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Blackhawk Security #1
With One Breath
Two against the Taliban, two wildly different agendas — both crazy risky!
Laila’s not the type of woman who needs rescuing. Except for a tiny rule-breaking penchant, she’s a model CIA agent—smart, resourceful, brave, and very very determined.. But right now she’s in a tight situation—in more than one way. She’s hiding from the Taliban in a network of pitch-dark interlocking caves, so narrow a cat could barely thread its way through them. A cat or an agent trained for it.
And that would be Jase, her designated rescuer.
Once her CIA training agent, he’s the last man she’d get involved with, even though he’s the hottest guy she’s ever met. He’s bossy. Intimidating. Way too alpha. And a strict rule follower.
All traits on her ‘no fly’ list.
Set against the tense U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, this rapid-fire tale begins with electrifying action, moves on to fast-flying sparks, and never lets up. Laila’s on the way to Kabul to leave the country, where she also teaches a class of village girls, when her driver betrays her. She outwits him, but it’s only a matter of time till the Taliban track her down.
She’s never been so glad to see Jase.
Romance should be the last thing on either’s mind as they frantically crawl and slither their way through the claustrophobic caves, desperate to find an exit. Still, infatuation sparks.
And smolders.
But neither can afford to take their eyes off their own goals. Jase’s is simple--to rejoin his team and deliver Laila safely to Kabul. But Laila has a more ambitious agenda, one that will require breaking rules, disobeying orders, and endangering the whole team.
Laila’s not the type of woman who needs rescuing. Except for a tiny rule-breaking penchant, she’s a model CIA agent—smart, resourceful, brave, and very very determined.. But right now she’s in a tight situation—in more than one way. She’s hiding from the Taliban in a network of pitch-dark interlocking caves, so narrow a cat could barely thread its way through them. A cat or an agent trained for it.
And that would be Jase, her designated rescuer.
Once her CIA training agent, he’s the last man she’d get involved with, even though he’s the hottest guy she’s ever met. He’s bossy. Intimidating. Way too alpha. And a strict rule follower.
All traits on her ‘no fly’ list.
Set against the tense U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, this rapid-fire tale begins with electrifying action, moves on to fast-flying sparks, and never lets up. Laila’s on the way to Kabul to leave the country, where she also teaches a class of village girls, when her driver betrays her. She outwits him, but it’s only a matter of time till the Taliban track her down.
She’s never been so glad to see Jase.
Romance should be the last thing on either’s mind as they frantically crawl and slither their way through the claustrophobic caves, desperate to find an exit. Still, infatuation sparks.
And smolders.
But neither can afford to take their eyes off their own goals. Jase’s is simple--to rejoin his team and deliver Laila safely to Kabul. But Laila has a more ambitious agenda, one that will require breaking rules, disobeying orders, and endangering the whole team.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
357 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Watson
105 books132 followersUSA Today bestselling author Margaret Watson is a two-time RITA Finalist with thirty books in print for Harlequin and Silhouette and many other award-winning romantic suspense novels.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
When not writing, Margaret practices veterinary medicine in the Chicago area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 3, 2024
Purchased June 7, 2022 Amz
I'm going to give this 2.5 stars
I DNF'd at about 50%
Just couldn't get pass all the repetitive thoughts and S L O W pace of the story.
Guess where all the books I own in this series is going.
GHR Kick Group read 11/22
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I'm going to give this 2.5 stars
I DNF'd at about 50%
Just couldn't get pass all the repetitive thoughts and S L O W pace of the story.
Guess where all the books I own in this series is going.
GHR Kick Group read 11/22
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
April 8, 2022
I committed the one thing that I have told people not to do—read books out of order if they are in a series. In my defense, the author restructured the series and bumped this book up to the first book in the series. So the book I thought I was reading last ended up being the first book in the series. It threw me for a loop but didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book.
With One Breath had an exciting plotline. Laila is a civilian CIA agent who goes undercover in a remote village to gather information on the Taliban. Jase was Laila’s trainer in Kabul, and he is part of an extraction team that is supposed to get Laila and leave after intel tells them that she is in immediate danger. Circumstances strand Laila and Jase in caves outside a Taliban arms depot. Fighting a red hot attraction, Laila and Jase must work together to avoid getting captured by the Taliban. But Laila also has another plan that needs to be set in motion once they get out. She wants to move her girl students and their families to the embassy in Kabul and save them from the Taliban. Will Laila and Jase get out of the caves? Will they rescue the girls and their families? And will they give in to their attraction?
With One Breath is the first book in the Blackhawk Security series. Since it is the first book, readers can read it as a standalone.
If you are claustrophobic and do not do well reading about people being trapped in caves, I highly suggest not reading this book. A good part of this book takes place in the caves where Laila and Jase are hiding. I am not claustrophobic, and those scenes got my anxiety going through the roof.
I liked Laila and loved her determination. The only thing that I didn’t even remotely like about her was that she trusted too quickly. She was led into a Taliban trap by the older brother of a girl she taught in school. Then, she took him with her during her rescue of those same girls. I get why she did it but still. Other than that, she rocked. I don’t know how she dealt with being in those caves (and traveling the passages!!) without having a breakdown.
I also liked Jase. I did think he was a little too straight-laced, but when the author gave his backstory, I understood why. I liked how he tried to keep it professional with Laila and kept his cool under pressure. Even though he didn’t like Laila’s plan, he went along with it. The only thing I didn’t like was that he called Laila “bae.” I made my feelings clear in a previous review. Other than that, I thought he was the perfect Alpha male.
The suspense angle of the book was well written. I loved the cat and mouse game Jase and Laila played with the Taliban. Those scenes in the cave and the scenes that involved them escaping had me on the edge of my seat. I was also kept on edge with the plan to get the girls and their families out to Kabul and then out of the country. There were points during those scenes that I did wonder how it was going to go. And of course, what happened to Jase at the airport had me screaming!!
The romance angle of the book was also just as well written. There is no InstaLove involved. Instead, Laila and Jase’s relationship was allowed to blossom naturally. Of course, being in a high-stress situation did move it along, but it wasn’t Instalove. I also liked that the relationship continued to progress after Kabul and that it showed that being in love wasn’t perfect. It was messy, and some things could derail it if allowed. I loved it!!!
Jase and Laila had insane chemistry. The author kept the sexual tension up for most of the book before allowing them to have sex. That was the only time they had it, and I loved it. Not having sex every other page allowed me to focus on the storylines.
The end of With One Breath was terrific!! Laila and Jase fought tooth and nail for their happiness, and I cheered with how they ended up. I also loved that the author gave updates on the girls and their families.
I would recommend With One Breath to anyone over 21. There is violence, language, and sex.
With One Breath had an exciting plotline. Laila is a civilian CIA agent who goes undercover in a remote village to gather information on the Taliban. Jase was Laila’s trainer in Kabul, and he is part of an extraction team that is supposed to get Laila and leave after intel tells them that she is in immediate danger. Circumstances strand Laila and Jase in caves outside a Taliban arms depot. Fighting a red hot attraction, Laila and Jase must work together to avoid getting captured by the Taliban. But Laila also has another plan that needs to be set in motion once they get out. She wants to move her girl students and their families to the embassy in Kabul and save them from the Taliban. Will Laila and Jase get out of the caves? Will they rescue the girls and their families? And will they give in to their attraction?
With One Breath is the first book in the Blackhawk Security series. Since it is the first book, readers can read it as a standalone.
If you are claustrophobic and do not do well reading about people being trapped in caves, I highly suggest not reading this book. A good part of this book takes place in the caves where Laila and Jase are hiding. I am not claustrophobic, and those scenes got my anxiety going through the roof.
I liked Laila and loved her determination. The only thing that I didn’t even remotely like about her was that she trusted too quickly. She was led into a Taliban trap by the older brother of a girl she taught in school. Then, she took him with her during her rescue of those same girls. I get why she did it but still. Other than that, she rocked. I don’t know how she dealt with being in those caves (and traveling the passages!!) without having a breakdown.
I also liked Jase. I did think he was a little too straight-laced, but when the author gave his backstory, I understood why. I liked how he tried to keep it professional with Laila and kept his cool under pressure. Even though he didn’t like Laila’s plan, he went along with it. The only thing I didn’t like was that he called Laila “bae.” I made my feelings clear in a previous review. Other than that, I thought he was the perfect Alpha male.
The suspense angle of the book was well written. I loved the cat and mouse game Jase and Laila played with the Taliban. Those scenes in the cave and the scenes that involved them escaping had me on the edge of my seat. I was also kept on edge with the plan to get the girls and their families out to Kabul and then out of the country. There were points during those scenes that I did wonder how it was going to go. And of course, what happened to Jase at the airport had me screaming!!
The romance angle of the book was also just as well written. There is no InstaLove involved. Instead, Laila and Jase’s relationship was allowed to blossom naturally. Of course, being in a high-stress situation did move it along, but it wasn’t Instalove. I also liked that the relationship continued to progress after Kabul and that it showed that being in love wasn’t perfect. It was messy, and some things could derail it if allowed. I loved it!!!
Jase and Laila had insane chemistry. The author kept the sexual tension up for most of the book before allowing them to have sex. That was the only time they had it, and I loved it. Not having sex every other page allowed me to focus on the storylines.
The end of With One Breath was terrific!! Laila and Jase fought tooth and nail for their happiness, and I cheered with how they ended up. I also loved that the author gave updates on the girls and their families.
I would recommend With One Breath to anyone over 21. There is violence, language, and sex.
May 7, 2023
The story was fine. The pacing was a bit too fast, not like "oh wow I can't put this book down, it's so thrilling" but like there were some unanswered questions that somehow weren't addressed. Sometimes I'd go, "well, that was convenient" just to keep the story along without addressing them.
Who was that mysterious man that seemed familiar, but can't be pinpoint why he looked familiar in spite of that blurry photo taken at night? Why did Bahram told that lie that the tunnel was getting too narrow for him to go through? Did someone really betray Laila from the inside? Why would someone shoot Jase at the airport runway?
Look, if these questions are answered in the following books, then at least have follow up questions from any characters and have a reply, "for now, they're still looking into it, but I don't think it'll ever be resolved." just something. Are the books in the series tied to each other, or are they just companion stand-alones?
Who was that mysterious man that seemed familiar, but can't be pinpoint why he looked familiar in spite of that blurry photo taken at night? Why did Bahram told that lie that the tunnel was getting too narrow for him to go through? Did someone really betray Laila from the inside? Why would someone shoot Jase at the airport runway?
Look, if these questions are answered in the following books, then at least have follow up questions from any characters and have a reply, "for now, they're still looking into it, but I don't think it'll ever be resolved." just something. Are the books in the series tied to each other, or are they just companion stand-alones?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
I found this rather slow and flat. Plus the characters in romantic relationships calling each other 'bae' felt cringeworthy.
April 22, 2025
I went into this with my expectations high and full of hope. Maybe I shouldn’t have.
Let me explain.
I love the kind of military books where both main characters are in the action. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy just about any military type book, but to me there’s a bit of forced-proximity and a true rawness that can come from a book’s premise being about the main characters falling in love with each other and with who someone is when it really matters. Honestly, these days it kind of seems like these kind of situations are one of the few times you can really see who someone really is.
So, I was a bit excited when I saw this series, hoping it would be my next binge. I fear I may have set the bar too high for me.
*️⃣ This review may contain some slight spoilers below, but not enough that it will negatively impact anyone reading the book after, in my opinion *️⃣
Pros:
✔️ I’d probably read it again
✔️ A unique FMC background
✔️ A different premise I don’t usually see
✔️ Pretty good attention to detail in terms of setting and plot
✔️ A little PTSD inclusion
✔️ Not common setting
Cons:
❌ Grammar I’d give a 4.75 as there still were a few typos, so of course this is going under cons. But there weren’t many
❌ Pacing was slow as times, fast at others
❌ The relationship between the main couple was very repetitive at times, mainly with the MMC insisting on him “not doing forever”. But it also felt like something was missing
❌ Loose ends were not wrapped up as well as they could be. One of the biggest loose ends was clearly meant to be an overarching plot with the rest of the series, but there were so many unanswered questions specifically relating to this book’s characters (both involving the FMC’s mission and the plane scene) that they really should have been at least semi-tied up in this book
Personal Thoughts:
⭕️ Still required a little disbelief suspension when you have even a little understanding of the military/contracting/government world. Not too realistic in terms of how things would happen in real life, but this always happens with books or movies anyway
⭕️ I enjoyed the plot but I found I didn’t really care as much for the main characters’ relationship as I should or could have
⭕️ The timeline for… everything… did not make sense. From the FMC’s training, to the mission, to how fast a bunch of refugees were able to go to the States, to how fast the MMC healed, to how someone could lie and get onto post and into Walter Reed (they couldn’t without help), and how fast businesses were up and running (especially involving the government). Was not very realistic
⭕️ The use of “bae” as pet names for everyone who used a pet name. When two side characters used it, I was like “okay; that’s a choice.” But I could see it, maybe. But “bae” is like “boo thang”. Yes, people use the term, but not so much so that you’d see several older professionals calling their significant other it. And yes, for male characters to have already been Seals and now something else, and at least for their female boss to be in charge of field agents in the CIA and be as high up as she was, they’re at the age where it’s not popular for a ton of people to call each other “bae”. “Babe,” yes. At least, from what I’ve seen everywhere I’ve lived. So, when the main characters started calling each other that also, it took me out of the story a little more each time
⭕️ I didn’t really enjoy getting to see so much into the side characters’ personal relationships considering how it ended (and if you check the series order, it won’t make you any happier if you’re like me). I normally fall in love with side characters (they are who gets me to read the rest of the series in a series like this), but this time it became one of those situations where you don’t tell your friends what your SO did wrong because you may get over it but they won’t. I fear I may be the friend in this case and not get over it, at least to the point where I don’t really think I want to read the rest of the series. Nothing really nudged me to continue
⭕️ I really enjoyed the inclusion of PTSD and talks of equine therapy because I’ve always been fascinated by that subject
4.55 ⭐️
The ultimate deciding factor for whether I reread this book or read the rest of the series will probably be highly dependent on my mood when I try to. I definitely think it's an overall enjoyable read as most of what bothered me was completely subjective or based on having some knowledge about the book characters backgrounds. Mainly not going into this expecting l'd have to suspend my disbelief as much as I should have. So, l'd at least know that if I try again and it would maybe keep me from being pulled out of the story in those areas again. For most, I wouldn't see these as an issue and I could see many people enjoying the book.
100% recommend.
Let me explain.
I love the kind of military books where both main characters are in the action. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy just about any military type book, but to me there’s a bit of forced-proximity and a true rawness that can come from a book’s premise being about the main characters falling in love with each other and with who someone is when it really matters. Honestly, these days it kind of seems like these kind of situations are one of the few times you can really see who someone really is.
So, I was a bit excited when I saw this series, hoping it would be my next binge. I fear I may have set the bar too high for me.
*️⃣ This review may contain some slight spoilers below, but not enough that it will negatively impact anyone reading the book after, in my opinion *️⃣
Pros:
✔️ I’d probably read it again
✔️ A unique FMC background
✔️ A different premise I don’t usually see
✔️ Pretty good attention to detail in terms of setting and plot
✔️ A little PTSD inclusion
✔️ Not common setting
Cons:
❌ Grammar I’d give a 4.75 as there still were a few typos, so of course this is going under cons. But there weren’t many
❌ Pacing was slow as times, fast at others
❌ The relationship between the main couple was very repetitive at times, mainly with the MMC insisting on him “not doing forever”. But it also felt like something was missing
❌ Loose ends were not wrapped up as well as they could be. One of the biggest loose ends was clearly meant to be an overarching plot with the rest of the series, but there were so many unanswered questions specifically relating to this book’s characters (both involving the FMC’s mission and the plane scene) that they really should have been at least semi-tied up in this book
Personal Thoughts:
⭕️ Still required a little disbelief suspension when you have even a little understanding of the military/contracting/government world. Not too realistic in terms of how things would happen in real life, but this always happens with books or movies anyway
⭕️ I enjoyed the plot but I found I didn’t really care as much for the main characters’ relationship as I should or could have
⭕️ The timeline for… everything… did not make sense. From the FMC’s training, to the mission, to how fast a bunch of refugees were able to go to the States, to how fast the MMC healed, to how someone could lie and get onto post and into Walter Reed (they couldn’t without help), and how fast businesses were up and running (especially involving the government). Was not very realistic
⭕️ The use of “bae” as pet names for everyone who used a pet name. When two side characters used it, I was like “okay; that’s a choice.” But I could see it, maybe. But “bae” is like “boo thang”. Yes, people use the term, but not so much so that you’d see several older professionals calling their significant other it. And yes, for male characters to have already been Seals and now something else, and at least for their female boss to be in charge of field agents in the CIA and be as high up as she was, they’re at the age where it’s not popular for a ton of people to call each other “bae”. “Babe,” yes. At least, from what I’ve seen everywhere I’ve lived. So, when the main characters started calling each other that also, it took me out of the story a little more each time
⭕️ I didn’t really enjoy getting to see so much into the side characters’ personal relationships considering how it ended (and if you check the series order, it won’t make you any happier if you’re like me). I normally fall in love with side characters (they are who gets me to read the rest of the series in a series like this), but this time it became one of those situations where you don’t tell your friends what your SO did wrong because you may get over it but they won’t. I fear I may be the friend in this case and not get over it, at least to the point where I don’t really think I want to read the rest of the series. Nothing really nudged me to continue
⭕️ I really enjoyed the inclusion of PTSD and talks of equine therapy because I’ve always been fascinated by that subject
4.55 ⭐️
The ultimate deciding factor for whether I reread this book or read the rest of the series will probably be highly dependent on my mood when I try to. I definitely think it's an overall enjoyable read as most of what bothered me was completely subjective or based on having some knowledge about the book characters backgrounds. Mainly not going into this expecting l'd have to suspend my disbelief as much as I should have. So, l'd at least know that if I try again and it would maybe keep me from being pulled out of the story in those areas again. For most, I wouldn't see these as an issue and I could see many people enjoying the book.
100% recommend.
July 29, 2022
With One Breath by Margaret Watson
Blackhawk Security #1
Action-packed romantic suspense set in Afghanistan near the recent takeover of the country by the Taliban, this is a book I could not put down once I started reading!
What I liked:
* Laila Burke: teacher, linguist, CIA operative, in Afghanistan to teach women and spy, strong, resilient, calm, not easily cowed, does what needs to be done, follows her heart, and perfect for Jase
* Jas Conway: Seal, CIA Spec Ops, lethal, reserved, one-night-stand guy, puts his job first, protects his heart, protective of others, team player, drawn to Laila but stubborn about it
* Mel, Dev, and Cody: team members with Jase in Afghanistan – would like to know more about them
* The location and its part in the story
* That Jase and Laila remained professional till it was okay to act on their chemistry
* The way Laila stated what she wanted…more than once…and eventually was heard by Jase
* That some of the innocents were saved
* The positive ending of the story
* Knowing that there are more books in the series to read
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The oppressiveness of the Taliban rule
* Knowing that women in Afghanistan have it tough…and wishing it could be made better
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Blackhawk Security #1
Action-packed romantic suspense set in Afghanistan near the recent takeover of the country by the Taliban, this is a book I could not put down once I started reading!
What I liked:
* Laila Burke: teacher, linguist, CIA operative, in Afghanistan to teach women and spy, strong, resilient, calm, not easily cowed, does what needs to be done, follows her heart, and perfect for Jase
* Jas Conway: Seal, CIA Spec Ops, lethal, reserved, one-night-stand guy, puts his job first, protects his heart, protective of others, team player, drawn to Laila but stubborn about it
* Mel, Dev, and Cody: team members with Jase in Afghanistan – would like to know more about them
* The location and its part in the story
* That Jase and Laila remained professional till it was okay to act on their chemistry
* The way Laila stated what she wanted…more than once…and eventually was heard by Jase
* That some of the innocents were saved
* The positive ending of the story
* Knowing that there are more books in the series to read
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The oppressiveness of the Taliban rule
* Knowing that women in Afghanistan have it tough…and wishing it could be made better
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
June 16, 2025
Laila is a teacher who’s being trained as a CIA agent so she can go to Afghanistan and run a school. Jase is her trainer, and their attraction is obvious, though they only have one night together.
Several months later the Taliban are rumoured to be coming to the village she works in and killing everyone, and she sees a Western man at a meeting trying to recruit men, young and old.
Her student’s brother wants to help her because she’ll be taken, tortured, and killed by the Taliban for teaching young girls. She manages to get a message to her handler, and Jase and his team go to rescue her.
She escapes the Taliban and hides in a cave, and Jase is able to locate her and help her back to his team’s jeep. But she asks for more. She’s very thankful, but also wants help to rescue the girls she taught and their families, as they’ll be killed as well.
They all agree, steal into the village, and several of the girls and their families go with them. They’re able to get to Kabul, then get clearance to go to the US.
Meanwhile, Jase and Laila can’t avoid their feelings, but he refuses to try to have a real relationship because he’s a soldier. This is cowardice, she accuses him, but she makes sure he has her contact info back home. He’s injured on an op, and is depressed and stubborn, but so is she, unwilling to leave him and helping him see he can recover and have a full life.
A great adventure, with suspense, romance, and some cool manoeuvres in Afghanistan.
Several months later the Taliban are rumoured to be coming to the village she works in and killing everyone, and she sees a Western man at a meeting trying to recruit men, young and old.
Her student’s brother wants to help her because she’ll be taken, tortured, and killed by the Taliban for teaching young girls. She manages to get a message to her handler, and Jase and his team go to rescue her.
She escapes the Taliban and hides in a cave, and Jase is able to locate her and help her back to his team’s jeep. But she asks for more. She’s very thankful, but also wants help to rescue the girls she taught and their families, as they’ll be killed as well.
They all agree, steal into the village, and several of the girls and their families go with them. They’re able to get to Kabul, then get clearance to go to the US.
Meanwhile, Jase and Laila can’t avoid their feelings, but he refuses to try to have a real relationship because he’s a soldier. This is cowardice, she accuses him, but she makes sure he has her contact info back home. He’s injured on an op, and is depressed and stubborn, but so is she, unwilling to leave him and helping him see he can recover and have a full life.
A great adventure, with suspense, romance, and some cool manoeuvres in Afghanistan.
March 14, 2022
Laila Burke wanted to serve her country in her own way by teaching children in war torn countries. To do this, she joined the CIA, survived the rigorous training and was teaching young girls at a school in Al Kamen, Afghanistan. Jason Conway was her training officer and they were aware of the strong attraction they each felt, but could not act upon. Months later, when Laila learns that the Taliban will soon retake the country, she knows that she must leave. Her life will be in danger for teaching the girls as well as being an American. Her concern remains for her girls and their families…what will happen to them? When she is warned to leave immediately, Jase and his team are called on to extract her from the country. Will she elude the trap that was set by someone she hoped she could trust? Intense emotions, suspense, and danger highlights the beginning of this series, as Jase tries to get her out of the country before it is too late. Now that her warrior has saved her, will she be able to save him? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (paytonpuppy)
December 24, 2024
If you like take control women and the macho men that help rescue them, you will love any of these books. Laila is a great CIA operative who is stationed in Afghanistan as a teacher for girls in a small village. While teaching, she also gather intelligence on the Taliban for the CIA. Then everything goes to pieces, and she is forced to leave in a hurry. Thats when the Jase, the man who trained her, is assigned with two others to rescue her. So when Jase finds Laila, they must hide until the Taliban fighters stop hunting for her or they can sneak out. The big question is why are the Taliban wasting so much time hunting for a teacher unless they have found out who she is really. So while they wait, Laila and Jase talk about their mutual attraction and what can come of it. After they are safe and get some answers, will they be able to continue their relationship or will things go sideways?
