Without Warning is the second novel in Desiree Holt's Vigilance series, and while I wasn't thrilled with the first novel in this series, I'm happy to say that this one is a far sight better than the last and I'm pleased to give it a 4-star rating.

From the outset, I liked the hero, Blake Edwards, an internationally-popular author of thriller novels, but, as so often is the case with celebrities, it seems that in addition to acquiring a loyal following of readers, he's also managed to acquire an angry stalker--one who leaves notes where Blake can find them, and all they contain is a single line, "I know what you did." In the past, he would have had his personal assistant, Annemarie, handle the notes, but she quit her job suddenly and without explanation, so Blake has no choice but to handle them himself. While that line is hardly original (there's a series of films based on it), the places these notes begin turn up is unsettling, and after an event, when Blake notices his car has a flat tire, he's shocked to discover another note, this one a bit more ominous, stating, "I'm watching you. I know what you did. I know what you did and I'm going to make you pay." Instead of the note appearing on his windshield like the others did, this time Blake finds this note attached to the spare tire inside the trunk of his car. His agent, Henry, advises him to get a bodyguard, and he's soon given the name of the Vigilance Agency, conveniently located in his home town, Arrowhead Bay, Florida.

Blake is impressed with the agency at first glance, relieved that he's being taken seriously, but the bodyguard assigned to him comes as a complete shock--it's Samantha (Sam) Quenel, a girl he had one unforgettable date with back in high school, but whom he'd avoided and actively snubbed when his popular high school friends made it clear they wouldn't accept her. His treatment of her is something he's regretted for the past 15 years, and she's the girl, now a woman, he's never been able to forget, nor has she ever forgotten him, in what turns out to be a second chance at romance trope. But now, she's his bodyguard, and will be posing as his personal assistant during his book tour, living and working with him, but his treatment of her years before hurt her badly, and she's not quick to risk her heart on him again.

As Sam and Blake begin his tour, their attraction for each other ratchets up, and, at the same time, the notes, texts, and emails, and their frequency begins to escalate. The alternate voice in all this belongs to the stalker, and he's getting more and more angry, daring and invasive all the time. Saying anything more would involve spoilers, but I will tell you that the stalker is quite the planner, and has something special planned for the last stop on Blake's author tour.

I truly grew to like Blake more and more in this novel. He's having a hard time dealing with the warnings and the threats, and a hard time staying away from Samantha, since she's at his side, in his room, and in his bed. He's apologized repeatedly for his youthful stupidity, been open and honest about his feelings for Sam, feelings that have only grown stronger as the two work together, and he's tried desperately to gain her forgiveness and trust after his shabby treatment of her following their one date 15 years earlier.

I found it a somewhat harder to relate to or like Sam. Yes, she's Blake's bodyguard, but after giving in and having mind-blowing sex with the man, she's back to business the next morning, and is so ambivalent about her attraction to Blake as their story continues to come off as cold, distant and annoying. We aren't given access to her thoughts and emotions in the way we are given to Blake's, and because her character is not as fully-fleshed out as Blake's, I found it difficult to warm up to her at all. Although she's perfectly willing to have sex and sleep with Blake, we're as much in the dark about her feelings throughout this novel as Blake is.

I found this book to be a gripping read--it was tense and grew more so throughout as Blake's tour moves the action from one city and state to another, and as a predatory stalker with murderous intent and amazing tech savvy manages to find and follow them despite all the safeguards put in place by Vigilance. We know, from the stalker's point of view, when and where the final encounter will occur, and we finally get to see the action firsthand, but it's hardly the end of the story, which definitely surprised me.

Yes, there's an HEA ending for Sam and Blake, but it was nothing like what I expected, and I found it rather abrupt and jarring after what these two characters went through together. I found myself wishing for more emotion and openness from Sam, and more redemption for Blake, who was honest, humble, and far more up front about his feelings than was Sam. It's this uneven relationship, as well as the coldness from Sam that are the main reason I couldn't give this otherwise excellent novel 5 stars.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

8 stars- I love Desiree Holt, there is not one book of hers that I have read that I have not loved. Her plots, and the unique way she grabs the reader is amazing to see. I loved this book from the very beg9nning and the twists, turns, and surprises left me wanting more. Thank you for allowing me to read this book and write about it.

Desiree Holt’s Without Warning is a thrilling read full of fascinating characters and suspense that kept me turning the pages in anticipation of finding out what would happen next.

Blake and Samantha have lots of sizzling chemistry and an heated attraction that heats up the pages of this romance, but the couple has a rocky past that adds to the tension and with the whole ‘not fraternizing with the client’ thing going on it keeps the suspense of whether they will have a happily ever after until the very end. The suspense of Blake’s stalker keeps readers on the edge of their seat throughout the story with lots of twists and thrill building events that pushes at the couple’s emotions and this story has another mystery that keeps readers wanting to know more… Blake has no idea why he was targeted which adds to the uncertainty of the situation.

Desiree Holt paints vivid imagery that makes it easy for the reader to picture each and every scene and brings her characters to life with the dialogue and vibrant personalities so that readers feel as if they have really gotten to know them. I was caught up in the story from the very beginning and though this is the first book that I have read in the Vigilance series, Vigilance Security has caught my attention so I will be reading Hide and Seek and looking for A Deadly Business when it releases in August.

Blake Morgan has reached the pinnacle of success as a writer only to find himself a character in someone else's horrible fantasy. He finally takes the threat seriously and hires a body guard only to find that she's the one girl from high school that he's never forgotten. Has fate given him a second chance?
Things heat up pretty rapidly both on the sexual front as well as the stalker front. Poor Blake no matter how deeply he searches his memory he can't come up with a single thing from his past that could have created this massive hate in any one. In the meantime things are going well on the Samantha front as well as the various media events despite the stalker's attempts to derail them. Things are pretty intense what with adrenaline fueling Blake and Samantha as they try to stay one step ahead of the stalker while soothing themselves together in bed.
What I really enjoyed in this story is the view into the stalker's mind as he chortles with glee at outwitting Blake and the Vigilance team and then the teeth gnashing when the tables are turned on him. This is a fast paced thriller which will sweep you into the story and keep you engaged through out.
Ms. Holt has rapidly become a favorite with her romantic suspense tales. I look forward to reading more from her.

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
Samantha was only there to do her job.
Blake could not believe that Samantha was assigned as his bodyguard.
Is this his second chance ?
I loved the storytelling + the characters
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!
Drama, suspense, romance, and a lot of tension ( sexual or otherwise )

Emotionally thrilling, teasingly sexy, action packed and engaging second chance romantic adventure for two high school sweethearts that spent many years apart.

Blake Edwards is now an international bestselling author and in need of protection due to some overly aggressive fan. As a bodyguard Samantha Quenel has found the perfect outlet for her military experience. She is assigned to protect Blake (her old high school flame) and is all for keeping a close watch on him at all times.... Highly enjoyed this heart pounding, emotional and thrilling reading experience.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting to find out who was stalking Blake and what his terrible secret was. I really enjoy the romantic suspense books as you get the mystery and drama mixed with the romance and HEA.

It was fun to read from the stalker's POV as he was trying so hard to terrorize Blake but when Vigilance came to his rescue and assigned him a bodyguard, Blake had support to figure out why he was being targeted.

i liked that Blake apologized for being such an entitled jerk as a teen who hurt Samantha and that he never really forgot her. This was their opportunity for a second chance at love. I realize that they both were attracted to each other but I really had hoped that Sam could hold out a little bit longer and not have sex the first day of her bodyguard assignment!

The only thing I wish was better explained was why Annemarie left suddenly, all that was mentioned was that she had enough but was it a specific event or something said or was it just after four years she gave up and if the second, why such a hurry to pack up and leave??

The book tour was a great time as Vigilance and Sam worked to keep Blake safe and figure out who was stalking him, while they had to keep changing their reservations to keep ahead of the stalker. The final showdown dramatic and Vigilance saved the day!

I was glad that Sam finally faced her past fears and surprised Blake, and revealed her past romantic problems but I was kind of disappointed in her fear of a relationship commitment based on how a fellow Raven treated her, I guess I expected a bigger issue that triggered her fears. But, glad that she came back and they got their HEA.

Oh I really like this steamy suspense romance from Desire Holt, definitely my fav so far.
He's an author with crazy stalker and she's an awesome smart sassy bodyguard, and they both share some sweet romance in the past when they're young.
Yesss this one is second chance with suspense story, it start with mystery and since then I can't stop, every chapter got me on edge, I'm so anxious, wondering what will happen, will they found out who's the stalker, what's next on the Stalker's agenda, what's the reason the Stalker did all those things, will the love between Blake and Sam bloom, will Blake and Sam end up together.
Yes it has plenty drama and frustrations and mystery and steaminess. I love the suspense more than the sweet part though. So yeah overall, I really enjoying this one.

As for characters, I like Blake and Sam, they're pretty unique couple, although I wished there's more love and sweetness, Sam's doubts with their relationship are a bit dragging and annoying (I wanted to slap senses on her most of the time), the hot n cold switched too fast for my taste, but I still love the banter and the steamines they're bring.

If you love suspense romance mix with second chance story, this might the book you're looking for.

*I voluntarily received a review copy of this book

Blake had the piece of paper that said “ I know what you did “ - whoever this was moved like a ghost -silent and unseen, leaving Blake taunting messages. Who was doing this- a reader he had offended? A blogger? A reviewer? The notes showed up in different cities-wherever Blake had a signing. Different hotels and venues. Someone was tracking his tour. Not just the cities but the facilities- bookstores, event centers, wherever. Blake really wanted to enjoy his success a little after the hard climb it took to get to this point. After this signing blake had a week off. Sam and Blake had a crush on each other but only had one date as Sam wasn’t in the click Blake was in and his friends convinced hois to leave her alone and he did. That really hurt Sam. It had been fifteen years since that incident but neither had forgotten the other. Sam had been in the military for eight years and now worked for a very prestigious security firm- Vigilance - that was now based in Blake’s home town. Blake and his agent decided he needed a bodyguard as the stalker was stepper up with his notes with threats now. Blake got an appointment to see someone at Vigilance and he was given a bodyguard and it just so happened to be Sam. Sam is cool to Blake part of it is a normal part of the job the other was personal. The same attraction was still there. Sam tried to fight it would not be right or safe to be sleeping with the person she was to protect.
I enjoyed this book but I did have mixed feelings about it. I didn’t really connect with Sam. Not the fact after a long time there were still feelings and mistrust you move on with your life especially from HS.i did love this had a lot of twists and turns. I also really enjoyed the suspense, intrigue, and drama. I felt the ending was rushed. I did figure out who the stalker was but that was ok with me still enjoyed the book. This was a quick read with a good pace. I really liked how Sam was a female yet became Blake’s bodyguard. I would have liked to rate this 3.5 but can’t so had to give a three.

Without Warning is romantic suspense written by a fantastic storyteller. Desiree Holt is known for hot and steamy but this story is more mystery than erotic. The author kept me on the edge of my seat, chewing my nails as we try to figure out who is stalking author Blake Edwards. Keeping him safe is the girl he stood up in high school and the one woman he has never forgotten or forgiven himself for hurting. Sam and Blake manage to work on their personal issues while dodging a psycho. While part of a series it can be read stand alone. This is a fantastic read and one of Ms. Holt’s best.

Samantha Quenel is a tough as nails bodyguard for Vigilance. She's honed her skills from her eight years in the military. But she hasn't always been this strong women, she had one night in high school she couldn't forget.
Blake Edwards had worked his way to the best sellers list. Now at the top of his career threats could cause everything to tumble to the ground. He never expected a stalker to force him to hire protection and definitely didn't think he'd have a second chance to right a wrong from high school.
This is quick read, I'm not going to pretend that I hadn't figured out the connection of the stalker to Blake early on, but maybe you'll be surprised. This isn't truly a mystery novel after all, even if Blake is a mystery writer.

Second volume in the Vigilance series about members of a private company of security, without Warning can easily be read alone. We follow here Blake Edwards, successful author of thrillers in the middle of a book tour for his last novel, when he decides to hire a bodyguard because of a stalker’s repetitive threats.

Not only the bodyguard turns out to be a woman, but Blake and her had a crush on each other back in high school. But that never went further than a prom date because of the pressure by Blake’s friends, but without him explaining anything to her. Let’s just say the reunion is tense, but the attraction is still as present. What’s more Samantha works for him now and she tries (a little) to resist to this attraction because it wouldn’t be very ethical. I’m not really fan of reunion stories after a long separation, but that can be well done. But I doubt even more of couples separated for more than fifteen years who still feel the same, or more, one for the other at the first glance. Here it only serves to add inner monologues about the how, the why, and the for how long of their desire.

Blake gives himself completely in everything he does, so he’s the same in his relationship with Sam. Very soon he wants to explore what they have and he looks to the future. Sam is very reticent to get involve long-term, she repeats to herself it’s because of her past, so she puts a kind of emotional wall between them. But when we learn what happened we just think she wasn’t lucky but nothing dramatic to the point of doubting of everyone.

The suspense side was much more interesting. We have glimpses of the stalker’s thoughts so I quickly suspected his reasons but I hadn’t understood exactly their extent. I just thought the outcome was a bit fast, the tension rises for pages and it’s settled in two shakes (you must have noticed now that I’m bloodthirsty lol).

To conclude it’s a likeable RS with steamy love scenes the author writes so well (she wrote erotica and it shows), in spite of some flaws on the romance side.

Without Warning is book #2 in Desiree Holt's Vigilance series. I loved Hide and Seek, the first book in the series and I love this story just as much. It's sexy and suspenseful. The characters are both strong individuals who have hot chemistry together. The plot flow seamlessly and is suspenseful as well as action-packed. This book is a real page-turner. I highly recomment this book!

The second book in the Vigilance series, Without Warning is a fabulous second chance romance. Suspense, intrigue and strong characters I read this is one sitting and will highly recommend this book and series to readers.

Desiree Holt has done a bang up job with Without Warning. It's an intriguing blend of romance and suspense. Blake needs some protection but little does he know it comes in the form of Samantha. Good hot romance. Enjoyed it

Without Warning is another example of Desiree Holt’s expertise in writing mystery, intrigue, second chance love and all drama that comes with strong willed woman. Ms Holt continues to be a favourite of mine and books like this are the reason why. I can’t wait to see what she has in store next!

This was my first romantic suspense book by Desiree Holt, and it delivered! It was sexy, suspenseful, and I loved that the protector was a female. I can't wait to read the other books in the series. I couldn't put it down!

I received an arc from Netgalley. This was an intense book and one I would recommend. An author receiving threats and the bodyguard assigned to him is an old (almost) flame or the one that got away. Blake and Sam find their way back to each other and their HEA ending.

Great read! 3.75 stars

Holt has become an author that I read immediately, no blurb needed to see if I might be interested. I know I’m going to get an enjoyable book. Without Warning is definitely that.

I really liked Blake, the male protagonist. In a nice twist, our hero is the one who needs the bodyguard. He has no hesitation about having a female bodyguard and there is no irritating posturing about always wanting to protect her because she’s the female, like I’ve seen in other books where the bodyguard is female. I also found their interaction refreshing. Blake and Samantha have a high school relationship together that many authors would have used to add unnecessary drama of the kind that makes me want to scream, “just apologize and get over it.” And amazingly, Holt deals with this early in the story in just that manner. I wanted to cheer, because I was already picturing all the hurt feelings and cold shoulder scenes I was going to read.

Samantha (Sam) was a character that I would like in real life, I think. Holt wrote her personality as someone who cares deeply, but I have a few wishes for her character. I wish she would have had a different name— I realize this is silly, but I would have liked even “Jane” better. I saw this as a subtle attempt to make a masculine impression for a character doing a typically man’s job. I would have also liked to see more opportunity to show her skills. This was a woman who has capabilities that earned her a position working at Vigilence, but we didn’t see many of those skills in evidence.

The plot was interesting and didn’t give the easy answer of the villain being the easy choice. All the way through, I expected a twist that happens commonly, but I was wrong! If Desiree Holt could read one line from this review, I want it to be this: Thank you for writing with originality. There were so many ways that Holt could have made this a book filled with “another impossibly tough character” or “impossible faked death” and so on.

This one sure grabbed me into it right away with all the right elements. Mystery and romance with characters that have you forget your name. Blake is a writer who seems to have a bit of a problem with a angry person whom causes him to take action in way of protection. A old flame is in a company he hires whom also gets to do his case. She is more than able with by the time you are there with them intrigue is only have of what has grabbed your attention. The second chance too they are given is more than just that with the drama that grows in this one. By the time you reach the peak of this one you just want it all to stop you can not take much more with the closure being one that you look forward to the next one.