Into the Dark

The Bodyguards #6

by Cindy Gerard

Amy Walker endured unspeakable horrors while being held as a hostage before she was rescued by Dallas Garrett and his brothers from E.D.E.N., Inc. Amy is determined to leave the past behind…but only after she gets some answers to the questions that haunt her: Why was she abducted by the terrorists? Why is her mother locked up in a mental institution?

Dallas wants Amy to know he's a man she can trust. He's incapable of offering her his love but promises his sworn protection while she embarks on her quest to discover the truth about her family…and herself.

Working on a lead, Amy and Dallas team up with an investigative journalist and an unlikely accomplice whose motives are as murky as his past. Soon they are drawn into the depths of a secret organization that practices non-consensual mind-control experimentation—one that Amy's own grandfather appears to be involved in. With a ruthless enemy closing in fast Amy and Dallas race against time and risk their lives to expose these crimes against humanity…and share a passion neither of them could have expected.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Military Romance

335 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 29, 2007

About the author

The only thing Cindy had in mind when she started writing her first book was finishing it. The issue of actually selling it came much later. Only after she made that life-altering first sale did she realize that one book would never be enough. Now, over 20 books and numerous awards later, Cindy laughingly admits that she can barely remember life before...well, was there life before writing?

Actually, yes there was, and still is. A professional career woman, Cindy is a trainer for the Iowa Department of Human Services, a position she states is both challenging and rewarding. "Human Services is a front-line, real-life event. Everything about the job is immediate, from serving families in crisis, to assisting staff with difficult situations, to meeting tension-fraught deadlines."

Cindy's career has taught her much about the human condition, its frailties, its strengths, and its spirit. The evocative emotions that pour from the pages of her books are a reflection of some of her work experiences. Her writing celebrates life's richness and trials, offering a wide range of emotions — hope and elation, anger and indecision, laughter and, of course, love. And, according to her readers, her powerful love scenes run the gamut from steamy to tender to lusty to just plain fun.

Cindy's writing has netted her spots on bestseller lists, numerous RT nominations and awards, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a National Reader's Choice Award and two RITA nominations.

Between writing and working full time you wouldn't think Cindy would have much time for anything else. And while she does find her work and her writing rewarding, there does have to be more. Cindy has more. Much more. She is happily married to the perfect man. Tom's a cowboy, ladies!

Yes, even Iowa has its share of that saddle-straddling, Wrangler-wearing species who love their horses almost as much as they love their women. As a matter of fact, recently a whole herd of Texans gathered at the Gerard "Ranch" to treat their little ones to real horseback rides. Go figure.

Cindy has a passion for pink depression glass — she always has her eye out for the special piece to add to her collection. Cindy's down time often takes the form of the classic "busman's holiday." She loves to read and most of all, she loves to read at their summer place, a cabin in the woods on Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota.

Both Tom and Cindy enjoy gardening and have recently expanded their annual beds into a perennial garden. Cindy says she can hardly wait for spring and the promise of all that reawakening and the colorful blooms.

In addition to the horses, the Gerards have two dogs, Ellie and Boomer, who pretty much get anything they want. Tom and Cindy have one son, Kyle, who, after years of keeping them in suspense, found Eileen, the perfect woman.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/cindyg...

Reviews

[Blacky *Romance Addict* · Rating 5 out of 5]

*re-read with Glam, 20.07.2013.*




Best book so far! I am so happy




And I did the unthinkable I read out of order! Actually skipped two books to get to this one :O
Bad, bad Blacky!!
But it was worth it!!
OMG what a fabulous book


The story

Six months ago, Amy was rescued by the hero bunch together with Darcy, Ethan's wife. A few days after that, she dissapeared, and no one's heard from her since.
Dallas is having flashbacks from the war, which were caused by the rescue, and he can't stop thinking of Amy.
One night someone came knocking on his door, the last person he expected to see - Amy
After fainting from exhaustion, Dallas takes care of her, but instantly knows something is wrong, as in bad bad wrong. The first words she said to him were:
"Can't let them find me here..."
He knows this has to do with her abduction that happened a year ago, and wants to help her find out who ordered it, and make him pay for all she endured while captured.
Amy doesn't want to get him into trouble, but YAY for us, Dallas is persistent as hell and so they board on a plane to Argentina in search of a reporter, Jenna McMillan, and there they find help, although reluctant, from a mysterious man, the Archangel, Gabe Jones



I LOVED this :D It was full of suspense and action, especially in Argentina
The romance between Amy and Dallas
I couldn't stop reading this one. Well damn, I say that to ALL her books mwahahahah but it's true!
The mission reminded me of the third book, and I think it was intentional because there was again a kidnapped woman, like Amy, and they had to find her as soon as possible.
The big show-down loved Amy's part in it, and Gabe's team, they were awesome :D
The ending just loved it <3




The characters


Amy - beaten and raped, held hostage by some extremist bunch of blood-thirsty idiots for six months, she was weak and affraid, a shell of a woman she used to be. After she escaped with Darcy, she was still terrified, but learned to trust only one man - Dallas. He helped her in the jungle, and saw her as more than a victim, but as a person. They formed a bond then, and it was never broken, not even when she ran away in search for the culprits who did this to her.
Now, six months after that, she's a different woman. On the run from assassins sent by her grandfather, she has no one to turn to, except Dallas

She really is totally different in this book. I liked the new Amy a lot :D She managed to heal (as much as a person can) from her ordeal, and is driven by revenge for her mother and herself. She has a gun and can kick some ass thanks to the self-defense classes, and she's no longer weak.
With Dallas she feels sexual again, something she never thought she could, and he's the only man who she'd ever trust enough to have sex with. Their first time, just beautiful


Dallas - The rescue mission in the jungle brought out some nasty memories, and flashback nightmares. He doesn't know how to deal with it, so he finally decides to get away from everyone for a while. Him constantly thinking of Amy doesn't help either. Even though he felt strongly about her, he never thought of trying to find where she was, because basically, Dallas knew what she went through, and knew she needed someone strong and normal to bring her the support she needed to get better. He wasn't that man. (khm )
Then Amy comes crashing into his life again, and he wants nothing else but to help her, even though everything she says sounds a bit crazy

I don't know why I'm a sucker for those wounded hurting men but I just wanted to hug him like crazy
And seeing both him and Amy, damaged in the inside, falling in love I was just all mushy
Even though he's a tough macho, I LOVED the fact that he didn't keep Amy from joining them in the fighting :) She did her share, and he constantly felt pride for her, how she managed to bring herself up, and I loved him more for it
But the ending, I mean, before the ending OMG I actually cried! Can't say how bad I felt for Amy, well I can, cause I freaking cried when it happened I wanted to bash his head with something!
Lucky for him, there was a happy ending


Jenna and Gabe

Their bickering and fighting was GREAT :D loved it totally
Although, most of the time Jenna got on my nerves, I don't know why
Gabe - loved him! He's like some ultra-macho-bad-ass tough guy
Can't wait for his book





Well, I've gushed like crazy, now I have to go back to the books I skipped



Just one more thing, this is for the author:

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been six months since Amy Walker was rescued by Dallas Garrett from a hellhole in the Phillipines and then inexplicably disappeared after a few days. Dallas can't get her off of his mind and is also plagued by his own demons from his last Special Forces' mission. When he decides to get away to get his head straight, Amy suddenly reappears on his doorstep...literally.

I was really looking forward to this story and was annoyed that we had to read two books in between before we could get to this one. However! The author knew best and got it right because the Amy that developed during those six months made this a much better story than it would have been otherwise. She's damaged, yes, but she's gotten smart and done the best she could do to remove herself from the victim ranks. Amy emerged as an equal in her relationship with Dallas, which made that oh, so much more interesting.

Their pursuit of Amy's grandfather and the subsequent action was pretty exciting, often spellbinding. Two new characters were introduced as part of the operation, Gabe Jones and Jenna McMillan, and I'm intrigued to read their story in the new series. If there was one failure of the story that would be what I felt an insufficient closure of the series. I'm hoping there's more about the Garretts in the new series to more adequately bring their story to an end.

[~V~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4 1/2 stars**

This is the second book i've read by Cindy Gerard, but the last book in her Bodyguard series. Her Black Ops series is actually the series i wanted to read but i saw that there were some people who were confused with the first book, Show No Mercy, because it apparently "began" in book 6 of The Bodyguard series. Now, I don't typically ever like to come into a series smack in the middle, because i don't want to miss out on anything, but i'd recently read someone's review for To the Brink (Bodyguard book 3) and i really liked the premise and i was told that i would be alright starting with that book. It turns out book 6 then features a couple secondary characters from book 3, which is where it was recommended i go next.

We first meet Amy Walker, the heroine in this book, in book 3 (Darcy and Ethan's book). Amy had been kidnapped and held captive, by a militia group in the Philippines, for 5 months. Towards the end of her captivity, the group shows up with a new captive, Darcy, who she instantly has a connection with, considering they're both American women. Darcy's ex-husband (Ethan) and his brother and friend, all ex special forces guys, end up coming to the rescue and Dallas, the brother, is the one who ends up taking care of Amy and forming a bond with her.

In Into the Dark, it's been 6 months since the rescue and Amy is on her own, trying to find her grandfather. He is an evil evil man who started conducting horrifying, monstrous experiments on human subjects, in the 1930s (in Nazi Germany) and is believed to still be carrying out his experiments, in Argentina. He was also responsible for putting Amy's mother in a mental institute after having conducted some of those experiments on her when she was a child. Needless to say Amy is hell bent on revenge for all he's done, oh..and did i mention that he was the one who had her kidnapped in the Philippines? Oh, yes..an awful awful man!!

Something happens that forces Amy to run back to Dallas Garrett for help and from the minute they are back together their attraction and bond is, once again, immediate. When Dallas finds out what Amy's plans are, to fly to Argentina to find her grandfather, he takes up the roll of protector and follows her regardless of the fact that she doesn't want to get him involved in something so dangerous. Once they step foot in Argentina, that is when all the action and adventure takes off.

I really loved Amy and Dallas. Loved how sweet and protective he was of her, even though he wanted to pounce on many occasions, he always allowed her to come to him on her own time..partly because of the traumatic experience she suffered in the Philippines, and partly because he also had his own issues from past military experiences.

These books are categorized as romantic suspense and they definitely are, but i would have to say that there's more emphasis on the suspense side, especially the military side of things. There IS romance, but i felt that it was secondary to the story..i would have liked just a wee bit more romance, but that is just a personal preference. Having said that, i DID really really enjoy the two Bodyguard books that i read. I didn't feel that i missed anything starting with To the Brink (bk3), i liked it a lot actually, but i would have felt a little bit lost had i started with Into the Dark, as i've said before, the two leads were first introduced in book 3. I will say that this one was probably my favorite of the two because the action and adventure, even the romance, was turned up a notch and i really liked the secondary characters who, lo and behold, are the future "feature players" of her Black Ops books!

I would not hesitate to recommend starting this series with book 3 then moving onto book 6, and this is coming from someone who has OCD when it comes to reading a series in the correct reading order. They were both truly enjoyable and things have been set up nicely for her Black Ops series, which is the series that i'd originally wanted to read in the first place.

[Glamdring · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Buddy read with Blacky <3*


Since book 3 Dallas was my favorite character of the series.

I just LOVE the man!!! Lucky me I also loved Amy and the story! :D

Here we also have a “black ops” kind of plot and we got to meet with Gabe and Jenna, the heroes of Show No Mercy (Black Ops Inc. #1).

This book was difinitely my favorite of the series. Dallas... *le sigh*

[Buggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After giving 5 stars to every book in Cindy Gerard’s Black Ops series I finally went back to where it all began and caught up with her Bodyguards. This book is the last in that series (#6) and it’s where the two finally converge with the appearance of my favourite bad boy Gabriel Jones, Show No Mercy along with cameos from Johnny Reed (yum) and Sam Lang. And on that note as soon as the BOI’s show up they kinda take over the story, with our couple fading into the background while Gabe kicks ass and argues with his future wife.

Cindy Gerard really can do wrong when it comes to the romantic suspense though, with nail biting action, exotic locations, sweet lovin and just top notch writing. She also manages to include some of the most touching dialogue I’ve read (gotta love those tortured heroes)

Special-ops soldier Dallas Garrett has been retired from the Marines for six years but he’s still suffering from the images he thought he’d buried and the men he lost. Lately he’s been thinking about the woman that got away too. Amy.

After rescuing her from terrorists and unspeakable horrors in the Philippians he brought her back to the states, fell in love and then she disappeared, determined to leave her past behind. Dallas never planned on seeing her again, too much baggage on both their parts. But now she’s here on his doorstep in the middle of the night. Soaking wet, bruised, exhausted, sporting fake ID and a discharged firearm. She’s on the run and she needs his help.

Amy Walker was first introduced in book #3 "To the Brinkwhere she was rescued by Dallas and his brothers from EDEN inc. Since then she’s been honing her skills, learning to fight back and trying to discover the truth about why she was kidnapped and the mind control experimentation that’s placed her mother in an institution. Now the bad guys have caught up with her and there’s only one man who can help.

For some reason Gerard does a lot of telling and not showing here, with the chapters beginning on an airplane or in the midst of a shootout on a Argentinean street before going back and explaining how they got there. If I’m honest the Manchurian Candidate storyline wasn’t one of my fav’s and the romance was kinda lukewarm until the closing chapters when Dallas finally figures out he’s good enough for Amy even with all his scars and PTSD. Their reunion is absolutely beautiful though and I’m not usually one for the sappy.

“I like a man with scars. I like a man who looks in the mirror and sees himself for who he is. For what he is. An imperfect person in an imperfect world."

[jenjn79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final book in the Bodyguard series (kinda sad about that) and I enjoyed it just as much as the others. I'm glad that I finally got a chance to read this series.

Series Note:
I'd definitely recommend read this series in order (with regards to this book)...it has a lot of tie-ins to a previous book.

Summary:
Dallas Garrett hasn't been the same since he helped rescue Amy Walker from a terrible situation in the jungles of the Philippines six months ago. Even though he finds it hard to believe, he fell for the battered, broken woman during their short time together. But then Amy disappeared and Dallas was worrying about her and wanting her. And also with a resurgence of PTSD from his time in the military.

Then Amy reappears in his life. She's been on the run since leaving him, while also hoping to find the truth about a dark family secret. Now she has a lead, but also has someone on her tail. With no where else to turn, she runs to Dallas, who insists on helping her. So they travel to Argentina in search of answers for Amy. And all the while, they have to deal with the serious heat between them.

Review:
I've been wondering about poor Amy since I read about what happened to her in an early book in the series. Poor girl suffered so much. I was curious to see how things would work out for her and with Dallas. The story mostly met my expectations. It went a little differently than I expected, but I still enjoyed the book.

I admit I'm a little torn about the dynamic of the story and Amy's character. I'd kinda been expecting her to be a bit broken, needing Dallas to love her back to life. But the story was almost the opposite. Amy's mostly gotten herself back together by the time the book starts, but Dallas is on a downward spiral due to his PTSD from being in the military. I think he gains more from being with Amy than she did from him. It wasn't the relationship dynamic I was expecting. So I'm a little torn on that. And I will say that I thought the emotional scars of both characters were a bit underplayed. The book came up just a little short on what I wanted from it on the emotional level.

Story/plot wise, I thought the book delivered. It's an interesting storyline...what with Nazi scientist doctors, mind control and all that. It's definitely unique for the series and I thought it was pretty interesting. I admit I was a little disappointing to find the characters once again trekking through the wilderness, but oh well.

This book also introduces a new set of characters who will be the focus of Gerard's next series, Black Ops, Inc. She did a great job setting up that series. I'm super curious about these guys, especially Gabe and Jenna, who played a big role in this book. They are featured in the first Black Ops book and I can't wait to see what happens with them!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last time Dallas saw Amy she was broken, battered and bruised. She disappeared from his life and he was desperate to find her. After 6 months she shows up on his doorstep wet, bedraggled and exhausted. Her secrets, nightmares, ghosts have chased her back to Dallas and he isn't going to let her go... ever.

In spite of a great beginning to this book, it was, well, not as good as the others. Maybe I'm just tired of the scared psyche trope, but it just didn't do it for me and I was so looking forward to this book. Amy and Dallas had such potential, but this book ended up being a tease for the next series. Disappointing.

[ElaineY · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seemed like I waited forever to get Dallas & Amy's story and while Into The Dark did become an action-packed tale, I can't say the romance between Dallas and Amy moved me. There seemed to be much more between them when they were in the Philippines so that in the end, this romance was like a shipboard one - once they reach home ground, the magic fizzles out. This was how I felt about Amy and that's a shame because the book is fast-paced and would have made an excellent movie. Just not a romantic one.

Somehow, the emotion was missing from this book and it shouldn't have been the case because Dallas is supposed to be one tortured soldier, suffering from PTSD but Ms Gerard failed to pull the me into his tortured world because she chose 'telling' rather than 'showing'. As a result, when she tells me Dallas can't see a future for him with Amy, I was wondering why not. Sure, his team members got killed or injured in a mission but all soldiers suffer that kind of loss in war time. I didn't get to share even a little bit of what those teammates had with Dallas so when Ms Gerard fast forwards the story, Dallas' reasons for his depression got lost.

As for Amy, I just could not buy into her reason for going after her grandfather. But I guess I don't understand this need for revenge, especially if in Amy's case it was just to ask him why he did what he did. IMO, that was such a dumb-ass thing to do. Totally TSTL, which makes me feel that Dallas and Amy's romance wouldn't survive in real life.

But I am SO intrigued by Gabriel Jones! He and Jenna truly stole the show from the depressed Dallas and the TSTL Amy. Okay, maybe TSTL is too harsh a word for Amy because she is a very capable and self-sufficient woman. I liked that she had no qualms killing her would-be assassin. I liked that Jones told her she could watch his back anytime. But her reason for going after her grandfather was still stupid.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread:

Listened to the audiobook version 5/16/21. Still 5 stars!

Original rating/review:

5 stars – Romantic Suspense

This is the final book in Gerard’s awesome Bodyguards romantic suspense series that centers on the security operations and covert missions of the Garrett clan and their extended family, who make up the private firm E.D.E.N. Securities, Inc.

This is my preference order for the series:

1st – Book #3 To the Brink (Ethan & Darcy)
2nd – Book #6 Into the Dark (Dallas & Amy)
3rd – Book #5 Under the Wire (Manny & Lily)
4th – Book #2 To the Limit (Eve & Mac)
5th – Book #1 To the Edge (Nolan & Jillian)
6th – Book #4 Over the Line (Jase & Janey)

Now on to Gerard’s spin-off Black Ops series!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Walker is a woman with a target on her back. After being held hostage by rebels in the Philippines and rescued by Dallas Garrett and his brothers, Amy retreats to New York to look after her mother and try to protect her from her grandfather. Amy's Grandfather, Edward Walker, is responsible for mind control experiments on her mother. He is also responsible for Amy's kidnapping. Another attempt on her life and Amy knows she has been found. On the run, she arrives on Dallas' doorstep asking for help. A friend in Argentina has found Amy's grandfather. Amy wants to put an end to his tyranny and get on with her life. Dallas has wanted Amy since he rescued her in the jungles of the Philippines. Now he promises his protection while they fulfill her vow to bring her grandfather to justice.

Amy is a very strong woman who has gone through many trials in her life. But she doesn't let that slow her down and she doesn't dwell on the bad things that have happened to her. Dallas has also gone through bad times while fighting in Afghanistan. He suffers from PTSD and feels a bit lost in his life. Amy and Dallas need each other in their lives.

This is the last book in Cindy Gerard's bodyguard series and a good one. When Amy was introduced in the third book of the series, there was some serious chemistry between her and Dallas. I was disappointed that the next book in the series wasn't about them. Now they finally get their own book and I'm satisfied. Gerard also introduces new characters into the mix. They will be featured in the first book of her next series which I hope to pick up soon. My rating: 4 Stars.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I had a long tough day today, but i couldn't put this book down, as I ran through my day any chance i got I was reading this book! So here I am it's late, I am so tired, but smiling from ear to ear.

This book had action, guns blazing, hot alpha men fighting the bad guys and a strong tough as nail woman right next to them determined to fight the good fight with them.

Dallas, strong, tortured, supportive, caring sexy as hell alpha male. Amy, a woman who had been abducted and abused, who should be broken into a million pieces instead has a singular mission, to seek revenge against the man who abused and tortured her mother. I liked Amy a lot.

In fact, I love this series so much and especially this story and I am going to move right onto the Black Ops series..... Love Cindy Gerard!

oops forgot to add, and the steam factor was great!!! oh my....there is some major heat between these two!!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Into the Dark
3.5 Stars

This is the final book in Gerard's Bodyguards series, and to be honest, it is disappointing.

To begin with, the intense chemistry that characterized Dallas and Amy's initial connection in book #3 has evaporated and turned into a "woe is me, I'm not worthy" angst fest.

Second, it is never a good thing when the romance between the secondary characters overshadows that of the primary pair. This is the case here with Gabriel and Jenna's whose love/hate bickering is excellent and endearing. The emotions involved in their relationship are far more real than those between Dallas and Amy.

The action and suspense plot are pretty good although the whole Nazi experimentation concept has been done before, and there isn't anything particularly original here. That said, the book was published in 2007, so it is somewhat dated in this regard.

In sum, while Dallas and Amy have some sweet moments together, I was expecting more from their romance. Gabe and Jenna's story continues in the spin-off series and I hope that it fulfills its potential.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the last in the Bodyguard series and the lead in to the Black Ops series. Its a MUST that you read this book before reading the 1st in that series.

Amy Walker and Dallas Garrett are the stars of this book, and we met them in To The Brink. Amy has recovered from her ordeal in the jungle and is now in search of the truth of her heritage and how that led to her being kidnapped in Indonesia. After a harrowing near assassination, she heads to Florida and Dallas Garrett, the man she couldn't forget, the man who saved her from unspeakable horrors in the jungle. Dallas, meanwhile, is on the verge of "getting lost" from all his family and friends to try and make sense of what he feels for Amy (STILL after 6 months) and also to deal with PTSD he has from serving in Afghanistan. When Amy shows up, he is literally stunned when she collapses in his arms, saying "don't let them get me".

This is more drama/suspense than a romance but it works. I don't think you could read this as a standalone and understand what's going on though.

A-

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Yet another excellent book from Ms Gerard.

I loved this one almost as much as I loved the 3rd installment (To the Brink)and it defiantely deserves the 5 star rating. I couldn't put the book down and had to get to the end as it gripped me from start to finish but as soon as I finished it I became sad as I will be sorry to see the end of the Garrett siblings, their partners and friends. I fell in love with most of the men (ok so I am fickle! ha ha) especially Ethan & Dallas.

Am looking forward to moving on to the Black Ops series

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always forget how much I enjoy suspense novels--this was great--a lot of action and great characters--I'm going back and re-read "Show No Mercy"--now that I have some background on Jenna and Gabe I think it will read smoother

[Hbeebti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I believe this one is now my favorite. lol

[Christine Kirchoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book found on my book shelf. I loved this story!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end of the "Bodyguard" series. Have to say, that the last 3 books in the series are A HELLUVA alot better then the first 3. After the 3rd book, I had pretty much written off the series, willing to read the last 3 but wouldn't keep them in my library................and not continuing w/ the "black ops" series.

I've changed my mind! The last 3 books were wonderful! Full of action, suspense, and hot sex we didn't have to wait for like the first 3 books of the series.

Will be ordering the first couple of books of the Black Ops series NOW because I have to find out about Gabe and Jenna. Two characters in this last book.

Dallas and Amy are perfect for each other. What they went thru, how they came together and loved how he fought his feelings every inch of the way............

Also loved the epilogue, when EVERYONE, the entire Garrent family gets together. It was a wonderful ending to a series that really redeemed itself w/ the last 3 books..............

[LaFleurBleue · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good but could have been much better and was below my expectations.
I really liked the beginning of the story until the moment Amy arrived at Dallas' place, or more exactly until they left for Buenos Aires. Then the pace accelerated, gave way to a very efficient thriller, but in there the relationship between the two dis not really develop as much as it could have. And then after the investigation was finished, it was almost back to square 1, as Dallas had not grown as much as he should have and was still not ready for slightly unclear reasons.
I really liked Amy, but was more disappointed in Dallas whom I expected better things from.
I would not recommend for someone to read this book without having read To the brink (number 3 in the series) before.
And I understand why I had been slightly frustrated by reading the first book in the BOI series a few years ago - Jenna and Gabe met in this book and I never appreciate being deprived of the H/h's first encounter.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all let me say I love all the books in this series except for this one so far. I haven't read Manny's book yet. I was so looking forward to Dallas and Amy's story since their introduction. I wanted to feel their connection that they felt in that book but it was not meant to be. This book felt rushed to me. There's a lot of grammatical errors and plot holes. Just think Ms. Gerard didn't take her time. There really wasn't a build up to this one and the first time they re-meet it was so rushed and not wrote out. It was weird. I'm not going into the plot since so many on here already have but I just felt it was not as realistic as her other books. I just felt like it wasn't given the care that the others were. It's still a good book but it's not great. I loved that it gave you updates on the other family members.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book. Action packed and great side characters. I've been looking forward to reading this book since Amy was first introduced into the series. I can't really say much else without spoiling the book.

I'm a bit sad that I'm saying goodbye to the Garrett's and their close friends. However it looks like they might appear throughout the Black Ops series. Which brings me to this dire point...

It's very important to read this series in order, as all the characters are interconnected. Also, the Bodyguard series should be read before the Black Ops series. The side characters from this book, Jenna and Gabe, get there own story in Show No Mercy the first Black Ops book.

This has been an excellent romantic suspense series and I look forward to reading more of Cindy Gerard's books in the very, near future.

[Riverina Romantics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Into the Dark.

What did I think of it??

.....sigh......

It was awesome. FAR-KING-AWESOME.

Dallas is hunkalicious.....sigh....

Amy?? Totally dig that chick.

Gabe? Boy do I want to mount that man and ride him till the sun goes down.....then comes back up again....then continue until dehydration sets in. CANNOT. WAIT. FOR. HIS. BOOK.

Cindy Gerard - SERIOUSLY WOMAN I WANNA MARRY YOU. Do you know what I want to give you for Christmas?? I wanna walk right up to you, toe to toe, place my hand around your neck and give you a whopping big kiss! Then I would probably stand back and stare at you as if you were something sparkly. You simply freak me out with your megaawesomeness (yes, I am certified to make up words).

Thank you for your time. I am done.

[HJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread 6/2015

[Aղցela W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book 6 in "The Bodyguards" series. This was the final bok in this series and it didn't disappoint. Ever since Amy was introduced into the series, I have wanted to know her story. She and Dallas were a perfect match even though it took him a while to realize it. When Amy shows up on his doorstep unannounced and needing him, it is like Dallas finally starts living again. As he realizes how much she has changed. When he catches Amy trying to leave again Dallas refuses to let her out of his sight and ends up accompanying her on a mission of vengeance which quickly turns into a mission of national security. This was a really good book with a lot of action like the rest of the books in this series. I loved that the gang was willing to help also keep her safe. I loved the narrator of this series. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Into the Dark ของซินดี้ เจอราร์ด

หนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นเล่มที่หกในชุดบอดี้การ์ด ที่เล่าเรื่องราวของชายหญิงที่ทำงานให้กับบริษัทรักษาความปลอดภัยนามว่า อีเดน ซึ่งเป็นชื่อย่อที่มาจากอักษาตัวแรกของชื่อลูก ๆ ของผู้ก่อตั้ง พระเอกในเล่มนี้ก็คือ ตัวดีในอีเดน หรือดัลลัส การ์เร็ตต์

เล่มนี้ถือว่ามีความเกี่ยวพันกับเล่มสาม (To the Blink) ในชุดอยู่พอสมควรค่ะ เพราะนางเอกของเรื่องนี้มีบทบาทออกมาครั้งแรกในเล่มนั้น ด้วยชะตากรรมที่บัดซบ รันทดเท่าที่นางเอกโรแมนซ์คนนึงจะต้องแบกรับไว้ แม็กซ์ไม่คิดว่า มันเป็นการสปอยล์นะคะ ดังนั้นจะไม่ทำสีปกปิดอะไร แต่ถ้าใครไม่รู้ และอยากอ่านเอง ก็เตือนเอาไว้ก่อนแล้วกันค่ะ

เอมี่ วอร์คเกอร์ซึ่งเป็นตัวประกันที่ถูกกลุ่มกองโจรอาบูซายับในฟิลิปปินส์จับตัวไป (พร้อมกับดาร์ซี่ซึ่งเป็นนางเอกใน To the Blink) อาจจะได้รับอิสระ แต่การถูกทารุณ และอดีตก็ยังตามหลอกหลอนเธออยู่ และเพราะอดีตนี่เองที่ทำให้เอมี่ตัดสินใจหนีไปจากชายเพียงคนเดียวที่เข้าถึงใจของเธอได้ เพราะเอมี่ไม่ต้องการให้ดัลลัสต้องเข้ามาเกี่ยวข้อง และอาจทำให้เขามีอันตรายถึงชีวิตได้

แต่ในท้ายที่สุดเอมี่ก็ไม่มีทางเลือก เพราะเธอยังคงมุ่งมั่นที่จะตามหาตาของตัวเอง ชายแก่ใจเหี้ยมผู้เป็นต้นเหตุการทุกข์ทรมานของเธอและผู้เป็นมารดา เพื่อแก้แค้น แต่มันไม่ใช่เรื่องง่าย โดยเฉพาะเมื่อตาของเธอเป็นส่วนหนึ่งขององค์กรอาชญากรรมระดับโลก เอมี่ตกเป็นเป้าหมายของการลอบสังหาร แต่เอมี่คนนี้ไม่ใช่หญิงสาวตาใสคนเดิมเหมือนเมื่อหกเดือนก่อน เธอฝึกฝนจนป้องกันตัวเองได้ แต่ความหวาดกลัวก็ผลักดันให้เธอวิ่งไปหาชายเพียงคนเดียวที่เธอไว้ใจ

เขาคือดัลลัส การ์เร็ตต์ ซึ่งเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของทีมที่บุกเข้าไปช่วยเธอออกมาจากการตกเป็นตัวประกัน

การมาถึงของเอมี่ได้นำเอาดัลลัสกลับเข้าไปสู่ฝันร้ายของตัวเองอีกครั้ง ในฐานะของทหารผ่านศึกที่สูญเสียเพื่อนร่วมรบหลายคน ดัลลัสถูกหลอกหลอนโดยความทรงจำในอดีต และนี่คือเหตุผลใหญ่ที่เขาคิดว่า ตัวเองไม่เหมาะกับเอมี่ เพราะเธอเองก็มีปีศาจที่ต้องเอาชนะ เขาไม่ต้องการให้ปัญหาของเขาเองซ้ำเติมเข้าไปให้เธอยิ่งขึ้น แต่กระนั้นเขาก็ไม่ยอมปล่อยให้เอมี่เดินทางไปอาร์เจนติน่าตามลำพังได้

และในอาร์เจนติน่านั่นเองที่ดัลลัสและเอมี่เริ่มต้นสืบหาที่อยู่ของผู้เป็นตาของเธอ ชายแก่ผู้โหดเหี้ยม ก่อนที่เขาจะพบตัวเอมี่ และทำลายชีวิตของเธอลงไปอีกครั้ง

หนังสือเล่มนี้ค่อนข้างเดินตามรอยเรื่อง Under the wire ค่ะ ที่ค่อนข้างเน้นการบรรยายฉากบู้ล้างผลาญอย่างมาก จนหลายครั้งเราตั้งคำถามกับส่วนที่เป็นโรแมนซ์ของเรื่อง นี่จึงเป็นปัญหาแรกของเราที่มีต่อเล่มนี้

อย่างไรก็ตามนะคะ เนื่องจากความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างเอมี่และดัลลัสค่อนข้างมีความชัดเจนมาตั้งแต่ต้น พวกเขาพบกันก่อนที่จะเริ่มต้นเรื่องในเล่มนี้ด้วยซ้ำ การที่ซินดี้ใช้เวลาอย่างมากมายบรรยายเกี่ยวกับอาวุธ และแผนการลอบเข้าโจมตีที่มั่นของคนร้าย จึงไม่ถึงกับทำให้ความเป็นโรแมนซ์ด้อยลงไปมากนัก (ซึ่งแตกต่างกับ UTW ที่ถึงกับทำให้เราหงุดหงิดไปเลย) แต่มันก็เห็นได้ชัดว่า ซินดี้ได้เริ่มเปลี่ยนแปลงวิธีการเล่าเรื่องของเธอไปแล้ว จากเดิมที่เน้นความเป็นโรแมนซ์ มาเป็นเมนสตรีมมากขึ้นด้วยการขายฉากบู๊แอ็คชั่น ซึ่งว่าตามตรง แม็กซ์ไม่แน่ใจว่าเราชอบหรือเปล่านะคะ

ที่กล่าวมายังไม่ใช่เรื่องใหญ่ (นัก) ส่วนที่ทำลายหนังสือเล่มนี้มากที่สุดก็คือ ตัวละครรองค่ะ

ไม่ใช่ว่าคนแต่งเขียนตัวละครรองไม่ได้เรื่องหรอกนะคะ แต่เป็นเพราะเธอเขียนได้ดีเกินไปต่างหาก

ยังไงน่ะเหรอ แม็กซ์ขอย้อนอดีตกันสักเล็กน้อยนะคะ

ในปี 2007 นั้น ซินดี้ เจอราร์ดยังไม่ได้เป็นนักเขียนระดับนิวยอร์คไทม์ หนังสือเรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มสุดท้ายในสัญญาที่เธอเซ็นต์ไว้กับสนพ.เซ็นต์มาร์ติน และนั่นคือเหตุผลใหญ่ที่เข้าใจได้ว่า ทำไมเธอถึงพยายามเขียนให้ตัวละครรองในเล่มนี้โดดเด่นยิ่งนัก ก็เพื่อที่จะทำให้นักอ่านเกิดความอย่างอ่านอย่างรุนแรง และสนพ.ตัดสินใจต่อสัญญาให้เธอได้เขียนต่อน่ะสิ

ซึ่งมันได้ผลเกินคาดค่ะ เพราะในท้ายที่สุดแล้ว ซินดี้ย้ายค่ายไปเขียนให้กับสนพ.พ็อตเก็ตบุ๊ค ด้วยสัญญาที่ร่ำลือกันว่าเป็นเลขหกหลัก และหนังสือเล่มแรกที่ออกกับสนพ.พ็อตเก็ตก็คือ เรื่องราวของตัวละครรองสุดเด่น ขโมยซีนคนนี้แหละ

เขามีนามว่ากาเบรียล โจนส์ เจ้าของฉายา อาร์คแองเจิ้ล ตัวละครรองผู้นี้คือหนึ่งในหน่วยปฏิบัติการลับที่ถูกส่งมาอาร์เจนติน่าเพื่อจัดการกับองค์กรอาชญากรรมที่ตาของเอมี่เป็นสมาชิกอยู่ และเขาคนนี้นี่เองที่เป็นผู้รวมรวบคน และอาวุธในการบุกโจมตี

เห็นอย่างนี้แล้วรู้สึกว่า ดัลลัส พระเอกของเราสู้เขาได้ไหมเนี่ย ในเมื่อดัลลัสเป็นแค่อดีตทหารผ่านศึกที่ผันตัวเองมาเป็นบอดี้การ์ด แต่กาเบรียล (ผู้มีฉายาแปลว่า อัครเทวทูต) โผล่มาแบบกรี๊ดสลบด้วยการฆ่าผู้ร้ายด้วยการปามีดครั้งเดียว

ไม่ว่ามองในมุมไหนดัลลัสก็เทียบกับกาเบรียลไม่ได้เลย

แม็กซ์ชอบหนังสือที่มีตัวละครรองที่น่าสนใจนะคะ แต่มันต้องไม่เด่นเกินหน้าตัวเอกค่ะ ซึ��งเล่มนี้ไม่เป็นอย่างนั้นถึงกระนั้นก็คงต้องบอกว่า แท็คติกคนแต่งได้ผลค่ะ เพราะหลังจากแม็กซ์อ่านเล่มนี้จบลงไปแล้ว ก็รีบไปหยิบเล่มของกาเบรียลมาอ่านในทันที (และกำลังอ่านอยู่ตอนนี้)

พูดถึงสิ่งที่ไม่ชอบแล้ว ขอพูดในสิ่งที่ชอบบ้างค่ะ

อย่างที่เกริ่นไปแล้ว ประเด็นเรื่องนางเอกถูกทารุณกรรมเป็นสิ่งที่แม็กซ์ไม่ค่อยชอบที่จะได้อ่านในหนังสือโรแมนซ์เลย และเล่มนี้เอมี่ก็โดนไปไม่น้อย สิ่งที่เล่มนี้ทำได้ดีมาก ๆ ก็คือ มันทำให้เราเชื่อได้ว่า เอมี่จะสามารถผ่านเรื่องราวเลวร้ายที่เกิดขึ้นกับเธอไปได้ เพราะเธอเข้มแข็งเพียงพอ แม็กซ์เชื่อในพัฒนาการทางอารมณ์ของตัวละครตัวนี้ เธอสามารถเอาชนะปีศาจในอดีตได้ และสามารถใช้ชีวิตโดยไม่ต้องฝันร้ายจากความทรงจำในอดีตได้ เธอเป็นตัวละครที่เข้มแข็ง และเราชอบวิธีการเขียนของคนแต่งค่ะ

คะแนนที่ 67

[MsRomanticReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most suspenseful story in the series. Gerard wrote a compelling plot with scenario that would make your hairs stand on end.

We met Amy back in book #3 To the Brink, when she, along with Darcy Prescott (Garrett) were rescued from jungles of the Philippines after being kidnapped. Darcy has only spent a short while in captivity, but for Amy it had been months. After months of torture and being raped, one of her rescuers was Dallas Garrett. Already then, there had been an instant attraction, but they each bore their own demons and scars thus effectively putting an end to whatever feelings they may have felt blossoming.

Amy Walker returns after narrowly escaping an attempt on her life. She's certain that her grandfather, Edward Walker, is behind it. With no where else to go, she flees back to the one man who can offer her solace and possibly protection, her hero, Dallas Garrett.

Dallas, who has been moody and in an emotional tailspin ever since Amy disappeared six months ago, can't believe that the woman he's been unable to get out of his mind suddenly shows up on his doorstep.

Amy wants to hunt her grandfather down and confront him about the crimes and atrocities he's committed, as well as to find her friend and journalist, Jenna McMillan, who has mysteriously disappeared. Dallas won't let her out of his sight and accompanies her to Buenos Aires. When they run into a spot of trouble, they find themselves teaming up with a bunch of undercover Special Forces troops (which is the set up for Ms Gerard's second series, Black Ops Inc..

The plot of this book was gripping and one can't help but wonder if something like this isn't possible. Once the action gets going, it's nail biting suspense all the way. The few interludes when Gabe and Jenna give in to their passion was to an extent heartbreaking and beautiful. When Gabe tells Jenna the truth about Angelina's death, I cried and cried some more. Not only was the visual horrific and sad, but it explained so much about Gabe and his actions towards pushing Jenna away. Luckily Jenna finds that Gabe is worth fighting for and puts everything on the line, her heart and her life.

This will remain my favorite book of the series so far and I will be re-reading it often. 10 stars (if I had five extra to give).

[Shabby Girl ~ aka Lady Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a naughty girl with this series as I started out with book 3 (Ethan and Darcy's story) simply because the story appealed to me the most of the first books. We were introduced to Amy, the h of this book, in book 3 and of course I just had to know her story - now - so here I am going from book 3 straight to book 6. I will go back and read the others as I really like this author's style.

Amy's story begins in book 3 when she is rescued by the Bodyguard series brothers, Nolan, Ethan and Dallas. They are there to rescue Darcy, Ethan's ex-wife, and they didn't know Amy was there as well, but of course they couldn't not rescue her.

She such a strong heroine. Just perfect really. Very strong to have survived what was thrown at her in book 3, but so vulnerable and lovely that you can't help but understand how the H, Dallas, is so drawn to her. Whilst in book 3 I was annoyed with the love at first sight story of Ethan and Darcy, with this couple, I totally got why they were attracted to each other.

Whilst we met Amy in book 3, we didn't find out much about her, just enough to whet our appetite and know we have future wonderful h in the making. In this book we find out about her life and watch her link back up with Dallas and how they fall in love.

Phew, a rollercoaster ride, with both of them falling hard and fast - well, they really did that in book 3 - and resisting it - especially Dallas. I actually became a bit misty-eyed towards the end when the H resisted a bit too much, a bit angsty, but wonderfully so.

I so wanted this couple together. Normally it's the H that makes a book for me, and whilst Dallas is definitely a wonderful H, so alpha, and so madly in love with, and protective of, Amy, this is a book where the heroine was the super-draw for me. I just loved her. I just loved them both together.

A great mixture of suspense and romance in the perfect recipe, and all in all I think I loved this better than my first Cindy Gerard book, book 3, To the Brink. I'm loving this new to me author.

Although I will go back eventually and read the other books in the bodyguard series, I'm super keen to read the next story, the first in the Black Ops series. During this book, we meet the H and h for the first Black Ops book, Show No Mercy, and whilst I pretty well can't stand reporters, I'm so intrigued with the H, Gabriel, I can't wait to move on to it.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5stars
When Dallas Garrett met Amy Walker in To the Brink it was not under the best circumstances but they both felt a strong attraction and worried over the amount of emotional baggage their relationship would involve. Without warning or word Amy walked away leaving Dallas mourning what could have been between them and the rest of her new friends wondering about her well-being. During the six months since she left Amy has uncovered a lot of memories and information with help from her friend journalist Jenna MacMillan that may contain her answers. Amy's grandfather and his associates have apparently been working with non-voluntary participants on secret behavior modification experiments. Finding out about the experiments and trying to locate her grandfather may be the reasons Amy was kidnapped before. Just as Amy is prepared to confront her grandfather, Jenna is missing and an attempt is made to kidnap Amy again instead she turns the tables on her assailant. After that near miss, the safest place Amy can think to be is in the shelter of Dallas Garret's arms. When Amy shows up on his doorstep Dallas doesn't hesitate to join her cause to mount a rescue and perhaps dismantle the company that has caused so much grief and suffering for so many people including her.
Uniting Dallas & Amy was a great idea in theory for the swan song of the series, but lacks a bit in execution. This installment had a feeling of redundancy because of the camp, abusers and kidnapping. But with the Garret brothers being emotionally invested in Amy's well-being and her effect on Dallas I wanted them on this adventure so I missed them a bit. Instead of the brothers a different slate of new secondary characters, some of which I could easily envision in future installments (but they are available in the Black Ops Inc. series). The chemistry between Amy & Dallas while strong here didn't seem to be as powerful as their first meeting. The villains were completely ruthless and remorseless for the misery they were caused - absolutely evil. The secondary couple here (Jenna and Sam) are featured in the origin story of the Black Ops series by this author.

[Thenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amy and Dallas finally get their happily ever after!

Amy, who's been through hell as we read in one of the previous books, is in trouble and the only person she trusts to help her is Dallas. He is more than a little surprised when she appears on his doorstep after six months of no word, but this time he's not content to let her leave again the same way.

She's very different from the weak victim of a woman she was when Dallas first met her, and can now hold her on and is determined to settle a score with the person responsible for turning her into a victim. Her search for him has put a friend in danger, and she needs Dallas's help to rescue her, while finally getting her revenge.

Engaging story that gives both Amy and Dallas the chance to finally put the past behind them and find happiness in their future.

This story introduces the couple of the first book of the Black-Ops series, Show No Mercy, Jenna and Gabriel. The two started bickering from the moment they first met, with sparks flying all over, and I'm looking forward to reading their story next.

Previous book reviews:
✦ Under the Wire (The Bodyguards, #5)
✦ Over the Line (The Bodyguards, #4)
✦ To the Brink (The Bodyguards, #3)
✦ To the Limit (The Bodyguards, #2)
✦ To the Edge (The Bodyguards, #1)

[Mtak91 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Loved the series overall. Action packed, yet less intense than the Black Ops series. I loved the relationship between the siblings; the constant ribbing, the jokes.

Ever since Amy and Dallas' story began in the third book I was intrigued. Dallas has shaped up to be my favorite male character in the series. I loved the fact that their relationship progressed over two books, gives it time to grow deeper, more intimate.

Unfortunately, when I discovered Cindy Gerard, I read the Black Ops series first, which is awesome btw. However, I was completely lost in the first book because there were events in this one that preceded it. I just wish that there was a note in the blurb advising the reader to start with this series before the Black Ops one so they can have the full picture. Alas, what's done is done, for me it was nice to go back and read the origins of Gabe and Jenna's relationship, their constant bickering was very amusing to read.

As usual, the series was very well written and eventful. The characters were well rounded, imperfect and interesting. The action was exciting and suspenseful, props for the writer for building up the events, tension and suspense to an exciting climax and an even better ending. I also loved that all the epilogues were during the croquet family gathering (if you can believe that yes this family takes their croquet very seriously).

Overall, great book and series. Enjoyable read.