Without Him

Cobalt Security #5

by Reese Knightley

Separated by lies, bound by desire…

Falling in love was not something Bishop had ever planned on.

Until a sexy billionaire named Syn appeared on his radar.

Syn who is off limits.
Syn who just announced his engagement…

Now the lies and treachery are piling up…

And Bishop will need to make some hard fast decisions.


🔥Billionaire vs Bodyguard
🔥Enemies to lovers
🔥High powered family drama
🔥Unrequited love
🔥Treachery
🔥Lies

Genres: M M Romance, Action, Romance, Suspense, Queer, Fiction, Crime

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2024

About the author

Reese Knightley spends her time creating stories from the characters rattling around in her head. Her love of reading mystery, action and adventure, and fantasy books led to her love of writing. Reese works as a full time writer. She loves to hear from her readers.

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Head hopping drives me nuts

3.5*

This one was a return to the irritating head-hopping and multiple deaths that have no consequences irrespective if they're "bad guys" or not.

However, it was also the most enjoyable one in the series so far, even with the outrageous plot devices and the supposed enemies to lovers element not really lasting that long.

I liked both Bishop and Syn and I liked how the plot twists in this narrative actually helped move the story along and weren't too complicated.

I'm definitely interested in the next book though, with Syn's best friend Ryker.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the blurb, I already disliked it, knowing that Syn was announcing his engagement to someone else. Thank fuck for the plot twist; Syn was engaged to Bishop himself.

Bishop's full name was Michael Bishop Rothschild. He is the oldest grandson of Judge Rothschild. Bishop has a twin brother, Nicholas, who almost died because of food poisoning while he was staying at his grandfather's house, and the culprit is still unknown. Plus, their grandfather was very controlling, so Bishop wasn't comfortable and didn't feel safe enough to stay any longer. He kept his real identity a secret. He kept it for too long, and it's no wonder Syn was devastated to finally know the truth about Bishop from someone else.

Reading their story felt like watching an action movie, and it was so fucking complicated with so many names I wasn't familiar with, and new names just kept popping out with so many new pairings in the near future. Syn's good friends from college are Ryker and Cohen. Ryker with Marshal, whose real identities were still a mystery, and Cohen with Rock, Syn's mother's bodyguard, and Nicholas with Sterling, Bishop's bodyguard or right-hand man or a friend or what, I don't know.

The following book will be about Ryker and Marshal. Ryker's face wasn't the same anymore because of the car accident he had with Syn; he had scars on his face. It made him feel insecure. He thought Marshal didn't want him anymore, and too bad Ryker's family forced him to marry a woman, and now he was engaged, and unlike Syn, who was gay, Ryker was bisexual.

 

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action Packed OTT

Pros- fast moving, lots of twists, complicated dynamics, glimpses of old favorites and new prospects, good guy gets his man, sets up for the 3 or 4 stories

Cons- depiction of the elite/wealthy society not well thought out, attempt at using high end brands to create an air of superiority fell short, out of character killing rampage was to much, logic that ultra wealthy security specialists couldn’t have helped or kept themselves safe

Overall, didn’t like Syn very much when he’s amongst the country club crowd, Bishop not even confining with his best friends was disappointing. Will definitely read next book.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seemed rushed. Would have liked more background

3.5 stars…This book didn’t resonate with me as well as earlier ones. This series as a whole seems more rushed with less background and character development. I needed more information on the MCs in order to relate to them better and some more scene development as the story progresses. It all just seemed rushed.

I really came to dislike Syn, one of the MCs as the story progressed and Bishop being so devoted to him just puzzled and irritated me, especially towards the end. Syn was also quite the hypocrite as he didn’t tell Bishop key information but justified his turning on Bishop because Bishop hadn’t been completely truthful with him despite having good reasons for not doing so. And then the complete turnaround at the end of the book came out of left field for me. I kind of felt like I’d missed some chapters or something.

I guess this author just set a higher standard for me with the three previous series and this one just doesn’t feel like it was written by the same author.

[Book Hoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Syn and Bishop’s story blew me away. I absolutely did not see this plot coming. Enemies to lovers was a given but touching on how they get where they are going is to give away a ton of spoilers and nope, not going there.
Without Him is a continuation of Reese Knightley’s Cobalt Security series. While the company was born of the military these books focus on the bodyguard business rather than the spec ops type of action adventure we are used to in her other series. This book five contains plenty of suspense with lots of twists and turns and Bishop, Syn and associates are plenty badass enough to satisfy her action junkies.
While you do not have to read the whole Cobalt series to follow along you should really read Without Regrets, book four, is where we get to know Bishop and Syn and how their two companies merged. Bishop and Syn get their HEA. Look for Cobalt Security Book 6 coming in October 2024

[Jozey · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's struck and score, from the heart again. She gives you everything an action lovers wants and so much more!!!

🔥Billionaire vs Bodyguard
🔥Enemies to lovers
🔥High powered family drama
🔥Unrequited love
🔥Treachery
🔥Lies

Intrigue, weăpøns, rich society brats, brawl, bløød, threat.
The enigma, connecting the dots, lying by omission, getting into trouble and getting out unscathed thanks to a chosen family who despite their differences put their bickering aside to save their own skins.

I loved it.I was engrossed in my book.  I would have taken so much more. The characters are complete, both selfless and wanting the best for each other. Even if it means being unhappy for the moment. And possibly wishing for an untouchable future right now. So close, yet so far away.

And what about the other characters. I hope they all have their sweet love story, a little dose of love and why not a huge dose of adrenalin. Cant wait for Ryker's story. Each time I finish a book from this author I wish the next one is out... Bewitched magic or amazing author? Same thing.

[Kelsey’s Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one felt like Reese was going back to her roots, it gave me very Phoenix and Infinity vibes and I loved it! I knew from their first encounter in Brick’s book that these two were going to be hot-enemies to lovers- yes please sign me up all day! This one is a don’t judge a book by its cover, not everything is as it seems type of book. It’s got lies, family drama, and a boat load of secrets. Syn is a hot billionaire that everyone underestimates. Bishop is a sexy bodyguard who gets looked down upon because of the type of clothes he wears. These two put me through more twists and turns than I was expecting, I loved the plot twists, the overarching storyline, and the fledged out characters and side characters. If you’ve read any of Reese’s other books you’ll definitely see some people you know and some storylines you’ve been waiting to read. Excited to see where this next book goes!

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets

Wowzers, this one threw me for the best loop! I never expected the twist, and it’s so gloriously clever. Plus the passion between Syn and Bishop, so hot. Combine that with the “I hate him but I hate that I don’t hate him even more” vibes, these two burned up the pages.

“Bishop had marked him like a f*cking animal. Not saying it hadn’t been sexy as hell and a turn-on, but what the f*ck had that been about?”

I gotta say I learned lots about both Bishop and Syn and with every reveal, every side we saw, I loved them even more. I’m not sure I can choose between them but I do know I would choose this wild ride again and again.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hotness. When Syn met Bishop for the first time, was told that he didn’t like him. When the story starts, Bishop was hired to be a guard at a high raking party. When Syn sees him being bothered, he sends in his friend Ryker to help him. Fast forward a few days, and Syn sees Bishop at a bar drinking. When he follows him to the washroom to make sure he was ok, Bishop kissed him. When Syn’s life is threatened, Bishop takes over to make sure that Syn stays safe. This is the start of how they started their relationship to happy ever after. Great twists and turns to this story as it is not only Syn being threatened. Love this world and cannot wait for more.

[Raquel Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Syn and Bishop, it was intense, it was moving, a mix of emotions. Reese managed to go beyond the pages and bring the characters to life. Syn with his superiority but a sweet face having to put up with his family and the pressure for him to marry someone from high society. And then the lies start and everything goes from bad to worse when it comes to light. After all, you would forgive someone who lied to you. But when Bishop and Nick are in danger, he goes on a quest to save his love... Perfect this place book. Thank you author. Please bring Nicholas' story


“Yes I’m sure. I don’t want this shit getting anywhere near Bishop. I won’t have him put in danger.”

[Cassity Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller coaster

I’ve wanted to read bishop and syn story for a while now and the wait was so worth it. Bishop is a man of mystery and carries a lot of secrets to keep his family safe. Syn is from a very wealthy family and is forced to announce an engagement to another wealthy family. To make his family happy he goes through with it. Once the announcement is made all hell breaks loose. Syn is put in danger and bishop will risk everything to keep him safe. This book is action packed and has so many twist and turns it will keep you wanting more. Everyone this is a must read.

[Kate00072 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but...

Author Reese Knightley is an auto-buy for me and many of her books are among my favorites. While I enjoyed this story and the MCs, this book didn't seem as deep as others have been. It felt too long to be a novella but too short to be an excellent book. There weren't enough pages to delve deeply into the characters, some parts seemed rushed, some parts were just surface level narrative.

Recommend, especially if you're already a fan of the author. I may be a bit disappointed, but I'm still happy I read it and I did enjoy it.

[Mika Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire series has been gripping and have had to binge read it as I literally could not put them down. Am eager for book six to come out in October as I really want to hear Ryker's story based on how this book ends. I am now going to go and read all the other linked series' that this one is tied into, I probably should have read them first so thats a tip for new readers but to be honest it doesn't take anything away from this series, just makes me more intrigued to read the stories of others that are mentioned throughout.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Separated by lies, bound by desire. Falling in love was not something Bishop had ever planned on. Until a sexy billionaire named Syn appeared on his radar. Syn who is off limits. Syn who just announced his engagement. Now the lies and treachery are piling up. And Bishop will need to make some hard fast decisions.

I loved this story with the treachery and plots inside the one family and how both were embroiled in it for different reasons. I felt sorry for Syn until Bishop came clean. Lots of emotions and feelings. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Marsha L Respess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting story! I admit that I was slow to realize who Bishop really was and found it amusing that Syn picked him as his fiancé. The villains were really vile and I so glad that the horrible Andrew got exactly what he deserved and the other conspirators got punished. Loved how at the end the wretched Tessa got back-handed by Syn that she richly deserved. Looking forward to reading about Marshal going after Ryker.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you need action, intrigue, mystery and a full stop romance many would die for -its got it all!

Syn is wealthy and with it responsibilities. Arranged marriage in this age seems ridiculous but perhaps an arrangement could be beneficial. To a man they never met is a huge risk. The action & adventure keeps the pages turning. The romance is the bonus. Bishop has some secrets and can they be forgiven? MM romance a definite worth the read.

[Beatrice Zibell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop and Syn. They hate each other. But there is attraction mixed in there. A story full of twists and turns you don't see coming.
Bishop has a secret to keep. Syn is a distraction, a sexy distraction and in danger because of this secret.
What Syn hates most are liars.
With all the lies stacking up will everything eventually implode?

[AyoDollFace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, but too much POV switching mid sentence

This is a 3 out of 5 for me. While there wasn't as much switching POV mid sentence, there was still some. Not an excessive amount, but enough to be irritating and having to reread a sentence or paragraph to make sure I read it right the first time.

[B Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind bending Drama!!

This has to be one of the best written books I’ve read in a while, there is drama suspense and romance. I have read a lot of books and this author has a great talent for bringing the characters to life and keep you tied in till the end.
That being said I highly recommend reading it.

[Romance Recs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the younger brother of the character from
The book right before this.

I didn't feel the passion and love. It seemed to wasteful of space on some stupid plot when it could have been more focused on the romance aspect of the relationship.

It's very dull because the two MC's don't connect in the way I would have liked.

[Karen Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book as usual, Syn and Bishop story starts out as enemies and slowly they come together whilst there are threats on Syn and Bishops brother's lives.
I love the Cobalt Security books and highly recommend any of Reese's books.

[Tris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better. This has to be my favourite so far and it’s so good I had to stop and write a review. I just wish we got a chance to read a bit more “after” and saw the MCs settle down because they were just so amazing

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite enemies to lovers story! Syn and Bishop were an explosive couple full of surprises! I loved how the story kept me guessing and the MCs kept me fully entertained with their antics.
Great addition to the series. Can’t wait for more!

[Kris Glassie · Rating 2 out of 5]

6/24/24 - 2.5
Least favorite of the series. Things that are not my bag: dubcon between MCs, two out of three encounters not including lube, and finally Syn’s OTT violence (especially back-handing a woman, who although a total bitch, was not physically threatening.)

[Angelica Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner

Reese Knightly has a wonderful way of spinner this universe so you just have to keep reading. I enjoyed it from the start, and I am looking forward to the next book as well.

[Nancy Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cobalt Security #5

Another fast paced thriller romance. There have been added at least several more people who need to have their lives resolved. They cross at least 3 series and Dave is in most of them. What can I say, but, I love your books and characters. Keep writing!!

[Neats · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get this book. Its like the author hit their head n forgot their previous books, last book sin n his brother were close. Family were close .. now he is shame of family n family r forcing a marriage..

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fun and exciting book

[Hilcia]

DNF @ 11%

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bishop has a bodyguard gig and meets Syn who intrigues him despite being engaged.