Collateral Damage

McIntyre Security Bodyguard #10

by April Wilson

When Sophie McIntyre's blind date goes horribly wrong, she finds herself running for her life. Dominic Zaretti is a man who gets things done—one who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty in the process. His job is to disappear with Sophie and keep her alive until the threat is neutralized. But when Dominic falls for the curvy, statuesque beauty, he finds himself making the ultimate sacrifice to keep her safe.

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Adventure, Bodyguard Romance

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2020

About the author

I write about alpha protectors who fall in love hard and unconditionally, through the good and the bad. My characters are strong, sexy, and slightly damaged... because no one is perfect. All of my novels have happy-ever-after endings. What else would you expect from a die-hard romantic? I'm the author of the McIntyre Security Bodyguard Series of contemporary romance novels.

I live in Ohio with my daughter and more than a few dogs and cats. When I'm not writing, I'm reading romance novels and watching movies with happy endings. I'd love to hear from you! You can e-mail me at aprilwilsonwrites@outlook.com. Or, visit my website: aprilwilsonauthor.com.

Thanks!

Reviews

[Izzie d · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bodyguard protecting heroine troupe.
Hero and heroine are very tall.
Heroine is also bigger, curvy.
The story was okay but there was another sister, who is the heroine, it feels like the first I've heard of her.
The attraction was instant and I felt they were intimate a bit quick for me.
I know they are in hiding but I felt if the story had had time pass between chapters it would have been more believable.
Also he has an issue that he hates the city, he feels she's high maintenance and is a city girl and although they have a HEA those issues I didn't feel were really resolved.

It was also quite predictable.
The heroine was tstl at one point arguing over keeping her phone. As her family are in the security business but we are supposed to believe she wouldn't understand the dangers of keeping a mobile.
It's a wonder he didn't shoot her himself.
Then it's obvious she will make a call first chance she gets, of course alerting the mob to her where abouts.

For the safety gang.
They both are sexually experienced.
He mentions trying anil and that other women he's been with have enjoyed it.
At the start when he is contacted the heroine has attempted to go on a blind date with another man and the Hero is eyeing up two women at a bar as he considers a threesome but doesn't as he gets the call.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
There is a lot of sex.
To me the getting together was rushed and the solution to them being together was ridiculous.

Secondary characters appear from previous books in series esp for epilogue.

I just wanted to add that I rarely give less than three starts, if I don't like a book I often leave it without a review as it can be a case of its just not for me but I have loved this author previous work in this series but this one seriously didn't work for me.

[Zoë Braycotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My integrity—my honor—is all I have, and I’ll die to preserve it.”


So this one starts with a bang!!

Sophie’s story gets off to an explosive start, right from chapter one.

When she’s required to go into hiding for her protection, Shane sends Dominic to take charge.

However taking charge of Sophie isn’t going to be easy, which Dominic soon discovers.

“Shane should have warned me you were a pain in the ass,” he says. “I would have demanded hazard pay.”

But Dominic has a secret that could really cause waves.

This is what we expect from April, kick ass women, alpha males, great storylines, angst, and romance with plenty plenty hotness. She does not disappoint with Collateral Damaged, this is a steam fest.

I just couldn’t put this down, after that first chapter I was reeled in. I just love this McIntyre Family April sure as a knack for drawing us in. So good 😍👏🏼👏🏼

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series, and cannot wait till the next book is released.

[Jacqui Reads Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie’s story gets off to a tense start, right from the off, her blind date is murdered in front of her. She is the sole witness to the murderer. The killer is just about to shoot her, when she is saved when he is interrupted!

Shane and Tyler are on the scene in no time. Shane wants her to go into hiding for her protection, until she is required to testify. He sends Dominic to take charge of the care of his sister.

However, Sophie isn’t going to be easy to manage and she is used to her independence and Dominic soon discovers he has met his match with this beautiful, tall, strong woman – his perfect woman! She gives him jip and he says, “Shane should have warned me you were a pain in the ass, I would have demanded hazard pay.”

His background is discussed and his mother a maid was pregnant with him by her boss and then fired when the wife found out. His father is now a good man and has wanted Dominic to work for him for years, but he won’t as “My integrity, my honour, all I have, and I’ll die to preserve it.”

Dominic has a secret that wants to keep away from Sophie. But his dear friend Owen and joint protector lets it slip!.

You will not be able to put this book down it was amazing! I can’t wait to read more about these amazing characters and cannot wait for Owen’s story! Brilliant April Wilson.

[mrs sarah frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sophie McIntyre’s blind date ends in a devastating way Shane knows that his sister needs to disappear for her own safety. She’s the only one who saw what happened and now has a target on her back.

Dominic has worked for Shane McIntyre before and when he gets a call to help out Shane’s sister it’s all go go go. Little does Dominic know she’s one feisty,kick ass, strong willed women who is set to try him all the way.

There are so many great lines and quotes in the book but my all time favourite line is:-
Man, those thighs were made to cradle a big man like me.

As with all of this amazing series April Wilson draws you in from the very beginning, takes you on a ride of emotion, angst, hot sexy alpha males, strong women and most importantly Love!

[BritStation · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Must Read in this Series

I was captured by each of the books in this set.
They are packed full of warmth, humor, sensual tension, and empathy. This one especially has more action and thrill. It's a pure pleasure to read.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yummy!

Dominic’s an awesome, alpha male. Sophie is his match in every way. Full of steamy times, romance and lots of action and adventure. A little left unfinished with Dominic’s dad...hope to see more of that. HEA.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh

I can't read books like this that aren't 100% safe. Dominic was bothered near the beginning of the book that he was missing out on a threesome. I do not like characters who are or were promiscuous. I expect them to have a past and to have likely had relatiobships. I don't expect them to all be virgins. I do expect them not to have sexual interest in or sexual contact of any kind with anyone other than their HEA within a book and within its timeframe. This is supposed to be a romance, right? So, why would I want to read that he has sexual interest in some blondes at a bar? That's gross and does not belong in a romance.

Then while discussing a very intimate sexual act, he talks about he's done that act with other women a bunch of times. He has condoms and such at his cabin already. He openly talks about his ex partners and asks about hers and what she's done with them. I just can't read them being together and think,it's anything special with all the talk about past exploits and him wanting to be with other women early on in the book.

Then there were stupid mistakes like the phone call and leaving the cabin for fun reasons. While hiding out, those are the last things you should do, and he's not stupid or ignorant enough to not know that. I knew something like that was gonna happen, but it was too stupid and too predictable.

There were also grammatical errors that should have been caught by the author, proofreader, or editor before publication.

The story had a lot of potential, but the things I mentioned above killed the romance, and isn't that the whole point of the book?

[Tanya Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have rounded up from a 2.5 I struggled to get to the end of this one, I hate DNFing a book especially when you've read the previous 13. This book was better in that there were less inconsistencies but I think that's mostly as the first part spends a lot of time away from the other characters And Chicago.

I couldn't get behind the FMC in this one, she's supposed to be in her 30's, her brothers are all in security and she's moaning about having her phone taken away when she's leaving town as a hits been put out on her. Then she's constantly wanting to be out in public with a hit out on her. It just painted her as brattish and dumb. You knew from a mile away that she was going to make contact with someone to bring danger to them I can't even with such stupidity from a grown woman.

Dominic had potential I felt sorry for him really being saddled with her, he deserved a better FMC. Though I was surprised when he was introduced in Mack's book as we already have enough bodyguards we've met that don't have books.

I think unfortunately, me and this series will be parting ways it's lost any charm or lustre. I get frustrated when there's so much potential but all the faults from Book one with bad proofing and inconsistencies are still there.

So if anyone can recommend a great security series drop me a comment 😊

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

About an hour into the book, I wanted to give up reading it. The reason I didn’t was because I had read every other book in the series so far and I felt obligated to finish the 13th as well.

I I just didn’t care about their romance the first third of the book. It was just lust. And throughout the entire book, the hero always, and only, referred to their sex life as “fucking.“. Ugh. The second half got better, had the emotional depth I was hoping for, so in the end, I wasn’t unhappy that I finished it.

One issue that I do have with the author is that for some reason, she has this habit of having her hero pressure the heroine into anal play. Coupled with the fact that the books are all about women who have been assaulted and damaged by men and have to be rescued by big strong men... it’s just a bit much. It was the first time that I gave one of her books less than four stars.

[Rosemary King · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book, I couldn't wait for it to be published, loved the series this far. After completing the first few chapters I began to get bored. I think, for me, there was very little character development, just a little bit of dislike and then all of a sudden huge sexual attraction, it was like literary whiplash. The writing is paced, with things moving quickly to the sex scenes which were needlessly long and fairly predictable. My biggest gripe though is the male lead was overtly male on the outside but extremely feminine in his thinking and actions, I couldn't get my mind around this. I did finish the book and I will read more of this Author's work. I am hoping this was just a glitch in an otherwise enjoyable series.

[Val · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wish I could rateit higher..but just no

This book could have, no SHOULD have been, so much better but if fell so flat. I can't remember the last time I was so disappointed in a book, especially one that I was so excited to read. With the family that Sophie is from, there is no excuse for her being so stupid, and h's that are too stupid to live are one of my biggest pet peeves in a book. I almost DNF'd it was so bad. I don't care how much they have supposedly sheltered her, she is in her 30's and knows what happened and what having a hit out on a person means....just no..ugh so disappointed in this book, it should have been the best one yet and instead it is the worst book I have read in a while.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie McIntyre is a successful Interior Decorator who is sought after by the rich, and famous in, Chicago. At one time she had been engaged but then she noticed she started feeling worse about herself instead of feeling better. You see men are intimidated by her height alone, she is six feet tall in bare feet. So, every time she dated a guy including her fiancee she had to wear flats. On top of her height, she is a full-figured woman. Large breasts, large hips, and thighs. Here’s the thing she loves her body. So, she kicked him to the curb.

Over the last several years she’s dated but nothing that flipped her switch. On this night, she has a date with a guy her best friend, Amber has set her up with. Yup, a blind date. Sophie had a bad feeling about this she didn't want to go, but her best friend said he is nice. Off the bat answering the door the poor guy stands about five-ten at the most, to Sophie’s six feet plus her four-inch heels. Then, there was the fact, of him getting murdered in front of her before they made it, to his car at the curb.

But, the part that chilled her is the man that shot him had a face she would never forget. Especially, when he was pointing a gun at her saying she was a dead woman. If it weren't for the security car turning the corner light flashing she would have been dead. She tried to stop the bleeding but she knew he was gone. She started to think I need my brothers.

When Tyler Jamison arrives on the scene, Beth’s brother. It wasn't making sense until it dawns on her, oh yeah, he’s a homicide detective. She tells him, she needs her brothers. He tells her, already on their way. When Shane arrives, the paramedics are there soon after. She’s in shock and he wants her seen by a doctor. Then, Tyler arrives with a picture of her from her description. She said yes to the person. It turns out to be, Mikey Alessio of the largest mob family in, Chicago.

When she asks about his stoic face after, Tyler leaves and he tells her it was a mob hit, she puts all the pieces together. She’s the only witness standing between the shooter and a long prison sentence. If any of you read, Erin and, Macks's book you will know, Dominic Zaretti skirts the letter of the law, and, Shane calls him in for the dirty work, and he needs answers quickly. Well, guess who gets called in? When he arrives he says you have fifteen minutes to get her ready to go. And, that’s fifteen minutes too long.

I guarantee Alessio has already put out the word to find her. He’s got his boys, and his father has his men, out looking, too. Beth, and, Sophie, are like she can’t just leave she needs her clothes and shoes, Shane. She’s wearing your workout clothes because her dress had blood on it. After, at least seven minutes of them squawking he just goes in and picks her up fireman style, and starts walking out. Saying enough we are talking about saving your life and you are worried about your damn clothes. Poor, Beth wattles to them giving her, Shane’s shoes at least.

