Once Removed

Blackhawk Security #2

by Margaret Watson

An alternative cover edition for this ASIN B08SLD9RNX can be found here

When Lainey becomes trapped in a burning building with her almost-divorced husband’s body, Brody rescues her just in time. And when she realizes the killer is now after her, she takes refuge at Brody’s Montana ranch.

Lainey and Brody have been fighting their attraction for years. But as the barriers between them fall, Lainey rescues Phoebe, a runaway teen, from the compound where her husband died. Now they’re forced to focus on Phoebe and an invisible threat.

Whoever murdered her husband has eyes on Lainey. Will their fragile new family survive a desperate predator? Can they protect Phoebe, identify the killer and find their happily ever after?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Mystery, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Westerns

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2021

About the author

USA 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.

Reviews

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Removed by Margaret Watson
Blackhawk Security #1

What fun this series is going to be if the rest of the books are as good as this one is!

What I liked:
* Brody Jones: has had an interest in Lainey from the time he first met her but gentleman that he is he kept his distance since she was married. He is there for her when she needs him. He has secrets and issues to overcome but is perfect for Lainey.
* Lainey Dearborn: she felt for Brody early on but kept her marital and professional distance until it was appropriate. She has a few demons of her own to deal with but is a good match for Brody.
* Phoebe: a teenager who has had a rough time of it and is lucky to have been found by Lainey and Brody.
* The plot, writing and introduction to the new series. My guess is that as we met Mel and Dev and they will be owning/running Blackhawk Security we will be seeing them soon in the next few books.
* That Brody was protective, warm, and giving.
* That Lainey was strong enough to finally leave a situation that was unhealthy and was able to verbalize her concerns.
* The communication between Brody and Lainey
* The supporting characters
* That the bad guys were caught eventually and that I didn’t know immediately who they were.
* Wondering what will happen next and hoping to get to know Mel and Dev Better

What I didn’t like:
* The paramilitary group – though we didn’t really see them.
* The bad guy(s): what they did and what they were willing to do

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the copy of this book – this is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Removed is the first book in the Blackhawk Security series by Margaret Watson. Lainey Dearborn, while looking for her estranged husband for his signature to make their divorce final, finds herself trapped in a burning building with a dead body. Someone tries to prevent her from escaping the building until Brody Jones rescues her. Turns out, the body is of her husband and now the killer is after her! After it becomes unsafe for Lainey to stay in her home, Brody invites her to stay on his ranch. The close quarters allow them to explore their feelings for each other. Then a runaway teenage comes into their lives forcing their focus to move to protect her even as the killer draws closer. This is more than a story about romance and suspense. This is a story about love, trust, and doing what is right for someone else. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more in the series.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Removed is the first book in the Blackhawk Security series. Lainey finds herself staying at Brody’s ranch after she discovers her soon-to-be-ex husband’s body in a burning building. They soon find themselves also taking in Phoebe, a runaway teenager with ties to the compound where Lainey’s ex was found.

I liked Lainey and Brody together. They both had feelings for each other for a while, but both stayed away to respect Lainey’s marriage. Their relationship progresses naturally and in a believable fashion. I also liked how quickly they accepted Phoebe and stepped into parental roles with her. Despite the danger they were all in, they were able to create their own family.

This was a great start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy provided by the author**

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lainey Dearborn an accountant is getting a divorce from husband that was a bully and ex sheriff's deputy Ron Martin. But someone murdered him and set fire to the building with her locked in it. Brody Jones has a ranch next to the compound where Ron was working and see the building on fire and gets Lainey out of a window before getting the law and fire truck. She stays at Brody ranch because someone has been trying to break into her house. Great read with lots of twists.😊😀😁

[Janice · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 22%. I just couldn’t get into the story. Too much blah, blah, blah.

[Escape Into Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also at https://readwithme2018.com/2021/01/29...

Lainey is looking for her ex-husband to serve him divorce papers. Knowing that he was working as a security guard at a compound, she heads there. Instead of finding him, giving him the forms, and leaving, Lainey finds his body. She is then assaulted and left to die in a burning building. Lainey is saved by Brody, a rancher who happened to be in the area.

Under suspicion of her ex-husband’s death, Lainey is forced to move in with Brody when someone tries to break into her house, and the police don’t do anything about it. Deciding to stop at the compound to see if any clues could clear her name, Brody and Lainey find a tween scavenging for food. Deciding to take Phoebe in, Lainey and Brody realize that even a well-fortified ranch can’t protect Lainey from whoever is after her.

Brody and Lainey also have to deal with their growing feelings for each other. Both of them have good reasons for wanting to take it slow. Lainey, it is because her husband physically abused her. Brody, it’s because his ex-wife played games with him. Also, Brody has a secret, and he is afraid that if Lainey finds out what it is, she will reject him.

Will Lainey find out who is after her and why? Will Brody trust Lainey with his secret? And will Phoebe be safe?

Once Removed is the love story of Lainey and Brody. What I liked about Once Removed is that it wasn’t an InstaLove story. Lainey and Brody had known each other for a couple of years before anything happened. Lainey was Brody’s accountant, and their attraction grew over the years instead of over a couple of weeks. Now, saying that, the book did move fast when it came to the relationship. Lainey and Brody were living together for a couple of days. But the author allowed their romantic relationship to grow.

The mystery/thriller angle of Once Removed was well written. The author kept me guessing who was going after Lainey and why that person was doing it. I did have a small suspicion, but that was proven wrong when the bad guy was revealed.

Phoebe’s storyline was well written, and I loved how the author merged them towards the end of the book. It also pulled on my heartstrings. The pain that Phoebe was feeling was transparent. Her gradual acceptance of Brody (and more immediate acceptance of Lainey) was heartwarming. I liked that the author didn’t get into graphic detail about the abuse and neglect that Phoebe endured. The little snippets that were shared were enough to make me go teary-eyed.

I also liked that the author chose not to go into details about the abuse Lainey endured. Yes, she talked about it, but it wasn’t graphic. I also liked that the author chose to tackle a problem regarding law enforcement and domestic violence. Instead of her ex being reprimanded, the sheriff’s office closed rank around him. They ignored what he was doing until they couldn’t. Sadly, this is more common than what we think, and I am glad that the author chose to showcase it.

While Brody’s secret wasn’t necessarily a bad one, it was still significant. I won’t go into what it was, but I could understand why he was hesitant to call DCF about Phoebe.

There is sex in Once Removed. It was tastefully written, and nothing was graphic. I did have to laugh in the events leading up to Brody and Lainey having sex. There were a couple of near misses with Phoebe that made me go, “Yeah, I can relate. “

The end of Once Removed was your typical mystery/romance. The reveal of the bad guy did surprise me. Only because it wasn’t who I thought it was going to be. The author also set up the next book in the series perfectly. And the epilogue was PERFECT!! I loved it!!

Once Burned was a fantastic romance/mystery. It was fast-paced with a mystery that the author kept me guessing until the end of the book. I cannot wait to read book 2!!

I am going to recommend that no one under the age of 21 read Once Burned. There is talk of spousal and child abuse (not graphic). There is an attempted murder at the beginning of the book and an attempted kidnapping at the end. There is sex, but nothing explicit.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good mystery, romantic suspense, a story of overcoming past hurts, any of what makes a family. I enjoyed the story of Brody and Lainey’s relationship developing, the mystery they became involved in to protect themselves, and the teen-aged girl they were determined to help.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This was a book that kept me glued to me e-reader. There were some very different mysteries that made for an intense read. Who and why was someone breaking into Lainey’s home? Who murdered her soon-to-be ex-husband? Who started the fire and why try and push Lainey back into the burning building? Was someone after the young teen girl that they found at the deserted compound? Who was now breaking onto Brody’s ranch? Can Brody keep both Lainey and Phoebe safe?

There were many questions raised in this story that kept me guessing throughout.

This was a sexy read. It was not overly graphic nor overpowered the story in sex scenes but it was more of a natural progression of the relationship between Lainey and Brody. I would recommend this to anyone over the age of 18. It was also written in my favorite dual POV format. This helped to fully understand the characters.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the beginning of a new series by Margaret Watson. In spite of that, it has a complete and complex plot that easily stands alone. In fact the plot and the characters are so complete that, until the last chapter, I had forgotten that this book is the prelude to the beginning of a new series.

This story takes place in a small town where everyone knows each other. Lainey, the heroine, is a successful accountant. She is in the middle of getting a divorce from her abusive husband. Brody, the hero, owns a profitable ranch, and also uses Lainey’s accounting service. Both Brady and Lainey are secretly in love with each other. But, due to Lainey’s circumstances they both hide their feelings.

Lainey’s husband is murdered, and Lacey is a suspect. When Lainey discovers that someone is trying to break into her home, she becomes terrified. Brody offers his ranch as a sanctuary for Lainey.

Eventually they reveal their feelings for each other. Since Lainey is still a suspect in her husband’s death, she is not ready to jump into anything. Brody, ever the gentleman, accepts her need and gives her the space she needs.

However, their chemistry is so volatile, that they have trouble keeping their hands off each other. They spend much of their time having steamy discussions about how much they want each other. The rest of their time is spent trying to keep the inevitable from happening. These conversations are so steamy, and their chemistry is so explosive, that there are times when they actually come very close to making love. Happily, when they finally make love, the readers are not disappointed. They explode!!

To further complicate matters, Lainey discovers a young girl staying alone at a deserted compound. Phoebe is twelve-years old when her abusive father deserts her. He leaves her alone in their house with no food and no money. She moves into a deserted compound where she has access to food. Lainey brings Phoebe to live with her and Brody on his ranch.

Margaret Watson creates complex, 3-dimensional characters. All three of them have emotional baggage that makes it difficult for them to live happily together. They must all face their problems before the three of them can become a family.

The complex plot has many twists and turns as everyone attempts to find out who killed Lainey’s husband. They also need to find out who is attempting to kill Lainey and why. Phoebe’s storyline curves in and out of the main plot until both of them eventually merge.

Finally, at the end of the book, the author sets us up for the rest of the series as the story of Brody and Lainey begins to intertwine with Blackhawk Securities.

[Cathy Hebbourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found that the book was a very enjoyable read. I became totally involved with the characters & anxious to continue reading to see what would occur next. Brody & Lainey were each attempting to come to terms with personal traumas while forging a positive & lasting relationship with each other. Their storyline involved issues that many individuals are facing in today’s society from abandonment to abuse & mistrust. I found the description of Lainey’s experience with the local law enforcement quite realistic with regards to what many victims of spousal abuse are forced to cope with in addition to the emotional & physical trauma caused by their spouses.
Brody was not used to sharing his personal problems but desperately wanted to assume the role of Lainey’s protector. Lainey forced him to come to terms that they could not have a lasting relationship unless he was willing to open up to her & share his inner self.
The addition of Phoebe to the story gave the plot further dimension. Phoebe was dealing with several emotional issues herself, from losing a loving mother & being abandoned by an abusive father as well as the pressures that a young teenager faces within their own peer group. She had erected a wall to protect herself. It was interesting to see how the love & stability she received from Brody & Lainey was able to penetrate her defenses & let her true self shine.
The story concluded on a happy, positive note for all three of the main characters as I expected. I felt a bit unsatisfied with not knowing exactly what had happened at the compound that resulted in Art Larsen & Ron Martin assassinating the militia trainees.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author and in return I am providing an honest review. This is the first book in the series. I enjoyed it a lot. Many books I read are straight romances so I found this mystery/romantic suspense to be a very nice change. The author did a great job giving the reader an introduction to the main characters, the location and other minor characters. Both Brodie and Lainey were very likable. All of the main characters, Lainey, Phoebe and Brody had experienced such terrible things in their pasts that the reader is very sympathetic to their stories.

As the story unfolded, I was drawn into the lives of Lainey, Brody and Phoebe. Initially I had thought the answers to the mystery was going to be easily resolved. Then Margaret introduced new and additional twists which kept the reader guessing. While all the suspenseful parts were happening, there were other subplots also taking place. The relationship between Lainey and Brody had a lot of angst as each revealed past secrets they hadn’t shared with others. The issue of Lainey’s ex husband and the way the people in Helena and the police deputies treated her was another situation as well.

When Phoebe was discovered, the characters relationship added another dimension. The mystery continued and grew. Phoebe’s past and her link to what had been happening in the abandoned compound was well written.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series and others by Margaret Watson. This is a 5star book.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lainey’s abusive husband has done a disappearing act and she can’t serve the divorce papers on him.
Visiting the paramilitary compound where he worked she finds it deserted. After a search she finds the body of her husband in the empty canteen –just as someone locks her in and sets fire to the building.
It’s a lucky thing that nearby rancher Brody figures someone isn’t right when he stops at the open gates to the compound – he's just in time to rescue her.
They’ve known each other for several years – Lainey's his accountant and there’s always been a certain spark between them.
Now that she’s free they both figure that, after a decent period, they’ll be free to explore a deeper relationship.
Of course, things don’t work out that way and, within days, she has to move into Brody’s ranch for her own safety after her home is broken into.
Shortly afterwards, exploring the compound further, they find a young girl living rough there. Phoebe joins Lainey and Brody at the ranch.
The skeleton of the story is the mystery of who is stalking Lainey - the body is the relationship between Lainey and Brody, two people who have been damaged in very different ways.
Their mutual attraction cannot be denied but can they overcome the past that threatens their future?
“Once Removed” is strong on emotion and handles it very well.
The only problem with the book is that it is a re-telling of a story that has already been published hundreds of times. This book is no better or worse than most of them.
3 Stars.

[Carole Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up as a freebie since it fit for a couple of reading challenges. I didn't realize it was part of a series, but it was fine without reading the first one.

Here we follow Lainey and Brody. Lainey is trapped in a burning building with her almost-divorced husband's body. Brody rescues her just in time. They realize that there is a killer after her so Brody lets Lainey take refuge at his ranch until they can find the killer. They have been friends for a very long time. There has been an attraction over the years, but they never acted on them. But as the barriers start falling between them, they rescue a runaway teen that came from the same compund her husband died. Now they have more at stake to find the threat.

This started out SO strong. I was enjoying the chemistry and the mystery. So suspensful all around. How will they cross that line into love AND who is this killer? It was so good.

However....things fell apart about halfway.

It just lost all steam for me. I literally felt myself trying to skim. I was over it. I can't even fully point at what made me start feeling meh about everything. Lainey and Brody were fine enough. Phoebe was okay. The romance sizzled out for me. I didn't feel their chemistry anymore. I just wanted the killer to be caught so I could be done.

Eh.

Great start. Meh finish.

2 stars from me.

Favorite Character(s): No one
Least Favorite Character(s): The killer I guess?

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This another great book in the Blackhawk series. Lainey is the accountant for many in her small town and she has finally decided its time to end her abusive marriage. Since the process server can't seem to locate her soon to be ex, she goes out to the compound he has been living and working at. When she gets there, no one is around and she finds a dead body in one of the buildings. When she tries to leave the door is barred and a fire is now raging around the building. That's when Brody, the next door rancher arrives and helps her escape. Thankfully he also calls the fire in and the fire is quickly put out. It turns out that the body belongs to her husband and which gets even stranger when someone breaks into her house but doesn't seem to take anything. When someone tries to break in while she is there, she calls the police and Brody. Brody quickly offers the safety of his ranch, which she accepts. Then one day on the way back to the ranch, they see someone at the compound. It is a young girl named Phoebe and she was looking for her father. They quickly take her under their wing and hope to help her. Can Brody and Lainey find the answers as to why someone wants her dead? Can the attraction that Brody and Lainey have for each other continue to grow?

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rancher Brody Jones rescues his accountant, Lainey Dearborn, from a burning building in the compound near his ranch. When the sheriff finds the body of Lainey’s abusive “almost” ex-husband in the burned building, she knows that she is their prime suspect. After someone breaks in and searches her home, she agrees to stay at Brody’s ranch. He has always been attracted to Lainey, but has never acted on that attraction. Visiting the compound, they notice someone there and find Phoebe, a teenager searching for her missing father. Needing food and shelter, she has been living at the compound. They offer to protect her and take her to Brody’s ranch where she is reunited with Brody’s housekeeper. An amazingly beautiful story with love, trust, compassion and the strong need for someone to have your back. Ms. Watson’s stories always combine a strong hero with an equally strong heroine I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Brody, Lainey and Phoebe as they overcome their painful experiences to be finally happy and whole while solving the mystery of Lainey's stalking, its connection with her ex-husband's murder and caring for Phoebe along the way. The mystery that presented itself in the beginning has me hooked until the end. When Phoebe's character was introduced, I was eager to find out what was her connection to the story. I was also anticipating how Lainey and Brody will eventually come together given the hurt they endured in the past. This story has mystery, suspense, action, danger, passion and love. This is an engaging read and a great start to the series. I enjoyed this story and looking forward to more in the series.
I received a copy from the author and I am giving my review voluntarily.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic start to the series where we get to meet the people of Helena, some you will like others not so much. Brody really liked Lainey but she has been married to a douche canoe and only recently separated so he has kept his distance until he no longer can. Lainey has guts especially to leave Ron and just when she thought getting divorced would be grueling now she is a murder suspect and someone is after her, thankfully she has Brody to lean on. There is the perfect mix of attraction, danger, mystery, surprises and twists (some good. some bad) laughs, doubts and friends and family you can rely on. This is really the intro book to how Blackhawk Security came to be and I can't wait to read more in this series and know more about the people of Blackhawk Security!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lainey’s divorce is almost complete. She only needs to find his address. His last employer is abandoned. Looking through the buildings, she finds a body. Then, someone sets the building on fire and attempts to prevent her escape. Brody, one of her accounting clients, rescues her. Someone begins stalking them. From the point when Brody saves Lainey, the sexual tension between them is off the roof.

This Romantic Suspense is impressive. The stress of the situation is evident. The relationship between the main characters builds quickly. Once appropriate action is taken, the solution improves the circumstances dramatically. The end is exquisite.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing beginning to a new series that’s filled with a lot to keep you enthralled from start to finish. The characters are thoroughly engaging, and the storyline has enough emotional drama and suspenseful twists, combined with heartwarming moments and just the right touches of passion, to hold your interest throughout. You will become invested in the lives of the MC’s, easily sharing their moments of doubt and heartache as well as those of tenderness and joy. It’s a fast-paced tale that will have you turning pages until the very happy ending. I believe you’ll find this to be a very enjoyable and entertaining start to what is sure to be a wonderfully romantic and suspenseful series!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curious

This is a story about a rancher who likes his accountant. She, in turn secretly likes him but she’s married and until she’s divorced they won’t act on their feelings.
One day, Laineys goes to the property next to Brody looking for her husband to get their divorce papers signed. That’s when everything starts to happen and their lives are thrown together.
What is curious is that we have a fleeting glimpse of Mel from the first book at the beginning and then nothing else until near the end. Why is the book part of Blackridge security? It appears to be a loose connection and I don’t understand why it falls under the umbrella of a security novel. It’s just setting the scene for future books.
It is though a good, well written story of its genre

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in a new series by Margaret Watson and it is The Blackhawk Security Series and it is Lainey and Brody's story. This book has so many twists and turns along with some difficult situations that are written with great sensitivity. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and I couldn't put it down as I had to see what would happen next and it was so addictive. I have read many of Margaret Watson books and I have enjoyed every single one but I have to say that this is one of my favourites so far and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Watson is a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Broken cowboys are one of my favorite heroes to read and when you throw in the suspense and drama that this book has it makes for one of my favorite types of books to read.

Brody is definitely protective of Lainey, and later Phoebe; but neither are a "damsel in distress" and that makes me happy. I like strong female characters who can take care of themselves, but know when they want and need to have someone who cares about them protect and take care of them.

I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Watson's books.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, danger, suspense and a hot romance - the perfect start to Margaret Watson's new Blackhawk Security Series. The book blurb sums up the plot perfectly. Interesting, strong, realistic characters and an exciting story are what I expect from this author and I wasn't disappointed. Lainey, Brody, and Phoebe, have each endured real trauma in their lives and I cared about them so much. The excellent writing really makes this story come alive. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down!! I know people say that all the time, but I seriously couldn’t stop reading! What a great story! Romance, steam mixed in with some mystery & suspense make for a wonderful combination. Add in the fact that Brody is a cowboy & you have perfection.

Second-chance romance with a HEA & some added surprises, this book comes highly recommended. Plus it’s book 1 of a new series.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an interesting story full of suspense, mystery, pain, grief, history, hopes, romance and love. The connection and chemistry between Body and Lainey shone and so did their honesty, strength, bravery and facing their problems. There was so much to this story and I am interested in seeing where this series will go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Blackhawk Security series a well written story with a very good storyline. Lainey, Brody, and Phoebe's story also Mel Melbourne and Devlin Smith's story of suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, villains, murder, a runaway, the start of Blackhawk Security, and romance. This story is well worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title has so much meaning in this story. Once removed from her abusive husband Lainey can have a life again. Once removed from her abusive father Phoebe can be a teenager again. Once removed from his ranches drive Brody finds trouble that leads to both Lainey and Phoebe. Their lives intertwine and it requires serious discussions to find their happiness.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fairly good and for the most part I enjoyed it. The characters were well fleshed out and the plot was interesting. I just wish this author utilized good ARC & Beta readers that reported back on typos and questionable or inconsistent areas that otherwise leave the reader hanging or confused. Too may people end up dead in this book with no explanation as to why.

[Alma Conchas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived love loved Lainey and Brody's story so much!

Wow, I don't think I will ever forget Lainey and Brody's story, the bad things that they had to endure, but thankfully, they were able to find each other and finally have a happily ever after together! I can't wait to read more of this series to see what other couples get their HEA!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping & suspenseful love story with good characters and decent story line.

Characters:
- Lainey—accountant with her own business getting a divorce from an abusive husband, an ex-cop;
- Brody — rancher who rescues Lainey from a fire;
- Phoebe — an abused and deserted teen found living on apples in an abandoned compound near Brody’s ranch.