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Global Security Unlimited #1
At First Sight
At twenty-five, American graduate student Cressida Taylor lost control of her borrowed bicycle. She barreled into a tall, gorgeous undergraduate, Max Grant, on a busy Oxford street. Her skirt caught in the chain, Cress flew over the handlebars and landed on top of him. Assured that only his dignity was injured, she scurried away.
Twenty years later Cress has moved on from the embarrassment of her Oxford encounter. Now a successful author, she‘s been nominated for a prestigious writing award. Her career is threatened when a rival accuses her of plagiarism. When Max turns up at a book signing and wants to renew their acquaintance, she isn’t sure whether to fall into his arms or run like hell.
As a MI6 operative, Max believed his career made lasting relationships impossible. Now working for a global security company, he must let go of his past beliefs if he wants a future with Cress. As their relationship deepens, Max feels driven to protect Cress as the persecution escalates to physical danger. They must learn to work together if they want to stop her tormentor and find their happy ending.
Twenty years later Cress has moved on from the embarrassment of her Oxford encounter. Now a successful author, she‘s been nominated for a prestigious writing award. Her career is threatened when a rival accuses her of plagiarism. When Max turns up at a book signing and wants to renew their acquaintance, she isn’t sure whether to fall into his arms or run like hell.
As a MI6 operative, Max believed his career made lasting relationships impossible. Now working for a global security company, he must let go of his past beliefs if he wants a future with Cress. As their relationship deepens, Max feels driven to protect Cress as the persecution escalates to physical danger. They must learn to work together if they want to stop her tormentor and find their happy ending.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2021
44 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Sharon D. Michalove
22 books175 followersSharon Michalove grew up in suburban Chicago. She received four degrees from the University of Illinois because she didn't have the gumption to go anywhere else, and spent most of her career at the university, eventually earning a PhD, working in departmental administration, publishing and libraries. Her specialties are 15th-16th century European history, polar exploration, and food history. She may be one of the few people in America to never live outside her home state.
In graduate school, she met and married the love of her life. They shared a love of music, theater, travel and cats. He died in 2013.
Sharon also loves hockey, reading, cooking, writing, and various less elevated activities like eating cookies and sampling gins and single malts. After spending most of her life in a medium-sized university town she moved back to Chicago in 2017 so she could go to more Blackhawks games and spend quality time at Eataly. She hopes to accomplish a lifetime goal by publishing a book this year. Unfortunately her other lifetime goal, to be English, is likely to remain unfulfilled.
In graduate school, she met and married the love of her life. They shared a love of music, theater, travel and cats. He died in 2013.
Sharon also loves hockey, reading, cooking, writing, and various less elevated activities like eating cookies and sampling gins and single malts. After spending most of her life in a medium-sized university town she moved back to Chicago in 2017 so she could go to more Blackhawks games and spend quality time at Eataly. She hopes to accomplish a lifetime goal by publishing a book this year. Unfortunately her other lifetime goal, to be English, is likely to remain unfulfilled.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 13, 2022
*ALC received from Audibly Addicted in exchange for my honest review. *
How do I even go about describing the feelings this book gave me? It wasn't like any kind of story that I have ever read before. It took me awhile to really connect with Cress and Max, but I don't think it was because they were unlikeable. I think it was because they had both been through so much in their past. Fears of what this new relationship could be for both scared the living hell out of them in different ways.
For Max this was his second chance. A second chance to get the girl he has dreamed about for two decades to see him and want him as he has her. As a former MI6 operative Max never had the chance for relationships. After the choices he made and the things he saw with his job he might finally be in a place to have a relationship but getting Cress to let down her ice walls won't be easy.
Cressida Taylor has made the quite career for herself as a successful writer. When allegations of plagiarism arise, and her life starts to be threatened then Max shows up at a book signing all signs point to something nefarious going on. Cress doesn't know if she should let herself fall for Max or if she should run the other way.
If you love Jason Clarke and accents, then you are going to want to do the narration. We got some many delicious versions of Jason Clarke my ears were in accent heaven. The same goes for Emma Wilder. I don't think I have heard her do so many accents before and I was entirely captivated when she spoke French. I highly suggest the audio for this story because it really took it to the next level.
Max and Cressida's relationship is a whirlwind of past trauma, death threats and so many twists and turns there won't be a moment you aren't entirely enthralled by this book. While this was a very slow burn, I didn't mind it all. There wasn't a moment where I felt like I was missing something because the progression of their relationship felt natural. With both of their histories it would have seemed forced if things started moving faster than necessary.
Looking forward to book two where we will get to see what new things are going on Cressida and Max's life as well as what happens when Max's past starts to catch up with him.
How do I even go about describing the feelings this book gave me? It wasn't like any kind of story that I have ever read before. It took me awhile to really connect with Cress and Max, but I don't think it was because they were unlikeable. I think it was because they had both been through so much in their past. Fears of what this new relationship could be for both scared the living hell out of them in different ways.
For Max this was his second chance. A second chance to get the girl he has dreamed about for two decades to see him and want him as he has her. As a former MI6 operative Max never had the chance for relationships. After the choices he made and the things he saw with his job he might finally be in a place to have a relationship but getting Cress to let down her ice walls won't be easy.
Cressida Taylor has made the quite career for herself as a successful writer. When allegations of plagiarism arise, and her life starts to be threatened then Max shows up at a book signing all signs point to something nefarious going on. Cress doesn't know if she should let herself fall for Max or if she should run the other way.
If you love Jason Clarke and accents, then you are going to want to do the narration. We got some many delicious versions of Jason Clarke my ears were in accent heaven. The same goes for Emma Wilder. I don't think I have heard her do so many accents before and I was entirely captivated when she spoke French. I highly suggest the audio for this story because it really took it to the next level.
Max and Cressida's relationship is a whirlwind of past trauma, death threats and so many twists and turns there won't be a moment you aren't entirely enthralled by this book. While this was a very slow burn, I didn't mind it all. There wasn't a moment where I felt like I was missing something because the progression of their relationship felt natural. With both of their histories it would have seemed forced if things started moving faster than necessary.
Looking forward to book two where we will get to see what new things are going on Cressida and Max's life as well as what happens when Max's past starts to catch up with him.
August 20, 2022
(audiobook+ebook) I didn’t dislike this book–and I even thoroughly enjoyed some parts of it–but I guess it wasn’t for me.
I’m not particular about sexy times. I’ve read clean romances before. Of course, this time, there was a lot of build up and a strong attraction between the characters, and sensuality was on display. They just… did nothing about it. For a long time. It was the slowest of slow burns, really, since nothing happens before the very end of the book. And it’s fade to black.
Clearly, the romance isn’t about the sexy. But I’m not sure about the romance itself either. Cress and Max met twenty years before, kind of had a crush on each other but never acted on it. They meet again, and they’re suddenly all they can think about. They had relationships–though not many–but they’re supposed to still be hung up on each other. Highly doubtful.
But the book’s interest doesn’t lie there, I think. It’s first and foremost a romantic suspense, meaning there’s a villain or two, some mystery, a bit of violence, a white knight to save the day, and a victim. As the victim, Cress was an interesting character, as she mostly didn’t care. Death threats, public humiliation, but she almost shrugs them off. Meanwhile Max, the ex-spy security guy, makes arrangements to protect her.
Both characters also had another role besides the victim and their protector. Max serves as a reflection about duty and what someone’s ready to sacrifice for it, and the regrets that come with it. Cress’s creative mind was another topic, though less prominent.
Though the writing itself was okay, I had a problem with the way the author kept dropping cultural references, sometimes obscure. It made the characters look like snobs, and hard to relate to. I mean, I understand that Max and Cress were both nerds, no need to rub it in my face.
I guess I wouldn’t have finished the book if it wasn’t for the narrators. They handled the accents and the foreign languages pretty well. The emotions were present too, and it helped me connect more with the characters. Again, nothing against the story, just it wasn’t for me.
Quickie
- Series: Global Security Unlimited #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #second chance romance #instalove #ex spy #writer #slow burn #languages #older characters
- Triggers: violence and past death, past sickness, domestic abuse to a side character
- Main couple: Cressida Taylor & Maxim Grant
- Hotness: 1/5 (fade to black)
- Romance: 3/5
- + interesting suspensful plot
- – not buying the kiddy-like romance between people in their forties
I’m not particular about sexy times. I’ve read clean romances before. Of course, this time, there was a lot of build up and a strong attraction between the characters, and sensuality was on display. They just… did nothing about it. For a long time. It was the slowest of slow burns, really, since nothing happens before the very end of the book. And it’s fade to black.
Clearly, the romance isn’t about the sexy. But I’m not sure about the romance itself either. Cress and Max met twenty years before, kind of had a crush on each other but never acted on it. They meet again, and they’re suddenly all they can think about. They had relationships–though not many–but they’re supposed to still be hung up on each other. Highly doubtful.
But the book’s interest doesn’t lie there, I think. It’s first and foremost a romantic suspense, meaning there’s a villain or two, some mystery, a bit of violence, a white knight to save the day, and a victim. As the victim, Cress was an interesting character, as she mostly didn’t care. Death threats, public humiliation, but she almost shrugs them off. Meanwhile Max, the ex-spy security guy, makes arrangements to protect her.
Both characters also had another role besides the victim and their protector. Max serves as a reflection about duty and what someone’s ready to sacrifice for it, and the regrets that come with it. Cress’s creative mind was another topic, though less prominent.
Though the writing itself was okay, I had a problem with the way the author kept dropping cultural references, sometimes obscure. It made the characters look like snobs, and hard to relate to. I mean, I understand that Max and Cress were both nerds, no need to rub it in my face.
I guess I wouldn’t have finished the book if it wasn’t for the narrators. They handled the accents and the foreign languages pretty well. The emotions were present too, and it helped me connect more with the characters. Again, nothing against the story, just it wasn’t for me.
Quickie
- Series: Global Security Unlimited #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #second chance romance #instalove #ex spy #writer #slow burn #languages #older characters
- Triggers: violence and past death, past sickness, domestic abuse to a side character
- Main couple: Cressida Taylor & Maxim Grant
- Hotness: 1/5 (fade to black)
- Romance: 3/5
- + interesting suspensful plot
- – not buying the kiddy-like romance between people in their forties
September 2, 2021
Love at first sight is an experience that many cast aside as an impossibility. How can you fall in love with someone from just a mere look or glance?
"At First Sight" by debut author Sharon Michalove takes that concept and explores what happens when you see someone, instantly fall in love and not see them again for decades. Do you feel the same at second glance, is it a different love or do you not feel anything at all?
Max Grant faces that question when he sees Cress Taylor on a TV interview -- the second time he sees her, with the first being 20 years prior at Oxford, where they were both students. He is sure that Cress is someone he wants to be with, while Cress is skeptical -- and rightfully so. The book progresses with Cress contending with a smear campaign intended to hurt her both professionally and personally; meanwhile, Max is in the background quietly using his job and influence to help fix things -- despite Cress' insistence not to interfere. Max's desire to make Cress' life easier is certainly on par for someone deeply in love with another.
Michalove ensures Max, Cress and any secondary characters are three-dimensional and well-rounded. We see them at their best and their worst. Additionally, Michalove lays the ground for future books with these characters without sacrificing plot.
Well done.
"At First Sight" by debut author Sharon Michalove takes that concept and explores what happens when you see someone, instantly fall in love and not see them again for decades. Do you feel the same at second glance, is it a different love or do you not feel anything at all?
Max Grant faces that question when he sees Cress Taylor on a TV interview -- the second time he sees her, with the first being 20 years prior at Oxford, where they were both students. He is sure that Cress is someone he wants to be with, while Cress is skeptical -- and rightfully so. The book progresses with Cress contending with a smear campaign intended to hurt her both professionally and personally; meanwhile, Max is in the background quietly using his job and influence to help fix things -- despite Cress' insistence not to interfere. Max's desire to make Cress' life easier is certainly on par for someone deeply in love with another.
Michalove ensures Max, Cress and any secondary characters are three-dimensional and well-rounded. We see them at their best and their worst. Additionally, Michalove lays the ground for future books with these characters without sacrificing plot.
Well done.
September 4, 2021
At First Sight drew me in from the first sentence. Cress, the main character, captured me with her intelligence, kindness, and strength. The Rotary scholar and Oxford-educated protagonist embodies knowledge and diverse life experiences. I wanted to get to know her like I'd be interested in getting to learn about a new friend. A stalker's threats against Cress adds tension and intrigue throughout the novel. Meanwhile, her love interest, the Scottish-born Max, piques her emotions and physical responses. He fascinates Cress and Max’s character kept me turning pages. Add to this international and literary references that gives Michalove's writing style elegance and depth. The novel incorporates mystery, romance, and suspense in a perfect trio.
September 2, 2021
Never under estimate the power of serendipity. At First Sight is a captivating read with great plot, wonderful descriptions, and intriguing characters. I loved watching Max and Cress fall in love after so many years. I highly recommend this book.
August 12, 2022
**Audio Review**
At First Sight by Sharon Michalove was an intriguing suspenseful romance! This is my first book by Sharon Michalove, and it won’t be my last. Cress and Max have quite the history, having a brief yet memorable encounter long ago, and crossing paths again twenty years later. I guess you could definitely call it fate! Cress and Max’s journey to HEA is filled with various unexpected twists and gripping turns.
Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke narrate this audiobook, and both were amazing in bringing Sharon’s words to life! In Emma’s performance of Cress, you could feel her passion for her work, her vulnerabilities to trust, and then of course her newfound love for Max. I was entranced! Jason’s performance as Max was utterly captivating, in a decadent British accent! Both narrators also performed various side characters, with even more accents! I loved it!
Overall, I enjoyed this book! If you are a fan of romantic suspense with a hunky Global Security hero, a successful determined author, supportive friends, creepy stalkers, danger, secrets, bravery, a loving family, and a HEA that will leave a satisfying smile on your face, then you will love Cress and Max’s story. I’m looking forward to more from Sharon Michalove.
At First Sight by Sharon Michalove was an intriguing suspenseful romance! This is my first book by Sharon Michalove, and it won’t be my last. Cress and Max have quite the history, having a brief yet memorable encounter long ago, and crossing paths again twenty years later. I guess you could definitely call it fate! Cress and Max’s journey to HEA is filled with various unexpected twists and gripping turns.
Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke narrate this audiobook, and both were amazing in bringing Sharon’s words to life! In Emma’s performance of Cress, you could feel her passion for her work, her vulnerabilities to trust, and then of course her newfound love for Max. I was entranced! Jason’s performance as Max was utterly captivating, in a decadent British accent! Both narrators also performed various side characters, with even more accents! I loved it!
Overall, I enjoyed this book! If you are a fan of romantic suspense with a hunky Global Security hero, a successful determined author, supportive friends, creepy stalkers, danger, secrets, bravery, a loving family, and a HEA that will leave a satisfying smile on your face, then you will love Cress and Max’s story. I’m looking forward to more from Sharon Michalove.
August 14, 2022
I think this one was just OK. I think to me there wasn't enough build up of the relationship between Cress and Max. They sort of fell into each other even though Max's secrets and with Cress being hesitant by only past relationship and her current career. At times I think the story needed more detail to flesh out the flow of the story between scenes. It just needs something more for me to completely enjoy it. This cover is interesting though. This was first read for me by the author.
Loved the narrations by Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke, especially did a really great job with the accents.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Loved the narrations by Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke, especially did a really great job with the accents.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 22, 2021
After catching the blurb of At First Sight I thought this second-chance romance sounds and that hint of competition and danger is right up my alley.
I'm not going to lie, I found it hard to connect with Cress and Max. There was so much time spent describing everything from the clothing to the scenery to the cars, that the budding romance between them almost seemed like an afterthought. That being said, I enjoyed how Max put his intentions towards Cress out there. Let her know he was interested, had never forgotten their encounter all those years ago.
When accusations and threats against Cress start piling up all Max wants to do is keep her safe and figure out who is stirring up trouble. Let's just say things got way worse before they got better. But it was pretty obvious from the get go who was behind it all.
So while I was able to get through my first read from Sharon Michalove, I was left wanting more. More connection between Cress and Max. More build. More anticipation. More danger. More steam. Just more.
I'm not going to lie, I found it hard to connect with Cress and Max. There was so much time spent describing everything from the clothing to the scenery to the cars, that the budding romance between them almost seemed like an afterthought. That being said, I enjoyed how Max put his intentions towards Cress out there. Let her know he was interested, had never forgotten their encounter all those years ago.
When accusations and threats against Cress start piling up all Max wants to do is keep her safe and figure out who is stirring up trouble. Let's just say things got way worse before they got better. But it was pretty obvious from the get go who was behind it all.
So while I was able to get through my first read from Sharon Michalove, I was left wanting more. More connection between Cress and Max. More build. More anticipation. More danger. More steam. Just more.
October 18, 2021
A slow burn with underlying intrigue.
I had a hard time connecting with this book. While I tried to pick up and find something to connect with, personally I really had a hard time.
The author spends a lot of time describing places, people, and items instead of spending time with the two main characters and building their connection. While this is a slow build, which wasn't the problem, it just lacked the chemistry build up to help that slow burn.
Cressida or Cress is a published author who begins receiving threats after her newly published book gets recognized for an award. Who is threatening her and why? That is part of the mystery.
Max is a former MI6 operative who now works cybersecurity and knew Cress when they both attended Oxford years ago. He believes in fate when meeting her again, but Cress isn't exactly sure.
Can they both work out their past issues and find the present threat so they can have a future?
I had a hard time connecting with this book. While I tried to pick up and find something to connect with, personally I really had a hard time.
The author spends a lot of time describing places, people, and items instead of spending time with the two main characters and building their connection. While this is a slow build, which wasn't the problem, it just lacked the chemistry build up to help that slow burn.
Cressida or Cress is a published author who begins receiving threats after her newly published book gets recognized for an award. Who is threatening her and why? That is part of the mystery.
Max is a former MI6 operative who now works cybersecurity and knew Cress when they both attended Oxford years ago. He believes in fate when meeting her again, but Cress isn't exactly sure.
Can they both work out their past issues and find the present threat so they can have a future?
October 19, 2021
This was a new to me author.
I'm going to keep this review short and sweet as unfortunately this just wasn't the book for me. It's a crying shame as the way the author adds descriptions to even the littlest things, it felt like you were right there beside the characters. But sadly that's where the slight enjoyment ended for me as it felt like so much effort got put into describing things the plot and characters were almost an afterthought and I couldn't connect with either. I persevered until the end as I kept hoping for a plot twist.
I'm sure many will enjoy but as I said just not for me.
I'm going to keep this review short and sweet as unfortunately this just wasn't the book for me. It's a crying shame as the way the author adds descriptions to even the littlest things, it felt like you were right there beside the characters. But sadly that's where the slight enjoyment ended for me as it felt like so much effort got put into describing things the plot and characters were almost an afterthought and I couldn't connect with either. I persevered until the end as I kept hoping for a plot twist.
I'm sure many will enjoy but as I said just not for me.
December 15, 2021
Sharon Michalove takes the hindsight fantasy of what may have been and polishes it up with a thrilling dose of it's clear to see, we were meant to be.
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 9, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
Two things happen to throw Cress Taylor’s life into disarray… an anonymous threat concerning her recently completed book and the sudden re-appearance of a guy who she literally ran into back in her college days in Oxford. Are the threats real or just something to throw her off her game? And why, suddenly, did Max Grant turn up in her life? Are they connected?
Both Max and Cress are loners. Max, because of his past life as a spy, and Cress because of a life filled with ridicule and cruelty. Both keep their secrets close to their vest. The few friends each have are friends of long-standing. So how are these two ever going to work together? How do you build trust with someone who mocked you 20 years earlier? But someone is definitely out to destroy Cress, and Max’s old life as a spy and his new life as a coder working for Global Security Unlimited might be the only connections that can help.
The danger is insidious and malignant. The relationship between Max and Cress is so fragile. The story does a masterful job of slowly building trust while the danger lurks, getting closer and closer. The plot captured my attention and held me enthralled throughout. Well done, Ms. Michalove.
Two things happen to throw Cress Taylor’s life into disarray… an anonymous threat concerning her recently completed book and the sudden re-appearance of a guy who she literally ran into back in her college days in Oxford. Are the threats real or just something to throw her off her game? And why, suddenly, did Max Grant turn up in her life? Are they connected?
Both Max and Cress are loners. Max, because of his past life as a spy, and Cress because of a life filled with ridicule and cruelty. Both keep their secrets close to their vest. The few friends each have are friends of long-standing. So how are these two ever going to work together? How do you build trust with someone who mocked you 20 years earlier? But someone is definitely out to destroy Cress, and Max’s old life as a spy and his new life as a coder working for Global Security Unlimited might be the only connections that can help.
The danger is insidious and malignant. The relationship between Max and Cress is so fragile. The story does a masterful job of slowly building trust while the danger lurks, getting closer and closer. The plot captured my attention and held me enthralled throughout. Well done, Ms. Michalove.
August 31, 2023
This is a romantic suspense with emphasis on romance. The pace of the first half of the book is methodical and slow. While there are some threats and the hint of a villain, most of the plot centers around Cress and Max getting to know each other. Midway through there is finally some danger. The threats escalate and possible danger becomes more real.
The character development is over the top. Cress, a self admitted klutz, over reacts to almost every sound. She spill drinks, drops tea cups, trips and has various other intense reactions to surprising but somewhat normal events. I found her a difficult character to like. Max, a suitable protective hero, is quite emotional, more so than any Scotsman I've known. Michalove excels in description and we read much about cars and operas and buildings. The narrative alternates first person between Cress and Max. Although each chapter clearly has the individual point of view identified, I did find the technique was a bit confusing once I was well within each chapter. Her writing style was generally good but at times a little odd. “I shake my head and laugh like a drain,” for example.
This is a novel for readers who like a romantic suspense with a slow build and deals more with relationship development than action or suspense.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The character development is over the top. Cress, a self admitted klutz, over reacts to almost every sound. She spill drinks, drops tea cups, trips and has various other intense reactions to surprising but somewhat normal events. I found her a difficult character to like. Max, a suitable protective hero, is quite emotional, more so than any Scotsman I've known. Michalove excels in description and we read much about cars and operas and buildings. The narrative alternates first person between Cress and Max. Although each chapter clearly has the individual point of view identified, I did find the technique was a bit confusing once I was well within each chapter. Her writing style was generally good but at times a little odd. “I shake my head and laugh like a drain,” for example.
This is a novel for readers who like a romantic suspense with a slow build and deals more with relationship development than action or suspense.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 22, 2021
Cress Taylor and Max Grant literally met by accident at Oxford University – she knocked him over with her bicycle. Embarrassed, she checks that he’s not injured in the crash, then disappears. Max could kick himself that he didn’t ask her name, but he can’t get her out of his mind.
Twenty years later Cress, now living in Chicago, is author of several best-selling historical novels. She’s a finalist for a prestigious international writing award, and is being interviewed on a morning TV show. The only shadow on her good fortune is the threatening texts she’s been getting from an anonymous sender: You’re a thief. I will make you pay.
Max is also in Chicago. Following an international career with MI6, he’s now working for a private security firm, Global Security Unlimited. He happens to tune into morning TV and sees Cress being interviewed. He’s stunned to recognize her as the girl he’s never forgotten: the one who crashed into him back at Oxford. A bit older now, but her eyes are still mesmerizing. And now he knows her name.
As Cress’ interview ends, the host announces that she’ll be at a book signing the next evening. Max decides to show up and introduce himself.
Cress has almost forgotten the bicycle incident, and is a bit annoyed when Max inveigles his way into circle of friends. She has to admit, though, that he’s attractive, but she wonders why there’s almost no information available about him online. Does he have a secret life?
Max does have secrets, but so does Cress. As the ominous messages continue and the threats against her become increasingly real—affecting not just her reputation but her physical safety— she finds herself relying on Max’s security expertise. But she’s not sure yet how far she wants to trust him on a personal level. He’s determined to make her fall for him, but he’s not ready to share everything about his background.
As the danger mounts and their romance heats up, we fallow the story with alternating scenes from first Cress’s point of view, then Max’s, rising to a satisfying ending.
Twenty years later Cress, now living in Chicago, is author of several best-selling historical novels. She’s a finalist for a prestigious international writing award, and is being interviewed on a morning TV show. The only shadow on her good fortune is the threatening texts she’s been getting from an anonymous sender: You’re a thief. I will make you pay.
Max is also in Chicago. Following an international career with MI6, he’s now working for a private security firm, Global Security Unlimited. He happens to tune into morning TV and sees Cress being interviewed. He’s stunned to recognize her as the girl he’s never forgotten: the one who crashed into him back at Oxford. A bit older now, but her eyes are still mesmerizing. And now he knows her name.
As Cress’ interview ends, the host announces that she’ll be at a book signing the next evening. Max decides to show up and introduce himself.
Cress has almost forgotten the bicycle incident, and is a bit annoyed when Max inveigles his way into circle of friends. She has to admit, though, that he’s attractive, but she wonders why there’s almost no information available about him online. Does he have a secret life?
Max does have secrets, but so does Cress. As the ominous messages continue and the threats against her become increasingly real—affecting not just her reputation but her physical safety— she finds herself relying on Max’s security expertise. But she’s not sure yet how far she wants to trust him on a personal level. He’s determined to make her fall for him, but he’s not ready to share everything about his background.
As the danger mounts and their romance heats up, we fallow the story with alternating scenes from first Cress’s point of view, then Max’s, rising to a satisfying ending.
October 22, 2021
At First Sight is Sharon D. Michalove's debut book, and I have to say that I'm excited for more of this series to be honest as I really enjoyed this first book. Cress & Max met at Oxford when she literally ran him over with her bike, and the connection was instant but she ran off before he could get any info on her. Now many years later, he sees Cress being interviewed as she's a successful author now, and up for a big award. The only thing bad about her life is she has a stalker who is trying to destroy her reputation. By the time she & Max are getting to know each other, her stalker is escalating so luckily for her, he's an expert at these kinds of things. The threats are getting worse, but they're heating up so I was happy about that. There was just one big thing for me from keeping this book perfect, that was there were a lot of descriptions of things that really didn't need to be gone into such detail since it did distract me a bit but that's just me. It certainly won't keep me from reading future books because I'm all about romantic suspense so I'll just end with HIGHLY RECOMMENDING TO ALL!
October 23, 2021
Max Grant is finally brave enough to pursue his attraction to Cress Taylor 20 years after a fleeting moment at University. But her wariness and distrust, and his own troubled past as an MI6 operative aren't his only obstacles. Someone is willing to go to great lengths to ensure that Cress' reputation dies a fiery death. Max has to hope the fire doesn't expunge their fledgling relationship - and Cress - too.
If you are looking for action-packed, danger-filled suspense, this book is not it. The villain was obvious from the beginning. The author's use of descriptive prose is great, but it sort of worked against the development of the romance itself. Cress & Max sort of just seem to fall together against the backdrop of threats, rather than fall in love in spite of the threats.
I liked Max. He was upfront with his feelings towards Cress, and did his best to be what he felt she needed. I just wish there was more time devoted to their actual romance. I especially liked that the couple was older. And I liked their meet-cute and the fact that neither had forgotten the other even after so many years.
Looking for a clean/fade-to-black slow burner romance? At First Sight will definitely please you.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
If you are looking for action-packed, danger-filled suspense, this book is not it. The villain was obvious from the beginning. The author's use of descriptive prose is great, but it sort of worked against the development of the romance itself. Cress & Max sort of just seem to fall together against the backdrop of threats, rather than fall in love in spite of the threats.
I liked Max. He was upfront with his feelings towards Cress, and did his best to be what he felt she needed. I just wish there was more time devoted to their actual romance. I especially liked that the couple was older. And I liked their meet-cute and the fact that neither had forgotten the other even after so many years.
Looking for a clean/fade-to-black slow burner romance? At First Sight will definitely please you.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 22, 2021
Max is soooooooo delectable and what’s not to like he studied at Oxford , he’s MI6 so he’s all protective and alpha but there’s also a gentle and vulnerable side to him which just makes me swoon and let’s not forget that accent 🇬🇧❣️
How can I not love a read that contains an author and books two of the things I love most in the world it’s soooooo obvious it was getting 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟before I even started 😉🤪
I was taken in from the get home and there were so many pieces I wish I could quote but I’d I were to be forced to choose 1 or 2 it would be “ She loves gin , hockey and classical music…” and “ I doubt a bookstore exists that your wife doesn’t like “ ❣️📖
Cressida is awesome and I just liked her right from the start abs I could identify with her clumsiness right from the start and love when that happens 😍
There was so much to like about this read , I had some tense moments though and I had to draw my Kleenex closer at times as well and boy I had a few good laughs 😄
I believe in love at first sight as it happened that way for me 😍
How can I not love a read that contains an author and books two of the things I love most in the world it’s soooooo obvious it was getting 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟before I even started 😉🤪
I was taken in from the get home and there were so many pieces I wish I could quote but I’d I were to be forced to choose 1 or 2 it would be “ She loves gin , hockey and classical music…” and “ I doubt a bookstore exists that your wife doesn’t like “ ❣️📖
Cressida is awesome and I just liked her right from the start abs I could identify with her clumsiness right from the start and love when that happens 😍
There was so much to like about this read , I had some tense moments though and I had to draw my Kleenex closer at times as well and boy I had a few good laughs 😄
I believe in love at first sight as it happened that way for me 😍
December 29, 2022
This is a romantic suspense thriller, it's Cress and Max's story, a slow-burn second-chance romance, I love the characters, and the world-building setting. The story itself was refreshing and original, I liked how everything was plotted. The story is very emotional, they both have been through a lot in their past, and you can't do anything but root for them and their HEA. I liked the descriptions the author did, and the research behind it all shows in the book. The audiobook narrated by Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke was very good, I love how they both portrayed their characters and did all the accents. Definitely recommend hearing it, totally worth the audiobook.
October 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this book for many different reasons. I loved both lead characters, Cress and Max, Max's family, the references to places, music, history and the descriptions of their feelings based on past experiences. This added to the richness of the story, alongside the unusual, in romance stories generally, of the lead's ages. So relatable.
At times the book felt slightly chaotic. The humour was great. Poor Cress. I can so relate to her accident prone tendencies! I did feel that I would have noticed one of the characters lurk about, a lot sooner and the behaviour of some characters was somewhat like a characature. A bit like wearing a red uniform top☺. This is minor and, overall, I found this book highly readable and very good indeed. 💖💖💖💖
At times the book felt slightly chaotic. The humour was great. Poor Cress. I can so relate to her accident prone tendencies! I did feel that I would have noticed one of the characters lurk about, a lot sooner and the behaviour of some characters was somewhat like a characature. A bit like wearing a red uniform top☺. This is minor and, overall, I found this book highly readable and very good indeed. 💖💖💖💖
November 15, 2021
loved it !!! a great start for a new series !!! love Max... swoon... love Cress... this is their story... a fast paced action packed drama... the meet twenty years ago at uni... she ran him over with her bike... then ran away... they never forgot... now she's a famous author... he saw her on the telly... he went to a book signing...the sparks are flying... but, she has a stalker and it's not him... it gets worse... can Max help her ?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2022
At First Sight by Sharon Michalove is a romantic suspense thriller that I listened to on audio narrated by Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke. This is the first book in the Global Security Unlimited series.
This is the first book of Sharon's that I have read. This book has a slow burn romance between Cress and Max. It focuses more on the threats that Cress is receiving and the secrets of Max past being a MI6 agent.
I look forward to the second book in the series At The Crossroads to be released on audio so I can get more of their story.
Emma and Jason did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like romantic suspense, thrillers, second chance romances, or contemporary romances.
This is the first book of Sharon's that I have read. This book has a slow burn romance between Cress and Max. It focuses more on the threats that Cress is receiving and the secrets of Max past being a MI6 agent.
I look forward to the second book in the series At The Crossroads to be released on audio so I can get more of their story.
Emma and Jason did an amazing job on the narration. They both really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like romantic suspense, thrillers, second chance romances, or contemporary romances.
September 11, 2021
I found the characters to be very engaging and the story hard to put down. I have not finished reading the book yet but I look forward to continuing and will look out for more writing by this author. Highly recommend.
November 30, 2021
Max and Cress met briefly at Oxford 20 years ago via a bicycle incident. Now she is a successful writer and he was with MI6. Hoping to reconnect, Max seeks her out when her world seems to be falling apart with threats and more. Takes a bit for her to trust anyone but the fire is there and they team up to deal with the issue. The characters are strong, determined and have great chemistry. The storyline is fast paced, exciting, suspenseful, with surprises, twists and deception. Loved the locale and history as I live pretty close and can visualize it all. The ending was great and I can not wait to read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2022
Sadly I just didn’t love this story. It seemed very long and too descriptive in most of the story. I honestly just couldn’t connect with the characters. Cressa was overly clumsy way too many times. It just didn’t make much sense to me or add anything to the story. I really wanted to love the story but I just couldn’t get there.
What I did love was the narration. Emma Wilder is always amazing. But Jason Clarke knocked it out of the park with his narration. He had so many accents that he performed flawlessly. The narration is the reason for the 3 stars of my review.
What I did love was the narration. Emma Wilder is always amazing. But Jason Clarke knocked it out of the park with his narration. He had so many accents that he performed flawlessly. The narration is the reason for the 3 stars of my review.
November 5, 2021
I’ve met the author Sharon at a Readers Appreciation Weekend and was thrilled to learn she had completed her first book . How exciting !! I ordered the book and could not put it down ! What a wonderfully suspenseful romantic story!!! Lots of secrets and twists and turns and a very real villain !!!! It is so chock full of friends ,family , tragedy, suspense and romantic Love ! You will fall head over heels for Cress and Max It’s a total win-win !
November 15, 2021
is their connection and meeting again suspicious or serendipity?
what better time to run into a man with his apparent skills set than when she seems to be a target?
cooperation is the best way to forward their survival
can they find trust, and maybe some other hot things, in the ashes ?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
what better time to run into a man with his apparent skills set than when she seems to be a target?
cooperation is the best way to forward their survival
can they find trust, and maybe some other hot things, in the ashes ?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2021
This book is an entertaining, action packed, danger filled, suspenseful read with romance and an eventual happy ever after.
August 29, 2022
Slow burn? How about 20 years in the making?
I always say that there is no such thing as love at first sight? Lust, sure, but not love.
Max and Cress take that and run with it. It is kind of a second chance story for Max, whilst Cress takes a little while longer, takes time to get to know him.
Oh boy was it a while longer hahah. So much attraction and spark between them,but it take them forever, and I mean foreverrrrr to do anything about it.
A villain or two, a guy who would do anything for the woman he is falling for and a whole lot of suspense kept me listening, wating to find out what would happen next.
Clarke and Wilder did a fantastic job with telling this story (he could read me the ingredients off a packet of chips and I would love it)
I am looking forward to more in this series.
*ALC received from Audibly Addicted for an honest review*
I always say that there is no such thing as love at first sight? Lust, sure, but not love.
Max and Cress take that and run with it. It is kind of a second chance story for Max, whilst Cress takes a little while longer, takes time to get to know him.
Oh boy was it a while longer hahah. So much attraction and spark between them,but it take them forever, and I mean foreverrrrr to do anything about it.
A villain or two, a guy who would do anything for the woman he is falling for and a whole lot of suspense kept me listening, wating to find out what would happen next.
Clarke and Wilder did a fantastic job with telling this story (he could read me the ingredients off a packet of chips and I would love it)
I am looking forward to more in this series.
*ALC received from Audibly Addicted for an honest review*
October 11, 2021
This romantic suspense novel was a fun read. Cress has a stalker.
Max comes on the scene at the perfect time, remembering Cress from twenty years in the past, when they were both at Oxford. His infatuation flares to life when he sees her again, and it was refreshing to read about a couple with more life experience, two people settled in their lives, yet each still missing something.
Both Cress and Max are surrounded by a core group of friends and they added so much in terms of understanding the characters. It's always fun to read about friends who have been friends forever.
The city of Chicago is almost an extra character--so many landmarks, restaurants, and establishments are mentioned. Since Cress is a historical romance writer, she is familiar with the history of so many buildings and institutions in Chicago. It was an unexpected bonus of the story.
And the food! There were Chicago classics in there, and so many iconic restaurants. Not only is it a tense story with a strong romance, but it could also serve as a travel guide to Chicago!
Fast, entertaining read with instalove (that really went the distance - 25 years), high stakes, and a really creepy antagonist.
Max comes on the scene at the perfect time, remembering Cress from twenty years in the past, when they were both at Oxford. His infatuation flares to life when he sees her again, and it was refreshing to read about a couple with more life experience, two people settled in their lives, yet each still missing something.
Both Cress and Max are surrounded by a core group of friends and they added so much in terms of understanding the characters. It's always fun to read about friends who have been friends forever.
The city of Chicago is almost an extra character--so many landmarks, restaurants, and establishments are mentioned. Since Cress is a historical romance writer, she is familiar with the history of so many buildings and institutions in Chicago. It was an unexpected bonus of the story.
And the food! There were Chicago classics in there, and so many iconic restaurants. Not only is it a tense story with a strong romance, but it could also serve as a travel guide to Chicago!
Fast, entertaining read with instalove (that really went the distance - 25 years), high stakes, and a really creepy antagonist.
October 22, 2021
This is a well crafted slow burn fade to black romance between the ex MI6 security man Max and scholar and author Cress. There is so much detail in this book from foods to cars to locations. So much love has gone in to creating these characters and the world they inhabit.
This is a tale of love at first sight and how destiny will find a way. Max and Cress met when they were students and fate puts them back together 20+ years later.
I enjoyed the premise and I finished the story but I didn't connect with the characters. I found the story fragmented at times and a little difficult to follow. I enjoyed the emotional layers to Cress and Max but found their connection lacked chemistry.
This is a tale of love at first sight and how destiny will find a way. Max and Cress met when they were students and fate puts them back together 20+ years later.
I enjoyed the premise and I finished the story but I didn't connect with the characters. I found the story fragmented at times and a little difficult to follow. I enjoyed the emotional layers to Cress and Max but found their connection lacked chemistry.
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