Her Private Security Detail: A Thrilling Bodyguard Romance

by Patricia Sargeant

He’s her bodyguard

But he wants to be so much more

Philanthropist Symone Bishop is the most desirable woman Jeremiah Touré has ever met. She’s also way out of his league, and he can't get involved with his client. Jerry knows how to protect Symone from the external threats menacing her nonprofit and her life. Can he save her from the devastating secrets the Touré Security Group uncovers? He knows he has to stay close to keep her from harm, but is he in danger of getting too close?

From Harlequin Romantic Danger. Passion. Drama.

Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of The Touré Security Group

Book 1: Down to the Wire
Book 2: Her Private Security Detail

Genres: Romantic Suspense

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Patricia Sargeant is a national best-selling, award-winning author of romance and mysteries. She also writes contemporary romance under the pseudonym Regina Hart. Her work has been featured in national publications such as Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Kirkus Reviews, Suspense Magazine, Mystery Scene Magazine, Library Journal and RT Book Reviews.

A voracious reader, Patricia first realized she wanted to be a published author at the age of nine. She was drawn to write romances because she loves happy endings. Her romantic suspense novels feature ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Her contemporary romances reveal characters struggling to overcome their inner demons.

In addition to reading, Patricia’s hobbies include music, jogging and hiking. She loves movies and sports.

Patricia loves to hear from readers. Her e-mail address is BooksByPatricia@Yahoo.com.

For more information about Patricia and her work, visit PatriciaSargeant.com.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Toure Security Group series. I liked this book, but I just did not love it. I found myself wanting more action, and I also found the two main characters really did not feel to fit together. The romance was weird, but I did find the suspense/mystery parts of this book to keep me guessing and wanting to know what was going on. I just wanted more for this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Romantic Suspense) or author (Patricia Sargeant) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book with an intriguing suspense plot. Symone is the head of her family's philanthropic foundation. She is under attack on two fronts. The board is attempting to push her out, and she and her stepfather are being threatened. She hires the Touré Security Group to protect her stepfather but initially doesn't believe she needs it. That changes when it becomes evident that she is the main target of the attacks.

Jerry is the youngest of the three brothers and the one who handles personal protection cases. But he is suffering from a crisis of confidence after a protection assignment went wrong. Jerry blames himself and intends to leave the business before he creates another problem. He is reluctant to protect Symone for fear of failing again. However, something about her arouses his protective instincts.

The sparks between them are immediate, but both try to keep things professional. Their attraction continues to grow as the escalating attacks force them into closer proximity. I liked how both Jerry and Symone could see past the surface to each other's insecurities. However, every time they seemed to grow closer, Jerry would back away. It takes letting go of his fears for Jerry to allow himself to care finally.

The suspense of the story was terrific. The investigation into who would be motivated to kill Symone had many twists. The number of potential suspects made weeding them out a challenge. I enjoyed following their progress. I had suspicions about the probable culprit, and though I was right, there were a couple of unexpected surprises. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I was glued to the pages until it was over.

[India W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Private Security Detail is the second book in the Toure Security Group series. The first book in the series focuses on the middle brother, Malachi. This second story focuses on the youngest of the three Toure brothers, Jeremiah. All three brothers run their family’s security business. As Jeremiah contemplates leaving the family business due to an internal conflict, he begins protecting Symone Bishop, a beautiful and intelligent philanthropist, from potentially deadly external threats. Jeremiah’s and Symone’s attempts to keep things professional become very difficult amid dangerous and close situations. Forgiveness, trust, honesty, communication, and taking risks are just a few of the themes that blossom in this story as the main characters learn more about each other and themselves. I loved reading this book and seeing how differences in backgrounds, personalities, finances, and even organizational styles can be hurdles to overcome in a potential relationship or simply prove that opposites attract. The dangerous threats and discoveries of professional and personal secrets make this a story that I could not stop reading! I can’t wait to read the next book in the Toure Security Group series that hopefully focuses on the oldest brother, Hezekiah, and gives an update on Symone and Jerry’s journey.

[Debbie Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Down to the Wire, the first book in the Toure Security Group series I could hardly wait to get my hands on the second book Her Private Security Detail. I was not disappointed!
Jeremiah Toure is the youngest brother of the Toure Security Group and he specializes in personal security for their clients. After a near miss from an earlier client Jeremiah aka Jerry thinks he should leave the group for their own good. When Philanthropist Symone Bishop of the Bishop Group, contacts their company regarding threats against her stepfather, the Toure Group dives into the investigation and the more they look, the more trouble they find! Who wants to kill Symone and destroy her family foundation?
Jerry takes over the personal protection of Symone and even with the growing attraction between them, his main goal is to keep her safe at all costs! With the help of his brothers, the police and private investigators they unravel the deepening mystery. The suspense is real and kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire book. Add in the attraction of Symone and Jerry and you have a book that is extremely hard to put down! Patricia Sargeant has done a fabulous job on this series!
I am eagerly awaiting the third book in the series!

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling for sure

The series is shaping up to be real good. I like a little suspense, a lot of plot twist, and a little romance on the side. This story matched each of my expectations with a resounding success. The Toure' brothers are eye candy with brains to match their brawn. This episode featured Jeremiah serving as the bodyguard for a business executive under siege from combatants trying to take her family's business. Symone struggled with whom to trust in her legacy company. She needed The Toure' security company to keep her safe as well as her company. The story will take quite a few turns and twist before the mystery is solved. Symone and Jeremiah being in close proximity, it was sure to spark interest between them. His goal was to keep her safe, and not fall prey to his heart's desires. I think they both failed that mission. No spoilers.... The mystery part tried to hide in plain sight to keep us on our toes... I'll never tell, but... I was able to catch the culprits before the mystery was solved..... But in my defense, I'm a mystery reader from way back in the day... Also, I am certain you will enjoy this series. I can't wait for the third book. Bravo, Ms. Sargent.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining romantic suspense with its share of drama, mystery, mayhem, danger, murder, twists, turns, secrets, betrayal, great characters and page turning adventure. Jeremiah aka Jerry is the youngest of the Toure’ brothers, Hezekiah aka Zeke is the oldest and Malachi aka Mal is the middle brother. Jerry is all set to leave the family owned Toure’ Security Group for a security detail that had took a wrong turn on his watch. He blames himself when it was not his fault. Jerry takes on his final security detail which brings about an element of surprise. When a member of the board at the Bishop Foundation needs a security detail from the Toure’ Security Group Jerry is tasked with the job. After the death of both Symone Bishop’s parents Symone and her stepfather Paul are running the Bishop Foundation. With someone out to kill Paul Symone turns to the Toure’ brothers for help. As the plots continues to thickening Jerry and Symone are becoming romantically interested in each other each. Jerry continues to pull away from Symone because of a high-profile entertainers mishap. Symone and Jerry soon learn that there is more to Paul being targeted she also being targeted. The more I read Her Private Security Detail I thought I had figured out who the culprit was. As I continued to get more detail it because easier for me to connect the dots.
Even though I enjoyed reading about Jerry and Symone; Mal and Grace are my favorite couple. Jerry was great I just that he would have bought more of his spunkiness, witty camaraderie to his own story.
Can’t wait to read about Hezekiah Toure’ and private investigator Celeste Jarrett romantic journey.

I received an ARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romantic suspense novel is packed with drama, mystery, danger, murder, twists, secrets, and betrayal. It features compelling characters and a gripping plot. Jeremiah, aka Jerry, is the youngest of the Toure’ brothers, with Hezekiah (Zeke) as the oldest and Malachi (Mal) in the middle. Jerry plans to leave the family-owned Toure’ Security Group after a failed security detail, wrongly blaming himself. His final assignment brings unexpected surprises. Symone Bishop, who runs the Bishop Foundation with her stepfather Paul after her parents' deaths, seeks the Toure’ brothers' help when Paul is targeted for murder. As Jerry and Symone grow closer romantically, Jerry pulls back due to a previous high-profile mishap. They soon discover Symone is also a target. The plot thickens with unexpected twists, making it easier to piece together the mystery. While Jerry and Symone's story is engaging, the dynamic between Mal and Grace stands out. Although Jerry shines, more of his spunk and witty camaraderie would have enhanced his story.

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the Toure' Security Group series was a ride in a hot air balloon with a different twist and change in directions as every page is turned. This story centers on the youngest Toure brother, Jeremiah, AKA Jerry, hired to find out who is out to destroy Symone Bishop's foundation. They also find a variety of malicious acts, greed, murder, security breaches, and more. In the midst of all the danger, will Jerry get past his phobia? Can the foundation be saved? The bantering between the brothers and Symone's determination is an added plus to the story.

Patricia dropped the mic; book two is a must-read. Each book stands alone, but I suggest you start with book one, Down To the Wire; go on to book two, and join me in waiting not so patiently for book three.

Thank you, Patricia Sargeant, NetGalley, and Harlequin, for an ARC of Her Private Security Detail. Above is my honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the Toure Security Group finds youngest brother Jeremiah at a crossroads. His confidence is shaken. Philanthropist Symone and her stepfather are being threatened. She hires the Toure Security Group to protect her and her stepfather while sniffing out the reason. While Jerry, as he is know to family and friends, doesn’t get involved with clients, Symone is different. She challenges him like no other. Can they survive until the end of the case to see if they can make it a lifetime of challenging each other?

The storyline was fast paced. The villain was, for me, harder to distinguish than other storylines I have read. Jerry and Symone worked well together. There is an opposites attract situation at times during the story. And, although Symone could not seem to think ill of her workmates and friends, I believe she was a little sheltered, and it was a learning experience for everyone. Very much looking forward to eldest brother Zeke’s book.

[Consuella Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Private Security Detail by Patricia Sergeant, the second book in the Touré Security Group series was an excellent read with just the right amount of romance and mystery. Jeremiah and Symone are exact opposites who prove that opposites can attract. She is uber organized and he is not. Despite their differences and attempts to keep it professional as Jeremiah protects Symone they are drawn to one another. In addition to their budding romance, there is also the mystery of who is trying to kill Symone in an attempt to take over her family's foundation. The mystery is not easy to solve and will keep you turning pages as you try to figure out who the culprit is and once you think you know, there's a twist. I was so intrigued by this book, I have already gone back and read book one and am eagerly awaiting book three! I was sent an Advance Reader Copy in return for my honest review.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series I have read. It was so good I will definitely have to read book one. Jeremiah Toure runs Toure Security Group with his two older brothers. However, he has one foot out the door as he grapples with insecurities from a previous assignment. Symone Bishop of The Bishop Foundation has works diligently to guide her family's legacy into the future. Symone seeks out the group when threats strike close to home. It soon becomes apparent that the threats are serious, perhaps even deadly. Jeremiah is tasked to protecting Symone as mystery and danger escalates. Amidst the tension unexpected attraction builds between the pair, leading to something deeper.
This book was an engaging well paced story blending drama, danger, intrigue, emotion and attraction. I enjoyed this book and look forward to what comes next.

[Sharal Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by this author, and it will not be my last. The Touré brothers are an interesting family. Each has a unique gift, and much like a typical family, they fight among themselves but love each other deeply. Jeremiah (Jerry) Touré carries with him a burden from the past. It causes him to doubt himself needlessly. When Symone enters his life, he is smitten by her. He does his best not to blur the lines of his professional services, but their attraction for one another takes hold. I found myself rooting for both of them. I believe that you will, too.

I recommend this book if you are searching for an easy, fast, and pleasant read.

[Terri Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book in The Toure Security Series. It was a little slow moving in the beginning, but it picked up a little more in the middle. I liked all the Suspense and it definitely kept my interest until the end. Jemeriah and Symone were okay together, they didn't have that felt through the pages chemistry, but it worked for me. I wasn't really Surprised with Paul's issues, he seemed off from the beginning. Celeste was cool and I like how she made Hezekiah a little off center. Over all it was a good read. I will go back and read book 1.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this Book.

[Turtleberry Turtleberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Symone thought someone was trying to kill her stepfather so she hired The Touré Security Group to protect him. Then it turned out to be more like someone was trying to kill her. Jerry wasn't going to work the case himself but was immediately taken by Symone and ended up personally protecting her. Of course, during the process, they fell for each other. They brought out the best in each other and helped each other with difficult issues they had going on.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I guessed right on one of the people trying to kill Symone. I was glad these two were able to solve the mystery with the team and get to their happily ever after.

[Vonetta Augustine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 2nd book in this series and Jeremiah aka Jerry is a great. He's smart, charming as hell, self-aware, loyal, and courageous. Symone is poise, passionate, loving, and organized. They're two sides of the same coin and this murder mystery puts them in each other's lives.

I enjoyed this romance mystery just as much first because it really did have a great twist in terms of who are the villains. The reader also gets an updated on the relationship of Grace and Malachi, and introduces us to Celeste Jarrett (Hezekiah's love interest).

I already started the next one. Enjoy readers!!!

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always

It would take a special kind of woman to bring the already close Touré brothers even closer and Jerry’s found her. Faced with losing control of her family’s foundation while trying to figure out who murdered her mother and is trying to kill her, Symone Bishop is the last person Jerry feels capable of protecting after having his confidence shaken previously. Yet, there’s something about her he can’t walk away from.

Action, captivating characters, an intricately plotted mystery...The author has proven once again romantic suspense is definitely her wheelhouse!

[Lori Bonkoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, gripping read. Symone Bishop is being targeted but she believes it's really her stepfather. She hires Toure Security Group to protect her and Jeremiah takes point on the operation. This is the second book in this series, but you do not have to read the first book to enjoy this one. Plenty of suspense throughout the story, including how the relationship develops. Great plot, good relationships between the Security Group (three brothers), and hints toward the third book. I enjoyed this book and want to read the first book and hopefully the third in the series.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book following along as they try to figure out dark secrets that are hiding within a nonprofit that Symone Bishop is a part of. After the death of a loved one Symone's life is in danger and they are trying to figure out who is behind what is going on and how to keep her safe until then. I enjoy the romance that was going on between Jerry and Symone. I enjoyed following along as they get closer to figuring out who was behind everything and why. It was was a fast paced and overall an enjoyable read. Highly recommend.

[Rowena Winfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book;; it has surprises in almost every chapter, and the romance between Jerry and Symone was captivating!!! I had never read a book in the Toure Security Group series before, but this one is so spellbinding that it makes me want to read the other two!!! I liked the well-defined characters, and the way the romance kept intertwining with the suspense!!!! Great work by Patricia Sargeant!

[Lisa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Patricia Sargeant's work, and Her Private Security Detail continued that streak. Seeing Symone come into her own strength as she dealt with multiple challenges at the same time shows women how strong we truly can be. Jeremiah came across as brooding at times, but I'm glad that he opened himself up to love. I haven't read the first book of the Toure' series, but I plan to double back to explore Malachi's story.

L.M. Smith

[Velva Seay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy of this book for an honest review. I enjoyed reading about this couple. Symone Bishop needed help finding out why people were trying to harm her and her company. She is assigned to Jeremiah Touré for protection. These two try to keep things professional but will they be able to. Jeremiah had his own issues going on, will he be able to keep her safe and solve Symone's problems? Really good book recommend.

[Megengelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Light. Love the brawn! and both had brains! Very satisfying resolution to the mystery.

I highly recommend this intrigue / romance.

Advance digital copy provided by NetGalley. Thank you!

[Ava Smith-forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Private Detail The Toure Group#3

An exciting read I knew Norris couldn't be trusted but Ellie had me fooled. Jerry and Symone had an instant attraction they just needed to about their budding relationship as they had done their fears.

[Harlequin Books]

Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, African American & Black Romance
Miniseries
The Touré Security Group (Book #2)

[Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

review in progress

[Vondetta Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love can win

Great read with two stubborn people who wanted aLl the other had to offer . I will read this author again .
.

[Annette Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should be 4.5 stars. I'm really enjoying this series.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed most of this romantic suspense. I thought following the clues was interesting. I liked the way Symone handled the board at the beginning and the end. I did like Celeste. I hope she gets her own book. The mystery itself was intriguing. Some things I thought were obvious, and some, not so much.

I could not quite bring myself to like Symone. I found her to be off putting, especially her demands to be part of the interviews and investigation process. Why hire experts and insistent on helping them do their job? Just indicates to me that you have no faith in their abilities and you think you can do it better. She was determined to do what she wanted no matter what the experts thought.

I didn't pick up much chemistry between Jerry and Symone. There was an attraction, but no real build up to any level of intensity. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, because it allowed me to focus more on the "whodunit" or "who wants to do it" part.

I didn't understand Paul's attitude. I didn't understand the tension, anger, or hostility.

This was not a bad read and had many interesting, entertaining aspects. This was the first book that I read by this author. I plan to read book 1 in this series. I probably would have given this a higher rating had I liked the h's character more. I would go with 3.5, maybe 3.75 stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.