Hold Your Breath is the first full-length novel in Katie Ruggle’s Search & Rescue series. This book has been on my TBR list for a long time, and it was about time I picked it up, especially since I’ve been neglecting the Romantic Suspense genre. I’m making it a goal to read more Romantic Suspense this year (2025).

In the first chapter, the characters must unravel the mystery of the dead man who appeared in the water while they were training. Lou is determined to discover the identity of the deceased, even though she isn’t part of the police force, and she has Callum there to assist her, even though it will put them both in danger.

While Lou and Callum are busy investigating a murder, Lou is also dealing with someone who is stalking and harassing her. She just moved to the area and is completely clueless about the identity of who it is, and Callum is concerned for her safety and is determined to protect her. Katie does give us the POV of the stalker, and I was determined, just like the characters, to figure out who it was. It doesn’t take long to figure out who it is, though and I was right there with Callum on wanting to keep Lou protected.

I really enjoyed getting to know both Callum and Lou in this book, especially how they were opposites yet complemented each other so well. Lou Sparks had a bubbly personality, while Callum Cook was more reserved and serious at times. Their interactions were entertaining, and there were moments when I found myself laughing out loud. Their romance is a slow burn, so you’ll have to wait for these two to admit they have feelings for one another finally, but it’s worth the wait.

Katie Ruggle kept me on the edge of my seat while reading Hold Your Breath, and I’m thrilled that I finally made time for this book. I listened to the audiobook, and Rachel Dulude did a fantastic job of narrating the story and bringing the characters to life.

I’m onto book two, especially since Katie left me hanging at the end with the character Ian and what he might be dealing with. He is definitely a character I need to learn more about.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you’re seeking a romantic suspense novel that combines a compelling murder mystery with thrilling action scenes and a slow-burn romance between the characters, then you should check out Hold Your Breath.

What to Expect:
✔️Romantic Suspense
✔️Slow Burn Romance
✔️Workplace Romance
✔️Opposites Attract

If you're looking for a heated romance then I'll be honest, this isn't that. The romance is almost secondary to the mystery and suspense. And generally it works well; Lou and Callum are colleagues, friends and their feelings blossom as the book progresses. In some respects it was paced a little steadily and the slow-burning chemistry became a little repetitive but once the stalker aspect of the storyline gets going it does ramp things up whilst bringing them closer.

This is one of those stories I liked but didn't love. I was intrigued by the synopsis and went in with high hopes. It was enjoyable but there were a lot of things that felt glossed over and surface. I liked the characters for the most part but had an issue with Callum, I never warmed up to him and because of that, I didn't always believe the chemistry between him and Lou. I enjoyed Lou, she was a fun and interesting character. I did enjoyed the action and elements of suspense. Overall it was decent but there was no wow factor.

This is the first book for me by this author and I have to say, I truly enjoyed the story. Lou Sparks is my spirit animal. Seriously, she’s tinker bell, but with adhd with a side of completely mental kookiness but it works. She’s one of those characters you instantly love and that has you saying, I have a friend like that.

This story had me going and going. Lou and Callum make an odd but resilient “couple” in the beginning. He tends to be a little intense and she’s a little too laid back but you put them together and it’s like the Odd Couple meets Ross and Rachel from friends, though a much hotter and gruffer Ross. Did I mention, hotter? I mean, Hot marine in the room. Oorah!

I loved how they played off of each other. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses yet they’re both stubborn and determined enough to fight to save each other’s lives.

It’s a story of love, honor and determination.

Even reading Fan the Flames I knew I was going to have to read Lou and Callum’s story. I loved Lou right away. It is probably my favorite in the series so far. Callum is a man of few words and Lou is, well, she is rarely at a loss for words. Callum Cook is the captain of the ice and rescue dive team and is a bit of a perfectionist. Louise “Lou” Sparks is new to town, trying to get a fresh start and break free from her controlling parents and ex-boyfriend. She joins the dive team as a volunteer, and on a routine training assignment, comes across a body. Determined to find out who the person was, Lou turns to Callum for help. And they step right into trouble. I loved Lou and Callum as a couple and individually. I only wish Ruggle would have let us into Callum’s past a little more. High in action with lots of sparks (no pun intended) between the two leads, this was a fun and entertaining novel.

This is the first book in the Search and Rescue series by Katie Ruggle. This is a great book full of suspense and romance. I think that this is going to be the beginning to a great new series.

Lou Sparks is a new member to the Search and Rescue team in Colorado that Callum is in charge of. Callum is a good looking guy and makes Lou nervous. Lou turns into a babbling mess when Callum is around. How can she be on a team with Callum and keep her mind on what they have to do?

Lou stumbles upon a body in the snow and is determined to find out who this guy is and why he is dead. When crazy pranks start happening to Lou, things become real for her. Who of course is the one to come to her rescue to help her? Of course Callum. Callum is determined to find out who is doing the pranks and help Lou solve the mystery of the dead body. Callum will not leave Lou's side and will protect her no matter what.

Sparks begin to ignite between Lou and Callum. Lou's situation becomes more and more dangerous as time goes on. I have to give it to Lou, she was smart about the answers that she gave. I liked that she wasn't a bimbo that gave crazy answer.

Well, we didn't get the answer to who the body was and what had gone on with it, so I am assuming that we will find that out in the next book. I thought this was a good read and I look forward to reading the next books in this series.

A strong female character who showed you can change and grow at any point in life. I thought Lou was a trip and I really appreciated how relatable she was for trying to learn how to do things on her own. I liked Callum and really found his seriousness and OCD traits endearing. I do wish that more details were shared about these two and their backgrounds.

This story is quite interesting and great romantic thriller. I loved that the couple was on the search and rescue team and that it was for a cold climate. I thought the secondary characters were fantastic and I hope to read more about Ian and Rob soon... hopefully Ian first because 🔥🔥🔥 and learn more about Jim bc he sounds like a sweetheart! This story is well written and nicely paced. I didn’t figure out who the bad guy was at first (in fact until the car I thought it was someone local and a lot closer to The case bc of how horrible/creepy he sounded) , but I was able to piece together some of the twists as they happened. Overall a good read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the copy to read so that I could share my opinions!

I've enjoyed Ruggle's Search and Rescue series, and this first installment set the pace for all the books that have followed. Strong, equitable men and women, believable plots, exciting stories ... just great all around.

These kind of books are ones I race to enter into. This one is also a start of a series. Not having read many by this author it is a treat too. In this one it is Callum and Louise with drama not spared. Even though the mixture of these two is superb you are slowly and at times quickly pulled to the edge. It will have twists and turns with you not being able to guess the next which is good for a long time reader. This is just the start of a great one though to follow.

This story of the romance between rescue divers Callum Cook and Lou Sparks was a good one. I liked both of them and enjoyed the way their relationship developed. The suspense storyline was compelling and held my interest. I enjoyed the way all was resolved. Good start to a series!

Love romances with different settings or professions. Lou's training and work with the Search and Rescue team in the Rockies provided just enough of both that me. A series that I will be following.