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Fight or Flight

Natalie J. Damschroder (Goodreads Author)

3.94 · Rating details · 119 ratings · 24 reviews

Eighteen years ago, a group of men killed Regan Miller's boyfriend and tried to kidnap her daughter, Kelsey. Since then they have lived in hiding, always vigilant and never getting close to anyone.

When Kelsey goes away to college, Regan finally begins to relax. She even starts to think she can have a real relationship, perhaps with her flirtatious neighbor, Tyler Sloane. T ...more

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Published March 28th 2011 by Carina Press

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· 119 ratings · 24 reviews

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Mar 26, 2011 MBR rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: Fans of romantic suspense featuring non-stop adventure

Shelves: natalie-j-damschroder, romantic-suspense, contemporary-romance, arcs, airplane-smexing, abrupt-endings, against-the-wall-smexing, brooding-heroine, brooding-hero, creepy-villian

4.5 Stars Romantic Suspense

Natalie J. Damschroder is a new author for me. Having never heard of her before didn't stop me from requesting for an ARC of this title on Netgalley, which is to be released on the 28th of this month from Carina Press. The cover was what drew me to the story at first and then the blurb gave the impression that this could be my kind of story. And from the very first chapter itself, Fight or Flight reeled me in and kept me captivated, turning the pages to reach its con 4.5 Stars Romantic Suspense

Natalie J. Damschroder is a new author for me. Having never heard of her before didn't stop me from requesting for an ARC of this title on Netgalley, which is to be released on the 28th of this month from Carina Press. The cover was what drew me to the story at first and then the blurb gave the impression that this could be my kind of story. And from the very first chapter itself, Fight or Flight reeled me in and kept me captivated, turning the pages to reach its conclusion, to see how Regan and Sloan fare in the end.

37 year old Regan Miller is a woman who has been on the run, who has continually looked over her shoulder for any danger that may come for the past 19 years. Regan had lost her parents in a home invasion when she had been 12 years old and had become a victim of the foster care system from which she had escaped with the help of an excellent social worker who opened up the opportunity for her to enroll in an elite boarding school in California where she meets Scott Harrison the father of her daughter Kelsey. The news of Regan's pregnancy had brought immense joy to Scott which had been short lived as Scott ends up giving up his life to save that of his pregnant girlfriend and to warn her to run for her life.

Regan is a woman who would do anything to keep her daughter safe, even if it means working hard at creating a facade of normalcy in their lives. Kelsea had grown up thinking that her mother suffers from psychological problems at worst, living life constantly at the edge waiting for a danger that had never materialized.

But the minute Regan lets her guard down enough to invite even a semblance of normalcy into her life, the danger that she has been waiting for explodes into her life without a care for the wake of destruction and chaos it leaves behind. 18 years of training and words of advice Regan has given kicks in when Kelsey receives the call that brings life as she knows it tumbling down right in front of her.

And thus begins a race against unknown enemies who are willing to cross anything or anyone that stands between them and Kelsey. It is Regan's sexy next door neighbor of 2 years Tyler Sloane that steps into help at the most unexpected hour, someone who seems to know more about them than he lets on, earning Regan's continued distrust as danger continues to greet them at every turn. However, even a lifetime habit of being wary around people doesn't stop Regan from responding to the heat that flares between her and Tyler every time, a fire that burns out of control long before Tyler gains Regan's full trust.

With surprising twists towards the end, Fight or Flight is a novel that lives up to its very well deserved title. Regan's race to keep her daughter safe at all costs is one that requires her to be vigilant at all times, ready to fight dirty or to flee and get the hell out when the moment calls for it. The adventure of the nail-biting variety is non-stop which is complemented by the very well done and explosive scenes of passion between Tyler and Regan whose feelings blossom amidst all the chaos that reigns.

I enjoyed my first novel by Natalie immensely which features a kick-ass heroine who would lay down her very life for the daughter she loves. Tyler is a bit of a mystery throughout the story until towards the end when everything about him comes to light. Even then, the story is not told from his point of view at any stage in the story, but his feelings are well portrayed by other means which makes his feelings towards Regan seem more real.

My only peeve with the story is the lack of a proper ending; for me the way the story concluded seemed a bit rushed. I would have loved to see Regan's life with Tyler afterwards, a completely different Regan from the woman she has been forced to be for the past 18 years of her life.

I finish off my review with a quote from the story, the scene where Tyler tries to confess his feelings towards a Regan who is not at all ready to hear what he has got to say - lending the moments that follow a more emotional wrangling quality which would have not been possible if otherwise.

(view spoiler) ...more

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May 23, 2011 Norah Wilson rated it it was amazing

Regan Miller has been trying to protect her daughter Kelsey since even before Kelsey was born. Eighteen years ago, a pregnant Regan's boyfriend was murdered. He lived just long enough to warn her to run and protect the child. But now, Kelsey is grown and has gone off to college. Just when Regan thinks she might be able to relax her insane vigilence, the attack she's always feared comes. They've finally found her! From that point on, it's an adrenaline-spiking thrill ride. Regan is a kick-ass her ...more

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Feb 23, 2011 Michelle rated it really liked it

A parent will do anything to protect the life of their child and this is exactly what Regan Miller is about to do. As her boyfriend lies dying in her arms from gunshot wounds, he tells Regan they're coming for the baby and she needs to run. But before she can ask the two most important questions: who wants the baby and why, he dies. Determined to keep her unborn child safe Regan leaves the only world she knows. For the next 18 years Regan has become fiercely protective of her daughter Kelsey and A parent will do anything to protect the life of their child and this is exactly what Regan Miller is about to do. As her boyfriend lies dying in her arms from gunshot wounds, he tells Regan they're coming for the baby and she needs to run. But before she can ask the two most important questions: who wants the baby and why, he dies. Determined to keep her unborn child safe Regan leaves the only world she knows. For the next 18 years Regan has become fiercely protective of her daughter Kelsey and has taught her everything there is to know about survival. But Regan's split second decision to let her guard down backfires and danger steps out of the shadows threatening everything Regan has spent 18 years protecting.

I've never read anything written by Natalie J. Damschroder, but now having read 'Fight or Flight' I'm definitely going to be adding more of Damschroder’s work to my shelves. The title of the book is what first inspired me to read the synopsis. I really enjoy when a title reflects the story that's about to unfold and Damschroder did a great job achieving this. As most people know 'Fight or Flight' is a biological response to danger and this story elicits fear in the reader by exploring one of humanities basic conflicts--how does a parent save the life of their endangered child? Do they fight? Or do they flight?

Some of the main characters in the story were Tyler, the flirtatious neighbor; Tom, Kelsey's jock boyfriend and Van, Kelsey's feisty best friend. While all the characters were well developed, I didn't enjoy the names Damschroder choose for two of them, Tom and Tyler. Both are prominent male characters and both start with the letter T and these similarities at times lead me to re-read scenes as I would easily get these characters confused.

Taking the character confusion out of the equation 'Fight or Flight' ended up being an enjoyable read for me. There were many suspense scenes which helped keep the story moving in a forward momentum and the pace was fast, both things I look for when reading a book. The romance component was there, and tastefully done. The biggest plus that secured my return to Damschroder’s work, was the way the story ended. I loved that I wasn't able to figure out who the villain was, and how the villain was connected to characters. I always say if I can't figure out the “whodunit”part of the book, the author has done their job and will find me reading more of their work. I can't wait to recommend it to my fellow readers.
...more

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Nov 01, 2011 Judi rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2011, e-book, gym-read, nov, suspense-action, rom-suspense

Once thing you can be sure about this book is that the name fit’s the book to a T. There’s lots of fight and lots of fight!

Years of paranoia, on the run, hiding and looking over your shoulder , always wary and ready for an unknown attack and 18 years later Regan and her daughter Kelsey are finally going to get to put their training to good use.

Regan Miller went on the run as a young, pregnant teenager when her then fiancé, while dying in her arms warned her to “run”. She did and never looked ba Once thing you can be sure about this book is that the name fit’s the book to a T. There’s lots of fight and lots of fight!

Years of paranoia, on the run, hiding and looking over your shoulder , always wary and ready for an unknown attack and 18 years later Regan and her daughter Kelsey are finally going to get to put their training to good use.

Regan Miller went on the run as a young, pregnant teenager when her then fiancé, while dying in her arms warned her to “run”. She did and never looked back. Regan didn’t know why she was running, who was after her or why but she knew it was imperative she disappear.

Regan’s always been mistrustful of strangers, hasn’t allowed anyone to get close for fear of being exposed and also because if you don’t allow yourself to love anyone, then when you need to leave in a hurry - no one’s feeling get hurt. Not the ideal way to live, but self preservation is a great motivator.

Regan was one kick-ass, take no prisoners mom. It was amazing the way she was able to defend herself, taking her own licks in the process...but she gave as good as she got...if not better. I guess adrenaline fuelled fear can take you a long way.

Kelsey Miller may have hated all her mother’s lessons, preaching about safely and strangers and paranoia growing up, but she sure put her skills to good use when her neck was on the line.

Add in sexy, “don’t know if I can trust him neighbor” Tyler, Kelsey’s boyfriend Tom and her BFF Savannah and these 5 try to keep one step ahead of multiple attacks and numerous bad guys who won’t stop at nothing to obtain their prize...Kelsey.

The action is fast-paced and non stop and the reasons for Kelsey and Regan being hunted was a secret most of the way through the book. I did have to suspend a little bit of believe, but seriously nothing would surprise me about what governments and scientists are capable of now a days.

This is my first Natalie Damschroder’s book, but it won’t be my last. I’ve got her newest Behind the Scenes on my Kobo Reader now.
...more

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Jun 15, 2014 Jane Stewart rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: action-suspense-with-romance

3 ½ stars. The first 80% was well done for action, suspense, and being on the run.

The ending was a weak quick summary. We don’t see the end of the main conflict. Instead it jumps to two weeks later and we hear things worked out ok. At least it was wrapped up which I liked. But it didn’t match the detail, descriptions, and action style of the rest of the book.

I don’t mind stories low on romance, just know what you’re getting. There is a romantic ending, but there is not much relationship developm ...more

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Mar 28, 2011 Cleffairy Cleffairy rated it really liked it

Reviewed at: Library of Lights

Date reviewed: 27th Feb 2011

Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=165

When I read Fight or Flight by Natalie J.Damschroder, I can only imagine the plight of the main character who had to leave everything that she had and live in a very low profile live as she feared for her life. I imagine that her life was very dark and since she had to be very careful and lay low, the possibilities of her going into the light is very unlikely.

I could feel her sadness, her longin ...more

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Mar 29, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it it was amazing

Is it paranoia if people really are out to get you?

Regan Miller is letting go of her daughter in a way most parents do: she's sending her to college. There's a difference, though. Regan's daughter Kelsey was almost kidnapped as a baby, and her boyfriend (Kelsey's father) was murdered, so Regan did what any mother would do: changed her name and went into hiding. She also practiced being incredibly paranoid, took self-defense, and used every precaution available to keep the two of them safe.

Ther ...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Tiffiane rated it really liked it

This book very quickly sucked me in. I have always loved mysteries & suspense, and this one did not disappoint. Regan and Kelsey are two amazing women, and I loved everything about both of them. Regan was exceptionally strong for her daughter, especially having to be on the run and on-guard 24/7, always ready for anything that might be lurking around the corner for the last 19 years. I can't even imagine what that would be like to have to live that way, but yet, I know it's happened before. Once ...more

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May 03, 2014 Linda rated it really liked it

Eighteen years ago, Scott tried to protect her and their unborn baby. He died in the school parking lot as she held him in her arms, and with his dying breath told her to run. People had attempted to kidnap Kelsey when when she was a baby but Megan had fought them off. Since then, Reagan hopped to several cities, changing their names and taking any job she get get without a GED, finally they settled down and she bought a cottage and Kelsey graduated. Megan had trained her daughter how to fight, ...more

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Apr 23, 2011 Siany rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2011

Loved this!

At first there was too many characters and I didn't think I would get on with the story at all but about half way through it all settled down into a really good story. Compared to other books in this genre there were a lot more characters involved in the main storyline but I actually liked them all.
I didnt fully like Regan at first I have to admit but she eventually grew on me. I find it exhausting when the main character is an untrusting as she was with everyone and I didnt really un ...more

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Nov 06, 2013 Kelly Willcoxbrackeen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Fantastic book! This book is full of riveting action, strong characters, great secondary characters (love the best friend with her hockey stick!), never-ending stream of bad guys, and that hard-to-predict guilty party. I received this book after winning it in a Goodreads giveaway and decided to start reading it a couple days after receiving it in the mail. I soon became this story's addict. However, I felt that Tyler needed a better, sooner communicated acceptance than what he received. The moth ...more

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May 23, 2014 Michelle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

New to me author Natalie Damschroder brings a fast paced story of a young mother who will do anything to save her daughter. Years ago Reagan lost her boyfriend and became a single mom on the run. She's taught her daughter how to avoid danger but when Reagan leaves Kelsey at college she has to let go for the first time. Reagan doesn't let down her guard down but does finally open herself up to possible happiness which comes crashing down in one night. Now Reagan is on the run with the help of her ...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Natasha A. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2011

For anyone who loves:
Quick, smart heroine
Sexy hero
Kick ass daughter
Why did I read it?
The blurb won me over.

My Rambles:
This was an amazing, fast paced, edge of your seat, sexy story! I was thoroughly impressed with the plot, quality of writing, and the ease in which I was captured by the characters. I picked it up and didn't put it down until I was done!
I can't say enough how in awe I am of Ms. Damschroder. She made a typical story brilliant. There are enough twists and turns and gasp worthy mome ...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Silver James rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2012-books-read

Fight or Flight Natalie J. Damschroder's book is a taut thriller with excellent pacing, intrigue, and while Regan Miller is a woman in jeopardy, she's also a woman who can take care of herself. The hero is man she's reluctant to trust but finds herself not only trusting when she shouldn't but falling in love. She's wanted a normal life for 19 years and just when she thinks it might be safe to come out of the shadows, all hell breaks loose. This is a fast-paced ride with a heroine who could give ...more

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Jul 19, 2013 Angela rated it it was amazing

This is the second book in as many days ive read by Natalie J. Damschroder and i have to say i love her writing she goes into so much detail that sometimes it feels like you are there going through it all with them, it had everything i look for in a book, drama, romance, sex and it kept you guessing on what the outcome would be, If you have never read Natalie J. Damschroder why not?! Its a must read!

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Mar 03, 2015 Sherry Haynes rated it it was amazing

This book is an amazing, captivating, and edge of your seat type story. I was so wrapped up in the action that starts in the first chapter that I was half way through the book before I even noticed. I read it completely in one sitting If you like the kind of books that leave you guessing all the way until the last chapter that offers suspense, action, lust, and intrigue then this is definitely the book tor read.

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Nov 01, 2013 Melanie Ransome rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: lucky-reads

This was a new author for me, but I must say that I will be looking for more of her books. The story was great, the characters were great. Plenty of thrills and adventure with just enough romance to keep it interesting.

I would recommend this book to all romanti thriller fans.

Thank you again Natalie Damschroder, for a definite GOOD READ!

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Feb 11, 2015 Janet Robel rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Non-stop action! It's a fast-paced novel that gives the reader an adrenaline rush while hoping the good guys can survive. Regan has been training her daughter Kelsey since she was little on how to survive when the bad guys come. Kelsey thinks her mom may be a bit touched in the head but soon discovers that her mom was not being paranoid. ...more

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May 19, 2011 D rated it liked it

Shelves: 2011

I wanted to like this more, but the fight scenes were pretty repetitive. Oh no, here's another professional goon that got his ass kicked by a girl. Yes, girls are tough. But really, these bad guys are pretty inept. ...more

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Jun 23, 2016 Natalie rated it liked it

***Received this book for free in exchange for an honest review***

This book was very cliche but not terrible. Something to read when you have down time.

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Jun 26, 2016 Randi Staudinger rated it it was ok

Story line was really good. The way it was written wasn't...really childish. ...more

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Sep 10, 2011 Cathy Pegau rated it really liked it

Great tension and action! Can't beat the story of a mother protecting her child while trying to let her become an independant, strong adult. Well done, Ms. D! ...more

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May 06, 2020 Cecelia Weiss rated it it was amazing

Very good! Lots of action!

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Feb 14, 2014 Karen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

An exciting story line and believeable characters made for a fun and fast read. I would have liked a little more detail at the end but I'm finding that pretty typical of today's novels. Long build up, quick resolution.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. ...more

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About Natalie J. Damschroder

Natalie J. Damschroder

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Natalie J. Damschroder is an award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance, with an emphasis on romantic adventure. She has had 31 novels, 11 novellas, and numerous short stories published by several publishers, most recently with Soul Mate Publishing, Entangled Publishing, and Carina Press.

Natalie grew up in Massachusetts, and loves the New England Patriots more than anything. (Exc ...more