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Downstroke
It’s been twenty years since security specialist Charley Roper and country star Dallas Creed had their bitter parting. Now a killer has brought them together again, but neither is ready for a reunion—despite signs that their explosive chemistry hasn’t waned with time. She can’t forget the feel of his hands on her body. He can’t forget the hot touch of her mouth. When they finally tumble into bed, the sex is just as good as they remember, hot enough to singe the sheets. But is it enough?Thrown together during an exhausting, frenzied concert tour, with a killer nipping at their heels, Dallas and Charley find themselves on a hot, suspenseful, erotic roller coaster ride. Can he convince her to trust her heart to him one more time, to reach out for a richer, deeper, more mature love?More importantly—can Charley keep Dallas alive long enough for either of them to enjoy a second chance?
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2011
2 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Desiree Holt
321 books1,275 followersA multi-published, award winning, Amazon and USA Today best-selling author, Desiree Holt has produced more than 200 titles and won many awards. She has received an EPIC E-Book Award, the Holt Medallion and many others including Author After Dark’s Author of the Year. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and in The Village Voice, The Daily Beast, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The London Daily Mail. She lives in Florida with her cats who insist they help her write her books, and is addicted to football.
“Get out the ice water and fan…Desiree Holt delivers smoking hot alpha heroes and red hot romances.” Lea Franczak, USA Today Happy Ever After blog
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“Get out the ice water and fan…Desiree Holt delivers smoking hot alpha heroes and red hot romances.” Lea Franczak, USA Today Happy Ever After blog
Learn more about me and read my novels here:
www.desireeholt.com
www.desiremeonly.com
www.facebook.com/desireeholtauthor
www.facebook.com/desireeholt
Twitter @desireeholt
Pinterest: desiree02holt
Google: www.desiree02holt
LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/desiree01holt
To stay in touch sign up for my newsletter here:
http://desireeholt.us10.list-manage.c...
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 5, 2017
This was a wonderful book about young love, reckless youth and decisions, regret, longing, forgiveness and second chance love. The author does a good job of ‘setting the stage’, so to speak, sharing tidbits of the characters past to help the reader understand how and why choices and decisions were made that landed them both where they are now in their lives. It was a nice twist to see the roles reversed for Dallas and Charley where he was the one in need of protecting and she owning an agency to provide protection. Usually it is the female character the author places in a more vulnerable position and the male character coming in and taking charge to fix things so it was a nice role reversal that fit well with this story and their personalities. This story is also full of constant suspense with danger lurking around every corner so it easily holds your interest as you read to find out who the bad guy is; there are a lot of possibilities and it is interesting to see how the breadcrumbs connect when the killer is finally reveal.
A few additional highlights…
- The characters were well-developed and mature, which added a nice depth to them. They were believable and felt real so it was easier to connect with them throughout the story.
- It was also nice to see the main characters as older, more mature individuals (early 40’s) with life experiences under their belts to ground them.
- The suspense aspect in this book was frustratingly good. It draws you in from the first page, starting with the killer’s point of view, and keeps you guessing with the many clues provided throughout the story. Every time I thought I had it figured out, new information was shared that made me rethink my choice. Aside from Dallas and Charley’s romantic story I was hooked trying to figure out the killer’s identity.
- There was just enough background information shared regarding Dallas and Charley’s past (in flash backs) to help you understand their heartache, regret and struggles as they try to sort out their history and learn to be friends again. It was done is a manner that kept the storyline flowing smoothly.
- Finally the relationship between Dallas and Charley was heavy with a lot of baggage including hatred, resentment, regret, shame and self-centeredness but an underlying love that still connected them after all the years apart. It was interesting to get a glimpse of their young love, to see how it all began, then fast forward many years when they meet again. You can feel the animosity between the two and the longing for things to change the more time they spend together. The author does a great job of sharing their feelings between their own inner-dialogue and conversations with each other as they work hard to sort out their feelings to move forward. You can feel their struggles and grief as they try to reconnect.
If you enjoy a good read full of suspense and romance with the threat of danger that will hold you hostage until the last page you do not want to miss out on this book. *I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
A few additional highlights…
- The characters were well-developed and mature, which added a nice depth to them. They were believable and felt real so it was easier to connect with them throughout the story.
- It was also nice to see the main characters as older, more mature individuals (early 40’s) with life experiences under their belts to ground them.
- The suspense aspect in this book was frustratingly good. It draws you in from the first page, starting with the killer’s point of view, and keeps you guessing with the many clues provided throughout the story. Every time I thought I had it figured out, new information was shared that made me rethink my choice. Aside from Dallas and Charley’s romantic story I was hooked trying to figure out the killer’s identity.
- There was just enough background information shared regarding Dallas and Charley’s past (in flash backs) to help you understand their heartache, regret and struggles as they try to sort out their history and learn to be friends again. It was done is a manner that kept the storyline flowing smoothly.
- Finally the relationship between Dallas and Charley was heavy with a lot of baggage including hatred, resentment, regret, shame and self-centeredness but an underlying love that still connected them after all the years apart. It was interesting to get a glimpse of their young love, to see how it all began, then fast forward many years when they meet again. You can feel the animosity between the two and the longing for things to change the more time they spend together. The author does a great job of sharing their feelings between their own inner-dialogue and conversations with each other as they work hard to sort out their feelings to move forward. You can feel their struggles and grief as they try to reconnect.
If you enjoy a good read full of suspense and romance with the threat of danger that will hold you hostage until the last page you do not want to miss out on this book. *I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 11, 2018
After a nasty breakup Charley Roper moved on to have a career with the FBI and now her own security company. Dallas Creed had become the darling of the country music world but he had managed to hit bottom with drugs and booze but is on his way back up again. Now he's in danger and his brother wants to hire Charley. What do you do when the man you still love is in danger? You go protect him.
All I can say is wow! This was a great read with so many twists and unexpected nuances that you have no idea what could happen next but you know you have to keep reading to find out. Author Desiree Holt knows how to mold emotion, action, mystery and love that never really went away into a fantastic read.
If you enjoy a good read that includes a second chance, a very strong woman, a talented singer who finally gets it straight, a mystery, danger and intrigue then get your hands on DOWNSTROKE.
All I can say is wow! This was a great read with so many twists and unexpected nuances that you have no idea what could happen next but you know you have to keep reading to find out. Author Desiree Holt knows how to mold emotion, action, mystery and love that never really went away into a fantastic read.
If you enjoy a good read that includes a second chance, a very strong woman, a talented singer who finally gets it straight, a mystery, danger and intrigue then get your hands on DOWNSTROKE.
July 30, 2011
Unlike much of Holt's writing, this is a full-length novel and is a composite of mystery and erotic romance. Set in the context of a country musician's professional tour, with a murderous stalker threatening not only Dallas' safety but his life, Charley Roper is hired to provide special security for Dallas and his band and crew for the remainder of the tour. That Dallas and Charley have history has the potential for making problems, especially if these two can't find a way to work together to keep Dallas safe. That they were once lovers, that they each believed that the other was their "forever one," really complicated this reunion more than if they had just been casual dates. That they parted angry and bitter really put them both under the gun in many ways. Yet Charley believed that she was a professional and able to provide the security for which she was contracted, and the past was still in the past.
This is a compelling novel that takes a look not only at the pressures, logistics, and relationships that can make or break a professional music tour, but it also takes the reader into an old relationship where both Dallas and Charley put their dreams for the future before their love for each other. That they loved each other was never in doubt. Perhaps that's why the hurt and bitterness was so acute when they parted. Like so many lovers they made assumptions that weren't based on truth, fact, or good communication. And when their dreams collided, their relationship broke apart in the most wounding way. Now they are faced once again with finding a way back, if for no other reason than Dallas' safety is at stake.
