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Black Tower Security #1

Potential Threat

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Can this bad-boy bodyguard protect America's sweetheart without losing his heart?

Fiona Raven is famous for her homestyle cooking with a hint of Italian flair. Everyone knows her face and has her pre-packaged food in their freezer. So why is she receiving threatening notes? Fiona’s brother insists on sending a bodyguard, news that only gets worse when she realizes it is his friend Ryder - the one man she could never let herself love. Ryder McClain has played the villain enough times to appreciate being the hero working for Black Tower Security. Along with his new client comes a stern warning from her brother - his boss and best friend - to keep his hands off. It doesn’t matter anyway, Fiona is the perfect woman, and exactly the kind he doesn’t deserve. Ryder will do whatever it takes to protect Fiona. Threatening notes turn into suspicious break-ins and destructive corporate espionage, and this bodyguard assignment gets even more serious. Can Ryder get to the bottom of the threat before his heart gets too involved?

Dive into the intrigue and romance of Potential Threat, Book 1 of the Black Tower Security Series. Compelling characters, clean romance and heart-racing action.

298 pages, Paperback

Published April 10, 2022

352 people are currently reading
321 people want to read

About the author

Tara Grace Ericson

51 books348 followers
Tara Grace Ericson

faith, hope, and happily ever after

Tara writes small-town, contemporary Christian romance. She loves stories of modern-day characters struggling to obey God, forgive others, and accept themselves - oh, and finding their happily-ever-after along the way.

She lives in Southwest Missouri with her husband and two sons, writing full-time, in between chasing a two toddlers!

Get a free e-book by signing up for Tara's newsletter at her website!

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5 stars
475 (62%)
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198 (26%)
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64 (8%)
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16 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,657 reviews207 followers
October 28, 2024
I’m really enjoying the Black Tower Security series. It’s a perfect blend of sweet romantic suspense and faith.

The two main characters in this story struggle with perfectionism, which is something with which I can relate. I loved how they debated the meaning of spontaneity as it’s something my husband and I work on, too. I’m a scheduler and focus on measurable output. My husband is all about the journey and the fun! We make a great team.

Ryder, the quintessential bad boy, really is a McDreamy. I loved seeing the softer side of his personality and the challenges he met in establishing his faith.
- Learning that he’s not beyond forgiveness or being a hero
- Learning to “steep in the grace of Jesus”
- Struggling to comprehend why evil and trauma exist

Fiona learns the importance of embracing her imperfections and allowing people to see her true self as well as yielding to spontaneity. The part about thinking that prayer didn’t feel like enough, stopped me in my tracks. Been there.

If stories featuring God’s grace, reconciliation and redemption appeal to you, this is a great read.
Profile Image for Nicole.
888 reviews78 followers
April 13, 2022
I really enjoy a book that has a twist that I don't see coming.
This book had a suprises that really took me back!
This was a great start to this private security series. And it is this author's first in a series of romantic suspense.
There were time I wished for a little more on the relationship building and a bit more of why Ryder had the struggles he did.
But this was a sweet, fast paced enjoyable mystery and I really am looking forward to seeing what comes next in the series.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are honest and completely my own.
Profile Image for Ashley Johnson.
585 reviews44 followers
April 12, 2022
I was really excited to hear that Tara Grace Ericson was going to start writing romantic suspense. Potential Threat is book one in the Blackstone Security Series and I enjoyed it! I loved a good security/ bodyguard situation! The backdrop of the threat of danger against forced proximity is a great dynamic for a romance! The threat of danger continues to escalate as the book progresses and the character’s relationship deepens as well! The conclusion is tense, but all of my questions were answered! Don’t worry, no spoilers. The characters both experienced growth in this story which played out really organically and the faith thread, although minimal was really authentic and felt genuine to the characters and situation. Overall this was a great debut into the suspense genre and I would happily read more in this series! I’m a sucker for a good team dynamic in romantic suspense and I cannot wait to see what comes next for the Blackstone Security team!
Profile Image for Rose | Adventurous Bookworm.
1,243 reviews177 followers
April 14, 2022
Ever since I learned that Tara decided to dive into suspence, I've been just waiting for the first book of her new series. It did not disappoint.
Potential Threat has the perfect combination of faith and suspence, which kept me engaged.
One of the highlights of this book for me was seeing Fiona at work. Although I have read a few other books where the main character has a cooking show, this book actually kept that as the center focus throughout the whole story (yay). This book had me feeling like I was right there next to Fiona with all the stuff that she went though.
Also, it was really nice to see characters from Dancing with Dandelion make an appearance again.

