Different from the close-knit BAM series.

I was expecting something similar to her previous works. However, this one strayed from that. I found that I missed the connection, not just between main characters but as a whole with the secondary ones too. I'm not saying this is bad, just different. I struggled to connect with the characters and story. There were good moments and those are what got the 4 ranking instead of the 3.5 stars.

The peek into the next book looks REALLY good. ( )

If you read and loved The Boss, and wondered how Melanie Moreland would top this story. The short of it: she did. No sophomore slump for me. She took the story pacing and action and said "what would happen if I turned up the dial a notch?" What she created is another page-turner with Second-In-Command.

I am going to out myself: When Marcus appeared in The Boss, I was one of the many fangirls who asked - okay scratch that - begged that we get a Marcus story. I didn't care what it was - this man intrigued me. And did he ever break out the alpha-growly ways. He is not interested nor actively looking for his soulmate. Yet this slip of a woman basically slips in under his skin and he cannot let go.

"Matteo would howl in amusement if he saw me now."

Yup Marcus you are done for with Missy.

Let's talk Missy. Strong heroines seem to be a love or hate with romance readers. They need to be soft but not doormats according to some. Then there is this one. By what she suffered, she should be a broken doll. Missy has this underlying strength that she is going to write her own ending. She is badass without being a bitch. I basically have a big ol' girl crush on her that makes her a memorable character when fellow bookworms need a book pushed on them.

This is romantic suspense with page-turning scenes, steams up your glasses from your kindle caught on fire with the chemistry and two unforgettable main characters. I love this side of romantic suspense that Melanie Moreland is bringing to readers.

Definitely a - BUY THIS recommendation from me.

By the way...you get a sneak peek into Julian's story (happy fangirl dance of joy).Melanie Moreland promises to dial back the intensity and deliver a couple story about life changes. I.AM.HERE.FOR.THIS. ( )

A love story with extra bite
5 Stars

Second-in-Command follows Marcus who we first met in the first book in the Hidden Justice series, The Boss. This book does stand completely alone and in this story, Marcus himself is now the boss of the secret, vigilante type organisation.

There are some parallels between this book and the first but at no time did I feel that the stories were overly similar. The characters, especially the heroines of each book, were considerably different and their journeys decidedly contrastive.

Marcus is a deliciously grumpy, scowly hero which is even more delicious because he’s working for a good cause and is ultimately a very good man. I loved how intense he was and how focused and yet when he was with Missy he was gentle and caring. It may sound odd but I enjoyed seeing Marcus lose control around and about Missy. It was never really a control or power thing as Missy met Marcus toe to toe which was so delicious. The perfect pairing.

I liked Missy a lot even if I (thankfully) couldn’t understand exactly what she was going through. At first, I admit that I was skeptical about her claims about how she got herself in the position she was found. But as she grew more healthy and strong, it became more believable and I realised that it was Ms Moreland’s writing skills that layered Missy’s character so cleverly. Regardless of this, I really felt for Missy and was rooting for her all the way. She was a nice blend of strong and vulnerable and made for a great heroine.

As I mentioned, Marcus and Missy were really a great pairing and a great team in general. I loved that in her own way Missy managed to rile Marcus just as much as he did her. They had an effortless chemistry and I adored the seamless transition from strangers, to hero and victim, to lovers and then something more. The sex was hot (especially the grumpy sex) but the sweet and tender moments, especially where Marcus did thoughtful things for Missy, were extra sugary and made my heart happy.

There is a more difficult and disturbing storyline that helps to drive the story forward. While it’s uncomfortable to think about and some of the details are upsetting, it’s never gratuitous, never overly in-depth and things always work out in the end. In the end, this is the story of Marcus and Missy and that’s what the main focus of the book is. Anything else is just a bonus.

I hugely enjoyed this tale and was absorbed in the story from the first page to the last. Ms Moreland has an amazing gift to make you fall in love with her characters and make you feel like they are now your own, telling their story just for you, the reader. As well as the characters, she gifts you with just enough emotion to make you yearn while always teasing you with a bit more and a bit more until you’re more than satisfied. I am a huge fan of Melanie Moreland and this book was another winner. Fans of Ms Moreland or new to her writing, you will not be disappointed with this love story with a little bit extra. 5 stars.

And as for the small tease we get about the next book in the series, The Commander, which will be Julian’s story… OH. MY. GOD! I cannot wait for that story to drop as it sounds amazing! ( )

Marcus Gallo is a protector and rescuer by nature and also profession as a member of Hidden Justice. But never before has a job become so personal.
Missy Evans find it hard to trust after the ultimate betrayal that lands her as a victim.

“No one can protect her the way I can. Nothing or no one is going to touch her while I’m around.”

Second in Command is Book two in the Men of Hidden Justice series. It can be read as a standalone but The Boss is so good you really don’t want to skip that. And I definitely can’t wait for Julian’s story!!!
-5 Stars!- ( )