Always Watching by Lynette Eason

I really liked the first novel in this new series about the Elite Guardians Agency. For this female reader, that the agency is owned and operated by women is great.

This story centers on Olivia, co-owner of the agency and previously on the police force. The agency has been contracted to protect Wade Savage, a psychiatrist with a popular night time talk show. He's being stalked and Wade's father hires the women to protect his son and granddaughter. The situation quickly gets very serious as one of the agency is nearly killed and Wade begins receiving threatening gifts.

There is lots of action and suspense that keeps the novel moving. I am always a bit disappointed, however, when suspense comes as a result of not calling for backup. Olivia went into potentially dangerous situations solo just too many times. But that was a minor defect in a novel with almost continuous action.

I liked the characters. Olivia reveals some of her past that helps us understand why she acts as she does today. Wade is a very compassionate man and a loving single father. Before long a budding romance develops between them. I liked twelve year old Amy too but was disappointed that she made some really poor choices when she should have known of the potential danger involved.

I pretty much narrowed down the identity of the stalker early on but Eason does give us a few red herrings to distract us. And then there was a twist at the end I didn't see coming.

I really liked the spiritual character development of Olivia most of all. She's mad at God as the novel begins but circumstances force to to reconsider God's role in her life.

I recommend this novel to readers who like mystery, suspense, and a strong group of women working to keep people safe.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice, the Deadly Reunions, and the Hidden Identity series. She lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

Revell, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publishers for the purpose of an independent and honest review.