Solids and Stripes

Apex Security #1

by Julia Talbot

One of the new guys at the young Apex Security company, Lucas loves his work as a bodyguard, and he's pretty fond of his work family too. When they send him out to protect jaguarundi shifter movie star Cash Weatherby, Lucas figures he's going to get a spoiled, bored actor who has way too much time and money on his hands. Cash's reputation bears that out, too, but Lucas soon finds out nothing could be farther from the truth.

Cash is easy to work with, good to his team, and is under threat from someone who sets off a bomb on one of his movie sets. As Lucas tries to keep Cash safe, two things begin to become clear: the threat to Cash is not political or professional, it's personal, and that Cash might just be the one this tiger shifter has waited for all his life. Can they keep Cash safe long enough to make a life together?

Genres: Shapeshifters, M M Romance, Paranormal, Romance, LGBT

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2022

About the author

Julia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia is a hybrid author, and has been published by many presses as well as self publishing. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved. Julia also writes as Minerva Howe. Find Julia at @juliatalbot on Twitter, or at www.juliatalbot.com

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars for a great start to a new series. Apex security is a spin-off series but you don't need to know the first series ... but after reading this, I definitely want to.

Here we have with Lukas and Cash two interesting characters, who fit perfectly.
I loved that here are no hang ups regarding their connection. I loved their ease with which they find their way into the relationship

The mystery was not the focus but more background to build the stage, which fit perfectly for this book.

All in all, I really enjoyed this

An arc was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hurray! A new entry in the Apex universe.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Lucas, a tiger shifter is hired as a bodyguard for Cash, a jaguarundi shifter and action hero who gets bored and likes to do crazy things. When there is a bomb on the set they realize maybe someone is out to get Cash and they go on the run to a couple of safe houses ending up at Lucas's cabin in the mountains and there is a huge snow storm.

How does he keep Cash from getting bored? You guessed it. Mates. LOL The vast majority of the book was them just hanging out and descriptions of snow, lots and lots of snow and Christmas. There's a couple of instances of maybe the stalker being near but it could also be crazy fans and you don't really get into the drama part until the end. You get to see some of the guys from previous series and I appreciated that Cash doesn't run off when the bad guy calls him to try and do everything himself. He gets help from the team. And of course a jaguarundi is a different animal I had to look up (seems they live here theoretically).

So it was okay but I wasn't completely caught up in it.

[Sammy Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spin-off of another series, I haven't read it and will now go back to do so. I didn't feel lost though, the characters from the previous books were explained enough so I wasn't lost.

Cash is an action Star and a Jaguarundi shifter. Lucas is sent to bodyguard him and at first, thinks he's spoiled, bored and has too much time and money on his hands. After spending time with him he finds it's the opposite, as he's kind to those around him and just had too much energy.

They have an instant connection and they get to know each other. Lucas helps Cash to find other ways to expend his energy, ones that aren't on the usual crazy dangerous side! It doesn't take long for sparks to fly and for them to get hot and heavy. I love their nicknames for each other and the crazy hot sex.

I didn't understand how they become mates, it is not explained and it just happens. We only find it out when they call each other mate during sex. It may be explained in the previous series but I've not read it and I know many have just jumped into this one too.

There wasn't much action and I was expecting it from the storyline. We are told things happen, like the bomb, but we are just told about it. The same is said about the investigation as it us done by others in the background. We never encounter the stalker when he turns up, and just muss him or run off to yet another safe house. The action doesn't happen till the end and it's all go then!

I will be reading the previous series before the next one come out. I need to read all of the other side character's stories now, especially Sloane and Brock's story.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's great to be back with the Apex team! Investigations was a great series and now with Security with get to meet a new team of people and those they protect. Here it's bodyguard, Lucas, and actor, Cash. It's starts with the team thinking it will be simple protection whilst Cash is in town filming but things quickly escalate and Lucas has no problem taking over to ensure Cash's safety is the number one priority.
They are quite quick to connect and I liked how Lucas is pretty on the ball with being able to handle Cash's masses of energy. Instead of allowing risk taking activities, they swim, play in the snow and have marathon card game nights. There may also be a connection there that has them using energy in a more personal way. Having them in forced proximity due to snow storms definitely accelerates their relationship development but I really enjoyed how the two are together and they balance each other very well. Both men's teams are a lot of fun. The Apex team having no problem goofing around but are hot on it when it comes to security and chasing down whoever seems to be after Cash. There's always that possible risk and unknown of what might be coming.
A greta story with drama and romance, and a lot of fun between two kitties..... Well, tiger and jaguarundi shifters. Looking forward to who comes next from Apex to get their story.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited Apex is back and cannot wait for more from this series!

I may have done a happy dance when I found out Julia was bringing back Apex with a new series. I adored the Apex Investigations series and Apex Security is just as fantastic. This series it seems like there will be less of an overarching series plot like there was with Investigations (though a series plot may appear in future books). I quite like that as I think a series plot works when your investigating things but individual plots make more sense where security will be provided to different people. Anyway, we got to meet some new people and all the lovely characters from the original Apex series (which was really awesome). Lucas and Cash were amazing together and as usual they were so good about communicating and figuring out how to make them work without a ton of drama. It’s one of my favourite things about this author’s books - yes the characters sometimes have to work to get their HEA but there is never ridiculous unnecessary drama. These guys talk (woohoo!) and listen to each other. As expected there was a lovely focus on found family with Cash bringing his own people and the Apex team always there to provide love and support. I’m really looking forward to the next one!

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the new guys at Apex Security, Lucas loves his job. He enjoys being a bodyguard but is not so sure about his new job – jaguarundi shifter and star Cash Weatherby. Lucas quickly finds he is wrong about Cash. He is not at all spoiled but rather a delight to be around. He takes care of his people, but the threat takes a dangerous turn when a bomb explodes on the set. It is now obvious that Cash is the target and that it is personal. It is personal for Lucas as well as Cash just may be his one.

Lucas loved his job and his work family. Now he is adding Cash to the mix. Just when they think things are safe, something happens and they have to pack up quickly and move on. Cash was great as he was restless and needed to amuse his cat on occasion, something Lucas had to watch for. The plot was excellent. The main characters were amazing. There are some side characters that need their own stories. There should be lots of fun for us in the future.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucas loves his work as a bodyguard at Apex Security, and while he figures the young movie star he’s sent out to protect will be some spoiled, bored kid he’s pleasantly surprised to find Cash isn’t like that at all. Sparks fly between Lucas and Cash, but can they both stay safe long enough to see if they might become more together?

I thoroughly enjoyed Talbot’s Apex Investigations series so was pretty happy when I stumbled on this – the first book in an offshoot series. While Lucas and Cash are new characters, Apex Security is a side-line for the old Investigations crew and so there are decent cameos from all the gang there. I feel this was a really smooth move by the author – it helped bring me in as a reader, and once Lucas and Cash were introduced, I was solidly on board for their adventure together.

Much of what I loved about Talbot’s previous books are still on show here – strong friendship links and a sort of pack mentality between the characters, and a decently paced plot. Add in some smoking chemistry and two shifters who are both strong willed but crazily attracted to each other and it’s a brilliant formula that I greatly enjoyed. The sub-plot of the dangerous stalker was a little bit cliched, but I still felt it was handled quite well by the author – keeping tension and some conflict in the story but not leaning too heavily on the trope and being boring.

Readers looking for a sizzling paranormal romance story with some different shifters and a lot of strong ties and emotion between the characters and a hint of adventure/danger should find this to be a good and interesting read. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series.

[Emilyrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

I enjoyed this book and it was good to return to the 'Apex' world and develop it from a slightly different angle. I thought the premise behind the story was good - Cash is a movie star in need of protection and Lucas is brought in as his bodyguard. There were some steamy moments, some entertaining parts and the book had a good HEA too. I liked the glimpses of all the secondary characters and thought they really added to the story. It was sweet to see how much Cash cared about Mags and Nell too.

One little niggle I had (which is why I marked it down) is that there wasn't enough action for me on the whole. There were moments of slight drama but most of it was just Cash and Lucas playing together. All this 'excessive energy' Cash was meant to have that had him taking risks prior to meeting Lucas didn't really materialise. They were quite settled and cosy all the way through. We didn't really get to delve too much into why the stalker had even targeted him or his wider life - it was like a little bubble.

Overall though, this was a good MM romance with a sweet HEA. Although I enjoyed reading it and knowing about the previous books in the 'Apex' universe, it would work perfectly well as a stand alone too.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars The book is set in Australia’s Sydney snow regions?
When a movie star comes to town he needs protection for the 4 weeks.
Lucas was new working at Apex Security Services an was a tiger shifter.
Cash was a jagurundi ( yeah I had to google a pic, cute) Cash was the trouble maker and got into mischief wherever he could.
I was a bit confused where this was based, it meantions Sydney Australia but the way it writes as if it's in another country.
An easy paced story where the characters slot into place together. I felt there was no connection between them in this. Pet names and saying cool, good deal all the time became ennoying. I noted a few edit misses in this.

- Opposites - playful vs boring, although they didn't come across as boring ie Lucas.
- Dramas and bombs
- Sexy scenes
- Christmas celebrations
- Mates
- HEA
An okayish story to read, I hadn't read the previous series but this could be read as a standalone.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received from GRR for an honest review.

Cash is a wild jaguarundi shifter and actor. He's always looking for the next exciting thing. He just doesn't know that the next exciting thing is going to be a stalker. Lucas is a Siberian tiger shifter and bodyguard. He's taking on a long list of bodyguards that have signed on to protect Cash. He's immediately up for the challenge. Will they find the stalker before he finds Cash?

This book has a good premise but for me it missed the mark in execution. Cash didn't really show this wild, unpredictable side that was mentioned. The book pacing was slow and boring IMO. The dialogue between the two MCs was cheesy and cringeworthy during the intimate moments. I found myself skimming to get to the end. The ending was somewhat anticlimactic as well.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story offers a return to the Apex world of an earlier series, with new characters and familiar themes and scenes. I liked the premise as well as the setting: it’s an actor/bodyguard trope plus, shifters (a tiger and a jagarundi) and there’s definitely some chemistry and some cuteness and some fun as well as the ostensible peril of the plot. That plot isn’t much of a stretch, given the tropes in play (why do actors usually need bodyguards) and there were a few missed opportunities, I thought, to integrate and/or develop it beyond the basic blueprint, but overall, the characters are likable and this is an enjoyable read. As a final thought, it's not technically necessary to have read other books set in this world, but I think doing so does add context and flavor.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little sass, a little pepper makes a good rub. Lucas, is new to his job at Apex Security. He loves the job. He loves his co-workers, who he considers family. He is sent to guard moviestar shifter Cash. His preconceived notions are blown out of the water when he realizes Cash is not only a nice guy, he's a good guy. Cash is just a little confidently independent. While protecting Cash from a very real dangerous threat, he comes to realize, Cash may be a bit more than a client. The author, did an excellent job with the characters and I look forward to readin new stories. Great mystery and action and wonderfully supportive found family. You can feel the heat like holding your hands out to a fireplace. Does Lucas foil the threat? Does Cash realize his importance to Lucas? Nicely done. Excellent storyline. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Apex world has expanded.
Although this is a new series and you don't need to have read the Apex investigations series, I would as some of the secondary characters and situations mentioned are from that series.
Brock and Locke have started a new business- personal protection and Lucas is the team member chosen to look after movie star Cash, threats are made and so the pair are forced into hiding out, in a snowy cabin where the heat rises and love blooms. This is an action filled story, that has a decent pace my one niggle is the stalker and how he kept cropping up but it was never explained how he found them. Overall this is an easy to read book, one you don't need to think much about, perfect for an escaping afternoon curled up on the sofa.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Purrrrfectly yummy!

I’ve loved the Apex series from the start and I’m so glad to see them back with their new guys taking center stage!

Being a personal bodyguard, Lucas expected Cash to be just another spoiled rich playboy. Cash expected just another person trying to hold him back from living a bit. What they got instead were some steamy times, a new appreciation for snow and fate’s helping hand. An unknown source continues to up the stakes in multiple attacks on Cash and, as he and Lucas get closer and strengthen their bond, they must also figure out who wants Cash.

It was great seeing all the guys from APEX again and how they just mesh with Lucas and Cash. A great fated mates story with action, fun and steamy times galore! I’m looking forward to the next!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cash Weatherby is a top-tier entertainer whose life is under threat, Lucas is sent in to provide protection, and though they each start out misunderstanding the other, Lucas manages to keep the lines clear between them as he does what he's been hired to do. He sees at once who Cash really is, and Cash discovers the teddy bear's heart that beats in Lucas's chest. Inevitably, of course, they fall into lust which then turns to love. It all moves incredibly, and sometimes a little awkwardly, fast, but this is a novella, so I guess that's to be expected. I don't fully buy into the swiftness with which they jump into a relationship, nor is the eventual unveiling and capture of the attacker especially credible, but Cash and Lucas are nice enough guys, and the story idea is cute and fluffy.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Review Copy of this book.

I did like the story. There was good amount of tension through the story, but plenty of fun, playful moments as well. I did think the romance in the story was too fast. There was a bit of a jump going from bodyguard/protectee to lovers and then very quickly to mates. I wish there was a bit more transition in the relationship. Cash was fun, he does get into a bit of trouble due to boredom, but he's not TSTL. Lucas is protective (expected given he's a bodyguard), but not overbearing. I did think they were adorable together.

*I had read the first book in the Apex Investigations series before reading this book. Reading that series isn't necessary, but if you enjoyed this story I highly recommend it.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solids and Stripes is the first book in the Apex Security series by author Julia Talbot. I loved the connection in this story. Made me want to know all the guys better.

Cash is an actor he is a Jaguarundi and a very nice guy. He might be rich and an actor but he is really down to earth I loved that about him. He really needs someone to protect his heart as well as his body.

Lucas is new to the Apex Security team. He is easygoing, and not high maintenance at all. Classic old-school bodyguard. And a were Tiger.

I liked these two together. They each bring what the other needs to the table. I also liked the pace of this story. Was really nice. Overall great story and I will be looking forward to more from this series in the future.

Five Shooting Stars

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the guys at Apex! I am very excited about this spin off series and it is good to see Brock and Locke and the rest of the guys again. Lucas and Chase were on fire! Chase may not have initially wanted the tiger shifter as his bodyguard but that quickly turns around. Lucas is quickly invested in keeping Chase safe, for more reasons than one. I also loved the characters of Meg and Nell. The otters were amazing in the way they love and look after Chase. This isn’t part of a larger mystery like the first series, but I still loved it and all the guys. I can’t wait to see where this goes with Apex Security and Apex Investigations.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beast

Yay! More Apex adventures. I am so happy that this fun and exciting world continues. I just love it when shifters get to be shifters and Cash is a joy to read. So energetic, completely unexpected and absolutely cuddly and adorable. He’s purrfect for Lucas, who is a lucky, lucky tiger, and one I’d definitely want protecting me. “He wanted to protect Cash from everyone else, but he wanted to poke and prod until the guy actually exploded all over him. Metaphorically, at the very least.” I adore them both and this world. Lots of laughter, love, and suspense await but never fear as Apex Security has your back and will be the family you can forever count on.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solids and Stripes is a spin off series and book one of Apex Security! I was so excited to be back in that world! Cash is a jaguarundi shifter and an actor that is a thrill seeker. He’s always up for the next thing that challenges him to the extreme. He goes through bodyguards like they are water. Lucas is new at Apex Security. He loves the job and his new work family. He takes on Cash as a client. When someone threatens Cash, he must jump into protector mode. Overall, I freakin loved this story! It hooked me and did not let me go, I’m ready for more please! Well written with addicting pacing!

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas is a tiger shifter and new to working with Apex Security. He was at loose ends after leaving the military and when his friends started the company needed more help, he joined them. His newest assignment is being the bodyguard for Cash, a famous movie star and jaguarundi shifter. Cash is well known for doing crazy stunts and risking his life. Lucas is expecting to have to deal with a spoiled and entitled dare devil who would fight his every move. Lucas quickly learns that Cash is a very caring man but with extremely high energy. When a bomb goes off on the set, Lucas knows he has a hard job in front of him.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK...This was a solid shifter mate with the bodyguard trope romance. Since I wasn't familiar with the guys from APEX prior to reading, I will say this is can be a standalone...I like how the owners of the security company opens up with the case and our main players... and closes with what may come next in the series. Very enjoyable...other than solving the case of the stalker...not very angsty...lots of camaraderie and sweet and spicy mating activities with Cash and Lucas. Nice HEA. After reading this. I'm definitely sticking with the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to return to Apex security and this world. This is a bodyguard/actor protectee romance, plus we add in shifters and this made for a fun read. Lucas is the new guy at Apex and he loves his job and the feeling of comradery and family at Apex. He meets his new client Cash who is an actor and things go from there. They had great chemistry together. Cash had a threat that needed to be dealt with. Like all the other books there is action and adventure mixed with fast-paced romance no slow burn here. Can't wait for the next book in this series. Definitely go and read the first series if you have the time they were great!

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the review of Cash that the Apex guys got, he was a daredevil, who put himself in dangerous situ's regularly. However, that wasnt the case.
Cash was a caring and loving character. Apart from being full of energy and needing to work it out, he put others first and worried about his peoples saferty at all times.
Lucas could see the pent up energy that Cash had and tries to engage him in other ways. Leading to the realisatukn thet were mates.

Honestly couldnt understand how the stalker didnt get a decent background check done. Or how much seemed to be overlooked.
An easy read

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first Apex Security book has lots of characters from Apex Investigations but the two main characters are new. Lucas is one of the new guys on the team and he's assigned to Cash, a movie star with a stalker.
When Cash's movie set is bombed, production stops and the two go off grid to Lucas' cabin in the middle of no where. Snowed in, the two begin their mate bond. Forced to move again, they end up at the Apex fortress.
This was a fast moving, fun read with a satisfying resolution and engaging characters. Can't wait for more.

[Rebecca Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this was definitely a great start to this spin off series! I absolutely adore the Apex investigation series & was thrilled to find out Julia was doing a spin off! Julia is an amazing author, she has so much amazing work! I very much enjoyed everything about Cash & Lucas and it was great catching up with everyone from Apex!
Cash & Lucas are so fun and spicy together! There wasn’t a dull moment between them the whole entire book, their mating was sensual and beautiful to watch unfold! Their ending was amazing & I can’t wait to see what’s to come in this series! 😀❤️😀❤️

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and engaging story of finding your mate and keeping him safe,  I found the mystery of thecrazy and persistent staker engaging and kept the story a page turner.  I really enjoyed Lucas and Cash and loved them in human and kitty forms.  The supporting characters are great and the story is very enjoyable. 

This is book one of Apex Security series and i am looking forward to the next book. 

I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.

[CMLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to the world of Apex Security with Lucas and Cash. You will get to see some familiar faces but won't be completely lost if you haven't read that series (though it is a great series and you definitely should). In this one we have the bodyguard (Lucas) protecting the actor (Cash) from a stalker. You are in for a ride with amazing characters, great plotline, and just the right level of emotions.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Lucas and Cash. It is the first book in the Apex Security series. Please read the trigger warnings. The author takes you on a wonderful adventure with this book. It is written very well with amazing main and secondary characters. I love that they are mates and the suspense and action keeps you riveted. Great story. Definitely recommended.

I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.