She must choose between the man who represents the law and the one who may have taken it into his own hands.Neglected by her parents for most of her life, Nicole Hunter keeps everyone, especially men, at arms’ length. So when Attorney Gage Kelly walks into the diner where she is waiting tables one evening, she fights her attraction to him with everything she has. Gage and his brother Holden grew … grew up in an abusive home, and Gage has baggage of his own. But the connection between him and Nicole is too strong to ignore, and Gage manages to convince them both that their relationship is worth the risk. Then children begin disappearing in the night.When Detective Daniel Grey starts to close in on the child snatcher, and enlists Nicole’s help, she faces her deepest fear. Everything and everyone she has clung to so tightly could be ripped from her, leaving her completely alone.Except for one.
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This is my first book by Sara and I’m a forever fan! Her characters are deep and complex. You’re not just reading about the characters’ actions but understanding the “why” of the whole person. It makes for a story you can jump into, thus escaping the real world for a while. A complicated story with constant twists and turns. Awesome!! On to book two!
Intense suspense, well developed characters, romantic intensity, difficult choices, love … I couldn’t put it down- just bought the second in the series
Vigilant by Sara Davison was my first read/listen by this author but it definitely won’t be my last! I’m so glad I took a chance on this book since even though it’s not a genre I usually read, I was completely hooked and couldn’t let go of it!
Yes, there’s a love triangle, (and I’m usually not a fan of those) but the way the author wrote it was so skillful I couldn’t help but look forward to each of the “meet-cutes”. Nicole Hunter definitely made for an interesting main character, and I really wanted to give her a hug (not that she’d let me, lol) thanks to everything she’s been through. And while, yes, some of her decisions are at odds with what we’re led to believe about her character from the beginning, I still wanted to see where this story would take her.
As for Gage Kelly and Detective Daniel Grey (the love interests), while it’s true that I preferred one to the other, I still enjoyed the fact that we got both their POVs since that definitely enriched the experience. I also didn’t saw coming some of the twists present in this book, so a shout out to the author for creating such a compelling story. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
As for the narrator, while it’s true that he’s the second male narrator I’ve ever listened to, and his female voices took me a bit to get used to, he still managed to bring every single character to life, as well as hit pretty much most of the nuances and inflections stated in the story.
Side note: I’ve always wondered about the gasps and sighs that most authors write but which most narrators just read (but don’t act). In this case, I didn’t have to wonder anymore and ended up liking them for the most part (they just make the characters more real, you know?).
So, if you’re a fan of the Christian Romantic Suspense genre, and/or you’re looking for a thought-provoking read, I’d definitely recommend this book. ~ 4.5 stars
Vigilant is a powerful and well written book. Of course, the romance, twists, and intrigue kept me completely enthralled and entertained, but it also has a thought provoking message that makes this book meaningful. I appreciate, above all else, the message of the saving power of Jesus and the question of ‘how are we to be His hands and feet?’. I’m a newbie to this author and I’m excited to explore more of her works. The narrator is fantastic. He is able to make a fabulous book even more riveting through his performance. I highly recommend this book!
Vigilant was a story that challenged my thoughts on whether two wrongs ever made a right. Of course in my head, I know they don’t. But when the right thing is to leave a child in a home where abuse happens on a daily basis…you see my dilemma. Davidson addresses this very well and even has her detective in the story questioning it.
The story, with three engaging protagonists, moves at a fast pace and keeps the reader turning pages to see the outcome. And the ending came with a twist I wasn’t expecting. I thoroughly enjoyed (although enjoyed might not be the correct word) the story and couldn’t put it down. I’ve already ordered the next book in the series, Guarded. I’ll write a review of it as soon as I’m finished!
Wow. An incredible and thorough story. I can’t wait to read the next book. These characters were amazing and the situation and their pasts were tough. It was so well done. The romance and the suspense and the law enforcement angles. Just, wow.
Vigilant has all the hallmarks of a good suspense but the love triangle is just weird. Nicole doesn’t really know Gage or Daniel and yet on separate occasions allows them entry into her home under questionable circumstances, all the while telling herself that she shouldn’t, which is dimwitted to say the least.
While the author portrays abusive situations realistically, and gives the reader much to think on, two wrongs don’t make a right. When we start going down the path of vigilantism, the waters get real murky, real fast.
The ending isn’t nice and tidy and left me feeling disappointed. There is a sneak peek at book two which, because the author is obviously talented at drawing in a reader, makes me want to read Guarded.
I bought this book and was under no obligation to post a review.
Loved this action-packed new book by Sara Davison. Her characters are multi-layered, interesting, and relatable, and the action is non-stop. I was thinking about it long after I finished reading.
Thought-provoking!
Vigilant is one of those novels that will make its reader think and then probably think some more! Not only is it a well-written nail-biter with a touch of romance but it brings up some very disquieting questions about how far a Christian should go to help the weak and powerless. Should we obey the law without question or are there times when civil disobedience is necessary?
In Vigilant these are some of the questions certain characters must ask themselves when children begin to disappear from their homes. Two brothers who were victims of terrible abuse as children have become advocates for children in similar circumstances but often find their hands tied by the system. A detective and his partner find themselves working overtime attempting to solve the case of the disappearing children. As their paths cross and two of the men fall in love with the same woman, things get a bit complicated.
I enjoyed this book although it was at times difficult to read, especially the incidents of child abuse even though those scenes were not as graphic as they could have been. I was not overly fond of the romantic aspect that involved a love triangle. None of the relationships were developed as well as I would have liked and Nicole was irritatingly indecisive about Gage and Daniel. I felt like she rushed into things without thinking it through. Other than that, the story was very strong with plenty of action and suspense to keep it moving along.
I did not reach any clear conclusions about the questions raised but I do agree that they are legitimate ones. Now that I have rambled somewhat aimlessly, I would recommend this book if you don’t mind a challenge on exactly what your Christian responsibilities should be and where you should draw the line.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustRead Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Sara Davison’s latest release walks some lines that will be hard to stomach for some readers, but it will make you think and consider where the line is that might make you do something that, while it’s not right by society’s standards or those of the law, doing nothing just isn’t an option.
In Vigilant, that line is drawn in situations where children are being abused but not taken from the homes where the abuse is occurring. Daniel Grey is the detective investigating the abductions and thinking outside the box leads him to two possible suspects. I will say, Davison did an excellent job of keeping me guessing which of the two was truly responsible until three-quarters of the way through the book when she reveals it to the reader.
There is a love triangle plot in this as well, which didn’t quite work for me. Everything happened too fast, and if Nicole was uncertain about her relationship with Gage after her time with Daniel, her solution to that was completely not the right one. Really, there was only one way that resolution could go to semi-satisfy readers.
If you’re looking for a read that will make you examine your convictions, Vigilant delivers. I’m very interested to see where Davison takes us in book two of the series.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This story was thrilling and kept my undivided attention from beginning to end. I was a little disappointed with the lack of closure at the end of the story but was excited to learn that there will be another book continuing Nicole’s story. (There’s a sneak peek of book 2 at the end of the ebook)
This story had lots of suspense and drama. There are some sensitive themes in this book like physical abuse and kidnapping but nothing graphic. I loved all the characters like Gage, Holden, Daniel, Nicole.
The authors note at the end is also worth reading. She asks readers two questions which are the core of the book and honestly I don’t know how I would answer them. I really enjoyed this thought provoking story. I can’t wait to read book 2!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
This was my first read by Sara Davison and the premise had me instantly intrigued. I have some mixed emotions, but overall this was a book that made me think, and that’s something that I prize in a novel.
This book asked a very powerful question about just how far one would go to protect the helpless–even when that help is illegal. It was a deep ethical question that left my heart in a constant state of discomfort. I have always had a heart for foster care. Growing up, I had friends in foster care and am well aware that it’s a very broken system. Having said that, I still couldn’t bring myself to approve of the actions taken by the abductors. I couldn’t believe that if the cases were really as described, that the kids wouldn’t have already been removed. If they truly were real circumstances, then they would be a nightmare. I really wasn’t expecting my emotions to wrestle as much as they did while reading this. I struggled with what was realistic versus what was real for the characters. I say this as my own flaw, and not that of the writing–because if the cases were really truly real, I’m not sure how I would react myself.
Personally I was not a fan of the romance in this book. I have no problem admitting that I’m generally not a fan of the love triangle. Knowing that each of the characters were Christian going in, it really bothered me to see the triangle even develop (considering the first relationship was known up-front). Also, there was no time for a friendship to even begin before they were thrust into either a relationship or lustful emotions. I struggled to like Gage as a character initially because he came off too strongly and had seemingly no respect for boundaries. I never got to appreciate Daniel because he entered territory he should never have gone. I don’t want to spoil any content so I won’t give details, but I heavily struggled with the romance in this one.
Even though I had some mixed emotions, I’m still glad I picked this one up, and I’m curious where Sara Davison will go for the next in the series.
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
A thought provoking adventure
I’ll be candid with you. I almost stopped reading Vigilant about a quarter of the way through. Up until that point, I was getting squirmy, fearful of the direction I thought it was heading. Starting with the account of children who were abused (not in detail but enough that I knew what happened), and with the telling of the one snatching children away in the night. I wasn’t sure I was going to like what was coming next.
I decided to give it a little more time and I’m glad I did. Not that it became an easier story – the subject matter didn’t change. What changed was my perspective. As more of the picture was being revealed I realized this is not as much a story of good versus evil. It was more about choices and the question of whether it is ever right to do wrong to achieve the right outcome. That still makes me squirm but in a different way.
Author Sara Davison showed the perspectives of several of the characters in such a way that I knew what was going on and what motivated them, yet the identity of a key person was masked. Several backstories were partially revealed until much further in the story, allowing for more mystery.
The characters were intriguing and the men involved in the love triangle were so charming and lovable, I was quite torn between the outcome I wanted for Nicole. I had a feeling I knew the direction things were going and ended up being right yet I wouldn’t say that the story was predictable.
While I do not recommend this for younger readers, if you are okay reading about child abuse, handled in a sensitive manner, and enjoy romantic suspense, you should consider adding Vigilant to your library.
Read my review of Vigilant by Sara Davison 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.
It seems that I’ve been missing out…Vigilant is the first novel I’ve read by author Sara Davison and I loved it. An excellent suspense author, Davison is skilled at creating a storyline that keeps the reader entrenched and reading well into the wee hours of the morn.
Nicole Hunter works in a small diner, she keeps to herself and her only friends are the owners of the diner, a older couple who show her the love and acceptance lacking in her growing up years.
Gage and Holden Kelly, one an attorney, the other a social services worker; both work in child and family affairs, a system that is draining to many.
When Gage shows up at the diner one evening, Nicole tries to ignore the sparks between them, unsuccessfully. A intense relationship develops quickly, leaving Nicole in a state of breathlessness and uncertainty.
When children mysteriously begin to disappear from their beds in the middle of the night, Detective Daniel Grey is assigned to the case. As the detective and his partner slowly gathered and put together the pieces of the puzzle, more children disappear.
The diner is popular and many of its customers are regulars from the neighborhood and beyond. The handsome Detective Grey figures the diner just might be a good place to learn something about the disappearance of the children. He enlists Nicole to listen and watch for potential information, anything that will stop another child from disappearing into the night. Nicole agrees but as yet another child disappears, something tells Nicole that something is very, very wrong and her help is integral to solving the disappearances, at the risk of her own heart.
I highly recommend Vigilant; it’s subject matter is timely and the novel so well written.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.