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Blackbridge Security #1
Hostile Territory
Can you call someone an enemy if you haven’t seen them for the better part of a decade?
Deacon Black is perfectly content with the status quo—work, sleep, repeat.
Who cares if he’s rigid, structured, and set in his ways?
It’s a job requirement that keeps his men safe and his company’s doors open.
One phone call is all it takes to upend his life and land him right back into a past he has tried to forget.
Revisiting old ghosts is the last thing he needs.
Especially when the forced trip down memory lane includes the only woman he never wanted to see again.
Annalise Grimaldi hit the jackpot with her life—from her trust fund to her best friend, she has it all.
But her world comes crashing to a halt when her best friend vanishes— leaving behind an apartment in tatters and more questions than answers.
There’s only one person she can think of that can help in a situation like this.
She hates to make the call, but there isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do to make sure her friend is found.
Even setting aside her hatred for Deacon Black.
Deacon Black is perfectly content with the status quo—work, sleep, repeat.
Who cares if he’s rigid, structured, and set in his ways?
It’s a job requirement that keeps his men safe and his company’s doors open.
One phone call is all it takes to upend his life and land him right back into a past he has tried to forget.
Revisiting old ghosts is the last thing he needs.
Especially when the forced trip down memory lane includes the only woman he never wanted to see again.
Annalise Grimaldi hit the jackpot with her life—from her trust fund to her best friend, she has it all.
But her world comes crashing to a halt when her best friend vanishes— leaving behind an apartment in tatters and more questions than answers.
There’s only one person she can think of that can help in a situation like this.
She hates to make the call, but there isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do to make sure her friend is found.
Even setting aside her hatred for Deacon Black.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2020
1261 people are currently reading
1776 people want to read
About the author
Marie James
103 books2,904 followersMarie James is a mother of two boys and wife of 17 years. She's spent most of her life lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Her passions include reading everything under the sun and sewing, although she doesn't get to sew much these days!.
Writing has always been a passion and she's enjoying every step of the journey!
Writing has always been a passion and she's enjoying every step of the journey!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
August 13, 2020
“Everyone has a history. Ours is just a little more tangled than most.”
2 stars
The beginning of a new series by Marie James, I was really excited by the sound of this book – long-time-enemies to lovers, badass alpha dude, and a heroine in need of help and protection from said badass. Sounds fun, right? But this book just didn’t work for me.
Firstly, to set the scene… Deacon Black runs Blackbridge Security, with his team of smart, gorgeous and trusty badasses by his side (nicely setting up the rest of the series). Deacon eats, lives and breathes his work, with little time for anything else.
Annalise Grimaldi is wealthy and privileged, and her life is made up of society events. She is also the ‘best friend’ of Deacon’s ex-wife, Dani. I say ‘best friend’, because this friendship is completely toxic. Dani is a selfish bitch who seems to treat Annalise like complete scum, and she just takes it, unfortunately setting her up as a bit of a doormat in my eyes, but she clearly cares for the woman that she has tagged along with since high school, so when Dani goes missing, Anna turns to Deacon for help.
Deacon doesn’t particularly care about his ex-wife, but he’s a nice guy and he’s worried, so when Anna comes to him, he agrees to help her. And as his team delves into Dani’s life, it seems there is clear reason to worry, so when danger comes to Anna’s door, he reluctantly brings her into the fold to keep her safe.
It's a great set up, and I have loved books like this in the past, but I just didn’t feel the connection between these two. It’s clear they hate each other, and the author does a really good job of setting that up, and it’s so well established and plays out for the majority of the book. And so when things change, to me it just felt like a switch is suddenly flipped, with very little build-up of anything remotely emotional between them. Of course they are attracted to each other physically and are full of lusty thoughts for each other, but they truly seem to hate each other and there doesn’t seem to be anything deeper than lust – well, not that I ever felt anyway.
The majority of the ‘relationship’ seems to take place as the characters monologue about how hot the other is, but how much they still hate each other. And when Dani comes in to the picture, I just wanted to smack all of their heads together. She is so awful, and I just don’t get how any of the relationships between this trio came to be. I didn’t particularly like any of them!
There is drama, action and angst, and I must admit, once all of that dies down and we come to the end of the book, things do change, we finally get to see some emotion and growth from the characters, and that’s when I started to feel something. But for me, it was too late in the piece to really get invested, and I finished this book not really caring about any of it.
The series is set up well, with the rest of the Blackbridge boys introduced and there are some great characters there! There is also a tie-in to James’ Cerberus MC series, and we get to see some of her biker boys, which will be a plus for fans.
Sadly though, I just didn’t feel this one.
2 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars
The beginning of a new series by Marie James, I was really excited by the sound of this book – long-time-enemies to lovers, badass alpha dude, and a heroine in need of help and protection from said badass. Sounds fun, right? But this book just didn’t work for me.
Firstly, to set the scene… Deacon Black runs Blackbridge Security, with his team of smart, gorgeous and trusty badasses by his side (nicely setting up the rest of the series). Deacon eats, lives and breathes his work, with little time for anything else.
Annalise Grimaldi is wealthy and privileged, and her life is made up of society events. She is also the ‘best friend’ of Deacon’s ex-wife, Dani. I say ‘best friend’, because this friendship is completely toxic. Dani is a selfish bitch who seems to treat Annalise like complete scum, and she just takes it, unfortunately setting her up as a bit of a doormat in my eyes, but she clearly cares for the woman that she has tagged along with since high school, so when Dani goes missing, Anna turns to Deacon for help.
Deacon doesn’t particularly care about his ex-wife, but he’s a nice guy and he’s worried, so when Anna comes to him, he agrees to help her. And as his team delves into Dani’s life, it seems there is clear reason to worry, so when danger comes to Anna’s door, he reluctantly brings her into the fold to keep her safe.
It's a great set up, and I have loved books like this in the past, but I just didn’t feel the connection between these two. It’s clear they hate each other, and the author does a really good job of setting that up, and it’s so well established and plays out for the majority of the book. And so when things change, to me it just felt like a switch is suddenly flipped, with very little build-up of anything remotely emotional between them. Of course they are attracted to each other physically and are full of lusty thoughts for each other, but they truly seem to hate each other and there doesn’t seem to be anything deeper than lust – well, not that I ever felt anyway.
The majority of the ‘relationship’ seems to take place as the characters monologue about how hot the other is, but how much they still hate each other. And when Dani comes in to the picture, I just wanted to smack all of their heads together. She is so awful, and I just don’t get how any of the relationships between this trio came to be. I didn’t particularly like any of them!
There is drama, action and angst, and I must admit, once all of that dies down and we come to the end of the book, things do change, we finally get to see some emotion and growth from the characters, and that’s when I started to feel something. But for me, it was too late in the piece to really get invested, and I finished this book not really caring about any of it.
The series is set up well, with the rest of the Blackbridge boys introduced and there are some great characters there! There is also a tie-in to James’ Cerberus MC series, and we get to see some of her biker boys, which will be a plus for fans.
Sadly though, I just didn’t feel this one.
2 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2022
Exciting enemies to friends to lovers trope. Lots of angst, sassy characters and steamy sex. Great cast of supporting characters. Can't wait to read their stories.
June 27, 2020
I have to say this was an interesting twist on the Enemies-to-Lovers trope because I don't recall ever reading a story about the Enemy being your best friends ex-husband. Some may think this is a betrayal of the "girl code" but after reading this book I would disagree.
I really enjoyed the quick comebacks that Anna had with Deacon especially when some of them could be taken a different way, that was just hilarious!
Read my full review and enter a giveaway here - https://bit.ly/NBReviewHT
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
I really enjoyed the quick comebacks that Anna had with Deacon especially when some of them could be taken a different way, that was just hilarious!
Read my full review and enter a giveaway here - https://bit.ly/NBReviewHT
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
January 18, 2022
I think this was a case of it's not you, it's me. The narration was great, the story was good, there was some sense of mystery, it was a true hate-to-love.
But something just didn't feel right to me. It seemed to be a lot of shallow rich people and a guy with a bad attitude. And a rich girl who cried all the time. Sure, she had more depth than the other rich girl but that wasn't saying much. And that parrot is just flat unrealistic - no bird like that has the brain capacity to respond like an obnoxious human. Throw out funny phrases, yes. Be able to put sentences together or throw out phrases that are appropriate to the situation? No. It's a bird.
So overall this was a bit of a miss for me. I still like the series, though. And I do love Callie Dalton and Jacob Morgan as narrators.
But something just didn't feel right to me. It seemed to be a lot of shallow rich people and a guy with a bad attitude. And a rich girl who cried all the time. Sure, she had more depth than the other rich girl but that wasn't saying much. And that parrot is just flat unrealistic - no bird like that has the brain capacity to respond like an obnoxious human. Throw out funny phrases, yes. Be able to put sentences together or throw out phrases that are appropriate to the situation? No. It's a bird.
So overall this was a bit of a miss for me. I still like the series, though. And I do love Callie Dalton and Jacob Morgan as narrators.
July 3, 2020
Hostile Territory is the first book of the Black ridge Security series by Marie James . Told in dual point of View , this book was one of best enemies to lovers trope that I have ever read.
This was my first book by this author and I am a huge fan of hers now. This book twisted my emotions and had me laughing so hard at some points. I absolutely loved the banter between Deacon and Anna. Both of them were spitfires in their own way .
Deacon is an ex military who got out and is now the owner of a security company . He married Dani , with whom he thought he will spend forever … until that didn't work out. Anna was Dani's best friend. Deacon and Anna had never gotten along , but tolerated each other for the sake of Dani. But when Dani and Deacon got divorced , Deacon left that place and never looked back.
Years later , trouble strikes at Anna's door and she has no choice but to call one man she hates but knows will help her. Deacon is surprised to hear Anna's voice , but doesn't deny her in any way.
They both meet again and we're shocked to know that their feelings went beyond their hatred. Soon both of them have trouble fighting each other and hate turns to something more powerful. What are you supposed to do when the person you have hated for so long , is the one who is supposed to be with you all along??
I just loved Deacon's cold brooding ass and Anna's sassy mouth. This book is recommended to all the military romance lovers with a complete bad ass hero and a sassy heroine who keeps him on his toes!!
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June 26, 2020
Hostile Territory by Marie James is book 1 in the Blackbridge Security series. This is
Deacon Black and Annalise Grimaldi’s story. Deacon is former military and now owner of Blackbridge Security and and Consulting. 8 years ago, his marriage to his wife Dani ended in a courtroom. Fast forward to 8 years later, he gets a call from Dani's BFF Annalise and all she says is "It's Dani". Deacon and Annalise never got along- at all. So for Annalise to call him, he knew something had to be up.
When Annalise showed up, there was this instant chemistry between them. Yet, Dani was missing and things are more complex than Deacon and Annalise thought. This is a full-length, suspense/intrigue romance that is simply phenomenal because this is such an absolute phenomenal enemies-to-lovers romance read. Add in the danger, suspense, passion, angst, drama, heat, feels, heart, intrigue, action and romance. I loved Deacon and Annalise together. Their banter and chemistry together was good. I can't wait for book 2.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
Deacon Black and Annalise Grimaldi’s story. Deacon is former military and now owner of Blackbridge Security and and Consulting. 8 years ago, his marriage to his wife Dani ended in a courtroom. Fast forward to 8 years later, he gets a call from Dani's BFF Annalise and all she says is "It's Dani". Deacon and Annalise never got along- at all. So for Annalise to call him, he knew something had to be up.
When Annalise showed up, there was this instant chemistry between them. Yet, Dani was missing and things are more complex than Deacon and Annalise thought. This is a full-length, suspense/intrigue romance that is simply phenomenal because this is such an absolute phenomenal enemies-to-lovers romance read. Add in the danger, suspense, passion, angst, drama, heat, feels, heart, intrigue, action and romance. I loved Deacon and Annalise together. Their banter and chemistry together was good. I can't wait for book 2.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
June 25, 2020
I don’t understand how this is my first Marie James book. Why aren’t people screaming this woman’s name from the rooftops? Am I deaf? Why, oh why?? This is me first Marie James book and that is a travesty. I was hooked by the end of chapter one and ready to go full fangirl. I will be going down her backlist and eagerly awaiting Book 2 in this series.
June 26, 2020
This was a book that I devoured and couldn't get over after I finished reading it. I was sucked into it from the very first page and it captured my undivided attention. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes ever and this book was written just the way I like it. It was perfection to me.
Deacon Black has disliked Annalise Grimaldi from high school. They never got along but for the sake of Annalise's best friend and Deacon's then girlfriend they were always in the same vicinity. Many years have past but the animosity still lingers and they can't seem to put it aside yet something is different this time. The is a sexual tension and attraction that wasn't there before. Annalise needs Deacon's help and they both know that they cannot start something. They also both from two very different worlds.
Their smoldering glances, their lingering touches, their almost kisses, their actual kisses and their first time made everything so sexy and forbidden and I loved it. I couldn't get enough of it. There was a lot of push and pull for the both characters but it made the book all the more juicy and sensational. I lived for Deacon's jealousy and possessiveness in this book. It was so incredibly hot and I loved him all riled up. I loved getting his point of view because his actions did not portray his true feelings and intentions. It was the total opposite. It was so hard for Annalise to read him but the guy was a goner for her. It just took him a while to realize it. I don't understand what he saw in Dani. She was a total selfish shrew.
I don't usually go for books where the hero loved before and if I do end up reading them, I don't enjoy it as much but with Hostile Territory, I couldn't wait to read it. I want myself a Deacon Black. A sexy badass commando.
Deacon Black has disliked Annalise Grimaldi from high school. They never got along but for the sake of Annalise's best friend and Deacon's then girlfriend they were always in the same vicinity. Many years have past but the animosity still lingers and they can't seem to put it aside yet something is different this time. The is a sexual tension and attraction that wasn't there before. Annalise needs Deacon's help and they both know that they cannot start something. They also both from two very different worlds.
Their smoldering glances, their lingering touches, their almost kisses, their actual kisses and their first time made everything so sexy and forbidden and I loved it. I couldn't get enough of it. There was a lot of push and pull for the both characters but it made the book all the more juicy and sensational. I lived for Deacon's jealousy and possessiveness in this book. It was so incredibly hot and I loved him all riled up. I loved getting his point of view because his actions did not portray his true feelings and intentions. It was the total opposite. It was so hard for Annalise to read him but the guy was a goner for her. It just took him a while to realize it. I don't understand what he saw in Dani. She was a total selfish shrew.
I don't usually go for books where the hero loved before and if I do end up reading them, I don't enjoy it as much but with Hostile Territory, I couldn't wait to read it. I want myself a Deacon Black. A sexy badass commando.
June 25, 2020
Enemies to Lovers
Deacon was ex military who now has his own security business. Anna is his ex wife's best friend so when something happens to Dani, Anna gets a hold of Deacon for help. I have to say I loved this book with the suspense, steam and humor. All of the characters in this book sure held their own and have me wanting to see where things go for all of them.
Deacon was ex military who now has his own security business. Anna is his ex wife's best friend so when something happens to Dani, Anna gets a hold of Deacon for help. I have to say I loved this book with the suspense, steam and humor. All of the characters in this book sure held their own and have me wanting to see where things go for all of them.
August 31, 2025
3.5 it wasn't bad. definitely will continue with the series
July 26, 2021
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Deacon Black is content with his life, but when someone from the past calls he has feels surface that he hasn't felt in years.
Annalise doesn't know what to do when her BFF goes missing. She does know who to call, but making the call is not easy. She has always hated Deacon, even when he was married to her best friend.
Deacon and his men will travel around the world to find Dani but who is after her and why is a better question. Will they get to her in time? Can they save her before it is too late? Will Deacon and Anna act on the feelings that they are feeling towards each other?
And let's not forget the African Grey parrot that has a potty mouth that will have you laughing out loud.
I really liked the suspenseful aspect of this story and the romance between Deacon and Anna was steamy and hot. And Dani got what she deserved in the end.
This is a first for me from this author but I do have several on my TBR list and I can't wait to read more from this series.
Deacon Black is content with his life, but when someone from the past calls he has feels surface that he hasn't felt in years.
Annalise doesn't know what to do when her BFF goes missing. She does know who to call, but making the call is not easy. She has always hated Deacon, even when he was married to her best friend.
Deacon and his men will travel around the world to find Dani but who is after her and why is a better question. Will they get to her in time? Can they save her before it is too late? Will Deacon and Anna act on the feelings that they are feeling towards each other?
And let's not forget the African Grey parrot that has a potty mouth that will have you laughing out loud.
I really liked the suspenseful aspect of this story and the romance between Deacon and Anna was steamy and hot. And Dani got what she deserved in the end.
This is a first for me from this author but I do have several on my TBR list and I can't wait to read more from this series.
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June 27, 2020
Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU
The last person he ever thought he'd hear from, the last person he WANTS to hear from, is his ex wife's best friend, Annalise. But she needs his help locating Deacon's ex, and finding out who left her condo in ruin. Deacon and Annalise despise each other, to say the least, but he's a professional so he'll do his job. He just doesn't know what to do with his attraction to someone he hates.
Annalise wants for nothing. She's a socialite with the perfect life, and she hates her bestie's ex. Too bad he's the best person to help her now. And too bad she's so attracted to the broody alpha security agent/former military man. But she soon finds out, they both find out, that the assumptions they had made about each other, and about the person they have in common, are wrong. Can they contain their attraction, or will it demand to be consummated? Even if doing so could destroy her friendship with her missing best friend?
This is a fabulous start to a new series. I loved Deacon and Anna together. He's alpha with a heart encased in ice. And she's feisty and sassy and is fiercely loyal. Perfect for each other once they got past their misconceptions of each other and declared their feelings. The suspense is pitched perfectly - weaving seamlessly with the growing relationship, but never overtaking it. Can't wait for more of the Blackbridge Security team now!
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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July 5, 2020
I truly enjoyed this first book in the Blackbridge Security series. The characters were well fleshed out and the history between all of them very believable.
The character of Annalise was very sympathetic. Her feeling of always being a third wheel and second thought to everyone in her life was portrayed very empathetically. You felt her disappointment without feeling sorry for her.
Deacon was rock solid - until he wasn't. I wanted to smack some sense into him a few times and yell at him to use his words but could completely understand why he felt he had to remain so guarded.
Dani (Deacon's ex) is a bitch from Hell who deserves all of the unpleasantness that being "not wealthy" can bring her.
I am looking forward to the stories of the other team members of Blackbridge!
I highly recommend this book!
The character of Annalise was very sympathetic. Her feeling of always being a third wheel and second thought to everyone in her life was portrayed very empathetically. You felt her disappointment without feeling sorry for her.
Deacon was rock solid - until he wasn't. I wanted to smack some sense into him a few times and yell at him to use his words but could completely understand why he felt he had to remain so guarded.
Dani (Deacon's ex) is a bitch from Hell who deserves all of the unpleasantness that being "not wealthy" can bring her.
I am looking forward to the stories of the other team members of Blackbridge!
I highly recommend this book!
June 25, 2020
HOSTILE TERRITORY is the first instalment in Marie James’ contemporary, adult BLACKBRIDGE SECURITY erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the team that works for BBS (Blackbridge Security). This is security specialist and Blackbridge Security owner Deacon Black, and Annalise Grimaldi’s story line. BLACKBRIDGE SECURITY is a spin off from the author’s Cerberus MC Series. You do not have to have read the original series to understand or follow the current time line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Deacon and Annalise) HOSTILE TERRITORY follows the enemies to lovers relationship between security specialist and Blackbridge Security owner Deacon Black, and Annalise Grimaldi. Eight years earlier Deacon Black divorced Daniella Altieri, his high school sweetheart, a woman who destroyed our hero’ s soul. Fast forward to present day wherein a phone call from Daniella’s best friend Annalise Grimaldi pulls Deacon back into the orbit of the woman he despises including her friend Annalise Grimaldi. Daniella and millions of dollars in blood diamonds are missing, and a Russian mobster is bleeding out and dying in Daniella’s condo. In an effort to help find her best friend, Annalise Grimaldi calls Deacon Black, in the hopes of saving Daniella’s life. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Deacon and Anna as Anna comes under the protection of Blackbridge Security, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to an end, and Deacon refuses to acknowledge his attraction to our story line heroine.
Annalise Grimaldi is a spoiled princess, a bit of a diva who has never known hardship or worn clothing without a high end label. In hiding, for her own protection, Annalise continues to want the finer things in life aggravating Deacon Black in the process. With her condo in tatters, and her life on the line, Annalise is under the safeguard of Blackbridge Security, pushing all of Deacon’s buttons whenever they are together, buttons that threaten Deacon’s barely veiled need for our story line heroine. Deacon Black doesn’t do relationships having lived through the embarrassment and humiliation of divorcing his first wife. Painting our heroine in the same vein as the woman who destroyed his heart, Deacon sees red every time he remembers what was and what will never be.
The relationship between Deacon and Annalise is an enemies to lovers;an ex-wife’s best friend romance in which Deacon struggles with his attraction to a woman he has despised for close to fifteen years. The back and forth, palpable anger and rage simmers closely to the surface, a rage and hatred that masks a growing attraction that neither one is willing to accept. Annalise knows that to get involved with her best friend’s ex husband could mean the end of their friendship but Anna will soon realize that her heart wants something more than Deacon is willing to give. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Deacon’s Blackbridge Security Team: Flynn Coleman, Wren Nelson, Jude Morris, Finnegan, Ignacio Torres, and Quinten Lake, as well as the cameo appearances of several of the Cerberus MC members, and Deacon’s ex-wife Daniella Altieri, and her boyfriend Nikolay Petrovich.
HOSTILE TERRITORY is a story of friendship, hatred, betrayal, and greed; an emotional story of heart break and dishonesty, acceptance and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the characters are colorful, energetic, angry and bitter; the romance is fierce and all-consuming.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Deacon and Annalise) HOSTILE TERRITORY follows the enemies to lovers relationship between security specialist and Blackbridge Security owner Deacon Black, and Annalise Grimaldi. Eight years earlier Deacon Black divorced Daniella Altieri, his high school sweetheart, a woman who destroyed our hero’ s soul. Fast forward to present day wherein a phone call from Daniella’s best friend Annalise Grimaldi pulls Deacon back into the orbit of the woman he despises including her friend Annalise Grimaldi. Daniella and millions of dollars in blood diamonds are missing, and a Russian mobster is bleeding out and dying in Daniella’s condo. In an effort to help find her best friend, Annalise Grimaldi calls Deacon Black, in the hopes of saving Daniella’s life. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Deacon and Anna as Anna comes under the protection of Blackbridge Security, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to an end, and Deacon refuses to acknowledge his attraction to our story line heroine.
Annalise Grimaldi is a spoiled princess, a bit of a diva who has never known hardship or worn clothing without a high end label. In hiding, for her own protection, Annalise continues to want the finer things in life aggravating Deacon Black in the process. With her condo in tatters, and her life on the line, Annalise is under the safeguard of Blackbridge Security, pushing all of Deacon’s buttons whenever they are together, buttons that threaten Deacon’s barely veiled need for our story line heroine. Deacon Black doesn’t do relationships having lived through the embarrassment and humiliation of divorcing his first wife. Painting our heroine in the same vein as the woman who destroyed his heart, Deacon sees red every time he remembers what was and what will never be.
The relationship between Deacon and Annalise is an enemies to lovers;an ex-wife’s best friend romance in which Deacon struggles with his attraction to a woman he has despised for close to fifteen years. The back and forth, palpable anger and rage simmers closely to the surface, a rage and hatred that masks a growing attraction that neither one is willing to accept. Annalise knows that to get involved with her best friend’s ex husband could mean the end of their friendship but Anna will soon realize that her heart wants something more than Deacon is willing to give. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Deacon’s Blackbridge Security Team: Flynn Coleman, Wren Nelson, Jude Morris, Finnegan, Ignacio Torres, and Quinten Lake, as well as the cameo appearances of several of the Cerberus MC members, and Deacon’s ex-wife Daniella Altieri, and her boyfriend Nikolay Petrovich.
HOSTILE TERRITORY is a story of friendship, hatred, betrayal, and greed; an emotional story of heart break and dishonesty, acceptance and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the characters are colorful, energetic, angry and bitter; the romance is fierce and all-consuming.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 24, 2020
Amount of sex 2.5 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes 2.5 / 5
Story 4 / 5
Overall: 4 / 5
Hostile Territory is the first book in the Blackbridge Security series written by author Marie James. It tells the story of Deacon Blackbridge and Annalise Grimaldi. When Deacon was younger, he went into the military, but first, he married his then-girlfriend, Danielle Altieri. Sadly, when he returned home, Dani served him with divorce papers. Now, fast forward eight years, and he’s become successful with his own security company. Then one day, he received a phone call from his ex-wife’s best friend, Anna. Anna informed him that Dani’s missing, and she needs his help.
Hostile Territory is an exciting page-turner, and I was reading late into the night. I especially loved Puff Daddy, the African Gray Parrot. He was so funny, and I loved how Deacon was always so frustrated with him.
This is a definite add to your TBR list!
Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
How explicit are the sex scenes 2.5 / 5
Story 4 / 5
Overall: 4 / 5
Hostile Territory is the first book in the Blackbridge Security series written by author Marie James. It tells the story of Deacon Blackbridge and Annalise Grimaldi. When Deacon was younger, he went into the military, but first, he married his then-girlfriend, Danielle Altieri. Sadly, when he returned home, Dani served him with divorce papers. Now, fast forward eight years, and he’s become successful with his own security company. Then one day, he received a phone call from his ex-wife’s best friend, Anna. Anna informed him that Dani’s missing, and she needs his help.
Hostile Territory is an exciting page-turner, and I was reading late into the night. I especially loved Puff Daddy, the African Gray Parrot. He was so funny, and I loved how Deacon was always so frustrated with him.
This is a definite add to your TBR list!
Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
July 2, 2020
Deacon black had me swooning in his former military alpha ways and what a great read that had me on the edge of my seat. This was the perfect blend of suspense but still had some heat built in (but what I loved it wasn’t the focus of the story).
Well done and a perfect start to the series and I love how there was some intermingling with characters from the prior series.
Well done and a perfect start to the series and I love how there was some intermingling with characters from the prior series.
July 9, 2020
What a great start to a new series! Makes me really look forward to what will be coming next. I did have a hard time connecting to some of the characters at the beginning but as the story went on that changed. I loved the storyline and most of the characters. Marie James writes insanely hot alphas like nobody else and the men in Hostile Territory were no exception.
June 25, 2020
What a gripping protector to lover romance! This book was full of suspense and drama and kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen the author tossed in another twist and had my dying to know how things were going to work out.
Deacon and Anna were both great characters. Deacon is hard and no nonsense. When he gets a call from his ex wife's best friend asking for help finding her he knows that this is something he can't just walk away from. He and Anna had never really seen eye to eye and so this is also an almost enemies to lovers story. Anna is in danger because of whatever happened to his ex and he vows to protect her as well. When the two finally have a moment to let their walls come down a little bit they realize that neither one is the person they thought they were.
Get ready to be taken on a ride because this book will grab a hold of you and not let you go. Sexy protectors for hire, serious chemistry, laugh out loud moments and drama will have you hooked from start to finish.
A must read book for sure!
By Alisa
Deacon and Anna were both great characters. Deacon is hard and no nonsense. When he gets a call from his ex wife's best friend asking for help finding her he knows that this is something he can't just walk away from. He and Anna had never really seen eye to eye and so this is also an almost enemies to lovers story. Anna is in danger because of whatever happened to his ex and he vows to protect her as well. When the two finally have a moment to let their walls come down a little bit they realize that neither one is the person they thought they were.
Get ready to be taken on a ride because this book will grab a hold of you and not let you go. Sexy protectors for hire, serious chemistry, laugh out loud moments and drama will have you hooked from start to finish.
A must read book for sure!
By Alisa
June 29, 2020
Deacon & Anna ...I love the enemies to lovers story line but now add in that He is the ex-husband of her best friend and the only man she can think of to help her . A ransacked apartment, a missing friend , a frightened sassy sexy woman and loads of mystery, intrigue, and sexual tension. When Deacon a ex military man that is now running a successful security firm receives a call from his past it puts him right in the middle of the mess that his ex wife has created. Anna did not know who to call but Deacon was her first thought. Her best friend is missing and she is not sure even the police are able to protect her reaching out to bestie's ex seemed like the logical choice. They may have a past but it soon becomes apparent that they have so much chemistry and pull that neither one may be able to fight this no matter how hard they try. This couple has angst, wonderful witty banter laced with such sexual undertones and so many layers to discover about one another . What a whirlwind story filled with so many twists and turns.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
~~Michele McMullen ~~
June 24, 2020
Hostile Territory is the beginning of the Blackbrigde Security Series and also my first read by Marie James. Full on enemies to lovers romance with lots of sexy alpha males, passion, a bit of suspense and action.
Deacon Black is a broody ex military alpha male. He is now the boss at Blackbrigde Security and a total badass. 8 years after his divorce what he didn't expected was to hear from his ex-wife best friend, Annalise Grimaldi. He never liked Anna and now said woman is calling to help find his ex-wife. The same woman that broke his heart and destroyed his belives in love.
Anna is a gorgeous, sassy woman and the one driving Deacon to madness. I didn't hated Anna but I had a hard time falling in love with her. At the beginning I found her to be too shallow and materialistic. Her BF Dani was the biggest self center, annoying and bitchiest woman I have read in like EVER. She treats Anna like a doormat and I was furious with her for letting this woman walk all over her. Thank God by the end of this story Anna put her in her place. I like seen her grow as a person and all thanks to Deacon and his men.
There's a slow burn passion between main characters. The constant denial of attraction and feelings drove me crazy but in a good way. I really like how incredibly sweet and passionate they were once they finally accepted their feelings but was just at the end of the story. We get to know the men of the Blackbrigde Security team and they are yummy. All sexy, sweet, swoony, super intelligent and badasses. There's fun moments with an African Parrot one of the guys own. The animal had no filter whatsoever and likes his dirty talk.
Overall was a pretty enjoyable read and I'm really curious for the next book on this series.
*** I voluntarily read and review an advance copy of this book.
Deacon Black is a broody ex military alpha male. He is now the boss at Blackbrigde Security and a total badass. 8 years after his divorce what he didn't expected was to hear from his ex-wife best friend, Annalise Grimaldi. He never liked Anna and now said woman is calling to help find his ex-wife. The same woman that broke his heart and destroyed his belives in love.
Anna is a gorgeous, sassy woman and the one driving Deacon to madness. I didn't hated Anna but I had a hard time falling in love with her. At the beginning I found her to be too shallow and materialistic. Her BF Dani was the biggest self center, annoying and bitchiest woman I have read in like EVER. She treats Anna like a doormat and I was furious with her for letting this woman walk all over her. Thank God by the end of this story Anna put her in her place. I like seen her grow as a person and all thanks to Deacon and his men.
There's a slow burn passion between main characters. The constant denial of attraction and feelings drove me crazy but in a good way. I really like how incredibly sweet and passionate they were once they finally accepted their feelings but was just at the end of the story. We get to know the men of the Blackbrigde Security team and they are yummy. All sexy, sweet, swoony, super intelligent and badasses. There's fun moments with an African Parrot one of the guys own. The animal had no filter whatsoever and likes his dirty talk.
Overall was a pretty enjoyable read and I'm really curious for the next book on this series.
*** I voluntarily read and review an advance copy of this book.
June 25, 2020
Deacon has parlayed his military experience into the security business he created however the last person he expected to get a call from was from Annalise, his ex-wife Dani’s best friend, who needs his help as Dani is missing under mysterious circumstances. When he married Dani he thought it was forever only to find out that the future they planned wasn’t the future she wanted and they haven’t spoken since.
Annalise will do anything for her best friend and that includes contacting the one man who was more enemy than friend while he was married to Dani. Time has changed both of them and as they search for Dani they may just find out that the animosity between them has turned into a fire that neither will be able to walk away from unscathed.
Drama, intrigue and romance all combine with two compelling characters into an entertaining story that you wouldn’t be able to put down.
Annalise will do anything for her best friend and that includes contacting the one man who was more enemy than friend while he was married to Dani. Time has changed both of them and as they search for Dani they may just find out that the animosity between them has turned into a fire that neither will be able to walk away from unscathed.
Drama, intrigue and romance all combine with two compelling characters into an entertaining story that you wouldn’t be able to put down.
June 25, 2020
This book was insanely good!! I feel this way about this author’s work but she outdid herself this time. Buckle up, you’re in for a wild ride with this fast-paced and suspenseful story. Almost a decade after Deacon’s divorce he has started his own security firm, moved on from his hellish marriage and finally has some semblance of peace until it is broken by his ex wife’s best friend calling scared out of her mind. Annalise isn’t just his ex-wife’s Best friend she also has hated him since high school and constantly reminding him at every turn that she was better than him. But when push comes to shove Deacon can’t turn his back on her or his missing ex-wife. The chemistry and sexual tension between Deacon and Annalise is off the charts. And the highly inappropriate African parrot is just hilarious! I can’t wait for this highly addictive series to continue!!!
June 26, 2020
4 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, suspense, and heartbreak.
This is Annalise and Deacon’s story. When Annalise thinks her best friend is in trouble, she calls on Deacon. He is after all her best friend’s ex-husband. As he investigates her friends’ disappearance, they grow close. But he is all over the place with his emotions. One minute he is hot for her and the next he ignores her or is cold. What is going to happen when they finally find her friend? Will Deacon want his ex? Or will he want Anna? Just how much danger are they all in? Can these two really have a future or will the past that they had between them all ruin anything they might have wanted?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read. I really like the bird and can’t wait to see what he has to say in the next book.
I recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, suspense, and heartbreak.
This is Annalise and Deacon’s story. When Annalise thinks her best friend is in trouble, she calls on Deacon. He is after all her best friend’s ex-husband. As he investigates her friends’ disappearance, they grow close. But he is all over the place with his emotions. One minute he is hot for her and the next he ignores her or is cold. What is going to happen when they finally find her friend? Will Deacon want his ex? Or will he want Anna? Just how much danger are they all in? Can these two really have a future or will the past that they had between them all ruin anything they might have wanted?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read. I really like the bird and can’t wait to see what he has to say in the next book.
I recommend this book.
June 25, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
This is the first book in the Blackbridge Security. We meet Deacon, owner of Blackbridge Security; and his ex-wife's BFF Annalise Grimaldi.
They've been mortal enemies since high school. Now she needs his help! His ex-wife is missing and there's a dead body in her apartment. Funny enough she turns to the one man she probably shouldn't.
Danny is caught off guard when Annalise walks back into his life asking for help. He's also surprised at the attraction he feels towards her as well. That just won't do for his nemesis though. How could he be attracted to the one person that always rooted against him during his relationship with his ex-wife?
So this book includes the mystery of finding the former wife and dodging the bad guys all the while. Keeping Annalise safe is like another full time job as well.
I enjoyed reading the story but thought that the overall plot fell a little flat. Their love story won't disappoint though. This enemies to lovers romance will surely tickle your fancy especially if those are books you enjoy.
This is the first book in the Blackbridge Security. We meet Deacon, owner of Blackbridge Security; and his ex-wife's BFF Annalise Grimaldi.
They've been mortal enemies since high school. Now she needs his help! His ex-wife is missing and there's a dead body in her apartment. Funny enough she turns to the one man she probably shouldn't.
Danny is caught off guard when Annalise walks back into his life asking for help. He's also surprised at the attraction he feels towards her as well. That just won't do for his nemesis though. How could he be attracted to the one person that always rooted against him during his relationship with his ex-wife?
So this book includes the mystery of finding the former wife and dodging the bad guys all the while. Keeping Annalise safe is like another full time job as well.
I enjoyed reading the story but thought that the overall plot fell a little flat. Their love story won't disappoint though. This enemies to lovers romance will surely tickle your fancy especially if those are books you enjoy.
June 26, 2020
Love this new series!
Deacon Black is a hard as nails man that never forgives and never forgets. He was a dedicated soldier and when he left the military started a security company and he brought with some him some men just as hard as he is to make his team. His team works as one with the precision of a swift sword. This is how he likes life until someone from his past turns his world on it's axis. Through in Puff Daddy and he brings in the comedy around all these intense men.
I love all Marie James books but Hostile Edge has a honed edge all of its own. It has suspense and a sexual chemistry that is beyond words. Sometimes the past is not what it seems and the future can be beyond your wildest dreams. Great job and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Deacon Black is a hard as nails man that never forgives and never forgets. He was a dedicated soldier and when he left the military started a security company and he brought with some him some men just as hard as he is to make his team. His team works as one with the precision of a swift sword. This is how he likes life until someone from his past turns his world on it's axis. Through in Puff Daddy and he brings in the comedy around all these intense men.
I love all Marie James books but Hostile Edge has a honed edge all of its own. It has suspense and a sexual chemistry that is beyond words. Sometimes the past is not what it seems and the future can be beyond your wildest dreams. Great job and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
June 25, 2020
I am a sucker for an enemies to lovers book, but best friends ex-husband I wasn't so sure about. This was a happy surprise and really worked for me.
Anna calls Deacon when her best friend, his ex-wife, goes missing after a shooting in her apartment. There is a lot of blood and Anna doesn't know who else to call for help. Deacon doesn't want anything to do with his ex-wife, and he wants even less to do with her snippy best friend who never thought he was good enough.
The fact that Anna and Deacon didn't like each other just made the sparks fly even more. I liked the growth of each character in this book. Anna begins to see the real Deacon and Deacon begins to realize that Anna isn't who he thought he was. They begin to realize that this is what real love looks like and anything in the past was just child's play.
As the search for Dani intensifies, so does the threat on Anna's life. Deacon realizes that he cares for Anna more than he thinks and will stop at nothing to protect her.
I did like the chemistry between these two, and I can't wait to read more about the other guys in this security firm!
Anna calls Deacon when her best friend, his ex-wife, goes missing after a shooting in her apartment. There is a lot of blood and Anna doesn't know who else to call for help. Deacon doesn't want anything to do with his ex-wife, and he wants even less to do with her snippy best friend who never thought he was good enough.
The fact that Anna and Deacon didn't like each other just made the sparks fly even more. I liked the growth of each character in this book. Anna begins to see the real Deacon and Deacon begins to realize that Anna isn't who he thought he was. They begin to realize that this is what real love looks like and anything in the past was just child's play.
As the search for Dani intensifies, so does the threat on Anna's life. Deacon realizes that he cares for Anna more than he thinks and will stop at nothing to protect her.
I did like the chemistry between these two, and I can't wait to read more about the other guys in this security firm!
June 30, 2020
This is the first book of the series and I’m hooked! I can't wait to read more from this series.
Deacon used to date Dani in high school which ended up them getting married. Deacon and Anna never got along even though Anna is Dani's best friend so she was always around these two. Up until Dani divorced him and moved on with her life.
Now years later, Anna saw someone got terribly injured in Dani's apartment and the only thing she could think of doing was to call Dani's ex-husband. Deacon never thought he would ever received that call and he never even expect himself to help Anna. The more time he spend protecting Anna while investigating the shit his ex-wife's involved with, the more he realised Anna was turning out to be someone he never expected and someone he desperately wanted.
Obviously, it wasn't easy for them to accept this chemistry and feelings they have for each other considering their history.
I love Deacon's friends, how they teased him and how they really protect Annalise, they really brighten the story with humor. I really liked the suspense in the story. I was so into it and Dani really got what she deserved in the end.
Deacon used to date Dani in high school which ended up them getting married. Deacon and Anna never got along even though Anna is Dani's best friend so she was always around these two. Up until Dani divorced him and moved on with her life.
Now years later, Anna saw someone got terribly injured in Dani's apartment and the only thing she could think of doing was to call Dani's ex-husband. Deacon never thought he would ever received that call and he never even expect himself to help Anna. The more time he spend protecting Anna while investigating the shit his ex-wife's involved with, the more he realised Anna was turning out to be someone he never expected and someone he desperately wanted.
Obviously, it wasn't easy for them to accept this chemistry and feelings they have for each other considering their history.
I love Deacon's friends, how they teased him and how they really protect Annalise, they really brighten the story with humor. I really liked the suspense in the story. I was so into it and Dani really got what she deserved in the end.
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