Hidden Truth

Rescue & Redemption #3

by Morgan James

Don't miss Aiden and Izzy's story, a small-town, brother's best friend romantic suspense from USA Today bestselling author Morgan James. Isabella Thorne is precisely that--a thorn in my side. For years, my best friend's little sister has tagged along behind us, dogging our every step. She's wildly independent and outspoken... and the most tempting woman I've ever met. When two young women disappear from her college campus, Izzy comes to me for help. She's hell-bent on finding the truth, but I refuse to put her in danger. She means too much to me, and I'll do everything in my power to keep her from doing something reckless--even if it means handcuffing the little hellion to my bed to keep her safe. Reckless Pursuit is a small-town, brother's best friend romantic suspense full of thrills, a dash of humor, and all the feels. Don't miss the rest of the books in the Rescue & Redemption Series! #0.5 Silent Treatment - Finn and Harper #1 Friendly Fire - Grayson and Claire #2 Cruel Vendetta - Drew and Emery #3 Reckless Pursuit - Aiden and Izzy

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance

142 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2024

About the author

Morgan James is a USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romantic suspense novels. She spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book and cut her teeth on the likes of R.L. Stein and Christopher Pike. When not writing, she can be found at her home in Ohio with her husband and two kids.

Reviews

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aiden and Izzy’s story was a mix of a few on favorites genres and I was all about it. Izzy has always grated Aidens nerves for a few different reasons, one being his attraction to her and when she needs his help and refuses to let it go he’s about to be more tempted then ever

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression on this book as soon as I read the first page was I knew I’d love it! This was my first book I’ve read by Morgan, & now that I have read it & loved it I’m dying to go back to the beginning of the series and read book 1! I really want to read the other couples & get the story behind everything f/the beginning.
Aiden & Izzy were perfect. Damn Aiden! He had me over the moon w/his love of Izzy. He was just too damn perfect.
These 2 have been in love w/each other for years, & Aiden has known her her entire life, he was best friends w/her brothers & that was why he fought his feelings for her & started to avoid her. But when the disappearance of Izzy’s classmate brings her to Aiden for help, they can’t deny themselves any longer. I loved how Aiden was so concerned & worried about what her brothers would think, but when Aiden told everyone that he & Izzy are together, they all knew! Everyone was so supportive about them.
This was a really great book & I can’t wait for the next one!

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden and Izzy have an almost magnetic connection. Both are struggling with their deep feelings for each other, trying to keep them under control and under the radar of her brothers. Aiden believes she is too young for him and that her brothers, who are both his friends and colleagues, would not approve of anything between them other than friendship. Izzy is trying to force him to see her, to finally claim her when she mentions a new boyfriend. Unfortunately, that scheme backfires as Aiden is now distancing himself from her. When a friend of hers goes missing, Izzy goes to her brother, the Chief of Police, for help but ends up talking to Aiden about her concerns. Despite his need to keep a safe distance from Izzy, he cannot refuse her request to help find her friend. Izzy, however, isn’t going to stay in the background and let him do all the investigating. Soon Izzy is in danger, Aiden is at his wit’s end and a confrontation between the two finally brings all those hidden feelings out into the open. Aiden is not the only one doing the claiming, despite what her brothers may think or do. Their story is filled with super hot chemistry, very steamy times together, as well as danger and intrigue. Just when the investigation seems to be done, there are a few more twists to confront.

Aiden and Izzy’s story is thrilling, intriguing and compelling. This book can be read alone, though reading the books in order will give a better view into the lives of the characters and the mystery that continues from one book to the next. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another captivating story by Ms. James. Each time I read her stories they just keep getting better and better. The characters are intriguing, easy to love and just a joy to read about. Reckless Pursuit is a brother's best friend age-gap romance that sees Izzy and Aiden coming together after years of being in each other's lives because of her brothers. Izzy is a wild and very forceful woman that will stop at nothing to get what she wants and at times this can put her in danger. When a classmate goes missing she turns to Aiden, who is in law enforcement for help. The only thing is that Aiden has been trying to keep his distance from Izzy for years because of the feelings he has always had toward her. The problem is she is younger and his best friend's little sister, but she is not little anymore. Izzy has had a crush on Aiden for years but she thought he hated her. Now working together things come out into the open. They are like two magnets that can no longer fight the attraction. Lines are crossed and when danger rears its ugly head, Aiden stops at nothing to make sure Izzy is always safe.
Aiden is one book-boyfriend that is definitely swoon-worthy. The way he treats Izzy and what he says to her will have your heart melting.
I loved that we got to see a few of the Quentin Security characters in this book. When there is danger, they are not far behind.
I highly recommend grabbing Reckless Pursuit and get lost in Izzy and Aiden's story.

[TLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smoking hot small town, brother’s best friend romance that will have you biting your nails from the suspense. I read the first book in the series and the chemistry between Izzy and Aiden was remarkable, so I was really excited to finally see their story.
Aiden fell for Izzy years ago, but he never acted on it because of his age and he was her brother Grays’s best friend, who was also his boss. Aiden had always been included as part of the Thorne family and he didn’t want to lose that. Resisting the temptation of her, went the wayside when he sees her with another guy. Can he overcome his fears before he loses her to another guy?

“Izzy was as much a part of me as the blood pumping through my veins. She’d owned my heart for years; thought I would never admit it out load. There were a million reasons we could never be together…”

Izzy had always had a crush on Aiden, but he kept pushing her away. Hoping to make him jealous, she announces she is seeing someone at the family dinner. When her classmate comes up missing, Izzy is determined to find her even if she must do it by herself.

Reckless Pursuit is the third book in the Rescue and Redemption series by Morgan James. It was steamy, suspenseful, and entertaining. I really enjoyed it and recommend the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katslovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better with each book!! The romance, the suspense, the twist and turns, it was impossible to put this book down.

Izzy has had a crush on her oldest brother's best friend Aiden for many years but she feels it's only one sided. When one of college friends goes mysteriously missing she needs help to figure out what's happening and Aiden its the person for that job and while she is determine to find her missing friend she is also determine to show Aiden she is a woman now and that there is a connection there between them.

Aiden knows he shouldn't have feelings for his best friend's little sister but Izzy just drives him wild. He has tried to stay away but when Izzy needs help he is unable to say no. I love how protective he is towards Izzy and once he is able to see that his reasons are not enough to stay away from her, he goes all in. But when something unexpected happen and the mystery surrounding a disappearance turns more that what they can bargain for, Izzy's life is in danger and Aiden needs to figured out how to save her.

I truly recommend this book, it has plenty of drama, steam and suspense.

[Elie Hernalsteen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The connection between Izzy and Aiden is magnetic. They have strong feeling for each other but they don't show it. Aiden is scared to show it because she is the little sister of his best friend and he's older. Izzy is trying everything to be seen by Aiden.
Everything changes when a friend of hers goes missing. She needs help.
I love the chemistry between these two. They love each other so much, hot steam between the two of them. Their story is trilling and amazing. I wasn't prepared for most of the twists. Morgan James writes a brillant story because she keeps me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to know more every time.
I love her series (Quentin Security) so what a pleasant surprise to see a few of them.
Izzy was a great character, she's smart and she fights for what she wants. Even when she's in bad situation she keeps her cool and she stays calm.
Aiden was a stoic one but he truly loves Izzy.

I'm so ready to read the next one. I feel this one will be an amazing like every books on this series.
If you love romantic suspens you have to read Morgan James's books. Her characters are very well written, same goes for the story.

I got an arc for this book and this's my honest review.

[kreadsoften · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Rescue & Redemption series, but it can be read as a standalone. It’s a brother’s best friend romantic suspense novel.

Aiden and Isabelle/Izzy have strong feelings for each other, but they (Aiden especially) try to deny them because of Izzy’s brothers. When Izzy’s classmate goes missing, she turns to Aiden for help. It’s suspicious because girls have gone missing before. During the investigation into her classmate’s whereabouts, Aiden and Izzy get closer and finally give in to their feelings.

I loved all the pent up tension between Aiden and Izzy! Their story was interesting from the start and alongside their relationship storyline, there was another plot line happening that had to do with the missing girls. There were some twists that I was not expecting, but they definitely kept me invested.

This was my first book by Morgan James, but I will be reading the next in the series!

I was provided with an ARC for this review in exchange for my honest opinion on the book.

[Only.ever.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

❤️Reckless Pursuit❤️

B< Morgan James

Rating: ⭐️5/5

Emotions: ❤️5/5 🌶4/5


Izzy and Aiden


When something seems going on on Campus and a student disappears Izzy goes to Aiden for help. Aiden, who happens to be her brother’s best friend and works with them at the police department. And the guy she crushes on forever.

Aiden is hesitant, sure, he believes Izzy, but being close to her that he doesn't want to. Is she the only woman he wants. But being a decade older and her brother’s best friend he would never act on his feelings.

But as things on campus get serious they get closer in more than one way. Torn between desire, love and the need to protect the woman Aiden doesn’t know what to do.

When Izzy gets in the line of fire, Aiden doesn’t care about anything than to make sure Izzy is safe. 

Got all the emotions and steam, suspenseful and with crime.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't want to write this review because Morgan James is one of my favorite authors but I didn't like this book as much as I was hoping. Aiden and Izzy are both great and they are wonderful together. The twist in the last act of the book 😱! But two things bugged me and I can't let them go. Everytime Aiden got angry he would see red with rage. Also the fact that no one called Gray and let him know what was going on. He's her brother and the chief of police he could have helped so much. Momma and Daddy's reaction to them being together 😆.

“What the f●☆k, Isabella?” I hissed. “You can't walk into a police station with a gun!”“I just did.” 😆
“You are everything.” 🥰
“From now on, you’re mine.”His fingers tightened a fraction as he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to my lips. “Only mine.” ❤
"You've been a part of me for so long, I wouldn't know what to do without you.” 🥲🥰😊

I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.

[Stacey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy has been struggling with her feelings as she has been in love with her brother's best friend Aiden for years and he just doesn't seem interested. Does she continue on with her boyfriend and try and make it work even though the feelings are not really there or finally taking the leap and tell him how she feels. When She needs Aiden's help looking into a missing girl from her college they start to connect more. Aiden has tried for years to hide his feelings for Izzy feeling like the age difference and being her brother's best friend would make it impossible to have anything more. These two have a deep connection and their chemistry is electric. When these two finally give in they see how much they complete each other. I also loved the mystery that goes along with the story it gives you all the suspense and mystery along with a wonderful romance. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat while you read and warm your heart as we see these two characters fall in love even more. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[Jeanie Bennett- Miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall in love with Izzy and Aiden’s story! What do you do when your best friend is the Chief of Police, your boss and you’re in love with his younger sister? You fight those feelings and tell yourself all the reasons you can never act on them. Izzy has always had a crush on Aiden but he keeps pushing her away. Will they ever be able to overcome the obstacles in the way? Morgan takes you on a journey filled with suspense, twists and turns and a bit of spice that will keep you turning the pages. Wonderful characters and an interesting storyline you won’t be disappointed, other than that the story has to end. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc of this book and these are my own opinions. If this is your first book by Morgan James you won’t be disappointed.

[peggylovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say Morgan James sure knows how to suck you in and get you so invested into the characters that you get jealous when you realize it is not you with the hot sexy guy.

Izzy has had a crush on her brothers best friend and was not sure how they would take it. Dealing with a students disappearance and her desire for Aiden leads to plenty of suspense and steam.

Aiden who is hesitant to approach Izzy to start a relationship just goes for it, better to ask for forgiveness later then risk loosing the women he loves. When he approaches her brothers it was kind of funny. When Izzy is needing help, Aiden will do anything to help the women he loves.

This is a must read book if you like age gap, brothers best friend troupe and plenty of steam.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Aiden and Izzy's story is fun, intense and feisty.
Izzy goes to college and when two girls go missing she suspects something is up, so she goes to her brother's best friend and co worker, Aiden for help.
Their relationship is slow build, fiesty and explosive. Both are crazy for each other but can't admit it to themselves or believe it. I enjoyed the banter and the complete craziness of how they are together. Meant for each other definitely, but finding it hard to match up
Well written in a great style that's easy to read, I enjoyed this book very much. This series of books had be great reading and hope there is more.
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steamy, age gap, brother's best friend story. Izzy has always had feelings for
Aiden and him her but because of the age difference and the fact that he's her brother's best friend, neither have acted on it. These two are hysterical the way they dance around each other. Of course we have plenty of chaos, action and suspense when people go missing. And when Izzy's one of them Aiden and her brother's, who all work for the Police Department, leaves no stone unturned until she's back home. This author takes us on quite an adventure in Reckless Pursuit.

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless Pursuit is a steamy age gap brothers best friend/friends to lovers story.
Izzy and Aiden have both been in love with one another for years. But neither wanted to make the first move, worried about how Izzy's family would react.
Izzy goes to Aiden for help, when a student goes missing on campus and things get crazy and suspenseful.
Izzy & Aiden grow closer, giving into their attraction and man do they have a steamy connection. I love how feisty Izzy is.
This was a fast paced read, that I could not put down.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Morgan James and let me tell you.... I will be going through the backlist for this author!

I got sucked into the story of Aiden and Izzy and I couldn't put it down.
Their story is sweet and steamy with suspense that will keep you guessing and biting your nails.
I enjoyed every element of this book, you get so much with it... Best friend's little sister, age gap, suspense, young love, and that bit of forbidden.

These characters are really well written and the story flowed really well. I am so excited to have found a new author to read!

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Izzy and Aiden!! First of all who doesn’t love an age gap, brother’s best friend I mean come on!! The chemistry between these two is undeniable and when Izzy really needs Aiden he is there for her. This story was jam packed with all the things the suspense, the drama, the tension and angst. I love how protective Aiden is and when she is in trouble him and her brother’s will go to the ends of the earth to bring her back. I am loving this series!!

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Aiden and Izzy's story I was pulled into it from the start, and I didn't want to put my Kindle down. It's a brother's best friend, age-gap story that not only has a romance blossoming between the two main characters who share amazing chemistry but angst, drama, suspense and action too.

The characters are really well-drawn, and their story flows well and makes for an emotional, sexy and nail-biting read.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a great day when a new Morgan James book arrives. Reckless Pursuit is the third book in her Rescue and Redemption series. This story belongs to Izzy and Aiden and it's beyond wonderful. I didn't realize how much I loved my romance mixed up with some mystery until I started reading Morgan James. She does this better than anyone. Love this new book and can't wait for the next one! 5 Big Stars.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesante el giro que está pegando el misterio general de la trama, tengo ganas de seguir leyendo y averiguar cómo se resuelve.
De este libro me ha gustado la trama de desapariciones, no ha ido por donde yo creía que iba a tirar pero me ha intrigado bastante. La relación entre los protagonistas ha estado bien, me ha dado pena el pobre Brook que parece buen tío y se ve en medio del lío de estos dos sin comerlo ni beberlo.

[Bec McQuillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy and Aiden are great!

They have amazing chemistry and I love that Morgan manages to bring it out even though there is the age gap and best friends with older brother.

I love their story, I love the issues that they feel stops them from being together. I love this book another great one book in the series.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Izzy and Aiden’s story! I’m a huge fan of this series and each part gets better and better! I’m all in when the guy gets the girl with a HEA!

What did I like? Girl falls for brothers bestie genre! Izzy has been in love with Aiden for as long as she can remember. I just love how all this played out! I love that we can still get a peek at the previous characters so read this series in order.

Would I recommend or buy? Yes, great series! It revolves around the same family and everyone is getting their HEAs. I would love this gorgeous cover for my shelf! Five amazing stars!

I received a complimentary copy as part of an ARC team and I loved it! This is just my opinion!

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another suspenseful romance in the Rescue and Redemption series. This go around the Thorne involved is Isabella who has a massive craving for her older brother's best friend, Aiden. He is 10 years her senior and thanks she's a temptation he can't afford to indulge in, but Izzy has other ideas. This book has great characters and the delivery is well thought out and written.

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the drama, suspense & twists in this book. I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. I love Izzy & Aiden. Having feelings all these years and never once acting on them…. Izzy has a decision to make and it’s not an easy one. Should she push Aiden or continue with her relationship that she really isn’t into? I loved reading about these two!!

[WB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless Pursuit by Morgan James is a captivating story that I didn’t want to put down. Just the right amount of twists & suspense to keep you hooked all the way till the end. Aiden & Izzy’s story was everything I thought it would be. I thoroughly ❤️’d this book.

[rebecca brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good age gap book and this was no different. These two was so good together when they finally got their shit together. And not only do we got their love story but we got a mystery going on around them that will have you on your toes.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know what to expect from Izzy and Aiden’s story but it wasn't a wonderful story I got sucked into it. The twists and turns and suspense-filled story plot really got me intrigued and I was captivated in no time. I really enjoyed their story. I can't wait for more from this author.

[Kristine Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sigh… Aiden

I’ve been waiting for his story and Ms James didn’t disappoint. There were times when I worried that Izzy’s immaturity was going to be too much for him, but I’m pretty sure their sparks burned that concern to the ground. Can’t wait for Vaughn’s story now!

[Emily Keller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why was this book rated so high? Nothing even happened until the last 100 pages! I almost DNF’d it.
The age gap feels pervy.. hard to get past that. I’ve read her other books and enjoyed them so I think this 32yr old with a 21yr old thing threw me off hard.