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First Date
Preventative Wellness goes wrong in this novella from bestselling author Thomas A. Watson! Barron Towers is a state of the art building, home to retail stores and offices, with one dangerous quirk: absolutely no weapons allowed. With tighter security than an airport, Barron Towers is designed to be locked down in an emergency, but no one planned for the undead.
As the security expert for Secure Computer Connections, Daniel is responsible for uncovering threats and protecting the bottom line of the technology company, without a single weapon to call his own. Having finally won the right to take Ginger, a hot programmer with SCC, out to dinner, Daniel is looking forward to their date when the dead start to rise.
Trapped on the 7th floor, without a single firearm, Daniel and Ginger must use their wiles to fight their way to freedom. As the undead swarm, will Daniel and Ginger’s First Date end before it even begins?
As the security expert for Secure Computer Connections, Daniel is responsible for uncovering threats and protecting the bottom line of the technology company, without a single weapon to call his own. Having finally won the right to take Ginger, a hot programmer with SCC, out to dinner, Daniel is looking forward to their date when the dead start to rise.
Trapped on the 7th floor, without a single firearm, Daniel and Ginger must use their wiles to fight their way to freedom. As the undead swarm, will Daniel and Ginger’s First Date end before it even begins?
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2016
18 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Thomas A. Watson
54 books208 followers Thomas A Watson was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, in 1970, and grew up in Doyline, Louisiana and Grenada, Mississippi. He was the assistant manager of W.C. Plastics in Grenada Mississippi for several years before joining the U.S Army, he was stationed at Bad Hersfeld, Germany. After serving fours years in the Army, he returned to W.C. Plastics where he was the acting manager for four years.
He attended Holmes Community College in the evenings while working at W.C Plastics, taking core classes. He moved back to Bossier City area to be closer to his and his wife's family and attended Northwestern State University in Shreveport, Louisiana, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working 10 years as an emergency room nurse in and around Shreveport, he and his wife and two children, moved to Missoula, Montana.
Watson, meet his wife Tina in Grenada, Mississippi, they will celebrate 25 years of marriage in May of 2015. They have three children, Nicholas, Khristian and Phillip. Watson, penned his first book in January of 2012, after moving to Missoula, Montana. His parents, Larry Watson and Kay Boykin, instilled the love of reading at a very early age. He has read and enjoyed most genres. His first published book Blue Plague: The Fall was released on Amazon and Createspace in August 2012.
Watson, signed a publishing contract with Winlock Press a division of Permuted Press in December of 2014. His Blue Plague series and Dark Titan series will be re-released in 2015 under Winlock Press.
Also in 2015 from Amazon self-publishing, his newest Thanos: Dawn of Man, a fantasy series.
He attended Holmes Community College in the evenings while working at W.C Plastics, taking core classes. He moved back to Bossier City area to be closer to his and his wife's family and attended Northwestern State University in Shreveport, Louisiana, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working 10 years as an emergency room nurse in and around Shreveport, he and his wife and two children, moved to Missoula, Montana.
Watson, meet his wife Tina in Grenada, Mississippi, they will celebrate 25 years of marriage in May of 2015. They have three children, Nicholas, Khristian and Phillip. Watson, penned his first book in January of 2012, after moving to Missoula, Montana. His parents, Larry Watson and Kay Boykin, instilled the love of reading at a very early age. He has read and enjoyed most genres. His first published book Blue Plague: The Fall was released on Amazon and Createspace in August 2012.
Watson, signed a publishing contract with Winlock Press a division of Permuted Press in December of 2014. His Blue Plague series and Dark Titan series will be re-released in 2015 under Winlock Press.
Also in 2015 from Amazon self-publishing, his newest Thanos: Dawn of Man, a fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 17, 2017
This was the first book I read from this Author Thomas Watson. I like his style and he had a well developed story and interesting characters,My fave of which were Daniel,Ginger & Malix. It was a nice breezy story not bogged down with tons of conflict. That was a nice change for a Zpoc book. These were people trying to get out of a secure building full of the sick & dead, they had challenges and it is never easy to get a group of people onto the same page. They went over the rout and what each persons job would be before leaving the office. Some books over do the conflict & strife angle. This was also a quick read. I will be on the lookout for more of his books.
May 7, 2017
NO DISAPPOINTMENT HERE. ANOTHER GREAT READ!
Tom Watson just doesn't write a bad book and couldn't if he tried. Loved this Novella "First Date" from the start as Daniel and Ginger seem to be just right for each other, but here's hoping that they even have a chance to find that out. As a Zombie Apocalypse can ruin anything, even a "First Date". Seeing as I've read Thomas A. Watson's "Blue Plague" Series, which was awesome, I decided to check this book out and it was great. I was not disappointed with this Novella and I don't believe you will be either. Another great read.
Tom Watson just doesn't write a bad book and couldn't if he tried. Loved this Novella "First Date" from the start as Daniel and Ginger seem to be just right for each other, but here's hoping that they even have a chance to find that out. As a Zombie Apocalypse can ruin anything, even a "First Date". Seeing as I've read Thomas A. Watson's "Blue Plague" Series, which was awesome, I decided to check this book out and it was great. I was not disappointed with this Novella and I don't believe you will be either. Another great read.
December 11, 2019
Tommy hits a new first for him - a fantastic, heart pounding, thrilling novella with a great hero Dan, Ginger his heroine and lots of non stop action. Oh, and of course scary crazed people all stuck in a high rise office without a gun in sight. Notice, I did not say weapons since weapons abound all around them; they just have to make them. Please Tommy, expand this story, it's great and Dan and Ginger deserve lots more words. Loved it.
March 27, 2021
Great read
Great story my only complaint is I wish it was One of a series of three. From the first chapter the action was non stop. The characters are engaging and you quickly become invested in them.
Great story my only complaint is I wish it was One of a series of three. From the first chapter the action was non stop. The characters are engaging and you quickly become invested in them.
November 21, 2019
Great little novella.
I'd love to see more of this story! I'll read anything Watson writes. Great start to what could be an awesome story.
I'd love to see more of this story! I'll read anything Watson writes. Great start to what could be an awesome story.
June 28, 2020
Awesome read!!!
Great book!!Of course all of Thomas Watson's books are and I love the Dark Titians series !! I have not read a book of his that I haven't loved.
Great book!!Of course all of Thomas Watson's books are and I love the Dark Titians series !! I have not read a book of his that I haven't loved.
September 20, 2020
Fabulous short story!
I am so sad that this is a short story. I wish there was more to it because it was so good!
I am so sad that this is a short story. I wish there was more to it because it was so good!
October 15, 2020
A nice short read, lots of fun. Great for a bad weather day or a sick day read. I want to meet the guy who does not want his first date to be like this !!! LOL
February 7, 2023
outstanding
Still do not comprehend how Amazon does not promote this author , I have read ALL of his books, not one has disappointed …
Still do not comprehend how Amazon does not promote this author , I have read ALL of his books, not one has disappointed …
June 3, 2025
A horror start to a First Date
The horror starts as Daniel & Ginger look forward to their first date after work but world turns to shit. This would be a great start to a series 😉
The horror starts as Daniel & Ginger look forward to their first date after work but world turns to shit. This would be a great start to a series 😉
June 22, 2025
Great read
Non stop action! Thomas Watson is a favorite of mine. I purchase his books and re-read them...Would recommend. Great author.
Non stop action! Thomas Watson is a favorite of mine. I purchase his books and re-read them...Would recommend. Great author.
July 29, 2016
McGiver vs Zombies
I picked it up because it looked interesting and I was not disappointed. And the title is basically what it seems. Daniel is ex military hired to work security in a building complex that is state of the art but does not allow any weapons on its premises. While he might not like it, the money offered was more than he was willing to pass up. But his job as security is not the physical kind since his specialty is cyber security or anything else that might interfere with job performance of the company. And to his delight, he has found a woman that likes to do many of the activities he does; Hiking, camping, has her own motorcycle and is a Krav Maga expert. He likes the outdoors and so does she and is not in the least intimidated by her physical toughness, indeed, he enjoys her spirit. And they are finally going on a first date. Then the zombie apocalypse happens in one of the most cliche manners there is; the flue shot. I had to smile at that since it has been done before. But as the zombies or SP's (sick people) begin to attack, he and several people, including Ginger, his date to be, are trapped in the building that has locked down and he has no weapons. Or rather the traditional kind.Their fight to survive is as expected, brutal and some of those that managed to survive locked in the break room unfortunately fall victim to those that are infected by the flu shot. From there, Daniel must find a way to get out of the room, help as many people as possible although he is more concerned with his and Ginger's life. Together they manage to get to a safe area, make weapons out of ordinary, some everyday items and many of them are ingenious. I immediately thought of McGiver (lol) and he does go into detail about making them. Now Daniel is not the most altruistic of heros and as he explains to Ginger they can't save everyone and those that can't fight or save themselves can and will get them killed. He does agree to help them get out of the building and after that it's every man or woman for themselves. Is it is harsh, sure but reality bites and in this case so do zombies. And he is still determined to have that first date with Ginger. It is a short story you can read easily. My only grip is there does not seem to be a second book in the works which is too bad because I really would like to see Daniel and Ginger's character explored. And then there are those he does help out of the building. Three friends, computer geeks he has named Larry, Curly and Mo. Then there is Teresa, another employee working on the same floor as Daniel and Ginger and who likes Daniel and was disappointed she could not get a date with him. While she might have dissolved into tears any hysterics, getting to her children has become her priority and is now showing a backbone. Holly, a teenage intern and Malik also a security expert who is determined to make it back to his wife and infant son. Individual stories in the Zombie apocalypse would make a very interesting anthology. Here's hoping that this is not the end but the beginning for more short novellas by Mr. Watson in this Zom-poc. Either way it is worth the read.
I picked it up because it looked interesting and I was not disappointed. And the title is basically what it seems. Daniel is ex military hired to work security in a building complex that is state of the art but does not allow any weapons on its premises. While he might not like it, the money offered was more than he was willing to pass up. But his job as security is not the physical kind since his specialty is cyber security or anything else that might interfere with job performance of the company. And to his delight, he has found a woman that likes to do many of the activities he does; Hiking, camping, has her own motorcycle and is a Krav Maga expert. He likes the outdoors and so does she and is not in the least intimidated by her physical toughness, indeed, he enjoys her spirit. And they are finally going on a first date. Then the zombie apocalypse happens in one of the most cliche manners there is; the flue shot. I had to smile at that since it has been done before. But as the zombies or SP's (sick people) begin to attack, he and several people, including Ginger, his date to be, are trapped in the building that has locked down and he has no weapons. Or rather the traditional kind.Their fight to survive is as expected, brutal and some of those that managed to survive locked in the break room unfortunately fall victim to those that are infected by the flu shot. From there, Daniel must find a way to get out of the room, help as many people as possible although he is more concerned with his and Ginger's life. Together they manage to get to a safe area, make weapons out of ordinary, some everyday items and many of them are ingenious. I immediately thought of McGiver (lol) and he does go into detail about making them. Now Daniel is not the most altruistic of heros and as he explains to Ginger they can't save everyone and those that can't fight or save themselves can and will get them killed. He does agree to help them get out of the building and after that it's every man or woman for themselves. Is it is harsh, sure but reality bites and in this case so do zombies. And he is still determined to have that first date with Ginger. It is a short story you can read easily. My only grip is there does not seem to be a second book in the works which is too bad because I really would like to see Daniel and Ginger's character explored. And then there are those he does help out of the building. Three friends, computer geeks he has named Larry, Curly and Mo. Then there is Teresa, another employee working on the same floor as Daniel and Ginger and who likes Daniel and was disappointed she could not get a date with him. While she might have dissolved into tears any hysterics, getting to her children has become her priority and is now showing a backbone. Holly, a teenage intern and Malik also a security expert who is determined to make it back to his wife and infant son. Individual stories in the Zombie apocalypse would make a very interesting anthology. Here's hoping that this is not the end but the beginning for more short novellas by Mr. Watson in this Zom-poc. Either way it is worth the read.
Read
July 24, 2016First Date is a novella with a whole lot of excitement packed into it! From the start I was dragged into this story and not let go until I finished that last page which came way to soon! The action is unstopping, the characters are believable and the situation…well…as a reader of many zombie stories, this is a believable way to start a zombie apocalypse. I am so hoping that this is the beginning of a new series by Mr. Watson or at least a trilogy. I know there is so much left of this story to be told and I for one want to read it! Do not hesitate to buy this story and enjoy a well written…engrossing and truly entertaining tale of a first date from hell!
September 29, 2016
'First Date' was exactly that. Two co-workers looking forward to an evening together, but are delayed from their plans by a pesky hassle. Well, I say 'hassle' but actually mean a full blown zombie apocalypse...
At least they're sealed in a building that expressly does not allow firearms. Oh wait....when other employees start to turn, you can clearly see how blatantly stupid that rule really is....
Mr. Watson takes a spontaneous zombie outbreak and injects it full of action, humor and even a little sexual tension! A great short read with funny and vivid characters. Well done!
At least they're sealed in a building that expressly does not allow firearms. Oh wait....when other employees start to turn, you can clearly see how blatantly stupid that rule really is....
Mr. Watson takes a spontaneous zombie outbreak and injects it full of action, humor and even a little sexual tension! A great short read with funny and vivid characters. Well done!
July 25, 2016
Another Winner
Thomas A. Watson never disappoints! Have read every book he's written multiple times. I love the way he injects humor and romance into a zombie apocalypse. I highly recommend each and every book he's written, you'll have a great time.
Thomas A. Watson never disappoints! Have read every book he's written multiple times. I love the way he injects humor and romance into a zombie apocalypse. I highly recommend each and every book he's written, you'll have a great time.
August 13, 2016
ACTION!
This is a novella with a lot of action and adventure. Daniel and Ginger are a great couple together with the group that is with them the action never stops. Hopefully there will be a follow up but an interesting first date!
This is a novella with a lot of action and adventure. Daniel and Ginger are a great couple together with the group that is with them the action never stops. Hopefully there will be a follow up but an interesting first date!
January 11, 2021
Excellent start
I can't wait for this story to be expanded. Thomas Watson has a unique and way of drawing a person into a story. Leaving them wanting more.
I can't wait for this story to be expanded. Thomas Watson has a unique and way of drawing a person into a story. Leaving them wanting more.
July 25, 2016
Wow! That was thrilling! I hardly had time to breath while I read this book in one sitting! Thomas Watson never disappoints! Highly Recommended!!!
July 28, 2016
Great read
Give us more! I love it when you write about Rangers. Daniel and Ginger not seem like a great story line, can't waiting first book.
Give us more! I love it when you write about Rangers. Daniel and Ginger not seem like a great story line, can't waiting first book.
June 14, 2024
First date
Ready for a first date? Well let's survive some zombies first. I loved this novella and really want more of this story!
Ready for a first date? Well let's survive some zombies first. I loved this novella and really want more of this story!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews