The Assignment by S. Nelson is the first part of a duology. The author is new to me, and, fortunately, her work did not disappoint.
Owen and Ford are brothers who own and operate a security firm. They are hired by a wealthy movie producer as protection detail for his two daughters because he has received threats against his family.
Owen, as the more sober of the two, is basically in charge of the security firm. He keeps it afloat. Ford is grief stricken due to a recent death, and he drowns his sorrows in alcohol. Left to his own devices, Ford would waste away in a dark room. Owen pushes Ford out of the hole he's in, and persuades him to take the security job. It's good money for the security firm. Ford grudgingly agrees to take the security job.
The girls who need protection are fraternal twins, Emily and Cara. As you can probably guess, these two are very different. Emily is kind, understanding and philanthropic. She's not thrilled about a bodyguard but realizes the necessity. Owen is assigned to Emily. These two disremember themselves and become closer than a professional relationship warrants. Owen needs to tread carefully because it's his security firm at stake if he makes an innapproriate decision.
Cara is self centered, careless and outlandish. She is a natural party girl. Ford is assigned to Cara, much to his chagrin. Cara is rebellious against the idea of a bodyguard and vocal about her feelings. Ford is reminded by Cara, at every opportunity, that she doesn't want him there. He, however, remains stoic and takes his job seriously in the face of adversity. Still, sparks fly.
As stories go, this one is a bit formulaic in the love hate relationship between Ford and Cara and the we really like each other but we shouldn't relationship between Owen and Emily.
Despite this, the story is engaging and just ticks away the time until,suddenly, it's the last page. And..when is the next part available? I'm dying here!
The author overcomes the typical subtypes enough to make this story unique, refreshing and thoroughly engrossing. It's well written with snappy dialogue and just enough mystery and drama to be complex but not too heavy.
The characters are all sympathetic in different ways. They are not all likeable, though-specifically Cara. She is truly frustrating and needs a reality check. Perhaps part two of the series might redeem her a bit? And, give some clarity to that twist?! ( )