Outside the Wire

Owens Protective Services #27

by Giulia Lagomarsino

Asher White.You’ve read about them in Reed Security.

You’ve come to know a little about who the men of OPS are.

But everything you thought you knew is a lie—smoke and mirrors.

The truth of OPS is hidden deep inside, waiting to be revealed.

Owens Protective Services.

Defend. Investigate. Secure.

Genres: Romance

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2025

About the author

Giulia Lagomarsino is the author of the action-packed series Owens Protective Services, along with four other series that feature hot men, strong women, and storylines that will leave you laughing, crying, and begging for more. To find her reading order, visit her website http://giulialagomarsinoauthor.com or join her reading group https://www.facebook.com/groups/Giuli....

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Outside the Wire is the twenty-seventh book in Giulia Lagomarsino's brilliant Owens Protective Services series.

Giulia Lagomarsino truly shines! The book offers a mix of fun, emotional moments, steamy encounters, and plenty of action. I found myself laughing out loud when I wasn't on the edge of my seat from the suspense. The complex storylines and well-developed characters keep me coming back for more. I was so engrossed that I lost track of time, and before I knew it, hours had passed.

What I love about her books is that you never know what to expect. Her characters are opinionated, often speak without a filter, and possess a divine sense of sarcasm. The witty banter and hilarious moments are plentiful, but there's also a strong dose of action, danger, and suspense as they find themselves in various predicaments. I appreciate that we get to experience thrilling adventures—or misadventures—along with a happy ending, or sometimes not.

So, grab a drink or two and settle in for one of the best reads of your life!

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first:
In The Trenches: An OPS Protector Romance Novel (Owens Protective Services Book 1)
Nuclear Option: An OPS Protector Romance Novel (Owens Protective Services Book 2)
Charlie Foxtrot: An OPS Protector Romance Novel (Owens Protective Services Book 3)
Pop Smoke (Owens Protective Services #4)
Alpha Mike Foxtrot (Owens Protective Services Book 5)
Got Your Six: An OPS Protector Romance Novel
Full Battle Rattle (Owens Protective Services Book 7)
Embrace the Suck (Owens Protective Services #8)
Assume the Position (Owens Protective Services #10)
Soup Sandwich (Owens Protective Services #11)
Secret Squirrel (Owens Protective Services #11)
Self-Licking Ice Cream Cone (Owens Protective Services, #12)
Pucker Factor (Owens Protective Services #13)
Blowed Up (Owens Protective Services #14)
Balls to the Walls (Owens Protective Services #15)
Bite the Bullet (Owens Protective Services #16)
Free Fire Zone (Owens Protective Services #17)
Left-Handed Monkey Wrench (Owens Protective Services #18)
...And A Wake-Up (Owens Protective Services Book 19)
Blue Falcon (Owens Protective Services Book 20)
Iron Rations (Owens Protective Services #21)
Release Point (Owens Protective Services #22)
On the Double (Owens Protective Services #23)
Hurry Up and Wait (Owens Protective Services #24)
Dear John (Owens Protective Services #25)
GAF Factor (Owens Protective Services #26)

This is more of Asher’s story. If you have read the other books in this series you have met Asher. He is trying to move forward after losing Jade. He meets Holly who is really happy and sweet. With this journey for this couple is sweet and loving. This story is very different from the others in this series as it focuses on all the good about the couple connecting and growing and moving forward as a team. Being solid as a unit and building a future together is key. When they are faced with issues they deal with them together and that makes the bond they have even stronger.

I recommend this book.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Asher to finally have some good in his life after the tragic death of his wife Jade. He is still plagued with nightmares from 5 years ago. He has finally got himself together and leaves Ops behind and goes to work as a mechanic in a small town in Colorado, not too far from OPS.

He meets Holly in an outlet store as she is measuring a rug to see if it will fit in her house, but the way she is measuring makes Asher chuckle. So, he asks her what she is doing and she reply's measuring of course.

She then proceeds to roll around again until she decides the rug will fit and decides to buy it.

She is determined to get the rug into her car, but the cart has other plans and takes off as she is yelling at it to stop and hits a truck.

Asher sees all this and again can't help but chuckle. He helps her to get the rug into her car, but she gets a notepad out and writes a note letting the owner know she is sorry the cart got away and to contact her and she would pay for damages.

As she leaves Asher goes to his truck, the same one she hit and grabs the note.

They meet up again on valentine's day at Whataburger and decide to have a meal together.

Asher feels lighter around her as her funny personality keeps him wanting more.

They end up spending more time together and finally go back and forth between homes to spend time together.

Then one horrible day Holly is late for work and gets a flat tire. She calls Asher to come and fix it; he tells her to make sure to lock the doors and wait for him. She is sitting in her car when all of a sudden, the window is smashed, and she is dragged out of the car and is being beaten. Asher pulls up, runs towards the man and practically kills him. Holly yells for him and he immediately drops the guy and runs to her.

This story has so many twists and turns, bringing back memories that Asher wants to be left behind.

I won't give anything else away, but this story will have you saying, "What the Hell".

I loved this story and can't wait for the next one.

[Tish-Anne Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was an emotional roller coaster, and I was all for it.

In this book, we finally get the long-awaited conclusion to Asher's story. While there are mentions of the overarching storyline from the previous books, what truly makes this installment shine is its focus on Asher and Holly.

The story picks up five years after Jade's tragic death. Asher is a man trying to move on, taking life one day at a time and seeking peace with the weight of his past. His journey takes a refreshing turn when he meets Holly, a bubbly and whimsical woman who, despite her distaste for her holiday-themed name, radiates warmth and joy—especially after the holidays have passed. Holly brings a light into Asher’s life that he hasn’t experienced in years, and their connection is nothing short of magical.

What stands out about this book is its inherent sweetness. There's a Hallmark-like charm to Asher and Holly’s story, which provides a welcome reprieve from the emotional intensity of the previous books. The lighter tone doesn’t diminish the depth of their relationship but instead highlights their healing and growth together.

I also loved how Asher made an effort to connect with Holly’s loved ones, including her best friend, Noelle, and her parents. It’s a small detail that adds layers to his character and makes their relationship feel authentic.

The twist in the story adds just the right amount of drama, and I appreciated how Asher and Holly faced it head-on, as a team. Their resilience and love for each other are truly heartwarming.

I absolutely adored this book. It’s a beautifully written, sweet, and satisfying conclusion to Asher’s journey, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves heartfelt stories about love, healing, and second chances, while still keeping it an OPS book.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment in the ongoing series was a delightful read. It was refreshing to see Asher take center stage in a new story. Asher's journey through the series has been filled with pain and suffering, and his struggle with guilt over his late wife has been truly heart-wrenching.

In this new chapter of his life, Asher has found healing and happiness, leaving his past behind. Meeting Holly, a vibrant and lively woman, brings joy and laughter back into his life. Their whirlwind romance faces challenges, unexpected twists, and the resurgence of old demons from Asher's past.

Holly is a perfect match for Asher, embodying everything he could ever want in a partner. Her best friend adds humor and charm to the story, and even Holly's eccentric family brings a touch of fun. While we enjoyed the surprises and twists in the plot, we missed the presence of the OPS characters we've come to love. Fox's absence was particularly noticeable, as his antics always brought laughter to the story. We wished for more involvement from the OPS team to add depth to the storyline.

Overall, this heartfelt tale of love and redemption kept us engaged and entertained.


We look forward to the next installment and anticipate more twists and turns in Asher's journey. Likely, Asher's story is far from over, especially with the recent revelations that will require a united effort to save not just Cash's soul, but his life as well. #ExcitedForTheNextChapter

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I'm so grateful Giulia Lagomarsino gave us more of Asher's story as the way it ended in Secret Squirrel, and the appearances in the following books, I've literally been dying inside to see how he ended up. Asher has finally started to move on from those tragic events by becoming a simpler man who works on cars, and then he meets the cheerful Holly. Their first meeting was hilarious (never a dull boring moment when it comes to these men) as Holly is totally an Owens Protective Services woman that's for sure. They meet up again, and this time, he's not going to let her walk away without a date, and off they go on a new journey together with tons of heat. Of course, the past has a terrible way of coming back to throw chaos into the mix, and it definitely gave serious twist power LOL! Holly & Asher are so amazing together, although, things didn't go perfectly since his past is quite colorful. I LOVED every minute of this story, and didn't move a muscle until every last page was finished (but I've gotten used to that from this brilliant author). There are a few HUGE questions left about the underlying plot, so now the impatient wait has begun for the next book! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I loved this one. The last few books in the series have been fraught with angst and sorrow. The OPS team is going through it. Now, we finally get an HEA for Asher. In his first book, he was fraught with angst and sorrow as he navigated his relationship (such as it was) with Jade. She was highly troubled, raised in an abusive household by a megalomaniac who used her as a pawn. It was tragic from the outset, and left Asher shattered and pretty well broken. When we enter his world again, he's found a place to put himself back together, and that is where he meets Holly. And we get the sweetest, most Hallmark-y book, with some signature Giulia kooks included. It. was. awesome. I read it in one sitting and loved every second of seeing Asher heal. And it serves as a perfect "intermission" before we join the team as they take out the Syndicate, bring Cash back, and continue with the regularly scheduled hijinks.

I enjoyed this so much, although you could read it as a standalone to fully get the sweetness of it and just the sigh-inducing everything...read this series!

[LaWanna Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes place about 5 years after the tragedy that Asher went through with wife's death.
Asher has finally come to a place where he can finally start to live his life without all of the heartache of feeling like he was responsible for his wife's death. He stumbles across Holly, while at a store and she is rolling around on the ground trying to measure the size of an area rug to see if it will fit into a room that she wants to put it.
As things progress, they end up at a dinner with his boss and Holly's best friend and in walks his so called dead wife Jade with Chase and Patrick. Things start to get sticky with these four, because the guys and Jade want Asher to come back to OPS and Asher does not want to, because he is very happy in the life that he has built over the last five years and he is now very happy with Holly being in his life also.
As for the ending, you will have to read the book for youself, because I'm one that really hates to give away the ending of a book or even a movie that i'm watching lol.
I know you will not be disappointed in this book.

[Viper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Awesome.

Asher and Hollylove as first sight. Cute and wonderful together with lots of sparks.

Asher he went through so much after Jade's death.
Blamed himself believing he was a horrible person, a failure. Left his friends, OPS. Fighting demons everyday.

Holly came at the right time, bringing him back from a dark place. Her quirkiness, kindness and simplicity helped Asher deal with the past and open his heart to lots of possibilities.
Showed him he was special, thoughtful and deserved happiness.

With Holly love was easy not toxic. His protective instincts always kicked in to make sure she was safe. Holly was so sweet but stood her ground.

You felt his pain and his struggles. Chase and Patrick never far.
A few twists and turns with surprises and the unexpected. Lots of laughter and smiles!!

Love how it all came together.
Will Asher go back to OPS?

Love this series each story has its special touch. Look for to the next adventurers finding out the Syndicate Leader.

[Kimberley Volk Tersteeg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative commences with Kavanaugh's father's funeral. An urgent situation necessitates immediate action due to Cash and Shadow's disappearance. Is it possible to reclaim Cash from his current predicament?

Asher's introduction follows; five years prior, he suffered the loss of his wife and subsequently withdrew from the undercover operation Rafe had initiated. He steadfastly refuses further involvement, having established a peaceful existence and a fulfilling, normal, and quiet career. Then Holly enters his life, rekindling his spirit with her warmth and vivacious personality, reviving a part of him he believed lost. When their past resurfaces, they fiercely protect their newfound relationship.

Will Asher revert to his former life, or will he resolutely cling to what he's found with Holly?

[Dee Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect story about a bittersweet and painful love. A love that developed under twisted circumstances then went to hell via the dreadful deliberate death of a spouse. It was a terrible ending for the survivor. Then, for the man who was left hurting, along came a textbook Cinderella love, a romantic, comical, lighthearted and loving woman who filled that man with joy and warmth and hope. The man was reborn with a potentially wonderful future. That is, until the past came back alive again. This book deviates from the usual blow something up, knock something down, shoot somebody, solve wrongdoings, protect the helpless, get revenge and address general evil. This book is a pure love story. I hope Giulia Lagomarsino writes more books like this in the future. Either way, she is truly so gifted.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asher formally worked for OPS and now is a car mechanic.
Holly owns a shop With furniture and accessories.

Asher meets a holly , when she purchases a rug and brings it out to her car with the ground ice and snowy her cart takes off and lams into a truck (Ashers’s)
There is an attraction and chemistry slowly develops and they start seeing each other.
Chase from OPS keeps calling and wants to draw him back into his former life
which he wants no part of after the undercover disaster with the Mafia and
Jade his wife kills herself.
There are a lot of unexpected twists and turns as well as more background of
Asher’s life now.

This book has suspense, intrigue unexpected twists and turns you do not expect.

Great Job. Giulia Lagomarsino !!!!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

27 and still going! I think Ms. L and this series are like the Energizer Rabbit! They both keep going and going, and I keep reading and reading!

The staying power of this series continues to be incredible! I do think this is the longest series I have stuck with!

The characters are always amazing, as is the dialogue and the action, in and outside the bedroom!

The humor! I laugh so much in this series of stories. It is so refreshing!

Asher and Holly! I adored them both!

I wonder how many more Owens Protective Services Ms. L has in her!

For those of you who haven't started, you have to read in order so you should have a few weeks of glorious entertainment to catch up on!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 27th book in this phenomenal series, and this is a uniquely different approach compared to the rest of the series.
Asher used to work for OPS, but is now a car mechanic, and he crosses paths with Holly when she is buying a rug, and what follows is humorous.
This is a well written easy to read, action packed, emotional roller coaster, with friendships, mystery, secrets, intrigue, humor, witty banter, unexpected twists, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, spicy, and unpredictable addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A devastating loss five years earlier forced Asher to re-evaluate his life and take a step back from the team. He has created a new life for himself working as a mechanic when Holly comes crashing into his life when he least expects it.

Holly is outgoing and tends to see the best in every situation. She makes an immediate impression on Asher that has him wanting more but things are never simple especially when the past becomes the present.

After everything that Asher has been through if anyone deserves happiness, it is him. Holly and Asher are perfect for each other in every way and the relationship between members of the team is always humorous.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We waited a long time for Asher to get his girl. I loved Holly's character and her personality. Asher seems to finally found where he belongs and is really happy. The past comes barging into his life and I can say he handled it well. I really hope that the person can move on and find where they belong and their person. I am a little confused on the ARC books and where they are connected. This story was different from the others in the series it was on the calmer side. I really enjoyed Holly and
Asher 's story one of my favorites from this series. Excited for the next story

[Rebecca Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, first this is Not a standalone! Go read the 26 books before this!! So go now! Anyway, we met Asher earlier in the OPS journey. He was devastated by the loss of his wife Jade. It has been 5 years and he has moved forward. He is minding his own business when he meets Holly. Holly is the direct opposite of his late wife. What follows might could be a Hallmark movie or is it? Grab your funyuns. Giulia has done it again. Don't get comfortable because we all know all is not what it seems in the world of OPS.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have so much to say about this book, but not a lot I can say, especially if you're up to date and not just randomly jumping in.
Please note my rating is based solely on my thoughts and feelings about the characters involved in this book, and definitely not because of the quality of the book.
I think this was the most I've yelled at a book and that's saying a lot considering what's been thrown at us with this series.
Despite my mixed feelings I eagerly await what the author has in store for us next.

[Kurtins R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well would you look at that, who's this that is popping back into our stories.
LAst we saw of Asher he was in a bad place but now even though he isn't far away he has managed to get into a good place and has found someone to make the world look bright gaian.
As usual Giulia Lagomarsino's FMC's are a lot crazy but fun and loving and Holly is no exception. ASher is fianlly in a good place but things at Ops are falling apart and Chase is constantly coalling to pull himack in.
Can he?
Awesome story.

[Clayr Catherall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional read.

The start of this story has some jaw dropping moments with the OPS guys. Then it moves on to Asher’s story.

If you’ve been reading this series you will know what Asher has been through. He now refuses to have anything to do with his past. He wants to live a normal quiet life with normal job. Only when he meets Holly she makes him feel again. Will his past stay in the past?

This book was great second chance romance.

[Carina Hales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was surprisingly sweet. A bit of a break from some of the dark drama and I really enjoyed it.

Asher and Holly made an adorable couple and Holly was unintentionally hilarious most of the time. I loved her unique measuring skills! The pair built a really cute connection.

Some great cameos from some familiar faces, kept the entertainment going.

I’m hoping the next book continues the ongoing story, now that I’ve had a little sweet break! Overall a really good read. Next book now please!

[nina hipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

👍

Well, this story was unexpected! As the story progressed, I found myself intrigued the more I read.

I loved the relationship between Asher and Holly, which was quirky fun and heartwarming.

I enjoyed (a good love story) taking a breather from all that is going on in this series. With that said, however, I'm so looking forward to continuing reading this additive series. So good!
❤️📖❤️

[Pam Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

I chose this rating because this was a pretty good book. I enjoyed pretty much all of the characters. I enjoyed Asher and Holly story. This was a book of protection, compassion, kindness, understanding, and finding the one you really love. This was a very interesting couple. I think Holly brought out the best in Asher because he has been through some things (well his nicer side). This book was very intriguing. Great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad Asher came back to these books! I loved his first book, it was so gritty and emotional but after everything that happened I needed to find out what happened next with him. The small snippets in the other books weren’t enough. This story was everything! I was so glued to this book that I couldn’t put it down, I just needed to find out what happened next. I love Asher and loved this book

[Fran Zoch, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Asher, He has gone through so much losing his wife and spiraling down a drunken path that can only lead to more loss, then he meets Holly, their romance can only be described as so sugar sweet you need to brush your teeth, but Asher and Holly both deserve it, now the past is trying to get in the way and these two hit it like a team should head on and shoulder to shoulder

[Debbie Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Asher’s happy ending!

Read Outside the Wire in one day. I could not put it down. I have been looking forward to Asher’s happy ending. Giulia never disappoints. Her imagination and quirky characters are so fun. You can read this book as a stand alone but to get the full effect go back and read the entire series.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t gush enough about this author!

This series is hilarious, and has ALL the things: action, romance, laughter, tears, everything! I become so immersed in her stories that I can lose days! Each book can be read as a stand alone although I highly recommend you start at the beginning to get the true giggles.

[Katie Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor!!! Holy plot twist……I didn't see any of this coming. Everything I thought I would want from this book went off the rails and turned out so much better than I ever expected. Giulia is a diabolical genius and never fails to keep her readers fully entertained and ready for more. This series just keeps getting better and better with each new addition.

[Clayr Catherall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional read.

The start of this story has some jaw dropping moments with the OPS guys. Then it moves on to Asher’s story.

If you’ve been reading this series you will know what Asher has been through. He now refuses to have anything to do with his past. He wants to live a normal quiet life with normal job. Only when he meets Holly she makes him feel again. Will his past stay in the past?

This book was great second chance romance.

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit different than most of the OPS books. If started out exciting but once it got to Asher it took a more sweet romantic turn. First book in a while we didn't get Fox but Holly added the humor we list from him. There's not a lot of tge usual suspense and we got a break from the overall ARC but never we theless still an amazing story.
I adored Holly and Asher was hit as ever. We did get to see Chase and Patrick again and that was cool.