Lena Scott is in a world of hurt. She's being forced to pay off her ex's debts to people who'd rather kill her than look at her...and are making demands she's desperate to avoid. But kidnapping and murder? Hell, no. When the threats turn deadly, Lena refuses to be a pawn any longer.Five years ago, U.S. Marshal Dane Ryan left his old life and went into witness protection alone to keep his family safe. Working for Task Force Phoenix under a new identity, it's his job to protect others from those who'd harm them.When the beautiful and mysterious Lena lures him into danger, he suddenly doesn't know who to trust. She has her own agenda, and they both have big secrets, but for either to survive, they'll need to work together to defeat their mutual enemy. Falling in love will only mean more to lose...Each title in the Love Under Fire series is Witness in the Dark* Wanted for Life* Witness in the Dark
When Dane left his job as a US Marshal and joined Task Force Phoenix, his life changed. Now it's changed again, thanks to the woman he left the bar with. But Lena isn't who she was pretending to be, anymore than Dane is the man he was pretending to be. Their families' lives depend upon the same evil man, and both will do whatever it takes to take him down and secure the safety of their families.
I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but this one definitely made me a fan. I like romantic suspense when the balance between the suspense and action is blended well with the romance, and that balance is present here in Watched from a Distance. It's got everything needed in a good romantic suspense - suspense of course, romance of course, some action, a couple with amazing chemistry, and an excellent secondary cast. I'm definitely going to be watching for more from this author and more in this series.
What a gripping story this is, from start to finish it held my attention and didn't let go. It's intense, filled with suspense and the bad guys out number the good guys. Then there is Dane and Lena. Dane is part of Task Force Phoenix and meets the lovely Lena in a bar. Lena, the innocent and beautiful woman who manage to very subtly entices him. They leave together. When they get to her room, Lena doesn't want to follow through, so Dane being the gentleman he is, kindly turns to leave. No hard feelings. The last thing he remembers in getting hit on the back of his head. He now sits in front of the man the task force has been trying to catch, who has his son tied up in front of him. The lovely Lena is off to the side. Nervous. Viktor wants one of Dane's own. Viktor doesn't know Dane knows the person he is hunting, but the demand that he and Lena go and retrieve him and in turn he'll turn his son loose. I won't go into the backstory about his son and time spent before the story opens, I think it's something the reader should read. Dane is beyond angry. Lena is his babysitter. When they leave, Dane tells her in no uncertain terms what he thinks of her and what she did to him. Intending on leading her on a wild goosechase and they are driving. Lena is driving. Dane doesn't even have ID. A could days into the trip he realizes he needs to win Lena's trust to get what he wants. He makes a call and things start to happen. When Lena finally tells him her story and why she gets to happily chat with her child every day for a few minutes, Dane understands Lena's motivation for doing Viktor bidding. When they meet up with the team, the first meeting with Lena, I think I held my breath. Her reaction and the reaction of Connor. Plans are made, carefully. Lena and Dane have some insane chemistry and it only grows more intense. The team knows this mission has to be perfectly timed. I could feel myself tense up during these moments. And what the outcome was. And wasn't. Which leads them further along onto yet another path, which again is white knuckle kindle reading, what the heck was that and what happened. Lots of those moments. I can't label this book, suspense with a side of romance. It's intense and a full length book which I really enjoyed. Allison really knocks this one out of the park. I look forward to her next book! I highly recommend reading book one although it isn't necessary, it's just a great book.
arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review
This is a gripping romantic suspense that had me hooked from the start. It is packed with intrigue, danger and heat - a real page turner with a brilliant blend of action, danger, steam and romance. It starts with a hook up, moves on to a kidnapping and then a desperate attempt to bring a criminal to justice whilst also endeavouring to rescue children.
Although this is part of a series, I believe it still works well as a standalone. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book in the series - Witness in the Dark - and it was great to reconnect with some of the characters from that story in this one. Again this story has well developed characters, their motivations and background are revealed as the story progresses. It is another fast paced adventure with plenty of twists, turns and misdirection to keep the reading engrossed and guessing. There’s a definite sense of family and support even in the most trying of situations. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys steamy, romantic suspense.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
Lena Scott has no choice but to follow the directions of a bad man, not if she wants to keep her daughter safe. However, when she’s assigned to seduce and kidnap US Marshal Dane Ryan, she knows she’s gone one step too far and may not be able to unwind herself from the trouble she’s found herself in. Forced to work with Dane to find someone, she understands why he must hate her. Yet, when he discovers the truth of her situation, will he be able to help her or will he be another man that disappoints her? Read More
Watched from a Distance by Allison B. Hanson Love Under Fire #3
What would you do to save the life of your child? Would you lie? Would you cheat? Would you seduce?
Dane Ryan, a deputy marshal in task force phoenix, is faced with that question when faced with his son tied to a chair and told by ruthless Viktor Kulakov to bring in a man for killing. Little does he know at first that the person who lured him in is in the same boat he is and has already made a deal with the devil for her own child’s safety.
Laura Scott has remained strong as she follows orders from Viktor but her strength is beginning to fray as are her nerves when Dane shows up on the scene. She wonders if she should continue to do as Viktor says or align herself with Dane and his team to try to get her daughter back. And, if she decides incorrectly she might never see her daughter again.
This seems to be the final book in the series but I hope it will not be the last romantic suspense this author writes. I have enjoyed every one of the three books in this series and had hoped there would be more but it seems this is the end of the road since most of the men on the team have found their partners and want to start families. I am curious about what the men will do if they retire since that was not mentioned but other than that all the loose ends are tied up and it is nice to know the men are settling into their happily ever afters.
Title: Watched from a Distance Author: Allison b. Hanson Publisher: Entangled: Amara Series: Love Under Fire Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Four Review:
"Watched from a Distance" by Allison B. Hanson
My Thoughts.....
If you are looking for an intensed, romantic suspense and thriller read then you have come to the right place as this series will give it to you and so much more. "Watched for a Distance" features 'Us Marshall Dane Ryan now a member of Task Force Phoenix and single mom Lena Scott.' Little did Dane know that he would be knocked out by a whisky bottle and Lena who had taken him to a drug and human trafficker named Vicktor Kulakov who was a evil man that had 'kidnapped Dane's son for his cooperation in finding a man that he wanted killed.'
Who was this person that Vicktor wanted brought to him? How was it that both Dane and Lena families all depended on this same evil man? What will they have to do in order to take him down and get safety for their families? So now we have Vicktor who has Dane's son Tobey and wants him to bring a certain person to him by the name of Robbie Vanderhook. So, what will happen when Dane and Lena set off to find this person? How will this turn out where we find these two people [Dane & Lena] are thrown together and must learn a way to trust one another? What will happen when Lena finally tells Dane the whole story 'whose' daughter [Mackenzie] had been kidnapped and was being held to coerce her to do this criminal's bidding' and they decide teams up with Dane's group to plan a rescue of both of their children? What had Lena's ex [Brandon] done that got her all involved in his mess with Vicktor in the first place? How will this story all come out as these two are thrown together? Now, to get all of these questions answered you will just have to pick up "Watched from a Distance" to see how these two will make it out of this whole entire mess.
Be ready for a long good read of 110 chapters, which I thought some of these chapters could have been merged together. However, this read is a fast paced read, romantic suspense along with secrets, drama and emotions with plenty of surprises that will keep your attention as you are turning the pages to see what was coming next. In the end you will get an enjoyable read of Dane and Lena's story that will get their HEA.
Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled: Amara for a copy of the eARC in exchange for a fair review.
Dane made a choice five years ago to save his family.. but he misses his son which is why he finds himself under the watchful eyes of soccer moms that aren't buying what he is selling. He makes a decision to leave after he gives himself away by cheering for his son who is on the other field. He finds himself in a bar later that night and when Lena sits down next to him, he goes for it.
Lena is feeling guilty especially as she gets to know Dane, she realizes that he isn't the normal criminal scum that associates with Viktor. But she has powerful motivation so when Dane turns to leave her hotel room, she knocks him out. However, she is upset to when they arrive to meet Viktor and she finds a young boy tied up who calls Dane, dad.
Dane knows he is in a world of trouble, at this point he can only agree to help Viktor in order to keep his son safe, but he hopes that he can bring Lena to his side so they can get out of this alive. Dane is stunned to learn that Viktor is controlling Lena through her daughter Kenzie. He brings her into Task Force Phoenix and they make plans to get both kids back.
This was a pretty good romantic suspense. No major mystery, but full of action and I liked that Lena and Dane had similar motivations. I am not sure I buy the quick romance considering she knocked him out, but hey it could happen I guess. All in all a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Nail biting suspense with other lives on the line, Watched From Distance by Allison B. Hanson is one intense read. Besides the suspense, the villain that is one to truly hate and the twists in the story, it is also an emotionally rich romance.
The story-line is refreshing if beyond scary for any parent to imagine. Top-notch writing keeps the pages turning. It is not an instant success or action after action, but instead one well-thought out story.
It reads well as a stand-alone. Don’t want to give much away with the story, discover it for yourself. I have read another of the series, but this book is the best yet; the right amount of suspense, danger, action and romance. There is a new star in the world of romantic suspense books, Allison B. Hanson
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow, there are lots of secrets with twists to the story which keeps you reading to find out what is going to happen next.
Dane is enticed by a pretty woman and then turned over to an evil man that kidnaps his son for his cooperation in finding a man that he wants killed. Lena is also following orders from this villain and Dane pours all his anger out onto her.
Things are not as they seem and eventually we get the whole story about Lena. Finally, they team up with Dane's group plan to rescue two children.
While this story has a HEA, the team does lose one of their men and the team is hit hard with his loss.
I love the ending and how each couple realized that with children on the way, their lifestyle was too dangerous and they were leaving the team. Poor Dane was not too happy about this until he was reminded that love is worth the struggle.
Lena is being forced to work off her ex husband’s debt. She is instructed to get a man to her hotel room and knock him out. Dane had to fake his death to get away from one people who he was set to testify against. Now he is a member of the Phoenix Task Force and has been kidnapped. He is furious when he learns Lena was in on it. As they are sent on a mission, they have to fight the attraction between the two of them. Can they fight a mutual enemy and find love. Great story. Faced paced, sex, and full of surprises. First time reading this author. The only thing was how many chapters it had. The chapter changed every time the dialogue change with the characters.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Netgalley *
Having read the first one from this author on this I had to see if this one pushed buttons also. Glad to say YES it does with you being a captive reader from the get go. Lena is the one that is used in this story to lure you in right off pushing the anxious buttons. Dane is the one used to become the heartthrob right along with the character when paths cross. The intrigue is big in this one with their secrets and the drama that unfolds and simmers. It also will come with the wanting you get with will the two come through it all. This has the intensity and depth to keep you captive until the wrap up at the end of it all.
I slowed down reading this because I didn't want to finish it...I wanted it to keep going and never end, but I couldn't stop reading it. I'd put it down then wonder what was going to happen. It was so good.
Dane was always getting shot or hurt the poor thing, but I absolutely loved him. He was torn at times, but he never wavered in Lena.
Lena was in an impossible situation but until she told Dane the truth she'd never succeed. I was impressed by the strength and courage she put forth and how she stood her ground. I also loved Dane and Lena together.
Incredible story, incredible writing and just absolutely amazing.
Fantastic book that was a great mix of action, suspense, and steam along with a storyline that will keep you on the edge right till the end. I don't want to give away too much of the story so I'll just say your heart breaks for all Dane has given up but when he gets a chance at redemption and a shot at a new life with Lena you want him to go for it. The writing is fantastic and these characters feel like friends. Definitely a book I recommend.
The fact that there were 110 chapters was really off-putting at first. The extremely short chapters made this feel really choppy and tended to take me out of the story quite a bit. I eventually started thinking this might have originally been written as a serial. The writing could have been massaged a bit to make it feel like more of a novel. The story overall was good, but this format just isn't for me.
Loved this book!!! I read this book as a standalone and was super impressed that it honestly stood on its own, the characters introduced make me want to read the series but I didn't feel like I'd missed something. The romance between Lena and Dane was fabulous, and I loved how family-both blood and chosen-played a major role in this book. The pacing, dialogue, and characterization were great. This is a fabulous fun and sexy suspense and I highly recommend it.
This is a keep you on your edge of your seat book. Two people thrown together because of their pasts. Together they have to learn to trust each other to survive the mess they are thrown into. Not an easy thing to do when your child's lives are on the line.
I thought this was a great book book.
** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
This is the third (and final) book in the series, and I am sad to see it go. I really enjoyed getting to know the various characters throughout the books and was hoping the team would expand for more books, but at least Allison has another series on the way! But in this last outing of the Love Under Fire series, it's finally time for Dane to take the forefront and get his HEA. And if there's ever a guy who needs one, it's him! This is a guy who was not a LEO to begin with, rather he turned in a former employer to the authorities and had to go into WITSEC, leaving his wife and son Tobey behind. There he joined Task Force Phoenix and since then he's been shot, stabbed, impaled on a fence and bitten by a dog!
Lena has her own troubles; she is forced to work for Victor Kulakov, the focus of the team's investigation and her husband's former employer. He is holding her daughter Kenzie hostage, forcing Lena to carry out his orders in hopes of one day getting her daughter back. Not only is he involved in drug running and money laundering, but even worse human trafficking. When Viktor orders her to lure Dane back to her hotel room and get the drop on him, she has no choice but to follow his orders.
Once she brings him to Viktor, she discovers to her horror that he has kidnapped Tobey in order to force Dane to bring him his teammate Colton (from 'Wanted for Life'), who he thinks is a former DEA agent named Robert Gates. Colton had been undercover in Viktor's organization and had barely escaped with his life. Lena and Dane leave Viktor's hideout, ostensibly to find Colton in order to save both of their kids. They begin a desperate race to meet up with the other members of Task Force Phoenix, and find a way to save Tobey and Kenzie and finally put an end to Viktor's reign of terror. The mission is steeped in danger and not everyone will survive...
This may have been my favorite of the series, the shared danger and heartache the both Dane and Lena face, and the depth of their attraction make for a thrilling story. One thing I do like about all 3 books is that they stand well on their own and could be read individually, though the overall story arc is best enjoyed in reading them all in order. But for those that don't necessarily want to read a whole series, this one is probably the best of the three to get a mixture of action, suspense and romance. I have no trouble giving this one a whole 5 stars!
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Amara for the chance to read this early!
I cannot believe that this series has skipped me by! I loved it and as usual found a new series to love and entered the series partway through!
Dane still misses the family he had to give up. His former life was cash rich but love poor. He knew his marriage would never survive WitSec and above all else he wanted his wife and son to be safe. Now known as Dane, he undertakes missions for a secret branch of the US Marshals.
When he sees an alluring female in a bar he thinks that he'll engage in a little mindless fun. But little does he know that his family is once again in jeopardy.
Lena is on the hook to Viktor due to the dodgy dealings of her ex. She can't believe what she is just about to do, feed what seems like a nice man to a shark like Viktor. But is she doesn't her own reason for living will be snuffed out. Viktor is not above dangling Lena and Dane's children as bait to have them comply with his will. And at the moment the thing he wants more than anything is revenge...revenge on one of Dane's colleagues, although he isn't aware of that little fact yet!
There action is thick and fast and certainly thrilling enough. The love story was a bit strained in parts, not least of which due to Lena's involvement with Viktor and Dane's own bullheadedness at not listening to her own reason for being involved. I felt very engaged with the characters and loved meeting the rest of the Phoenix Crew (I'm now gong to have to go and buy the rest of the series to catch up!)
I did feel that some of the chapters were just to short and punchy and could have been merged into longer chapters. But other than that I really enjoyed the story!
Dane and Laura are in a situation no one should have to face. Laura is being forced to do things she doesn't want to in order to save her daughter's life. That includes luring the man she wishes she met under different circumstances into a trap. When Dane awakens and learns not only what Laura did but that his own son is in danger, and the proof is right in front of him, if he doesn't do as he's told, by the man his task force is after no less, he won't like the consequences.
Unable to believe how Laura deceived him, he's understandably mad at himself for falling for it, and her, but that's the least of his worries right now. He must save his son, regardless of his own personal outcome. However, things aren't always as they seem and he quickly realizes Laura is in the same predicament he is.
Will Dane and Laura do as they're told, things they'd never do if they weren't being forced to, in order to protect the lives of their respective children and each other? How far would you go to save a loved one? Can Dane forgive Laura for the part she played, knowing she had no choice? Can he believe her when she claims she truly did like him? Can these two ever trust each other? Can they save their kids and themselves? Is a HEA possible despite their shaky, and deceitful, beginning?
One-click now and follow along as two people, brought together under the worst of circumstances, must decide how far they're willing to go and if they can live with the consequences afterward.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Having read the previous two books in the series, I was looking forward to this one. Compared to the others, this one fell a little short, but it was still a good story. The main characters are US Marshal Dane Ryan and single mom Lena Scott. When they meet in a bar, little does Dane know she has an ulterior motive. She is there to take him to Vicktor, a drug and human trafficker. Vicktor has someone Dane left behind in order to protect, and will only free that person once Dane captures Colton, a man that betrayed Vicktor. Though at first Dane hates Lena for putting him and his loved one in danger, he later realizes she is just as much a victim as he is. Though the plot was interesting and filled with action, it took me a while to get into it. Also, it wasn’t till the last 1/4 of the book, that the characters engaged me. I want to point out that there are over 100 chapters which really could have been merged into less than half that number. The best part of the book, was that we got a chance to catch up with the characters from the previous stories . All in all a good story, just not as good as the rest of the series. More of a 3.5 star book. But I respect the effort put into the writing of this last story in the series. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing . The opinions expressed are solely my own.
4 1/2 stars out of 5 The one down fall of this series is when you see how many chapter are in the book but when you realize the chapters are short it makes for a fast read.
The story starts off with a bang well at least to the head that is. I wouldn't call this a stand alone novel because it bring in characters from the other books but at the same times they are secondary characters that backgrounds are covered in this story quickly.
With this series there is steamy scenes, romance, guns and lots of fighting. Moms who are romantic suspense readers will contact quickly with Lena Scott characters and cheer when she wins the battle.
I enjoyed this book and the fast pace and quickly writing will keep readers wanting more. The story seems to have moments of not sure where it was going and the ending was wrapped up in a nice little bow.
Thank you to netgalley and the publsher Entangled Publishing, LLC (Amara) for the advance copy of Allison B. Hanson Watched From a Distance.
4.5 Stars This book is quite interesting, it has some great characters, and I loved the story. It starts with an unexpected turn of event, where, two people are thrown together and they must find a way to trust each other.
Dane and Lena has nothing in common except the fact that they're both here unwillingly. The only way for them to survive is to help each other. What they didn't anticipate is to be attracted to one another, now they're both in trouble. They cannot stay emotionally detached and the situation is just getting worse. But can they trust each other enough to get out of this mess unharmed?
It's a very thrilling read. There is danger involved and to survive Dane and Lena have to work together. That is the only way they will be able to find a solution to their problem. The story will keep you on edge through out. It's very well-written and entertaining read. I'd definitely recommend it to fans of intrigue and romance.
Abso~fabulous read and highly recommended. This was the first of the series that I read and there were no issues keeping up, nor was there any confusion by not reading the prior books. Suspense, romance and lots of heat, this author kept me on pins and needles until the end. Nicely done, Ms. Hanson!! Loved it!
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
Merged review:
Abso~fabulous read and highly recommended. This was the first of the series that I read and there were no issues keeping up, nor was there any confusion by not reading the prior books. Suspense, romance and lots of heat, this author kept me on pins and needles until the end. Nicely done, Ms. Hanson!! Loved it!
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
Watched From a Distance hooked me since the first page. I didn't read the previous books but since this is a standalone novel I had no trouble catching up with the story. Some old characters make an appearance and the little I got to know about their stories intrigued me enough to make me want to read their stories. I really enjoyed this one. The book is well balanced. There is action, suspense and of course steamy romance. A must-read!
Merged review:
Watched From a Distance hooked me since the first page. I didn't read the previous books but since this is a standalone novel I had no trouble catching up with the story. Some old characters make an appearance and the little I got to know about their stories intrigued me enough to make me want to read their stories. I really enjoyed this one. The book is well balanced. There is action, suspense and of course steamy romance. A must-read!
The next book in Allison B. Hanson's Love Under Fire series, Watched from a Distance tells Dane and Lena's story.
The suspense is turned up to high quickly and stays fairly constant throughout the book. Just like the other books in the series you get a glimpse into Dane's life as a US Marshal and as part of Task Force Phoenix. It is an inherently dangerous job and it brings him into Lena's life.
I don't want to reveal too much about the plot, but it reminds me of an action movie. The story included the continuation of some plot points from previous books, but you can read it as a standalone.
The book did feel a little too long, but I grew to like the characters more and enjoyed the story more the further I read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.
LOVED this book!!!! Dane is a member of Task Force Phoenix who "died" in order to protect his family. He has found it tough to be away from his young son, so has found a way to keep an eye on him. Unfortunately, this was noticed a the wrong man. Lena is a woman who's daughter was kidnapped and is being held to coerce her to do the criminal's bidding. When that criminal brings them together, things get a bit more complicated.
This novel is fast paced action with a bit of romance that fans of the genre will love. I kept turning pages just as quickly as possible as I couldn't wait to see what happened next. This one is a must read for fans of the genre and should be at the top of your TBR list. The author is on my must read authors' list.
Watched From a Distance was an enjoyable read. That started off fast paced and with a bang. But then really slowed down as the story developed. And even though there wasn't much in the way of action or suspense, I was still drawn in. Thanks in part to the storyline, but also the characters, including those from the two previous stories. And the romance between Dane and Lena, which was sweet and engaging to read. And I think anyone who has read and enjoyed the first two books in this series will enjoy this one too.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I thought it started out strong and gripping. By the time I got to the middle I wasn’t as interested the end was a bit better. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Merged review:
I thought it started out strong and gripping. By the time I got to the middle I wasn’t as interested the end was a bit better. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked the depth of emotions that the author gave to the characters. Even with her male characters she was not afraid to let them cry when they were hurting. The range of emotions that Lena went through as she struggled with the loss of her daughter and the situation she had placed Tobey in was well done. Kenzie was a sweetheart.
Watched From a Distance, is a fast pace book. With 110 chapters, there were a lot of stopping spots. I wish that the ending could have wrapped up some of the loose ends in Dane's previous life though.