Can't Hide From Me

By: Cordelia Kingsbridge

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Charles Hunter's team is on a mission to extract an unidentified ATF agent from an undercover job gone wrong. All they've got to go on is the rendezvous location - until Charles recognizes the ex he hasn't seen in years. Their "simple rescue mission" is about to get a lot more complicated.

For Ángel Medina, adjusting to life after his cartel nightmare is hard enough without confronting memories of a failed relationship. All he wants is a fresh start. But when a violent stalker lashes out from the shadows, Ángel realizes his nightmare is far from over.

As the stalker's obsession escalates and bodies start dropping, Charles and Ángel are thrown together in a desperate search for the culprit. Tempers flare and old passions reignite, drawing them back into the same turbulent relationship that once ended in disaster.

But the stalker isn't letting go - and the next strike might hit straight through the heart.

©2016 Cordelia Kingsbridge (P)2017 Riptide Publishing

Good action/suspense

Would you consider the audio edition of Can't Hide From Me to be better than the print version?

I can't say because I only listened to the audio version and have not read the print

Who was your favorite character and why?

I actually loved all the secondary characters because they were fun & eclectic

What about Nick J. Russo’s performance did you like?

Nick J. Russo has a great voice & does a wonderful range with his performance

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really, it was a bit long to listen to all at once

3.5 stars- Hot physical chemistry, lacking romance

I love suspense mixed in with my romance, so Miss Kingsbridge has been on my list for a few months. Can’t Hide from Me is my first book by her, and I’ll definitely be reading more of her works. That said, while there were some things I loved, there were others that didn’t quite work for me in this book. Overall, I liked the writing style, found the physical chemistry between Angel and Charles crazy hot, enjoyed the bulk of the suspense, and really liked the action scenes.

Can’t Hide from Me started really quickly, with the first scene being an intense extraction for undercover ATF agent Angel. While the action was well-written, the barrage of character names and aliases coming at me quickly in audiobook form was a lot to make sense of. I think this less than ideal start was one of the reasons it took me a while to really commit to the story. However, I thought the second chance romance plot between agent Angel and one of the agents on his extraction team was promising.

Angel and Charles were a couple years ago, but with Charles still in the closet and a dramatic break-up, the bad blood and tension between these two was intense from the get go. Unfortunately, this was where things got a bit dicey for me. There was an obvious physical pull between them and, when they hooked up fairly quickly in the book, the simmering anger led to an explosive sex scene akin to an enemies-to-lovers romance. While there was no denying the author can write extremely sexy scenes, I failed to see any real promise for them to be a functional couple until the tail end of the book. I also grew really frustrated with their refusal to discuss their past and Angel’s constant prowling for bed companions. So, while I didn’t dislike Angel or Charles, I struggled to root for them to make it together.

The suspense aspects were up and down for me as well. I ascertained the correct identity of the stalker right away, but there were enough twists and well-done action scenes to keep things interesting. However, some of the law enforcement operations of the plot and the agents’ actions were a little unbelievable- sometimes unprofessional, sometimes just not safe or all that smart, and it ended up taking me out of the story a bit.

I will say Mr. Russo did a great job narrating the audiobook, injecting the appropriate emotion into the scenes and dialogue, and ensuring his pace matched that of the scene. All in all, Can’t Hide from Me was a good listen that ensured I’ll be checking out more of Miss Kingsbridge’s romantic suspense. I just wish I got more romance and emotional connection in this book rather than an intense physical chemistry that, while hot, had me repeatedly questioning the couple.

*Reviewed for Alpha Book Club*

Disappointed

<strong>Oh no.......</strong>

I really wanted to like this book. I tried, I hung in there till the very end, listening to Nick J. Russo narrate the hell out of this book. Unfortunately, even his fine performance couldn’t make up for what was lacking in the book.

What was missing? Mostly, I didn’t understand the characters. I didn’t know why the MCs behaved how they did with each other. This was cleared up at the very end, but it was just lame for almost the entirety of the book. They either screwed the hell out of each other or fought. That’s it. This made it hard for me to care about the, since they didn’t seem to care about each other until the big “reveal” near the end. Like I said, lame.

Also lacking was proper police work. I mean they think that a cartel kingpin might be alive and entered the US...wouldn’t you check the freaking photos they take at customs when you enter the country. Duh.

The plot was kind of confusing but I still nailed the perp early on. So along with uninspired police work and character play, I was waiting for everyone to figure it out.

I’m a fan of this author...I loved, LOVED her last two books and have the next two pre$ordered. That’s why I’m so disappointed in this one. It is way below what I expect from her. But then, this is an earlier work and she has obviously kicked butt with the Seven of Spades series. I’ll just consider this a warm up book.

I had other issues with the cultural representation of Latinos, but I just don’t want to get into it here...other reviewers have and did a great job at pointing out stereotypes and ethnocentric generalizations in the book.

Nick J. Russo was great here. He had great differentiation between the characters, got most of the Spanish right, and had a sexy as hell voice for Angel. He saved the book for me, although by listening to it, I did draw out the pain more than I would have simply reading it.

Angel, oh Angel.

I found this book after finishing the Seven of Spades series bc I wasn't ready to be "done."

Interesting and well-told story with lots of details that *felt* well researched and accurate, no idea if they were but it was convincing enough for me not to do my own research :) (semi-spoiler) Cordelia Kingsbridge sure likes an unexpected villain!! I'm here for that all day.

My only criticism is that I found myself wondering if I missed another book in the series. I felt like I jumped in the middle of a story, but I think that was intentional (Imma feel real stupid if I find that there IS another story!). We only get the MCs history in dribs and drabs, which was a little frustrating but, again, I think it was intended to keep you interested enough to keep reading. And it worked so, who am I to criticize?

Angel, oh Angel! (Any Buffy fans here?) I love this character. I want an entire series of just Angel.

I did NOT care for Nick Russo's voicing of these characters, which is a first for me. I usually love his work. it wasn't BAD, I just didn't like his choices, especially for Angel. That may be because I was sooooo invested in Angel and he had such a strong voice in my head, so take it for what it's worth.

Overall, for sure with your time and $. Wish there was more!

So exiting!

Really exiting book with interesting plot and characters. Constantly made me wonder what was gonna happen next and I couldnt figure out the bad guy untill the end. A good combo of action, mystery and romance (and some good HEAT here and there).
Wonderful preformance of Nick like always, a ton of different people in this one and each had there own "voice".
Really recommend it if you like m/m romance with some stalkers mystery in it!

A rating...

My Review:
Overall: 4.5
Performance: 4.5
Story: 4.5

Everything about this audiobook was good...from the narrator to the story. I loved every single minute of listening to it.

Charles and Angel have a really turbulent history...one that shattered Charles' heart two years ago. But unbeknownst to him, in the two years since that point Angel has been undercover acting as a cartel boss's boytoy...not an easy job, so Angel is a little messed up, too.

But now they have to work together and not let on about any of their history...because Charles is in the closet and if anyone knew about them, they would't allow them to work together.

There is drama and angst bleeding all over the place in this book...and suspense and danger...and all that combines to make for an absolutely fabulous, riveting read.

Note: Nick J Russo was incredible as the narrator on this one. I highly recommend it!

Great narration, more mystery than romance

I think there are two, maybe three, ways to approach this story.
1) As a piece of fiction wherein the reader is free to assume that what they are reading does not represent the real world and to simply experience the story for what it is – mostly action, adeventure, some mystery and a fair amount of (mostly angry) sex.
2) As a piece of fiction that leans towards “romance” in that the central MCs, in addition to their professional struggles, also wrestle with some relationship issues and in the end resolve those issues.
3) As an accurate representation of the world with a fictional set of circumstances and characters.
I think, if you read a few reviews out there, that #3 is probably not fair. There have been several good points raised about racism and flaws in how the governmental agencies are portrayed. However, if you remember that this is fiction, that might not feel as bad. Racism is a tough, slipper slope, however, and I’m not sure it’s as easy as all that to disregard. I think the author was just trying to pick a bad guy – the cartel – and that the rest of the country (Mexico) got sort of sublimated into it unintentionally. However, that is for the reader to decide – but be aware that that issue is present in this story and it’s hard to ignore.

As for #2 – that’s a tough one for me. Loosely defined, this is absolutely a romance, but I’m not sure it’s the central focus. If it is it does leave a bit to be desired – IMHO. I liked the HFN we got, but I’m not sure it satisfied the romantic in me enough. I never quite warmed up to these guys or felt their connection was authentic beyond the physical. I also didn’t like the “open” aspect of their relationship and – though it is explained – didn’t like many things that transpired between these two, relationship-wise.

So… who do I think would like this? Anyone who loves mystery, intrigue, drama and angry sex. Who should avoid it? Anyone who is sensitive to cultural bias, who wants romance to be the central theme, anyone particularly squeamish about violence.

Susan gave this 4.5 of 5 stars and I think I’d give it 3 of 5 stars – there is some to like, just maybe not enough for me.

Audio

What made this book more tolerable for me was Nick J Russo’s excellent narration. I love the subtle accents he used for the myriad characters and I find him very easy to listen to. He kept me engaged when I might have been inclined to skim or skip chapters.

5 of 5 for the narration

Overall 4 of 5 stars

Very suspenseful, second chances book

Charles team is on an extraction mission to pull an undercover agent out of a mission. Charles is surprised when he sees his ex-lover. Seeing him brings back bad memories and another issue Charles is in the closet, only one of his team knows he is Bi and she also knows about the bad breakup with Angel.

Angel is a player and been undercover for two years. The mission has gone bad with the man he was posing undercover to bust was murdered. The mission was a success but things get worse after he is out.
This is my first Cordelia Kingsbridge book and I liked it a lot. The characters were intense, The plot intriguing and the mystery-suspense had plenty of twists and I never figured it out.
There is a lot of hot sex scenes as well.
My one little issue was the romance. which was more love-hate than romance between the two main characters. But this is a suspense and a good one so that is irrelevant.

I love Nick J Russo's narration. I am afraid if I had this on book, I may not have finished or enjoyed as much since there is quite a bit of Spanish. He did a great job with the accents and it was easy to tell the characters apart.

If you like Cartels, special forces, undercover agents, suspense and some hot man-sex you will like this one. If you don't know a lot of Spanish I suggest trying the Audio.

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

WOW I was not expecting this book to be that good. Really action packed and action filled. Good from beginning to end!!!

Good mystery Susp/Rom; excellent performance

I love Nick J. Russo so I followed him to Cordelia Kingsbridge. Overall I enjoyed the mystery/suspense aspect of the book but the romance - if you can call it that - left much to be desired. I thoroughly enjoyed the story weaving involving the cartel and law enforcement and I truly was happy with the big reveal of who the stalker was...

~ Spoiler Alert ~

I really enjoy books with a HEA and you feel the couple will make it together no matter what! The easiest goal is to Do No Harm; once you start there the rest should be easy peezy. What gets me is that when Charles and Angel weren't having great hate sex (hot damn it really was great) they did and said every thing under the sun to hurt each other - but moreso Angel. When they broke up I understood Angel's beliefs that he had to make Charles so angry that he wouldn't look for him while he was deep undercover in the cartel. The way he did it though...was just too low down. If I was Charles I would never be able to forgive this even after being told why Angel did it - having sex with Charles best friend on Charles birthday and letting Charles walk in on that....and then Angel acts like he didn't bear the brunt of why their relationship exploded. All Angel could see for why he was betraying Charles so callously is because he was doing it to get back at Charles because Charles didn't want to come out as bisexual. Which is understandable! I wouldn't want to risk coming out for a no good cheater either but for some reason Angel missed this reasoning - he didn't want to understand that Charles would have came out if he thought the relationship was worth it. How could Angel expect Charles to feel safe and secure in their relationship if he was still having sex with other men and saying he wasn't ready for marriage or kids...etc. The funny thing is Charles was okay with him still being out with others the thing that stings is that the man he dicked in front of him was his best friend. Again, I don't know how Charles could get past that....but even if he could, how could he trust that Angel won't do something like that again in a future argument just to hurt him again. I guess if both men seek counseling? (And we know Angel needs counseling after his experience with the Cartel and the stalker) But neither of them seem inclined to do that...so I have no faith in a true HEA for these two. This truly was a great thrill but I am left with too much chill

3 stars - worthy of a repeat listen but for me personally I probably won't.