Without Fail

Cobalt Security #6

by Reese Knightley

Book 6 of Cobalt Security.

Genres: M M Romance, Action, Contemporary, Romance, Crime

230 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2024

About the author

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

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wrote a fairly detailed review for this but the Kindle app decided to lose it.

Basically it's full of head hopping, dropped plotlines, ridiculous behaviour, more black ops secret agencies under the control of the Secretary of Defense than I've had hot dinners (only a slight exaggeration there!), and the return of way too many redundant words in sentences that don't need them.

But there's still something about this interconnected world that makes me keep reading.

[Marsha L Respess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy all of Reeses's books so of course I enjoyed this one. Marshal is the kind of man you would want guarding you and you know that he had a good reason to resign from guarding Ryker. Ryker was a sweet guy and was devastated when Marshal left without an explanation and you know he was attracted to him. Ryker's father was a real bastard and you knew that he was bad. He had stopped abusing Ryker years before but he was determined that Ryker marry into another family that would be a kind of merger even though Ryker doesn't love Hailey and you worry that he will give in. He has been a kind of recluse after the terrible accident that left him badly scarred. Marshal coming back due to a threat against him made him happy but he knows that Marshal is keeping secrets. When the estate is invaded you are confused because there had been FBI agents in the house and Ryker was able to keep hidden because of hidden passages in the house and learns that they are looking for him and he is devastated when Chad, one of his bodyguards was killed. You learn who was involved and what they wanted aside from Ryker who they believe knew what his father was doing.
Ryker is very upset when he finds out that Marshal has three kids and wants nothing to do with him. And he is arrested along with his father and Marshal is nowhere to be found. He was actually not far but kept in a cell and at first can't get free. I was happy that he was able to belt Donald Bass one for his plan that led to a death.
I was glad that we didn't get a lot about the arrests and convictions and that Ryker's one visit to his father showed how unrepentant he was so he didn't go back. The ranch in. Arizona was great and he and his mother were happy there and Aspen, who was cousin to Cohen, one of Ryker's best friends, had bonded with Marshal's oldest son and the new face for Ryker's company. Hope there will be more stories.

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marshal already had a 4-year-old son when he worked as Ryker's bodyguard, but what about the twins?? I thought maybe they were adopted, but Cohen or someone said they looked just Marshal. So the three kids were Marshal's biological children, and Marshal stated that his feelings got deeper for Ryker since Ryker graduated from Harvard; in other words, Marshal was having unprotected s*x with, I presume, an unindetified woman while he was pining for Ryker. I bet that woman wasn't his common-law wife since she was dead, and Marshal's won't do that to the mother of his child, sleeping with another woman while he still has a partner. Marshall also stated that he gained full custody of his oldest son, but Reese Knightley didn't give any details or further information regarding Marshal's three sons or their past or how and when his common-law died.

Fuck! A lot of unanswered questions. It made my imaginations run wild, and Marshal isn't as good as before I knew him having kids. 

One character in particular caught my attention. His name was Real. I think that was a code name, not his real name, who was just like Marshal, pining for someone he couldn't have, so he slept with another man instead, and the man he was pining for knew that Real had recently just had a hookup with someone. Azrael, the one Real was pining for must be heartbroken, damn!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Cobalt Security Series. It would’ve made the book that much more enjoyable if it included the moment that they met and the time they spent in each other’s company while Marshall was one of Ryker’s family bodyguards before he quit, instead of just including a couple of meaningful moments as memory flashbacks from Ryker’s POV, as it would’ve shown how the connection between them formed and grew. I enjoyed the little that we got to see Marshall and Ryker together but they seemed to always be arguing but they eventually get their happily ever after,

Marshall had to jump through a few hoops to get their happily ever after which is totally understandable after his lies came to light. I would’ve loved a bit more background into Marshall as we only skimmed the surface. All I can say is that Ryker’s dad is an utter a*sehole. I’m still not very patiently waiting for Dave and Stone’s story and I’m hoping that we won’t have to wait too much longer. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this series, as well as from this amazing universe that Reese Knightley has created. I’d recommend this book, series, all the books in this universe and author to others.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Billionaire Ryker Langston’s bodyguard Marshal Thomas leaves without saying a word, Ryker is left wondering what the hell he had done wrong. Even though Marshal had never returned his feelings of love, they had at least been friends. Suddenly an opportunity presents itself and Marshal temporarily returns. Will that give Ryker enough time to win the man’s heart? Or will it be the same as before? When Marshal blows hot and cold, Ryker is more confused than ever. What the hell is going on? Perhaps the answers Ryker seeks can be found in the reasons Marshal quit in the first place. Bodyguard Marshal Thomas had his reasons for walking away from the Langston family. There was nothing but heartache waiting for him there.Only now there’s a threat against Ryker and that is something Marshal cannot allow.

I loved this story with the layers of betrayal on both sides with the two men at the centre of a all. Lots of danger and drama. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Ceanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Romance with a Touch of Mystery
This latest offering delivers an enthralling blend of romance and suspense. The story focuses on Ryker and Marshal, whose complex relationship stems from a shared past. Ryker's former bodyguard, Marshal returns to protect him from new threats, reigniting unresolved feelings and mysteries.
The author skillfully balances relationship development with suspenseful action. As the plot unfolds, long-buried secrets surface, adding depth to the characters and their evolving bond. The search for an unknown enemy engages readers, while the chemistry between Ryker and Marshal satisfies romance enthusiasts. The book offers enough context for newcomers while rewarding series followers with deeper character insights. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and perfect balance of action and tender moments, this installment is another must-read from the author.

[Jozey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it. Intrigue is great.

4 stars and half.

Contains

Fast pace
Bodyguard & Rich Client Son
Action Packed
Intrigue
Betrayal
Broken Trust

This book is, for me, a quick read. Written in a way that fast action and intrigue match the characters and their emotions. That become a turmoil, their hearts will eventually explode, tears will flow and silence will lead to what exactly?

Will they know how to find each other, to forgive each other, to love each other?

It is interesting and I would totally stay up all night if it were not for my annoying job that keep me away from it.
Note to self AGAIN: Don't start if you can't finish it in one sitting.

[Book Hoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy that Reese picked back up with the Cobalt Security series after a three year hiatus while she detoured to write other awesome series. Love the little teasers, we met Marshall and Ryker in Syn’s book so we knew one was coming. And what a great story. Ryker has been in love with Marshall for years, Marshall kept him at arm’s length. Ryker was young and spoiled and Marshall had obligations. But when Ryker’s life is threatened nothing will keep Marshall from riding to the rescue. Of course, Jaxom, Syn and Bishop are involved, Marshall is family and that makes Ryker family too. And nothing will stop Ryker from finally tumbling Marshall into his bed. Fast read, fast action.

[Neats · Rating 1 out of 5]

There's been alot of lead in to Ryker and Marshall's story.. but I must say it was really disappointing like amost DNF point. There has been alot breadcrumbs about Marshall leading into this book so I was amped, so to say the disappointment was real. I never get the hidden family trope.. I hate it. You live your best life, be an agent, a child marvel but your mum raises your children? I also not the biggest fan of bisexual trope either. Guess for this massive age gap portrayal which they tried to play on of 10 years. It just frustrated me. Its not that big of a gap. How it he such a hero n done so much n his kids. I just hated this.. oh n again with the forced engagement sigh

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s books and this one did not disappoint. Marshall has been Ryker’s bodyguards for about 12 years, when he left after Ryker’s accident. Ryker has been in love with Marshall for years and couldn’t understand why he left. After another incident, Marshall is back to protecting Ryker. This is the start of their relationship as to why Marshall left and figuring out who was behind everything. Loved the twists and turns in this story and cannot wait to read more. Great world building, high heat and chemistry.

[Danna Iuliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite chaotic, can t say I enjoyed it much. There are references to n numbers of secret agencies that I don t care for. Marshall s attitude of "I can t say, it s classified" is the most annoying thing in a book, just a lame way for the author to skip through important facts, it s lazy writing as far as I m concerned. In the end Ricker forgave too easily considering that Marshall still hadn t confessed anything. Ricker found out Marshals's role in all of it from third parties. It was a meah, book, I wouldn't recommend

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book you can read cover to cover it goes by brilliantly! Suspense & hooked....

Ryker has learned the art of negotiating egg shells from his fathers to comfort of a mother that is run by the father. He is independent but feels beholden to his fathers wishes but marriage of convenience is not in the cards. Marshal undercover and discovering business & personal can get blurred. He leaves to protect his heart but the abandonment/betrayal stings. A mystery, suspense and dangerous ground through these pages. MM romance

[Cassity Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 10 stars I would. Marshall was always a mysterious man when he made a cameo in Syn’s book but wow he is so much more than I thought. Marshall and Ryker have known each other for a long time and Ryker is so in love with him. Marshall is in love with Ryker but he has so many secrets that it could jeopardize everything.

Get ready for a fast pace rollercoaster ride that you won’t want to get off.

[JoAnn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has some twists that you wont expect. Ryker and Marshall prove that with time, forgiveness, and a cowboy hat things work out. Navigating the bumpy road to that "works out" is the hard part. With friends, love, and some perseverance they take everything that is thrown their way and manage to find a love of a life time. I would totally recommend this book, series, heck all of Reese Knightley's books to anyone.

[Lindsay Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Marshal and Ryker in the previous book. The two of them have a long standing friendship that developed due to a traumatic experience. The two went their separate ways and are reunited when a threat is made on Ryker’s life. It’s up to Marshal to protect Ryker from an unknown enemy. In the process the two are faced with a new dimension to their friendship. As the search for the enemy is undertaken long buried secrets come to the surface and could destroy the growing relationship between the two. Another must read from the author.

[Temberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker and Marshal


Marshal is a very mysterious man for sure and Ryker has been in love with him for years. Marshal came back to protect Ryker when threats were made to his family.
From the very first it was push and pull as the threats escalated and nobody is really safe until they can clean up the messes and find out who the bad guys really are!

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Fail is the sixth book in the Cobalt Security series and can be read as a standalone but is much better in order, even better if you read all the books in this world. This book has great action, bodyguard/client, friendship/betrayal read about Ryker and Marshall. Ryker had to forgive Marshall way too many times, but I loved their story to their HEA.

[AyoDollFace · Rating 3 out of 5]

The constant bounce from one POV to another mid paragraph is not as frequent in this book. A few here and there which makes the flow of a chapter hard to follow since it starts as Rykers POV and switches to Marshall's at the end of the sentence. No Bueno when shit starts getting good and you have to reread what you just read cause you're like, whaaaa,!?!

[Sara Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible..Ryker is a little bitch in this book. The number of times he slapped Marshall in the face over stupid shit was ridiculous.
💥 Several Break Ups/separations (1 month was the longest)
Everything Marshall did was to protect Ryker, and he refused to hear anything Marshall said.
It took over a month for Ryker to forgive Marshall for being an undercover agent trying to take down his father.

[Brian S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read a lot of this author's books. 1 common thread...all the lies. Marshall lied about everything for over a decade. Makes me wonder how much the author lies about her love. This book was the worse in the series for not only the amount of lies but their depth and we are expected to accept they fall in love?

[Beatrice Zibell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A roller coaster of emotions and secrets around every corner. Can love prevail through it all?
Ryker really is going through it all and I felt for him big time. I wanted to punch Marshall myself a time or two. That book really kept me turning the pages until the end.

[Karen Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Cobolt Series and this one didn't disapoint. Marshal and Ryker have been eyeing each other off over the years and finally when danger presents its self they finally break the ice.
Reese's books are absolutely amazing and I highly recommend all of them.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent addition to the series!

As always, Reese finds ways to make her stories shine. There are intricate combinations of action, mystery and emotion. Thankfully her Main Characters finally get to have their HEA!

[Nancy Woodard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cobalt Security #6

I found this one hard to get into. Ryker wasn’t a favorite and Marshal a total unknown. This seemed like a reading mistake with organized crime hints. But, I gave it one more try and it clicked. Of course, Real’s involvement sure helped.

[Kelsey’s Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this bodyguard romance. Had some age gap, opposites attract, suspense as well. Happy to see some familiar faces from Reese’s other series. Not sure how I missed this when it came out but glad to have caught up. Still waiting on Reals story so much build up I can’t wait!

[Kris Glassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

9/28/24 - 3.00

[AL · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books never get old! Each couple is a new adventure and Marshall and Ryker were no exception. Their dynamics and chemistry, coupled with the plot of the book, were a true chef's kiss.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sweet book to read

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to get back to this series. We have a bodyguard turn lover. I like suspense books an this one had some edge of the seat moments.

[nancy evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was not disappointed the story kept my interest. I really enjoy the series.