Tropes: bad boy (ish) romance [probably more accurate to say 'troubled past'], bodyguard trope

Content: danger from the criminals, kissing

4 Stars

*I received a copy of this novel from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Kelly (The_CozyBookworm).
133 reviews30 followers
May 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this one! There were twists I didn't see coming, a relatable character arcs and just enough tidbits to leave me wanting book two quickly. I enjoyed getting to know Fiona, peeling back the layers of the why with her perfectionism and felt Ryder complimented her well. Lovers of this author's previous series will be delighted to see the world of Black Tower Security connects to our beloved Bloom family. Overall, this was a fun read for me. Looking forward to seeing what book two brings!
Profile Image for Virginia.
366 reviews12 followers
June 11, 2022
I enjoyed everything about this romantic suspense. The characters and writing were engaging, the pace quick, and the twists kept me guessing until the end. I plan to catch up on this author's other titles while excitedly waiting for the next release in this series. 4.8/5
1,832 reviews7 followers
August 24, 2022
I loved this sweet romantic suspense! I also enjoyed the author's take on applying grace in our lives and not living for perfectionism. I am excited to see more of Black Tower Security!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sharon.
700 reviews
January 6, 2026
The characters are great in this one. The story line keeps you interested. Looking forward to book two. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dana.
234 reviews
March 2, 2026
I really love Black Tower Security series, I have always loved a good romantic suspense. This had me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. I love the whole series so far. I can't wait for the rest.

Profile Image for Angeline.
764 reviews25 followers
April 11, 2022
Well, I loved this book! I read it in one day! Potential Threat is the first book in Tara Grace Ericson’s new series, Black Tower Security. I was excited to read this book because I have loved Ericson’s other contemporary Christian books and this one did not disappoint.
Fiona Raven was a strong woman who felt the need to be perfect. Perfection was the goal that she strived for, but there were times when the weight of being perfect became too heavy. I really liked Fiona, I was able to connect with her really easily. She was strong and stubborn, and she had created a wonderful name for herself. Fiona had to learn that she did not have to put up walls and that she didn’t have to be perfect.
Ryder McClain, oh, I loved him. He was a hero who didn’t know his worth. He had struggled through a rough patch in his life and he was trying to find his footing again. Ryder had a lot of pain to work through, he didn’t know how to trust his instincts. I loved reading about Ryder growing and fighting to protect Fiona. He was such a sweetheart underneath the presence he showed others. Ryder will have to learn to trust his instincts and believe that God knows what he is doing.
Oh, I loved the characters. I felt for them as they struggled to trust God and in a way find themselves. Life had not always been kind and they were working to overcome their pasts. The plot was also so interesting and I was on the edge of my seat reading it. Ryder was trying to protect Fiona from a stalker and it was just so interesting. I love the way that Ericson was able to weave together the romance, faith, and suspense.
Potential Threat was a wonderful book and I would totally recommend it! Potential Threat is a clean Christian suspense book and the first in its series. The suspense was not too scary and the perfect blend for me. I am super excited for the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Profile Image for Gretchen Garrison.
Author 3 books33 followers
April 15, 2022
'I know you think you're invincible. But you could get hurt. And so could people around you.' The sting of tears behind her eyes had her blinking. 'I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just want this whole situation to go away.'

Fiona's life appears perfect. That could be because she spends 18-20 hours a day making sure that everything goes exactly as planned. But she did not count on someone sending her threatening notes. Or she did not anticipate having her brother's best friend become her bodyguard. Everything is putting her on edge. Can she figure out what is going on while holding it all together?

There are plenty of life and faith lessons in this one as well. For the main female character, she comes to realize that grace is much better than perfection! As for Cole, he learns to trust his judgment again and not hold his mistakes against himself.

I could not help but like Fiona. After all, she is an expert chef and smart businesswoman. But I could also relate to her tendency to work too hard to hold it all together.

As for the suspense aspects, the author gradually let us in on what was happening. But there were parts that I definitely did not see coming. I was surprised.

For an author to switch genres requires a bit of a risk. I have read most of the contemporary romances by Tara Grace Ericson and really enjoyed them. (My plan is to read them all, but I started with her second series first!) She definitely writes contemporary books - both romantic and suspense well.

The Black Tower Security team plays a role in this book. The cast was first introduced in the prequel, Clean Slate. One would not have to read that book, but I am glad that I read that one first to have a background. I look forward to reading books about the other team members in the rest of the series.

After reading her first two suspense books, I have to say that I am impressed. The storylines are well plotted out. In this full-length novel, part of the ending was quite surprising. Very well done!
I was provided with an advanced copy of this book. But I would have read it anyway on Kindle Unlimited. I am a big fan of this author, and I requested a copy to review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mimi.
820 reviews121 followers
April 17, 2022
Having sampled some of the author's romantic suspense in the past, I was really looking forward to this new series and it didn't disappoint!

If you're a perfectionist, then you'll be able to relate well to Fiona, Flint's sister. If you have a hard time trusting your instincts and giving yourself grace, you'll be able to relate to Ryder, Ross's brother. I definitely could relate well to Ryder in that sense.

Out of the blue Fiona is being harassed, but the person who is doing the harassing is super sneaky! Thank goodness Fiona's connected since her brother is part of Black Tower Security. I enjoyed seeing the tug of war Fiona and Ryder had with her security. She was so determined that it would all get figured out and Ryder was dead serious in his protection.

I felt so bad for Ryder because he felt so incapable of truly keeping Fiona (or anyone) safe. The author made it easy to understand why he didn't see his worth or that he was good at what he did. On the flip side, she also allowed us to see the constant go, go, go mentality of a perfectionist in Fiona. Just reading her part of the story exhausted me.

There were definitely a few unexpected twists that really surprised me! You can't have a good suspense unless this happens! I'm also loving how the team at BTS works together. Their stories are going to be fun to watch unfold!

I loved the chemistry between Fiona and Ryder. A slow burn and wonderful. They're just so great together. Had to fan myself one time. Thankful that the author gives us the balance of steam in their growing feelings while keeping it tame. lol

There might be a couple of spots that are sensitive to readers in the form of a roofies in a drink and someone taking their own life (this isn't fulled played out for the reader).

I'm already looking forward to Joey and Cole's story!
Profile Image for Maggie | TheeReadingRedhead.
383 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2023
Fiona is a famous cook with her own tv show and line of food products. She is also a perfectionist that works hard to make sure there are never any mistakes in her work. One day she begins to receive threatening notes and her brother insists on sending his friend, Ryder, from their security company to look out for her. Ryder has had some past mistakes that have led to some present insecurities that make him think that he isn't the best choice to protect Fiona. As the threats escalate to break ins and attacks, Ryder must trust his own judgment again to keep her safe while simultaneously trying not to fall for his best friend's sister. Someone is trying hard to sabotage Fiona's reputation and it's hard for her to accept not being perfect. A mistake from her past may come back to haunt her. Can she let go of her need to be perfect and trust God instead?

This is the first book in the Black Tower Security series, however, there is a prequel novella called Clean Slate that gives more background on some of the characters. I thought that this was a good, fast-paced book. I liked the characters and the struggles of perfectionism and past mistakes that they had to work through. I liked the steady action with a little romance blended in. There were a few name mix ups and I felt like the falling in love just sort of happened without addressing it which was kind of odd. But all in all, a pretty good romantic suspense with some lessons on trusting God and letting go of the need to be perfect.
526 reviews
April 11, 2022
Potential Threat by Tara Grace Ericson is book one in her new romantic suspense series, Black Tower Security. I’m used to reading sweet romances by Ms. Ericson, so I was really looking forward to seeing how she would handle a romance with the added suspense aspect.

I really liked the set up for Ryder and Fiona’s story. Fiona receives a couple of written threats. With no idea why she is being threatened or who is threatening her, Ryder steps in to keep her safe and figure out who the bad guy is and why he is trying to ruin Fiona.

The romance between Fiona and Ryder is very sweet. While there is a bit of witty banter that I enjoyed, I really wanted more. I mean is there ever too much witty banter? I liked the suspense aspect of this story. There was one part that really surprised me as to how it played out. There was also a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the cameo appearances by Andi and Ross, the main couple from Dancing with Dandelion, as they were my favorite couple from the Bloom Sisters series.

If you’re looking for a sweet romance with some added suspense, this story may be for you. I’m interested to see what happens with the rest of this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This is a clean read.
Profile Image for Rebecca Embry.
Author 1 book10 followers
April 15, 2022
Though new to the world of writing romantic suspense, Tara Grace Ericson has created an engaging series of action and intrigue. After recently reading her Bloom Sisters Series, and getting a hint into her next story line, I was rather looking forward to how Tara would tackle this new-to-her genre. She did rather well I'd say!! *cheering*
Potential Threat has the usual ease of Tara's writing, which I love, but with an added bit of danger. You have Ryder. A bad boy of sorts, turned body guard with a bit of history that seems to haunt him, and cast continual doubts on his capabilities. Ryder falls for his boss, and best friend's sister, Fiona, who is a have-it-all-together-all-the-time type of personality. When Fiona's past circles back to torment her can Ryder trust his instincts enough to be able protect her?
Sometime while reading suspense books I feel like there's a gap in the story or like I am missing something. However, that's not how I felt with this book. I really liked Ryder and Fiona's story. I felt that the first book in this series flowed rather well. The characters were strong and so was the story line (and plot twist). I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!
Profile Image for Fudge.
154 reviews
March 5, 2025
2.5 ⭐
I don't understand how this was rated so highly?
The plot was ok, it had potential but the book was a mess in terms of writing style and flow.

The chemistry between Ryder and Fiona was weird. The first chapter, I felt the chemistry but I felt afterwards. The first kiss was random, like no build up or anything. Just a random peck on the lips. They barey mention their relationship or the attraction they had to each other to the point this didn't even feel like a romance book.

There was so much mentioned but none of it went into detail. I couldn't even understand Flint and Jessica's story since I didn't even know that there was a book before this. We barely hear of Ryder's internal dilemma until right at the end. Just made the pacing werid.

The plot twist had potential but again the pacing was weird with there being a low after the hostage situation ending and then a sudden very short high. Honestly if this book was written in a bit more detail it would've been better.

The story ends on a cliffhanger and honestly, I won't be reading on.

[Spoiler] Minus the plot twist
To summarise the book:
A guy is out to kill a celebrity chef (fmc) because his kid died to food poisoning? Wtf
Profile Image for Blessed & Bookish.
299 reviews28 followers
May 9, 2022
Potential Threat by Tara Grace Ericson is the first full-length novel in her romantic-suspense series, Black Tower Security. I have enjoyed all of this author’s contemporary romance novels, and I absolutely enjoyed her romantic suspense debut!
Ryder and Fiona’s story is driven by danger at every turn, but the action is well balanced with the rest of the story. I felt like there was plenty of time to get to know the characters and still feel the pressure of the threat against Fiona through it all.
Opposites attract is always a fun trope was the characters personas rub up against each other. I liked how Ryder and Fiona found humor in their differences and were willing to accept each other’s imperfections and quirks. They are so adorable together!
Overall, I devoured this story! Fans of romantic suspense will love this book. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead of Black Tower Security. The sneek peek into the next book has me waiting impatiently for Joey and Cole’s story!
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sonya Wasden.
1,082 reviews12 followers
May 30, 2022
The first in the new Black Tower Security series is a hit! There is intrigue, suspense and deceit around every corner. Who can be trusted? Who will be able to survive such danger?

Ryder has a bad boy reputation from his post NYPD days. He was a screw-up and he knew it. But, he was good at one thing and that was protecting his clients. When his boss brings him in to protect the boss's sister, Fiona, Ryder is determined to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

Fiona doesn't think she needs a bodyguard, especially a handsome and dangerous one like Ryder. He was always getting into some kind of mischief and she wasn't sure her heart could take it if she fell for him. As the danger gets more real and closer to her, she leans on Ryder more and more to keep her safe. Can she help him see that he is more than just a screw-up and he is a good man?

This book is full of suspense and danger but is a clean, wholesome read with a happy ending. I can't wait to find out what happens in Book 2 with Cole.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
2,728 reviews20 followers
April 12, 2022
This is the author's first romantic suspense and I really enjoyed it. The characters of Fiona and Ryder pulled me right into the story as Ryder became her bodyguard. Ryder works for Fiona's brother at Black Tower Security. I liked that the characters had flaws which made them seem so realistic. Fiona needed to let go and not try to control everything. I think the two of them gave each other balance and support.
I enjoyed the chemistry between the two. It was funny that Fiona's brother is Ryder's best friend and he is not supposed to date her. The story was very suspenseful with many twists and turns, I liked the surprises too. I hope the author writes more books in this genre because I really liked this book and I want to read more books like this. I also liked the faith that was woven into the book. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
957 reviews11 followers
September 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book by a new (to me) author. I'll be sure to read more by Ms. Ericson, for sure! Fiona is receiving threats, so her brother sends her a bodyguard. Ryder is Fiona's brother's best friend who has been sent to keep her safe, and her brother also warns him "hands off". As the threatening notes escalate to break-ins and escalating danger, can Ryder do his job in keeping Fiona safe? And what happens when Ryder starts to develop deeper feelings for Fiona?
And Fiona, known for her freezer food product line, seems to be paralyzed by fear--especially fear of failure. She tries to live up to an image of perfection that is unattainable but doesn't realize that nobody's perfect and that a fear of failure forces a person to fail in the battle. Can she win the battle?
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense. Can't wait to start the next book in this exciting series! I highly recommend this suspenseful clean romance.
Profile Image for Joyce Marion.
542 reviews7 followers
April 17, 2022
Ryder works for Black Tower Security with his brother, Ross and best friend, Flint. When Flint's sister, Fiona starts getting threatening notes, Flint sends Ryder to look after his sister. Fiona is a celebrity chef with her own cooking show, blog and magazine. She has no idea why someone would start threatening her.

As Ryder unravels the threats, he has to come to terms with his own guilt. He left the NYPD 10 years ago in disgrace because of a mistake. He has to forgive himself and accept grace. Fiona is a perfectionist because she doesn't want anyone to think less of her. Together they learn that mistakes are o.k.

Great start to a new series. Many twists and turns. Great character development.
Profile Image for Tazzy.
279 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2022
I've been a fan of (clean!) romantic suspense for some time, and I would never have guessed this is the author's first foray into the genre. She has done a great job.
I enjoyed the banter between Fiona and Ryder, the character cross over from Bloom sisters series and Clean Slate (prequel) was awesome. There was a thread of mystery left to continue into the next books, but this story still felt complete, no cliffhangers. Looking forward to seeing these characters again in the next book.
As always Tara Grace Ericson's books are clean, without anything to blush about, and includes a faith arc for the main characters.

*I received an ARC copy of the book for an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Ali.
424 reviews11 followers
January 4, 2026
This book was full of suspense and secrets. The mmc is the sister to the mmc in book one . Fiona is a chef and is up and coming starting to make a name for her herself when she starts getting anonymous notes that are marked as threats. Her brother in charge of a private security company sends Ryder to protect her .
When she first started she had an unfortunate event happen while she was grieving after the death of her Mother. It was buried but the secret has come back to haunt her .
Unexplained things keep happening where she needs protection and someone is out to get her but she isn’t sure why.
When the reason comes to light her whole world is about to come apart .
If you like romantic suspense with no spice and light. Christian aspects then read this it’s on ku
710 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2022
There was a lot going on in this book, the author's first foray into the romantic suspense genre. I really liked the personable but flawed main characters and enjoyed the development of their attraction for one another when they had to spend time together as Ryder was Fiona's bodyguard. There were many intriguing twists and turns in the plot and dangerous moments that held me on the edge of my chair. All of this plus a recurring message of grace woven throughout. I recommend this book to romantic suspense lovers but warn those who may be triggered by violent acts to be cautious. I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
1,695 reviews12 followers
April 11, 2022
Brilliant new series

Having read the prequel, Clean Slate, I eagerly anticipated this first book in the series and it did not disappoint. Fiona is being targeted by a stalker and Ryder is sent as bodyguard. As the threats escalate, Ryder's past makes him doubt his abilities. Even after the threat is contained, there is an overarching story which runs into the next story although each romance is a standalone. There is lots of intrigue, suspense, drama, flirty fun and attraction. The characters are all interesting and I can't wait for the next in series.


Profile Image for Sharon S.
1,042 reviews7 followers
April 17, 2022
Great clean storyline and amazing characters.
Ryder is drawn to Fiona at his friend’s wedding, but she is definitely off limits!
Ryder has spent the last few years working a security consultant for a Columbian drug lord, something to pay the bills. He has signed on to work for his friends’ new security firm.
Three years later, Fiona is getting threats so Ryder is sent to protect her.
Can Ryder keep her safe? Will they continue to ignore their attraction?
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,248 reviews56 followers
July 14, 2023
Potential Threat is the first installment in this series involving a private security firm. One of the company's co-owners assigns Ryder McClain to protect his younger sister Fiona Raven. Fiona, who has a cooking show, has been receiving mysterious notes and isn't too thrilled at first to have a bodyguard. As the danger escalates so does the chemistry between Ryder and Fiona.
Ryder has a troubled past. Fiona struggles with the need of having everything being perfect. Potential Threat had an incredible storyline with twists and surprises and a great romance.
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,220 reviews
January 7, 2026
Potential Threat is a work of suspense, romance, and life choices. It deals with questioning one’s choices, trusting in oneself, and learning to forgive. Mostly is an intriguing and fast paced story of Ryder trying to keep Fiona safe while they work to find her stalker. Encounters ramp up and become more dangerous, romantic feelings develop, and adrenaline is high. I enjoyed this first book in the series (although now I want to go back and read the prequel novella), and I look forward to continuing the series!
1,508 reviews13 followers
April 12, 2022
I had an ARC copy of this book, but this is my honest and voluntary opinion. Fiona Raven, a home-style cooking star and owner of her own company starts receiving threats so her brother sends Ryder McClain to be her bodyguard. Together they try to figure out who is targeting her and her company. The plot includes issues of self-worth, self-esteem, trusting one’s instincts, and forgiveness. Great job for a first foray into suspense writing by Tara Grace Ericson.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews