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Red Stone Security #1
No One to Trust
Killers are after her…
Computer security specialist Elizabeth Martinez has never been able to turn her back on her brother Benny. When his risky lifestyle finally lands him in harm’s way, Elizabeth finds herself dragged into the dangerous underworld with him and into the path of one of Miami’s most dangerous drug lords. To stay alive, she now has to depend on the one man she has tried so desperately to forget.
He’ll do anything to keep her safe…
Former Marine Porter Caldwell never should have let Elizabeth walk away from him all those months ago. She means more to him than anything and now that she’s in danger and turned to him for help, he won’t make that mistake again. When a local gang targets her and she’s nearly killed in a drive by shooting, Porter vows to do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Even if it means turning his back on all that he’s sworn to uphold.
Red Stone Security Series, Book 1
Red Stone Security
1. No One to Trust
2. Danger Next Door
3. Fatal Deception
4. Miami, Mistletoe & Murder
5. His to Protect
6. Breaking Her Rules
7. Protecting His Witness
8. Sinful Seduction
9. Under His Protection
10. Deadly Fallout
11. Sworn to Protect
12. Secret Obsession
13. Love Thy Enemy
14. Dangerous Protector
15. Lethal Game
Author All books in the Red Stone Security series can be read as stand-alone books and in any order. Each book is complete with an HEA.
Computer security specialist Elizabeth Martinez has never been able to turn her back on her brother Benny. When his risky lifestyle finally lands him in harm’s way, Elizabeth finds herself dragged into the dangerous underworld with him and into the path of one of Miami’s most dangerous drug lords. To stay alive, she now has to depend on the one man she has tried so desperately to forget.
He’ll do anything to keep her safe…
Former Marine Porter Caldwell never should have let Elizabeth walk away from him all those months ago. She means more to him than anything and now that she’s in danger and turned to him for help, he won’t make that mistake again. When a local gang targets her and she’s nearly killed in a drive by shooting, Porter vows to do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Even if it means turning his back on all that he’s sworn to uphold.
Red Stone Security Series, Book 1
Red Stone Security
1. No One to Trust
2. Danger Next Door
3. Fatal Deception
4. Miami, Mistletoe & Murder
5. His to Protect
6. Breaking Her Rules
7. Protecting His Witness
8. Sinful Seduction
9. Under His Protection
10. Deadly Fallout
11. Sworn to Protect
12. Secret Obsession
13. Love Thy Enemy
14. Dangerous Protector
15. Lethal Game
Author All books in the Red Stone Security series can be read as stand-alone books and in any order. Each book is complete with an HEA.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
519 people are currently reading
3947 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 317 reviews
consider-later
July 30, 2015
FREE on Amazon US today (7/29/2015)
Stand-alone book 1.
BLURB:
Killers are after her…
Computer security specialist for Red Stone Security, Elizabeth Martinez has never been able to turn her back on her brother Benny. When his risky lifestyle finally lands him in harm’s way, Elizabeth finds herself dragged into the dangerous underworld with him and into the path of one of Miami’s most dangerous drug lords. To stay alive, she now has to depend on the one man she has tried so desperately to forget.
He’ll do anything to keep her safe…
Former Marine Porter Caldwell never should have let Elizabeth walk away from him all those months ago. She means more to him than anything and now that she’s in danger and turned to him for help, he won’t make that mistake again. When a local gang targets her and she’s nearly killed in a drive by shooting, Porter vows to do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Even if it means turning his back on all that he’s sworn to uphold.
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March 8, 2019
This was a great mix of romance and suspense and a second chance love. No One to Trust is focused mainly on Lizzy and Porter as he tries to keep her safe from the local mafia king.
I loved Porter. He was very protective of Lizzy and really just wanted her safe. Her brother is an addict and was constantly pulling Lizzy into dangerous situations, which is why Lizzy ended things with Porter the first time.
Lizzy knows she is enabling her brother but she refuses to abandon him like the rest of her family. Because of this, I had a harder time with her character. I didn't like that she kept putting her brother before everyone else and before common sense.
The good thing about Lizzy's lack of common sense, we got to see how much Porter loved and protected her because of it.
I loved Porter. He was very protective of Lizzy and really just wanted her safe. Her brother is an addict and was constantly pulling Lizzy into dangerous situations, which is why Lizzy ended things with Porter the first time.
Lizzy knows she is enabling her brother but she refuses to abandon him like the rest of her family. Because of this, I had a harder time with her character. I didn't like that she kept putting her brother before everyone else and before common sense.
The good thing about Lizzy's lack of common sense, we got to see how much Porter loved and protected her because of it.
April 12, 2013
This particular installment of Ms. Reus's Red Stone Security series didn't work for me, and I'm very glad I read another book in the series first, because I've really enjoyed this series overall. However, some of the heroine's actions bothered me a LOT, preventing me from enjoying this book as much as the others I've read.
Elizabeth Martinez just comes across as TSTL several times. I've never understood why in some Romantic Suspense novels the heroine will keep information from the people qualified to help her, and that is exactly what happens here. I think if your junkie brother gets you involved with a drug lord, it is more than acceptable to tell your security expert ex everything that's going on, ESPECIALLY when you and a friend get shot at, placing your life and that of others in danger. So I found Lizzy to be very, very annoying.
My issues with the heroine aside, Ms. Reus's writing is as stellar here as it is in her other books. I enjoyed the attraction between the hero and heroine, and I love that there's no unrealistic "We're running for our lives, so let's stop and have sex NOW" in her books. The attraction is powerful, but not so powerful that it threatens belief.
I'll definitely keep reading more of this series, but this one just didn't work for me.
Elizabeth Martinez just comes across as TSTL several times. I've never understood why in some Romantic Suspense novels the heroine will keep information from the people qualified to help her, and that is exactly what happens here. I think if your junkie brother gets you involved with a drug lord, it is more than acceptable to tell your security expert ex everything that's going on, ESPECIALLY when you and a friend get shot at, placing your life and that of others in danger. So I found Lizzy to be very, very annoying.
My issues with the heroine aside, Ms. Reus's writing is as stellar here as it is in her other books. I enjoyed the attraction between the hero and heroine, and I love that there's no unrealistic "We're running for our lives, so let's stop and have sex NOW" in her books. The attraction is powerful, but not so powerful that it threatens belief.
I'll definitely keep reading more of this series, but this one just didn't work for me.
June 25, 2012
This is the first book in Katie Reus’ RED STONE SECURITY series and she certainly started it off with a bang.
Elizabeth Martinez works for Red Stone Security but has many secrets she does not want anyone to learn about, especially Porter Caldwell. Her biggest problem and downfall is her brother Benny, and when her and Porter briefly dated he spoke his mind and Elizabeth didn’t want anyone coming in between her and her brother. He gets himself into trouble and always calls on Elizabeth to help him out. Elizabeth feels she owes him for something that happened in the past and always drop everything to help him. But this last time he calls Elizabeth, he drags her into a world of trouble. Now she has a notorious crime lord after her and he’ll stop at nothing to get her.
Porter Caldwell has been secretly keeping an eye on Elizabeth. He rushes in to rescue her from the madman her brother is involved with and decides that he’s not going to let her push him away anymore. He never should have let her push him away the first time and he will not let it happen again.
This is a short read but it’s packed with non-stop action and a great romance. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves romantic suspense.
I give No One To Trust 4.5 out of 5 stars
Elizabeth Martinez works for Red Stone Security but has many secrets she does not want anyone to learn about, especially Porter Caldwell. Her biggest problem and downfall is her brother Benny, and when her and Porter briefly dated he spoke his mind and Elizabeth didn’t want anyone coming in between her and her brother. He gets himself into trouble and always calls on Elizabeth to help him out. Elizabeth feels she owes him for something that happened in the past and always drop everything to help him. But this last time he calls Elizabeth, he drags her into a world of trouble. Now she has a notorious crime lord after her and he’ll stop at nothing to get her.
Porter Caldwell has been secretly keeping an eye on Elizabeth. He rushes in to rescue her from the madman her brother is involved with and decides that he’s not going to let her push him away anymore. He never should have let her push him away the first time and he will not let it happen again.
This is a short read but it’s packed with non-stop action and a great romance. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves romantic suspense.
I give No One To Trust 4.5 out of 5 stars
August 15, 2015
I liked it but didn't love it. Everything seemed sort of glossed over and more telling than showing. The writing is good quality. Safety gang safe
May 28, 2019
Elizabeth has been looking out for her brother Benny ever since he protected her as young teenager. His life has just gone down hill, from gambling to drugs, and when ever he needs help it's Lizzy he turns to, except this time they both might be in over their heads. The man he owes money to wants Elizabeth to be his for 6 months, Porter her ex and fellow work mate comes to her rescue and the action takes off from there.
We have car cases, guns, rocket launchers and sparks that still fly between Elizabeth and Porter. No One to Trust by Katie Reus is a quick and steamy ride.
We have car cases, guns, rocket launchers and sparks that still fly between Elizabeth and Porter. No One to Trust by Katie Reus is a quick and steamy ride.
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May 7, 2024DNF 51% - I rarely make it this far without finishing but the idiocy of this h goes beyond her just being TSTL. She literally made my blood boil. The only thing that could have redeemed this book was if she and her dumbass brother both died and the H got to move on with someone better.
July 23, 2013
3.5 stars
This book had a lot of action and some nail biting moments. From the first page you are put in an anxious mood while you are waiting to find out what exactly Elizabeth (Lizzie) Martinez has stepped into in order to help out her brother. As a reader you are kept guessing as to exactly what is happening for the first couple pages until the hero, Porter Caldwell, comes barreling in (literally) to save Lizzie and her brothers’ butts. From there it is a pretty fast paced read that keeps the reader wondering what could possibly happen next all the way to the end.
The main characters of this book Elizabeth Martinez and Porter Caldwell are so much fun. You have Porter who is tall, good looking, protective and action oriented and then Lizzie. She is also tall and attractive with a protective streak a mile wide for those she cares about but she isn’t much for the action. She keeps putting herself in dangerous situations for her brother because of some big secret. You do find out what it is near the end of the book but it wasn’t a big surprise.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a very fast read and I would have liked there to have been a little more information at the end of the book. It felt a little rushed and a bit anticlimactic. I did enjoy the chemistry between the main characters. It was very well written and you could feel the tension in the air when they characters were around each other.
This book had a lot of action and some nail biting moments. From the first page you are put in an anxious mood while you are waiting to find out what exactly Elizabeth (Lizzie) Martinez has stepped into in order to help out her brother. As a reader you are kept guessing as to exactly what is happening for the first couple pages until the hero, Porter Caldwell, comes barreling in (literally) to save Lizzie and her brothers’ butts. From there it is a pretty fast paced read that keeps the reader wondering what could possibly happen next all the way to the end.
The main characters of this book Elizabeth Martinez and Porter Caldwell are so much fun. You have Porter who is tall, good looking, protective and action oriented and then Lizzie. She is also tall and attractive with a protective streak a mile wide for those she cares about but she isn’t much for the action. She keeps putting herself in dangerous situations for her brother because of some big secret. You do find out what it is near the end of the book but it wasn’t a big surprise.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a very fast read and I would have liked there to have been a little more information at the end of the book. It felt a little rushed and a bit anticlimactic. I did enjoy the chemistry between the main characters. It was very well written and you could feel the tension in the air when they characters were around each other.
November 30, 2012
This is the first book in Katie Reus' Red Stone Security series. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Martinez is always there to bail her brother out of trouble but this time it's not an easy fix. But just before bad goes to worst, enter Porter Caldwell.
It was a fast paced and action packed, but it really didn't grab my attention. It took me a while to get through it because it wasn't pulling me in.
It was a fast paced and action packed, but it really didn't grab my attention. It took me a while to get through it because it wasn't pulling me in.
June 24, 2017
Pretty quick read. At times the chick could get on my nerves. As many times as Porter told her to trust him, she seemed to always keep secrets, ya know, even though someone was out to KILL HER and her brother. I found the ending to a a little anticlimactic which is why I only gave it 3 stars. I loved me some Porter though!
June 25, 2013
First time to read a book by Katie Reus and this wouldn't be the last. I LOVE Porter's and Elizabeth's story. Romance, action-packed, page turning suspense. This book held my attention from start to finish. A definite keeper!
August 14, 2018
A romantic suspense story, heavy on the suspense and drama, mild romance. Very good story with good characters and secondary characters. Hea, no cliffhanger, no cheating.
May 11, 2012
Elizabeth Martinez broke it off with ex-boyfriend Porter Caldwell after only a month because he didn’t approve of her always bailing her brother, Benny, out of trouble. But Elizabeth’s whole family has turned their backs on him and she’s the only one Benny has left, plus he helped her when no one else would so Elizabeth refuses to give up on him. When Elizabeth finds herself in the middle of a dangerous drug lord’s dealings though, thanks to her brother, she is shocked to see Porter racing to her rescue. Porter regrets letting Lizzy go in the first place and has been keeping an eye out for her ever since. He’s not about to make the same mistake twice and when a local gangs sets out for Elizabeth’s blood he is determined to keep her closer than ever.
Porter is an ex-marine and his family owns a security firm so you know he is going to be all alpha. Sexy, stubborn, protective and yes, sometimes domineering he’ll do anything and everything to keep Lizzy safe but he doesn’t suffocate her which I loved. Sometimes alpha male characters can get a bit stifling. On the run and hiding out from place to place, Porter and Lizzy realize that the chemistry between them still sizzles. Lizzy is loyal almost to a fault but strong and smart. I really enjoyed both of these main characters as well as the secondary ones, I hope to see more from the latter in the future! Though the attraction is still there between Lizzy & Porter, with yummy tension and smoking love scenes, so are their past issues and it was great to see those worked through instead of just pushed aside for the sake of a HEA. Suspense is heaped onto every page with Benny’s dealings, Lizzy’s past, criminal & political intrigue, gang violence and more. No One to Trust moved at a fast pace with lots of action leaving you to wonder, what will happen next, after each page. All leading up to a shocking conclusion that thrilled!
Fun and believable characters with a fast-paced and exciting story line No One to Trust is a recommended read to romance and romantic suspense fans everywhere. Another great story from author Katie Reus, whom I adore!
Porter is an ex-marine and his family owns a security firm so you know he is going to be all alpha. Sexy, stubborn, protective and yes, sometimes domineering he’ll do anything and everything to keep Lizzy safe but he doesn’t suffocate her which I loved. Sometimes alpha male characters can get a bit stifling. On the run and hiding out from place to place, Porter and Lizzy realize that the chemistry between them still sizzles. Lizzy is loyal almost to a fault but strong and smart. I really enjoyed both of these main characters as well as the secondary ones, I hope to see more from the latter in the future! Though the attraction is still there between Lizzy & Porter, with yummy tension and smoking love scenes, so are their past issues and it was great to see those worked through instead of just pushed aside for the sake of a HEA. Suspense is heaped onto every page with Benny’s dealings, Lizzy’s past, criminal & political intrigue, gang violence and more. No One to Trust moved at a fast pace with lots of action leaving you to wonder, what will happen next, after each page. All leading up to a shocking conclusion that thrilled!
Fun and believable characters with a fast-paced and exciting story line No One to Trust is a recommended read to romance and romantic suspense fans everywhere. Another great story from author Katie Reus, whom I adore!
June 4, 2012
3.5 stars
As the only member of her family still talking to her brother Benny, Elizabeth finds it impossible to say no to him when he comes to her for help. But helping Benny puts her life in danger and when she finds herself under fire from a drug dealer her ex-boyfriend steps up to keep her safe. Porter can't stand the idea of Elizabeth being in danger - especially because of the junkie brother who came between them when they were dating - and will do anything to keep her safe. The attraction they feel for each other has never faded and Porter is determined to woo his woman while he rescues her.
This was just the kind of story I was looking for, I wanted something that I could finish in one sitting - something with action, romance and a few hot scenes to keep me entertained and No One to Trust hit the spot perfectly. Both of the main characters are likeable, the relationship felt believable and because they have a history together it didn't feel rushed. I also really liked the side characters with Porter's brothers Harrison and Grant on the scene - in fact I was really pleased to find Grant's story is already available (called Danger Next Door). This is a whole family of tough ex-military men who all work in law enforcement and private security and I have a feeling I'm going to fall for them all!
The action kicks off right from the beginning as you watch Elizabeth walk into the home of a major drug boss to rescue her brother. I have to admit it was a bit frustrating how willing Elizabeth was to put herself in danger to rescue Benny - I wanted to shout at her to let him fix his own messes for once! Having said that as you find out more about their history you understand why she feels the need to be there for him and you have to admire Elizabeth for being so loyal to her family. Anyway, the pace was really good and pretty non-stop from start to finish but I also loved the chemistry between Porter and Elizabeth. There was something raw about this couple that really drew me in. This was the first story I've read by Katie Reus but I've already purchased Danger Next Door and am looking forward to reading it next.
As the only member of her family still talking to her brother Benny, Elizabeth finds it impossible to say no to him when he comes to her for help. But helping Benny puts her life in danger and when she finds herself under fire from a drug dealer her ex-boyfriend steps up to keep her safe. Porter can't stand the idea of Elizabeth being in danger - especially because of the junkie brother who came between them when they were dating - and will do anything to keep her safe. The attraction they feel for each other has never faded and Porter is determined to woo his woman while he rescues her.
This was just the kind of story I was looking for, I wanted something that I could finish in one sitting - something with action, romance and a few hot scenes to keep me entertained and No One to Trust hit the spot perfectly. Both of the main characters are likeable, the relationship felt believable and because they have a history together it didn't feel rushed. I also really liked the side characters with Porter's brothers Harrison and Grant on the scene - in fact I was really pleased to find Grant's story is already available (called Danger Next Door). This is a whole family of tough ex-military men who all work in law enforcement and private security and I have a feeling I'm going to fall for them all!
The action kicks off right from the beginning as you watch Elizabeth walk into the home of a major drug boss to rescue her brother. I have to admit it was a bit frustrating how willing Elizabeth was to put herself in danger to rescue Benny - I wanted to shout at her to let him fix his own messes for once! Having said that as you find out more about their history you understand why she feels the need to be there for him and you have to admire Elizabeth for being so loyal to her family. Anyway, the pace was really good and pretty non-stop from start to finish but I also loved the chemistry between Porter and Elizabeth. There was something raw about this couple that really drew me in. This was the first story I've read by Katie Reus but I've already purchased Danger Next Door and am looking forward to reading it next.
April 16, 2012
I rate this book 4.5 stars :) Thank you to Katie for asking me to review your book! My honest opinion. This lovely suspenseful romance was exactly what it was. Suspenseful!
I guess I will start with the main characters. Porter! I really really like him. He was tough and protective which I really liked. When he made his first appearance in this book, I knew I would like him. Yes he came to Lizzy's rescue, guns drawn and ready to kick some butt! He had my interest from then on out. Lizzy on the other hand was likable, but at times she got a tad annoying for my taste. That's the reason why I knocked the book down from a 5 star. I mean, I understand he's your brother and all, but when someone is putting themselves in danger and you decide to just jump up day or night and risk your life as well AND not just your life, but the people you love and care about as well. I didn't like that! No ma'am I did not! But other than that, Lizzy was okay.
I really liked the romance between the two. You knew they loved each other since they knew each other from the past and you could see the signs, but it didn't just jump right into it. Porter was a little stand offish and Lizzy didn't like that Porter didn't like her brother. But technically, I didn't like her brother each other. But I did enjoy the romance between the two :)
The ending shocked me. I did not see that coming at all! Really Benny (her brother)? I would have slapped you silly! lol But, it was a nice ending :)
Overall, the book was suspenseful and the romance was all there and if you are a fan of romance suspense then I think you should definitely check out this book!
I guess I will start with the main characters. Porter! I really really like him. He was tough and protective which I really liked. When he made his first appearance in this book, I knew I would like him. Yes he came to Lizzy's rescue, guns drawn and ready to kick some butt! He had my interest from then on out. Lizzy on the other hand was likable, but at times she got a tad annoying for my taste. That's the reason why I knocked the book down from a 5 star. I mean, I understand he's your brother and all, but when someone is putting themselves in danger and you decide to just jump up day or night and risk your life as well AND not just your life, but the people you love and care about as well. I didn't like that! No ma'am I did not! But other than that, Lizzy was okay.
I really liked the romance between the two. You knew they loved each other since they knew each other from the past and you could see the signs, but it didn't just jump right into it. Porter was a little stand offish and Lizzy didn't like that Porter didn't like her brother. But technically, I didn't like her brother each other. But I did enjoy the romance between the two :)
The ending shocked me. I did not see that coming at all! Really Benny (her brother)? I would have slapped you silly! lol But, it was a nice ending :)
Overall, the book was suspenseful and the romance was all there and if you are a fan of romance suspense then I think you should definitely check out this book!
August 20, 2020
Katie Reus is an author I enjoy but sadly this book was a HUGE disappointment.
I HATED HATED HATED Lizzy, she was one of those heroines that you wish you could reach inside the book and hit over the head and scream " Catch a wake up!!!!!!"
Lizzy fit the TSTL heroine perfectly. Here was an intelligent woman, I mean she does have a PHD in computer science , so she can work out problems and solutions, she just never thought hey: these guys I work with they may know a thing or 2 of how to help me out of this situation.
I hated that she kept so many secrets and Porter have to drag every little thing out of her. She was constantly fighting Porter on every little thing and this was about keeping her safe!!!
Lizzy came across as stupidly stubborn. She just never listened to anyone. She was not brave in anyway or smart. She made stupid decision after stupid decision.
Sadly this book annoyed me to no end, glad I finally finished it.
I HATED HATED HATED Lizzy, she was one of those heroines that you wish you could reach inside the book and hit over the head and scream " Catch a wake up!!!!!!"
Lizzy fit the TSTL heroine perfectly. Here was an intelligent woman, I mean she does have a PHD in computer science , so she can work out problems and solutions, she just never thought hey: these guys I work with they may know a thing or 2 of how to help me out of this situation.
I hated that she kept so many secrets and Porter have to drag every little thing out of her. She was constantly fighting Porter on every little thing and this was about keeping her safe!!!
Lizzy came across as stupidly stubborn. She just never listened to anyone. She was not brave in anyway or smart. She made stupid decision after stupid decision.
Sadly this book annoyed me to no end, glad I finally finished it.
February 24, 2013
Just finished this book and I thought it was a great read, until the last two chapters. I liked the fact that the main characters already had a history (albeit a short one), so it didn't feel like that part of the storyline had to be rushed considering the timeline of the story wasn't long and drawn out. My only complaint was that the readers weren't given enough information at the end to explain exactly how the protagonist was captured; it felt like that part of the story was rushed along just to get us back to the MC. All in all, I was impressed enough to give the next book in the series a read.
December 11, 2014
A fast paced suspense romance that introduces us the Caldwell brothers and their Red Stone Security firm.
This book is on the short side and my feelings about it are mostly neutral. The story felt slightly two-dimensional and I didn't particularly care about the characters, although I don't know if that's because of the narration, which I did not particularly like, or the writing.
I am not sure if I'll ever pick up the next book in the series, Danger Next Door, that's also quite short and is about another of the Caldwell brothers.
This book is on the short side and my feelings about it are mostly neutral. The story felt slightly two-dimensional and I didn't particularly care about the characters, although I don't know if that's because of the narration, which I did not particularly like, or the writing.
I am not sure if I'll ever pick up the next book in the series, Danger Next Door, that's also quite short and is about another of the Caldwell brothers.
June 27, 2015
Cute safe read. Liked both characters. Adored that the hero was so loyal and sweet. Definitely will read more in this series.
March 6, 2019
#1 in the Red Stone Security romantic suspense series
Not a bad start to a series by a new-to-me author. Porter is a great hero: sweet, gentle, but definitely powerful and in charge. He's brother of the owner of the security firm that Elizabeth works for, former military, and hot (of course). Now that Elizabeth has gotten in over her head with a Miami gang, while trying to help her loser brother Benny, she needs protection and Porter is just the guy to do it. With the help of Grant (another brother and a cop), they work to free Benny and get the gang off their backs. Elizabeth was sometimes annoying because of her go-it-alone attitude, but mostly she was just naive and ended up doing the right thing. The story was a too short, with the ends tied up too neatly, which is what made me rate it 3 stars instead of 4 stars. Otherwise, the action was good, the relationships were believable, and the characters enjoyable. I will continue with this series.
Not a bad start to a series by a new-to-me author. Porter is a great hero: sweet, gentle, but definitely powerful and in charge. He's brother of the owner of the security firm that Elizabeth works for, former military, and hot (of course). Now that Elizabeth has gotten in over her head with a Miami gang, while trying to help her loser brother Benny, she needs protection and Porter is just the guy to do it. With the help of Grant (another brother and a cop), they work to free Benny and get the gang off their backs. Elizabeth was sometimes annoying because of her go-it-alone attitude, but mostly she was just naive and ended up doing the right thing. The story was a too short, with the ends tied up too neatly, which is what made me rate it 3 stars instead of 4 stars. Otherwise, the action was good, the relationships were believable, and the characters enjoyable. I will continue with this series.
March 11, 2021
Enjoyed it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elizabeth works at Red Stone security as a computer security specialist. Red stone is the best security firm in the nation and they protect wealthy clients and government dignitaries.
Porter is an ex-Marine and one of the sons of the owner of Red Stone Security. Elizabeth or Lizzy as he calls her had a brief relationship which she ended when he got too involved in the relationship she has with her brother.
Porter who has never gotten over Lizzy has to step in to protect her when she once again finds herself in danger because of her brother.
This was a short and sweet read. Porter was awesome and his sole focus was to keep Lizzy safe. He knows he shouldn’t have let her walk away from him and he won’t let her walk away again. Elizabeth has never gotten over Porter either, but she won’t abandon her brother. She is now the target of a drug lord and now she will have Porter’s help whether she wants it or not.
Elizabeth works at Red Stone security as a computer security specialist. Red stone is the best security firm in the nation and they protect wealthy clients and government dignitaries.
Porter is an ex-Marine and one of the sons of the owner of Red Stone Security. Elizabeth or Lizzy as he calls her had a brief relationship which she ended when he got too involved in the relationship she has with her brother.
Porter who has never gotten over Lizzy has to step in to protect her when she once again finds herself in danger because of her brother.
This was a short and sweet read. Porter was awesome and his sole focus was to keep Lizzy safe. He knows he shouldn’t have let her walk away from him and he won’t let her walk away again. Elizabeth has never gotten over Porter either, but she won’t abandon her brother. She is now the target of a drug lord and now she will have Porter’s help whether she wants it or not.
March 11, 2020
2.5 stars
This was okay, but I don't think this series was set up as well as Reus's shifter series.
I felt that the relationship moved slightly too fast and overall was kind of tame, but I still somewhat enjoyed it. I thought that the two characters did have chemistry at least.
Porter and Lizzy were decent characters but nothing too special or intriguing. The Red Stone security thing has potential, but I was kind of surprised Lizzy didn't get more protection. After all, shouldn't such a major security company have been able to do far more?
The suspense was kind of weak and it was pretty obvious why Lizzy was protecting Benny as well as the fact that Benny actually survived.
Overall, I'm interested enough to keep going but was kind of disappointed.
This was okay, but I don't think this series was set up as well as Reus's shifter series.
I felt that the relationship moved slightly too fast and overall was kind of tame, but I still somewhat enjoyed it. I thought that the two characters did have chemistry at least.
Porter and Lizzy were decent characters but nothing too special or intriguing. The Red Stone security thing has potential, but I was kind of surprised Lizzy didn't get more protection. After all, shouldn't such a major security company have been able to do far more?
The suspense was kind of weak and it was pretty obvious why Lizzy was protecting Benny as well as the fact that Benny actually survived.
Overall, I'm interested enough to keep going but was kind of disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2018
3.5 stars 🌟 - A short and fairly predictable, but enjoyable story. The actions of the female protagonist were sometimes a bit maddening. Great holiday/undemanding Read.
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May 15, 2014
Not too impressed, though I guess it's pretty hard to build much in such a short novel.
I really had a hard time with the h and her tstl moments in the beginning, not to mention the fact that this all seems so one sided, where the H kept on giving and the h kept on taking and being a bitch about it with no regards for anything but herself.
I like characters with strong family values. People that are callous towards their family in real life or in story books are just not nice people in my book, and I tend to steer clear of them. However, there is also a fine line between blind devotion and family loyalty. The h here is the former one in my opinion, and the way the story is laid out, where we were not told why that came about put her at a disadvantage as I just do not understand how she can put up with such a sibling that seems not to care about her safety much. If I'd had known, I might have been more sympathetic with her walking into a known scumbag's house unarmed and without backup in a provoking dress, virtually inviting the said scumbag and his minions to do their worst with her. I might also understand why she wouldn't lay her trust in the H and dumped his arse for saying she is basically aiding and abetting her brother's downward spiral into hell, then withholding information time and again when it could have endangered not only her but people around her as well.
What follows is my gritting my teeth and just hoping the H can just leave her be so she can do stupid things and get herself killed. Seriously this is just too one sided as I do not see any endearing quality in her besides her getting horny and ogling him thinking about sex. She didn't seem to be anything but a wreck (yea I guess given the situation, I'd have broken down or screamed my way to the asylum), but still, she seems to take everything the H do for her for granted without so much as a thanks. She also seems to think he's the scum or something, without being able to have an honest exchange with him till towards the end of the book. Then again she blamed him for something no one has control over and threw his arse out again. Seriously, why did the H want to be with someone like that? Where he seems to not to be even a blip in her radar and she doesn't seem to care two figs about, no matter what she claimed. You DO NOT hurt people so callously you care about, you SOLVE PROBLEMS by talking things through, not being childish and dump that person's arse if he matters to you at all.
We didn't get to know much about the H except that he's very into our h and protective towards her. But then again, given the situation, I would have preferred him to hook up with another girl altogether. This one just is too self absorbed and nasty. The problem with alpha H is oftentimes we don't see the strong points of the h, and all we see is a weak and cry baby needing rescue, this usually dims my interest real quick.
I'll still read the next one as that one's the one that got my attention on this series in the first place. Let's hope that the h there is a more likeable person.
I really had a hard time with the h and her tstl moments in the beginning, not to mention the fact that this all seems so one sided, where the H kept on giving and the h kept on taking and being a bitch about it with no regards for anything but herself.
I like characters with strong family values. People that are callous towards their family in real life or in story books are just not nice people in my book, and I tend to steer clear of them. However, there is also a fine line between blind devotion and family loyalty. The h here is the former one in my opinion, and the way the story is laid out, where we were not told why that came about put her at a disadvantage as I just do not understand how she can put up with such a sibling that seems not to care about her safety much. If I'd had known, I might have been more sympathetic with her walking into a known scumbag's house unarmed and without backup in a provoking dress, virtually inviting the said scumbag and his minions to do their worst with her. I might also understand why she wouldn't lay her trust in the H and dumped his arse for saying she is basically aiding and abetting her brother's downward spiral into hell, then withholding information time and again when it could have endangered not only her but people around her as well.
What follows is my gritting my teeth and just hoping the H can just leave her be so she can do stupid things and get herself killed. Seriously this is just too one sided as I do not see any endearing quality in her besides her getting horny and ogling him thinking about sex. She didn't seem to be anything but a wreck (yea I guess given the situation, I'd have broken down or screamed my way to the asylum), but still, she seems to take everything the H do for her for granted without so much as a thanks. She also seems to think he's the scum or something, without being able to have an honest exchange with him till towards the end of the book. Then again she blamed him for something no one has control over and threw his arse out again. Seriously, why did the H want to be with someone like that? Where he seems to not to be even a blip in her radar and she doesn't seem to care two figs about, no matter what she claimed. You DO NOT hurt people so callously you care about, you SOLVE PROBLEMS by talking things through, not being childish and dump that person's arse if he matters to you at all.
We didn't get to know much about the H except that he's very into our h and protective towards her. But then again, given the situation, I would have preferred him to hook up with another girl altogether. This one just is too self absorbed and nasty. The problem with alpha H is oftentimes we don't see the strong points of the h, and all we see is a weak and cry baby needing rescue, this usually dims my interest real quick.
I'll still read the next one as that one's the one that got my attention on this series in the first place. Let's hope that the h there is a more likeable person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2015
Enjoyable non-stop action and suspense!
This review applies to the audible version.
Elizabeth Martinez has been put in a dangerous situation by her brother. She is a computer security specialist, a smart woman, but when it comes to her brother she doesn’t think rationally. Time after time she has been dragged into his sordid life to save him. She won’t tolerate anyone saying anything against him for there are things between them that only brother and sister know. But in rescuing her brother constantly she has enabled his behavior and this time both their lives are at risk. She’s not alone though, her ex-boyfriend is there to help her whether she wants him to or not.
Porter Caldwell, a former marine and part of Red Stone Security has been asked by Elizabeth’s parents to keep an eye on her. This he does more for himself because he has always cared about Elizabeth and should never have let her walk away from him months before. She doesn’t make it easy for him to protect her for when it comes to her brother she is stubborn and recklessly unwise. There was quite a lot of tension between them a lot of it sexual attraction and from the situation at hand. Porter is a fantastic hero that could do no wrong for this listener. He's a strong, protective, sexy, alpha male who could be tender when the moment warranted and then tough when he had to be.
This story is non-stop action and suspense from beginning to end. You just don’t know what’s going to happen next. Having Porter and Elizabeth in such close constant proximity turns the heat level up quite a few degrees to steamy; they both feel for each other, never stopped even when they were split up. Their chemistry is palpable. Porter was wonderfully protective of Elizabeth but she was annoying at times, she really needed to learn about tough love when it came to her brother and that she could really trust Porter who would do anything to help her even if it went against the grain. But Elizabeth is tough and she eventually learns. This was quite an enjoyable read and listening experience, the first time listening to a story and it won’t be the last.
The narration was excellent; the words very clear, well-paced and easy to follow. Pyper Down used different voices for the different characters which brought a depth to the reading. What would have made this listen better would be having a male narrator for male voices and/or male POV’s and a female for the female voices and/or female POV’s.
I received a complimentary copy from the author for an honest review.
This review applies to the audible version.
Elizabeth Martinez has been put in a dangerous situation by her brother. She is a computer security specialist, a smart woman, but when it comes to her brother she doesn’t think rationally. Time after time she has been dragged into his sordid life to save him. She won’t tolerate anyone saying anything against him for there are things between them that only brother and sister know. But in rescuing her brother constantly she has enabled his behavior and this time both their lives are at risk. She’s not alone though, her ex-boyfriend is there to help her whether she wants him to or not.
Porter Caldwell, a former marine and part of Red Stone Security has been asked by Elizabeth’s parents to keep an eye on her. This he does more for himself because he has always cared about Elizabeth and should never have let her walk away from him months before. She doesn’t make it easy for him to protect her for when it comes to her brother she is stubborn and recklessly unwise. There was quite a lot of tension between them a lot of it sexual attraction and from the situation at hand. Porter is a fantastic hero that could do no wrong for this listener. He's a strong, protective, sexy, alpha male who could be tender when the moment warranted and then tough when he had to be.
This story is non-stop action and suspense from beginning to end. You just don’t know what’s going to happen next. Having Porter and Elizabeth in such close constant proximity turns the heat level up quite a few degrees to steamy; they both feel for each other, never stopped even when they were split up. Their chemistry is palpable. Porter was wonderfully protective of Elizabeth but she was annoying at times, she really needed to learn about tough love when it came to her brother and that she could really trust Porter who would do anything to help her even if it went against the grain. But Elizabeth is tough and she eventually learns. This was quite an enjoyable read and listening experience, the first time listening to a story and it won’t be the last.
The narration was excellent; the words very clear, well-paced and easy to follow. Pyper Down used different voices for the different characters which brought a depth to the reading. What would have made this listen better would be having a male narrator for male voices and/or male POV’s and a female for the female voices and/or female POV’s.
I received a complimentary copy from the author for an honest review.
July 20, 2015
Purchased and read as part of the Red Stone Security Series Box Set: Volume 1
If I had purchased this book individually instead of the box set, I probably wouldn’t have bothered with the rest after reading about Elizabeth and Porter.
To be blunt, the heroine (25) was an imbecile. Here was an intelligent woman with a PhD in computer science and the security manager for Red Stone Security. And yet when she’d captured the interest of the head of a drug cartel, no thanks to her junkie brother, she insisted she could handle the problem herself instead of asking her very nice employer for help. For years, she’d been bailing her brother Benny out of trouble at the risk of her own life (one time she was nearly gang raped because Benny happened to be in a seedy part of town).
She constantly bucked against Porter telling her what to do for her safety; but when that man is a security specialist, a lover who cared deeply and there had been one incident after another escalating from intimidation to near murder, she should have listened. Sadly, her character didn’t seem to know the difference between stubbornness and stupidity. I wanted to shake her and tell her that family loyalty wouldn't do her any good if she was dead.
There were extenuating circumstances that explained the strong bond between Benny and Lizzy and why she repeatedly put herself in jeopardy for him, but that came to light at the end of the story. By that time I'd already written her off. Perhaps it was a cultural thing to stand by the family no matter how badly they f*ed up, but I couldn’t believe she willingly stayed with her parents just to get some space from Porter.
I liked that they'd dated for a month in the past but didn't go all the way of having sex. Nor did they fall into bed during all the opportunities once he began protecting her again. They held back and built more trust between them before taking that last step. However, I didn’t feel their chemistry. Perhaps that’s why my feelings about them are at opposite ends of the spectrum—really disliked the heroine, and I can’t think of anything to say about Porter other than I liked him for not giving up on her and for trying to talk some sense into her.
November 22, 2023
I really enjoyed the action and suspense in this one as Elizabeth tries to run from the bad guy who is obsessed with having her. Considering that Elizabeth works for Red Stone Security, I would have thought she would lean on her workplace for help instead of just depending on Porter — not that Porter can’t take care of her just fine.
Always helping Benny is the reason that Elizabeth and her ex, Porter, broke up. Porter was attracted to Elizabeth from the first time she saw her at Red Stone and even working together couldn’t keep him away. But he couldn’t stand by while Elizabeth risked her life to help her brother. I understand why Porter was so frustrated by Benny — he drove me up the wall for endangering Elizabeth — and I admired his determination to stand by Elizabeth. Now that they're back together he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep her and protect her brother. Porter was wonderfully protective, strong, and sexy.
The pace and writing kept things going to the end and though there were a few moments when Elizabeth’s stubborn independence got in the way she also learns to lean on other people when it comes to helping Benny. I enjoyed that Elizabeth didn’t fight Porter too much on her protection and she seemed to quickly understand how in over her head she was. On the same note, both Porter and Elizabeth are so set on protecting each other that they don’t do the best job communicating all the facts.
Overall, I loved this book and it was a great fast paced read to fill an hour or two. I can’t wait to read about more of the Red Stone Security guys and get more wonderful suspense from Katie Reus.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Red Stone Security
2. Serafina: Sin City
Always helping Benny is the reason that Elizabeth and her ex, Porter, broke up. Porter was attracted to Elizabeth from the first time she saw her at Red Stone and even working together couldn’t keep him away. But he couldn’t stand by while Elizabeth risked her life to help her brother. I understand why Porter was so frustrated by Benny — he drove me up the wall for endangering Elizabeth — and I admired his determination to stand by Elizabeth. Now that they're back together he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep her and protect her brother. Porter was wonderfully protective, strong, and sexy.
The pace and writing kept things going to the end and though there were a few moments when Elizabeth’s stubborn independence got in the way she also learns to lean on other people when it comes to helping Benny. I enjoyed that Elizabeth didn’t fight Porter too much on her protection and she seemed to quickly understand how in over her head she was. On the same note, both Porter and Elizabeth are so set on protecting each other that they don’t do the best job communicating all the facts.
Overall, I loved this book and it was a great fast paced read to fill an hour or two. I can’t wait to read about more of the Red Stone Security guys and get more wonderful suspense from Katie Reus.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Red Stone Security
2. Serafina: Sin City
January 6, 2017
It wasn't just the family motto that made computer security specialist Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Martinez going to rescue her brother, Bennie, yet again from a drug lord's house but this time his choices could end up making her a prisoner or worse a victim. Just as things were getting worse, Lizzie's ex-boyfriend, former marine Porter Caldwell came in like a one man cavalry and swooped Lizzie and Bennie to safety.
Lizzie ineffectually fumes that gratitude is one thing but Porter has some explaining to do and there's no way she can get Bennie out of trouble by herself. Porter never stopped wanting Lizzie and isn't looking forward to the fight they're going to have over the reason they broke up to begin with, the same reason she fights with her family... Bennie endangering them with his underworld lifestyle!
Now that Bennie's troubles have brought Lizzie into the drug lord's orbit, he believes everything Lizzie is, is owed to him as well and Porter's going to make sure gets nothing. With Lizzie as the prize, Porter's law enforcement family circle the wagons around her to keep the drug lord's hired guns at bay. Meanwhile neither Lizzie's loyalty to Bennie nor her desire for Porter can be shaken.
While there were times this reader wanted to shake Lizzie, the action, chemistry between the leads and Porter didn't disappoint one iota. The villain and secondary characters worked well for the story and a couple of the characters seem ready for their own spotlight. For my taste the world building itself could have been a bit stronger but as this is a fairly long series, I suspect is forthcoming.
Rating: 4.25stars
Lizzie ineffectually fumes that gratitude is one thing but Porter has some explaining to do and there's no way she can get Bennie out of trouble by herself. Porter never stopped wanting Lizzie and isn't looking forward to the fight they're going to have over the reason they broke up to begin with, the same reason she fights with her family... Bennie endangering them with his underworld lifestyle!
Now that Bennie's troubles have brought Lizzie into the drug lord's orbit, he believes everything Lizzie is, is owed to him as well and Porter's going to make sure gets nothing. With Lizzie as the prize, Porter's law enforcement family circle the wagons around her to keep the drug lord's hired guns at bay. Meanwhile neither Lizzie's loyalty to Bennie nor her desire for Porter can be shaken.
While there were times this reader wanted to shake Lizzie, the action, chemistry between the leads and Porter didn't disappoint one iota. The villain and secondary characters worked well for the story and a couple of the characters seem ready for their own spotlight. For my taste the world building itself could have been a bit stronger but as this is a fairly long series, I suspect is forthcoming.
Rating: 4.25stars
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