What do you think?
Rate this book
Alaskan Security-Team Rogue #1
Loss Recovery
When you live on both sides of the law there’s no room for attachment.
Wade Denison knew the rules when he joined Team Rogue. Knew what it would cost him.
It was a price he was willing to pay.
But then he met Bess Hines in a bar. One perfect night with her had him second-guessing everything. His choices. His life.
Himself.
Because no matter how perfect she felt in his arms, Wade had to let her go, taking nothing but the sweet memory of her body under his.
It was the only way to keep her safe from the danger following him closer than a shadow.
Only Bess wasn’t safe.
When Team Rogue is hired to protect Bess from a danger all her own, Wade has a chance to protect the woman he never should have left.
A woman who can give him everything he never knew he wanted.
****
Bess Hines is hiding.
Tucked away in the mountains of Alaska, hoping for a miracle.
An answer to her prayers.
Wade Denison is neither of those.
Two years ago he showed her a tiny taste of heaven then left without so much as a goodbye.
Seeing him again is the worst kind of torture.
Being put under his protection is worse.
Especially since Wade might be just as big of a threat as the one he’s been hired to protect her from.
Because he may have walked away from their night together with nothing but a memory, but Bess left with something more.
Something she will guard with her life.
Wade Denison knew the rules when he joined Team Rogue. Knew what it would cost him.
It was a price he was willing to pay.
But then he met Bess Hines in a bar. One perfect night with her had him second-guessing everything. His choices. His life.
Himself.
Because no matter how perfect she felt in his arms, Wade had to let her go, taking nothing but the sweet memory of her body under his.
It was the only way to keep her safe from the danger following him closer than a shadow.
Only Bess wasn’t safe.
When Team Rogue is hired to protect Bess from a danger all her own, Wade has a chance to protect the woman he never should have left.
A woman who can give him everything he never knew he wanted.
****
Bess Hines is hiding.
Tucked away in the mountains of Alaska, hoping for a miracle.
An answer to her prayers.
Wade Denison is neither of those.
Two years ago he showed her a tiny taste of heaven then left without so much as a goodbye.
Seeing him again is the worst kind of torture.
Being put under his protection is worse.
Especially since Wade might be just as big of a threat as the one he’s been hired to protect her from.
Because he may have walked away from their night together with nothing but a memory, but Bess left with something more.
Something she will guard with her life.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2019
3368 people are currently reading
4343 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
December 30, 2022
It felt like the most important parts of this story happened outside of the book. I know there is a prequel but the author should have included it as a prologue. I was confused at first, wondering if I missed something. I couldn’t connect with their relationship as they seemed to have this insta love out of nowhere, a one night stand and then reunion and bam, in love. The secondary characters were amusing so I may read more in this series to see what happens with them. But this book was boring and as I often feel with this author (or one of her many pen names, side note, why so many friggin pen names?) the story is told outside the book and the reader doesn’t get to go on the journey. The character growth, the meet cute, the suffering through pregnancy, the being traumatized by the ex etc all took place before the story started so this book was very boring.
November 4, 2022
cheesy yet that was exactly what I needed at this time
April 15, 2021
Disappointing.
November 18, 2022
This was beautiful - 4.5⭐️
Wade knows his job is dangerous, it’s why he’d never bring a woman or children into it. He never thought he wanted any of it until one beautiful night with a stranger. Bess is in trouble. Her father sends her to Alaska to a hired team trained to make problems go away. She never expected the man that give her the greatest gift to be the one protecting her.
Anonymous one night stand turned surprise pregnancy - a trope I didn’t know I needed but loved! Bess is a force to be reckoned with. I love that she can hold her own and isn’t afraid to stand in front of danger to protect those she loves. Wade.. this man is so sweet. I love that he didn’t go back and forth on his feelings. He saw an opportunity and went in 100%. Even more adorable knowing he’d been in a funk since their one night two years previous. They are absolutely perfect for each other! Their little family is adorable. 😍
Wade knows his job is dangerous, it’s why he’d never bring a woman or children into it. He never thought he wanted any of it until one beautiful night with a stranger. Bess is in trouble. Her father sends her to Alaska to a hired team trained to make problems go away. She never expected the man that give her the greatest gift to be the one protecting her.
Anonymous one night stand turned surprise pregnancy - a trope I didn’t know I needed but loved! Bess is a force to be reckoned with. I love that she can hold her own and isn’t afraid to stand in front of danger to protect those she loves. Wade.. this man is so sweet. I love that he didn’t go back and forth on his feelings. He saw an opportunity and went in 100%. Even more adorable knowing he’d been in a funk since their one night two years previous. They are absolutely perfect for each other! Their little family is adorable. 😍
January 10, 2025
There was a lot missing from this book and then it was written in third person which made it annoying to read.
February 5, 2021
So much mess
Ok I read this whole book, skimmed in a few places because yeah dull and there is just a lot of mess. This book is a hot mess.
