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Callahan Security #6

Cease and Desist

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One retired SEAL, one former librarian, and one big mystery combine to make one amazing adventure!

Thane “Hawk” Hawkins is feeling lost. His corporate job no longer excites him and he’s missing his SEAL days. His friends at Callahan Security dangle an interesting job in front of him, but require a small favor in return. “Think of it as a trial run,” they said. Their idea of a small favor will send him on his most dangerous and mysterious adventure yet.

Remington “Remy” Tanger is putting the pieces back together after losing her last family member. Running her grandfather’s bookstore is her way of honoring him. But Gramps had a secret life that brings trouble stumbling into her shop and almost gets her killed.

She’s determined to navigate on her own; He’s determined to keep her alive. They’re both determined not to fall in love. Sometimes fate has other ideas.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2023

644 people are currently reading
128 people want to read

About the author

Lori Matthews

41 books330 followers
I grew up in a house filled with books and readers. Some of my fondest memories are of reading in the same room with my mother and sisters, arguing about whose turn it was to make tea. No one wanted to put their book down!
I was introduced to romance because of my mom’s habit of leaving books all over the house. One day I picked one up. I still remember the cover. It was a Harlequin by Janet Daily. Little did I know at the time that it would set the stage for my future. I went on to discover mystery novels. Agatha Christie was my favorite. And then suspense with Wilber Smith and Ian Fleming.
I loved the thought of combining my favorite genres, and during high school, I attempted to write my first romantic suspense novel. I wrote the first four chapters and then exams happened and that was the end of that. I desperately hope that book died a quiet death somewhere in a computer recycling facility.
A few years later, (okay, quite a few) after two degrees, a husband and two kids, I attended a workshop in Tuscany that lit that spark for writing again. I have been pounding the keyboard ever since here in New Jersey, where I live with my children—who are thrilled with my writing as it means they get to eat more pizza—and my very supportive husband.

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5 stars
811 (59%)
4 stars
368 (27%)
3 stars
133 (9%)
2 stars
37 (2%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
February 26, 2023
This was a tangled web of a mystery mixed with an emotional rollercoaster. There were no “meh” feelings in me about this book. I both loved and hated the story with equal fervor. Normally, I’m not a fan of the “happy for now” ending, but this story pretty much required it. And considering the alternatives, I can fully embrace a sort of incomplete ending for Hawk and Remy. It’s left me with so many burning questions that, I guess, just mean I’m more motivated than ever to read whatever the author publishes after this.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
Profile Image for Janeandjerry.
629 reviews21 followers
March 13, 2025
Cease and Desist Book 6

This is the sixth and final book in this series but seems to start a new in the end so will probably check that out as well since I'm enjoying reading from this author so much...lol
Profile Image for Bea .
2,037 reviews136 followers
September 21, 2023
Interesting set up for the spinoff. I'm curious to see how that plays out. I liked seeing Hawk get his HEA, especially with the twists. It did follow the same basic formula as the other books in the series, which are especially obvious when reading the books back to back.
21 reviews
February 21, 2023
If you want an end, not for you

Most definitely NOT happy with being left high and dry at the end even if the author does promise a whole new series. I detest books that don't end.
1,037 reviews12 followers
February 24, 2023
Secrets that are handed down through generations, but then the next generation is not clued in. A building that houses an old time bookstore in the middle of NYC with not enough traffic to be able to stay in business. An inheritance that would allow you to do anything, but, you stay because your last relative wanted you to.

Remington 'Remy' Tanger has inherited her Grandfather's bookstore. Since she is a librarian by education, she wants to keep it open. After some issues with copyright, she asks her friend, an attorney who happens to work for Callahan Security, to look over her Cease and Desist paperwork. Her friend can't do it right then so Thane 'Hawk' Hawkins, also an attorney, and a friend of Callahan Security, heads over to take a look and walks in on...well you need to read this book!! No spoilers!

Oh my gosh! How much more clandestine can you get than a secret society that no one knows about...or shouldn't know about...because in the knowing you can get killed for the telling.

Ms. Matthews keeps you on the edge of your seat, with all the lights on, and other people in the house. A delicious story of power, control, and how you deal with your birthright. The ending leaves you wanting more. There is so much more to learn about these people!! More please...SOON!!
Profile Image for Rachel Lynn.
10 reviews
February 26, 2023
This is the first book by this author that I have read and have been so let down by the characters. How many times was Remy putting everyone in life and death situations when she had no experience. Hawk was ignoring all his gut instincts when it came to saving her and letting her come close to death a few times. There was no spark between these characters for me at all. They go together about as well as anchovies and jelly. They just had tension relieving sex with no depth. The story had potential to have depth to it but with Remy always putting herself in dangerous situations and everyone needing to save her the story didn’t have anywhere to go. I really liked the story up until about 68% in where it became apparent she was just going to continue to get in her own way. Hawk had every right to be mad at her for the danger she kept putting everyone but mostly him in. How these two fell in love I’ll never know because they didn’t have the down time with Remys bad decision making everywhere. She could have been an awesome character but she fell so flat at the end. To top it all off it ends in a cliff hanger with no warning from the author. Lots of people hate cliff hangers and it’s rude to not give the reader the option before they start. All her other books are soooooo good. Maybe I’m being over critical, everyone else seemed to love it. But these are my two cents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,537 reviews41 followers
February 26, 2023
A secret and deadly society and a missing “token” that means a seat at the table. Remington “Remy” Tanger has been running her grandfather’s bookstore since his death. When the store is vandalized, she has no idea who would do this. Thane “Hawk” Hawkins left the SEALS for his law career and had stopped in to see her as a favor for a friend. He arrives as the police are questioning her about the vandalism. He sees that she needs help and his need to protect kicks in. As the vandalism continues, they make a strange find in the bookstore. The threats continue as they search for the “token”, but she has no idea what it could be. Without Hawk and the Callahan family’s assistance, she’s not sure she would still be alive. Finding the “token” doesn’t alleviate the threats as someone is willing to kill for it. All this before a meeting of the society where she must present the token to hopefully save both of their lives. Many unanswered questions, but will they find the answers before it is too late? Suspense and danger from the very first page as she must be strong; she has no intention of going down without a fight. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
809 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2023
3.5*+ ARC Review – So Many Secrets that there is a Society
I am a big fan of this author and started reading her and this series through Hidden Gems ARC program. This book looks like it might be the end of the Callahan Security Series, but a jumping off into a new series. As with the other books by this author, there is a lot of action and adventure while tossing in some hot attraction and heroes! This book reintroduces Hawk, who appeared in a prior book and has connections to many of the characters in the series. In this story, Hawk offers to help Remy with legal advice, which turns into so much more and might be a trial run of a new role at Callahan Security. Remy is a former librarian who is currently running her family’s bookstore, but there is so much more to that than just stacking books!
Although there were similarities to the other books in the series, this one missed the mark for me. Did not feel a connection to the main characters and at times felt frustrated by them, especially Remy. Think it was supposed to show her as a strong woman, but I found her ignorant and reluctant to take the offered help. I appreciated she did not want to be a damsel in distress, but she was in completely over her head and definitely could not do this on her own.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews87 followers
March 18, 2023
Missing the action of being a SEAL, Thane ‘Hawk’ Hawkins met with the Callahan brothers about a job and offered to take a client meeting with Lacy’s friend, bookstore owner Remington ‘Remy’ Tanger at the end of the evening. When Hawk arrives at Remy’s, she’s being questioned by the police in connection with a murder.

Annoyed and aggravated over her recent spate of trouble, Remy tries to dismiss Hawk but he’s having none of it! Doggedly working through his agenda of doing the favor for Lacy and learning the reason for the police scrutiny. Reluctantly Remy gives Hawk answers including her questions on the financial piece of her inheritance he needs as the pair take a walk.

Returning to Remy’s shop they find it’s been broken into; after cleaning it, it happens again, leading the pair to stumble upon a secret which is their first clue about Remy’s troubles. Its also the reason Hawk gets to flex his protector muscles as they have to run for Remy’s life! The least of Hawk and Remy’s battle is the raging hormones between them, so why fight them?

Though there are a couple of gaping holes (to this reader’s taste) and Remy annoyed at times the read was enjoyable and checked all the boxes for a romantic suspense outing. But this reader hated the cliffie.
Rating: 4.5stars
Profile Image for An.
430 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2023
Another installment of the Callahan Security series finds us exploring the story of Lacy's law school friend Remy who just lost her only living relative in a tragic accident.

As things unravel, Remy learns some devastating secrets about her family and that there may have been foul play involved in their deaths.

Hawk is sent to assist Remy, but she has made it clear she doesn't need his help although strangers are targeting her left and right.

Hawk decides even if it going to kill him yo do it, he's going yo save this woman from her enemies, but he's not sure who is going to save him from falling for her.

OK, I've read all the books in the series which are filled with romance, mystery and action. And if I'm honest some serious espionage themes, which I liked about this series.

However, this one is just ok for me. I never connected with the main characters in this story. They just didn't seem like a plausible couple to me. It was nice catching up with the Callahan crew and their brand of security, but Remy just worked a nerve.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Sara.
2,386 reviews13 followers
February 26, 2023
With each book I read by this talented author, she further cements her place on my must-read list of favorite authors. I love suspenseful books that cause an adrenaline rush as you anticipate what’s going to happen next.

Lori Matthews successfully captures my attention from the first few sentences and she never loses my interest until the final word. The Callahan Security series is suspenseful with standalone stories that have been widely different.

This final book in the series is full of secrets that rock Remy to her core. She’s in danger for unknown reasons and from unknown sources. Thank Hawkins and the Callahan brothers and their ladies all bring their talents to the table to help Remy.

The book leaves many unanswered questions which will be the focus of a new exciting series from the author - can’t wait for more suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shannyn Shuklian.
577 reviews25 followers
March 2, 2023
This was my favorite book of the series. Hands down. 😱😍

I was actually debating not reading it at first just because I was already onto another series, but I finished that and came back and man was I glad I did.

Hawk is only trying to help Lacy out. He goes by her friend’s bookshop to find a sassy librarian who just wants to figure things out on her own. Remy is actually kind of embarrassed and already freaking out about the weird guy that had been in. When next thing she knows the cops are there interviewing because that weird guy is now dead a couple blocks away and after a few minutes of questioning Hawk steps in to shut down where they’re headed.

Slowly her and Hawk end up having to be thrown together to keep her safe from some crazy secret society that uses a hidden basement under her shop… Remy is off balance by the unknowns her grandfather left her in and has to make an ultimate decision without Hawk’s choice that will change both of their lives forever.

Character I want to smack….Asad.

I don’t see anything about another book for this series but we learned a lot more about Dragan during this book so I’m hopeful he will be the next character to catch his woman….

815 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2023
It was an awesome twist!

Ms. Matthews, I totally adore this series!
But, this book, loved the segue into a different direction. Maybe I should say unusual twist!
The two main characters were frankly a mess, but you couldn't help but love Remy the fourth's attitude, she may be little but she is fierce...(yep stolen), but so apropos. Remy definitely did not want help or interference, even if it was needed.
Hawk, typical alpha know it all, with a side of boredom. Boredom which played right into the Callahan security group's hands. Asked for a small help for Remy, Hawk agrees, and suddenly he is arguing with Remy, trying to keep her safe from, lord knows who, plus, and figure out what everyone is after.
It was unique, and all that these two seem to be entering is rather unclear...but Lori Matthews again grabs the reader and now...

Archer!
I need his story!

Loved!

Karen
1,264 reviews
April 17, 2023
I've enjoyed this series and so was excited about this book. Sadly, it barely makes two stars for me. I had quibbles early on regarding some of the librarian and SEAL points, but that was more minor. Remy is a mess of a character. It's as though the author could never get a handle on her. Remy seems to not know who is she, but the author should know and should provide character development through the book. Instead Remy's reactions run the gamut, and you never really get a sense of her. So how does Hawk? Additionally, their relationship is shallow and filled with every stereotypical line possible. Sex is used instead of character and relationship development rather than to further them.
Finally, the ending is horrible. Little is resolved, and it seems that the book just stops. Very unsatisfying.
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,142 reviews
February 14, 2023
Enticing and intriguing:
What an amazing book! It captured my attention from the very beginning and I was intrigued as to how it was all going to play out. I really enjoyed the mystery and intrigue and the fact that it was unique and unpredictable.
I had been curious about Hawk since first meeting him in Catch and Release and it was great to finally discover more about him. I thought Remy and Hawk made a super couple and I liked how fiery and intense their relationship was.
Whilst not everything was fully explained, it nevertheless felt like a complete book and now I anxiously await the new series when more secrets about the society will be revealed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,736 reviews
February 23, 2023
4.5 stars.

This is the third book from this series that I have read and it was nice to catch up with previous characters. I really enjoyed that this story went off on a direction I wasn't expecting, and I know that some questione were left unanswered, but the author's explanation has left me looking forward to what she promises will come.

I really liked how Hawk and Remy met and how everything snowballed from there, I thought they were both strong characters who understood each other so well and they had good connection and chemistry. I enjoyed the drama, angst, friends, pasts, mystery, suspense, danger, romance and love in this. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
724 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2025
EXCELLENT STORY!!!👍👍👍👍👍

Wow!! What an interesting storyline! I have read thousands of books, however, the plot of this book was intriguing and totally unique to me!!! There were so many unexpected twists and turns that I was kept riveted to the story! The suspense and mysterious happenings were very well done. I really enjoyed the dynamics, friendships and affection between the Calhoun brothers and their entire crew.... and their loyalty and support to their friends. It was nice to catch up with all the ladies too.... I am looking forward to learning more about all of them and The Lock and Key Societies' mysterious inner workings ... and how Hawk and Remy navigate their new reality. I highly recommend this book if you like books that keep you guessing!! 😇
2,434 reviews22 followers
February 16, 2023
Thane Hawkins, Hawk…can a name get any better? But I digress. I hoped Hawk would get a story and boy did he. The non-stop action, the intrigue, the W*T*F just happened moments all add up to an amazing ride for us as readers. The characters are great, the situations Lori puts them through are nail-biting and the chemistry is off the charts. I read this story in one day, you know between work and sleep, it is so good. Lori, OMGOSH, the way it ended. Keeping us on our toes. Cannot wait to see what is in store next for these characters and a certain someone.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,708 reviews9 followers
February 17, 2023
Secret rooms, clandestine meetings and hidden agendas is featured in this spectacular romance between Hawk and Remy. Raised by her grandfather after the loss of her parents, Remy inherits his bookstore after his death. When strange occurances force her to re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about him, it's up to her to decide what changes she can accept going forward. With Hawk's help and protection, they unravel the mystery of her grandfather's family legacy. I loved the pace of the story with the twists and turns of the mystery, but Remy's attitude about relying only on herself and her constant pushing away of Hawk got a bit tiring.
Profile Image for Just Read and Imagine.
531 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2023
Being his only living relative, Remington ’Remy’ Tanger inherited the family bookstore when her grandfather fell from a ladder and died. Unknown to her, she inherited more than a bookstore and after several break-ins, asked Callahan Security for protection. Lawyer and former SEAL Thane “Hawk” Hawkins, currently being recruited by the company and already helping Remy on a legal issue with the bookstore decides to take the lead on this case when it’s discovered Remy is in danger, bringing out the protector instinct in Hawk. And protect her he will...
This is a great ending to the Callahan Series. Looking forward to more from Lori Matthews!
1,621 reviews13 followers
February 22, 2023
Cease and Desist is a fast-paced addition to the Callahan Security Series including lots of meet-ups with previous main characters. Yet both Hawk and Remy are only loosely connected to them and the story itself is quite different from Lori's usually very realistic plots, as well. There's a lot of mystery, suspense and quite a bit of danger for our couple, along with insta-attraction leading to deeper feelings and a quite surprising happy-for-now ending. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book!
I was fortunate to have received a free copy through Hidden Gems and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,423 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2023
so many secrets

Hawk and Remington. A secret society, romance under fire, assassins, pick pockets, and a race to the finish made for a thrilling read. Hawk has been in several books and is a multi faceted character who is an ace attorney and a former SEAL. Remington is new to the series, but joins in via her friendship with Lacy. The bookstore and secret society was a fun new spin for the series. The ending was good and I hope for another book because I have questions about Dragon, what the secret is for the society members that killed the grandpa, Asher, and of course what Asher wants Hawk to do!
1,246 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2023
Oh wow! What a fast paced non stop suspenseful read! I so loved Hawk and Remy together. Remy did make some stupid decisions that really put peoples lives in danger, so I wasn’t sure about her. Oh, but Hawk sure made up for it. An ex Navy Seal who really would do anything to keep her safe. The only drawback was that there was still a lot of unanswered questions which we’re told should come out later in future books. I received an advanced copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,643 reviews20 followers
February 23, 2023
This is an intriguing story. The plot involving a secret society makes for an interesting tale. Hawk is bored with his job as a corporate lawyer and dealing with a mystery is just the thing to get his blood pumping. Remy is dealing with the death of her grandfather when she discovers he had big secrets. There is page turning action as the characters try to stay ahead of people trying to kill them. Remy and Hawk grow closer together as they fight for their lives and come out better on the other side.
2,729 reviews33 followers
February 24, 2023
This was excellent!
Hawk is drawn into a case where a woman who owns a bookshop is being threatened and his protective instincts take over. Remy who owns the bookshop doesn't know what's in store for her or why it's happening that's why she is forced to rely on Hawk.
Non stop action thrill ride that doesn't stop till the end.
Hawk and Remy are the ideal couple passionate fiesty and intense but their chemistry is unrivalled.
Well done, fantastic characters one can relate to and action galore. Such a great book!!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sue Smith.
752 reviews7 followers
February 24, 2023
Which way to turn!!
I received an ARC copy of this book via Hidden Gems and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow... what a thrilling story, I throughly enjoyed reading this book, loved it from start to finish.
Told from the POV of both characters, Hawk and Remy exciting story with a secret society, Lock and Key, of which Remy's family were a founding member.
Fantastic storyline, great characters and totally frustrated at being left hanging for the ending to their story!!!
Can't wait for Archer Grey's story and his series.
1,312 reviews8 followers
February 28, 2023
Initially I was going to rate this 3 stars but as I continued reading,I started disliking it more and more. Was very close to doing "DNF"(because of the heroine) but somehow sailed (skimmed) through.
The heroine was a moron.Totally unlikable.She would behave like a tantrum throwing teenager,make stupid decisions.
I have no idea why the MCs liked each other.They had 0 chemistry.I skipped all their scenes.
Didnt like the ending either.The hero had no choice but to marry her.Poor guy. I pity him being stuck with her.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.5k reviews155 followers
March 1, 2023
This is an amazing story filled with mystery and intrigue. Remy wanted to honor her grandfather by taking on and running his bookstore but when strange happenings started, she went to her friends for help, and it came by way of Hawk. Sparks ignite between these two right from the beginning, but she wants to chart her own course while Hawk wants to keep her safe. Will there be a happy medium between these two? This story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Meryl.
1,511 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2023
Intriguing

Remy finds herself alone after the death of her grandfather. She starts running his book store and notes a lot of strange and stressful things in the area. Hawk is sent to help her with a legal issue, on meeting her his protective nature takes over.
They are soon on the run with the help of friends after they find out that her grandfather had a secret life and that secret life is now out to harm her.
You are left with questions about the 'Society'... Apparently their own series is coming....
Profile Image for Cherie Melbourne.
1,385 reviews15 followers
February 28, 2023
I've been enjoying the Callahan Security Series and book 6 was definitely as enjoyable. I liked Hawke's character a lot more than Remy and the secret society was something different from the norm.
There's plenty of action and twists, the introduction of new characters for the next series has me wondering what Lori Matthews is going to come up with next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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