Night Watch: (Nighthawk Security Book 5)

3.5 stars
"Please don't let him find me. Please. Please. Please."

Jumping off a houseboat into cold, murky water wasn't what underwater crime scene investigator Kennedy Walker had in mind for evening entertainment, but when a burly intruder with a hand gun is involved, it was her one and only option. And then . . . . an unexpected hero arrives on the scene . . . the one man she had been forced to walk away from. . . Erik Byrd.

"Erik was a glutton for punishment. Otherwise why would he be in his truck headed to Kennedy's floating home? So she could rip his heart out again?"

It was a good thing that Erik had followed his instincts, for it only took one look at Kennedy's open door and discarded personal items to put him on high alert. After pulling Kennedy from the water, the two try to determine what just happened and how to move forward safely; something about the recent death of Kennedy's mother isn't adding up, and now it's obvious that Kennedy needs protection until they can figure it all out. Erik just hopes and prays that offering the services of Nighthawk Security won't destroy all his hard work trying to forget the one woman who stole his heart and never returned it.

An ingenious story! The ebbs and flows are full of intriguing and unexpected details, as one might expect from a seasoned writer with an amazing stockpile of characters at her disposal. It's impossible not to cheer on the "baby brother" of the Byrd family, Erik deserves to find his happily-ever-after for the second time . . . . if he can keep Kennedy safe in the process. . . . . . and convince her to stay.

Engaging, fast-paced suspense thriller that's the 5th in the Nighthawk Security series. I read it as a stand-alone, but the author's engaging style, interesting characters, and forensic science definitely made me want to check out the other books in the series!

Kennedy thinks that her mom was murdered. Trouble is, nobody else does; until she nearly loses her own life when an intruder breaks into her mom's home. Then old flame Erik offers his help and protection (he's a former cop now working in his family's security business, Veritas). Their chemistry is real, but he still doesn't know why she dumped him when he was on the verge of a proposal. And he's worried about them getting close again when he still doesn't have an answer for that question. Dangerous situations await them though; it appears that Kennedy's mom was on the verge of a scientific breakthough. Nobody really knows what it is, but it's apparently worth killing for, as well as eliminating Kennedy and those protecting her.

I thoroughly enjoyed Night Watch. The emotional hurts that Erik and Kennedy endured over the years ring so true, even as both protagonists are trying to move toward healing. The scientific parts of the story were fascinating and understandable to a non-scientist. And, they were great vehicles to keep the story moving well. I also loved Erik's large family, who love each other and are able to work well together in the family firm. The protagonists express their faith in God in natural ways, that also inform their choices and reactions to each other. I spent the book hoping that Erik and Kennedy would be able to work things out and get back together, even though they've got a lot to overcome. I found Susan Sleeman's book a great read, especially for those who love suspense thrillers and police procedurals.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

Wow what a great addition to the Nighthawk Security series. Night Watch has an edge of your seat page turning plot. Readers who enjoy suspense books will enjoy this book. I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my unbiased review.