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Saint Squad #9
Spotlight
Navy SEAL Craig Simmons has pledged his life to serve and protect, so when this newest member of the Saint Squad observes a stunning young woman on the beach being shadowed by an armed man, he leaps into action. It doesn’t take long to realize his mistake, but it also puts him in a position to meet a very well-known actress, Sienna Blake. For Sienna, the timing couldn’t be more perfect—she’s preparing for a role as a CIA agent, and who better to help her prepare than a Navy SEAL? Craig and Sienna develop a lighthearted friendship, though both are aware of their growing attraction. Neither realizes, however, that a treacherous enemy is setting in motion a terrifying plan to destroy Sienna . . . A series of near-fatal accidents on set are too close for comfort, and Sienna has been lucky to escape with her life—so far. Despite the rising danger behind the scenes, the show must go on. When the Saint Squad is enlisted by the FBI to safeguard Sienna on the ill-fated film set, Craig is driven to protect the woman he is quickly growing to love. As the list of suspects and motives grows, Craig and the Saint Squad will do whatever it takes to track down the perpetrator—before things turn deadly.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
112 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Traci Hunter Abramson
66 books1,943 followersTraci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a eight-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than forty bestselling novels. For more information about Traci, click here: https://linktr.ee/traciabramson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 27, 2015
This is the first book I've read in the Saint Squad series and it's fantastic! The Saint Squad is a team of Navy SEALs who are mostly LDS and share the same values. Craig Simmons is the newest member of the team. It doesn't take long for him to meet Sienna Blake, a famous actress who also has ties to the Saint Squad. It soon appears that someone may be trying to harm Sienna so the Saint Squad steps in to help and Craig and Sienna start spending more time together.
I loved their relationship from the beginning. There was attraction but not insta-love and their relationship developed slowly. It wasn't smooth sailing and there was a misunderstanding which was quickly remedied. They are both likable characters so it was easy to cheer them on. Sienna is a down to earth actress trying to live a somewhat regular life and Craig is smart, strong, brave and, well, a Navy SEAL.
I loved the pacing of this novel. It moves quickly and I had to keep reading to find out what happened. There are some twists and turns along to the way to a satisfying ending. This is the ninth book in this series but it definitely stands alone. It would be fun to read the other ones to get to know some of the characters better. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys clean romantic suspense!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
I loved their relationship from the beginning. There was attraction but not insta-love and their relationship developed slowly. It wasn't smooth sailing and there was a misunderstanding which was quickly remedied. They are both likable characters so it was easy to cheer them on. Sienna is a down to earth actress trying to live a somewhat regular life and Craig is smart, strong, brave and, well, a Navy SEAL.
I loved the pacing of this novel. It moves quickly and I had to keep reading to find out what happened. There are some twists and turns along to the way to a satisfying ending. This is the ninth book in this series but it definitely stands alone. It would be fun to read the other ones to get to know some of the characters better. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys clean romantic suspense!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
January 7, 2018
Don't know how she always does it, but I have yet to read a book by this author and not immediately become completely immersed in it. She is so very talented and this book was every bit as good as her others!!!
October 14, 2015
I have not read many of Traci Hunter Abramson's books. I have missed out. The few that I have read have been excellent.
This is the second Saint Squad book for me. I really need to get the others! I also realized that some of the characters in this book were introduced in Obsession, yes, I ordered a copy of it yesterday. This book can stand alone but I want to know more!
Craig Simmons is new to the Saint Squad Navy SEAL team. One of his first assignments is to guard actress Sienna Blake. The two are obviously attracted to each other from the moment they meet. His first objective is to keep her from harm, the romance is just a really nice side benefit! (At least from my reading perspective.)
There is action, suspense, and romance. The book is well written and the characters have depth. I liked taking the time to get to know them and their personalities. The pace is excellent. I don't think I found a dull moment.
This book is clean with some non-descriptive violence and kissing.
This is the second Saint Squad book for me. I really need to get the others! I also realized that some of the characters in this book were introduced in Obsession, yes, I ordered a copy of it yesterday. This book can stand alone but I want to know more!
Craig Simmons is new to the Saint Squad Navy SEAL team. One of his first assignments is to guard actress Sienna Blake. The two are obviously attracted to each other from the moment they meet. His first objective is to keep her from harm, the romance is just a really nice side benefit! (At least from my reading perspective.)
There is action, suspense, and romance. The book is well written and the characters have depth. I liked taking the time to get to know them and their personalities. The pace is excellent. I don't think I found a dull moment.
This book is clean with some non-descriptive violence and kissing.
February 18, 2016
This is the 9th book in the Saint Squad series... I have probably read half the books in this series so some characters were more familiar to me than others, but this was also a standalone... I didn't feel lost because I hadn't read some of the books; it just made me want to go back and read the ones I've missed!
Traci Hunter Abramson is a genius at combining action and suspense with just the right amount of romance. Her stories are always interesting and hard to put down once I start reading them! Up to the very end I wasn't sure who the bad guy was or what their motive was.
Craig Simmons is a Navy SEAL and the newest member on the Saint Squad... A group of mostly LDS Navy SEALs who share the same values. Sienna Blake is an LDS actress who is filming a military thriller, but someone is sabotaging the set and she is clearly their target. With no known enemies, some favors are called in and the Saint Squad helps figure it out. For Craig it becomes more personal as he and Sienna get to know each other better! I loved Craig and Sienna and I was cheering for them the whole time!
Content: Clean; some action
Source: Borrowed copy
Traci Hunter Abramson is a genius at combining action and suspense with just the right amount of romance. Her stories are always interesting and hard to put down once I start reading them! Up to the very end I wasn't sure who the bad guy was or what their motive was.
Craig Simmons is a Navy SEAL and the newest member on the Saint Squad... A group of mostly LDS Navy SEALs who share the same values. Sienna Blake is an LDS actress who is filming a military thriller, but someone is sabotaging the set and she is clearly their target. With no known enemies, some favors are called in and the Saint Squad helps figure it out. For Craig it becomes more personal as he and Sienna get to know each other better! I loved Craig and Sienna and I was cheering for them the whole time!
Content: Clean; some action
Source: Borrowed copy
October 9, 2015
So much fun! I find myself wanting to go back and read all of Traci's books. Without having done that though, this book still flowed very smoothly for me. Great characters, heart pounding adventure, impossible situations, and amazing heroes. I liked watching Craig get know Sienna's family. There are several hilarious scenes while this is happening. I couldn't help but think that Craig and Sienna's careers would be almost impossible to make mesh. Still, watching the story unfold was very entertaining.
April 22, 2017
Great suspense and romance. Has LDS culture in it.
October 13, 2015
I was so, so excited to read this book! I love the Saint Squad series and I love Traci Abramson's books. Happy is the day a new book comes out for me to delve into.
Craig is the newest member of the Navy Seal team dubbed the "Saint Squad". He is still trying to find his place among this tight knit group of men. Craig is a defender. He takes his jobs seriously and he is dedicated. He just oozes all strong man, all the time.
Sienna and Craig meet when Craig thinks he is saving her from a stalker guy on the beach. Oops, wasn't a stalker, but Sienna is impressed with Craig and asks for his help with her upcoming movie. I enjoyed the growing relationship between Craig and Sienna. It had a natural flow to it even though the circumstances were anything but normal.
This book is a romantic suspense. It's not heavy on the suspense so even a "won't read scary" girl like me can read and enjoy it thoroughly.
Content: Clean! No swearing or sexual content. LDS fiction- some religious elements mentioned as the characters are LDS but nothing preachy.
Craig is the newest member of the Navy Seal team dubbed the "Saint Squad". He is still trying to find his place among this tight knit group of men. Craig is a defender. He takes his jobs seriously and he is dedicated. He just oozes all strong man, all the time.
Sienna and Craig meet when Craig thinks he is saving her from a stalker guy on the beach. Oops, wasn't a stalker, but Sienna is impressed with Craig and asks for his help with her upcoming movie. I enjoyed the growing relationship between Craig and Sienna. It had a natural flow to it even though the circumstances were anything but normal.
This book is a romantic suspense. It's not heavy on the suspense so even a "won't read scary" girl like me can read and enjoy it thoroughly.
Content: Clean! No swearing or sexual content. LDS fiction- some religious elements mentioned as the characters are LDS but nothing preachy.
August 11, 2020
Loved see how Craig and Siena met and fell in love. Another great addition to the Saint Squad series.
August 20, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up. I'm still catching up on the Saint Squad before the release of Redemption.
We meet another new member of the squad--Craig Simmons who has the best meet cute with actress Sienna Blake. Well, it's actually with her bodyguard that Craig thinks is a stalker. It was pretty funny. Craig and Sienna strike up a friendship and he agrees to help her learn some self defense moves to prepare for her role as a CIA agent in her upcoming movie. When accidents start happening on the set the Saint Squad is called in but the suspect list is ever growing and they can't figure out what the motive would be to injure Sienna.
I liked that Craig and Sienna were friends and that the romance didn't start right away. I don't care for stories with insta-love (where the characters barely know each other and fall in love). I liked seeing all the characters from the other books and the scenes with Sienna's father and Craig were great!!
I liked the side story involving Sienna's sister Kendra getting married in a hush-hush ceremony that even their parents don't know about. That led to some funny moments because it seems their mom can't be trusted to keep her mouth shut about anything. There's suspense but not a lot of action (car chases, fights, etc), which I enjoyed. This is more of a romantic suspense and I think you could read this one as a standalone if you're new to the Saint Squad series.
I listened to the audiobook through the Deseret bookshelf app.
We meet another new member of the squad--Craig Simmons who has the best meet cute with actress Sienna Blake. Well, it's actually with her bodyguard that Craig thinks is a stalker. It was pretty funny. Craig and Sienna strike up a friendship and he agrees to help her learn some self defense moves to prepare for her role as a CIA agent in her upcoming movie. When accidents start happening on the set the Saint Squad is called in but the suspect list is ever growing and they can't figure out what the motive would be to injure Sienna.
I liked that Craig and Sienna were friends and that the romance didn't start right away. I don't care for stories with insta-love (where the characters barely know each other and fall in love). I liked seeing all the characters from the other books and the scenes with Sienna's father and Craig were great!!
I liked the side story involving Sienna's sister Kendra getting married in a hush-hush ceremony that even their parents don't know about. That led to some funny moments because it seems their mom can't be trusted to keep her mouth shut about anything. There's suspense but not a lot of action (car chases, fights, etc), which I enjoyed. This is more of a romantic suspense and I think you could read this one as a standalone if you're new to the Saint Squad series.
I listened to the audiobook through the Deseret bookshelf app.
October 23, 2024
My rating 3.7
I'm still enjoying a sprinkling of this series with other books. It is a nice change from books with a message, learning about history, or sampling fantasy.
Summary:
Navy SEAL Craig Simmons has pledged his life to serve and protect, so when this newest member of the Saint Squad observes a stunning young woman on the beach being shadowed by an armed man, he leaps into action. It doesn’t take long to realize his mistake, but it also puts him in a position to meet a very well-known actress, Sienna Blake. For Sienna, the timing couldn’t be more perfect—she’s preparing for a role as a CIA agent, and who better to help her prepare than a Navy SEAL? Craig and Sienna develop a lighthearted friendship, though both are aware of their growing attraction. Neither realizes, however, that a treacherous enemy is setting in motion a terrifying plan to destroy Sienna . . . A series of near-fatal accidents on set are too close for comfort, and Sienna has been lucky to escape with her life—so far. Despite the rising danger behind the scenes, the show must go on. When the Saint Squad is enlisted by the FBI to safeguard Sienna on the ill-fated film set, Craig is driven to protect the woman he is quickly growing to love. As the list of suspects and motives grows, Craig and the Saint Squad will do whatever it takes to track down the perpetrator—before things turn deadly.
I'm still enjoying a sprinkling of this series with other books. It is a nice change from books with a message, learning about history, or sampling fantasy.
Summary:
Navy SEAL Craig Simmons has pledged his life to serve and protect, so when this newest member of the Saint Squad observes a stunning young woman on the beach being shadowed by an armed man, he leaps into action. It doesn’t take long to realize his mistake, but it also puts him in a position to meet a very well-known actress, Sienna Blake. For Sienna, the timing couldn’t be more perfect—she’s preparing for a role as a CIA agent, and who better to help her prepare than a Navy SEAL? Craig and Sienna develop a lighthearted friendship, though both are aware of their growing attraction. Neither realizes, however, that a treacherous enemy is setting in motion a terrifying plan to destroy Sienna . . . A series of near-fatal accidents on set are too close for comfort, and Sienna has been lucky to escape with her life—so far. Despite the rising danger behind the scenes, the show must go on. When the Saint Squad is enlisted by the FBI to safeguard Sienna on the ill-fated film set, Craig is driven to protect the woman he is quickly growing to love. As the list of suspects and motives grows, Craig and the Saint Squad will do whatever it takes to track down the perpetrator—before things turn deadly.
April 17, 2024
Contemporary sweet romantic suspense
Contemporary, sweet romance, suspense; series but stand alone read, Saint’s Squad
Craig and Sienna’s story was a ride through Seal team, concealed wedding, and threats and terror on a movie set.
Sienna’s acting career, her past, her grandfather, the Seal Team, and most importantly, Craig combined to make a suspenseful romance with lots of tension and sweet moments that came together for a perfect read.
Contemporary, sweet romance, suspense; series but stand alone read, Saint’s Squad
Craig and Sienna’s story was a ride through Seal team, concealed wedding, and threats and terror on a movie set.
Sienna’s acting career, her past, her grandfather, the Seal Team, and most importantly, Craig combined to make a suspenseful romance with lots of tension and sweet moments that came together for a perfect read.
February 18, 2020
This book was better than most of the books by her that I have read recently. I liked all the characters in this book, and most importantly, you really couldn't tell what was going to happen with the rest of the book in the very beginning. If you like Traci Hunter Abramson, I would recommend it.
February 21, 2017
I think this is a great book the is filled with action, suspense, a little mystery, and romance.
October 16, 2015
I love how innocently this all started...
Craig was just being observant.
Then one thing after another happens...
Things escalated one step at a time...
And soon the whole team is involved.
A fun twist to send the team to Hollywood.
Love the Saint Squad!
Keep writing Traci--we want more!
Craig was just being observant.
Then one thing after another happens...
Things escalated one step at a time...
And soon the whole team is involved.
A fun twist to send the team to Hollywood.
Love the Saint Squad!
Keep writing Traci--we want more!
March 24, 2016
It's a another hit. I admit this one seemed slower and not as action packed as others. Still it was good. It was a great story line and pulled me right in. Still it felt a little fizzled compared to the others.
November 9, 2021
One of my favorites from the saint squad
January 29, 2018
Traci Hunter Abramson’s Spotlight is a great book. Although this the ninth book in the saint squad series, this is the only one I have read. I would definitely read her other books because this one was very intriguing. I really enjoyed reading this book because there were a lot of events that happened that would make you think that one person is guilty, and then new evidence comes in so it keeps you on edge. Among all the chaos of finding the person plotting all of the bad things happening, my favorite character, William Blake, is always optimistic. He finds ways to help while still having a good time. He may be worrying but he never lets you know about it. William Blake is the grandfather of one of the main characters, Sienna Blake. Since Sienna is famous, William wants a good husband who actually loves her. “‘I like this kid,’ William said. ‘Even if he is being too slow getting that ring on your finger.’” This line from William on page 185 is one of my favorites. He is always joking and loving. However I do have a least favorite character. My least favorite character is a guy named Adam Pratt. He is the other main lead in the movie he and Sienna are doing together. When he first meets her, he pretends he doesn’t see her, but once he realizes she could be great publicity for him, he suddenly starts talking to her and asking her out on dates. “Adam approached when Sienna started toward wardrobe. ‘Hey, Sienna. Do you want to grab some dinner?’ ‘No thanks, Adam. I already have plans.’ His eyebrows drew together.” When Adam does this on page 203, you can tell he really just wants the fame of being with Sienna. My favorite quote from the book on page 129 is, “‘Thank you,’ the man beside him whispered. ‘Thank you for saving my life.’” At this point in the story, Craig had just saved this man and the man was very appreciative of him. I really like this line because this shows just how caring and willing to help Craig is. Also I like this line because someone is thanking him for a great thing he did. I think one of the major themes of this book was to help and protect the people we love or just anybody we can.
February 11, 2019
A new Navy SEAL is introduced to the group - Craig Simmons. While sitting on the beach he spies a beautiful women walking along the beach with some big dude following her. Being the people protector as a Navy SEAL he tackles the "would be stalker" and finds out it is the body guard for a movie star - Sienna Blake. Sister to the singer Kendra Blake now married to a CIA agent. Sienna is working on her role as a CIA agent so Craig is perfect for showing her the ropes and how to handle herself. But as their time together progresses, so does their friendship and so do the threats to Sienna's life. So now the whole Saint Squad is involved in finding out who is causing all the mysteries accidents threatening Sienna's life. Another great book involving the Saint Squad, friendship growing into love, mystery and deadly, exciting ops.
August 4, 2020
Most of the books in this series have been 5 star books for me. I can't quite put my finger on what it was about this one that just didn't quite do it for me. I think it may have been that one of my favorite aspects of this series is the interactions/friendship between the Squad. While all of the members of the squad were there, and we heard from each one of them, it just wasn't the same as in the other books. This one did go really fast. I figured out early on part of who "the bad guy" was, but I didn't have the whole situation figured out.
I do still really love this series, and I'm SUPER sad that there's only one more book to go before it is over.
I do still really love this series, and I'm SUPER sad that there's only one more book to go before it is over.
May 8, 2025
3.5 stars
The Saint Sqad has gotten 2 new members, making them a team of 7. This book focuses on Craig and his new found friendship/relationship with Sienna Blake. As always, Abramson does a great job of building characters that you wish you could interact with in real life. I also admire how she can keep her stories fresh and not have the reader feel like it’s the same story line as her other books but with a different set of characters. Yes, the Saint Squad series focuses on the Navy Seal group, where something happens that they need to help resolve and there is going to be romance aspect, but each book keeps your attention
The Saint Sqad has gotten 2 new members, making them a team of 7. This book focuses on Craig and his new found friendship/relationship with Sienna Blake. As always, Abramson does a great job of building characters that you wish you could interact with in real life. I also admire how she can keep her stories fresh and not have the reader feel like it’s the same story line as her other books but with a different set of characters. Yes, the Saint Squad series focuses on the Navy Seal group, where something happens that they need to help resolve and there is going to be romance aspect, but each book keeps your attention
May 21, 2019
Love the Saint Squad
Craig is a new member of the Saint Squad and eager to be a cohesive member of th squad. He has an accidental meeting with Sienna Blake who is a very famous actress. They become good friends and have opportunities to develop from accidental meeting to a good friendship. There seems to be someone trying to kill her and her co-star. Craig and the Saint Squad become very involved in trying to save her, and she and Craig become closer. Another 5 star Abramson novel.
Craig is a new member of the Saint Squad and eager to be a cohesive member of th squad. He has an accidental meeting with Sienna Blake who is a very famous actress. They become good friends and have opportunities to develop from accidental meeting to a good friendship. There seems to be someone trying to kill her and her co-star. Craig and the Saint Squad become very involved in trying to save her, and she and Craig become closer. Another 5 star Abramson novel.
May 16, 2021
It's been a while since I've read some of the Saint Squad books but I remember enjoying them.
They are all a great mix of great military stories mixed with romantic suspense and Traci Abramson really has them done well.
This one mixes a Hollywood family with our Saint Squad and sparks fly.
Clean romance, some danger, references to sabotage, and just a lot of fun combined with the rest. I love the sense of humor even though the story has serious parts, too.
Highly recommend of course. I need to read more of these again!
They are all a great mix of great military stories mixed with romantic suspense and Traci Abramson really has them done well.
This one mixes a Hollywood family with our Saint Squad and sparks fly.
Clean romance, some danger, references to sabotage, and just a lot of fun combined with the rest. I love the sense of humor even though the story has serious parts, too.
Highly recommend of course. I need to read more of these again!
October 6, 2024
Secondary characters in the Spotlight
I love when characters that were secondary in past books become main characters later. If you do, too, then this needs to be on your list to read for Saint Squad lovers! This time I figured out the bad guy before the characters did, but I'm not telling! I'm just proud of it because it's a rarity for me, as the author provides plenty of compelling red herrings!
I love when characters that were secondary in past books become main characters later. If you do, too, then this needs to be on your list to read for Saint Squad lovers! This time I figured out the bad guy before the characters did, but I'm not telling! I'm just proud of it because it's a rarity for me, as the author provides plenty of compelling red herrings!
November 8, 2017
Ninth in the Saint Squad series. This one delivers Navy seals in action and a mystery of who is trying to hurt a famous actress all tied up with a clean romance. Really enjoyed this novel. It could stand alone but is better if you are more familiar with the characters by reading other books in the series.
January 4, 2019
Sienna is an actress who happens to meet Craig, a Navy Seal, and ends up wanting his help in her upcoming action-movie role. Craig starts to fall for Sienna and doesn't know where he stands with someone like her. A series of accidents cause alarm and Craig's team helps with Sienna's security (as a favor to her grandfather). The climax had me holding my breath, and holding it some more!
April 18, 2021
I seem to enjoy a plot more when it involves a fictitious movie star or entertainer. This plot kept me rigores because it kept taking a turn even towards the very end. And I just kept wanting to listen to “just one more chapter” and that totally helps me get things done around my house. Can’t wait to read the next one!
June 4, 2025
This book was fun, but kind of juvenile. I guess I was just expecting more from it. I enjoyed the story, I just felt like it moved super fast and never really developed any plot points or characters enough for me to care about them very much. I also saw the reveal coming from a mile away. I might read the rest of the series but it's not at the top of my list.
December 26, 2017
I have just recently been reading her books. I have enjoyed them a lot. They are a good LDS fun read. Kept me turning the pages and kept me looking for more of her books to read. I am on the next series now.
You will want to read “Obsession” before reading this book.
You will want to read “Obsession” before reading this book.
May 24, 2019
Craig Simmons--new member of the Saint Squad--follows his team's lead. First, meet Sienna Blake (movie star), be thrown into her spotlight, fall in love, and save her life. And, just like the movies it ends "happily ever after."
November 11, 2020
If a book could be cotton candy, this would be it. I love how much diversity there is in what I can choose to read. Sometimes you don’t want to eat what’s good for you—sometimes you want something with absolutely no substance. This is like that only with words.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews