Saving Serena

Hawk Security #1

by Erin Swann

Hello Mr. Dangerous, remember me?

I’m dedicated to my new job at the EPA, a job that was probably the reason for my car crash—one that was certainly not an accident. I refused to run, so I sought out the best protection available while I continued looking for the criminals.

Their only rule is that I have my bodyguard with me at all times. Easy enough.

Only, the man they assign me is Duke King, a tattooed, ex-military, hotter-than-sin, wall of muscle. Duke pumps off enough testosterone to power the Statue of Liberty.

He was no longer the boy I’d known years ago. Would he recognize the girl who’d made a fool of herself on the last day of Summer camp? His gray eyes looked right into my soul. “Serena, it’s been a long time.” His voice relit a desire that had never gone out.

I refuse to let our scorching hot attraction derail my investigation. But we know how to punch each other’s buttons. Soon I can’t decide between punching the grumpy jerk or kissing my bossy protector.

After my enemy attacks again, we’re consumed by an undeniable attraction that threatens us both.

While he protects me from harm, who will guard my heart?

Genres: Suspense

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2024

About the author

Why romance? Because we all need a chance to escape doing the next load of laundry.

We deserve a chance to enjoy love, laughs, and intrigue, and yes, fear, heartbreak, and tears, all without having to leave the house.

If you can read my books without feeling all of these then I haven’t done my job right.

Sign up for Erin's Newsletter at http://erinswann.com/subscribe

Reviews

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

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Hawk Security series. I had a hard time getting totally pulled into this book, and I thought I was going to just DNF this book. The book did pick up and I connected with the characters. I did really enjoyed the second half of this book, but I still did not totally love this book. I am going to pick up the second to give this series a second chance.

[Lady M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a bunch of books by this author, and maybe my tastes have changed, but this was just okay for me. If half stars were a thing, I'd lean towards 2 1/2. First, the romantic part did nothing for me. I skimmed past all the sex scenes. There were quite a few so skipping them got me thru the rest faster. I only cared about the who and why of the crimes. I had it partially figured out, but I definitely had to keep reading to get all the dots connected. Serena was an idiot. Stupid, and ignorantly stubborn, especially after you get the details of her past. There is no way she should have been as reckless as she was, and I'm sorry, when your life has been threatened as much as hers has, I'm not sure how you think about sex so much, especially with her traumatic past. It just didn't add up for me. I will be skipping the next book because I'm just over enemies to lovers right now.

[Sandi Hatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honoured to receive this story as an advance copy and this is my honest review.

I loved this book so much. I can count on one hand how many times that I have been hooked on a storyline in the first 2 lines. I knew that this was going to be an outstanding read.

Serena Benson & Duke Hawk met years ago at camp. This time Serena goes to the company that Duke works for as she is in desperate need to hire security as her life is being threatened.

This story is not as straightforward as it may seem. There are plenty twists and turns within this story.

Several of the characters have their own back stories, this is fascinating to learn these.

The more time Duke protects Serena the more her feelings come back. It doesn't take long for Duke to start falling for Serena.

This book is an incredible read.
I would rather this more than a 5 ⭐ review.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author and wow I was drawn in immediately from page one. Starting a new position shouldn’t be bringing danger to Serena but she calls Hawk Security for help. Her assigned bodyguard? Her teenage crush Duke. I enjoyed watching as they explored a new future while facing their pasts. I was frustrated with Serena at times. Page turning action, banter, sizzling tension, family drama, suspense, and sooo much more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Giovanna Fernandes · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 ★
***SPOILERS***


















































































The book started okay. Serena annoyed me from the beggining. Running away from the people that were trying to help her because she though they were daugbting her? Stupid.
Then the romance with Duke was holding me because they were kind of cute and i was curious about who was doing this all. And I was right from the moment that Katleyn (I don’t remember her name anymore) was introduced, she was on the phone saying that she had hyred the guy to do what she wanted. It was very obvious.
I really liked the barbecue with Serena’s family, when they officialy started dating. I loved the way that Duke stood up to her father, who omg was almost more annoying then Serena.
But then she got kidnnaped and from there it was all so bad. Duke told her a million times for her to stay where he would be able to track her, but she doesn’t care that she is in danger, she doesn’t listen, and the first thing she thinks when she get kidnnaped “I wish I hasd listened to him”, oh really? fucking stupid.
Then Duke was being annoying on the same level. She said she loves me, if I die she will ki*l herself. Oh jess -eyeroll-.
Then he gets her a dog collar with a tracker. I hated that so much. But then she gets kidnnaped again and regrets not wearing the fricking necklace.
Oh and I almost forgot, Disneyland! The woman was pushed off a road, people were in her house, she is being threatened, and she wants to have a fun day out in Disney. Seriously, Serena is one of the most stupid and daddy’s girl character ever.

[Renee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Rush!

This novel definitely catches your attention right away, from the beginning to the last page. You’ll be caught up in this action-packed & suspenseful story-line, with mysterious threats towards Serena.

With her life being threatened, she hires Hawk Security to keep her safe & Duke is chosen to be her protector, being the best guy based on his track record in this business. Serena’s stubborn wanting to keep her independence & wants to prove to everyone that she’s strong enough to deal with any trouble thrown her way. She learns soon enough their threats aren’t to be taken lightly. They mean business & will stop at nothing to get what they believe she has in her possession.

They do remember crossing paths when she had a crush on him in her younger years but now she’s a distraction to Duke, all grown up & beautiful. Likewise, he’s muscular & gorgeous, making it even harder for them to keep this protection case “business only”. Sprinkled with twists in the story, there’s never a dull moment for Duke & Serena. This is a great novel with plenty of sweetness, spice & excitement for you to enjoy!

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim (Chipperbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke/Cobra and Serena

Serena works for the EPA and just got a promotion. The first day, she is getting disrespect and push back but she won’t let it get to her. What she didn’t expect is being pushed off a cliff by another car. Now she’s in danger so she hires Hawk Security to help.

Duke is a former SEAL and now works for his brother at Hawk Security. He first thinks he is just watching an entitled princess but soon learns Serena is in real danger and she’s someone from his past. The more time they spend together, they can’t fight the steam and chemistry between them.

Great read! The storyline is very entertaining and keeps you flipping page after page. Serena..hmm, doesn’t she know she’s in danger? So maybe, listen to the security team! Anyways, looking forward to the next book.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Saving Serena . It's action packed and intriguing . Serena Benson works at the EPA as an external auditor . On her first day of after her promotion she finds herself run off the road by a stranger in a black SUV . She is lucky that someone comes to her rescue . After her terrifying past she knows she needs help and doesn't want to involve her father because of his controlling ways . She seeks out Hawk security . As her past and present collide she finds herself drawn to her protector Duke Sparrow known as Cobra she once knew him at summer camp . As they grow closer so does the danger Cobra with the help of his team will stop at nothing to save Serena . I highly recommend taking the time to read . This story is off the charts Suspenseful .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke, work name Cobra, does not do relationships, and is very happy with his hookups. He has no time for rich, privileged women.
Serena may be from a rich family, but her drive to live her own life on her own terms, puts her at crossed purposes with her protective father. When she is nearly killed, she hires Hawk Security to protect her with the understanding nobody tells her father.
So begins a very fast-paced, action-packed, sexy, romance. Serena is a strong woman who Duke underestimates. The whole book was a wonderful read: I loved meeting the Hawk Security team and am looking forward to the next book. The action and suspense between Duke and Serena kept me reading late into the night I was so hooked.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena may have been raised in an affluent lifestyle but that isn’t the life she wants. Instead, she has chosen to work for the EPA however she now finds herself in jeopardy. If having security detail isn’t difficult enough the man tasked with the job is someone she knew in her youth.

After his military career ended Duke has now transitioned into a position at Hawk Security. He has a preconceived notion about Serena, but he is about to realize how wrong he was and the more he learns about her the more intriguing she becomes.

Romance and suspense combine as Duke and Serena take us on an adventure that is sure to entertain from beginning to end.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the Hawk Security Series by Erin Swann and what a beginning to a new series. This is Duke (Cobra/Protector) Sparrow and Serena Benson (EPA external auditor) story The meet when she calls Hawk Security for help after she was run off the road. But they have met before! So now we have an ex-seal and a feisty woman who gets under his skin, who desperately needs his protection. Can he provide that protection? Will the past interfere with his job? Will they get their HEA?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love reading romance books with some added suspense as well as a happily ever after this book is calling your name. This is the first book I have read by Erin and HOLY SMOKES can she write a great book. I was so invested into reading about Duke and Serena's characters and their romance starting on page 1. So, get ready for a book that not only I highly recommend you read, but it's very hard to put down.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Serena's story. Having previously had a traumatic experience, her life is threatened and she hires Hawk Security, reuniting with her teen crush Duke who is assigned as her bodyguard. Duke has unresolved issues with her father who likes to interfere in her life. I liked how Duke stood up for her but Serena also was well capable of standing up for herself. There are lots of bad guys, danger, excitement and romance. Highly recommend this.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars.

This story is packed with work drama, family drama, friends, pasts, good connection, good chemistry, danger, suspense and it moves along at a good pace. I thought the characters were all written well, strong, believable and I felt a connection to both Serena and Duke, I enjoyed to see them explore their feelings, to face their pasts and to fight for what they wanted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Serena : A Second Chance Bodyguard Romance story of Duke and Serina..A hot tattoed ex-seal and the woman who got under his skin,the sassy,feisty,gorgeous,billionaire daughter and work at EPA who in need of his protection..A past paced,engaging,suspenseful,action packed with steam and romance..Book 1 of Hawk Security.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story of protecting Serena and Duke. Each dealing with their own demons. Serena daughter of a billionaire who pushes his weight around to get his way and Duke an ex-seal and Hawk Security. Being assigned to protect a woman who is stubborn and takes independence to a whole new level. The story is filled with violence, arguing, and some really hot passion. Must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this romance, it is the first in the new "Hawk Security" bodyguard series. It is an interesting and intriguing story with some suspense. The story is about Duke/Cobra and Serena. She enjoyed her job with the EPA, but has found herself in danger. She hires Hawk Security to provide services. Duke, ex-military now works with his brothers for Hawk Security. He is enlisted to protect Serena. This is a page turner with some witty banter and dialogue.

[Nancy Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Story!

What an amazing story, I love Duke and Serena, they are quite the couple! Duke a former badass Seal and Serena works for the EPA, who found herself in a lot of trouble almost being kidnapped and having to deal with her father. Duke ended up being her bodyguard as he worked for Hawk Security, and boy did they go through a lot to be together. This story was intense as well as funny as well as interesting. Worth reading!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plenty of danger and suspense, kidnappings, car bombs a little of everything. I didn't like Serena at first, disregard for her safety and blowing off her bodyguard. I'll say for thing for Cobra he put up with a lot. HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lashawn Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

While it was little bit predictable, it was still an intriguing story line that I couldn’t put down. Cobra and Tiger make a great couple. Serena and Duke get their second chance when their childhood crushes become adult addictions when he’s forced to protect her from an unknown threat.

[JM G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Serena is an enjoyable book to read. The characters are great and the action kept me hooked. I didn't want to put it down once I started reading it. A definite page turner. I hope you enjoy reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennys_bookstack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a constant undercurrent of looming danger overlaid with a spicy romance. Loved this book from start to finish, highly recommend this book perfect for a cosy rainy weekend or for a beach holiday.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iffy about giving it 4 stars instead of 3. Have mixed feelings about it. An expert screwing up time after time so it negates ‘the expert’ tag.
Gave the author 4 stars because she can do better. I know she can.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Erin Swan; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Hawk Security Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Serena & Duke.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I have read. I really enjoyed it. The characters are loyal, talented, and smart. There is a lot of suspense and action in this book. The road to romance is a bit rocky, but there is a happy ending. And the bad guys pay in the end.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
Suspenseful and fast, paced, this story held my attention throughout. The scenes between them had palpable attraction and the drama enhanced their attraction. Nicely done.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Solveig · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish it

Around halfway through the book, I couldn’t get myself to read anymore. Serena was too stubborn for her own good, and it was impossible to feel for her, or to like her. She was quite childish and sometimes straight up stupid.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serena the Rabbit!

I disliked that So much revolved around the sex between Serena & Duke.
Prefer a solid story with erotic teasing. It wouldn't take much revamping to turn into a No: 1 Best-seller. Sorry but l call it as l see it. 🌹👍

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Duke and Serena’s story. It was a fast paced and suspenseful read. Interesting characters. And am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Dawn Holliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I am excited for the next one to come out now next month! This book was highly recommended for action and suspense romance readers who love a good protector