AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE OF HIGH-STAKES PASSION AND HEART-STOPPING SUSPENSE!
Heather Slade has delivered an absolute triumph with Dagger’s Shield. From the very first line, this book grabs you by the throat, pulls you into a world of covert operations and razor-sharp emotional tension, and refuses to let go until the final page. The dynamic between Killian “Dagger” Curran and Maelle "Givre" Valais is pure, unadulterated fire. Dagger is the ultimate hero—a dangerously charming, quick-witted English operative whose playful exterior hides a fierce, unwavering devotion to the one woman who refuses to give him the time of day. Givre is brilliant, fiercely independent, and protected by walls so thick you wonder if anyone could ever scale them.
Just when you think you’re in for a classic slow-burn angst, Slade detonates the plot line. The sudden, terrifying destruction of Minerva headquarters, collapsing four centuries of stone, shifts the entire story into overdrive in a split second. The narrative pace from that point onward is utterly relentless. The raw, gut-wrenching realization Givre experiences in the back of that ambulance—confronting the terrifying truth that Dagger isn't just a threat to her professional boundaries, but the only man alive with the power to shatter her heart—is worth the price of admission alone. The sheer desperation, vulnerability, and high-stakes emotional payoff had my pulse racing.
Slade expertly balances white-knuckle tactical action with a deeply emotional, searingly hot romance where time is running out fast. Dagger's Shield is explosive, deeply moving, and completely unputdownable. If you love protective alpha heroes, sharp-witted heroines, breathtaking twists, and romance that burns bright against all odds, this is an absolute must-read! Clear your schedule—you will be reading this in one sitting.
Who knew all that swagger hid such a tender, vulnerable heart? Dagger gladly cultivates his playboy persona, until he nearly loses the one woman he can't charm into bed. Suddenly realizing how much Givre means to him, he immediately sets out to show his true self to her, regardless of the cost.
Givre isn't impressed by Dagger's charm, but she doesn't have time to ponder why. She's got to figure out why her own father is featured as an associate of the man who sought to kill her. Heading home for the first time in years, she's got her hands full trying to sort out all the layers of the family wine business and how it intersects with the shadow organization that's trying to take her and her consortium down.
This was a deliciously vibrant, intensely exciting action romance with plenty of heat and heartfelt emotional tension. The cat-and-mouse hunt for the root of the corruption played beautifully against their slowly growing trust and attraction. The triumphant yet heartbreaking climax was completely surprising even while it answered all the questions. Their HEA was hard-won and soul satisfying.
This is yet another home run in a thrilling series. If you like your contemporary romance with a side of intrigue and danger, this is the series for you.
This is Dagger and Givre’s story, Book two in the series.
Following an attack on their headquarters, which Givre miraculously survives they head for France, undercover as an engaged couple. The reality is there’s strong chemistry between them which they initially try to resist, and we all know how the fake engagement/ marriage trope plays out.
What follows is an engaging story with plenty of wanting, waiting, needing and ultimately trusting each other. There’s also steamy scenes between them as they find their way, ans well as intrigue with their undercover work.
The reason I didn’t give it 5* was the beginning of the book nearly put me off. There was a lot of information, at the start of Chapter 3, that was unnecessary to the plot with various operatives names and their undercover names being given and, who they were within the organisation. Consequently I expected I’d have to remember all these details in order to follow the plot but thankfully that wasn’t the case. Personally I’d have preferred a list of names, undercover names etc listed at the beginning, before Chapter 1, as a who’s who.
The book is worth reading with a good plot, so don’t let this put you off.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Killian "Dagger" Curren has been intrigued by Maëlle "Givre" Valais for close to a year. The problem? Dagger is more like James Bond than any of the other spies within the K19 Genesis Consortium Team 1. Always a different woman, on his arm, and they flock to him in public areas. Maëlle wants nothing to do with a man like that and constantly pushes him away.
When their investigation leads them back to Givre's roots they pose as a couple and travel to her family's winery for Christmas. There are a lot of family secrets swirling around the winery. Is her father involved with a nefarious gentleman that may have destroyed Minerva headquarters? While Maëlle make think their relationship is nothing but a cover, Killian is playing for keeps.
As one expects with a Heather Slade novel there's a bit of heat and a lot of suspense. This book can be read as a stand-alone and is the second in the series. Ms. Slade's books are addictive and she gives you just enough answers, but more questions that keep you coming back as the K19 operatives work out their case.
I look forward to the next book, Cassidy and Preacher's story
Heather Slade delivers another fast-paced, high-stakes ride with Dagger's Shield. This book hits the ground running after a literal explosive turning point early in the story and rarely takes its foot off the gas.
If you love romantic suspense, this one checks so many boxes:
Action & Suspense: The danger in Caracas keeps the stakes incredibly high. The pacing is quick and breathless. The Romance: Dagger and Givre have amazing chemistry. The forced proximity setup forces them to confront their feelings, leading to some seriously steamy, satisfying moments. Family & Team Dynamics: One of my favorite parts was the tight-knit loyalty of the K19 team. They operate like a protective family, which gives the story a lot of heart.
The only reason it’s a 4-star instead of a 5 is that the non-stop external plot occasionally overshadowed the emotional deeper dive between the leads. However, it's a thrilling, binge-worthy read with a great HEA. Highly recommended for fans of the genre
I received a advance reader's copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Killian "Dagger" Curran is known as a ladies' man, but that changes when Minerva Protocol is bombed and he almost loses the one woman he really does care about, Maëlle "Givre" Valais.
They are now part of K19 Genesis Consortium rebuilding from the rubble of Minerva Protocol. As they expand their investigation into Vasiliev, Maëlle discovers a picture that shakes her to her core. In the picture is Vasiliev, an unknown man and her father. What is her father doing with Vasiliev?
It is decided that Killian and Maëlle will return to her childhood home, posing as a couple, to investigate her father. If you like slow-burn, forced proximity, with plot twists and intrigue, this is the book for you!!!
I love romantic suspense, and Heather Slade is one of the best writers of it. Her stories just keep getting better!!! She writes characters that we can all relate to, in that they all have flaws, but isn't that what makes us human?
I am excited to read Preacher's book to see where this investigation takes us and who his HEA is.
K19 is back as they rebuild after Minerva Protocol's headquarters are bombed. Killian "Dagger" is a charming playboy who goes from bed to bed with no thought to permanence. Until Dagger almost loses the one women who he really wants, Maelle "Givre".
Givre finds Dagger charming and attractive but he is everything she is not supposed to want, a playboy who can't commit.
Their investigation takes them to her families vineyard where they pretend to be engaged. This book has suspense and intrigue as the K19 Consortium continues looking for the ones responsible for the bombing and the deaths of their colleagues. The attraction builds as the investigation gets dangerous. Will these two find what they are looking for professionally and personally? The slow burn between these two along with all the suspense will keep you reading until the end! Can't wait for Preacher's story and where the investigation takes us.
Heather Slade delivers another addictive, heart-pounding read with the K19 Genesis Consortium! Following the devastating bombing of Minerva Protocol, Killian "Dagger" Curran realizes just how deeply he cares for Maëlle "Givre" Valais when she's nearly lost in the attack. When Maëlle discovers a mysterious photo connecting her father to the villainous Vasiliev, she and Dagger must go undercover as a fake-engaged couple at her family’s vineyard to dig up the truth.
This book has it all Forced proximity, fake engagement, and a playboy falling hard for the one woman he can't have. Characters with real depth, vulnerabilities, and incredible chemistry. A masterclass in slow-burn tension paired with high-stakes intrigue and unexpected twists.
The danger escalates right along with the romantic tension, keeping you hooked from the first page to the last. Highly recommended for all romantic suspense fans!
Killian Curren ("Dagger") has been attracted to Maelle Valais ("Givre") for some time now. But Maelle saw him as a player with all the women who are around him and she wanted nothing to do with a man like that. His stepping out of Magnolia’s room in front of Maelle was all the proof she needed to confirm her opinion of him. He left the building, but a short time later, Minerva headquarters building was bombed right in front of him! He frantically dug Maelle out of the wreckage to save her. When the investigation took a closer look into Vasiliev, Maelle discovers a picture of great concern to her. The picture shows Vasiliev, an unknown man, and her father who should not have been with Vasiliev at all! Killian and Maelle return to her childhood home, posing as a couple, to try to find more information about what her father may be involved in. Will they be successful?
Killian is always looking for his next body in his bed, but an explosion and reflection later and he’s looking towards forever… Wow! Dagger kicks off with action packed intensity where Minerva once crumpled and Genesis is starting to pick up the pieces. In this next chapter, Heather Slade crafts a beautiful relationship arc between Maelle and Killian. Their characters blossom as they discover new clues moving the investigation forward. Maelle is able to reconcile with the girl she left behind and the woman she is now. And Killian will do everything he can to be there by her side. And let me just say, Marthe!!! You’re going to love her character. She was a nice relief from the relationship and chaos of the case. I can’t wait to see what’s next as we discover the next clue in the next chapter of the Genesis series!
Daggers Shield is book two in the Genesis series. Heather Slade is definitely knocking these books out the park! I absolutely loved this book. Read it straight through in matter of hours. Dagger (Killian) and Givre (Maëlle) they are fantastic, work well together, and yes dagger saved her life when the building was blown up. They go undercover together to keep trying to find out who bombed the Minerva headquarters and tried to kill her and their team....Where the information leads them is a Mind Blowing-roller coaster! On top of that the burning fire of longing that keeps pulling those two together ohhh I loveeee how heather wrote this story. The yearning was there you could feel it when you read it. The pull of the heart, the passion, the need for more than just one night of fun. Heather takes you on a journey in this book and I'm telling you, you don't want to miss it!
Dagger's Shield tells the story of Dagger (Killian), a ladies man extraordinaire, and the Givre (Mäelle), the only woman who could tame him. From cool distaste, to a fire so hot it could burn both of them, together they are deadly. Their mission is to find and locate the head of one of the most secretive criminal organizations in the world. But as they work through the layers of shell corporations, will Killian and Mäelle buckle under the weight of family Betrayal? Heather Slade has written another steamy romantic suspense that grabbed me from the first page. Her characters are well-developed and I found myself reading for several hours because I couldn't find a stopping place! LOL The plot was cohesive and ended with her trademark HEA. This was a steamy, entertaining and emotional journey for these two characters and I enjoyed reading Dagger's Shield. 5 stars
Killian also know as Dagger may brilliant at his job with the K19 Genesis Consortium Team 1. One thing that stands out for his female partner Maëlle ie Givre is he a complete playboy. Always a different woman and never has a problem finding a lady for his arm. Maëlle wants nothing to do with a man like that in her personal life and constantly pushes him away. When a situation happens Killian releases who is imported to him and he must show Maëlle that he is more than a hound dog. Their investigation leads them to Maëlle family winery and the two of them pose as a couple. Family secrets, fake that is turning into more, action, drama, suspense and chemistry from the very start to the very last word. Characters who you shake your head at and at the same time root for.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this story. It had lots of intrigue and a very hot attraction between Killian and Maelle. They work together and pretend to be engaged but that pretend soon becomes real when Killian breaks down Maelle’s walls because she always considered him to be a ladies man and was not serious about any relationship. When Maelle and Killian travel to France to see her family and investigate her father as they believe he may be involved in a bombing at their headquarters they soon discover something illegal going on and also that Maelle’s mother is not well. The story had me on the edge of my seat and I found I was so engrossed in the book that I had read it quite quickly. A great read and I am so excited to read more of this series.
I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading Daggers Shield . Killian Curran, code name Dagger and Maëlle Valais, code name Givre both are operatives for Minerva Protocol . Maelle has been keeping Killian in the operative zone . She knows he's a player and could break her heart . Killian has wanted her from the moment they met . So far she hasn't given him the time of day . While investigating a new assignment information leads back to her father being involved . Maëlle and Killian find themselves headed to her family home for the holidays undercover . While searching for answers their feelings get involved and danger is closing in . This story is intriguing and suspenseful,well written . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
The Minera Headquarters blew up, and Killian Curran, codename Dagger, found and rescued Maelle, codename Givre. His player attitude turns Maelle off, even though she is attracted to him. Their assignment took them to Domaine Valasis in France, the family home of Maelle. They were to investigate her father's association with a known criminal. They had to pretend to be engaged to explain why Maelle would bring Dagger home. Dagger wanted no other woman but Maelle, even after the assignment was over. While working together, she discovered another side of him. Dagger and Givre made a great couple, and everyone noticed what was difficult for her to acknowledge. This was a wonderful story with believable characters.
Dagger's Shield is intense in its drama and intrigue. It takes saving Maëlle "Givre" Valais from certain death for Killian "Dagger" Curran to acknowledge his feeings for her. However, she wants nothing to do with him and his womanizing ways, with good reason. But underneath it all she's attracted and knows he's capable of breaking her heart. Being teamed up for an undercover assignment and returning to her home in wine region of Dijon, France calls for pretending to be engaged to Dagger. She reconnects with her family while trying to figure out their ties to a stealthy money laundering enterprise. Dagger shows her a side of himself that no one else has seen and it's her undoing; protective, caring and genuinely into her. She doesn't stand a chance. The outcome of their investigation is surprising but it leads to new paths for him, her and the K19 Genesis Consortium. Riveting reading!
Dagger’s Shield is book 2 in the K19 Genesis Consortium, Team One by Heather Slade and another spellbinding read!
Up next is Kilian/Dagger and Maëlle/Givre as they go undercover after the discovery of finding photos of her father with one of the people they are investigating for the bombing that almost killed her. Heading back home, the fake engagement as their cover sets them on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, intrigue, chemistry that can’t be denied, twists, turns, family betrayal, page turning that doesn’t let go til the last page!
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dagger was just the best character and Givre just the two of them together works so well.
When the Magnolia headquarters blows up, Dagger realises that Givre is stuck inside and he does everything to get to her.
This really was a fantastic book that was a fast paced read. I felt for them and it was a compelling read.
Dagger and Givre had a hard time of it initially. Their relationship was on the rocks but things changed quickly. But they had spark and that came through.
Danger and drama took hold of the book and the romance was finicky though solid.
A truly fantastic book and I highly recommend this series.
This book starts off with a bang...a bomb which levels the building Maelle just walked into. Dagger (Killian) runs to hopefully find her alive. Fortunately they hear tapping and miraculously it's Maelle. Killian has long wanted her but has the reputation as a player and she's definitely not interested. But they have a mission to find Geraud and those he works for and somehow her father is implicated. Off to France they go together and their attraction ignites. I loved the characters. Killian is wonderful and Maelle is a feisty smart woman. Great plot as well. All in all a fantastic read!
Dagger/Killian and Givre/Maëlle are tasked with investigating together. He's attracted to her but she won't have anything to do with him as he seems to be like her father charming all the women. She won't be another notch on his belt but Killian has real feelings for her but doesn't know how to convince her that he's changed. The mission becomes dangerous and difficult to follow answers are not appearing. How will they find out more of what is going on and who tried to kill Maelle and the other thirteen people?
well this starts with a literal bang or three and shows us how long Dagger has had an eye for Givre, I enjoyed how we learn why Givre doesn't allow herself to like Dagger even though it only comes out when they make a shock discovery. You really can not beat two people at odds about their feelings having to pose as a couple and adding the layer of it being in front of family in order to uncover secrets and answers gives it a multi layered romantic suspense where you aren't sure whether it will end up with a new couple, but a family pulled apart.
And...... she's back. It's probably just me but the past couple books in this series weren't up to her usual standard that I'm used to and I've read them all. This one though, she brought her A game and I loved Killian and Maelle. I loved the setting change to France, the focus of the storyline basically on the two of them and the number of times Killian really stepped in it with Maelle. Man, she was a tough of. Great plot and great character building. Just enough support staff behind the scenes and a great intro to two new characters. I highly recommend. Great work Heather!
Romance, Suspense, and Family Secrets Maëlle wants nothing to do with Killian. He’s a player, and she’s sure he’ll break her heart. Then a discovery about her father changes everything. The two travel to France to investigate, pretending to be engaged as a cover. But Killian doesn’t want their engagement to be pretend—he wants forever. He may have dug her out from under the rubble, but can she trust him with her heart? Romance, suspense, and family secrets will keep you turning the pages. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it.
Dagger's Shield is the 2nd book in the series and while the underlying suspense plot carries on from the previous book, there is enough recap to enjoy Givre and Dagger's romance on its own. It's an engaging story with quite a few sensitive subjects relating to Givre and her family and an astonishing change for Dagger from a man who sleeps around to a deeply committed, loving partner. It is their relationship that takes center stage, even while the investigation is ongoing and leads to a somewhat unexpected, but nevertheless happy ending for the couple.
Dagger's Shield is the second in this series. It does have an underlying suspense plot carries on from the previous book. As a new reader of this author, it did have a recap but I did feel a bit bogged down trying to get caught up. Once past that I enjoyed Dagger and Givre’s love journey. Watching Dagger transform to be what Givre needed was interesting. Amidst this there is danger, explosions, fast action with twists and turns. I did enjoy it and will probably go back and read the first book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An emotional and romantic cover set against the drama, danger and suspense, written by a talented author who constantly produces strong characters and defined storylines. Killian aka Dagger has the ultimate playboy image, with different women and the K9 job to match it all. Maelle is the woman who ignores his charm and resists his advances, totally not interested. A relationship that could be as explosive as the building collapsing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maëlle is an agent working with Killian. He's interested in her, but she knows he is a scoundrel, always with a different woman. She doesn’t want that in her life. Killian likes Maëlle a lot, but he knows what she thinks of him. When a mission puts them working together, Maëlle starts seeing a different man, one who cares and helps her with her emotions. This emotional story is full of suspense, mystery and danger. The start was quite shocking. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holy Cannoli…Dagger’s Shield starts out with a bang that just keeps giving in more ways than one!
Rolling with surprises that has Maelle & Dagger headed into her family home with a surprise of their own and looking for evidence of who had tried to kill her.
Can they navigate the minefields and find out where the betrayal is coming from or will they lose the most important thing they’ve finally found?
"Dagger's Shield" (K19 Genesis Consortium Team One, #2) by Heather Slade was a great read. I loved 'Dagger' Killian and 'Givre' Maëlle's story. This story had romance, passion, suspense, family, twists, entertaining characters, and more. This was a terrific addition to this series. I'm looking forward to reading what happens next. I highly recommend it to all fans of romance, suspense, and series.