BookLover

It just keeps getting better and better!

Reviewed: 04-08-19

While this is part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone, although I’d recommend reading the previous books if only to enjoy how each character has found their HEA and how it affects Leighton’s views on love and life.
Lucy and Leighton’s relationship was fire from the beginning. I love it when an author is not afraid to portray consenting adults that are not afraid to act on a mutual attraction, especially when they act with respect and communication. That to me is gold in real life and my romance books. Even though Leighton wasn’t fully “honest” in the beginning (and with good reason) the attraction was real and well depicted. Lucy was smart yet sweet. She didn’t do the damsel in distress thing but knew when it was time to leave things in the hands of the experts.

The whole series is engaging and suspenseful and this book didn’t vary from that premise. Here, we get to see all members of the team in action and their different roles during an operation. I think what I love the most about this series that sense of affectionate camaraderie among the members, including the women. I’ve loved all of the books but I think this is my favorite so far. Romance, suspense, action all wrapped in a nice little package. Definitely recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

Action-packed short read

Reviewed: 07-31-18

Fast paced romantic suspense with lots of action and romantic moments. Eve and Mack have been "friends" for most of their times but it takes Eve's life to be in danger for Mack to make a move. For such a short read this one packed a punch. The villain was definitely not who I expected. Good story to pass the time.

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Enjoyable story

Reviewed: 05-16-17

Would you try another book from Katie Reus and/or Sophie Eastlake?

Absolutely! Katie Reus is the queen of the second chances trope (which I didn't like until I started reading Katie Reus) and I love the way Sophie Eastlake narrates. She paces her voice just right for each character and each situation.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would have liked for the story to be longer. The romance wasn't bad and like I said it was a second chance story but I would also have liked more courting and less possessiveness.

Which character – as performed by Sophie Eastlake – was your favorite?

The older ladies! She gave them heart and made them fun.

Did It's Me Again, Baby inspire you to do anything?

Communication is key! Don't let other people or a misunderstanding get in the way of what could be your happiness.

Any additional comments?

Let's not forget it's Holly and that here it's Christmas all year long. What's not to like about this town?

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I was missing this world so much!

Reviewed: 02-08-17

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

It was a fast-paced book. It focused more on the relationship among all characters than the world building. I wish it would have taken more time explaining what exactly it was that Melina's family did that made her doubt his initial interest in her. Although I suppose given the length of the story it provided a practical reason of the hesitancy. All in all the plot was well written so I'd definitely recommend it to anyone that enjoys PNR.

Would you be willing to try another book from Katie Reus? Why or why not?

I would try anything by Katie Reus. I like her writing style too much to pass up any of her books.

Which character – as performed by Jeffrey Kafer – was your favorite?

I have to say I loved that he didn't increase his voice one octave higher to sound like a silly girl when giving voice to Melina, so Kudos for that.

Do you think Enemy Mine needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I think the story in itself was too short but then again it was a novella so I don't have much too complain about. However it still felt as if a HEA wasn't reached and a follow up wouldn't be a such a bad a idea.

Any additional comments?

Melina and Kiernan had great chemistry and the animosity between their families made a lot of sense once it was explained. I only wish the story would have been longer because I felt there wasn't enough told for a new reader to thoroughly enjoy this story and perhaps be hooked in the series as much as I am.

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Nice ending to a great series

Reviewed: 01-07-17

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I've liked most of the books in the series but this story in particular has everything a romantic suspense lover has to have: heart-pounding action, suspense, relentless heroines, and of course romance. I'd definitely recommend this book to any one.

What other book might you compare Lethal Game to and why?

Only Katie Reus can do Katie Reus so I wouldn't compare it to any other book. She's got her own style and she's great at what she does.

Have you listened to any of Sophie Eastlake’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to other books narrated by Sophie Eastlake and she always does a great job. In this particular one, there are 2 non-American accents and I could always tell which was which. I thought that was pretty good.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Being that it's a romantic suspense I knew there was going to be a HEA but that didn't take away from the suspense and nail-biting moments.

Any additional comments?

I'm actually kind of sad that this is the last book in the series but happy to see how it was all wrapped up. No need to read this series in order (I jumped in the middle of it and never felt lost), as all books can be read as standalone.

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1 person found this helpful

An enjoyable treat

Reviewed: 11-10-16

Where does Running from the Past rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Sophie Eastlake makes any audio book a memorable one. I've always liked her style and this was no exception.

Would you recommend Running from the Past to your friends? Why or why not?

I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes fast-paced, well-told stories with a good dose of spice, suspense and great characters.

Which character – as performed by Sophie Eastlake – was your favorite?

Robert, Caleb's friend. She nailed his southern accent and he was really funny.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Most (if not all) of this author's heroes tend go for the girl with no hesitations. In this story, when Caleb asked Emma out to lunch, he sounded tentative. I thought it was sweet and cute.

Any additional comments?

I'm not much for stories where the main couple rush into a relationship but this author made it work for Caleb and Emma. Romance aside, the story was exciting, suspenseful, and gratifying. I just wish the villain would have had a more climatic ending.

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Not the best by the author.

Reviewed: 08-24-16

What disappointed you about Tempting His Mistress?

I get that life back then was harsh and society was much more restricted but I felt the hero didn't romance the heroine much, he pretty much bought her. And when she acquiesced, she turned out to be such a meek creature in his company, he even mentioned that the fiery creature with that quick with he was so attracted to had disappeared. Part of that was because she was afraid of him. He was cold, distant and aloof. At least when they were together intimately he didn't forget she also had needs that needed fulfilled so that was a point on his favor I guess. Oh, yeah, he also helped women that were physically abused by their husband - let's forget that he in a way abused Lilly emotionally by constantly reminding her she was just a mistress and nothing else :(

What could Samantha Holt have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The heroine was first introduced as a smart creature but when she's turned into a mistress she turned into a meek creature. Her character changed completely. I wish she would have remained a stronger woman throughout the story.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Her voice sounded a little flat throughout the story. It didn't help me liking the hero what with his voice always sounding so cold and distant, even when he was with Lily.

What character would you cut from Tempting His Mistress?

The rest of the story was alright, I won't complain about that.

Any additional comments?

I supposed in the end he explained his reasons for acting the way he did, she explained her reasons and everyone lived happily ever after but for me it was a little way too late. So, all in all not the best story by this author.

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Decent read

Reviewed: 01-26-16

What did you like best about Her Scottish Rogue? What did you like least?

The beginning of the story was quite intriguing and kept me on my toes but I feel the plot got to a point where the story started to drag. Also, the mistaken identity issue was a pivotal factor in the whole story whoever there were moments that it wasn't handled right. For instance, once the hero figures out the truth he should have at least tried to find out what happened to the real Lady Anne but instead does, what?...

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The narrative of the story was pretty slow not to mention there was much "she said," "he said," as opposed to other ways to infer who was doing the talking and at times that became annoying.

What aspect of Steve Worsley’s performance would you have changed?

There were times that the Scottish brogue and English accent sounded the same and flat, like there was no lilt, not always of course but still I couldn't tell who was doing the talking until there was the "he said" part.

Was Her Scottish Rogue worth the listening time?

Yes and no. This is my personal opinion obviously and perhaps I would have felt different if I had read the story myself. The book dragged a lot in some parts so I feel that had I been reading it I could had just skimmed those pages instead of listening to what to me was just redundant and inessential to the plot.

Any additional comments?

The end was a bit confusing and I get that is a series but it left me with an aftertaste of unfulfillment. To me there were to many untied knots and too many unanswered questions that I don't want to post or I'm afraid I would be giving away too many spoilers.
Overall I guess it was a decent read and I'd like to know what happens to the hero and heroine but I'm still not sure if I'll be picking up the next one in the series.

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3 people found this helpful

Riveting, action packed & emotion filled story

Reviewed: 01-17-15

Where does Targeted rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my second audio book and mind you, by the same author but I'm going to rate it as my favorite.

What did you like best about this story?

Targeted is the first book in the Deadly Ops Series and I have to say it’s become my favorite of Katie Reus’ contemporary stories. It starts with a lot emotion from the beginning, giving a few glimpses of life a soldier and what they may have to give up for the greater good. Then life moves on as normal for the rest of us, including those that were once a part of their life. That was the case of Jack Stone. He gave up a life in order to become one of the best NSA agents but hurt her beloved, Sophie Moreno, in the process.
Sophie thinks her high school sweet heart, Sam, is dead and has never been able to love again. As an adult, he works for a company that makes deliveries medical supplies but notices that something is not right and investigates on her own, making herself a target of a terrorist organization. Jack was sent to investigate how the company was involved with the terrorists and because of their past history; however she doesn't know Jack is the same person as the man she thinks dead. The same of his arrival he ends up saving Sophie and a never ending chase is started to discover who wants her dead, who’s behind conspiring with the terrorists, who’s the mole passing information about Sophie, at the same time that Sophie thinks she’s going crazy because she can’t stop thinking about Sam every time she looks at Jack! If that wasn't enough, it seems they are both being betrayed by people they considered close friends, and people Sophie cares about are being hurt and held hostage.
However at the heart of it all is the love that never died. There is attraction between Jack and Sophie but there are times she wonders if it’s because he reminds him so much of Sam or if it’s because she was attracted to Jack. The fact they didn't just give into the attraction made the story believable. The tension was there but it was coherent with the characters and the story. And when it finally happened, it felt realistic. Although I’m becoming a fan of Ms. Eastlake’s amazing narration, I’m buying this book in print because I want to read this book at my own pace and recreate this world again with my own voice.

What about Sophie Eastlake’s performance did you like?

I like her soft but clear voice. She takes great care in emphasizing the voices for each character and I could tell who was the one speaking before she actually said it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Jack is thinking about the last time she saw Sophie and how she blamed him for her being assaulted. And then she apologized for what she said, knowing that it was not her fault indeed but she was hurt. That showed how young and naive they both were and how much they needed each other.

Any additional comments?

I will definitely be buying more books from Katie Reus and listening more from Sophie Eastlake.

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3 people found this helpful

Sexy, heartwarming, thrilling love story

Reviewed: 10-06-14

What did you love best about Breaking Her Rules?

Reviewing the audible version narrated by Sophie Easlake. She has a nice tone of voice; soft but clear. This was my first audible and what a nice surprise. I was able to listen to pretty much all of it in the time it took me to do all the things I had to do around the house. Only other thing I have to say about it though is that it was hard for me to keep a straight face when she did the hero’s voice. I couldn't stop myself from laughing out loud! And I dodn't even think it was funny, it was just strange! But don’t let that deter you from enjoying the story because it was awesome.

Breaking Her Rules is part of Katie Reus’ Red Stone Security Series. It introduces us to Iris, an ex-marine and team leader of her security team. It sounded like she had a hard life growing up and turned to the Marines because it was the only thing she viewed as “the good guys.” Her friend Wyatt was some sort of anchor to that past life but also the only good and true friend she ever really had. While visiting him in Las Vegas they decide to get married without thinking much of the consequences. Their relationship may look a bit rushed but to me it sounded congruent with the story. They were after all friends since childhood and he was hiding his true feeling for her for a long while. I admire and love strong, relentless, take-charge heroines and Iris fulfilled the pattern to a “T”. It seemed logical that she felt vulnerable when he kind of asked her to give up everything she'd fought hard for and stayed with him. I mean, give the girl a few moments to think about what was happening before blurting out something like that! Ok, I don't agree with her reaction but I can understand why she acted the way she acted.
Reus’ writing voice was impeccable as usual. The narration flowed naturally and secondary characters were a plus, always on point. I've read other reviews that say the plot was predictable and that it was obvious they would end up together. Well of course they will end up together; it’s Suspense Romance for a reason. And as far as the villain, there has to be a rock in the path to happiness to make it worth it, but that’s why we expect the plot to be good. Predictable or not, the plot was full of action, suspense, and full of emotions, and in this instance, the ride to happiness was what it was all about. But in case you're wondering, the plot was so not predictable =D
*I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review*

What did you like best about this story?

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