wait until dark is too short! 4* ( )

Harper Winston's brother Michael has disappeared. He was planning to sail the Caribbean but remained in close contact with Harper. After a few days of non-contact, Harper knows something is wrong. However, the Coast Guard cannot find any sign of Michael, so Harper turns to his best friend, Chase Garrett, for help. As Chase is the owner of a firm called Maximum Security, which includes private investigations and the like, he is the perfect man for the job.

Out of respect for his best friend Michael, Chase agrees to help Harper. Despite being good friends, Chase is convinced that Michael's father is involved in criminal activities. From the outset, however, Chase might have to fight his growing attraction to Harper. Chase knows that in no way could anything good come from this, especially since he and her father are at opposite ends of the law.

The danger might have started off with Michael's disappearance, however, both Harper and Chase are in danger as well. This is for very different reasons. The aforementioned danger, as well as intrigue and jaw-dropping action are all backdrops to a story that also includes the developing romance budding between Chase and Harper.

Beyond that, there is the lovely descriptions of the background while Chase and Harper are searching for Michael. If you enjoy reading incredible dramatic and mysterious stories, filled with things such as nonstop action, with the added benefit of an intense romance, then The Conspiracy is the perfect book for you. This is especially so because the story is full of strong characters. Quite naturally, I was drawn to Chase and Harper, but there were others equally compelling. Something important to mention is that Michael was eventually found, but there was a lot of story yet to be told.

This is certainly an engaging read, one that most readers will likely grab a hold of with both hands. I find it utterly exciting that this is the first book in a new series. I definitely look forward to reading much more by the extremely talented Kat Martin and cannot wait to see whose story is next.

Many thanks to Harlequin and to Edelweiss for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )

The Conspiracy by Kat Martin
Maximum Security #1

Great introduction to what will no doubt be a wonderful suspense packed romantic thrill ride provided book by book. In book one we meet the Garrett brothers, find out a bit about them and what they do, learn about Maximum Security (one of the businesses of the Garrett brothers) and are introduced to a number of people that may show up in future books of the series. That said...THIS book is about Chase Garrett and Harper Winston.

Harper’s brother Michael has not checked in for a long enough time that she is worried and the person she feels most likely to help her find him is Garrett. So, she approaches him and in the first portion of the book the two head off together to follow the trail and try to find out what is what. This section is filled with suspense and action and seems to conclude only to have a twist appear that leads the story on to another story line that is still related to the reason Michael disappeared in the first place.

Back in the USA again the story continues with Harper in danger and potential romance happening between Harper and Chase although the two do have some questions about whether or not they should pursue a relationship. And...I don’t want to give anything away so will say there was some yes-no-maybe going on but both really do like one another so it is more than likely they will get their HEA.

In addition to the main thread of this story there are a few Maximum Security jobs undertaken that give an idea of what types of stories might occur in future books of the series. Maximum Security provides body guards, does private investigative work, seeks the lost and runaways, coordinates with police and other law enforcement bodies, does bail bond enforcement and no doubt other things, too. The men that work for the firm are many and hunky and worth thinking about and no doubt will get books as the series progresses.

There was a lot going on and in many ways this is more a romantic suspense fantasy than reality story. Why? Well...humans are just that and not superheroes but then...when you pick up fiction you have to leave reality behind...at least a bit.

* Did I enjoy this book? Yes
* Do I want to read more books in this series? Definitely...I mean...Hawk? Of COURSE I want to read his story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars ( )