What do you think?
Rate this book
Deadly Ops #2
Bound to Danger
At a benefit dinner, community activist Maria Cervantes overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack that could rock Miami to its core. But before she can alert authorities, she’s almost killed in a massive explosion—and wakes up in a hospital with no memory of what happened. As the sole survivor of the attack, she is now a person of interest to the NSA—and especially to Agent Cade O’Reilly. Because Maria is the one woman Cade has never been able to forget.
Years ago, they were closer than either was willing to admit—until Cade disappeared when Maria needed him most. Now he’s sticking by her, whether she likes it or not. Because the memories locked inside her mind could hold vital clues to the next attack. Because terrorists want her dead—and because he never wants to let her go again.
Years ago, they were closer than either was willing to admit—until Cade disappeared when Maria needed him most. Now he’s sticking by her, whether she likes it or not. Because the memories locked inside her mind could hold vital clues to the next attack. Because terrorists want her dead—and because he never wants to let her go again.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
112 people are currently reading
1980 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
January 3, 2016
Bound to Danger was a thrill ride filled with danger at every turn! But at the heart of this story was a sweet, second chance romance.
Maria’s whole life has been turned upside down after surviving a bomb blast that took out a mansion full of party goers, including her mother. Unfortunately, Maria can’t remember anything before the blast and the-powers-that-be are very interested in how she survived. Enter Cade O’Reilly, the man who broke her heart eight years earlier. He’s been assigned to protect her and investigate the attack. The simmering attraction and intense longing Maria felt all those years ago come rushing back, but she’s not over the hurt and pain Cade inflicted by cutting her off so absolutely. Can she protect her heart when just looking at Cade twists her insides up? Does he feel the same?
Cade lost his heart to Maria, the little sister of his best friend, Riel eight years earlier. When Riel is killed in action, Cade blames himself and cuts off all ties with Maria, but he hasn’t forgot about her in the time they’ve been apart. When her name comes up as one of the survivors of a horrific bomb assault, Cade insists on guarding her. He can’t help the possessive and protective feelings he feels over Maria, and he’s through with staying away.
This was a non-stop action filled thrill ride! I felt like I was watching a Jason Bourne movie. Maria attends a party, things go BOOM, and it’s pretty much on from there on out. Katie Reus writes to excite! When I wasn’t being thrilled with the mystery and danger, my heart was racing for other reasons! Maria and Cade had a fiery attraction based on long held feelings, and it was only a matter of time before those pent up feelings combusted, and the result is hot, lusty, passionate!
Of course I wanted these two to sort out the past, eliminate the bad guys and get the HEA they deserved! Did I get my wish?
If you love romantic suspense, Bound to Danger is a must read. I can’t wait for the next in the series, and I’m wondering if it will center on Levi. I’m sensing something between him and Allison.
A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Maria’s whole life has been turned upside down after surviving a bomb blast that took out a mansion full of party goers, including her mother. Unfortunately, Maria can’t remember anything before the blast and the-powers-that-be are very interested in how she survived. Enter Cade O’Reilly, the man who broke her heart eight years earlier. He’s been assigned to protect her and investigate the attack. The simmering attraction and intense longing Maria felt all those years ago come rushing back, but she’s not over the hurt and pain Cade inflicted by cutting her off so absolutely. Can she protect her heart when just looking at Cade twists her insides up? Does he feel the same?
Cade lost his heart to Maria, the little sister of his best friend, Riel eight years earlier. When Riel is killed in action, Cade blames himself and cuts off all ties with Maria, but he hasn’t forgot about her in the time they’ve been apart. When her name comes up as one of the survivors of a horrific bomb assault, Cade insists on guarding her. He can’t help the possessive and protective feelings he feels over Maria, and he’s through with staying away.
This was a non-stop action filled thrill ride! I felt like I was watching a Jason Bourne movie. Maria attends a party, things go BOOM, and it’s pretty much on from there on out. Katie Reus writes to excite! When I wasn’t being thrilled with the mystery and danger, my heart was racing for other reasons! Maria and Cade had a fiery attraction based on long held feelings, and it was only a matter of time before those pent up feelings combusted, and the result is hot, lusty, passionate!
Of course I wanted these two to sort out the past, eliminate the bad guys and get the HEA they deserved! Did I get my wish?
If you love romantic suspense, Bound to Danger is a must read. I can’t wait for the next in the series, and I’m wondering if it will center on Levi. I’m sensing something between him and Allison.
A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2014
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
Bound to Danger is my 2nd Katie Reus book and she has now earned a spot on my auto read list of authors. Doesn't matter if she's writing about alpha werewolves or sexy military men, Reus knows how to suck you into a story.
Bound to Danger is the 2nd book in the Deadly Ops series and as a reader that started with the 2nd book I can stay that it can be read without reading the 1st book. I didn't feel like I was lost or missing any background information. But I will be going and reading book 1, Targeted.
This deadly ops is surrounded by a couple that meet about 8 years ago when Cade came home with Maria's brother on a leave. Maria was 21 and Cade was 24. Not a big age difference but they were in very different places in their life. He had been in the Marines since 18 and she was finishing up a college degree.
There was an instant attraction between the two but they never acted on it (outside of one kiss) because of Maria's brother. The two exchanged emails and letters after Cade went back over seas. I love that we got to see the emails the two shared. Their friendship grew into something more but something tragic happened making Cade cut off all communication with Maria, breaking her heart.
Fast forward about 8 years where Maria is in danger from terrorists and Cade, now in the NSA, shows up to protect her while trying to find the men that's after her.
We know who the terrorists is and why they've attacked buildings and people in Miami, the real mystery is who is working within them to out Maria. It's someone that's a family friend and Reus kept me guessing at who it would be. I usually figure a mystery out pretty quickly in books but I couldn't with this one and it made the book even more enjoyable. Hats off to Katie Reus for keeping me guessing.
Bound to Danger is full of action, suspense and toe curling sexy times with Cade and Maria. Reus gets your heart pumping in more than one way and romance readers are sure to enjoy Bound to Danger.
May 22, 2015
Haven't got time to do a review but if had to sum up in one word that would be....Outstanding!!
May 26, 2016
Maria is at a charity gala when she accidentally overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack, she manages to escape the building but before she can get completely free of the area she is injured in a massive explosion and loses her memory. She remembers enough to know that there are more attacks planned but the trauma has left the details fuzzy so she doesn't know enough to help police stop them. Cade is the NSA Agent who is assigned to protect Maria and help her get her memory back. He was friends with Maria's brother and had started developing feelings for her but he let Maria down once and is determined never to do it again. When the terrorists realise that Maria overheard important details about their plans it paints a target on her back but Cade will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. The real question is whether she'll get her memory back in time to help the NSA stop the terrorists before even more innocent lives are lost.
Bound to Danger is the second story in Katie Reus's Deadly Ops series and it's just as action packed as the first. Each book works well as a standalone as they all focus on a different couple but as with any book from this kind of series you get to see previous (and future) characters from the NSA team that Cade works for so I think it's nicer to read them in order.
Cade is everything you could want from a romantic suspense hero, he's an ex-Marine and now serves his country by working for the NSA so he's a well trained and very protective alpha male. He hates himself for walking away from Maria after her brother died but he didn't cope well with the loss of his best friend, he felt like he was to blame for everything that happened and thought that Maria would never be able to forgive him for it. Now he's older and wiser and he realises exactly what he let slip through his fingers so he's not going to let this chance pass him by without trying to win her back.
Maria is smart and caring, she comes from a wealthy family but wants to give something back to the community so she puts all her energy into helping run a local community centre where she also volunteers as a councilor for children in need. She is completely out of her depth in her current situation but she never lets her fear overtake her. Maria knows that if she can just find a way to unlock her memories then she can help protect innocent lives, something that is even more important to her after her own devastating loss the night of the gala. She's very wary of letting Cade get close to her again but he's everything she ever wanted in a man and her feelings haven't changed in the years since she saw him last which makes him very hard to resist.
Bound to Danger is full of action and intrigue alongside a wonderful romance between two great characters. This series is quickly turning into a favourite and I'm really looking forward to picking up the next story.
Bound to Danger is the second story in Katie Reus's Deadly Ops series and it's just as action packed as the first. Each book works well as a standalone as they all focus on a different couple but as with any book from this kind of series you get to see previous (and future) characters from the NSA team that Cade works for so I think it's nicer to read them in order.
Cade is everything you could want from a romantic suspense hero, he's an ex-Marine and now serves his country by working for the NSA so he's a well trained and very protective alpha male. He hates himself for walking away from Maria after her brother died but he didn't cope well with the loss of his best friend, he felt like he was to blame for everything that happened and thought that Maria would never be able to forgive him for it. Now he's older and wiser and he realises exactly what he let slip through his fingers so he's not going to let this chance pass him by without trying to win her back.
Maria is smart and caring, she comes from a wealthy family but wants to give something back to the community so she puts all her energy into helping run a local community centre where she also volunteers as a councilor for children in need. She is completely out of her depth in her current situation but she never lets her fear overtake her. Maria knows that if she can just find a way to unlock her memories then she can help protect innocent lives, something that is even more important to her after her own devastating loss the night of the gala. She's very wary of letting Cade get close to her again but he's everything she ever wanted in a man and her feelings haven't changed in the years since she saw him last which makes him very hard to resist.
Bound to Danger is full of action and intrigue alongside a wonderful romance between two great characters. This series is quickly turning into a favourite and I'm really looking forward to picking up the next story.
September 23, 2015
This book was not for me.
I tried, I really did. But I couldn't find anything to like about it.
Most often I asked myself why I even bothered too, or why I kept hoping it would get better and dragged my feet through almost 3/4 of it. *smh*
I'm not very picky when it comes to this type of books, because most of the time I like them as background when I'm busy doing something else, working, doing stuff around the house, right before going to sleep etc. But no. This one didn't work out even then. It just pissed me off. Beside the story being too similar to the first book in the series (so, boring and predictable), the heroine was one of the most annoying, whiny, self-centered main characters I have ever read about. And this being a suspense novel, with lots of action, terrorist attacks, people dying, bombs exploding, guns blazing stuff, I couldn't believe the 'alpha male' hero, who supposedly was the best one to conduct those kinds of ops, would leave all that behind to go cater for the sensitive heroine because 'she went through a lot'. *eye roll* She's a freaking grown woman, stop babysitting her and put your priorities in order! Or leave the job to someone else and go lick her wounds. *deep breaths* Sorry, still getting aggravated about that. The two parts of the story didn't mix well at all. And the cheesy romance ruined everything else. :(
Oh, and when I saw they pulled the most predictable cheesy twist ever there at the end - you know, where the terrorists call the heroine to tell her they have her friend and she'd better meet them for an exchange or they'd get her friend back in pieces, and, surprise, surprise, she sneaks out of the safe house and goes (I'm not even going to hide this in spoilers, anyone who reads this will see this coming, because it's all so predictable and just like the first book), I finally decided I've had enough.
If I'd give this 1.5 stars, it would be for the writing itself and for the audiobook narrator. Everyhting else... Ugh.
I tried, I really did. But I couldn't find anything to like about it.
Most often I asked myself why I even bothered too, or why I kept hoping it would get better and dragged my feet through almost 3/4 of it. *smh*
I'm not very picky when it comes to this type of books, because most of the time I like them as background when I'm busy doing something else, working, doing stuff around the house, right before going to sleep etc. But no. This one didn't work out even then. It just pissed me off. Beside the story being too similar to the first book in the series (so, boring and predictable), the heroine was one of the most annoying, whiny, self-centered main characters I have ever read about. And this being a suspense novel, with lots of action, terrorist attacks, people dying, bombs exploding, guns blazing stuff, I couldn't believe the 'alpha male' hero, who supposedly was the best one to conduct those kinds of ops, would leave all that behind to go cater for the sensitive heroine because 'she went through a lot'. *eye roll* She's a freaking grown woman, stop babysitting her and put your priorities in order! Or leave the job to someone else and go lick her wounds. *deep breaths* Sorry, still getting aggravated about that. The two parts of the story didn't mix well at all. And the cheesy romance ruined everything else. :(
Oh, and when I saw they pulled the most predictable cheesy twist ever there at the end - you know, where the terrorists call the heroine to tell her they have her friend and she'd better meet them for an exchange or they'd get her friend back in pieces, and, surprise, surprise, she sneaks out of the safe house and goes (I'm not even going to hide this in spoilers, anyone who reads this will see this coming, because it's all so predictable and just like the first book), I finally decided I've had enough.
If I'd give this 1.5 stars, it would be for the writing itself and for the audiobook narrator. Everyhting else... Ugh.
March 17, 2016
I had a hard time rating this one. I was really pulled into it at first, but there were also a number of times I rolled my eyes. So I went with a 3 star rating.
Ms. Reus writes really well and I definitely enjoy her style of writing; plus romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres.
The plot of a terrorist attack in Miami was good and begins with an attack at a charity event with some key rollers in the city. I thought the two primary terrorists and their motives were fairly well developed. There were some time sequencing which didn't feel quite tight - but hey, it's a book. I definitely like how Ms. Reus started each chapter with a definition that helps you feel comfortable with key terms and foreshadows the chapter.
What I take issue with:
After 8 years and minimal contact Cade and Maria are jumping right into sex even though she's just lost her mother and terrorists are trying to kill her. For me I'm not sure if sex is always the answer in these scenarios. Sometimes it's just talking and support from someone who cares.
Ms. Reus writes really well and I definitely enjoy her style of writing; plus romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres.
The plot of a terrorist attack in Miami was good and begins with an attack at a charity event with some key rollers in the city. I thought the two primary terrorists and their motives were fairly well developed. There were some time sequencing which didn't feel quite tight - but hey, it's a book. I definitely like how Ms. Reus started each chapter with a definition that helps you feel comfortable with key terms and foreshadows the chapter.
What I take issue with:
After 8 years and minimal contact Cade and Maria are jumping right into sex even though she's just lost her mother and terrorists are trying to kill her. For me I'm not sure if sex is always the answer in these scenarios. Sometimes it's just talking and support from someone who cares.
August 15, 2014
ARC REVIEW:
Now this is how you write a romantic suspense story. Katie Reus delivers a multilayered, suspenseful story punctuated by her trademark hot romance.
Things I really liked about this book:
1. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives. Not only do we get the point of view of Maria and Cade, but also the guy with the finger on the trigger of a bomb. The terrorist is not really sympathetic, but understanding the reasons why he is targeting Miami gives another welcomed layer to the story. He is not painted as merely an extremist or lunatic, but as a calculating man seeking revenge for what was done to his family.
2. I also liked how the author uses emails to reconstruct the past relationship between the two main characters. I appreciate this technique to show their evolution. Because they are young adults at the time, the dialogue is innocent and sweet in contrast to the experienced adults they are today.
3. I read enough romantic suspense and special ops books to be familiar with the terminology, but I thought it was very helpful to have definition of terms at the beginning of each chapter. Phrases like "wet work", "soft target", and "collateral damage" are unfortunately a part of common vocabulary today with the tensions around the world, so having it defined in lay terms is very appreciated.
4. I think that many of Katie Reus' books would make fantastic movies. There are twists and turns, chases and blasts, and intensely romantic moments between characters. Jerry Bruckheimer are you listening? Stop making Pirates of the Caribbean movies and pick up a Katie Reus' book for consideration!
One thing I didn't like so much:
Often in books with an über alpha, the character feels unworthy of love because of their actions in the past. It is not a unfamiliar theme. It is a good thing that Cade has broad shoulders because he carries a lot of guilt, especially when he is around or thinking about Maria. The theme and the language becomes a little repetitive.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Book two in the Deadly Ops series is a WINNER! Katie Reus comes back with a novel worth your time investment and may be a little sacrificed sleep.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now this is how you write a romantic suspense story. Katie Reus delivers a multilayered, suspenseful story punctuated by her trademark hot romance.
Things I really liked about this book:
1. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives. Not only do we get the point of view of Maria and Cade, but also the guy with the finger on the trigger of a bomb. The terrorist is not really sympathetic, but understanding the reasons why he is targeting Miami gives another welcomed layer to the story. He is not painted as merely an extremist or lunatic, but as a calculating man seeking revenge for what was done to his family.
2. I also liked how the author uses emails to reconstruct the past relationship between the two main characters. I appreciate this technique to show their evolution. Because they are young adults at the time, the dialogue is innocent and sweet in contrast to the experienced adults they are today.
3. I read enough romantic suspense and special ops books to be familiar with the terminology, but I thought it was very helpful to have definition of terms at the beginning of each chapter. Phrases like "wet work", "soft target", and "collateral damage" are unfortunately a part of common vocabulary today with the tensions around the world, so having it defined in lay terms is very appreciated.
4. I think that many of Katie Reus' books would make fantastic movies. There are twists and turns, chases and blasts, and intensely romantic moments between characters. Jerry Bruckheimer are you listening? Stop making Pirates of the Caribbean movies and pick up a Katie Reus' book for consideration!
One thing I didn't like so much:
Often in books with an über alpha, the character feels unworthy of love because of their actions in the past. It is not a unfamiliar theme. It is a good thing that Cade has broad shoulders because he carries a lot of guilt, especially when he is around or thinking about Maria. The theme and the language becomes a little repetitive.
IN A NUTSHELL:
Book two in the Deadly Ops series is a WINNER! Katie Reus comes back with a novel worth your time investment and may be a little sacrificed sleep.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2016
I enjoyed this book but I hope that every hero and heroine in this series won’t be second chance romances because I am already over the “lack of communication” or “misunderstanding” thing.
Similar to book 1, Agent Cade O’Riley was thrust back into Maria Cervantes life after she became the sole survivor of an explosion due to a terrorist attack. The actual plot was entertaining and was as much a focal point as the romance. I was just as invested in their reunion as I was in eliminating the bad guys.
Now I know this is going to sound weird, but I actually found the bad guys and their motivations just as fascinating in this story. While I never condone or enjoy acts of terrorism, the author wrote them in a way that they didn’t seem purely evil. One could empathize with their loss and their desire to cause pain to those they felt wounded them. While I completely hated their actions, I didn’t find myself hating the bad guys here.
I enjoyed Maria as a heroine because she wasn’t a pushover and Cade had to work to regain her trust.
This story was enhanced by the flashback via letters/emails that Maria and Cade shared in their younger years. So the author used the past to weave a love story that was passionate and sweet. Maria came from a privileged life but she wasn’t defined by the money. She showed compassion and loyalty even when it seemed that Cade didn’t have her back.
If you enjoy stories where the plot doesn’t take a back seat to the romance, then this series is for you. I hope Levi and Allison’s journey takes a different path though.
*Special thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given for a review.
Similar to book 1, Agent Cade O’Riley was thrust back into Maria Cervantes life after she became the sole survivor of an explosion due to a terrorist attack. The actual plot was entertaining and was as much a focal point as the romance. I was just as invested in their reunion as I was in eliminating the bad guys.
Now I know this is going to sound weird, but I actually found the bad guys and their motivations just as fascinating in this story. While I never condone or enjoy acts of terrorism, the author wrote them in a way that they didn’t seem purely evil. One could empathize with their loss and their desire to cause pain to those they felt wounded them. While I completely hated their actions, I didn’t find myself hating the bad guys here.
I enjoyed Maria as a heroine because she wasn’t a pushover and Cade had to work to regain her trust.
This story was enhanced by the flashback via letters/emails that Maria and Cade shared in their younger years. So the author used the past to weave a love story that was passionate and sweet. Maria came from a privileged life but she wasn’t defined by the money. She showed compassion and loyalty even when it seemed that Cade didn’t have her back.
If you enjoy stories where the plot doesn’t take a back seat to the romance, then this series is for you. I hope Levi and Allison’s journey takes a different path though.
*Special thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given for a review.
June 25, 2018
-second chance romance
-75% Suspense/25% Romance. I would prefer more romance but still enjoyed the storyline.
-very protective hero that displays some jealous and possessive tendencies.
-likeable heroine who is in the line of fire and being protected by the hero.
-story is safe when it comes to the couple but this is a violent storyline involving terrorist, bombing, sex trafficking and the CIA.
-felt sympathy for the villian when I learned the why to his actions
-narrator of the audio book is very good. I'm not in love with her male voice but I'm very picky about this.
-borrowed on Audible Romance package
-75% Suspense/25% Romance. I would prefer more romance but still enjoyed the storyline.
-very protective hero that displays some jealous and possessive tendencies.
-likeable heroine who is in the line of fire and being protected by the hero.
-story is safe when it comes to the couple but this is a violent storyline involving terrorist, bombing, sex trafficking and the CIA.
-felt sympathy for the villian when I learned the why to his actions
-narrator of the audio book is very good. I'm not in love with her male voice but I'm very picky about this.
-borrowed on Audible Romance package
April 29, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A deadly race against time with a former Marine and sister of his fallen friend.
Opening Sentence: “Cade O’Reilly ran full force through the triple-canopy jungle, the unbearable summer heat and giant mosquitos barely a blip on his radar as he dodged low-hanging vines and branches.”
The Review:
Maria is at a benefit dinner when she gets ill, she’s taken to a back bedroom where she overhears a conversation about a deadly terrorist attack in Miami, before she has a chance to react there is a deadly explosion and she wakes up in the hospital remembering nothing. Cade is the best friend of her brother and he shows up to help protect Maria, as they try to figure out who set off the explosion that killed her mother and many others.
Maria can’t understand why Cade cut her out of his life when Riel died all those years ago, and she can’t remember what happened before the explosion at the benefit dinner. As things begin to heat up between them and another attempt is made on her life, they realize they are in a race against time to figure who is behind the attacks and why they want her dead. Will Cade be able to save Maria, or will the terrorist kill her first?
I haven’t read this series before or anything by this author. I have always enjoyed history between main characters in romance novels, it almost always makes the relationship feel more believable! This was a fast paced read full of action. The mystery wasn’t too much of a mystery because some chapters are told from the bad guy’s point of view. So you as a reader have almost all of the knowledge upfront, and you know what she has forgotten. That doesn’t detract from the story, it really adds to it because you are on the edge of your seat wondering if they are going to figure it all out before it’s too late.
I also really loved how a majority of the chapter’s end with emails that Maria had messaged to Cade when he was a Marine deployed to Afghanistan. It really allows you to get a feel for their previous relationship without to many flashbacks or time wasted in the past. It is super cute and just enhances the present relationship as they try to get past the past and make things work now! Cade is a total badass, and he really takes the time to work on regaining her trust and apologizing for what happened.
I am not giving that way because it may not be too much of a spoiler, but it is one of those things you enjoy finding out and appreciate when it is all revealed to Maria. I have to say that I loved, loved her reaction to it! It was superb!!! And on that note go forth and enjoy, I will also add that I didn’t feel lost, so this appears to be the kind of series you can jump in wherever you feel!
Notable Scene:
“He hadn’t planned on needing the extra firepower, but as a United States Marine, he was always prepared for an apocalypse-type situation.”
“With one act Mihails was going to remind them they were just like everyone else.”
“Then when the time was right, he’d strike and eliminate her.”
“Even if he hurt her, she wasn’t going to walk away before they had a chance to see if things could work between them.”
“The bastard had come to her mother’s funeral when he’d been involved.”
“She tried to respond but was cut off as two big hands reached through the broken window and started choking her.”
FTC Advisory: Signet/Penguin provided me with a copy of Bound to Danger. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A deadly race against time with a former Marine and sister of his fallen friend.
Opening Sentence: “Cade O’Reilly ran full force through the triple-canopy jungle, the unbearable summer heat and giant mosquitos barely a blip on his radar as he dodged low-hanging vines and branches.”
The Review:
Maria is at a benefit dinner when she gets ill, she’s taken to a back bedroom where she overhears a conversation about a deadly terrorist attack in Miami, before she has a chance to react there is a deadly explosion and she wakes up in the hospital remembering nothing. Cade is the best friend of her brother and he shows up to help protect Maria, as they try to figure out who set off the explosion that killed her mother and many others.
Maria can’t understand why Cade cut her out of his life when Riel died all those years ago, and she can’t remember what happened before the explosion at the benefit dinner. As things begin to heat up between them and another attempt is made on her life, they realize they are in a race against time to figure who is behind the attacks and why they want her dead. Will Cade be able to save Maria, or will the terrorist kill her first?
I haven’t read this series before or anything by this author. I have always enjoyed history between main characters in romance novels, it almost always makes the relationship feel more believable! This was a fast paced read full of action. The mystery wasn’t too much of a mystery because some chapters are told from the bad guy’s point of view. So you as a reader have almost all of the knowledge upfront, and you know what she has forgotten. That doesn’t detract from the story, it really adds to it because you are on the edge of your seat wondering if they are going to figure it all out before it’s too late.
I also really loved how a majority of the chapter’s end with emails that Maria had messaged to Cade when he was a Marine deployed to Afghanistan. It really allows you to get a feel for their previous relationship without to many flashbacks or time wasted in the past. It is super cute and just enhances the present relationship as they try to get past the past and make things work now! Cade is a total badass, and he really takes the time to work on regaining her trust and apologizing for what happened.
I am not giving that way because it may not be too much of a spoiler, but it is one of those things you enjoy finding out and appreciate when it is all revealed to Maria. I have to say that I loved, loved her reaction to it! It was superb!!! And on that note go forth and enjoy, I will also add that I didn’t feel lost, so this appears to be the kind of series you can jump in wherever you feel!
Notable Scene:
“He hadn’t planned on needing the extra firepower, but as a United States Marine, he was always prepared for an apocalypse-type situation.”
“With one act Mihails was going to remind them they were just like everyone else.”
“Then when the time was right, he’d strike and eliminate her.”
“Even if he hurt her, she wasn’t going to walk away before they had a chance to see if things could work between them.”
“The bastard had come to her mother’s funeral when he’d been involved.”
“She tried to respond but was cut off as two big hands reached through the broken window and started choking her.”
FTC Advisory: Signet/Penguin provided me with a copy of Bound to Danger. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
August 6, 2014
My Review:
A- rating...
I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved that Cade and Maria had a history, even though it ended badly eight years ago. That connection between them is still there despite time and distance, which always works for me as a reader. The suspense of not knowing exactly what happened with Cade and Maria's brother, Riel, kept me wondering throughout the whole book. I also really enjoyed the emails that were sprinkled throughout the book. Because of their unresolved issues and emotions, I sunk into their romance rather quickly and could see the chemistry between them.
I liked both of their characters. Even though Maria comes from money, her devotion and dedication to the center she works at was front and center from the very beginning, showing that there was so much more to her. For Cade, his depth of character shows every single time he is around Maria. Despite the years, he still has so many emotions for her and those come across the story page in and out.
The suspense line in this was also rather good, although it's never a secret who the main bad guys are. I liked the back story behind the terrorists and how personal it was to them rather than just being some blanket religious quest for revenge. The personal twist for it with the bad guys made their motivation and actions more understandable, although still reprehensible. The love for two women and the pain they suffered...as a romance reader, I could understand that reasoning.
There was a glimpse of another shadowy character in this book...the rogue agent Levi. His story...talk about some angst. I'm seriously hoping that Katie Reus is setting him up for more, because I loved the glimpses we saw of him.
The book was good. The suspense, while not that suspenseful, was action-packed from page one. I think that this one could probably classify as more a military/government adventure than a suspense because the action and explosions were there throughout the entire story...whoa, these two went through a LOT of harrowing scenes in just a couple of days. If Maria was a real person, she'd be dealing with PTSD for loud bangs for absolutely the rest of her life. A girl can only survive so many explosions before having a nervous breakdown. But that's what makes her an awesome fictional heroine. Not only did she survive, but she managed to seduce the hot alpha tattooed male who was in charge of protecting her. Rawr...I approve! (And if I'm ever in an explosion I hope that I can pull off a little of her strength.)
A- rating...
I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved that Cade and Maria had a history, even though it ended badly eight years ago. That connection between them is still there despite time and distance, which always works for me as a reader. The suspense of not knowing exactly what happened with Cade and Maria's brother, Riel, kept me wondering throughout the whole book. I also really enjoyed the emails that were sprinkled throughout the book. Because of their unresolved issues and emotions, I sunk into their romance rather quickly and could see the chemistry between them.
I liked both of their characters. Even though Maria comes from money, her devotion and dedication to the center she works at was front and center from the very beginning, showing that there was so much more to her. For Cade, his depth of character shows every single time he is around Maria. Despite the years, he still has so many emotions for her and those come across the story page in and out.
The suspense line in this was also rather good, although it's never a secret who the main bad guys are. I liked the back story behind the terrorists and how personal it was to them rather than just being some blanket religious quest for revenge. The personal twist for it with the bad guys made their motivation and actions more understandable, although still reprehensible. The love for two women and the pain they suffered...as a romance reader, I could understand that reasoning.
There was a glimpse of another shadowy character in this book...the rogue agent Levi. His story...talk about some angst. I'm seriously hoping that Katie Reus is setting him up for more, because I loved the glimpses we saw of him.
The book was good. The suspense, while not that suspenseful, was action-packed from page one. I think that this one could probably classify as more a military/government adventure than a suspense because the action and explosions were there throughout the entire story...whoa, these two went through a LOT of harrowing scenes in just a couple of days. If Maria was a real person, she'd be dealing with PTSD for loud bangs for absolutely the rest of her life. A girl can only survive so many explosions before having a nervous breakdown. But that's what makes her an awesome fictional heroine. Not only did she survive, but she managed to seduce the hot alpha tattooed male who was in charge of protecting her. Rawr...I approve! (And if I'm ever in an explosion I hope that I can pull off a little of her strength.)
November 21, 2014
4.5 loving this series.
October 9, 2014
Prettied up review at herding cats & burning soup.
Oh yeah. I am always up for a little romantic suspense. Throw in a second chance at love, military men and some sweet letters exchanged while he was deployed years earlier? And I'm in heaven! Bound by Danger was quite the ride as Maria's life is thrown into serious danger after overhearing a terrorist plot and becoming the only survivor of one of their bombings. The it's thrown into even more emotional turmoil when the man who comes in to keep her safe is none other than Cade. The man she loved years ago and who had vanished from her life without a word. Gah!
Okay so I had some quibbles with the suspense aspect of the book. There were some things that hit some of my hot buttons but might not bother others. I typically prefer a more balance rom-suspense and this one leaned heavier towards suspense and from the start you pretty much know the whos and whats and whys of the bad guy. So it was a little anticlimatic even with some decent action. It made it drag for me a bit here and there. I also didn't love that the terrorists were almost made out in a way to garner sympathy towards them and I just really didn't care for that.
So I had some issues on the suspense side. But the Romance side. Oh man. I loved it! It was so working for me. That these two had some history with the beginnings of a romance years earlier then the two started exchanging letters--that were so perfect and sweet--while he was deployed overseas. And that crashed when tragedy struck--stealing someone they both loved--and Cade mucked it all up by turning tail and running. Just made for a fab romance.
It was pretty entertaining watching them deal with all that. Edging around his abandonment and what they still meant to each other after all this time. There was some oh-so-very-nice chemistry happening and a little bit of sheet time that while it wasn't too hot and heavy was working too.
I seriously loved that their letters back and forth were included. There is just something so powerful about written letters. I really looked forward to the ends of chapters when they were included and, okay, I may have skipped ahead sometimes to read just the letters and then gone back for the story. I am a total sucker for "real" letters like that.
I really liked both of them as well. Cade's all yummy alpha male and sexy as all get out. Capable, sweet, rocking some decent moves. Works for me! And Maria was a strong heroine that only on occasion had a tstl moment. I did appreciate that when she had those moments she usually got called out and realized oh hell that was really stupid. lol But other than that I liked her and the fire in her. Two two really paired off nicely. There was a little bit of humor thrown in which tickled me :)
All in all Bound to Danger was a nice read. While I wasn't completely won over by the suspense side of things the bits and pieces that did work for me way outweighed my quibbles and left me still wanting to go back and check out the first book in the series. So, not bad
Oh yeah. I am always up for a little romantic suspense. Throw in a second chance at love, military men and some sweet letters exchanged while he was deployed years earlier? And I'm in heaven! Bound by Danger was quite the ride as Maria's life is thrown into serious danger after overhearing a terrorist plot and becoming the only survivor of one of their bombings. The it's thrown into even more emotional turmoil when the man who comes in to keep her safe is none other than Cade. The man she loved years ago and who had vanished from her life without a word. Gah!
Okay so I had some quibbles with the suspense aspect of the book. There were some things that hit some of my hot buttons but might not bother others. I typically prefer a more balance rom-suspense and this one leaned heavier towards suspense and from the start you pretty much know the whos and whats and whys of the bad guy. So it was a little anticlimatic even with some decent action. It made it drag for me a bit here and there. I also didn't love that the terrorists were almost made out in a way to garner sympathy towards them and I just really didn't care for that.
So I had some issues on the suspense side. But the Romance side. Oh man. I loved it! It was so working for me. That these two had some history with the beginnings of a romance years earlier then the two started exchanging letters--that were so perfect and sweet--while he was deployed overseas. And that crashed when tragedy struck--stealing someone they both loved--and Cade mucked it all up by turning tail and running. Just made for a fab romance.
It was pretty entertaining watching them deal with all that. Edging around his abandonment and what they still meant to each other after all this time. There was some oh-so-very-nice chemistry happening and a little bit of sheet time that while it wasn't too hot and heavy was working too.
I seriously loved that their letters back and forth were included. There is just something so powerful about written letters. I really looked forward to the ends of chapters when they were included and, okay, I may have skipped ahead sometimes to read just the letters and then gone back for the story. I am a total sucker for "real" letters like that.
I really liked both of them as well. Cade's all yummy alpha male and sexy as all get out. Capable, sweet, rocking some decent moves. Works for me! And Maria was a strong heroine that only on occasion had a tstl moment. I did appreciate that when she had those moments she usually got called out and realized oh hell that was really stupid. lol But other than that I liked her and the fire in her. Two two really paired off nicely. There was a little bit of humor thrown in which tickled me :)
All in all Bound to Danger was a nice read. While I wasn't completely won over by the suspense side of things the bits and pieces that did work for me way outweighed my quibbles and left me still wanting to go back and check out the first book in the series. So, not bad
August 5, 2014
Looking for excitement, danger, suspense, and steamy hot romance? Bound to Danger by Katie Reus is the ticket. Bound to Danger is the second book in the Deadly Ops series. It can be read as a stand alone novel.
The way Katie Reus writes makes it easy for the reader to jump right into the novel and become absorbed until the very last word. She builds the story with escalating suspense, blazing sexual tension, and a well paced plot. Katie Reus writes with passion and excitement.
Bound to Danger opens with Maria Cervantes attending an elite party to network and get donations for the community youth program she runs. She accidentally overhears a terrorist plot right before an explosion kills several people and leaves her injured with a memory loss. Maria is the only witness alive .The agencies in charge are not sure if she is a victim or a terrorist.
When Cade O’Reilly, NSA operative, ex marine discovers Maria’s name on the list of survivors, he insists on being assigned to the case. He had served with Maria’s brother before his death. He had a strong friendship with Maria before Riel’s death. After Riel died, Cade cut all ties with Maria due to guilt.
Maria is shocked when Cade walks back into her life. Between the conflicted feelings of attraction and feelings of betrayal, Maria is not sure how to deal with Cade. Top off the escalating danger, the hunt for the terrorists, and the multiple enemies, she is living in fear every moment. Cade is well trained, lethal, and quick on his feet. He gives her a sense of safety and reassurance that she will survive this ordeal. But will her heart survive Cade?
Between the suspense, the complex web of enemies, the sexual tension, and sizzling romance, Bound to Danger will not disappoint.
Katie Reus creates memorable characters, a complex plot, and a romantic story. No matter what genre she is writing, she always delivers a powerful book. She has become one of my favorite writers. I highly recommend Bound to Danger.
October 4, 2015
*I gave this audiobook a B for the content and B- for the narration at AudioGals*
With a feel somewhat reminiscent of Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters series or Laura Kaye’s Hard Ink series, Bound to Danger is sure to appeal to lovers of action adventure romances, particularly those sporting military or former military trained operatives. While technically labeled a romantic suspense title, I really felt that the suspense angle of this novel was much more subdued as the motivation for the danger was relatively easy to discern early on. There is also some mild suspense surrounding the events leading up to the hero’s estrangement from the heroine eight years ago, but again, the rationale underlying his decision not to pursue her is pretty easy to unravel from the clues that are alluded to. Instead, the story seems much more focused on how the characters navigate the danger, their past connection, and how their romance blossoms amidst the chaos. Rounding out this audiobook is Sophie Eastlake’s adept narration, making this a decent choice for audio format.
See the full review at AudioGals.
With a feel somewhat reminiscent of Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters series or Laura Kaye’s Hard Ink series, Bound to Danger is sure to appeal to lovers of action adventure romances, particularly those sporting military or former military trained operatives. While technically labeled a romantic suspense title, I really felt that the suspense angle of this novel was much more subdued as the motivation for the danger was relatively easy to discern early on. There is also some mild suspense surrounding the events leading up to the hero’s estrangement from the heroine eight years ago, but again, the rationale underlying his decision not to pursue her is pretty easy to unravel from the clues that are alluded to. Instead, the story seems much more focused on how the characters navigate the danger, their past connection, and how their romance blossoms amidst the chaos. Rounding out this audiobook is Sophie Eastlake’s adept narration, making this a decent choice for audio format.
See the full review at AudioGals.
August 5, 2014
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
Bound to Danger was such a trip! Heart pumping action, intriguing mystery and a red hot romance that left me wanting more, author Katie Reus definitely knows how to capture an audience and keep them entertained!
Maria Cervantes is the only survivor of a terrorist act that left her mother and countless others dead. The shock of the incident has left her with no memory of that night and in desperate need of protection. Now, Cade O’Reilly, a man from her past has taken up the job of protecting her and getting answers about that night. Being forced into close quarters with each other brings out old resentments, secret regrets and of course passion.
Creating such a traumatic event so early on in the story not only made an impression on me as a reader but created such sympathy for Maria. In just a few pages she overhears a terrorist plot, loses her mother in another terrorist attack and becomes a target of terrorists because of what is lock inside her mind. That’s a lot for one character to handle but handle it she does. There are no whiny female hysterics from her just a shaky acceptance that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time and now has to run for her life. It’s not to say that she isn’t terrified or emotional, but she doesn’t throw herself a pity party, instead she does what she has to in order to survive and remember what she heard.
Cade was great. Tall, dark, handsome and deadly, he was the perfect guy to handle Maria’s situation. As dangerous as he is, Cade is an emotional guy. He feels guilt over his past with Maria but he also feels this overwhelming desire to be with her again and to protect her. Katie Reus did a great job balancing out Cade’s rough and ready personality with a more vulnerable and guilt ridden secret side. I didn’t feel like Cade was more machine than man, quite the opposite, I saw Cade as a man who buried his guilt and pain in the form of becoming one of the best operatives for dangerous missions.
Cade and Maria definitely worked well together. There were so many unresolved issues between them going back eight years that when combined with their attraction to one another created some intense, sexually charged scenes. I loved that they shared a mutual respect for one another. Cade wasn’t an over the top, overbearing freakazoid who tried to control every aspect of Maria’s life (Not that Maria would have allowed that being that she’s an independent woman). He respected her enough to treat her as a human being, not a possession and Maria respected Cade enough to know when not to fight him on decisions that were meant to protect her.
Bound to Danger delivers both action and romance with a fast paced plot and steamy love scenes. It’s sure to satisfy fans of the romantic suspense genre and fans who love a tattooed hunk with a heart of gold!
Final Verdict: Sign me up for the next book in the series and while I wait, it's time to check out Reus' other work!
Bound to Danger was such a trip! Heart pumping action, intriguing mystery and a red hot romance that left me wanting more, author Katie Reus definitely knows how to capture an audience and keep them entertained!
Maria Cervantes is the only survivor of a terrorist act that left her mother and countless others dead. The shock of the incident has left her with no memory of that night and in desperate need of protection. Now, Cade O’Reilly, a man from her past has taken up the job of protecting her and getting answers about that night. Being forced into close quarters with each other brings out old resentments, secret regrets and of course passion.
Creating such a traumatic event so early on in the story not only made an impression on me as a reader but created such sympathy for Maria. In just a few pages she overhears a terrorist plot, loses her mother in another terrorist attack and becomes a target of terrorists because of what is lock inside her mind. That’s a lot for one character to handle but handle it she does. There are no whiny female hysterics from her just a shaky acceptance that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time and now has to run for her life. It’s not to say that she isn’t terrified or emotional, but she doesn’t throw herself a pity party, instead she does what she has to in order to survive and remember what she heard.
Cade was great. Tall, dark, handsome and deadly, he was the perfect guy to handle Maria’s situation. As dangerous as he is, Cade is an emotional guy. He feels guilt over his past with Maria but he also feels this overwhelming desire to be with her again and to protect her. Katie Reus did a great job balancing out Cade’s rough and ready personality with a more vulnerable and guilt ridden secret side. I didn’t feel like Cade was more machine than man, quite the opposite, I saw Cade as a man who buried his guilt and pain in the form of becoming one of the best operatives for dangerous missions.
Cade and Maria definitely worked well together. There were so many unresolved issues between them going back eight years that when combined with their attraction to one another created some intense, sexually charged scenes. I loved that they shared a mutual respect for one another. Cade wasn’t an over the top, overbearing freakazoid who tried to control every aspect of Maria’s life (Not that Maria would have allowed that being that she’s an independent woman). He respected her enough to treat her as a human being, not a possession and Maria respected Cade enough to know when not to fight him on decisions that were meant to protect her.
Bound to Danger delivers both action and romance with a fast paced plot and steamy love scenes. It’s sure to satisfy fans of the romantic suspense genre and fans who love a tattooed hunk with a heart of gold!
Final Verdict: Sign me up for the next book in the series and while I wait, it's time to check out Reus' other work!
August 6, 2014
Review: Bound to Danger (Deadly Ops Series #2) by Katie Reus http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1tV
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars
REVIEW:
I loved the pulse pumping action and danger that was thrown at them throughout the book. I did get confused at times as to why she was still a target, but then I got immersed in the story and it no longer mattered. The romance was hot and sexy and flowed nicely with the story. I would have scored it a 5 but I wasn’t thrilled with the word descriptions at the beginning of the chapters and the insertion of old e-mails seemed disjointed with the story. I look forward to the next Deadly Ops book.
*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4.5 Stars
REVIEW:
I loved the pulse pumping action and danger that was thrown at them throughout the book. I did get confused at times as to why she was still a target, but then I got immersed in the story and it no longer mattered. The romance was hot and sexy and flowed nicely with the story. I would have scored it a 5 but I wasn’t thrilled with the word descriptions at the beginning of the chapters and the insertion of old e-mails seemed disjointed with the story. I look forward to the next Deadly Ops book.
*Review copy provided by Berkley/NAL in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2014
Maria finds herself in the middle of a terrorist attack, as the only survivor. What she never saw coming was the one assigned to guard her after this, Cade. Once upon a time, he was her brothers best friend and they had something about to happen between them, but when disaster struck Cade disappeared. Now he´s back, and this time he´s not planning to leave her.
Suspense, action, smutty fluff and an Alpha male back to claim his love in an awesome combo. Love this series!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Suspense, action, smutty fluff and an Alpha male back to claim his love in an awesome combo. Love this series!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
October 7, 2018
This is one of my favorite books and when I need comfort and strenght I relisten or reread.Cade is one of my favorite heroes.Alpha without being a jerk,sexy but also unsure when it comes to Maria.Will she hate him if he tells her his secret?He left without a word 8 years ago because of this.Maria was very hurt because she started to fell in love with him.It is very emotional when he finally tells her.Sigh!If you enjoy romantic suspense don't miss this book!
October 7, 2018
Katie Reus has done it again! Romantic Suspense at its finest!
I fell in love with Cade.Tall, muscular, green eyes and tattoos.Yummy! And he is very protective.*Sigh!*He is my new book boyfriend for sure! I'm hoping Levi gets his book next.I'm curious about him.:)
I was given a copy from the publisher and this is my honest review!
I fell in love with Cade.Tall, muscular, green eyes and tattoos.Yummy! And he is very protective.*Sigh!*He is my new book boyfriend for sure! I'm hoping Levi gets his book next.I'm curious about him.:)
I was given a copy from the publisher and this is my honest review!
March 26, 2021
Philanthropist rich girl Maria Cervantes overhears a terrorist plot while being sick at a benefit dinner. It's the instinct to run outside and tell someone that saves her life, as the mansion explodes, killing hundreds—including her mother.
When she wakes up in the hospital, she remembers nothing, but the NSA isn't taking chances—she might know something—so Cade O'Reilly volunteers to keep an eye on her. But with the history they share, Maria would prefer anybody else. Until someone starts gunning for her...
It's amazing how one single character can ruin an otherwise pretty decent story. That character in this instance is the heroine. She came across as an entitled, spoiled, selfish bitch who liked to hold grudges.
The constant rinse and repeat of the fact Cade "cut her out of his life like she was nothing" in the past (when nothing really happened between the two, they were friends who barely shared a kiss!) really started to grate. Then she abruptly made a 180 and started to drool over him, wanting to trust him...Then yet another 180 about him abandoning her...And on and on it went.
It distracted from the main suspense plot about terrorists targeting people in Miami for rather just reasons (if it weren't for that pesky collateral damage). That plot was tight and action-packed, but it was bogged down by the "angst" of the romance.
Which was also ruined by the constant back and forth, until nothing remained, but lust and attraction, no feelings.
A disappointing second installment. I hope the rest of the series redeems itself.
When she wakes up in the hospital, she remembers nothing, but the NSA isn't taking chances—she might know something—so Cade O'Reilly volunteers to keep an eye on her. But with the history they share, Maria would prefer anybody else. Until someone starts gunning for her...
It's amazing how one single character can ruin an otherwise pretty decent story. That character in this instance is the heroine. She came across as an entitled, spoiled, selfish bitch who liked to hold grudges.
If she was in pain, she wanted the world to be in pain too.
The constant rinse and repeat of the fact Cade "cut her out of his life like she was nothing" in the past (when nothing really happened between the two, they were friends who barely shared a kiss!) really started to grate. Then she abruptly made a 180 and started to drool over him, wanting to trust him...Then yet another 180 about him abandoning her...And on and on it went.
It distracted from the main suspense plot about terrorists targeting people in Miami for rather just reasons (if it weren't for that pesky collateral damage). That plot was tight and action-packed, but it was bogged down by the "angst" of the romance.
Which was also ruined by the constant back and forth, until nothing remained, but lust and attraction, no feelings.
A disappointing second installment. I hope the rest of the series redeems itself.
July 28, 2014
Everything from the title, to the cover, to the blurb told me this one would be an exciting book that I just shouldn't miss. Aaannd, after closing the cover on the final pages, I'd say that it totally lived up to expectation.
This is the second book of the series, but I had no trouble jumping in with this one though I will definitely be going back for Jack and Sophie's story.
The story opens with Maria Cervantes going to a party for the rich to connect with donors for her community youth program only to overhear a terrorist plot right before an explosion killed several and left her with memory loss. Maria is the only living witness to the bombing leaving the authorities unsure if she's a victim or a not so innocent participant.
Cade O'Reilly, ex-Marine NSA operative, discovers Maria's name on the survivor's list for a huge terrorist bombing and insists on being assigned to the mission. Years ago, he served with her brother and was best friend to both Riel and Maria. His friendship with Maria had become something more until he suddenly cut off all contact after the death of Riel. He knew he hurt Maria, but he saw no other way. Now, however, he was here for her to protect her, help her remember, and possibly make amends if she didn't end up hating him for his part in Riel's death.
Maria has lost so much and its shocking to have Cade walk back into her life. Her feelings are conflicted and bounce from anger to grief to attraction as she spends time with Cade working to hunt down the terrorists. She is terrified as danger surrounds her, but she is determined to see it through. Having the capable and lethal Cade there with her makes it all endurable, but also gives her comfort and something much, much more. Enemies close in and continue with their deadly plans leaving Maria and Cade along with the rest of the NSA teams rushing headlong into danger.
The plot was a good strong one and the little bit of intrigue caused by multiple enemies and a rogue operative upped the intensity. There was a good balance between the romance and the suspense. I enjoyed all the big action scenes that were included. The romance was a second chance style so the hero and heroine already had a history making their flare up of attraction not as instant as it might seem. They had to get past the issue of his disappearance, but even while Maria is sorting out how she feels about the abandonment and reappearance, they get hot for each other. I have to say that when it comes to these books telling a story fraught with danger and a race to beat the bad guys before they do something awful that I always find it a little amusing when the passion kicks up and the main couple take a brief detour into the bedroom, bathroom or wherever - perhaps several times. It's not something that makes me hate a book, but just makes me pause before I dive back in. Nope, didn't mind at all in this case because I enjoyed these two together. Move over Maria, I might arm wrestle you for Cade.
As to the characters, Maria was a refreshing Romantic Suspense heroine. Maria is not portrayed as some skilled Amazon, but just a beautiful woman inside and out whose calling is to give back to her community and help the youth that ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. She goes through a lot in short time in this one. She reacts in normal ways with emotional moments followed by good common sense. She even handles Cade's abandonment with minimal drama. She has her moments when her naivete gets her into trouble, but it all fit with her persona and didn't cross into the annoying. She sees past all the intimidating size, muscle, tattoos and lethal air to the real feeling, lonely, vulnerable man beneath the surface when it comes to Cade. Cade is a trained operative who does his work well without a hitch until he has Maria to protect then he becomes even more fierce. I loved seeing this alpha male rein it in when it came to Maria. He is tender with her and caring even when she insists on certain things that leave her more vulnerable. He has always valued Maria's family and their warm welcome to him to be a part of them since his own family was not that way. It's a struggle for him to put his honest feelings out there and not have them rejected because of the guilt he carries. Love the wounded warrior types.
The regular secondary characters including Cade's boss and a revisit from others in the first book were a welcome addition. I hope Levi's story continues in another book.
The story has multiple narrators including a couple of the villains. One of the terrorists was doing bad things, but through his narration I felt some sympathy for his motives which says a lot for the way the author paints him and her other characters with depth.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and a great first experience with this author. The romance was sizzling and the suspense was action-packed the way I like it. Romantic Suspense lovers should definitely give this series a try.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second book of the series, but I had no trouble jumping in with this one though I will definitely be going back for Jack and Sophie's story.
The story opens with Maria Cervantes going to a party for the rich to connect with donors for her community youth program only to overhear a terrorist plot right before an explosion killed several and left her with memory loss. Maria is the only living witness to the bombing leaving the authorities unsure if she's a victim or a not so innocent participant.
Cade O'Reilly, ex-Marine NSA operative, discovers Maria's name on the survivor's list for a huge terrorist bombing and insists on being assigned to the mission. Years ago, he served with her brother and was best friend to both Riel and Maria. His friendship with Maria had become something more until he suddenly cut off all contact after the death of Riel. He knew he hurt Maria, but he saw no other way. Now, however, he was here for her to protect her, help her remember, and possibly make amends if she didn't end up hating him for his part in Riel's death.
Maria has lost so much and its shocking to have Cade walk back into her life. Her feelings are conflicted and bounce from anger to grief to attraction as she spends time with Cade working to hunt down the terrorists. She is terrified as danger surrounds her, but she is determined to see it through. Having the capable and lethal Cade there with her makes it all endurable, but also gives her comfort and something much, much more. Enemies close in and continue with their deadly plans leaving Maria and Cade along with the rest of the NSA teams rushing headlong into danger.
The plot was a good strong one and the little bit of intrigue caused by multiple enemies and a rogue operative upped the intensity. There was a good balance between the romance and the suspense. I enjoyed all the big action scenes that were included. The romance was a second chance style so the hero and heroine already had a history making their flare up of attraction not as instant as it might seem. They had to get past the issue of his disappearance, but even while Maria is sorting out how she feels about the abandonment and reappearance, they get hot for each other. I have to say that when it comes to these books telling a story fraught with danger and a race to beat the bad guys before they do something awful that I always find it a little amusing when the passion kicks up and the main couple take a brief detour into the bedroom, bathroom or wherever - perhaps several times. It's not something that makes me hate a book, but just makes me pause before I dive back in. Nope, didn't mind at all in this case because I enjoyed these two together. Move over Maria, I might arm wrestle you for Cade.
As to the characters, Maria was a refreshing Romantic Suspense heroine. Maria is not portrayed as some skilled Amazon, but just a beautiful woman inside and out whose calling is to give back to her community and help the youth that ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. She goes through a lot in short time in this one. She reacts in normal ways with emotional moments followed by good common sense. She even handles Cade's abandonment with minimal drama. She has her moments when her naivete gets her into trouble, but it all fit with her persona and didn't cross into the annoying. She sees past all the intimidating size, muscle, tattoos and lethal air to the real feeling, lonely, vulnerable man beneath the surface when it comes to Cade. Cade is a trained operative who does his work well without a hitch until he has Maria to protect then he becomes even more fierce. I loved seeing this alpha male rein it in when it came to Maria. He is tender with her and caring even when she insists on certain things that leave her more vulnerable. He has always valued Maria's family and their warm welcome to him to be a part of them since his own family was not that way. It's a struggle for him to put his honest feelings out there and not have them rejected because of the guilt he carries. Love the wounded warrior types.
The regular secondary characters including Cade's boss and a revisit from others in the first book were a welcome addition. I hope Levi's story continues in another book.
The story has multiple narrators including a couple of the villains. One of the terrorists was doing bad things, but through his narration I felt some sympathy for his motives which says a lot for the way the author paints him and her other characters with depth.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and a great first experience with this author. The romance was sizzling and the suspense was action-packed the way I like it. Romantic Suspense lovers should definitely give this series a try.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2018
I love Katie Reus' Red Stone Security series, but since that series is complete, I decided to try some of her books from her Deadly Ops series. I have just been loving Romantic Suspense lately, and Katie Reus does good romantic suspense. Bound to Danger is the second book in the Deadly Ops series, and I actually ended up liking this more than I was expecting to.
Bound to Danger is about Maria Cervantes, a community activist in Miami. At a benefit dinner, there is an explosion, and Maria is the only one to survive. The explosion is an attack, and the NSA is working to investigate this attack, and to stop future attacks. So Maria is of super interest to them. Here is were the hero comes in. Cade O'Reilly is the NSA agent that is working with Maria to protect her, and to figure out what is going on. Cade and Maria knew each other when they were younger. Cade was friends with her brother, and they both served in the military. When Maria's brother was killed, Cade didn't handle it well, and they drifted apart. Now Cade is back, and it brings back all the feels!
Maria was so easy to love. I felt so bad for her after the attack. She has survivor's guilt, being the only survivor of the attack, and not recalling the events leading up to the explosion. But her mother also was killed in the attack, so it's made so much worse for Maria. She's doing her best to grieve, and to remember what happened right before the explosion so she can help the NSA. She's also having to deal with her unresolved feelings for Cade.
I liked Cade a lot too. I understood why he didn't handle things so well after his best friend (Maria's brother) died. Grief is hard on everyone. Cade is the strong capable type, and you guys, that so works for me. He's super protective of Maria, and he is trying to help her deal with everything.
It was so easy to root for Cade and Maria. I liked them so much, and I complete bought into their chemistry and connection. I couldn't wait for them to figure things out. The action is fast-paced, and I couldn't stop turning the pages. But I did have some issues.
The one thing that really brought me out of the story, though, was all the time spent with the bad guys. I mean, I just don't care about that, and didn't really feel like it was necessary. Also, I got real sick of the definitions at the beginning of each chapter. These words or phrases aren't exactly unknown. And as much as I enjoyed reading this one, it didn't stick with me at all. In fact, I wrote almost the whole review before I realized I was reviewing a different book.
That said, Bound to Danger by Katie Reus surprised me. I liked this so much more than I was expecting. If you love Romantic Suspense, with lots of action and a stand-up hero, you should totally give this one a try.
This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Bound to Danger is about Maria Cervantes, a community activist in Miami. At a benefit dinner, there is an explosion, and Maria is the only one to survive. The explosion is an attack, and the NSA is working to investigate this attack, and to stop future attacks. So Maria is of super interest to them. Here is were the hero comes in. Cade O'Reilly is the NSA agent that is working with Maria to protect her, and to figure out what is going on. Cade and Maria knew each other when they were younger. Cade was friends with her brother, and they both served in the military. When Maria's brother was killed, Cade didn't handle it well, and they drifted apart. Now Cade is back, and it brings back all the feels!
Maria was so easy to love. I felt so bad for her after the attack. She has survivor's guilt, being the only survivor of the attack, and not recalling the events leading up to the explosion. But her mother also was killed in the attack, so it's made so much worse for Maria. She's doing her best to grieve, and to remember what happened right before the explosion so she can help the NSA. She's also having to deal with her unresolved feelings for Cade.
I liked Cade a lot too. I understood why he didn't handle things so well after his best friend (Maria's brother) died. Grief is hard on everyone. Cade is the strong capable type, and you guys, that so works for me. He's super protective of Maria, and he is trying to help her deal with everything.
It was so easy to root for Cade and Maria. I liked them so much, and I complete bought into their chemistry and connection. I couldn't wait for them to figure things out. The action is fast-paced, and I couldn't stop turning the pages. But I did have some issues.
The one thing that really brought me out of the story, though, was all the time spent with the bad guys. I mean, I just don't care about that, and didn't really feel like it was necessary. Also, I got real sick of the definitions at the beginning of each chapter. These words or phrases aren't exactly unknown. And as much as I enjoyed reading this one, it didn't stick with me at all. In fact, I wrote almost the whole review before I realized I was reviewing a different book.
That said, Bound to Danger by Katie Reus surprised me. I liked this so much more than I was expecting. If you love Romantic Suspense, with lots of action and a stand-up hero, you should totally give this one a try.
This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
August 8, 2014
I have recently discovered a love for romantic suspense, but I hadn't had a chance to try any of Katie Reus' novels. Better late than never, though, because she can write one suspenseful and definitely romantic story!
Maria Cervantes hasn't heard from or seen Cade O'Reilly ever since her brother died while serving with him eight years ago. But when Maria barely escapes an explosion after overhearing men plotting terrorist attacks, Cade, now working for the NSA, comes in to protect her and find the men responsible for the explosion. Cade tells himself he wants to protect Maria because it is detrimental to figure out what she knows about the terrorists, but as he spends more time with Maria, his feelings from eight years ago come back even stronger. Cade will do anything to protect Maria, but can he save her from the danger that has already stolen some of the people she loves the most?
The reason I love romantic suspenses so much is because there is much, much more than just the romance. The main couple has to deal with situations beyond their own emotions for each other, which makes their relationship that much more difficult. And Cade and Maria definitely had a lot to deal with as they explored their feelings for each other. Maria lost someone very close to her and had to worry about terrorists trying to kill her as she tried to remember what exactly she had overheard before the explosion that her mind had blocked from her memory. Because she was so vulnerable, Cade didn't want to take advantage of her and risk crossing the line between personal and professional. But Cade definitely realized that Maria was much more than a job to him.
While I really enjoyed Cade's determination to protect Maria and hunt down the men trying to kill her and plotting a terrorist attack, I sometimes became lost in the details of the plotting, terrorism, and secret agent talk. It was hard to keep track of who was exactly who, who was good, who was bad, and where some things were taking place. When things were from Cade and Maria's point of view and not some random agent, they got themselves into some very suspenseful, heart pumping situations. I never knew how Cade would get them out of the situations the terrorists put them in or how he could resist his attraction to Maria any longer.
There was definitely an attraction between Cade and Maria and I loved how they knew they liked each other, but had to learn to trust each other again after Cade just up and left all of those years ago. I especially loved the emails between Maria and Cade from when they first started to fall for each other eight years ago that were included at the end of each chapter. Their correspondence in the past showed us just how close they had become before Cade withdrew after Maria's brother's death. You can tell they really cared about each other both then and now, especially how Cade wouldn't give into his attractions for Maria in the present when she was so vulnerable, but instead was worried about what she was feeling and going through. A man with a lethal body and a super sweet personality when it comes to the woman he loves? Yes, please!
Overall, Bound to Danger definitely had its suspenseful moments that were well balanced with the relationship and steamy parts of the novel. I may have gotten lost in some of the covert operation/terrorist details, but Katie Reus did a great job creating a story that really pulled on the emotions while keeping you on the edge of your seat. I'm excited to check out what other stories she's written because this definitely won't be the last one I'm reading!
Maria Cervantes hasn't heard from or seen Cade O'Reilly ever since her brother died while serving with him eight years ago. But when Maria barely escapes an explosion after overhearing men plotting terrorist attacks, Cade, now working for the NSA, comes in to protect her and find the men responsible for the explosion. Cade tells himself he wants to protect Maria because it is detrimental to figure out what she knows about the terrorists, but as he spends more time with Maria, his feelings from eight years ago come back even stronger. Cade will do anything to protect Maria, but can he save her from the danger that has already stolen some of the people she loves the most?
The reason I love romantic suspenses so much is because there is much, much more than just the romance. The main couple has to deal with situations beyond their own emotions for each other, which makes their relationship that much more difficult. And Cade and Maria definitely had a lot to deal with as they explored their feelings for each other. Maria lost someone very close to her and had to worry about terrorists trying to kill her as she tried to remember what exactly she had overheard before the explosion that her mind had blocked from her memory. Because she was so vulnerable, Cade didn't want to take advantage of her and risk crossing the line between personal and professional. But Cade definitely realized that Maria was much more than a job to him.
While I really enjoyed Cade's determination to protect Maria and hunt down the men trying to kill her and plotting a terrorist attack, I sometimes became lost in the details of the plotting, terrorism, and secret agent talk. It was hard to keep track of who was exactly who, who was good, who was bad, and where some things were taking place. When things were from Cade and Maria's point of view and not some random agent, they got themselves into some very suspenseful, heart pumping situations. I never knew how Cade would get them out of the situations the terrorists put them in or how he could resist his attraction to Maria any longer.
There was definitely an attraction between Cade and Maria and I loved how they knew they liked each other, but had to learn to trust each other again after Cade just up and left all of those years ago. I especially loved the emails between Maria and Cade from when they first started to fall for each other eight years ago that were included at the end of each chapter. Their correspondence in the past showed us just how close they had become before Cade withdrew after Maria's brother's death. You can tell they really cared about each other both then and now, especially how Cade wouldn't give into his attractions for Maria in the present when she was so vulnerable, but instead was worried about what she was feeling and going through. A man with a lethal body and a super sweet personality when it comes to the woman he loves? Yes, please!
Overall, Bound to Danger definitely had its suspenseful moments that were well balanced with the relationship and steamy parts of the novel. I may have gotten lost in some of the covert operation/terrorist details, but Katie Reus did a great job creating a story that really pulled on the emotions while keeping you on the edge of your seat. I'm excited to check out what other stories she's written because this definitely won't be the last one I'm reading!
August 12, 2016
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
This is the second book in Ms Reus' series called Deadly Ops, and is set to be yet another fast paced and action packed book. This series features all American alpha heros who work in the military and for the government protecting their country and it's citizens. Each book works very well as a standalone but characters from previous stories do reappear so it's fun to catch up with all these delicious specimens of manhood . When you pick up a Deadly Ops book you are guaranteed adventure with a capital A ! Not to mention romance to get your heart racing!
Maria is at a party when she overhears terrorists plotting to bomb Miami but before she can make sense of what she's heard an explosion rocks the residence and Maria wakes up in hospital with memory loss! She has survived but so many others were not as lucky and the tragedy puts Maria in even more danger . The men who set the explosion realise she knows too much to be allowed to live and are determined to find her. The NSA have to protect Maria but the agent assigned to the task is one who Maria knows only too well!
Eight years ago Cade dropped out of Maria's life and she's never quite understood why. Cade had been a friend to her deceased brother but to Maria he was something more or so she thought. Now he's back in her life and there's still unresolved issues between them but Cade seems determined to keep Maria at a distance. As Maria struggles to come to terms with the aftermath of the explosion she's desperate to remember all that she heard but time is running out. The terrorist organisation have a long reach and there's a traitor close to home who puts Maria in the firing line!
I do enjoy this authors work and if you are a fan of romantic suspense then this new series is bound to please. As usual Ms Reus gives us a hero to drool over as Cade is just so protective and yummy! The complicated past that the couple share is told in a very interesting way as we are treated to snippets of emails that they exchanged before the death of Maria's brother which is very inciteful and adds depth to the characters history. In some ways it's a story of star crossed lovers as events have kept them apart but sometimes things are just meant to be. In romance timing is everything and it's certainly time for Cade to realise that Maria feels like home to him! As for Maria well she's so much stronger than she realises and a very loyal and brave heroine. Whilst she may not be the most kick ass female in fiction she's no cry baby either and I liked that we see both her vulnerabilities and also her strengths.
This is an action packed story, a roller coaster of emotion . If you enjoy a plot that leaves you breathless then prepare to buckle up as it's going to be a bumpy ride! There's so much happening in this book with villains who need to be stopped and yet the author even brings them to life as their motives are explained which stops them being one dimensional. I think to do that takes real talent as so often bad guys in books can just be caricatures but not here. Ms Reus has written a great story filled with romance and her signature heat! Her leading men are always on my wish list and Cade can be my lethal protector anytime!
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
This is the second book in Ms Reus' series called Deadly Ops, and is set to be yet another fast paced and action packed book. This series features all American alpha heros who work in the military and for the government protecting their country and it's citizens. Each book works very well as a standalone but characters from previous stories do reappear so it's fun to catch up with all these delicious specimens of manhood . When you pick up a Deadly Ops book you are guaranteed adventure with a capital A ! Not to mention romance to get your heart racing!
Maria is at a party when she overhears terrorists plotting to bomb Miami but before she can make sense of what she's heard an explosion rocks the residence and Maria wakes up in hospital with memory loss! She has survived but so many others were not as lucky and the tragedy puts Maria in even more danger . The men who set the explosion realise she knows too much to be allowed to live and are determined to find her. The NSA have to protect Maria but the agent assigned to the task is one who Maria knows only too well!
Eight years ago Cade dropped out of Maria's life and she's never quite understood why. Cade had been a friend to her deceased brother but to Maria he was something more or so she thought. Now he's back in her life and there's still unresolved issues between them but Cade seems determined to keep Maria at a distance. As Maria struggles to come to terms with the aftermath of the explosion she's desperate to remember all that she heard but time is running out. The terrorist organisation have a long reach and there's a traitor close to home who puts Maria in the firing line!
I do enjoy this authors work and if you are a fan of romantic suspense then this new series is bound to please. As usual Ms Reus gives us a hero to drool over as Cade is just so protective and yummy! The complicated past that the couple share is told in a very interesting way as we are treated to snippets of emails that they exchanged before the death of Maria's brother which is very inciteful and adds depth to the characters history. In some ways it's a story of star crossed lovers as events have kept them apart but sometimes things are just meant to be. In romance timing is everything and it's certainly time for Cade to realise that Maria feels like home to him! As for Maria well she's so much stronger than she realises and a very loyal and brave heroine. Whilst she may not be the most kick ass female in fiction she's no cry baby either and I liked that we see both her vulnerabilities and also her strengths.
This is an action packed story, a roller coaster of emotion . If you enjoy a plot that leaves you breathless then prepare to buckle up as it's going to be a bumpy ride! There's so much happening in this book with villains who need to be stopped and yet the author even brings them to life as their motives are explained which stops them being one dimensional. I think to do that takes real talent as so often bad guys in books can just be caricatures but not here. Ms Reus has written a great story filled with romance and her signature heat! Her leading men are always on my wish list and Cade can be my lethal protector anytime!
August 7, 2014
review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
While Maria is getting over a horrible stomach flu, she has a charity function to attend. It normally would be something she’d blow off until she felt better, but unfortunately she has to attend.
She comes from an affluent family and even has a bodyguard with her at the event. But while she’s inside looking for her mother, her stomach has other plans. In her feverish state, hugging a toilet in an unused room, she overhears terrorists planning something horrible. It gets worse. She recognizes one of the voices.
Maria runs. She staggers to the lawn and runs for her bodyguard, and friend, Nash. But she doesn’t make it in time. Instead the entire mansion the gala is being held at is blown up. Maria’s mother is killed and she is the only person to survive.
The NSA wants to know why Maria was in the lawn, and not inside, and they want to know what, if anything, she knows about the explosion. They aren’t the only ones who want to know.
Unfortunately Maria has no memory of the night.
CadeO’Reilly is working for the NSA, and when he sees Maria’s name, he specifically asks for her assignment, even though it’s not his usual type. Cade and Maria used to be friends, in fact, he and her brother were best friends in the military. Until her brother was killed, then Cade vanished leaving Maria wondering what had happened. She felt like she lost her brother, and her best friend all in one day.
Cutting all contact with Maria was hard, but going back and seeing her in danger was harder. Cade was determined to keep her safe, but he also needed to know what she had overheard.
Their attraction is still simmering beneath the surface, but they can’t worry about that now. Maria’s life is in danger, and it’s more than just the terrorists. She may be hurt and angry with Cade, but she trusts him, and that’s what matters. She knows he’ll keep her safe.
The terrorists are given their own point of view here, so you feel like you know the mystery, yet there’s a missing piece to it, and I was way off on what I thought it was, so hat tip to you, Ms. Reus. You pulled one over on me. The action never stops, and once Maria remembers what it is she overheard, it only makes it that much more dangerous for her.
I loved the second chance at love trope, and I really liked the cast of characters. There’s a rogue agent named Levi, there’s Maria’s bodyguard Nash, and I even liked Cade’s commander. This might be book 2 in the Deadly Ops series, but it stands alone well, and you won’t be confused.
Full of excitement and threats lurking around every corner, Bound to Danger is a heart pounding Romantic Suspense that you’ll find hard to put down.
***ARC courtesy of Berkley
While Maria is getting over a horrible stomach flu, she has a charity function to attend. It normally would be something she’d blow off until she felt better, but unfortunately she has to attend.
She comes from an affluent family and even has a bodyguard with her at the event. But while she’s inside looking for her mother, her stomach has other plans. In her feverish state, hugging a toilet in an unused room, she overhears terrorists planning something horrible. It gets worse. She recognizes one of the voices.
Maria runs. She staggers to the lawn and runs for her bodyguard, and friend, Nash. But she doesn’t make it in time. Instead the entire mansion the gala is being held at is blown up. Maria’s mother is killed and she is the only person to survive.
The NSA wants to know why Maria was in the lawn, and not inside, and they want to know what, if anything, she knows about the explosion. They aren’t the only ones who want to know.
Unfortunately Maria has no memory of the night.
CadeO’Reilly is working for the NSA, and when he sees Maria’s name, he specifically asks for her assignment, even though it’s not his usual type. Cade and Maria used to be friends, in fact, he and her brother were best friends in the military. Until her brother was killed, then Cade vanished leaving Maria wondering what had happened. She felt like she lost her brother, and her best friend all in one day.
Cutting all contact with Maria was hard, but going back and seeing her in danger was harder. Cade was determined to keep her safe, but he also needed to know what she had overheard.
Their attraction is still simmering beneath the surface, but they can’t worry about that now. Maria’s life is in danger, and it’s more than just the terrorists. She may be hurt and angry with Cade, but she trusts him, and that’s what matters. She knows he’ll keep her safe.
The terrorists are given their own point of view here, so you feel like you know the mystery, yet there’s a missing piece to it, and I was way off on what I thought it was, so hat tip to you, Ms. Reus. You pulled one over on me. The action never stops, and once Maria remembers what it is she overheard, it only makes it that much more dangerous for her.
I loved the second chance at love trope, and I really liked the cast of characters. There’s a rogue agent named Levi, there’s Maria’s bodyguard Nash, and I even liked Cade’s commander. This might be book 2 in the Deadly Ops series, but it stands alone well, and you won’t be confused.
Full of excitement and threats lurking around every corner, Bound to Danger is a heart pounding Romantic Suspense that you’ll find hard to put down.
***ARC courtesy of Berkley
August 16, 2014
Bound to Danger is the second book in the Deadly Ops series. This book tells the story of Maria and Cade.
Meet Maria. Maria Cervantes is a philantropist who loves helping those in need. Despite being unwell, she attends a benefit dinner, bound to help her raise money for her family's organisation. However, she is at the wrong place at the wrong time, and overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack against Miami. Maria has no time to react when an explosion destroys everything around her. Waking up in a hospital and having no memory of the previous day, Maria is shocked to find out that she's the sole survivor of the attack and of course that makes her a suspect..
Enter Cade. Agent Cade O’Reilly has known Maria for years. He served in the army with her brother and used to be very close with her until a horrible accident ripped them apart. Now, years later, Cade works for the NSA and is shocked to find out that Maria is a suspect of a terrorist attack. He refuses to believe that the girl he knew would do something so terrible. And he's right!
Being the only survivor of the attack, isn't really helping Maria's case. The people behind the attack weren't planning leaving any survivors behind and so the hunt begins. They want her dead but Cade is determined to do anythng to protect the girl he could never forget. What he doesn't seem to realise, though, is that the danger is closer than he thinks...
I loved this book(how couldn't I?! It's written by Katie Reus)!!! I love what she did with this book. I loved the main characters, the action, the suspense, the romance but most of all I loved the letters Cade and Maria used to send to each other. I loved that letters. Except of being very sweet (and romantic) the letters helped me understand how their love grew, what Cade was like before the accident and the connection between them.
"Even though it is selfish... I don't want you to see anyone and I'm definitely not interested in anyone else. Haven't been from the moment I met you. - Cade"
Bound to Danger was sooo different from the first book in the series and I loved that. Katie created such a beautiful couple and the way she told us their story was perfect.
I definitely recommed this book.
Note : The book can be read as a stand alone. Although, I highly recommed reading the first one before this.
*ARC provided by the author via NetGally in exchange for an honest review*
Posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/...
Meet Maria. Maria Cervantes is a philantropist who loves helping those in need. Despite being unwell, she attends a benefit dinner, bound to help her raise money for her family's organisation. However, she is at the wrong place at the wrong time, and overhears two men plotting a terrorist attack against Miami. Maria has no time to react when an explosion destroys everything around her. Waking up in a hospital and having no memory of the previous day, Maria is shocked to find out that she's the sole survivor of the attack and of course that makes her a suspect..
Enter Cade. Agent Cade O’Reilly has known Maria for years. He served in the army with her brother and used to be very close with her until a horrible accident ripped them apart. Now, years later, Cade works for the NSA and is shocked to find out that Maria is a suspect of a terrorist attack. He refuses to believe that the girl he knew would do something so terrible. And he's right!
Being the only survivor of the attack, isn't really helping Maria's case. The people behind the attack weren't planning leaving any survivors behind and so the hunt begins. They want her dead but Cade is determined to do anythng to protect the girl he could never forget. What he doesn't seem to realise, though, is that the danger is closer than he thinks...
I loved this book(how couldn't I?! It's written by Katie Reus)!!! I love what she did with this book. I loved the main characters, the action, the suspense, the romance but most of all I loved the letters Cade and Maria used to send to each other. I loved that letters. Except of being very sweet (and romantic) the letters helped me understand how their love grew, what Cade was like before the accident and the connection between them.
"Even though it is selfish... I don't want you to see anyone and I'm definitely not interested in anyone else. Haven't been from the moment I met you. - Cade"
Bound to Danger was sooo different from the first book in the series and I loved that. Katie created such a beautiful couple and the way she told us their story was perfect.
I definitely recommed this book.
Note : The book can be read as a stand alone. Although, I highly recommed reading the first one before this.
*ARC provided by the author via NetGally in exchange for an honest review*
Posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.gr/...
August 7, 2014
I'm just transitioning to the Rom suspense genre and couldn't have come across a better author than Katie Reus to relish in this new-to-me genre. She scored big in my "book" with this story.
Cade and Maria are reunited after a bomb attack kills Maria's mother and causes Maria's life to enter some kind of life and death situation. Cade, a NSA special agent, jumps at the opportunity to help and see Maria Cervantes, and old friend who could've been more than that at one time but decided to break ties with her following her brother's death while they were both deployed in Afghanistan. She never forgot how he just left her to deal with her brother's death when they were such good friends, keeping up the friendship through emails and mailed gifts. The build up of their relationship was created consistently and very believable. Of course we know they would end up together in the end but the tension was always welcomed ;)
I always start my reviews with the interaction of the main characters because that is a very important part of the book for me. However, the action packed, adventure, fast-paced, suspense-filled plot that you find from page one will leave you wanting more. The antagonists are not one-dimensional as may be in other stories. Sometimes you can even feel their pain and understand the reason behind their vendettas. Other characters filled out the pages superbly, convincingly and again, very believable. I mean, I'm no expert when it comes to how any governmental agent should act but the way they are presented gives me no reason to think they would react differently given the same circumstances. I feel there is not a moment wasted in meaningless scenes and it all belong in the book. Totally enjoyable and entertaining read.
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Cade and Maria are reunited after a bomb attack kills Maria's mother and causes Maria's life to enter some kind of life and death situation. Cade, a NSA special agent, jumps at the opportunity to help and see Maria Cervantes, and old friend who could've been more than that at one time but decided to break ties with her following her brother's death while they were both deployed in Afghanistan. She never forgot how he just left her to deal with her brother's death when they were such good friends, keeping up the friendship through emails and mailed gifts. The build up of their relationship was created consistently and very believable. Of course we know they would end up together in the end but the tension was always welcomed ;)
I always start my reviews with the interaction of the main characters because that is a very important part of the book for me. However, the action packed, adventure, fast-paced, suspense-filled plot that you find from page one will leave you wanting more. The antagonists are not one-dimensional as may be in other stories. Sometimes you can even feel their pain and understand the reason behind their vendettas. Other characters filled out the pages superbly, convincingly and again, very believable. I mean, I'm no expert when it comes to how any governmental agent should act but the way they are presented gives me no reason to think they would react differently given the same circumstances. I feel there is not a moment wasted in meaningless scenes and it all belong in the book. Totally enjoyable and entertaining read.
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
July 25, 2016
A good read..
This started out pretty exciting, with a huge explosion at a party and everyone dead except Maria, who has a touch of amnesia. And then Cade coming back into her life after 8 years. And, yet again, a hero who doesn’t think he’s good enough for her AND she was his best friend’s little sister. This storyline is getting pretty old. But, since it has terrorists and such hopefully it won’t dwell too much on who’s good enough and who’s not.
So, Maria had her TSTL moment and got herself caught by the terrorists. I don’t know why authors have to write their heroines that way. Every time that happens I just hope that she gets killed for doing something so incredibly stupid. Wow! She felt the need to go save her friend when she could have called Cade, who was part of the Black Death 9 Squad.
I liked the secondary characters, Burkhart and Nash, and Oto and Mihails were really terrific bad guys.
There was a lot of sexual tension in this book and KR does know how to write some good sex scenes.
I will read Levi’s story because I want to see him get his revenge, but I hope the new woman in his life doesn’t have a TSTL moment.
Because it makes me crazy that every single romance has one thing in common, from now on, I’m going to mention the heroine biting her lip. Worrying her lip. Chewing at her lip or nibbling at her lip, or doing whatever to her lip. Wow! No one bit their lip. Well, unless you count him nibbling at her lip. LOL..
As to the narrator: Ms. Eastlake does a pretty good job. She can sound raspy or yell but that's about all. When the book calls for a laugh or cry or a grumpy tone she reads it all the same. I would like to have her show more emotion.
This started out pretty exciting, with a huge explosion at a party and everyone dead except Maria, who has a touch of amnesia. And then Cade coming back into her life after 8 years. And, yet again, a hero who doesn’t think he’s good enough for her AND she was his best friend’s little sister. This storyline is getting pretty old. But, since it has terrorists and such hopefully it won’t dwell too much on who’s good enough and who’s not.
So, Maria had her TSTL moment and got herself caught by the terrorists. I don’t know why authors have to write their heroines that way. Every time that happens I just hope that she gets killed for doing something so incredibly stupid. Wow! She felt the need to go save her friend when she could have called Cade, who was part of the Black Death 9 Squad.
I liked the secondary characters, Burkhart and Nash, and Oto and Mihails were really terrific bad guys.
There was a lot of sexual tension in this book and KR does know how to write some good sex scenes.
I will read Levi’s story because I want to see him get his revenge, but I hope the new woman in his life doesn’t have a TSTL moment.
Because it makes me crazy that every single romance has one thing in common, from now on, I’m going to mention the heroine biting her lip. Worrying her lip. Chewing at her lip or nibbling at her lip, or doing whatever to her lip. Wow! No one bit their lip. Well, unless you count him nibbling at her lip. LOL..
As to the narrator: Ms. Eastlake does a pretty good job. She can sound raspy or yell but that's about all. When the book calls for a laugh or cry or a grumpy tone she reads it all the same. I would like to have her show more emotion.
September 9, 2014
Maria finds her world torn apart when a charity event her and her mother are attending is blown to smithereens. Maria is the only survivor from the blast and now the terrorists that are involved are hot on her heels. Lucky for her, her brother's best friend, and Maria's crush from 8 years ago is a black ops agent who is hell bent on keeping her alive while finding out who's behind the attacks and why. The only problem is, she can't remember anything from the day of the attack.
This is a highly suspenseful novel. There isn't a lot of gore but you do go into the minds of the killers. You see the way they think and why they are doing what they are. Now, I'm not saying I agree with their ways but you definitely sympathize for them.
Even though I am a huge Katie Reus fan, this one just didn't fully connect with me for some reason. I usually gobble her books up in one sitting but this one left me feeling a little blah. There's nothing wrong with the story. Katie had a great way of bringing her characters and their world to life. I just don't know what kept me from fully engaging on this one.
Favorite quote....
"All those wealthy people didn't know shit about true pain. The rick kept getting richer and people like him had to struggle to get to where they were. Even Marina, she might try to make herself feel better by giving back to the poor in her community, but she always had her parents' money to fall back on. Money she hadn't earned."
This is a highly suspenseful novel. There isn't a lot of gore but you do go into the minds of the killers. You see the way they think and why they are doing what they are. Now, I'm not saying I agree with their ways but you definitely sympathize for them.
Even though I am a huge Katie Reus fan, this one just didn't fully connect with me for some reason. I usually gobble her books up in one sitting but this one left me feeling a little blah. There's nothing wrong with the story. Katie had a great way of bringing her characters and their world to life. I just don't know what kept me from fully engaging on this one.
Favorite quote....
"All those wealthy people didn't know shit about true pain. The rick kept getting richer and people like him had to struggle to get to where they were. Even Marina, she might try to make herself feel better by giving back to the poor in her community, but she always had her parents' money to fall back on. Money she hadn't earned."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews