Member Reviews
This book was actually my introduction to the Saint Squad, since it is the first Abramson book I read. (I then went back to the first Saint Squad book, then jumped back to Undercurrents before continuing on.) The squad are frequent participants in helping the Guardians to complete their necessary tasks.
The dramatic tension in this book was really well done, especially given the need for Kade to preserve his anonymity. Renee starts out wondering what she’s gotten herself into –between potentially working in support for the Guardians, having someone trying to kill her, and building a relationship with total loner Kade, she definitely has her ups and downs. For Kade, the battle is in learning to depend on someone and simply accepting the presence of another person in his life.
I don’t think it’s giving anything away to say that they do eventually work things out.
There is one glaring continuity error here. I probably wouldn’t have noticed it if I’d been reading the books as they were published, but I’ve read all of Abramson’s work in a month, and I’ve always had a knack for continuity issues. This book mentions Taylor (from the Saint Squad series being to show her pregnancy. However, Taylor’s first pregnancy doesn’t happen until some time later, in Redemption.
Possible objectionable material:
Again, we’re dealing with what are basically secret agents. People get shot. People die.
Who might like this book:
Fans of romance, suspense, or both.
Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2021/12/a-dozen-by-traci-hunter-abramson.html
Series, but stand alone read; Romance, clean; PG-13 for violence and suspense
This was a great suspense read. Complex situation, multiple points of view with the telling, all came together to make a great read. Always a winner for me. Revisiting some of the characters from previous novels as they try to solve the sniper attacks, all the while seeing the criminals perspective too made for an interesting point of view and way to progress the story. Great suspense, and loved the Saint Squad's determination, dedication, professionalism, and skills.
Reading this book I didn't realize that I was figuratively holding my breath until in it was resolved and all was right in the world. Perhaps that is redundant in the fact that most (well good ones anyway) suspense novels feel this way. Seriously, my eyes were having a hard time keeping up with my desire to go faster.
Safe House was well written, unique, suspenseful (obviously-eye roll), romantically mature, and a fun ride.
I love a good action packed story and this was one of them. Looking forward of more.
I just hated only rating this book five stars-It wasn't even near enough. This book was continuous non stop adventure and action with so many twists and turn until the final page. The author is amazing with directing the flow of the book so that the reader will get the most entertainment and enjoyment out of it. This book was phenomenal and I actually skipped my dinner so that I could finish it because it had me that invested in the characters. Thank you for allowing me to read this and write about it honestly.
My mother is the one who got my into mystery novels at a young age and I nabbed this book mostly because it's an author that I know she loves. We have similar tastes and she has told me before that she's read multiple book by Abramson in a day before. Now I see why. This book is non-stop action from the beginning. While this may be my first in the series and by the author, it won't be the last. Another perk is since the author is LDS (aka Mormon) the book is quite clean. There are shoot out and stand off scenes but no gore really involved in them and no language or sex, even though there is definitely a romance story in the center. I quite enjoyed it and read it pretty quickly even though I was reading multiple books at the time. Definitely hats to put down though.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Good story, but definitely not a standalone, there was a lot of background information and character POVs I could not follow. The chemistry between the 2 main characters felt a bit forced I just didn't feel their connection.
I absolutely adored the book. I had never read a book by Traci Hunter Abramson before but now I want to read all her books! There was a lot of action and it kept you guessing, I didn't feel like the story dragged on, which can happen a lot.. I also really loved the main characters, and the small love story really got to me. It was a nice touch ! I really enjoyed this book and will be definitely reading more from Traci Hunter Abramson, especially the Saint Quad series.
Fast-paced, danger, CIA, intrigue, chemistry, false identities, cameras, hidden identities, horses, friends and family, murder, sabotage, SEALs, Senators, surveillance, a dash of romance. Mix all those together with a few other ingredients and you've got a great suspense novel from Traci Hunter Abramson!
I'll admit, it got my heart pumping a few times where I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen. The anxiety was real people!
This was my second novel by this author and my first suspense. I actually read a really cute and less intense book a few months back by her and absolutely loved it. So when I had the chance to snag a copy of this book I jumped at it. Also, after watching several friends loving her suspense books, I knew it was time to dive in! So yeah, I'm a little late to the game for this author's suspense novels because let's face it, she's got lots. Yes I went and looked and GR has her listed as having 28 distinct works, of which I would say definitely 20 plus of those are suspense. So here's the deal, a lot of those are interconnected and part of a series, even this one looks like it begins a new series. But this being my first book by her and not knowing anything about the backstories for several of the characters from her series, I enjoyed it.
Maybe I should give a little bit more info. This book contains characters who are part of what's called "The Saint Squad" and "The Guardians". So definitely several backstories that I was completely clueless over. I think the first couple chapters as all the characters were introduced, I was flipping back and forth trying to keep names and couples straight. But after that it didn't matter really. The book was written in such a way as to keep the reader engaged without feeling completely clueless if they're unfamiliar with any previous works by this author. Loved that, otherwise I think I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did.
There are several characters that the POV changes between a handful of them. I didn't find it confusing at all. The author gives us the bad guys' perspectives but mostly we are reading from Renee and Kade's POV, especially the further into the story you read.
The story has a few moments of calm but overall, the characters are working towards a goal of discovering who is trying to destroy a certain "hush, hush" program and the people who work with that program. It's very hush, hush that only a handful of people know about it. But when they all start to "die", the surviving members of the group must reach out for help, and quickly before they're all gone.
Renee is one of those pulled in to help analyze and save the group. Kade is one of those hidden Ghosts who is being targeted. It's a race against the clock. Trust is a necessity if they're going to survive, but when you've only ever trusted a handful of people, it's not something that comes easily. I loved Renee and Kade. The chemistry and sparks are real and add a great dimension to this story of suspense.
The suspense and mystery were well written. I assumed certain events would happen but didn't quite expect it how they did. I love when an author can keep me guessing and throw me off the scent of the trail. If you're looking for a fun, clean suspenseful read with a dash of romance thrown in, I'd definitely recommend this one.
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. Murder, snipers, and several moments of peril. Nothing overly graphic or that I wouldn't recommend for YA or clean read lovers. A couple characters in the book are LDS (mormon) but other than one or two mentions that they are, there is no other mention of religion throughout the book.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Wow what an incredible book! I've truly enjoyed each and every book written by Traci Hunter Abramson, and this one was no exception.
The plot is intricate and intense. From the very beginning I was hooked and on the edge of my seat, devouring each and every page. Having read all her previous books, I enjoyed the many different characters I've come to know and love, but this book could also stand alone fairly well. Knowing all the other characters and stories from previous books -especially about the Saint Squad- does give it an added depth though.
The mystery, suspense and adventure will take you on a roller coaster ride, and the toe-curling romance is just the icing on the cake.
I really enjoyed the two main characters. Each came from a difficult background, learned to deal with it/overcome it, and worked hard to make life better for their country with the special skill sets they have. Seeing each of them open up to one another and work together to save lives was one of my favorite parts.
I really enjoyed it and am hoping for a sequel!
I loved this book! The story of Renee and Kade was compelling. The chemistry between them was great, and the obstacles in their path were believable.
It was also fun to cross paths with the Saint Squad and with Charlotte (Failsafe). You do not need to read all of the Saint Squad books before this (I think I haven’t read two of them). This book is standalone enough that you’d be able to read it even if you haven’t read Failsafe, but you’d probably enjoy it more if you knew a bit of the background provided in Failsafe.
Interesting plot and a novel that was quite enjoyable at times. I do wish the characters had been better fleshed out though.
Awesome!
Intriguing and intense story with fantastic characters! This is my first book by Ms. Abramson and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and after looking over her previous books, this one seems to bring the Saint Squad together with the guardians that were in Charlotte's story, and bring them into a plot that requires all their skill sets! It took me a bit to understand who all the characters were and if you had read previous books then you would know all them right at the beginning. You can just tell that each couple has a great story and now I want to read those books!
Renee, a CIA operative, was asked to assist the guardians by Charlotte; while one of the guardians, called Ghost, asked the Saint Squad for their assistance. Ghost, Kade, was not happy that Renee was brought in and even more unhappy when they were attacked at their first meeting and he was tasked to keep her safe.
There were lots of twists and turns, and you didn't know who was responsible or who you could trust! During their time on the run, Kade and Renee come to rely on each other and enjoy spending time together. Unfortunately, Kade doesn't believe that he can ever have a relationship due to his being a guardian.
There is a HEA but lots of drama to get there!!
I didn't want to put this one down. I literally stayed up until 1 am to finish it! I LOVE that the guardian and saint squad series intersect. Abramson took some of my favorite characters and wove them into this book along with the new cast of characters!
The possibilities for this series is endless! I look forward to more in this series.
There were elements of this book that I both liked and disliked. What I liked was the mystery element of the book. It was interesting seeing the team work to keep each other safe and also try to figure out who the villain was. That being said, I will say this read is more of a mystery than a romance. I like when my romance has a dash of mystery, not when a mystery has a dash of romance. Also, there were so many side characters. I wish there would have been more focus on Kade and Renee. Also, I like more passion in my romance. This was a clean read, which doesn't appeal to me since I like a little heat in my romances. All in all, this story was not for me.