Here you have two people who know that each of them bears a portion of the blame for their bitter parting. They know also that each has blamed the other for the last 20 years. This reunion of sorts has given them the chance to face their own culpability for wasting the past two decades and for the wounds that hurt them both. I came to like Dallas a lot--he had come back from his descent into drugs and alcohol, for spending money like water and cutting a swath through crowds of women--easy booze, easy drugs, easy women. An auto accident nearly claimed his life and through months of painful recovery, he not only got his body back but his life and his good sense as well. Now he has reclaimed his fans but a killer is out for blood. The novel really doesn't give many hints as to the identity of this maniac. Holt teases her readers almost to the very end. But during the course of the story, the reader not only encounters the stalker but also walks the journey of reclaiming their relationship with Dallas and Charley. Now they are really grown-ups, having dealt with real life, having had to learn to live with the consequences of their choices, learning what it means to put their dreams ahead of their love. I found that it was curiously redemptive to experience their renewal--Holt has a wonderful ability to bring her readers into the meat of the story. And while the unrelieved presence of the killer keeps the tension level high, it is also the pressure-cooker of circumstances that forces Charley and Dallas to make some important decisions about their future together.
This is a great read which is full of tension, mystery, hot loving, and some wonderful caring, affectionate concern, and genuine relationship, not only between Dallas and Charley, but between Dallas and his brother, with Dallas and the members of his crew and band as well. Their mutual respect and regard get them all through some trying days. I like to experience that kind of dynamic in stories. I am also delighted that Holt has given her readers a full-length novel. Her ability to tell a story never fail to delight, but I have really felt cheated when some of her tales are so short. They get the job done, but the encounter with the characters is way too brief. So Holt fans: enjoy! I think you'll really like this one!
I give this novel a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
This is a compelling novel that takes a look not only at the pressures, logistics, and relationships that can make or break a professional music tour, but it also takes the reader into an old relationship where both Dallas and Charley put their dreams for the future before their love for each other. That they loved each other was never in doubt. Perhaps that's why the hurt and bitterness was so acute when they parted. Like so many lovers they made assumptions that weren't based on truth, fact, or good communication. And when their dreams collided, their relationship broke apart in the most wounding way. Now they are faced once again with finding a way back, if for no other reason than Dallas' safety is at stake.
Here you have two people who know that each of them bears a portion of the blame for their bitter parting. They know also that each has blamed the other for the last 20 years. This reunion of sorts has given them the chance to face their own culpability for wasting the past two decades and for the wounds that hurt them both. I came to like Dallas a lot--he had come back from his descent into drugs and alcohol, for spending money like water and cutting a swath through crowds of women--easy booze, easy drugs, easy women. An auto accident nearly claimed his life and through months of painful recovery, he not only got his body back but his life and his good sense as well. Now he has reclaimed his fans but a killer is out for blood. The novel really doesn't give many hints as to the identity of this maniac. Holt teases her readers almost to the very end. But during the course of the story, the reader not only encounters the stalker but also walks the journey of reclaiming their relationship with Dallas and Charley. Now they are really grown-ups, having dealt with real life, having had to learn to live with the consequences of their choices, learning what it means to put their dreams ahead of their love. I found that it was curiously redemptive to experience their renewal--Holt has a wonderful ability to bring her readers into the meat of the story. And while the unrelieved presence of the killer keeps the tension level high, it is also the pressure-cooker of circumstances that forces Charley and Dallas to make some important decisions about their future together.
This is a great read which is full of tension, mystery, hot loving, and some wonderful caring, affectionate concern, and genuine relationship, not only between Dallas and Charley, but between Dallas and his brother, with Dallas and the members of his crew and band as well. Their mutual respect and regard get them all through some trying days. I like to experience that kind of dynamic in stories. I am also delighted that Holt has given her readers a full-length novel. Her ability to tell a story never fail to delight, but I have really felt cheated when some of her tales are so short. They get the job done, but the encounter with the characters is way too brief. So Holt fans: enjoy! I think you'll really like this one!
I give this novel a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
April 21, 2011
Dallas’ rise to fame and fortune hasn’t been easy. His determination in becoming a music superstar comes not just from talent, but also heartbreak. Night after night, he performed for thousands of strangers and lost himself in the high of superstardom through drugs, alcohol, and women. Until the day, he literally crashes back into reality. His new sobering existence is somewhat eased by the unexpected reappearance of his brother, Morgan. Now on a new path towards rebuilding his career and image, the last thing he expected was for someone to try to kill him and for his past to walk through the door in an attempt to save him.
Charley has lived a professionally successful life. Her start in the FBI has driven her towards opening her own security firm and giving her the independence she craved. Now having landed in the number one top spot in the business, Charley is still quite surprised when Morgan comes to her office asking for assistance. She’s confident that the internal walls she’s erected since breaking-up with Dallas will remain strong as long as she remains focused on the job. Drastic times call for drastic measures, but will Charley be too pre-occupied to stop the killer?
Dallas and Charley are both such strong-willed and determined characters, which plays out beautifully with the sexual tension. This couple definitely has amazing chemistry and Ms. Holt does a fantastic job showing it by taking the reader back in time to where it all began, how it ended, and then how it is rekindled. Their story is incredibly moving and will have the reader all tied-up in emotional knots. The sex scenes are intense and will leave the reader both breathless and wanting more. The suspense-filled plot keeps the story moving briskly and is both unpredictable and believable. Despite the minor editing errors, the story feels complete and worth rereading. This being Ms. Holt's 100th release, it is my extreme pleasure to encourage every reader of romance to pick this one up. It will without a doubt become a fan favorite.
Review also posted @ Night Owl Reviews:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/
Charley has lived a professionally successful life. Her start in the FBI has driven her towards opening her own security firm and giving her the independence she craved. Now having landed in the number one top spot in the business, Charley is still quite surprised when Morgan comes to her office asking for assistance. She’s confident that the internal walls she’s erected since breaking-up with Dallas will remain strong as long as she remains focused on the job. Drastic times call for drastic measures, but will Charley be too pre-occupied to stop the killer?
Dallas and Charley are both such strong-willed and determined characters, which plays out beautifully with the sexual tension. This couple definitely has amazing chemistry and Ms. Holt does a fantastic job showing it by taking the reader back in time to where it all began, how it ended, and then how it is rekindled. Their story is incredibly moving and will have the reader all tied-up in emotional knots. The sex scenes are intense and will leave the reader both breathless and wanting more. The suspense-filled plot keeps the story moving briskly and is both unpredictable and believable. Despite the minor editing errors, the story feels complete and worth rereading. This being Ms. Holt's 100th release, it is my extreme pleasure to encourage every reader of romance to pick this one up. It will without a doubt become a fan favorite.
Review also posted @ Night Owl Reviews:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/
June 29, 2011
A really cool aspect of this book is that it starts from the killer's point of view. He's after a famous musician called Dallas Creed. The killer misses his target and has no choice but to try again. Dallas's brother Morgan hires "Roper Protective Agency" which is run by Dallas's former lover Charlie.
Charlie and Dallas have a history that goes back 20 years, when they broke up it was not pretty. Now years later Charlie fights her instincts to run the other way as fast as she can, but she feels she can do no other then guard Dallas from a real and dangerous threat.
Dallas feels this may be his second chance to have Charlie back in his life, so he uses their time together to try and win her back.
This Book is extremely packed with goodies. There's intrigue, mystery, action and hot sex! No one could resist such a buffet to read!
Long lost love and second chances is only part of what this book has to offer. I'd like to share with you one of my favorite paragraphs from "Downstroke."
"We'll take it slow, okay? I'll give you as much time as you need. Just as long as you don't try to hide from me." She pressed a soft kiss on his lips, more affection than passion but his cock still responded.
This is also a true love story. There is nothing that makes a relationship stronger then compromise and Desiree Holt demonstrates it time and time again in her books. Her understanding of relationships and the vast emotions that comes with them makes her books some of the best I have ever read.
This Book kept me up very late because I just could not put it down. I had to know what would happen next and how it all tied up together in the end. Not only was the end perfect for this book but the book as a whole kept me guessing. It made a nice change not being able to guess who the killer was from the beginning. LOL So what do I rate this book? I give it 5 STARS!!! I loved it and I recommend it to anyone looking for an awesome read that will keep you guessing long into the night!
Charlie and Dallas have a history that goes back 20 years, when they broke up it was not pretty. Now years later Charlie fights her instincts to run the other way as fast as she can, but she feels she can do no other then guard Dallas from a real and dangerous threat.
Dallas feels this may be his second chance to have Charlie back in his life, so he uses their time together to try and win her back.
This Book is extremely packed with goodies. There's intrigue, mystery, action and hot sex! No one could resist such a buffet to read!
Long lost love and second chances is only part of what this book has to offer. I'd like to share with you one of my favorite paragraphs from "Downstroke."
"We'll take it slow, okay? I'll give you as much time as you need. Just as long as you don't try to hide from me." She pressed a soft kiss on his lips, more affection than passion but his cock still responded.
This is also a true love story. There is nothing that makes a relationship stronger then compromise and Desiree Holt demonstrates it time and time again in her books. Her understanding of relationships and the vast emotions that comes with them makes her books some of the best I have ever read.
This Book kept me up very late because I just could not put it down. I had to know what would happen next and how it all tied up together in the end. Not only was the end perfect for this book but the book as a whole kept me guessing. It made a nice change not being able to guess who the killer was from the beginning. LOL So what do I rate this book? I give it 5 STARS!!! I loved it and I recommend it to anyone looking for an awesome read that will keep you guessing long into the night!
June 23, 2011
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Music, steamy sex, a killer on the loose…what more could you ask for?
Charlotte (Charley) Roper owns a successful protective agency and has long since forgotten the man who broke her heart, country music star Dallas Creed ... or maybe she hasn't. Morgan, Dallas’s brother, contacts Charley and asks for her services, convincing Charley to come to Dallas’s concert that night. While she’s talking to Dallas someone tried to shoot him. She decides to take the case but keep her heart out of it, but will she find the killer in time?
I love music so this book had me hooked right off the bat. I was very impressed with the mystery aspect of the book. The plot stays steady and strong the whole way through. I never lost interest, which sometimes happens for me with the novel length stories. My only nit-pick was that Ms. Holt switched back and forth between first person and third person between Charley and Dallas, it was a bit distracting.
That being said, I still really enjoyed this story. Ms. Holt even shows her song writing skills and I must say they are pretty impressive. I’d love to hear the songs set to music. This one is definitely worthy of being her 100th book. The danger and romance are spectacular and I recommend it highly.
Music, steamy sex, a killer on the loose…what more could you ask for?
Charlotte (Charley) Roper owns a successful protective agency and has long since forgotten the man who broke her heart, country music star Dallas Creed ... or maybe she hasn't. Morgan, Dallas’s brother, contacts Charley and asks for her services, convincing Charley to come to Dallas’s concert that night. While she’s talking to Dallas someone tried to shoot him. She decides to take the case but keep her heart out of it, but will she find the killer in time?
I love music so this book had me hooked right off the bat. I was very impressed with the mystery aspect of the book. The plot stays steady and strong the whole way through. I never lost interest, which sometimes happens for me with the novel length stories. My only nit-pick was that Ms. Holt switched back and forth between first person and third person between Charley and Dallas, it was a bit distracting.
That being said, I still really enjoyed this story. Ms. Holt even shows her song writing skills and I must say they are pretty impressive. I’d love to hear the songs set to music. This one is definitely worthy of being her 100th book. The danger and romance are spectacular and I recommend it highly.
November 27, 2011
I really, really enjoyed Downstroke. The story shows how a decision made when we are younger can impact our whole lives. Charly and Dallas were meant to be together, the way Ms. Holt added in flashbacks from when they were younger, the break up scene and described their feelings past and present made my heart bleed for both of them. Usually when reading a lost love found romance I am on one or the other's side, and most of the time it is the heroine, in Downstroke I couldn't pick sides, I wanted them back together no matter who did what. Dallas is a hero I totally connected with, I loved his sense of shame he had over his "rock-star" life-style, as well as his dedication to winning Charly back. Charly is a strong independent woman with a hard shell but a soft heart, the inner struggles she had finally admitting her feelings were believable and it was great that she didn't just give in to her heart without thinking.
To see my full review click this link
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
To see my full review click this link
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
April 14, 2011
I had known about the concept for this book for a year now and could not wait to read it. Once I got it, I tore through it and loved every minute of it. The chemistry between the characters was haunting, passionate, hungry, and at times, incredibly funny! I could obviously tell that Desiree knew her stuff when it came to the music industry and I appreciated that while reading the story. It was not forced nor unbelievable and I found the storytelling to be complete and valued. If I could say one thing about this book it would be....when will we see the next installment for Dallas' brother!!
Loved it!
Loved it!
March 13, 2013
A thrilling and erotic romantic suspense! Desiree Holt creates another spell binding tale that weaves romance and thrills all into one. And it helps that it features a country singer 'Swoons'.
Holt always crafts her characters so well, and the sizzling suspense just gets hotter and hotter with the turn of each page. How this author creates story after story in such a short time is amazing, but I enjoy reading Holt's suspense very much.
If you like romantic suspense, steamy love scenes, and don't mind staying up all night to read then check out Downstroke. It's hot! Dallas and Charley's story will win the hearts of romance fans.
Holt always crafts her characters so well, and the sizzling suspense just gets hotter and hotter with the turn of each page. How this author creates story after story in such a short time is amazing, but I enjoy reading Holt's suspense very much.
If you like romantic suspense, steamy love scenes, and don't mind staying up all night to read then check out Downstroke. It's hot! Dallas and Charley's story will win the hearts of romance fans.
March 3, 2013
This book had an interesting twist. For once the man was in danger and it was the woman's job to protect him. He's a country music star and she's a security specialist. They dated and fell in love over 20 years ago but miscommunication and sheer stubbornness kept them apart. Until his life was threatened. By someone in his inner circle. She's hired on to protect him and find out who and why. As you'd guess, they rekindle their relationship and deal with the fallout of their break up so many years ago.
This book was pretty predictable but sweet.
This book was pretty predictable but sweet.
July 14, 2011
LOVED this book. The sex was not only hot, it was intertwined with the emotions between these two characters, and Desiree Holt did a spectacular job of conveying that. The suspense was intriguing...I couldn't wait to find out who the bad guy(s)/girl(s) were, yet I didn't want to know, because I knew that meant the book would come to an end. :-) This author is adept at weaving in clues and keeping readers turning pages, and providing a satisfying romance all at the same time.
October 24, 2011
This is only my second book by Desiree Holt and I am definitely hooked for more. I had a hard time putting this book down and turning out the light because I wanted to solve the mystery. There was a 20 year gap between the H/h and they find they still have feelings for each other. Dallas and Charley have gotten older and a little wiser and want to move beyond the pain and go forward together. What a great ending too.
May 5, 2014
Ever since reading a novella by Desiree Holt in an anthology, I've become a big fan of her work, and especially her cowboy heroes. This one combined lots of my favorite elements...a cowboy who's also a "rock" star, characters over the age of 40, and a second-chance love story. Add to that a decent suspense plot and for me, that spells a winner. As an added bonuse, the heat is always well done in Desiree's novels, and this one was no exception.
4 stars
4 stars
May 10, 2011
Excellent book
September 16, 2011
review forthcoming....
October 20, 2012
I just really enjoyed the story, it is well written with amazing details. I hope to read more of her writings soon. She has an amazing talent.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews