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The Wade Brothers #1
With Every Breath
Professor Imani Maxwell is devastated when one of her students is kidnapped. The last thing Imani needs or wants are the sparks that fly between her and the dangerously sexy FBI agent assigned to the abduction case. Dark, brooding Garrison Wade is exactly the kind of man Imani has sworn to avoid at all costs. But when she suddenly finds herself the target of the kidnapper’s sadistic game of cat and mouse, it’s Garrison she turns to for help. Nothing will prepare them for the intense heat that ignites between them…and no one can stop a deadly predator who wants Imani dead. Praise for the romantic suspense novels of Maureen Smith“Few authors pen work that is so thoroughly engrossing the characters leave a lasting impression” — RT BOOK Reviews on With Every Breath, Top Pick, Reviewers’ Choice Award nominee“Smith gives equal credence to spicy romance and nail-biting suspense” — Publishers Weekly on Whisper My Name“Smith weaves a captivating tale of mayhem and murder…a romantic suspense thriller that will stay with you long after you turn the final page” — San Antonio Express-News on Whisper My Name“…a tense page-turner that will further enhance Smith’s reputation in the romantic suspense genre—a reputation that is well deserved” — RT BOOK Reviews on Like No One Else“…a haunting, suspenseful story that documents Maureen Smith as a writer of considerable promise and ability” — Midwest Book Review on Ghosts of Fire
534 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2004
89 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Smith
69 books796 followerspseudonym Naomi Chase
Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.
Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.
Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.
Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 16, 2016
Simply Breathtaking
WOW! I'm still trying to catch my breath. AWESOME read! Maureen Smith has yet to disappoint me, but this was far better than I could have ever imagined. Talk about catching you from the first page and keeping you turning the pages 'til the very end. The storyline was very well developed and kept you guessing until the very end. All the characters played a memorable roles within the novel, keeping you wondering who could have done it. The romance and heated attraction between Garrison and Imani was simply breathtaking. Could not put the book down, read all 426 pages in 1 1/2 days. You will not be disappointed if you pick this novel up!
WOW! I'm still trying to catch my breath. AWESOME read! Maureen Smith has yet to disappoint me, but this was far better than I could have ever imagined. Talk about catching you from the first page and keeping you turning the pages 'til the very end. The storyline was very well developed and kept you guessing until the very end. All the characters played a memorable roles within the novel, keeping you wondering who could have done it. The romance and heated attraction between Garrison and Imani was simply breathtaking. Could not put the book down, read all 426 pages in 1 1/2 days. You will not be disappointed if you pick this novel up!
February 21, 2017
Loved it!
Another great read, as expected. Honestly I cannot get enough of Smith's novels. I would recommend literally every single one. I am absolutely loving her romantic suspense novels!
Another great read, as expected. Honestly I cannot get enough of Smith's novels. I would recommend literally every single one. I am absolutely loving her romantic suspense novels!
December 30, 2018
Suspenseful Thriller
Wow. Great story. I've read most of the author's romance novels,.which I love, so this was a pleasant departure from her usual books but just as good. This book focused on Imani, a college professor, and Garrison, an FBI agent. I really enjoyed the book because I went to UMCP for grad school and have been to PG County and Baltimore many times so it was fun to see all the landmarks in the story. The premise of why the bad guy was after Imani was a little hokey but I was really surprised to find out who the villain was, so up until the villains motive was revealed I couldn't get to the end fast enough so i could find out WHODUNIT. Loved the chemistry between Garrison and Imani and I loved her feisty independence.
Wow. Great story. I've read most of the author's romance novels,.which I love, so this was a pleasant departure from her usual books but just as good. This book focused on Imani, a college professor, and Garrison, an FBI agent. I really enjoyed the book because I went to UMCP for grad school and have been to PG County and Baltimore many times so it was fun to see all the landmarks in the story. The premise of why the bad guy was after Imani was a little hokey but I was really surprised to find out who the villain was, so up until the villains motive was revealed I couldn't get to the end fast enough so i could find out WHODUNIT. Loved the chemistry between Garrison and Imani and I loved her feisty independence.
May 5, 2017
With Every Breath
Who doesn't enjoy a good romantic suspense book? And this author is a great story teller. The way that she weaves details in a story is like none other. I adored and fell in love with Garrison immediately. I truly enjoyed the instant connection and love between him and Imani. Two broken hearts became mended when they encountered each other. The plot twists and suspense of this story made it impossible to put down. Maureen Smith is an automatic one click author for me and she further demonstrated why with this book. Great book.
Who doesn't enjoy a good romantic suspense book? And this author is a great story teller. The way that she weaves details in a story is like none other. I adored and fell in love with Garrison immediately. I truly enjoyed the instant connection and love between him and Imani. Two broken hearts became mended when they encountered each other. The plot twists and suspense of this story made it impossible to put down. Maureen Smith is an automatic one click author for me and she further demonstrated why with this book. Great book.
December 28, 2018
A great love story and mystery...
October 28, 2020
One of your very first books I read years ago and I fell in love with your writing!! 😍💖👍
October 19, 2021
Wonderful
Great story line, wonderful suspense, beautiful love story. Great synergy with characters and realistic portrayal of love triumphs evil in the end.
Great story line, wonderful suspense, beautiful love story. Great synergy with characters and realistic portrayal of love triumphs evil in the end.
May 25, 2023
Improved after a second read
I decided to try to read this again after a few years. I really enjoyed it, though I did feel that it was a bit slow paced in a few areas.
I decided to try to read this again after a few years. I really enjoyed it, though I did feel that it was a bit slow paced in a few areas.
September 13, 2025
I read No One But You prior to this novel so I already knew about Althea's kidnapping and the person responsible but what I didn't know was motive and how Garrison and Imani became a couple.
This was such a great mystery/romance and the story moved so nicely. Garrison and Imani's chemistry was instant and undeniable. Her relationship with David was one-sided. That man was self-centered and old-fashioned even though he was dating a modern woman. He was also cliche by having an affair with his legal secretary and the long business trips, how predictable. Imani was lucky to not marry such a man. I enjoyed the interaction between her and Garrison especially the bridal shop and him proposing on the pouch. Imani was able to let go of her fears to see this amazing man right in front of her. She realize life was too short to not take a leap of faith on love.
Dr. Yusef was serial killer who waited almost 30 years to get revenge on Imani's mom for falling in love with her father while dating Yusef. It's the same thing that happened with Imani and Garrison. I guess revenge is best served cold. The other characters was interesting. Elizabeth Torres practiced the oldest profession as a college student; trading sex for favors. How could a 17 year old be so manipulative and overly sexed. Julian Jerome got with he deserves for seducing students to get what he wanted. He was an insecure little boy who was haunted by his demons one being of mixed race.
I bought the eBook so I could enjoy this story again and again.
This was such a great mystery/romance and the story moved so nicely. Garrison and Imani's chemistry was instant and undeniable. Her relationship with David was one-sided. That man was self-centered and old-fashioned even though he was dating a modern woman. He was also cliche by having an affair with his legal secretary and the long business trips, how predictable. Imani was lucky to not marry such a man. I enjoyed the interaction between her and Garrison especially the bridal shop and him proposing on the pouch. Imani was able to let go of her fears to see this amazing man right in front of her. She realize life was too short to not take a leap of faith on love.
Dr. Yusef was serial killer who waited almost 30 years to get revenge on Imani's mom for falling in love with her father while dating Yusef. It's the same thing that happened with Imani and Garrison. I guess revenge is best served cold. The other characters was interesting. Elizabeth Torres practiced the oldest profession as a college student; trading sex for favors. How could a 17 year old be so manipulative and overly sexed. Julian Jerome got with he deserves for seducing students to get what he wanted. He was an insecure little boy who was haunted by his demons one being of mixed race.
I bought the eBook so I could enjoy this story again and again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2018
Okay, it's official - nobody can do romantic suspense like Maureen Smith! This was good, and I mean really good, from start to finish. Now, I had already read No One But You, which is the follow-up to this book, so I knew who the killer was; but please believe me when I tell you that I was still captivated by this story. She created so much suspicion around several characters that I was giving them the serious side-eye - and I already knew who the killer was! She is just that good, y'all! Since the book was set in my neck of the woods, I enjoyed 'seeing' so many familiar places. Oh, and that gorgeous Garrison Wade - have mercy! I loved the way that Ms. Smith created so much sexual tension between Garrison and Imani (such a smart, fly chick!), but she took her time bringing them together. Just a good story, with lots of twists and turns, interesting characters, and a ending that had me on the edge of my seat.
This also includes a preview of Ms. Smith's new romantic suspense, The Good Citizen, due out next year. It's going to be another good one AND it features another of those fine Wades. Can't wait!
This also includes a preview of Ms. Smith's new romantic suspense, The Good Citizen, due out next year. It's going to be another good one AND it features another of those fine Wades. Can't wait!
February 10, 2012
This read really kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through. The suspense level was at an all time high, and I really didn't expect the outcome at all, so that was truly a pleasant surprise...well done Maureen Smith! Imani and Garrison were both very well rounded characters. Their background stories were developed so good, that we knew exactly who they were and where they came from, there was nothing questionable about them. The chemistry between them was on point, but was not over the top. The romance did not take a front or back seat to the suspense, it was a well rounded playing field. The supporting cast was also great. Imani's cousin Jada provided a bit of comic relief, as well as Garrison's partner Eddie. Those two had some great one liners. The mother's were also great, and they were the heart of the story. Over all this was a great read, and a good start to this series. I can't believe this was only Maureen's 2nd book!
June 3, 2012
Ok Ms. Maureen Smith,
it is official you have one dark and twisted mind. OMG, I think I
needed to be rushed to the emergency room on several occasions since I
stopped breathing once or twice. With Every Breath, was absolutely,
positively out of this world. Oh and Garrison, he definitely joins the
list. Now in what order... Caleb, Michael, Garrison. Or is it Garrison,
Caleb, Michael. Or is it Michael, Caleb, Garrison. Hmmm, I think I
will dream about these three before making a decision. Oh and no I did not see that ending coming, totally did not expect that!!
it is official you have one dark and twisted mind. OMG, I think I
needed to be rushed to the emergency room on several occasions since I
stopped breathing once or twice. With Every Breath, was absolutely,
positively out of this world. Oh and Garrison, he definitely joins the
list. Now in what order... Caleb, Michael, Garrison. Or is it Garrison,
Caleb, Michael. Or is it Michael, Caleb, Garrison. Hmmm, I think I
will dream about these three before making a decision. Oh and no I did not see that ending coming, totally did not expect that!!
May 14, 2012
In the two occurrences of the word "dumpster", neither of which is beginning a sentence, the "d" in dumpster is capitalized. I found it slightly humorous that such a word would be honored in this manner.
There were obvious inconsistencies in this novel that no other review here has yet mentioned. First the book stated that Imani inherited her mother's old Volvo. Then, it mentioned a note on the windshield of her truck. I assumed, being that Imani inherited her vehicle, that the mother had passed away. Later, Imani visits her and she is alive and well. That same night mentions her steering her Jeep into a narrow space at a church. Does she own a Volvo, truck and a Jeep?
I only got to chapter 6 before the borrowed book had to be returned and I do not see any need to purchase it because it wasn't that enticing. If it ever comes up to borrow again I will finish it, though.
There were obvious inconsistencies in this novel that no other review here has yet mentioned. First the book stated that Imani inherited her mother's old Volvo. Then, it mentioned a note on the windshield of her truck. I assumed, being that Imani inherited her vehicle, that the mother had passed away. Later, Imani visits her and she is alive and well. That same night mentions her steering her Jeep into a narrow space at a church. Does she own a Volvo, truck and a Jeep?
I only got to chapter 6 before the borrowed book had to be returned and I do not see any need to purchase it because it wasn't that enticing. If it ever comes up to borrow again I will finish it, though.
February 5, 2015
An avid reader of romance with a law enforcement involvement; whether ATF, CIA, DEA, FBI, HSI, or military it does not matter - just love them.
Can we say sinister twist of whom the perpetrator is. Who'd thunk it. This book had all points covered - deception, family dynamics, sexy alpha male hero, and a strong woman gets her man.
This book was a suspense from the start. When the main charaters meet the romanitic currents were immediate. Neither romance or suspense was lacking, nor did either to back seat to the other. The supporting cast was very entertaining. Eddie and Jada were both comical and sound of reason for the main characters. They both provided support but at the same time made Garrison and Imani face their situations head on - no sugar coating going on here.
Bridal shop sceen, what's there to say... go Garrison!
Can we say sinister twist of whom the perpetrator is. Who'd thunk it. This book had all points covered - deception, family dynamics, sexy alpha male hero, and a strong woman gets her man.
This book was a suspense from the start. When the main charaters meet the romanitic currents were immediate. Neither romance or suspense was lacking, nor did either to back seat to the other. The supporting cast was very entertaining. Eddie and Jada were both comical and sound of reason for the main characters. They both provided support but at the same time made Garrison and Imani face their situations head on - no sugar coating going on here.
Bridal shop sceen, what's there to say... go Garrison!
April 30, 2012
This was a long book. I did not figure out the "whodunit." I'm glad that it wasn't someone in law enforcement like two of her other books. There was one red herring that did not make any sense to me . . . but hey. Maybe we'll learn more in the follow up to this story.
I enjoyed Imani and Garrison getting to know each other. Having discovered Maureen Smith not too long ago, I wish all her heroines didn't have "exotically slanted eyes."
The scene at the bridal shop was the highlight of the book. Good mystery, good read.
I enjoyed Imani and Garrison getting to know each other. Having discovered Maureen Smith not too long ago, I wish all her heroines didn't have "exotically slanted eyes."
The scene at the bridal shop was the highlight of the book. Good mystery, good read.
May 30, 2015
Initially, I cursed the author for her detailed writing style and the drawn out cat and mouse play but H-O-N-E-Y!!! Maureen Smith had me wanting to marry Garrison Wade! The brewing chemistry shared between Garrison and Imani makes for some SUPER SEXY love scenes. And with a nicely developed supporting cast... "With Every Breath" is a well written read full of suspense that finishes at a nail biting high!
EyeCU Reading Approved!
EyeCU Reading Approved!
February 13, 2012
I have a new respect for Mrs Smith I simply love the suspense and action in thus story! I'm really hooked I cant wait to read more books like this! Garrisons just sexy!
February 24, 2012
Eh. I didn't finish it. I couldn't get into it.
February 26, 2012
Good read.
April 24, 2012
I enjoyed this story. I loved the mystery of the story and the budding reltionship between the Garrison and Imani.
May 18, 2012
It started slow but somehow kept me involved. It was just like watch a law and order episode. I will be reading the others ones that follow.
August 22, 2015
Good book!
May 18, 2012
This was good it could be read by a man or a woman enjoyment was the same
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews