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SWAT: Top Cops #2
Down to the Wire
LAWMAN TO THE RESCUE
Who placed the bomb under schoolteacher Tess Collins's classroom desk -- and why? There's only one man who can save Tess -- SWAT cop Declan Shaw. Her survival depends on him defusing the bomb and protecting her from an unknown enemy. He can't afford to be distracted by the alluring beauty who was his onetime high school crush. But keeping her safe soon becomes more than just a job for the highly trained explosives expert. And it'll take all his professional skills to catch the madman targeting Tess before it's too late.
Who placed the bomb under schoolteacher Tess Collins's classroom desk -- and why? There's only one man who can save Tess -- SWAT cop Declan Shaw. Her survival depends on him defusing the bomb and protecting her from an unknown enemy. He can't afford to be distracted by the alluring beauty who was his onetime high school crush. But keeping her safe soon becomes more than just a job for the highly trained explosives expert. And it'll take all his professional skills to catch the madman targeting Tess before it's too late.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
97 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 10, 2021
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Swat: Top Cops series. I have to say I really loved the suspense in this book, but the romance was not really there. I did not miss the romance while reading this book. I really loved the characters in this book. There was drama, bombs, and a lot of twists. Great book if you are looking for a suspense book but not a thriller.
June 10, 2019
I don't often read Inspirational romance, nor do I care very much for suspense. But when someone left this book in the laundry room at my apartment complex I decided I would give it a try. It's really good!
Tess and Declan knew each other in high school, but not very well. He had a reputation as a trouble maker and avoided nice girls, even though he did save her one night from an abusive boyfriend. Ten years go by, and Tess has become a schoolteacher while Declan has returned from the Marine Corps and become a SWAT team member. And then someone starts planting bombs all over their small town, starting with one right under Tess' desk at school!
I really enjoyed the characters, the research the author did into bomb tactics, defusing the deadly devices under pressure, and the quiet family scenes with Tess and her brother Bobby. I enjoyed the characters and the story kept me interested right to the end. I wish there had been more romance and more sexual tension but I understand that's not the priority in this type of romance. I would definitely read this author again!
Tess and Declan knew each other in high school, but not very well. He had a reputation as a trouble maker and avoided nice girls, even though he did save her one night from an abusive boyfriend. Ten years go by, and Tess has become a schoolteacher while Declan has returned from the Marine Corps and become a SWAT team member. And then someone starts planting bombs all over their small town, starting with one right under Tess' desk at school!
I really enjoyed the characters, the research the author did into bomb tactics, defusing the deadly devices under pressure, and the quiet family scenes with Tess and her brother Bobby. I enjoyed the characters and the story kept me interested right to the end. I wish there had been more romance and more sexual tension but I understand that's not the priority in this type of romance. I would definitely read this author again!
January 16, 2015
2 Stars for Down to the Wire
*Spoiler warning starts now!
Thoughts and Plots
Declan Shaw is a former marine turned SWAT cop with a knack for disarming bombs. Tess Collin's is a grade four teacher supporting both herself and her younger brother Bobby. Fate brings Declan and Tess back together after a long stint of not seeing each other, since prom to be exact. Tess is targeted by a serial bomber. No reason for being targeted really...that's probably what bothered me most...
Anyhow Declan refuses to leave Tess's side and Tess's brother is missing...and that sums up the first 150ish pages, add a few explosions and car crashes of course. Oh and don't forget how praying makes everyone feel calm and peaceful inside. What the author did do is successfully blindside me with who the killer was. I mean, he was sort of on the radar in the back story, but never in the present and just POW with maybe 25 pages left, there he is, no explanation, no nothing. That bugged me. A lot.
And that ending....GUH!!! Unfortunately this book went from a 3 star rating to a 2 star writing in the last 50 pages. Because some random crazy guy can pop out of the wood work with no real lead up to it to be the evil bad guy and one conversation can completely change a teen aged boy's mind around and we totally just had to know (aka the epilogue) that they were going to be married when THEY WEREN'T EVEN DATING AT THE END OF THE BOOK!!! Kudos to the author for not putting a time line on it though, so we can all imagine our own perfect dating, engagement period. I seriously went from enjoying the book, to wondering when the real bomber was going to be properly introduced, to worrying that things were going to be anti-climatic with a 10 page wrap up, to confirming something similar to rolling my eyes at the ending. There are good Christian suspense romances out there, and unfortunately I wouldn't count this one among them.
The last sentence...'nother ugh. "And Tess was looking forward to spending the rest of her life with Declan and any children God blessed them with." Let's not go into how annoyed I feel about that sentence. It would make this review twice as long as it already is.
In conclusion
Great start, decent middle, disappointing ending. It's a decent fluff read, but I won't be rushing out to buy a copy for my personal library, nor will I be insisting anyone else read it.
*Spoiler warning starts now!
Thoughts and Plots
Declan Shaw is a former marine turned SWAT cop with a knack for disarming bombs. Tess Collin's is a grade four teacher supporting both herself and her younger brother Bobby. Fate brings Declan and Tess back together after a long stint of not seeing each other, since prom to be exact. Tess is targeted by a serial bomber. No reason for being targeted really...that's probably what bothered me most...
Anyhow Declan refuses to leave Tess's side and Tess's brother is missing...and that sums up the first 150ish pages, add a few explosions and car crashes of course. Oh and don't forget how praying makes everyone feel calm and peaceful inside. What the author did do is successfully blindside me with who the killer was. I mean, he was sort of on the radar in the back story, but never in the present and just POW with maybe 25 pages left, there he is, no explanation, no nothing. That bugged me. A lot.
And that ending....GUH!!! Unfortunately this book went from a 3 star rating to a 2 star writing in the last 50 pages. Because some random crazy guy can pop out of the wood work with no real lead up to it to be the evil bad guy and one conversation can completely change a teen aged boy's mind around and we totally just had to know (aka the epilogue) that they were going to be married when THEY WEREN'T EVEN DATING AT THE END OF THE BOOK!!! Kudos to the author for not putting a time line on it though, so we can all imagine our own perfect dating, engagement period. I seriously went from enjoying the book, to wondering when the real bomber was going to be properly introduced, to worrying that things were going to be anti-climatic with a 10 page wrap up, to confirming something similar to rolling my eyes at the ending. There are good Christian suspense romances out there, and unfortunately I wouldn't count this one among them.
The last sentence...'nother ugh. "And Tess was looking forward to spending the rest of her life with Declan and any children God blessed them with." Let's not go into how annoyed I feel about that sentence. It would make this review twice as long as it already is.
In conclusion
Great start, decent middle, disappointing ending. It's a decent fluff read, but I won't be rushing out to buy a copy for my personal library, nor will I be insisting anyone else read it.
August 17, 2014
DOWN to the WIRE by Laura Scott, has got to be her best one yet!! I am in awe of her talent! Its one of those stories that make you feel like you are right there with the character! I kept waiting for a bomb to go off under me!!! The story line kept me wanting to find out what would happen next, and once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down! Read 3/4 of it last night until I was so sleepy could not hold my head up and finished it first thing this morning! That's how good this book is!!! I could re-read it and still be impressed with the great, well-written story! I love a good book and this is definitely the one you want to read if you love a good suspense novel. It had a beautiful ending, one that made me feel very happy and inspired! I highly recommend this book!
September 24, 2014
Maybe 3 1/2. The last three books have been so good, and so away from "the formula" these books use, perhaps I am spoiled. It was back to the same thing - two protagonists who have such self-esteem issues they are convinced they can not be loved, gross communication inability, a relatively helpless but impulsive female who needs to be saved by a male, and the kind of errors which at one time made me wonder if there were editors - in this case, a person "taping" on a window to get another's attention. Not "tapping," "taping." It must have been duct tape, with that ripping sound it makes when pulled off the spool, though the tape would make it hard to see out the window.
April 7, 2015
I can't say I liked this book - for one, when I saw the "SWAT Top Cops" series, I was kind of hoping that the female lead would be the officer, so it was a bit of a letdown that she wasn't. Nonetheless, the entire plot was a bit... far-fetched, and even at the short length, it needed to be tightened up more. The romance was predictable at best, and the characters weren't very compelling - perhaps the most interesting was Bobby, Tess' younger brother.
I will say that the author does seem to know how SWAT teams work and the ins and outs of high-risk police work, so that was definitely a good thing. But if you're looking for something thrilling with lots of action, this book is not the best. It reads like an episode of any primetime cop drama - and one you've probably seen before.
I will say that the author does seem to know how SWAT teams work and the ins and outs of high-risk police work, so that was definitely a good thing. But if you're looking for something thrilling with lots of action, this book is not the best. It reads like an episode of any primetime cop drama - and one you've probably seen before.
September 13, 2022
I enjoyed the action starting this novel immediately. The Declan-Tess romance made sense because they knew each other previously. That said, for a smart woman, Tess makes some really stupid decisions. I get her concern for finding her younger brother, but once the police know and are helping, it just felt foolhardy.
July 26, 2018
A classic cheesy romance novel with suspense and mystery tied in.
February 17, 2023
Starts with a bang...almost!
Tess is teaching 4th graders when she sits down and realizes that she has triggered a bomb. She sends all the kids out, and SWAT is notified. They send Declan in to disarm the bomb who knew her from high school. After that more things happen in quick order. Tess' teenage brother Bobby has gone missing as well. Bombs are showing up or exploding all over town. Can Declan keep Tess safe? Where is Bobby? And why is all this happening? Read this to find out!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. Read the books in this series in order. That way you will get the most out of this series! If you like action packed Christian romances, then this is for you! Enjoy!
Tess is teaching 4th graders when she sits down and realizes that she has triggered a bomb. She sends all the kids out, and SWAT is notified. They send Declan in to disarm the bomb who knew her from high school. After that more things happen in quick order. Tess' teenage brother Bobby has gone missing as well. Bombs are showing up or exploding all over town. Can Declan keep Tess safe? Where is Bobby? And why is all this happening? Read this to find out!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. Read the books in this series in order. That way you will get the most out of this series! If you like action packed Christian romances, then this is for you! Enjoy!
January 31, 2023
This book did have continous suspense and kept you intrigued and wanting to find out what was going on. However, I found the heroin difficult to like. She was stubborn and constantly putting both hers and the heros life in danger by doing whatever she wanted when she wanted to do it. Aside from that a good 3 star book from me, as I did finish it.
May 3, 2021
Couldn't put it down
I liked the non stop action. Declan had saved Tess's life in the past. And he had to do it again. In the process they fall in love. Interesting story that holds your attention. Definitely recommend!
I liked the non stop action. Declan had saved Tess's life in the past. And he had to do it again. In the process they fall in love. Interesting story that holds your attention. Definitely recommend!
January 7, 2023
This book's storyline was okay. I liked the action in this story. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I liked Declan's character. I didn't like Tess, she got on my nerves in the whole story. I liked the ending.
February 1, 2018
Awesome book! Coyldnt put it down and finished it in 4hours! Way to go Laura!
December 22, 2018
another episode in the Swat Top Cops series. Tess, Bobby and Declan's story. Romance happens quick but knew each other from school days. Getting familiar with the hotels in this town from the series.
March 6, 2019
FANTASTIC!!!!
What a great book. I'm glad Tess and Bobby were rescued. I'm glad Declan found God and was able to find happiness.
What a great book. I'm glad Tess and Bobby were rescued. I'm glad Declan found God and was able to find happiness.
April 21, 2022
Great book. Literally couldn’t put it down!!
June 21, 2023
Characters weren't written very strongly. Tess came across as annoying and very judgy but maybe that's just me.
January 17, 2017
Down to the wire
Was a well written book. Declan saves Tess when Strive Gaines attempts to rape her. Strive sets bombs to get even with Tess and Declan
Was a well written book. Declan saves Tess when Strive Gaines attempts to rape her. Strive sets bombs to get even with Tess and Declan
March 10, 2021
What happens to high school friends when placed in harm's way? A good quick read about friendship that turns to love with a bit of danger to up the tension.
September 26, 2016
I tried to like this book. I tried. I tried so hard. I'm sure there are people out there who want an 'inspirational' romance, and that's fine. But when I want to read a "Harlequin Romance" I kinda sorta don't feel like being preached to. I'm not even mad there wasn't a lick (haha, pun) of nookie in the book, because I read for the dynamics between the characters. (That's just bonus if they've got dynamics between the sheets too.) I'm just mad it left me feeling like I was trying to be converted through the whole book.
Also, the ending is so awkward that I was actually laughing uncomfortably. She gets two stars because it was well thought out and while you sorta figured out who the bad guy was, you weren't sure until the end. It doesn't hurt I'm a nice person and feel bad leaving one star. :/
Also, the ending is so awkward that I was actually laughing uncomfortably. She gets two stars because it was well thought out and while you sorta figured out who the bad guy was, you weren't sure until the end. It doesn't hurt I'm a nice person and feel bad leaving one star. :/
October 10, 2016
My reaction: I had a hard time getting past some flaws in the first and last chapters--which are the worst places to find distracting errors. But the plot made for a fairly enjoyable read. I probably won't be reading any more books by this author.
Plot summary: Mad bomber targets innocent schoolteacher, who is rescued by manly cop. They fall in love and get married.
Evaluation from a technical perspective: I know this is a romance, so I don't expect it to be all that realistic. But here are a few things that distracted me: Declan hadn't set foot in a school since he graduated, yet he was a member of a SWAT team, and any decent SWAT team regularly trains in schools. The class calmly exited the room, yet left "papers and pencils cattered all over the floor." The SWAT team used their radios in immediate proximity to the bombs (a big no-no because radio signals can set off a bomb). A bomb changed from containing "basic dynamite" to containing "clay." The wiring of the bombs, as decribed, would have made them very easy to disarm (cutting any of the wires would have worked). The bomb container started out as cast iron (ridiculous) then transmuted itself into steel (better). Declan used an "M4 .223 sniper rifle"; the M4 is a short-barreled carbine and though it is in wide use in law enforcement, it is only rarely custom-modifed to serve as a sniper rifle--a non-sniper M4 or an M40 would have been a more realistic choice.There were a few diction/grammar errors: "in the middle of an isolated cabin" (???), duel instead of dual, relayed instead of related.
Evaluation from a Christian perspective: There was no content that was likely to offend sensitive readers. Christianity was presented primarily as going to church, along with prayer and scripture reading, with the primary benefit being a sense of peace. The characters' faith didn't have too much influence on their lives--it didn't even appear to be a factor in who they chose to get romantically involved with.
Recommended for: Fans of Christian suspense/romance who are looking for a quick, entertaining read.
Plot summary: Mad bomber targets innocent schoolteacher, who is rescued by manly cop. They fall in love and get married.
Evaluation from a technical perspective: I know this is a romance, so I don't expect it to be all that realistic. But here are a few things that distracted me: Declan hadn't set foot in a school since he graduated, yet he was a member of a SWAT team, and any decent SWAT team regularly trains in schools. The class calmly exited the room, yet left "papers and pencils cattered all over the floor." The SWAT team used their radios in immediate proximity to the bombs (a big no-no because radio signals can set off a bomb). A bomb changed from containing "basic dynamite" to containing "clay." The wiring of the bombs, as decribed, would have made them very easy to disarm (cutting any of the wires would have worked). The bomb container started out as cast iron (ridiculous) then transmuted itself into steel (better). Declan used an "M4 .223 sniper rifle"; the M4 is a short-barreled carbine and though it is in wide use in law enforcement, it is only rarely custom-modifed to serve as a sniper rifle--a non-sniper M4 or an M40 would have been a more realistic choice.There were a few diction/grammar errors: "in the middle of an isolated cabin" (???), duel instead of dual, relayed instead of related.
Evaluation from a Christian perspective: There was no content that was likely to offend sensitive readers. Christianity was presented primarily as going to church, along with prayer and scripture reading, with the primary benefit being a sense of peace. The characters' faith didn't have too much influence on their lives--it didn't even appear to be a factor in who they chose to get romantically involved with.
Recommended for: Fans of Christian suspense/romance who are looking for a quick, entertaining read.
September 21, 2014
Down to the Wire became one of my favorite books by Laura Scott, and considering how much I love all her books, that is saying something.
Characters of SWAT cop Declan Shaw and teacher Tess Collins are wonderful, but they have flaws, and that makes it so much easier to relate to them. Both Declan and Tess had to overcome their difficult childhoods, with Tess's father emotionally abusing her and Declan's father hitting him. When Declan and Tess were still in high school, Declan had rescued Tess from an assault. He's the one to come to her rescue again years later, when she finds herself sitting right next to the bomb she'd accidentally activated. Even though Declan has great skills in defusing bombs, it will take everything he's got to keep Tess safe when it looks like someone ruthless is after her. Or is it Declan who is the real target?
Down to the Wire is a great read, and I enjoyed every page of this book.
Characters of SWAT cop Declan Shaw and teacher Tess Collins are wonderful, but they have flaws, and that makes it so much easier to relate to them. Both Declan and Tess had to overcome their difficult childhoods, with Tess's father emotionally abusing her and Declan's father hitting him. When Declan and Tess were still in high school, Declan had rescued Tess from an assault. He's the one to come to her rescue again years later, when she finds herself sitting right next to the bomb she'd accidentally activated. Even though Declan has great skills in defusing bombs, it will take everything he's got to keep Tess safe when it looks like someone ruthless is after her. Or is it Declan who is the real target?
Down to the Wire is a great read, and I enjoyed every page of this book.
Want to read
February 11, 2017I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14245946
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14245946
September 6, 2016
First read for this author and I was pleasantly surprised. This was a quick read, with an exciting plot that was filled with fast paced excitement. I didn't care too much for the heroine...I think she made a few mistakes that could've been avoided had she used a little common sense, but she wasn't horrible. I did like that she was dedicated to locating her brother and was willing to risk her safety to achieve that goal.
Overall a very nice Christian romantic suspense that is short enough to fill the time when you just want a quick read without sacrificing quality.
Overall a very nice Christian romantic suspense that is short enough to fill the time when you just want a quick read without sacrificing quality.
June 1, 2015
#2 SWAT: Top Cops
I read #1 Wrongly Accused back in January and loved it, so was really looking forward to reading Declan's story. I'm not sure why, but this didn't seem to flow as well for me, and while I liked it, I can't say I loved it. Still, I love that this series is based on the SWAT team, and will be looking out to read the rest in the series.
I read #1 Wrongly Accused back in January and loved it, so was really looking forward to reading Declan's story. I'm not sure why, but this didn't seem to flow as well for me, and while I liked it, I can't say I loved it. Still, I love that this series is based on the SWAT team, and will be looking out to read the rest in the series.
December 4, 2016
Part of the Swat: Top Cops series. Declan Shaw defuses bombs and Tess Collins is a school teacher. The met again with a bomb under Tess's desk. Although a year younger, Tess remembers Declan from school as a troubled boy. Trying to keep her safe is weighing on Declan. What about her younger brother? Is he in danger too or just up to trouble?
Read
January 12, 2016"This is the second in the series, and it focuses on overcoming, and not being defined by, our pasts. The pace is active throughout the unraveling mystery" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: SWAT: Top Cops
Miniseries: SWAT: Top Cops
June 3, 2015
I liked this story but the heroine annoyed me with her inconsistencies. Her brother personality was more consistent and easy to get along with an to like. The man leads personality due to his background was more secure and more likeable
June 19, 2015
What a great story! This is had a fascinating plot with enough twist to it that I didn't guess right away. The characters had depth and were believable. This is my first Laura Scott book. I hope to read more.
March 21, 2016
It is interesting to see how actions in the past can influence the present.
I have read several Laura Scott books. And I have enjoyed them all. Her character development is superb. Her plot development is great, keeping you reading to find out what happens next.
I have read several Laura Scott books. And I have enjoyed them all. Her character development is superb. Her plot development is great, keeping you reading to find out what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews