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Hanover, Haven #1
Dance Away, Danger
Sensible dance instructor Tessa Gage likes her life organized, risk-free and on her own terms. When her cop brother goes missing, his crooked partner tries to kill her, and a handsome stranger claims he’s come to protect her, she’s forced to leave her comfort zone. With more dance and business sense than survival skills and no idea who to trust, Mattie has no choice but to rely on this man who’d rather be anywhere but by her side.
When carefree carpenter Matt Rylan gets a late night call from an Army buddy who once saved his life, he finds himself where he never again wanted to be—responsible for someone else. Honor demands Matt cooperate, but he never expects his simple babysitting job to test the limits of his self-control. Nor does he expect it to explode into a race against time for his very freedom.
As Tessa and Matt get closer to the truth, and to each other, Tessa learns to step outside the safety of her world to help set the wheels of justice in motion. For Matt, supporting this courageous woman suddenly becomes everything to him. Yet, his biggest challenge remains sharing his closed-off heart with her before the danger silences them both forever.
When carefree carpenter Matt Rylan gets a late night call from an Army buddy who once saved his life, he finds himself where he never again wanted to be—responsible for someone else. Honor demands Matt cooperate, but he never expects his simple babysitting job to test the limits of his self-control. Nor does he expect it to explode into a race against time for his very freedom.
As Tessa and Matt get closer to the truth, and to each other, Tessa learns to step outside the safety of her world to help set the wheels of justice in motion. For Matt, supporting this courageous woman suddenly becomes everything to him. Yet, his biggest challenge remains sharing his closed-off heart with her before the danger silences them both forever.
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2014
375 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Bourne
12 books22 followersAlexa Bourne is a teacher by day and a romance writer by nights, weekends, and all school holidays. She also teaches online classes for writers throughout the year. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance and is thrilled to have the chance to share her stories with readers everywhere.
When she’s not concocting sinister plots and steamy love scenes or traveling and exploring new cultures, Alexa spends her time reading, watching brainless TV, and thinking about exercising. Okay, she also spends way too much time interacting with readers and writers on social media sites. But don’t tell her editors! Find out more about her and her books on her website, www.alexabourne.com.
When she’s not concocting sinister plots and steamy love scenes or traveling and exploring new cultures, Alexa spends her time reading, watching brainless TV, and thinking about exercising. Okay, she also spends way too much time interacting with readers and writers on social media sites. But don’t tell her editors! Find out more about her and her books on her website, www.alexabourne.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 8, 2014
This was quite honestly a fantastic romantic suspense story!
I have read Alexa Bourne before, and I wasn't totally sold on the book. But the synopsis for this looked so dang intriguing I was going to dive in and give her another shot.
I was not disappointed. From beginning to end I was engaged by this story. I literally couldn't put it down to do status updates even though I really wanted to. The flow, rise and fall of action, and the romantic element was eloquently written and executed with such perfection I felt like I was watching a movie not reading a book.
Alexa managed to take the elements of crooked cops, build a believable storyline, create drama, and manage to have the lead characters fall for each other in a very reasonable way. What I like the most about this story is that it was ROMANCE. It wasn't erotic, it wasn't detailed, it was closed door, but yet I found myself loving each scene and falling for the love story just as much as I was falling for the suspense plot.
I found myself the whole book trying to figure out who was dirty and who wasn't. Well, generally when one cop is dirty, a whole bunch of them are too.
I really liked Matt, he was so broken and tormented that slowly opening him up to care for Tessa was a careful process that ended up really working out. Tessa was a fantastic female lead that was strong because she was clever not because she could beat someone up. She evolved throughout the course of the story and she was even stronger by the last page.
As a whole, there was nothing I could complain about this book. The characters were written extremely well, the story was ebbed and flowed with ease, and I can't WAIT to read more from Hanover!
*I received a copy of this book via Fated Desires Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
I have read Alexa Bourne before, and I wasn't totally sold on the book. But the synopsis for this looked so dang intriguing I was going to dive in and give her another shot.
I was not disappointed. From beginning to end I was engaged by this story. I literally couldn't put it down to do status updates even though I really wanted to. The flow, rise and fall of action, and the romantic element was eloquently written and executed with such perfection I felt like I was watching a movie not reading a book.
Alexa managed to take the elements of crooked cops, build a believable storyline, create drama, and manage to have the lead characters fall for each other in a very reasonable way. What I like the most about this story is that it was ROMANCE. It wasn't erotic, it wasn't detailed, it was closed door, but yet I found myself loving each scene and falling for the love story just as much as I was falling for the suspense plot.
I found myself the whole book trying to figure out who was dirty and who wasn't. Well, generally when one cop is dirty, a whole bunch of them are too.
I really liked Matt, he was so broken and tormented that slowly opening him up to care for Tessa was a careful process that ended up really working out. Tessa was a fantastic female lead that was strong because she was clever not because she could beat someone up. She evolved throughout the course of the story and she was even stronger by the last page.
As a whole, there was nothing I could complain about this book. The characters were written extremely well, the story was ebbed and flowed with ease, and I can't WAIT to read more from Hanover!
*I received a copy of this book via Fated Desires Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
January 2, 2014
Publisher Fated Desire brings us a new series from Alexa Bourne. The Hanover Haven series starts of with a bang. An exciting story about crooked cops, dance teachers and a life debt repaid.
Matt Rylan has left the Army behind him, he thinks, until is army buddy Jason Gage calls late one night. Matt agrees to help protect Jason little sister, Tessa, and to trust no one not even his partner on the Hanover Police Dept. Matt has no idea what Jason has gotten himself into but he's willing to do anything to pay back the life debt. Years ago back when they were both in the Army serving in the same unit Matt was shot and Jason stayed with him saving Matt's life.
Tessa Gage likes control and order and with only Jason as a permanent fixture she has allowed in her life after the death of their parents when she was still young she as just a few close friends and no wish for a relationship with a guy. But one late night when Matt a mysterious stranger with a gorgeous body and a message from Jason saying he is to protect her but from what she doesn't know. It becomes scary when they show up at Jason house and find an empty house and a blood stain on the carpet. Things get out of hand when two of Jason's so called friends show up at Matt's house and try to forcibly take Tessa with them, now Matt and Tessa are on the run from the people she always thought of as friends.
Jason Gage barely escaped with his life, when his partner Dave turns on him and shoots him. Bleeding out he finds his way to a gas station and to a car where her asks for help. Brenna had no idea what to think when she found a man bleeding to death in her car but for some reason she believes him when he tells her his tale of a crooked partner and his reason for not wanting her to call the cops.
Now on the run from the cops everyone believing Matt has kidnapped Tessa and that Jason is the dirty cop. Together they uncover the clues Jason laid out for them so they can uncover the reason for Jason's attempted murder and expose the real dirty cops. Along the way Tessa opens her self up to Matt and allows herself to rely on someone other then Jason or herself and Matt gives in to the need to take care of someone.
A good read that kept me going all night, I couldn't put it down.
Matt Rylan has left the Army behind him, he thinks, until is army buddy Jason Gage calls late one night. Matt agrees to help protect Jason little sister, Tessa, and to trust no one not even his partner on the Hanover Police Dept. Matt has no idea what Jason has gotten himself into but he's willing to do anything to pay back the life debt. Years ago back when they were both in the Army serving in the same unit Matt was shot and Jason stayed with him saving Matt's life.
Tessa Gage likes control and order and with only Jason as a permanent fixture she has allowed in her life after the death of their parents when she was still young she as just a few close friends and no wish for a relationship with a guy. But one late night when Matt a mysterious stranger with a gorgeous body and a message from Jason saying he is to protect her but from what she doesn't know. It becomes scary when they show up at Jason house and find an empty house and a blood stain on the carpet. Things get out of hand when two of Jason's so called friends show up at Matt's house and try to forcibly take Tessa with them, now Matt and Tessa are on the run from the people she always thought of as friends.
Jason Gage barely escaped with his life, when his partner Dave turns on him and shoots him. Bleeding out he finds his way to a gas station and to a car where her asks for help. Brenna had no idea what to think when she found a man bleeding to death in her car but for some reason she believes him when he tells her his tale of a crooked partner and his reason for not wanting her to call the cops.
Now on the run from the cops everyone believing Matt has kidnapped Tessa and that Jason is the dirty cop. Together they uncover the clues Jason laid out for them so they can uncover the reason for Jason's attempted murder and expose the real dirty cops. Along the way Tessa opens her self up to Matt and allows herself to rely on someone other then Jason or herself and Matt gives in to the need to take care of someone.
A good read that kept me going all night, I couldn't put it down.
January 20, 2014
First time reading this author but love to read books that contain this type of storyline because they keep you on your toes. This one certainly fit that and much much more. This one has everything you would want from a suspense romance-excellent flowing storyline that has characters you fall in love with,lots of intrigue and mystery mixed with lovely romance. That is one of the main reasons to read this type of book and it delivers. Tessa and Matt are the main characters, and how she meets him is in large due to her brother who is in trouble for doing the right thing but that brought it to her doorstep. Sent to keep her safe is Matt-owed the brother big time,saving someone's life always seems to do that and that debt is called in. Oh boy though will he be paying for more than he thought because he is going to be blamed for stuff he did not do because of shenanigans the brother has uncovered. Taking Tessa away for her own good but stubborn girl that she is at first bucks along the way but that attraction will change a girl's tune anyday. It just kept getting better and better as I kept going- the mystery to be solved, the danger that kept coming their way and them trying to outrun and outwit before it hit the fan with them on top. Cover it with spice and heat that all together has tingles and blood flowing with all this and more that goes on. Brother also has his own story going on while they are clueless about his whereabouts for the longest. Matt who thought he needed no one else gets a attitude adjustment by the love bug ha ha. Rest assured the end result is most and repeat must satisfactory and leaves you with a big ole smile on your face. Received a arc for a honest review.
January 7, 2014
The first book in the Hanover Haven series is an intriguing romance that full of suspense and action.
Tessa Gage is a sensible dance instructor that likes her life organinzed, risk free and on her own terms. But when her cop brother goes missing and calls in a friend to protect her she’s forced to leave her comfort zone. Matt Rylan is a carefree carpenter who finds himself somewhere he never again wanted to be, responsible for someone else. Honor demands that he cooperates, but he sure didn’t expect the simple babysitting to test the limits of his self control. And as the danger escalates and they end up in a race for their freedom… for their lives, the two will find both their lives changed forever.
This fast paced plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with non-stop action and suspense. The author brings the story to life with vivid imagery and intense details and strong compelling characters. The plot flows smoothly though each scene with well written words and the action scenes are believable. The reader can actually feel the tension as the couple try to outrun the bad guys while trying to find evidence to clear all of their names.
The attraction between Tessa and Matt radiates heat but is complicated by the stress they are under and emotional issues. The sex scenes are steamy but well written and take place at appropriate and believable times during the plot. The characters personalities and emotions are conveyed with intensity that makes them easy to relate to.
I had to finish the book once I started reading it and there was so much action and intrigue that I was totally caught up in the story and the characters. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
Tessa Gage is a sensible dance instructor that likes her life organinzed, risk free and on her own terms. But when her cop brother goes missing and calls in a friend to protect her she’s forced to leave her comfort zone. Matt Rylan is a carefree carpenter who finds himself somewhere he never again wanted to be, responsible for someone else. Honor demands that he cooperates, but he sure didn’t expect the simple babysitting to test the limits of his self control. And as the danger escalates and they end up in a race for their freedom… for their lives, the two will find both their lives changed forever.
This fast paced plot keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with non-stop action and suspense. The author brings the story to life with vivid imagery and intense details and strong compelling characters. The plot flows smoothly though each scene with well written words and the action scenes are believable. The reader can actually feel the tension as the couple try to outrun the bad guys while trying to find evidence to clear all of their names.
The attraction between Tessa and Matt radiates heat but is complicated by the stress they are under and emotional issues. The sex scenes are steamy but well written and take place at appropriate and believable times during the plot. The characters personalities and emotions are conveyed with intensity that makes them easy to relate to.
I had to finish the book once I started reading it and there was so much action and intrigue that I was totally caught up in the story and the characters. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
January 29, 2014
Nothing like Danger to bring the excitement back into your life! Great start to a new series based in Hanover, Rhode Island. There was danger, suspense, and gun fights! The story is told from both perspectives so you see the battle between the two think about what they have had and what they want while fighting to stay alive. Though I've never been in danger like this, the scenes flowed well and seemed reasonable. And now a bit about the story...
When his father passes, Matt had become the man of the house and responsible for his mother and two sisters at the the age of nine. As soon as he could escape he joined Army and once his tour was over he said goodbye to being responsible for anyone other than himself. He had a nice life as a carpenter and enjoyed doing construction. Until one day his former Army buddy, now police officer, calls him to protect his sister Tessa. As Tessa and Matt fight to survive and figure out who really is the bad cop the relationship between them grows. But Tessa remembers the last time she let a man mean something to her - her brother almost died. The deja vu is almost as bad as the cops after them. Dance along with Tessa and Matt as they discover the truth!
Favorite passages:
- "I'll be fine." When he got his mind back on business and out of her underwear.
- "Plans don't always go the way we expect. That doesn't make us failures. We're human. It's what we do afterward that makes us heroic, and you didn't cower. You pushed on."
- "But if you don't let yourself feel anything, then you're not really living."
When his father passes, Matt had become the man of the house and responsible for his mother and two sisters at the the age of nine. As soon as he could escape he joined Army and once his tour was over he said goodbye to being responsible for anyone other than himself. He had a nice life as a carpenter and enjoyed doing construction. Until one day his former Army buddy, now police officer, calls him to protect his sister Tessa. As Tessa and Matt fight to survive and figure out who really is the bad cop the relationship between them grows. But Tessa remembers the last time she let a man mean something to her - her brother almost died. The deja vu is almost as bad as the cops after them. Dance along with Tessa and Matt as they discover the truth!
Favorite passages:
- "I'll be fine." When he got his mind back on business and out of her underwear.
- "Plans don't always go the way we expect. That doesn't make us failures. We're human. It's what we do afterward that makes us heroic, and you didn't cower. You pushed on."
- "But if you don't let yourself feel anything, then you're not really living."
March 11, 2014
From page one, Alexa Bourne drops you into the middle of a fast-paced plot involving missing persons, murder, and dirty cops. This book has all the action you could ask for from a suspense including a to-die-for ex-military hero.
I loved Matt before I even knew him, but I was a little unsure about Tessa. I usually like strong, take-charge heroines in suspense. I was a little wary of Tessa, who identified as a victim. Tessa was definitely an exception to my rule, though. I loved the way she pushed herself to learn to protect herself and Matt even though it was way outside her comfort zone. She stood strong when the going got tough, even though she didn’t have the background or skills to enable her to do that easily. That’s the true definition of bravery.
The romance was super-sweet and didn’t push out the suspense, which kept me guessing to the end. I also got really attached to Tessa’s brother, Jason. I hope his story is coming next!
All in all, I think this is my favorite Alexa Bourne so far!
I loved Matt before I even knew him, but I was a little unsure about Tessa. I usually like strong, take-charge heroines in suspense. I was a little wary of Tessa, who identified as a victim. Tessa was definitely an exception to my rule, though. I loved the way she pushed herself to learn to protect herself and Matt even though it was way outside her comfort zone. She stood strong when the going got tough, even though she didn’t have the background or skills to enable her to do that easily. That’s the true definition of bravery.
The romance was super-sweet and didn’t push out the suspense, which kept me guessing to the end. I also got really attached to Tessa’s brother, Jason. I hope his story is coming next!
All in all, I think this is my favorite Alexa Bourne so far!
December 24, 2013
This book has all the right stuff....two hunky ex-military guys, one a cop and one a carpenter, and a damsel in distress that comes into her own while she searches for her brother with his former comrade in arms. The suspense was well written and kept me guessing and the romance between Tessa and Matt was wonderfully hot and steamy as well as sweet. I can't wait to find out if the other characters will get their own story next.
Great read!!
Great read!!
May 5, 2014
I won this book as part of a goodreads give away.
I do not care much for the title of the book, but other than that it was a very well written book. The plot kept my interest and i enjoyed the chemistry between Tessa and Matt, even what brewing Jason and Brenna. I liked trying to guess who the bad guys wete and what was going to happen next. Read this book in a day because i just had to find out what happens next. Looking foward to the next book in this series.
I do not care much for the title of the book, but other than that it was a very well written book. The plot kept my interest and i enjoyed the chemistry between Tessa and Matt, even what brewing Jason and Brenna. I liked trying to guess who the bad guys wete and what was going to happen next. Read this book in a day because i just had to find out what happens next. Looking foward to the next book in this series.
January 7, 2014
Ohhhh... i REALLY enjoyed this!!! I'm HOPING that Jason and Brenna's (???) story is next!!!
January 10, 2014
I loved this book. The characters were so rich and the story was so engrossing! Good plot too. I look forward to other reads by this author!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews