Raven Scott

Having read the first but not the second book in this series I wanted to see what happened with the Fortis Group. I have to say Hard as Ice held my attention much better than this book did. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the copy to read in exchange for my honest review.

First: I can’t believe that someone like Sam would hold a torch for someone like Kaylee for four years. I mean, really? And, the idea that she began their second encounter with more lies makes it worse. He could have anyone and I can’t understand why he would want her. Sorry.

Second: The undercover thing that Kaylee set in motion did not seem very believable to me. And, I can’t see her finding all the information she did all by herself without a major skill-set that was never mentioned in the story.

Third: The action elements were more of an aside than a major element of the story…and not that realistic to me.

IF you are looking for a second chance at love story with a HEA ending this has plenty of pages and a so-so story to read but I would recommend Hard as Ice as a better story than this one.

2-3 Stars… (altro)

All the makings of a great series. Interesting twists that kept the pages turning. Looking forward to Book 2

DESCRIPTION: When money is no object, discretion is essential, and time is of the essence, the police are not an option. That’s when the wealthy and powerful call on the men of Fortis—a trio of former government agents with elite military training—not to mention charm and good looks…

Now that Evan DaCosta has recovered from an injury sustained in his work with the CIA, he’s ready to continue his life of adventure, intrigue, and service. That means joining Fortis—and taking on the recovery of precious jewels stolen from a prestigious auction house. The list of suspects is long, but Evan is focused on the possibility of an inside job. Now he’ll have to go undercover and stay close to the gorgeous business manager, Nia James. That won’t be a problem….But if she’s the thief, she just may steal his heart in the process…

A gifted salesperson, Nia worked hard to get where she is today. Now, with her career at stake, she can’t afford to be distracted by a man. Yet when Evan walks into the auction house, all six foot three of solid muscle poured into a tailored suit, Nia can’t help feeling safe, protected—and turned on. The feeling is mutual, and soon, despite their private misgivings, Nia and Evan become intensely entangled. But can their relationship survive their secrets?...… (altro)

Admittedly, there are times when 4 stars don't really indicate a to-die-for book - just as there are times when 3 stars don't mean the book bad. This is one of those cases. The cases where stars are given because the author showed exceptional talent in giving us a story, but said story isn't something we'd repeatedly read despite our high rating.

Why?

Because, even when something is fundamentally good, holding a reader's interest needs more than just that.

It needs to give you characters that are not only acceptable and loveable, but also exciting. Fictional people that you just want to relate with or hug or cuss at. And this wasn't the case.

Evan and Nia were tolerable as a main couple. But they failed to make me want to re-read their story. So I guess I'll wait for the next book, but there's no way I'm reading this one again...

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***… (altro)

Jewels, jewels…who took the jewels?

Fortis, a security company with great qualifications and hunky agents, is called in to figure out who took jewels from Worthington Gallery and Auction House in Boston. A clean heist with no leads EXCEPT that only two people had the combination leaves few suspects in what is considered to be an inside job. Evan is in charge of the operation and goes undercover, in more ways than one, to find out who the culprit is. Nia, the main suspect is not who or what Evan-“Ice”- DaCosta and his team expect her to be.

Ice and Nia are strong interesting and intriguing. As their relationship unfolds I kept hoping it would all work out for both of them since they seemed so good for one another. I have to say that this is one of the first books I have read that kept me guessing till the bad guy was revealed. I usually read the ending of books first but the ending of this book was not enough to uncover who set up the heist.

This contemporary love story is well worth reading and introduces characters that I look forward to reading about in the future books of this series.

Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Books for the copy to read and review… (altro)