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The Touré Security Group #1
Down to the Wire
Reunited by danger…
…and racing against the clock
On the trail of a hacker, IT security expert Malachi Touré finds…a woman from his past he’s never gotten over. Dr. Grace Blackwell is no hacker. She’s a medical researcher, and someone has stolen a potentially deadly formula from her computer. Despite the still-simmering attraction between them, Mal is wary of trusting her again. Then everything changes when a killer has Grace in their sights…
…and racing against the clock
On the trail of a hacker, IT security expert Malachi Touré finds…a woman from his past he’s never gotten over. Dr. Grace Blackwell is no hacker. She’s a medical researcher, and someone has stolen a potentially deadly formula from her computer. Despite the still-simmering attraction between them, Mal is wary of trusting her again. Then everything changes when a killer has Grace in their sights…
288 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2023
20 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Sargeant
39 books93 followersPatricia Sargeant is a national best-selling, award-winning author of romance and mysteries. She also writes contemporary romance under the pseudonym Regina Hart. Her work has been featured in national publications such as Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Kirkus Reviews, Suspense Magazine, Mystery Scene Magazine, Library Journal and RT Book Reviews.
A voracious reader, Patricia first realized she wanted to be a published author at the age of nine. She was drawn to write romances because she loves happy endings. Her romantic suspense novels feature ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Her contemporary romances reveal characters struggling to overcome their inner demons.
In addition to reading, Patricia’s hobbies include music, jogging and hiking. She loves movies and sports.
Patricia loves to hear from readers. Her e-mail address is BooksByPatricia@Yahoo.com.
For more information about Patricia and her work, visit PatriciaSargeant.com.
A voracious reader, Patricia first realized she wanted to be a published author at the age of nine. She was drawn to write romances because she loves happy endings. Her romantic suspense novels feature ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Her contemporary romances reveal characters struggling to overcome their inner demons.
In addition to reading, Patricia’s hobbies include music, jogging and hiking. She loves movies and sports.
Patricia loves to hear from readers. Her e-mail address is BooksByPatricia@Yahoo.com.
For more information about Patricia and her work, visit PatriciaSargeant.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 8, 2023
Dr.Grace is a medical researcher who realizes her information was being hacked which is pretty much a major problem since she's the one with access to a deadly formula she accidently found while on her research. Malachi is a IT security expert who was on the trail of the hacker and manages to run into Grace someone who he hasn't gotten over. Both work together to figure out what happened to her friend who she believes was murdered and looking to get the proof when someone who doesn't want her to look further starts to strike out against her and those she loves.
This was a pretty good read really fast paced or maybe I just read to quickly because I was just that into this book. I like getting to know the characters and I really love a good second chance at love senario. Grace was too focused on her work and just wasn't interested in a relationship they can only complicate and distract her and Malachi really cares for her but what could he do she's pretty much made up her mind and it was interesting seeing that side of Grace start to loosen up and change. It was interesting seeing them investigate what's going on and I liked that there was a bit of twists and turns around here and there to keep things interesting. Overall this was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.
This was a pretty good read really fast paced or maybe I just read to quickly because I was just that into this book. I like getting to know the characters and I really love a good second chance at love senario. Grace was too focused on her work and just wasn't interested in a relationship they can only complicate and distract her and Malachi really cares for her but what could he do she's pretty much made up her mind and it was interesting seeing that side of Grace start to loosen up and change. It was interesting seeing them investigate what's going on and I liked that there was a bit of twists and turns around here and there to keep things interesting. Overall this was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.
April 3, 2025
This book is a great read.Mal and Grace are such a believable couple.
October 7, 2023
In Down to the Wire, Book 1 of Patricia Sargeant’s new romantic suspense series The Touré Security Group, a dangerous hacker’s theft of a potentially deadly formula unexpectedly unites two former lovers. Sargeant’s descriptive writing incorporating all the senses, her suspenseful multilayered and original story, and her colorful, authentic dialogue drew me into her compelling novel from the first scene. She deftly develops her complex, likable, and fallible characters with emotional, funny, and snarky interactions. I love how Sargeant explores and portrays the relationships between Grace and her Gram, Mal and his brothers, and Grace and Mal. They’re one of the novel’s best parts besides the romance and suspense, and they contribute to Mal and Grace’s development and evolution. With the development of Mal’s brothers and their stories, Sargeant also starts laying a foundation for future novels in the series.
Dr. Grace Blackwell’s diabetes research is interrupted when her computer is hacked, and her research documents and formula are stolen. Her attempts to discover the thief’s identity lead her to IT security expert Malachi Touré, who is tracking the hacker with his family-owned firm. Malachi, Grace, and his business partner brothers reluctantly agree to work together in a race against time to track down the hacker who endangers Grace’s life.
Malachi has yet to get over Grace, even after she left him without explaining why four years ago. He can’t believe she’s the one who hacked into his client’s company. Grace is a medical researcher, not a hacker. Even if it’s been years, and she’s made it hard to trust her with her abandonment and silence. Unfortunately, the moment Malachi sees and is near Grace again, he discovers that their connection and attraction are as deep as ever and still simmers fiercely between them, making it difficult to be around her. While Mal still has lingering doubts about trusting Grace again, he will do whatever it takes to keep Grace safe when a killer sets his sights on her. But can Grace balance her essential work and living a life filled with Mal and love?
Sargeant develops Mal and Grace’s relationship through steamy, intimate, sexy, passionate love scenes and snarky, funny, and emotional conversations and interactions that reveal and evolve their characters, relationships, and her story. Intense, caring, protective, and intelligent, Mal is gifted with a knack for seeing the big picture. But since losing Grace, he’s closed off, and while he’s been physically present, he’s checked out emotionally. Grace’s return brings him back to life, out of his shell, back to his old self. Malachi can no longer deny how much he’s hurting because she left without an explanation and didn’t trust him. Most of all, he might want a second chance. The past and things she can’t control haunt loyal, committed, intense, and brilliant Grace. After her sister’s death, she became obsessed with making diabetes treatments less expensive and shut herself off from the world to focus on her research. In a fog, Grace is weighed down by guilt and a sense of failure because she didn’t see her sister struggling with her disease and needing help. Grace sacrifices everything for her research, including her love for Mal and their life together.
I love how Sargeant balances Grace and Malachi’s romance with the mystery and suspense elements in this fast-paced romance. Down to the Wire is a suspenseful, sexy, funny, angsty, steamy, thrilling second-chance romance exploring the themes of self-discovery, grief, guilt, finding balance in life, learning to trust, doing what you love, sibling rivalry, and healing and recovery. I look forward to continuing the series, which is off to an entertaining and suspenseful start.
Advanced review copy provided by HARLEQUIN - Romance via Netgalley for review.
Dr. Grace Blackwell’s diabetes research is interrupted when her computer is hacked, and her research documents and formula are stolen. Her attempts to discover the thief’s identity lead her to IT security expert Malachi Touré, who is tracking the hacker with his family-owned firm. Malachi, Grace, and his business partner brothers reluctantly agree to work together in a race against time to track down the hacker who endangers Grace’s life.
Malachi has yet to get over Grace, even after she left him without explaining why four years ago. He can’t believe she’s the one who hacked into his client’s company. Grace is a medical researcher, not a hacker. Even if it’s been years, and she’s made it hard to trust her with her abandonment and silence. Unfortunately, the moment Malachi sees and is near Grace again, he discovers that their connection and attraction are as deep as ever and still simmers fiercely between them, making it difficult to be around her. While Mal still has lingering doubts about trusting Grace again, he will do whatever it takes to keep Grace safe when a killer sets his sights on her. But can Grace balance her essential work and living a life filled with Mal and love?
Sargeant develops Mal and Grace’s relationship through steamy, intimate, sexy, passionate love scenes and snarky, funny, and emotional conversations and interactions that reveal and evolve their characters, relationships, and her story. Intense, caring, protective, and intelligent, Mal is gifted with a knack for seeing the big picture. But since losing Grace, he’s closed off, and while he’s been physically present, he’s checked out emotionally. Grace’s return brings him back to life, out of his shell, back to his old self. Malachi can no longer deny how much he’s hurting because she left without an explanation and didn’t trust him. Most of all, he might want a second chance. The past and things she can’t control haunt loyal, committed, intense, and brilliant Grace. After her sister’s death, she became obsessed with making diabetes treatments less expensive and shut herself off from the world to focus on her research. In a fog, Grace is weighed down by guilt and a sense of failure because she didn’t see her sister struggling with her disease and needing help. Grace sacrifices everything for her research, including her love for Mal and their life together.