This is such a funny book, this couple is a good match in character. Sophie is nothing like I thought she would be in all the other books. She seemed so fashionable, confident, and bubbly. Instead, insecure (normal), down and dirty, full-figured. Never saw that coming, thought she was tall but slender. Loved this book.

[Alexandra Alston Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Collateral Damage” A McIntyre Security Bodyguard Novel Book 13 by April Wilson

**Spoiler Alert**

Sophie is tired of being alone... she just cannot seem to find a man who will treat her the way she deserves or will at least accept her height. Going on a blind date is not what she ever wanted to do but to appease her best friend, she’ll do it only she never expected to be in the middle of fire...

It all happens so quickly. One minute she is dressed to the nines and the second, she is sitting in a pool of blood. Her life is now in danger but who will protect her.

Dominic receives a call for help. He is the only one to be trusted with her safety. He has to disappear with her until the trial but can he do it? He does not know her but he has been warned... she is high maintenance. He has secretes but he cannot tell her... not yet..

Sophie has no way to reaching out to anyone. She misses her family and friends but she knows its for the best as it will save her life. An error on her part reveals their location.

Things heat up quickly and Dominic is forced to do the one thing he said he would never do. He will to do anything to keep her safe.

Will the trial reveal things she wanted to keep a secret? She cannot tell him. It will crush him! She will forever have a part of him with her.

Shocked he hears the words he never thought he would hear... you are free...

There is so much story to read.

I absolutely love April Wilson and her books. She writes with so much passion. I feel every emotion... the tears, the pain, the love. Its all there! The characters are so well put together. You cannot help fall in love with each and everyone of them. I hope to read about Owen one day and him finding true happiness.

Thank you once again April for an amazing read.

[Jacqui Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Sophie McIntyre goes on a blind date, but her date is murdered just as they leave her home. The murderer is the son of a mobster who puts a hit on Sophie’s life so that she can’t testify against his son. Sophie’s brother, Shane, asks Dominic to hid his sister. He takes Sophie to his cabin in Tennessee. Sophie hates being away from family, friends and her cell phone. They start falling for each other out in the middle of the woods. When they are discovered by the hit men, Dominic sacrifices himself to protect Sophie.
Story:  5/5 stars.
Heat level:  4/5 stars.
POV: alternating first person.
Heroine: Sophie McIntyre
Hero: Dominic Zaretti

Secondary characters:
Amber, Sophie’s friend
Kent Martinez, murdered assistant DA
Mikey Alessio, Kent’s killer
Franco Alessio, Mikey’s and Dominic’s father
Owen Ramsey, Dominic’s friend

Shane McIntyre, Sophie’s oldest brother.
Beth, Shane’s wife
Jake McIntyre, Sophie’s brother. Married to Annie.
Liam McIntyre, Sophie’s brother.
Jamie McIntyre, Sophie’s brother. Dating Molly.
Hannah, Sophie’s sister
Lia, Sophie’s sister. Engaged to Jonah Locke.
Ingrid Jamison, Beth’s mother
Tyler Jamison, detective. Beth’s brother. Dating Ian.
Sam, Beth’s bodyguard
Cooper, Sam’s husband. Shane’s friend and business partner
Calum McIntyre, Sophie’s father
Bridget McIntyre, Sophie’s mother
Killian Deveraux, works for Shane

[MzAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Stars...

...I SO love Dominic Zaretti!!

Now that I've gotten that out of the way...

Sophie McIntyre is the sole eyewitness to a Mob hit on a Chicago ADA. The shooter would've gotten her, too, but a security guard showed up. Sophie's oldest brother, Shane, has to move fast to protect his sister. He calls on Dominic Zaretti to get Sophie out of town and hide her until the shooter, Mikey Alessio, goes to trial.

Dominic whisks Sophie away without letting her go back to her condo for clothes or anything else. Their road trip was entertaining. Sophie trying to find clothes that fit her in a second hand store in the-middle-of-nowhere, Tennessee was kind of entertaining, too. I especially liked the back-and-forth between Dominic and Sophie. Even though she was something of a socialite, I loved her snark and sarcasm, and her down-to-earth demeanor. These two fit together so well.

There were a few things that were kind of obvious in the story--like them falling for each other; and some things I never would've guessed--like Dominic's connection to the Alessio crime family.

This book a really good read IMO. I could see an evolution of the author's writing from the first book to this one (hardly any redundancy in this one; more normal/natural wording). The drama and action were very good.

When will Hannah and Liam (the last of the McIntyre siblings) get their books?

[Jite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sigh...

I’ve binge read this authors backlist (of 14 books so far) in the space of 4 days so I’ve had ample opportunity to figure out her style and formula and in all, I love the creative premises she comes up with and the themes she chooses to explore in her novels. There is a recurrent issue with editing- this one had fewer continuity issues than previous books, but there were a few things here and there.

The premise of this is that Sophie witnesses her blind date being killed in a mob hit and has to go into hiding. Her brother assigns Dominic, a sketchy associate with knowledge of the mob to protect her and sparks fly between these two giants (6’0 and 6’8).

I enjoyed this overall. I think the heroine was frequently too stupid to live but as always the author brought you back from page-tearing frustration early on to all the awwws and feels by the end of the book. I can’t believe I have to wait for the next book having binged this entire series. I remain a fan of this family and this series and am interested in reading more from them.

[Jackie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars A great continuation of the McIntyre Saga!!!!

I loved this story so much! Told in alternating first person, the author does a really good job of developing the characters and making you fall for them. This is the next installment of the McIntyre family saga and it came with all the feels! I almost felt like I was feeling all the sadness, fear and anxiety of the h/H right along with them. Likewise, I really felt the passion, HEAT, and love too. It had a good twist I didn't see coming right before the "black moment" - I really can't believe Dom did that!!! I can't wait for the next book in the series. :)

The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star review, was because it seemed to miss some of the action, suspense, technical saavy bodyguard security suspense problem solving "stuff" that I normally see in April's books. It just felt a little light on that regard. Overall though, another excellent book!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!!!

Omg I love Dominic! He is rough around the edges but a gentleman when it counts and he is all about Sophie. Love how they both sass each other and push boundaries. And love how he can go from wanting to spank her to screw her the next minute. They are so funny and it was cool to see a different side to Sophie. Loved Dominic and how much we learn about him. Wow talk about a bomb! His family ties. And then the sacrifice he makes to protect her make you just swoon. Loved the reunion. And the fact that even after he started the crazy path she was put on you have some sympathy for the head of the family for how he changes his tune at the end. Wow. Can’t wait for more. Hoping Sam and cooper get married and have babies and also lia and Jonah!! Interested in a story about Owen. And killian!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Ms. Wilson's books and generally am so sucked into the story that I read it in a day. That was the case with this book as well. Dominic Zaretti is tasked with keeping Sophie McIntyre safe after a blind date that goes horribly wrong. It was an interesting premise. Dominic is certainly and alpha male. Sophie is a strong character as well. I would have liked to get to know Sophie a little better. We got a really go look at Dominic and how his personality was formed. The story was fast-paced, heartbreaking at times, and had a satisfying conclusion. I also enjoyed minor glimpses of characters from previous books.

[Love Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Locked Away With a Sexy Bodyguard

I’ve mentioned it before in other reviews for this author that I love the loyalty in this family. They will literally do anything for each other. Everyone should be so lucky to have someone like that in their corner. They also have good friends who will do whatever it takes to protect said family. Enter Dominic who protects Sophie, no questions asked, simply because her brother Shane asked him to. They both realize they’ve been missing something in their lives that the other person is fulfilling and start to have feelings for each other. Loved the danger! Can’t wait for more by Ms. Wilson!!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Collateral Damage..thank you April for a great read. Sophie and Dominic wow what a couple and soooo hot, steamy sexy and strong! 😅 Within the first 5 pages I was muttering OMG! What? No way.... and as always surprises galore. Sophie needs a bodyguard after witnessing a murder and boy Dominic fits the bill perfectly. Our couple are strong minded and independent as all the characters that run through the McIntyre series are. Sacrifice and love win but as always but the emotional upheaval leaves you gasping to the very end.
Book 13 is a perfect follow on and now I need to read book 14 very soon please....

[Ginny Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh. Sooo good!
After Sophie witnesses a murder, she is swept out of Chicago into hiding. Dominic works the dirtier jobs and now Shane has called for him to protect his sister.
While Dominic is training Sophie to be able to protect herself, they are falling for each other.
Sophie finally knows who Dominic's father is.
When they are found, Dominic knows that he has to do what he said he never would to protect Sophie.
Sophie misses Dominic so much. She also discovers something else. When she leaves him voice mails all the time, she really wants to tell him.
Will Dominic find out Sophie's secret? Will Dominic come back?

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was crying

I was reading this book going through all of the emotions. To say it started off fast would be an understatement. I liked how the speed was face paced then slowed down for awhile pulling the characters into a false sense of security than bam. Everything Happened and once I thought things would calm down bam one of the worst things to could happen to our girl that I sat there bawling going through a small container of tissues. I was so upset. But the ending made everything come together. This was such a heart breaking story. Until the end. Thank you for such a good story

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know

Sophie and Dominic. Sophie briefly mentioned in family settings of this series but now we get to see her and a man we met in the previous book who helped Mack catch the man who hurt Erin. Dominic is called in to keep Sophie safe and he doesn’t waste any time. We get a new location, a new dynamic, and a new character with his buddy Owen. Their chemistry and dialogue is entertaining and the perfect set up for the twist that comes with the mob and her safety. The ending was sweet and once again the family subdivision came in clutch. A good story either intrigue and danger and romance and family and fun!

[April Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her personal protector

Oooooh. I thought Dominic was going to be this big badass bad tempered mountain of a man. But he was actually funny. Sophie was less drama queen and a little more down to earth. I did think she would be more prissy. I'm a tall girl too who was no thin model either growing up. So I totally identified with her and her statuesque frame. I think the sex was pretty hot too. Dominic is my kinda guy. Great job again April. I'm already looking forward to the next book.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy banter, protective male, suspense

Sophie is sassy, strong willed, and independent. Dominic is a strong protector determined to always do whats right. Due to the worst start of a blind date known to mankind Sophie is in need of protection even if she disagrees. Insert Dominic and the sparks start to fly. They both have met their match and love to tease the other. Their story is scary, beautiful, and of course full of passion. April Wilson is simply amazing and does not disappoint with this story.

[Laura Reissing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I love April Wilsons books they get to me every time. Her writing is phenomenal. But having said that I was wary of reading this one. Only because I've only had snippets of them in previous books and I didn't really feel like I knew them. But April totally blew that out of the water. I absolutely loved Dom's and Phee's story. I literally opened it up and the next minute I was finishing it. I couldn't put it down.
So, well done April another amazing story I can't wait for more.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So it absolutely pains me to say this wasn’t one of my favorites of the series. It was not bad at all and had some great parts to it but it took me a really long time to find the connection between Dominic and Sophie... I think it was cause she drove me nuts for a good portion of the story with constantly talking about her size... I wanted more of who she was if that makes sense... but I loved Dominic from the very first time we met him. I did miss seeing more of the whole family in this one too, but it made sense for the story.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

First of all.. April has made me fall for Owen. I really hope he gets a lady love! I gave this 4 Stars, simply because Sophie was a bit much at times. I don't think we heard how Dominic's mom passed and I was very curious. Dominic's father should have taken his wife out and stood up for the woman he loved. That's what mobsters do, right? Anyway, I continue to love the series even if a character is particularly my favorite. But please give Owen his HEA... at first I thought Hannah would be perfect since they love isolation and nature.