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Women are missing. Private security firm Blackout must find them before another victim disappears.

Axel Hendrix likes to live on the edge. That’s why being a Navy SEAL suited him so well. But after his last mission, he cut his losses and joined Blackout instead. His team’s latest case involves an undercover investigation on Lantern Beach.

Olivia Rollins came to the island to escape her problems—and danger. When trouble from her past shows up in town, she impulsively blurts she’s engaged to Axel, the womanizing man she’s seen while waitressing. Now, she may not be the only one in danger. So could Axel.

Axel knows Olivia might be his chance to find answers and that acting like her fiancé is the perfect cover for his latest assignment. But he doesn’t like throwing Olivia into the middle of such a dangerous situation. Nor is he comfortable with the feelings she stirs inside him.

With Olivia's life—as well as both their hearts—on the line, Axel must uncover the truth and stop an evil plan before more lives are destroyed.

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2021

253 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

Christy Barritt

338 books1,664 followers
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,355 reviews164 followers
September 1, 2025
3.5 stars
"The town's newest waitress needed their help. But would she accept it?

Olivia Rollins thought that moving to the small town of Lantern Beach would give her the fresh, new start that she so desperately needed. She enjoyed her waitressing job at The Crazy Chefette and had even found a no-frills rental where she could live in relative peace. Unfortunately, it only took a solitary walk to the dumpster one evening to realize that "He'd found her".

Axel Hendrix was often misunderstood by the ladies. His harmless flirtation was just a way to pass the time, but when he saw the lovely Crazy Chefette waitress on the ground with a near-hulk ready to strike, his persona changed quickly into an ex-Navy SEAL. A member of the elite private security team, Black Out, Axel knew trouble when he saw it and Olivia Rollins was in trouble.

This fun romantic suspense utilizes the art of deception perfectly, as Axel and Olivia pretend to be in love and and then end up trying not to be . . . . or, something like that. . . in the meantime, they go undercover to try and stop a very real group of human traffickers. This author is obviously at home on Lantern Beach.
Profile Image for Kevin.
802 reviews20 followers
April 18, 2021
Just another week in Lantern Beach

Olivia doesn't like Axel. She doesn't really know him, but she knows his type. Then he saves her from the attentions of a former boyfriend and she sees a different side to him. Soon they're working together undercover to discover the connection between the company she used to work for and six missing women.

Christy Barritt has the formula for a good suspense novel down. She puts her characters into suspect situations and adds some danger and action and romance and somehow arrives at a conclusion that is both satisfying and has the reader asking for the next book in the series.

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,307 reviews45 followers
April 20, 2021
This is the second book in the new series by Christy Barritt, it takes place on the sweet island of Lantern Beach. I love being able to still read what’s happening in the lives of all the wonderful characters on Lantern Beach. I feel like we’re friends and I enjoy keeping up with them. Unfortunately, they seem to have many mysterious things that keep happening to their little island and in their community.
Blackout is the new company of ex-Navy SEAL men who want their lives to have meaning. They provide protection, extra support, and other services to individuals around the world and their own city of Lantern Beach.
In this story, we meet Axel who actually has lived on this island all his life, except when he joined up to be a SEAL. He has many faults, but he’s only hiding who he really is on the inside.
I loved a quote from the book,
“It was like he was a magnet, and they were spiky shards of metal that gravitated toward him at a terrifying force.”
Olivia is someone who also has secrets, but she’s just trying to start her life over and get away from her past. Unfortunately, her past has come to find her.
I love the suspense, action, drama, intrigue, and romance that Christy Barritt puts into all of her stories. This one is no different. It is so full of suspense I had no idea which person was the true bad guy. I’m always trying to guess, but most often I get it wrong. She really knows how to throw twists and turns into her stories.
Wow! It kept me on the seat of my chair and I just couldn’t put it down. I actually read it in one day!
Now, I can’t wait for the next one to come out! At least I hope there’s another one coming out!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
June 22, 2021
My thoughts: this romantic suspense is the second in a series. I think I missed the first book because I don't remember reading it and I'm going to have to go back and look for it. However, this book stands alone and you won't be lost at all. Ms Barrett's romantic suspense is non-stop action, a fast read, and full of twists and turns. It's also set on the popular lantern Beach where Ms Barrett has several series and spinoffs set, and fans will want to read them all. The ending was unexpected. I enjoy Ms Barrett's books. I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books414 followers
April 17, 2021
This exciting, suspenseful novel offers a complete story in itself, but the series set in Lantern Beach are best read in order for maximum enjoyment. This one features Blackout Security’s team member Axel Hendrix, a handsome guy who attracts women without effort. Olivia Rollins, a waitress, tries to avoid him, but events throw them together. Then they team up to try to stop the danger that threatens not only her but others on the island. The tension ramps up as readers try to guess who might be behind the plot. This author continues to craft intriguing mysteries that draw readers in and won’t let go. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sarah.
575 reviews8 followers
April 18, 2021
Life Regrets

