Fighting for Berlin

Redemption Harbor Security #5

by Katie Reus

Her instinct has always been to fix things…

Berlin is no stranger to loss. After her parents died, it was just her and her younger sisters. Now that they’re all in college she’s been focusing on her new job with Redemption Harbor Security. But when one of her online VR buddies goes uncharacteristically radio silent, she gets worried and makes it her mission to find him. And quickly finds out that things are a lot more dangerous than she ever imagined.

But this time she might be in too deep…

Chance has gone undercover with a deadly crew to find out the truth about his brother. When he’s rescued from a sticky situation by his online friend, he’s surprised that she’s a woman—and a knockout. Wanting to keep Berlin safe, he tries to keep her at arm’s length for her own good, but the stubborn hacker refuses to walk away. With her skills, the deadly crew he’s infiltrated recruits her for an upcoming job. Now he’s got to maintain his cover while worrying she might be discovered too. It’s a race against the clock to find his brother, stay alive and not fall for the smartass woman who’s gotten under his skin—before they all die.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Action

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2025

About the author

Katie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Berlin by Katie Reus
Redemption Harbor Security series #5. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Berlin is a hacker. She works for Redemption Harbor Security so most of what she does is for good. She’s also a gamer and that’s where she met Chase. Of course, both under player names, but Berlin was able track down who he is. When Chance’s brother disappears, Berlin first finds Chance and then convinces him that she can help find his brother. They work together, tracking down clues and phone signals while protecting each other from the thugs and others that want to prevent the criminals at the top.

It’s a mad dash between the biker gang and safe cracking, the computer hacking of cameras and more, to find and protect family.
Fast moving adventure. Intense action. Steamy down time. Friends and coworkers protective support. And family.
Romantic suspense on the edge.

Some really great chapter headings too. Here are two I laughed at.
“Sometimes I read a text and think “what a psycho”… then I press send.”
“We’re sisters. If I’m mad at someone, you are too. Rules are rules.”

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this group of people. They are like family and have each other’s backs when it really counts. The fact that they all dropped what they were doing to help Chance just because Berlin cares about him. I enjoyed the suspense and the journey Berlin and Chance took as they fell in love. Great book!

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is filled with so much steamy goodness and engaging drama!





I loved Berlin and that surprised me. I know I’m antiquated as I usually don’t enjoy a kick*$$ heroine too much. But Berlin was so much fun to read about and she was absolutely perfect for Chance. Everything about their relationship was different and at times amusing.





The drama and danger were well orchestrated and layered organically throughout the storyline. I enjoyed the way things developed and the reactions of the hero and heroine along the way. This story was compelling and kept me engaged from the beginning.


Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a player
Triggers human trafficking is touched upon
Steam 5 /5; explicit; condoms used

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance is former military trying to find his way after an injury. His brother is missing and he'll stop at nothing to find him.
Berlin is an expert hacker and knows who he is from online gaming. She comes to his rescue just in time, now they'll be working together to find his brother.
I really enjoyed the suspense in this story as well as their growing connection. Great action packed story, I need to go back and read the earlier stories.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance and Berlin😊

Fighting for Berlin is the next book in the Redemption Harbor Security series and packs a punch❣️

Berlin is worried about a gaming friend she has, when he goes radio silent. Being the good investigator that she is, she finds out where he is and swoops in to the rescue. Berlin is an amazing character and very bossy😉

Chance is a bit off kilter when a woman swings by with an SUV to rescue him. When he tells her why he went radio silent, he’s surprised at the lengths she goes to to help him out. Loved Chance and Berlin and the story as a whole was perfect👌 Now, only two questions remain…can I have Chance and who’s next?….I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️‍🩹

[Woodatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 already in the Redemption Harbor Security series and I think this might be my favorite so far.

Berlin is a hacker for RHS and she's great at her job. Taking care of people is in her nature, she's been doing it after all for her sisters ever since their parents died. In her downtime she likes to play VR games with her buddy, a guy she only knows virtually. They get along super fine and when one day he seems to have disappeared, she uses her hacking skills to find out if he's okay.

Chance is former Special Forces, due to an injury he's left the force and has now put his life on hold to find out about his brother Enzo who's gone missing. When he finds out Enzo seems to be mixed up with an MC gang with shady business, he goes undercover to find out more.

Things don't work out though and when he's about to be discovered, Berlin comes to his rescue. Chance is stunned to find out his VR buddy is a woman who's determined to help him find his brother. Together with the rest of the RHS team they set up a rescue mission.

I absolutely loved this book. Berlin is such a sassy person, she goes after what she wants, jumps in to help whenever someone is in trouble and there's just no way to say no. Chance was a real sweetheart, a typical Katie character: strong, gorgeous and overprotective. Their attraction is immediate and amps up the more they get to know each other.

This series is one of Katie's best and I can't wait to see what she's got in store for us next.

*ARC kindly received by the author via Bookfunnel. This is my honest review.*

[Vonn Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Berlin works as a PI for Redemption Harbor Security and gets a weird feeling when her gaming partner of several years goes silent.

She hacks her way into his life and saves his butt out of a prickly situation.

After leaving the Green Beret’s due to a knee injury, Chance Hendrix, 28, has been floating. He only wants to find his brother, and if that means going undercover with a shady MC to get information, so be it. When his gaming partner rescues him from them, they come up with a plan.

Getting the Redemption Harbor Security on board, as well as the Feds, they take down several bad people while trying to find Chances brother Enzo.

Romantic suspense, with action, disguises and a happy ending. Chance is a great MMC that has his heart in the right place and Berlin as the FMC, brings her hacking expertise with a bit of uncertainty of her feelings into this story. I haven’t read any of the other couples stories, but this book can be read as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars-FIGHTING FOR BERLIN is the fifth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR SECURITY romantic suspense series, a spin off from the author’s REDEMPTION HARBOR Series. This is former Special Forces , US Green Beret Chance Hendrix, and twenty-six year old, Redemption Harbor Security agent and hacker extraordinaire Berlin’s story line. FIGHTING FOR BERLIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Chance and Berlin) FIGHTING FOR BERLIN follows the search for Chance’s missing brother Enzo. Berlin is a hacker for Redemption Harbor Security, a gaming aficionado whose online friend has gone radio silent. Worried, Berlin begins a deep dive into the persona she knows only as Venom Reaper, only to discover Chance Hendrix is a US Green Beret, Special Forces soldier caught in a dangerous situation. Chance has been working undercover with the Uptown Street Kings biker club in the hopes of locating his younger brother Enzo, whose last known whereabouts was working with the MC, but his disappearance may be related to something bigger. Rescuing Chance, Berlin finds herself immersed into the search and rescue of Enzo Hendrix, as our couple are pulled together towards something more. With her ability to hack into just about everything, Berlin and Chance finds themselves pulled into a deadly game of winner take all.

The world building focuses on a search and rescue; the hunt for the truth, and the building relationship between Berlin and Chance. Berlin has raised her younger sisters since the death of her parents, and in this, Berlin is caught between being over protective, and allowing her sisters to struggle and thrive. Berlin is a little bit impulsive, and is willing to jump in to save the people she loves.

The relationship between Berlin and Chance begins as a rescue that quickly turns into a fight for survival-from a dirty MC to a questionable gang of traffickers and drug dealers, Berlin and Chance work together, with limited help from the agents at Redemption Harbor Security. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.



There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, and spirited secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Chance’s brother Enzo Hendrix, as well as several members of the Uptown Street Kings MC; Berlin’s sisters Geneva, Cheyenne and Sydney; agent and Berlin’s friend Bradford; as well as the return of Magnolia and Ezra, Adalyn and Rowan, FBI Agent Hazel Blake, and several security specialists and characters from the original Redemption Harbor series.

FIGHTING FOR BERLIN is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, search and rescue, relationships and love. The character driven premise is uplifting but Berlin’s hacking skills are unimaginable so go into the story with an open mind ; the characters are flirty, sassy and lively; the romance is spicy and impassioned.

copy supplied for review

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite TV show is Leverage and from Leverage comes the line "Age of the Geek." Berlin exemplifies that line when she jumps headfirst into a mystery to locate a gamer buddy who went silent. Her rescue of him was one of the high points of the story as she agrees to pit herself against some dangerous dudes to not only save Chance in the moment but to help him find his brother. From there some of her choices seemed a bit questionable to me, it is clear she is smart but to bring some random guy to her home like she did was not the best judgement. It is clear from early on in the story with Berlin's encounter with her youngest sister that she is a nurturer and a fixer, she just wants to make this right for the people in her orbit. The tension and flirty ratchets up from that start as Chance and Berlin clearly find each other attractive.
Then things kinda go off the rails a bit for me. The middle of the book gets a bit sluggish with characters from earlier books stepping in at the right moment to help. In fact, all of the Redemption Harbor team who are available quickly jump in to help out, again a call back to previous stories.
Those other characters help bring us to an intense and suspenseful conclusion ramping back up the action.
This book presented a unique challenge to me because I wanted to like it more than I did. I felt that while this book is stand alone, it would have been nice to know more about the team before jumping in. The main characters were the best part of the story. Chance and Berlin seemed well suited and both for good characters - smart and caring. Something just hit me wrong from the beginning and plagued me through the book. Maybe it was there meet cute seemed a little contrived, she hacked him and then just through herself into danger past on online research and conversation in a game room. The result of that research was good but getting there less so. The feds looking the other way on things that might not have been felt a bit off too. Admittedly, this was my first book by in this series and by this author so maybe that was part of my issue.
I'm a giving the book 3.5 stars and then rounding up to 4 because maybe the book did not meet my expectations but that is on me and no reason for the author do suffer. If you have read the whole series, you should definitely read this one. If you don't mind suspending disbelief a bit then I would recommend this to you also.
Thanks to NetGalley and KR Press LLC for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[MammaDi3Gatti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a LOT of Katie Reus, including all of the full- length novels in her Redemption Harbor series so far. Picking up an ARC for a Reus book is a no-brainer for me; she's a great author. That said, I struggled to find the chemistry between our heroes in this book. Don't get me wrong—I love Berlin, and I think Chance is adorable. I love that they have a past connection as fairly anonymous gaming buddies. And I'm pretty sure there are references to Berlin's online friend in previous novels, at least it rings vague bells in my "reads way too many books to keep them all straight" brain. However, I feel like we're supposed to know all the things about their online relationship when we start reading this book, and unfortunately, at least for me, that wasn't true. As a result, I struggled to understand how they were connected and the jump from online to in person seemed really abrupt. I mean I loved Berlin's superhero entrance into in-person Chance's life early in the novel, but then things kind of sped up too quickly. In fact, much of the book seems rushed.

Chance's quest also seems a little off. His attempt to infiltrate a gang to find his brother seems a little slipshod, and it's clear that if Berlin and her friends hadn't intervened, he'd probably be at the bottom of a swamp right now. Of course, he definitely becomes a hero in his own right once he starts working with the.Redemption Harbor crew.

Anyway, the quest is a little bit odd, as is Redemption Harbor's immediate willingness to help. There's a lot of convenient making use of their connections in local law enforcement and the FBI (women from previous books) and of said law enforcement's willingness to look the other way when things had into a gray area. For people who haven't read any of this author's books previously, and maybe even for some of us who have, all of the references to characters from previous novels can be a little bit off putting.

Hmm, it seems like all I'm doing is complaining about this novel, so you're probably wondering why I gave it three stars. The bottom line is that even when Katie Reus writes a less-than-great book, it's still head and shoulders above the best of many other authors. This book may not have been a favorite of mine, but I will still pick up a book by this author anytime.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

[Meg Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting for Berlin by Katie Reus is an exciting addition to the Redemption Harbor Security series, and it’s everything fans have come to love about Katie Reus’s writing—fast-paced, action-packed, and full of heart. Berlin, the group’s brilliant and sassy hacker, takes center stage in this story, and her journey is as compelling as it is entertaining.

When Berlin’s longtime gaming partner, Chance, goes silent, her instincts kick in. Using her hacker skills, she tracks him down, only to discover he’s caught up in a dangerous mission to find his missing brother. Despite his initial disbelief that his gaming buddy is the capable and stunning woman in front of him, Chance soon learns that Berlin is not someone to be underestimated.

The chemistry between Berlin and Chance is electric, and their slow-burn romance feels authentic and deeply satisfying. Berlin’s determination to help Chance—despite the risks—showcases her bravery and loyalty, while Chance’s protective nature and unwavering resolve make him a perfect match for her. Their dynamic is built on trust and mutual respect, growing naturally as they navigate the perilous search for Chance’s brother.

Katie Reus masterfully balances suspense and romance, creating a story that keeps you turning pages late into the night. The plot is full of twists, action, and moments of genuine emotion. Familiar faces from the series make appearances, adding depth and camaraderie to the narrative, though the book stands solidly on its own for new readers.

While the middle of the book slows slightly with the introduction of Redemption Harbor’s broader team, it quickly picks up, leading to a nail-biting climax and a satisfying resolution. Berlin and Chance’s story is as much about their personal growth as it is about their relationship, making it an engaging read on multiple levels.

Overall, Fighting for Berlin is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense. With a smart, resourceful heroine and a strong, swoon-worthy hero, this book delivers on every front. Katie Reus proves once again why she’s a standout in the genre, and I can’t wait for the next installment—especially Mari’s story, which promises to be just as thrilling!

Thank you to NetGalley and KR Press LLC for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧

*Cette chronique est basée sur un NetGalley ARC en échange d'un avis neutre et honnête*

Genre & Tropes : romance suspense x friends to lovers x ex military hero x hacker heroine x missing brother plot

Une romance à suspense sexy et forte en rebondissement

Bon je ne vais pas être neutre parce que Katie Reus fait partie de mes auteures "chouchoux" et Redemption Harbor (la série originale et le spin-off) fait partie de mes lectures préférées de cette auteure !

Et sans surprise, j'ai beaucoup aimé suivre les aventures de Berlin qui est un peu fofolle mais terriblement attachante et la voir succomber au charme de Chance un peu grognon mais terriblement sexy =)

L'intrigue était intéressante et j'ai beaucoup aimé les voir enquêter sur la disparition du frère de Chance et bien sûr la conclusion m'a ravie !

Bref, une romance à suspense sexy que j'ai lu avec plasir !

PS : J'AI TELLEMENT BESOIN DU TOME AVEC MARI >< La petite référence à la fin m'a tellement donnée envie =D

PS2 : to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


*This review is based on a NetGalley ARC in exchange for a neutral and honest review*

A sexy and full of twists romance suspense

Well I'm not going to be neutral because Katie Reus is one of my favorite authors and Redemption Harbor (the original series and the spin-off) is one of my favorite reads by this author !

And unsurprisingly, I really enjoyed following the adventures of Berlin who is a bit crazy but terribly endearing and seeing her succumb to the charm of Chance who is a bit grumpy but terribly sexy =)

The plot was interesting and I really enjoyed seeing them investigate the disappearance of Chance's brother and of course the conclusion delighted me !

In short, a sexy suspense romance that I read with pleasure !

PS: I NEED THE BOOK WITH MARI SO MUCH >< The little reference at the end made me want it so much =D

PS2: to the publisher and Netgalley, thank you so much for the ARC =D

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is the continuation of the Redemption Harbor Security series. The team is all relaxing after some challenging projects. Berlin is left on her own. They should know that she will find trouble! She is a dedicated gamer and plays with one particular player on the regular. She tracks down his identity IRL. Now they are trying to find his missing brother and stay ahead of the bad guys.
I’m going to get this out of the way straight away. I didn’t like this story. Berlin is crazy intelligent but also childlike. I was turned off from the very beginning by how she acts out like a snotty teenager but with access to a lot of technology and weapons. She wants everyone to see her as a capable adult.
Berlin has a complicated relationship with her sisters. I thought that might be a big part of the story but it wasn’t. It was just one more thing for Berlin to whine about. Before anyone tells me I’m not being fair, I know that Berlin raised her sisters and she gave up everything to give them everything. I don’t care. Berlin’s partner, Bradford, enables her childish attitude. He finds her amusing. Chance is trying to find his brother. His fake identity is easily discovered by Berlin. All this showed me was that the bad guys are morons. He is immediately attracted to Berlin and wants to protect her. I feel like that’s because he realizes how immature she is so he knows he needs to protect her.
I have enjoyed the humor and interpersonal relationships in the other installments of this series. I was surprised that I had such a negative response to the story. I generally enjoy books from this author so I will read more from this author in the future. I guess this proves you can’t like everything all the time.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth book in the Redemption Harbor Security series finds tech expert and hacker extraordinaire Berlin tracking down her sometime gaming partner Chance when he suddenly goes silent on her and she finds him just in time to rescue him from the biker gang he’s trying to infiltrate in the hope of finding his missing brother. Knowing what its like to feel responsible for younger siblings, Berlin immediately decides to help Chance whether he wants it or not and when things get more dangerous than either of them expected her fellow team members are ready to step in and lend a hand.

There is so much to love about this world that Katie Reus has created. The characters are all well rounded and likeable with their stories fast paced and well written with the perfect balance of drama and suspense and Fighting for Berlin is a perfect example of this as the trail for Chance’s brother leads them down a darker path than an MC gang transporting drugs. The overall group dynamics within the Redemption team are fabulous with the group quickly getting past the colleague stage and becoming as close as any family ready to drop everything to help one of their own. Berlin and Chance were well balanced even though he was surprised to find out his VR buddy wasn’t a man as he’d expected but I liked that he had respect for her abilities and didn’t try to play the ‘I’m the man, I’m in charge’ card. And the best thing, about this author’s books is any one of them can be read as a standalone without giving away any spoilers.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, this talented author proves what a wonderful storyteller she is.
We are back in Louisiana with the Redemption Harbor Security group. This time it’s their hacker Berlin, who gets her story. She’s a woman who has dedicated her young life to her three younger sisters. Sisters he has taken care of since their parents died.
For the last few years, she’s become buddies with a VR player. When she hasn’t heard from him, she decides to see if she can figure out who he is and if he’s ok.
This man is former Special Forces soldier, Chance. Chance’s younger brother is apparently mixed up with very bad people, so the only way Chance can find him, is by going undercover. It just so happens that when he gets in trouble, it’s Berlin who comes to his rescue. No less startled to find out she’s a gorgeous woman with incredible talent.
Determined to help Chance , even against his will, Berlin and members of Redemption Harbor Security , get involved.
Will they all be able to find and rescue Chance’s brother from the cartel and the various gangs after him? Will the feelings these two are developing for each other end at the end of the mission, or will they find that together is where they are meant to be?
The author delivers a thought provoking story. One in which things are not black and white but rather various shades of gray.
Another winner in this much loved series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Reading Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Berlin is the fifth installment in the Redemption Harbor Security series and it was so good that I never want this series to end! Berlin is our all around hacker/tech support gal and she is as tough as the rest of RHS even if she does most of her work behind the scenes. She has to have some major backbone because she raised her sisters and is still keeping watch over them even as they enter adulthood. Berlin is also a gamer and has been playing online for a few years. When her gaming partner goes off the radar, she does what she does best and tracks him down. Chance has been drifting since he left the army but now he has a purpose and that's to track down his missing younger brother who's last known location was in New Orleans and it looks like he got himself into trouble. When Berlin tracks Chance down and introduces herself, he isn't sure what to believe about her. How can this beautiful woman be the unknown person from his gaming site? Can he really trust her and accept her help in finding his brother? Fighting for Berlin was so much fun. The characters are smart, funny and have hidden layers. The supporting characters make this series one of my favorite romantic suspense series out there. It was told from dual POV and has action, humor, twists and a bit of heat. It stands alone in the series but there are supporting characters from previous books that I recommend reading as well.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

its always good to get into a good series and then see past characters make appearances and this book is full of them

berlin is the eldest sister and feels responsible for 3 other sisters.... she has been their caregiver for so many years that as soon as one calls for help she is there.... letting go is her problem.... but its a nice problem to have

she is also a ferocious hacker and can get into most things she puts her mind to

she is also a gamer and likes nothing better than to spend her off hours gaming with her online mate... who for some reason has gone dark....

chance is looking for his brother and the ties to some very bad gangs lead chance to try and navigate and find out where his brother is.... what he wasnt expecting when he broke into a place to find evidence of his brother was the gang to come back early .... he climbs out of the window but not before detection and hes on the run... so when a car pulls up and theres a shout to get in.... the lesser of two evils.....

what hes not expecting is... its a woman and also that its his gaming buddy who he hadnt realised was female...

a lot of shocks along the way but this has high energy and a lot at stack making it hard to put down... as always when you read this authors books

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit in the Redemption Harbor Security universe!

Berlin works with Redemption Harbor, but is more behind the scenes with hacking/tech help. One day she notices that her VR buddy goes off the radar and she ends up tracking him down and saving his butt.

Chance is ex military who has been working to infiltrate a biker gang so he can get intel on his missing brother. He gets the surprise of his life when he gets saved by his online friend, and learns she is actually a woman.

From the beginning these two are attracted to each other, but Chance is adamant that he doesn't want Berlin involved in the mess he is in. Good thing for him that Berlin is stubborn and persistent and gets her friends involved. What I really liked about this was the banter between these two characters. Chance didn't just accept Berlin saving him, he tried to do research on her too and had a healthy dose of skepticism. He was protective, but also emotionally intelligent. Berlin wore her heart on her sleeve and was extremely capable and a fast thinker.

I also love how the other RH members were in on this and how they treated Berlin like family. I am so excited for Mari's book next. Overall, a great addition to this series.

Thank you to Katie Reus and KR Press for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Marija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption Harbor Security Series #5: Romantic Suspense (Can Be Read as a Standalone)

Berlin is a hacker at Redemption Harbor Security, and she mostly uses her skills for good. She's a gamer too and met Chase online using their gaming names. Eventually, she figured out who Chase really was. When Chase's brother goes missing, Berlin finds him and offers to help track his brother down. They team up to follow clues and phone signals while keeping each other safe from the bad guys.

The story takes you on their wild adventure as they deal with a biker gang, crack safes, and hack into cameras to find and protect family.

I really love this group—they feel like family and always have each other's backs. It’s sweet how everyone drops what they’re doing to help Chase just because Berlin cares about him. I enjoyed the suspense and the way Berlin and Chase fell for each other.

This book is packed with fast action, exciting moments, and friends who look out for one another, all while emphasizing the importance of family. It’s a thrilling romantic suspense that keeps you hooked!illed with intense action, steamy downtime, and the protective support of friends and coworkers, all while highlighting the importance of family. A captivating romantic suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat!

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Berlin had raised her sisters after the death of their parents and is now the computer wizard at Redemption Harbor Security. Off hours, she enjoys her online VR buddy, but he seems to have gone dark and she needs to know why. Her research tells her that he might be in danger, so of course she needs to help him. They have never met, but when they do, Chance Hendrix has no idea who she is. How does she know so much about him? She realizes that his brother is in trouble and plans to help find him. There is no information, with her computer skills, that she can’t find and realizes that his brother might be involved with a criminal motorcycle gang. Chance had thought that the person he was playing against online was a man, but now everything about Berlin, her beauty, her talent and her sense of humor is a bit startling to him. Her loyal group of friends at RHS, who value her friendship and talent, are concerned about the new friend she has met. When it seems that the motorcycle gang is also involved with a dangerous cartel, will Chance and Berlin be able to find his brother before it is too late? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Berlin is the next book in Katie Reus’s Redemption Harbor Security series, and as a fan of the original Redemption Harbor tales, I’m one hundred percent here for them all. This stand-alone title in an interconnected series is full of action, romance, and a mystery that wraps a story of online friends who clash in real life in this entertaining and engaging bow. While this is a standalone title, I can’t recommend the previous books enough. I’ve been a Katie Reus fan for years, and as a long-time fan, I can honestly say I’ve yet to find a book of hers I didn’t like or love. That's saying a lot since I’ve read most of her backlist. She’s a go-to of mine when I’m ready to devour a terrific romantic suspense. And devour this one, I did. It hooked me from page one, leaving me loathing when I had to put it down at any given point until I finished the conclusion, yet it left me wanting more. More mystery. More suspense. More everything! This says a lot because I’ve had difficulty focusing on stories lately. The characters are believable, engaging, diverse, and easily likable. The mystery was well-plotted, keeping me guessing until the story arc. The setup for the next book makes me anxious to see what comes next in the series.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ (4.5)

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly the reason I say that a chart is needed for this series. Berlin has been hanging around the previous main characters for at least two books now and even Chance has been mentioned (not by name, just as someone Berlin games with), but it was so easy to not notice it with everything that has been happening in these books. At this point, I don't think I can call these books stand-alone because there are so many connections with not only the other books in the series but also with the Redemption Harbor series. On one hand I love it, on the other is tiring and hard to keep up with everything. Mari's appearance also sets up the story for her book, which is next.

Story-wise, the book was fun, and I enjoyed it. It felt slightly different from the other books in the series, and it was refreshing. Chance and Berlin are both experienced at finding the bad guys, as many couples in the series, but their teaming up was easily one of the best pair-ups. They had great teamwork, and it translated well into their romantic relationship as well. I did enjoy the book even if I nugged a little bit. Still, I wouldn't recommend it as a stand-alone as it will be confusing.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this latest book in this amazing series. This author entertains me with every book she writes.
Berlin is awesome! Besides being a hacker extraordinaire, she is also pretty funny. She is a member of the security team, but she is usually on the back end with her computer. But when a friend she has been gaining with for a couple of years suddenly goes silent, she manages to find him in her own. As a huge surprise to him, she is a woman. Chance thought she was a man that he was playing with. Turns out his brother is missing so she tells him she is helping. She will not take no for an answer.
And so begins the action and suspense that includes all of our favorite team members like Adalyn and Rowan.
I really like the slow burn between her and Chance. Sure they knew each other from gaming, but meeting in person and trying to find his brother in a dangerous situation is stressful. She tries to pull away from Chance but he’s all in and will not let her. I love them together. Great story!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Berlin is one of the Redemption Harbor Security crew. After finishing a job, the crew is taking some well-deserved time off. Berlin’s down time is short lived as her online VR buddy goes uncharacteristically silent. Bored and intrigued, she uses her superb investigative and hacking skills to track down her online friend but finding him pulls her into his dangerous search for his brother.

Chance has gone undercover in a gang in search of his brother who’s missing. Snooping for information and almost getting caught, he runs and is luckily picked up by a passing truck. The driver turns out to be his online VR buddy.

Together they enter the dark world of drug cartels, gangs, and killers as they search for Chance’s brother. Fighting for Berlin is a virtual friendship-to-lovers story, filled with suspense and non-stop action. The Redemption Harbor Security series gets better with each installment! Definitely recommend the book and series.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew that two long-time virtual gamer friends would end up having such chemistry when they finally meet IRL and learn just how much they truly have in common? Katie Reus continues her action-packed series about sexy secret agents (sort of) in this latest installment of the Redemption Harbor security series when cyber geek Berlin meets her match in a sexy ex-special forces hottie on a mission to find his brother. I never quite know what to expect from a Reus novel beyond that I will be laughing as I enjoy every sensual moment of the story I lose myself in and this story is no less than I expected. Chance is undercover with a biker club looking for his missing younger brother when he suddenly finds himself being rescued by a sexy woman that he’s never seen before, but that he’s known for years. Berlin knew that when her gamer friend went quiet she needed to track him down, but she didn’t think she’d be going in hot to save him from a shootout and then find herself in the middle of a dangerous mission filled with drugs, deadly bikers, and all kinds of other dangers. But the more time she spends with Chance the more their chemistry leads to sensual encounters until finally neither of them can deny that they are perfect for one another. But they have to outsmart their enemies and find Chance’s bother before either of them can even consider a future together, and that’s if Chance can keep Berlin from running away from him.

Honestly, could this story have been more packed with twists and turns as Berlin, Chance and their friends worked through the layers of danger and idiocy that were surrounding them as they tried to get to Chance’s brother? Chance is such a strong, sweet, and deadly character, filled with everything that makes a hero fabulous without all the unnecessary macho BS that makes some men just need to be slapped down. It’s obvious he loves his brother and is willing to do just about anything to make sure he doesn’t get himself killed, but he wants to protect and convince Berlin that they are perfect for each other too. Berlin has always been the leader of her family, the one that everyone looked to in order to fix problems, support them and provide the love and stability they needed, so when she meets Chance, a man that just wants to offer her a shoulder to lean on and a man to offer her the support she’s never had she is ready to run for the hills even as she wants to keep him forever. The love between these two is just as obvious as the heat that burns from the beginning, but fear can be a powerful deterrent even when what you’ve always wanted and needed is right in front of you. I was so glad that Berlin and Chance found a way to look past their hangups and fears and find their happy together, because they definitely earned it. Chance truly was Fighting for Berlin; from the moment she stormed into his life and change it forever. Needlessly to say I am on pins and needles for who’s story comes next and where this series is headed next.

[Beth Von Voigt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Berlin is the 5th installment of the Redemption Harbor Security series. Berlin is a fixer. She’s been taking care of her three sisters and now that they’re somewhat settled, she can focus on her job at RHS. She becomes concerned when a VR gaming friend goes quiet. She makes it her mission to find out what’s going on with Chance and how she can help him. Chance is on a mission of his own to find his brother. He decides to infiltrate a biker club that may have information on where his brother is. Berlin tracks Chance down just in the nick of time. Together they work to find Chance’s brother and fight the growing attraction between them. This is the perfect kind of book that you can quickly loose yourself in. It’s a fast read that is just the right length. You get transported into a world of excitement and romance. The action is fast paced and you won’t be bored. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in The Redemption Harbor Security series and it is Berlin and Chance’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Berlin had gone through a lot in her life after the death of her parents and stepping up to help, protect, provide and support her sisters but now that they are older and Berlin had taken a job with Redemption Harbor Security which she loved but it will never stop her caring, protecting and loving her sisters but in Berlin’s spare time she liked to be online with her VR friends so when one of them goes silent Berlin is determined to hack and find out what is happening and help if she can but what she didn’t realise was this act would not only change her life but also put her in danger. Chance is ex military and now a civilian who doesn’t know what he wants to do next but when his brother goes missing Chance goes undercover with a very dangerous crew and he needs all the information that he can get if he is too find his brother in time but then Chance finds himself in a situation that could get him found out and killed only for his online friend who he is shocked to find out it is a woman turned up to help him and even though he tried to keep her at arms length Berlin is having none of it because she wants to help Chancellor find out the truth about his brother even if it puts her in the thick of things and in danger. Danger is all around them and closing in fast so now it is a race against time to find the threat, eliminate it and then bring those responsible to justice while also hoping that Enzo can be found in time and be rescued. Berlin and Chance are so perfect for each other and together and have really explosive chemistry but will they manage to get the chance of happiness and a future together which is what they both want and deserve. There are twists and turns along with danger, suspense, drama, action, hope, love and some situations that will have you turning the pages and unable to put this book down because it is so addictive and keeps your attention throughout the whole book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.

[Aliya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great release from Katie Reus. The suspense part of the story started out with a bang. I loved that Berlin was right there to help Chance like a bad ass. The middle section lagged a bit, but the resolution was nail biting and exciting. There were a lot of appearances of characters from previous books, which I would have enjoyed more with a slight bit more detail on their stories. Obviously if I had read the entire series I wouldn't need that extra context, but I like when I'm given enough detail to jump in anywhere in a series. Berlin and Chase were great characters and I loved watching them fall in love. The conflict between them once they had gotten together felt a bit contrived, but I was glad to see how well they fit together in the end. Also loved the set up for Mari's story and am really excited to read the next in the series.

Read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. I can’t wait for the next one to come out each time I finish one of the books. Redemption Harbor Security is just like one big happy family, and they watch out for each other no matter what is happening in their lives. Reus has done a wonderful job in her character development and in every book, you learn more and more about all of the characters, especially the character that the book is focused on. I highly recommend this series. Berlin is worried about her VR buddy because she hasn’t heard from him in a few days. Berlin who is an investigator and the Hacker for Redemption Harbor Security, decides to locate him. She finds him in the nix of time. She finds out that Chance is looking for his brother and Berlin decides to help him in his search. This is when the adventure starts. Thank you to Netgalley and KR Press, LLC for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Katie Reus books just hook you and you can't put them down. Berlin worked for Redemption Harbor Security. She was a great hacker and when a gamer she had played with for a couple years went dark, she tracked him down in person. It turns out Chance's brother was missing and he had gone undercover with a biker gang as that was the last place his brother had been. She saved his butt when he almost got got and then stayed to help him find Enzo. It took awhile and her whole team ended up coming to help. How their relationship developed was slow but steady. She kept backing off, but Chance was not giving up on her. The hunt for his brother found alot of bad guys and drug deals that they busted and the FBI was thankful. It was a book that kept your interest throughout until the end - which was great.

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review