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Hard Core Justice #2

Witness Security Breach

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Their only hope is each other.

There’s not a target out there that US Marshals Aiden Yazzie and Charlotte “Charlie” Killinger can’t bring down. Until a high-profile witness goes missing and a fellow marshal is murdered. On a killer’s hit list, they go on the run. Their will to stay alive is challenged only by their long-denied physical attraction. Can they steer clear of temptation to find their witness and dodge their pursuers before it’s too late?

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 29, 2020

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About the author

Juno Rushdan

149 books1,575 followers
Juno Rushdan is a veteran US Air Force intelligence officer and the award-winning author of romantic thrillers. Her books are action-packed, nail-biting page-turners with twists you won’t see coming. Critics from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, BookPage and Library Journal have called her work “heart-pounding James Bond-ian adventure”, “fast-paced”, “gripping”, “a thrill ride” that “will captivate lovers of romantic thrillers.” She is married to her own military hero and is privileged to have two rambunctious kids and a spoiled rescue dog. For a FREE book from Juno: http://bit.ly/JunoFREE. Be sure to follow her on BookBub for the latest on sales: bit.ly/BookBubJuno.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Anita.
2,745 reviews235 followers
October 10, 2020
If you want fast paced, edge of your seat action - this book is for you. If you want slow burn, smoldering romance - this book is for you. If you want it all in a book that doesn't require half your life to read - well, you know, this book is for you. Somehow Juno Rushdan managed to pack all that and more into "Witness Security Breach", the second book in the Hard Core Justice Series. This book can be read as a standalone, but believe me, the first book is just as fantastic, in fact every book I've read by Juno Rushdan is fantastic.

The US Marshals Service prides itself in never having lost a protected witness who obeyed the rules. And US Marshals Aiden Yazzie and Charlotte “Charlie” Killinger are not about to break that streak, even with a serious security breach that happened a few months ago. When an extraction goes very wrong, Aiden and Charlie find themselves on the run and their witness missing.

From the first day Aiden and Charlie were partnered up, there has been a simmering attraction, but each has chosen to ignore it in favor of their work relationship. Now with their careers and the life of a witness on the line, that attraction is not going to be ignored any longer. Aiden wants kids and a white picket fence. Charlie knows she isn't capable of giving him those things, but hot and sweaty, those things she can give him, but Aiden wants more. They just have to live long enough to work this all out.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,764 reviews389 followers
July 20, 2023
Witness Security Breach was a fast-paced read following two marshals who go on the run to clear their names.

US Marshals Aiden Yazzie and Charlotte Killinger have been partners for a long time and work well together. When the identity of a high-profile witness is compromised, Aiden and Charlie have to act fast to get him out of harms' way. But when their transport is ambushed, the witness is kidnapped and a fellow marshal is murdered. After Aiden and Charlie are accused of orchestrating it all, the pair go on the run to track down their witness and clear their names.

The plot in this book moves very quickly and we jump right in with the marshals trying to move the witness after his location was compromised. The group are attacked before they can even leave the man's house and the action only goes up from there. When they lose the witness in transport after the ambush, it doesn't take long for Aiden and Charlie to be framed. Aiden and Charlie definitely have the skills to hide themselves while tracking the witness and it was interesting watching them work. Ultimately the group end up in New Orleans and from there the tension really escalates. With time running out, the pair make some ballsy moves that ultimately pay off in an action-packed finale. Overall I really enjoyed the plot of this book and how it went in a few directions I wasn't expecting.

Aiden and Charlie's relationship has a solid foundation prior to this book as they have been partners and friends for years. There has always been sexual tension in the background of their relationship that neither have acted on prior to this book. Aiden wants a family, the nice house, the whole nine yards while Charlie avoids commitment like the plague as she knows she can't give someone that kind of relationship. There are some bumps along the way in the romance as Charlie is more than happy to sleep with Aiden but he's not willing to accept a physical only relationship with her. In the end, Charlie does open up to Aiden about why she's hesitant and I liked how they worked through everything. The chemistry between these two is great and I really enjoyed all of their scenes together.

Overall Witness Security Breach was a fantastic read and I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series, High-Priority Asset, soon. I highly recommend this series if you're looking for some great romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Lynn Spencer.
1,449 reviews89 followers
February 15, 2021
The second installment of the Hard Core Justice series is another action-packed thriller that had me flying through the pages. The ending on this one was a bit rushed and tied various plot ends up just a little too neatly, so I had to mark it down a star for that, but otherwise I enjoyed myself.

This is my third time reading Rushdan, and I've noticed that in each of the books I've read, she has a way of setting up her stories that allows her to launch straight into very intense plot action, which is definitely one of her strengths. As in the previous books I've read, the author introduces us to characters who already know each other. Aiden Yazzie and Charlotte "Charlie" Killinger have worked as partners in the US Marshals and Aiden, at least, has been pining for his partner for quite a while. Since these two already have a strong friendship, the author is able to launch straight into her intense plot without having to juggle a meet-cute with lots of suspense. This is a formula that works.

As the book opens, we learn that a witness in the Witness Protection Program has been compromised. Aiden and Charlie must get him to safety. However, a leak within their own ranks as well as other corruption leads them into what seem to be traps at every turn, including one which leaves Aiden and Charlie framed for various crimes.

For most of the story, Aiden and Charlie are isolated from their team and must rely on one another to figure out what is going on, clear their names and hopefully save their witness. The action is intense and because the leads only have each other to trust and to work with, it takes their already solid friendship to a deeper level.

While the ending felt a bit tacked on, the action and the character arcs in this book were great reading. I've already bought the next book in the series, and I can't wait!

CW: Graphic violence, Discussions of infertility, past child abuse/neglect
13 reviews
September 29, 2020
US Marshals Aiden Yazzie and Charlotte “Charlie” Killinger have been partners for four years. Information on the witness protection program has been compromised and a high-profile witness needs to be relocated immediately. Things go badly awry with said witness being kidnapped and the partners framed for the deed. Aiden and Charlie find themselves running from the good guys and the bad. Along the way, they end up having to confront their longstanding attraction.

It is always a pleasure to read this author’s books and this one was no different. I loved watching the romance between our main characters develop. Enough history of the individuals is unveiled to make their motivations and the developing romance believable and poignant. Aiden’s steadfast regard, respect and patience for our heroine made him so incredibly appealing. Charlie’s clear, though unwilling, attraction made sense given her experiences in life. It was gratifying to watch them work through the obstacles keeping them apart.

Equally wonderful was submerging myself in the suspense and following along with the action, tactics and danger. It is amazing how Juno Rushdan can make me feel that I am in the thick of things. Witness Security Breach had just what I needed right now, to see the good guys win and for love to conquer all, but it was how the story was told that makes it so satisfying.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Margaret Yelton.
2,145 reviews46 followers
September 8, 2020
Once again Juno Rushdan has another winner with her newest book Witness Security Breach the second book in her Hard Core Justice series. She is turning into one of my favorite newer authors I have had the pleasure of being able to read in the past year. This is a action packed book with lots of chemistry between the main characters Charlie and Aiden. I would certainly recommend it to others. I received an ARC of the book, but was under no obligation to leave a favorable review all opinions expressed here are my own.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,853 reviews131 followers
November 5, 2020
Fantastic book that kept me glued to the pages from the first page to the last. Aiden and Charlie are members of the US Marshals' Special Operations Group and have the reputation of always getting their man. When a fellow marshal's betrayal puts all of the people in Witness Protection at risk (see Hostile Pursuit), Aiden and Charlie must act fast to move a high-profile witness. Unfortunately, they are ambushed, a fellow marshal killed, and their witness kidnapped. Aiden and Charlie are accused of the murder and kidnapping and go on the run to recover their witness and clear their names.

Complicating matters is the attraction that has simmered between Aiden and Charlie from the moment they met. Both have tried to bury the attraction to protect their work relationship. But with their careers and lives at stake, those feelings intensify. Aiden has loved Charlie for years, waiting patiently for her to be ready to accept his love and all it means. Charlie has her reasons for resisting her feelings, convinced that she couldn't be what Aiden needs. I ached for them when he finally said something, and the resulting confrontation crushed them both. Nearly losing each other motivated them to work through the obstacles keeping them apart. I loved the epilogue and seeing the changes in Charlie.

The suspense of the story was terrific. From the moment the extraction went bad to the final confrontation, the action never let up. I loved Aiden and Charlie's partnership and how their strengths complemented each other. I had to laugh at Aiden's reactions to some of Charlie's "skills." The descriptions of their actions each step of the way made me feel like I was in the middle of the action. The final confrontation was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat until it was all over. The epilogue provided a hint as to what is coming in the next book.
Profile Image for David Morgan.
949 reviews25 followers
October 6, 2020
Another thrilling romantic suspense story by Juno Rushdan!
US Marshals Aiden and Charlie are moving a witness when they're ambushed and the witness taken. In the chaos of the ambush two officers are killed and a witness comes forward to point the finger at Aiden and Charlie. Now on the run to both find the witness and clear their names the action comes fast and furious while the two navigate their investigation as well as their personal relationship.
Well written with a blistering pace this one had me flying thru the pages hoping for the best for our couple. If you want a thrilling quick read, I highly recommend this one.
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Thank you Juno for the gifted ARC to read, review and enjoy.
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,257 reviews74 followers
November 12, 2020
When Aiden and Charlie’s witness extraction goes wrong, things go from bad to really bad. Now they’re on the run for crimes they didn’t commit and the only ones who can clear their names are the missing witness and the bad guy who took him!

Aiden and Charlie had great chemistry off and on the clock and it’s easy to see why the meshed so well together. I loved how their partnership felt so seamless and was actually amused at how Charlie could turn a blind eye to it for as long as she did. However, with Aiden at her back, I knew he’d eventually get her to wake up and smell the coffee.

If you’re looking for a thrilling, fast-paced read, look no further! Rushdan blows me away every time I open her books! The suspense, the tension, the romance-gah!-she never fails to pull me in and keep me entertained!
Profile Image for Jo-Anne.
1,773 reviews39 followers
December 28, 2021
US Marshals Aiden Yazzie and Charlotte “Charlie” Killinger have been partners for several years. When a witness in a high-profile case was kidnapped they were framed for the crime. Aiden and Charlie went on the run. Hiding from both the good guys and the bad was not easy. This was not the best time to finally admit their attraction.

Even though I didn't care for Charlie, I liked watching the romance between her and Aiden develop. I liked Aiden. He was so kind and patient. Just a delightful character all around. Much of the time, I did find myself feeling sorry for the guy! Having had a difficult childhood, it was understandable that Charlie was unwilling to give in to her attraction. So many things happened to keep them apart but they worked through everything together.

I have to say that I had mixed feelings about this book. I liked the suspense but the romance, not so much. This book kicks off with tons of action, and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire story.
Profile Image for Emily C..
344 reviews13 followers
October 3, 2020
Aiden and Charlotte “Charlie” are on the mission to protect a high-profile witness and are transporting him to the Safe Site and Protection Center. However, they are ambushed by a group of trained and well-equipped snipers! While they are fighting for their life, as well as the witness’s, there is an All-Points Bulletin out on them!
The talented Juno Rushdan has again skillfully crafted her second book of her Hard Core Justice series, WITNESS SECURITY BREACH that kicks off with tons of actions, and the suspense intensifies as the pages turn! I highly recommend this series to fans of action-packed thrillers!
I sincerely thank Juno for giving me the opportunity to read and review this enjoyable thriller.
1 review
October 1, 2020
US Marshals Aiden Yazzie and Charlotte “Charlie” Killinger have been partners for years. The witness protection programs information has been compromised and they have been assigned to immediately relocate a high-profile witness. Things become complicated when the witness is kidnapped and the partners are framed for it. Aiden and Charlie run from both the good and bad guys, and along the way confront their longstanding attraction.
I love reading this author’s books.
The plot was believable with the gradual development of the characters and their history. The story moves quickly with suspense, action and danger to the conclusion.
Juno Rushdans writing drew me into Witness Security Breach and I couldn't put it down. It was awesome watching the good guys win and find love.

I received a copy of this book in trade for an honest review.
Profile Image for Patricia.
627 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2020
Action from the start, barely letting up to give the reader a chance to breathe. Aiden and Charlie, US Marshals, ambushed while trying to move a witness, are accused of turning on their own. Now on the run to prove their innocence and recover the witness, their feelings for each other are revealed and tension develops. Another great read from Juno Rushdan.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,810 followers
Read
October 3, 2020
Categories
Romantic Suspense, Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Hard Core Justice Thriller (Book #2)
Profile Image for Toth Jo-Ann.
675 reviews14 followers
August 26, 2020
Talk about a fast paced book. Juno sets the story up from the beginning. The description of the guns are beyond me. I enjoyed the characters Charlie and Aiden. Charlie had secrets that were painful but needed to come out. The way Juno set the story up was well done. It was believable and the situation was real. It was fun to read and hard to put down. I'm looking forward to the next in this series. J
Profile Image for Kate Vale.
Author 27 books87 followers
October 17, 2020
Another in the Hard Core Justice Thriller series, in which two partners in the US Marshalls service are charged with having killed a fellow Marshall and a police officer, though this information is incorrect. When one of those people in the witness protection program is spirited away, they have to get him back to clear their respective names.

In the course of doing so, they finally acknowledge their mutual attraction, but to make a future with and for each other, they have to stay alive and that's in jeopardy as they confront several encounters that could prove deadly.

Who is going to survive their efforts and will they be able to clear their names and preserve their reputations as a dynamic duo?
Profile Image for NICUnurse Stephanie .
951 reviews36 followers
July 11, 2021
Witness Security Breach is the second book in Juno Rushdan’s Hardcore Justice Series. It can be read as a stand-alone title. There is some slight crossover with characters from book one, but there’s just enough backstory thrown in that it’s not going to detract from this one.

Action, action, and more action. Oh and lots of suspense. And romance. So really, it has the trifecta of romantic suspense perfection. The plot is fast-paced and keeps you guessing until the end. This book is just one more reason that I reach for Juno Rushdan’s books when I’m looking for fast-paced action, suspense, thrills, chills, and romance. I’d say she’s thoroughly cemented herself as a great romantic suspense author.

NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Witness Security Breach by Juno Rushdan 5 out of 5 stars!
533 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2020
EXPLOSIVE

Action, immediate action, explosive action grabbed on and never let go until the very end. A long simmering, hot, sizzling romance finally boils over, forcing Charlie and Aiden to face it and deal with it/embrace it. A set-up betrayal has caused unbelievable issues until it is finally resolved.
This book, like all of Juno Rushdan’s books, keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire book, making it difficult to put down. This is NOT TO BE MISSED story. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Renee Mylander.
70 reviews
April 30, 2021
Juno Rush sure knows how to catch her readers attention. I really love how all the different law enforcement agencies are supposed to work together, but there is always a boss that will throw his people to the wolves. I love how the Marshall's are willing to go to the end of the earth to protect their witness who has been in witness protection and their cover was blown. The rest you need to read for yourself to find out what happens. This series has my attention and I can hardly wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Miki.
1,063 reviews43 followers
January 22, 2021
i liked it, Aiden seems like the perfect man understanding, persistent and i love his origins not that often present in romance suspense. Charlie had a difficult past but she choose to be on the side of law and she is a great partner for Aiden.The investigation is well written but really i hate their superior

good romance suspense
Profile Image for Maria D.
76 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2020
Juno Rushdan has done it again....she has a way of weaving love, thrill, mystery and action into heart pounding page turning excitement. The characters Charlie and Aiden pull you into the ride....Juno’ style makes it easy to read and hard to put down....I can’t wait for the next one!!!
1,323 reviews23 followers
June 20, 2021
This is a Harlequin Intrigue that really was such a good story. Right from the first page the story was exciting and the author really had you all the way to the end. Juno hit this one to the outfield and he got a triple!
Profile Image for Reading in the Heartland (Michaela).
3,819 reviews97 followers
June 22, 2021
I loved getting these characters from the first book. Highly trained all around. The Navajo thread was such a cool part. This story completely took turns I wasn’t expecting. I like how there is a thread of continuity throughout the books in this series. There is steam.
Profile Image for Tala.
396 reviews
July 7, 2021
Juno Rushdan and romantic suspense is a match made in heaven.
12.9k reviews194 followers
October 16, 2021
Full of action, twists and turns. Murder, perhaps even a bit of romance to help lighten the situation. Fast paced, worth the time to read.
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
July 11, 2021
This was an incredible book that kept me glued to my seat. Aiden and Charlie are US Marshal’s. They work good as a team. Aiden has gut instincts that he and Charlie have learned never to ignore. Charlie is a quick thinker, and always comes up with a way to get them out of sticky situations. Aiden, and Charlie and their team work fast to move a high-profile witness. The book heats up as they were ambushed, one team-mate was killed, and their witness kidnapped. One dirty cop accused them of the murder of the fellow agent. The two knows they have to save the witness, and clear their names. They have no choice but to go on the run, and stay undercover, until the witness is safe. This was an action-packed book with a touch of romance. If you’re looking for a great book to read, I’d recommend this one.

Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews