The cover is great and makes you think it is going to be a spooky thriller however it did come short of that. I was expecting more from it.

I wanted to enjoy this more than I actually did. The story started with so much potential but I found it to drag on in some parts. The plot eventually did pick up and I was excited to see what happened next but then fell flat again for me.

I am still debating on whether or not I liked this or not. I am not sure if I really took some of the characters serious. I love me some criminal minds and law & order. I had to look this up to see if it was young adult-ish. Odd for me.

This sexy thriller by Laura Griffin was entertaining and full of action. I enjoyed the story, but I also loved the added romantic element. Erik and Brynn were hot!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This book grabbed me from page one and held my interest until the very end. I am not a huge fan of series books do not sure if I’d read another one in this series.

Well, one of my favorite authors has kicked off an all new series, and while there were certainly a few bumps in the road, I will say all in all it was a very good beginning. For long time fans of Griffin’s Tracers series, this new story is certainly a departure from the standard fare, but I found myself pulled into the drama and enjoying every second of the story. While previous characters have always focused on the police investigators involved in crime solving, it seems this new series is about an elite team of security specialist that instead focus only on keeping people safe. This first story revolves around a female defense attorney and the commando that is assigned to keep her alive while a killer is out for revenge, and their philosophies of life could not be more different and lead to more passionate arguments. Brynn’s life is on the line because a killer seeks revenge against her and the teams that put her away when she was still on the other side of the courtroom, but a big case is finally coming to a head and nothing is going to stop her from defending her client to the best of her capability, not even the sexy commando that riles her at every turn. Erik doesn’t care that Brynn is determined to buck his orders, but the more and more they clash the more the passion she pulls out of him leads to his desire to simply pull her into his arms. But as the killer gets closer and the situation begins to unravel, Erik and Brynn have to decide if they can work together to keep them all safe or if their unwillingness to bend is worth their lives. Brynn was such a hard ass on the surface and I loved getting to know her as she came face to face with her mortality and began to fall for Erik. She was so caught up in doing her job well and making sure that she succeeds and makes a name for herself, that she almost risked her life and the life of the man she loved, but finally she came to her senses and began to understand that nothing was more important than him and their future together. Erik was the quintessential alpha male in the beginning; relentless, intense, and rigid in all he did, he soon began to work with instead of again Brynn to find ways that worked for both of them. That ability to compromise showed them both that they could truly be partners in life. Luckily that didn’t take away from any of his badass or sexiness and I certainly still wanted him protecting me from a madman. In the end, the heat that they generated was subtle but there in all of their altercations, but was only more intense in the moment when they finally let down their guards and accepted their differences and similarities enough to come together. I am dying to see which of the Wolfe Security operators falls in love next and with whom. I have a feeling I am going to love this new series almost as much as the Tracers.

I've never read any books by Laura Griffin before this but this book turned me into a fan.

I'll be honest and say that I didn't really love Brynn (there's a possible serial killer, who escaped jail, coming after you and you're going to tell a security team how to do their jobs? Sit down Brynn, you're crazy). I did like her drive and I liked at the end (with one of the climactic scenes) that Brynn did not pull a "too stupid to live" moment and confront the danger. That was such a relief to read.

It was inevitable that Brynn would have a romance with Erik, her lead security team officer (it's a romantic suspense/mystery after all) and he's the strong, silent type but he isn't a total "alpha" jerk. Again, a relief to read.

The courtroom, the police investigation, the romance and the mystery/suspense (is the escaped murderer guilty? innocent? dead/alive?) mesh well together. None of these plot threads feels rushed or inadequate. The one thing about the plot points is the multiple points of view throughout the book. I think it's three (Brynn, Erik, and the investigator lady) and sometimes it threw me out of the story as it wasn't apparent with the first sentence. That was a minor quibble for me though.

A lot of the romance was agonizing (will they be able to make it work or not?) but they sat down and talked about it. Like adults. Again...refreshing.

I went ahead and ordered the second book in this series as I think Griffin's ability to write a book without falling into tired tropes is a breath of fresh air. Her writing was easy and I found the book hard to put down. Even though I didn't love Brynn I ended up really liking Brynn and Erik and wanted to continue the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

Desperate Girls by Laura Griffin is Criminal Minds meets Law & Order with a couple sex scenes and some humor thrown in. And the thing is, I really enjoyed it!

What it's about: Defense attorney Brynn Holloran is great at what she does. A force to be reckoned with in the courtroom and good looking to boot. But when one of the killers she helped put behind bars escapes and starts up on a terrifying killing spree to get rid of the people that put him there, those are not things that will keep her from being killed. Her boss Reggie enlists the help of an extremely competent security company called Wolfe Security, and while Brynn isn't happy about the guys following her around at all times, she doesn't have a choice. However, as things get crazy for her in court and her real life, she starts getting attached to the head of her security detail, Erik. Will she be able to stay ahead of the killer, and possibly fall in love at the same time?

I wanted to put SOMETHING in my summary about the romance aspect to this book since the synopsis doesn't talk about it at all. Reading the back of the book I never knew it was romantic suspense, which is something I think is important to note since not all people like that genre. For me, this was my second time reading a romantic suspense novel and I enjoyed it a hell of a lot more than the first time. I don't like when romance overtakes a book, and luckily that did not happen at all in Desperate Girls. I found it to be the perfect blend of suspense, police procedural, courtroom drama, and romance.

Desperate Girls is book one in the Wolfe Security series, and I think it made for an excellent start. There is a ton of action throughout the entire novel, and there is a twist at the end that essentially came from nowhere and completely shocked me. It felt a tiny bit abrupt, but oftentimes twists are like that and I loved that it surprised me the way it did.

The only issue I had with this book is that I think there are just way too many viewpoints, and you don't really get to know any of the characters except for Brynn and Erik. I don't really like when an author has too many characters since they get hard for me to keep track of and feel too impersonal unless done the right way. It was nice to get the different viewpoints though, and I really hope at least a couple of them come back in the second book. I loved the tough as nails women in this novel, and it was very refreshing to read a book where you like and root for all of the female leads.

Song/s the book brought to mind: Bad Reputation by Kelly Clarkson

Final Thought: I really enjoy the way Griffin writes, and I can definitely tell this book isn't her first rodeo. Desperate Girls made me laugh and brought tears to my eyes, plus made me blush at the racy sex scenes. If you don't like sex in books, but still want to read this, it would be totally doable. There are really only 2, and they could easily be skimmed or skipped. In other words, this was the perfect romantic suspense book for me, and I can't wait to read more from this author!

I am sorry for not reviewing fully but I don’t have the time to read this at the moment. I believe that it wouldn't benefit you as a publisher or your book if I only skimmed it and wrote a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for not fully reviewing!

Great read. This is one author I will be looking to read more from. Good world building. Characters that resonate.

Defense attorney Brynn’s boss when she worked at the prosecutor's office is murdered and the suspect is an escaped convict that she had helped put behind bars . Brynn’s new boss hires Wolfe Security to provide her and her partner protection until the killer’s caught. Erik Morgan is the security team leader and soon there is attraction humming beneath the surface between them which adds to the tension .

Desperate Girls is a romantic suspense and the the first in the Wolfe Security series. The book is told from multiple points of view with Brynn ,Erik and the detectives working on the case. Overall a nicely balanced romantic suspense book a with legal thriller on the the side makes it an interesting read .

I would like to thank Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

I enjoyed this stand alone thriller by Laura Griffin. I am a big fan oh her "Tracers" series. It was a fast paced, who done it, and who's going to be next book. I really enjoyed the strong female characters in the book. It was a fast read, and thrilling one at that!

Brynn Holloran is a successful defense attorney working for a high-powered law firm, getting ready to begin a high-profile trial in Dallas when a case from her past resurrects in the worst of ways. A serial killer she helped put away when she was a prosecutor has escaped from prison and appears to be seeking retribution from those associated with his incarceration. Wolfe Security is engaged to provide her and her partner protection until the killer’s recapture. Erik Morgan is the security team leader and he’s immediately taken with this brash and talented woman who doesn’t suffer fools nor is she willing to let security dictate her life.

This story had a chilling start that set an expectation for the tension and suspense that didn’t really materialize. However, it was always in the background, so I felt tension. Brynn was a marvelous character, making this story work as we watch her in action in the courtroom and at night as she worked her strategy. She’s unconventional, striking in appearance and great at what she does. It was no wonder that Erik was taken in by her large persona as she was someone who could hold her own with his strong presence. While their romance didn’t light any fires, I sensed that they were well matched and filled in each other’s vacuums. In that sense, their relationship worked.

I enjoyed the story, even though it lacked the high tension I felt it promised as the search for the killer involved too many people in a fragmented investigation led by someone with whom everyone lacked confidence. I did like that twist near the end, seemingly coming out of nowhere but in retrospect it made sense (those are the best kind). It’s a good start to the series and I plan to continue. 3.5 stars

I love this author and was so excited to read this novel!! I am so happy to know that it is the first in a series because I definitely felt like the book ended way to fast. I liked the way that it was written from different POVs and I did not see the twist coming. I felt like the characters were well developed and there is certainly room to continue this storyline. I would definitely recommend this to a friend!

Gallery Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Desperate Girls. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Defense attorney Brynn Holloran is ready for trial, defending a young man who insists upon his innocence, when an unexpected complication makes it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. A murder with direct ties to Brynn prompts her boss to hire a private security firm, but will the headstrong woman accept the intrusion into her life? As one killing turns into two, will Brynn be able to help investigators find the suspect?

Desperate Girls is a suspense thriller with a little romance sprinkled among the pages. The premise of the novel is solid, but the book goes off the rails for me as the story progresses. The author tries to build suspense by throwing in a bunch of side issues and periphery story lines, which just serves to muddy the main plot. Defense attorneys like Brynn are often faced with threats of physical harm because of the nature of many of their clients' crimes, so I found it unrealistic that she would react to the security foisted upon her in such a defiant way. The twist the provides a shocking conclusion seems thrown in to give readers a thrilling ending, but I had an issue with the lack of character development that would lend credence to the plot point. Overall, Desperate Girls is a good read, with lots of suspenseful moments that may leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Jen planned on getting lucky that night. She slid into her car and checked her surroundings. No news vans, no beat-up hatchbacks that belonged to reporters. When she got home she got a text from
From David he would be there in about twenty minutes. She had time to shower and change. She felt empty handed . She had no briefs, no pretrial motions to consider. She’d left everything at the office, including her laptop , which felt good for a change. Davis was one of the top cardiologists in Dallas. A date. Tonight. Her stomach fluttered with nerves. She’d bumped into David at Home Depot last week and he asked her out right there in the store. David’s total obliviousness to her professional life appealed to Jen. She liked the prospect of seeing someone who didn’t think of her as Judge Ballard or your Honor.. Most men were intimidated by the robe, and she hadn’t had a single date in the two years since she’d been elected to the bench. Her phone chimed again and she thought it might be another text from David. But instead it was Nate Levinson, a former colleague. She’d missed two calls as well from a Beaumont area code. She let Nate’s call go to voicemail . She went to the kitchen after her shower and she had dressed and she realized there was glass all over the floor.She looked toward the patio and a warm drift of air that turned her blood cold. Than he said “Hello Jennifer” as he whided around to see a pistol inches from her face. The the calls she had all made sense now as he stepped forward. “On your knees”. “ Don’t hurt me”. “ Now!” Her legs folded and she was on the floor and chunks of glass going into her skin. He put the muzzle of the gun to her forehead. “Please” Jen croaked “ I’ll do what you want, just.” “That’s right.” His eyes were flat and soulless “ You will.” Brynn said she had a trial Monday as she as she gets her nails painted red as it was her lucky color. Brynn was stressed and nothing would quell it until she stepped into the courtroom. Also Brynn hadn’t gone up against this prosecutor before. Chrissy did Brynn's nails and was a fierce supporter of Brynns since Brynn repped her in a dispute with her toad of a landlord who was jerking around over the rent. Brynn had not even represented Chrissy officially, just sent a nasty letter on the firms stationary . The toad had backed down and chrissy had offered Brynn a lifetime of free manicures which Brynn wouldn’t take of course. Chrissy understood the importance of appearances. She was in the image business. A text appeared on Brynn’s phone from Ross. her law partner and it said Perez is missing. She then told Chrissy she had to make a call, sorry. Ross picked up on the first ring and asked her where she was. She said she was in a meeting Than she asked what do you mean Perez is missing? Ross said they were supposed to have a video conference at nine to practice his testimony nut he blew it off and he’s not answering his phone. Than he added he tried Perez’s girlfriend and she hadn’t seen or heard from him since Tuesday and has no idea where he is. Than Ross said he was headed to the office when Brynn asked asked if he had told Reggie. Than Brynn said would meet him there and they would figure out what to do. A ball of dread formed in Brynns stomach as she thought about all the implications. Her eighteen year old client was going on trial for his life and their star witness was M I A. Reggie had brought property three years ago when he moved his law practice to Pine Rock. Reggie renovated the building to accommodate six lawyers and two paralegal, administrative assistant and a receptionist- not to mention the steady flow of clients who drifted in and out seven days a week. Big trials were the firms gravy, but Saturday night arrests were the firms bread and butter. Brynn followed the smell of fresh coffee to Reggie’s office . Faith was Reggie’s assistant and she was crying but Faith never cried. Than Reggie yelled from his office Brynn “ Brynn get in here.” Reginald H Gunn or Reggie was the managing partner. Than he said to close the door. He then said Nate had just called him. Jen Ballard had been murdered last night. He didn’t have all the details but she had been murdered last night. He didn’t have all the details yet but she was killed sometimes yesterday evening in her home. Ross shot Brynn a look. Jen had once been their boos, their mentor, and their friend was dead. Than Reggie said James Corby had escaped from a maximum security prison. James Corby was violent and sadistic but also frighteningly smart. The prospect of him slipping out of prison.James was a serial killer and he is out for revenge to those who were involved with his capture and his imprisonment. Brynn had the been the assistant prosecutor along with Jen who had been the lead prosecutor. Ross looked like he was going to be sick to his stomach. That had been the biggest case of Brynns career. She did feel she needed a bodyguard. Brynn didn’t really have much of a personal as she was totally dedicated to her job. Erik’s protection often interferes with Brynns ability to do her job, Brynn and Erik clash. Reggie hired Wolfe Security which is one of the top personal security firms in the country. Erik heads the team protecting Brynn and her co- country Erik had been a marine and secret service agent. He doesn’t let distruction get in the way of the job performances. Brynn leans on Erik. But Brynn is starting to care about Erik. They both know it’s dangerous to have feelings for each other when Erik is protecting her. Erik reminded himself all the time
I enjoyed this book. I liked Erik and Brynn together even if it wasn’t the best time for them to be together. I liked the plot and pace. I loved the suspense. This grabbed my attention from the start and kept it until;the end, I enjoyed the courtroom drama in this book. I didn’t want to put this down. I liked the plot and pace. I loved the suspense in this book. This grabbed my attention from the start and kept it straight through to the end. Brynn and Erik have hot chemistry they try to not act on. There were a few too many characters and a little too much going on for me. I liked the characters and the twists and turns of this book and I recommend it.

Desperate Girls by Laura Griffin is the first book in the romantic suspense Wolfe Security series. This is my first or second read by this author And I liked it enough that I will be continuing the series. I find That’s thrillers plus a little bit of romance make for a fun read. If you like Nail biting suspense this is your author, I’m thoroughly enjoyed This read And was propelled forward on what I would call a very bumpy fun ride. Brynn is a defense attorney That ends up having to Deal with a high priority case to a point where He needs a security team. As the pages turn you realize that the story is much more twisted then you realize. There are 3 different perspectives in this story At each perspective To get a sense that the story continues but the personality in each chapter is different which makes this so much fun to read. The action scenes Happen to be very well written which moves the story along well. The only thing that was so-so was the courtroom stuff. 4 stars from me on to the next.

There are numerous characters but the main 5:

Brynn is a defense attorney
Erik is a former Marine and former Secret Service and now is part of an elite bodyguard type group.
Ross is Brynn's law partner.
Detective Leary is reopening a case that Brynn and Ross were part of.
Corby escaped a maximum security prison after being sentenced and murdering numerous people.

Now that Corby has escaped people related to his case are getting murdered so Ross and Brynn are under constant surveillance. Brynn has feelings for Erik even though this could jeopardize his career. Erik is losing focus because of Brynn and mistakes are made.

The book was ok. Not a lot of tension and drama that I was expecting and the forced "love" between
Brynn and Erik were hard at times. Also, I was confused by the title of the book as it really didn't relate.

The perfect blend of romance and suspense all wrapped up in a courtroom drama!

The romantic suspense genre is a favorite of mine, but a lot of times authors have a hard time finding a good balance between the two genres... this book was very well-balanced and will appeal to both suspense and romance lovers! A book full of hot thrills and spine tingling chills.... A spicy suspense that will make you sweat and swoon!🥵

This book starts off with a BANG! A murder, an intense scene that will start your heart racing! Soon you find out the murder victim was Brinn’s former boss and now her life is in danger... Brinn used to be a prosecuting attorney, and now it looks like a killer she helped convict is out and killing everyone responsible for his incarceration.... in the middle of the case of her life and unable to go into hiding her boss insists she hire a bodyguard.... and of course as in all good romances the bodyguard is hot! Makes a girl want a bodyguard!?! Eric is former Secret Service and tries to keep it professional fighting his feelings for Brinn...

The book is told from multiple points of view Brinn, Eric, and the cops investigating the killer... I thought this gave us a great perspective and perception of what was going on in the story! Where the story fell a little flat for me was in the character development, I think all of the characters could have been better developed, but I guess this was more of a plot driven story.... also this is the first book in a new series and I’m not sure where it is going from here? Will it be the same characters or or they’ll be different wolf security man saving multiple damsels in distress?

Recommend for anyone who is a big fan of the romantic suspense genre, this is a well-done balance!

*** many thanks to Gallery for my copy of this book ***

Police procedurals aren't normally my type of thing, but when I saw this new book by Laura Griffin, I thought it was worth giving a try. I'm so glad I did! Not only was this book fast paced and exhilarating, but it also featured a kick ass heroine that I loved and respected. She was just the right amount of grit, and I really enjoyed this story. I will highly recommend.