I guess you can’t complain too much when a biggest regret is not being able to finish a book that you start reading at breakfast, till the end of the day... Axel and Olivia made it REALLY hard to concentrate when I was dying to know how all of their mysteries would turn out! I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that you know they will end up together, although when I had to stop reading this morning, HOW that would happen was one of the biggest mysteries. Excellent, suspense-filled romance!
Profile Image for Debbie.
283 reviews12 followers
April 16, 2021
Another heart-stopping suspense book from Christy Barritt. On this return to Lantern Beach, we continue meeting the new recruits. This time it is Axel, who saves waitress Olivia from her ex-fiance's rough treatment. Danger begins to surround Oliva and Axel so they end up working together to figure out who is responsible before someone gets hurt - or worse. Suspense, mystery, hidden secrets and a touch of romance make this a must-read. Looking forward to meeting the rest of the new Blackout recruits! I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Robyn Seitzler.
216 reviews6 followers
April 18, 2021
It Takes One to Know One

Take two people scarred by past relationships, throw them together in life or death circumstances where they must learn to trust, and you have an explosive story! Written as only Christy Barritt can write, this one kept me up way past my bedtime! Just one more page . . . Got to read this one!
1,428 reviews12 followers
April 17, 2021
I had a BETA Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Christy Barritt has another hit with this newest book in the Lantern Blackout Series. Axel and Olivia, both with trust issues from past relationships, find themselves fake engaged in order to gain information about the people she formally worked with. The plot includes missing women and threats on both their lives which keeps the story interesting and moving quickly. I would highly recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for Kara.
812 reviews
April 21, 2021
Loved this book!! Barritt just KNOWS how to grab my attention from the start! So far of the group, Axel is my favorite but these guys have my heart regardless (am trying not to confuse his name with Alex). Olivia has arrived at Lantern Beach to escape a bad situation and she's working at Lisa's restaurant, The Crazy Chefette, already love the story.

Axel is visiting the restaurant to keep an eye on things because women have gone missing and Blackout is investigating whatever leads they can get. He can't help that female flirt and pay him way too much attention, including one reporter who WILL NOT get the hint. Olivia is determined to stay away from him assuming he's a player, she couldn't be more wrong but this reader couldn't blame her at all. I was even crushing on this fictional character, he is SO WELL WRITTEN.

When trouble comes looking for Olivia, she tells a huge lie to save her skin. However, has she just put Axel in danger by doing so? Also how can she help expose the criminal activity Axel and his group are trying to take down? The girl is FEARLESS and FEISTY and has a big heart. When I realized what her ex-boyfriend was trying to do, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Tristan is EASY to hate in this book!

This book also deals with human trafficking, a real life issue that I fully support taking down. Barritt write this with both respect and reality, making this story another page turner. We briefly get to see Chief Cassidy and Rocco in this one. Peyton also opens her bakery, which was wonderful. Can't get enough of Barritt's books, ready for the next one!
62 reviews
April 17, 2021
Adel & Olivia

This is Book 2 of( Lantern Beach Blackout: The New Recruits). Christy Barritt's books won't disappoint you. I have read all of her books. They're clean, & you will have a hard time putting the book down.. Enjoy
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
April 18, 2021
Another Good Lantern Beach Book

This was a good book with plenty of suspense, twists and turns.
I loved the storyline and the interesting characters.

Profile Image for Pamela.
748 reviews
April 18, 2021
Awesome book

Another great book by Christy Barrier. I am really enjoying this series and am anxious to read the next one.
297 reviews
April 18, 2021
Great book

Another great book by Christy Barritt. A great combination of romance, adventure, and mystery. I can't wait for the next one!
1,654 reviews11 followers
April 16, 2021
So exciting

This was so exciting. The author is a master at creating suspense, intrigue and twists and in as our main characters try to solve the mystery and find unexpected romance.
Profile Image for Deena Peterson.
1,185 reviews
April 15, 2021
Excellent addition to the Lantern Beach universe. I just may be a little bit in love with Axel 💕
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,206 reviews62 followers
April 17, 2021
Axel by Christy Barritt features more of the Blackout heroes. From the first chapter, readers are introduced to Olivia and Axel. There is something mysterious about Olivia, but of course, readers do not know why. Tristan, an ex-boyfriend, comes onto the page and throws Olivia for a loop. While Barritt does a fabulous job at throwing Olivia and Axel for a number of twists and turns, I do not believe that the issue that Olivia wants to keep hinted is that big of a deal. No one would honestly care about that. But that is just me! As for the character of Azel, I love the model on the front cover. He rides a motorcycle, so bad boy vibe is there, which is a hot factor. However, he really jumps into helping Olivia at all cost. The mystery kept jumping, but it appeared done before, so I knew who it was before Barritt showed the readers. Overall, Axel by Christy Barritt is still an enjoyable read that fans of Barritt will enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of Axel by Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
3 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2021
I like everything Christy Barritt writes

I always like Christy's work. Sometimes I feel as if I'm reading a 13-year-old's book and want to say, 'Remember some of us are adults here..' It seemed lame that Olivia allowed herself to be coerced into doing things she didn't want because of fear a photo would be made public of her kissing a married man. She knew the truth that she had not kissed him willingly and yet she allowed herself to be victimized over a non-porn picture. I'm 72 years old and found this juvenile. Christy is an excellent writer and could have described a worse photo in a way that would not offend. The big PRO on this book is how normally occurring 'red herring' turns out to be a 'red whale'. Love how you did that Christy. I did not see it coming. I wish more had been brought in about the epidemic of human sex trafficking / slavery. I wish more had been written about the different characters' lives. I wanted it to be more indepth. Give us a bit more meat. As I said I like everything this writer creates, just in degrees. This still gets 4 stars.
Profile Image for Christine Goodnough.
Author 4 books18 followers
May 28, 2021
A well written, fast paced, compelling mystery/romance. Olivia is in danger, but from whom? Her former fiancé or one of his work mates? Or is a total stranger stalking her?

There were a few places where the writer went for drama rather than logic: Tristan appears as a violent bully and Olivia seems terrified of him in the first scene; in the second scene he seems fairly civil and there's no terror on her part. He claims that them acting friendly again will improve him in his father's eyes. Can she believe that?

Axel steps in to protect her different times, guided by a "gut feeling" that she's in danger. But who's stalking him and his Blackout group? We don't get those answers in this book, but this is altogether a credible story that plays out well.

A few prayers were offered when danger loomed, but no real religious tone. I thought there was a touch too much self-scolding, like "I mustn't let myself fall for him/her" and "I mustn't risk my heart again." But frequent self-reproach tends to be the way in modern romances.
Profile Image for Pages_With_Me | Génesis  .
205 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2022
3.8 - 3.9

(Definitely, my favorite so far. 😍)

In this 2nd book of the New Recruits series by Christy Barritt, we get a closer view on Axel, the motorcyclists "Casanova", as he and Olivia fake an engagement as a way to discover the criminals behind a woman trafficking chain and to save Olivia from her ex.

Like I said at the top, this has been my favorite so far.
I liked that the relationship wasn't rushed even though the book is short.

The culprit definitely caught me off guard, but it was an interesting development.
The worry in Axel made my heart ache for him. 💖
The faith content was the same as the 1st book, present, but not constant or super evident. Still... the romance was cute and the plot seemed more serious than the plot in Rocco.

[[[I, literally, wanted to slap Olivia at several points throughout the story. What was she thinking?!?!?! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️]]]

Oh well..., the ending was a good one, but, like the previous book, it left me hanging.
Still... Christy Barritt delivers again. Looking forward to Beckett (Book #3).

Toodles and blessings ⚘️
Profile Image for Heather Green.
Author 9 books11 followers
May 22, 2021
Nor very realistic, but still a fun read

I really want to like this author, but the more I read from her, the more I question. There are just too many inconsistencies. For example, how did Tristan find her? She said he'd never hurt her physically, but she cowered and acted like he had. Lisa didn't question an engagement when they hadn't been 'together' for more than 24 hrs? And she didn't question why a window had to be replaced at her restaurant? A tracer was put on a computer, but the company that specialized in computer programs didn't find it? There were others, but I'll let you find them. If the mcs weren't likable, the book wouldn't have a chance. The relationship part was sweet. Who wouldn't swoon over Axel?! Clean. I'll read the next one because I want the cameos of Axel and Olivia.
195 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2021
Axel is an ex-Navy SEAL and a presumed ladies man, working with the Private Security Team Black Out. Olivia is new to Lantern Beach, trying to get a fresh start, and waitressing at The Crazy Cheffette. When Axel comes into the restaurant, Olivia stays as far away from him as possible, but when someone shows up from her past, it's Axel to the rescue. Things get a little complicated when she blurts out that he's her fiance and Axel is willing to go along with the faux relationship. Add in some mystery surrounding missing women and secrets in both of their pasts, and author Christy Barritt delivers another suspenseful story on Lantern Beach. Looking forward to #3.

I received a copy of this book for free, but the opinions are my own.
944 reviews9 followers
July 28, 2022
Another great story by Christy Barritt! I just love all the Lantern Beach mysteries, and Axel is no exception. Olivia is a waitress at the Crazy Chefett, and Axel is a dark hunk that attracts many women. Many women, except Olivia, because he seems the type she hates. Axel has joined the Blackout team, gone undercover, and is drawn to Olivia because she's different. One day he rescues her from her ex-fiance, and Olivia begins to wonder if perhaps there's another side to Axel. When the ex-fiance Tristan returns to confront Olivia once more, she tells a lie that includes Axel. As Olivia is drawn into Axel's investigation, danger increases. Olivia's life is threatened on a private island. Can Axel rescue her in time? A great mystery and clean romance I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Holly.
708 reviews21 followers
April 20, 2021
It is amazing how Christy Barritt can come up with such great stories, that are interesting and fun to read. Axel is another example of this.
Axel and Olivia both have their hang ups about relationships and throughout the story they are struggling with them. What brings them together is women up and down the east coast are disappearing and Olivia's ex might be behind it.

I had no idea who was really behind the kidnappings, but it was just an enjoyable story to lean into and read.

Disclaimer: I did get the book from the the author, but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Faith Posten.
313 reviews11 followers
April 22, 2021
The Flirting Navy Seal

Axel was a magnet for women every time Olivia saw him in the Crazy Chevett where she was a waitress. She didn't like guys like that. Then she began to receive notes about loving her, wanting only her. Her boss, Lisa, explained that Axel was really a good guy who worked for a security company called Blackout. Soon a person she never wanted to see again ever walked into the restaurant and made her extremely uncomfortable with his advances. Axel came to her rescue. It turned out to be a good thing because many bad things happened afterwards. A great read for fans of Christian Suspense with Romance.
1,426 reviews10 followers
April 30, 2021
Axel by Christy Barritt is book 2 in the Lantern Beach Blackout: The New Recruits series. The former Navy Seals in this book now help the local police force. This book is about a particularly flirtatious man who suddenly needs to pose as a woman's fiance. This book is a full of suspense, beautifully crafted by this author. It is also a sweet romance and I think readers of romantic suspense will love this book so much. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
717 reviews14 followers
April 19, 2021
Worlds collide in Lantern Beach between Blackout Security, their current case, former missions, tourists, a corporate retreat and new islanders. Throw in some mysterious disappearances, stalkers and more to create a recipe for disaster tough for the good guys to handle and an evening or two of enjoyment for readers.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
910 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2021
You can run...

Olivia thought that she could leave her abusive fiancee behind by going to live in Lantern Beach. She's not employeed in her profession, but waits tables at a cute cafe in the little resort town. She's noticed the way women are attracted to a particular customer but tries to avoid her own sense of being drawn to him. Little does she know that his presence in her life may be her salvation!
144 reviews
May 29, 2021
This book, Axel, is an action-packed story with two great lead characters, Axel and Olivia. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of these characters. I particularly enjoyed experiencing the way the author portrays the macho Axel but then opens the reader up to an amazingly caring man. Throughout the suspense of the book, Olivia benefits from this amazing man. This is a wonderful book in the blackout series. Highly recommended!
222 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2021
Both Have Been Burned

Axel works for Blackout. Olivia is a waitress at the Crazy Chefett. Christy Barritt has written another suspenseful romance with the Blackout crew after the evil men who have kidnapped six women from various hotels up and down the East Coast. Olivia is being threatened by her ex fiance; she tells him she is now engaged to Axel. Can the fake engagement work to get the inside scoop on the kidnappers?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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