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The Bodyguards of L.A. County #4
Forever Alexa
First grade teacher and single mother Alexa Harris is no stranger to struggle, but for once, things are looking up. The school year is over, and the lazy days of summer are here. Mini-vacations and relaxing twilight barbeques are on the horizon until Alexa’s free-spirited younger sister vanishes.
Ransom calls and death threats force Alexa and her young daughter to flee their quiet home in Maryland. With nowhere else to turn, Alexa seeks the help of Jackson Matthews, Ethan Cooke Security’s Risk Assessment Specialist and the man who broke her heart.
With few leads to follow and Abby’s case going cold, Alexa must confess a shocking secret if she and Jackson have any hope of saving her sister from a hell neither could have imagined.
Ransom calls and death threats force Alexa and her young daughter to flee their quiet home in Maryland. With nowhere else to turn, Alexa seeks the help of Jackson Matthews, Ethan Cooke Security’s Risk Assessment Specialist and the man who broke her heart.
With few leads to follow and Abby’s case going cold, Alexa must confess a shocking secret if she and Jackson have any hope of saving her sister from a hell neither could have imagined.
458 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2013
129 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Cate Beauman
22 books538 followersCate Beauman is the multi-award-winning, international bestselling author of The Bodyguards of L.A. County series and the Carter Island Novels. She is known for her full-length, action-packed romantic suspense and contemporary stories.
Cate's novels have been named Readers' Favorite Five Star books and have won the Booksellers' Best Award, Maggie Award for Excellence, the Holt Medallion Award, two-time Aspen Gold Medal, two-time Readers' Favorite International Gold Medal, three-time Readers' Favorite International Silver Medal, and the Readers' Crown Award.
Cate makes her home in New Hampshire with her family and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack.
Subscribe to Cate's monthly newsletter and receive Morgan's Hunter for FREE! Subscribe here: http://www.catebeauman.com/getmyfreeb...
Cate can be reached at www.catebeauman.com and www.facebook.com/CateBeaumanAuthor.
You can follow Cate on Instagram at www.instagram.com/realcatebeauman
Cate's novels have been named Readers' Favorite Five Star books and have won the Booksellers' Best Award, Maggie Award for Excellence, the Holt Medallion Award, two-time Aspen Gold Medal, two-time Readers' Favorite International Gold Medal, three-time Readers' Favorite International Silver Medal, and the Readers' Crown Award.
Cate makes her home in New Hampshire with her family and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack.
Subscribe to Cate's monthly newsletter and receive Morgan's Hunter for FREE! Subscribe here: http://www.catebeauman.com/getmyfreeb...
Cate can be reached at www.catebeauman.com and www.facebook.com/CateBeaumanAuthor.
You can follow Cate on Instagram at www.instagram.com/realcatebeauman
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 29, 2021
I enjoy this series. I have one complaint about this books and the others in the series. The formula for these books seems to be two people want each other, fight their attraction, fall into each others arms, fight their feelings, get together, one person screws it up, they argue and then they both rethink their relationship, go through something tough, one or the other walks away and then finally sees the light. It's a little irritating to see the same thing happen in every book. I wish the author would mix it up a bit.
January 5, 2017
‘Forever Alexa’ is already the sixth book I’ve read in the Bodyguards of L.A. County series. Ever since I started this series a view months back I’ve been completely hooked. Not only is the romance amazing, the characters are great, the writing is very good and keeps you on the edge of your seat and best of all.. These books can be read in any order.
Ever since I read about Jackson in one of the other books I became super curious about his and Alexa’s story. So when I had a free spot on my reading list I dived in as fast as I could.
In ‘Forever Alexa’ we meet Alexa and her daughter Olivia. When Alexa’s younger sister gets kidnapped right in front of her, Olivia is all Alexa has. Desperate to save her sister, Alexa tries everything to get her back. But when the kidnappers start to threaten Olivia, Alexa decides to go to L.A. and find Jackson. Alexa and Jackson haven’t seen each other in four years. When Jackson broke up with Alexa, she was heartbroken but now he might be the only one who can help her.
Jackson never forgot about Alexa. And when he sees the little girl Olivia, who looks just like him he knows he has to try everything to get Alexa back into his life and protect them from harm.
Every time I start a new book in the Bodyguards of L.A. County series I’m afraid I won’t like the book as much as I did the others. But every time I’m surprised and completely fall in love with this series all over again. ‘Forever Alexa’ is a great story I just couldn’t stop reading. I read it in just one day because I just really needed to know how it ended.
The romance between Alexa and Jackson is amazing. There is a lot of chemistry and you can just feel how much they love each other. Now, but also all those years ago.
The best part of this book for me was the relationship between Jackson and his daughter Olivia. I loved reading about these too. It was just so touching to read how they got to know each other, and loved each other almost right away. I was really touched by their relationship. And Olivia was just downright cute!
There were also definitely some thrilling moments in this book. Especially in the end. Cate Beauman made sure I was sitting on the edge of my seat and I didn’t want it any other way.
Another great book if you ask me!
Ever since I read about Jackson in one of the other books I became super curious about his and Alexa’s story. So when I had a free spot on my reading list I dived in as fast as I could.
In ‘Forever Alexa’ we meet Alexa and her daughter Olivia. When Alexa’s younger sister gets kidnapped right in front of her, Olivia is all Alexa has. Desperate to save her sister, Alexa tries everything to get her back. But when the kidnappers start to threaten Olivia, Alexa decides to go to L.A. and find Jackson. Alexa and Jackson haven’t seen each other in four years. When Jackson broke up with Alexa, she was heartbroken but now he might be the only one who can help her.
Jackson never forgot about Alexa. And when he sees the little girl Olivia, who looks just like him he knows he has to try everything to get Alexa back into his life and protect them from harm.
Every time I start a new book in the Bodyguards of L.A. County series I’m afraid I won’t like the book as much as I did the others. But every time I’m surprised and completely fall in love with this series all over again. ‘Forever Alexa’ is a great story I just couldn’t stop reading. I read it in just one day because I just really needed to know how it ended.
The romance between Alexa and Jackson is amazing. There is a lot of chemistry and you can just feel how much they love each other. Now, but also all those years ago.
The best part of this book for me was the relationship between Jackson and his daughter Olivia. I loved reading about these too. It was just so touching to read how they got to know each other, and loved each other almost right away. I was really touched by their relationship. And Olivia was just downright cute!
There were also definitely some thrilling moments in this book. Especially in the end. Cate Beauman made sure I was sitting on the edge of my seat and I didn’t want it any other way.
Another great book if you ask me!
June 7, 2013
Alexa is helpless as her sister Abby is kidnapped. In searching for her sister she looks up her old boyfriend and arrives with his unknown daughter asking for help.
I just could not get into this story. It started off exciting but then just drug on I actually started skipping pages halfway through just to hurry the story along. Sadly not due to suspense but actually because of boredom and irritation.
Alex was an annoying character. Always whining or demanding things her way. Jack was just as annoying.between his lovesick moaning and bullying and tantrums I just did not really care for him.
Sadly disappointed.
I just could not get into this story. It started off exciting but then just drug on I actually started skipping pages halfway through just to hurry the story along. Sadly not due to suspense but actually because of boredom and irritation.
Alex was an annoying character. Always whining or demanding things her way. Jack was just as annoying.between his lovesick moaning and bullying and tantrums I just did not really care for him.
Sadly disappointed.
Read
November 10, 2022DNF
These two deserve each other.
Heroine keeps child secret for 3 1/2 for no good reason. He's not an arm-twisting vengeful HP tycoon just a scared schmuck.
Hero dumps heroine for no good reason. Because of kidnapping stuff, brings her and their daughter home to his new, and apparently awesome, girlfriend. Cozies up next to the h and her daughter in bed to "comfort" them and is then shocked when his girlfriend packs up and leaves. Duh. GF deserves much, much better.
P.S.
Just realized that this is my second DNF with the series/author. I think I'm done.
These two deserve each other.
Heroine keeps child secret for 3 1/2 for no good reason. He's not an arm-twisting vengeful HP tycoon just a scared schmuck.
Hero dumps heroine for no good reason. Because of kidnapping stuff, brings her and their daughter home to his new, and apparently awesome, girlfriend. Cozies up next to the h and her daughter in bed to "comfort" them and is then shocked when his girlfriend packs up and leaves. Duh. GF deserves much, much better.
P.S.
Just realized that this is my second DNF with the series/author. I think I'm done.
August 23, 2017
Forever Alexa by Cate Beauman is a knock your socks off, tighten your seatbelt ride.
Right off the bat, I know something bad is going to happen to Alexa and I hate it for her. Who will help her when the cops fail? Ethan Security and a lost love.
In typical Romantic Suspense fashion, Alexa has to get herself front and center…deep in trouble, unable and unwilling to wait for someone else to do the dirty work. Even though I know the scenario well, because this is my favorite reading, I gasp, cringe and want to reach through the glass of my Kindle, grab her by the arm and hold her back., yelling, telling her it’s too damn dangerous.
I hate that women are weaker than men, but unless we have special skills or super powers, we are at the monsters mercy.
When do you know the risk is too great? When do you know it’s time to stop and move on? When we have the answers. I would want Alexa at my side in times of trouble, that’s for sure.
I do become frustrated with the back and forth, seesawing, of romantic suspense relationships, but that is the nature of the beast.
The point of view shifts from one character’s perspective to another, from Alexa’s to Jackson’s. And I do love the characters. A woman with the strength to do what needs to be done, not waiting for someone else to do it. A man that dares to show emotion, learning that it is not a weakness but a strength.
I am on pins and needles, waiting, feeling like more bad is coming their way on each and every page. I have an overwhelming sense of danger…I get Alexa’s motivation, but damn…frying pan to fire.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Forever Alexa by Cate Beauman.
To see more visit fundinmental
Right off the bat, I know something bad is going to happen to Alexa and I hate it for her. Who will help her when the cops fail? Ethan Security and a lost love.
In typical Romantic Suspense fashion, Alexa has to get herself front and center…deep in trouble, unable and unwilling to wait for someone else to do the dirty work. Even though I know the scenario well, because this is my favorite reading, I gasp, cringe and want to reach through the glass of my Kindle, grab her by the arm and hold her back., yelling, telling her it’s too damn dangerous.
I hate that women are weaker than men, but unless we have special skills or super powers, we are at the monsters mercy.
When do you know the risk is too great? When do you know it’s time to stop and move on? When we have the answers. I would want Alexa at my side in times of trouble, that’s for sure.
I do become frustrated with the back and forth, seesawing, of romantic suspense relationships, but that is the nature of the beast.
The point of view shifts from one character’s perspective to another, from Alexa’s to Jackson’s. And I do love the characters. A woman with the strength to do what needs to be done, not waiting for someone else to do it. A man that dares to show emotion, learning that it is not a weakness but a strength.
I am on pins and needles, waiting, feeling like more bad is coming their way on each and every page. I have an overwhelming sense of danger…I get Alexa’s motivation, but damn…frying pan to fire.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Forever Alexa by Cate Beauman.
To see more visit fundinmental
October 29, 2016
Once again Ms. Beauman wrote a heart-breaking prologue. Which just sucks you into the book without any choice really.
Alexa has always looked after her sister Abby. That is until Abby gets kidnapped right in front of her eyes and is stuck in what to do. She goes to the police but that doesn’t help. In the end per coincidence she finds out that her ex now works for a security firm in LA so she flies out to ask him for help.
Jackson is coming back from one of his jobs. That is until he gets a phone call from Ethan telling him that he needs to come to their house. He sees the one person he thought that he would never see again. Alexa. The day he walked away from Alexa has been one of his biggest mistakes.
Jack ends up helping Alex and well meets his three and half year old daughter Olivia. Spitting image of Jack. Ah what he does next isn’t exactly a stellar move but hey is long lost love walks back in and well he has a daughter so to protect them he gets them to move in with him. Ah Jack you have a girlfriend waiting at home for you. A romantic dinner and ah maybe you should rethink that one.
Well the good thing is, is that Evelyn the girlfriend steps back gracefully. She doesn’t cling the writing is on the wall there is no changing that. She walked out with her head held high and her pride and dignity still intact. Bravo Ms. Beauman.
Getting back to Alex and Jack they have a lot to work through. On top of that they have to find Abby. They head back to Maryland as there are some leads what comes to light is that it wasn’t random. That several girls have gone missing and that there is a sex ring. The FBI know but they don’t care about small fish they want the shark of the group.
I respected Alex’s braveness but there were also times where I wanted to knock her out. Tough choice. Save your sister but maybe exchange the lives of your daughter and partner even your own to get what you want? Tough.
Jack only wanted to protect them and I felt for both of them every step of the way and I also got them and their reasoning behind them. But some things were just too dramatic. Jack is a fantastic hero. He is so adorable with his daughter.
Ms. Beauman writes really intense stories. They sure do keep you on your toes. The ending was so abrupt though at 96 % of the book. We get a HEA all the time but I always feel the book hangover afterwards as well. But I think I’m going to take a break for the moment now.
Alexa has always looked after her sister Abby. That is until Abby gets kidnapped right in front of her eyes and is stuck in what to do. She goes to the police but that doesn’t help. In the end per coincidence she finds out that her ex now works for a security firm in LA so she flies out to ask him for help.
Jackson is coming back from one of his jobs. That is until he gets a phone call from Ethan telling him that he needs to come to their house. He sees the one person he thought that he would never see again. Alexa. The day he walked away from Alexa has been one of his biggest mistakes.
Jack ends up helping Alex and well meets his three and half year old daughter Olivia. Spitting image of Jack. Ah what he does next isn’t exactly a stellar move but hey is long lost love walks back in and well he has a daughter so to protect them he gets them to move in with him. Ah Jack you have a girlfriend waiting at home for you. A romantic dinner and ah maybe you should rethink that one.
Well the good thing is, is that Evelyn the girlfriend steps back gracefully. She doesn’t cling the writing is on the wall there is no changing that. She walked out with her head held high and her pride and dignity still intact. Bravo Ms. Beauman.
Getting back to Alex and Jack they have a lot to work through. On top of that they have to find Abby. They head back to Maryland as there are some leads what comes to light is that it wasn’t random. That several girls have gone missing and that there is a sex ring. The FBI know but they don’t care about small fish they want the shark of the group.
I respected Alex’s braveness but there were also times where I wanted to knock her out. Tough choice. Save your sister but maybe exchange the lives of your daughter and partner even your own to get what you want? Tough.
Jack only wanted to protect them and I felt for both of them every step of the way and I also got them and their reasoning behind them. But some things were just too dramatic. Jack is a fantastic hero. He is so adorable with his daughter.
Ms. Beauman writes really intense stories. They sure do keep you on your toes. The ending was so abrupt though at 96 % of the book. We get a HEA all the time but I always feel the book hangover afterwards as well. But I think I’m going to take a break for the moment now.
July 6, 2013
In Romantic-Suspense novels, the main focus is on the growing emotional attachment between the main characters. The plot is secondary. Because of this, you do a lot of forgiving of the plot problems because the characters are so good. Too much forgiving of the plot distracts from the main focus. I find myself rolling my eyes too much and get dizzy. That is what happened here.
The bad guys never read the book "Bad Guys For Dummies." Finding a missing character was much too easy. Relocation of the missing person would have happened early on instead of not happening at all.
All of the good-guy characters were believable. Except for the three and a half year old. The vocabulary was bigger and the activity and memory abilities were that of an older child. I really did like the kid and the interaction with the hero and heroine was charming.
The relationship between the hero and heroine was also terrific. It is what kept me reading the book. It was obvious early on that the relationship was a slam dunk. The path to that relationship was satisfying.
I think the problems with this book were just a one-off and I will continue to read the series.
Would I recommend this book to a Navy Seal? Probably not
Would I recommend this series to a reader of Romantic-Suspense? Absolutely
Would I recommend this book to a man in a bear suit? Probably not. I get the feeling his sense of adventure is satisfied in other ways.
The bad guys never read the book "Bad Guys For Dummies." Finding a missing character was much too easy. Relocation of the missing person would have happened early on instead of not happening at all.
All of the good-guy characters were believable. Except for the three and a half year old. The vocabulary was bigger and the activity and memory abilities were that of an older child. I really did like the kid and the interaction with the hero and heroine was charming.
The relationship between the hero and heroine was also terrific. It is what kept me reading the book. It was obvious early on that the relationship was a slam dunk. The path to that relationship was satisfying.
I think the problems with this book were just a one-off and I will continue to read the series.
Would I recommend this book to a Navy Seal? Probably not
Would I recommend this series to a reader of Romantic-Suspense? Absolutely
Would I recommend this book to a man in a bear suit? Probably not. I get the feeling his sense of adventure is satisfied in other ways.
January 29, 2022
I just finished reading this book, and I have to say, with every book in this series I get more and more hooked. There's something about Ms. Beauman's storylines that have me staying up waaay past my bedtime to read just one more chapter. This was no exception. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and grab you from the first page. Although this and the last book don't have as much mystery as the first two books did, the plot is plenty suspenseful and filled with lots of great turns. Definitely a series to check out!
November 19, 2013
I loved the first three books in this series even though they are formulaic. The plots are similar and the characters, while loveable, are too perfectly beautiful, kind and rich. They're a bit like Barbie Princesses for adults. This book starts well but rapidly descends into the ridiculous. Alexa, who starts off as an attractive, independent young woman, turns into a stupid bimbo, willing to put whole families in danger to save her sister. I have seldom found a book more irritating.
November 5, 2022
Alexa was to annoying for me. I get you want to get your sister back,but Jack was right. She didn’t stop to think about her actions and how they put other people in danger. I’ve never cared for characters like that.
April 25, 2020
Book four of the Bodyguards of LA County.. This is probably my favorite of the series so far.
I'm a huge fan of single parent stories so that's probably part of why I liked it so much. (Technically, she isn't a single parent though because the father of her child is alive and well, he just didn't know about the kid. Poor Jackson..)
Anyways... I felt the like the suspense factor really picked up in this one so that's also part of the reason why I enjoyed it more than the rest.
In the beginning, when Evelyn was still in the picture, I was a little confused on where Jackson stood with her. His mind was consumed with thoughts of his lost love, Alexa, and the daughter he didn't know that he had. It was understandable that he was putting Ev on the back burner but for a minute, you're almost confused about where she's at or even if she's still around after their 'awkward moment'. I have to say that I didn't care for Evelyn. You don't really get to know her but it took away from the connection that Jack and Alex have. He's just trying to fill a void and it's obvious.. to everyone except Ev.. until Alexa shows up, that is.
In the end,
I have to say that the best part was when it was just Jackson and Olivia and he took her to fish. It was so sweet. It was really nice to see just the two of them.. Not enough books (with single parents or where the dad didn't know there was kid) have this type of scene where they connect and have a moment of just them without the other parent. So it was really nice to see that added in here.
I also really liked Jackson's momma. She was just a little meddler and I loved it! I did think it was just a tad weird that even when there was noticeable tension between Jack and Alexa, she kept having Alexa call her 'mom'. If I were Alex, I would have felt a little strange. But that's just me...
I loved the flashbacks. It was great to see what Jack and Alex were like before Jack wasa dumbass an idiot. I also liked that they weren't all at the beginning. Some happened a little later. It's nice to get a little information as you go but sometimes it's a bit overwhelming. I like how this was set up.
So all in all, I really liked this. Definitely my favorite.. Maybe tied for first. Not all that sure.
I'm looking forward to see how Justice for Abby turns out but I think there's another book to read before that one. It should be interesting..
I'm a huge fan of single parent stories so that's probably part of why I liked it so much. (Technically, she isn't a single parent though because the father of her child is alive and well, he just didn't know about the kid. Poor Jackson..)
Anyways... I felt the like the suspense factor really picked up in this one so that's also part of the reason why I enjoyed it more than the rest.
In the beginning, when Evelyn was still in the picture, I was a little confused on where Jackson stood with her. His mind was consumed with thoughts of his lost love, Alexa, and the daughter he didn't know that he had. It was understandable that he was putting Ev on the back burner but for a minute, you're almost confused about where she's at or even if she's still around after their 'awkward moment'. I have to say that I didn't care for Evelyn. You don't really get to know her but it took away from the connection that Jack and Alex have. He's just trying to fill a void and it's obvious.. to everyone except Ev.. until Alexa shows up, that is.
In the end,
I have to say that the best part was when it was just Jackson and Olivia and he took her to fish. It was so sweet. It was really nice to see just the two of them.. Not enough books (with single parents or where the dad didn't know there was kid) have this type of scene where they connect and have a moment of just them without the other parent. So it was really nice to see that added in here.
I also really liked Jackson's momma. She was just a little meddler and I loved it! I did think it was just a tad weird that even when there was noticeable tension between Jack and Alexa, she kept having Alexa call her 'mom'. If I were Alex, I would have felt a little strange. But that's just me...
I loved the flashbacks. It was great to see what Jack and Alex were like before Jack was
So all in all, I really liked this. Definitely my favorite.. Maybe tied for first. Not all that sure.
I'm looking forward to see how Justice for Abby turns out but I think there's another book to read before that one. It should be interesting..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2017
2.5 stars
Jackson and Alexa were in lurve in college. He left and joined the police force, things began to get on top of him and in a fit of panic he broke up with Alexa. A few weeks later he realises what a monumental mistake he's made and goes back to the campus to beg her forgiveness. When he gets there he sees her laughing and holding hands with another guy so he drives off.
Three to five years later Alexa and her younger sister Abby are driving home with Alexa (and Jackson's) daughter. They stop at a petrol station and Abby gets abducted in broad daylight. It turns out that there have been a series of simialr brazen abductions of young women - the police believe that it is a gang of people traffickers. The kidnappers call Alexa and threaten her, she believes that they have killed Abby and are coming after her. A local cop sees Alexa and her daughter, recognises the daughter's resemblance to Jackson and mentions (casually)that Jackson works for a top security company in LA. In desperation Alexa goes to LA to beg for Jackson's help protecting their daughter and rescuing Abby.
Alexa and Jackson have never stopped loving each other and quickly gloss over the past as Jackson falls in love with his daughter.
At this point everything was good - the suspense about Abby's situation was good, the romance was on track etc. Then Alexa lost the plot for me. She is a school teacher (young children at that) but she went off like Clint Eastwood trying to rescue Abby and refusing to listen to skilled professionals. If Ms Beauman wanted her to act like that she should have made her a small town sheriff or an FBI profiler - something to justify why she felt her judgement was superior to that of law enforcement and top notch security specialists. Her stupidity ruined the book for me and I ended up finishing it just so that I could get it off my Kindle.
Words can't describe how irritating I found Alexa, her character didn't ring true - or it did but it was sooooo annoying I could strangle her.
In my opinion this would have worked better if the Police were urging Alexa to do something contrary to what Jackson and the security team were saying. That way her blind insistence on doing the opposite of what Jackson told her would have more validity. Also, why can't any of these men (and I include the police in this comment) sit her down and tell her that she will get her sister killed if she doesn't do what they tell her? And I'm sorry, but if the police and FBI were hellbent on catching this "kingpin" wouldn't they have undercover people there? And wouldn't they already know he was having a birthday party?
And Abby's situation with the traffickers didn't ring true - was she a book-keeper or a dancer?
Generally I thought the whole thing was full of inconsistencies and plot holes - very disappointing.
Jackson and Alexa were in lurve in college. He left and joined the police force, things began to get on top of him and in a fit of panic he broke up with Alexa. A few weeks later he realises what a monumental mistake he's made and goes back to the campus to beg her forgiveness. When he gets there he sees her laughing and holding hands with another guy so he drives off.
Three to five years later Alexa and her younger sister Abby are driving home with Alexa (and Jackson's) daughter. They stop at a petrol station and Abby gets abducted in broad daylight. It turns out that there have been a series of simialr brazen abductions of young women - the police believe that it is a gang of people traffickers. The kidnappers call Alexa and threaten her, she believes that they have killed Abby and are coming after her. A local cop sees Alexa and her daughter, recognises the daughter's resemblance to Jackson and mentions (casually)that Jackson works for a top security company in LA. In desperation Alexa goes to LA to beg for Jackson's help protecting their daughter and rescuing Abby.
Alexa and Jackson have never stopped loving each other and quickly gloss over the past as Jackson falls in love with his daughter.
At this point everything was good - the suspense about Abby's situation was good, the romance was on track etc. Then Alexa lost the plot for me. She is a school teacher (young children at that) but she went off like Clint Eastwood trying to rescue Abby and refusing to listen to skilled professionals. If Ms Beauman wanted her to act like that she should have made her a small town sheriff or an FBI profiler - something to justify why she felt her judgement was superior to that of law enforcement and top notch security specialists. Her stupidity ruined the book for me and I ended up finishing it just so that I could get it off my Kindle.
Words can't describe how irritating I found Alexa, her character didn't ring true - or it did but it was sooooo annoying I could strangle her.
In my opinion this would have worked better if the Police were urging Alexa to do something contrary to what Jackson and the security team were saying. That way her blind insistence on doing the opposite of what Jackson told her would have more validity. Also, why can't any of these men (and I include the police in this comment) sit her down and tell her that she will get her sister killed if she doesn't do what they tell her? And I'm sorry, but if the police and FBI were hellbent on catching this "kingpin" wouldn't they have undercover people there? And wouldn't they already know he was having a birthday party?
And Abby's situation with the traffickers didn't ring true - was she a book-keeper or a dancer?
Generally I thought the whole thing was full of inconsistencies and plot holes - very disappointing.
May 20, 2014
This is my new favorite book. It had everything, action, suspense, and romance. This book would make a great movie. The plot was good, and fast moving. The charters really drew me into the story.
Alexia was in love once, but Jackson broke her heart before she could tell him she was pregnant. Three years later, Her sister gets kidnapped as she watched helpless. Abby was pulled from Alexia's car, at a rest stop while Olivia, Alexia's three year old daughter watched from her car seat. Alexia got ransom calls, but there was no way she could come up with the amount the kidnappers wanted. The computerized voice on the other end warned her against going to the police. Alexia only had one option to save her sister. That was to ask Jackson for her help.
I love the emotions in this book. He was shocked when he found out he had a daughter. After the shock wore off, he loved that little girl with all of his heart. He also still loved Alexia. He had a lot to make up for.
The suspense of the story was really good. Jackson and Alexia had to work together to take down a sex ring to bring Abby home safe. Alexia is a school teacher, so it was funny the way it was described when she went undercover to her fist shaddy bar. By the end of the story, the police and defective's working the case said she would make a great actor.
This is a really GREAT book. This review would be pages long, if I told you everything I enjoyed about the book. I don't want to ruin the story for you, so just open up the pages, and see for yourself.
Alexia was in love once, but Jackson broke her heart before she could tell him she was pregnant. Three years later, Her sister gets kidnapped as she watched helpless. Abby was pulled from Alexia's car, at a rest stop while Olivia, Alexia's three year old daughter watched from her car seat. Alexia got ransom calls, but there was no way she could come up with the amount the kidnappers wanted. The computerized voice on the other end warned her against going to the police. Alexia only had one option to save her sister. That was to ask Jackson for her help.
I love the emotions in this book. He was shocked when he found out he had a daughter. After the shock wore off, he loved that little girl with all of his heart. He also still loved Alexia. He had a lot to make up for.
The suspense of the story was really good. Jackson and Alexia had to work together to take down a sex ring to bring Abby home safe. Alexia is a school teacher, so it was funny the way it was described when she went undercover to her fist shaddy bar. By the end of the story, the police and defective's working the case said she would make a great actor.
This is a really GREAT book. This review would be pages long, if I told you everything I enjoyed about the book. I don't want to ruin the story for you, so just open up the pages, and see for yourself.
April 30, 2016
Alexa and Jackson have a past but when Alexa's sister Abby is kidnapped, they are reunited when Ethan Cooke Security is brought in to investigate. Jackson is surprised to meet Alexa's daughter who is his mirror image. Jackson and Alexa's investigation leads them into the world of human trafficking and Alexa is determined to free her sister. Beauman is a great storyteller and although the subject matter was not really my cup of tea, the story keep me interested, frustrated and desperate to get a HEA.
January 17, 2016
I have now complete book number four by Ms. Beauman! This book was romantic, a bit intense and an intriguing read! Her books deal with heavy topics but sadly are reality for many people. Overall I'm happy to add It to my "read" list.
May 15, 2013
really enjoyed this book. looking forward to reading more about the Bodyguards of LA County mainly Tucker :)
December 20, 2017
I'm gonna make this review short and sweet. Forever Alexa follows the typical romantic suspense novel; the push/pull of will they, won't they - which I love. I admit that this particular book caught me somewhat off guard. I honestly thought that Abby was behind her own kidnapping (kinda crazy to think she'd make her own sister think she was kidnapped but that's where my mind went). I didn't see the whole sex trafficking storyline coming - not that I minded.
Jackson and Alexa having a past relationship was a fun little twist to the story (yes, Sarah and Ethan from Book #2 were friends before but they weren't previous lovers). I enjoyed the flashbacks to their previous relationship. And I happen to love when little children are involved. When they're 3 or 4 years old they can get away with saying anything.
My two criticisms are that I thought the end was a little rushed. Alexa finally finds Abby and then they both get taken. Next thing you know, Jackson saved they day and he's proposing. And the final thing I didn't like - no epilogue! Call me sappy but I need to see the 18 month or so time jump. I need to know that all of Abby's kidnappers and those involved with the sex ring got put in prison. I need to know that Abby got the therapy she needed. I need to know if Alexa ended up pregnant again after the couple of times she and Jackson had unprotected sex. Yes, we're to assume most of those things but I'm one that needs to see things wrapped up in a nice, big, pretty red bow - not just tied up with a small blue ribbon.
Now, on to book #5!
Jackson and Alexa having a past relationship was a fun little twist to the story (yes, Sarah and Ethan from Book #2 were friends before but they weren't previous lovers). I enjoyed the flashbacks to their previous relationship. And I happen to love when little children are involved. When they're 3 or 4 years old they can get away with saying anything.
My two criticisms are that I thought the end was a little rushed. Alexa finally finds Abby and then they both get taken. Next thing you know, Jackson saved they day and he's proposing. And the final thing I didn't like - no epilogue! Call me sappy but I need to see the 18 month or so time jump. I need to know that all of Abby's kidnappers and those involved with the sex ring got put in prison. I need to know that Abby got the therapy she needed. I need to know if Alexa ended up pregnant again after the couple of times she and Jackson had unprotected sex. Yes, we're to assume most of those things but I'm one that needs to see things wrapped up in a nice, big, pretty red bow - not just tied up with a small blue ribbon.
Now, on to book #5!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2018
The first 2-3 chapters and the last 3 are very exciting but everything in the middle is kind of borderline boring. I didn't care for Alexa. She is suppose to be an independent woman but acts like a spoilt child. Jack in return treats her like the spoilt child that she is acting like and demands she do things his way.
In the beginning of the book, Alexa's sister, Abby, is kidnapped by a sex trafficking ring. I actually thought they went to a lot of trouble to take Abby when they could have taken Alexa. Abby was in a locked car and Alexa had gotten out of the car to use the facilities.
Alexa feels helpless and decides to seek help from her ex-boyfriend who also happens to be the father of her child. A child he knew nothing about. I actually understood why Alexa never told Jack about Lilly.
I like romantic suspense but I prefer when the focus is more on the suppennse/mystery and less on the couple. The writer felt like she had to put the couple at odds - against each other. They both wanted to do things their way and refused to compromise or discuss it which kind of made me feel like they didn't belong together.
In the beginning of the book, Alexa's sister, Abby, is kidnapped by a sex trafficking ring. I actually thought they went to a lot of trouble to take Abby when they could have taken Alexa. Abby was in a locked car and Alexa had gotten out of the car to use the facilities.
Alexa feels helpless and decides to seek help from her ex-boyfriend who also happens to be the father of her child. A child he knew nothing about. I actually understood why Alexa never told Jack about Lilly.
I like romantic suspense but I prefer when the focus is more on the suppennse/mystery and less on the couple. The writer felt like she had to put the couple at odds - against each other. They both wanted to do things their way and refused to compromise or discuss it which kind of made me feel like they didn't belong together.
March 28, 2021
Jack and Alex
This is the fourth book in this series and the stories keep getting better. This author has had me in tears during all of the three previous but this one takes the cake. This one features Jackson “Jack” Matthews. Four years ago Jack made the biggest mistake of his life when he broke up with his college girlfriend. Now Alexa “Alex” Harris is in need of Jack’s help. Her sister Abby was kidnapped from her car while returning from vacation and now the kidnappers are threatening her three year old daughter. She hopes a plane to LA when she finds out where Jack now lives. Needles to say, Jack is shocked to see his old flame but the biggest surprise is a three year old daughter who is his spitting image. We has action, adventure, romance, fighting, cops and Feds more concerned about their own agenda, sleazy men who trap innocents in sex trafficking, two loving parents/grandparents, a ridiculously cute child, a woman who is willing to do anything for her sister, a man fighting to protect the woman he loves, and some seriously hot steamy scenes.
This is the fourth book in this series and the stories keep getting better. This author has had me in tears during all of the three previous but this one takes the cake. This one features Jackson “Jack” Matthews. Four years ago Jack made the biggest mistake of his life when he broke up with his college girlfriend. Now Alexa “Alex” Harris is in need of Jack’s help. Her sister Abby was kidnapped from her car while returning from vacation and now the kidnappers are threatening her three year old daughter. She hopes a plane to LA when she finds out where Jack now lives. Needles to say, Jack is shocked to see his old flame but the biggest surprise is a three year old daughter who is his spitting image. We has action, adventure, romance, fighting, cops and Feds more concerned about their own agenda, sleazy men who trap innocents in sex trafficking, two loving parents/grandparents, a ridiculously cute child, a woman who is willing to do anything for her sister, a man fighting to protect the woman he loves, and some seriously hot steamy scenes.
June 8, 2022
Although well written this book just has way too much conflict Alex acts like brat not getting her way, I really didn’t like Alex much. It would be a nice change in this series if the couple got together earlier and they work together trying to fix the conflict. This series seems to be the same in each book.
November 9, 2022
5 Stars
Wow. This book was so amazing. It was so packed full of drama, I loved it.
Jack and Alexa’s story was certainly an adventure. When Alexa’s sister Abby is kidnapped, Alex won’t stop at anything to get her back. With the help of her ex Jack.
Wow. This book was so amazing. It was so packed full of drama, I loved it.
Jack and Alexa’s story was certainly an adventure. When Alexa’s sister Abby is kidnapped, Alex won’t stop at anything to get her back. With the help of her ex Jack.
December 26, 2017
Couldn't get through it.
January 17, 2022
This series is so good. Its totally addicting.
i-bailed-dnf
October 16, 2022bailed at 31% - I wasn't jiving with this AT ALL.
January 5, 2023
Excellent read with lots and lots of suspense and nail biting moments.
July 14, 2023
This book would have been a great story if wasn't for the (h) Alexa. That bitch was annoying af....quarter ways through the book and I was hoping she got kidnapped too, she was that annoying!!!
Want to read
April 17, 2024Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
November 13, 2024
It was so needlessly long! Why drag it on so much?
August 1, 2013
For most of their lives, Alexa Harris has taken care of her sister, Abby. When Abby disappears and ransom calls threaten her only daughter, Alexa turns to the Ethan Cooke’s bodyguard firm in LA for help.
Chapter one of this book was the reason I began the entire series – though it’s the last one I have read. I apparently unwittingly saved the best for last. Yes, this just might be the best one in the series. This was a gripping tale with action that hooked me right from the start. Time passed with inaction as well. These “slow” parts were just as delicious as the action and anything but boring. Once again, I am in awe of Cate Beauman.
I am not sure why or how exactly but I felt the story and the characters seemed more real this time around. The twisting emotions felt were palpable. I was brought to tears early on but the suspense lasted throughout the whole book. Humorous at times, I found myself laughing. I could identify with the main character in many ways.
It must be all the good writing. Because it was good. Character building, memories and history, action and suspense, and dialogue all fit, were balanced well and worked beautifully. Perhaps an occasional error here and there shows a need for another round of polishing, but this was overall an easy, fast read which I did not want to put down.
While I sighed at seeing yet another “unknown” cell phone call, other details in this book were fabulous. I had to love the fact that the location had a Raven in the name. Mutt was perfect. With the main character having a daughter, details like reheating of breastmilk without a microwave was spot on. Who wouldn’t love a little girl who liked to sleep with a ragged old stuffed froggy or make “stories”?
Some of the bodyguard aspects left me questioning. I had a hard time believing a bodyguard would take a 3-year old on a reconnaissance mission across the country. After reading Falling for Sarah, it just seemed the protocol would have been a little different. I found myself wondering why Olivia wasn’t left with Kylee. How come Ethan did not send over more bodyguards? Would only one be needed for reconnaissance? And most importantly, will there next be a book 5 about Tucker?
The ending was complex and tied up all loose ends rather nicely. Which would you prefer? A powerful woman with guts and determination or a damsel in distress? The answer is important to think about while reading this book. I still am unsure. Perhaps, it is because I secretly want both.
Overall, I would highly recommend this (as well as the others in this series) for adults who love romantic suspense novels. There is some mild, PG-13 violence and some itty bitty profanity here and there. So, really, I say this is for adults because of the explicit sexual scenes – especially one of them.
The series is meant to be stand-alone. However, unless you don’t mind overall spoilers like “And they all lived happily ever after”, read the series in order. But, that’s me. I don’t like any level of spoilage. If you don’t mind a drop or two here and there, then the order probably won’t matter to you.
Read away. The only disappointment will come from knowing this is the last book in the series.
Sigh.
For more reviews such as this, please visit http://ravenreviewer.tumblr.com
Disclaimer: All books reviewed by me have been received via purchase, lending, or given to me by an author or publisher for the purposes of an honest review. No reviews are purchased. They are my own opinion.
Chapter one of this book was the reason I began the entire series – though it’s the last one I have read. I apparently unwittingly saved the best for last. Yes, this just might be the best one in the series. This was a gripping tale with action that hooked me right from the start. Time passed with inaction as well. These “slow” parts were just as delicious as the action and anything but boring. Once again, I am in awe of Cate Beauman.
I am not sure why or how exactly but I felt the story and the characters seemed more real this time around. The twisting emotions felt were palpable. I was brought to tears early on but the suspense lasted throughout the whole book. Humorous at times, I found myself laughing. I could identify with the main character in many ways.
It must be all the good writing. Because it was good. Character building, memories and history, action and suspense, and dialogue all fit, were balanced well and worked beautifully. Perhaps an occasional error here and there shows a need for another round of polishing, but this was overall an easy, fast read which I did not want to put down.
While I sighed at seeing yet another “unknown” cell phone call, other details in this book were fabulous. I had to love the fact that the location had a Raven in the name. Mutt was perfect. With the main character having a daughter, details like reheating of breastmilk without a microwave was spot on. Who wouldn’t love a little girl who liked to sleep with a ragged old stuffed froggy or make “stories”?
Some of the bodyguard aspects left me questioning. I had a hard time believing a bodyguard would take a 3-year old on a reconnaissance mission across the country. After reading Falling for Sarah, it just seemed the protocol would have been a little different. I found myself wondering why Olivia wasn’t left with Kylee. How come Ethan did not send over more bodyguards? Would only one be needed for reconnaissance? And most importantly, will there next be a book 5 about Tucker?
The ending was complex and tied up all loose ends rather nicely. Which would you prefer? A powerful woman with guts and determination or a damsel in distress? The answer is important to think about while reading this book. I still am unsure. Perhaps, it is because I secretly want both.
Overall, I would highly recommend this (as well as the others in this series) for adults who love romantic suspense novels. There is some mild, PG-13 violence and some itty bitty profanity here and there. So, really, I say this is for adults because of the explicit sexual scenes – especially one of them.
The series is meant to be stand-alone. However, unless you don’t mind overall spoilers like “And they all lived happily ever after”, read the series in order. But, that’s me. I don’t like any level of spoilage. If you don’t mind a drop or two here and there, then the order probably won’t matter to you.
Read away. The only disappointment will come from knowing this is the last book in the series.
Sigh.
For more reviews such as this, please visit http://ravenreviewer.tumblr.com
Disclaimer: All books reviewed by me have been received via purchase, lending, or given to me by an author or publisher for the purposes of an honest review. No reviews are purchased. They are my own opinion.
October 1, 2015
Cate Beauman doesn't disappoint in Forever Alexa, the fourth book in the LA Bodyguards series. While it is formulaic, there are enough twists that it holds the readers attention. It is a romantic suspense, after all. You're pretty sure there's going to be a happy ending.
Jackson and Alexa were college sweethearts and had it all. They were planning their future; everything was planned out. Their life was going to be idyllic. Jackson graduated with his criminal justice degree and secured a job with a PD force a couple hours away from the college where Alexa continued her studies. Jackson drives down for his normal weekend visit, but out of the blue, he breaks everything off. He just can't do it anymore. He doesn't want Alexa. She is so blindsided by this declaration that she doesn't know what to do. So she watches him drive away and tries to deal with the fact she'll never see him again.
Fast forward four years. After a celebratory vacation to the beach, Alexa is traveling home with her three-year-old daughter and her sister. She desperately has to make a pitstop. She has an uneasy feeling about stopping, but Abby, her sister, convinces Alexa that she's a worrywart and nothing is going to happen in the five minutes it'll take Alexa to run to the bathroom. Famous last words....as Alexa comes out the door she sees Abby being dragged from their car and stuffed into a van. The police are immediately called and a full report is made. Alexa realizes after a few days that the police aren't really doing much about the kidnapping. She's on her own.
After running into an old college friend, Alexa decides to contact Jackson, who is out in LA working for Ethan Cooke Security. As much as she doesn't want to, she has run out of options and needs the help of someone she knows she can trust. And she does know that she can trust Jackson even though he broke her heart. Meanwhile, Jackson can't wait to get home after his latest assignment. He's finally going to do it. He's going to take the next step in moving on with his life. He's ready to take his relationship with Ev to the next level. He's ready to finally let dreams of Alexa go. Oh, yeah. He realized his mistake and you'll eventually find out why he didn't do anything about getting Alexa back all those years ago.
When Alexa talks Jackson into helping her, the action begins to take off. Flying from one coast to the other, trying to get the police and federal agents to cooperate, dealing with the secrets each have held from one another, it can't help but get interesting. There were times I got really annoyed with Alexa, she was so one track minded that she was willing to take risks I think were totally out of line. But, I guess that's what kept the action going. So far, this has been a good series and I've enjoyed it.
Jackson and Alexa were college sweethearts and had it all. They were planning their future; everything was planned out. Their life was going to be idyllic. Jackson graduated with his criminal justice degree and secured a job with a PD force a couple hours away from the college where Alexa continued her studies. Jackson drives down for his normal weekend visit, but out of the blue, he breaks everything off. He just can't do it anymore. He doesn't want Alexa. She is so blindsided by this declaration that she doesn't know what to do. So she watches him drive away and tries to deal with the fact she'll never see him again.
Fast forward four years. After a celebratory vacation to the beach, Alexa is traveling home with her three-year-old daughter and her sister. She desperately has to make a pitstop. She has an uneasy feeling about stopping, but Abby, her sister, convinces Alexa that she's a worrywart and nothing is going to happen in the five minutes it'll take Alexa to run to the bathroom. Famous last words....as Alexa comes out the door she sees Abby being dragged from their car and stuffed into a van. The police are immediately called and a full report is made. Alexa realizes after a few days that the police aren't really doing much about the kidnapping. She's on her own.
After running into an old college friend, Alexa decides to contact Jackson, who is out in LA working for Ethan Cooke Security. As much as she doesn't want to, she has run out of options and needs the help of someone she knows she can trust. And she does know that she can trust Jackson even though he broke her heart. Meanwhile, Jackson can't wait to get home after his latest assignment. He's finally going to do it. He's going to take the next step in moving on with his life. He's ready to take his relationship with Ev to the next level. He's ready to finally let dreams of Alexa go. Oh, yeah. He realized his mistake and you'll eventually find out why he didn't do anything about getting Alexa back all those years ago.
When Alexa talks Jackson into helping her, the action begins to take off. Flying from one coast to the other, trying to get the police and federal agents to cooperate, dealing with the secrets each have held from one another, it can't help but get interesting. There were times I got really annoyed with Alexa, she was so one track minded that she was willing to take risks I think were totally out of line. But, I guess that's what kept the action going. So far, this has been a good series and I've enjoyed it.
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