Where to start
Killing people isn’t sexy.
Being a hired killer isn’t sexy.
Repeating that you would kill for your loved ones isn’t hot and harping the issue over and over isn’t a turn on.
The supposedly most incredible night of these two characters lives (a night they still dream about two years later) isn’t actually talked about in this book. How they met ect. Kind of silly not to have started the book there and then jumped to two years later. Most authors do that.
The whole plot was weak and ill explained. The bad guy was a wannabe drug dealer at the end?! Nice cheap fix to a story going no where. (Sarcasm)
This whole book pretty much took place inside a cabin in Alaska. No idea what this cabin looked like. There is a serious lack of description in this book. I hate books that go over board telling you the characters sock color and how many forks in the kitchen but this was the other end. While reading my mind always had an incomplete image of where they were.
This story introduces a bunch of characters that will have their own books. Was way to obvious that was the intention of some of them.
Good points:
Body positive to mom bodies. Yup pregnancy changes bodies and the hero is all good with that. (If only life was like that).
Many books with babies / little kids make the kids more prop than character. This book was a little closer to making the toddler a character than just a prop.
You can tell the author is a mom and didn’t sugar coat a few realities of babies like so many books do that have “prop” babies. But also reality 15 month olds have tantrums and cry. This kid never did. 🤨
Did I enjoy it? Somewhat. Glad it was a prime free read. Would I recommend it... only if your bored witless from the pandemic or are into mercenaries and think killing is hot.
Ok I read this whole book, skimmed in a few places because yeah dull and there is just a lot of mess. This book is a hot mess.
Where to start
Killing people isn’t sexy.
Being a hired killer isn’t sexy.
Repeating that you would kill for your loved ones isn’t hot and harping the issue over and over isn’t a turn on.
The supposedly most incredible night of these two characters lives (a night they still dream about two years later) isn’t actually talked about in this book. How they met ect. Kind of silly not to have started the book there and then jumped to two years later. Most authors do that.
The whole plot was weak and ill explained. The bad guy was a wannabe drug dealer at the end?! Nice cheap fix to a story going no where. (Sarcasm)
This whole book pretty much took place inside a cabin in Alaska. No idea what this cabin looked like. There is a serious lack of description in this book. I hate books that go over board telling you the characters sock color and how many forks in the kitchen but this was the other end. While reading my mind always had an incomplete image of where they were.
This story introduces a bunch of characters that will have their own books. Was way to obvious that was the intention of some of them.
Good points:
Body positive to mom bodies. Yup pregnancy changes bodies and the hero is all good with that. (If only life was like that).
Many books with babies / little kids make the kids more prop than character. This book was a little closer to making the toddler a character than just a prop.
You can tell the author is a mom and didn’t sugar coat a few realities of babies like so many books do that have “prop” babies. But also reality 15 month olds have tantrums and cry. This kid never did. 🤨
Did I enjoy it? Somewhat. Glad it was a prime free read. Would I recommend it... only if your bored witless from the pandemic or are into mercenaries and think killing is hot.
September 15, 2022
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5
Dual 3rd person POV - Bessie & Wade
Tropes: second chance, single mom, damsel in distress, bodyguard, forced proximity, insta-love
Bessie & Wade had a one night stand 2 years ago that resulted in a sweet little boy, Parker. Flash forward to today, Bessie is on the run from her abusive ex and Wade's company has been contracted to protect her in Alaska. They gave each other fake names so neither were able to find each other, despite how often they thought about that night.
I don't normally like insta-love unless it's PNR (somehow fated mates makes insta-love make sense?) but this was actually done very tastefully. They both have had 2 years to think about their night together and when they see each other again, they realize that they hadn't made up all of their chemistry and attraction. The pacing of this was done well and the writing was believable and sucked me in. I will say, there was one moment where Bess did something pretty stupid but for the most part, she's a very smart and capable woman. The side characters were developed well enough to interest me in their stories as well. The title is unfortunate because it literally doesn't make sense but it was quick, hot, and heartfelt!
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5
Dual 3rd person POV - Bessie & Wade
Tropes: second chance, single mom, damsel in distress, bodyguard, forced proximity, insta-love
Bessie & Wade had a one night stand 2 years ago that resulted in a sweet little boy, Parker. Flash forward to today, Bessie is on the run from her abusive ex and Wade's company has been contracted to protect her in Alaska. They gave each other fake names so neither were able to find each other, despite how often they thought about that night.
I don't normally like insta-love unless it's PNR (somehow fated mates makes insta-love make sense?) but this was actually done very tastefully. They both have had 2 years to think about their night together and when they see each other again, they realize that they hadn't made up all of their chemistry and attraction. The pacing of this was done well and the writing was believable and sucked me in. I will say, there was one moment where Bess did something pretty stupid but for the most part, she's a very smart and capable woman. The side characters were developed well enough to interest me in their stories as well. The title is unfortunate because it literally doesn't make sense but it was quick, hot, and heartfelt!
March 27, 2024
2 ⭐️.
So insta-lovey I was displeased.
So insta-lovey I was displeased.
March 6, 2022
I don’t where to start except that I absolutely freaking loved this book and can’t wait for the rest of the series. I would highly recommend reading the prologue before reading this book. If you wanted to understand how Bess and Wade first came together. Trust me you don’t want to miss out on this!
Roger Hines hired a security team to protect his daughter, Bessie Hines. Little does Bessie know that she not only knows one of the people expected to keep her safe, but she has had a little piece of him as well since her left her 2 years ago.
Wade Denison realizes his next security detail won’t be the easiest for his mind or his heart, but he is damn determined not to let either one of them out of his sight. I would say I need a man like Wade in my life, but he doesn’t like Henry Cavill *belly laugh*
“Who did you think of when you played with yourself?” Wade
“You” Bess
“Who else?” Wade
“Henry Cavill” Bess
“The fuck is Henry Cavill?” Wade
“He’s Superman” Bess
“Who?” Wade
“Do you live in a hole? He’s the actor who plays Superman and he’s beautiful.” Bess
“Beautiful huh?” Wade
“Very” Bess
“I bet he can’t make you scream his fucking name” Wade
Bessie aka Bess has not put herself first for some time. Now with Wade somewhat back I the picture, will Bess let him stay or let him walk out. Better yet, who is after Bess and will stop at nothing to get her for themselves.
This book had me on the edge wondering WHO was after Bess and made me consider if it was someone after Wade. I loved being introduced to several other members and can’t wait to see whose book comes next. I really think anyone who like suspenseful romance would really like this book.
Roger Hines hired a security team to protect his daughter, Bessie Hines. Little does Bessie know that she not only knows one of the people expected to keep her safe, but she has had a little piece of him as well since her left her 2 years ago.
Wade Denison realizes his next security detail won’t be the easiest for his mind or his heart, but he is damn determined not to let either one of them out of his sight. I would say I need a man like Wade in my life, but he doesn’t like Henry Cavill *belly laugh*
“Who did you think of when you played with yourself?” Wade
“You” Bess
“Who else?” Wade
“Henry Cavill” Bess
“The fuck is Henry Cavill?” Wade
“He’s Superman” Bess
“Who?” Wade
“Do you live in a hole? He’s the actor who plays Superman and he’s beautiful.” Bess
“Beautiful huh?” Wade
“Very” Bess
“I bet he can’t make you scream his fucking name” Wade
Bessie aka Bess has not put herself first for some time. Now with Wade somewhat back I the picture, will Bess let him stay or let him walk out. Better yet, who is after Bess and will stop at nothing to get her for themselves.
This book had me on the edge wondering WHO was after Bess and made me consider if it was someone after Wade. I loved being introduced to several other members and can’t wait to see whose book comes next. I really think anyone who like suspenseful romance would really like this book.
June 1, 2020
Found myself a new go to series. Loved thiss book.
Want to read
February 9, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/11/2021)! 🎁
Read
March 7, 2024DNF
Absolutely bored to death.
Absolutely bored to death.
August 18, 2022
Jemma Westbrook is a new to me author and I am so glad that she reached out to me on Instagram and introduced me to her work. I am all about Security team, military type romance novels and this was definitely up that alley for sure.
Collateral Damage is the prequel for this book, and is not needed to understand the story but gives you a look into Wade and Bess’s story before Loss Recovery. I read both and they both blew me away. After Collateral Damage, I had to dive in a read Loss Recovery right away.
Collateral Damage and Loss Recovery both encompass the story of Wade and Bess. One is a mercenary, the other a good girl from a small town in Oregon. He is there for one night, she’s doing her best to get away from a toxic relationship. In CD, we get a little of their backstory together. And then two years later in Loss Recovery, chance has them finding each other again… along with a surprise baby.
The relationship between these two is an amazing storyline that captivated me from the start. I wanted more for them and I know that Wade was meant to be the one to help Bess. I won’t give away any spoilers here, but just know that if you like authors such as Brittney Sahin and Susan Stoker, then you’re sure to love Jemma.
I would say the timeline felt a little rushed to me, but all in all, it didn’t take away from the story too much. I thoroughly enjoyed the edge of my seat action that had me biting my nails anticipating what would happen next. The secondary characters had me drawn in as well and I can’t wait to get to their stories too. The steamy scenes were perfectly placed and had me kind of jealous that Bess had a man like Wade in her life. We all need a man that has us feeling beautiful no matter what, even after babies and added weight in places we don’t want. Wade definitely delivers in all of these aspects. Plus, his dirty talk can make anyone swoon and do what he asks.
All in all, this was a great read that had me wanting more when it was all said and done.
Four beautiful stars to this edge of your seat, security team, romantic suspense. If you’re looking for a new author to read, Jemma will deliver!
