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His Secret Past
Six years ago, Alexis Baptiste's world was turned upside down when Hunter Cassidy disappeared without a trace, leaving her alone and pregnant. She's finally moving on with her life when he resurfaces, just in time to rescue her from a would-be assassin. Forced to join him on the run to protect herself and her young son, Alexis is now in even more danger of falling for Hunter all over again.
Betrayed by rogue CIA agents after infiltrating an infamous drug cartel, former DEA agent Hunter Cassidy has spent years trying to clear his name. He's not proud of the things he's done, and knows he doesn't deserve a future with Alexis, or the son he never knew he had, but he's determined to protect them from the men who ruined his life. Convincing Alexis to trust him—and denying his feelings for her—is going to be the hardest mission he's ever faced.
64,000 words
Betrayed by rogue CIA agents after infiltrating an infamous drug cartel, former DEA agent Hunter Cassidy has spent years trying to clear his name. He's not proud of the things he's done, and knows he doesn't deserve a future with Alexis, or the son he never knew he had, but he's determined to protect them from the men who ruined his life. Convincing Alexis to trust him—and denying his feelings for her—is going to be the hardest mission he's ever faced.
64,000 words
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2012
54 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Katie Reus
164 books3,243 followersKatie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 4, 2018
Narrator Review: Viv Williams
Distinguishable between characters: 4 Stars
Impersonating opposite sex: 3.5 Stars
Accents: N/A
Any critiques: None
Overall enjoyment of Performance: 4 Stars
Recommend audible version: Yes
Borrowed on Audible Romance Package
Story Review:
This was very heavy on the Suspense and very low on the romance. Hunter, our hero is my favorite type of protective alpha this author is known for but we couldn't see too much of the romance because he left 6 years prior to keep Alexis safe. He worked for the DEA and ended up being blackmailed to get involved into a very dangerous mission.
This book picks up 6 years later when he comes back home to make sure his enemies were not targeting Alexis only to find out that she was pregnant when he left her and and is now engaged to be married. When he catches a man breaking into her home, he will do anything to keep her and his son safe even if he has to work with her fiancé.
Because of Alexis being engaged when Hunter came back, that really hindered on the romance aspect of this story so we saw more of the suspense part where Hunter has to make things safe for Alexis and his son. Personally, I would have loved it more if we didn't have the fiancé in the mix. I think we could have seen Hunter and Alexis be free to reconnect. But, I did still enjoy this as a suspense book.
Distinguishable between characters: 4 Stars
Impersonating opposite sex: 3.5 Stars
Accents: N/A
Any critiques: None
Overall enjoyment of Performance: 4 Stars
Recommend audible version: Yes
Borrowed on Audible Romance Package
Story Review:
This was very heavy on the Suspense and very low on the romance. Hunter, our hero is my favorite type of protective alpha this author is known for but we couldn't see too much of the romance because he left 6 years prior to keep Alexis safe. He worked for the DEA and ended up being blackmailed to get involved into a very dangerous mission.
This book picks up 6 years later when he comes back home to make sure his enemies were not targeting Alexis only to find out that she was pregnant when he left her and and is now engaged to be married. When he catches a man breaking into her home, he will do anything to keep her and his son safe even if he has to work with her fiancé.
Because of Alexis being engaged when Hunter came back, that really hindered on the romance aspect of this story so we saw more of the suspense part where Hunter has to make things safe for Alexis and his son. Personally, I would have loved it more if we didn't have the fiancé in the mix. I think we could have seen Hunter and Alexis be free to reconnect. But, I did still enjoy this as a suspense book.
March 2, 2012
Alexis has a 5 year old boy & a fiance. She notices an SUV following her. She walks past and sees Hunter, her ex-lover & father to her son. He has no idea he even has a son, but is there to protect Alexis from the people who are out to get him. The bad CIA guy.
This is one of those great misunderstanding stories that have an HEA and a whole lot of action. I always thought one character was going to be bad, but nope. That was a good thing.
It's a short, make you feel good all ends perfect.
This is one of those great misunderstanding stories that have an HEA and a whole lot of action. I always thought one character was going to be bad, but nope. That was a good thing.
It's a short, make you feel good all ends perfect.
August 24, 2015
Well! I really enjoyed that despite being light on the romance and heavy on the suspense. Solid, tight writing made with no TSTL characters pulling ridiculous moves made for a cracking little read.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
December 5, 2015
3.5 stars.
A few too many peripheral characters to keep straight. Made it a bit confusing.
A few too many peripheral characters to keep straight. Made it a bit confusing.
August 26, 2016
Romantic suspense with a good dose of romance. I liked it. It moved at a comfortable pace and developed the characters enough for an enjoyable read.
January 2, 2012
Everything I've come to expect from Katie Reus: sexy, suspenseful and emotionally satisfying..
March 19, 2014
The first half of the book was slow and I couldn't connect but it got a lot better and I ended up enjoying it.
September 13, 2019
Awesome book! I loved the characters and the very suspenseful plot. Lots of action going on so the pacing is great. The romance is lovely and fulfilling. However if you like yours with a lot of action between the sheets, you might be a tad disappointed. For me, I loved everything about this book. The narrator is excellent so I will check out other books she has narrated. Happy reading/listening!
March 23, 2020
2.5 stars
Suspense was okay, but the ending was pretty obvious. I didn't care much for the romance, but I liked Alexis.
Suspense was okay, but the ending was pretty obvious. I didn't care much for the romance, but I liked Alexis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2012
WOW This book is just Awesome! I really loved this story!
There is so much suspense in it! I kept going back to Katie Reus's webpage thinking this wasn't the first book to a series, but it's a stand alone book, just has a lot of mystery in it - but it all comes out towards the end :)
OH WOW ! I really enjoyed reading this one. I was hoping to start the New Year off with a really good book, and I"m glad I did!
The story starts off 2 days after Hunter left the Panama Jungle. And the first place he goes to after 6 years in the Jungle, Alexis's house. He knew he didn't have a future with her. He knew she had to have moved on with her life, but he had to make sure she was safe.
But what Hunter wasn't expecting, was the little boy who came bouncing out the front door. Was he watching the right house? That's when she stepped outside. He stopped breathing.She was just a beautiful as ever..
After making a phone call to a friend, he followed them. Making sure she was safe would require his undivided attention. He didn't want her to see him. That would disrupt her life. And even though his feelings for her hadn't changed in 6 years, he couldn't do that to her. He wasn't the same guy she knew back then. He had done a lot of horrible things, and he knew she would never be able to forgive him for that.
Meanwhile, after dropping Jonathan off at school, Alexis was at the bridal store for her final fitting of her wedding dress. Michael had surprised her and took the day off work to take her to lunch.
She liked Michael. It wasn't love, but he adored Jonathan and treated him like his own son. She respected Michael, and cared for him, and that was enough for her.
After they left the shop, Alexis spotted the SUV across the street. It looked like the same SUV that was in front of her house, as she walked around, she peered inside the windshield and saw him... She couldn't take her eyes off him, and it seemed like he couldn't take his eyes off her.
When Michael asked her who that was, she started to back up, without losing eye contact, she asked Michael to take her home.
"Was that Jonathan's father?" She didn't trust her voice, so she just nodded.
When Michael opened the door for her, and started to walk her up to the house, she turned to him and told him she needed to be alone. He wasn't happy about being pushed away.. again, but he left.
When Alexis stepped out of the bath tub, her mind still a mess from who she saw, a shadowed figure stood in her bathroom doorway. "Where is the kid?" he asked.. She slammed the door and locked it into place.
After baring the door shut, before she had time to even think of any other plan of action, ther ewas a bang on the door. She heard muted movements and loud shouts just outside. Then nothing but silence.
Finally she heard a sof knock on the door and a voice she knew all too well call her name. "Alexis? Are you okay? Hunter's deep voice hadn't changed.
Hunter was glad he was there to help her, but he hated the look in her eyes. She was angry at him for leaving her, and he couldn't blame her. And now her life was in danger, all because of him.
He had to get her to leave with him. But she was a stubborn girl. And she had a son she had to think about.
Hunter told her to pack a bag and meet him downstairs. But after a few mins, he realized that she wasn't going to come along willingly like that. He knew she'd be thinking of her son first.
And when he opened the bedroom door and saw the empty suitcase and Alexis leaning halfway out the 2 story bedroom window. Pulling her back into the house, he threw her on the bed. She squirmed to get away, but he knew how to hold her down. After a few threats, she stopped squirming. And Hunter realized that he had to do whatever it took to keep this woman safe. He couldn't let anything happen to her... or his son..
This story was great (I know I already said that :) I loved the intensity of Hunter's Passion towards Alexis, and once he found out he was a father, the paternal instinct kicked in and he couldn't help but want nothing more than to protect his son.
The pieces start to fall together with the secrets of Hunter's past as they start to catch up with him. He didn't know who to trust anymore. Hunter was afraid to make the wrong decision and put Alexis and Jonathan in danger.
He knew no matter what that after they were safe, he would walk out of their lives. It wouldn't be easy, but it was what was best.
Stubborn fool! :)
There is so much suspense in it! I kept going back to Katie Reus's webpage thinking this wasn't the first book to a series, but it's a stand alone book, just has a lot of mystery in it - but it all comes out towards the end :)
OH WOW ! I really enjoyed reading this one. I was hoping to start the New Year off with a really good book, and I"m glad I did!
The story starts off 2 days after Hunter left the Panama Jungle. And the first place he goes to after 6 years in the Jungle, Alexis's house. He knew he didn't have a future with her. He knew she had to have moved on with her life, but he had to make sure she was safe.
But what Hunter wasn't expecting, was the little boy who came bouncing out the front door. Was he watching the right house? That's when she stepped outside. He stopped breathing.She was just a beautiful as ever..
After making a phone call to a friend, he followed them. Making sure she was safe would require his undivided attention. He didn't want her to see him. That would disrupt her life. And even though his feelings for her hadn't changed in 6 years, he couldn't do that to her. He wasn't the same guy she knew back then. He had done a lot of horrible things, and he knew she would never be able to forgive him for that.
Meanwhile, after dropping Jonathan off at school, Alexis was at the bridal store for her final fitting of her wedding dress. Michael had surprised her and took the day off work to take her to lunch.
She liked Michael. It wasn't love, but he adored Jonathan and treated him like his own son. She respected Michael, and cared for him, and that was enough for her.
After they left the shop, Alexis spotted the SUV across the street. It looked like the same SUV that was in front of her house, as she walked around, she peered inside the windshield and saw him... She couldn't take her eyes off him, and it seemed like he couldn't take his eyes off her.
When Michael asked her who that was, she started to back up, without losing eye contact, she asked Michael to take her home.
"Was that Jonathan's father?" She didn't trust her voice, so she just nodded.
When Michael opened the door for her, and started to walk her up to the house, she turned to him and told him she needed to be alone. He wasn't happy about being pushed away.. again, but he left.
When Alexis stepped out of the bath tub, her mind still a mess from who she saw, a shadowed figure stood in her bathroom doorway. "Where is the kid?" he asked.. She slammed the door and locked it into place.
After baring the door shut, before she had time to even think of any other plan of action, ther ewas a bang on the door. She heard muted movements and loud shouts just outside. Then nothing but silence.
Finally she heard a sof knock on the door and a voice she knew all too well call her name. "Alexis? Are you okay? Hunter's deep voice hadn't changed.
Hunter was glad he was there to help her, but he hated the look in her eyes. She was angry at him for leaving her, and he couldn't blame her. And now her life was in danger, all because of him.
He had to get her to leave with him. But she was a stubborn girl. And she had a son she had to think about.
Hunter told her to pack a bag and meet him downstairs. But after a few mins, he realized that she wasn't going to come along willingly like that. He knew she'd be thinking of her son first.
And when he opened the bedroom door and saw the empty suitcase and Alexis leaning halfway out the 2 story bedroom window. Pulling her back into the house, he threw her on the bed. She squirmed to get away, but he knew how to hold her down. After a few threats, she stopped squirming. And Hunter realized that he had to do whatever it took to keep this woman safe. He couldn't let anything happen to her... or his son..
This story was great (I know I already said that :) I loved the intensity of Hunter's Passion towards Alexis, and once he found out he was a father, the paternal instinct kicked in and he couldn't help but want nothing more than to protect his son.
The pieces start to fall together with the secrets of Hunter's past as they start to catch up with him. He didn't know who to trust anymore. Hunter was afraid to make the wrong decision and put Alexis and Jonathan in danger.
He knew no matter what that after they were safe, he would walk out of their lives. It wouldn't be easy, but it was what was best.
Stubborn fool! :)
January 18, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/01/17/...
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: NetGalley
I was excited for this book because the blurb instantly intrigued me. But after the first chapter or I was very hesitant to continue on, mainly because Alexis has a fiance, and her feelings for Hunter are all over the place.
Hunter left Alexis six years ago to protect her. Now – just when he thinks he is going to get his life back – someone is threatening her once again. Hunter is the only one who can protect not only Alexis, but the son he never knew he had. The man after Hunter will stop at nothing to use the only woman he loves, and his son to hurt Hunter.
Alexis is trying to move on with her life, and when Hunter comes rushing back in, all those feelings for him come along as well. The last thing she wants is to trust Hunter again when all he talks about is leaving, but her feelings for him are just as strong now as they were all those years ago. But with a fiance, a hitman after them, and constant threats to their lives, will they ever be safe and able to start over once again?
Like I said I was initially worried about reading this because Alexis doesn’t break things off with her fiance until almost halfway through the book. The tension between her and Hunter is incredible and the two have a couple moments where they almost give into their lust. Had that happened while Alexis was still with her fiance, I would have stopped then and there. Thankfully that didn’t happen and I was able to put aside my hesitations and continue on with the book.
I truly felt sorry for Hunter from the moment his story began unfolding. It was painfully obvious that he didn’t want to leave Alexis the first time, and that he was still head-over-hells in love with her. But as the book went on, it never seemed as if Hunter was able to get out of his depressive funk. He continued to think he was worthless – even after saving Alexis’ life multiple times, befriending and protecting his son, and giving up his life for his family. After watching him do heroic after heroic act, I started to get a little annoyed at his Debbie-downer attitude. Every now and then I like my tortured hero to have a little bit of self-worth, and Hunter didn’t get his until the very VERY end.
I enjoyed Alexis. She wasn’t one of those TSTL heroines who rushed into the unknown. She listened to Hunter, put her child first each and every moment, and when she had to, trusted what little instincts she had. When she finally put Hunter in his place and told him to quit acting like a baby I cheered for her. It was so great to see the heroine of a romantic suspense knock the hulking military man down a notch or two.
Although I was worried that their relationship would just annoy me – from the potential cheating to the woe-is-me attitude, I actually ended up really liking them together. Alexis wasn’t afraid to put Hunter in his place, and he wasn’t afraid to beg for her to come back to him. I thought that they ended up complimenting each other well, and was glad to see them work everything out.
All in all this wasn’t my favorite Reus book, but it did redeem itself more than even I thought possible. The suspense was well done, and I was taken by surprise by a twist at the end. I would have preferred a few changes in their early relationship, as well as Hunter coming to terms with his past a bit sooner – but that’s just me.
I give His Secret Past a C-
Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: NetGalley
I was excited for this book because the blurb instantly intrigued me. But after the first chapter or I was very hesitant to continue on, mainly because Alexis has a fiance, and her feelings for Hunter are all over the place.
Hunter left Alexis six years ago to protect her. Now – just when he thinks he is going to get his life back – someone is threatening her once again. Hunter is the only one who can protect not only Alexis, but the son he never knew he had. The man after Hunter will stop at nothing to use the only woman he loves, and his son to hurt Hunter.
Alexis is trying to move on with her life, and when Hunter comes rushing back in, all those feelings for him come along as well. The last thing she wants is to trust Hunter again when all he talks about is leaving, but her feelings for him are just as strong now as they were all those years ago. But with a fiance, a hitman after them, and constant threats to their lives, will they ever be safe and able to start over once again?
Like I said I was initially worried about reading this because Alexis doesn’t break things off with her fiance until almost halfway through the book. The tension between her and Hunter is incredible and the two have a couple moments where they almost give into their lust. Had that happened while Alexis was still with her fiance, I would have stopped then and there. Thankfully that didn’t happen and I was able to put aside my hesitations and continue on with the book.
I truly felt sorry for Hunter from the moment his story began unfolding. It was painfully obvious that he didn’t want to leave Alexis the first time, and that he was still head-over-hells in love with her. But as the book went on, it never seemed as if Hunter was able to get out of his depressive funk. He continued to think he was worthless – even after saving Alexis’ life multiple times, befriending and protecting his son, and giving up his life for his family. After watching him do heroic after heroic act, I started to get a little annoyed at his Debbie-downer attitude. Every now and then I like my tortured hero to have a little bit of self-worth, and Hunter didn’t get his until the very VERY end.
I enjoyed Alexis. She wasn’t one of those TSTL heroines who rushed into the unknown. She listened to Hunter, put her child first each and every moment, and when she had to, trusted what little instincts she had. When she finally put Hunter in his place and told him to quit acting like a baby I cheered for her. It was so great to see the heroine of a romantic suspense knock the hulking military man down a notch or two.
Although I was worried that their relationship would just annoy me – from the potential cheating to the woe-is-me attitude, I actually ended up really liking them together. Alexis wasn’t afraid to put Hunter in his place, and he wasn’t afraid to beg for her to come back to him. I thought that they ended up complimenting each other well, and was glad to see them work everything out.
All in all this wasn’t my favorite Reus book, but it did redeem itself more than even I thought possible. The suspense was well done, and I was taken by surprise by a twist at the end. I would have preferred a few changes in their early relationship, as well as Hunter coming to terms with his past a bit sooner – but that’s just me.
I give His Secret Past a C-
January 2, 2012
My Review:
This was simply an amazing story which was incredibly suspenseful and entertaining. This is one of those stories that is heartbreaking because there is no doubt that the hero and heroine love each other. Six years ago, they were planning their lives and future together, but then Hunter's work as a DEA agent got in the way and he had to leave without a word. What he didn't know was that Alexis was pregnant at the time. What she didn't know is that he was leaving to keep her safe. Now Alexis and their son Jonathan are in danger again and Hunter is back to make sure that nothing happens to them.
The emotion in this book is so incredible. From the moment the book opens, you know that Alexis is having issues with her feelings for Hunter even though it's been six years since she has seen him. She is one month away from getting married to another man and is suddenly having dreams about Hunter and doubts about her forthcoming marriage to Michael. It's heartbreaking especially because you, as the reader, know more about the situation than she does. She simply thinks that Hunter betrayed and abandoned her. She has no idea that he was doing the only thing that he could to keep her safe...giving her up.
These are two people that have been emotionally shredded by that six year separation. As they are thrown back together again, they both know that this time is going to hurt so much more, but they just can't manage to maintain an emotional separation. This is a suspense novel, but honestly the real suspense came from wondering how long they were going to be able to hold out against each other without acting upon their intense passion. To say that this book has sexual chemistry is putting it mildly.
Honestly, I ADORED reading this book. It sucked me in until the very end...easily an A+ book for pure entertainment value. Upon reflection AFTER reading it, there are a few issues with the believability of the characters actions, but that did NOT bother me in the least when I was in the midst of reading it. As a result, I am waffling between an A- or A rating, but I do rate entirely upon my enjoyment of the book rather than the literary value of the book. ;o) So, I give this book an A. I really do like reading this author's romantic suspense books...they always completely enrapture me!
This was simply an amazing story which was incredibly suspenseful and entertaining. This is one of those stories that is heartbreaking because there is no doubt that the hero and heroine love each other. Six years ago, they were planning their lives and future together, but then Hunter's work as a DEA agent got in the way and he had to leave without a word. What he didn't know was that Alexis was pregnant at the time. What she didn't know is that he was leaving to keep her safe. Now Alexis and their son Jonathan are in danger again and Hunter is back to make sure that nothing happens to them.
The emotion in this book is so incredible. From the moment the book opens, you know that Alexis is having issues with her feelings for Hunter even though it's been six years since she has seen him. She is one month away from getting married to another man and is suddenly having dreams about Hunter and doubts about her forthcoming marriage to Michael. It's heartbreaking especially because you, as the reader, know more about the situation than she does. She simply thinks that Hunter betrayed and abandoned her. She has no idea that he was doing the only thing that he could to keep her safe...giving her up.
These are two people that have been emotionally shredded by that six year separation. As they are thrown back together again, they both know that this time is going to hurt so much more, but they just can't manage to maintain an emotional separation. This is a suspense novel, but honestly the real suspense came from wondering how long they were going to be able to hold out against each other without acting upon their intense passion. To say that this book has sexual chemistry is putting it mildly.
Honestly, I ADORED reading this book. It sucked me in until the very end...easily an A+ book for pure entertainment value. Upon reflection AFTER reading it, there are a few issues with the believability of the characters actions, but that did NOT bother me in the least when I was in the midst of reading it. As a result, I am waffling between an A- or A rating, but I do rate entirely upon my enjoyment of the book rather than the literary value of the book. ;o) So, I give this book an A. I really do like reading this author's romantic suspense books...they always completely enrapture me!
December 21, 2011
It had been six years since Hunter Cassidy disappeared from Alexis Baptiste's life, leaving her alone and pregnant without a clue to where he went. But just as she began to move on with her life, he shows up and rescues her from an assassin and she is forced to go on the run with him to protect her and her son's life. Hunter is determined to protect Cassidy and their son from the rogue CIA agents who ruined his life. But denying his feelings for Cassidy is going to be one of the hardest challenges he goes up against.
This eBook was provided to me by NetGalley.com and I am so glad I got the chance to read it. I enjoyed this book so much. The characters, the romance, and especially all the action packed moments in this book. It was a page turner. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I couldn't put this book down.
I loved the storyline. I feel it was written out amazingly well. The characters were all enjoyable. Let's start with Cassidy. I understand her confusion and her issues with Hunter, considering the fact he left her all those years ago. They try and deny their feeling for each other all throughout this book, but I actually liked that fact because it was so realistic. No one is just going to let someone, after so many years, waltz back into their lives and it's turns into a happy reunion right off the bat. Hunter was a great character. You have to admire his determination to keep Cassidy and their son safe. I love that he, not necessarily hardcore, but he's tough. He had a tough life and I could understand why responded to certain situations the way he did. And their son Johnathon. He was the light throughout the book. He was so cute and sweet, I loved every moment of the book he was in.
Okay... The thing I am a little confused on was Michael. Once Cassidy did what she did, he just disappeared from the story. I though he was suppose to help out. But after that last phone call, maybe that was it. I don't know, still kind of confused on that.
The end, when things start falling into place.....Loved it! It was written out perfectly.
Overall, this book was definitely a page turner, filled with action, and filled with romance. Three of my favorite things I look for in a book. I recommend this to people over the age of 18 that like these three things about a book!
This eBook was provided to me by NetGalley.com and I am so glad I got the chance to read it. I enjoyed this book so much. The characters, the romance, and especially all the action packed moments in this book. It was a page turner. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I couldn't put this book down.
I loved the storyline. I feel it was written out amazingly well. The characters were all enjoyable. Let's start with Cassidy. I understand her confusion and her issues with Hunter, considering the fact he left her all those years ago. They try and deny their feeling for each other all throughout this book, but I actually liked that fact because it was so realistic. No one is just going to let someone, after so many years, waltz back into their lives and it's turns into a happy reunion right off the bat. Hunter was a great character. You have to admire his determination to keep Cassidy and their son safe. I love that he, not necessarily hardcore, but he's tough. He had a tough life and I could understand why responded to certain situations the way he did. And their son Johnathon. He was the light throughout the book. He was so cute and sweet, I loved every moment of the book he was in.
Okay... The thing I am a little confused on was Michael. Once Cassidy did what she did, he just disappeared from the story. I though he was suppose to help out. But after that last phone call, maybe that was it. I don't know, still kind of confused on that.
The end, when things start falling into place.....Loved it! It was written out perfectly.
Overall, this book was definitely a page turner, filled with action, and filled with romance. Three of my favorite things I look for in a book. I recommend this to people over the age of 18 that like these three things about a book!
January 10, 2012
4.5 stars
His Secret Past is a fast paced, action-packed romantic suspense with a heartwarming story about second chances!
I loved just about everything in this novel but especially the strong and compelling characters. The hero and heroine of the story have a past which always helps the relationship gain believability and the story flow in these shorter novels (about 175 pages).
Hunter left Alexis six years ago to protect her from the dangers of his job as an undercover DEA agent when a few dirty CIA agents set him up. Now he’s back with evidence to clear his name, turn the traitors in and get on with his life; but in doing so he has put Alexis and the son he never knew about in even greater danger. To protect her and their son from assassins, they go on the run with the help of Alexis’ new fiancé. Hunter has never stopped loving Alexis and finds it hard to keep his hands off of her, though he knows that he’s no good for her and could never be the kind of father his son needs. With a tortured upbringing, Hunter has insecurities about his worth but he would lay down his life to protect his family.
Alexis resents Hunter coming back into her life when she is finally moving on but can’t deny the feelings he still stirs in her, she knows that being in such close quarters with Hunter is a bad idea but to protect her son Alexis goes along with his plans. How can she marry another man though when every minute with Hunter brings forth a passion she has never experienced with anyone else? Danger and intrigue surround the threesome and lead readers on a thrilling journey as Hunter and Alexis have to figure out who they can trust with their lives, and that of their sons, when a betrayer could be anywhere, while also learning forgiveness and acceptance if they ever hope to find a future together.
Full of suspense, surprising twists and sensual romance, His Secret Past has everything I love and have come to expect from author Katie Reus!
His Secret Past is a fast paced, action-packed romantic suspense with a heartwarming story about second chances!
I loved just about everything in this novel but especially the strong and compelling characters. The hero and heroine of the story have a past which always helps the relationship gain believability and the story flow in these shorter novels (about 175 pages).
Hunter left Alexis six years ago to protect her from the dangers of his job as an undercover DEA agent when a few dirty CIA agents set him up. Now he’s back with evidence to clear his name, turn the traitors in and get on with his life; but in doing so he has put Alexis and the son he never knew about in even greater danger. To protect her and their son from assassins, they go on the run with the help of Alexis’ new fiancé. Hunter has never stopped loving Alexis and finds it hard to keep his hands off of her, though he knows that he’s no good for her and could never be the kind of father his son needs. With a tortured upbringing, Hunter has insecurities about his worth but he would lay down his life to protect his family.
Alexis resents Hunter coming back into her life when she is finally moving on but can’t deny the feelings he still stirs in her, she knows that being in such close quarters with Hunter is a bad idea but to protect her son Alexis goes along with his plans. How can she marry another man though when every minute with Hunter brings forth a passion she has never experienced with anyone else? Danger and intrigue surround the threesome and lead readers on a thrilling journey as Hunter and Alexis have to figure out who they can trust with their lives, and that of their sons, when a betrayer could be anywhere, while also learning forgiveness and acceptance if they ever hope to find a future together.
Full of suspense, surprising twists and sensual romance, His Secret Past has everything I love and have come to expect from author Katie Reus!
April 9, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm not sure what I expected, but I really enjoyed it and thought it was a really interesting and gripping plot, albeit a bit complicated at times.
This is the story of Hunter who is an agent for the DEA and has been working to try to clear his name following an under-cover assignment that went wrong. It meant he had to leave the love of his life, Alexis, however fate has bought them back together again and all of the couple's feelings are re-awoken.
This book is well written, although the plot is quite a complex one with a lot of secondary characters involved, which meant I had to really think about who was who. I thought the storyline was absoutely gripping, very well thought out and quite clever. I absolutely loved the characters; Alexis is a strong, loving female who dotes on her little boy Jonathan, and has bought him up as a single parent. She is due to marry her fiance, Michael, but when Hunter enters her life again she is forced to re-think her plans. I loved Hunter too, a dark, strong man who clearly has struggled with some of the things he has had to do in his past, and wants nothing more than to be with Alexis again. As the story unravels, readers find out what Alexis and Hunter have exerienced over the years apart, and both are in for several shocks. What is very clear is that they still love each other.
I was really drawn into this story, and thought it was a beautiful story of love conquering all and how the couple had to overcome so many adversities in their lives to finally have a HEA. Plenty of twists and turns, excitement and steamy sex scenes, all in all a great read. I give it 4 stars.
This is the story of Hunter who is an agent for the DEA and has been working to try to clear his name following an under-cover assignment that went wrong. It meant he had to leave the love of his life, Alexis, however fate has bought them back together again and all of the couple's feelings are re-awoken.
This book is well written, although the plot is quite a complex one with a lot of secondary characters involved, which meant I had to really think about who was who. I thought the storyline was absoutely gripping, very well thought out and quite clever. I absolutely loved the characters; Alexis is a strong, loving female who dotes on her little boy Jonathan, and has bought him up as a single parent. She is due to marry her fiance, Michael, but when Hunter enters her life again she is forced to re-think her plans. I loved Hunter too, a dark, strong man who clearly has struggled with some of the things he has had to do in his past, and wants nothing more than to be with Alexis again. As the story unravels, readers find out what Alexis and Hunter have exerienced over the years apart, and both are in for several shocks. What is very clear is that they still love each other.
I was really drawn into this story, and thought it was a beautiful story of love conquering all and how the couple had to overcome so many adversities in their lives to finally have a HEA. Plenty of twists and turns, excitement and steamy sex scenes, all in all a great read. I give it 4 stars.
January 13, 2012
Katie Reus is an excellent romance author. I connected with every part of His Secret Past, and throughly enjoyed every aspect of the story. Alexis is a pure, strong, and independent woman. I loved her character, and was instantly a fan. As a single parent and dedicated mother; her character is an open book. Hunter on the other hand takes a little time to uncover. With the mystery of his past readers will be uncertain whether they should love him or hate him. After discovering he left the love of his life for some dark hidden reason, and then uncovering that Alexis was pregnant when Hunter left which in turn results with her spending the last six years raising their child solo; this will quickly make you question his character. Them demonstrates Reus's talent to carefully craft a character that readers will grow to love along with the story. In the end, Hunter is a well rounded character that I absolutely loved. As an adult and Mother this was a awesome read. I love the child quality that was added to the story through Jonathan. When this little boy tells Hunter, "Uh Oh! You are in big trouble. She used your whole name..." That was priceless, and I loved it!! Nothing can add dead pan humor like a child. It was emotionally moving to also see the relationship grow between Hunter and Jonathan. This is something that a young adult novel with never offer; with it's ability to speak to a mother's heart. I loved the entire story. This was a tornado of suspense, romance, and action that left me wanting more. Katie Reus is an amazingly talented author, and I love reading her wonderfully heart stopping novels.
February 14, 2012
Book Description:
Six years ago, Alexis Baptiste’s world was turned upside down when Hunter Cassidy disappeared without a trace, leaving her alone and pregnant. She’s finally moving on with her life when he resurfaces, just in time to rescue her from a would-be assassin. Forced to join him on the run to protect herself and her young son, Alexis is now in even more danger: danger of falling for Hunter all over again.
Betrayed by rogue CIA agents after infiltrating an infamous drug cartel, former DEA agent Hunter Cassidy has spent years trying to clear his name. He’s not proud of the things he’s done, and knows he doesn’t deserve a future with Alexis, or the son he never knew he had, but he’s determined to protect them from the men who ruined his life. Convincing Alexis to trust him—and denying his feelings for her—is going to be the hardest mission he’s ever faced.
My Thoughts:
My review on this book will be quite simple. I really enjoyed this story a great deal. It was full of suspenseful thrill, action, and romance. I loved the characters. Alexis and Hunter were interesting and had multidimensional personalities that kept the story interesting. They were both fiercely independent and strong but knew how to rely on each other when it counted. The climax of the story was unexpected with the revelation of the unknown "bad guy". You knew that he was lurking around filtering information back to Davis and I was pleasantly surprised to discovered that it was not who I thought it was originally.
The story was compelling and believable and made for a very enjoyable read. Four shiny stars on this one Ms. Reus.
Reviewed for NetGalley
Six years ago, Alexis Baptiste’s world was turned upside down when Hunter Cassidy disappeared without a trace, leaving her alone and pregnant. She’s finally moving on with her life when he resurfaces, just in time to rescue her from a would-be assassin. Forced to join him on the run to protect herself and her young son, Alexis is now in even more danger: danger of falling for Hunter all over again.
Betrayed by rogue CIA agents after infiltrating an infamous drug cartel, former DEA agent Hunter Cassidy has spent years trying to clear his name. He’s not proud of the things he’s done, and knows he doesn’t deserve a future with Alexis, or the son he never knew he had, but he’s determined to protect them from the men who ruined his life. Convincing Alexis to trust him—and denying his feelings for her—is going to be the hardest mission he’s ever faced.
My Thoughts:
My review on this book will be quite simple. I really enjoyed this story a great deal. It was full of suspenseful thrill, action, and romance. I loved the characters. Alexis and Hunter were interesting and had multidimensional personalities that kept the story interesting. They were both fiercely independent and strong but knew how to rely on each other when it counted. The climax of the story was unexpected with the revelation of the unknown "bad guy". You knew that he was lurking around filtering information back to Davis and I was pleasantly surprised to discovered that it was not who I thought it was originally.
The story was compelling and believable and made for a very enjoyable read. Four shiny stars on this one Ms. Reus.
Reviewed for NetGalley
February 7, 2012
Review:His Secret Past by Katie Reus
4 STARS
It was suspense, you were never quite sure who all you could trust in the story.
Hunter Cassidy disappeared six years ago and left behind Alexis Baptiste pregnant.
Hunter was a former DEA agent and thought his boss was on the take. CIA
had shown him proof. The CIA wanted him to go undercover and get close to head of a drug cartel and get some papers in his files.
His cover was a gun dealer.
Hunter hated what he was doing but thought it was for CIA found out it was not sactioned at all. He got the files and they promised to leave him alone and Alexis too.
Alexis has a five year old and plans to get married in a month. Today she is going for her final wedding dress fitting. When she sees her exboyfriend following her. Then someone breaks into her house to kill her.
Hunter just plans to keep an eye on Alexis to make sure she is safe when he sees her son and realizes he is a father. Then Alexis sees him following her.
Hunter heard her scream and kills the killer. Hunter won't let her call the police but she was able to call her fiance when he was hiding the body.
Hunter is not sure now who to trust his old DEA boss he thought was crooked and the CIA blackmailed him to work as gun dealer and he ended up killing drug cartel leader and others to get the files out. His own history looks bad. He needs to keep Alexis and his son safe.
Its action packed romance. There are some sex scenes. I would like to read more books from Katie. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
01/02/2012 PUB Carina Press
http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.c...
4 STARS
It was suspense, you were never quite sure who all you could trust in the story.
Hunter Cassidy disappeared six years ago and left behind Alexis Baptiste pregnant.
Hunter was a former DEA agent and thought his boss was on the take. CIA
had shown him proof. The CIA wanted him to go undercover and get close to head of a drug cartel and get some papers in his files.
His cover was a gun dealer.
Hunter hated what he was doing but thought it was for CIA found out it was not sactioned at all. He got the files and they promised to leave him alone and Alexis too.
Alexis has a five year old and plans to get married in a month. Today she is going for her final wedding dress fitting. When she sees her exboyfriend following her. Then someone breaks into her house to kill her.
Hunter just plans to keep an eye on Alexis to make sure she is safe when he sees her son and realizes he is a father. Then Alexis sees him following her.
Hunter heard her scream and kills the killer. Hunter won't let her call the police but she was able to call her fiance when he was hiding the body.
Hunter is not sure now who to trust his old DEA boss he thought was crooked and the CIA blackmailed him to work as gun dealer and he ended up killing drug cartel leader and others to get the files out. His own history looks bad. He needs to keep Alexis and his son safe.
Its action packed romance. There are some sex scenes. I would like to read more books from Katie. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
01/02/2012 PUB Carina Press
http://readalot-rhonda1111.blogspot.c...
March 31, 2012
The book had all the things I liked.
Secret baby plot, angst, adventure, mobsters, rough alpha hero with a past that is going to bite everybody in the ass,etc.
So what was the problem?
The plot kind of sagged in the middle.
It did not make the book a bad one, but it most certainly stopped me from loving it.
There were also the characters. I was ok with them, but I never LOVED them.
I respected the heroine on some level, but I never wished to be in her shoes, even when her ex lover returned and made her all hot and bothered.
The hero on the othr hand was, sadly, pretty cardboard cutout. It made me mad because he did have potential-but never lived up to it.
Also, I was confused with the beginning of the book, and sometimes I even lifted an eyebrow during it. The whole corruption plot was somehow hazy and vague, making me forever unable to grasp motives and alliances.
This was not because the book had a good doze of mystery, or because I have suffered recent brain damage, no. It was simply a problem with the writer execution of descriptions.
Example:
Jungle! Guns! Oh! Oh! Town. Stalking his ex. Talking on the phone.
If something starts this messy, you just know it never gets better ass the pages turn.
Maybe I was brought to my knees by big expectations. I *wanted* this read to be something worth my while. It was just a typical fbi on the run and secret baby book.
Not really something I will put in my permanent Kindle library.
Luckily, I have gotten the ebook via NetGalley.
Secret baby plot, angst, adventure, mobsters, rough alpha hero with a past that is going to bite everybody in the ass,etc.
So what was the problem?
The plot kind of sagged in the middle.
It did not make the book a bad one, but it most certainly stopped me from loving it.
There were also the characters. I was ok with them, but I never LOVED them.
I respected the heroine on some level, but I never wished to be in her shoes, even when her ex lover returned and made her all hot and bothered.
The hero on the othr hand was, sadly, pretty cardboard cutout. It made me mad because he did have potential-but never lived up to it.
Also, I was confused with the beginning of the book, and sometimes I even lifted an eyebrow during it. The whole corruption plot was somehow hazy and vague, making me forever unable to grasp motives and alliances.
This was not because the book had a good doze of mystery, or because I have suffered recent brain damage, no. It was simply a problem with the writer execution of descriptions.
Example:
Jungle! Guns! Oh! Oh! Town. Stalking his ex. Talking on the phone.
If something starts this messy, you just know it never gets better ass the pages turn.
Maybe I was brought to my knees by big expectations. I *wanted* this read to be something worth my while. It was just a typical fbi on the run and secret baby book.
Not really something I will put in my permanent Kindle library.
Luckily, I have gotten the ebook via NetGalley.
February 8, 2012
Good Crime Novel - Check , Hunky Guy with shirt half-open on front cover - Check :). As I'm on holiday leave, I thought I would take this time to catch up with my Netgalley books .
His Secret Past takes us into the life of Hunter Cassidy and Alexis Baptiste. Six years ago, Hunter worked for the DEA , hunting down bad guys and drug dealers. He was put on a job , it was supposed to be like any other job - an in and out and then return to his normal life. However, things didn't turn to plan and Hunter found himself stabbed in the back and betrayed. He has spent the last six years in Panama , working with the CIA. Six years ago, Alexis was the girlfriend of Hunter's and was pregnant with his child , to her one day Hunter was here the next he was gone. Six years have passed and Alexis has a six year old boy named Jonathan and is engaged to Michael. Her heart though was crushed by Hunter whom she still loves , Hunter has returned to civilisation and the first thing on his agenda is to find Alexis and make sure she is safe and sound as we discover people are after Hunter and will do anything to get to him -including hurting the ones he loves. Hunter returns just in time and discovers that he has a son , now in order to keep the pair of them safe , he must do all he can to protect them. As the novel goes along will Alexis marry Michael or does she carry a torch still bright enough for Hunter ?
Find out in His Secret Past by Katie Reus.
His Secret Past takes us into the life of Hunter Cassidy and Alexis Baptiste. Six years ago, Hunter worked for the DEA , hunting down bad guys and drug dealers. He was put on a job , it was supposed to be like any other job - an in and out and then return to his normal life. However, things didn't turn to plan and Hunter found himself stabbed in the back and betrayed. He has spent the last six years in Panama , working with the CIA. Six years ago, Alexis was the girlfriend of Hunter's and was pregnant with his child , to her one day Hunter was here the next he was gone. Six years have passed and Alexis has a six year old boy named Jonathan and is engaged to Michael. Her heart though was crushed by Hunter whom she still loves , Hunter has returned to civilisation and the first thing on his agenda is to find Alexis and make sure she is safe and sound as we discover people are after Hunter and will do anything to get to him -including hurting the ones he loves. Hunter returns just in time and discovers that he has a son , now in order to keep the pair of them safe , he must do all he can to protect them. As the novel goes along will Alexis marry Michael or does she carry a torch still bright enough for Hunter ?
Find out in His Secret Past by Katie Reus.
October 8, 2014
A story filled with dark secrets, conspiracy, lost love, and second chances.
The layers upon layers of secrets, betrayals, mistrust starts to unravel when, after six years in exile, Hunter is not only facing CIA agents gone bad and wanting him dead, but the love of his Life, Alexis.
The deepness of dishonesty and treason was uncovered through the story, with hidden parties to the deception, that took me by surprise. The story has a bit darker side to it, with the murky waters of the different agencies, and how deep the deceit goes.
Alexis and Hunter's love story is as well, shadowy, since Hunter left without warning six years ago, never knowing Alexis was pregnant, that he was the father. After some air is cleared, while in hiding to save their lives, Hunter's insecurities, feelings of unworthiness, is keeping them apart. I couldn't but admire Hunter's protective side, his willingness to sacrifice everything for Alexis and his son. When together, Hunter and Alexis were intense and sensual, taking my breath away.
While a bit confusing in the beginning with all the possible conspiracy theories, the story came together fast, and was delightfully nail-biting suspense material, with comprehensive ending. Four spoons for His Secret Past.
The layers upon layers of secrets, betrayals, mistrust starts to unravel when, after six years in exile, Hunter is not only facing CIA agents gone bad and wanting him dead, but the love of his Life, Alexis.
The deepness of dishonesty and treason was uncovered through the story, with hidden parties to the deception, that took me by surprise. The story has a bit darker side to it, with the murky waters of the different agencies, and how deep the deceit goes.
Alexis and Hunter's love story is as well, shadowy, since Hunter left without warning six years ago, never knowing Alexis was pregnant, that he was the father. After some air is cleared, while in hiding to save their lives, Hunter's insecurities, feelings of unworthiness, is keeping them apart. I couldn't but admire Hunter's protective side, his willingness to sacrifice everything for Alexis and his son. When together, Hunter and Alexis were intense and sensual, taking my breath away.
While a bit confusing in the beginning with all the possible conspiracy theories, the story came together fast, and was delightfully nail-biting suspense material, with comprehensive ending. Four spoons for His Secret Past.
January 17, 2012
I didn't like this much. Too many characters jumbled up and too predictable. Even for me.
November 6, 2017
In this audiobook, Ms Reus , takes us on a rollercoaster ride in which you are not sure if you want to get off when it stops, jump before it does, or just plain stay on it if it means staying alive!
Hunter Cassidy disappeared 6 years ago and left Alexis Baptiste, the love of his life, alone , and unbeknown to him, pregnant. He believed that was the only way to keep her safe. He was an undercover DEA agent who was betrayed by someone in the CIA . Hunter has spent these 6 years in the jungles of Panama , undercover with the worse of the drug cartel, in an effort to clear his name. Being undercover has changed him. When things get hotter than hot , he returns to the USA . He fears his CIA nemesis will try to get her in order to get him to give up the evidence he has accrued. Hunter ends up revealing himself to Alexis and in the process, finding out he is a father.
The three end up running for their lives. Who can they trust? Where can they hide? And will Hunter be able to keep them safe?
It’s a story with a very complex plot , well developed and imperfect characters, bad guys, and good guys who MIGHT be bad. In the midst of all this drama, the love between Hunter and Alexis is palpable. Will they live long enough to get a second chance?
Another thriller by this talented author that should not be missed.
I was gifted this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Hunter Cassidy disappeared 6 years ago and left Alexis Baptiste, the love of his life, alone , and unbeknown to him, pregnant. He believed that was the only way to keep her safe. He was an undercover DEA agent who was betrayed by someone in the CIA . Hunter has spent these 6 years in the jungles of Panama , undercover with the worse of the drug cartel, in an effort to clear his name. Being undercover has changed him. When things get hotter than hot , he returns to the USA . He fears his CIA nemesis will try to get her in order to get him to give up the evidence he has accrued. Hunter ends up revealing himself to Alexis and in the process, finding out he is a father.
The three end up running for their lives. Who can they trust? Where can they hide? And will Hunter be able to keep them safe?
It’s a story with a very complex plot , well developed and imperfect characters, bad guys, and good guys who MIGHT be bad. In the midst of all this drama, the love between Hunter and Alexis is palpable. Will they live long enough to get a second chance?
Another thriller by this talented author that should not be missed.
I was gifted this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 27, 2018
Full Review for Library Journal:
Hunter Cassidy’s past has come back to haunt him…or has he come back to haunt it? Six years ago, Hunter left Alexis Baptiste behind, heartbroken and pregnant. Now, shortly before she is to marry, he returns out of the blue, bringing with him a flood of bittersweet memories. Determined to protect her and the son he never knew existed from his own secret past, Hunter must be careful about whom he trusts. A former DEA agent with ties to the CIA and drug cartels, Hunter has so much more to lose than he realized. And he won’t go down without a fight. Will Hunter reveal his need for Alexis despite his self-loathing? Will Alexis open her heart again to the man who broke it once before? The biggest question is, will they live long enough to answer the other questions?
Verdict Reus provides an action-packed story that keeps the adrenaline pumping. Whether the protagonists are dodging bullets or attempting to resist each other, the book keeps your heart racing. Reus keeps you guessing until the very end, with a conclusion that is both surprising and satisfying. Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and those who love good romantic suspense.
https://reviews.libraryjournal.com/20...
Hunter Cassidy’s past has come back to haunt him…or has he come back to haunt it? Six years ago, Hunter left Alexis Baptiste behind, heartbroken and pregnant. Now, shortly before she is to marry, he returns out of the blue, bringing with him a flood of bittersweet memories. Determined to protect her and the son he never knew existed from his own secret past, Hunter must be careful about whom he trusts. A former DEA agent with ties to the CIA and drug cartels, Hunter has so much more to lose than he realized. And he won’t go down without a fight. Will Hunter reveal his need for Alexis despite his self-loathing? Will Alexis open her heart again to the man who broke it once before? The biggest question is, will they live long enough to answer the other questions?
Verdict Reus provides an action-packed story that keeps the adrenaline pumping. Whether the protagonists are dodging bullets or attempting to resist each other, the book keeps your heart racing. Reus keeps you guessing until the very end, with a conclusion that is both surprising and satisfying. Recommended for fans of Nora Roberts and those who love good romantic suspense.
https://reviews.libraryjournal.com/20...
September 3, 2025
Never too late
Alexis and Hunter. A second chance that starts under less than auspicious beginnings. Hunter is on the run and back to protect Alexis, but finds he is also a dad. Alexis has no idea where or who Hunter is and harbors some bitterness about that. The danger starts immediately and everyone isn’t who they think. I was surprised by the ex fiancé as I thought he would have some nefarious component, but he didn’t. The ending scenes were colorful and full of action. Loved the strength from Alexis and Their son Jonathan. This was a stand-alone and an easy read with a great HEA.
Alexis and Hunter. A second chance that starts under less than auspicious beginnings. Hunter is on the run and back to protect Alexis, but finds he is also a dad. Alexis has no idea where or who Hunter is and harbors some bitterness about that. The danger starts immediately and everyone isn’t who they think. I was surprised by the ex fiancé as I thought he would have some nefarious component, but he didn’t. The ending scenes were colorful and full of action. Loved the strength from Alexis and Their son Jonathan. This was a stand-alone and an easy read with a great HEA.
November 24, 2025
I loved the book right up until Alexis pulled a TSTL heroine move near the end. With a killer still on the loose she decides to go for a walk on the beach with her son. Like… whaaat…?!
Anyway, the story itself was good. An engaging second chance romantic suspense with great chemistry between Alexis and Hunter.
Anyway, the story itself was good. An engaging second chance romantic suspense with great chemistry between Alexis and Hunter.
April 7, 2019
It was alright
April 11, 2012
Katie Reus seems to be one of those authors who has found a way to craft a story that maintains the delicate balance between a serious and involved romantic snarl with the demands of a suspense story of the kind that could be a stand alone novel on its own merits. You have a hero who has been almost literally buried as an undercover DEA agent in South America in an effort to unravel the hold of a major drug cartel on the drug trade. You also have a strong heroine who has been left behind by the love of her life to put her emotions back together after her lover's abandonment, a single mother of a son her lover has fathered and whose existence is unknown to him, and a woman whose life is about to be upended by threat to herself and her son by the very men who have sought to end the life of the man she still loves. Add in rogue intelligence agents who appear to be in the inner circle who should have been totally trust-worthy, and you have tension on several levels and all of which enrich the novel and engage the brain in a satisfying way.
In some ways I was a bit upset over a hero who seemed to be mired in his own pain until I realized that his six years undercover had violated him morally and emotionally in such a way that he wonders if he can ever be the man he once was. His feelings of being undeserving of the love of a good woman--his woman--and the respect of his son are, in my opinion, directly connected to the inner violation of who he was as a person of conscience and as a person who was committed to do the right thing. On the flip side, there's lots to like about Hunter, his love for Alexis, his careful handling of a touchy situation when meeting his son for the first time, and his determination to keep them safe even if it's at the cost of his own life.
Alexis is a woman who has sustained one of the worst wounds humanly possible in losing her love and the father of her child. Not knowing where he was, not knowing why he literally vanished from her life, not knowing how to reconcile his absence with his declarations of "forever" love, Alexis has to find a way to put herself and a life for her son back together and move on with her life even though a significant piece of herself is still with Hunter. I think sometimes we, as a society, become so used to the presence of single parenting that we forget how difficult it is to insure the well-being of oneself and a child or children. It is a lonely and difficult life, and in Alexis' case, it is also complicated by the slow drain on her emotional well-being because she still doesn't know why Hunter left.
This is a novel that will grab the interest of suspense romance fans right from the start. It will keep the reader on the edge of the chair. It was a book I found impossible to put down. The book is beautifully written and edited and as such is a treat for serious readers. It is a fine demonstration of this author's grasp of the writing task so that the plot and story are well-thought-out and the characters are crafted in such a way that they are defined and clear to the reader. Put all together, this novel is a credit to the writer's art. I enjoyed it very much and will probably be re-reading it in the near future. There's so much here that I don't think it is possible to get a handle on everything after just one reading.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
In some ways I was a bit upset over a hero who seemed to be mired in his own pain until I realized that his six years undercover had violated him morally and emotionally in such a way that he wonders if he can ever be the man he once was. His feelings of being undeserving of the love of a good woman--his woman--and the respect of his son are, in my opinion, directly connected to the inner violation of who he was as a person of conscience and as a person who was committed to do the right thing. On the flip side, there's lots to like about Hunter, his love for Alexis, his careful handling of a touchy situation when meeting his son for the first time, and his determination to keep them safe even if it's at the cost of his own life.
Alexis is a woman who has sustained one of the worst wounds humanly possible in losing her love and the father of her child. Not knowing where he was, not knowing why he literally vanished from her life, not knowing how to reconcile his absence with his declarations of "forever" love, Alexis has to find a way to put herself and a life for her son back together and move on with her life even though a significant piece of herself is still with Hunter. I think sometimes we, as a society, become so used to the presence of single parenting that we forget how difficult it is to insure the well-being of oneself and a child or children. It is a lonely and difficult life, and in Alexis' case, it is also complicated by the slow drain on her emotional well-being because she still doesn't know why Hunter left.
This is a novel that will grab the interest of suspense romance fans right from the start. It will keep the reader on the edge of the chair. It was a book I found impossible to put down. The book is beautifully written and edited and as such is a treat for serious readers. It is a fine demonstration of this author's grasp of the writing task so that the plot and story are well-thought-out and the characters are crafted in such a way that they are defined and clear to the reader. Put all together, this novel is a credit to the writer's art. I enjoyed it very much and will probably be re-reading it in the near future. There's so much here that I don't think it is possible to get a handle on everything after just one reading.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
September 30, 2012
After reading His Secret Past I was a little worn out (in a good way). I love when romantic suspense does that to me. I can’t put the book down until I know things will turn out okay. I tried to find breaks in the story where I was satisfied enough to put the book down, but just couldn't. One chapter rolled into the next and the action or romance never quite stopped. In this story Hunter, a DEA agent, has been on undercover work for six years. In the process he uncovers a dirty CIA agent who blackmails him into working with him and things get a little messy from there. Unfortunately, that same CIA agent also threatens Hunter with his former love interest Alexis when he thinks Hunter is going to turn him in. He hasn't seen Alexis in six years. Hunter then goes to check on her, finds out he has a son, and the ride begins. They are on the run from there to try. The problem is Hunter isn't sure who he can trust to help him make a case against the agent. It is up to Hunter to protect those he loves while also clearing his own name and stop the chase that he finds himself and his family involved.
Katie does a great job balancing the suspense with the romance in this book. She gives you just enough information to keep up in the story but not enough so you are following along with Hunter and Alexis and don’t know who trust either. I thought the addition of Jonathan really made the story because who can’t relate to a mother and father trying to protect their son? I was on edge throughout the book and often wanted to yell at Alexis and Hunter about a situation or what to do for fear that something would happen to Jonathan or one of them. I love stories about second chances and Hunter and Alexis get their second chance in this one. Intimate scenes are a big deal for me. I don’t like books that have intimate scenes thrown in just to make a book steamier when they don’t fit the story. Katie did a good job balancing this in the book. They scenes were appropriate to the characters, the story and were written well. If you are looking for a book with plenty of suspense, action, intrigue, romance, and family love, I highly recommend this book!
Katie does a great job balancing the suspense with the romance in this book. She gives you just enough information to keep up in the story but not enough so you are following along with Hunter and Alexis and don’t know who trust either. I thought the addition of Jonathan really made the story because who can’t relate to a mother and father trying to protect their son? I was on edge throughout the book and often wanted to yell at Alexis and Hunter about a situation or what to do for fear that something would happen to Jonathan or one of them. I love stories about second chances and Hunter and Alexis get their second chance in this one. Intimate scenes are a big deal for me. I don’t like books that have intimate scenes thrown in just to make a book steamier when they don’t fit the story. Katie did a good job balancing this in the book. They scenes were appropriate to the characters, the story and were written well. If you are looking for a book with plenty of suspense, action, intrigue, romance, and family love, I highly recommend this book!
January 2, 2012
This was an enjoyable, fast-paced romantic suspense. It was not my favorite book by this author, but I did like the story. The heroine, Alexis Baptiste, was a likeable, caring single mother. The hero had been an undercover federal agent, and he carried lots of guilt over his past actions. I felt that even though they had a relationship in the past, once the hero turned up after six years away, things moved a bit too quickly between them for it to be comletely believable for me. Other than that, I thought that it was a very good book, and I am glad that I had a chance to read the ARC through Netgalley.
Alexis Baptiste is stunned when Hunter Cassidy turns up after abandoning her six years earlier. After he left, she had his son and has felt great resentment toward him over never coming back. Alexis is planning her wedding to a man she respects, but doesn't really love. Hunter's re-appearance in Alexis' life is due to his past work as an undercover agent. An agent he has worked with has turned rogue, and is targeting Alexis in order to get to Hunter. When Hunter turns up to protect Alexis, he learns that he is a father, and is determined to keep her and their son, Jonathan, safe. The attraction between Alexis and Hunter is still strong, and as he tries to determine who to trust and how to keep her safe, they give in to their feelings. Hunter is determined that when his situation is resolved and Alexis and Jonathan are safe, he will disappear from their lives since they deserve so much better than what he has to offer.
This book had intriguing characters and an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the book, and will be looking for more by this author.
Alexis Baptiste is stunned when Hunter Cassidy turns up after abandoning her six years earlier. After he left, she had his son and has felt great resentment toward him over never coming back. Alexis is planning her wedding to a man she respects, but doesn't really love. Hunter's re-appearance in Alexis' life is due to his past work as an undercover agent. An agent he has worked with has turned rogue, and is targeting Alexis in order to get to Hunter. When Hunter turns up to protect Alexis, he learns that he is a father, and is determined to keep her and their son, Jonathan, safe. The attraction between Alexis and Hunter is still strong, and as he tries to determine who to trust and how to keep her safe, they give in to their feelings. Hunter is determined that when his situation is resolved and Alexis and Jonathan are safe, he will disappear from their lives since they deserve so much better than what he has to offer.
This book had intriguing characters and an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the book, and will be looking for more by this author.
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