan from the woman she has been forced to be for the past 18 years of her life.
I finish off my review with a quote from the story, the scene where Tyler tries to confess his feelings towards a Regan who is not at all ready to hear what he has got to say - lending the moments that follow a more emotional wrangling quality which would have not been possible if otherwise.
Regan Miller has been trying to protect her daughter Kelsey since even before Kelsey was born. Eighteen years ago, a pregnant Regan's boyfriend was murdered. He lived just long enough to warn her to run and protect the child. But now, Kelsey is grown and has gone off to college. Just when Regan thinks she might be able to relax her insane vigilence, the attack she's always feared comes. They've finally found her! From that point on, it's an adrenaline-spiking thrill ride. Regan is a kick-ass heroine, and she taught her daughter well, but this time, no matter how far and fast they run, they can't escape. Regan is forced to trust her charming, handsome neighbor Tyler Sloan, who turns out to be much more than he seemed. But when the bad guys seem to anticipate their every move, she begins to think she was wrong to trust Tyler.
Damschroder keeps us on the edge of our seats with the mystery (who wants Kelsey and why?) and with the thrilling action/fight scenes. My absolute favorite scene in the book - actually, maybe the best scene I've read in a while -takes place in a men's bathroom. It was killer!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a romantic suspense with lots of action/adventure. It's all there in spades!
A parent will do anything to protect the life of their child and this is exactly what Regan Miller is about to do. As her boyfriend lies dying in her arms from gunshot wounds, he tells Regan they're coming for the baby and she needs to run. But before she can ask the two most important questions: who wants the baby and why, he dies. Determined to keep her unborn child safe Regan leaves the only world she knows. For the next 18 years Regan has become fiercely protective of her daughter Kelsey and has taught her everything there is to know about survival. But Regan's split second decision to let her guard down backfires and danger steps out of the shadows threatening everything Regan has spent 18 years protecting.
I've never read anything written by Natalie J. Damschroder, but now having read 'Fight or Flight' I'm definitely going to be adding more of Damschroder’s work to my shelves. The title of the book is what first inspired me to read the synopsis. I really enjoy when a title reflects the story that's about to unfold and Damschroder did a great job achieving this. As most people know 'Fight or Flight' is a biological response to danger and this story elicits fear in the reader by exploring one of humanities basic conflicts--how does a parent save the life of their endangered child? Do they fight? Or do they flight?
Some of the main characters in the story were Tyler, the flirtatious neighbor; Tom, Kelsey's jock boyfriend and Van, Kelsey's feisty best friend. While all the characters were well developed, I didn't enjoy the names Damschroder choose for two of them, Tom and Tyler. Both are prominent male characters and both start with the letter T and these similarities at times lead me to re-read scenes as I would easily get these characters confused.
Taking the character confusion out of the equation 'Fight or Flight' ended up being an enjoyable read for me. There were many suspense scenes which helped keep the story moving in a forward momentum and the pace was fast, both things I look for when reading a book. The romance component was there, and tastefully done. The biggest plus that secured my return to Damschroder’s work, was the way the story ended. I loved that I wasn't able to figure out who the villain was, and how the villain was connected to characters. I always say if I can't figure out the “whodunit”part of the book, the author has done their job and will find me reading more of their work. I can't wait to recommend it to my fellow readers.
Once thing you can be sure about this book is that the name fit’s the book to a T. There’s lots of fight and lots of fight!
Years of paranoia, on the run, hiding and looking over your shoulder , always wary and ready for an unknown attack and 18 years later Regan and her daughter Kelsey are finally going to get to put their training to good use.
Regan Miller went on the run as a young, pregnant teenager when her then fiancé, while dying in her arms warned her to “run”. She did and never looked back. Regan didn’t know why she was running, who was after her or why but she knew it was imperative she disappear.
Regan’s always been mistrustful of strangers, hasn’t allowed anyone to get close for fear of being exposed and also because if you don’t allow yourself to love anyone, then when you need to leave in a hurry - no one’s feeling get hurt. Not the ideal way to live, but self preservation is a great motivator.
Regan was one kick-ass, take no prisoners mom. It was amazing the way she was able to defend herself, taking her own licks in the process...but she gave as good as she got...if not better. I guess adrenaline fuelled fear can take you a long way.
Kelsey Miller may have hated all her mother’s lessons, preaching about safely and strangers and paranoia growing up, but she sure put her skills to good use when her neck was on the line.
Add in sexy, “don’t know if I can trust him neighbor” Tyler, Kelsey’s boyfriend Tom and her BFF Savannah and these 5 try to keep one step ahead of multiple attacks and numerous bad guys who won’t stop at nothing to obtain their prize...Kelsey.
The action is fast-paced and non stop and the reasons for Kelsey and Regan being hunted was a secret most of the way through the book. I did have to suspend a little bit of believe, but seriously nothing would surprise me about what governments and scientists are capable of now a days.
This is my first Natalie Damschroder’s book, but it won’t be my last. I’ve got her newest Behind the Scenes on my Kobo Reader now.
3 ½ stars. The first 80% was well done for action, suspense, and being on the run.
The ending was a weak quick summary. We don’t see the end of the main conflict. Instead it jumps to two weeks later and we hear things worked out ok. At least it was wrapped up which I liked. But it didn’t match the detail, descriptions, and action style of the rest of the book.
I don’t mind stories low on romance, just know what you’re getting. There is a romantic ending, but there is not much relationship development. It’s like a salt shaker with some romance shakes here and there. But it’s a good action story.
Most of the time the author did a great job showing how the bad guys found good guys and neat things good guys did to get away. Although one scene was vague. I wanted to know how the bad guys found someone hiding in a rural area.
LACK OF LOGIC: (Bothered me)
DATA: Narrative mode: 3rd person. Book length: 371 pages. Swearing language: strong but not often used. Sexual language: mild including the f-word. Number of sex scenes: 3 briefly described. Setting: current day various U.S. locations. Copyright: 2011. Genre: action suspense with a little romance.
When I read Fight or Flight by Natalie J.Damschroder, I can only imagine the plight of the main character who had to leave everything that she had and live in a very low profile live as she feared for her life. I imagine that her life was very dark and since she had to be very careful and lay low, the possibilities of her going into the light is very unlikely.
I could feel her sadness, her longing to live her life like before again as well as her loneliness.
This book is very well written and I wouldn’t mind reading the book for a second time. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received a digital ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review and I was also not compensated in any ways for this.
Is it paranoia if people really are out to get you?
Regan Miller is letting go of her daughter in a way most parents do: she's sending her to college. There's a difference, though. Regan's daughter Kelsey was almost kidnapped as a baby, and her boyfriend (Kelsey's father) was murdered, so Regan did what any mother would do: changed her name and went into hiding. She also practiced being incredibly paranoid, took self-defense, and used every precaution available to keep the two of them safe.
There haven't been threats since Kelsey was a baby, though, so Regan feels at least moderately okay about letter her go... right up until her house is broken into and she's nearly killed.
Let me tell you one thing about this book: it's absolutely incredible. It's one of those books where there are times when nothing much is happening, but there's a constant feeling of fear that permeates every page, even when it doesn't seem like there's a reason to. That may just have been Regan's feelings being absorbed by me through osmosis, but even when she was home alone, weeks after dropping off Kelsey and doing something as commonplace as having her man friend over for dinner, I was tense.
Turns out it was for good reason, because when the bad guys come after Regan and Kelsey, it's no holds barred, watch out because they're around every corner and always a step ahead of you kind of book. Just writing this review is making my heart pound all over again.
Even better? We don't know if we're supposed to trust the hero or not. It feels like he's trustworthy, and he seems to be helping, but Tyler is clearly hiding something.
Toss in Kelsey's devoted and stubborn boyfriend, her fun and bullheaded roommate (who's a terror with a hockey stick) and you have one heck of a group of good guys to root for while they run for their lives from a whole pile of people who never give up.
Regan's an amazing woman. Smart, capable, strong, and incredibly loyal. She's raised an equally amazing daughter who's one blind spot is her boyfriend, Tom, who would probably be safer if he'd just let her go. Neither one is prepared to make that sacrifice, however, and it's just as well because the bad guys know who each and every one of them are.
I really sympathized with Regan. She's spent her life afraid and is terrified to let her guard down, even for a moment. The one time she does, she pays for it and is determined that will never happen again. But she can't seem to protect Kelsey on her own this time, and has to let people in, at least a little. And, in Tyler's case, it's more than a little even though she suspects he might not be everything he seems to be.
Tyler is so conflicted. You know there's stuff going on inside his head that you can't see -- we don't get his POV in this story, it's all Regan and Kelsey -- but he's such a caring guy, you want him to be okay. And you understand when Regan starts to give in to those feelings he evokes in her. Who wouldn't?
Still, we don't know who to trust. Every time it seems as though they can take a breather, they're found out. How is that possible if it's not an iside job?
Grab a copy of this book and then sweat, worry, and fall in love with Regan and Kelsey. Fight or Flight should come with a warning, though: do not read if you have heart problems. Because this book absolutley gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing and once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.
If this is the quality of writing and plotting I can expect from author Natalie J. Damschroder, then she's going to become an auto-buy author for me. Well done.
This book very quickly sucked me in. I have always loved mysteries & suspense, and this one did not disappoint. Regan and Kelsey are two amazing women, and I loved everything about both of them. Regan was exceptionally strong for her daughter, especially having to be on the run and on-guard 24/7, always ready for anything that might be lurking around the corner for the last 19 years. I can't even imagine what that would be like to have to live that way, but yet, I know it's happened before. Once Tyler came into the picture, there was a lot of guesswork for me because one second you think he's a good guy, the next, it looks like he might be a bad guy.
Damschroder definitely keeps you on your toes with twists and turns you can't even begin to guess at, until the final few chapters when the true picture emerges. In my opinion, when you can't guess what the ending will be, it is a well written novel, and the author definitely wrote a good one here!
Damschroder did a fantastic job with character development; she put a lot of time into her secondary characters as well, so I found myself connected to them all. It was written in such a way that was easy to read and flowed very smoothly. Once I finally got around to reading it, it went very fast and I had a hard time putting it down. I almost wish this was a series so that I could read more about Regan, Kelsey, Tyler, Tom & Van.
I enjoyed this book very much and will look forward to reading other works by Damschroder. Thanks to Carina Press & netGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book for free!
At first there was too many characters and I didn't think I would get on with the story at all but about half way through it all settled down into a really good story. Compared to other books in this genre there were a lot more characters involved in the main storyline but I actually liked them all. I didnt fully like Regan at first I have to admit but she eventually grew on me. I find it exhausting when the main character is an untrusting as she was with everyone and I didnt really understand why she was as untrusting as much as she was. Tyler wasnt as much alpha male as the male characters normally are in these books either but it actually endeared him to me more as it was more realistic.
I realise I have listed a few faults above but I did really enjoy this story, it drew me in and I liked all of the characters which makes a story even better.
It has everything a romantic suspense story should have in it, so if you like this genre then its definatly one to read :)
Fantastic book! This book is full of riveting action, strong characters, great secondary characters (love the best friend with her hockey stick!), never-ending stream of bad guys, and that hard-to-predict guilty party. I received this book after winning it in a Goodreads giveaway and decided to start reading it a couple days after receiving it in the mail. I soon became this story's addict. However, I felt that Tyler needed a better, sooner communicated acceptance than what he received. The mother sort of reminded me of Linda Hamilton's character in "The Terminator II" as well. Great editing. No complaints. I highly recommend this book to read. You won't be disappointed, except that it has to end. I think it might even make it into my top 50 favorite book of all time list, which is high praise considering the amount of books I read! Enjoy the books, my fellow readers, and Merry Christmas. Or Happy Hanukkah!
New to me author Natalie Damschroder brings a fast paced story of a young mother who will do anything to save her daughter. Years ago Reagan lost her boyfriend and became a single mom on the run. She's taught her daughter how to avoid danger but when Reagan leaves Kelsey at college she has to let go for the first time. Reagan doesn't let down her guard down but does finally open herself up to possible happiness which comes crashing down in one night. Now Reagan is on the run with the help of her next door neighbor, Tyler, to try and save Kelsey from unknown men hunting them down. But Tyler is hiding a secret that can put Reagan and Kelsey in even more danger. Can Reagan remove her growing feelings for Tyler from her decisions and trust her own instincts to keep her and her daughter safe? Great read, loved the pacing and the action. I'd love to try more from this author.
For anyone who loves: Quick, smart heroine Sexy hero Kick ass daughter Why did I read it? The blurb won me over.
My Rambles: This was an amazing, fast paced, edge of your seat, sexy story! I was thoroughly impressed with the plot, quality of writing, and the ease in which I was captured by the characters. I picked it up and didn't put it down until I was done! I can't say enough how in awe I am of Ms. Damschroder. She made a typical story brilliant. There are enough twists and turns and gasp worthy moments that I honestly can't wait for more! This is one author I will be adding to my Watch list!!
Quality of writing: 10/10 Pace: 10/10 Plot Development: 10/10 Characters: 9/10 Ease of Reading: 10/10 Enjoyability: 10/10 Overall: 5/5
Fight or Flight Natalie J. Damschroder's book is a taut thriller with excellent pacing, intrigue, and while Regan Miller is a woman in jeopardy, she's also a woman who can take care of herself. The hero is man she's reluctant to trust but finds herself not only trusting when she shouldn't but falling in love. She's wanted a normal life for 19 years and just when she thinks it might be safe to come out of the shadows, all hell breaks loose. This is a fast-paced ride with a heroine who could give Sarah Connor a run for her money.
This is the second book in as many days ive read by Natalie J. Damschroder and i have to say i love her writing she goes into so much detail that sometimes it feels like you are there going through it all with them, it had everything i look for in a book, drama, romance, sex and it kept you guessing on what the outcome would be, If you have never read Natalie J. Damschroder why not?! Its a must read!
This book is an amazing, captivating, and edge of your seat type story. I was so wrapped up in the action that starts in the first chapter that I was half way through the book before I even noticed. I read it completely in one sitting If you like the kind of books that leave you guessing all the way until the last chapter that offers suspense, action, lust, and intrigue then this is definitely the book tor read.
This was a new author for me, but I must say that I will be looking for more of her books. The story was great, the characters were great. Plenty of thrills and adventure with just enough romance to keep it interesting.
I would recommend this book to all romanti thriller fans.
Thank you again Natalie Damschroder, for a definite GOOD READ!
Non-stop action! It's a fast-paced novel that gives the reader an adrenaline rush while hoping the good guys can survive. Regan has been training her daughter Kelsey since she was little on how to survive when the bad guys come. Kelsey thinks her mom may be a bit touched in the head but soon discovers that her mom was not being paranoid.
I wanted to like this more, but the fight scenes were pretty repetitive. Oh no, here's another professional goon that got his ass kicked by a girl. Yes, girls are tough. But really, these bad guys are pretty inept.
Great tension and action! Can't beat the story of a mother protecting her child while trying to let her become an independant, strong adult. Well done, Ms. D!
An exciting story line and believeable characters made for a fun and fast read. I would have liked a little more detail at the end but I'm finding that pretty typical of today's novels. Long build up, quick resolution.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.