One little girl.
Two bodyguards.
Only one chance to guard their hearts.
Protection Inc. co-owner, Carissa Jones, an ex-cop turned bodyguard, has one goal—keep her young client safe. When her business partner brings in a new guy to help, she discovers her heart desires more. Can she still do her job and follow her heart without compromising her client’s safety?
Marc Olsen, a former Military … heart without compromising her client’s safety?
Marc Olsen, a former Military Police officer, struggles to find his way as a civilian. He agrees to help out an old friend for the summer. He gets more than he bargained for when he’s assigned to work with the feisty co-owner of Protection Inc.
When sparks fly faster than bullets, will the bodyguards be distracted from their task, or will they work together as an even stronger team?
Read Direct Threat today.
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Certain Threat is the third book on the series but can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed reading it and will read other books by the author including the first 2 in this series, Direct Threat and Imminent Threat, suspense, romance and faith all play a key part in this story. Private security, police and FBI are all involved, too. Good book. This book was provided by Celebrate Lit and the Author for my review. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
Great start to the series
My rating is 4.5 stars
“How hard can it be to protect a ten-year-old girl?”
Talk about famous last words!
Direct Threat was an entertaining story with a great balance of suspense and romance. I was impressed with the skill the author used to stretch out the time of just watching and waiting for something to happen, to slowly build the suspense. The timing was just right. Any more of the waiting and it would have gotten boring. If she had broken the wait too soon and the story wouldn’t have been as believable.
There was a bit of misdirection and Carissa wasn’t sure who could be trusted. I second-guessed myself and flip-flopped about who I thought the kidnapper would be. I was surprised by what happened when this person was revealed!
As Marc and Carissa worked together to keep Olivia safe, Marc grew in his faith and learned the power of the God who hears our prayers. Carissa had to learn that God can do all things; that even when we are weak, He is strong.
Olivia was a drama queen and was very unhappy about having to be followed around by a nanny. Unaware of the danger she was in, she pretty much just wanted her own way. As with many kids her age, Olivia was sometimes sweet and loving and at other times was close to throwing a tantrum.
If you like your suspense a little on the lighter side and mixed with romance, Direct Threat is a great book to add to your reading list. But don’t just leave it there, be sure to read it!
Read my review of Direct Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I think this was the first book I read by Kimberly Rose Johnson, but it wasn’t my last. I quickly read through the next two books in the series, and I will definitely read more books by this talented author.
This book was a nice mix of romance and suspense, but had a touch more suspense than romance. I enjoyed the setting and the story. The little girl certainly gave them a run for their money.
Give this one a read.
A child in danger, parents who want their child protected, a company that provided protection come together to make a spellbinding story. Carissa Jones is a bodyguard and along with her partner Frank, she works to keep her client safe. But Marc, Frank’s friend/brother enters the picture, and sparks begin to fly between Marc and Carissa.
A friend of Marc’s enters the picture and causes more questions than answers about why he is actually there. Carissa’s childhood friend Julie keeps coming around but does not set off red flags. Yet the team knows someone is after Olivia.
Olivia demonstrates all the headstrong tendencies of a 9-year-old who is too smart for her own good. Initially kept in the dark about what is going on and why Carissa is there because of Olivia’s parents, Carissa comes to the point where explaining to Olivia why she is really there is the only option.
Linda, the girl’s grandmother, resents the intrusion in her home, to begin with of the security team. But based on certain things that happen, she recognizes the need for them to be there. The love Linda and her husband have for their granddaughter shines through pages of the book. I would love to read more books about this team of bodyguards. I have a feeling there is a lot more stories to be told.
This book illustrates the power of faith and family. So check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This sweet little suspense novel offers a good summer read. A private protection company is charged with protecting the young daughter of a couple involved in research that has made them targets of those who wish to exploit them. The team’s bodyguard work takes them to the Oregon Coast, but they don’t come to enjoy an idyllic vacation. Who may have found them, or are they being too suspicious? Several possibilities lurk as potential suspects who want to kidnap their client. Hopefully, they can meet the challenge. The characters and situations seem realistic, and I enjoyed the virtual trip to my state’s shoreline. If you’re looking for a cozy romantic suspense, this should fill the bill. It’s a quick read, so it can be finished in an afternoon. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
The first book in Kimberly Rose Johnson’s new Protection Inc series, Direct Threat delivers an action-filled suspense that will keep readers guessing until its very end. The story features the two co-owners of a northwestern protection agency as well as a newcomer who has been invited to work with them on a new case. Protecting the young daughter of their clients at her grandparents’ secure home on the Oregon coast should be a piece of cake but turns out to be just a bit more difficult than expected. An uncooperative ten-year-old is the least of their problems.
The author provides a vivid backdrop to the tale and her characters are well rounded and believable. New characters arrive on the scene throughout the book and some of them seemed fairly suspicious to me. I loved how the author managed to keep me fooled almost to the end although I had begun to wonder about a certain person.
I thoroughly enjoyed Direct Threat and will be looking forward to the next book of this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Suspense, intrigue, action were all over this book. I liked the flow of the story, the plot and the characters.
I liked how Clarissa turned her pain into a mission and protected her clients. I liked her bond with the little Olivia. Marc’s entry into the story was stellar and I liked how he loved to love life, taking risks and how his faith took a good boast. His instinct gave the story a good flavour.
The author did a good job and I recommend this book to anyone who loves actions and crime books. I recieved a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Two partners, cops, decide that they’ve had enough and are ready to leave their jobs. But they’re not ready to be jobless. Instead, they create their own business. Now they provide protection to people who need to be kept safe who might fall through the cracks.
Carissa is the younger of the two partners and her job is to keep a child safe. When her partner brings on a new person to their work she’s not sure what to think. But then sparks start flying between the two and she’s not sure if she’s ready for this. Can she keep her client safe and her heart intact? Or must she surrender one?
The author does a great job of weaving this story. I couldn’t put it down. The characters drew me in. They felt real and definitely become friends.
This book is a clean title. There is no questionable content within. You’ll just get lots of good solid faith, people doing what’s right, and it’s full of suspense and mystery.
Olivia is a cute sweet 10 year old with a penchant for getting in trouble while being guarded but she also steals all the hearts along the way and I really enjoyed her as well as Marc, Carissa, and Frank.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This book starts out with action, shots fired, and doesn’t let go until the end.
Greed sure brings out the evil in some people and some the characters the author offers us in this read, sure hit the mark.
Ex-police officers have formed their new business in the first book in this new series, Protection Inc, and we meet the new bodyguards, as they begin their new business. We are given Carissa and Frank, well to begin with, more are added as the need arises.
This job involves guarding a ten year old girl, Olivia, and although she is a handful, she is smart and delightful! She does give them a run for their money, and we wonder as the story unfolds if they will be successful?
A great start of this new series, and am looking forward to the next chapter!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
Direct Threat, #1 Protection, Inc, by Kimberly Rose Johnson is a welcome addition to my reading library. The dark water and cloud dominated cover draws one into a curious mindset as to what has caused the sinister setting. I am always happy to find titles that have double-entendres, bringing the story together even more. Carissa Jones (CJ) and her partner, Frank Davis, ex-police, have joined forces to form Protection, Inc. In this first book of the series, they are protecting a ten-year-old girl from her father’s enemies.
Why might you like this book? It is romantic suspense, with a very viable reason why the romance should be kept on the back burner.
It is clean and inspirational, with a clear message about the importance of a genuine relationship with God. Yet the message is broken up into little bites and introduced as it might naturally come up in conversation.
Johnson puts a child in the center of the action. Olivia is sometimes adorable, sometimes precocious, and headstrong. True-to-life. The difficulties encountered with the family whose child/grandchild was being protected were very believable. The suspense level was just right for me- while there were terror-filled moments, but nothing reached horror-level. And the book took under a day to read. Perfect length. What could make this book better? The fact that the second in the series, Imminent Threat, is already available.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.
One of the best things about being a book blogger, is the opportunity to discover authors that I may not have discovered on my own. This author, is new to me. Once I started this book, I went and looked up her other books available to see if I had heard any of them. This will be an author to keep an eye on.
This is the first book in the Protector Inc Series. It starts out with shots fired, lots of action and does not stop until the end. I started this book about an hour before the normal bed time one night – and had to pull my self away so that I could get a decent amount of sleep. Carve out a chunk of time to read this book.
In the first book of the series, we meet Carissa and Marc. They are part of a group of bodyguards that are tasked with protecting the life of a 10 year old girl. The girls father has been working on some top secret stuff – that someone else wants. They will stop at nothing to try and get the project.
Olivia, has no idea what kind of danger she is in. She is sent to her grandparents home to spend her summer. Carissa is tagging along as her “nanny”. Carissa is a former police officer who has some amazing surveillance skills. Olivia’s grand parents are not thrilled with having bodyguards on the property and make it known they feel she is safe…. However, on the day that they fly to the grandparents home, Olivia’s home is shot at.
Marc is former military. He worked with Carissa’s partner and they go way back. He does not think he has what it takes to be a body guard. He doubts that he will do a good job. Carissa is not aware at first that Marc will be joining their team. However, when they meet – sparks fly.
Can they keep their budding romance under wraps? Can they keep focus on Olivia? Will they survive by the end of the book?
Read to find out.
I cannot wait until the next book in the series. This will be an author I will look for her new releases. The storyline keeps your adrenaline going. The characters are so real feeling. This story is full of faith, suspense, romance and so much action.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
Readers are in for a treat with this romantic suspense. The author does a great job of slipping in surprises throughout the story. Carissa is a determined woman who will stop at nothing to protect her client. I don’t think she was exactly thrilled to find out her client she would be protecting was a stubborn young girl. I liked the idea of a bodyguard business and how dangerous it can be at times.
Olivia is a handful right away as Carissa comes in to be her “nanny.” I knew Olivia would figure out soon that Carissa was not really a nanny. The premise of the story is surrounded by something Olivia’s dad is working on. It reminds me of an espionage where the bad guys want to get hold of a secret and use it for bad. I hoped as the story progressed we would find out what was so important that people were willing to kidnap Olivia over. That was never revealed so I’m not sure if that was intentional or if it is addressed in the next book. One thing is for sure, I will be reading the next book to find out.
Marc was a good character but I thought his attraction to Carissa was a bit rushed. There were times when his attention was more on Carissa than his job. The faith element is good and I was especially pleased with one character’s desire to rededicate their life to Christ. That part of the story was well written and showed that God is always there to comfort us .
I had several suspects on my radar and couldn’t wait to find out if I was right. The author did a good job of throwing me off track a few times which made me read faster. It is a very clean read with intrigue that does keep you guessing. The ending is suspenseful and I loved how the author wrote Carissa as a strong female who could handle difficult situations.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Direct Threat
Direct threat is a very suspenseful story. Carissa and her coworker’s are hired to protect an ten year old girl. Carissa is pretending to be a nanny. She gets to do a lot of fun activities with Olivia. Unfortunately one of those end up being kidnapped together.
I enjoyed Olivia, of course it is always fun to have young children in a book. I loved the horse back riding scenes.
This is first book in the series. I am looking forward to reading the next book. To see what type of adventures the characters get into.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
What a fabulous beginning to a new series! Protection Inc. grew out of two law enforcement specialists that decided to go into business for themselves. Carissa and Frank have worked together for a number of years, so it was a relatively easy transition to a new line of work. Protecting a child, however, was new to them. Since her father is working on a super sensitive government project, ten year old Olivia has become a target for those that would prefer he doesn’t complete that assignment. But what on earth do you do with a 10 year old for the whole summer? After all, you can only spend so many days exploring tide pools!
Seemingly benign friends are introduced into the story causing the plot to thicken, leaving you wondering if they are who they say they are. Add to that an unpredictable child, and you have a mixture that is sure to become a disaster. Toss in a little romance, and you have a story you won’t put down until you have reached that last period. The stage has been set – hold on to your seats and be ready for a rough ride!
This ARC was received through Sweet Rose Press and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
This is the first book by Kimberly Rose Johnson that I have read and it is an interesting romantic suspense with surprising plot twists. The security/protective detail company is a tried-and-true favorite trope for this genre but having a woman co-owner of the company and having her romantically interested in an employee and not the one she’s assigned to protect are details that made the plot unique.
Marc is former military police who hasn’t found the right purpose and calling as a civilian. Carissa is former police, now managing and working a private protection company with her former police partner Frank. Frank hires on Marc and both Marc and Carissa are loyal and dedicated to their jobs as the team seeks to protect a ten year old Olivia from those who want to use her to stall her father’s important research. The plot moves at a good pace and the plot twists are definitely gasp-worthy. Unfortunately I didn’t connect fully with any of the characters and sometimes felt confused by the secondary characters’ actions (mainly Frank and Olivia). Additionally the ending didn’t tie up all the loose ends of the suspense component for me. Regardless I am now invested in how the lives of the other characters involved in Protection Inc. will play out and will be following the series. If you enjoy romantic suspense, especially one that you can read in one sitting, you will enjoy this book.
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Why You Should Totally Read Direct Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson:
* It’s the first book in a new series!
* The characters are great!
* It’s suspenseful!
* There’s danger and villains lurking around the shadows!
* There’s great faith-sharing moments!
* There is no cringeworthy content and is a very clean read!
* Bonus points for keeping me guessing the entire time about a character’s loyalty!
Direct Threat, Protection Inc Book One, is available NOW! Purchase your print or electronic copy at http://www.amazon.com. While you’re there, why not go ahead and preorder Imminent Threat which is available on June 30? The finale of this series is slated for September.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from author Kimberly Rose Johnson. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Carissa is trying to keep Olivia safe but she doesn’t always cooperate. Enter the new guy Marc who is there to keep away the bad guys. Carissa and Marc have an immediate attraction that may get in their way of doing their jobs. Not to give anything away but there were a few surprises. I thought this was a great beginning to a new series and I am looking forward to book 2.
Filled with action, mystery, intrigue and the adventures of protecting a child who has a great mind for exploring and doing things on her own. Will friendships be formed or broken? Who can be trusted? This story kept me guessing. Great read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.