What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bodyguards of L.A. County #2
Falling For Sarah
Widow Sarah Johnson struggled to pick up the pieces after her life was ripped apart. After two years of grieving, she’s found contentment in her thriving business as photographer to Hollywood’s A-list and in raising her angel-faced daughter, Kylee... until bodyguard and long-time friend Ethan Cooke changes everything with a searing moonlight kiss.
Sarah’s world turns upside down as she struggles with her unexpected attraction to Ethan and the guilt of betraying her husband’s memory. But when blue roses and disturbing notes start appearing on her doorstep, she has no choice but to lean on Ethan as he fights to save her from a stalker that won’t stop until he has what he prizes most.
Sarah’s world turns upside down as she struggles with her unexpected attraction to Ethan and the guilt of betraying her husband’s memory. But when blue roses and disturbing notes start appearing on her doorstep, she has no choice but to lean on Ethan as he fights to save her from a stalker that won’t stop until he has what he prizes most.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2012
155 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Cate Beauman
22 books537 followersCate Beauman is the multi-award-winning, international bestselling author of The Bodyguards of L.A. County series and the Carter Island Novels. She is known for her full-length, action-packed romantic suspense and contemporary stories.
Cate's novels have been named Readers' Favorite Five Star books and have won the Booksellers' Best Award, Maggie Award for Excellence, the Holt Medallion Award, two-time Aspen Gold Medal, two-time Readers' Favorite International Gold Medal, three-time Readers' Favorite International Silver Medal, and the Readers' Crown Award.
Cate makes her home in New Hampshire with her family and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack.
Subscribe to Cate's monthly newsletter and receive Morgan's Hunter for FREE! Subscribe here: http://www.catebeauman.com/getmyfreeb...
Cate can be reached at www.catebeauman.com and www.facebook.com/CateBeaumanAuthor.
You can follow Cate on Instagram at www.instagram.com/realcatebeauman
Cate's novels have been named Readers' Favorite Five Star books and have won the Booksellers' Best Award, Maggie Award for Excellence, the Holt Medallion Award, two-time Aspen Gold Medal, two-time Readers' Favorite International Gold Medal, three-time Readers' Favorite International Silver Medal, and the Readers' Crown Award.
Cate makes her home in New Hampshire with her family and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack.
Subscribe to Cate's monthly newsletter and receive Morgan's Hunter for FREE! Subscribe here: http://www.catebeauman.com/getmyfreeb...
Cate can be reached at www.catebeauman.com and www.facebook.com/CateBeaumanAuthor.
You can follow Cate on Instagram at www.instagram.com/realcatebeauman
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 18, 2015
Quick summary
Sarah Johnson was widowed two years ago when her husband, Jake, was killed in action in Afghanistan. Even before his death, Jake's best friend Ethan Cooke had been there for every important moment in Sarah's life in his absence, including the birth of her daughter. Now, their deep friendship was shifting to something more and that was scaring them both. Adding to the stress is a serial rapist who has set his sights on Sarah.
What I enjoyed
The rapist was one of the more twisted psychos I've encountered in a while. His ability to elude capture kept things extremely tense and off balance. I liked that his identity was revealed early on and his point of view presented throughout the story.
The romance was problematic at times because of Ethan's indecision about fully committing to a relationship with Sarah. His family history created doubts, which had him behaving like a jerk for a lengthy period of time. When things were working, the romance was great. But when it went off the rails, it was awful. Fortunately, he redeemed himself but I'm still sulking a bit.
The bottom line
I enjoyed the high suspense, action, tension and even ultimately the romance, despite Ethan's idiocy. Sarah's daughter, Kylee, added much needed comic relief and helped save him (she brought out the best in him). The writing style works for me, too, and I'm definitely hooked on this series.
Sarah Johnson was widowed two years ago when her husband, Jake, was killed in action in Afghanistan. Even before his death, Jake's best friend Ethan Cooke had been there for every important moment in Sarah's life in his absence, including the birth of her daughter. Now, their deep friendship was shifting to something more and that was scaring them both. Adding to the stress is a serial rapist who has set his sights on Sarah.
What I enjoyed
The rapist was one of the more twisted psychos I've encountered in a while. His ability to elude capture kept things extremely tense and off balance. I liked that his identity was revealed early on and his point of view presented throughout the story.
The romance was problematic at times because of Ethan's indecision about fully committing to a relationship with Sarah. His family history created doubts, which had him behaving like a jerk for a lengthy period of time. When things were working, the romance was great. But when it went off the rails, it was awful. Fortunately, he redeemed himself but I'm still sulking a bit.
The bottom line
I enjoyed the high suspense, action, tension and even ultimately the romance, despite Ethan's idiocy. Sarah's daughter, Kylee, added much needed comic relief and helped save him (she brought out the best in him). The writing style works for me, too, and I'm definitely hooked on this series.
June 20, 2016
Widow falls for a long time friend of her dead husbands! Liked this more than I expected since the dead spouse trope isn't a favorite! Good suspense. Full review on the blog!
August 1, 2017
First read 04/01/2013
I like Falling for Sarah just as much the second time around then I did the first. So good I loved this book more than the first book.
Sarah Johnson lost her husband in Afghanistan, Hunter was with him (book 1) and she has been bringing up their daughter Kylee since she was born.
Ethan has been with them all the way. But lately things have started to change between the two of them. Sarah is apprehensive to begin with as she feels as if she is letting Jake down but in the end she realizes that she will always love him and Jake would want her to just be happy.
I know that some other reviewers had some issues with Ethan. Yes, he was cruel and he should have explained what the problem was or maybe Sarah should have known what his parents were up to seeing as their lives were strongly entwined.
Turns out Sarah does know but only finds out to what extent it goes to. He did my nut in with his back and forth, Cooke’s aren’t marriage material, blah, blah, fucking blah. He does pull through in the end.
I’ve mainly docked a star because of Ethan this could have easily been a 5 star review.
The overall plot is full of suspense. I enjoyed this despite the fact that it included rapists/stalker. It is well written and although I’d read the book before I was still in full suspense mode in what was going to happen.
Boy, is she fertile.
Off to the next book
Can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
I like Falling for Sarah just as much the second time around then I did the first. So good I loved this book more than the first book.
Sarah Johnson lost her husband in Afghanistan, Hunter was with him (book 1) and she has been bringing up their daughter Kylee since she was born.
Ethan has been with them all the way. But lately things have started to change between the two of them. Sarah is apprehensive to begin with as she feels as if she is letting Jake down but in the end she realizes that she will always love him and Jake would want her to just be happy.
I know that some other reviewers had some issues with Ethan. Yes, he was cruel and he should have explained what the problem was or maybe Sarah should have known what his parents were up to seeing as their lives were strongly entwined.
Turns out Sarah does know but only finds out to what extent it goes to. He did my nut in with his back and forth, Cooke’s aren’t marriage material, blah, blah, fucking blah. He does pull through in the end.
I’ve mainly docked a star because of Ethan this could have easily been a 5 star review.
The overall plot is full of suspense. I enjoyed this despite the fact that it included rapists/stalker. It is well written and although I’d read the book before I was still in full suspense mode in what was going to happen.
Boy, is she fertile.
Off to the next book
Can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
October 15, 2012
The first chapter is both heartwarming and painful, and immediately sucks you into Sarah and her little gem, Kylee's lives. We meet Ethan, a true friend who has been Sarah's stronghold before and after tragedy strikes.
One night, and one hellluva kiss, takes Sarah and Ethan's friendship to a whole new level, but guilty feelings and fear of ruining their longstanding friendship have Sarah and Ethan in a tug-of-war with their emotions. Sudden bitterness befalls Sarah and she finds herself jumping down Ethan's throat after a run in with Ethan's flavor-of-the-month girlfriend, something Sarah has never done before.
As the heat turns up between Sarah and Ethan, both try to deny their true feelings, and let guilt interfere. But fire always burns hotter, and when you add one creepy arsed, crazy as #!$# madman, who wants to do sick and terrible things to Sarah, and steal her life away, you stop at nothing to save the one you love.
Ethan vows to protect Sarah and Kylee, which only adds fire to the flames of passion.
I loved Ethan immediately! What a fantastical man he is. Not that his good looks and hot bod have anything to do with it. And then we have Sarah, who you can't help but love along with Kylee, her little Gem. I just can't get enough of The Bodyguards of L.A.! This is one hot new series Romantic suspense junkies cannot pass up! And there's a third book coming soon! Gotta have them all!
One night, and one hellluva kiss, takes Sarah and Ethan's friendship to a whole new level, but guilty feelings and fear of ruining their longstanding friendship have Sarah and Ethan in a tug-of-war with their emotions. Sudden bitterness befalls Sarah and she finds herself jumping down Ethan's throat after a run in with Ethan's flavor-of-the-month girlfriend, something Sarah has never done before.
As the heat turns up between Sarah and Ethan, both try to deny their true feelings, and let guilt interfere. But fire always burns hotter, and when you add one creepy arsed, crazy as #!$# madman, who wants to do sick and terrible things to Sarah, and steal her life away, you stop at nothing to save the one you love.
Ethan vows to protect Sarah and Kylee, which only adds fire to the flames of passion.
I loved Ethan immediately! What a fantastical man he is. Not that his good looks and hot bod have anything to do with it. And then we have Sarah, who you can't help but love along with Kylee, her little Gem. I just can't get enough of The Bodyguards of L.A.! This is one hot new series Romantic suspense junkies cannot pass up! And there's a third book coming soon! Gotta have them all!
June 21, 2016
Emotional tsunami that will keep you afloat for days to come. The suspense was on point with the intricacy of it all. Again with one of Cate Beauman’s book in this same series I find the beginning chapters to be setting an emotional exchange that will carry to the end of the read. I was set up for the course of the read and found very few disappointments or misdirection’s that I could not understand or accept.
If doing bodily harm to one of the character’s in the book work for you, then get you slapping hand/punching fist ready. There will be moments that you will want to inflict that harm on Ethan. But we must understand that he was just a man and some men in general are prone to needing harm done unto them on occasion.
Ethan and Sarah have been friends for many, many years. They have built their friendship into something that has crossed time, relationships with others and just life in general. Until one night. One kiss. One moment in time. Ethan knew that Sarah was it for him. He knew this but being a man. You know. Sarah was not sure. She had her doubts. Then all that changes as the stalker just decides that things have gone slow enough. It was time to up his game.
A bonus or perk or not was getting to glimpse into the sick mind of the serial rapist. The processes going on behind his hunt and attack. Complexity of his thought/ramblings. His methodical behaviors as he went from start to finish to selection again.
There was a true romance here. A romance that has been building over the years even if neither of them suspected that was what was occurring. The need for each other but not wanting to lose their friendship was palpable.
Cate Beauman has most certainly delivered to me an encompassing romantic suspense will rich flavor and depth.
**This ARC was provided via Tasty Book Tours via InstaFreebie in exchange for an honest review.**
If doing bodily harm to one of the character’s in the book work for you, then get you slapping hand/punching fist ready. There will be moments that you will want to inflict that harm on Ethan. But we must understand that he was just a man and some men in general are prone to needing harm done unto them on occasion.
Ethan and Sarah have been friends for many, many years. They have built their friendship into something that has crossed time, relationships with others and just life in general. Until one night. One kiss. One moment in time. Ethan knew that Sarah was it for him. He knew this but being a man. You know. Sarah was not sure. She had her doubts. Then all that changes as the stalker just decides that things have gone slow enough. It was time to up his game.
A bonus or perk or not was getting to glimpse into the sick mind of the serial rapist. The processes going on behind his hunt and attack. Complexity of his thought/ramblings. His methodical behaviors as he went from start to finish to selection again.
There was a true romance here. A romance that has been building over the years even if neither of them suspected that was what was occurring. The need for each other but not wanting to lose their friendship was palpable.
Cate Beauman has most certainly delivered to me an encompassing romantic suspense will rich flavor and depth.
**This ARC was provided via Tasty Book Tours via InstaFreebie in exchange for an honest review.**
October 4, 2012
An emotional journey from friendship to true love. Sarah's husband Jake was killed in Afghanistan while his best friend Ethan took his place in the delivery room. The day Sarah brought baby Kylee home, she learned about Jake's death. Fortunately Ethan was on hand to comfort her.
A rapist with a fetish for blonde women stalks Sarah. Ethan must fight his growing feelings for Sarah while protecting her from an unknown enemy.
What I liked about this book was the push and pull of their relationship as it changed from platonic friendship to romantic love. They teetered between unable to resist to unwilling to risk losing their comfortable friendship.
Ethan's scene holding Kylee while viewing the ultrasounds was the most tender and touching moment. I just knew he would never play favoritism for his own baby above Kylee. To me, a man with a big heart is worth more than all the money and talent in the world. And Ethan is my type of hero, worried about his own ability to give Sarah a happy family, while wanting so desperately to have her in his life.
A rapist with a fetish for blonde women stalks Sarah. Ethan must fight his growing feelings for Sarah while protecting her from an unknown enemy.
What I liked about this book was the push and pull of their relationship as it changed from platonic friendship to romantic love. They teetered between unable to resist to unwilling to risk losing their comfortable friendship.
Ethan's scene holding Kylee while viewing the ultrasounds was the most tender and touching moment. I just knew he would never play favoritism for his own baby above Kylee. To me, a man with a big heart is worth more than all the money and talent in the world. And Ethan is my type of hero, worried about his own ability to give Sarah a happy family, while wanting so desperately to have her in his life.
April 30, 2015
I would've given this a higher score because it had a viciously evil villain but I despised the hero so much that I could barely finish the book. The hero was childish and spiteful and I found it difficult to believe that such a strong independent woman would fall for a guy that will treat her that way. Still, I did like the overall storyline and I thought the writing was pretty good. So, I'll stick with the 3 stars.
August 26, 2017
This is my first time reading Cate Beauman’s work and I must say I am impressed. I have found a new author of one of my favourite genres. I will definitely be continuing this series.
Falling for Sarah is book 2 of the Bodyguards of LA county and it can be read as a stand-alone. It does not matter where in the series you choose to start. I should warn you this is not your typical romantic suspense story. Once you begin reading be prepared to be taken on an emotional journey that is akin to a roller coaster ride. There are moments when all seem well, but then the unthinkable happens and things become topsy-turvy.
I was pulled into the story from the first chapter. The moments described here was bittersweet. There were instances of joy, but this is tinged with pain and loss. A life was lost, but one was born. This chapter sets the pace for the remainder of the story. It was here that we met Ethan Cooke and Sarah Johnson. These two have been best friends all their lives, but unexpected events would cause that friendship to be tested.
I enjoyed this story, however, there were moments when I wanted to slap Ethan upside his head. He is a smart but I guess when it came to affairs of the heart he was clueless. He was of the belief that marriage and family were not for him. This reaction stemmed from the example that his parents had laid out for him. Because of this, his treatment towards Sarah was a lot left to be desired. One moment he is into to her and then the next he is pushing her away. He was afraid that getting intimately involved with Sarah would destroy their friendship. However, his behaviour is likely to cause him to lose the best thing that has ever happened to him. The question that this raises is how does one cross the line between friends and lovers without destroying a great friendship? This was the struggle Ethan and Sarah had to encounter.
In the midst of all this, they had to deal with a serial rapist. This rapist had Sarah in his crosshairs for some bizarre reason. It was helpful to see his POV, which allowed me to see into his sick mind. He suffered from an inferiority complex and it was evident that he had a hard time getting the attention of the opposite sex. He was methodical and was always one step ahead of law enforcement. However, his obsession with Sarah led to him becoming erratic and unpredictable.
The story was well written. There was never a dull moment. The romance was well developed and believable. This was not an insta-love connection. Theirs was the kind of love that grew over time. The fact that they struggled to come to terms with their feelings spoke volumes. I enjoyed the interaction with the supporting characters. I found them intriguing and I am eager to read their stories. The romance and suspense were well balanced. One did not outshine the other.
To conclude, if you love romance and suspense then you need to look no further as Falling for Sarah has it all. I guarantee you will enjoy every moment of this book.
Falling for Sarah is book 2 of the Bodyguards of LA county and it can be read as a stand-alone. It does not matter where in the series you choose to start. I should warn you this is not your typical romantic suspense story. Once you begin reading be prepared to be taken on an emotional journey that is akin to a roller coaster ride. There are moments when all seem well, but then the unthinkable happens and things become topsy-turvy.
I was pulled into the story from the first chapter. The moments described here was bittersweet. There were instances of joy, but this is tinged with pain and loss. A life was lost, but one was born. This chapter sets the pace for the remainder of the story. It was here that we met Ethan Cooke and Sarah Johnson. These two have been best friends all their lives, but unexpected events would cause that friendship to be tested.
I enjoyed this story, however, there were moments when I wanted to slap Ethan upside his head. He is a smart but I guess when it came to affairs of the heart he was clueless. He was of the belief that marriage and family were not for him. This reaction stemmed from the example that his parents had laid out for him. Because of this, his treatment towards Sarah was a lot left to be desired. One moment he is into to her and then the next he is pushing her away. He was afraid that getting intimately involved with Sarah would destroy their friendship. However, his behaviour is likely to cause him to lose the best thing that has ever happened to him. The question that this raises is how does one cross the line between friends and lovers without destroying a great friendship? This was the struggle Ethan and Sarah had to encounter.
In the midst of all this, they had to deal with a serial rapist. This rapist had Sarah in his crosshairs for some bizarre reason. It was helpful to see his POV, which allowed me to see into his sick mind. He suffered from an inferiority complex and it was evident that he had a hard time getting the attention of the opposite sex. He was methodical and was always one step ahead of law enforcement. However, his obsession with Sarah led to him becoming erratic and unpredictable.
The story was well written. There was never a dull moment. The romance was well developed and believable. This was not an insta-love connection. Theirs was the kind of love that grew over time. The fact that they struggled to come to terms with their feelings spoke volumes. I enjoyed the interaction with the supporting characters. I found them intriguing and I am eager to read their stories. The romance and suspense were well balanced. One did not outshine the other.
To conclude, if you love romance and suspense then you need to look no further as Falling for Sarah has it all. I guarantee you will enjoy every moment of this book.
July 19, 2016
Cate Beauman is a master storyteller, so I was very happy to have the chance to read Falling for Sarah. The rollercoaster romance with the lingering danger has captivated me.
Sarah has a new baby and her hubby will be home from deployment soon. Ethan, who owns Cooke Security, has been there to fill the gap until he returns. As he changes Kylee’s diaper, while Sarah showers, he talks to himself.
“This stuff’s like cement. I’d rather be in an alley with three Uzis pointed at my head.”
Paints a pretty sexy picture in my head,the macho man afraid of breaking the baby.
Then…their world came crashing down. My heart broke for Sarah.
I saw the conflict coming. Sexual attraction and frustration. How long can they stay apart? Sarah and Ethan struggle to work through their feelings of doubt over moving on after the death of her husband, not wanting to lose their best friend. I want to slap them both upside the head with their on again off again, yes and no affair. Just get over yourselves. At times, I felt it went on a bit too long, but when you think about real life, how often have we all flipflopped over a difficult decision. I know I have.
A serial rapist is running rampant in her neighborhood and we all know where that will take us, but what a ride! Have you ever felt the hairs raising on the back of your neck, your spidey sense tingling, telling you someone is watching?
HE’s furious that he can’t get to her. All the serial killer cliches apply as he escalates to a fever pitch. He is obsessed, making plans for their special day. His sick and twisted thoughts made me think of Criminal Minds.
Oh no, I think I got on a ramble and I hope I didn’t share too much. What I talked about was predictable, so I don’t feel I spoiled anything. The real story is in the gritty details that kept me in suspense. I knew what’s coming, yet I could hardly wait to get there.
The pacing and suspense for Falling for Sarah by Cate Beauman kept me reading from beginning to end. Cate’s ability to write a story I have read before and still keep me on pins and needles is what makes her an author that will be on my radar.
I received a copy of Falling for Sarah by Cate Beauman in return for and honest review.
To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com
Sarah has a new baby and her hubby will be home from deployment soon. Ethan, who owns Cooke Security, has been there to fill the gap until he returns. As he changes Kylee’s diaper, while Sarah showers, he talks to himself.
“This stuff’s like cement. I’d rather be in an alley with three Uzis pointed at my head.”
Paints a pretty sexy picture in my head,the macho man afraid of breaking the baby.
Then…their world came crashing down. My heart broke for Sarah.
I saw the conflict coming. Sexual attraction and frustration. How long can they stay apart? Sarah and Ethan struggle to work through their feelings of doubt over moving on after the death of her husband, not wanting to lose their best friend. I want to slap them both upside the head with their on again off again, yes and no affair. Just get over yourselves. At times, I felt it went on a bit too long, but when you think about real life, how often have we all flipflopped over a difficult decision. I know I have.
A serial rapist is running rampant in her neighborhood and we all know where that will take us, but what a ride! Have you ever felt the hairs raising on the back of your neck, your spidey sense tingling, telling you someone is watching?
HE’s furious that he can’t get to her. All the serial killer cliches apply as he escalates to a fever pitch. He is obsessed, making plans for their special day. His sick and twisted thoughts made me think of Criminal Minds.
Oh no, I think I got on a ramble and I hope I didn’t share too much. What I talked about was predictable, so I don’t feel I spoiled anything. The real story is in the gritty details that kept me in suspense. I knew what’s coming, yet I could hardly wait to get there.
The pacing and suspense for Falling for Sarah by Cate Beauman kept me reading from beginning to end. Cate’s ability to write a story I have read before and still keep me on pins and needles is what makes her an author that will be on my radar.
I received a copy of Falling for Sarah by Cate Beauman in return for and honest review.
To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com
February 11, 2013
There are so many words that come to mind after reading this...WOW, AMAZING, WHOLLY BOOGERS!
Cate Beauman has totally found a follower in me. Her writing and characters are supreme.
This story although starting kinda sad with Jake's death, goes zero to sixty from there. A creepy, insane , psycho thrown in with HOT manly men always make for an awesome ride.
Ethan is definitely my favorite character. Aside from being this hottie with muscles (and money...lol), he's bound by love and honor. That says a lot about a man. He picks up the pieces and then some, grant you he can be a totally dummy at times....he is a guy.
As for dear sweet Sarah, once she worked through all her issues she turn out to be one pretty cool chick. Although, at times I wanted to smack her upside the head for various reasons...if only she would stop over thinking things...LOL
Ms. Beauman did an excellent job with Ethan and Sarah as a couple/non-couple...you'd almost believe it in reality!
The VERY SCARY PART......
BLUE ROSES!!!
Serious, after reading this I don't want to see a blue rose ever!!
Zeke is just one flipping NUT CASE!
I was following along really good and then bam...he goes and changes things up on you. I mean really and no it's not his fault he changes...oh no...it's all Sarah's. She's the one...CREEPY!
A sick craving...but the man has to practice before he gets to her. One woman after another after another.....
For a story that at first glace you would think it just cut and dry....you'd be passing once heck of a read up.
This story has love, murder, a PSYCHO and more turns then you can handle!
Cate Beauman has totally found a follower in me. Her writing and characters are supreme.
This story although starting kinda sad with Jake's death, goes zero to sixty from there. A creepy, insane , psycho thrown in with HOT manly men always make for an awesome ride.
Ethan is definitely my favorite character. Aside from being this hottie with muscles (and money...lol), he's bound by love and honor. That says a lot about a man. He picks up the pieces and then some, grant you he can be a totally dummy at times....he is a guy.
As for dear sweet Sarah, once she worked through all her issues she turn out to be one pretty cool chick. Although, at times I wanted to smack her upside the head for various reasons...if only she would stop over thinking things...LOL
Ms. Beauman did an excellent job with Ethan and Sarah as a couple/non-couple...you'd almost believe it in reality!
The VERY SCARY PART......
BLUE ROSES!!!
Serious, after reading this I don't want to see a blue rose ever!!
Zeke is just one flipping NUT CASE!
I was following along really good and then bam...he goes and changes things up on you. I mean really and no it's not his fault he changes...oh no...it's all Sarah's. She's the one...CREEPY!
A sick craving...but the man has to practice before he gets to her. One woman after another after another.....
For a story that at first glace you would think it just cut and dry....you'd be passing once heck of a read up.
This story has love, murder, a PSYCHO and more turns then you can handle!
February 17, 2017
Ethan was the one in the delivery room with Sarah. He was also there with her when the Marines brought the most dreaded news of any military personnel’s family – Jake had died in Afghanistan. Ethan makes a promise to Sarah that day to be there for her till the time she needed him. Their friendship quietly changes into platonic love and then to something more. Both Sarah and Ethan felt guilty about their relationship and felt as if they were like dishonoring Jake’s memory. But when a crazy psychopath starts stalking Sarah, and push comes to pull, they end up where they were meant to be all along – in each other’s arms.
The book had me from the word go. The very first chapter has, Sarah coming home with Kylee – very heartwarming moment that puts a smile on your face. Then Ethan trying to change Kylee’s diaper – hilarious and then came the news about Jake that will make you sad. Such a wide range of feelings in the very first chapter! I was hooked. Then following Ethan and Sarah’s journey to finding each other is such a satisfying experience too. Plus add and cute cuddly Kylee into the mix – how can one not like it?
Cate’s style of writing is simple and inviting. There’s such a smooth flow in the story without a single dull moment. This one book will make you laugh, cry, panic and frustrated – all in one. But by the time you are done with it, you are bound to have a satisfied smile on your face. This was so my kind of romance!
The book had me from the word go. The very first chapter has, Sarah coming home with Kylee – very heartwarming moment that puts a smile on your face. Then Ethan trying to change Kylee’s diaper – hilarious and then came the news about Jake that will make you sad. Such a wide range of feelings in the very first chapter! I was hooked. Then following Ethan and Sarah’s journey to finding each other is such a satisfying experience too. Plus add and cute cuddly Kylee into the mix – how can one not like it?
Cate’s style of writing is simple and inviting. There’s such a smooth flow in the story without a single dull moment. This one book will make you laugh, cry, panic and frustrated – all in one. But by the time you are done with it, you are bound to have a satisfied smile on your face. This was so my kind of romance!
August 9, 2017
3.5 to 4 stars.
I liked this one a little more than the first book. I felt the suspense a little more, mostly at the end.
August 2017 reread: I'm sticking with my original review but adding that Ethan was so hot and old through the entire book, it got a tad annoying.
I liked this one a little more than the first book. I felt the suspense a little more, mostly at the end.
August 2017 reread: I'm sticking with my original review but adding that Ethan was so hot and old through the entire book, it got a tad annoying.
August 12, 2017
3.5 stars. Very good plot, but hero was annoying, all that - we are friends, no - we are lovers, no - we must stay friends - no - lovers. Too many times, that got old quick.
February 17, 2013
My thoughts on this awesome book:
Before we begin I have to tell you I needed tissues before the end of the first chapter. So Sarah is a widow who has survived losing her husband and is doing it with a great support network of friends. Her world starts to shift and change with a kiss from her best friend, the man who has been through it all with her these last 4 years. Ethan was there through her pregnancy while her husband was over in the Sandbox, he was there during delivery and cut the cord for her husband Jake while he watched via transmission. He was there when the CACO officers brought her the news of her husband’s death the day she brought the baby home. Ethan has been there for her during the next three years too, after all she’s his good friend, they’ve been through hell together, until a string of cheese came their way.
Sarah is resilient, she picks herself up and puts her life back together, one step at a time, moving forward and it helps that she has friends to help her. When a wedding and Ethan’s current girl of the month put her out of sorts and Ethan kisses her in the moonlight things start to change. Sarah isn’t sure about taking the next step with Ethan but she is willing to try when she attracts the attention of a madman. Women all around in the area where Sarah lives have been getting raped and the calling card he leaves is blue poker chip at the scene. Soon after Blue roses are left on Sarah’s doorstep. As time goes by the rapes are escalating becoming more violent and each time roses are left there is one more than the last time. Sarah is willing to put herself in Ethan’s hand with his bodyguard business to keep her and her daughter safe. But will she be able to protect her heart when things go south between her and Ethan especially with a madman getting closer to her all the time. She is brave and calm when things get really crazy and her life is in danger. I canna say anything more because of spoilers, sorry.
Ethan has been with Sarah to hell and back and he’ll always be there for whatever she needs until one day when he falls in love with her. Now he has to fight himself and his perceived concepts on what he is capable of based on his family life as a child. He feels friendship is all he can offer Sarah until they kiss and he feels her respond. He is willing to see where they can go together but his insecurity and visions of his parents marriage rocks the boat. Added to that a madman is stalking Sarah and he does everything he can to keep her safe. But when an opportunity presents itself after a chance meeting with his father at the airport, for him to back off and get some perspective he takes it, but will he lose Sarah too? I like Ethan, he makes mistakes but he does his best to fix them and move forward. He’s willing to admit he makes mistakes and that earns him a lot of points in my book. It warms my heart how much he cares for not just Sarah but Kylee, of course it doesn’t hurt that Cate has given me a mental picture of Ethan as a dream of a man.
This is the second book in a series but you don’t need to read them in order , always a plus but after reading it I guarantee you’ll want to go out and pick up the rest of the series. I know I do and I will. I like the cover , the cover has a blue tint which works with the fact that the madman leaves blue chips and blue roses and the Hollywood sign shows not only where it is set but Sarah is the photographer to the stars. Cate does a wonderful job with our madman Zeke, taking him from a serial rapist to him escalating into a murdering rapist and a total psychopath . Her descriptions of several secondary characters help build the story, making some people likeable and you can see the kindness in them. Then others you can tell are not very nice people, some more so than others, so she does a great job character building. She was able to make me feel like I was at the beach, at Ethan’s home romping with his dogs, scared out of my mind as Sarah is faced with death and all the warm fuzzies that go along with falling in love. Cate Beauman can spin a wonderful tale of suspense, emotional angst, anger ,fear and passion; passion for life and love’s passion.
Before we begin I have to tell you I needed tissues before the end of the first chapter. So Sarah is a widow who has survived losing her husband and is doing it with a great support network of friends. Her world starts to shift and change with a kiss from her best friend, the man who has been through it all with her these last 4 years. Ethan was there through her pregnancy while her husband was over in the Sandbox, he was there during delivery and cut the cord for her husband Jake while he watched via transmission. He was there when the CACO officers brought her the news of her husband’s death the day she brought the baby home. Ethan has been there for her during the next three years too, after all she’s his good friend, they’ve been through hell together, until a string of cheese came their way.
Sarah is resilient, she picks herself up and puts her life back together, one step at a time, moving forward and it helps that she has friends to help her. When a wedding and Ethan’s current girl of the month put her out of sorts and Ethan kisses her in the moonlight things start to change. Sarah isn’t sure about taking the next step with Ethan but she is willing to try when she attracts the attention of a madman. Women all around in the area where Sarah lives have been getting raped and the calling card he leaves is blue poker chip at the scene. Soon after Blue roses are left on Sarah’s doorstep. As time goes by the rapes are escalating becoming more violent and each time roses are left there is one more than the last time. Sarah is willing to put herself in Ethan’s hand with his bodyguard business to keep her and her daughter safe. But will she be able to protect her heart when things go south between her and Ethan especially with a madman getting closer to her all the time. She is brave and calm when things get really crazy and her life is in danger. I canna say anything more because of spoilers, sorry.
Ethan has been with Sarah to hell and back and he’ll always be there for whatever she needs until one day when he falls in love with her. Now he has to fight himself and his perceived concepts on what he is capable of based on his family life as a child. He feels friendship is all he can offer Sarah until they kiss and he feels her respond. He is willing to see where they can go together but his insecurity and visions of his parents marriage rocks the boat. Added to that a madman is stalking Sarah and he does everything he can to keep her safe. But when an opportunity presents itself after a chance meeting with his father at the airport, for him to back off and get some perspective he takes it, but will he lose Sarah too? I like Ethan, he makes mistakes but he does his best to fix them and move forward. He’s willing to admit he makes mistakes and that earns him a lot of points in my book. It warms my heart how much he cares for not just Sarah but Kylee, of course it doesn’t hurt that Cate has given me a mental picture of Ethan as a dream of a man.
This is the second book in a series but you don’t need to read them in order , always a plus but after reading it I guarantee you’ll want to go out and pick up the rest of the series. I know I do and I will. I like the cover , the cover has a blue tint which works with the fact that the madman leaves blue chips and blue roses and the Hollywood sign shows not only where it is set but Sarah is the photographer to the stars. Cate does a wonderful job with our madman Zeke, taking him from a serial rapist to him escalating into a murdering rapist and a total psychopath . Her descriptions of several secondary characters help build the story, making some people likeable and you can see the kindness in them. Then others you can tell are not very nice people, some more so than others, so she does a great job character building. She was able to make me feel like I was at the beach, at Ethan’s home romping with his dogs, scared out of my mind as Sarah is faced with death and all the warm fuzzies that go along with falling in love. Cate Beauman can spin a wonderful tale of suspense, emotional angst, anger ,fear and passion; passion for life and love’s passion.
May 22, 2013
Sarah Johnson’s longtime friend and CEO of a security company, Ethan Cooke, has always been there for her. Now that there is a serial rapist on the loose, she will need him now more than ever. Things heat up between the two of them which only infuriates Sarah’s new stalker.
This page-turner is creepy, steamy, and downright captivating. If you like romance while a killer is on the loose, this may be the book for you. At times, readers read from the point of view of a serial rapist. This creep is vulgar and bone-chilling. I can see how a reader might be put off by him. He’s not just a serial killer, he’s a serial rapist, folks. Frankly, if anyone reads his passages and are not completely disgusted, I would be worried. The fact that I opened the bathroom door late at night and half expected to see him when I turned on the light made me love this book.
The cat-and-mouse romance entertained, yet irritated me. The hot and cold nature of the relationship, the waffling back and forth, left me more bothered than hot and bothered. I wanted to scream at them, “Gah! Can’t you just get it together?!” It does become a little graphic on occasion. While I don’t think there is anything contained within this book that is not already shown on primetime television, the author seemed more interested in where the main character’s breasts were and what they were doing for my tastes. Besides these, the romance aspects were wholly fantastic and I ate it all up.
I have to admit that while the flashbacks were quite effective plot and character building techniques, some of the dialogue was not. Specifically, Kylee’s dialogue at times, seemed more adult-like rather than toddler-like when according to the story, little Kylee should be roughly two and a half years old. Her accent or manner of speaking was cute but a tad bit unbelievable at times. (I loved Kylee as a character, by the way!)
I loved Ethan’s house, the blueberry pancakes which reminded me of my own daughter, and the dogs. How can I not love the dogs? It is such a guy thing to have dogs as extra security. It might have been over the top, sure, but it felt so right with a character like Ethan. The dogs made me smile. I could just envision the conversation when he first got the dogs.
The devil’s in the details, right? I wondered about Hailey’s family and her classes. She was stuck in that fortress but no one visited her and she was a college student who did not attend college. What’s up with that? There was a little fudging with the days between Sarah arriving home and her rendez-vous. Did a week become 10 days? And how come Sarah did not have a vaginal ultrasound? First trimester pregnancies are confirmed by those nowadays. These are firmly in the Writer’s Liberty category - don’t sweat the small stuff, folks. I was just wondering about them is all.
This was a phenomenal read. The story just flowed and was easy to read. The words jumped right off the pages. There was not a moment I wanted to put it down. I loved it all – even cringing through the goosebumpy parts. I am currently on vacation half-way around the world visiting my family which I clearly do not get to do very often, busily preparing for the wedding of the year over here. Naturally, I have cleared most of my review and blog duties for this month. And I STILL asked the author to send me another book of hers in this same series. Yeah, dress fittings in the day and reading creepy books like a feign at night. Does that tell you anything?
If you like romance and danger, you will love this book. I must recommend this book for an adult audience due to the sexual nature. If you sit down to read it, clear your calendar. Anyone want to pick up relatives from the airport? I’ve got Morgan’s Hunter to read.
For more reviews such as this, please visit http://ravenreviewer.tumblr.com
This page-turner is creepy, steamy, and downright captivating. If you like romance while a killer is on the loose, this may be the book for you. At times, readers read from the point of view of a serial rapist. This creep is vulgar and bone-chilling. I can see how a reader might be put off by him. He’s not just a serial killer, he’s a serial rapist, folks. Frankly, if anyone reads his passages and are not completely disgusted, I would be worried. The fact that I opened the bathroom door late at night and half expected to see him when I turned on the light made me love this book.
The cat-and-mouse romance entertained, yet irritated me. The hot and cold nature of the relationship, the waffling back and forth, left me more bothered than hot and bothered. I wanted to scream at them, “Gah! Can’t you just get it together?!” It does become a little graphic on occasion. While I don’t think there is anything contained within this book that is not already shown on primetime television, the author seemed more interested in where the main character’s breasts were and what they were doing for my tastes. Besides these, the romance aspects were wholly fantastic and I ate it all up.
I have to admit that while the flashbacks were quite effective plot and character building techniques, some of the dialogue was not. Specifically, Kylee’s dialogue at times, seemed more adult-like rather than toddler-like when according to the story, little Kylee should be roughly two and a half years old. Her accent or manner of speaking was cute but a tad bit unbelievable at times. (I loved Kylee as a character, by the way!)
I loved Ethan’s house, the blueberry pancakes which reminded me of my own daughter, and the dogs. How can I not love the dogs? It is such a guy thing to have dogs as extra security. It might have been over the top, sure, but it felt so right with a character like Ethan. The dogs made me smile. I could just envision the conversation when he first got the dogs.
The devil’s in the details, right? I wondered about Hailey’s family and her classes. She was stuck in that fortress but no one visited her and she was a college student who did not attend college. What’s up with that? There was a little fudging with the days between Sarah arriving home and her rendez-vous. Did a week become 10 days? And how come Sarah did not have a vaginal ultrasound? First trimester pregnancies are confirmed by those nowadays. These are firmly in the Writer’s Liberty category - don’t sweat the small stuff, folks. I was just wondering about them is all.
This was a phenomenal read. The story just flowed and was easy to read. The words jumped right off the pages. There was not a moment I wanted to put it down. I loved it all – even cringing through the goosebumpy parts. I am currently on vacation half-way around the world visiting my family which I clearly do not get to do very often, busily preparing for the wedding of the year over here. Naturally, I have cleared most of my review and blog duties for this month. And I STILL asked the author to send me another book of hers in this same series. Yeah, dress fittings in the day and reading creepy books like a feign at night. Does that tell you anything?
If you like romance and danger, you will love this book. I must recommend this book for an adult audience due to the sexual nature. If you sit down to read it, clear your calendar. Anyone want to pick up relatives from the airport? I’ve got Morgan’s Hunter to read.
For more reviews such as this, please visit http://ravenreviewer.tumblr.com
December 30, 2016
FIRST IMPRESSION:
Some titles are self explanatory. When combined with the genre and the summary, little is left to imagination. It is these kinds of books that require the most work. The readers just have to know what transpired between (or around) the two leads that eventually (maybe) led them together, or separated them. The author had drawn me in within the first few pages, and strictly limiting myself to commenting on the book and its adherence to the genre and summary, I am writing the following review.
REVIEW:
Sarah and Ethan - they are both introduced in the first three or so pages. The readers already have a familiarity established in the first chapter between the two lead characters. The first chapter is easily the best of the book, and I say that after heavy comparison with a few other well written chapters. The story begins with Sarah giving birth to and bringing home her daughter Kylee. Helping her home is Ethan Cooke, her husband Jake's buddy. The heartwarming pleasant happiness of bringing home a baby is shattered when Jake's comrades from the military bring home the news of his death on duty. The transition from happiness to earth shattering sadness could have been executed a tad better but no real complaints as the next chapter starts from a few years later, on a different track.
Sarah is now a professional photographer, and she is photographing Hunter's wedding to Morgan. There she has a mild tiff with Ethan's current girlfriend and she feels uncalled for resentment towards the unknown woman. She behaves strangely with Ethan who is understandably confused. The story that follows takes a different turn, with Ethan's character going through the most improbable of twists. Enter a creepy psychopath who has his eyes set on the beautiful Sarah. The thriller part of the story sets in, with Ethan and Sarah obviously in love with each other but refusing to acknowledge it, amidst the high adrenaline of a psycho factored into their already confused hearts.
The story has a few basic points in its favor. The narration and the language are good enough to keep the readers' attention intact and the thriller element is nicely written too. Where the plot falters is in the one too many cliches. Though the author intended to go for a 'Will they? Won't they?' line of suspense with regards to the lead pair and their attraction towards each other, the obvious care that has a tendency to cross the fine line between friendship and romance is easily predictable. Revealing the identity of the stalker psychopath was a good move.
But there is a nice blend of romance and suspense, making the readers turn the pages to know what pulls the two people apart and what (if anything) that brings them together.
WHAT I LIKED:
The twists in the character of Ethan
Kylee and her presence in the story.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
Sometimes the story gets too predictable.
There are certain elements that could have been written with a few more twists that would make the story more fitting to the thriller genre.
VERDICT:
A nicely written romance.
Some titles are self explanatory. When combined with the genre and the summary, little is left to imagination. It is these kinds of books that require the most work. The readers just have to know what transpired between (or around) the two leads that eventually (maybe) led them together, or separated them. The author had drawn me in within the first few pages, and strictly limiting myself to commenting on the book and its adherence to the genre and summary, I am writing the following review.
REVIEW:
Sarah and Ethan - they are both introduced in the first three or so pages. The readers already have a familiarity established in the first chapter between the two lead characters. The first chapter is easily the best of the book, and I say that after heavy comparison with a few other well written chapters. The story begins with Sarah giving birth to and bringing home her daughter Kylee. Helping her home is Ethan Cooke, her husband Jake's buddy. The heartwarming pleasant happiness of bringing home a baby is shattered when Jake's comrades from the military bring home the news of his death on duty. The transition from happiness to earth shattering sadness could have been executed a tad better but no real complaints as the next chapter starts from a few years later, on a different track.
Sarah is now a professional photographer, and she is photographing Hunter's wedding to Morgan. There she has a mild tiff with Ethan's current girlfriend and she feels uncalled for resentment towards the unknown woman. She behaves strangely with Ethan who is understandably confused. The story that follows takes a different turn, with Ethan's character going through the most improbable of twists. Enter a creepy psychopath who has his eyes set on the beautiful Sarah. The thriller part of the story sets in, with Ethan and Sarah obviously in love with each other but refusing to acknowledge it, amidst the high adrenaline of a psycho factored into their already confused hearts.
The story has a few basic points in its favor. The narration and the language are good enough to keep the readers' attention intact and the thriller element is nicely written too. Where the plot falters is in the one too many cliches. Though the author intended to go for a 'Will they? Won't they?' line of suspense with regards to the lead pair and their attraction towards each other, the obvious care that has a tendency to cross the fine line between friendship and romance is easily predictable. Revealing the identity of the stalker psychopath was a good move.
But there is a nice blend of romance and suspense, making the readers turn the pages to know what pulls the two people apart and what (if anything) that brings them together.
WHAT I LIKED:
The twists in the character of Ethan
Kylee and her presence in the story.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
Sometimes the story gets too predictable.
There are certain elements that could have been written with a few more twists that would make the story more fitting to the thriller genre.
VERDICT:
A nicely written romance.
June 20, 2016
Breathtakingly beautiful love story, of best friends and confidants, and their journey to find home within each other, while fighting against survival in the evil games of a madman.
The suspense, the lurking evil around them, with his vicious, heinous thoughts, gives the story the creepy feelings, and makes you check your locks. The crimes, the danger, the escalating threat, are constantly present, in every thought of the characters, and impossible to escape from. As the culprit also has a voice in the story, part of it being told from his point of view, the acts of crime and devastation comes clear and near, dangerously vivid images bombarding the reader's mind. Amazingly built up suspense, twined into the romance, the events of the story bind with the escalating crimes.
The bond between Ethan and Sarah is rare, solid, loving, and protective. He has always been there for her, in the moments of joy, in the moments of deep sorrow, giving a hand, a shoulder to cry on, or a comforting hug when needed. The connection between them is beautiful, delightful, so perfectly in balance, as friends, they have trust, respect, love, and kindness for each other, in a special kind of way.
And together as lovers, there's passion, allure, fascination, but also those awkward, bumbling after feelings, that gets them into trouble, again and again. They have to take time and distance, to find the acceptance, for themselves, for the new feelings, the emotions running amok in them. The journey isn't without painful moments of hurt feelings, and resentment, misunderstandings, and failures to communicate. Inner growth, and self involvement, when it leads to a beautiful, peaceful, fulfilling relationship, is a beauty to witness.
Ethan together with Kaylee made me swoon. Her complete trust in him, his adoration of her, they are father and daughter in all the real senses of the words, except biological. The respect Ethan has for Kaylee's father proves what a great man he is, capable of love, loyalty, and long term relationships, the forever kinds.
Hair-raising, thrilling suspense, mixed with captivating, passionate love story, that will break your heart a bit, before bringing it all together again. I am in awe
~ Five Spoons
The suspense, the lurking evil around them, with his vicious, heinous thoughts, gives the story the creepy feelings, and makes you check your locks. The crimes, the danger, the escalating threat, are constantly present, in every thought of the characters, and impossible to escape from. As the culprit also has a voice in the story, part of it being told from his point of view, the acts of crime and devastation comes clear and near, dangerously vivid images bombarding the reader's mind. Amazingly built up suspense, twined into the romance, the events of the story bind with the escalating crimes.
The bond between Ethan and Sarah is rare, solid, loving, and protective. He has always been there for her, in the moments of joy, in the moments of deep sorrow, giving a hand, a shoulder to cry on, or a comforting hug when needed. The connection between them is beautiful, delightful, so perfectly in balance, as friends, they have trust, respect, love, and kindness for each other, in a special kind of way.
And together as lovers, there's passion, allure, fascination, but also those awkward, bumbling after feelings, that gets them into trouble, again and again. They have to take time and distance, to find the acceptance, for themselves, for the new feelings, the emotions running amok in them. The journey isn't without painful moments of hurt feelings, and resentment, misunderstandings, and failures to communicate. Inner growth, and self involvement, when it leads to a beautiful, peaceful, fulfilling relationship, is a beauty to witness.
Ethan together with Kaylee made me swoon. Her complete trust in him, his adoration of her, they are father and daughter in all the real senses of the words, except biological. The respect Ethan has for Kaylee's father proves what a great man he is, capable of love, loyalty, and long term relationships, the forever kinds.
Hair-raising, thrilling suspense, mixed with captivating, passionate love story, that will break your heart a bit, before bringing it all together again. I am in awe
~ Five Spoons
July 12, 2016
When I read the Blog Tour invite of the Bodyguards of LA County series, I knew I wanted to be a part of this. I honestly can’t believe I haven’t heard about this series before. I love books like this. Romance, Bodyguards.. Sigh. Although ‘Falling For Sarah’ is the second book in this series, it can be read as a standalone. And it was my first book in this series.
After reading the first view pages in ‘Falling For Sarah’ I just knew I would devour this read. I loved reading about Sarah and Ethan from the moment I started, and I couldn’t stop reading till the very last page. The characters in ‘Falling For Sarah’ are very easy to love, the relationships are fun, the friendships are beautiful and the thrilling moments definitely are intense. I loved this read.
The main character Sarah was definitely my kind of character. Sarah is a young mother, who lost her husband in battle. Thankfully for Sarah, her husband’s friends have always been there for her. Especially Ethan. Ethan has been by Sarah’s side ever since she gave birth to her daughter. When she lost her husband, Ethan became even more involved in Sarah life, trying to help her whenever she needed him. But the last view months something has changed. Sarah and Ethan become closer and closer.
This story was just beautiful. I loved the friendship, and growing love between Sarah and Ethan. I loved the friendships between them and the other characters in this book. And the romance was definitely fun and exciting to read.
Ethan’s mood swings were a little tiring to read about to be honest. But in the end I did understand why he was the way he was.
Cate Beauman definitely did a great job with this book. The writing was good, the characters were nice to get to know and the romance was just lovely. I truly loved this read.
After reading the first view pages in ‘Falling For Sarah’ I just knew I would devour this read. I loved reading about Sarah and Ethan from the moment I started, and I couldn’t stop reading till the very last page. The characters in ‘Falling For Sarah’ are very easy to love, the relationships are fun, the friendships are beautiful and the thrilling moments definitely are intense. I loved this read.
The main character Sarah was definitely my kind of character. Sarah is a young mother, who lost her husband in battle. Thankfully for Sarah, her husband’s friends have always been there for her. Especially Ethan. Ethan has been by Sarah’s side ever since she gave birth to her daughter. When she lost her husband, Ethan became even more involved in Sarah life, trying to help her whenever she needed him. But the last view months something has changed. Sarah and Ethan become closer and closer.
This story was just beautiful. I loved the friendship, and growing love between Sarah and Ethan. I loved the friendships between them and the other characters in this book. And the romance was definitely fun and exciting to read.
Ethan’s mood swings were a little tiring to read about to be honest. But in the end I did understand why he was the way he was.
Cate Beauman definitely did a great job with this book. The writing was good, the characters were nice to get to know and the romance was just lovely. I truly loved this read.
March 22, 2013
Great writing! I would like to thank the author for writing a story that makes sense with no TSTL moments by the heroine or the usual negative elements found in this genre. I loved the chemistry between Ethan and Sarah. They had great moments together in the beginning. They were very playful together and so caring. Ethan is of course an Alpha. He has all the good points. He’s handsome, strong, funny, very protective, and straightforward. I loved the flashbacks of how Ethan was always there for her. He was with her for everything from the pregnancy to the birth of her daughter Kylee and everything else that comes with having a baby. They were best friends who became more than that. I liked how they both loved Sarah’s husband, Jake, and how Ethan stepped in as a friend to them both and helped Sarah while he was deployed outside the country. It was like Ethan and Sarah were just meant to be together.
I would have given the book one less star if Ethan had went ahead and slept with his current bed buddy Nicky after realizing he is attracted to Sarah and trying to forget her with Nicky. But he made the right decision. The fact that he had a relationship going in the beginning of the story with another woman made me hesitant to read it. I thought this story wouldn't be as good as the first book in the series especially because of the other woman but I actually liked this one more than the first.
The story has a really good start with the events mentioned above although this excitement changed, lessened a little when Ethan kept changing his mind near the middle about whether or not he should have a relationship with Sarah. That was the only thing I didn’t enjoy too much. Other than that, it is almost perfect in the romance and suspense.
I would have given the book one less star if Ethan had went ahead and slept with his current bed buddy Nicky after realizing he is attracted to Sarah and trying to forget her with Nicky. But he made the right decision. The fact that he had a relationship going in the beginning of the story with another woman made me hesitant to read it. I thought this story wouldn't be as good as the first book in the series especially because of the other woman but I actually liked this one more than the first.
The story has a really good start with the events mentioned above although this excitement changed, lessened a little when Ethan kept changing his mind near the middle about whether or not he should have a relationship with Sarah. That was the only thing I didn’t enjoy too much. Other than that, it is almost perfect in the romance and suspense.
November 14, 2012
4.5 Stars
Sarah Johnson was introduced to us in Morgan's Hunter, Ms. Beauman's first novel in this series. I have to admit, Sarah found a place in my heart as well.
Hunter Phillips , Ethan Cooke and Jake Johnson have been friends since childhood. They are brothers in every sense of the word. When Jake is killed, and Hunter wounded in Afghanistan it is a devastating event for Sarah , and Ethan as well. Sarah had just arrived home from the hospital after giving birth to Jake's baby girl. Jake was able to watch Sarah give birth, aided by Ethan, on a live video feed. He was killed the next day.
Hunter and Ethan now make it their goal to help and protect Sarah, and Kylee with their lives if necessary.
The story picks up three years later. Sarah is a now the photographer sought by the stars in Hollywood. Kylee is an adorable toddler, who loves her uncles , and they love to spoil her . Unfortunately with Hollywood notoriety comes danger. Terror and murder battle with Sarah and Ethan's chance at love.
This story moved me in so many ways. I cried and laughed, gasped, and at times wanted to smack Sarah and Ethan in the head!! There are so many different kinds of love written into this novel, and some heartbreaking denial of this love. Kylee reigned supreme. She is adorable, and so much a part of the story.
This wonderful novel has something for everyone. I highly recommend it. I am so looking forward to the third installment Hailey's Truth.
This novel was given to me for an honest review.
Sarah Johnson was introduced to us in Morgan's Hunter, Ms. Beauman's first novel in this series. I have to admit, Sarah found a place in my heart as well.
Hunter Phillips , Ethan Cooke and Jake Johnson have been friends since childhood. They are brothers in every sense of the word. When Jake is killed, and Hunter wounded in Afghanistan it is a devastating event for Sarah , and Ethan as well. Sarah had just arrived home from the hospital after giving birth to Jake's baby girl. Jake was able to watch Sarah give birth, aided by Ethan, on a live video feed. He was killed the next day.
Hunter and Ethan now make it their goal to help and protect Sarah, and Kylee with their lives if necessary.
The story picks up three years later. Sarah is a now the photographer sought by the stars in Hollywood. Kylee is an adorable toddler, who loves her uncles , and they love to spoil her . Unfortunately with Hollywood notoriety comes danger. Terror and murder battle with Sarah and Ethan's chance at love.
This story moved me in so many ways. I cried and laughed, gasped, and at times wanted to smack Sarah and Ethan in the head!! There are so many different kinds of love written into this novel, and some heartbreaking denial of this love. Kylee reigned supreme. She is adorable, and so much a part of the story.
This wonderful novel has something for everyone. I highly recommend it. I am so looking forward to the third installment Hailey's Truth.
This novel was given to me for an honest review.
November 20, 2012
An intense, emotional, soulful, passionate journey of two people.
We met Sarah Johnson in the first book. Her husband had been killed in Afghanistan the day after she delivered their daughter. Where Hunter from the first book made a promise while Jake died in his arms to always look out for Sarah and their child, Ethan, who was also a childhood friend of both Jake and Hunter was there for Sarah through her whole pregnancy and was there in the delivery room when she came into the world. Ethan and Sarah have always had a wonderful friendship and he loves Kylee like she is his own.
Then at the wedding of Hunter and Morgan their feelings change from friendship to attraction. Neither of them was prepared for this change in their relationship and they both make many mistakes on the road to love.
While they are trying to figure out things a rapist is on the loose and he is striking just mere houses away from where Sarah lives. Ethan owns a security company and immediately sets up a security system at Sarah’s house and assigns one of his men, Austin to keep an eye on her. When Sarah starts receiving blue roses we realize the rapist has set his eyes on Sarah. The author gives us the rapist POV in the book and it’s a very disturbing look into the mind of a sick twisted person.
There wasn’t a time in this book you weren’t on the edge of your seat either for screaming at Sarah and Ethan to work out there issues or for fearing for the next victim and when he would finally come after Sarah.
We met Sarah Johnson in the first book. Her husband had been killed in Afghanistan the day after she delivered their daughter. Where Hunter from the first book made a promise while Jake died in his arms to always look out for Sarah and their child, Ethan, who was also a childhood friend of both Jake and Hunter was there for Sarah through her whole pregnancy and was there in the delivery room when she came into the world. Ethan and Sarah have always had a wonderful friendship and he loves Kylee like she is his own.
Then at the wedding of Hunter and Morgan their feelings change from friendship to attraction. Neither of them was prepared for this change in their relationship and they both make many mistakes on the road to love.
While they are trying to figure out things a rapist is on the loose and he is striking just mere houses away from where Sarah lives. Ethan owns a security company and immediately sets up a security system at Sarah’s house and assigns one of his men, Austin to keep an eye on her. When Sarah starts receiving blue roses we realize the rapist has set his eyes on Sarah. The author gives us the rapist POV in the book and it’s a very disturbing look into the mind of a sick twisted person.
There wasn’t a time in this book you weren’t on the edge of your seat either for screaming at Sarah and Ethan to work out there issues or for fearing for the next victim and when he would finally come after Sarah.
June 3, 2016
I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Falling for Sarah is a romantic suspense full-length novel. With action, suspense, and steamy romantic scenes, this book has it all.
New mother Sarah finds herself widowed within days of giving birth. Two years on, she has managed to build her business to success while she photographs Hollywood's A-listers and takes care of her daughter, Kylee. Then long-time friend and bodyguard, Ethan, sends her world reeling after a searing moonlight kiss. Add to that the Blue Chip Rapist striking close to home, and blue roses and notes left on her doorstep, and things will never be the same again. Not only does Sarah struggle with guilt over her belief that she's betraying her husband's memory, but also with the stalker who's becoming more and more obsessive and problematic. Ethan has his demons to battle too, not believing he's good enough for Sarah or Kylee, and trying to track down the stalker before he can take away everything that Ethan cares for.
While this is the second book in the Bodyguards of LA series, it is a standalone novel.
The scene setting, world building, characters, plot, and pacing are all done well. I cared what happened, and the author succeeded in making me chuckle and raised my heart rate from time to time. The writing is mildly passive and contains filter words, name dropping, and other hiccups. On the whole, though, I would say this is a good solid read and highly entertaining. It gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.
Falling for Sarah is a romantic suspense full-length novel. With action, suspense, and steamy romantic scenes, this book has it all.
New mother Sarah finds herself widowed within days of giving birth. Two years on, she has managed to build her business to success while she photographs Hollywood's A-listers and takes care of her daughter, Kylee. Then long-time friend and bodyguard, Ethan, sends her world reeling after a searing moonlight kiss. Add to that the Blue Chip Rapist striking close to home, and blue roses and notes left on her doorstep, and things will never be the same again. Not only does Sarah struggle with guilt over her belief that she's betraying her husband's memory, but also with the stalker who's becoming more and more obsessive and problematic. Ethan has his demons to battle too, not believing he's good enough for Sarah or Kylee, and trying to track down the stalker before he can take away everything that Ethan cares for.
While this is the second book in the Bodyguards of LA series, it is a standalone novel.
The scene setting, world building, characters, plot, and pacing are all done well. I cared what happened, and the author succeeded in making me chuckle and raised my heart rate from time to time. The writing is mildly passive and contains filter words, name dropping, and other hiccups. On the whole, though, I would say this is a good solid read and highly entertaining. It gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.
December 27, 2012
Wow this book was better than the 1st book in the series. The intensity will either keep you on the edge of your seat, or biting your nails as you turn the pages. Sarah lost her husband when he was in the military. She is raising her daughter. She starts falling for Ethan, but feels guilty, she still loves her husband. She and Ethan struggle with the relationship. Sarah also is being stalked by a crazy man. There were some parts that really pulled at my heart. Other parts in the book had me wanting to yell at Ethan. This book had some really good juicy parts in it. This author really knows how to write a romance book! Little Kylee's cute little words made me smile.
Sample from Chapter 9
Ethan took her hand as he led her to the bed. He pulled the tie from her hair, watched her golden locks cascade to her shoulders, surrounding him in the scent of her flowery shampoo. He ran his hands through her silky tresses and kissed her softly, sensing her nerves. He moved his mouth to her cheekbones, feathering kisses along her skin. Her breath shuddered out, and she closed her eyes as her traced her earlobe with his tongue. He wandered back to soft skin - where neck meets shoulder - and nibbled. She tipped her head back in surrender.
This sample is really not a very good example of this book. I hope you read this book for yourself. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did!
Sample from Chapter 9
Ethan took her hand as he led her to the bed. He pulled the tie from her hair, watched her golden locks cascade to her shoulders, surrounding him in the scent of her flowery shampoo. He ran his hands through her silky tresses and kissed her softly, sensing her nerves. He moved his mouth to her cheekbones, feathering kisses along her skin. Her breath shuddered out, and she closed her eyes as her traced her earlobe with his tongue. He wandered back to soft skin - where neck meets shoulder - and nibbled. She tipped her head back in surrender.
This sample is really not a very good example of this book. I hope you read this book for yourself. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did!
August 1, 2016
Sarah at times was frustrating with her indecision about Ethan and their relationship no wonder he was hot and cold. He also wasn’t sure how to be because of the way his dad and his parents marriage was. He didn’t want to hurt Sarah but wanted to be everything to her.
I love how Ethan is there through everything with Sarah and over time we see his love for her and Kylee shine through. He is tough and protective, loving and kind and watching him when Sarah is stalked take charge was sexy as sin.
The story is action packed and full of high stakes moments. We see Sarah put herself on the line for her work, her child and her heart. She reels it in alot with her heart so that is a bone in my craw there. It puts Ethan in a holding pattern and not really knowing how to act or what to do. When Sarah is targeted by the rapist/killer his protectiveness kicks in high gear. He is a great guy and she is a good character as well.
the story is fast paced and full of intrigue as we solve who the rapist is, see Ethan and Sarah fall in love and work the minefield that is their relationship, Ethan work on his feelings of inadequacy when it comes to being a forever guy, Sarah work on her guilt of loving Ethan, and loyalty. A book of action, love and letting go and learning to be who you are meant to and letting love in.
I love how Ethan is there through everything with Sarah and over time we see his love for her and Kylee shine through. He is tough and protective, loving and kind and watching him when Sarah is stalked take charge was sexy as sin.
The story is action packed and full of high stakes moments. We see Sarah put herself on the line for her work, her child and her heart. She reels it in alot with her heart so that is a bone in my craw there. It puts Ethan in a holding pattern and not really knowing how to act or what to do. When Sarah is targeted by the rapist/killer his protectiveness kicks in high gear. He is a great guy and she is a good character as well.
the story is fast paced and full of intrigue as we solve who the rapist is, see Ethan and Sarah fall in love and work the minefield that is their relationship, Ethan work on his feelings of inadequacy when it comes to being a forever guy, Sarah work on her guilt of loving Ethan, and loyalty. A book of action, love and letting go and learning to be who you are meant to and letting love in.
February 13, 2013
Disappointing, unimaginative, crude, and too explicit. This book seems like a different author wrote it instead of the person who wrote Morgan's Hunter. The level of detail and description is missing. Too many repeated phrases, stereotypical situations, and predictable characters. This book feels like it was very rushed by the author. And I hate to say it - it's closer to a Harlequin Romance or Danielle Steel book than anything I could enjoy. There are some explicit sexual descriptions that become redundant as well as crude. And some language used in this book is just not anything I care to read or hear even in the context it was used. Not sure I want to read the third book in the series if it follows the same romance novel template as so many other mass-produced books on the market.
April 30, 2016
Great story without young adult angst. Ethan has been there for Sarah and her daughter Kylie since the death of her husband in Afghanistan and Kylie's birth and Ethan promises her that he will be there whenever she needs him. One night Sarah and Ethan share a kiss that changes their relationship but fear of losing their friendship have them holding back and deny their feelings for one another. Sarah is a photographer to the rich and famous and attracts a crazy stalker who becomes terrorizing. As Ethan steps up to protect Sarah and Kylie, the story evolves. Some funny moments like Ethan's diaper changing adventure and sometimes you just want to smack them the H/h upside the head for being so stubborn!
February 22, 2017
5 stars This is a great story and the second book in the series. Ethan and Sarah have been friends for years and he helped when her husband and his best friend Jake died in Afghanistan. I love a friends become love interests stories, but this book has so much more. With a great suspense storyline and really well rounded characters. I am loving this series and can't wait to read the next book
November 15, 2017
Part 2 in the Bodyguards series was better than part one in the sense that it didn't seem quite as...I don't know...Harlequin Romance cheesy. I say that because I like the slow build between the main characters.
Two main things kept this from being a 5 star rating. One was the constant he wants her, he doesn't want her, he wants her - then she doesn't want him, but then she does. I get the will they/won't they push pull of characters in novels like this, but this was constant throughout the entire book. It was: they have sex, they push each other away, they fight feelings, they have sex - rinse, rather, repeat. I understand once or twice but it was the entirety of their relationship throughout the entire novel. The second thing was the fact that there was no "big reveal". I prefer novels in which the villain is incorporated into the storyline and the reader is unaware. I like being wowed by a big reveal. But my preference might not be everyone else's. And that seems to be Ms. Beauman's writing style.
An epilogue would have been nice but book 2 kind of served as an epilogue for book 1 in that we saw the continuation of Morgan and Hunter's relationship. So I'm hoping book 3 will give me an update on Sarah and Ethan. I'd like to know the sex of their baby and if they did include Mildred into the name. :) Having said all that, I did enjoy the read. And I will continue on with the series.
Two main things kept this from being a 5 star rating. One was the constant he wants her, he doesn't want her, he wants her - then she doesn't want him, but then she does. I get the will they/won't they push pull of characters in novels like this, but this was constant throughout the entire book. It was: they have sex, they push each other away, they fight feelings, they have sex - rinse, rather, repeat. I understand once or twice but it was the entirety of their relationship throughout the entire novel. The second thing was the fact that there was no "big reveal". I prefer novels in which the villain is incorporated into the storyline and the reader is unaware. I like being wowed by a big reveal. But my preference might not be everyone else's. And that seems to be Ms. Beauman's writing style.
An epilogue would have been nice but book 2 kind of served as an epilogue for book 1 in that we saw the continuation of Morgan and Hunter's relationship. So I'm hoping book 3 will give me an update on Sarah and Ethan. I'd like to know the sex of their baby and if they did include Mildred into the name. :) Having said all that, I did enjoy the read. And I will continue on with the series.
October 15, 2017
Suspense. Heartbreak. Stalker. Have Kleenex by your side. Sarah is a widow with a two year old little girl. She is a photographer for celebrities. Her husband, a soldier, was killed and he never got to hold his little girl. Ethan was her and her husbands best friend and was there when her husband couldn’t. He owns a security company that is very popular.
When their feelings change, they try a relationship but Ethan is afraid he will not be good for her. In the meantime, someone is raping women in Sarah’s neighborhood. She starts getting blue roses left on her doorstep. When he breaks in, they all move into Ethan’s, where his house is like a fortress. The rapist starts escalating and is now killing his victims.
When they think they’ve caught the killer, Sarah goes home and everyone thinks all is well, she is kidnapped. Can Ethan save her before the stalker rapes and kills her?
I’ll be honest, Ethan sort of made me mad. He kept pulling Sarah and then pushing her away. Then he’d get mad at her for not wanting to take a chance with him. The plot was excellent because you didn’t know who the stalker/rapist was. I had tears during most of the book. A little steamy. And the little girl Kylee is the cutest.
When their feelings change, they try a relationship but Ethan is afraid he will not be good for her. In the meantime, someone is raping women in Sarah’s neighborhood. She starts getting blue roses left on her doorstep. When he breaks in, they all move into Ethan’s, where his house is like a fortress. The rapist starts escalating and is now killing his victims.
When they think they’ve caught the killer, Sarah goes home and everyone thinks all is well, she is kidnapped. Can Ethan save her before the stalker rapes and kills her?
I’ll be honest, Ethan sort of made me mad. He kept pulling Sarah and then pushing her away. Then he’d get mad at her for not wanting to take a chance with him. The plot was excellent because you didn’t know who the stalker/rapist was. I had tears during most of the book. A little steamy. And the little girl Kylee is the cutest.
August 10, 2020
I know a book is good when I’m still in bed at midday silently screaming at myself to stop reading and get up. In the first book of this series the mystery was on-point while the romance was sadly lacking. This book was much more balanced. Great mystery teamed with a couple who left steam rising from the pages. I could feel the connection between Ethan and Sarah from the beginning. Throw in some widow’s guilt and stupid decisions from Ethan, and you get just the right amount of angst. I do like a bit of angst in my romances.
One thing I will say is you can tell this is written by a woman, as the female characters are level-headed and sensible. The males on the other hand seem to be a bit stupid when it comes to matters of the heart, having ridiculous reasons for why they can’t be in a relationship.
Looking forward to Hailey and Austin’s story, however I can already see that her age is going to play a part in Austin refusing to be with her.
One thing I will say is you can tell this is written by a woman, as the female characters are level-headed and sensible. The males on the other hand seem to be a bit stupid when it comes to matters of the heart, having ridiculous reasons for why they can’t be in a relationship.
Looking forward to Hailey and Austin’s story, however I can already see that her age is going to play a part in Austin refusing to be with her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews