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Physically he’s protecting her. But emotionally she’s never felt more exposed.

The last person tech heiress Finley Cooper ever wanted to see again was Brandon Hale. Two years ago, Brandon shattered her heart. Now Finley needs protection, and, against her wishes, Brandon is assigned the job. Even worse, they must pretend to be a couple in order to find answers.

Brandon, a former Navy SEAL, met Finley while on an undercover assignment in Ecuador. But he broke her trust, and now he doesn’t blame Finley for hating him. As a new Blackout operative, Brandon’s first assignment throws him into Finley’s life 24/7. Someone wants her dead, and it’s clear this person won’t stop until that mission is accomplished.

To keep her safe, Brandon must regain Finley’s trust. Can he convince her she’s more than a job to him? Or will peril permanently silence them?

*a second chance romance
*Navy SEAL romantic suspense
*clean and wholesome

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2022

273 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

Christy Barritt

338 books1,664 followers
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

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5 stars
887 (73%)
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249 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
September 5, 2022
My thoughts: BRANDON is the first book in another spin-off series by prolific author Christy Barritt. Brandon is former military and now hired to protect his ex-girlfriend who someone is trying to kill. There are a lot of red herrings in this sea and the who-dun-it was a surprise to me. There is no faith message but it is a clean suspense/romance. If you like romantic suspense you will love this book. I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,307 reviews45 followers
March 3, 2023
Wow, Talk about having a bad day! Finley really isn’t having a good week! Can anything more happen to her? And now she has to have Brandon, who broke her heart, with her every minute of the day? UGH!!
I truly love Christy Barritt’s books and how she has her victims go through so much! I’ve said this before, but I’m really glad I’m not one of the characters in her books! Now, I would mind having a hunky guy like Brandon protect me, but I sure wouldn’t want to have a reason for it!!
These Blackout guys are definitely someone you would want on your team if there were ever any problems. They are ex-Navy SEALs and boy, do they have the mindset of “get it done!” They go through so much and still keep going. They’re like the “Eveready Bunny Rabbit.”
Christy Barritt is an author who knows how to keep you reading and reading and reading until you’ve realized you’re done. Her books are full of suspense, action, mystery, drama, and bits of sweet romance. There is always a twist that you will never see coming. She’s that good!
So if you want to read and read until you forget that you need to eat or sleep, then this is the book and series you need to pick up!
I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Stella Potts.
516 reviews10 followers
March 27, 2022
This is book #1 in a new series by Christy Barritt. Good start to the series. Very suspenseful and keeps you guessing until the end. No clue at all of who is doing the dirty work at Finley’s company and committing murder and mayhem in Finley’s and Brandon’s lives. Also the romance is very well done. I enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Kara.
812 reviews
March 12, 2022
Really loved this story, but still did not want to give a perfect rating :)
Brandon is such an awesome character and a perfect gentleman, now if he could just earn her trust and keep her from getting hurt all would work out. But how do you protect someone who refuses your protection?

Non stop page turner and more Blackout characters that are easily liked.
Profile Image for Berta Hartzell.
68 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2023
This is my first Christy Barritt book. A new fan! Fast, fun read for a long weekend. It kept me guessing and I like that.
July 17, 2022

“Physically he’s protecting her. But emotionally he’s never felt more exposed.” -Amazon book description

Okay, WOW!
This is my second time reading a Christy Barritt book,
(I’ve read Titus, #4 of 4 in this series), and again, I was NOT disappointed!! Great start to this BLACKOUT series. I love the skills and smarts Barritt gives her male characters.
This book was seriously good. I ate this book in a day because I simply couldn’t put it down.

The plot was absolutely great. Everything made sense, and right from the first sentence of the book, you’re plunged into the story and hooked! But the action is believable! Nothing is rushed or weird..

Barritt writes in romances extremely well! She gives the two main characters some history.. ! Just enough that makes sense and fits into the present-time story. Brandon and Finley dated years ago, but split when Finley found out that Brandon was being dishonest with her about what his work entailed. (That he was looking into her father and his work).

I loved Brandon. 1,000%!
He was perfect and always did the right things. I love the way the author wrote his thoughts out. His thoughts were so beautifu: kind, considerate, intelligent, realistic. Brandon doesn’t mess around. Brandon’s lines were just. So. Good..!!!

Finley is great. She isn’t annoying at all and I find that refreshing. Usually the main chick is bitchy or overly whiny or something. Usually the guy is too good for the chick. But Finley is really good. She’s strong, she isn’t a complainer, and she really cares for others (especially Brandon 😉)! Her lines were so so good.

Each scenario that Barritt wrote where Brandon and Finley were in trouble together was well written. When Brandon saves Finley from drowning in the pool, and when Finley sounds the warehouse alarm to scare of the bad guys so that she could go back for Brandon.... AHHH!! 🥰🥰 such great scenes.

Finley, “I couldn’t leave you.”
Brandon, “I’m glad you did [come back for me in the warehouse]. Just don’t do it again.” 🥺🥺🥺💚💚

I love the scene where Finley is telling Brandon how scared she was for him; that she thought he’d die... And Brandon is wiping her tears and being there for her (while of course beaming inside because this is a clear sign that she still loves him)!!
💚“Hey... I’m okay. If those tears are for me, you don’t need to worry.” -Brandon 💚

One thing I can’t wrap my head around though is why Barritt doesn’t let her characters kiss until almost the very end of the story. 🤷🏻‍♂️ 😂 it’s not bad, just something I noticed.

Another book well done by Barritt. I have books #2 & #3 from this series on my kindle and plan to read them soon! Can’t wait. Barritt is a wonderful author. 💚💚👍🏼
Profile Image for Kim .
1,156 reviews19 followers
March 30, 2022
I gave this story four stars because it didn't read as polished as most of her other stories, and it read similar to many of her other stories. The plot where former love comes back and one of them can't stand that they are there is getting over done. Just about every other contemporary story I pick up has that in it somewhere - yawn! I guess if you don't read as many books as I do you don't see how often it is used, but it's used a lot!

Brandon left Kelli years ago and her father calls on him to help keep his daughter safe when the car her dad is driving loses it's brakes and he is hurt badly. She's very bitter and has no intention of truly forgiving him and at the drop of a hat is ready to believe the worst of him. He knows he did her wrong and doesn't fight for himself - but then again, he has other things more important at the moment, like trying to keep her alive. As time goes by she sees that he is a good man and...

This is a clean read.
195 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2022
Finley is in danger and needs help but the last person on earth she ever wants to see again is Brandon, yet here he is, back in her life. She soon discovers she is not so over him as she thought, and maybe, just maybe everything in their past isn't what she thought either. As Finley and Brandon work to keep her safe and to find out who wants her dead, they begin to open up about what happened in Ecuador. There are numerous people around her and she does not know who she can trust, except surprisingly, she begins to trust Brandon again -- at least with her life. She isn't quite so sure about trusting him with her heart. Once again, I was kept guessing throughout most of the book. I also enjoy being introduced to characters that will come up in future books, like Dylan and Maddox.

I received a free copy of this book. The opinions stated here are my own.
Profile Image for Holly.
708 reviews21 followers
April 22, 2022
When is a lie a lie? Brandon fell in love with Finley two years earlier but he was living a lie and when the truth came out Finley was crushed! Now he has to protect her and that was the last thing she wanted.

I love how Barritt creates unique stories that bring out a depth of emotion in her characters. This one was no different. The chemistry between Brandon and Finley was evident, but the past was a barrier.

The action in this book was at times very intense. I had a gut feeling who the "bad guy" was but there were some things that definitely surprised me. Making this a very enjoyable book!

I look forward to the additional books in this, especially the one feature Maddox! Navy Seal that crochet beanies!!

Disclaimer: I did receive this book from the author but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions express here are my own.
Profile Image for Debbie.
283 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2022
How can you put your life in the hands of someone you don't trust?! That's what happens in the latest book from Christy Barritt. When several attempts are made on Finley's life, she hires the Blackout team to protect her and get to the bottom of what's going on. But when Brandon shows up to be her bodyguard, she isn't sure she can trust him after the lies he told her in the past. Can they work together to discover who is behind all of this or will their lack of trust prove costly? This book has lots of twists, turns, and characters that will have you suspecting everyone! I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books414 followers
March 2, 2022
Wow! Who could be behind the crimes going on around the tech company Finley Cooper’s father founded? Could it be a member of the board? And why would she be targeted? Blackout newbie Brandon Hale takes on the assignment of protected the heiress, but their troubled past brings an impediment. Can he keep her safe and help solve the mystery going on with the business? Intrigue, danger, surprises, and setbacks keep readers hooked to the book awaiting the resolution. This prolific writer keeps hitting it out of the park! If you like exciting suspense stories, you should like this one. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
1,428 reviews12 followers
March 6, 2022
I had an ARC copy of this book, but this is my honest and voluntary opinion. Brandon Hale, a new Blackout recruit, is assigned to keep Findley Cooper safe after several attempts on her life. She is poised to take over her deceased father’s tech company, but there is something going on with the company and they must figure out what and who is responsible before more people die. Trust is an issue with Findley because Brandon broke her heart a few years ago. The plot really holds your interest and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Christy Barritt is a master at suspense and a great storyteller, and this book certainly shows that.
1 review
May 29, 2022
Far-fetched

I generally like the author’s book series but this one felt a little ridiculous in terms of story-line. The main character, Finley, has no real friends? Someone who shows no signs of being a traitor and killer ends up being one? And at the climax, the “bad guy” just spills everything? The romance was a little too flowery for me. Their physical “attraction” towards one another was just mentioned so many times and seemed to trump everything else. Brandon never even really explained his side of the story and she never gave him the chance. All in all it just seemed too unrealistic.
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,151 reviews47 followers
March 3, 2022
This first story in the new Lantern Beach series is great. Finlay hires the Blackout team to protect her when several attempts are made on her life. She is not happy when she discovers that her ex boyfriend Brandon, one of Blackout's newest recruits, is her bodyguard because of the lies he told her in the past. However, they must work together to discover the perpetrators.
In the story we are also introduced to the rest of Blackout's newest recruits as they join in to catch the ones responsible. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,049 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2022
Brandon

When she feels her life is in danger Finley calls a security team. She is upset when Brandon shows up to protect her. They have history together and it ended badly. But when Brandon saves her life, seconds before her house blows up, she realizes she needs to trust him. But when someone starts making her doubt Brandon's motive for protecting her. Who is after her father's company? What are they after? Can Brandon keep Finley alive long enough to save the company she inherited when her father died? Read this book to find out.
Profile Image for Mary.
76 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2022
New series connected to Lantern Beach

This story has kept me reading every spare moment. Mystery, intrigue, suspense, and not knowing who to trust made the story hard to put down. Adding descriptions of the beach at the end was like icing on a cake. I love the romance also that blossoms in the main characters. The villain of the story was a complete surprise! Christy's storytelling is getting better all the time. Thank you Christy for sharing your wonderful talent of writing. I thank God for your love of writing!!!
1,654 reviews11 followers
March 2, 2022
Another brilliant series

This first story in the new Lantern Beach spin off series is brilliant. There is loads of suspense as Brandon tries to protect his ex girlfriend Finlay from mysterious attacks on her life. We meet the rest of the new Blackout recruits as they each join the hunt to find the perpetrators, whilst Finlay also comes to terms with resolving past hurts and new revelations both personal and professional. Riveting story which I could not put down.
1,042 reviews11 followers
April 6, 2022
Men of Lantern Beach

Brandon is assigned as a bodyguard for Finley and his first act is to drag her from her home seconds before it explodes. Finley's life is constantly in jeopardy and Brandon is busy figuring out how to protect her. She is resistant to him due to having prior history with him that did not end well. Christy Barritt continues the saga of Lantern Beach with this new Blackout series.
25 reviews
March 10, 2022
Best One, Yet!

Wow! I know that I always say that it's the best one. Let me tell you, this one delivers a deeper level of romance that I've been looking for in these works. This book is the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and page turning into excitement.

My advice? Grab your favorite coffee or tea, turn off distractions and get ready to take a vacation away from stress.
65 reviews
March 16, 2022
Amazing

Christy really "put her foot" in this one. It's taken me a while to finish it just because I've been so busy, but every night I just couldn't wait to get to bed and get back to reading it only to pass out from pure exhaustion. I did truly love this book. Even needed my tissues for the ending! Thanks Christy and God bless you.
4,572 reviews31 followers
April 21, 2022
I love Christy Barritt stories and the Lantern Beach Blackout: Danger Rising series promise to be one of her best. Brandon and Finley have a past and it doesn’t help him to keep her safe as his current assignment. We get romance, conflict, espionage, twists, turns and surprises. I can’t wait to read Book 2.
Profile Image for Marla.
149 reviews
May 23, 2022
engaging story

This book had many twists and turns. Just when I thought I figured out who the bad guy was there were more twists and deceitful people with back stories and I found the book hard to put down. The story of forgiveness was woven through the entire book. We all make mistakes and we all deserve to be forgiven. I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Pages_With_Me | Génesis  .
205 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2022
3.8 - 3.9

This is the first book of the Lantern Beach Blackout: Danger Rising series by Christy Barritt.
Here we are introduced to Brandon as he takes on an assignment that connects him with the love of his life. The only problem is that he already broke Finleys trust and heart a while back in Ecuador. Now, he has a chance to redeemed himself and protect Finley against the threats and perils that surround her before it's too late.


First, I have to say that I finish this piece of work in a day so, you can imagine how good it was. 😏

I also waited until I finished the 4 books in the series so that I could write the reviews and I can certainly say that this is the best book in the whole series.

The intro was super good as it immediately delivers great action content. The story was complicated.. so much that I doubted who the criminal was for a long while. Kept me guessing.

The romance was cute and clean.
Faith content was so so, but, sadly, I've come to have regular expectations for CB's books regarding this area.


Still... definitely enjoyed it and it left me wanting to read Dylan's book.

Toodles and blessings ⚘️
3 reviews
January 21, 2023
Great read

I loved this story from the minute I started reading it. I is an edge of of your seat book that I could not put down. If you like love stories and mysteries this is the best of both. I would recommend this book to avoid mystery lovers and anyone who enjoys reading a good clean book.
294 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2025
I love the whole Blackout Security series and this one is great, too. The plot keeps you guessing until the end and suspense keeps you hooked from the beginning. Brandon and Finley's story is honest and raw for both. The new characters in the story makes me want all the backstories for each of them. Ready for the next one!
827 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2022
Couldn't put it down

She hated him for his lies. He was assigned to protect her. Her life and business in jeopardy, could she trust him? Kept my interest throughout, and, as usual, didn't figure it all out, just some. Good, clean read.
41 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2022
Kept me Reading all night.

I love all the twists and turns in this book. The characters were great and I was kept wanting to get to the truth. I couldn’t put the book down. Can’t wait to read Dylan’s story.
Profile Image for Sarah.
575 reviews8 followers
March 5, 2022
WHOAH!

YIKES! Danger certainly IS rising in this extremely fast paced, action filled second chance, very suspenseful romance! It was fun to get to know new Blackout characters. I can’t wait for the next adventure.
171 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2022
when will I ever learn?

Never ever start a Christy Barrit book early on a Saturday morning, when you have a very busy day ahead of you!! Another AWESOME read … great characters, references to previous characters and sites, just can’t get enough
Profile Image for Robyn Seitzler.
216 reviews6 followers
March 7, 2022
Twists and Turns

A Lantern Beach Blackout book not based in Lantern Beach. Intrigued yet? That is only the first twist in this fast paced read. I never saw the villain coming. Good job, Ms. Barritt!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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