March 3, 2022
WITH ONE BREATH will leave you almost breathless at times. Laila’s efforts to escape the Taliban and Jase’s actions to rescue her are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. In the midst of the intense moments, the feelings between Laila and Jase that began during her training continue to grow. But there’s more twists and turns to their journey that are sure to keep you thoroughly engaged from page to page. Although I felt there could have been more development to Laila and Jase’s relationship, theirs is a tale you’ll easily become involved in with appealing characters and an intriguing storyline. I have already read the other books in this series, so it was interesting to read what basically provides some backstory before the beginning of Blackhawk Security. Makes me want to re-read the series just to tie it all together. 😍
March 20, 2022
The attraction is there between Laila and Jase right from the get go, but neither act on it at the time. Now Laila's life is in danger and Jase and the other need to extract her before things get even more dangerous for everyone in Afghanistan. You feel you are right there in the barren landscape as well as claustrophobic caves etc and while there is relief once out there is still more hardship to come. There are plenty of nail biting moments through out the book as well as danger, devastation, betrayal, attraction and new beginnings along with a fight for love that has you turning the page need to see Laila and Jase together at the end!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2024
Laila is a CIA agent teaching girls in a remote Afghanistan town. When the Taliban begin recruiting men in the village, she knows it's time to leave. The extradition team sent to get her out of the country includes Jase, the man who was her training agent before her placement. They had strong chemistry during training, and it has dwindled in the slightest.
This Romantic Suspense is stunning. Most of this story is fast-paced, maintaining high excitement and anticipation. The romance is just as stellar. The bonds are steel. The end is stellar.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
This Romantic Suspense is stunning. Most of this story is fast-paced, maintaining high excitement and anticipation. The romance is just as stellar. The bonds are steel. The end is stellar.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
March 7, 2022
Laila is doing CIA training in Kabul and the gorgeous Jase is her trainer and pushing her hard with weapon training. She is going undercover in a small village as a teacher. A meeting. Taliban. Escape. A trap. Trapped in a cave. Small dark tunnels. Crawling, crawling, crawling. A humvee. Rockets. The Iron Fist. Extra passengers. A processing centre. Lots of need. A chartered plane. A shooting. Shot. A terrible injury. A beautiful farm. An injured horse. An unbreakable connection. I loved this book and the author is such an amazing writer I will read anything she writes.
April 9, 2022
With One Breath is a great read featuring CIA agents Laila and Jase who fall in love while escaping the Taliban in Afghanistan. It also provides some background on the characters and origins of the Blackhawk Security series. Laila and Jase have plenty of steamy chemistry right from the start. The writing is great with strong, likeable characters. The story is interesting, sometimes emotional and sometimes intense, but always hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2023
Interesting prologue for this series...
...where we meet the CIA operatives who become the basis of Blackhawk Security.
In this book Jase and Laila meet when she is being trained as a field operative in Afghanistan. Laila is a teacher at a girls school when the Taliban decide her and her students need to be made examples of what happens to people who defy their rules
It's a love story mixed with intrigue and adventure.
...where we meet the CIA operatives who become the basis of Blackhawk Security.
In this book Jase and Laila meet when she is being trained as a field operative in Afghanistan. Laila is a teacher at a girls school when the Taliban decide her and her students need to be made examples of what happens to people who defy their rules
It's a love story mixed with intrigue and adventure.
June 22, 2023
Wow, I loved Jace and Laila's story so so much!
Mrs. Watson is a new to me author, but when I read the excerpt, I thought I would love to read this story but wasn't sure if I would or wouldn't love it. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I loved reading Jace and Laila's love story. And it was so different from other military romance books I've read before that it made it so much better, and their story wouldn't leave me when I had to put the book down.
Mrs. Watson is a new to me author, but when I read the excerpt, I thought I would love to read this story but wasn't sure if I would or wouldn't love it. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I loved reading Jace and Laila's love story. And it was so different from other military romance books I've read before that it made it so much better, and their story wouldn't leave me when I had to put the book down.
October 19, 2023
Rounding up from 3.5 stars ⭐️
The first two-thirds of the book were great. Occasionally a little repetitive but given the situation, it added to the “worry” I was feeling.
However, I feel like the last third of the book fell flat. Like Jase was just a constant asshole, and there were some parts of their back story that never got resolved. They alluded to something but it either didn’t come back to round out the point or didn’t seem relevant to the story.
The first two-thirds of the book were great. Occasionally a little repetitive but given the situation, it added to the “worry” I was feeling.
However, I feel like the last third of the book fell flat. Like Jase was just a constant asshole, and there were some parts of their back story that never got resolved. They alluded to something but it either didn’t come back to round out the point or didn’t seem relevant to the story.
May 25, 2022
Loved this book, it was fantastic. They both wanted each other but were resisiting each other until they couldn't anymore. Jase had bagage and didn't how to deal with it so he pushed Laila away every chance he got. Laila was a strong woman who was brave in an impossible situation and determined when he kept pushing her out. She never gave up on him, no matter what he said or did, I loved that
March 2, 2023
I started this book and stop,but I'm not one to not give a book a fair chance. Laila Burke is a teacher who got trained CIA for a mission to help girls learn. Jase Conway trained her to be able to use weapons for her safety in a country that didn't like Americans. Jase, Cody and Devlin are sent to get her out because the unrest in the area. Great read and things get hot😊😅
August 12, 2024
I purchased this book thinking that it was an action story prior to the evacuation of Americans from Afghanistan. I was very disappointed. The start was a bit slow but then it had the potential to warm up, particularly when the Taliban was after her and she was hiding in a cave. After being rescued the story went downhill from there. I was expecting more action. The book was very slow with too much romance and sex for my taste. I for one will not be purchasing or reading anymore from this author.
June 8, 2025
My heart was racing!
What an amazing storyteller!. Ms. Watson grabs your attention from the beginning and the story draws you in, not letting you go until you've read the last page.
I you like action packed plots filled with strong characters that are admirable and heroic, with a little romance thrown in, her books will soon become some of your favorites!
What an amazing storyteller!. Ms. Watson grabs your attention from the beginning and the story draws you in, not letting you go until you've read the last page.
I you like action packed plots filled with strong characters that are admirable and heroic, with a little romance thrown in, her books will soon become some of your favorites!
April 10, 2022
With One Breath (Blackhawk Security. Book 1)
This book held my interest throughout with a great storyline! I love Watson’s style of writing with just enough descriptions and no more,
This book held my interest throughout with a great storyline! I love Watson’s style of writing with just enough descriptions and no more,
June 7, 2022
Willing to care
I love hero's who dedicate their lives to he!ping other whether the are soldiers, CIA agents, women or men! Excellent story putting others before themselves and some ultimately paying an unexpected cost!
I love hero's who dedicate their lives to he!ping other whether the are soldiers, CIA agents, women or men! Excellent story putting others before themselves and some ultimately paying an unexpected cost!
April 12, 2023
Powerful story
A very resourceful woman is a CIA agent posted as a school teacher in Afghanistan. Things get hairy when the Taliban gets close. There are hair raising adventures to escape them. Good read.
A very resourceful woman is a CIA agent posted as a school teacher in Afghanistan. Things get hairy when the Taliban gets close. There are hair raising adventures to escape them. Good read.
June 29, 2023
Both action and romance.
What more can you want? Laila joined the CIA to go to Afghanistan and learn what she could about Taliban activities in a rural area. Her cover was teaching girls. She fell in love with those girls.
What more can you want? Laila joined the CIA to go to Afghanistan and learn what she could about Taliban activities in a rural area. Her cover was teaching girls. She fell in love with those girls.
August 9, 2023
Not my usual choice of reading material, but I thought I would give it a try.
It’s a great book. Loved the group of friends in this book. The storyline was good, although a bit scary at times, and loved how it turned out at the end. Looking forward to reading next in series.
It’s a great book. Loved the group of friends in this book. The storyline was good, although a bit scary at times, and loved how it turned out at the end. Looking forward to reading next in series.
May 12, 2025
Loved this well written story and despite the harsh and unforgiving nature of the Taliban regime, it was an uplifting and inspiring love story. First I have read of this author and will certainly read more in the series.
Want to read
June 7, 2022🎁 Books 1 & 3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (6/7/2022)! 🎁
September 6, 2022
Fairly good read.
December 14, 2022
Some exciting, 5-star scenes; overall 4.5 stars
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