She must choose between the man who represents the law and the one who may have taken it into his own hands. Neglected by her parents for most of her life, Nicole Hunter keeps everyone, especially men, at arms’ length. So when Attorney Gage Kelly walks into the diner where she is waiting tables one evening, she fights her attraction to him with everything she has.
Gage and his brother Holden grew up in an abusive home, and Gage has baggage of his own. But the connection between him and Nicole is too strong to ignore, and Gage manages to convince them both that their relationship is worth the risk. Then children begin disappearing in the night.
When Detective Daniel Grey starts to close in on the child snatcher, and enlists Nicole’s help, she faces her deepest fear. Everything and everyone she has clung to so tightly could be ripped from her, leaving her completely alone.
Sara Davison is the author of numerous romantic suspense series, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better and subscribe to her short, monthly newsletter at www.ontheedgesuspense.com
I’m so conflicted about this story! The basic premise was engaging, and while I’m not sure I like where the author took the story, it was thought-provoking, which seems to have been the author’s intent. But I really struggled with the main characters and the love triangle, and in some ways that overshadowed the rest.
For starters, both of the male love interests came across as pushy and even a little stalkerish in their initial interactions with Nicole. Nicole recognises as much herself and has a conversation with at least one of them to that effect, but it doesn’t stop her from inviting them into her apartment (individually) when she knows almost nothing about them. She even tells herself “This is a bad idea” as she’s letting them in! It laid the foundation for a wishy-washy heroine, something that was only reinforced by the love triangle.
I should preface this by saying that I’m not against love triangles. I’ve read and enjoyed books that have used this conflict well. But neither of these relationships felt convincing to me on their own, so to use them as the basis of a love triangle only cemented my impression of the heroine as wishy-washy. With Gage, there is a bit of a rapport built up in their initial interactions, but they never really got to know each other, so the foundation was missing. With Daniel, there wasn’t even a rapport. He claims to have fallen in love with Nicole despite having spent very little time in her company, and the time he has spent hasn’t exactly been positive on her side—which makes Nicole’s attraction to him even less convincing.
I can’t say much about the rest of the plot without giving away spoilers, but as I said at the beginning, I was uncomfortable with the direction the author took the story, thought-provoking though it was. That said, it seems that this story will continue into a second book, at least, and I’m interested in seeing what the author does with it. I’ve had it happen in the past that I go on to enjoy a series despite being disappointed in the first book, so I’m not prepared to write this series off just yet.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I wish I could give this book 10 stars or more!! This was such a good book that I stayed up til 3 am last night to try and finish it. But, alas I didn't make it. I had to finish it this morning. Man!!! A question I kept asking myself was Why? Why does God allow certain things to happen? The simple answer I believe is, so we'd come to Him and cast all our cares onto to Him. Sounds easy doesn't it? But, alas being the ornery humans that we are we think we can do it all on our own!! I think this is where pride goeth before a fall so to speak. As I read this book I can tell that the author's heart and soul was all out in this book the way the characters were well thought out including the supporting characters. Such strong ones too!! Of course I fell in love with Gage and Holden both. I love them because of their willingness to help others and being met with "blocks" which only strengthens their determination. And keeping their faith in God too. That's definitely a big plus for me. It often amazes me how these authors come out with a story line and make it seem real to us readers. This is definitely different from what I am used to reading but I loved it. I like expanding outside my reading preferences!! I never know where God will lead me to read or where I will travel next. This story has made ever so thankful for the parents who raised me. My mom was the best friend a girl could have until she got sick with her diabetes. Y'all will need some tissues for this book and there's a very big surprise at the end. I received a complimentary copy of this book with no compensations and all opinions are my own!!
Vigilant was a story that challenged my thoughts on whether two wrongs ever made a right. Of course in my head, I know they don't. But when the right thing is to leave a child in a home where abuse happens on a daily basis...you see my dilemma. Davidson addresses this very well and even has her detective in the story questioning it.
The story, with three engaging protagonists, moves at a fast pace and keeps the reader turning pages to see the outcome. And the ending came with a twist I wasn't expecting. I thoroughly enjoyed (although enjoyed might not be the correct word) the story and couldn't put it down. I've already ordered the next book in the series, Guarded. I'll write a review of it as soon as I'm finished!
The premise of this book of how far would one go to do what they feel is right even if outside the law is a great one. That aspect of the novel was superb.
The romances, however, were a challenge for me to connect with. The two men being attracted to the main female character, Nicole, almost immediately seemed less than realistic.
I have very much enjoyed other novels by the author and will continue the series.
Sara Davison’s latest release walks some lines that will be hard to stomach for some readers, but it will make you think and consider where the line is that might make you do something that, while it’s not right by society’s standards or those of the law, doing nothing just isn’t an option.
In Vigilant, that line is drawn in situations where children are being abused but not taken from the homes where the abuse is occurring. Daniel Grey is the detective investigating the abductions and thinking outside the box leads him to two possible suspects. I will say, Davison did an excellent job of keeping me guessing which of the two was truly responsible until three-quarters of the way through the book when she reveals it to the reader.
There is a love triangle plot in this as well, which didn’t quite work for me. Everything happened too fast, and if Nicole was uncertain about her relationship with Gage after her time with Daniel, her solution to that was completely not the right one. Really, there was only one way that resolution could go to semi-satisfy readers.
If you’re looking for a read that will make you examine your convictions, Vigilant delivers. I’m very interested to see where Davison takes us in book two of the series.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Highly recommend this book. This book will pull you in and make you forget everything going on around you. And this book will cause you to put yourself on the shoes of the main characters and ask yourself what would you do in their position.
In this story you will meet 2 brothers who have survived something no child should ever face, a woman who wonders if love is in the cards for her and a police detective seeking to solve a series of child abductions. How will their lives interact, get a copy of this book and find out.
I love how this story makes you think. I love how God is a key part of the characters lives. I love how this story addresses the tough subject of child abuse and the challenges faced by the agencies who should be able to protect them.
4.5 stars for this excellent romantic suspense novel by Sara Davison! The story of this one sucked me in so thoroughly I had some real trouble setting this one down. As a CASA, the plight of abused children is near and dear to my heart, so the story line of this one where children in those situations are being abducted hit close. And trying to see what would happen had me turning pages quickly. Though I rounded up for the star rating, I call this one 4.5 stars because the romance element/love triangle was not my favorite and I struggled with the "struggle" Nicole was having. But the story, the characters and the suspense element outshined that aspect. Though the story itself tied up nicely, I am anxious to catch the rest of the series!
This story was so well-written with the interwoven storylines and the overlapping paths of the characters. I legitimately cried more than once at the atrocities some children endure and the heartache trauma can cause as well as the joy found in being kind to a well-worn stranger.
This was such a beautiful book in so many ways. It begs the reader to ask the hard questions about whether moral law should trump the law of the land and when doing the "wrong" thing might actually be "right". There were some truly thought provoking moments throughout. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Children have been being taken in the night and no one can figure out why. Detective Daniel Grey and his partner Sharleen Roberts are left with few clues or leads to follow much to the frustration of their commander. Whoever is targetting these kids seems to know exactly what they are doing until one night they received a 911 call that could be their big break. But not all breaks prove helpful if they can't bring the pieces of this puzzle together.
Nicole Hunter keeps people at a distance it is the only way she can avoid disappointment when they let her down which they always do. Her parents are a perfect example of this always bailing out of any planned get-together. It's been years since she's seen them and phone calls are brief affairs that leave her wishing for more. She has no desire to find a man to mess up what she has but Gage Kelly isn't about to be deterred. He sees something in Nicole that he can understand - a deep seeded pain that has become part of who she is. Nicole is someone he's not about to give up on not when he feels the way he does about her.
The first few chapters introduce the reader to the characters (it is a bit confusing at first but once it gets into the story it clears up). When the characters start having their lives intersect it gets quite interesting as it moves towards the climatic conclusion.
This book focuses on children that are caught in a repeating cycle of abuse and those who try to work within the bounds of the law that can't always protect them. But if you could do something when the law fails would you risk everything to protect these young victims? That is what Vigilant asks some of its characters. Overall this a well-written, well-paced book that fans of romantic suspense - especially the Love Inspired Suspense type reads will enjoy.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
This is a new to me author and I am now a fan. This story has so many twists and is a real nail biter. I loved all the characters and especially Nicole, Gage and Daniel. It will really get to your emotions as you think about all the mistreated and abused children that are suffering and it seems the courts doesn't do anything for them. This will have you twisted with what is right and what is wrong in some situations. Thank you MS Davison for this story.
Wow! This was such an amazing book. *warning to readers that child abuse is the topic of this story*
Such an intense story. I was confused a little in the beginning of the story. Thankfully it's explained as you go further into the story, but it took a little while. It makes sense (the confusion) once everything is explained.
The way the characters are intertwined is very interesting. One I'm not used to. I don't run into may stories where the main character is truly drawn deeply to two men at the same time. At least not written in a way that the reader doesn't know who to root for.
Also, the idea of this story, children being kidnapped from homes where the abuse is horrific and put into good, healthy homes certainly makes the reader battle with what's "right". Kidnapping is wrong and children being put back into dangerous, abusive homes is wrong. Would we make the same choice as the people in the network?
Nicole is an innocent woman who meets Gage, an attorney, in the diner she works at. He breaks through her barriers and touches her heart. He and his brother Holden grew up in a violent home. Not long after she also meets Daniel, a detective. Daniel is trying to find out who is doing these kidnappings.
It's all a tangled mess and there just can't be any winners when the answers begin to come to light. I'm already looking forward to Guarded, the second book in the story.
As for the narrator, I really liked him. He did good voices and this is the first time I've experienced hearing phone calls. They had different sounds and it was kind of cool.
Intriguing and thought-provoking, Sara Davison’s Vigilant grapples with child abuse and abduction. As the characters search for answers, I got lost in the suspense of it, wondering which suspect held the responsibility.
However, while I enjoyed the overall storyline, I couldn’t get on board with the love triangle. I’m not a fan of the trope—but I have read books where I don’t mind it. In Vigilant, neither Nicole Hunter’s relationship with Gage Kelly nor the one with Daniel Grey feels developed enough to warrant the conflicting emotions. And as Nicole makes some questionable decisions, I just couldn’t root for her with these romances.
Still, I enjoyed Vigilant enough that now, I’m curious to see where the Night Guardians series goes next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last! I really enjoyed this whole story. It left me with the impression that not everything is black and white. It also left me asking myself what would I do if I was in this situation. I think she did a great job with this book. I really enjoyed the characters and seeing a glimpse into their lives. I’m looking forward to reading the best book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Vigilant is the second novel I’ve read by author Sara Davison and I loved it. The story starts off with two little boys swearing to protect each other right before their drunk father comes home and hurts their mother before turning on them next. The driving storyline includes cases of abuse and neglected children.
Two of the main characters are directly involved in the justice system trying to protect the victim children. Gage is a lawyer who works in domestic affairs, he is overheard threatening a mother who fails to protect her children from her abusive significant other after she refuses to press charges. Gage's brother, Holden works in child services as a social worker. Holden removes children from unfit homes and tries to educate the guardians for reunification.
Daniel Grey, the other main character, is a cop trying to stop a string of child abductions. The criminal's MO has been taking a sleeping child out of their bed in the middle of the night without alerting their parents of the abduction. All of the abducted children have active cases with child services.
Nicole is a hardworking waitress at a popular local diner and the love interest making the story a romantic suspense. Gage came in with his brother for breakfast and instantly fell in love with the girl not instantly charmed. Daniel has a similar reaction. Being in a central location and privy to overhearing customer conversations, Nicole is uniquely positioned to help with the child abduction case, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.
My heart really felt for the unknown children the characters talked about and I sympathized with the inadequacy to do anything about it. Children are innocent and things that happen to us when we are young can have a lasting effect on the rest of our lives. For Nicole, being abandoned by her parents meant she didn't easily trust or let people in. For Gage, being abused as a child he suffered from bouts of depression that weren't always easy to overcome.
I don't think this book needed to be a romantic suspense. The romance in the storyline doesn't really have anything to do with the story and could've been taken out completely. I understand Nicole brings the guys in the same circle but their jobs did that for them first. I'm not opposed to love, and I did like that Gage insisted on being married before any kind of sexual activity but it felt rushed and forced.
I received a copy of this novel from a blog tour. All opinions are my own, any review is voluntary
"Vigilant" is my first opportunity to read Davison's work and I was pleasantly surprised! Davison is a Canadian author who does a great job exploring ethical dilemmas with this affecting read. The storyline follows several main characters: Daniel, a policeman investigating a rash of recent child abductions, Nicole, the female heroine caught in the middle, and brothers Gage and Holden Kelly, who survived a devastating childhood and now work for the good of their communities. The question that begs an answer is this: are the children being abducted for nefarious reasons, or are they being saved from a much worse fate?
There are many complexities that draw a group of seemingly unconnected people into a de-facto family situation. I loved the characters Connie and Joe, who support and encourage Nicole throughout the story. The characters' faith is also apparent and discussed, even in delicate situations. Nicole must also confront the challenge of choosing between two very different men who could alter the course of her life.
While the themes examined in the book are difficult (abuse, foster care, child abductions), the author does a great job of tying up loose ends and putting the reader in a position that gives them pause to think: What would I do if I had the power to create real change in a hopeless situation? Is it right to take matters into our own hands? Or should we, as Christians, put our faith in a broken system and pray that God intervenes?
The characters have depth, were well written and are ones that I will remember long after the book ends. I was also thankful for the preview of the next offering in the series. Really glad I took a chance to read a new to me author. If you are a fan of CSI, Blue Bloods or Law and Order SVU, this book is for you. The law enforcement aspect of the book was interesting, as you can see the similarities and the contrasts of how Canadian and American officers work. Can't wait for the next book!
I got to be an early reader of "Vigilant,"thanks to Mountain Brook Ink. I chose to leave a review and all opinions are my own.
I'll be candid with you. I almost stopped reading Vigilant about a quarter of the way through. Up until that point, I was getting squirmy, fearful of the direction I thought it was heading. Starting with the account of children who were abused (not in detail but enough that I knew what happened), and with the telling of the one snatching children away in the night. I wasn't sure I was going to like what was coming next.
I decided to give it a little more time and I'm glad I did. Not that it became an easier story - the subject matter didn't change. What changed was my perspective. As more of the picture was being revealed I realized this is not as much a story of good versus evil. It was more about choices and the question of whether it is ever right to do wrong to achieve the right outcome. That still makes me squirm but in a different way.
Author Sara Davison showed the perspectives of several of the characters in such a way that I knew what was going on and what motivated them, yet the identity of a key person was masked. Several backstories were partially revealed until much further in the story, allowing for more mystery.
The characters were intriguing and the men involved in the love triangle were so charming and lovable, I was quite torn between the outcome I wanted for Nicole. I had a feeling I knew the direction things were going and ended up being right yet I wouldn't say that the story was predictable.
While I do not recommend this for younger readers, if you are okay reading about child abuse, handled in a sensitive manner, and enjoy romantic suspense, you should consider adding Vigilant to your library. Read my full review at at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Vigilant is one of those novels that will make its reader think and then probably think some more! Not only is it a well-written nail-biter with a touch of romance but it brings up some very disquieting questions about how far a Christian should go to help the weak and powerless. Should we obey the law without question or are there times when civil disobedience is necessary?
In Vigilant these are some of the questions certain characters must ask themselves when children begin to disappear from their homes. Two brothers who were victims of terrible abuse as children have become advocates for children in similar circumstances but often find their hands tied by the system. A detective and his partner find themselves working overtime attempting to solve the case of the disappearing children. As their paths cross and two of the men fall in love with the same woman, things get a bit complicated.
I enjoyed this book although it was at times difficult to read, especially the incidents of child abuse even though those scenes were not as graphic as they could have been. I was not overly fond of the romantic aspect that involved a love triangle. None of the relationships were developed as well as I would have liked and Nicole was irritatingly indecisive about Gage and Daniel. I felt like she rushed into things without thinking it through. Other than that, the story was very strong with plenty of action and suspense to keep it moving along.
I did not reach any clear conclusions about the questions raised but I do agree that they are legitimate ones. Now that I have rambled somewhat aimlessly, I would recommend this book if you don’t mind a challenge on exactly what your Christian responsibilities should be and where you should draw the line.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustRead Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
It seems that I’ve been missing out...Vigilant is the first novel I’ve read by author Sara Davison and I loved it. An excellent suspense author, Davison is skilled at creating a storyline that keeps the reader entrenched and reading well into the wee hours of the morn.
Nicole Hunter works in a small diner, she keeps to herself and her only friends are the owners of the diner, a older couple who show her the love and acceptance lacking in her growing up years.
Gage and Holden Kelly, one an attorney, the other a social services worker; both work in child and family affairs, a system that is draining to many.
When Gage shows up at the diner one evening, Nicole tries to ignore the sparks between them, unsuccessfully. A intense relationship develops quickly, leaving Nicole in a state of breathlessness and uncertainty.
When children mysteriously begin to disappear from their beds in the middle of the night, Detective Daniel Grey is assigned to the case. As the detective and his partner slowly gathered and put together the pieces of the puzzle, more children disappear.
The diner is popular and many of its customers are regulars from the neighborhood and beyond. The handsome Detective Grey figures the diner just might be a good place to learn something about the disappearance of the children. He enlists Nicole to listen and watch for potential information, anything that will stop another child from disappearing into the night. Nicole agrees but as yet another child disappears, something tells Nicole that something is very, very wrong and her help is integral to solving the disappearances, at the risk of her own heart.
I highly recommend Vigilant; it’s subject matter is timely and the novel so well written.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
Vigilant by Sara Davison was my first read/listen by this author but it definitely won't be my last! I'm so glad I took a chance on this book since even though it's not a genre I usually read, I was completely hooked and couldn't let go of it!
Yes, there's a love triangle, (and I'm usually not a fan of those) but the way the author wrote it was so skillful I couldn't help but look forward to each of the "meet-cutes". Nicole Hunter definitely made for an interesting main character, and I really wanted to give her a hug (not that she'd let me, lol) thanks to everything she's been through. And while, yes, some of her decisions are at odds with what we're led to believe about her character from the beginning, I still wanted to see where this story would take her. As for Gage Kelly and Detective Daniel Grey (the love interests), while it's true that I preferred one to the other, I still enjoyed the fact that we got both their POVs since that definitely enriched the experience. I also didn't saw coming some of the twists present in this book, so a shout out to the author for creating such a compelling story. I can't wait to read the sequel!
As for the narrator, while it's true that he's the second male narrator I've ever listened to, and his female voices took me a bit to get used to, he still managed to bring every single character to life, as well as hit pretty much most of the nuances and inflections stated in the story. Side note: I've always wondered about the gasps and sighs that most authors write but which most narrators just read (but don't act). In this case, I didn't have to wonder anymore and ended up liking them for the most part (they just make the characters more real, you know?).
So, if you're a fan of the Christian Romantic Suspense genre, and/or you're looking for a thought-provoking read, I'd definitely recommend this book. ~ 4.5 stars
As the story unfolded, I began questioning the connection between two brothers suffering at the hands of an abusive father, a young woman working for a great older couple in their café, and a police detective visiting the grave of his mother. Now I probably have readers of this review wondering where I am going with this. Interestingly, the author keeps laying the groundwork, just like a quilter working on the underside of a quilt to bring the pieces together. Soon she turns it over and an exciting story is emerging. By this point, I did not want to put the book down because I had been pulled into the lives of the leading characters and wanted to see how this would all turn out. Using suspense, romance, faith, and intrigue, the story delves into a subject that should stir the sensibilities of every reader. Focusing briefly on the police detective and his partner, their current case is to find the persons who are kidnapping young children from their beds and vanishing without a trace. I believe other readers will be caught up just as I was with the struggle between good and evil. Or could it be a struggle between evil and a greater evil? You have to draw your own conclusions as you read the story. I must add that a few of the characters, like Joe and Connie at the café and Daniel’s father, seemed to be the kind of people I would love to know personally; but certain others would be the last people I would ever want to meet. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
My Thoughts: Wow! Just wow. I really enjoyed this book. And reading the end just makes me want the next book in the series now. It’s that good. Okay so let’s chat about the actual book and why I liked it so much.
This book focuses on some hard topics. Those are child abuse/neglect and the foster care system. We all know that foster care parents get a bad rap most of the time. People say they don’t care about the kids and only want the money. And sadly sometimes this is true. We also get told that child protective services just randomly takes kids away even if there are no grounds. While this might be true somewhere this is sadly not the case most often. Most often the case is that they can’t take away the child as they don’t have enough evidence or proof of what they know is going on.
With that all being said this book does talk about this. There is a crime ring, though can you really call it that when they are simply taking children from a bad situation and giving them loving parents who want to care for them? Can Daniel stop the crime ring or at least find out who is responsible?
Nicole Hunter is one of the primary characters. She herself was neglected as a child by her parents and now has some serious trust issues. Letting others in and trusting them not to abandon her is so hard for her. When she finally lets someone in she doesn’t want to risk losing them and may be blind to their faults.
When Nicole meets Gage she finds a kindred soul? Does she really love him or possibly sense the same brokenness in him that she has? Can they heal each other or simply make each other whole?
Gage and his brother Holden have a bond like no other. They were abused as children which cemented that they would always look out for each other. Holden has become a worker for Child Protective Services while Gage is a lawyer.
Guys. Wow. Again this is a great book. Really well written. I was drawn in thoroughly by the characters and could not get enough. This is one of those books that you can’t put down because you don’t want to miss anything! Not one thing. I am 100% ready for the next book in the series to come out. If you like mystery and suspense you’re going to love this book.
There is a teaser at the end of the next book to come in this series. It’s so good. I need that book like yesterday. Now I’m going to binge on this author as I’ve not read her works before and it’s definitely a new one for me to follow.
For me my favorite character was Daniel. I love the struggles he goes through and how he stands back to let events unfold that he really and truly would love to stop. He fights for justice and love. And even when he’s denied what he truly wants he still fights for right and good. While doing so he keeps an eye out on all he loves as well. He’s true. Cannot wait to read more about his story.
Oh and this book is set in Canada. Toronto to be exact. But they do mention the USA as the start of the crime ring!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I had a hard time getting into this story, and I think it was because I kept confusing it for another story I was reading at the same time! Gotta stop picking similar stories to read at the same time!
Nicole works in a diner with her favorite two people in the world. When a man comes in and shows interest in her, she's wary, but interested and she starts dating him - that's Gage. Gage is a lawyer who works for abused children and their families. His brother Holden works in social services trying to get the abused kids out of their homes and into somewhere safe - that doesn't always work. You see, Gage and Holden were horribly abused when they were kids, and one night it got so bad, well, you have to read the story to find out what happened, but it shaped their lives forever.
Then there is Detective Daniel. He is working on a case where quite a few children have been kidnapped from their abusive homes and they have never found them again. He suspects Gage or Holden of working with the group that is doing this. Unfortunately, the girl that he really likes is Nicole (and she actually has a thing for him too) is dating one of his suspects. But he has a secret himself that keeps him from pursuing anything with her and has to stand back and watch her fall in love with another man!
Wow, twists and turns - but clean. Thank you! Oh, there is one steamy scene that got a little bit uncomfortable, but other than that, it was clean.
This was my first read by Sara Davison and the premise had me instantly intrigued. I have some mixed emotions, but overall this was a book that made me think, and that’s something that I prize in a novel.
This book asked a very powerful question about just how far one would go to protect the helpless–even when that help is illegal. It was a deep ethical question that left my heart in a constant state of discomfort. I have always had a heart for foster care. Growing up, I had friends in foster care and am well aware that it’s a very broken system. Having said that, I still couldn’t bring myself to approve of the actions taken by the abductors. I couldn’t believe that if the cases were really as described, that the kids wouldn’t have already been removed. If they truly were real circumstances, then they would be a nightmare. I really wasn’t expecting my emotions to wrestle as much as they did while reading this. I struggled with what was realistic versus what was real for the characters. I say this as my own flaw, and not that of the writing–because if the cases were really truly real, I’m not sure how I would react myself.
Personally I was not a fan of the romance in this book. I have no problem admitting that I’m generally not a fan of the love triangle. Knowing that each of the characters were Christian going in, it really bothered me to see the triangle even develop (considering the first relationship was known up-front). Also, there was no time for a friendship to even begin before they were thrust into either a relationship or lustful emotions. I struggled to like Gage as a character initially because he came off too strongly and had seemingly no respect for boundaries. I never got to appreciate Daniel because he entered territory he should never have gone. I don’t want to spoil any content so I won’t give details, but I heavily struggled with the romance in this one.
Even though I had some mixed emotions, I’m still glad I picked this one up, and I’m curious where Sara Davison will go for the next in the series.
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Vigilant is book one of The Night Guardians series by author Sara Davison. Children are abducted, while romance is in the air. Will Daniel Grey be able to find the real suspect before more children are abducted?
Vigilant is a well-written suspense novel where I felt involved with the characters. I wanted to cry as Nicole Hunter read the letter from Joe. My favorite quote from the letter was: “I know you’ll miss me, as I will miss you, but we do not grieve without hope, do we, since we know that we will see each other again one day.” (p# 245)
Because of the delicate way the author handles the fragile scenes I give this gripping novel five stars. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I was given the opportunity to read and review this book, and went for it, because I am a huge fan of Christian suspense. This story, however went in an unexpected direction. I found a character that (I think) was supposed to be a good-guy doing questionable things. The one question that came up was (in my own words here...), "how far will you go to do something you believe in, is it ok to take the law in your own hands"? This question and how it is played out in this book...yes, it left me scratching my head. Is it ever right to do a wrong to do a right? I found the storyline as a whole to be intriguing, but didn't quite like how it all turned out. I don't want to give any spoilers, so won't say more than that. Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This is the first book that I have read from this author. I love when I can discover new authors. I will be looking for her previous books. This is book 1 in the Night Guardians Series. This book is one that I needed to read at this season in my life. I have found myself asking the same questions that were asked in the book. Why does God allow things to happen? This book was a great reminder that I need to cast all of my cares on him - for he loves us so much. More then we could love ourselves. Disclosure: This book does cover some hard topics such as child abuse.
This book feautured real, flawed, well written characters. They are relatable. The storyline draws you in within the first few moments. You will not want to put this book down once you start reading it.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book through the JustRead blogging program. All thoughts are my own.
Gage and Holden are brothers who grew up in an abusive home until the unthinkable happened. Nicole struggles with relationships due to her upbringing and lack of parenting from her parents. Daniel loves his job and is pressured by his sister to settle down and start a family.
There were some issues with the story that I struggled with - most of them being with the love triangle between Gage, Nicole, and Daniel. It seemed too pushy. Not enough time for them to really get to know one another. But the idea of saving abused children is engaging - and I'm not saying that how this book does that couldn't happen, but it doesn't seem very realistic.
Rating: PG-13 -physical abuse, sensitive topics, gun violence Language: clean with no actual swear words spoken but there were things like, "a few choice words", "swore softly" -implying profanity Recommend: yes
This story was thrilling and kept my undivided attention from beginning to end. I was a little disappointed with the lack of closure at the end of the story but was excited to learn that there will be another book continuing Nicole’s story. (There's a sneak peek of book 2 at the end of the ebook)
This story had lots of suspense and drama. There are some sensitive themes in this book like physical abuse and kidnapping but nothing graphic. I loved all the characters like Gage, Holden, Daniel, Nicole.
The authors note at the end is also worth reading. She asks readers two questions which are the core of the book and honestly I don't know how I would answer them. I really enjoyed this thought provoking story. I can’t wait to read book 2!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Wow! Vigilant (The Night Guardians, #!) by Sara Davison is a great book! It's an emotional read with an exciting story. A love triangle, missing children and trust issues. Nicole, the main character, was and still is neglected by her parents and has a difficult time with relationships. Gage is a lawyer she meets in the diner she works at. Then she meets Daniel, a police officer who asks for her cooperation on a case he is working on and there are definitely sparks flying. An exciting story with suspense, danger and romance. I enjoyed Sara's writing style and I can't wait to read the next story in this series.
I received a copy of the e-book from Sara Davison and all opinions are my own.