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Blackhawk Security #7
Once a Killer: Blackhawk Security Book 7
Bree Gordon looks nothing like a bodyguard. But the short, slender woman knows how to keep her principal safe. And one of her most potent weapons is her appearance. People see her and dismiss her. Their mistake.
Jameson Ford is a technical whiz who’s working on a program that’ll be a game changer. The military wants it. So does the CIA, along with some unsavory players. Someone close to him wants it, as well – one of the engineers in his lab.
When he reluctantly hires a bodyguard, he’s shocked when Bree shows up. But it doesn’t take long for him to appreciate her abilities. Will the attraction flaring between them be their salvation? Or will it be their downfall?
Jameson Ford is a technical whiz who’s working on a program that’ll be a game changer. The military wants it. So does the CIA, along with some unsavory players. Someone close to him wants it, as well – one of the engineers in his lab.
When he reluctantly hires a bodyguard, he’s shocked when Bree shows up. But it doesn’t take long for him to appreciate her abilities. Will the attraction flaring between them be their salvation? Or will it be their downfall?
- GenresRomantic Suspense
330 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2022
About the author
Margaret Watson
106 books131 followersUSA Today bestselling author Margaret Watson is a two-time RITA Finalist with thirty books in print for Harlequin and Silhouette and many other award-winning romantic suspense novels.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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October 22, 2023
There were just too many errors in the book that distracted from the plot. After dinner, Jameson went into the living room and …. Bree went into her bedroom to make phone calls. The pizza arrived 45 minutes later and they sat down to dinner. Another one-The conference was in two weeks and when Bree asked she was told Friday. So many more like this. (I paraphrased)
February 24, 2023
Once a Killer is the seventh book in the Blackhawk Security series. It can be read as a standalone novel. But I suggest reading the previous six to see who the previous characters were, their relationships, and how they fit into this storyline.
Bree Gordon doesn’t look like your typical bodyguard. She is short, slender, and can blend into the background. Bree is also as tough as nails, thanks to her military experience. So, in other words, she is perfect for personal security. Her newest client is Jameson Ford. He is working on a program that could change lives, making him a target. From the CIA to an engineer at his lab, someone wants to get their hands on it. The problem is Jameson doesn’t know who, and when the attempts start getting physical, he needs a bodyguard. Bree doesn’t know that her past is directly tied to what is happening to Jameson. Can she keep Jameson, the program, and her heart safe? Or will she end up losing all three?
I wasn’t a huge fan of Bree at the beginning of the book. She came across as kind of a jerk. But, the more the author revealed about her background, the more I understood why she acted the way she did. I did like her commitment to Jameson. She was committed to keeping him safe, and when her enemies started targeting him, the fury in her was pretty awesome to read.
What is it with clueless men in romance novels? While I liked Jameson, he embodied every clueless hero I read. How could you not know who at your lab was after your program? It wasn’t like he had a vast suspect pool there. He did score some brownie points with me over how he felt about Bree. He knew she was damaged (it was pretty apparent). He didn’t push her for anything; instead, he waited for her to tell him. Usually, it is the other way around (the woman waiting for the man), so it was refreshing to read. I liked that.
The main storyline in Once a Killer was Bree bodyguarding Jameson until they figured out who was after his program. I liked seeing the role reversal here. A small, thin woman guarding a grown man did bring a smile to my face. And Bree was the real deal. That woman showed, a few times, that she wasn’t one to be trifled with. The author didn’t draw this storyline out. Instead, she added Bree’s issues from the military towards the end of it. I wasn’t a big fan of that, but it did add a much-needed oomph to the storyline.
The romance in Once a Killer was scorching hot. It was a combination of forced proximity and Instalove (neither of which I like). Even with my dislike of those tropes, it was still a great love story. I liked that Jameson had to wait for Bree to open up instead of the other way around. It wasn’t an easy romance, with Bree running scared toward the end. But it did end up with a HEA.
The sex scenes were amazing. I would have been disappointed if the sex had fallen short. But it didn’t, and I loved it!! I do think that amazing sex scenes go hand in hand with these types of romances.
The mystery angle in Once a Killer was well written. I did figure out who was behind everything reasonably early in the book. That made me frustrated when Bree and Jameson couldn’t figure it out. I was yelling about who it was in my head. Of course, the culmination of this storyline ended with a huge bang and with me feeling very satisfied as a reader.
The trigger warnings in Once a Killer weren’t that bad. There was a lot of violence (gun, physical, and car). There were also some elements of stalking (mentioned and shown briefly) that Bree took care of quickly. Bree’s PTSD was mentioned, and she did explain to Jameson the events that led up to it. The severe depression in the side character was well written. My heart broke for that character, and I was slightly aggravated with Jameson for not seeing it sooner. But as soon as it was brought to his attention, Jameson got that person help. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book.
The end of Once a Killer was interesting. For one, I couldn’t figure out if there would be a new book. With the introduction of Bree’s enemies, I wonder if the author will start a new series and set it in the same universe as her other books. I liked that Bree and Jameson did get their HEA. As much as I complained about Bree, I feel Jameson will be good for her and help her overcome her issues.
I would recommend Once a Killer to anyone over 21. Besides the trigger warnings, there are also language and sexual situations.
Many thanks to Margaret Watson and Dragonfly Press for allowing me to read and review Once a Killer. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.
Bree Gordon doesn’t look like your typical bodyguard. She is short, slender, and can blend into the background. Bree is also as tough as nails, thanks to her military experience. So, in other words, she is perfect for personal security. Her newest client is Jameson Ford. He is working on a program that could change lives, making him a target. From the CIA to an engineer at his lab, someone wants to get their hands on it. The problem is Jameson doesn’t know who, and when the attempts start getting physical, he needs a bodyguard. Bree doesn’t know that her past is directly tied to what is happening to Jameson. Can she keep Jameson, the program, and her heart safe? Or will she end up losing all three?
I wasn’t a huge fan of Bree at the beginning of the book. She came across as kind of a jerk. But, the more the author revealed about her background, the more I understood why she acted the way she did. I did like her commitment to Jameson. She was committed to keeping him safe, and when her enemies started targeting him, the fury in her was pretty awesome to read.
What is it with clueless men in romance novels? While I liked Jameson, he embodied every clueless hero I read. How could you not know who at your lab was after your program? It wasn’t like he had a vast suspect pool there. He did score some brownie points with me over how he felt about Bree. He knew she was damaged (it was pretty apparent). He didn’t push her for anything; instead, he waited for her to tell him. Usually, it is the other way around (the woman waiting for the man), so it was refreshing to read. I liked that.
The main storyline in Once a Killer was Bree bodyguarding Jameson until they figured out who was after his program. I liked seeing the role reversal here. A small, thin woman guarding a grown man did bring a smile to my face. And Bree was the real deal. That woman showed, a few times, that she wasn’t one to be trifled with. The author didn’t draw this storyline out. Instead, she added Bree’s issues from the military towards the end of it. I wasn’t a big fan of that, but it did add a much-needed oomph to the storyline.
The romance in Once a Killer was scorching hot. It was a combination of forced proximity and Instalove (neither of which I like). Even with my dislike of those tropes, it was still a great love story. I liked that Jameson had to wait for Bree to open up instead of the other way around. It wasn’t an easy romance, with Bree running scared toward the end. But it did end up with a HEA.
The sex scenes were amazing. I would have been disappointed if the sex had fallen short. But it didn’t, and I loved it!! I do think that amazing sex scenes go hand in hand with these types of romances.
The mystery angle in Once a Killer was well written. I did figure out who was behind everything reasonably early in the book. That made me frustrated when Bree and Jameson couldn’t figure it out. I was yelling about who it was in my head. Of course, the culmination of this storyline ended with a huge bang and with me feeling very satisfied as a reader.
The trigger warnings in Once a Killer weren’t that bad. There was a lot of violence (gun, physical, and car). There were also some elements of stalking (mentioned and shown briefly) that Bree took care of quickly. Bree’s PTSD was mentioned, and she did explain to Jameson the events that led up to it. The severe depression in the side character was well written. My heart broke for that character, and I was slightly aggravated with Jameson for not seeing it sooner. But as soon as it was brought to his attention, Jameson got that person help. If any of these triggers you, I suggest not reading the book.
The end of Once a Killer was interesting. For one, I couldn’t figure out if there would be a new book. With the introduction of Bree’s enemies, I wonder if the author will start a new series and set it in the same universe as her other books. I liked that Bree and Jameson did get their HEA. As much as I complained about Bree, I feel Jameson will be good for her and help her overcome her issues.
I would recommend Once a Killer to anyone over 21. Besides the trigger warnings, there are also language and sexual situations.
Many thanks to Margaret Watson and Dragonfly Press for allowing me to read and review Once a Killer. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.
January 16, 2023
Once A Killer by Margaret Watson
Blackhawk Security 7
Blackhawk Security has many agents and new satellite offices springing up employees hive-off one by one after finding their life partners while on missions, jobs, maneuvers assigned to them. In this book it is the turn of Bree Gordon to head off as bodyguard to a tech genius seeking protection for himself and the app he is developing.
What I liked:
* Bree: tiny but mighty, lethal, strong, capable, intelligent, knows her craft, guarded, attracted to Jefferson
* Jefferson: brilliant, business owner, wealthy, cautious, protective, caring, helpful, attracted to Bree
* Getting to see some of the Blackhawk Security team again
* The bodyguard romance aspect of the story
* That both main characters were intelligent, forthright, capable, mature adults who communicated honestly
* The mystery of who was after the app and steps taken to find him/her/them
* Jefferson’s three-flat apartment – learned something new looking them up
* The link that came up to Bree’s military past and wondering how that will play out in future books of the series
* The eventual revelation and final resolution of the case
* That I felt Bree and Jefferson were good together once they ironed out the issues that needed to be overcome
* Wondering who will star in the next book of the series
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about people willing to do what some did in this book and how what they do has such a horrific impact on so many
Did I enjoy this book – yes
Would I read more in this series – yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Blackhawk Security 7
Blackhawk Security has many agents and new satellite offices springing up employees hive-off one by one after finding their life partners while on missions, jobs, maneuvers assigned to them. In this book it is the turn of Bree Gordon to head off as bodyguard to a tech genius seeking protection for himself and the app he is developing.
What I liked:
* Bree: tiny but mighty, lethal, strong, capable, intelligent, knows her craft, guarded, attracted to Jefferson
* Jefferson: brilliant, business owner, wealthy, cautious, protective, caring, helpful, attracted to Bree
* Getting to see some of the Blackhawk Security team again
* The bodyguard romance aspect of the story
* That both main characters were intelligent, forthright, capable, mature adults who communicated honestly
* The mystery of who was after the app and steps taken to find him/her/them
* Jefferson’s three-flat apartment – learned something new looking them up
* The link that came up to Bree’s military past and wondering how that will play out in future books of the series
* The eventual revelation and final resolution of the case
* That I felt Bree and Jefferson were good together once they ironed out the issues that needed to be overcome
* Wondering who will star in the next book of the series
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about people willing to do what some did in this book and how what they do has such a horrific impact on so many
Did I enjoy this book – yes
Would I read more in this series – yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
January 28, 2023
Bree Gordon, who had been a Marine, now works for Blackhawk Security. She’s tasked with protecting Jameson Ford, who’s working on a program that everyone is interested in, to the point they’d be willing to kill him. Soon Bree’s mission to protect Jameson crosses with her past, and he’s no longer the only one who’s in danger.
This book is fast paced and action-packed, which will leave readers eagerly waiting to see what happens next. Bree proves that just because she didn’t look like a typical bodyguard doesn’t mean she can’t take care of herself and Jameson, while Jameson shows that there’s more to him than just his job. The pair develops a mutual respect for one another, and I liked how their romance wasn’t rushed, but allowed to develop at a realistic pace instead.
I enjoyed the twist of Bree’s past intertwining the Jameson’s situation. That wasn’t resolved in this book, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unravels further in the series.
This is the seventh book in the Blackhawk Security series, but it can be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading the whole series if you haven’t though, because it’s good. The author writes romantic suspense stories that draw readers in and keeps them engaged from beginning to end.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy provided by the author**
This book is fast paced and action-packed, which will leave readers eagerly waiting to see what happens next. Bree proves that just because she didn’t look like a typical bodyguard doesn’t mean she can’t take care of herself and Jameson, while Jameson shows that there’s more to him than just his job. The pair develops a mutual respect for one another, and I liked how their romance wasn’t rushed, but allowed to develop at a realistic pace instead.
I enjoyed the twist of Bree’s past intertwining the Jameson’s situation. That wasn’t resolved in this book, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unravels further in the series.
This is the seventh book in the Blackhawk Security series, but it can be read as a standalone. I do recommend reading the whole series if you haven’t though, because it’s good. The author writes romantic suspense stories that draw readers in and keeps them engaged from beginning to end.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy provided by the author**
December 17, 2022
An exciting addition to one of my favorite series, Blackhawk Security. Bree Gordon, former Marine sniper, is assigned as the bodyguard to computer genius Jameson Ford. He is developing a new program that has caught the attention of other companies as well as the military. While waiting for his patent, his office has been searched and someone is following him. He requests a bodyguard and is shocked when Bree shows up. He doesn’t believe that she would be able to protect him, until she proves her ability to take a man down. As she works with him at his office, posing as a reporter interested in his work, it gives her time to investigate the other programmers who work in his lab. Attending a conference with Jameson, they are threatened by two men she had met while in the military. After returning home, they suffer a violent attack; who was the target…she or Jameson? She has never gotten this close to one of her protectees, but Jameson has found a way into her heart. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation, from the author, for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
December 20, 2022
ONCE A KILLER brings us Bree Gordon, one of Blackhawk Security’s best protection agents, and Jameson Ford, a techno-genius and potential billionaire. Jameson’s development of a unique computer program has put him in someone’s crosshairs. Although Bree may be small in stature, she certainly knows her job and can execute it flawlessly. But there are unexpected threats that provide some surprising twists which only complicate things for Bree and Jameson. While dealing with the challenges of the protection situation, and her own personal demons, Bree also feels she needs to fight her growing feelings for Jameson as well. Theirs is a fast-paced tale that is filled with drama, intrigue, strong emotional chemistry, and steamy passion. This is a story that is sure to grab your interest from the start and hold your attention while keeping you turning pages until the very end.
February 25, 2023
👨💻🪖Why so serious for the sake of a name? I hope it has backstory otherwise it's just cringy overreaction at the first scene 😬
👨💻🪖Bree's character seemed highly professional. Why would she kiss Jameson at that moment? I know it'll follow up with the "mistake" trope but still that was fast.
👨💻🪖I thought the army knew Bree is Jameson's bodyguard. They talked in the office about where they found the bug hence the preparator. Idk wth is going on.
👨💻🪖Well hell, it got super cheesy after they became a couple. And the mystery part is full of plot holes. Kinda dumb too.
👨💻🪖Bree's character seemed highly professional. Why would she kiss Jameson at that moment? I know it'll follow up with the "mistake" trope but still that was fast.
👨💻🪖I thought the army knew Bree is Jameson's bodyguard. They talked in the office about where they found the bug hence the preparator. Idk wth is going on.
👨💻🪖Well hell, it got super cheesy after they became a couple. And the mystery part is full of plot holes. Kinda dumb too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
Bree is an ex Marine who now works for Nighthawk Security. Jameson is an app designer and being threatened. The new program he is developing is worth squillions. He needs a bodyguard because of an attempt on his life. Enter Bree, kickass bodyguard. A lab. Four engineers. Is it one of them? Or is the army? They want to buy his program but James said no. A damaged Monster car. Safe. Gunshots into the car. Safe. Love blossoming. A bodyguard scared of love. What an amazing story. I am hoping there will be another book in this fabulous series.
November 17, 2024
Jameson is nearly done creating a breakthrough program, but someone is trying to steal it, enter Bree his new bodyguard tiny but mighty and she infiltrates his life to find out who is trying to steal his work. Lots of twists and turns, an on the edge of your seat type of book, till the very end. Great Read.
January 5, 2023
Another installment in the Blackhawk security series. Bree is sent to act as a bodyguard to Jameson. She is underestimated, which works in her favor. They work at whittling away the suspects as a threat from her past comes into play.
April 26, 2023
thief or killer
Wow! A story filled with quite a bit of action. I loved Bree’s character. She was strong, determined and thought she knew what she wanted. Jameson was one big nerd. He was also strong and determined. Great story. Can’t wait to read the last in this series.
Wow! A story filled with quite a bit of action. I loved Bree’s character. She was strong, determined and thought she knew what she wanted. Jameson was one big nerd. He was also strong and determined. Great story. Can’t wait to read the last in this series.
June 18, 2023
Protecting his program
Jameson is a computer engineer who has written a program worth millions of dollars. Someone is trying to steal his program and hurt him. Bree is his bodyguard.
Jameson is a computer engineer who has written a program worth millions of dollars. Someone is trying to steal his program and hurt him. Bree is his bodyguard.
August 7, 2023
slow but good
Read several books in this series, this was a great story but very slow. Part was left hanging so that didnt make me happy. Characters were good and had interaction with others. All in all i gave it a 5 star.
Read several books in this series, this was a great story but very slow. Part was left hanging so that didnt make me happy. Characters were good and had interaction with others. All in all i gave it a 5 star.
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July 6, 2025She did it again
I thought this was the last book in the series,but after researching the series and finishing this book I can see there will be more. The reverse happened in this book....a hot female Blackhawk Security agent and a nerdy, smart computer genius...a positive ending
I thought this was the last book in the series,but after researching the series and finishing this book I can see there will be more. The reverse happened in this book....a hot female Blackhawk Security agent and a nerdy, smart computer genius...a positive ending
January 23, 2023
I have truly been loving this series and its characters! This book focuses on Bree. Such a strong female lead.... I enjoyed the mystery of trying to figure out who the bad guy was. A good read!
May 2, 2023
Bree Gordon of Blackhawk Security has met her match when assigned as bodyguard to Jameson Ford. Sparks fly as she protects him while he works on developing a highly sought after computer programme.
July 12, 2023
Great read. This book is a romantic suspense novel about Jameson & Bree getting together with each other.
December 1, 2023
Great read
I enjoyed the intrigue and suspense. Both Jameson and Bree were characters that you could identify with and appreciate their journey.
I enjoyed the intrigue and suspense. Both Jameson and Bree were characters that you could identify with and appreciate their journey.
July 12, 2024
Basic story good with some minor flaws, but with too many lovey-dovey sex details.
February 12, 2025
An unlikely bodyguard
Bree is an unlikely bodyguard. Small in size but well trained and powerful. She will protect her client with her life.
Bree is an unlikely bodyguard. Small in size but well trained and powerful. She will protect her client with her life.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews