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The Cortell Brothers #3
Wanted Dead or in Love
This is book 3 in The Cortell Brothers series, and it is recommended they are read in order.
Josh
I was just driving down the road one day when I saw her. That was when everything went to shit. Bullets were flying, I was killing guys with a toilet lid. It was insane. And the whole time, I had a scared, timid woman as an accomplice.
Or was she?
She knew exactly what she was doing. She knew exactly what to say. It seemed that I was the only one left in the dark about what was really going on. And I was about to pay for it, with my life.
Hannah
I'd seen that look before, that watchful gaze that sent shivers down my spine. I thought he was there to kill me, but then he got wrapped up in everything with me, and then I couldn't shake him. I couldn't tell him who I was. I could never let him go back to his life. He had to run with me or his whole family would be murdered. But you know what they say about secrets, they always come out eventually. And when he finds out mine, he's gonna be pissed.
Josh
I was just driving down the road one day when I saw her. That was when everything went to shit. Bullets were flying, I was killing guys with a toilet lid. It was insane. And the whole time, I had a scared, timid woman as an accomplice.
Or was she?
She knew exactly what she was doing. She knew exactly what to say. It seemed that I was the only one left in the dark about what was really going on. And I was about to pay for it, with my life.
Hannah
I'd seen that look before, that watchful gaze that sent shivers down my spine. I thought he was there to kill me, but then he got wrapped up in everything with me, and then I couldn't shake him. I couldn't tell him who I was. I could never let him go back to his life. He had to run with me or his whole family would be murdered. But you know what they say about secrets, they always come out eventually. And when he finds out mine, he's gonna be pissed.
400 pages, ebook
Published January 11, 2021
179 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
About the author
Giulia Lagomarsino
123 books825 followersGiulia Lagomarsino is the author of the action-packed series Owens Protective Services, along with four other series that feature hot men, strong women, and storylines that will leave you laughing, crying, and begging for more. To find her reading order, visit her website http://giulialagomarsinoauthor.com or join her reading group https://www.facebook.com/groups/Giuli....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
January 30, 2021
I found this latest book by Ms Lagomarsino to be an original & truly delightful spin on the 'on the run' story line.
First, it's the heroine, Hannah, who is the 'bad *ss', who kicks rump & takes names, who leads & directs, educates & protects. She's the one who inadvertently pulls a hapless naive small town man, Josh Cortell, out of his life & world & into her chaotic orbit. She's successfully been evading 'someone' for years who is, & has been, attempting with great tenacity & resources to capture & possibly kill her.
Initially attracted to the beautiful woman, Josh finds himself sucked into a deep dark whirlpool of deadly danger & suspense, running for his life from unknown foes that just won't quit. Confused, out of his depth, but loyal & determined to help Hannah, Josh's early stumbling attempts to persevere barely keep his head above water but with every confrontation both his resolve & skills intensify & improve.
But Hannah has secrets & Josh is about to find them out . . . .
As always, Ms Lagomarsino provides escape, entertainment, complex characters the reader cares about & roots for, villains the reader hopes gets their just desserts & a plot that provides suspense, action as well as delicious danger combined with tension in & out of the bedroom. And this isn't an insta-love, although both Hannah & Josh are attracted to each other, their situation intially is too fraught with the unknown, potential death & chaos to settle down & 'feel' emotionally about the other.
But they do both realize very quickly, the only one they may trust, may depend on, may potentially develop feelings for, is the other. And I loved this slant of the story.
At first they are close to each other to survive, then for companionship, then the ability to 'connect' with another person. Only after all these stages do their true feelings begin to emerge. And through it all, Hannah & Josh are intensely loyal to each other, both ready to give their life to save the other no matter what.
Sometimes constant stress & danger, pressure & chaos may be easier to handle than peace & quiet. But first one must survive the deadly trials & tribulations they've been dealt . . . .
Wonderfully written with a deft touch, the reader is drawn into Hannah & Josh's world, into a wild & crazy ride that smoothly segues from exciting action to suspenseful tenterhooks, from suspicion to friendship to love, from hard & cold to sweet & romantic. A beautifully rendered & thrilling romance I greatly enjoyed from beginning to end.
First, it's the heroine, Hannah, who is the 'bad *ss', who kicks rump & takes names, who leads & directs, educates & protects. She's the one who inadvertently pulls a hapless naive small town man, Josh Cortell, out of his life & world & into her chaotic orbit. She's successfully been evading 'someone' for years who is, & has been, attempting with great tenacity & resources to capture & possibly kill her.
Initially attracted to the beautiful woman, Josh finds himself sucked into a deep dark whirlpool of deadly danger & suspense, running for his life from unknown foes that just won't quit. Confused, out of his depth, but loyal & determined to help Hannah, Josh's early stumbling attempts to persevere barely keep his head above water but with every confrontation both his resolve & skills intensify & improve.
But Hannah has secrets & Josh is about to find them out . . . .
As always, Ms Lagomarsino provides escape, entertainment, complex characters the reader cares about & roots for, villains the reader hopes gets their just desserts & a plot that provides suspense, action as well as delicious danger combined with tension in & out of the bedroom. And this isn't an insta-love, although both Hannah & Josh are attracted to each other, their situation intially is too fraught with the unknown, potential death & chaos to settle down & 'feel' emotionally about the other.
But they do both realize very quickly, the only one they may trust, may depend on, may potentially develop feelings for, is the other. And I loved this slant of the story.
At first they are close to each other to survive, then for companionship, then the ability to 'connect' with another person. Only after all these stages do their true feelings begin to emerge. And through it all, Hannah & Josh are intensely loyal to each other, both ready to give their life to save the other no matter what.
Sometimes constant stress & danger, pressure & chaos may be easier to handle than peace & quiet. But first one must survive the deadly trials & tribulations they've been dealt . . . .
Wonderfully written with a deft touch, the reader is drawn into Hannah & Josh's world, into a wild & crazy ride that smoothly segues from exciting action to suspenseful tenterhooks, from suspicion to friendship to love, from hard & cold to sweet & romantic. A beautifully rendered & thrilling romance I greatly enjoyed from beginning to end.
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August 12, 2023
Josh has been missing for seven years. His brothers have searched for him everywhere, never giving up hope that he's alive. So, when he appears out of nowhere, brandishing a gun, what explanation could he possibly give to explain his absence all these years?
That morning, seven years ago...
“Josh, it’s so good to see you,” Mary Anne beamed.
“Good to see you too. Do you have anything new on the menu this morning?”
She smiled, a slight blush flushing her cheeks. “Well, I’ve been working on something really delicious, but it’s a little adventurous.”
“You know I’m always up for a good time.”
“I promise, you’re going to love it.”
“Great, I’ll take a cup of coffee also.”
“Coming right up,” she said cheerily.
The bell rang over the door and I turned to see who entered. I grinned at Jack, who had his arm wrapped around a beautiful brunette. “Jack,” I nodded. “And who is this pretty lady?”
I had known Jack most of my life, and while he was more Eric’s age, I got along with him pretty well, and frequently grabbed a beer with him at The End Zone.
“This is Natalie.”
“Ah, the lovely Natalie,” I grinned. Jack had already told me about Natalie last week when I saw him in the bar. He described her as a rare beauty that he wasn’t sure he deserved. They had been dating for about three weeks from what I understood. “Jack has told me a lot about you.”
“Really?” she blushed. “He hasn’t told me anything about you.”
I leaned in to whisper, but loud enough that Jack could hear. “That’s because all he can think about is you.” I stepped back and grinned. “Not even enough time to talk about your friends, huh, Jack?”
He shook his head and pulled Natalie in closer. “Why would I talk about an ugly guy like you when I could talk about the most beautiful woman in the room?”
“I think you mean the state,” I said, winking at her. I sighed heavily and turned back to grab my order from Mary Anne. “I guess we can’t all be as lucky as Jack.”
“Still trying to steal Carter’s girlfriend?” he asked.
“What can I say? So many beautiful women in town, and they’re already taken.”
“Just not by you,” he pointed out. “I’m guessing that says something about you, not them.”
I spread my arms wide and grinned. “I’m too good looking and they’re all scared to date me.”
“Sure,” he snorted. “We’ll say that’s what the problem is.”
I laughed and nodded to them, turning for the door, holding it open for some ladies that were entering. I shoveled the delicious concoction that Mary Anne made into my mouth and then pulled into the gas station before I headed out of town. As I was pumping gas, I noticed a woman stepping out of her car. Another really hot lady, just walking past me without a second glance. I guess that was my life, to be surrounded by beautiful women, but never be able to keep any for myself.
January 1, 2024
Fun, sexy mexy, plenty of action and yes at times tears.
This is by far the best series and the offspring series I have read this year.
The complex threads that Giulia weaves her stories, and her characters keeps you coming back for more. You will be riveted to the pages and find that hours have passed by the time you manage to pull yourself away.
You will laugh your arse off when you are not sweating through the action.
This is by far the best series and the offspring series I have read this year.
The complex threads that Giulia weaves her stories, and her characters keeps you coming back for more. You will be riveted to the pages and find that hours have passed by the time you manage to pull yourself away.
You will laugh your arse off when you are not sweating through the action.
January 15, 2021
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Wanted Dead or Alive is book 3 of the Cortell Brothers Series. And WOW!! What a story! The focus is on Josh Cortell and Carly. It was unpredictable, at times jaw dropping, full of twists, angst, and action. This one left me with a book hang over and shocked out of my mind.
Josh is a good man who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, drastically changing his life forever. He's been through so much and he himself has changed into a totally different person. He went from a happy go lucky, laid back, family man to being harder, stronger, and I think some what jaded. My heart broke for him and all he lost and sacrificed.
Carly is a badass. She grew up in an unconventional lifestyle and ran from home at a young age. She's intelligent, strong as he££, stubborn, and a survivor. She doesn't trust anyone and when she meets Josh in an unlikely way she has to adjust to having someone else ib her life and having them to lean on.
This book was such a whirlwind of emotions and was nothing I would have ever expected. It's no doubt original and well thought out and executed. And you can look forward to the classic Cortell brothers banter and humor. I must say I'm still put off with Ma Cortell after book 2. She doesn't redeem herself in this book for me. It irks me that she brushes off Anna being back and her involvement with what happened between Ana and Robert in the past. I also felt there were few questionable things in this story that were left unanswered. I want to warn that this book doesn't really end in a traditional happily ever after. It leaves you reeling and kind of feeling gutted as well as mind blown!
January 16, 2021
Wanted Dead or In Love was definitely not what I was expecting to happen with this series. It's completely my fault because when it comes to Giulia Lagomarsino I don't read blurbs I just read. I loved the book, I just thought it would be with the Cortell Brothers. Family is everything to them and for Josh to just up and disappear for seven years was just completely not something I pictured them doing.
Josh accidentally meets Carly when he's driving down the road and stops to help her when her car is broke down and form there his life is never the same. He spends the next seven years on the run. Carly's family are bad people. She ran away from home at a young age and continued to run even after meeting Josh. Carly is strong AF and doesn't need help from anyone. Their love for each other jumps off the pages. Their start may have started unconventional but it's strong and solid. Running for their lives brought them closer.
I love that we get the Reed security guys in this book. I love them and I missed them. The banter between them makes a book but add in the Cortell brothers and it's beyond amazing.
Wanted Dead or In Love is action packed and kept me turning page after page. I couldn't get enough of Josh and Carly. Their story is different and something you don't normally see. She delivered this amazing plot with fantastic writing and perfect characters. It was completed hooked from start to finish. This was the perfect addition to this series and I cannot wait to see what she gives us next. I'm completely addicted to the Cortell brothers.
Josh accidentally meets Carly when he's driving down the road and stops to help her when her car is broke down and form there his life is never the same. He spends the next seven years on the run. Carly's family are bad people. She ran away from home at a young age and continued to run even after meeting Josh. Carly is strong AF and doesn't need help from anyone. Their love for each other jumps off the pages. Their start may have started unconventional but it's strong and solid. Running for their lives brought them closer.
I love that we get the Reed security guys in this book. I love them and I missed them. The banter between them makes a book but add in the Cortell brothers and it's beyond amazing.
Wanted Dead or In Love is action packed and kept me turning page after page. I couldn't get enough of Josh and Carly. Their story is different and something you don't normally see. She delivered this amazing plot with fantastic writing and perfect characters. It was completed hooked from start to finish. This was the perfect addition to this series and I cannot wait to see what she gives us next. I'm completely addicted to the Cortell brothers.
January 11, 2021
I knew this book was going to take me for a ride when I read the end of book 2 and omg what a ride it took me on.
I loved Josh and Carlys story. When I first started I was like who the hell is Hannah don't you dare tell me he's been missing all this time cheating with another woman! but then i got off my high horse and it all became clear so I could breathe a sigh of relief. I got lost in the drama of this book. Its full of action, deception, pulse racing moments, moments of joy and sadness and everything inbetween. The path for Carly and Josh was in no way smooth but it was worth it all. The ending has got me very excited for the next book I'm really enjoying Giulias writing she just suck you in.
As always the banter between the brothers had me in stitches. I adore Joe I can't wait to see if he gets a story as I can imagine its going to be side splitting. This is definitely a series not to be missed
I loved Josh and Carlys story. When I first started I was like who the hell is Hannah don't you dare tell me he's been missing all this time cheating with another woman! but then i got off my high horse and it all became clear so I could breathe a sigh of relief. I got lost in the drama of this book. Its full of action, deception, pulse racing moments, moments of joy and sadness and everything inbetween. The path for Carly and Josh was in no way smooth but it was worth it all. The ending has got me very excited for the next book I'm really enjoying Giulias writing she just suck you in.
As always the banter between the brothers had me in stitches. I adore Joe I can't wait to see if he gets a story as I can imagine its going to be side splitting. This is definitely a series not to be missed
January 11, 2021
Hannah needs to ensure she is one step ahead of the people who are after her as her life depends on it. Having a flat tire was inconvenient but it may just be the best thing that could ever have happened to her when it brings Josh into her life.
When Josh stopped to help who he believes is a damsel in distress he soon realizes that she is a force to be reckoned with. He turns from Good Samaritan into accomplice even if it means leaving everyone and everything he knows and loves behind. Although not ideal they were content with their life on the run and each other until their life took a turn and status quo is no longer an option.
This story takes us on an adventure filled with intrigue, humor, compelling characters and an enduring love that began under the most unlikely of circumstances.
When Josh stopped to help who he believes is a damsel in distress he soon realizes that she is a force to be reckoned with. He turns from Good Samaritan into accomplice even if it means leaving everyone and everything he knows and loves behind. Although not ideal they were content with their life on the run and each other until their life took a turn and status quo is no longer an option.
This story takes us on an adventure filled with intrigue, humor, compelling characters and an enduring love that began under the most unlikely of circumstances.
January 14, 2021
'Wanted Dead or In Love' is Giulia Lagomarsino's third book in the "Cortell Brothers" series and, in my opinion, the best one so far!! At first, I read the blurb which sent me into a fit of laughter. Did you read it? Yes, you read it correctly, Josh was killing guys with a toilet lid. Now if that didn't somehow strike you funny, then I don't know what would It definitely got my attention and I had to find out just what the heck was going on. This blurb gives you the highlight but you'll have to read the book to get all the intensity of the drama, intrigue, emotions, and eventually the chemistry between these two characters. This is so much more than the blurb. I'M SHOUTING FROM THE ROOFTOP, YOU'VE GOT TO READ THIS ONE.
January 11, 2021
Since I started reading the Cortell brothers series, I have been hoping that we get to read Josh’s story. He has been mentioned in every book so far, and now we get to find out what happened. As usual, Lagomarsino doesn’t leave me disappointed.
This book has an original storyline with drama, danger, romance and plenty of action (adventure) as well as some summer. The characters are an excellent addition to existing Cortell brothers family. Highly recommend this book!
~Lauren💜
This book has an original storyline with drama, danger, romance and plenty of action (adventure) as well as some summer. The characters are an excellent addition to existing Cortell brothers family. Highly recommend this book!
~Lauren💜
July 7, 2021
I absolutely loved everything about Josh and Carly’s (Hannah) story and I think it’s the best yet in this series. I was hooked from start to finish and couldn’t put it down. Josh and Carly meet when he stops to help her after her car broke down. Their journey is sweet, unpredictable, action packed and full of twists, angst, and romance.
July 7, 2022
Omg! I'm so hooked on this series
Josh is so sweet. He's a gentleman, sort of, lol.
Carly/Hannah, whatever you want to call her is hard, resourceful and everything someone needs to learn to survive.
These two came together under unfortunate circumstances and they stuck together,, but now that things are over can they get into a normal life?
And holy cliff hanger, really?
Josh is so sweet. He's a gentleman, sort of, lol.
Carly/Hannah, whatever you want to call her is hard, resourceful and everything someone needs to learn to survive.
These two came together under unfortunate circumstances and they stuck together,, but now that things are over can they get into a normal life?
And holy cliff hanger, really?
September 19, 2024
I can’t believe I almost gave up on this series. This one was sooooo good. 😊
November 12, 2024
I hate that this ended as a cliffhanger. It truly sucked not having closure especially since Will's book sounds boring
March 17, 2021
some part of the story like the past should only be put in a few chapter only. I love strong heroin so i like Hannah character but feel a little bit bad for josh because he end up with this mess.
January 16, 2021
If you know anything of the Cortell brothers from Giulia’s other books then the mysterious disappearance of Josh has kept you intrigued and wondering if we were ever going to find out what happened to him. Well, his story is here and it captivates attention from the blurb alone.
The latest instalment of the Cortell Brothers Series is more reminiscent of the action and drama that Giulia delivered in her Reed Security series rather than the trials and tribulations of small-town life we’ve seen in Eric’s (Maintenance Required) and Robert’s (Collateral Damage) stories. With a story spanning 7 years from beginning to end ‘Wanted Dead Or In Love’ takes you on a journey right alongside the characters. However, expect more than drama and action as Giulia has moments which tug on the heartstrings and ones that will have you laughing at the ridiculous things her characters get up to.
Josh makes a strong first impression in chapter one and considering its length and lack of much in comparison to the other chapters that’s quite an accomplishment. By the end of the book Giulia has developed this character to depict a complex individual with many dimensions to his personality as you see him in the mindsets of different roles throughout the book. Carly in her own right is a complex character herself, with the readers discovering more about her and her past along with Josh as their time together continues. These two strong characters compliment each other beautifully and their journey makes for an intense but enjoyable read.
With the nature of their life together this book largely features just these two characters. Though side characters who appear in the early parts of the book help move the story along and when all the Cortell family make an appearance, the family reunion and banter make for a really satisfying end. The lengths this family will go to for each other is a wonderful thing to read. Though that being said don’t expect to find a traditional HEA/HFN ending, once again some questions are left unanswered and whilst mildly frustrating, they will leave you desperate for Textbook Approach.
The latest instalment of the Cortell Brothers Series is more reminiscent of the action and drama that Giulia delivered in her Reed Security series rather than the trials and tribulations of small-town life we’ve seen in Eric’s (Maintenance Required) and Robert’s (Collateral Damage) stories. With a story spanning 7 years from beginning to end ‘Wanted Dead Or In Love’ takes you on a journey right alongside the characters. However, expect more than drama and action as Giulia has moments which tug on the heartstrings and ones that will have you laughing at the ridiculous things her characters get up to.
Josh makes a strong first impression in chapter one and considering its length and lack of much in comparison to the other chapters that’s quite an accomplishment. By the end of the book Giulia has developed this character to depict a complex individual with many dimensions to his personality as you see him in the mindsets of different roles throughout the book. Carly in her own right is a complex character herself, with the readers discovering more about her and her past along with Josh as their time together continues. These two strong characters compliment each other beautifully and their journey makes for an intense but enjoyable read.
With the nature of their life together this book largely features just these two characters. Though side characters who appear in the early parts of the book help move the story along and when all the Cortell family make an appearance, the family reunion and banter make for a really satisfying end. The lengths this family will go to for each other is a wonderful thing to read. Though that being said don’t expect to find a traditional HEA/HFN ending, once again some questions are left unanswered and whilst mildly frustrating, they will leave you desperate for Textbook Approach.
January 11, 2021
As we know from the first 2 books in the series, Josh Cortell has been missing for 7 years and sorely missed by his family. We now get to find out the reason why! Josh is your typical boy next door who loves his family and would do anything for anyone, unfortunately that is what gets him into trouble!
The story starts 7 years ago with Josh noticing a beautiful lady at the gas station whilst on his way to work. They meet again a little while later when Carly/Hannah is stranded by the side of the road with a flat tyre and that is when the drama starts.
Hannah is on the run, but from what or who? Josh is pulled along into a life on the run with Hannah going from place to place having near escapes with Hannah’s pursuers for the next seven years. During this time they go from two people just on the run together to two lovers completely in love with each other.
However Hannah is holding a vast secret and when this eventually comes out they have to make the hardest decision of their lives and end up back at Josh’s family to leave their precious treasure with them so they can escape without further worry. Little does Hannah and Josh realise the lengths the Cortell Brother’s will go too to help their brother.
This is the third book in the Cortell Brothers Series by Giulia and she has outdone herself again! Each time I finish one of her books I don’t think the next could be any better but each time she proves me wrong. To truly appreciate this book it is best that you read Maintenance Required and Collateral Damage first, the previous two books in the series. Also for you Reed Security fans we get to see some of the guys again and you also get to find out why you should never trust a handshake!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story starts 7 years ago with Josh noticing a beautiful lady at the gas station whilst on his way to work. They meet again a little while later when Carly/Hannah is stranded by the side of the road with a flat tyre and that is when the drama starts.
Hannah is on the run, but from what or who? Josh is pulled along into a life on the run with Hannah going from place to place having near escapes with Hannah’s pursuers for the next seven years. During this time they go from two people just on the run together to two lovers completely in love with each other.
However Hannah is holding a vast secret and when this eventually comes out they have to make the hardest decision of their lives and end up back at Josh’s family to leave their precious treasure with them so they can escape without further worry. Little does Hannah and Josh realise the lengths the Cortell Brother’s will go too to help their brother.
This is the third book in the Cortell Brothers Series by Giulia and she has outdone herself again! Each time I finish one of her books I don’t think the next could be any better but each time she proves me wrong. To truly appreciate this book it is best that you read Maintenance Required and Collateral Damage first, the previous two books in the series. Also for you Reed Security fans we get to see some of the guys again and you also get to find out why you should never trust a handshake!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2021
I’ve loved these books by Ms. Lagomarsino so much and Wanted: Dead or in Love did not disappoint. These brothers are fun to read and the women they find are just as fun, but they are also just as strong and tough as well. Josh and Carly’s story is probably my favorite so far, and that is saying something because the first two books were awesome! This story was a bit different than the other two, but it was just as great.
Josh Cortell woke up and was having a normal day in his life. He went to the bakery for his morning coffee and pastry and had his day all mapped out. It was a normal day for him, until it wasn’t. His whole day and his whole life got turned upside down and sideways in the blink of an eye. He was so out of his comfort zone it was unbelievable.
Carlotta, Carla, Hannah, Carly hated the life she was born into and wanted something normal, so she went looking for it on her own, but it wasn’t that easy for her. She had to keep a low profile and be very careful about how she lived her life now. Otherwise, she would face dire circumstances.
This story was quite a bit different than the first two Cortell Brother stories, but it was so good. I loved Josh and Carly and their lives. The story has a lot of twists, turns, danger and betrayal, but Josh and Carly find a way to survive. I give this story a 5-star review and REALLY hope the next book is due out soon. The ending of this story killed me! If you like stories with loyal, funny, Alpha males and crazy, sassy, fun loving women, with a side of danger, you will love this story and all of the Cortell Brother books. Ms. Lagomarsino is one of my favorite one-click authors and she has not disappointed me yet with her books.
Josh Cortell woke up and was having a normal day in his life. He went to the bakery for his morning coffee and pastry and had his day all mapped out. It was a normal day for him, until it wasn’t. His whole day and his whole life got turned upside down and sideways in the blink of an eye. He was so out of his comfort zone it was unbelievable.
Carlotta, Carla, Hannah, Carly hated the life she was born into and wanted something normal, so she went looking for it on her own, but it wasn’t that easy for her. She had to keep a low profile and be very careful about how she lived her life now. Otherwise, she would face dire circumstances.
This story was quite a bit different than the first two Cortell Brother stories, but it was so good. I loved Josh and Carly and their lives. The story has a lot of twists, turns, danger and betrayal, but Josh and Carly find a way to survive. I give this story a 5-star review and REALLY hope the next book is due out soon. The ending of this story killed me! If you like stories with loyal, funny, Alpha males and crazy, sassy, fun loving women, with a side of danger, you will love this story and all of the Cortell Brother books. Ms. Lagomarsino is one of my favorite one-click authors and she has not disappointed me yet with her books.
April 21, 2021
You have to admit Wanted Dead or In Love is a pretty unusual title for the third book in a contemporary romance series. Seriously this book could have just as easily been given the second book Collateral Damage title and made more sense than it did for book 2. Being a contemporary romance reader who enjoys a little danger and suspense mixed in with his romance and sex, I really enjoyed the first two-thirds of this story while Josh Cortell and the woman he stops along the road to help change a flat tire are fleeing and fighting their pursuers for their lives, falling madly in love along the way. Logomarsino does her usual excellent job of describing a slowly evolving relationship between a man and woman who begin as strangers forced together for survival, to becoming a loving couple willing to die for one another. But the final third of the book where their relationship comes into question and they struggle to find their way back to each other while finding their footing in a life where they’re no longer on the run, not so much. Mostly because it was hard, painful actually, for me to watch the relationship they’d built, the love they shared while on the run threaten to come tumbling down like a fragile house of cards, even knowing that ultimately they’d find a way to come together again. If that isn’t enough instead of ending on a happy note this book ends with more or less a cliff hanger with an innocent life hanging in the balance. Like I said, it could have been called Collateral Damage.
May 12, 2021
In this third book in the The Cortell Brothers, we find out more about Josh's disappearance. Did he leave freely or was he taken? Was he mixed up in something that took him away? There were so many questions about him in the first two books.
Josh was just minding his own business when he noticed a beautiful woman at the side if the road. Being single and a mechanic he had to stop and help her out. Well little did he know his life would change forever. Who did this lady end up being? Why was Josh now running for his life with this beautiful woman?
Carly aka Hannah was the woman that Josh just had to help. Who was she? Well, she was apparently running from her husband as he was mixed up in some bad business, or so she says. She's been on run for four years when she got Josh involved. She convinced him that he had to be in the hun with her because her husband would find our about him and kill his family.
The truth finally comes out that she is part of the mafia, in fact she is daughter of the biggest mafia leader and it's her family is after her. Over the seven years they were in the run feeling developed for one another. She also confided in her ex-fiance, whom she thought she could trust
This book is full of banter, sexual tension, laughs but also heartbreak. Giulia has you sitting on the edge of your seat, your heart beating faster and your stomach in knots. Her writing is outstanding and gripping. You will feel ever emotion the characters feel due to the descriptions and details she writes about and with. I am truly loving this series.
Josh was just minding his own business when he noticed a beautiful woman at the side if the road. Being single and a mechanic he had to stop and help her out. Well little did he know his life would change forever. Who did this lady end up being? Why was Josh now running for his life with this beautiful woman?
Carly aka Hannah was the woman that Josh just had to help. Who was she? Well, she was apparently running from her husband as he was mixed up in some bad business, or so she says. She's been on run for four years when she got Josh involved. She convinced him that he had to be in the hun with her because her husband would find our about him and kill his family.
The truth finally comes out that she is part of the mafia, in fact she is daughter of the biggest mafia leader and it's her family is after her. Over the seven years they were in the run feeling developed for one another. She also confided in her ex-fiance, whom she thought she could trust
This book is full of banter, sexual tension, laughs but also heartbreak. Giulia has you sitting on the edge of your seat, your heart beating faster and your stomach in knots. Her writing is outstanding and gripping. You will feel ever emotion the characters feel due to the descriptions and details she writes about and with. I am truly loving this series.
January 14, 2021
This is the third book in The Cortell Brothers series and it is a jaw dropping, page turning read that will keep you up all night to finish. It is Josh and Hannah’s story and it is one heck of a whirlwind. Talk about wanting to do the right thing but being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Josh had his entire life planned out. He is a small-l town boy born and bred with aspirations of being a mechanic. He comes from a loving family and has seven brothers. Hannah is Josh’s opposite. Her view of family was more of what can I do to earn my family’s loyalty and how far out of my comfort zone will I have to go to prove it; which led her to do the unthinkable to escape. When Josh met Hannah, it was murder – literally and figuratively as Hannah’s past came rearing its ugly head with an attempt on their lives. This left them with no choice but to go on the run together. This is one extremely well written storyline with twists and turns, drama, secrets, betrayals, and love. Ms. Lagomarsino has penned Josh’s story with flourish that one’s heart breaks for everything he has to do to guard his life and the lives of those he loves. It ends in an epic cliffhanger and I am dying to find out how it all plays out for these two and it begs the question of how much more will they have to take? I highly recommend this book and borrowed it through Kindle Unlimited.
January 11, 2021
Here is the story of the mystery Cortell brother Josh. We had learned he just disappeared in Maintenance Required, but his brothers still hoped he would return. Josh does show up and brings a load of trouble, and we get to meet up with Reed Security members (Woo HOO Knight and Hunter).
From start to finish, this book was a roller coaster of adventure as we discover how Josh and Hannah/Carly meet and end up on the run for seven years. All I know is with every one of these books; I love the Cortell brothers more and more. As the series progresses, we are learning more and more about these siblings. Their personalities are becoming more defined, and we see they are not one-dimensional characters. Much in the same way, we all fell in love with Reed Security guys and watched them grow, so too we are learning the Cortell brothers. Their devotion to each other is beautiful, but the antics that go with that brotherly devotion are what makes these books even better.
Josh being home will make the remaining brothers' stories that much more because his disappearance left a gaping hole in the family fabric. Now what will be super fun to watch is how many times Carly will have to beat the brothers up until they learn--they are a bit hard-headed. Such a fun series; start reading now!!
From start to finish, this book was a roller coaster of adventure as we discover how Josh and Hannah/Carly meet and end up on the run for seven years. All I know is with every one of these books; I love the Cortell brothers more and more. As the series progresses, we are learning more and more about these siblings. Their personalities are becoming more defined, and we see they are not one-dimensional characters. Much in the same way, we all fell in love with Reed Security guys and watched them grow, so too we are learning the Cortell brothers. Their devotion to each other is beautiful, but the antics that go with that brotherly devotion are what makes these books even better.
Josh being home will make the remaining brothers' stories that much more because his disappearance left a gaping hole in the family fabric. Now what will be super fun to watch is how many times Carly will have to beat the brothers up until they learn--they are a bit hard-headed. Such a fun series; start reading now!!
January 13, 2021
I cannot state this enough, I LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED and yes, LOVED this story HARD! Josh is one of the Cortell brothers who ended up on the lamb because of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, so off he went with Hannah, aka Carly, aka Hannah (you'll have to find out which name is what). They have to stay on the lamb for many years, and he can't let his family know what's going on because of the danger to them, and while these two are spending so much time together, their chemistry took off and then feelings got caught. I really want to tell y'all why they're running but that would give things away, and you just need to experience it for yourselves because it's an edge of your seat, full of f-bomb worthy twists, sexy times, and chaos leading us to some of my favorite men as secondaries providing some hilarious moments. This story was everything but I'm still sitting here wondering about that ending which wasn't a cliffy per se, but I also felt like a big question wasn't answered either. Anyway, that's enough from me, now it's your time to experience all this goodness for yourselves since you'll NEVER NOT ONCE go wrong with Giulia Lagomarsino! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
January 10, 2021
OMG! Just when I thought this series couldn't get any better, IT DOES! Josh Cortell disappeared seven years ago. It was evident in the first two books just how much it devastated his family. But being the kind of person he is, there was no way he was going to leave Hannah to fend for herself. Soon he learns that no good deed goes unpunished. How does stopping to help change a tire detour a person's life?
Over the course of the seven years, they're on the run. They could only depend on each other. When their relationship turns into more, it makes things more dangerous for them because feelings tend to muddy awareness and hyper-vigilance. When they make the hardest decision of their lives, they return to Josh's family intent on leaving their most precious possession and returning to life on the run. But Josh and Hannah soon learn the lengths that his family will go for their sakes. That plot twist with the link to Hannah's past... oh my! And the ending.... cries ugly tears because wow! This was by far my favorite of the series.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Over the course of the seven years, they're on the run. They could only depend on each other. When their relationship turns into more, it makes things more dangerous for them because feelings tend to muddy awareness and hyper-vigilance. When they make the hardest decision of their lives, they return to Josh's family intent on leaving their most precious possession and returning to life on the run. But Josh and Hannah soon learn the lengths that his family will go for their sakes. That plot twist with the link to Hannah's past... oh my! And the ending.... cries ugly tears because wow! This was by far my favorite of the series.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
January 11, 2021
Josh & Carly/Cara/Hanna...
Good deeds don't always work out--or do they? Josh was a mechanic and couldn't let a woman by the road with a flat tire change it herself. This time he should have. Soon they were being attacked by some men. Playing dead saved them for the moment but it was just the beginning. Soon it became a game of run and keep running to protect the family he loved with a woman who wasn't what she had seemed.
Carly never planned to bring anyone along on her escape journey. It was either let him be in danger along with those he loved or bring him along. She hadn't dealt with a man in her life for years. How was this gonna work out?
It took a while but being alone had been harder than she realized. He'd always wanted a woman in his life eventually. It meant giving up his business, his family, but maybe she was worth it.
This is a long dangerous journey. Will they find an end with their own love and family? The author lets us see their growth and feelings. We get to revisit some favorite characters along with steam, love, humor, and danger. I can guarantee you won't want to miss it or the next brother's story.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
Good deeds don't always work out--or do they? Josh was a mechanic and couldn't let a woman by the road with a flat tire change it herself. This time he should have. Soon they were being attacked by some men. Playing dead saved them for the moment but it was just the beginning. Soon it became a game of run and keep running to protect the family he loved with a woman who wasn't what she had seemed.
Carly never planned to bring anyone along on her escape journey. It was either let him be in danger along with those he loved or bring him along. She hadn't dealt with a man in her life for years. How was this gonna work out?
It took a while but being alone had been harder than she realized. He'd always wanted a woman in his life eventually. It meant giving up his business, his family, but maybe she was worth it.
This is a long dangerous journey. Will they find an end with their own love and family? The author lets us see their growth and feelings. We get to revisit some favorite characters along with steam, love, humor, and danger. I can guarantee you won't want to miss it or the next brother's story.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
January 23, 2021
Holy smokes! What an exciting, suspenseful and thrilling read! We finally find out how and why Josh disappeared from his small town and family. Seven years ago he got up for work, flirted with his pretty neighbor, went to the diner for his breakfast sandwich, fueled up his truck at the station and watched a beautiful woman walk into the store. Little did he know that his life was about to change forever. On the road to his job, he comes across her again where she’s pulled along side of the road with a flat tire. Josh’s a good ‘ol boy and offers to change the tire for her but then an SUV comes barreling right for them and from there on it’s one heck of a ride! A thrilling storyline that is fast paced, heart pounding action, suspense, humor, twists and turns, hot chemistry and a strong bond that grows between two people on the run and have only themselves to depend on. I love this series and have been a big fan of Giulia’s books for a long time. Kudos, can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2023
Wanted Dead Or In Love is the 3rd book of The Cortell Brothers Series and it is so action packed it's hard to know where to begin with this review. As always I urge new readers to begin with the first book in any of the Giulia Lagomarsino series because they flow one into another and the characters carry over from book to book. From the beginning of this book to the last word on the last page it is nonstop excitement, dangerous situations, deceptive individuals and interactions.
Josh Cortell stops on the side of the road to help a woman with a flat tire. Hannah, aka Carlotta, aka Carly, thinks Josh is there to kill her. When the real killers show up and try to kill them both they manage to live through a gun battle and then hit the road together. After seven years of being on the run, dodging multiple attempts to kill them, all the truth is out between them and they are in love with each other. Whether they can survive to enjoy that love is not certain. Throughout this book that old saying; “I never saw that coming” applies. Be warned that when you finish book three you will feel compelled to read book four just to see how the series ends.
Josh Cortell stops on the side of the road to help a woman with a flat tire. Hannah, aka Carlotta, aka Carly, thinks Josh is there to kill her. When the real killers show up and try to kill them both they manage to live through a gun battle and then hit the road together. After seven years of being on the run, dodging multiple attempts to kill them, all the truth is out between them and they are in love with each other. Whether they can survive to enjoy that love is not certain. Throughout this book that old saying; “I never saw that coming” applies. Be warned that when you finish book three you will feel compelled to read book four just to see how the series ends.
April 16, 2024
This book was OK. I wasn’t expecting much as it’s a trope I don’t care for. But I read it as it’s part of an ongoing story. Since I wasn’t expecting that much, I was fine with it not delivering that much for me.
Carly, our heroine is the daughter of a mafia boss and someone is trying to kill her. Josh is an unexpected player in the game of hunt. He’s a small town garage mechanic and he comes across Carla with a flat tire on a small country road and he insists on helping her. She’s already been on the run for 4 years so she’s suspicious of everyone. They are talking when a car comes out of nowhere and smashes into her car. They overhear the bad guys talking and it’s clear both Carly and now Josh are marked for death. In order to stay alive, Josh must completely leave his own life behind and trust Carly.
This one has kind of a lonely vibe to it as the two of them can’t stay anywhere longer than three months and are always prepared, at a moment’s notice to head somewhere else.
I still love the author and will be reading more so the fact I found this one meh, doesn’t bother me.
Carly, our heroine is the daughter of a mafia boss and someone is trying to kill her. Josh is an unexpected player in the game of hunt. He’s a small town garage mechanic and he comes across Carla with a flat tire on a small country road and he insists on helping her. She’s already been on the run for 4 years so she’s suspicious of everyone. They are talking when a car comes out of nowhere and smashes into her car. They overhear the bad guys talking and it’s clear both Carly and now Josh are marked for death. In order to stay alive, Josh must completely leave his own life behind and trust Carly.
This one has kind of a lonely vibe to it as the two of them can’t stay anywhere longer than three months and are always prepared, at a moment’s notice to head somewhere else.
I still love the author and will be reading more so the fact I found this one meh, doesn’t bother me.
December 14, 2020
Another masterpiece from Giulia..
This is a refreshing take on the whole going on the run story.. For once it's the female lead who kidnaps the guy and she is a total badass too..
Josh is a very refreshing character because he can admit that he gets hid butt kicked by Carly and that she's definitely better at some things. His love for his family is very clear through each chapter and it's great to see his interactions with his brothers.
Carly is a different kettle of fish. She comes acrosd as this kickass women who doesn't take crap from anyone. The only thing that I didn't like was how she allowed herself to be guilted by someone from her past life. But otherwise sheqas a totally awesome character.
It was great seeing the special appearance of the Reed Security guys.
All in all, it was a great read with a plot twist that makes me eagerly anticipate the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a refreshing take on the whole going on the run story.. For once it's the female lead who kidnaps the guy and she is a total badass too..
Josh is a very refreshing character because he can admit that he gets hid butt kicked by Carly and that she's definitely better at some things. His love for his family is very clear through each chapter and it's great to see his interactions with his brothers.
Carly is a different kettle of fish. She comes acrosd as this kickass women who doesn't take crap from anyone. The only thing that I didn't like was how she allowed herself to be guilted by someone from her past life. But otherwise sheqas a totally awesome character.
It was great seeing the special appearance of the Reed Security guys.
All in all, it was a great read with a plot twist that makes me eagerly anticipate the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2021
4.5 star
The story has laughs, pain, secrets, betrayal, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below, I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Maintenance Required (The Cortell Brothers #1)
Collateral Damage (The Cortell Brothers #2)
This is Carly and Josh’s story. Josh after stopping to help a woman with a flat tire he gets pulled into a whole different world where he must disappear to stay safe. They spend years on the run and narrowly avoid getting killed multiple times. But now they need help, and he turns to his family. They are willing to help but can Carly trust them to help her? When all the secrets come out will that be able to live and stay close to his family? Or will the threat still be out there ready to take them out no matter who keep helping them?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read. But all and all it was a great story.
I highly recommend this book.
The story has laughs, pain, secrets, betrayal, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below, I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Maintenance Required (The Cortell Brothers #1)
Collateral Damage (The Cortell Brothers #2)
This is Carly and Josh’s story. Josh after stopping to help a woman with a flat tire he gets pulled into a whole different world where he must disappear to stay safe. They spend years on the run and narrowly avoid getting killed multiple times. But now they need help, and he turns to his family. They are willing to help but can Carly trust them to help her? When all the secrets come out will that be able to live and stay close to his family? Or will the threat still be out there ready to take them out no matter who keep helping them?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read. But all and all it was a great story.
I highly recommend this book.
January 10, 2021
This is the 3rd book in this awesome series and is Josh and Hannah / Carly’s journey. When Josh comes to Hannah’s aid her never dreamt that he would be going on the run with her to protect his family. Carly is a little b####s who had been on the run for 4-years already and with danger getting closer she leaves Josh with no choice but to go on the run with her. Josh sacrificed so much for his family, and they have been searching for him for 7-years. There comes to a point when he and Carly have no choice but to return to his family to help them, which brings in the Reed Security guys. This is a flawless and well written tale which is action packed, and with danger, twists, suspense, emotional, betrayal, pain, heartbreak, which all leads to a humorous and all-consuming storyline, heartfelt read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.
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