He was supposed to be her wingman. She never planned to fall for him.
A first date shouldn’t be so nerve-racking. But after a decade in a loveless marriage, Faith needs this new beginning. Thank goodness she has Tanner to play her wingman.
But she never expects to start crushing on the former Navy SEAL instead of her date.
Tanner can’t deny his feelings for his friend. Yet he’s battling demons of his own. He can’t afford to drag Faith into his darkness, even if it means seeing her in the arms of someone else. Then Faith's ex reappears, bringing new threats to her door. Tanner steps in to protect the very woman he can’t have.
As their chemistry and the danger both heat up, the path forward will force them to take the ultimate risk—saving each other.
This military romance features a hot-as-hell SEAL with lots of tattoos, a not-so-innocent country girl who's discovering her own strength, sexy slow dances, and scorching steam. Can be enjoyed as a standalone, with no cheating or cliffhanger.
Note to The plot of this book involves drug dealing and addiction in a secondary character, and PTSD in a main character.
Advance Praise for HOLD “Tanner and Faith's romance had me hooked.” Books with Dawn, Goodreads ★★★★★
“I have read the previous books in this series and they are all really good! But this is definitely my favorite!” Judith M., Goodreads ★★★★★
“Tanner and Faith warmed my soul and broke my heart and I adore them.” Kirsty, Goodreads ★★★★★
“Action packed and suspenseful, this was a fabulous read with a lot of touching scenes. I love this series.” Ann B., Goodreads ★★★★★
I write suspenseful romance with pulse-pounding danger, fun & flirty banter, and tons of heart (plus spice!). Both a Californian and a Texan in my past, I now live in the Colorado mountains with my family.
I am absolutely loving the BENNETT SECURITY romantic suspense series and Tanner and Faith’s friends to lovers romance was a favorite! Faith hasn’t had the easiest life. She grew up in a controlling family and got married too young to a loser guy (Jon) who dealt drugs and put her in danger. Faith escaped their bad marriage in Texas and has started over in California, where she and Tanner, a former SEAL have a cute “wingman” friendship. I LOVED the cute early scenes in the book where they were denying there was anything more there than friendship. Some of those early comedic dates had me in stitches. But things quickly heat up both between Tanner and Faith, and also for Faith’s troubles with her past, because creepy Jon just won’t leave her alone. I loved the suspense plotline in this one, with several awful people from Faith’s past stalking her and Tanner and several characters I loved from previous books in the series teaming up to help. This was a fast paced, STEAMY romance, that kept me breathlessly turning pages all the way to the nailbiter of an ending. Faith and Tanner wound up being one of my favorite couples, and I especially loved some of the great messages about PTSD in Tanner’s story line as well. I can’t wait for book five!
I received a complimentary copy of Hold Tight from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a Friends to Lovers Romantic Suspense, and this is the fourth book in the Bennett Security series. I have read and reviewed the other books in this series, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone. This book is my least favorite in this series so far, but I am not saying this book is bad. This book is well written. I just could not connect with Tanner, and I did not love the PTSD moments in this book. I really loved the beginning of this book. I found the beginning to be so funny. The suspense in this book was ok, and I really wanted Faith to stand up for herself. Faith's character drove me crazy because she just would not stand up for herself. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Diana Road Books) or author (Hannah Shield) via Booksirens, 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.
This was a friends to lovers romance with the right amount of suspense. I loved the hero of this book and could feel for the heroine. She was in a loveless relationship and her past kept coming back to her. She was strong, but not afraid to cry out for help when needed. It was rather a slow burn romance, but once the romance was set, it was on!
Safe. Hero not a manwhore. No cheating. OM drama with heroine’s ex but rather towards suspense than jeopardizing the romance between main couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As with all the stories in this series, it was well written. However, the two main conflicts, centered around drug trafficking and PTSD, were not compelling to me. The main female character came across as a super co-dependent, low self esteem, weak-willed enabler. She exhibited these character flaws all through the story. The male character was more sympathetic with his PTSD plight. But even that seemed to come out of left field. Tanner had been portrayed as a serious, even tempered guy in the previous stories. I was rather disappointed with the plot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the story of Tanner and Faith's love story.. Tanner is suffering from PTSD and hasn't got the courage to tell the people closest to him and is hoping he can manage on his own
Faith has left her ex husband who is a coward who has put all of his issues onto faith.
At first tanner and faith are so awkward it's hilarious but thankfully they realise what they both want is each other.
This book started off slow but then I was hooked once it started to go down and we saw the big bulk of a man who tanner is!
This was a fairly run-of-the-mill romantic suspense / former-military hero romance. I could have done without the religious undertones, few as they were. Faith, the FMC, felt like a doormat, to me, instead of a woman with a kind heart like I'm sure the author intended. Tanner, the MMC, had PTSD which was handled with sensitivity and seemed like an accurate portrayal. There was more on-page sex than I was expecting and it was normal, basic realistic sex. I didn't fall in love with these characters or this world so I most likely won't be continuing this series.
Oooh I would love to hold Tanner tight! He is such a gorgeous character with his colourful family. Faith is lovely wanting to start afresh but her past not letting her. I love how protective Tanner is. Just a wonderful read on my Sunday afternoon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We start out with two people we've met in the previous books. Tanner is a bodyguard at Bennett Security and Faith is Sylvie's friend. Tanner and Faith had amazing chemistry. They just clicked, and I was screaming at the book for them to "just kiss!" My heart broke for Tanner because he was going through PTSD and was struggling on how to cope with that. Faith was a key component to helping Tanner get the help he needed. Faith's past comes back to haunt her, but in the end they both got their HEA!
When she splits from her husband because of the drugs but it puts her and her new boyfriend in peril from her exes mistakes. Tanner will protect her not just as part of his job but because of the love they share.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like this book. And I don’t. The story is simple and there’s a sweetness to it that cuts through the rough plotlines. Faith has finally had it with her drug addict, get-rich-quick (illegally) scheming husband and has filed for a divorce, but she just can’t leave him out of her life (yes, she has choices). Tanner is a veteran with PTSD flashbacks that debilitate him, and he refuses to get help. Together, they find solace and begin to forge a friendship. This is a part of the warmth in the story, but the chemistry between the two of them feels flat, nothing sizzles.
Faith and Tanner rush into sex (of course) and yet the story is painfully s-l-o-w. In places it crawls. While the sex scenes are initially heated, they seem to be set on repeat and soon become tepid in their commonness. I skimmed through most of them. Truly, the first time they had sex it was in an odd (and uncomfortable) place. It had been a day or two since they decided to date, and the “L-word” was already circulating. Insta-lust, yes. Faith loves how handsome Tanner is. Tanner loves how beautiful Faith is. Crushing on both sides. But love? Nope. No groundwork for it and I’m not a fan of most recycled insta-love stories.
I got tired of the main characters’ thoughts that just went on and on, churning, twisting, and agitating. Nothing got resolved inside their heads. These inner musings were perhaps meant to show how Faith’s and Tanner’s minds worked, but I ended up bored with the same things being rehashed. In particular, after some activity or event, they have to think on it, so we get to read about it all over again. This made the book longer than the story warranted.
At times we seem hit over the head with Faith’s goodness thanks to all the examples of her selflessness and giving. She grates at times and her codependent helplessness irritates. She does not stand up for herself and I can’t figure out why. I’m going to lay blame at the feet of the writer. The Faith character is a mish mash. There is a core of goodness in her, but it feels superficial because there’s not much depth to her. She seems to be helping others because she doesn’t know what else to do with her life, not because it’s the right thing for her to do for the reason that good works align with her morals and ethics.
For all that has happened to her, Faith is naïve in odd ways. Her husband has hit her, he has abused her, and he has used her. She keeps signing on for more, even when she insists she’s through. She’s also basically dishonest. She received no support from her family regarding her husband’s abuse, but she never told them the truth about him. As she put it, she shielded him. That did not work out well.
When her husband reenters her life (as if he ever left), she gathers friends and acquaintances to figure out what to do about him. She has no experience in law enforcement nor in apprehending criminals, yet her friends, some of whom do have just that experience, sit back and let her take the lead. She has a desire to rid her life of her husband, but there are no details. Just an overview of how to get her husband out of her life and his illegal activities curtailed. We’re told she wants to take responsibility, which is laudable, but she doesn’t have the experience (nor ability) to lead an operation to take down the perpetrators surrounding her husband’s illegal pursuits. Even here she limits the information she gives her friends: “Faith didn’t want to mention that Jon [her husband] had passed on a threat against her if she reported his associates [in his illegal activities].” She withholds vital information to the very people who are going out of their way to help her.
There’s also an axiomatic elephant in the room: she’s still married when she takes up with Tanner. A divorce is ongoing. Little is said about it in the book, but she is cheating on her husband, as horrible and deeply flawed as he is. He is painted as a terrible person; only Faith can see any good in him, and that is actually what she wishes he were, not what he is (more naïveté).
Tanner is the poster boy for how not to get help for his PTSD: he’s just going to “conquer all of it. He just had to work harder. Maintain his focus.” That has never worked for him. Yet he expects that by following along with what has never worked in the past, it will all somehow work out now. At the book’s 72% completion point, he still refused to get help. He needs therapy and support but still insists he can do it all on his own. This is neither worthy nor commendable. He has a truckload of friends, family, and associates able and more than willing to support him; he refuses to even acknowledge his need for help.
In the end, of course, there is an HEA, but it doesn’t feel earned. The characters, main and secondary, feel like pieces on a checkerboard, pushed and prodded onto one square after another, at the behest of the writer. Everything works out, as they must in the romance genre (which I love when romance novels are well designed and written).
There are very few errors, and that is an excellent thing. A few things made me pause (nothing major), such as: A fifteen-year-old at the rec center where Tanner volunteers is named Damien. In chapter 6, his name is spelled Damian. “…rested one knee on mattress….” I believe this should read, “…one knee on the mattress….” In chapter 40, Faith is described as having “…her face a mask of both defiance and terror.” This stopped me because we’d seen Faith in terror plenty of times, but not defiant. And the two are almost opposite emotions. Terror is panic, shock, and alarm; defiance is boldness, resoluteness, insolence even. The two emotions may occur one after the other, but at the same time? Hard to picture.
I rated this book 2.5 stars because it is a bit pedantic with all the over-thinking, and because of the weak-willed lead female character. The storyline was good and the beginning interesting. The story dulled too soon. I rounded up after some thought. It isn’t on a par with other 3-star books, but neither is it as bad as other 2-star books: such a quandary…! It was the storyline that suggested 3 stars. It was enjoyable with a ton of potential. I doubt that I’ll go back to read any of the books in this series, but I’m interested enough in the writer to see if she has written other books.
*ARC kindly provided by the author and I’m leaving an honest review*
✔Contemporary ✔Romantic suspense ✔Military romance ✔Friends to lovers ✔Bodyguard ✔Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development ✔Enough emotional baggage to fill a room ✔A gorgeous, but slightly tortured, sullen, broody Navy SEAL with lots of tattoos who is battling demons and his past but stops at nothing to protect what's his ✔A not so innocent country girl who is discovering her own strength ✔Sexy slow dances ✔Save each other ✔Second chance ✔Unpredictable twists and turns ✔Gripping/gritty/raw ✔Twisty ✔Page turner ✔Secrets and lies ✔Off – the- charts chemistry ✔Emotional roller-coaster ✔Intense and funny / quirky ✔Beautiful love story
Hold Tight is the fourth book in Bennett Security series. It can be read as a standalone. It's another wonderful addition to this series. Phenomenal and intense, keeps the reader on the edge of the seat from start to finish. This book has it all from suspense, romance, to danger, steam, lighter moments and mystery. Hold Tight is a gripping, gritty, raw and powerful page turner. Beautifully crafted, emotional rollercoaster, suspenseful stories like this one, are what make me proud of loving romantic suspense genre.
Tanner and Faith are both complex characters. They both have highs and lows, dealing with the demons of their past. Tanner and Faith are heartachingly beautiful, a bit angsty, quirky, flirty, captivating, intense and deliciously romantic. He is so fiercely protective of Faith. Neither suspected that the other has developed a crush. I love their stolen moments, easy friendship, banter and meaningful conversations. I felt their anticipation and build-up. It’s not just a love story; it’s a journey of self-discovery, letting go of your past, believing in yourself and allowing yourself to love. They both have insecurities and emotional baggage. Tanner and Faith are effortless and familiar and yet complicated and perplexing. They are each other’s match, sinfully sexy and intense. I feel like they were challenging each other through dialogues, talks and banter. I loved the ending.
It is very enjoyable, well written and developed. The characters are complex, the plot is strong and the storyline unpredictable. If you enjoy romantic suspense with elements of military romance, bodyguard, friends to lovers, struggles, challenges, a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, believing in love, steam, secrets and danger then this book is for you.
This is Tanner and Faith’s story. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how it would be like considering that we didn’t really know Faith and barely knew who Tanner was. But never doubt Hannah Shield! I still enjoyed it just as much as the others in the series. I actually like Tanner more than I had anticipated. He’s a little more different from all the other guys in the series. He’s more reserved, kept to himself, but still a really good guy. Tanner though, is suffering from PTSD in which he does not want to share or admit feeling that it will be a burden for others to bear with him. Faith, on the other hand, has a long history with her ex-husband. Tanner and Faith fit quite well with each other but I was pretty annoyed with Faith at times with her hesitancy every time her ex-husband showed up. Definitely not in the way that she might still love him but in the ways of allowing him to still have a hold of her life. I think this novel in this series might be the one where both characters have some pretty intense conflicts and baggage that comes with them but they found a way to go about it. And as usual, they are so sweet with each other. Their first “practice” date was just everything. Ugh. Tanner does everything, well almost everything correctly. He is the man. Haha. If you didn’t care for Tanner, you certainly did now. His family dynamics are also great. I wish we had more of the moments. As always, the action sequences were done well. I’m glad we got to see a little bit of Sylvie and Nic too. I do miss the others too. Hopefully we get to see some more of Devon/Aurora and Max/Lara. I am not ready for the end of this series so I’m hoping that there are more stories to be told. 😊
This story will pull you in an keep you on the edge of your seat.The characters are captivating.When Faith finally got enough courage to leave her drug addict husband she thought her family would have her back but they thought she should stay by her husband no matter what.So she swallowed her pride an called the one person who always had her back her best friend who told her to come to calif.she could stay with her until she got her life together.When she finally talks Faith to go on a date Faith meets a guy at the coffee shop but her friend was supposed to be close by in case she needed an out but she had to work so Tanner decided to step up as her wing man.When she finds out the guy her date who ordered slot of sushi an two beers was a high school senior she almost had a heart attack.She went over to Tanner an said I need out he asked if the guy hurt her she said just her pride then told him.He took her arm an said just follow me ill handle this.He told the kid her was a investigator for under age drinking taking the beer out of his hand he said you can call an uber an go home or I can take you in an call your mom. He asked Faith if she wanted to go for a walk she said sure an loved the night she spent with Tanner.Will they ever tell each other how they feel or will they let something special slip away?This story has danger,drug dealers,PTSD ,an a chance at happiness for Faith an Tanner.There are so many twists an turns you will be riveted until the very last page an leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the story to life before your eyes an you can feel the characters emotions a their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.
Hold Tight is the fourth book in the Bennett Security series and my second. I finished the previous one immediately prior to starting this one. It reads fine as a standalone, but it helped to have some prior knowledge.
The friends-to-lovers trope is one of my all-time favorites, though truly, Tanner and Faith haven't known each other long enough for it to really qualify, in my opinion. Instead, they're new friends who met through Sylvie, the heroine of the previous novel. After an unplanned fun (platonic) evening together after Faith suffers a rather disastrous date, they each start thinking about each other differently. But both have scars and secrets to deal with before they can hope for a HEA.
In spite of these scars (see trigger warnings at the end), it's a fairly sweet and jovial tale, especially because Tanner is really adorable. He's the kind of guy you really hope to meet someday, a family guy who's loyal to those he cares about, and who is sexy without being a man ho.
Faith is okay though I find her history a little annoying. Actually, my very very very slight distaste for her comes from the previous novel where we learn (as an aside more than anything else) that she wasn't a particularly good friend to Sylvie when push came to shove a decade earlier. Sylvie may have forgiven her, but I'm still working through my feelings (lol).
Even so, she and Tanner are cute together, and I found myself rooting for them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This was another great addition to the Bennett Security series. Both the h and the H were a little broken and insecure and that really worked in making their relationship believable. I liked that they started out as friends with secret crushes and that developed into so much more.
Tanner is a bodyguard for Bennett Security who has been struggling with PTSD after getting a concussion on a job six months ago. He feels like all the progress he made after he retired from the SEALs was for nothing and he had failed. Faith was trying to start over. She had been forced into a loveless marriage as a teenager to a man who struggled with addiction and selfishness.
Tanner and Faith start out as friends. He saves her from a failed first date and takes her on a spectacular date that leaves them both wanting more than friendship but to afraid to admit their feelings to each other. They are finally forced to admit their feelings after a failed double date and never looked back after that.
Faith is also dealing with the reemergence of her ex. Tanner is determined to help her get rid of him once and for all and keep her safe. When the stress gets to be too much for his PTSD he is faced with getting professional help when he is almost too late to help Faith.
This was a very well written book. I loved how patient both Tanner and Faith were with each other. They both needed time to divulge every piece of their pasts to each other and instead of pushing they showed their love and understanding by waiting until they were ready. Tanner was the perfectly flawed alpha hero for Faith.
Tender, sweet romance set against a sinister backdrop
Faith left her drug-dealing husband in Texas to move to West Oaks, California for a fresh start, only to find that her past isn't quite done with her yet. Her best friend from high school, Sylvie, works at a security firm and through her Faith meets bodyguard Tanner, and a quiet friendship is quickly taking root.
I loved the slow-burn romance as these two fight their feelings in the name of friendship. And I adored that it was friendships that got them to see the truth for themselves. I was impressed with the honest, realistic approach the author took towards the issue of PTSD. I really respected the role of "wingman" that Tanner took with Faith as she dealt with her problems. It's refreshing to see a strong male lead offer support instead of taking over and solving the problems himself.
There's quite a bit of humor throughout (Luke's scene was absolutely hilarious) and even more insightful, heartfelt musings that made these characters extremely relatable. The HEA was terrific, and the interactions with the rest of the Bennett Security cast were perfect.
My only complaint is that the cover model is clean-shaven while Tanner is always depicted as having a beard. It's a small thing, but I do think book covers should depict the characters within. Oh, and the name for the villain hit a little too close too home, but odds are it was going to happen at some point.
I loved this charming story and am looking forward to reading the next in this enthralling series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I have read the previous books in this series and they are all really good! But this is definitely my favorite! A first date shouldn’t be so nerve-racking. But after a decade in a loveless marriage, Faith needs this new beginning. Thank goodness she has Tanner to play her wingman. But she never expects to start crushing on the former Navy SEAL instead of her date. Tanner can’t deny his feelings for his friend. Yet he’s battling demons of his own. He can’t afford to drag Faith into his darkness, even if it means seeing her in the arms of someone else. Then Faith's ex reappears, bringing new threats to her door. Tanner steps in to protect the very woman he can’t have. As their chemistry and the danger both heat up, the path forward will force them to take the ultimate risk—saving each other. OMG! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! I’m hopelessly in love with Tanner. He is so sweet and caring. Faith is a beautiful character. Strong and resilient, she fights for the life she deserves. I adored them together. There are great steamy moments but they are also emotional and deep. The writing is flawless and engaging, and I can tell the PTSD is well handled. I highly recommend this story, it’s a beautiful one. I’ll be waiting for Noah’s story! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After reading the previous books in this series, I have been waiting for Tanner’s story. Laid back, cool under fire or in tense situations are how he has been described in the past. This book gives more of his history, insight into the demons he is carrying within him and what motivates him. As a highly trained former SEAL and now bodyguard/security expert, Tanner’s instincts are to protect at all costs, even to his detriment. Faith, a friend of his colleague Sophie, sets off all those protective instincts as well as sparks of attraction. Unfortunately, she seems to have put him in the friend zone.
Faith is attracted to Tanner, his easy manner and calmness are a balm to her spirit. She is going through a divorce from her addict ex who just won’t leave her alone and is constantly bringing danger and illegal dealings to her door. Tanner has a way of calming her anxiety and improving her self confidence. She is very attracted to him, but she believes he only sees her as a friend. When these two finally realize that the attraction they feel is mutual, moving forward into a relationship means dealing with his resurfacing PTSD, their lingering insecurities, and all the trouble her ex has brought to her door again. Will they get a chance to build a future together?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A bodyguard business...could I be any happier? I LOVE this whole concept and mix that with great writing and action...a definite hit! She was stronger than she knew and he was just the good, real man that she needed. They just needed to figure that out. This was a strong, sad yet happy story that shows you life has challenges but you can come through it.
Leaving a disastrous relationship, she can't even find someone real. He's trying to destress and look out for her, but slowly they realize that they've needed to look to the other for what they needed.
Another solid read from this sexy, action-filled world. I've been liking all the characters and each getting a book makes me quite happy! I felt for the both of them- she came though something terrible and deserved a real man to help her heart. And he is such a good guy! He needed to find his peace. It's amazing, stuff like this happens in real life. How tragic, yet how beautiful when you finally come through it all. Great job on a well-rounded story. I love the jealousy, the ups and downs. A powerful story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*spoilers* This story is about Tanner and Faith. It is the fourth in the Benett Security series, but can be read as a standalone, also it gives a little more depth in my opinion if you read the other books, but also made me a little conflicted, because of what we learned about Faith in the past. Tanner works as a bodyguard and Faith is a friend of Sylvie (heroine of the previous story), that is how they meet. Faith has been in a bad marriage for a long time and now is hestitant to date again. Tanner is right by her side supporting her, but thinking he can not have her because of his PTSD, past and danger. He is very caring and I enjoyed his character so much. When Faith ex is becoming more of a threat all bets are off and Tanner does not hestitate to protect her. Can they find salavtion and love with each other? I was sometimes a little conflicted by Faith, but she evolves throughout the story. It is well written and handles a lot of issues. Faith and Tanner have that special chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Faith Townsend has been trapped in an abusive marriage for the past ten years. The abuse has not been physical, but emotional due to an earlier loss and her husband’s drug abuse. She finally moves to Montana to be near her best friend Sylvie. Her first attempt at online dating ends in embarrassment, but luckily her friend Tanner Reed was there as her “wingman”. He takes her on an “epic” first date and she is half way in love with him. Tanner is former military and his recent concussion has triggered his PTSD that he thought was controlled. He wants Faith, but feels that there are too many issues to involve her in his life. As they slowly realize that the feelings that they have for each other are worth exploring, her almost divorced husband arrives in Montana. He is not alone as the threats from others have followed him. Tanner vows to keep her safe as they fight for their love. Beautiful, exciting, hot romance and two individuals who have found their “one”. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Faith is starting over with her friends after leaving her drug addicted husband. She is about to go on her first date since leaving her ex and when her friend can't go in case, she needs back up another friend goes instead. Tanner sits at the bar and watches as Faith has her date. He immediately notices when something is wrong and goes over to her. Faith is grateful for Tanner help and then he takes her out on what he calls a great date. This starts a bond between them. However, when Tanner's friend wants to ask Faith out and Faith's friend wants to go out with Tanner that's when things get complicated. If that's not enough her ex starts coming back into her life bring his mess with him. Will they admit their feelings for each other? What will happen with her ex?
This is an amazing story that once I started it I could put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. This is a book for any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a wonderful story about a member of (Max) Bennet Security. In this part it is Tanner who finds his love. After his years in the army he comes back......and he alone. His teammate is trapped by misinformation and tortured and killed. Tanner struggles with PTSD; survivor guilt. And after a concussion (how could you read in the previous part) it got worse. Fortunately, there's Faith, the woman who keeps his nightmares away. But Faith has demons of her own in the form of her ex-husband and his cronies.
A beautiful story where Tanner and Faith get to know each other and soon realize that the other is the right one for them to endure everything.
I loved Faith. Trying to stand her own ground instead of being walked all over her like in the past. But also vulnerable and not afraid to show it and accept help when needed. And to me, Tanner was a big teddy bear. Big, strong but with his heart on his tongue. Loving and caring for the people around him
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm 50/50 on this one. It kind of felt like the odd one out to the series so far since it's not necessarily mafia or a leader or anything like that after Faith but rather her ex husband being a drug dealer.
The first half read practically like a normal romance book, although I'm not sure if I'd count this as friends-to-lovers so much since I usually count friends as best friends, not a person she's acquaintance friends with since it's mentioned they rarely texted each other over a few weeks. However, her first "date" was extremely funny and I loved that little plot twist.
I thought Faith's ex would be much more scarier or involved but that storyline was pushed aside quite a bit until the end. Kyle didn't seem that big of a villain (I'm not saying he's not bad, just not the OMG IT'S THE VILLAIN!) compared to the other books.
I also found that there wasn't much of a major plot twist like the other books. I also wished we got Tanner's PTSD story in more detail too.
Overall, in comparison to the series, it was lacking but for a standalone romance book read, it was good.
After being threatened by her then husband’s drug contact, Faith works up the courage to leave her unhappy life and move away from Texas. She is eventually ready to try to date again and Tanner becomes her wingman. Faith’s ex is in deep though, when he comes searching for her and once again mixing her up in his issues, can Tanner protect her? I have read all of the books in the Bennett Security books and always look forward to a new release. Each can be read as a stand alone and Hold Tight is no exception. Once again Shield’s writing style quickly draws the reader in and the pace and character development keeps them entertained. I really enjoyed learning about Tanner and his self talk. Faith grew on me and therefore I became easily invested in their relationship. There was a nice ratio of suspense:romance in this instalment. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from BookSirens. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
This is the fourth installment of the Bennett Security series and I feel like the characters are getting less complex with each new couple. I loved Aurora and Lana from Books 1 & 2 because they were fiercely independently and not afraid to challenge their partners. But the characters in this story are just ---- very vanilla.
Book Four brings us the story of Tanner and Faith, both of whom we got glimpses of in book three. Both are battling difficult, traumatic pasts and need to learn how to navigate their healing in the context of a new relationship.
This couple moves from friends to seriously dating very quickly and I wish we had had more tension/character development throughout the plot. They are sweet and obviously care for one another, but their relationship doesn't have much substance.
Thank you Book Sirens for my advanced review copy, which I received for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Faith Townsend stood by her husband as best she could when he remembered he had a wife at home. Late one night he brought his problem home, that problem tried to rape Faith and her husband did nothing. Faith left Texas for her friend Sylvie in LA and is going on a first date but isn’t sure of the guy.
Bodyguard Tanner Reed’s coping with his PTSD and agreed to be Faith’s ‘wingman’ to ensure her safety. When the date doesn’t turn out as expected, Tanner decides to show Faith a good time. They both want more, starting with a kiss but Faith’s unsure what Tanner wants and Tanner’s issues make him hesitate also and they hoven in the friend zone.
But mutual friends suggest there’s more between them. Just as Faith and Tanner take baby steps toward each other, his PTSD and her soon to be ex and his cohort rear their ugly heads throwing obstacles and troubles at the couple’s door. Rating: 4.25stars
I was right there trying to figure out the mystery of what is really going on with Faith's supposed to be ex.
I have to give Tanner his props - he is one heck of a wingman. We saw bits and pieces of him with Sylvie in Hard Wired and I really liked his character. I was excited to get to see more of him and am so surprised to find out how complex he really is. He selflessly puts others first and that can only last so long.
4 books in I am still loving this series. The plots continue to keep me guessing and the characters are so complex and spark my emotions as they travel the range of theirs. I want Bennett Security to expand so I never reach the end. More please!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You will love this book! Hold Tight is Book 4 in the Bennet Security series. Again, Hannah Shield gives us a love story with lots of complications and danger, which we have come to expect from this series. This book can be read alone, but characters reappear, and the world of Bennett keeps expanding. I loved how these two damaged people helped each other heal. Tanner is a former Navy SEAL who blames himself for everything that ever happened, including his tragedies. Faith is used to giving in to keep the peace but has escaped--she thinks. Nasty things follow both of them. How they handle this with help from a growing group of friends is the whole story, and it is compelling and joyful, as well as tragic at times. There is plenty of longing and hot sex!
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.