What do you think?
Rate this book
Defensive Tactics #1
Defensive Tactics
Paul Stephens has it all--a wonderful job at the FBI, a new girlfriend, and a great apartment. Even when Jimmy, a friend from his past, unexpectedly ends up on his couch, Paul has no worries. But when arresting a corrupt judge puts his girlfriend's life in danger, Paul and Jimmy will do anything to save her. How far will Paul go to protect the ones he loves? Filled with suspense and action, Defensive Tactics shows just how much the bonds of friendship can endure.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2010
10 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Steve Westover
7 books24 followersGrandma's in the Garbage is an adorable children's book written by me and my wife and illustrated by my wife. It's about a grandma who makes a memory quilt for her granddaughter. https://www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/...
You can also read my Jenny Doan Quilting Mystery series in BLOCK Magazine through MSQC.
A Nothing Named Silas is a heart pumping read with some great twists and turns. Check it out.
Return of the Mystic Gray,the second book of my Crater Lake series, was released in April, 2013 following CRATER LAKE: BATTLE FOR WIZARD ISLAND which was released in March 2012. Crater Lake is mid-grade fantasy set at the pristine Crater Lake in Oregon. Though it is written for a younger audience, readers of all ages will enjoy it. I recommend 11+
Gold Clash was released in December 2012 and is a sequel to DEFENSIVE TACTICS, which was published by Cedar Fort in August of 2010. Both Gold Clash and Defensive Tactics are light, fun FBI thrillers that also raise meaningful questions for the reader to consider.
You can also read my Jenny Doan Quilting Mystery series in BLOCK Magazine through MSQC.
A Nothing Named Silas is a heart pumping read with some great twists and turns. Check it out.
Return of the Mystic Gray,the second book of my Crater Lake series, was released in April, 2013 following CRATER LAKE: BATTLE FOR WIZARD ISLAND which was released in March 2012. Crater Lake is mid-grade fantasy set at the pristine Crater Lake in Oregon. Though it is written for a younger audience, readers of all ages will enjoy it. I recommend 11+
Gold Clash was released in December 2012 and is a sequel to DEFENSIVE TACTICS, which was published by Cedar Fort in August of 2010. Both Gold Clash and Defensive Tactics are light, fun FBI thrillers that also raise meaningful questions for the reader to consider.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 16, 2010
One of the best FBI thrillers I have ever read. It has action, adventure and of course the infamous love triangle. You learn to accept yourself, trust others all the while getting lost in the secret world of an agent. Excellent read.
November 3, 2020
This is a suspenseful crime story undertaken by the FBI. Behind the scenes, strife within the FBI team unravels, adding risk to the mission. Underlying themes of love, tragedy and friendship add layers to the action-packed scenes. I recommend the book to anyone who likes crime & mystery genre.
April 4, 2013
Great book! I loved the characters! Between Emily, Paul, and the very funny Jimmy, there is never a dull moment. With more points of view than I usually like I was a little nervous, but he manuevered it flawlessly. I was thrilled to find that I never questioned who was speaking, and was always wondering what would happen next. He has you guessing all the way through!
The story lined moved really quickly. I can only think of one section of dialog that got a little repetitive.
To start with Emily seems fairly reserved. But that is just what other people see. She is seriously under estimated and from the moment we get a glimpse of her point of view you can tell she is a strong self assured and very clever woman. I love that in a heroine :)
Steve Westover has done a fabulous job of guiding us through the complicated relationships, and thrill ride of adventure in this story! It's a quick read, very clean, and I love the way it wraps up! Great Job!
I would recommend this book for teens and adults.
The story lined moved really quickly. I can only think of one section of dialog that got a little repetitive.
To start with Emily seems fairly reserved. But that is just what other people see. She is seriously under estimated and from the moment we get a glimpse of her point of view you can tell she is a strong self assured and very clever woman. I love that in a heroine :)
Steve Westover has done a fabulous job of guiding us through the complicated relationships, and thrill ride of adventure in this story! It's a quick read, very clean, and I love the way it wraps up! Great Job!
I would recommend this book for teens and adults.
August 3, 2010
I enjoyed reading this debut novel by Steve Westover. I loved that it was set in my home state of Missouri. The characters were well developed and the story line kept me hooked until the final words of the book. I think my husband would even like this one. (We don't cross over and like the same books too often but every now and then we hit the jackpot.)
July 17, 2010
Its an exciting, fun, fast read, but it may also make you stop and think-- What kind of friend am I? What laws or morals would I be willing to break or bend if I, or a loved one was in a bind? Am I really the person I want to be?
In spite of my self-serving review, I hope you enjoy it.
In spite of my self-serving review, I hope you enjoy it.
July 31, 2010
This was a very enjoyable read! It was a great mix of action/adventure/mystery storyline, coupled with developing relationships and spiritual renewal, all with a touch of humor!
February 15, 2018
This entertaining book has endearing characters, some good action sequences, and a fast-paced plot. I gobbled it up in a day. :)
November 24, 2025
This is the first book by this author. At first it was Slow as he developed The people in the story. It takes place in Kansas City and Oklahoma with the FBI and deals with crime gangs and a corrupt judge, sound a lot like today. There is also a love triangle between friends and love interest. It does gets going toward the last 1/3 of the book. Enjoy your read.
May 26, 2020
Review
Refreshing storyline. I recommend this book highly. The high moral standards of the author show throughout this book. Entertaining read with very likable characters.
Refreshing storyline. I recommend this book highly. The high moral standards of the author show throughout this book. Entertaining read with very likable characters.
September 10, 2010
Defensive Tactics by Steve Westover
In this riveting debut novel, we find both Paul Stephens and Emily Mathews, rookie FBI Agents, working together on an assignment that will bring a corrupt judge down.
When Jimmy Younger, a friend of Paul's high school days comes into his life, he knows he needs to help him, as Jimmy has been in the depth of despair for years, after a tragic accident takes the lives of his sisters. Then, when his father comes close to taking his own life as well, it causes Jimmy to lose all hope he'll ever have a forever family. Both Paul and Emily help Jimmy regain his faith while Jimmy unknowingly helps Emily thwart some mobsters from harming her. Emily is set up as a pawn to bring down the corrupt Judge Craven, but when she is required to compromise her moral standards, she has doubts about whether she should do what is required because it is her job.
When Paul is sent to the Oklahoma City Office to work on an assignment, he finds that by flushing out the corruptness, he could be jeopardising his career.
When Jimmy's new bishop has a long talk with him, he is asked to read his scriptures, pray and ponder, he comes to realize he needs to find a job and he has an interview with the bishop's friend, who hires him. When he spends the entire night helping the team apprehend the mobsters and free Emily, he panics, as he's supposed to be on the job at 6am and it's now 8:30am. He rushes to make amends as to why he's late, not realizing that Paul had saved his butt.
Emily is abducted and it is up to Paul, Jimmy and the rest of the team to free her, find the men responsible for several murders and flush out the mole on the team. The mobsters find that Emily is not the naive patsy of an agent when she is able to cleverly outwit these low-life's and save her friends and team. She also has feelings for both Paul and Jimmy and she has to search deepwithin her soul to decide which is the one she truly loves, as from what one friend says, "You can't kiss a friend."
At the end, when Emily sets up Judge Craven and gets even, really made the story in my eyes. From the beginning, when they first met, Judge Craven was all sure of himself, thinking Emily was this little naive FBI agent who would do anything he asked. What an ending!!! And, Emily shows just how ingenious she can be for a young rookie agent with morals.
I see a sequel in the making, as one of the characters is still out there, needing to be found.
I received my review copy from Steve Westover.
Published by: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Published Date: August 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59955-445-7
246pp
In this riveting debut novel, we find both Paul Stephens and Emily Mathews, rookie FBI Agents, working together on an assignment that will bring a corrupt judge down.
When Jimmy Younger, a friend of Paul's high school days comes into his life, he knows he needs to help him, as Jimmy has been in the depth of despair for years, after a tragic accident takes the lives of his sisters. Then, when his father comes close to taking his own life as well, it causes Jimmy to lose all hope he'll ever have a forever family. Both Paul and Emily help Jimmy regain his faith while Jimmy unknowingly helps Emily thwart some mobsters from harming her. Emily is set up as a pawn to bring down the corrupt Judge Craven, but when she is required to compromise her moral standards, she has doubts about whether she should do what is required because it is her job.
When Paul is sent to the Oklahoma City Office to work on an assignment, he finds that by flushing out the corruptness, he could be jeopardising his career.
When Jimmy's new bishop has a long talk with him, he is asked to read his scriptures, pray and ponder, he comes to realize he needs to find a job and he has an interview with the bishop's friend, who hires him. When he spends the entire night helping the team apprehend the mobsters and free Emily, he panics, as he's supposed to be on the job at 6am and it's now 8:30am. He rushes to make amends as to why he's late, not realizing that Paul had saved his butt.
Emily is abducted and it is up to Paul, Jimmy and the rest of the team to free her, find the men responsible for several murders and flush out the mole on the team. The mobsters find that Emily is not the naive patsy of an agent when she is able to cleverly outwit these low-life's and save her friends and team. She also has feelings for both Paul and Jimmy and she has to search deepwithin her soul to decide which is the one she truly loves, as from what one friend says, "You can't kiss a friend."
At the end, when Emily sets up Judge Craven and gets even, really made the story in my eyes. From the beginning, when they first met, Judge Craven was all sure of himself, thinking Emily was this little naive FBI agent who would do anything he asked. What an ending!!! And, Emily shows just how ingenious she can be for a young rookie agent with morals.
I see a sequel in the making, as one of the characters is still out there, needing to be found.
I received my review copy from Steve Westover.
Published by: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Published Date: August 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59955-445-7
246pp
September 25, 2010
Lately in my life I have been learning about boundaries. How to set healthy ones because I am bad at it. Who knew I could read a work of fiction to help me figure out this concept of boundaries? I guess I've always know that fiction crosses over, but it's always completely awe- inspiring when a work of fiction can help me with decisions I must make in my own life.
I thought that this book was just going to be another action thriller about a couple of FBI agents, but it was so much more than that. It was a perfect example of what good boundaries can do for a person who desperately needs them. It was also a great lesson that boundaries alone are not enough; an adult, just like a child, has to have unconditional love to flourish.
The three main characters, Jimmy, Paul, and Emily were all AWESOME in their own way. I loved each of them and could relate to each of them, even though they were all completely different. Jimmy was a bright and amazing guy who was in a troubled time of life. He was floundering for good reason. I am against writing spoilers, but if what happened to him, happened to me, I don't know if I could get out of bed ever again. Paul was the perfectionist in me. He aimed to please and was a good rule keeper, but he was deep down completely insecure. Emily was every woman that we want to have depicted in a novel, smart, feminine, kind, gutsy, and more than anything, confident.
These three characters made a dynamic tale of love and friendship. My hat goes off to the author, Steve Westover, for his wonderful character development. Although the plot in the story was a bit predictable, I still really enjoyed the quick read.
Back to the boundaries. Jimmy was able to completely change his life around and tap into his under-appreciated strengths for two reasons: Paul's healthy boundaries and un-apologetic expectations combined with Emily's infinite and unconditional love.
This book was so much more than a private investigator story of mystery and action, it was a perfect love story. A love triangle that left everyone happy. Including this reader.
My hat is off to Steve Westover for his successful first novel.
I thought that this book was just going to be another action thriller about a couple of FBI agents, but it was so much more than that. It was a perfect example of what good boundaries can do for a person who desperately needs them. It was also a great lesson that boundaries alone are not enough; an adult, just like a child, has to have unconditional love to flourish.
The three main characters, Jimmy, Paul, and Emily were all AWESOME in their own way. I loved each of them and could relate to each of them, even though they were all completely different. Jimmy was a bright and amazing guy who was in a troubled time of life. He was floundering for good reason. I am against writing spoilers, but if what happened to him, happened to me, I don't know if I could get out of bed ever again. Paul was the perfectionist in me. He aimed to please and was a good rule keeper, but he was deep down completely insecure. Emily was every woman that we want to have depicted in a novel, smart, feminine, kind, gutsy, and more than anything, confident.
These three characters made a dynamic tale of love and friendship. My hat goes off to the author, Steve Westover, for his wonderful character development. Although the plot in the story was a bit predictable, I still really enjoyed the quick read.
Back to the boundaries. Jimmy was able to completely change his life around and tap into his under-appreciated strengths for two reasons: Paul's healthy boundaries and un-apologetic expectations combined with Emily's infinite and unconditional love.
This book was so much more than a private investigator story of mystery and action, it was a perfect love story. A love triangle that left everyone happy. Including this reader.
My hat is off to Steve Westover for his successful first novel.
October 2, 2010
Paul works for the FBI. He is a straight and narrow type of guy. Paul has a really nice girlfriend. Her name is Emily. What else could Paul possibly ask for? Paul’s receives an unexpected surprise when an old friend from his past showed up back in his life. Jimmy is homeless and currently unemployed. Paul allows Jimmy to stay with him for a few days.
Emily is trying hard to prove herself at work. She wants to show her supervisor that she would make an excellent addition to the team as a investigator. Emily’s first assignment is to investigate Judge Craven. Supposedly he has been dealing in some shady business.
Paul starts to crumble a little with Jimmy showing some interest in Emily. Can Paul raise to the task when Emily’s life is in danger?
Defensive Tactics is Mr. Westover’s first novel. It reads like it is Mr. Westover’s third or fourth novel. Right from the beginning this book grabbed me and I was hooked all the way until the last page. This book was packed full of intensity and high octane adrenaline! Paul and Jimmy couldn’t have been more polar opposites, even if they tried. I liked this about Paul and Jimmy. They kept each other balanced. Emily held her own in this book. The suspense just kept building and building as the story line moved along. I can’t wait to see what Mr. Westover has up his sleeve next. It would be the perfect tactical move if you were to pick up a copy of Defensive Tactics today!
Emily is trying hard to prove herself at work. She wants to show her supervisor that she would make an excellent addition to the team as a investigator. Emily’s first assignment is to investigate Judge Craven. Supposedly he has been dealing in some shady business.
Paul starts to crumble a little with Jimmy showing some interest in Emily. Can Paul raise to the task when Emily’s life is in danger?
Defensive Tactics is Mr. Westover’s first novel. It reads like it is Mr. Westover’s third or fourth novel. Right from the beginning this book grabbed me and I was hooked all the way until the last page. This book was packed full of intensity and high octane adrenaline! Paul and Jimmy couldn’t have been more polar opposites, even if they tried. I liked this about Paul and Jimmy. They kept each other balanced. Emily held her own in this book. The suspense just kept building and building as the story line moved along. I can’t wait to see what Mr. Westover has up his sleeve next. It would be the perfect tactical move if you were to pick up a copy of Defensive Tactics today!
December 11, 2010
Really slow at the beginning. The plot action picked up after about age 120...so keep reading. Emily and Paul work for the FBI. Paul as a financial analyst and Emily as a field agent. They both are active LDS members and that is how they met and started dating. Jimmy is an old high school acquaintance of Paul's who is down on is luck after making life choices that allowed him to have no life motivations after a tragic family accident causing the death of his two sisters and unborn baby. His relationship with Emily and Paul lead him to see more hope in life and of his families ability to be "together forever," along with showing him that he can make changes in his life to make it better.
Emily gets up on a team for a case involving organized crime and a dirty judge. She becomes the decoy and puts herself in danger when threats are made to her, her family and friends if she doesn't play along. She takes a chance and tell Paul about the assignment. He puts his job on the line to acquire info regarding the case and her team members revealing a dirty team member and finding the real danger that Emily is in with a new player in the mob boss struggle for top dog.
Jimmy also help in the process of rescuing Emily and Paul see that the two have become good friends. He asks Emily to choose between them, but still offers friendship and roommate status to Jimmy. Emily chooses Paul and all ends well.
Emily gets up on a team for a case involving organized crime and a dirty judge. She becomes the decoy and puts herself in danger when threats are made to her, her family and friends if she doesn't play along. She takes a chance and tell Paul about the assignment. He puts his job on the line to acquire info regarding the case and her team members revealing a dirty team member and finding the real danger that Emily is in with a new player in the mob boss struggle for top dog.
Jimmy also help in the process of rescuing Emily and Paul see that the two have become good friends. He asks Emily to choose between them, but still offers friendship and roommate status to Jimmy. Emily chooses Paul and all ends well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2011
Defenseive Tactics
by
Steve Westover
Paul Stephens and Emily Mathews, FBI agents and Jimmy Younger, a young man who has lost his way. Each has their own special issue to deal with. Their own choices to make. Will they make the choices that will determine their happiness or will they have consequences to pay? "In this life we have to make many choices. The choices we make, however, determine to a large extent our happiness or our unhappiness, because we have to live with the consequences of our choices."
James E. Faust
In this suspense filled novel, you will meet a cast of characters that you will either love or dislike. They will make you laugh, bring a tear to your eye or make you angry. I was reminded more than once about choice making, praying always(you will be surprised at where this wonderful suggestion comes from). The trials and tribulations that face these wonderful young people and the suspenseful mystery here will keep you on the seat of your chair. Once I was able to sit down and give the book my complete attention, I could not put it down. I finished it in 2 nights and would recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good suspense filled book.
by
Steve Westover
Paul Stephens and Emily Mathews, FBI agents and Jimmy Younger, a young man who has lost his way. Each has their own special issue to deal with. Their own choices to make. Will they make the choices that will determine their happiness or will they have consequences to pay? "In this life we have to make many choices. The choices we make, however, determine to a large extent our happiness or our unhappiness, because we have to live with the consequences of our choices."
James E. Faust
In this suspense filled novel, you will meet a cast of characters that you will either love or dislike. They will make you laugh, bring a tear to your eye or make you angry. I was reminded more than once about choice making, praying always(you will be surprised at where this wonderful suggestion comes from). The trials and tribulations that face these wonderful young people and the suspenseful mystery here will keep you on the seat of your chair. Once I was able to sit down and give the book my complete attention, I could not put it down. I finished it in 2 nights and would recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good suspense filled book.
November 23, 2010
“Defensive Tactics” proved to me that an “LDS Thriller” can be done right. It combined elements of a redemptive story in the character of Jimmy, and provided a suspenseful chase as FBI agents try to close in on the corrupt Judge Craven.
I found the characters both well-drawn and likeable. Especially enjoyable were the antics and witty banter of Jimmy, who can’t seem to hold down a steady job or take life seriously. He filled in the details of the characters in quite imaginative ways. (For example, Jimmy gets fired from a fast food job because he was sneaking meatballs and keeping them in his pockets. The image made me chuckle)
The well-executed characterization makes it so that you really care about the characters’ plight as they all get entangled in a web of a corrupt judge and his cronies. I found the plot interesting without becoming confusing. Best of all, it feels like a well-balanced story with a variety of elements of action, romance, suspense, and redemption.
I found the characters both well-drawn and likeable. Especially enjoyable were the antics and witty banter of Jimmy, who can’t seem to hold down a steady job or take life seriously. He filled in the details of the characters in quite imaginative ways. (For example, Jimmy gets fired from a fast food job because he was sneaking meatballs and keeping them in his pockets. The image made me chuckle)
The well-executed characterization makes it so that you really care about the characters’ plight as they all get entangled in a web of a corrupt judge and his cronies. I found the plot interesting without becoming confusing. Best of all, it feels like a well-balanced story with a variety of elements of action, romance, suspense, and redemption.
May 29, 2011
We have a cast of LDS characters: Emily, an FBI agent, with a budding romance with another agent named Paul but a growing admiration for layabout Jimmy whose personal family tragedy has derailed a promising future. Emily depends on Paul but feels an attraction to Jimmy as she tries to help him change. The plot raises some good questions: Emily tries to gets the goods on a corrupt judge for her FBI team but wonders if it is ever right to temporarily lay aside your personal standards for a job? Is that different than Paul breaking FBI rules to protect Emily? Does nothing something for the wrong reason have consequences? These are good questions but I thought they were explored only superficially. In addition, the plot seemed a bit unbelieveable. Jimmy changes too easily. Emily's romantic triangle is also too superficial--not enough real feelings and angst. And it all resolves too sweetly. Not a book I'm keeping.
February 3, 2013
Story revolves around two young FBI agents where one gets involved in a case that ends up turing quite dangerous.
There is also aspects of romance, faith, mystery, redemption, and figuring out who you are in the book.
It took me about 11 chapters to really get into it but I am glad I stuck with it. The story gets you hooked as you try and figure out who the bad guys really are. The whole story seems realistic and like it could have been a real life case.
The main characters are LDS and attend church and talk about some principles of faith and repentance but it not an overbearing or so much of the story that anyone could enjoy this book.
But for those of you that like LDS fiction (i.e. good clean stories with nothing that will make you blush) this is a great book to add to your list to read.
There is also aspects of romance, faith, mystery, redemption, and figuring out who you are in the book.
It took me about 11 chapters to really get into it but I am glad I stuck with it. The story gets you hooked as you try and figure out who the bad guys really are. The whole story seems realistic and like it could have been a real life case.
The main characters are LDS and attend church and talk about some principles of faith and repentance but it not an overbearing or so much of the story that anyone could enjoy this book.
But for those of you that like LDS fiction (i.e. good clean stories with nothing that will make you blush) this is a great book to add to your list to read.
May 27, 2015
I always like finding a good thriller/mystery that I can read without worrying about excessive violence, swearing or sex, but I have the same complaint with this one as I do with most LDS fiction. LDS authors do not write realistic dialogue, characters or situations. The book’s plot was a bit thin and unbelievable. Even after finishing the book I don't understand how the two different bad guys were connected and what plan the good guys actually thwarted. I had problems with the second half of the book since I couldn’t imagine the three main characters doing any of the things they did in the second half of the book. Also the addition of the characters being LDS seemed contrived and awkward.
August 11, 2016
Two FBI agents, Paul and Emily, are just starting a relationship when some things start to get a little crazy. An old friend, Jimmy, shows up needing a place to stay--to which Paul reluctantly agrees. Surprisingly, Jimmy and Emily hit it off, much to Paul's discomfort. Work isn't going smoothly either. Emily has to decide what's more important: keeping her personal standards or keeping her job, as she is sent undercover into some potentially compromising situations. Crazy turns to dangerous when Emily is betrayed and kidnapped by a member of her team, and it's up to Paul (and possibly Jimmy) to rescue her.
Fast-paced with shades of humor, romance, and ethics. Good mix, good times.
Fast-paced with shades of humor, romance, and ethics. Good mix, good times.
March 27, 2011
I really liked this. I don't think the first chapter was of the same quality as the remainder of the book, which is not to say it wasn't good.
It was very thought provoking. Jimmy beliefs that his family is lost because his sister died while still living on the wild-side and because his father's attempted suicide is not uncommon. Nor is his father's thoughts -I can remember as a child thinking that I should be bad so my parent wouldn't be lonely in hell. The Bishop's challenge to Jimmy, "Are you smarter than God?" struck home.
Thanks Mr Steve Westover, for a great book.
It was very thought provoking. Jimmy beliefs that his family is lost because his sister died while still living on the wild-side and because his father's attempted suicide is not uncommon. Nor is his father's thoughts -I can remember as a child thinking that I should be bad so my parent wouldn't be lonely in hell. The Bishop's challenge to Jimmy, "Are you smarter than God?" struck home.
Thanks Mr Steve Westover, for a great book.
June 27, 2012
This was a really good story. Even though the two main characters are active LDS people, it is still a good story. I enjoyed it and will look for another book by Westover.
The best part was the rescue part. I won't say who needed rescuing, but the whole scene was great. I think this book would make a great movie.
I thought the end was a bit cheesy, but it didn't deter from the story. I'm not surprised by the ending.
I had two suggestions of who the bad guy was and one of my choices was right. Enjoy the story. It's worth reading.
The best part was the rescue part. I won't say who needed rescuing, but the whole scene was great. I think this book would make a great movie.
I thought the end was a bit cheesy, but it didn't deter from the story. I'm not surprised by the ending.
I had two suggestions of who the bad guy was and one of my choices was right. Enjoy the story. It's worth reading.
June 1, 2011
Pretty good book. I don't think I fully understood how the two different bad guys were connected by the end of the book and they didn't go into detail on what happened to them...but very likeable characters and I liked how this author wrote. Especially if this is his 1st book, I was very impressed. I didn't like that the girl kind of fell for Jimmy too but I did like the change Jimmy went through and that he became good friends with Paul.
April 16, 2012
Paul Stephens has it all--a wonderful job at the FBI, a new girlfriend, and a great apartment. Even when Jimmy, a friend from his past, unexpectedly ends up on his couch, Paul has no worries. But when arresting a corrupt judge puts his girlfriend's life in danger, Paul and Jimmy will do anything to save her. How far will Paul go to protect the ones he love?
An easy read for recreational reading. I thought this book was a good first novel for this author.
An easy read for recreational reading. I thought this book was a good first novel for this author.
April 29, 2013
I loved Emily--she's gutsy enough not to let down her standards, which saves her in the end I think. I love Paul for pretty much the same reasons as Emily. While reading the story I thought the two of them really worked well together, and wanted to get Jimmy out of the way. The suspense was great and a real page turner.
October 9, 2011
A chilling thriller, Defensive Tactics is a must-read. It has all the key components of a page turner: unpredictable, thick plot, and characters with which the reader can connect. I cannot recommend it enough..
October 4, 2010
I loved this book, it had fast paced action and kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved the character dynamics and how they grew and I loved the sticky situations the main characters get themselves into! Read it you will love it!
November 29, 2010
Paul has things going good when an old school mate, Jimmy, asks to stay with him for a couple of days while looking for a job. Jimmy has learned how to hustle people to get what he wants until ready to move on. Emily is interested in Paul and then Jimmy shows us. Interesting but a little thin.
May 17, 2012
I enjoyed this book a lot. I always like finding a good thriller/mystery that I can comfortably read without worrying about excessive gore or swearing. Excellent book, interesting plot and great characters.
June 5, 2012
I enjoyed this novel. It wasn't the best romantic suspense novel I've ever read, but I loved the characters and the writing style.
I may write a longer review of this in the near future, but if not know that it is a quick read that definitely was enjoyable.
I may write a longer review of this in the near future, but if not know that it is a quick read that definitely was enjoyable.
October 28, 2012
This was a clearance-rack, vacation reading, impulse buy. I wasn't expecting much, just something to pass the hours until we made it home.
Well, it was a fun, intense read, which I enjoyed thoroughly. I'm so glad I picked this one up- and I recommend it to my friends!
Well, it was a fun, intense read, which I enjoyed thoroughly. I'm so glad I picked this one up- and I recommend it to my friends!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews