Guarded from Corruption

Blade & Arrow Security Bravo Team #1

by Gia Cobie

I never thought it could happen to me.

My life was ordinary. Predictable. And as my best friend always reminded me, much too solitary.

Still, I couldn’t complain. I had a job I enjoyed. A place of my own. Hobbies. Most days, I thought I was happy.

Until the night I was taken. Drugged. Held captive and subjected to tests and exams in a strange and terrifying facility. From what I heard, it was only going to get worse, and escape seemed an impossibility.

But they didn’t know just how determined I was. They never considered I could outsmart them.

Against all odds, I escaped. The only problem? I’m still in danger, and I don’t know who I can trust to help me.

Except for one person.

Niall. My best friend’s brother. A man I like more than I should. And the man who has every reason to hate me.

I moved to Texas for a new beginning.

A new job. A new team. After three years out of the Army, I finally had a purpose again.

Then I got the call that brought my past right back to the present.

She was the last person I expected to hear from. Not after the harsh words we exchanged; words I still regret years later.

But when she asked for my help, there was never a question of going to her. And after hearing her story, I didn’t hesitate to offer my protection.

How could I not? She’s not just my little sister’s best friend—Jade’s held a piece of my heart since I met her.

Maybe I’m not the right man to be with her. But I’m the right man to protect her. And I’ll do anything to keep her safe.

Guarded from Corruption is the first book in the Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team series. It has a protective alpha hero, a strong and smart heroine, a team of former Green Berets, lots of twists and turns, action and danger, forced proximity, and plenty of sweet and steamy moments. No cliffhangers and a happily-ever-after guaranteed! (And expect some cameos from the original Blade and Arrow team!)

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Military Romance, Contemporary Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

Gia Cobie is a librarian and author living in upstate New York. In her spare time, Gia enjoys reading and spending time in the Adirondacks. She loves romantic suspense and paranormal romance, and also has a weakness for reality romance shows, wine, and buying way too many books!

Follow Gia for news and updates!

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Reviews

[Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I kept thinking it would get better but it never did.

[Mg Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarded from Corruption was a amazing start to Bravo team I love that the action started from the first word and builds from there with a nice easy flowing storyline that is full of drama bumps sweet romance found family and the unexpected twists and turns had me up a 1 am still reading and muttering she didn't just go there Gia Cobie out did herself with this one and I can't wait to see where her imagination takes us next.
I received a advance readers copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Gia Cobie has created a powerful story. The first installation of the Blade & Arrow Bravo team starts with a bang. Jade escaped her kidnappers, and she reached out to Niall, a member of B & A Bravo team and someone she has a history with. As they dug deeper into what happened to Jade and who was responsible, it became horrifying.

As with many of Cobie's books, there are twists and turns that are surprising and heartbreaking. It was enjoyable visiting with many of the original B & A members and their partners. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped, drugged, danger, trafficking, betrayal are just a few things Jade and Niall deal with in this book. Action packed and suspenseful read that had me on the edge of my seat. So well written, amazing storyline and fantastic characters. I absolutely loved this addition to the Blade and Arrow series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for the first Bravo team book! The love story between Jade and Niall was so beautiful. Jade's strength was so admirable, she's one tough cookie to survive all she has. The twist at the end was so unexpected and horrifying. I really love how the entire team comes together when there's a crisis or just dealing with trauma. Can't wait for the next book in the series. I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Clayr Catherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in this new series and my first ever book by this author. Now I can’t wait to read more!

Guarded by Corruption was none stop danger, suspense and plot twists. I was on the edge of seat all the way through this book. It was so exciting to read.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Blade and Arrow Bravo Team and it will you enticed with a storyline that rocks. This author pulls you right in with human and sexual trafficking, abduction, attempted murder, found family and brotherhood. The characters are so well written you want to pull them in for a hug and a great meal. Niall and Jade have been in last for years but never admitted to themselves. I love the history they share. Jade is his sister's best friend and when she escapes from her abductors Niall is the first person she calls to get her to safety. She is stronger than even she knows but feels like a failure. This story takes us through her recovery and the twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a strongly written story about enduring a trauma and how to get to the other side. Jade is one of the strongest FMC I've read in awhile. Job well done. I loved this so much.

[Anika · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Guarded from Corruption" by Gia Cobie is an engaging and thrilling start to the Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team series.

The story centers on Jade, an ordinary woman whose life is upended when she is kidnapped. Her determination and resilience are put to the test as she escapes and seeks protection from Niall, her best friend’s brother and a man with whom she shares a complicated past.

Niall, a former Army member, is immediately drawn back into Jade's life when she reaches out for help. Despite their rocky history, his protective instincts kick in, and he is determined to keep her safe. The chemistry between Jade and Niall is palpable, adding an emotional depth to the suspenseful narrative.

Cobie expertly weaves action, danger, and romance, creating a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The plot is filled with twists and turns, making it hard to put the book down. The forced proximity between Jade and Niall heightens the tension and leads to plenty of sweet and steamy moments.

Fans of protective alpha heroes and strong, smart heroines will love "Guarded from Corruption." The book promises no cliffhangers and delivers a satisfying happily-ever-after. Cameos from the original Blade and Arrow team are a delightful bonus for longtime fans of the series. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of romance and action.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[CAH - malphrusc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had an amazing storyline and a FMC that was easy to admire… there were some super scary scenarios but she handled them like a boss… loved that the MMC decided to be in it to win it 💕

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Natasha Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I wish I could give this more then 5 stars . It's the perfect start to a new series . Niall and jade were rhe perfect pair to start it off . The suspense, the love, the sad times , the new blade and arrow team . Altogether they made it a perfect story of what love and friendship is about . I loved the twists that I never expected. It will be a surprise to all, and one that I will read over and over !

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, this book was incredible. It has all the feels, sadness, betrayal, danger, suspense and mental health. I think Niall and Jade make a cute couple and the guys and girls on the team have their own personalities. HEA.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word. This book starts off with some serious stuff happening to Jade , who is Niall's little sisters best friend. This is the first one in Blade &Arrow Bravo Team and it has set the bar really high for the other team members. My emotions were everywhere and sometimes all of the at once. There are some twists and turns that you won't see coming so hang on. Love,love,love this .I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jane McDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this first book in a new series from Gia Cobie.

As I have come to expect from this author my attention was grabbed from the first few paragraphs where the dramatic action had me on the edge of my seat.

We start this book with Jade and she's in rather a pickle but with a cool head and no little fortitude she gets herself free.

She's scared, hurting and doesn't no where to turn, but manages to call her friend brother Niall. Who is a member of the newly formed Texas branch of Blade and Arrow

With the help of his B&A friends and colleagues will they be able to figure out how this happened too Jade and Dean with the perpetrators?

There had clearly been feelings, angry words and misunderstanding between Jade and Niall. And both are filled with regret and guilt over that.

Over the course of the book, they address that guilt and the navigate the installation and build a closer relationship.

There are twists, surprises and unexpected villains ahead as we learn more about the other B&A members and see them begin to understand just what they are up against

Jade is clearly scared, but also brave and determined to get over her fear. Niall is a protective supportive chap and together they make a cute pair!

I really enjoyed this book and an am excited for the future books in what I expect to be a wonderful series

Thank you Gia for an exciting ride!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Country Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooked from the very first page. This story is jaw dropping…. And the twists just keep coming.

Jade Bell finds herself on the run after being held captive. She calls the only person she trusts with her life. Niall Walsh has always held a special place in her heart.

Niall didn’t expect his day to start at Blade and Arrow with a call from Jade, his sisters best friend and his secret crush. When he hears her story he’s vowed to protect her with his life.

Could Niall be any more perfect? He’s patient, loving, protective. The total dreamy book boyfriend.
I can’t wait to read the next one in the B and A Bravo Team series!
I absolutely love all the characters in this story!
"Thank you for writing this story.”

[Yvonne S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Guarded From Corruption is the first book in Gia Cobie’s Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team series and plays on the Stepford Wife trope.

In this story, Jade is kidnapped by persons unknown. She does not know the who or why of her situation but finds the courage and strength to escape. She then reaches out to her best friend’s brother, Niall, someone she has known for a decade or more and has a crush on. Although they are not on speaking terms due to something that happened in the past, Niall immediately jumps to Jade’s rescue. Together with Niall’s teammates, they set out to trap Jade’s kidnappers and rescue the other women at the facility where Jade was held captive.

I liked that the author did not drag out Jade’s telling of her kidnapping—too often, this line is used by authors to fill pages and create suspense (but ends up just frustrating the reader). After a day of hedging, Jade told her story in one go, and I appreciated that. The Bravo Team dynamic was great, and the introduction to the characters whose stories are next was done well. Additionally, Jade engineering her own escape from her kidnappers was something that I found refreshing.

It was honestly a struggle to finish this book. The story started with a high, then descended into boring monologues and getting-to-know-each-other phases (when they have known each other for a decade already), then back to the high, back to the boring, then another high followed by another boring interval. The up and down was truly exhausting. Just when I thought everything was over and done with, something else happened.

Gia’s escape from her kidnappers was exciting to read. Then she got to the Blade and Arrow compound, and we settled into too many chapters filled with Niall and Gia settling into their relationship. This was followed by what I thought was the climax: Jade used herself as bait and the villains were captured. Keep in mind that this happened 50% in, and I was wondering what was left to write about. The reader was then taken through another few chapters of Niall and Jade settling into their relationship, and I thought: Oh, is this going to be the rest of the book now? But no, it wasn’t. Jade was almost kidnapped again, and Niall jumped in to save her. I thought this was it, but then it happened again: another almost kidnapping with Niall jumping to Jade’s rescue (again). The story was, unfortunately, too up and down for me. Others may enjoy it, but I felt that the author was trying to do too much, and the story collapsed under the weight of too many things happening to the same person.

Niall and Jade had no chemistry whatsoever. It was a game of patience and sweetness with Niall walking on eggs to avoid triggering Jade, and Jade undecided on whether she wanted to feel sorry for herself or jump Niall. Too much time was spent on their backgrounds, thoughts (dissecting their own and each other’s feelings), and relationship development, and this slowed down the pacing. Both Niall and Jade were constantly contradicting themselves; then they acknowledged that they have always been in love, then, a few pages later, they were questioning whether they were falling for each other. Then Niall vowed to hold on to Jade forever, only to not know where their relationship was going next. Jade’s trauma and recovery took center stage to the detriment of the romance and suspense. Where was the uncontrolled desire, the savage need? I found the spicy scenes lukewarm, and there was no thought given to protection when they finally got together. The blurb mentioned that Niall was an alpha male, but I saw no sign of that.

First it was said that Niall and Jade had known each other for ten years, then twelve. Similarly, they fell out a year ago, then two, then three years—it was confusing. There were some plot holes too … Shea was not told about Jade’s kidnapping, so how did she know it was Jade calling her from her brother’s number? When did Jade tell her parents she was kidnapped (when it was previously agreed that she would not tell anyone)? There was a lot of telling vs. showing; most of the action happened off-page. Jade was a wreck from beginning to end, and yet everyone was constantly praising her for being strong and heroic.

Aside from a few proofing issues, the writing was decent, but I will not continue with the rest of the series as the experience was too frustrating.

[Tina Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too many mistakes, things not explained, and plots that don’t make any sense.

Why isn’t this better??? It sounds brilliant but there’s way too many things wrong with it! It’s so frustrating as it should have been brilliant but at times it went from exciting to boring, annoying-boring, exciting-boring, dangerous-boring. I felt like I was on a book rollercoaster as there’s so many ups and downs. Way too many mistakes and gaps of information that left me feeling confused. Jade isn’t allowed to contact anyone apart from Shea on a secure phone, as the kidnappers can’t find out where she is. So WHY DOES JADE’S TERRIBLE PARENTS KNOW ABOUT THE KIDNAPPING??? Apart from that why is she in contact with her parents at all as they all they have a really distant relationship normally so they wouldn’t know she was missing anyway!! 🙈🙄

Jade’s life is rather boring as she goes to work and goes home. She doesn’t really have friends, apart from Shea who she never sees, and I’m not sure why she doesn’t. This is all changes when she’s kidnapped from her bed and taken by traffickers. While the plot is brilliant, at 31 she would already be classed as too old by men buying a woman! The first part of the book is brilliant, and I had high hopes for it, as Jade manages to escape and contacts Niall who is Shea’s brother and he’s ex special forces. Sadly it just goes downhill after this, as Niall takes her back to the B&A headquarters and his team works on finding out the culprits. Only one of the meetings is written about, and that’s the first one when Jade explains what happened to her. I would have liked to know what they say in their meetings, how they are going to find out what happened to her. After that the middle part of the book is ALL about Jade’s feelings, her nightmares, and Niall endlessly asking her,”Are you okay hun?” He asks her constantly!!! She’s obviously not okay.

It gets a bit more exciting briefly when Jade volunteers to be taken again so they can track her and rescue the other women. It doesn’t explain that the team are in contact with the FBI so I was really confused how they were going to shut down the operation on their own. It never explains how the team knows an agent in the FBI. They say they’ve got a police friend but that’s it. The FBI would have wanted to interview Jade and they never, she would have had to testify against the people who took her and she didn’t.

There’s just too many things missing. Way too details about their thoughts and feelings and the action is blink and miss it.

I will read the second book as I’m hoping it’s better. Please let it be better.

[Suzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️Contemporary romance
❤️Romantic suspense
❤️Military romance
❤️Protector
❤️Protective hero and former Green Beret
❤️Smart and strong heroine
❤️Friends to lovers
❤️Best friend’s brother
❤️Forced proximity
❤️Team of former military
❤️Unpredictable twists and turns
❤️Sweet and steamy
❤️The mystery, secrets and danger they are thrown into
❤️Enough suspense and emotional baggage to fill a room
❤️Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
❤️Engaging / riveting / gripping / gritty / addictive storyline
❤️Page turner / suspenseful / fast paced

Guarded from Corruption is the first book in the Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team series. This book is a captivating and fast-paced military romantic suspense that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. It features a mix of charm, emotion, and unpredictability, with a haunting storyline full of twists and dangers that make it hard to put down. The skillful storytelling and intense emotions ensure that readers remain enthralled throughout the experience. Guarded from Corruption has a protective alpha hero, a strong and intelligent heroine, a team of former Green Berets, many twists and turns, action and danger, forced proximity, and plenty of sweet and steamy moments.

Jade's previously ordinary life took a dark turn when she was kidnapped, drugged, and held captive in a frightening facility. Despite the dire situation, Jade manages to escape but remains in danger and unsure of whom to trust, except for Niall, her best friend's brother, for whom she has complicated feelings. Niall, who moved to Texas for a fresh start after leaving the Army, unexpectedly receives a call from Jade asking for his help. Despite their past disagreements, Niall feels compelled to protect her, acknowledging his deep feelings for her and his commitment to keeping her safe. Jade and Niall are both flawed and complex individuals. They find themselves utterly captivated and drawn to each other, each carrying the ghosts of their pasts that affect them. However, when they are together, they draw strength from one another. The author perfectly portrays the depth of their emotions, attraction, explosive chemistry, and the development of their relationship. The pace of the story enhances their romance, as well as the entertaining cast of secondary characters.

With harrowing twists and turns, romantic moments, and a character-driven storyline, this book offers everything a military romantic suspense reader could hope for, making it a great introduction to this new series.

[Lexi Braun · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review 🤍

4/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️

This book was much different than the books I’m used to reading but I was pleasantly surprised with how good it was despite being different. There was practically no spice to this book but the plot was so freaking good. I haven’t read any of the books from the Original Blade & Arrow team so I was a little confused on the cameos of previous characters. I felt so sad for Jade because of the trauma she endured left & right through the entire book. I loved Niall though and how he protected her.

One thing I disliked though is the amount of times Niall used the term “Ah”. I swear it was multiple times a chapter.

Jade and Niall have known each other for years. Niall’s little sister is Jade’s best friend and after a big argument between Niall and Jade happened a few years ago - Jade has tried avoiding Niall at every turn. When she finds herself needing a safe place to stay where nobody will know where she is - she calls the one person who can protect her. Niall. The man she has always had a thing for.

Niall retired from being active duty in the Army three years ago. A few people from his old team are opening up the second branch of Blade & Arrow which led him to recently moving to Texas. When he gets a call from his sister’s best friend begging him to come get her - he doesn’t even give it a second thought before rushing to her. When he finds out what happened to her and why she is needing to stay hidden - he makes a vow to bring her justice. He’s always had a soft spot for her but after being in close proximity with her for weeks - he realizes how deep those feelings truly ran. He’s in love with his sister’s best friend and he won’t let anyone take her from him.

Tropes -
- Kidnapping
- Close Proximity
- One Bed
- Strong & Smart FMC
- Protective MMC

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, from the first few pages I was hooked. Jade is asleep one night when she is kidnapped and when she wakes up, she is in some kind of hospital, but she is groggy and is restrained.

She has no idea why she is here, and nobody will talk to her. They just keep giving her drugs and she is so determined to escape that she talks a nurse to give her pills instead of injections.

She ends up escaping and running through woods, staying away from roads in case the people who kidnapped her are out looking. She comes across a campground and finds a cell phone in a car. She calls the one person she knows will help: her best friend Shea's brother Niall.

Of course, Niall comes immediately, and he takes her back to Blade and Arrow facility where he has two medics waiting to check her out. She immediately freaks out and want Niall to stay with her.

Over the next few weeks, she stays with Niall, but her nightmares are evident every night. She finally starts talking to a therapist and staying with Niall only confirms that she is still in love with him.

She is struggling because she got away, but there were lots of women there drugged and waiting to be sold.

She convinces Niall to be the bait and goes back home awaiting another abduction. It's not long when she is kidnapped again, but this time Niall and team are there watching. They end up rescuing Jade and taking down the trafficking group with the help of police, FBI, and Blade and Arrow team.

Niall and Jade become closer, and she believes the worst is over. But another shocker for the ending.

I love this series and of course Gia.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade is a Physician Assistant. A very good one. However, she was kidnapped one night, and drugged. Finally, she came up with a plan. She became docile, and followed instructions at the facility where she was kept and talked them into changing it from injections to pills and thus able to get rid of the pills as she is extremely smart. Finally, when the nurse, that looks a bit like her comes in, she acts and escapes. Dear goodness, I spent most of the book with the AC on because of fear sweat and chewing on my nails. This book was scary as all get out. But, Jade knows someone, the big brother of her bestie, Shea. Niall had taught them a few things and she used it to escape and call him. I really spent a lot of time totally engrossed in the book and I couldn’t put it down, even tho it was time for bed. I had to finish it before going to sleep, even tho I knew that I was going to be thinking about everything that happened for a while and wouldn’t be able to sleep for a few hours because of it. Niall comes for her, and they are still in Texas, where the new Blade & Arrow facility was set up- Bravo team. Niall had been trained as both a Ranger and a Green Beret. OMG, I totally fell in love with him and his team! Rhiannon, Xavier, Matt, etc. are all awesome at what they do. I can’t wait to see them fall in love and I love how they treat Jade. All of them knew about her, because Niall had talked about them. Seeing their pasts were heartbreaking and I just wanted to hug them all.

I received this advance reading copy for free from Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great and what a wonderful way to start a new series. This is the first book of the Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team series. Blade and Arrow are branching out and this is one of their new locations. This is also the love story between Jade and Niall and how they came together and found their love. Jade had been kidnapped and she found her opportunity to escape and took full advantage of it. When she got away, she had not cell phone, money or no means of getting very far. So, she called Niall, her best friend Shea's brother and a man she knows she can trust. Niall is a former Army member and now Shea was telling her he works for Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team. They handle all cases some even pro-bono when it comes to protecting or finding missing people. She is now in a park and finds someone's cell phone in a car with the window rolled down and calls Niall to please come and get her. Niall is immediately drawn back into Jade's life when she reaches out for help. Despite their rocky history, his protective instincts kick in, and he is determined to keep her safe at all costs.

Kidnapped, drugged, danger, trafficking, betrayal are just a few things Jade and Niall and the team deal within this book. This book is great and with all of the action and suspense it had me on the edge of my seat from page one. Gia did it again and wrote us a fantastic book with the storyline and the fantastic characters. I am looking forward to the next book.

I got this book from Book Sirens and will be very happy to leave my review.

[Cheryl Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book puts a terrifying spin on human trafficking. Jade is an amazing woman with such strong inner strength yet wonders if she able to overcome and heal from her horrific kidnapping. When Jade sees her chance to escape, she takes it. On the run, terrified she will be caught and sent back she reaches out to her best friend's brother for help. Niall works for Blade and Arrow, a security company that offers pro-bono services for protection, hostage rescue among other things. Niall has always thought that Jade was a beautiful woman, but a mistake in his past and being his sister's BFF makes it impossible to act on his feelings but he swears to Jade that he will protect her and make sure no one ever hurts her again. There are lots of twist and turns in this story. Right when you think everything is safe and Jade and Niall can enjoy their growing feelings for each other, they have to face another challenge. I'm really amazed that Jade is able to hold on to her sanity after all the trauma and betrayals she has to endure. My favorite part of this story is the barn date. Any man that will go to the lengths that Niall went thru just to give Jade a "special date" is definitely a keeper!! I highly recommend this book. It is terrifying to think this could truly happen in our world!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physician’s Assistant Jade Bell was kidnapped from her home, drugged and held in a facility, subjected to treatment by a series of nurses and doctors. She has to escape, but knows that this could lead to her death. When she is successful, there is only one man she can call who might be able to get her safely home, Niall Walsh. Niall is her best friend’s brother and a Green Beret. When she is able to contact him, Niall is able to find her and bring her to his team’s location. Niall has left the military and joined the Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team. As she is able to speak to his team and let them know what happened to her, they begin their investigation searching for where she was held. Knowing that there were other women being held increases their urgency to find the facility. She has long been attracted to him, but unaware that he had feelings for her as well, but first they must keep her safe and rescue the others. She asks to be used as bait and her plan is successful, but is she finally safe and able to resume her life, with Niall, or are other threats waiting for her. Thrilling romantic suspense that kept me turning the pages until the exciting and surprising end! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade was living her controlled life which she had worked her behind off for when she's kidnapped. She wakes up strapped down to a table with all kinds of medical things happening around her but she keeps getting drugged up so she's not entirely certain as to what is happening. She figures out a way to escape but knows that it won't be that simple so she calls her best friend's brother, Niall, for help as she knows his career is in security. He comes for her & decides he's going to keep her safe no matter what. These two have some hurt in their past, but first things first, keeping Jade safe while trying to figure out who had done the kidnapping. Poor Jade, she's doing her level best to get past everything but it's just not that easy so Niall is doing whatever he can to help her emotionally as well. One thing is for certain, they have a strong connection so maybe just maybe they finally get together as both have secret feelings for the other. This story was fast paced & super exciting as the twists were totally coming in hot from every direction. On top of that my heart broke for Jade & all the pain she was in, but I was also cheering them on since everyone knew they were perfect for each other. I LOVED every minute of this story so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riveting read that had everything from action, adventure, threats and escape
This was a simply captivating read from an author I have only read several books from, however as the start of a new series what a captivating and exciting read by Gia Cobie. I am sure that like myself you will be captivated by the initial kidnap and the danger that subsequently followed from the traffickers.
The betrayal is one of the most prolific things that is shown throughout the book and there is a great deal of betrayal which is something that Jade and Niall are learning to deal with. The story has been written so spectacularly and I guarantee that any reader will find themselves like me unable to put the book down until you actually reach the end of the book.
This will allow you to make your own decision regarding this simply wonderful read and I guarantee that you will not put the book own until you reach the last page and discover the outcome as yiu wait for the next book in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[Stephanie Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blade and Arrow San Antonio is off to a roaring start!

The newest branch of B&A Security is setting up shop in San Antonio when Niall gets a call from his sister’s best friend who has escaped a trafficking ring. As they dive into the investigation they discover something more sinister than any other trafficking ring I have ever read about!

Jade and Niall’s story is one of past misunderstandings, trauma recovery, and love. There are lots of triggers in this story, so be aware before you read! Kidnapping, trafficking, eating disorders.

But I am amazed at the story Gia has crafted. The new characters she has created, the description of the new property, the backstories I am DYING to read about! Bravo team is going to be a wonderful, heart wrenching ride. I am not going to give any more info due to spoilers, but y’all, READ THIS BOOK. And be prepared for it just one, but TWO twists I never saw coming. And as an avid reader for the likes of Jenna Gunn, Bella Stone, Jaime Lewis, LJ Vickery, Riley Edwards, Susan Stoker and Caitlyn O’Leary to mention a few, I have seen just about every plot twist there is!

15/10 recommendation!!! I can’t wait for book 2!

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade was trying her best to get a grip on where and what was happening to her. She just knew she was restrained and being held captive by someone. So, the story began; it just gets better with each page and chapter. Niall finds her and is working with the southern Blade and Arrow team to get to the bottom of this. All the while trying to contain his feelings for Jade. The Blade and Arrow team are friends who have been in service together and have each other’s ‘six’ regardless of events. Jade as we find out has escaped a human trafficking ring, and the Blade and Arrow team and the FBI are working to bring down the people behind it. This book has a couple twists and turns I did not see coming and the final one was totally out of the blue. It ended as we hoped it would and now, I’m looking forward to the next B&A person to find their match. Great book as always, a 2-day read as per usual for Gia’s books. Obviously, I am going to love this series as this was an amazing start to it.

[Mrs R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super sweet friends-to-lovers with action and suspense thrown in.

Jade is best friends with Niall's sister, so they've known each other for years. So when she is kidnapped, drugged, and needs help, he was the first person she called.

Niall is in the process of helping with setting up the latest location for Blade & Arrow, a security company full of his green beret colleagues.

Poor Jade had a really tough time in this book, but Niall is there for her every step of the way. Just when you think everything is sorted, along comes something else to throw of the team. I don't know why, but the head baddie was a shock to me, but looking back, it shouldn't have been!

This book concentrates more on the relationship between Jade & Niall, and the action part of the book is good, but it takes a back seat to the romance.

I really enjoyed the other team members of B&A and I'm looking forward to reading more about them as the series continues.

- standalone
- romantic suspense
- friends to lovers
- sisters best friend

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this series starter…

I love Susan Stoker’s fiction military/protection world and this author has added her own unique voice with characters and stories that fit right in while paving a new path. This is a new book in now expanded Blade and Arrow corner and was full of the tension, suspense and sweet/steamy romance I’ve come to expect…

Niall and Jade had complicated history. They’d known each other for years but a huge blowout years ago lived large in Jade’s memory. Despite that, when she was in danger, she did not hesitate to reach out to him – she trusted him, even now. Niall answered the call and quickly found a woman he remembered fondly and soon, cared for more deeply. With danger setting the stage, their path was filled with tender scenes and heartfelt confessions…

Filled with tension and all the accompanying highs and lows, the sweet and steamy moments stood out, along with an unexpected twist at the end…

*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to the author and BookSirens

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and this is Niall and Jade’s journey.
Jade is a physician assistant when she is kidnapped, drugged, and held in a facility where she is subjected to treatment by nurses and doctors, and knows she needs to escape which she manages. Niall is Jade’s best friends’ brother and he is a Green Beret. Niall moved to Texas for a new beginning, new job, and new team, and the last thing he expected was for Jade to call for help. Jade knows time is off the essence as there are more women held in the facility, but will the team be able to rescue them before it is too late?
This is a well written action packed, emotionally charged story, with twists, loyalty, family, friendships, danger, suspense, intrigue, healing, forced proximity, trust, healing, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, unpredictable, and heartwrenching, thrilling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.