Collateral Damage is the prequel for this book, and is not needed to understand the story but gives you a look into Wade and Bess’s story before Loss Recovery. I read both and they both blew me away. After Collateral Damage, I had to dive in a read Loss Recovery right away.
Collateral Damage and Loss Recovery both encompass the story of Wade and Bess. One is a mercenary, the other a good girl from a small town in Oregon. He is there for one night, she’s doing her best to get away from a toxic relationship. In CD, we get a little of their backstory together. And then two years later in Loss Recovery, chance has them finding each other again… along with a surprise baby.
The relationship between these two is an amazing storyline that captivated me from the start. I wanted more for them and I know that Wade was meant to be the one to help Bess. I won’t give away any spoilers here, but just know that if you like authors such as Brittney Sahin and Susan Stoker, then you’re sure to love Jemma.
I would say the timeline felt a little rushed to me, but all in all, it didn’t take away from the story too much. I thoroughly enjoyed the edge of my seat action that had me biting my nails anticipating what would happen next. The secondary characters had me drawn in as well and I can’t wait to get to their stories too. The steamy scenes were perfectly placed and had me kind of jealous that Bess had a man like Wade in her life. We all need a man that has us feeling beautiful no matter what, even after babies and added weight in places we don’t want. Wade definitely delivers in all of these aspects. Plus, his dirty talk can make anyone swoon and do what he asks.
All in all, this was a great read that had me wanting more when it was all said and done.
Four beautiful stars to this edge of your seat, security team, romantic suspense. If you’re looking for a new author to read, Jemma will deliver!
December 31, 2023
Re-read december 2023: Last book of the year! I was craving a good romantic suspense and even though I just read this one a couple of months ago, it was SO good! Loved it! ♥️
Original review:
I don’t even know how I came across this book, but I don’t care! I loved it! I normally really don’t like second chance romances (the reason for leaving has to be REAL good and H has to have stayed celibate, I know…double standards…but again I don’t care 😅). The second chance didn’t bother me at all in this one. Both went into the one night stand with that expectation and h couldn’t find H when she found out she was pregnant due to his job. Both stayed celibate for the two years they weren’t together…Yas! When they see each other again the chemistry is back right away and I ate that ish up! Throw in a brotherhood of alpha men, a kick ass female friend, a cute baby/toddler, suspense, action and twists and I’m a happy camper! And I’m not even talking about the spice..phew!
You definitely need to read the short prequel to this book to fully enjoy the story, but I mean that is definitely not a hardship 😏 Get me a Wade right now!
Safety:
No OW
OM: h’s ex is making her life a living hell. He is the villain in this story
No cheating
2 year separation after one night stand. Both celibate!
Original review:
I don’t even know how I came across this book, but I don’t care! I loved it! I normally really don’t like second chance romances (the reason for leaving has to be REAL good and H has to have stayed celibate, I know…double standards…but again I don’t care 😅). The second chance didn’t bother me at all in this one. Both went into the one night stand with that expectation and h couldn’t find H when she found out she was pregnant due to his job. Both stayed celibate for the two years they weren’t together…Yas! When they see each other again the chemistry is back right away and I ate that ish up! Throw in a brotherhood of alpha men, a kick ass female friend, a cute baby/toddler, suspense, action and twists and I’m a happy camper! And I’m not even talking about the spice..phew!
You definitely need to read the short prequel to this book to fully enjoy the story, but I mean that is definitely not a hardship 😏 Get me a Wade right now!
Safety:
No OW
OM: h’s ex is making her life a living hell. He is the villain in this story
No cheating
2 year separation after one night stand. Both celibate!
July 13, 2022
This was free on prime reading, and whoo boy, it was a wild and pretty terrible ride. I decided to give it a go because it is set in Alaska. Well, apparently this author has never read or thought about Alaska life at all. We are supposed to believe that this group of people is able to operate in their very murderous and lawless style while living within DRIVING DISTANCE to a grocery store AND a full hospital???? I mean. There is just no way in hell. IF YOU EVEN SNEEZE IN SMALL TOWN AK EVERYONE KNOWS WITHIN 5 MINUTES.
Also I pretty much hated the characters and their very shoddy backstory. Also it was pretty boring.
Also I pretty much hated the characters and their very shoddy backstory. Also it was pretty boring.
September 4, 2025
Loss Recovery had an intriguing setup — a second-chance(ish) romance with a surprise child, danger from all sides, and the found-family dynamic of a close-knit security team. On paper, it sounded like something I’d enjoy. And to be fair, there were a few things I did:
Wade’s instant acceptance of Parker as his son was refreshing. No angst, no denial — just “he’s mine, I’m in.” Loved that.
Wade himself is suave, smooth-talking, and incredibly straightforward. He doesn’t waste time playing games, and that directness with Bess was genuinely appealing.
The moments where his group of friends instantly welcomed Bess as “our girl” gave me all the warm, found-family vibes I love in romance.
But overall, the story just didn’t work for me. The romance between Wade and Bess felt more stiff and cheesy than heartfelt, and I never fully connected with them as a couple. The spice was underwhelming — not sensual or steamy, just… mechanical. And for a book that’s only about 200 pages, it repeated itself a lot.
The biggest issue for me, though, was the plot. These kinds of bodyguard/security-team romances always trip me up because the logic holes are too glaring. For example: if your family is under an assassination threat, maybe don’t abandon them without backup? And if you’re supposedly a genius strategist, maybe don’t leave your child alone with a nurse just to wander around? Those choices made me more frustrated than invested, and they undercut the tension of the story.
The climax also wrapped up way too easily. One big confrontation, the villain is gone, and poof — nightmare over. I get the sense there’s a larger series arc still to come, but as a standalone, this felt too neat and unsatisfying.
In the end, Loss Recovery wasn’t a terrible read, but it wasn’t for me either. I liked some dynamics (especially Wade as a character), but the romance and suspense elements felt shallow, repetitive, and riddled with frustrating logic gaps. Will I pick up the next book? Maybe — but only if I’m bored and looking for a bit of bookish gossip.
Wade’s instant acceptance of Parker as his son was refreshing. No angst, no denial — just “he’s mine, I’m in.” Loved that.
Wade himself is suave, smooth-talking, and incredibly straightforward. He doesn’t waste time playing games, and that directness with Bess was genuinely appealing.
The moments where his group of friends instantly welcomed Bess as “our girl” gave me all the warm, found-family vibes I love in romance.
But overall, the story just didn’t work for me. The romance between Wade and Bess felt more stiff and cheesy than heartfelt, and I never fully connected with them as a couple. The spice was underwhelming — not sensual or steamy, just… mechanical. And for a book that’s only about 200 pages, it repeated itself a lot.
The biggest issue for me, though, was the plot. These kinds of bodyguard/security-team romances always trip me up because the logic holes are too glaring. For example: if your family is under an assassination threat, maybe don’t abandon them without backup? And if you’re supposedly a genius strategist, maybe don’t leave your child alone with a nurse just to wander around? Those choices made me more frustrated than invested, and they undercut the tension of the story.
The climax also wrapped up way too easily. One big confrontation, the villain is gone, and poof — nightmare over. I get the sense there’s a larger series arc still to come, but as a standalone, this felt too neat and unsatisfying.
In the end, Loss Recovery wasn’t a terrible read, but it wasn’t for me either. I liked some dynamics (especially Wade as a character), but the romance and suspense elements felt shallow, repetitive, and riddled with frustrating logic gaps. Will I pick up the next book? Maybe — but only if I’m bored and looking for a bit of bookish gossip.
January 24, 2023
"Loss Recovery" takes up the story two years after the prequel "Collateral Damage".
It would have made sense to recap the story to date, or even to add the prequel novella as the first few chapters.
Wade Denison of Alaskan Security is hired to protect Bessie 'Bess' Hines from her ex, Chris Snyder.
At first he's not particularly interested in the job, in fact security work has lost most of its lustre since he enjoyed a night of very unbridled passion with Carly Smith ... bloody hell, she's Bess and she has a child, Parker, as a reminder of their one night stand. I could say I didn't see that one coming, but it would be a lie.
Her stalker is in for a rude awakening:- "Chris Snyder had worse things to worry about than prison now ... he should pray for the safety of a jail cell. It was all that would protect Bessie’s ex from the hell coming for him."
Fair enough!
But, as attacks on their safe-house escalate it seems whoever wants Bess is willing to spend very large amounts of money on mercenaries. A tad overkill methinks! Unless there is more to it all than meets the eye.
And, somewhere along the way the seeds are planted for the next romantic coupling.
It's fairly run of the mill stuff but nicely written - a nice way to pass a rainy afternoon.
3 Stars.
It would have made sense to recap the story to date, or even to add the prequel novella as the first few chapters.
Wade Denison of Alaskan Security is hired to protect Bessie 'Bess' Hines from her ex, Chris Snyder.
At first he's not particularly interested in the job, in fact security work has lost most of its lustre since he enjoyed a night of very unbridled passion with Carly Smith ... bloody hell, she's Bess and she has a child, Parker, as a reminder of their one night stand. I could say I didn't see that one coming, but it would be a lie.
Her stalker is in for a rude awakening:- "Chris Snyder had worse things to worry about than prison now ... he should pray for the safety of a jail cell. It was all that would protect Bessie’s ex from the hell coming for him."
Fair enough!
But, as attacks on their safe-house escalate it seems whoever wants Bess is willing to spend very large amounts of money on mercenaries. A tad overkill methinks! Unless there is more to it all than meets the eye.
And, somewhere along the way the seeds are planted for the next romantic coupling.
It's fairly run of the mill stuff but nicely written - a nice way to pass a rainy afternoon.
3 Stars.
July 21, 2025
I knew starting this series was going to be an issue... because now I am addicted to this world! Not a bad thing, for sure.
Bess and Wade have an easy banter and steamy connection that was simple to attach to, and enjoy. She is so strong, brave, and smart - and he is so capable, dangerous, and in love with her, that he will do whatever is necessary to insure her safety.
This is a page turner, full of danger and deceit, with a crazed man in pursuit of Bess and Parker. I enjoyed the comraderie between the members of this team, and how easy it was for them to prioritize her safety. The pages turned themselves and I was at the end much too quickly for my liking. I am seriously engaged in this storyline and cannot wait for the next person to find their forever.
On to book 2, Brock's story! :)
Bess and Wade have an easy banter and steamy connection that was simple to attach to, and enjoy. She is so strong, brave, and smart - and he is so capable, dangerous, and in love with her, that he will do whatever is necessary to insure her safety.
This is a page turner, full of danger and deceit, with a crazed man in pursuit of Bess and Parker. I enjoyed the comraderie between the members of this team, and how easy it was for them to prioritize her safety. The pages turned themselves and I was at the end much too quickly for my liking. I am seriously engaged in this storyline and cannot wait for the next person to find their forever.
On to book 2, Brock's story! :)
April 9, 2023
The intensity of everyone’s emotions felt forced or too dramatic nothing felt backed up. Both everyone’s feelings to even how “smart” they all felt Bess was and how she needed to work with them. It came out of no where. Over all I thought the plot was a little all over the place and didn’t necessarily come to a clean conclusion that made sense. Like there was this big mystery the whole time and they kept going there must be something we are missing and we had like two sentences that wrapped it up. Also their approached to killing felt a tad weird.
March 27, 2024
Wade & Bess. Second chances. Good storyline. Intrigue & suspense. Great team of characters. He’s hired to protect her from powerful crazy ex. She’s pretty badass all on her own. This definitely has potential.
January 27, 2023
This book could’ve easily been 5 stars, BUT there was no proper epilogue, and yes, that marks it down a whole star😎
Wade is SO fine, he may be a murderer, but that’s okay😍
Wade is SO fine, he may be a murderer, but that’s okay😍
November 1, 2022
DNFing at 56%. I literally couldn’t care less.
July 20, 2020
Too many characters not enough plot.
I needed more of a set up of who Team Rogue actually were. What drove them? How did they come about? How many teams were in the organization? Were they recognized or did they work in the black?
Due to all of my 'needing to know' stuff I couldn't develop any real interest in the two leads. Although, I have to be honest... Harlow felt more developed as a character...
The conclusion of this was deeply unsatisfactory... did they really think that it would all be over with the main villain having been handled? No... I don't think so.
Oh... and it seems that I won't be continuing this series as I now see that the next installment ends on a cliffhanger...
I needed more of a set up of who Team Rogue actually were. What drove them? How did they come about? How many teams were in the organization? Were they recognized or did they work in the black?
Due to all of my 'needing to know' stuff I couldn't develop any real interest in the two leads. Although, I have to be honest... Harlow felt more developed as a character...
The conclusion of this was deeply unsatisfactory... did they really think that it would all be over with the main villain having been handled? No... I don't think so.
Oh... and it seems that I won't be continuing this series as I now see that the next installment ends on a cliffhanger...
December 19, 2022
Wow. I hate that I hate this. Because the writing is good. The characters are pretty decent. I could have seen myself liking it way more.
But oh my lord. It's just insufferable. They had a one night stand. Two years ago. And who gets this hung up over it? No one. I think there's a prequel novella that explains their one night stand but like it's still one night and this isn't some fated mate fantasy.
Also their reconnection is immediate. Like first twenty pages. Drives me insane. There's no angst, there's no fight, there's nothing.
But oh my lord. It's just insufferable. They had a one night stand. Two years ago. And who gets this hung up over it? No one. I think there's a prequel novella that explains their one night stand but like it's still one night and this isn't some fated mate fantasy.
Also their reconnection is immediate. Like first twenty pages. Drives me insane. There's no angst, there's no fight, there's nothing.
January 26, 2021
Foul
I am so sick of the foul language being used in books today! Books need to be rated like movies. This story started out interesting but I started to lose interest when Bess who was so terrified of her ex that she had to hire protection decides to leave the place she was being protected. Really how stupid. I really don't need to read sex scenes, thankfully you can skip over those but you can't skip the foul language that really just shows poor writing.
I am so sick of the foul language being used in books today! Books need to be rated like movies. This story started out interesting but I started to lose interest when Bess who was so terrified of her ex that she had to hire protection decides to leave the place she was being protected. Really how stupid. I really don't need to read sex scenes, thankfully you can skip over those but you can't skip the foul language that really just shows poor writing.
May 16, 2021
Good read
Bess had met Wade two years ago. They had a one night stand. So when he walked in and saw her it was a complete surprise. Then he saw the toddler and knew there had been addition to the night. She had no way to get in touch with him so they both had suffered. Now an ex boyfriend was hunting her. Wade was ready to help her with whatever she needed.
Bess had met Wade two years ago. They had a one night stand. So when he walked in and saw her it was a complete surprise. Then he saw the toddler and knew there had been addition to the night. She had no way to get in touch with him so they both had suffered. Now an ex boyfriend was hunting her. Wade was ready to help her with whatever she needed.
July 30, 2020
Good story but
I feel like I missed something. How did the teams find her so fast? Why were there two teams? And how did Parker get to be 14 months old before all this started happening?
I feel like I missed something. How did the teams find her so fast? Why were there two teams? And how did Parker get to be 14 months old before all this started happening?
October 22, 2022
This book was a delightful little gem of romantic suspense that acted as a perfect introduction to this interconnected standalone series. The plot was fast-paced and intense while also including softer moments to balance everything out, together creating a high-stakes atmosphere for its characters. The characters themselves were easy to care for, allowing readers to be pulled into their story and want to stay there as it unfolded. This book did have a few errors (and a handful of things I had personal beef with) but despite that, it was a fantastic first book in this series. Trigger warnings will be included at the end of my review.
As fast-paced romantic suspense books go, this one definitely was one of the fastest moving books I’ve read in both the plot and the romance. Though things moved very quickly, the book never felt rushed, making sure to highlight important parts without sacrificing its pacing. The plot itself was full of suspense and intrigue, giving just enough away to keep readers guessing as the plot unfolded. In my opinion, this book came to a satisfying ending for its couple and perfectly hinted at more to come for the rest in the series.
The romance included tropes like second chance and insta-love, and despite those not being in my favourites list, the author did a great job of creating a story that made sense in context with the plot. The romance’s pacing also matched the overall speed of the book, and together with the character growth that both main characters experienced, it added to an already cohesive, well rounded story.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the rest in this interconnected series!
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Spoilers ahead.
For some reason, this book included so many borderline derogatory comments in reference to mental health that I don’t think the author even realized was happening. Anytime a character was acting rash or different to how they usually act, it was said they were “crazy” or “psychotic” or something else along those lines. I don’t think the author meant to use hurtful language when referring to her characters going through a traumatic experience, but despite that I cringed whenever I came across a mention of someone being “crazy” when for the most part, all they did was react to the experiences they went through.
It should be mentioned that one character (the antagonist) did have some type of mental disorder that caused his irrational behaviour, but it just rubbed me the wrong way that the biggest description he received was along the lines of “crazy obsessed” with hurting the FMC instead of something deeper. Regardless, I really don’t think the author meant any harm when using the language choices she used, but I think it’s best to be aware of it in case it causes any unpleasant feelings for anyone.
This book also included violence with weapons ranging from knives to guns (on and off page), wounds ranging from being stabbed to being shot (on and off page), attempted and successful murder (on and off page), light sexism (on page), accidental pregnancy from a one-night stand (off page), kidnapping of a child (off page), a hospital visit for a child (on page; baby is okay), and some legal drama in regards to the parentage of a child (on page).
As fast-paced romantic suspense books go, this one definitely was one of the fastest moving books I’ve read in both the plot and the romance. Though things moved very quickly, the book never felt rushed, making sure to highlight important parts without sacrificing its pacing. The plot itself was full of suspense and intrigue, giving just enough away to keep readers guessing as the plot unfolded. In my opinion, this book came to a satisfying ending for its couple and perfectly hinted at more to come for the rest in the series.
The romance included tropes like second chance and insta-love, and despite those not being in my favourites list, the author did a great job of creating a story that made sense in context with the plot. The romance’s pacing also matched the overall speed of the book, and together with the character growth that both main characters experienced, it added to an already cohesive, well rounded story.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the rest in this interconnected series!
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Spoilers ahead.
For some reason, this book included so many borderline derogatory comments in reference to mental health that I don’t think the author even realized was happening. Anytime a character was acting rash or different to how they usually act, it was said they were “crazy” or “psychotic” or something else along those lines. I don’t think the author meant to use hurtful language when referring to her characters going through a traumatic experience, but despite that I cringed whenever I came across a mention of someone being “crazy” when for the most part, all they did was react to the experiences they went through.
It should be mentioned that one character (the antagonist) did have some type of mental disorder that caused his irrational behaviour, but it just rubbed me the wrong way that the biggest description he received was along the lines of “crazy obsessed” with hurting the FMC instead of something deeper. Regardless, I really don’t think the author meant any harm when using the language choices she used, but I think it’s best to be aware of it in case it causes any unpleasant feelings for anyone.
This book also included violence with weapons ranging from knives to guns (on and off page), wounds ranging from being stabbed to being shot (on and off page), attempted and successful murder (on and off page), light sexism (on page), accidental pregnancy from a one-night stand (off page), kidnapping of a child (off page), a hospital visit for a child (on page; baby is okay), and some legal drama in regards to the parentage of a child (on page).
August 17, 2020
Trope-y and slightly sexist, but a duo worth rooting for, with a complicated action plot-thread
Bess is a strong heroine, and only once rather foolish-risk-taking (i.e., without a good reason). Wade is a good guy, if too prone to making "protective" decisions without consulting the one he's trying to protect, such as by keeping facts from them. (We learn he did it to his single mother, too ... but he does respect Bess enough that he's working on doing better now.)
Obviously, the relationship is predicated on the very trope-y idea that their one night together, where they each knew the other was using a false name, nevertheless changed both of them, and meant enough that they haven't even really wanted to be with anyone else in the meantime. In that, Bess has been managing better than Wade, because (a) she's had her baby to look out for, and (b) he knew he *could* have found her, if he'd ever decided that she wouldn't actually be better off without him. Frankly, in the first scene, I'd say his boss ought to have fired him, or at least demoted him to second string, for lousy work ethic, given that the job makes complete situational awareness vital.
The team are pretty likable, with typical banter and support, and I'm glad the author seems to be taking their client choices in a more firmly "good guys" direction, so they can continue together (Bess now included), and Wade's battered conscience will be okay. The female "best hacker" they have to hire from outside for assistance will clearly be joining them, and she's fun, though she does have a misandrist(sp?) chip on her shoulder, seeing insult even at times it was not intended.
Don't read this book if some bad language (f--- in its various forms, and likewise s---, maybe others I've forgotten) will offend you, or the fact that every one of the protagonists is fine with the idea of her stalker ex being better off dead, as long as it can be done without landing in jail.
The action/ suspense elements become tangled by the fact that they're not sure whether one or two groups are involved in the attacks on the safehouse, and whether Bess, little Parker, a previous client (due to the antagonists possibly having bad intel), and/or the team themselves are being targeted.
My only as-yet-unmentioned criticism of the plot is that Bess is unwilling to consider that any of it might involve coincidence. I'll grant that coincidence is a device that obviously occurs a lot more often in bad fiction, but to believe that it's an illusion 100% of the time is equally foolish. Looking for explanations when there really aren't any is what makes ridiculous conspiracy theories develop.
Finally, as for proofreading and editing, I didn't catch any internal inconsistencies, just a handful of minor typos: AFAICR, there are a couple missing or wrong short words, a couple stray apostrophes in plurals, and a couple should-be apostrophes that are actually single opening quotes. Some of that's probably the fault of AutoCorrupt.
Will I read more of this "popcorn" series? Hmm, a definite maybe, especially if they stay in KU.
Bess is a strong heroine, and only once rather foolish-risk-taking (i.e., without a good reason). Wade is a good guy, if too prone to making "protective" decisions without consulting the one he's trying to protect, such as by keeping facts from them. (We learn he did it to his single mother, too ... but he does respect Bess enough that he's working on doing better now.)
Obviously, the relationship is predicated on the very trope-y idea that their one night together, where they each knew the other was using a false name, nevertheless changed both of them, and meant enough that they haven't even really wanted to be with anyone else in the meantime. In that, Bess has been managing better than Wade, because (a) she's had her baby to look out for, and (b) he knew he *could* have found her, if he'd ever decided that she wouldn't actually be better off without him. Frankly, in the first scene, I'd say his boss ought to have fired him, or at least demoted him to second string, for lousy work ethic, given that the job makes complete situational awareness vital.
The team are pretty likable, with typical banter and support, and I'm glad the author seems to be taking their client choices in a more firmly "good guys" direction, so they can continue together (Bess now included), and Wade's battered conscience will be okay. The female "best hacker" they have to hire from outside for assistance will clearly be joining them, and she's fun, though she does have a misandrist(sp?) chip on her shoulder, seeing insult even at times it was not intended.
Don't read this book if some bad language (f--- in its various forms, and likewise s---, maybe others I've forgotten) will offend you, or the fact that every one of the protagonists is fine with the idea of her stalker ex being better off dead, as long as it can be done without landing in jail.
The action/ suspense elements become tangled by the fact that they're not sure whether one or two groups are involved in the attacks on the safehouse, and whether Bess, little Parker, a previous client (due to the antagonists possibly having bad intel), and/or the team themselves are being targeted.
My only as-yet-unmentioned criticism of the plot is that Bess is unwilling to consider that any of it might involve coincidence. I'll grant that coincidence is a device that obviously occurs a lot more often in bad fiction, but to believe that it's an illusion 100% of the time is equally foolish. Looking for explanations when there really aren't any is what makes ridiculous conspiracy theories develop.
Finally, as for proofreading and editing, I didn't catch any internal inconsistencies, just a handful of minor typos: AFAICR, there are a couple missing or wrong short words, a couple stray apostrophes in plurals, and a couple should-be apostrophes that are actually single opening quotes. Some of that's probably the fault of AutoCorrupt.
Will I read more of this "popcorn" series? Hmm, a definite maybe, especially if they stay in KU.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews