Coerced

Harper Security Ops #17

by A.K. Evans

Aria Todd is the new girl in town. She doesn’t mind the title. In fact, she’s thrilled that she’ll have the chance to start over in a place where nobody knows her. Where nobody can get to her. And where her new neighbor has her peeking out her window regularly.

Paxton Fields is Steel Ridge’s resident nice guy. He’s kind to everyone, even the injured and abandoned animals he rescues on occasion.

That’s why he catches Aria’s eye, and the pair explore the chemistry between them.

But Paxton’s big heart is just a small part of who he is. When it’s necessary to be foreboding, he rises to the occasion.

And that’s precisely what happens when he learns that there was a reason for Aria’s recent move to his town. Discovering she’s been coerced from her home, Paxton’s protective instincts kick in.

Escaping her past was her plan, but if Paxton can’t find her, Aria may never get to see her future.

Genres: Suspense, Small Town Romance, Romantic Suspense, Found Family, Contemporary Romance

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

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A.K. Evans is a contemporary romance author of over twenty published novels. While she enjoys writing a good romantic suspense novel, Andrea’s favorite books to write have been her extreme sports romances. That might have something to do with the fact that she, along with her husband and two sons, can’t get enough of extreme sports.

Before becoming a writer, Andrea did a brief stint in the insurance and financial services industry and managed her husband’s performance automotive business. That love of extreme sports? She used to drive race cars!

When Andrea isn’t writing, she can be found homeschooling her two sons, doing yoga, snowboarding, reading, or traveling with her family. She and her husband are currently taking road trips throughout the country to visit all 50 states with their boys.

Reviews

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are new to the series, Harper Security Ops is not only a security firm, but also a tactical and self defense training center. Though this audiobook is part of a series, rest assure that as with the previous stories, this is a stand alone.
This time it’s Harper Security Ops operative Paxton Fields who finds love when he least expects it. Paxton is known as the nice guy in the neighborhood always willing to help others. Kind not only humans but also to the stray animals around.
Aria Todd recently moved to town hoping for some anonymity and to have a chance to start over with her life.
A sort of friendship and relationship starts developing between these two and just when things seem to be going great, Aria’s past threatens not only the relationship , but also Aria.
Will Paxton be able to keep Aria safe? Will these two get a chance to have a future, or will the evil that follows Aria end it all?
This was another engaging story filled with good hunky guys, bad guys, suspense and of course, romance.
Narrators Teddy Hamilton and Maxine Mitchell do an excellent job of bringing the story to live.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 17th book in this phenomenal series, and this is Paxton ad Aria’s journey.
Paxton is sweet, kind, protective, and is part of the kidnapping and rescue team with Harper Security, while Aria is new in town and is looking for a fresh start, where nobody knows her. Paxton and Aria are neighbors, and there is an instant attraction when they meet. When the past comes back to haunt Aria, will Paxton be able to keep her safe and protected?
This is a well written story, which is easy to read, action packed, and emotionally charged, with found family, friendships, intrigue, suspense, danger, drama, twist and turns, humor, witty banter, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and sweet addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Vera Blaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventeen books in the series, but it never gets old! Aria just wants to live a quiet life away from all the pain and hurt she's left behind. Luckily for her, Paxton is the nicest, friendliest neighbor anyone could ask for. He's a sucker for stray animals and loves to help everyone, including his new neighbor. They develop a friendship, which leads to more. Paxton feels so protective of Aria, not that she's completely helpless. She feels like she's finally found peace in this town. It helps that she's made some friends and that Paxton is always there for her. She may not have been looking for love, but she sure did luck out when she found Paxton.

It's been a hot minute since I've listened to Maxine Mitchell and Teddy Hamilton narrate a book. I loved how they brought the characters and story to life. Their voices gave this book great depth and made listening very enjoyable.

I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Addition to the Series!

It's wild to think there are seventeen books in the Harper Security Ops series, and while I haven’t tackled them all, the ones I’ve read have been just as captivating as this one. They all follow a similar pattern: a Security Ops guy ends up falling for a damsel in distress. What keeps me hooked is how each damsel’s distress is unique.

This time, the spotlight is on Paxton. He’s your classic all-American guy who loves animals, puts women and kids first, and instantly won me over. He works in the kidnap/ransom unit, so he’s seen his share of tough situations, but in his downtime, he’s all about his rescue pets—three dogs, two cats, and a bird. When he meets his new neighbor Aria, there’s an immediate spark, and he’s quick to get to know her.

Aria is starting fresh in Steel Ridge, wanting to leave her self-centered family behind. She’s found a perfect spot for herself and her cat, and the charming neighbor next door definitely adds to the appeal. I liked Aria right away too. She’s a bit shy but knows what she wants and doesn’t waste time diving into her new life, grabbing two jobs and making friends—hello to the Harper Security Ops girls!

As usual, the plot follows a familiar pattern, but even though Aria’s story was a bit predictable, it kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting for the inevitable twist. She’s running from something, and you just know it’s going to catch up with her.

The book is well-written and while there’s some suspense, the focus is mainly on Aria and Paxton’s developing relationship, which I was totally okay with. I enjoyed the slow-burn romance this time around, with the main drama centered on her past catching up with her. “Coerced” works great as a standalone, but reading the series in order will give you a better grasp of the supporting characters.

Review for Renee Entress’s Blog

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished Coerced by A.K. Evans, and I have to say, it was a captivating read that kept me hooked from start to finish. This novel is part of the Harper Security Ops series, and it beautifully blends romance with suspense.

One of the things I loved most about this book was the character development. Aria, the protagonist, felt incredibly relatable. Her struggles and aspirations resonated with me, making it easy to root for her as she faced the challenges life threw her way. I appreciated how well-rounded she was—her journey felt authentic and engaging.

The pacing was another highlight for me. The story maintained a steady rhythm that kept me invested throughout. I enjoyed the mix of introspective moments and action-packed sequences; it created a dynamic reading experience. However, there were a few instances where certain plot points felt a bit rushed, leaving me wanting more depth in those areas.

The romance in Coerced was heartfelt and added an emotional layer to the narrative. The chemistry between Aria and her love interest was palpable, which I found enjoyable. That said, some aspects of their relationship followed familiar tropes that I’ve seen before in the genre. While this familiarity can be comforting, I did find myself wishing for a few more surprises along the way.

Overall, I truly enjoyed Coerced. It’s a solid read that effectively combines elements of romance and suspense. While it may not reach five-star heights due to minor pacing issues and predictability in the romantic arc, it’s still a highly enjoyable book that I would recommend to fans of romantic suspense. A.K. Evans has crafted a story that resonates well with readers like me, earning it a solid four-star rating!

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐂𝐨𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 is the 17th book in the Harper Security Ops series by A.K. Evans, featuring an engaging neighbors to lovers, slow burn romance with a side of suspense for Paxton and Aria. Aria is starting over in Steele Ridge, away from the family drama that rocked her to her core. Now she has a handsome new neighbor who is great with the neighborhood kids, loves his rescued animals, has a protective streak, and amazing friends. The connection between them was immediate, but will he still want her when her past comes back to haunt her?

These HSO men are so swoon-worthy!! Paxton was an amazing dichotomy of cinnamon roll and protective hero. He was so sweet with his animals, with kids, and with Aria when it came to respecting her and taking things slow. However, any time Aria was in danger, he kicked into a different mode and the “Touch Her and D!e” vibes came out!🥵 The romance aspect was a slow burn, but totally worth it!! The found family vibe was extra strong in this story, and was one of my favorite parts… I always enjoy the action scenes with the HSO men, but this time the women also stole the show for me with the way they rallied around Aria from the beginning. The story had plenty of witty banter, sweet and spicy moments, emotional drama, plot twists, and cute animals!! I couldn’t put it down, and I can’t wait for the next one!!

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

#Coerced #AKEvans #HarperSecurityOps #NeighborstoLovers #romanticsuspense #FoundFamily #SlowBurn #steamyreads #CinnamonRollHero #protectivehero #TouchHerandDie

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I pick up a book in the Harper Security Ops series, I know I will be reading a book filled with suspense, intrigue, danger, and romance. Time after time, Ms. Evans pulls in her readers with her storylines and characters right from the start. As I turned the pages, I could not put the book down. I needed to know what was going to happen between the two MCs.
Coerced is book seventeen in the series and we are given the story of Aria and Paxton. Paxton works in the kidnapping and rescue section of Harper Security. He is sweet, caring and a man that any woman would love to have as theirs. He is also a man who will do anything to protect the people he cares for. Aria is a strong and independent woman trying to get away from the life she was coerced into living and start fresh in a new city. Aria ends up in Steel Ridge and is Paxton's neighbour, which happens to be a good thing. They have this instant attraction that sees the two of them developing a friendship that ignites into something much stronger. When danger shows its ugly head, we see Praxton shift into drive and stop at nothing to meet it head-on.
I love the way that the women of the Harper family welcome Aria with open arms. She found a new family when she moved to Steel Ridge. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, Control.

[Melissa Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio Review:

Paxton was the golden retriever I wasn't expecting but loved dearly. It made perfect sense that he was an animal daddy because that man had a heart of gold.

Aria went through a tough emotional journey with her family, and they were not worthy of all she gave to them over the 5 years she was sacrificing herself for them. When she finally decided to take her life back onto her own hands, and ends up in our favorite small town, Steel Ridge, I was thrilled that Paxton was going to be her guy. She needed a gentle alpha male in her corner that was going to love and cherish her like no other.

If we've learned anything about the men of HSO, it's that they fall fast and hard for their woman, and will stop at nothing to protect them. Paxton lived up to the pedestal I keep these men on and then some. I adored the strong woman that Aria was and was so happy to see her not only get her guy, but one of the good ones.

A.K. Evans is the queen of slow burn but when things get steamy, they get steamy! The storyline and characters are so lovable that we don't need extra spiciness to understand and get their emotional connection.

I will forever love the HSO crew, and always enjoy that we get cameos from other couples and characters in each book. Teddy Hamilton and Maxine Mitchell were fantastic as Paxton & Aria! I love everything they team up on.

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria is starting a new life. She had to leave her old one behind when her family put her in an impossible position and she had to get out. When she moves to Steel Ridge she is trying to rebuild a life with just her cat and a determination to never be put into this situation again. When she meets her friendly neighbor, Paxton, and his brood of animals she feels a connection. Slowly over time they grow closer but since Aria is hiding a pretty big secret about what brought her to Steel Ridge, she struggles with wanting to trust what she is building with Paxton, or risk it all by telling him about her past.

I really liked this book. This is my second book in this series and also the second book by this author and I enjoyed it a lot. It had just the right amount of suspense and an entertaining slow burn relationship that builds up to a romance that makes both the characters better than they were apart. There is a found family element and a fair amount of family drama that makes this book an interesting read. This is of course a heroine in peril book, but it doesn��t make you want to scream at the MFC for being stupid. In fact, all her choices are very relatable and it made the story a great read.

Also available on Audio

Thanks to Give Me Books PR for the ARC Opportunity.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won’t lie. This is EXCELLENT. Aria is so scared, yet so brave. She knows she’s completely on her own, but she finds a way to rebuild some semblance of a life. And her neighbor? Well, he helps with that in so many ways. Between friendship and getting to know each other and falling in love, she and Paxton have quite the adventure to forever. But it’s one that does exactly what it should: it proves what love truly is and what love does for the recipients of it.

Paxton is already a guy you know you’ll like, but I promise you don’t realize just how much you’ll come to adore him. When the stakes are sky high, he’s all in. He doesn’t shy away. He doesn’t run. Nope. He’s there, completely supportive and ready to stand between Aria and any fallout or danger that comes her way. And trust me when I say the fallout is massive. It hurts. But it also heals because it proves who Aria can trust. Who she can count on. And who loves her enough to move mountains if necessary.

This is by far one of my favorites by this author to date. And that’s saying something, since I’ve got a rich history of adoring most of her characters and their stories. But this one? This one is definitely in the top five. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coerced is the 17th novel in the Harper Ops series by A.K. Evans. This novel is a standalone in the series and while some characters overlap from other books, it is not necessary to read all of the others. (Personally though, I have read all of them in order and it does enhance the story when you know all of the characters and some of the background story.)

Harper Security Ops operates as a self-defense training and tactical training center as well as a security firm with a kidnap and ransom team, which is the unit our MMC works. Paxton, while skilled in his job, is also the neighborhood nice guy and animal rescuer.

Aria is a new resident in town, who is looking for a chance to start over, where her past can't find her. And luckily for her, she happens to have moved in next door to Pax. Cue the cute pets and voila, we have a story.

This novel is well written. Sweet and a little spicy with a protective MMC and a courageous FMC. It was a pretty quick read, but it has a nice plot and doesn’t really feel rushed. If you are a genre person this taps the following: Romantic suspense, military romance, neighbors/friends to lovers, forced proximity

[Holly McAnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series that just keeps on giving. 17 books in and I still love it as much as the very first book. Aria is an easy character to relate to and instantly love. She has a fierce loyalty to her family through good times and hard times but knowing when to walk away for her own benefit is vital. The deep betrayal she endures is more than anyone should ever have to face, but Paxton is the perfect new neighbor, friend, and lover. Harper Security Ops men are always extremely protective of the women in their lives and Paxton is no exception.

I absolutely LOVE the addition of all the animals in this book. I think Paxton's love for animals, especially rescues, really just makes you love him even more. He is so patient with Aria even though he knew there was more to her move than she was willing to share.

Another thing that really stuck out to me was how Aria's best friend kept her secret but knew when it was important to share that secret with Paxton. Everyone needs a best friend like that! This story kept me pulled in until the very end.

Even though I knew there would be something big happen eventually, I was not expecting the heartbreaking way things went for Aria in the end. Sometimes the ones we love the most hurt us the deepest and I think so many people can relate to this deeply touching story in one way or another.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so badly for Aria, as her family put her in a terrible position getting them out of very difficult spot. The moment she found out what she was doing for them, she still loved them enough to give her father some time to get out of it, but when he didn't, she knew she had to leave town to start over somewhere else. This broke my heart so much as I could feel her pain like it was my own despite the fact her decision to settle in Steel Ridge, it was the best thing to ever happen to her. Paxton works at Harper, rescues pets in his spare time, and is her new neighbor that she's drawn to. He's drawn to her as well, so once they start talking, they start spending time together with sparks flying like crazy. I absolutely loved these two together but unfortunetly, her past is coming for her, and it will take Paxton & his co-workers to rescue her before it's too late. The heroine & hero are amazing, the supporting cast is amazing, the heat is intense, and the twists are coming in hot so as usual, A.K. Evans delivered another perfect romantic suspense book that I couldn't get enough of. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always eager to get my hands on new releases from this author because her stories are so engaging and addictive. This is no different! I absolutely love the men and women of HSO.

It’s effortless to relate to and sympathize with Aria’s struggles, and I admire her commitment to her family. Sadly, she lacks a complete understanding of the extent of her family’s troubles and the solution that appears to be the answer. Nevertheless, she tirelessly does whatever necessary to support everyone - until the ugly truth comes out, and she reluctantly sets a deadline on her assistance.

From the very beginning, this story had me hooked because of how easy it was to empathize with Aria and her desire for a better life. The pages effortlessly turned as the captivating storyline unraveled. Paxton possesses all the qualities we anticipate in an HSO member, and I admire his calm kindness and helpful nature. He’s exactly what I’d want in a neighbor.

There is a strong mutual attraction and undeniable chemistry between these two. You won’t be able to get enough of this - it’s sweet, steamy, and addictive. It brought me great joy to see their journey towards their HEA, and the development of trust between them was particularly heartwarming.

This author never disappoints! I read this story in one sitting and loved how things unfolded for the characters. Although there were moments of heartache, their journey towards a happily ever after aligned with my hopes and expectations.

I recommend this author this book, and anything from her catalog of creative, engaging, and addictive works.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy of this one (thank you), and happily leave my review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Harper Security Ops you don't want to put down! 5 stars!
Imagine renting a home in a new city, to start a new life and moving in next to your soul mate! Paxton and Aria are starting to fall for one another. She has terrible family issues, and some embarrassing law breaking because of her Dad, but is afraid that Paxton will leave her if he knew her past. They are both animal lovers and Paxton has rescued 3 dogs, 2 cats and a bird. One cat climbed on a porch chair and rang his doorbell until he answered and let the cat in, for a forever home. Aria has a British short haired, silver tabby named Sasha who's almost her best friend. Some edge of your seat anxiety and action in this book. The romance, and feel good emotions balance them all out. Thank you Andrea for this Harper Security Ops incredible tale of how another of them fall in love. You do a wonderful job of letting us visit with some supporting characters from the other books in this series, kudos!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is the 17th book in this series. If you are new to this series or author, there is no better time to start. Although it's helpful to read the other books and I recommend that you do because they are great, you can still enjoy this book on its own. The author does a great job on incorporating other characters without making you feel left out. Aria Todd left her home down ready for a new start. She felt betrayed but the people she loved the most. What she wasn't planning on was having Paxton Fields as her new neighbor. Paxton is instantly drawn to his new neighbor and as they get to know each other things start to heat up. Just as things seem to be going great Aria's past comes to find her. Things might be over before they can really begin if Paxton and his co-workers don't help her in time. I really loved and enjoyed this book. The chemistry and banter between Aria and Paxton jumped off the pages and I loved reading their story unfold. AK Evans has another hit with this book!

[Ken Finlay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decades ago, when I was studying to become a newspaper reporter, I was taught the fine art of how to 'top and tail.'
It's quite simple, rather than struggle with how to start a story, you write everything except the beginning and the end (the 'top' and the 'tail').
Then, once everything is clear in your mind, you can finish it off.
It works!
The author of 'Coerced' somehow managed to get the top and tail right, and then wrote a completely different story between them - that's a new approach!
Aria walks away from her family after they attempt to force her to continue a criminal endeavour she has been trying to get out of for a year.
In a new town she meets Paxton (all round nice guy and pet lover), falls for him and waits for him to fall for her. There's emotions everywhere and a huge amount of repetition.
All is warm and cosy until, just before the end, her past comes back to haunt her.
Apparently is it the seventeenth book in the 'Harper Security Ops' series, but it pretty much stands on its own.
It's written to a formula but it is lazy.
2 Stars.

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 17 of the Harper Security Ops Series.

Teddy Hamilton is one of my go-to narrators as is Maxine Mitchell! I don’t think any others would have been able to pull Paxton and Aria off like these two working together. Incredible audio book!

I love how AK Evans gives her books a storyline! I love to read about everyday life with a hint of a twist somewhere in the midst of strangers falling in love and I really love it when the guy falls first!!

Tropes:
• Small town
• Neighbors
• Slow burn
• Alpha male

Paxton is Steele Ridge’s protector of all. He has a heart of gold and wants to protect anything he comes into contact with, in comes his neighbor.
Aria moves to Steele Ridge to get away from her family and have a fresh start in living her life for herself.
Instant attraction brings these two together but will their relationship withstand what comes next when danger shows up?

I can never get enough of this series!

[Leanne Schulze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coerced by A.K. Evans is the 17th installment in her Harper Security Ops series. It is an amazing addition to the set.  Meet Aria and Paxton. 

Aria is looking for a fresh start from a very uncomfortable situation and finds herself moving to Steel Ridge. Paxton is a member of the Kidnap and Rescue Unit at Harper Security Ops and he's the neighborhood nice guy who chats with the kids and loves on his animals.

While Aria is looking for a job and settling in next door to Paxton, they find they have a mutual attraction to each other.  When Aria's past comes back to haunt her, Paxton doesn't hesitate to step in to keep Aria safe.

Can Paxton convince Aria that Steel Ridge can be her new home for the long term and show her that there are trustworthy people who love her, even when her family isn't?  Read this book to find out. You won't be disappointed!

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was another great book. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was imagine of tension. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. Paxton and Aria chemistry was sexual hotness and the physical attraction was sensation was sizzling. Aria was faced with family drama and she with Paxton she will be free and happy. But she knew falling for him in this moment would be romance. He want to protector her no matter what is going on in her life now. He want to be her hero and they will have the life they deserved in this moment and time. He was falling in love with her as he found joy and happiness with her.
I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria has always been there for her family however it has taken its toll on her relationship with them and herself. Needing to distance her she has moved to Steel Ridge and Paxton happens to be her neighbor. She is drawn to him, but she is afraid that if he knew her past he would feel differently about her however her past isn’t far behind.

Paxton works for Harper Security and is a protector at heart when it comes to his job as well as those he cares about. He feels an immediate connection for Aria, and it isn’t long before she becomes an important part of his life and he will do whatever is required to keep her safe.

This is a heartwarming romance that has a little suspense to keep things interesting. It also allows us to catch up with the other characters we know and love from this series.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coerced is sooooo awesome!!! I love, love, love Paxton. He is the ultimate alpha-protective book boyfriend with a cinnamon roll persona and a flirty sexy side. He is an animal lover and is kind to everyone until they prove they don’t deserve it. Aria is so sweet with a backbone of steel and her bravery and beauty is simply stunning. Their journey is by turns delightful, intense, funny, sweet, daring, steamy, innocent, and so much more. With all the feels and then some, I was hooked from the first word to the last. The narrators did an amazing job of highlighting the highs, deepening the lows, and bringing so much energy and enthusiasm into these roles. Their voices are easy to listen to, and they brought an extra level of oomph to the story that made it so much fun to listen to. Such a great audiobook!

[Alicia Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria and Paxtons story…

Aria’s world is turned upside down but she does what she can to help out which is a lot and not something everyone would do in her situation. Her passion is painting and she always dreamed of being a professional painter. Her dreams come true and she paints for years but then her world and heart crashes again… so much so that she moved away and just so happens to move next door to Paxton (swoon)

Paxton is such a golden retriever character until he needs his pitbull to come out. I love how great he is with Aria and how patient he is with her. Seriously all the men in the Harper Security team are too good to be true.

Finished the day I started it…. Yes I couldn’t put it down. While I knew something from Arias past was going to come back to the present I didn’t anticipate just how bad things would get

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be the 17th book in the series but the storylines are as fresh as ever and our MC's are engaging and lovable! Aria is the typical elder child trying to keep it all together until she finally snaps and Paxton is a complete animal loving, cinnamon roll but he still has that protector trait you don't want to be on the wrong side of!

Aria is determined to be self sufficient but is also quite relieved that such a nice guy as Paxton is living next door. He and his menagerie of rescued animals give her comfort and friendship. Paxton may be the nicest guy in the world but don't cross him or he'll show you just how protective he can be! These two may be a bit slower burn than some of the other couples but when they do finally cross the friend line they are HAWT!

The wives, girlfriends and partners of the HSO men are quite the girl gang now! They are all different, independent in their own businesses mostly but complete welcoming and not a mean girl to be seen!

I was pretty happy with the outcome but I really wanted "THEM" to suffer more - Aria was way to turn the other cheek - I would have gone full on vengeance Valkyrie!

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coerced by A.K. Evans due 9/17/24 5 stars (g me b)
Paxton & Aria (+ the furry and feathered)

Her dream came true—or did it? She thought she could not only help her family in their time of need but also do it with her dream job.

Things didn't work that way. It led her to take Sasha (her beloved cat) and find a new home away from her family. Her neighbor Paxton, was gorgeous and helpful. He recommended possible jobs and introduced her to people.

Paxton is also a pet lover, with three dogs, 2 cats, and a bird. His job made him all-around protective. They were attracted to each other. Was there a possible future for them?

A good story, with good characters, some humor, danger, and plenty of heat. A satisfying read not to miss.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Evans has written another book in the Harper Security Ops as good and fresh as the first one. In her seventeenth novel of the series, Aria is looking for a fresh start from her family Deciding On Steel Ridge, she meets her new neighbor, Paxton. As their friendship grows, so does their attraction to each other. I admired Aria for her strength to remove herself from the people who were not only taking advantage of her but putting her in danger. Paxton seemed smitten from the beginning and I almost wish I had a Paxton. Paxton not only seemed to anticipate what she needed, he also protected her, making him a hero in my eyes.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

No coercion is necessary to fall in love with another installment of the Harper Security Ops series! ‘Coerced’ the 17th book in this exceptional series by A.K. Evans, delivers yet again with a perfect blend of danger, secrets, and suspense, all wrapped up in a heart-pounding storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

In this latest installment, we follow Paxton, the next member of the Harper Security Ops team to fall—and fall hard he does, for his sweet new neighbor, Aria. Far from a damsel in distress, Aria is determined to make a fresh start away from her family when she meets Paxton. However, she harbors a secret that, once revealed, sets off a race against time for Paxton and his team to save her.

The slow-burn romance between Paxton and Aria is filled with sizzling heat and tender moments that make their journey toward love so captivating. Along the way, they find not only romance but also the importance of new friendships and unexpected allies—including a special cat named Sasha, who adds an endearing touch to their story.

With its expertly mingled elements of suspense, heartfelt romance, and a dash of humor, *Coerced* is a must-read for fans of the series. A.K. Evans crafts a story of finding love in the midst of chaos, proving once again that she knows how to keep readers hooked from start to finish.

[Courtney Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aria has bottled up her feelings from her family for years. After finding out the truth of how she’s been coerced by her father to keep their family afloat, she’s finished. When she moves away, she moves in next door to her handsome neighbor Paxton. Paxton is a man after my own heart! A lover of animals, neighborly, looks out for others, and of course works for Harper Security Ops. Paxton and Aria begin a relationship, but her past comes back to reclaim what was taken from them. This book left me on the edge of my seat, and had me guessing who was involved. A great mystery and romance.
I received an ARC of Coerced. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.

[Dimple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coerced is the 17th story in the Harper Security Ops series, but rest assured, it can be enjoyed on its own.

Aria is new to Steel Ridge after escaping a horribly effed up situation with her family. She moves in next door to Paxton, a total gooey sweetheart of a guy who works at Harper Security. Instantly, the friendship begins between them, with Pax's sweet protectiveness (something Aria sorely needs) on full display. She's finally starting to see a future she loves, but her past isn't quite through with her yet... Thankfully, Paxton isn't willing to give her up.

Another great book in this series. Her family was something else, but her found family is everything!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria and Paxton are a fantastic couple! This story is a great read. It was sweet, sexy, suspenseful, and lots of family drama. Coerced is a great addition to the Harper Security Series!

Aria’s family has some medical issues and she is willing to do anything to help out. Unfortunately, she finds out she is greatly getting taken advantage of, and decides it’s best to leave town. She moves next door to Paxton. As their romance blossoms, her old problems find her. Lucky for her Paxton and the security team are available to help

Coerced is a great book, and kept me in my toes!