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The Bodyguards #1
To the Edge
The daughter of a wealthy businessman, Jillian Kincaid grew up with bodyguards shadowing her every move—and she hated it. Now a TV anchorwoman, she refuses to let another hired thug follow her around. Not even when she begins to receive terrifying death threats. Not even when the bodyguard is the darkly seductive Nolan Garrett . . .
Trained in Special Ops, bodyguard Nolan Garrett has been hired by Jillian’s father to keep her out of danger. But it’s clear from the start that Jillian isn’t going to make his job easy. Far from the spoiled princess he expected, Jillian is tough, independent, and totally sexy. And she’s fighting him every step of the way.
As Jillian’s stalker raises the stakes, Nolan must keep her close if he wants to keep her alive. But being so close can only turn up the heat that’s been simmering between them—a heat that could explode into passion at any moment . . .
Trained in Special Ops, bodyguard Nolan Garrett has been hired by Jillian’s father to keep her out of danger. But it’s clear from the start that Jillian isn’t going to make his job easy. Far from the spoiled princess he expected, Jillian is tough, independent, and totally sexy. And she’s fighting him every step of the way.
As Jillian’s stalker raises the stakes, Nolan must keep her close if he wants to keep her alive. But being so close can only turn up the heat that’s been simmering between them—a heat that could explode into passion at any moment . . .
333 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2005
109 people are currently reading
6857 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Gerard
156 books1,620 followersThe only thing Cindy had in mind when she started writing her first book was finishing it. The issue of actually selling it came much later. Only after she made that life-altering first sale did she realize that one book would never be enough. Now, over 20 books and numerous awards later, Cindy laughingly admits that she can barely remember life before...well, was there life before writing?
Actually, yes there was, and still is. A professional career woman, Cindy is a trainer for the Iowa Department of Human Services, a position she states is both challenging and rewarding. "Human Services is a front-line, real-life event. Everything about the job is immediate, from serving families in crisis, to assisting staff with difficult situations, to meeting tension-fraught deadlines."
Cindy's career has taught her much about the human condition, its frailties, its strengths, and its spirit. The evocative emotions that pour from the pages of her books are a reflection of some of her work experiences. Her writing celebrates life's richness and trials, offering a wide range of emotions — hope and elation, anger and indecision, laughter and, of course, love. And, according to her readers, her powerful love scenes run the gamut from steamy to tender to lusty to just plain fun.
Cindy's writing has netted her spots on bestseller lists, numerous RT nominations and awards, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a National Reader's Choice Award and two RITA nominations.
Between writing and working full time you wouldn't think Cindy would have much time for anything else. And while she does find her work and her writing rewarding, there does have to be more. Cindy has more. Much more. She is happily married to the perfect man. Tom's a cowboy, ladies!
Yes, even Iowa has its share of that saddle-straddling, Wrangler-wearing species who love their horses almost as much as they love their women. As a matter of fact, recently a whole herd of Texans gathered at the Gerard "Ranch" to treat their little ones to real horseback rides. Go figure.
Cindy has a passion for pink depression glass — she always has her eye out for the special piece to add to her collection. Cindy's down time often takes the form of the classic "busman's holiday." She loves to read and most of all, she loves to read at their summer place, a cabin in the woods on Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota.
Both Tom and Cindy enjoy gardening and have recently expanded their annual beds into a perennial garden. Cindy says she can hardly wait for spring and the promise of all that reawakening and the colorful blooms.
In addition to the horses, the Gerards have two dogs, Ellie and Boomer, who pretty much get anything they want. Tom and Cindy have one son, Kyle, who, after years of keeping them in suspense, found Eileen, the perfect woman.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cindyg...
Actually, yes there was, and still is. A professional career woman, Cindy is a trainer for the Iowa Department of Human Services, a position she states is both challenging and rewarding. "Human Services is a front-line, real-life event. Everything about the job is immediate, from serving families in crisis, to assisting staff with difficult situations, to meeting tension-fraught deadlines."
Cindy's career has taught her much about the human condition, its frailties, its strengths, and its spirit. The evocative emotions that pour from the pages of her books are a reflection of some of her work experiences. Her writing celebrates life's richness and trials, offering a wide range of emotions — hope and elation, anger and indecision, laughter and, of course, love. And, according to her readers, her powerful love scenes run the gamut from steamy to tender to lusty to just plain fun.
Cindy's writing has netted her spots on bestseller lists, numerous RT nominations and awards, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a National Reader's Choice Award and two RITA nominations.
Between writing and working full time you wouldn't think Cindy would have much time for anything else. And while she does find her work and her writing rewarding, there does have to be more. Cindy has more. Much more. She is happily married to the perfect man. Tom's a cowboy, ladies!
Yes, even Iowa has its share of that saddle-straddling, Wrangler-wearing species who love their horses almost as much as they love their women. As a matter of fact, recently a whole herd of Texans gathered at the Gerard "Ranch" to treat their little ones to real horseback rides. Go figure.
Cindy has a passion for pink depression glass — she always has her eye out for the special piece to add to her collection. Cindy's down time often takes the form of the classic "busman's holiday." She loves to read and most of all, she loves to read at their summer place, a cabin in the woods on Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota.
Both Tom and Cindy enjoy gardening and have recently expanded their annual beds into a perennial garden. Cindy says she can hardly wait for spring and the promise of all that reawakening and the colorful blooms.
In addition to the horses, the Gerards have two dogs, Ellie and Boomer, who pretty much get anything they want. Tom and Cindy have one son, Kyle, who, after years of keeping them in suspense, found Eileen, the perfect woman.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cindyg...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
November 5, 2016
I could not put this book down :D Cindy Gerard is definitely going up on my favorite authors list.
"How good are you?" she asked point-blank, bringing his head up from the counter where he was cracking eggs in a bowl.
The sudden silence was so huge it felt like a physical presence in the room, electrifying the air with its energy.
Before her eyes he transformed from Mr. Sensitivity to stone-cold killer.
"No one's getting past me, Jillian."
The story
Jillian has been getting death threats, but hasn't taken them seriously. Well, not until one night, when she finds a man in her apartment, who terrified her to death, only to discover he was sent by her father to be her bodyguard
They can't really stand each other, but he's willing to finish the job, and she can't get rid of him
So, the suspense part was great
I literally couldn't put this book down, read it like crazy
There were lots of suspects, and I admit I couldn't guess who was responsible, even thought I doubt anyone could :D
The ending was... hmm... I don't know, maybe the bad guy was just too much of a but it didn't bother me much, I was just happy it was all over
Jillian
She's an anchorwoman, and a very strong character. I really liked her. There were times when I thought she'd do the girl thing an burst into tears so the main guy could comfort her and all... Nope :D Well, maybe one time
But mostly she deals with the sh*t as it comes and doesn't get too hysterical :)I just loved her in one scene, wow, it came as a surprise that she'd actually see right through Nolan, but she did
I was wowed by her reaction :)Nolan
He's a war hero, and of course, had a troubled past, involving a friend's death and thinking himself responsible for it.
He doesn't really want the bodyguard job, but he had to accept it because of his family's business. Now he has to deal with a woman who awakens too much of his passion, and irritation
They fight ALL the time, but underneath it all there's an incredible sexual attraction :)Most of the time he's acting hot/cold, one moment wanting to grab her and kiss/f*ck her sensless, the other moment acting like a complete jerk, pushing her away.
I kinda understand both reactions, but hell, I wished he'd do something more instead of always doing the "right thing".
Good question!
To those of you who like loads and loads of sex scenes - you would be dissapointed. I'm very sorry but yes, only one sex scene.
BUT! The sexual tension and attraction were through the roof!
Their chemistry is amazing, and I can honestly say I didn't really miss the sex much :D The sparks between them were enough to keep it hot, and I think the lack of constant sex made the story and suspense better :)My rating: 4.5
Why the .5?
Well, for one, the ending with the killer, it would be better if the was just a bit toned down :)
The second thing... and this was really ridiculous beyond anything, or maybe it's just for me, I don't know, but I couldn't get over the fact that he
Sorry, but no.
Anyway, my final impression of the book:
Am I going to read every single book by this author?
September 9, 2015
NOLAN GARRETT, one of those tortured men, that I just cannot get enough of.
Jillian is receiving death threats and her father decides she needs a Bodyguard until the stalker is found and all this risky business is over. Her father hires Nolan to look out for Jillian.
The threats are being left in the form of nursery rhymes with added words that are threatening.
Jillian and Nolan do not get on at all. Sparks fly when they are in the same room.
So many suspects….
“Go away. I told you, I'm not interested."
She looked from his lap to his face.
"Your nose is growing too.”
“Nose to nose with her, he gave her his best bad dog snarl. "You've forgotten who and what you're dealing with here, princess. So let me jar your memory. I'm not on your father's short list of men you can bring home to dinner. I'm not a nice man. So if all you're looking for is sex...just keep this up and you're liable to get it. And don't expect some polite little in-and-out and 'oh darling, that was lovely.' You come to my bed, I'm going to fuck you, and there won't be anything polite about it.”
"It's all about the job."
She'd given up. He knew right than and there that he'd finally managed to kill whatever feelings she thought she had for him.
And he felt a loss as consuming as cancer.
The moon hung like a damn china egg as it worked its way slowly from east to west across the Southern Hemisphere. He lifted his bottle in salute. Bad egg. Rotten egg. Yoke's on you.
That bottle is so not going to help, Nolan.
She was safe. Please, God, let her always be safe.
And please let him stay drunk forever so that he could forget the look on her face. The one that said I love you. The one that said I need you.
The one that brought these fucking wimpy-ass tears to his eyes and proved what a poor excuse for a man he really was.
“Men. They're idiots. It's like they all take a vow of stupidity or something.”
"...But, so you know, I hate, really, really hate, that horrible root beer you drink."
"Then we'll just have to find something else for you to swallow."
Ok, you guys know I LOVE a good, hot sex scene in my books. This did have one, but only one…. I did not care. The writing was fantastic, the suspense and mystery kept me enthralled. Saying that, the one scene that was in it was very good, very good indeed….
Will definitely be reading more from this author.
Jillian is receiving death threats and her father decides she needs a Bodyguard until the stalker is found and all this risky business is over. Her father hires Nolan to look out for Jillian.
The threats are being left in the form of nursery rhymes with added words that are threatening.
Jillian and Nolan do not get on at all. Sparks fly when they are in the same room.
So many suspects….
“Go away. I told you, I'm not interested."
She looked from his lap to his face.
"Your nose is growing too.”
“Nose to nose with her, he gave her his best bad dog snarl. "You've forgotten who and what you're dealing with here, princess. So let me jar your memory. I'm not on your father's short list of men you can bring home to dinner. I'm not a nice man. So if all you're looking for is sex...just keep this up and you're liable to get it. And don't expect some polite little in-and-out and 'oh darling, that was lovely.' You come to my bed, I'm going to fuck you, and there won't be anything polite about it.”
"It's all about the job."
She'd given up. He knew right than and there that he'd finally managed to kill whatever feelings she thought she had for him.
And he felt a loss as consuming as cancer.
The moon hung like a damn china egg as it worked its way slowly from east to west across the Southern Hemisphere. He lifted his bottle in salute. Bad egg. Rotten egg. Yoke's on you.
That bottle is so not going to help, Nolan.
She was safe. Please, God, let her always be safe.
And please let him stay drunk forever so that he could forget the look on her face. The one that said I love you. The one that said I need you.
The one that brought these fucking wimpy-ass tears to his eyes and proved what a poor excuse for a man he really was.
“Men. They're idiots. It's like they all take a vow of stupidity or something.”
"...But, so you know, I hate, really, really hate, that horrible root beer you drink."
"Then we'll just have to find something else for you to swallow."
Ok, you guys know I LOVE a good, hot sex scene in my books. This did have one, but only one…. I did not care. The writing was fantastic, the suspense and mystery kept me enthralled. Saying that, the one scene that was in it was very good, very good indeed….
Will definitely be reading more from this author.
August 16, 2010
I've been kind of ho-hum about romantic suspense with no paranormal lately. I haven't been willing to take a dive into many of the newer authors out there, or some of the older faves. I'm glad that Shawna recommended for me to start the Cindy Gerard books. This was a very good book.
I just adored Nolan. He a well-structured, complex character: rugged, gorgeous, competent, humorous, down-to-earth, and tortured. The barriers that he erected against Jillian made a lot of sense. He knew that he couldn't have a permanent place in her life, and his troubles from his time in the Rangers and his friend's suicide were a heavy weight on his shoulders.
I liked Jillian a lot. At first, she had this facade of perfect, pampered, upscale, news anchor that didn't work for me. But, underneath, she was a whole lot more. Jillian was her own woman. She worked hard to get where she was in life, fighting to get away from the gilded cage and cloyingly overprotective and domineering family life she'd endured. Because of a lifetime of being the rich girl who was a target for kidnappers with no privacy and very few real people in her life, she'd had to build up a strong barrier of protection against others. She ended up earning my respect in a big way.
When Nolan is hired as her bodyguard, she doesn't like him, because he's mean and disrespectful to her. He reminds her of the bodyguards she grew up with, who never treated her as a person, only her rich father's daughter. But, she's also extremely attracted to him. She sees and is drawn to the sad lone warrior, wanting to know him as a person, even though Nolan makes this very hard. I was glad that she was willing to fight for him.
The sexual tension was great in this story. The build-up makes you think this will be an early to bed book, but fortunately it isn't. I was glad to see the emotional connection form between this couple and culminate in their love-making, instead of the other way around. By the time they get together, you know that there is love between them.
Good suspense and action in this story. I prefer a military storyline, but this was pretty good, because Nolan knows how to handle himself, and Jillian is in some pretty intense situations with her stalker. The underlying mystery actually surprised me. She really had me going with the red herrings. You know who one of the culprits is pretty soon, but it takes until the end of the book to find out who's pulling the strings. That was very well-executed.
To The Edge turned out to be a read well worth my time. I'm looking forward to reading the other Bodyguards books, after meeting Nolan's brothers and sisters in this story. Thanks, Shawna!
I just adored Nolan. He a well-structured, complex character: rugged, gorgeous, competent, humorous, down-to-earth, and tortured. The barriers that he erected against Jillian made a lot of sense. He knew that he couldn't have a permanent place in her life, and his troubles from his time in the Rangers and his friend's suicide were a heavy weight on his shoulders.
I liked Jillian a lot. At first, she had this facade of perfect, pampered, upscale, news anchor that didn't work for me. But, underneath, she was a whole lot more. Jillian was her own woman. She worked hard to get where she was in life, fighting to get away from the gilded cage and cloyingly overprotective and domineering family life she'd endured. Because of a lifetime of being the rich girl who was a target for kidnappers with no privacy and very few real people in her life, she'd had to build up a strong barrier of protection against others. She ended up earning my respect in a big way.
When Nolan is hired as her bodyguard, she doesn't like him, because he's mean and disrespectful to her. He reminds her of the bodyguards she grew up with, who never treated her as a person, only her rich father's daughter. But, she's also extremely attracted to him. She sees and is drawn to the sad lone warrior, wanting to know him as a person, even though Nolan makes this very hard. I was glad that she was willing to fight for him.
The sexual tension was great in this story. The build-up makes you think this will be an early to bed book, but fortunately it isn't. I was glad to see the emotional connection form between this couple and culminate in their love-making, instead of the other way around. By the time they get together, you know that there is love between them.
Good suspense and action in this story. I prefer a military storyline, but this was pretty good, because Nolan knows how to handle himself, and Jillian is in some pretty intense situations with her stalker. The underlying mystery actually surprised me. She really had me going with the red herrings. You know who one of the culprits is pretty soon, but it takes until the end of the book to find out who's pulling the strings. That was very well-executed.
To The Edge turned out to be a read well worth my time. I'm looking forward to reading the other Bodyguards books, after meeting Nolan's brothers and sisters in this story. Thanks, Shawna!
July 25, 2016
The set up
Jillian Kincaid has been receiving death threats that are now seeming to intensify. The daughter of a wealthy businessman, her high profile image is magnified through her job as a news co-anchor for the local TV station. Nolan Garrett, a former Army Ranger squad leader, is assigned by his family's security company to be her bodyguard. He's doing it under duress as he's trying to also deal with demons stemming from his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The issues
Jillian doesn't want a bodyguard and Nolan erroneously pegs her as a prima donna princess. After their initial clashes, Nolan finds it increasingly difficult to manage his growing attraction, as does Jillian.
What worked
Jillian and Nolan were extremely likable and appealing characters, their developing romance sizzling. She's tough, smart and independent; he's resourceful, sexy and good at what he does. The underlying threat to Jillian's life created even more tension in their relationship and the story. I imagined bogeymen around every page and there were plenty of credible suspects to consider. I'm also intrigued by the other members of the Garrett family that make up E.D.E.N., the security company.
What was missing
I started with Gerard's most recent series and decided to go back and begin her first as there is character crossover. My expectation was that this book would have the same level and balance of suspense but it just didn't deliver. Most of the emphasis was on the romance with quite a bit of repetition.
The bottom line
While I enjoyed the story, I found the suspense element underwhelming. The romance, however, was pretty special. This is the first in a very promising series and I'm committed to continuing because I know it improves.
Jillian Kincaid has been receiving death threats that are now seeming to intensify. The daughter of a wealthy businessman, her high profile image is magnified through her job as a news co-anchor for the local TV station. Nolan Garrett, a former Army Ranger squad leader, is assigned by his family's security company to be her bodyguard. He's doing it under duress as he's trying to also deal with demons stemming from his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The issues
Jillian doesn't want a bodyguard and Nolan erroneously pegs her as a prima donna princess. After their initial clashes, Nolan finds it increasingly difficult to manage his growing attraction, as does Jillian.
What worked
Jillian and Nolan were extremely likable and appealing characters, their developing romance sizzling. She's tough, smart and independent; he's resourceful, sexy and good at what he does. The underlying threat to Jillian's life created even more tension in their relationship and the story. I imagined bogeymen around every page and there were plenty of credible suspects to consider. I'm also intrigued by the other members of the Garrett family that make up E.D.E.N., the security company.
What was missing
I started with Gerard's most recent series and decided to go back and begin her first as there is character crossover. My expectation was that this book would have the same level and balance of suspense but it just didn't deliver. Most of the emphasis was on the romance with quite a bit of repetition.
The bottom line
While I enjoyed the story, I found the suspense element underwhelming. The romance, however, was pretty special. This is the first in a very promising series and I'm committed to continuing because I know it improves.
August 29, 2015
I've seen loads of good press for Cindy Gerards's brand of Romantic Suspense here on GoodReads, and since I am suffering withdrawal from Suzanne Brockmann's brilliant Troubleshooters series, I thought it was a about time I give this one a try.
Unfortunately, I'd have to say my expectations weren't quite met.
The writing was good, with the exception of a couple of misguided references to Skippy, the one-eyed wonder snake, early in the piece which didn't seem to fit. Thankfully this wasn't at all prevalent so probably not worth mentioning, although they did serve to make me wary. Otherwise, the writing flowed well and was pacy, which is just as well considering really, not that much was happening a lot of the time. Or maybe it just felt that way because of the pages of narrative.
Darin Kincaid, publishing mogul extraordinaire, has hired ex-Ranger Nolan Garrett to provide security for his daughter, TV anchorwoman Jillian, who has been receiving death threats. Jillian has had enough of bodyguards, having grown up under their shadow, and despite Nolan's undeniable physical appeal, she has no interest in letting him interrupt her life. Nolan, happily drowning his sorrows, has no desire to be responsible for anyone else, particularly a spoiled princess. But, like it or not, they are stuck with each other.
I must say, I got a little tired of this pair's constant denial of their feelings for each other. Nolan pushed Jillian away at every turn because he thought she was too good for him, and Jillian went back and forth so many times I nearly got whiplash. When they still hadn't got their act even remotely together three quarters of the way through the book, I was ceasing to care. And then, when they finally, FINALLY, gave into their physical attraction, Nolan immediately reverted back to type and resumed pushing Jillian away. Give me a break already.
Despite this, I really liked both of these characters. I just wish the author had given us a little more something. Anything.
The suspense element was also well done, right up to the point where we found out who the stalker actually was, and it became a little over the top. Shame about that.
Now, all of that said, I do see potential for this series, and I will definitely keep going. After all, I gave The Unsung Hero, the first book in Brockmann's Troubleshooters series, 3 starts and that series became one of my favourites. I will be delighted if this series follows the same pattern.
Unfortunately, I'd have to say my expectations weren't quite met.
The writing was good, with the exception of a couple of misguided references to Skippy, the one-eyed wonder snake, early in the piece which didn't seem to fit. Thankfully this wasn't at all prevalent so probably not worth mentioning, although they did serve to make me wary. Otherwise, the writing flowed well and was pacy, which is just as well considering really, not that much was happening a lot of the time. Or maybe it just felt that way because of the pages of narrative.
Darin Kincaid, publishing mogul extraordinaire, has hired ex-Ranger Nolan Garrett to provide security for his daughter, TV anchorwoman Jillian, who has been receiving death threats. Jillian has had enough of bodyguards, having grown up under their shadow, and despite Nolan's undeniable physical appeal, she has no interest in letting him interrupt her life. Nolan, happily drowning his sorrows, has no desire to be responsible for anyone else, particularly a spoiled princess. But, like it or not, they are stuck with each other.
I must say, I got a little tired of this pair's constant denial of their feelings for each other. Nolan pushed Jillian away at every turn because he thought she was too good for him, and Jillian went back and forth so many times I nearly got whiplash. When they still hadn't got their act even remotely together three quarters of the way through the book, I was ceasing to care. And then, when they finally, FINALLY, gave into their physical attraction, Nolan immediately reverted back to type and resumed pushing Jillian away. Give me a break already.
Despite this, I really liked both of these characters. I just wish the author had given us a little more something. Anything.
The suspense element was also well done, right up to the point where we found out who the stalker actually was, and it became a little over the top. Shame about that.
Now, all of that said, I do see potential for this series, and I will definitely keep going. After all, I gave The Unsung Hero, the first book in Brockmann's Troubleshooters series, 3 starts and that series became one of my favourites. I will be delighted if this series follows the same pattern.
February 26, 2009
4 ½ stars – Romantic Suspense
To the Edge is the first in Gerard's Bodyguard series. To the Edge is an exciting romantic suspense story with a fast paced plot and well developed characters. Although it's not quite as steamy of a read as some others in the genre, Gerard does a great job of creating intense sexual chemistry between the main characters that evolves into a realistic romantic relationship. It's a strong start to the popular Bodyguard series.
To the Edge is the first in Gerard's Bodyguard series. To the Edge is an exciting romantic suspense story with a fast paced plot and well developed characters. Although it's not quite as steamy of a read as some others in the genre, Gerard does a great job of creating intense sexual chemistry between the main characters that evolves into a realistic romantic relationship. It's a strong start to the popular Bodyguard series.
January 28, 2010
I've had this series sitting around waiting to be read for ages and am finally getting a chance to start reading it. I enjoyed this first book in the series. I wouldn't say it was awesome or would be a favorite book ever, but it was solid 4-stars.
Summary:
Nolan Garrett has been floundering and spiraling toward alcoholism since he left the Army Rangers. A series of events left him shaken and feeling guilty. Then his siblings gang up on him and force him to take a bodyguarding job for their company E.D.E.N. Security. He is needed to protect local TV Newsperson and daughter of a rich business man, Jillian Kincaid. Someone is sending Jillian death threats and her father insists she have a bodyguard...now matter how much she hates the idea. Eventually, Jillian gives in, but from the first moment, Nolan sets her teeth on edge with his icy expression and terse orders.
Soon, though, Jillian begins to see there is more to Nolan than meets the eye. That he's a man with a lot of emotional baggage. And Nolan realizes Jillian is the rich, pampered princess he thought she was. Sparks fly between them, but both fight it. Nolan has a job to do - protecting Jillian - and he's not going to let anything get in the way of that. But the chemistry is irresistible, and the feelings between them are stronger than each though. First, though, Nolan must deal with the scars of his past and find out who wants Jillian dead.
Review:
I've read a few of Gerard's category romances before, but this is the first full length novel of hers I've read. So I had a little of an idea of what to expect from her writing. I liked that this book was a bit more edgy and darker than her other stuff. It made it seem more realistic and less cutesy, fluffy romance.
I liked the character of Nolan. He's an emotionally battered war hero and I thought his character was much more real because he was suffering. It made him and his character more genuine. He was a bit brutish Alpha sometimes, but nothing over the top. I do wish his emotional scars had been dealt with a smidge better...the guy was honestly borderline alcoholic and I felt that should have been dealt with more.
As for Jillian. I liked her, not as much as Nolan, though, and I did feel like at times she stepped over in to TSTL land. For someone who grew up the way she did, she was way too trusting. I wanted to tell her to wake up and face reality.
On the suspense plot front...well, not an overly original storyline - the whole stalker out for revenge bit. But it fit the story and I thought Gerard made it very readable. I have to admit I was surprised at the end about the Who. I was so sure if was someone else.
I did wish, though, that the suspense part of the story had been a little more prominent, with a little more focus on finding out who was after Jillian. It seemed like most of the story was about Nolan and Jillian circling around each other and fighting their feelings. It got somewhat repetitive. So I would have liked to see a little less of that and a little more on the nuts and bolts of the suspense plot. It wasn't a huge deal, though, just something I thought could have made the book even more solid.
One other thing I was a little iffy on was that I felt like there were some things left open...Rachael and the abuse she may have suffered as a child, skittish Lydia, and the mysterious and somewhat homicidal John Smith. When I finished, I felt like there was more to know about them, and yet looking at the upcoming books, I don't see any of them returning (in Lydia and Rachael's cases, as main characters). So that leaves me feeling like there were story aspects left unfinished.
But overall I enjoyed the book. It was good and it makes me want to keep reading the series.
Summary:
Nolan Garrett has been floundering and spiraling toward alcoholism since he left the Army Rangers. A series of events left him shaken and feeling guilty. Then his siblings gang up on him and force him to take a bodyguarding job for their company E.D.E.N. Security. He is needed to protect local TV Newsperson and daughter of a rich business man, Jillian Kincaid. Someone is sending Jillian death threats and her father insists she have a bodyguard...now matter how much she hates the idea. Eventually, Jillian gives in, but from the first moment, Nolan sets her teeth on edge with his icy expression and terse orders.
Soon, though, Jillian begins to see there is more to Nolan than meets the eye. That he's a man with a lot of emotional baggage. And Nolan realizes Jillian is the rich, pampered princess he thought she was. Sparks fly between them, but both fight it. Nolan has a job to do - protecting Jillian - and he's not going to let anything get in the way of that. But the chemistry is irresistible, and the feelings between them are stronger than each though. First, though, Nolan must deal with the scars of his past and find out who wants Jillian dead.
Review:
I've read a few of Gerard's category romances before, but this is the first full length novel of hers I've read. So I had a little of an idea of what to expect from her writing. I liked that this book was a bit more edgy and darker than her other stuff. It made it seem more realistic and less cutesy, fluffy romance.
I liked the character of Nolan. He's an emotionally battered war hero and I thought his character was much more real because he was suffering. It made him and his character more genuine. He was a bit brutish Alpha sometimes, but nothing over the top. I do wish his emotional scars had been dealt with a smidge better...the guy was honestly borderline alcoholic and I felt that should have been dealt with more.
As for Jillian. I liked her, not as much as Nolan, though, and I did feel like at times she stepped over in to TSTL land. For someone who grew up the way she did, she was way too trusting. I wanted to tell her to wake up and face reality.
On the suspense plot front...well, not an overly original storyline - the whole stalker out for revenge bit. But it fit the story and I thought Gerard made it very readable. I have to admit I was surprised at the end about the Who. I was so sure if was someone else.
I did wish, though, that the suspense part of the story had been a little more prominent, with a little more focus on finding out who was after Jillian. It seemed like most of the story was about Nolan and Jillian circling around each other and fighting their feelings. It got somewhat repetitive. So I would have liked to see a little less of that and a little more on the nuts and bolts of the suspense plot. It wasn't a huge deal, though, just something I thought could have made the book even more solid.
One other thing I was a little iffy on was that I felt like there were some things left open...Rachael and the abuse she may have suffered as a child, skittish Lydia, and the mysterious and somewhat homicidal John Smith. When I finished, I felt like there was more to know about them, and yet looking at the upcoming books, I don't see any of them returning (in Lydia and Rachael's cases, as main characters). So that leaves me feeling like there were story aspects left unfinished.
But overall I enjoyed the book. It was good and it makes me want to keep reading the series.
November 5, 2011
Opening Line: "Even among the masses populating West Palm Beach, Florida, Nolan Garrett found hundreds of places to be alone."
After 5-star-ing every book in Cindy Gerard's Black Ops series I was very excited to go back and read her Bodyguard series which I'd somehow missed before. However in saying that I think my love for her BOI's may have caused me to go into this with (unrealistically) high expectations because while this was good it also never quite hit the great mark that I'd been expecting.
TO THE EDGE is definitely a slow burning romance And while I appreciated tough guy, bodyguard Nolan's "don't get involved with a client" ethics and especially his "you don't want to get involved with someone as damaged as me" (love those tortured heroes) I reached the point with them where I was like, enough, get it on already. Stop with the meaningful looks and double talk and just get it out of your systems.
That said once the sex (finally) got thrown in the mix and the stalker upped their game things really took off. Gerard managed to keep me guessing about the stalkers identity with several well placed suspects and Nolan and Jillian's chemistry was smoking hot. I also loved the fact that Jillian wasn't your typical spoiled damsel in distress and let's face it she had potential to go that way. Instead she fought for her man and managed to keep her head above, TSTL. Then we have Nathan's adorable (I don't need anyone but really I do) guilt complex, PTSD issues and that fantabulous ending on the boat, sigh. I really don't have anything to complain about here and I'll definitely be returning for the rest of this series and a croquet game or two from the looks of things.
Jillian Kincaid is a TV anchor and the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Because of her father she grew up in the continual presence of bodyguards and hated it. Now when she begins to receive death threats Jillian is more then a little hesitant to except the bodyguard/hired thug that her father has secured for her.
Recently retired special Ops soldier Nolan Garrett has only been out for three months when his brothers and sister (of E.D.E.N security Inc) grow tired of his continuous drinking and depression and force him to take on one of their clients. He doesn't want the case and Jillian sure as hell doesn't want him in her apartment and shadowing her every move.
However Jillian soon proves not to be the spoiled princess Nolan was expecting and despite himself he starts to care even if she is super frustrating. Why won't she just leave him alone, why do they have to talk about...stuff? And how is it that she's not repelled by his back off, tough guy (I am an island) image? As Jillian's stalker gets closer and events turn deadly Nolan is willing to lay his life on the line and now possibly his heart too. Gah I just love these tortured heroes.
After 5-star-ing every book in Cindy Gerard's Black Ops series I was very excited to go back and read her Bodyguard series which I'd somehow missed before. However in saying that I think my love for her BOI's may have caused me to go into this with (unrealistically) high expectations because while this was good it also never quite hit the great mark that I'd been expecting.
TO THE EDGE is definitely a slow burning romance And while I appreciated tough guy, bodyguard Nolan's "don't get involved with a client" ethics and especially his "you don't want to get involved with someone as damaged as me" (love those tortured heroes) I reached the point with them where I was like, enough, get it on already. Stop with the meaningful looks and double talk and just get it out of your systems.
That said once the sex (finally) got thrown in the mix and the stalker upped their game things really took off. Gerard managed to keep me guessing about the stalkers identity with several well placed suspects and Nolan and Jillian's chemistry was smoking hot. I also loved the fact that Jillian wasn't your typical spoiled damsel in distress and let's face it she had potential to go that way. Instead she fought for her man and managed to keep her head above, TSTL. Then we have Nathan's adorable (I don't need anyone but really I do) guilt complex, PTSD issues and that fantabulous ending on the boat, sigh. I really don't have anything to complain about here and I'll definitely be returning for the rest of this series and a croquet game or two from the looks of things.
Jillian Kincaid is a TV anchor and the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Because of her father she grew up in the continual presence of bodyguards and hated it. Now when she begins to receive death threats Jillian is more then a little hesitant to except the bodyguard/hired thug that her father has secured for her.
Recently retired special Ops soldier Nolan Garrett has only been out for three months when his brothers and sister (of E.D.E.N security Inc) grow tired of his continuous drinking and depression and force him to take on one of their clients. He doesn't want the case and Jillian sure as hell doesn't want him in her apartment and shadowing her every move.
However Jillian soon proves not to be the spoiled princess Nolan was expecting and despite himself he starts to care even if she is super frustrating. Why won't she just leave him alone, why do they have to talk about...stuff? And how is it that she's not repelled by his back off, tough guy (I am an island) image? As Jillian's stalker gets closer and events turn deadly Nolan is willing to lay his life on the line and now possibly his heart too. Gah I just love these tortured heroes.
October 28, 2011
This book was a mass of contradictions for me. The points I liked, I really, really liked and the points I didn't like, I hated (does that sound like a nursery rhyme?!?) First, points I like: I love the overall scenario of the book - a decorated military man who comes home and takes a job as a bodyguard and finds himself falling for the woman he is hired to protect. This opens all kinds of doors for the storyline about professional/personal relations, each one handled deftly in this story. I loved the heroine, Jillian, her strength yet vulnerability, her compassion yet determination in living her life by her own rules. I loved the twists and turns of the suspense, especially the surprise ending.
Now points I hate: The phrases, "her shirt was_____(insert description) making him think of sex", His muscles _______(again insert) making her think of sex, "she smelled like _______(once again...) and sex", "He felt like _______ (you know the routine) and sex" were used at least once on every single page! (No, really, I'm not exaggerating even a little). It was noticeable by page 10, annoying by page 25, and by page 100, I was ready to rip my hair out. Those phrases (or the numerous facsimiles) were so distracting that they became the white elephant I had to work around until it was hard to keep track of the actual story. They also overshadowed any belief in a relationship the author was trying to promote beyond sexual.
Finally, on a purely personal note, I hate, hate, HATE it when the strong independent heroine grovels for the man throughout the book without any reciprocation whatsoever. This one took the cake. Nolan was not only rude, cold and sometimes cruel, he never did show the manly courage to go after the woman he loved, she had to beg until he let her have him AGH! did I say how much I HATE that!
Now points I hate: The phrases, "her shirt was_____(insert description) making him think of sex", His muscles _______(again insert) making her think of sex, "she smelled like _______(once again...) and sex", "He felt like _______ (you know the routine) and sex" were used at least once on every single page! (No, really, I'm not exaggerating even a little). It was noticeable by page 10, annoying by page 25, and by page 100, I was ready to rip my hair out. Those phrases (or the numerous facsimiles) were so distracting that they became the white elephant I had to work around until it was hard to keep track of the actual story. They also overshadowed any belief in a relationship the author was trying to promote beyond sexual.
Finally, on a purely personal note, I hate, hate, HATE it when the strong independent heroine grovels for the man throughout the book without any reciprocation whatsoever. This one took the cake. Nolan was not only rude, cold and sometimes cruel, he never did show the manly courage to go after the woman he loved, she had to beg until he let her have him AGH! did I say how much I HATE that!
April 28, 2008
This book was pretty good. It has a lot sexual tension right through and the snippy dialog between the hero Nolan and heroine Jillian is really good. The jibes they throw out at each other makes the tension boil at some points!
It doesn't get 5 stars for a few reasons: When you find out who the stalker is it's a bit over the top-- too psycho crazed/excessive I thought when the whole mystery was going quite well. The love scenes could use a bit more spice --a bit of a let down being that the sparks flew from the get-go between the two. There are also too many successive pages of narration and not enough dialog. The hero's Iraq/Afganistan war memories take up too much of the story and he's self-deprecating to a fault at times which makes the reader feel that a great alpha hero has suddenly become a borderline "loser" who's unworthy of the heroine.
All that said, it still holds your interest enough to want to see what happens to the other brothers and sister in the bodyguard company.
It doesn't get 5 stars for a few reasons: When you find out who the stalker is it's a bit over the top-- too psycho crazed/excessive I thought when the whole mystery was going quite well. The love scenes could use a bit more spice --a bit of a let down being that the sparks flew from the get-go between the two. There are also too many successive pages of narration and not enough dialog. The hero's Iraq/Afganistan war memories take up too much of the story and he's self-deprecating to a fault at times which makes the reader feel that a great alpha hero has suddenly become a borderline "loser" who's unworthy of the heroine.
All that said, it still holds your interest enough to want to see what happens to the other brothers and sister in the bodyguard company.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2022
I enjoyed it. This book is more on romance than a thriller. Light read for me. Interesting family and looking forward to continue this series in future.
To go to series in between heavy dark books....a breather.
To go to series in between heavy dark books....a breather.
August 2, 2019
3.5 stars. An enjoyable read but nothing spectacular. It is a good beginning to a series and I want to keep reading. I like the family owned/run security firm. I hope each sibling gets their own HEA.
September 28, 2011
This book had it all!
The characters were well written, the story and plot intriguing and exciting. I never suspected who the villain was until the end (which was quite refreshing).
The story is about a news anchor (Jillian Kincaid) who has been receiving death threats. At first She doesn't take the threats seriously, until she starts getting the messages at home, in her private e-mails, and a gruesome delivery at a function she was attending.
Jillian's father (a multimillionaire..of course) hires a 'bodyguard' to protect her, and wants him to do what ever it takes to convince her that these threats are real.
..thus enters Nolan Garrett Ex-Army Ranger (hoo-ha) a seriously intimidating broken down bad-ass, who brakes into her apartment and seriously scares the crap out of her.
Right from the start they despise one another, and they make it a game to pick at each others peeves, until finally they break down one anothers boundaries and realize they actually like and respect one another.
....BUT for a good part of the book (roughly 60%) the Author has been building this incredible, mind blowing sexual tension between Jillian and Nolan.. to the point of anticipation and frustration.
At this point of the story (Jillian is at her weakest point, and Nolan feels guilty that if He lets his emotions rule him..he won't be able to protect her properly) the author has you anticipating 'get down and dirty monkey-sex', because Jillian has only had 'conservative-kinda-missionary style' sex, and Nolan is dangerous, rough, and sexy and She 'knows' it'll be 'dirty' with him.
Well when they finally 'do-it' (ha-ha) the author actually describes it at 'Monkey-Sex', which I would have rather read about than been told about.
Like I said earlier, I did not suspect who the Villain was, or what their motive was.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it those who like thriller/suspense.
The characters were well written, the story and plot intriguing and exciting. I never suspected who the villain was until the end (which was quite refreshing).
The story is about a news anchor (Jillian Kincaid) who has been receiving death threats. At first She doesn't take the threats seriously, until she starts getting the messages at home, in her private e-mails, and a gruesome delivery at a function she was attending.
Jillian's father (a multimillionaire..of course) hires a 'bodyguard' to protect her, and wants him to do what ever it takes to convince her that these threats are real.
..thus enters Nolan Garrett Ex-Army Ranger (hoo-ha) a seriously intimidating broken down bad-ass, who brakes into her apartment and seriously scares the crap out of her.
Right from the start they despise one another, and they make it a game to pick at each others peeves, until finally they break down one anothers boundaries and realize they actually like and respect one another.
....BUT for a good part of the book (roughly 60%) the Author has been building this incredible, mind blowing sexual tension between Jillian and Nolan.. to the point of anticipation and frustration.
At this point of the story (Jillian is at her weakest point, and Nolan feels guilty that if He lets his emotions rule him..he won't be able to protect her properly) the author has you anticipating 'get down and dirty monkey-sex', because Jillian has only had 'conservative-kinda-missionary style' sex, and Nolan is dangerous, rough, and sexy and She 'knows' it'll be 'dirty' with him.
Well when they finally 'do-it' (ha-ha) the author actually describes it at 'Monkey-Sex', which I would have rather read about than been told about.
Like I said earlier, I did not suspect who the Villain was, or what their motive was.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it those who like thriller/suspense.
April 1, 2011
After four sweet, "uncomplicated" contemporaries without a single dead body I needed something to get me back on track with my second-favorite genre. Judging from the reviews, I thought I found the perfect author and series to do the job. Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be.
This book suffers severely from three major book illnesses - firstbookinaseriesitis, annoyingheroineitis and annoyinheroitis.
While the first one could be ignored, because I was intrigued by the "world-building" and the staff and (future) going-ons at E.D.E.N Inc., the other two were a bit too much to overcome.
At first it was the heroine that went on my nerves with her childish tantrum-throwing behavior when she didn't get what she wanted, her denial, her general attitude. Then, just as she finally became a worthy heroine, it's the hero that does the annoy-fest. I love me a brooding guy like as much as the next girl, but Nolan went overboard with his poor-peasant-me 'tude. Sure, he had some issues, sure, he was entitled to a good guilt-trip, but enough's enough.
The only redeeming quality—and I'm not talking about the ending—was the mystery. I thought I had it all figured out, rolled my eyes at Nolan for barking up the wrong tree, and then realized, though I wasn't barking up the same one as him, I too was wrong.
The downside of that? No one could've been right, because we were given no clues as to the real villain's identity. It came straight out of the left field.
Though my expectations weren't that high, I can safely say this was a bit of a letdown.
This book suffers severely from three major book illnesses - firstbookinaseriesitis, annoyingheroineitis and annoyinheroitis.
While the first one could be ignored, because I was intrigued by the "world-building" and the staff and (future) going-ons at E.D.E.N Inc., the other two were a bit too much to overcome.
At first it was the heroine that went on my nerves with her childish tantrum-throwing behavior when she didn't get what she wanted, her denial, her general attitude. Then, just as she finally became a worthy heroine, it's the hero that does the annoy-fest. I love me a brooding guy like as much as the next girl, but Nolan went overboard with his poor-peasant-me 'tude. Sure, he had some issues, sure, he was entitled to a good guilt-trip, but enough's enough.
The only redeeming quality—and I'm not talking about the ending—was the mystery. I thought I had it all figured out, rolled my eyes at Nolan for barking up the wrong tree, and then realized, though I wasn't barking up the same one as him, I too was wrong.
The downside of that? No one could've been right, because we were given no clues as to the real villain's identity. It came straight out of the left field.
Though my expectations weren't that high, I can safely say this was a bit of a letdown.
July 17, 2013
*Review without spoilers*
I had this series on my TR list for at least 2 years. Bodyguards stories are not my cup of tea so I kept pushing it for later.
The only reason I put it there to begin with is because I heard that the heroes of the firsts books of the Black Ops series make an appearance in this series (What can I say, I’m OCD like that :/) otherwise I would just have given it a miss.
I'm glad I haven’t because I really enjoyed it.
There was nothing new with the stalker plot but:
1/ both Nolan and Jillian were awesome main characters,
2/ I really liked how their relationship evolved,
3/ the chemistry between them was smoking hot,
4/ great casting of secondary characters,
5/ the culprit was a total surprise,
6/ I totally LOVED the end!
I had this series on my TR list for at least 2 years. Bodyguards stories are not my cup of tea so I kept pushing it for later.
The only reason I put it there to begin with is because I heard that the heroes of the firsts books of the Black Ops series make an appearance in this series (What can I say, I’m OCD like that :/) otherwise I would just have given it a miss.
I'm glad I haven’t because I really enjoyed it.
There was nothing new with the stalker plot but:
1/ both Nolan and Jillian were awesome main characters,
2/ I really liked how their relationship evolved,
3/ the chemistry between them was smoking hot,
4/ great casting of secondary characters,
5/ the culprit was a total surprise,
6/ I totally LOVED the end!
March 16, 2019
Loved it!
First Cindy Gerard that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed it. Ms Gerard threw plenty of suspects in the story with various different red herrings which made it difficult to positively say who the stalker was which kept me reading all the way to the end as I wanted to know.
Nolan is a typical sexy Alpha male which I like. Jillian is a likeable strong woman and not a doormat and stood up to Nolan throughout the story. As it is a RS I am not giving away any spoilers in saying there is a HEA but I liked how the ending was written.
I would definately recommend to anyone who likes RS as Ms Gerard knows how to spin a good yarn :)
First Cindy Gerard that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed it. Ms Gerard threw plenty of suspects in the story with various different red herrings which made it difficult to positively say who the stalker was which kept me reading all the way to the end as I wanted to know.
Nolan is a typical sexy Alpha male which I like. Jillian is a likeable strong woman and not a doormat and stood up to Nolan throughout the story. As it is a RS I am not giving away any spoilers in saying there is a HEA but I liked how the ending was written.
I would definately recommend to anyone who likes RS as Ms Gerard knows how to spin a good yarn :)
December 4, 2009
I really like this story a lot so it's more like a 4 in 1/2 star for me. It would have been a 5 star if there would have been a few more love scenes, lol! The sexual tension was very good, the story was good too. I liked the back story of the H&H along with their characters very much. I liked that I did not figure out who was the bad person in this book until it was finally revealed in the book. All in all a great read.
May 22, 2017
ETA: I have not read this 3 times!!! My Kindle marks this as read but it doesn't pick that up on the site. I've removed the extra "dates read" but it still shows three times. I am going to have to turn that feature off on my Kindle because it is as annoying as hell!!!
This was a nice romantic suspense that was heavy on the romance and just enough suspense. I will probably read more by this author. However, I still have to say I enjoy Pamela Clare's RS books more. :)
Quotes & Faves:
♥ “I’m the man who’s just itching for a reason to rip off your head and shove it up your ass,” Nolan assured him with a deceptively congenial smile. “So back off, jack. The lady does not want to speak with you.” To her douche of an ex. Nice. :)
♥ He was only so strong. And she was so much of everything essentially missing from his life.
♥ He didn’t want her going anywhere now. She could feel it in the whipcord strength of his arms locked around her. Sense it in the way he buried his face in her hair and breathed her in like she was life and without her he didn’t want to live it.
♥ The first time he’d known he was in love. Which, by his best estimation, was the first time he’d set eyes on her.
This was a nice romantic suspense that was heavy on the romance and just enough suspense. I will probably read more by this author. However, I still have to say I enjoy Pamela Clare's RS books more. :)
Quotes & Faves:
♥ “I’m the man who’s just itching for a reason to rip off your head and shove it up your ass,” Nolan assured him with a deceptively congenial smile. “So back off, jack. The lady does not want to speak with you.” To her douche of an ex. Nice. :)
♥ He was only so strong. And she was so much of everything essentially missing from his life.
♥ He didn’t want her going anywhere now. She could feel it in the whipcord strength of his arms locked around her. Sense it in the way he buried his face in her hair and breathed her in like she was life and without her he didn’t want to live it.
♥ The first time he’d known he was in love. Which, by his best estimation, was the first time he’d set eyes on her.
October 10, 2010
Review originally posted at http://bookstobrightenyourmood.blogsp...
To the Edge,is a book i picked after i read and totally loved Anne Stuart's Black Ice.I thought if romantic suspence is so good a genre then the first book in The Bodyguards series by Cindy Gerard might be just as good.But no!!!I couldn't be more mistaken!
First of all,i must say that this book was more of a romance novel than anything else.Granted it falls under the category of romantic suspence but i finished reading this book,and still i'm waiting for that suspence to come...
Reading the premise i waited for a non stop action book,a plot full of twists and at least something that would actually make me believe that the protagonist was in grave danger...Nothing of these ever happened.
From the first page it was evident that this was a romance novel.And i like romance,don't mind me, but i was expecting to read something totally different.And maybe that was my mistake and the reason i couldn't make myself like this book.I immediatelly disliked it somewhere after the first 20 pages.I mean come on,you see a man in your apartment and believe he's there to kill you and along with your fear you can't help but notice how well built or gorgeous you're potential killer is...???Come on,who does that?Screaming is an acceptable reaction,fainting as well,but noticing your killer's muscles....no,that's not acceptable or believable.After that point,i was so turned off by the writing style that it's a wonder i kept reading...But i did it,despite the slow pace of the book and by the end of it although i wasn't thrilled,this book didn't feel like a total waste of time either.
My other big problem with this book was the total lack of suspence or action.Apart from 5 or 6 threatening letters or notes or messages you don't get to have anything remotely close to action until the very last chapters... When you start reading a book where the male character is there to protect his -damsel in distress- female character from unknown threats,somehow you believe that this book will evolve more around those threats or the potential danger and less around the feelings of the protagonists.Alas,this book was a study on human feelings.Jillian has the amazing power of knowing exactly what other people are feeling and based on that power does everything she can to help them and Garrett spends chapters after chapters analysing his feelings of guilt or his lustful thoughts towards Jillian and listing again and again why his feelings for her are so inappropriate and a potential relationship between them catastrophic.And speaking of romance,i just felt that the romantic element between the two characters was somewhat forced...I felt forced by the constant descriptions to believe how those two were lusting over each other in a totally consuming way.And that just ruined everything!Granted after many chapters the romance felt more real but half of the fun was already ruined.
Anyway,it's more than obvious that i didn't like this book,but not because it was that bad written.It was more because i waited for a completely different read and To the Edge was,well,not my cup of tea.A fan of romantic novels will probably appreciate this book in ways i couldn't because although i love the romantic element to be present in a book and i don't mind any sex scenes i also want the book to have more elements apart that of romance.So,i would recommend this book but to anyone who loves romance and sees this book as a romance novel and not a romantic suspence one.
October 30, 2009
I have finally finished this book today (10-29-09). I have been reading it for a while, because I was in between books and plus writing.
The heroine is Jilian Kincaid, a rich woman, who believes in working and she loves her job. She's a successful journalist and TV anchorwoman.
Someone is stalking Jilian. The death threats has caused her daddy to hire a bodyguard for her. His name is Nolan Garrett - a special ops - at least ex-special ops, who's still good at his job.
Of course, because Jilian's father is a rich businessman, she's used to her father hiring bodyguards to watch over her. She grew up having bodyguards. She didn't like them then and she doesn't care for the one her father has hired to protect her against this evil person that's out to get her.
Their relationship starts off a little rocky. Jilian didn't want Nolan being her bodyguard and what do people do, when they want their way? They give the other person a hard time. Nolan was a big boy. He handled himself well with this woman. Slowly, he broke her, to where she realized that he was there to protect her and he needed her to be on his team.
The questoin is: Who's stalking Jilian? Is it the man that she's doing a story on? Is it a co-worker? Is it someone in the hotel she lives at? Is it her ex-boyfriend?
This is the first book that I have read by Cindy Gerard and I guess The Bodyguards series is about the Garrett family. This is the first book from the series. Nolan has three brothers and a twin sister. So, I guess they all get their own book.
This is a suspense book with light romance. The book is mostly focus on Nolan and Jilian finding out, who's after Jilian. The couple does get a HEA. Maybe they are mentioned in other books as a married couple.
This books has an Epilogue and it shows Jilian spending time with Nolan's family. She has met his brothers and sister in the book and in the epilogue, she's meeting his mother and father as well.
The heroine is Jilian Kincaid, a rich woman, who believes in working and she loves her job. She's a successful journalist and TV anchorwoman.
Someone is stalking Jilian. The death threats has caused her daddy to hire a bodyguard for her. His name is Nolan Garrett - a special ops - at least ex-special ops, who's still good at his job.
Of course, because Jilian's father is a rich businessman, she's used to her father hiring bodyguards to watch over her. She grew up having bodyguards. She didn't like them then and she doesn't care for the one her father has hired to protect her against this evil person that's out to get her.
Their relationship starts off a little rocky. Jilian didn't want Nolan being her bodyguard and what do people do, when they want their way? They give the other person a hard time. Nolan was a big boy. He handled himself well with this woman. Slowly, he broke her, to where she realized that he was there to protect her and he needed her to be on his team.
The questoin is: Who's stalking Jilian? Is it the man that she's doing a story on? Is it a co-worker? Is it someone in the hotel she lives at? Is it her ex-boyfriend?
This is the first book that I have read by Cindy Gerard and I guess The Bodyguards series is about the Garrett family. This is the first book from the series. Nolan has three brothers and a twin sister. So, I guess they all get their own book.
This is a suspense book with light romance. The book is mostly focus on Nolan and Jilian finding out, who's after Jilian. The couple does get a HEA. Maybe they are mentioned in other books as a married couple.
This books has an Epilogue and it shows Jilian spending time with Nolan's family. She has met his brothers and sister in the book and in the epilogue, she's meeting his mother and father as well.
October 27, 2008
#1 Bodyguards series - Romantic Suspense
3.5 stars
Pretty good, kept me guessing about who was behind the death threats against Jillian, a news anchor in Florida, until the author chose to reveal it.
Features Nolan Garrett, recently discharged Special Ops hunk, fighting post-war demons and nightmares, one of 3 brothers and one twin sister who operate EDEN Security.
CG overdoes it with Jillian's accomplishments, one of my pet peeves in a book. Jillian is the DD of a gazillionaire, powerful businessman; was an Olympic gymnast as a teen; now a successful, award winning TV anchorwoman. Naturally she is sexy, gorgeous, lives in luxury ... what? No Nobel Peace Prize? I really hate it when authors "overdo" a character.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series, and CG has piqued my interest about Ethan, Dallas and Eve, Nathan's siblings.
3.5 stars
Pretty good, kept me guessing about who was behind the death threats against Jillian, a news anchor in Florida, until the author chose to reveal it.
Features Nolan Garrett, recently discharged Special Ops hunk, fighting post-war demons and nightmares, one of 3 brothers and one twin sister who operate EDEN Security.
CG overdoes it with Jillian's accomplishments, one of my pet peeves in a book. Jillian is the DD of a gazillionaire, powerful businessman; was an Olympic gymnast as a teen; now a successful, award winning TV anchorwoman. Naturally she is sexy, gorgeous, lives in luxury ... what? No Nobel Peace Prize? I really hate it when authors "overdo" a character.
I am looking forward to reading more of this series, and CG has piqued my interest about Ethan, Dallas and Eve, Nathan's siblings.
March 5, 2010
Pros:
1. Nice writing style. Witty dialogues and funny lines that had me laughing out in public many times
2. Lots of sexual tension
3. Yummy & tormented hero, a former army officer
Cons:
1. No in-depth character development
2. Lots of lust but little romance or love IMHO. The hero was too closed up to allow for any real emotional attachment between them.
3. Slow beginning. Little to none action during the first half
and
4. The most perfect heroine I've ever read about: she's a former Olympic champion in gymnastics, currently a very successful journalist and anchorwoman with the looks of Angelina Jolie, the riches of Paris Hilton, the sweetness, innocence and generosity of saint Maria-Teresa plus courageous and strong to boot. Isn't that laying it too thick?
1. Nice writing style. Witty dialogues and funny lines that had me laughing out in public many times
2. Lots of sexual tension
3. Yummy & tormented hero, a former army officer
Cons:
1. No in-depth character development
2. Lots of lust but little romance or love IMHO. The hero was too closed up to allow for any real emotional attachment between them.
3. Slow beginning. Little to none action during the first half
and
4. The most perfect heroine I've ever read about: she's a former Olympic champion in gymnastics, currently a very successful journalist and anchorwoman with the looks of Angelina Jolie, the riches of Paris Hilton, the sweetness, innocence and generosity of saint Maria-Teresa plus courageous and strong to boot. Isn't that laying it too thick?
January 28, 2012
I love bodyguards-theme romances and in this one the H/h have great chemistry. Their interaction was witty, with a lot of sexual tension -which was not rushed-, a very good stalker plot and -thankfully- no TSTL moments. Loved the writing style of this author and hope next book in this series turns out as good as this one.
HERO is a Warrior, burdened with guilt and regrets from his military past. He's assigned as bodyguard to a rich woman who's being stalked and hates bodyguards.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/hot
GENRE/TONE: contemprary/action
LENGHT: 330 pages
HERO is a Warrior, burdened with guilt and regrets from his military past. He's assigned as bodyguard to a rich woman who's being stalked and hates bodyguards.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/hot
GENRE/TONE: contemprary/action
LENGHT: 330 pages
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August 18, 2021Rating and Review to come....
November 29, 2021
4/5 -had an actual plot- stars ⭐️
This one was good.
The suspense was well done and all these suspects and it turned out to be someone i totally forgot about. Well played.
This one was good.
The suspense was well done and all these suspects and it turned out to be someone i totally forgot about. Well played.
September 10, 2016
Jillian Kincaid is a smoking hot, redhead, TV anchorwoman. She has gotten death threats at work, a phone call at home. An email at work. Pissed at her controlling father who wants her to have protection, she rebukes his offer. One night she is home and gets eery vibes and is startled to find a man in her bedroom when she comes out of the shower. It gets eerier when she learns he is trying to make a point about her needing protection, a message he made at her father's request. She accepts, reluctantly, they seem to be oil and water, but more like gas and a lit flame.
Nolan Garrett left the US Rangers 3 months ago. His transition back to civil life has been, well, a disaster. Usually held with the bottle of a bottle. When his family, who runs EDEN security, force him to take a job he doesn't want he is more shocked by the way the mark makes him feel. To feel anything is a shock for him. He has felt nothing but numb for a while now.
As the threats start to grow from a call, an email to a dead bird, more voice mail calls, to blood on her things is starting to look scarier. She is worried, as she should be. He knows this case has an end game and he needs to protect her. He can't lose another, he can't fail this time.
Ms. Gerard does an amazing job of showing every character associated with Jillian as a potential stalker. From her coworkers to her assistant to an old boyfriend and his wife to the people she has done stories on. No one is without a motive of some kind and that makes the story compelling. The book felt a little slow due to the multiple story lines of suspects but it wasn't the slow that you stopped, it was a the I need to know what happens kind.
Love book. Didn't love Nolan with his bitchy attitude and as much as Ms. Gerard wanted us to see Jillian as not the pampered princess, she acted like a spoiled one. This was a 1st read of this author but won't be my last. Ready for book 2, Too The Limit.
Nolan Garrett left the US Rangers 3 months ago. His transition back to civil life has been, well, a disaster. Usually held with the bottle of a bottle. When his family, who runs EDEN security, force him to take a job he doesn't want he is more shocked by the way the mark makes him feel. To feel anything is a shock for him. He has felt nothing but numb for a while now.
As the threats start to grow from a call, an email to a dead bird, more voice mail calls, to blood on her things is starting to look scarier. She is worried, as she should be. He knows this case has an end game and he needs to protect her. He can't lose another, he can't fail this time.
Ms. Gerard does an amazing job of showing every character associated with Jillian as a potential stalker. From her coworkers to her assistant to an old boyfriend and his wife to the people she has done stories on. No one is without a motive of some kind and that makes the story compelling. The book felt a little slow due to the multiple story lines of suspects but it wasn't the slow that you stopped, it was a the I need to know what happens kind.
Love book. Didn't love Nolan with his bitchy attitude and as much as Ms. Gerard wanted us to see Jillian as not the pampered princess, she acted like a spoiled one. This was a 1st read of this author but won't be my last. Ready for book 2, Too The Limit.
August 31, 2016
This is actually my second time reading this book and I enjoyed it just as much the second time. I will say that I thought the romance was a bit stronger than the suspense. I wanted a bit more in the stalker story line. The author also doesn't really give many clues to the identity of the villain and throws a few red herrings in. In fact, I was completely wrong about who the stalker actually was which doesn't happen often. The action of the story doesn't really take place until the later half of the book. What this book does extremely well is the romance between Nolan and Jillian and the complexity of their characters.
Jillian and Nolan have a lot of chemistry and a definite dislike/attraction relationship. The sexual tension is built slowly and they don't immediately jump in bed so that when the relationship does progress it isn't based on just sex. Although it happens quickly it was believable.
Both Jillian and Nolan have complex characters. Nolan is dealing with PTSD and feelings of guilt for things that happened during his time with the military. I loved that the author used a bit of a different scenario that really caused Nolan to spin a bit out of control and end his time in the military. Jillian is likable and although she occasionally came across a bit too much "poor little rich girl" to me I still enjoyed her. She had a strong sense of loyalty and compassion that was a great match for Nolan. She was intelligent, successful and stubborn but thankfully didn't take that stubbornness to a TSTL level.
The secondary characters had minimal roles but just enough to have me looking forward to getting to know them better and reading their books.
Jillian and Nolan have a lot of chemistry and a definite dislike/attraction relationship. The sexual tension is built slowly and they don't immediately jump in bed so that when the relationship does progress it isn't based on just sex. Although it happens quickly it was believable.
Both Jillian and Nolan have complex characters. Nolan is dealing with PTSD and feelings of guilt for things that happened during his time with the military. I loved that the author used a bit of a different scenario that really caused Nolan to spin a bit out of control and end his time in the military. Jillian is likable and although she occasionally came across a bit too much "poor little rich girl" to me I still enjoyed her. She had a strong sense of loyalty and compassion that was a great match for Nolan. She was intelligent, successful and stubborn but thankfully didn't take that stubbornness to a TSTL level.
The secondary characters had minimal roles but just enough to have me looking forward to getting to know them better and reading their books.
July 17, 2014
2.5 stars
I'm not sure if my reaction is due to the book itself(since I remember reading it before and liking it more), or to my head not being in the right place for reading it. I've just finished Between Shades of Gray, which is an extremely emotional, well-written book, so all my issues might be overblown.
First of all-I hate the cheesy phrases that appear in this book from time to time. And the situation when Jillian looks into Nolan's eyes and all of the sudden doesn't hate him, because she sees he's a tortured soul, a hero, a warrior,...I just don't buy it-all in one second? From semi-loathing to that?!
I felt like Jillian had he TSTL moments. Your bodyguard tells you to stay put, you're in danger and you walk out with someone he deemed a suspect. I understood her need for privacy, but you'd think she'd take death threats more seriously. She constantly thought about how to get rid of him.
Nolan's not much better. He's got such hot and cold attitude you'd think he has PMS!
There were funny moments and lines in the book, though. I think I could enjoy books by this author so I will try something else later.
I think I really loved Ploughboy's book the first time around, though.
Another question is-which series is better(Spec Ops or this one)?
I'm not sure if my reaction is due to the book itself(since I remember reading it before and liking it more), or to my head not being in the right place for reading it. I've just finished Between Shades of Gray, which is an extremely emotional, well-written book, so all my issues might be overblown.
First of all-I hate the cheesy phrases that appear in this book from time to time. And the situation when Jillian looks into Nolan's eyes and all of the sudden doesn't hate him, because she sees he's a tortured soul, a hero, a warrior,...I just don't buy it-all in one second? From semi-loathing to that?!
I felt like Jillian had he TSTL moments. Your bodyguard tells you to stay put, you're in danger and you walk out with someone he deemed a suspect. I understood her need for privacy, but you'd think she'd take death threats more seriously. She constantly thought about how to get rid of him.
Nolan's not much better. He's got such hot and cold attitude you'd think he has PMS!
There were funny moments and lines in the book, though. I think I could enjoy books by this author so I will try something else later.
I think I really loved Ploughboy's book the first time around, though.
Another question is-which series is better(Spec Ops or this one)?
November 12, 2012
My first Cindy Gerard and it will not be my last, I really enjoyed this book!
Nolan is 3 months out of the army and doing nothing, but hanging out and getting drunk, trying to drown out his guilty feelings about not being there for his buddies. He is closed up and dead inside and nothing and no one can reach him, until his family decides to draft him into helping them out with their security business. Jillian is a reporter and he very rich father hires a bodyguard to protect her. Jillian doesn't like the idea at all.
This book kept in captivated, despite I could have used a little more hot steamy action between them. Nolan was forever pushing Jillian away, convinced she was too good for him and he was just to f*cked up. He was rude and mean to her (which pissed me off), he was determined to keep it professional and deny his growing feelings for her. What I liked about this story is 75% through this book Jillian decided she was in love with Nolan and could see how twisted he was making himself and she knew he loved her too. She decided to go after her man and not let him push her away. And during all of this someone is still trying to kill and I didn't know who it was till the end.....good book!
Nolan is 3 months out of the army and doing nothing, but hanging out and getting drunk, trying to drown out his guilty feelings about not being there for his buddies. He is closed up and dead inside and nothing and no one can reach him, until his family decides to draft him into helping them out with their security business. Jillian is a reporter and he very rich father hires a bodyguard to protect her. Jillian doesn't like the idea at all.
This book kept in captivated, despite I could have used a little more hot steamy action between them. Nolan was forever pushing Jillian away, convinced she was too good for him and he was just to f*cked up. He was rude and mean to her (which pissed me off), he was determined to keep it professional and deny his growing feelings for her. What I liked about this story is 75% through this book Jillian decided she was in love with Nolan and could see how twisted he was making himself and she knew he loved her too. She decided to go after her man and not let him push her away. And during all of this someone is still trying to kill and I didn't know who it was till the end.....good book!
February 25, 2017
2 - 2.5 stars.
I might be in the minority for this, but I didn't really connect to the book nor the characters all that much. I like my RS books with some intensity in build up and development but it fell rather flat here.
Jillian Kincaid has been receiving death threats at home and at work. She doesn't think she needs a bodyguard. To see that she's protected, her father hires E.D.E.N. Security to keep her safe. Nolan Garrett is tasked with the duty, and to show how vulnerable she is, he breaks into her building.
The beginning was intriguing enough, but it just tapered off, and didn't pick up much speed towards the end. There were lots of sexual tension between Jillian and Nolan, but it ran hot and cold, which got old really quickly. By the time they do get together, I lost my interest. This book also had one of my pet peeves, where the hero names his anatomy. I rolled my eyes each time it was mentioned.
I might have had higher expectations considering it got some decent reviews but this one wasn't for me. I'll give the other books a chance however, hopefully, it improves from here.
I might be in the minority for this, but I didn't really connect to the book nor the characters all that much. I like my RS books with some intensity in build up and development but it fell rather flat here.
Jillian Kincaid has been receiving death threats at home and at work. She doesn't think she needs a bodyguard. To see that she's protected, her father hires E.D.E.N. Security to keep her safe. Nolan Garrett is tasked with the duty, and to show how vulnerable she is, he breaks into her building.
The beginning was intriguing enough, but it just tapered off, and didn't pick up much speed towards the end. There were lots of sexual tension between Jillian and Nolan, but it ran hot and cold, which got old really quickly. By the time they do get together, I lost my interest. This book also had one of my pet peeves, where the hero names his anatomy. I rolled my eyes each time it was mentioned.
I might have had higher expectations considering it got some decent reviews but this one wasn't for me. I'll give the other books a chance however, hopefully, it improves from here.
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