I have enjoyed Julia Garwood's books before, but this one did not work for me - primarily because the main character Isabel McKenna. By the end of the book, she seemed ridiculous to me, but in the beginning she alternated between being childish, irresponsible, but also endowed with freakishly amazing musical talents and people skills, Of course the people skills involved her keeping her mouth shut and nodding. Naturally, she looks like a Greek Goddess. But disturbingly her family lets her drive, despite the fact that she is a danger to herself and others. One of the central tensions of this book was whether or not she was going to commit vehicular manslaughter before the end. Of course, given her esconscement amongst the rich and powerful, I am sure she would get off with a slap on the wrist.

Michael was a character that I didn't feel like I got to know very well, aside from his career trajectory and his attraction to Isabel. The third person voice in this novel is omniscient, flipping between Isabel and Michael sometimes in the same paragraph. But despite this, I never got a good sense of who he was.

Let me begin to say that I did not know this was a series especially this one being book 14 until I finished the first couple of chapters. This book follows Isabel who kills a man and Michael who is an navy seal and lawyer decides to help Isabel where both grow attached to each other. I’m a huge fan of these type of romances where there is a bodyguard around and the cover looked like it was going to promise that. When I started the book, I was kind of a bit lost. It felt like there was a whole story to begin with and I realized to do some investigation to find out this is BOOK 14. Usually sometimes it doesn’t matter but for this series it does. It also offset the reading mood for this book so I just skimmed this book hoping something will hook me in. But nothing did. I think this book is more for those who have started the series before and know what is going around. But don’t let my review discourage me this book as I heard this series is really great.

💭 Where do I begin? I must admit that I couldn't believe my luck when my request was approved for this ARC.

It is been a year since I haven't read a Julie Garwood book and this story just reminded me why I love her books and writing so much.

Grace under fire is number 14 in the series. It can intimidate for someone new to start a series, but this one can be easily read as a standalone.

Throughout the story, we get glimpses into other character’s life from previous books and it all works out like a well-oiled machine. I would say there's no surprise in there as well.

It starts with a bang, and it catches your attention in seconds.

What was supposed to be a fun time with friends, becomes a police investigation.

Here comes the hero, Michael, one that completely stole my heart and made me have a stupid smile on my face throughout the book.

Isabelle is a fresh graduate and while she is still young and brings a lot of the new culture references, I found her entertaining and a heroine that can grow on you but by bit.

Their story starts slowly and keeps at the slow burn towards the end, sprinkled with some open doors scenes and all that build up tension I love in a romance book.

There are quite a few suspenseful scenes, as the cover shows as well.

Beautiful suspenseful romance story that many readers will enjoy immensely.

🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

Another great story by Julie Garwood! Quick moving storyline and it was nice to get an update on the Buchanan clan. Fast paced storyline that goes to from Boston to Scotland and all points in-between. Just enough mystery and suspense to keep you turning the pages.

Another great Buchanan book from Julie Garwood!! This is another good book in the Buchanan series. It was nice to have another Julie Garwood book after such a long wait. Hopefully there will be more coming. The characters in this book are strong characters who hate the fact that they are attracted to each other and fight it every way they can. The attraction wins out but the journey to get there is very entertaining. I love all of the scenes about Isabel's driving. I love that she is a super singer but is so humble she cannot accept that people love her singing and all she wants to do is write songs. She wants nothing to do with fame. Michael is a smart inteligent man who is turned completely in circles by Isabel. Their journey together has lots of laughs and lots of action. This is a great story that keeps you on the edge of your seats but at the same time entertains you from the start to the finish. If you have a chance pick it up, you won't regret it.

Isabel MacKenna is in Boston for the Buchanan’s anniversary party, the in-laws of her sister, Kate and while walking around the city she runs into a man shot and bleeding with his attacker in hot pursuit and when he starts shooting, Isabel quickly reacts and ends up killing him.

Michael Buchanan, Isabel’s least favorite of the Buchanan clan, is sent to assist and represent her with the police and from then on sticks to her like glue when it seems there is still a threat out for Isabel. Which is surprising considering Michael seemed to steer clear of her every time she was around.

Michael kept his distance from Isabel because she was so young, just entering college, and gorgeous. Now seeing her several years later that same reason doesn’t apply but of course he doesn’t want a relationship. Tough to keep his hands to himself when she’s so tempting. He should let someone else watch over her, but he can’t keep away.

There was never a dull moment in Grace Under Fire with a new danger or threat around every corner and the romance was engaging, as well. Michael and Isabel had a fun push and pull between them, and sizzling chemistry. I had to laugh every time Isabel got behind the wheel, her driving skills could turn anyone’s hair white from fright! I enjoyed all the places they “visited” from Boston and the private Buchanan retreat at Nathan’s Bay to Scotland and all the little towns there.

Grace Under Fire was the second book I’ve read in this long running series, and I really enjoyed it!

I never thought I'd read another new book by Julie Garwood again. It seems like we've been waiting forever to have a new book come out. At least five years, maybe more. Sadly I really missed her books. She's one of those writers that always tickles my funny bone.

Happily, she has a new book out called Grace Under Fire. I've been reading a few books in the series to get caught up on who's who and what happened last. I'm glad I did. Really you only need to remember the last book she wrote since it's family related.

I have many thoughts about Grace Under Fire. I'm happy to say that Isabel grew up to be a great person that everyone seems to love. She has this way about her that makes people want to be around her, be friends with her.

It's one of the best parts of the book.

The other best part is when all is said and done and Micheal says "now we know". I don't want to ruin it for you on what happens throughout the book to cause him to say that but I will tell you those three words are the funniest words in the book.

I've talked about how much I really enjoy Isabel but I have to say that at times I wanted to kill Micheal. He had a habit of playing games with her that wasn't very nice. I get that he didn't want to see what was plainly in front of his face, but still.

I will say that Micheal really did let her run all over him and when she needs him the most he is there for her. He just isn't sure what he wants with his life and who he needs in it.

This is a funny, wonderful story that will leave you wanting more and more. Like right now! I know, it most likely will have to wait a while for another story but I can't help myself, I do love her writing. If you haven't yet read this series you much. They are all good.

I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley. I could not get into this book. Isabel was basically an old school fairy tale princess: she was beautiful, charming, sang like an angel, and everyone loved and adored her. Her single flaw was that she was a terrible driver, and that was it. She was not relatable at all, and I had a hard time caring what happened to her. Michael wasn't much better with his "I'm a lawyer and a Seal and going into the FBI and super handsome", but at least the text made fun of his perfection a tiny bit. I've read and enjoyed other Julie Garwood books, but this one was not for me.

I requested this on a whim because I used to read mostly romantic suspense. What a great decision. As I started, I felt the comfort of knowing where the story was heading and then bam, a few twists kept me guessing.

While it is definitely able to be read as a stand-alone, long-time readers of the series are rewarded as previous Buchanan couples also have minor roles.

Most books today have POVs flipping chapter by chapter, but I loved that this book would switch back and forth and you saw both characters’ thoughts on a situation. I’ve missed that.

The most important thing for me in a romance is rooting for the characters and I definitely did that. I liked Isabel and Michael and waited not so patiently for them to realize what I did. They are perfect together.

Her longtime fans will love this one and I think contemporary fans will too. I was pulled in from page one and couldn’t wait to get to the end while simultaneously not wanting it to end.

Grace Under Fire is an intriguing story filled with romance and suspense. Even though the two main characters, Michael and Isabel, are very different from each other, they find it impossible to ignore the chemistry flowing between.

This is another engaging story centering on the Buchanan family. I love reading about this big, boisterous family, because they add so much entertainment and I especially enjoy all of the banter between all of them.

Michael, a former Navy Seal, is now an attorney. He is a high achiever, who is meticulous, organized, goal oriented and always knows exactly what he wants and he goes after it with a single minded focus. Even though Michael is so rigid, I still found him endearing.

I enjoyed how Michael and Isabel played off of each other. They are so different from one another that they have a hard time understanding how the other one thinks. Michael intimidates Isabel because he has achieved so much in his life, whereas Isobel has taken a more relaxed approach to her life.

Isabel and Michael are meant for each other, but it takes them a while to figure it out. It is fun watching them try to fight their attraction to each other, while everyone around them is placing bets on how long it will take them to get together.

Even though Isabel has her head in the clouds, she is immediately liked by everyone. She is sweet and innocent and she takes an interest in everyone she meets. Isabel doesn’t give a thought to her safety and takes some unnecessary risks, which drives Michael crazy, because he is protective by nature. When someone is after Isabel, Michael takes protecting her very seriously. In fact, his whole family gets involved in trying to keep Isabel safe. I enjoyed this engaging story. It has entertaining characters, suspense and also some light and funny moments.

ing a man is something that Grace Isabel MacKenna will never forget. She knows the unavoidable act will keep her up for many nights to come. Her trip to Boston was supposed to be short-lived, and her next travels will be to take her to Scotland. She has received an inheritance but must go to Scotland in person in order to claim it.

Her plans change considerably when a man falls into her arms while being chased by a shooter. Whether in survival mode or acting on instinct she is able to grab a flailing gun and manages to shoot the attacker between the eyes. She killed a man. Not how she expected her day to go. Not at all.

Quite naturally she must be questioned by the police, but she doesn't have to face this alone. Michael Buchanan, Navy SEAL and lawyer, not only accompanies her but soon acts as her protector. There is a catch. Isabel has been harboring a great dislike for him. Isabel's connection to Michael is that her sister Kate recently married his brother. In fact, Michael and Isabel met at that wedding and clashed almost from the moment they met. This dislike proves contrary to the strong physical attraction that she has for Michael, especially considering the fact that he is equally drawn to her.

Danger follows Isabel's every move, and as far as Michael is concerned, he will keep her safe. Meanwhile, even before Isabel can board a plane to Scotland, she gets the opportunity to exhibit her song-writing talent and singing by performing with a huge star. What is not clear to Isabel is that shooting from earlier has placed her in the line of fire, and her sudden stardom easily keeps her in the killer's crosshairs.

What a delightful read! Although this book is very deep into a long series, I was able to read and enjoy it as a standalone novel. However, I immediately fell in love the Buchanan family and can easily see myself devouring this series from the beginning, and following the series as future books are released.

Julie Garwood writes with flair. Not only does this book keep the reader's attention with the drama, action, danger, romantic elements and mystery, Ms. Garwood has a sense of humor that shines through the pages of this story. There were more than a few times that I found myself chuckling at the way things were worded.

Excellent pacing, two excellent protagonists, a strong supporting set of characters, really worked remarkably well to create a fabulous story from beginning to end. This might have been the first book that I have read by Julie Garwood, but it certainly won't be my last.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy the following YouTube video - https://youtu.be/aBhhjTEk9kA

She was an optimist. He was a cynic. She saw the good in people. He looked for the bad and usually found it. He had to admit she was a hell of a lot more fun than he was, and he was happy and content when he was with her, even when she was driving him nuts. She had her flaws. She was stubborn, unreasonable at times, had a fierce temper, and she was a maniac behind the wheel. Simply put- they were all wrong for each other. He would make her miserable, and she would drive him crazy.”

Grace Isabel Mackenna is traveling to visit family when she accidently stumbles across an attempted murder in progress. She is in a part of town that she unfamiliar with, and she must make a quick life or death decision to save both her life and the victim’s. Once the police arrive on the scene, Isabel believes that things will settle down. What she doesn’t realize is she was the intended victim of the attempted murder after all, and someone wants her dead. Michael Buchanan is tasked with protecting Isabel and finding out why someone wants to kill her. He will stop at nothing to save the woman he loves.

I adore Julie Garwood’s Buchanan series. Mercy, Murder List, and Heartbreaker have a special place on my keeper shelf. I was buzzing with excitement that she was continuing this series and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. She is a master craftsman of intricate plots that will keep you guessing until the end. I never know what is going to happen, and the villain’s identity is always elusive until she wants us to find out who it is. If I can guess, who did it and what is going to happen then it tends to dampen my enjoyment of the book, but Julie Garwood still has never disappointed me.

She has built such an intricate world in this series, and I loved being able to catch up with one of my favorite literary families. We get to see how their families have grown, but how their love has stayed steady and constant all these years. I hope that she writes more, and I wish we could see a spin off series of some of their children.

If you’re a fan of other romantic suspense writers like Linda Howard and Nora Roberts, then this series might be something that you would enjoy. I would recommend reading the series in order as there is a lot of character overlap. Plus, the rest are just as fabulous!

~ Michelle

We first meet Isabel MacKenna as a teen just entering college in Slow Burn, which centered around her older sister Kate and Michael’s older brother Dylan. Isabel was the perfect hostess, smart, and charming. The deeper look into the personality under the gracious facade was interesting. I enjoyed seeing how she had grown and developed as a person.

While I really enjoyed seeing the changes in Isabel and the romance arc of this book I really struggled with the mystery plot. The overwhelming convergence of coincidences was too much for even my ability to suspend my disbelief. From the moment the danger to Isabel was revealed I struggled. I couldn’t find enjoyment in the second half of the book because I couldn’t get over a point in the plot that was too contrived for me to believe. Honestly, the whole thing is kind of a blur because my brain is still stuck on that one point.

While the writing was good and everything we’ve come to expect from Julie Garwood I just could not get into this as much as I had expected. I’ll admit, I’m a little disappointed after all the wait to get to Isabel’s story. This one definitely won’t be going on the list of books I plan to reread but I’m still glad I had the chance to read it.

I don't know if this is true for others but as I get older, I don't retain and remember the stories that came before in a series. Though I did do this backwards, I read this one and then went back and reread the series because I only had vague memories of how some of the characters from the past met their HEAS.
The best part of the reread was meeting Isabel when she was a naive, idealistic young woman heading off for college. I loved how she viewed every man she met as either a potential match for one of her sisters or was sighing in lust over them.
Isabel has certainly changed in many ways from the young Isabel but in other ways she's still scatter brained and gets lost in her head and definitely a bad driver as Michael Buchanan discovers to his cost.  Michael has always been the navy seal on the periphery of the earlier stories, so Michael and Isabel, a match that does not appear to be made in heaven at first glance, but stranger things have been known to happen. 
There is enough intrigue to require all the family FBI agents to put on their collective FBI hats and tug on all their connections to try to unravel the gordian knot.  Can you imagine being so engrossed that you walk miles and end up in a gun battle in a seedy neighborhood? An impromptu karaoke night at the local pub with her graduating college friends and Isabel goes viral and suddenly talent scouts and the most famous name in music is knocking at her door.  Despite being such an airhead and let's not talk about her driving prowess and we have a character that intrigues, makes you laugh and has you rooting for her throughout the book. 
Michael of course is in denial about Isabel but yet follows her offering her his protection and watches awed as she charms everyone she comes in contact with. Of course, being a typical male, Michael is in total denial about his feelings until he hears from his brothers that Isabel is visiting a friend on the West Coast. Convinced that she's going to marry this friend, Michael rushes to her rescue only to find out that the friend is proposing to another woman. I really enjoyed this romance.
While there is sexual chemistry between the characters, I really enjoyed the pace and romance that seems to be missing from so many romantic adventures lately.  I believe there may actually be some Buchanan siblings that still need stories told and I'm sure there are untold FBI agents and partners that could also be featured in a romance or two.  I would love for the author to give us more stories in this series.

Grace Under Fire by Julie Garwood is the fourteen book in the Buchanan-Renard series. I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense and was excited to read Grace Under Fire. The cover and synopsis had everything I could have wanted, but sadly, this one did not deliver.

In the latest book in this excellent series, the two people Isabel and Michael, are perfect together. Of course, neither of them thinks that is so and that it's simply animal attraction so to speak. The first time they met, he ignored her because she was too young so she was humiliated. Now that Isabel is involved in a murder, ex-SEAL Michael comes to the rescue and the sparks fly. I loved that the two can't get it together emotionally for any length of time while burning up the sheets at the same time.
Besides the wonderful on and off romance, there is so much humor in the book. A subplot involving Isabel's driving skills becomes a crucial factor later in the story. Michael continues to provide Isabel with proof that he is a dumba##, and it makes him that much more the perfect match.
I loved the little peeks at the Buchanan family that series readers have come to know. Whenever I read the latest book, it makes me want to go back and read the whole series all over again. I'm hoping there are a few more books for the last unmarried siblings because I hate to see the series end!

Fans of Julie Garwood books are going to love her latest book Grace Under Fire.

I have a special relationship with Julie Garwood’s books. My first historical romance book was The Bride by Julie. I devoured that book in one night and quickly moved on to all the other books in that series. Grace Under Fire is my favourite book in the Buchanans and Renard series. What pushed it to the top was: a. the fact that a part of the book takes place in Scotland, b. Isabel’s driving scenes and c. all the references to the old Highlander clans. Those references really connect to her historical series, which made me so happy since it is my all-time favourite romance series. Julie’s ability to tell stories is masterful, and she always finds a way to deliver an engaging and entertaining novel to her readers. Even though this is the 14th book in the series, it is still as interesting as the first book in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the other books that focus on the Buchanan family. This will help give you the backstory of many secondary characters and explain why Isabel inherited land in Scotland.

This book just sucked me in, and it felt like the world around me disappeared while I was reading it. A lot is going on in this story, and all those different moving parts kept me on my toes. The book is only 357 pages, but it felt much longer than that, and I don’t say that in a bad way. It really is amazing how much Julie crammed into this book while still ensuring the story unfolds in a cohesive manner. Readers experience a mystery, a sizzling romance, and a fast-paced cat and mouse game. I have to admit; I did not expect who would be the ultimate mastermind behind the mysterious threats to Isabel. I really love that Julie can still catch me off guard after all these years.

I liked Isabel; she captured my heart with her wonderful southern charm back in Slow Burn, which meant I was super excited to get my hands on this book. Isabel is a wonderful heroine. She has this wonderful mixture of weird quirkiness, kind-heartedness, and a mad woman behind the wheel. Hands down, the scenes where she is driving or other characters are talking about her driving had me howling with laughter. I think my neighbours could hear me laughing from their backyard. I have to say the humour was an excellent addition to the story and really made it stand out for me. Michael is what I expected him to be: another sexy, charming Buchanan. Lord, all the men in that family always make my heart rate go faster and give me butterflies in my stomach. Spending more time with the Buchanan family is a treat. I just love the fun family banter that exists between this lot. It is also wonderful to see what the couples from the previous books have been up to-kind of catching up with old friends.

The chemistry between Isabel and Michael was just on fire, and you could feel the sparks flying between these two. Their romance has this opposites attract, forced proximity feel to it (which are my favourite tropes). Julie did a great job at building that sexual tension between these two and have you wanting to turn the page to see if they will finally get together. Besides the sparks and spice, their relationship really has this real and raw feel to it. I really like them as a couple; I loved the banter and those quite cute moments between them.

If you are looking for a fast-paced edgy romance, then you need to read Grace Under Fire.

Thank you Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Grace Under Fire is the 14th instalment to the Buchanan-Renards series written by Julie Garwood.

Grace Isabel MacKenna has just graduated and plans to go to Scotland to settle the matter of her inheritance she received from her uncle. Before embarking on this trip, Grace visits her sister in Boston for the Buchanan anniversary party. Unfortunately, while she is there, she kills a man who was shooting at her as well as the wounded man.

Michael Buchanan, a Navy SEAL turned lawyer, is Grace's designated bodyguard. Both Michael and Grace have been at odds ever since their first meeting. As they spend more time together, sparks fly between the two.

I love the dynamic between Michael and Grace. While they are opposites, they have great chemistry and the banter is fun. The plot was predictable but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.

I recommend this book to those who like romantic suspense. It is not required to read the ones before in the series but would be a bonus if you want to know all about the Buchanan family.

Grace Isabel MacKenna is headed to Scotland to claim an inheritance from a distant uncle when she stops off in Boston to attend the Buchanan’s anniversary party. Isabel's sister Kate is married to Dylan Buchanan who is brother to the very sexy, irritating Michael Buchanan, a man she avoids at all cost. They met briefly at Kate and Dylan's wedding and in Isabel's eyes, he treated her like she had the plague. Well, two can play that game! Isabel has some time on her hands so she's absentmindedly wandering around Boston when she finds herself caught up in a shootout . . . and she ends up killing a man in order to save another. Well dang. That wasn't on her agenda for the day. Now she's being questioned by the police and much to her chagrin, the Buchanan family has sent ex-SEAL and lawyer Michael Buchanan to protect and represent her. And there he stands in all his broody, sexual glory, glaring at her. Could this day get any worse? Apparently so when it becomes clear Isabel is a target. Now why in the world would anyone want sweet, shy, petite Isabel MacKenna dead? And why has her nemesis Michael appointed himself as her protector? Let the games begin.

Julie Garwood has rendered another fast paced, impossible to put down addition to the Buchanan-Renard-and now McKenna series. Grace Under Fire is book fourteen, but can absolutely be read as a standalone which I can attest to. However, I can say with certainty that I will be backing up and starting this series from book one in order to meet and get to know this family from the beginning. The sexual tension and banter between Isabel and Michael are off the charts as is the humorous dialogue - it's priceless. Yes, this book is romance suspense, but the crazy family dynamics and continued chaos and insane scenes make it a laugh out loud story also. What a combo! I enjoyed every single page of Grace Under Fire and was actually sorry to see it end. Highly recommended to fans of romance suspense and good, humorous romance.

GRACE UNDER FIRE is a well written, fun, and fascinating read. The perfect escape, the perfect drama, the perfect happily ever after.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Full Review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=78818