River “Rubicon” Kwon has been a Navy SEAL, a CIA covert operative, and an elite hacker. The rules he lives Keep your heart distant. Smile, and never let them see your weakness.
There’s only one woman who broke through his barriers. One woman he can't forget. His younger brother’s ex. When River discovers she's the target of an assassination plot, he knows this mission could be his undoing.
Lieutenant Governor Charlotte McKinley never forgot River either. She hasn’t seen him in years when he resurfaces, claiming her life is in danger. Now on the run together, River and Charlotte race to uncover the criminal organization that’s responsible. But if River can’t bury his feelings for her, he’ll fail more than just this mission. He could jeopardize everything, including the Protectors. And lose the only woman he’s ever loved.
Each book in this series has a complete story and HEA, but to get the most out of the series arc, reading the books in order is recommended.
I write suspenseful romance with pulse-pounding danger, fun & flirty banter, and tons of heart (plus spice!). Both a Californian and a Texan in my past, I now live in the Colorado mountains with my family.
Ehhhh, idk, I have no idea what to expect from it, and my hope was still on the midpoint even before I read this. But this turns out to be underwhelming for me. 🤷♀️
The romance was unbelievable. Sorry, I just couldn't buy it. 😭 Even the suspense part was not that intriguing, but this could probably be because I've read way too much romantic suspense in the past that the plot wasn't anything new to me anymore. 🙃
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River (35) and Charlotte/Charlie (34) have known each other since they were teens. As he and his brother used to spend their summers with Charlie's family and their mothers are friends. During these visits, they aggravate one another most of the time, while secretly harboring a crush on each other. They've never been in a relationship—nothing of the romantic sort. But there's spark and chemistry.
Anyway, after River graduated from high school, he went to the Navy. He told Charlie about this plan, but of course it still hurts her in some way.
During his deployment, after a few years, Charlie got into a relationship with River's brother; they even got engaged. I can't blame her, though, because River never showed signs that he was willing to try or start something with her (even LDR) while he was serving. It definitely crossed his mind, but still, he never said or did anything. And in the present time, it's been seven years since Charlie and the brother have gone their separate ways, and the guy's already married to someone else.
Side note: Sibling's ex is one of the tropes I avoid 90% of the time. It's just too icky to keep it in the family, you know??? Anyhoo, moving past that...
When River found out Charlie and his brother were dating, he was heartbroken (I wanna sympathize, but that was his own doing). Instead of dwelling over the fact that he lost his chance with the girl with whom he's been in love for half of his life, he put all of his focus and energy on the Navy and then the CIA.
And when the two broke up, it took River another two years to finally speak to Charlie and hope to shoot his shot. But fear got into his head, hence why he never told her how he really felt. In the present time, it has been five years since they last saw each other, since that failed confession by River.
Truthfully, had it not been for the assassination plan for Charlie, I don't think these two would ever cross paths again. 🤷♀️
River said that he's been in love with her since he was 17, and until now, he still feels the same. But the wasted time and chance when he could've gone and talked to her shows differently. I can't, for the life of me, buy this "in love with her since forever" if there's no freaking action to back it up. 18 years is quite a long time to get his crap together, and the idea that it could've probably extended to another few years if there wasn't any assassination, I think, was more than enough to show that he's all words and nothing more. 🤦♀️
So how can I believe this guy if he never put any effort into seeing Charlie over the last few years? Keeping tabs on her at times isn't it; anyone who has hacking skills can do that (even without one, tbh, hello social media). He didn't pursue her when she was single, didn't connect with her, and didn't visit her. In short, he didn't do anything to show his supposed "love" for her. There's zero, zip, zilch, nada, nothing. So again, how can I believe him?? 🥴 I'm blaming him because he's the one who always leaves, so it's up to him to fix the damage he has caused.
Then, to make matters worse, this is insta-something. Charlie went from 0-100 when she was supposed to be angry at River for basically ghosting her for years. I think it had only been three days before they finally gave in, and around the 46% mark, River dropped the ILY (only him). They hardly talked, and they let the physical and sexual attraction decide for them. 🤦♀️
This is why I'm having a hard time believing the romantic aspect of this story because it was so rushed; it feels like almost two decades were brushed off entirely and treated like just nothing in the grand scheme of things. 🤦♀️
The only good thing that I came to appreciate here was the fact that they both lived their lives in those 18 years. She didn't pine for him and had a life of her own. She became successful and had boyfriends that lasted for years, but of course, she never loved them. 🙄 River did the same too; he became successful in the security field, dated plenty of women (his words), with the longest lasting only for 3 months, because of course, he's sooo in love with Charlie and no one can compare. 🥴
Looking back at it while writing this, all throughout the book I was mostly in utter disbelief, disappointed, and annoyed at how this panned out. It was just so unconvincing, and while I know this is fiction, there's only so much I can suspend disbelief from.
Overall, I think, nope, I finally realized this didn't work for me. Sorry, I tried, but I'm just not the right reader for this. I can't wrap my head around the things that happened here. This is, by far, my least favorite in this series. And while it wasn't for me, other readers might feel differently. 🤔
Book info: - Romantic suspense - Second-chance (ish) - Brother's ex - Attempted Assassination - Insta-something - No cheating, OWD, separation - OMD (h's ex, but didn't cause trouble for the budding romance) - HFN (engaged)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A lot is going on in the latest installment of the Last Refuge series, but we are still being challenged by Stillwater, and they bring danger.
River/Rubicon and Charlotte have a history. “Friends” since childhood, but feelings were actually deeper. Today, they both have not forgotten the other. As we get more into their pasts, the picture is not quite as clear. Now Charlotte, the state's Lieutenant Governor, is in trouble, and River’s protector instinct is in full force. Life has been good to River, former SEAL and CIA operative, top level computer hacker, and now a member of the Protectors in Hartley. The chemistry is there, but can they become more than enemies?
Thank you to the Author and Booksprout for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I absolutely adored this book. I read it in just a couple of sittings, including late into the night. River has my heart forever. Shield has a way of writing male leads that are protectors without being overbearing or possessive and it just makes you fall for them so hard. Charlotte is an excellent female lead. She is driven and fearless and does not need a man to protect her. This was an excellent friends-to-lovers second chance romance. I highly recommend this book and all of the others in the series, along with Shield’s entire backlist. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I could not put this book down once I started to read it. After reading the previous books in this series, I had wondered about River’s background and the woman who got away. His story is of unrequited love, a life in the military, then one lived in the shadows while still serving his country in another capacity. Now retired from that life, River’s computer hacking skills are to put to good use to protect those who need refuge and come to the group he works with for help. They also allow him to keep track of and investigate an insidious group, Stillwater, involved in many illegal activities, like sex trafficking, that has managed to infiltrate all levels of government and laws enforcement. When he learns that Charlotte, the woman who has held his heart for nearly two decades, has been targeted by Stillwater for assassination, River not only warns her, but goes to her so he can see to her protection himself. Let’s just say she is less than receptive due to their past history. It soon becomes clear that she is indeed a target as River saves her life and secrets her away to safety.
After so many past misunderstandings, secrets and distance, Charlie (as he calls her) and River get a chance to hash everything out. Of course they are in hiding together and doing some investigating on their own, but the truth about their feelings, their attraction to each other is finally revealed. They certainly have combustible chemistry, but they also have very different lives that would seem to make any sort of future together impossible. Hers is a life lived under public scrutiny, his is lived in the shadows and very private. But that point may be moot since Stillwater has a reach father than they could have expected and they no longer know who they can trust, or who has been sent to eliminate them.
This very intriguing and suspenseful book is a fantastic read. I suggest reading the previous books in this series first to fully understand the investigation in which River and his friends are involved. I am happy to recommend this book and the others in this series to those who love romantic suspense.
This is book 4 in the Last Refuge Protectors Series and things are starting to take darker and more disturbing turns. You need to have read the other books in the series before this one.
River 'Rubicon' Kwon is an ex Navy Seal , CIA and is now a hacker. We had some details about his past but I found I still had questions about him. During their childhood , River and Charlotte were thrown together every Summer as their parents were friends. They did not get on - rather they pushed each others buttons and were really competitive. The issue I had was that in adulthood, Charlotte was engaged to River's younger brother. I usually actively avoid any books where the H or h have been with the love interest's sibling but I was invested in this series and these books need to be read in order. In fairness , the author writes this well and it did feel as though it should always have been River and Charlotte. There are no scenes from the other relationship at all and in fact I completely forgot about the younger brother for a good portion of the book!
The reason I deliberated between 3 and 4 stars is that I struggled with Charlotte's character at times and found her hard to warm up to. She is a Lieutenant Governor (I am not American so I had to look this up) and she often seemed to wrestle with which side of her character was coming to the fore. From a suspense and intrigue point of view alone , this is a 5 star. It's got me hooked.
HEA? More HFN but these two are forever. Cheating? No.
The Last Refuge Protectors are back with a bang! River is a genius hacker who uncovers a plot that would hurt someone from his past. Charlotte is a lieutenant governor who works on initiatives to put an end to human trafficking. The criminal organization, Stillwater, tries to put a stop to her. River would do anything to protect Charlotte. He's loved her from a distance for years. There's everything you could possibly want in a story. There's action, romance, and heartfelt confessions. I adored these two, and I'm so happy that they got their second chance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this story there was so much action and angst that the pages just flew by. These two have a history from way back. River is bound and determined to protect Charlotte at any cost. I love that he is there even against her wish’s. Bringing down Stillwater is a priority for this group of alpha men. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Well I must say the beginning of this story had me grinding my teeth. Charlie and River have a history and not exactly a good one. But in present time she was not very nice to him in my opinion. We are back to uncovering Stillwater. There's danger, suspense, heat and a HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
River “Rubicon” Kwon has been a Navy SEAL, a CIA covert operative, and an elite hacker. The rules he lives by: Keep your heart distant. Smile, and never let them see your weakness.
There’s only one woman who broke through his barriers. One woman he can't forget. His younger brother’s ex. When River discovers she's the target of an assassination plot, he knows this mission could be his undoing.
Lieutenant Governor Charlotte McKinley never forgot River either. She hasn’t seen him in years when he resurfaces, claiming her life is in danger. Now on the run together, River and Charlotte race to uncover the criminal organization that’s responsible. But if River can’t bury his feelings for her, he’ll fail more than just this mission. He could jeopardize everything, including the Protectors. And lose the only woman he’s ever loved.
This is the fourth book in “Last Refuge Protectors Series”. River and Charlotte (aka Charlie) have known each other since they were teenagers but have not seen each other for years. They both had feelings for each other that neither admitted to at the time. Will this change now?
Charlotte is now the state’s Lieutenant Governor and River is a former Navy Seal, ex CIA and now a top level hacker - both are worlds apart, heading in different directions. When River learns on the dark web that there is a hit out on Charlie, he drops everything to go and protect her. Initially she is not convinced but when the first bullet just misses her, she “drops” everything! They are now on the run until they figure everything out. Who can they trust? Who is trying to kill her? The chemistry between these two is strong, but first, they must learn to trust each other …..
You will fall in love with River and Charlie, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
❤️❤️ My ARC Review- Second Chance Savior ❤️❤️ by @hannahshieldauthor
❤️📖 This is the 4th book in the Last Refuge Protectors, release day July 17. 📖❤️
The story of Protectors and their fight against Stillwater goes on and we get little more closer to find out who works for Stillwater and what they want, and when they want something they are capable to do and harm whoever stands in their way.
River found his place and little peace with his friends in Hartley and helps tp get more infos about Stillwater and one day Genevieve and Owen suggest they fpund another member - Charlotte McKinley, his Charlie. The only woman he ever loved and could never have.
Is she really an enemy? well River has no doubts and is ready to jump right back into her life and make her safe. Only Charlie is not ready to meet him again and especially trust him but the circumstances make them to work together and learn to trust again and on their way we get some insights into the past to understand why they both need a second chance.
The story has great tempo again, no time to be bored, ones you start to read you won´t be able to put down this book. Charlie and River have special bound and their chemistry is wow, River suprised me that he was the one more romantic and vulnerable and ready to fight, but on the other hand I understand why Charlie had doubts and needed to be pushed.
Again the romance was perfectly in balance with the drama and crime and the plot was great, I love it when I can´t tell who is good and who is bad, when you are suprised by the twist , soo you really need to read this book and before the end you will for sure feel the need to read the next book.
We meet the other couples from previous books and I always enyoj when I can get little more of their life in each book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ok..let’s get the basics out of the way first.. This is book 4 of a series and although it is a standalone, it will make more sense if you read them in order.
River is one of the men of Last Refuge Protectors and his specialty is computers. That’s not to say he still can’t throw down because he does in fact prove that he can. In a previous book, the LRP are currently researching a criminal group, Stillwater. While seeking out new info, River comes across a threat on the lieutenant governor and they plan to strike soon. The problem is, the LG is Charlotte, a girl River grew up with…and has loved most of his life.
Charlotte is the lieutenant governor and has been concentrating on a new initiative about human trafficking. For the most part, she can fly under the radar and doesn’t get too much attention, just the way she likes it. So when an old friend, River, calls her telling her she is in danger, she doesn’t exactly believe it or want to listen. But it doesn’t take long for things to get serious real fast, and she’s forced to pair up with River. She must also come to terms with some long ago feelings.
I have really liked this series so far and I still do. That being said, this one read a bit slower, the storyline was slow to get into, and the ending was a bit odd considering River and Charlotte’s living situation. I liked that Charlotte wasn’t a pushover and wanted to be heard and included. Also River and Charlotte had good chemistry which was hot. Lastly, there has been a lot of buildup to Stillwater so we need a conclusion to that soon. Overall, still a good book and series. They are very entertaining and keep you intrigued until the end.
I received a ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yet again another great entry in this wonderful series by Hannah.
This book centers around River, hacker extraordinaire, ex CIA and as of late a member of the Last Refuge Protectors team; and Charlotte aka Charlie, Luitenant Governer for the State. Both have known each other since they were young, with River and his brother spending their vacations at Charlie's parents. River has always been in love with Charlie but never acted upon it, even deciding at age 17 to join the SEALS so he could avoid coming home.
Fast forward several years, 18 to be exact and they're bound to meet again as members of the LRF team discover another name - Charlie's - that could be involved in the Stillwater case, a group of corrupt people guilty of human trafficking, drug dealing, etc. River doesn't believe Charlie is part of Stillwater and instead finds out that she's in danger, a plot to kill her has been issued.
Their reunion isn't a pleasant one to start out, but as they start working together to end the threat to Charlie and find out more about who's behind the plot to kill her, they grow closer once again and they discover that their old feelings are still as present as ever.
I absolutely loved this book, I like the second chance trope and here we got to see how River and Charlie met and spent their youth through flashbacks. MC's from the previous books make an appearance here again too and it was great to see how they all jump in to help.
The story keeps on revealing more secrets about Stillwater and I'm already impatient to find out what else Hannah has got in store for us.
*I kindly reveived an ARC of this book via Booksirens. This is my honest review.*
Second Chance Savior knocked my socks off. Every book just gets better and better. I never would have expected River’s story to be so intense and exhilarating. It took me off guard and blew up in my face. Out of the Protectors bunch, River is known to be the light-hearted one who has a comedic response for everything. He is the nerd, the tech, the hacker. What you’d never expect is to see River, the former Navy Seal in full action. When circumstances force an un-wanted reunion with Charlotte “Charlie”, his once close friend from his adolescent years, he is forced to input himself into her life and face his past. It definitely doesn’t help that she’s also the only woman he’s loved and that she’s his brother’s ex-fiancée. But that doesn’t stop him from putting his life on the line to keep her safe when there’s a bounty on her head with reasons unknown. The action starts from page one and doesn’t stop until the last page. This is what military romance is all about and not to mention the suspense that keeps you turning the page. It’s exhilarating, fierce, romantic, and sweet. I never would have expected so much from River. I had no doubt that things would be interesting, but reading his full story, you can’t help but to love him more. And of course, the leading ladies are always likeable. River and Charlie’s relationship is filled with arguments, unanswered questions, animosity, but there’s also a softness to them because of their connection when they were younger. It’s this River that has been hidden from us that deserves so much love. As much as I love the other books in this series, this one tops it all.
This book will grab you immediately and never let go Oh. My. Word. I love Ms. Shield’s books! With every one of them I am immediately catapulted into a scene, a situation, a conflict that catches my imagination and I cannot put the book down until completed. What I love about this series are the characters I get to meet and meet again in subsequent books. I get updates on what is happening in their lives while learning about the newest couple. This book is about our irreverent hacker for the Last Refuge Protectors who right the wrongs that officially can’t be fixed: River “Rubicon” Kwon, former SEAL and CIA operative. When River finds out that the only woman he has ever loved is in danger, he shows up to save Charlie aka Lt. Governor Charlotte McKinley. As kids they spent the summers together making havoc and getting on each other’s nerves. As they got older their tension turned into something a little different. What happens when River shows up out of the blue after no communication for many years to tell Charlie he is there to save her? Her personality is not one to accept a situation at face value. When the bullets start flying she accepts River’s help. What happens next will keep you on the edge of your seat! This book had me on pins and needles waiting for the next catastrophe to befall River and Charlie. If you like intrigue, thrilling events and fascinating characters, you will want to read this book. The series is getting close to resolving the story arc that has plagued our cast of characters for several books. Maybe by the next one which I have already purchased. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
Such a great series! Another winner from Hannah! River “Rubicon” Kwon has been a Navy SEAL, a CIA covert operative, and an elite hacker. The rules he lives by: Keep your heart distant. Smile, and never let them see your weakness. There’s only one woman who broke through his barriers. One woman he can't forget. His younger brother’s ex. When River discovers she's the target of an assassination plot, he knows this mission could be his undoing. Lieutenant Governor Charlotte McKinley never forgot River either. She hasn’t seen him in years when he resurfaces, claiming her life is in danger. Now on the run together, River and Charlotte race to uncover the criminal organization that’s responsible. But if River can’t bury his feelings for her, he’ll fail more than just this mission. He could jeopardize everything, including the Protectors. And lose the only woman he’s ever loved. I loved the dynamics between these two. It took me a while to warm up to Charlie, she just rubbed me the wrong way. But once they are on the run, everything was super engaging and I started to like her a lot more. River is just plain adorable. Hot, but witty and smart. I imagined him with this big sexy smile most of the time. The sexy times are wonderful and the chemistry between them seemed absolutely real to me. There’s action, governmental intrigues, shooting and everything we needed to read this book in almost one sitting. I’ve read all of Hannah’s books and she never disappoints! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Our story starts off strong and keeps getting better and better. River discovers that his childhood crush, Charlie, is being threatened by the Stillwater group - the criminal syndicate that River and the other Protectors have been pursuing throughout the series. He drops everything to rush to her rescue, but first he has to convince her of the danger.
On the run and barely staying ahead of the bad guys, River and Charlie have plenty of time to address the simmering chemistry between them, an attraction that has been present since they were kids despite their best efforts to avoid it. I really appreciated the way they could be completely open and honest with each other, and how quickly their trust in each other was secured.
There are plenty of secrets revealed, nail-biting rescues, and edge-of-your-seat action scenes that keep the pace moving while still staying focused on the relationship at the heart of it all. River and Charlie have a sweet and charming HEA and we get to see the investigation make a huge leap forward with the discovery of significant new evidence. I can't wait to read the next book in this exciting series!
I recommend starting at the beginning so you'll know all about the crusade that ties all the books together, but each one is a standalone romance so you won't miss much if you just read them one at a time. This author is one of my favorites in contemporary romantic suspense and this book is one of her best. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I am absolutely enamored with Ms. Shield's novels! Each book instantly transports me into a vivid scenario, filled with conflict and intrigue that captivates my imagination, making it impossible to put the book down until I've finished it. The aspect of this series that I find particularly appealing is the opportunity to encounter and reconnect with characters in of the previous books, receiving updates on their lives while being introduced to new characters. This particular story focuses on River 'Rubicon' Kwon, a former SEAL and CIA operative, who serves as the irreverent hacker for the Last Refuge Protectors, a group dedicated to rectifying wrongs that cannot be officially addressed. When River discovers that the only woman he has ever loved, Charlie aka Lt. Governor Charlotte McKinley, is in peril, he immediately comes to her aid. Having spent their summers together as children, engaging in mischief and frequently at odds, their relationship evolved into something more as they matured. The story unfolds as River reappears in Charlie's life after years of silence, claiming he's there to protect her. Given her skeptical nature, it isn't until danger escalates that she accepts his assistance. The events that follow are thrilling and will keep you eagerly anticipating what happens next. This novel kept me in suspense, eagerly waiting for the next challenge that River and Charlie would face. For fans of intrigue, exciting plots, and compelling characters, this book is a must-read.
"Second Chance Savior" by Hannah Shield is a thrilling ride of suspense and romance that hooks you from the very first page. The story follows River “Rubicon” Kwon, a former Navy SEAL and CIA operative turned elite hacker, as he embarks on a mission that could undo him in more ways than one. When River learns that Lieutenant Governor Charlotte McKinley, his brother’s ex and the woman who once broke through his emotional barriers, is the target of an assassination plot, he’s forced to confront not just a deadly enemy, but his unresolved feelings for her as well.
The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The action scenes are vividly described, showcasing Shield’s ability to blend romance with high-stakes drama seamlessly. The danger feels real, and the stakes are high, but the author never loses sight of the emotional core of the story.
One of the strengths of "Second Chance Savior" is its well-rounded characters. River’s internal struggle with his emotions and his dedication to his mission add depth to his character, while Charlotte’s resilience and determination make her a standout heroine. Their growth throughout the story is believable and satisfying.
As part of a series, "Second Chance Savior" stands strong on its own while also contributing to a larger narrative arc. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An exciting, nail-biting addition to the Last Protectors Series where the case against the Stillwater organisation continues. While River continues to research the Stillwater organisation, Lieutenant Governor Charlotte McKinley’s name hits a list of suspected moles triggering River’s overprotective nature. Turns out he and his brother spent their summers growing up with the McKinley’s, and while he stayed away from her for years, theirs was a complicated history. More digging reveals a threat on her life as he races off to Denver to save the day. His arrival, is anything but a warm welcome, but a battle at a charity event has the two of them on the run and only able to trust each other in this web of deceit and coverup. What follows is more action and intrigue as the two of them sort through their issues from childhood and reconnect on a deeper level, all while trying to uncover the depth of Stillwater’s infiltration into all levels of government. Action that will have you on the edge of your seat, betrayals from unexpected quarters, brilliant banter from our main characters, whose off the charts chemistry leads to plenty of steam, all will have you unable to stop reading until a conclusion hits. The scene is set for a cooperation between the Protectors and the FBI in the next volume, and a conclusion (hopefully, maybe?) to the Stillwater case. Eagerly awaiting the next in the series!
A HUGE Thank You to Hannah Shield for the incredible opportunity to receive an ARC copy and provide my honest review! ♥️ Second Chance Savior is the 4th installment of The Last Refuge Protectors Series. I absolutely love Hannah’s style of writing and how she not only captures your attention from page 1, but also keeps you on the edge of your seat through the entirety of the book! This book continues with The Last Refuge Protectors (and friends) trying to undercover the truth behind the corrupt mastermind group, Stillwater. Stillwater has been linked to human trafficking, drug dealing and other dangerous crimes. River Kwon, former Nacy SEAL, the cyber genius/expert hacker and member of The Last Refuge Protectors learns his former childhood friend, (now “frenemy”) Lieutenant Governor, Charlotte McKinley is in danger! He stops everything to protect the one woman his heart belongs to. Charlotte “Charlie” McKinley and River’s complicated friendship/relationship dates back 18 years. The story flips back and forth from past to present to show the unique history. As the suspense intensifies, the second chance chemistry ignites as River and Charlie are on the run for their lives. The adventure keeps unraveling as more information is discovered about Stillwater.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
River is the tech guy on The Last Refuge Protectors team. Although a former Navy SEAL and CIA he can handle what comes his way just fine. However, when he finds out through his tech connections, that Charlotte, his childhood frenemy and Lieutenant Governor of the state, is the target of Stillwater, an evil group of people looking for power; He immediately tries to help her and realizes all the feelings he had for her as a teen are still there.
I loved River. He’s not perfect, but he’d do anything for Charlotte, and we’d all like someone like that in our corner! Charlie (as he calls her – mostly to push her buttons) and he have been friends since childhood. They have a unique and mostly antagonistic relationship. Then, when he finds out she’s in danger, he drops everything to protect her. I’d definitely like someone like River in my corner. Hannah Shield created a world in Hartly, CO with protective, alpha men, and sassy, intelligent women. I’m really enjoying the characters and storyline of this series. There was lots of emotion, and plenty of action that captivated me from the beginning. I’m looking forward to seeing where Ms. Shield will go from here, and how Stillwell will be brought down.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. First off - read the other books first so you get to know River more. River is a man of many hats, Navy Seal, CIA operative and hacker, and he is hot to boot. River seems to be a jokester of the group but deep down he is a man who will go all out to protect those he cares about. I want a River!!!!!!!!
Charlotte or Charlie as River calls her is the ex of River's brother and also a Lt Governor. River has heard through the grape vine that there is a price on her head and now he is going to protect her. River tells her she is in danger and they end up going on the run hiding from the evil Stillwater group. If you read the other books you get just how nasty these people are.
River and Charlie may not have seen each other for a while but the feelings are still there even if they hid them from each other. As they spend time closely together those smoking hot feelings don't are not staying hidden now. Will Stillwater catch up with River and Charlie and end them before they get to fully figure out how much they mean to each other?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an action packed, exciting book. It added to the underlying plot of the series with Stillwater and had so many twists. I loved that the action began on page one and lasted through the last chapter.
River and Charlie were a little bit of a second chance romance with a flare of brother’s ex, and a whole lot of “it’s always been you”. I loved the banter between them and getting the flashbacks to their teen years. They both had pined for each other without even realizing they had given their hearts away when they were teenagers.
River was so protective of Charlie. She was always the one who got away for him and it definitely showed in all of his actions. I loved that he finally opened up and gave Charlie all the truths she needed, and didn’t expect her to return his feelings. Charlie was slower to vocalize how River made her feel, and I loved that she held herself back until she knew what those feelings really were.
There was a lot of action taking place during River and Charlie’s reunion. It brought them closer and I really felt like every question related to them was answered in the end. There are definitely some strings with Stillwater left open for the next book in the series and I can’t wait to see how that goes!
Wow, this was just so good! It gripped me from the beginning! River and Charlotte spent summers together as kids, when he and his brother visited her family. She always had a bit of a crush on him, but then he went and joined the Navy without a look back. Now, 18 years later, River finds out about a plot against Charlotte, and he knows he needs to protect her. But she doesn't want anything to do with him. She hasn't even heard from him in years. What makes him think he can just barge in and take over her life? Can he convince her to trust him? Before it's too late? What happens when he turns her world on its head? Oh, the weaving of the past and present was just so good! Their history plays a part in everything they do. And there is a LOT of history, not all of it good. They have to learn to reconcile the past and present, and neither of them really know what to expect going forward. The overarching suspense storyline continues throughout the series, but their story is standalone. I'm really looking forward to the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Last Refuge Protector series is full of intrigue, questions and outwitting a shadow enemy. River Keon has been the go to hacker/tech in the last few books, but when he learns the woman he’s loved for years is in danger he steps into action.
The attraction between River and Charlotte simmers under the surface while their antagonist bantering and competitive streaks run free. Years of misunderstandings and hurt feelings have led Charlotte to distrust River, and River’s hesitancy to be vulnerable with Charlotte and risk being turned down color their initial interactions when River makes contact after years of silence.
The storyline is fast-paced and full of suspense and surprises. River and Charlotte both have to overcome the past to have a chance at a future together.
Definitely answers some questions in the storyline that has been featured in the series, but leaves plenty more answers left to be found.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Two amazing main characters, the romance, the suspense and intrigue make this a book that you won’t be able to stop reading until the very last page! Lieutenant Governor Charlotte McKinley is under attack for her initiative to eliminate human trafficking in her state. Unfortunately, she has attracted the attention of Stillwater, an organization that deals in trafficking and other illegal activities. Stillwater enjoys a level of secrecy and assets, including those in various levels of the government and law enforcement, who are willing to do what it takes to protect their secrets. River “Rubicon” Kwon, a former SEAL, computer guru and childhood friend of Charlotte, or as he calls her Charlie, learns that she is being targeted by Stillwater. He vows to keep her safe, no matter what it takes! A pure rush from beginning to end as they reconnect (which doesn’t always go well), investigate, dodge threats and try to stay safe. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
OMG I love this series so much. I thought Aiden was my favorite book and this one is likely a close second. River is very different than what I thought he would be. I got one vibe from him when he showed up in the background of the other books, but finding out how he really is in this book was so much better. He is a romantic at heart. And a little bit full of himself but it works for him. This book was an edge of your seat book for almost the whole thing. And the ending was wrapped up much differently than I had anticipated so good on you for not following the usual patterns and surprising me. I was kept guessing for most of the book on who could be trusted and who couldn't and I actually enjoyed the flash backs to their younger years. Usually I just want to skim them to get back to the real story but it was all written so well I couldn't put any of it down. I cannot wait for Cole's story, he is such a mystery, and wasn't talked about much in the other books so far.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hannah's fast paced series about good men and women who skirt around the rules to protect others. This time there's a member of the state's legislature thrown in for good measure.
River & Charlie were teenage verbal-sparring partners, bit what exactly is their relationship twenty years later? River literally disappeared, without informing any of his fellow Protectors, to protect Charlie; she wasn't exactly over the moon to see him again until it became apparent that she really did need his protection.
River has never doubted his love for Charlie, and she has strong emotions but needs to still sort through them all-the-while she has a hit put out on her. No ways is River going to let anything to her.
Readers are treated to fast-paced action, unravelling of emotions and a good mystery/whodunnit for good measure and I'm chuffed that I was able to review this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.