I love how Sargeant balances Grace and Malachi’s romance with the mystery and suspense elements in this fast-paced romance. Down to the Wire is a suspenseful, sexy, funny, angsty, steamy, thrilling second-chance romance exploring the themes of self-discovery, grief, guilt, finding balance in life, learning to trust, doing what you love, sibling rivalry, and healing and recovery. I look forward to continuing the series, which is off to an entertaining and suspenseful start.
Advanced review copy provided by HARLEQUIN - Romance via Netgalley for review.
September 26, 2023
Good combination of second chance romance and suspense. The story opens as Grace, a medical researcher, opens an email that immediately hacks into her files. Several files are stolen, which could be dangerous in the wrong hands. She also learns that her mentor, Dr. B., died in a fall the night before he supposedly sent her the suspect file. Grace sets out to discover who hacked her computer by doing the same thing in reverse.
Mal, one of three brothers who own the Touré Security Group, was hired that day to discover who hacked into a defense contractor's computer system. He's stunned when the hacker he's chasing sends him a message accusing him of being the hacker. After an unsatisfactory exchange of messages, they agree to meet. Mal is shocked when the hacker who shows up is his ex-girlfriend.
Mal and Grace have a history together. They met in Chicago four years earlier and had an intense relationship. But when Grace's older sister Pam died of diabetes-related complications, Grace was riddled with guilt. She felt she'd allowed her relationship with Mal to interfere with her diabetes research, so she walked away from him. They've never forgotten each other, and now they are thrown together as they race to find out who stole Grace's files.
There were many times I wanted to grab Grace by the shoulders and shake her. The attraction and connection between her and Mal is still there, but she refuses to believe that she can do her work and have a relationship at the same time. Whenever she and Mal seem to get closer, she pushes him away. Grace also has significant trust issues, which become more apparent as they look for suspects.
Mal is a good guy who is reluctant to risk his heart with Grace again. Her departure four years earlier devastated him. He has closed himself off from people, preferring to do his work with the company via email and texts rather than face-to-face.
The rekindling of their relationship was complicated. Both are wary of getting involved again. However, the sparks and connection are so obvious that everyone around them can see them. I liked Mal's protectiveness as the danger intensified, and I appreciated that Grace trusted him enough to accept his protection. As their feelings for each other grow stronger, they must consider whether they are willing to risk their hearts again. It takes straight talk from their loved ones to let go of their fears and take that leap of faith.
The suspense of the story was good. The number of suspects grew as Mal and Grace dug deeper into who would benefit from the theft. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me hooked as the body count went up, and they got closer to the truth. The final confrontation came as a surprise and turned intense very quickly. I loved Grace's coolness and presence of mind as she faced off with the killer. The resolution was well done and believable.
I enjoyed getting to know Mal's brothers, Zeke and Jerry. The dynamics among the three brothers were interesting and showcased each one's personality well. Mal is the quiet one and the peacemaker who finds himself refereeing the arguments between Zeke and Jerry. Zeke is the oldest and tends to be a little bossy. Jerry is the youngest and appears to have a great deal of resentment toward Zeke. However, they put aside their differences to keep Grace safe. They also extend their protection to her grandmother. I loved Melba, a feisty old lady in an assisted living center in Florida. She has a great relationship with Grace and is blunt in advising Grace about her lack of a life outside of work. I laughed out loud when Jerry was sent to be Melba's guard because she got into the cover story with so much enthusiasm.
#netgalley
Mal, one of three brothers who own the Touré Security Group, was hired that day to discover who hacked into a defense contractor's computer system. He's stunned when the hacker he's chasing sends him a message accusing him of being the hacker. After an unsatisfactory exchange of messages, they agree to meet. Mal is shocked when the hacker who shows up is his ex-girlfriend.
Mal and Grace have a history together. They met in Chicago four years earlier and had an intense relationship. But when Grace's older sister Pam died of diabetes-related complications, Grace was riddled with guilt. She felt she'd allowed her relationship with Mal to interfere with her diabetes research, so she walked away from him. They've never forgotten each other, and now they are thrown together as they race to find out who stole Grace's files.
There were many times I wanted to grab Grace by the shoulders and shake her. The attraction and connection between her and Mal is still there, but she refuses to believe that she can do her work and have a relationship at the same time. Whenever she and Mal seem to get closer, she pushes him away. Grace also has significant trust issues, which become more apparent as they look for suspects.
Mal is a good guy who is reluctant to risk his heart with Grace again. Her departure four years earlier devastated him. He has closed himself off from people, preferring to do his work with the company via email and texts rather than face-to-face.
The rekindling of their relationship was complicated. Both are wary of getting involved again. However, the sparks and connection are so obvious that everyone around them can see them. I liked Mal's protectiveness as the danger intensified, and I appreciated that Grace trusted him enough to accept his protection. As their feelings for each other grow stronger, they must consider whether they are willing to risk their hearts again. It takes straight talk from their loved ones to let go of their fears and take that leap of faith.
The suspense of the story was good. The number of suspects grew as Mal and Grace dug deeper into who would benefit from the theft. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me hooked as the body count went up, and they got closer to the truth. The final confrontation came as a surprise and turned intense very quickly. I loved Grace's coolness and presence of mind as she faced off with the killer. The resolution was well done and believable.
I enjoyed getting to know Mal's brothers, Zeke and Jerry. The dynamics among the three brothers were interesting and showcased each one's personality well. Mal is the quiet one and the peacemaker who finds himself refereeing the arguments between Zeke and Jerry. Zeke is the oldest and tends to be a little bossy. Jerry is the youngest and appears to have a great deal of resentment toward Zeke. However, they put aside their differences to keep Grace safe. They also extend their protection to her grandmother. I loved Melba, a feisty old lady in an assisted living center in Florida. She has a great relationship with Grace and is blunt in advising Grace about her lack of a life outside of work. I laughed out loud when Jerry was sent to be Melba's guard because she got into the cover story with so much enthusiasm.
#netgalley
December 12, 2023
Patricia Sargeant brilliantly blends action, passion, danger and intrigue in an irresistible tale of romantic suspense that will keep readers up all night: Down to the Wire.
Cyber security expert Malachi Touré is on the trail of a hacker. Determined to leave no stone unturned to find his prey and stop them from wreaking maximum havoc and destruction, Malachi is flabbergasted when he uncovers the identity of the hacker who is the only woman he ever let close whom he has never managed to get over: Dr Grace Blackwell.
Medical researcher Grace is desperate. She needs to find whoever had stolen a potentially deadly formula from her computer – before hell is unleashed. Grace was already at the end of her tether – and her stress levels explode when she comes face to face with Malachi! Fate might have wrenched them apart, but long-buried feelings quickly come rushing back to the surface.
Grace had broken Malachi’s heart once before and he isn’t sure whether he is willing to go through all that agony again. But with a killer on the loose intent on getting rid of Grace for good, the two of them need to work together to defeat a vengeful enemy – and failure is simply not an option!
Is a future for Grace and Malachi possible? Or is their love simply not meant to be?
Romantic suspense fans are in for a treat with Patricia Sargeant’s Down to the Wire. Tense, exciting and unpredictable, this nail-biting page-turner will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they find themselves completely gripped by this addictive and engrossing tale.
Down to the Wire is a superb romantic suspense novel that is a struggle to put down and I cannot wait to read the subsequent novels in the Touré Security Group mini-series by Patricia Sargeant.
Cyber security expert Malachi Touré is on the trail of a hacker. Determined to leave no stone unturned to find his prey and stop them from wreaking maximum havoc and destruction, Malachi is flabbergasted when he uncovers the identity of the hacker who is the only woman he ever let close whom he has never managed to get over: Dr Grace Blackwell.
Medical researcher Grace is desperate. She needs to find whoever had stolen a potentially deadly formula from her computer – before hell is unleashed. Grace was already at the end of her tether – and her stress levels explode when she comes face to face with Malachi! Fate might have wrenched them apart, but long-buried feelings quickly come rushing back to the surface.
Grace had broken Malachi’s heart once before and he isn’t sure whether he is willing to go through all that agony again. But with a killer on the loose intent on getting rid of Grace for good, the two of them need to work together to defeat a vengeful enemy – and failure is simply not an option!
Is a future for Grace and Malachi possible? Or is their love simply not meant to be?
Romantic suspense fans are in for a treat with Patricia Sargeant’s Down to the Wire. Tense, exciting and unpredictable, this nail-biting page-turner will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they find themselves completely gripped by this addictive and engrossing tale.
Down to the Wire is a superb romantic suspense novel that is a struggle to put down and I cannot wait to read the subsequent novels in the Touré Security Group mini-series by Patricia Sargeant.
April 6, 2024
Down to the Wire by Patricia Sargeant
Book 1 in the Toure Security Group Series
I have always enjoyed Patricia Sargeant’s books and Down to the Wire is no exception. From the first word to the last I was drawn into the story and kept in suspense to the very end. With a full cast of wonderful characters, including all three of the brothers of the Toure Security Group, Hezekiah, Malachi & Jeremiah, I am eagerly awaiting the other books in this series.
Dr. Grace Blackwell, Medical Researcher, has been hacked and she has no idea why it happened. Especially when it came in the form of an email from her friend, mentor, and former grad school professor Dr. Bennett McIntyre. Both are very security conscious and she cannot believe something like this has happened. Especially since her research is in such a critical stage.
Unable to contact her friend, Grace decides to track the hacker which leads her to Malachi Toure, Security Specialist, who is trying to find the hacker into the Buckeye Dynamic Devices systems. The two agree to meet and see who is telling the truth. Neither had a clue they knew each other from a relationship years ago.
Neither expected the jolt of long-ago feelings when they met again, and neither knew if they could work together to solve the issue at hand. Things keep getting worse for the two as they learn of the death of her former professor Dr McIntyre and the death toll keeps rising from both sides of the investigation. What or who is committing these crimes and why are they so desperate to get her research?
The twists keep coming and you will be enthralled to the very end of the book and be as excited as I am to know there are more upcoming books in this wonderful series!
Book 1 in the Toure Security Group Series
I have always enjoyed Patricia Sargeant’s books and Down to the Wire is no exception. From the first word to the last I was drawn into the story and kept in suspense to the very end. With a full cast of wonderful characters, including all three of the brothers of the Toure Security Group, Hezekiah, Malachi & Jeremiah, I am eagerly awaiting the other books in this series.
Dr. Grace Blackwell, Medical Researcher, has been hacked and she has no idea why it happened. Especially when it came in the form of an email from her friend, mentor, and former grad school professor Dr. Bennett McIntyre. Both are very security conscious and she cannot believe something like this has happened. Especially since her research is in such a critical stage.
Unable to contact her friend, Grace decides to track the hacker which leads her to Malachi Toure, Security Specialist, who is trying to find the hacker into the Buckeye Dynamic Devices systems. The two agree to meet and see who is telling the truth. Neither had a clue they knew each other from a relationship years ago.
Neither expected the jolt of long-ago feelings when they met again, and neither knew if they could work together to solve the issue at hand. Things keep getting worse for the two as they learn of the death of her former professor Dr McIntyre and the death toll keeps rising from both sides of the investigation. What or who is committing these crimes and why are they so desperate to get her research?
The twists keep coming and you will be enthralled to the very end of the book and be as excited as I am to know there are more upcoming books in this wonderful series!
September 17, 2023
This is the 1st book in “The Touré Security Group Series.” This is an entertaining, second chance at romance, suspenseful, action packed, drama filled, mystery, mayhem, secrets, murder, romance, great characters and an intriguing plot that held me captive. This is the journey of Mal and Grace along with Mal’s brothers Jeremiah and Hezekiah whose parents left their security company in their hands. Each brother has a different role in the Touré Security Company. Grace is a research scientist doctor. Mal and Grace met in Chicago and had a brief affair 4-years-ago. Grace explained everything in a letter to Mal which left him bitter but he never forgot what he and Grace shared. Grace and Mal are back in Ohio where they meet up again after someone has hacked into Grace’s computer. The hackers have taken a file that Grace has been working on that she desperately needs to get back. The file has components of a drug for diabetes but some how with one wrong ingredient that Grace added it can be used as a weapon for mass destruction. Grace was working diligently to right a wrong. Grace is in need of Mal and his brothers to help get her formula back, keep her grandmother safe and protect them both. In the process people are killed, attempted kidnapping, secrets are revealed as Mal and Grace work their way back to a second chance at romance. Can’t wait to see which brother that Patricia Sargeant writes about next.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Romantic Suspense Multicultural Interest | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Romantic Suspense Multicultural Interest | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 2, 2023
Patricia Sargeant writes very well in different genres but I think she is a particularly strong writer in the romantic suspense genre so I’m glad to see her returning to that area. Down To The Wire is another of her well crafted, fast paced romantic thrillers with engaging and complex African American leads that she does so well.
Dr Grace Blackwell is a driven, brilliant medical researcher who has developed a disease combating formula that can be used in a deadly way. As she begans to investigate the situation, Grace crosses paths with her ex, Malachi Toure, a security expert who has a company with his two brothers. As they work to find the culprit and recover the formula, their feelings are rekindled.
Grace is a tightly wound scientist and Malachi is an emotional fellow with an analytical side. A man who grew up in a loving family, he has a strong connection with his brothers and a protective nature towards Grace. The tug of war between them makes for an interesting story as they rush to solve the mystery of the stolen formula.
The supporting characters are engaging as well from Grace’s loving and independent grandmother to Mal’s two brothers. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Grace’s grandmother and Jerry, Mal’s youngest brother; intergenerational relationships are historically an important part of our community so it always pleases me to see them lovingly portrayed. The loving though complex relationship between the brothers was another intriguing part of the story for me and definitely left me looking forward to the next books in the series.
This book was a satisfying read and I can’t wait for the next entry in the Toure Security Group series!
Dr Grace Blackwell is a driven, brilliant medical researcher who has developed a disease combating formula that can be used in a deadly way. As she begans to investigate the situation, Grace crosses paths with her ex, Malachi Toure, a security expert who has a company with his two brothers. As they work to find the culprit and recover the formula, their feelings are rekindled.
Grace is a tightly wound scientist and Malachi is an emotional fellow with an analytical side. A man who grew up in a loving family, he has a strong connection with his brothers and a protective nature towards Grace. The tug of war between them makes for an interesting story as they rush to solve the mystery of the stolen formula.
The supporting characters are engaging as well from Grace’s loving and independent grandmother to Mal’s two brothers. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Grace’s grandmother and Jerry, Mal’s youngest brother; intergenerational relationships are historically an important part of our community so it always pleases me to see them lovingly portrayed. The loving though complex relationship between the brothers was another intriguing part of the story for me and definitely left me looking forward to the next books in the series.
This book was a satisfying read and I can’t wait for the next entry in the Toure Security Group series!
October 6, 2023
I have been a Harlequin Romance Fan for as long as I have been reading romance novels. In fact they are some of the first romance novels that I ever read. As such I was extremely excited to have received the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy off Down to the Wire by Patricia Sargeant.
This novel tells the story of Grace and Mal as they try to solve a series of murders and hacks. Grace and Mal also have a history that must be faced as they try to figure out who done it. As an overachieving medical researcher, Grace has put too much pressure on herself, in her effort to cure the disease that took her beloved older sister from her. Its that research, rather the attempted theft of her formulas, that bring Mal back into her life.
A novel about second chances and finding balance, Down to the Wire is an enjoyable read that reminds me of all the reasons that I adore Harlequin romances.
This novel tells the story of Grace and Mal as they try to solve a series of murders and hacks. Grace and Mal also have a history that must be faced as they try to figure out who done it. As an overachieving medical researcher, Grace has put too much pressure on herself, in her effort to cure the disease that took her beloved older sister from her. Its that research, rather the attempted theft of her formulas, that bring Mal back into her life.
A novel about second chances and finding balance, Down to the Wire is an enjoyable read that reminds me of all the reasons that I adore Harlequin romances.
October 10, 2023
I just love a good romantic suspense story, and DOWN TO THE WIRE has all the bells and whistles! There are a plethora of suspects who fall dead like flies, a smart, fearless heroine, a handsome “protector” hero, and a plot with plenty of twists and turns. This page turner of a story introduces us to Dr. Grace Blackwell, a medical researcher, and Malachi Toure’, co-owner of Toure’ Security Group with his brothers, Hezekiah and Jeremiah.
Grace, in her research to find a cure for diabetes, discovers a formula that if it falls into the wrong hands could be a deadly weapon. Her research is halted when she is hacked, and the first dead body falls. That brings in Malachi and his brothers to protect Grace. The plot thickens when we discover that Mal and Grace have history. I’ll allow you to discover how that bit of information plays into the storyline. Get ready for a lot of mayhem, along with some steamy hot love scenes that will keep you turning the pages.
This book is the first of a series involving the Toure’ Security Group, and I look forward to reading Hezakiah and Jeremiah’s stories. In the meantime, I recommend this page-turner for your reading pleasure.
September 19, 2023
Down to the Wire by Patricia Sargeant is the beginning of the romantic suspense series titled The Toure Security Group. I found the story to be a slow starter. The pacing really does not pick up until late in the book. I never found myself immersed in the book (which means I kept wondering if I was near the end yet). I thought the concept was interesting, but I felt the final product was lacking. The characters needed to be developed and there needed to be action. I know it is a romantic suspense, but I wanted more action and less attraction. There are detailed intimate scenes and foul language. There are repetitive details as well. I wanted to like this second chance romance, but it was uninspiring. While Down to the Wire was not for me, I suggest downloading a sample so you can judge it for yourself. Down to the Wire is a tame tale with a dreary doctor, bickering brothers, a pilfered formula, a mysterious murder, and a second chance romance.
February 2, 2025
This is a great start to this series. Malachi and Grace dated when they both lived in Chicago. Grace broke off the love affair due the guilt of her sister's passing. Then it became her mission to find better medicine/cure for diabetes. Grace creates a formula that could be used as a bio weapon then add a hacking, murder, and meeting your ex at a cafe and the story gets going.
Malachi didn't realize the hacker he was hired to find is her ex-love, Grace. As this mystery romance progresses you realize these two people really love each other after all this time. Throw in Grace's feisty grandmother and her senior living friends and you have a fun read. The Touré brothers are great add characters with a strong bond and loyalty to each other.
The murderer was bit of a surprise but the clues were there. In the end, Grace and Mal found their way back to each other and their HEA.
Malachi didn't realize the hacker he was hired to find is her ex-love, Grace. As this mystery romance progresses you realize these two people really love each other after all this time. Throw in Grace's feisty grandmother and her senior living friends and you have a fun read. The Touré brothers are great add characters with a strong bond and loyalty to each other.
The murderer was bit of a surprise but the clues were there. In the end, Grace and Mal found their way back to each other and their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2024
Someone was trying to steal a formula that Grace had created by accident while trying to find a cure/treatment for diabetes. Mal is her ex boyfriend and gets involved when he is searching for the hacker of a company that hired him. She had left their relationship after her sister died. That was four years earlier. Now he is helping her and protecting her as they try to figure out who is killing people and trying to get the formula.
While reading this, discovering who the killer was became just as important as seeing if Mal and Grace would get back together. It was very clear how much they cared for each other.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It completely held my attention.
While reading this, discovering who the killer was became just as important as seeing if Mal and Grace would get back together. It was very clear how much they cared for each other.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It completely held my attention.
September 11, 2023
(3.5)Provided suspense with a surprise at the end. I was wrong about the head honcho and intrigued they turned out to be the guilty party. I was intrigued and invested in Mal and his brothers, I am curious to their back story. Grace did not give me the warm fuzzies, I kept trying, I understand where she was coming from, we are all our own worse enemies, but there is tenacious and then there is stubborn. Some steam commenced. Many thanks for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #DowntotheWire #PatriciaSargeant #HarlequinRomanticSuspense #NetGalley
September 15, 2023
Unexpected
Book one in the Toure Security series introduces us to three very different brothers Hezekiah, Malachi, and Jeremiah, in charge of the security company left to them by their parents. The story starts a little slow however, it is a good combination of second-chance romance, mystery, murder, secrets, and fear.
The title "Down To The Wire" is perfect we reached the very end before the culprit was revealed and it was one heck of a shock.
Thank you, Patricia, for the advanced copy, this is an honest review.
Book one in the Toure Security series introduces us to three very different brothers Hezekiah, Malachi, and Jeremiah, in charge of the security company left to them by their parents. The story starts a little slow however, it is a good combination of second-chance romance, mystery, murder, secrets, and fear.
The title "Down To The Wire" is perfect we reached the very end before the culprit was revealed and it was one heck of a shock.
Thank you, Patricia, for the advanced copy, this is an honest review.
January 1, 2024
Down to the Wire is the first story in the Toure Security series and Patricia Sargeant's debut with Harlequin Romantic Suspense! I love romantic suspense it's a favorite for me with Harlequin. The computer hacking and murders had me on the edge of my sit with this story. Grace and Mal race to catch a murderer and find out who wants Grace's formula it's intriguing and had just the right balance of suspense and loving. Grace and Mal are ex-lovers, who reunite in this story. If you are into romantic suspense this is definitely a story you want to check out!
September 6, 2023
HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Harlequin Romantic Suspense and NetGalley provided an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
I enjoy romantic suspense books but this was hard to get through. Both the second chance romance and suspense elements seemed to be clumsily executed; they didn’t make walking around sense. I’d recommend skipping this one.
I enjoy romantic suspense books but this was hard to get through. Both the second chance romance and suspense elements seemed to be clumsily executed; they didn’t make walking around sense. I’d recommend skipping this one.
September 20, 2023
Reunited with Grace, the woman he loved but lost, Mal has to protect his heart. Grace left Mal when her sister died, full of grief and guilt to be with her Grandmother. Her research, reputation and life are in danger, and they must work together. I like the romance, the suspense and the dynamic between the brothers in the security team, but the pacing is slow in parts, and some of the dialogue seems a little detailed.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
August 5, 2024
Over deception love wins
Grace has developed a formula that can possibly have dire impact to the world. Her computer was hacked and her mentor may be involved. Her hacked computer leads her to someone from her past. Mal Toure has been commissioned to locate the hacker into his client. Little did they both know the death and near death and the whatever to follow. Great read..
Grace has developed a formula that can possibly have dire impact to the world. Her computer was hacked and her mentor may be involved. Her hacked computer leads her to someone from her past. Mal Toure has been commissioned to locate the hacker into his client. Little did they both know the death and near death and the whatever to follow. Great read..
February 12, 2025
The first book in this series sets the tone for the other two books. Middle brother, Malachi, traces a hacker for a client. The hacker turns out to be his ex-girlfriend. She isn't the hacker really but is trying to find who hacked her to get a formula she's created. With her mentor and now, Mal's employer dead, the stakes are high to figure out who is behind everything. Good suspense and tension between the main characters. I enjoyed this series, even if I didn't read the books in order!
August 22, 2023
3.8 Stars
Malachi is working a having case when Grace pops back into his life.
Grace's research has been stolen and it has the potential to be deadly.
A quick read.
I needed more on the backstory of Mal and Grace.
A decent read that I would recommend. Looking forward to more on the Touré brothers.
Malachi is working a having case when Grace pops back into his life.
Grace's research has been stolen and it has the potential to be deadly.
A quick read.
I needed more on the backstory of Mal and Grace.
A decent read that I would recommend. Looking forward to more on the Touré brothers.
September 24, 2023
I was very invested in both the crime and the romance. Grace and Mal clearly still love each other four years later despite how things ended between them. They are so protective of each other and I loved it. I kind of wish there was an epilogue because I wanted to see more of them.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
September 27, 2023
This was good second chance romance with some steamy scenes and suspense thrown in the mix. Mal and Grace made a good team even though she was a little stubborn at times. Definitely got that from her grandmother lol. I enjoyed the landmark references. I also liked the brother’s relationship and how their family and business was respected. I enjoyed this story.
April 9, 2024
The Touré brothers should have come with a warning label
The author definitely shines her brightest in crafting book 1 of the Touré Security Group Romantic Suspense series for Harlequin. A well crafted mystery full of action, unrequited love and yes, the aforementioned suspense with global ramifications if they fail in their mission. Well done!
The author definitely shines her brightest in crafting book 1 of the Touré Security Group Romantic Suspense series for Harlequin. A well crafted mystery full of action, unrequited love and yes, the aforementioned suspense with global ramifications if they fail in their mission. Well done!
August 22, 2023
A good suspense and a sweet love story. Grace left Mal ending their relationship saying she needed to be with her grandmother after the loss of her sister. Mal is telling himself to stay clear but trying to protect her they themselves raped in love and danger.
August 29, 2023
This was a nice second chance romance. Bodyguard and a crime mystery. Murder and more. It was a nice web to untangle. This is a new to me author. There were a few steamy scenes.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 31, 2023
An intriguing romantic suspense. Interesting family dynamics. A nice variety of characters. I did skip over the intimate scenes. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
October 8, 2023
A great mystery with a romantic twist.
April 21, 2025
Black Romance Book Fest 2025 Reading Challenge 96/130
September 20, 2023
Reunited with Grace, the woman he loved but lost, Mal has to protect his heart. Grace left Mal when her sister died, full of grief and guilt to be with her Grandmother. Her research, reputation and life are in danger, and they must work together. I like the romance, the suspense and the dynamic between the brothers in the security team, but the pacing is slow in parts, and some of the dialogue seems a little detailed.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
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