Securing Ava

by Anne Shade

Ava Prescott has had one goal in life, to carry on the Prescott legacy by taking the reins of Diamond Unlimited Wealth Management. Her father’s determination to uphold the company’s wholesome family image propels Ava into a reluctant fake relationship with Kyle, a man she’s sure is a threat to the business. When her father is the victim of a suspicious accident, Ava believes Kyle is responsible and has no choice but to run.

Paige Richards saw enough violence to last a lifetime during her years as a counterintelligence specialist. She’s ready for some peace on her ranch in Oklahoma and is paying the bills as a private investigator. Paige takes a case to locate and bring back runaway heiress Ava Prescott. It seems simple enough, until she stumbles upon a bungled kidnapping attempt and her peaceful life is turned upside down. Now she must use every skill she has to secure Ava.

As they try to figure out who is out to hurt Ava and her family, Paige and Ava fight to stay one step ahead of the threat and resist their growing attraction. But ignoring their feelings may prove impossible when their hearts and lives are at stake.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Romance, Fiction, Lesbian, LGBT, Butch Femme

312 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Anne Shade loves writing romances about women who love women featuring strong, beautiful Characters of Color. Her dream is to retire and open a bed and breakfast so she can spend her days doing what she loves…providing wonderful hospitality, writing novels, and planning fabulous weddings.

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

**'What is good storytelling? When there's a nice rhythm in your sentences or paragraphs that leads to the right DNA of your storytelling..'

Fascinating read!
An engaging, absorbing and well written urban story -- family, friendships, betrayal, romantic relationships, plot twist etc. etc... --- from beginning to a dramatic ending.
A highly recommended book!

[Della B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava is a hard working chief operating officer for her father’s wealth management business. She has dreams of taking over the reigns of the company when her father retires. Paige is a retired counterintelligence officer who worked with a private security company after leaving the armed forces. She now lives a sedate life while occasionally working as a private investigator. 

Someone is targeting Ava and her parents. Their lives are in grave danger. Paige’s old boss calls her for a favour and she is being tasked to keep Ava safe while he sees to the safety of her parents. 

Securing Ava is an exciting and action filled slow burn romance. The plot holds your attention and the action fuels your page turning so most readers will easily slide over the niggles of some ‘isn’t that convenient’ moments. The pace of the romance runs counterpoint to the action which gives you a strong sense of realism. This last point makes this novel a must read for romance enthusiasts.

I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a Knight in cowboy boots and a badass Princess. Ava Prescott the only daughter of a man who created a very successful financial advisory firm. Ava’s father is a self made black man who insists on a very strict and socially acceptable public perception of his family. He’s very unhappy that his daughter Ava is a lesbian and he wants her to marry a man and have children. Ava has also made a success of her business career working at her dads company. Kyle is a man who’s also working there as the COO and Ava’s dad wants them to marry.

Soon threats are made on Ava’s life and her fathers’. Ava goes undercover to hide from the persons pursuing her and her family.

Meanwhile Paige Richards is an ex marine and now running a private security firm. Paige is hired by her mentor and a family friend of the Prescotts to track down Ava and keep her safe.

The second half of the book is filed with action, where Ava and Paige try an evade danger and discover where the threat is coming from.

The combination of the slow burn romance and the action and adventure worked well for me. Recommended for all who enjoy that trope.

ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Securing Ava is my first book by this author, it is an entertaining mix of suspense and romance. I was pleasantly surprised to find out Anne Shade is a BIPOC author and reading about non-white characters was an added bonus.

Ava Prescott, the daughter of the founder of Diamond Unlimited Wealth Management, has spent her life working towards taking over the family legacy and continuing the company as successfully as her father. After the dissolution of a fake relationship which was only modeled to maintain her father’s old-fashioned family image, suddenly unusual things start happening. Apparently, someone objects to her inheriting the company. That person will stop at nothing to achieve the goal of destroying the Prescott family. As a result, Ava is forced into hiding for a while.

Paige Richards, a private investigator, now only takes on jobs that aren’t dangerous, and often they are favors to her former boss. As an ex-Marine and counterintelligence specialist, she has seen enough violence for more than a lifetime. But the supposedly simple mission to find and bring back Ava Prescott gets complicated and puts them both in great danger.

The thriller part is exciting and entertaining and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The plot is written fluidly but has a few inconsistencies, which I do not want to go into detail, otherwise, I would give too much away. However, that didn’t bother me much, the story captivated me. The scenes escaping from danger were thrilling as well as seeing how both main characters got closer and opened up to each other.

I enjoyed the slow-burn quality of the love story. Both women are drawn to each other in a way they had never experienced before, and both feel genuinely seen and understood. But since they both believe there is no point in a relationship since they lead totally different lives, they fight their budding feelings. Paige mostly wants to enjoy the peace and serenity of her ranch near a small town in Oklahoma and recover from all the horrors she has seen. Ava was born into the financial world of Chicago and knew nothing but working hard for the family business. She didn’t want to do anything else until she was forced into it and learned to appreciate a quieter lifestyle.

I liked both MCs, they are strong and independent women with a determined will but still vulnerable. As much as I love Paige the badass fighter, I liked that she’s not infallible and that she can’t just put aside all that she’s experienced like it’s nothing. Written from the point of view of both main characters, we can empathize with them and understand what holds them back and keeps them from giving in to temptation. They question if their feelings are really genuine, or born out of gratitude from Ava’s perspective and overprotectiveness on Paige’s part. At first glance, I doubted how the two could reconcile their lives, as their lifestyles are too different. But where there’s a will, there’s a way – as the saying goes.

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Ashlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ava is on the run from her ex fiancee who is out to destroy her and her family. Hired to protect her, Paige Richards shuttles Ava to her ranch in Oklahoma. As Ava gets used to the simple way of life the ranch provides she begins to see the draw but danger quickly catches up to her.
This was a good, if predictable, read. I liked the slow romance brewing in the background of the rest of the story but didn't feel quite connected to the MCs. The thriller aspect of the plot was fun but there were a few holes and the suspense was a bit on the minimal side. It felt a bit odd that Ava spent a year in hiding without being found but only lasted a month with Paige before she was found in Oklahoma. Ava and Paige's argument late in the book also felt out of character for them both but especially Paige. I think this would be good for someone looking for a light thriller/romance but it just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story that kept me entertained. Excellent back characters though the initial premise (as stated on the back cover) was hard to swallow given what happened. Fun and recommended.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new-to-me author with an enjoyable story about a rich heiress on the run and a P.I. sent to find her and bring her home. This kind of plot is nothing new, so I was pleasantly surprised that the story managed a few twists and turns that were not expected. The main characters, Ava and Paige, are likable. Each have her own issues to work on. They are two strong women doing their best to excel in male-dominated fields. It's not just a nice romance but also have some thrilling elements.

**Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for giving me an ARC for an honest review!**

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ava Prescott is in line to be the successor to her father’s wealth management business. She is driven to work hard and put everything else aside to continue the family legacy. But a threat to her family sends Ava into hiding. Paige Richards is an ex-Marine and worked in high level private security before retiring to her ranch in Oklahoma. She still takes occasional jobs from her old boss who happens to be a long time friend to Ava’s family.

Paige is sent to find Ava and keep her safe while her old boss tries to get the goods on the main suspect. There is danger and action as Ava puts her trust in Paige. The attraction is slow-burn as they live in forced proximity, getting to know each other. I like both of the strong and independent women. They are confident in themselves and their abilities.

I found the action scenes exciting and well written. But the pacing of the book makes the overall plot less urgent. Ava is in hiding on her own over a year before Paige is sent find and protect her. That is a big gap of time where they could have fired or found information on the suspect. It is also a long time for Ava to be gone from a company where she wants to be integral for its success. There are no red herrings or twists. And I was a little disappointed in how predicable the outcome plays out. I also never understood where the culprit got the funding for the hired thugs.

I still recommend the story for the overall action and romance. I like that Paige doesn’t have to solve everything on her own and has good friends and team support. And I like how the author works the ending so it feels realistic to the characters and their priorities. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of the story was very interesting. I really enjoyed and appreciated the diversity of characters. Ava Prescott, woman of color, in line to take over the family wealth management business, and for the most part, enjoys her work but is thinking about her life and whether or not she is happy. Paige Richards, ex-marine, from a military family, looking to slow down and enjoy life with much less drama and trauma. I also liked the various settings and the supporting characters. There is much danger in securing Ava. Paige is very selective with the cases she chooses to work on. When she takes on this one, she initially thought it would be low key but that changes immediately. As Paige and Ave work together along with a support team, the story held my attention as they work to figure out what is going in and why. I also like the romance and how Ava and Paige interacted with each other.

ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good wlw crime story and this one is particularly excellent. Ava is a successful businesswoman in her father's firm but both are being targeted and Ava soon has to go on the run. Paige is an ex marine who is fed up of private work looking after heiresses, she just wants to enjoy her retirement ranch and take care of her animals, so is none too happy about her assignment to find Ava and keep her safe. There are lots of twists and turns in this gripping action book, at times the long time between key events is puzzling but I also liked that it didn't all take place over a couple of months as is typical of the genre. An extra bonus is that the author and most of her characters are Black or Native American, there is a more welcome and authentic approach to diversifying the publishers portfolio and earns an extra star. The characters are believable, I enjoyed the camaraderie between Paige and her ex marines and between Ava and her family especially her mother and Adele. The animals also provide light relief. Thoroughly recommended.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava has worked her a$$ off to show her father that she means business and is worthy of taking over the firm once he decides to retire. But then he comes up with a plan for her to marry Kyle for the sake of appereances. In comes mama bear and she won't have any of it and that's when the trouble starts which makes Ava having to go under for everyone's safety.

Paige is a marine with a lot of experience in both combat and intelligence. She decides to retire at her farm but then gets called in to do a favour for a good friend of her which is to secure Ava.

Honestly this book often had me on the edge of my seat. There were a few swings I did not see coming and although things get wrapped up neatly I did get bored one second. The action is rightly so, the romance is cute (and hot) and the mystery will have you not wanting to put this book down until you read it through till the end. Solid story.

An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava is the daughter and heir to the owner of a massive wealth management company, destined to take the reins one day. But then her life starts unravelling. It’s not helped by her father’s attitude to Ava’s sexuality. She goes along with a stupid scheme he comes up with and they are all put in danger.

Paige is ex military and working in private security/investigations. She is hired to find Ava but the task becomes complicated by guns and threats. Paige takes Ava to her remote home to keep her safe and try to discover what is going on.

The plotting is paced nicely, the characters are credible and likeable and the ancillary characters more than hold their own. The ending is satisfying and although tidy, isn’t predictable.

I enjoyed the book and will look out others by this author.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley

[Domi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Securing Ava follows the expected line of protector / protegée with badass former marine Paige getting the assignment to protect an heiress from danger. In between the dangerous situations a slow burn romance develops and we follow both women as they traverse the difficult road to a satisfying conclusion.
Anne Shade delivered a good book in my opion with a nice romance while also managing to satisfy those readers who really like the action/thriller type parts of a good story. She manages to have a good balance between creating non superficial characters you get to know and like yet she also created a thrilling plot to keep the story going. I would definitely recommend picking up this one.

***Thank you Netgalley en Boldstroke Books for giving me the chance to read and review this book. ***

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good romantic suspense novel, and the fact that this felt different from others I have read. The beginning was rough: Ava’s father was so unlikeable that I seriously considered DNF’ing this book early on. But I’m glad I pushed through, because things got so much better, and I ended up loving this one. The romance between Ava & Paige was my favorite part. It didn’t seem possible that the two would end up falling for each other, so it was fun to watch. I really appreciated that Ava wasn’t written as a damsel in distress. Even her security team recognized that she could take care of herself. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting, and I’m still not sure how I feel about it, Still, really loved this story. This book kept me hooked and has definitely earned a spot on my list of favorite romantic suspense novels.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an entertaining book! It has romance, opposites, a slow burn romance, adventure, danger and thrills, and a bodyguard (if you need a bodyguard story). Ava, who lives in Chicago, is an heiress who works for her father's firm. Paige is ex-military and works as private security. Her work is dangerous and takes her around the world, but her home is a big, well-fortified ranch in Oklahoma. I liked getting to know the women better, but I really enjoyed how the author laid out the story with its twists and turns. I never was sure what would happen next or to whom. (I was snookered by a red herring who I was sure would be pivotal.) I’ve read a few books and shorter stories by Shade, and I think she keeps getting better.

[Dr E · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good slow burn thriller. The two leads don’t meet until a quarter of the way through the book, which adds to the atmosphere as the story gradually builds into a tense protect the target trope. There are a few holes in the script and the ‘baddie’ wasn’t really menacing enough. I liked Paige’s back story and her many friends from service. Ava was a bit one dimensional and could have done with more substance to her character. Great that both leads are strong Black women.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edit to add a star because I add a star if it's gay. Also I really did love it, despite some writing unevenness.

This was so good! A really rich romance with extremely lovable characters and a very sweet and realistic relationship. It might not officially be romantic suspense, but the action and mystery elements were very engaging and also well balanced with the character development. The whole cast is so good, I love so many of the side characters just as much as the heroines.

[Mayra Luria · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful read

Great writing, but no surprise there. Engaging characters, exciting story, humor, angst, great romance, a little thriller, lots of life. The part I that touched me the most is how Anne Shade represents combat veterans - we will always be messed up in our heads but she shows we can be successful in life as well. Thank you.

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an awesome book. I loved Ava and Paige’s dynamic. I loved the LGBT rep and the country setting. This was such a fun read for me and it was cute but also entertaining.