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Ghost Squad #1
Damage
Keeping her safe will be his hardest assignment yet. . .
Reeling from trauma and divorce, Cara Halperin takes what should be a simple job with an expensive agency. As a nanny to rich children, she shouldn't have much to worry about, and her job is just complex enough to keep her from brooding. Unfortunately, the agency's sent her into a trap.
Vincent Desmarais wants to go back into the field, but instead, he's put on leave. The diagnosis? PTSD. No problem--he can pick up security work on the side to keep himself sharp--that is, if the side work isn't just as dangerous as the bloody places he's longing to get back to.
When the lights go out, Cara and her young charge have only one option: to trust the new security guy. Vincent finds himself unwilling to abandon them to fate or let them out of his sight. If the trio wants to stay alive, they've got to trust each other. . .
. . .but that may just be what their enemies are counting on.
Reeling from trauma and divorce, Cara Halperin takes what should be a simple job with an expensive agency. As a nanny to rich children, she shouldn't have much to worry about, and her job is just complex enough to keep her from brooding. Unfortunately, the agency's sent her into a trap.
Vincent Desmarais wants to go back into the field, but instead, he's put on leave. The diagnosis? PTSD. No problem--he can pick up security work on the side to keep himself sharp--that is, if the side work isn't just as dangerous as the bloody places he's longing to get back to.
When the lights go out, Cara and her young charge have only one option: to trust the new security guy. Vincent finds himself unwilling to abandon them to fate or let them out of his sight. If the trio wants to stay alive, they've got to trust each other. . .
. . .but that may just be what their enemies are counting on.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2021
27 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Lilith Saintcrow
140 books4,510 followersLilith Saintcrow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as a child, and fell in love with writing stories when she was ten years old. She and her library co-habitate in Vancouver, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 29, 2021
Really nice. Wonder if it's the start of a new series? With Vincent's old crew getting out of the Service?
April 13, 2021
This book would need a good editing to begin with and then I don't understand why it is labelled a romance, as the romance is absolutely non-existent, at most there are a couple of dirty thoughts from him about her.
I was completely disappointed and to think that I had asked for this book because I had never read this author. Now the reason is clear to me.
Questo libro avrebbe bisogno di un buon editing, tanto per cominciare e poi non capisco come mai venga etichettato come romance, visto che la storia d'amore é assolutamente inesistente, al massimo ci sono un paio di pensieri sconci da parte di lui sulla lei.
Sono rimasta completamente delusa e pensare che avevo chiesto questo libro perché non avevo mai letto questa autrice. Ora mi é chiara la ragione.
I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
I was completely disappointed and to think that I had asked for this book because I had never read this author. Now the reason is clear to me.
Questo libro avrebbe bisogno di un buon editing, tanto per cominciare e poi non capisco come mai venga etichettato come romance, visto che la storia d'amore é assolutamente inesistente, al massimo ci sono un paio di pensieri sconci da parte di lui sulla lei.
Sono rimasta completamente delusa e pensare che avevo chiesto questo libro perché non avevo mai letto questa autrice. Ora mi é chiara la ragione.
I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
May 28, 2023
This author is hit or miss for me. The series I like, I really like, but other books I try and they don't work for me. Sadly this one feel into the second category for me. I'm not sure if I can even pin down why, I liked Cara and hated how trapped it seemed she was in her job, was indifferent to Vincent, other than I hated to see him hurt and pushed to the side lines. Alan, was so gross, I hated seeing him on the page. Whatever it was, this one just wasn't for me.
October 25, 2022
Heartwarming
I love stories about veterans and warriors. I loved this story, about heartache and nightmares and surviving. Eddie was adorable. And Cara and Vincent are the best.
I love stories about veterans and warriors. I loved this story, about heartache and nightmares and surviving. Eddie was adorable. And Cara and Vincent are the best.
November 13, 2021
Cara Helperin is working as a nanny for a mysterious, and not necessarily honest man named Marquez in order to get over some personal trauma. She really likes young Eddy and is getting pretty good at standing up for him with his father. If only she could say the same about her boss's second in command Alan de la Cruz whom she thinks of as Dracula Cowboy, but he is just plain creepy.
Vincent Desmarais is a First Lieutenant who is on leave because of battle fatigue and possible PTSD which he isn't taking well. He goes to a friend looking for some "off the books" work to keep him busy until he can convince his doctors that he's okay to go back into active duty. He finds himself working for Marquez.
Things start to go wrong when Marquez takes off on one of his trips and brings Alan with him. All of a sudden all the rest of security and the household staff are given time off leaving Vincent, Cara, and Eddie alone in the house. A kidnapping attempt at the Mall and a home invasion send the three of them on the run trying to figure out what is going on. The police response to the Mall kidnapping attempt makes them believe that they can't depend on the police. They are on their own against an unknown number of enemies.
Lots of exciting action ensues. I enjoyed getting to know both Cara and Vincent who are both wounded but struggling to heal. I like the way they learn to trust and care for each other. Eddie was a sweet child. I could easily understand how both Cara and Vincent could come to love him.
Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this one.
Vincent Desmarais is a First Lieutenant who is on leave because of battle fatigue and possible PTSD which he isn't taking well. He goes to a friend looking for some "off the books" work to keep him busy until he can convince his doctors that he's okay to go back into active duty. He finds himself working for Marquez.
Things start to go wrong when Marquez takes off on one of his trips and brings Alan with him. All of a sudden all the rest of security and the household staff are given time off leaving Vincent, Cara, and Eddie alone in the house. A kidnapping attempt at the Mall and a home invasion send the three of them on the run trying to figure out what is going on. The police response to the Mall kidnapping attempt makes them believe that they can't depend on the police. They are on their own against an unknown number of enemies.
Lots of exciting action ensues. I enjoyed getting to know both Cara and Vincent who are both wounded but struggling to heal. I like the way they learn to trust and care for each other. Eddie was a sweet child. I could easily understand how both Cara and Vincent could come to love him.
Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this one.
December 9, 2021
I liked it. The love the nanny had for the little boy was wonderful. But do not be fooled, this is not a romance novel.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
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I took off 1 star for the constant flashbacks to the heroine's miscarriage. She constantly thinks about blood all over her legs and the bed, her husband telling her it's a relief since he wants a divorce, she cradles her stomach and is angry her body rejected her baby. It was heavy stuff.
I took another star off because there is no sex in this book. None. In the epilogue hero and heroine are living happily ever after (also with the little boy Eddie she was taking care of as a nanny) in a house together. He calls them Mami and Dad.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S..............
I took off 1 star for the constant flashbacks to the heroine's miscarriage. She constantly thinks about blood all over her legs and the bed, her husband telling her it's a relief since he wants a divorce, she cradles her stomach and is angry her body rejected her baby. It was heavy stuff.
I took another star off because there is no sex in this book. None. In the epilogue hero and heroine are living happily ever after (also with the little boy Eddie she was taking care of as a nanny) in a house together. He calls them Mami and Dad.
April 4, 2021
Short, sharp, FUN. I don't have much to say on this one except I enjoyed it a lot, and look forward to seeing more in this series.
April 17, 2021
After suffering a loss and a divorce Cara has taken a job as a nanny. A well paying job taking care of the son of a rich business man... it should be simple right? Even if she dislikes her employer and has to deal with an insufferable head of security she loves Eddie her 6 year old charge. She knows she violating the agency’s policy on getting attached but she can’t help but love the boy and he loves her. Eventually she will have to let him go... that is the plight of a nanny after all. Everything is going reasonably fine until one day it’s not...
Vince is reluctantly on medical leave from the army and running from his own demons. He takes a temporary security job that brings him into Cara’s life. His job protecting a child and his nanny should be easy. Except nothing about this job goes quite the way it’s supposed to. Vince and Cara find themselves in the middle of a dangerous situation and have to rely on each other to keep themselves and the young child in their care safe. But just how safe is it to trust a stranger? What’s really going on? Who is out to get them? Why? And will they make it out alive?
I liked this book though admittedly the romance in it doesn’t actually exist. I mean I can get going through all the crazy could bring you together but it was kinda like he was attracted to her and most of the time she was focused on the child. The story was good though held my attention and little Eddie melts your heart and you just can’t help but love him. The end does kind of come on rather abruptly but it wasn’t bad. I’ve only ever read the author’s steampunk series so this is my first of her more contemporary works. Looking forward to more in the series.
Vince is reluctantly on medical leave from the army and running from his own demons. He takes a temporary security job that brings him into Cara’s life. His job protecting a child and his nanny should be easy. Except nothing about this job goes quite the way it’s supposed to. Vince and Cara find themselves in the middle of a dangerous situation and have to rely on each other to keep themselves and the young child in their care safe. But just how safe is it to trust a stranger? What’s really going on? Who is out to get them? Why? And will they make it out alive?
I liked this book though admittedly the romance in it doesn’t actually exist. I mean I can get going through all the crazy could bring you together but it was kinda like he was attracted to her and most of the time she was focused on the child. The story was good though held my attention and little Eddie melts your heart and you just can’t help but love him. The end does kind of come on rather abruptly but it wasn’t bad. I’ve only ever read the author’s steampunk series so this is my first of her more contemporary works. Looking forward to more in the series.
May 7, 2021
Ok - I am going to show how old I am without saying how old I am....Do you remember seeing the movie Speed for the first time? And it was so exciting and kept you on the edge of your seat? And all you really wanted was for Keanu Reeves to kiss Sandra Bullock? This book completely gives you that feeling. A ton of action and suspense - all mixed in with serious attraction between the two leads.
Cara is working as a live-in-nanny after a devastating miscarriage and divorce. The six year old boy she is working with is adorable and smart - but his father is a very dangerous man who do not make money in a strictly legal way. Vincent is active duty military - on leave due to battle fatigue. He takes an under-the-table job to provide security for Cara's boss while he will be away on business. Pretty much as soon as Vince shows up - he knows that something isn't right.
I adored Cara and Vince - and felt like as fast as things moved in the story - their relationship moved at a pace that I could understand and didn't feel rushed.
Overall - if you love romantic suspense - I recommend this for you!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Cara is working as a live-in-nanny after a devastating miscarriage and divorce. The six year old boy she is working with is adorable and smart - but his father is a very dangerous man who do not make money in a strictly legal way. Vincent is active duty military - on leave due to battle fatigue. He takes an under-the-table job to provide security for Cara's boss while he will be away on business. Pretty much as soon as Vince shows up - he knows that something isn't right.
I adored Cara and Vince - and felt like as fast as things moved in the story - their relationship moved at a pace that I could understand and didn't feel rushed.
Overall - if you love romantic suspense - I recommend this for you!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
April 12, 2021
I've long been a fan of this authors urban fantasy stories and was quite keen to read this new contemporary series. Yes technically its a romance but honestly this was a character driven story with action that just happened to have a smidgen of feel good romance.
Cara has been working for a few months as a Nanny to Eddie a young boy with a somewhat aloof father. Cara appears unflappable on the outside but inside she's a seething mass of emotions following a heartbreaking event.
Vincent is on leave as the doctors fear he's close to burn out but he cannot just sit around so takes a security job temporarily. His assignment to help guard a Nanny and her charge quickly takes an odd turn when suddenly the rest of the staff just disappear ! Vincent quickly realises this isn't normal and as his hackles start to rise all his instincts scream out at him that danger is coming their way.
I particularly liked the way the author let us know what the characters were thinking as this story unfolded. As much as I had sympathy for Cara I did feel that Vincent's point of view was written in a way that had me eagerly turning the pages. As I read I couldn't help but wonder how the tricky issue of Eddie's father would be resolved but I think the ending felt perfect and made me smile. Quite a quick read and what many would call clean I think but very enjoyable with characters that I liked.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Cara has been working for a few months as a Nanny to Eddie a young boy with a somewhat aloof father. Cara appears unflappable on the outside but inside she's a seething mass of emotions following a heartbreaking event.
Vincent is on leave as the doctors fear he's close to burn out but he cannot just sit around so takes a security job temporarily. His assignment to help guard a Nanny and her charge quickly takes an odd turn when suddenly the rest of the staff just disappear ! Vincent quickly realises this isn't normal and as his hackles start to rise all his instincts scream out at him that danger is coming their way.
I particularly liked the way the author let us know what the characters were thinking as this story unfolded. As much as I had sympathy for Cara I did feel that Vincent's point of view was written in a way that had me eagerly turning the pages. As I read I couldn't help but wonder how the tricky issue of Eddie's father would be resolved but I think the ending felt perfect and made me smile. Quite a quick read and what many would call clean I think but very enjoyable with characters that I liked.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
October 25, 2021
A Good Story of Protecting a Compound During a Party with a Nany, A 6 Year Old and a Wealthy New Rich of Unknown Income Sources
Not the typical Saintcrow novel, written more like a Tess Gerrittson tale tag her usual paranormal stories. There's the lecherous security head, leering at the nanny the boss hired to look after his six year old, when e,tra security was hired for one of his famous parties, he got a military squad leader on forced medical leave. Afterwards, the boss and his head of security left for 'business,' which wasn't abnormal. What was unusual was there was no other staff left on the property. Just the nanny, the boy and this burned out hulk of z military man to do security where there's normally a full team. To Vincent, this just smelled bad. He didn't know when it would come, but he knew it would come and he had to prepare his charges - without scaring them or having them believe he was just paranoid.
Not the typical Saintcrow novel, written more like a Tess Gerrittson tale tag her usual paranormal stories. There's the lecherous security head, leering at the nanny the boss hired to look after his six year old, when e,tra security was hired for one of his famous parties, he got a military squad leader on forced medical leave. Afterwards, the boss and his head of security left for 'business,' which wasn't abnormal. What was unusual was there was no other staff left on the property. Just the nanny, the boy and this burned out hulk of z military man to do security where there's normally a full team. To Vincent, this just smelled bad. He didn't know when it would come, but he knew it would come and he had to prepare his charges - without scaring them or having them believe he was just paranoid.
April 30, 2023
Kicking tail feathers and taking names, but still a sweet story
A vet suffering with mild PTSD, accepts a private sector assignment watching and protecting a young boy and his lovely an devoted nanny.... By as this unfold, it become obvious the boy's father has some dubious criminal ties and greedy hands are after the boy and his nanny.... and the boy's father, himself.Romance sparks fly as the vet tries to protect his two assignments and realizes his heart is now serious involved. The " kick butt" action and tough heroine that Saintcrow is known for writing with a tough and dangerous vet for their bodyguard...with a heart that is becoming very entwined. Great heart warming story!
A vet suffering with mild PTSD, accepts a private sector assignment watching and protecting a young boy and his lovely an devoted nanny.... By as this unfold, it become obvious the boy's father has some dubious criminal ties and greedy hands are after the boy and his nanny.... and the boy's father, himself.Romance sparks fly as the vet tries to protect his two assignments and realizes his heart is now serious involved. The " kick butt" action and tough heroine that Saintcrow is known for writing with a tough and dangerous vet for their bodyguard...with a heart that is becoming very entwined. Great heart warming story!
June 18, 2024
A while back the author wrote some romantic type novels, and I always thought she was likely under a Harlequin contract- obligated to write crappy romances, and biding her time for better options as a more experienced author (her Working for the Devil and Night Shift series are good) and those older works of cheese were in her past; but apparently not. I had to double check the release date (2021) to make sure this wasn't one of those older flops.
I don't know why but this author is either great with grimy nasty kick ass series or horrible at romantic standalones (with the exception of The Librarian's Demon and Selene).
I don't know why but this author is either great with grimy nasty kick ass series or horrible at romantic standalones (with the exception of The Librarian's Demon and Selene).
April 4, 2021
Romantic Suspense!
Wow! This is a fast read. Mainly because I couldn’t put it down. Cara is a woman hiding from the traumas in her past. And Vincent is a soldier doing the same. They get thrown together protecting 6 year old Eduardo. And the ensuing battle forges their bonds. Thank you Lilith Saintcrow for coming back to romantic suspense! I hope there are plenty more to come!
Wow! This is a fast read. Mainly because I couldn’t put it down. Cara is a woman hiding from the traumas in her past. And Vincent is a soldier doing the same. They get thrown together protecting 6 year old Eduardo. And the ensuing battle forges their bonds. Thank you Lilith Saintcrow for coming back to romantic suspense! I hope there are plenty more to come!
April 11, 2021
This is a great series starter. I read it in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. The story evolved so smoothly and Eddie is just adorable. Putting a displaced soldier with a yoga practicing nanny really worked. I highly recommend this book. It is a great read with a sweet ending. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and freely leave this honest review.
February 5, 2022
A good romantic suspence full of action and fun to read. Well developed characters, fast paced plot, and a lot of fun.
It's been a long time since last i read Lilith Saintcrow and she didn't lost her skill in writing gripping plots.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's been a long time since last i read Lilith Saintcrow and she didn't lost her skill in writing gripping plots.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 29, 2021
Damage: A Ghost Squad Novel
This was an interesting book, written in a style that wasn’t cloying or clingy. It made the impossible come true. Even though it wasn’t paranormal, Vincent and Cara - and even Eddie - could have been.
This was an interesting book, written in a style that wasn’t cloying or clingy. It made the impossible come true. Even though it wasn’t paranormal, Vincent and Cara - and even Eddie - could have been.
May 3, 2021
Picked up this book without reading the blurb. It's Ms. Saintcrow and I always read what she writes. This is a straight up romance without any paranormal. Since I didn't read the blurb, the suspense part and nanny job threw me.
When it comes to characters with a painful past, Ms. Saintcrow excels in creating them. Cara Halperin is a nanny to a precocious little boy. Cara's story of why she became a caregiver to someone else's child is tragic and moving. I am surprised she chose this vocation. It takes a strong person to try and move on by seeing and becoming close to something she so desperately wants.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
When it comes to characters with a painful past, Ms. Saintcrow excels in creating them. Cara Halperin is a nanny to a precocious little boy. Cara's story of why she became a caregiver to someone else's child is tragic and moving. I am surprised she chose this vocation. It takes a strong person to try and move on by seeing and becoming close to something she so desperately wants.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
September 17, 2024
Damage + Damage = contentment
This goes from a Dr's cubical discussing more care including medication, to body guarding a child and nanny. The other adult keeps flashing to the words 'relief any way'.
This goes from a Dr's cubical discussing more care including medication, to body guarding a child and nanny. The other adult keeps flashing to the words 'relief any way'.
April 5, 2022
Romantic suspense with a military hero and a nanny-to-the-rich heroine. Characters that grabbed me and loads of tension. A quick read.
November 28, 2022
Military Romance
Great read! This was hard to put down & found myself thinking about it when I wasn't actively reading it.
Great read! This was hard to put down & found myself thinking about it when I wasn't actively reading it.
May 5, 2023
I really enjoyed the story telling and characters in this book. Will definitely read it again.
October 6, 2023
A bit short but action packed! Klemperer's story is next!
December 25, 2024
Action and Romance
Not your typical action romance novel, but well worked. Nice to see it from both sides of the coin. Just wish there was more of the after with the happy part.
Not your typical action romance novel, but well worked. Nice to see it from both sides of the coin. Just wish there was more of the after with the happy part.
March 29, 2022
Lilith Saintcrow is one of my favourite authors. I just love the way she puts words together. She paints a picture with every carefully crafted sentence. She is the queen of nuance and the god of broken characters.
Her writing isn't for everyone, I am aware of that. I am pretty sure actually that a lot of people will hate her writing, but that's ok because I love it.
That aside, I really liked this book. The plot wasn't by any means earth shattering, but it was well told and had it's own spin and unique characters so I am well satisfied. I would for sure recommend this book, but if you haven't read anything byLilith Saintcrow I would suggest reading the preview to make sure you are ok with the writing.
I have one gripe, actually not a gripe, more of a comment. This is the third book by Lilith Saintcrow I've read (and I haven't read all of them) that involved a miscarriage/children dying/abortion I know those are all technically different things but they have a similar sort of sorrow to them and a definite pattern. I'm not sure if it's accidental or some sort of self-therapy but its kind of... distressing might be the right word. I'm not saying that it took away from the story, but it certainly is something.
Her writing isn't for everyone, I am aware of that. I am pretty sure actually that a lot of people will hate her writing, but that's ok because I love it.
That aside, I really liked this book. The plot wasn't by any means earth shattering, but it was well told and had it's own spin and unique characters so I am well satisfied. I would for sure recommend this book, but if you haven't read anything byLilith Saintcrow I would suggest reading the preview to make sure you are ok with the writing.
I have one gripe, actually not a gripe, more of a comment. This is the third book by Lilith Saintcrow I've read (and I haven't read all of them) that involved a miscarriage/children dying/abortion I know those are all technically different things but they have a similar sort of sorrow to them and a definite pattern. I'm not sure if it's accidental or some sort of self-therapy but its kind of... distressing might be the right word. I'm not saying that it took away from the story, but it certainly is something.
December 12, 2023
Couldn't keep my attention. I kept drifting off, the two main characters didn't have much of a connection. I felt a lot of content was missing.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews