Ache

by Laurie Harrison

A madman kidnapped her when she was a teen. Now he’s back, and her only hope is the irresistible guy who’s avoided her for years…

Avery Wallace wishes she could have her life back. Abducted at seventeen to blackmail her governor father, four years later the previously gregarious young woman is a shell of her former self. So when she notices a strange man following her home, the panicked girl is terrified the horror has returned.

Reed Campbell still pines for his true love. Deeply attracted to a politician’s daughter, he nevertheless respected his buddy’s insistence that his little sister was off-limits. But now that she’s in trouble again, the hard-working security firm CEO vows to keep her safe.

Grateful for her long-time friend’s protection but cautious about what she shares, Avery struggles to resist old desires resurfacing. Yet Reed fears the secrets she conceals needs to be resolved before she gets both of them killed.

Can this perfect pair confess their feelings without ending up six feet under?

Ache is the tense first book in the Dangerous Hearts romantic suspense series. If you like the celebrity-bodyguard trope, electric chemistry, and pulse-pounding chills, then you’ll adore Laurie Harrison’s thrilling page-turner.

Buy Ache to heal the wounds of the past today!

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

Hey there! I'm a romantic suspense novelist who loves to read and travel. Be sure to check out my website LaurieHarrisonAuthor.com and subscribe to my newsletter for information on upcoming book releases.

Reviews

[Lira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a surprise for me as I had never read anything by the author. And I have to say that I loved it!

I'll start by saying that Reed will be your next book boyfriend! He is everything we want in a book boyfriend! 😍

In this story we meet Avery, the daughter of a politician, who is traumatized by something that happened to her in the past and Reed, Avery's brother's best friend who offers to protect her when she starts receiving threats in the mail.
But Avery hides a secret, a secret that Reed wants to discover but that could cost them their lives!

I really liked this story! The characters are captivating, especially Reed who is super attentive and super cute! He thinks of Avery in every decision he makes! (I wanted a Reed in my life! 🫣😅)
Avery is a character with whom we identify because of her simple way of seeing life.
The novel, despite seeming fast, is a slow burn and is charming. I loved seeing them finally discover/reveal their love for each other! 🥹

Regarding the villain, at no point did I suspect the person and was taken by surprise! 🤭

Even though I loved the story, there were some things I didn't like. Like something that happens near the end but that makes perfect sense due to Avery's personality.
Also the age of the characters. I think it would make more sense if they were slightly older. But nothing that ruins your experience!

A forced proximity romance with suspense that will keep you hooked until the last page!

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly the first maybe half of the book I was forcing myself to read but the last half SAVED this book. When Sophie had said she had gotten pregnant I was ready to put the book down because I don’t like that kind of stuff in books but I was so relieved when I found out it wasn’t true. Also I did NOT expect Sophie to be the kidnapper at all.

[Amanda Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I was on vacation, I stopped into a small used bookstore and there were many of this book on the front shelves. The store owner mentioned that several recent readers had really enjoyed it. I hadn’t even heard of the author before, but I love discovering random reads when I have extra time on trips. I started it that same night, I am halfway through, and I haven’t been able to put it down since. I’ll update this once I’ve finished, but I already feel like this book deserves more attention so I wanted to review it now. I think it's a hidden gem that’s flying under the radar and I’d love to see more people reading.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery can't believe her life is back here again, she survived once, so why is this happening again. She has always been the one who causes problems, even when she's trying not too. Now she's given up her law degree, dumped her ex, and now she's being stalked again. Or is she being paranoid. Reed would do anything for his best friend and his family. But receiving the phone call that his friends sister was in danger again he drove through the night to help her. Now running his own security company he's the perfect candidate for the job. Except she's more than job. Avery is everything to him, even though she can never be more. This story will have you turning page after page. Chapter after chapter, trying to work out who is responsible. Twist and turns have you thinking just who to believe. Friends who have secrets. Colleagues who may not be telling you everything. Then there's Avery who he knows isn't telling him everything. An ex who only believes himself. Plus Avery is hiding how she feels for her brothers friend. This is a gripping story that just holds you and I loved reading every page.

[readbythorns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a perfect mixture of suspense and brother's best friend, "its always been you" vibes. The twists in the book are unexpected keeping the suspense going throughout the book. The romance is sweet albeit fast since the FMC and MMC have known each other a long time. A great read for when you want something who-done-it-y with a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheyenne Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read, the characters are interesting and enjoyable. The plot is overall really well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Takara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️