Falling Hard

Bad Boys Undercover #2

by HelenKay Dimon

After a grueling assignment with the black ops force known as the Alliance, Weston Brown is craving downtime. Instead, he's pulled into his deadliest operation, in the one place he never wanted to see again. No-nonsense and so damn hot, Lexi Turner lied to get him to her mountain clinic in Pakistan. But the threat is terrifyingly real.

Lexi has been asking too many questions, drawing the wrong kind of attention. As soon as she lays eyes on West, she can tell he's quiet—yet tough—and has a rescue complex which will come in handy for going up against the world's most ruthless gunrunners.

Cut off from the rest of the Alliance, Lexi and West navigate the brutal terrain and a primal sexual attraction. Sticking around has never been West's way, but now he'll use every resource to keep Lexi by his side, safe from a killer who leaves no loose ends behind.

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

384 pages, ebook

First published May 26, 2015

About the author

HelenKay Dimon is a divorce lawyer-turned-romance author. After dedicating years to helping people terminate relationships she now writes romance novels full time. Her books have earned praise, appeared on bestseller lists, won numerous awards and twice been named Red-Hot Reads and excerpted in Cosmo. She sometimes writes erotic romance, sometimes writes romantic suspense and sometimes writes contemporary romance. But no matter what she's writing her books are always filled with smart banter and sexy times, and a HEA is guaranteed.

-"Sharp writing and plenty of sexy romantic sizzle..." - John Charles, Chicago Tribune

-"So smart, sexy and fast-paced, I devour her stories." - Lori Foster, NYT bestselling author

-"Lots of heat with lots of humor." - MaryJanice Davidson, NYT bestselling author

-"She's a delight." - Christina Dodd, NYT bestselling author

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book that starts out fast and keeps the tension going. West is ready for a break between assignments and instead gets pulled into one in a place he hated. The group he belongs to gets a distress call from a contact in Pakistan, and off they go. Lexi is the daughter of the doctor running the local clinic, and while he's away has noticed some suspicious activity nearby. Following her instincts, she reports it, and soon finds herself in serious trouble.

West and his team arrive just in time to save Lexi from some very determined interrogators. Lexi quickly decides that West is just who she needs on her side to find out what is going on. Their initial meeting is both frustrating and funny. West is accustomed to people being intimidated by his size and his demeanor, and when Lexi refuses to bow completely to his dictates he is at something of a loss. Lexi is very strong-willed and has no trouble standing up for what she sees is the right action to take. It was pretty amusing to see the two of them butt heads over what to do. All of it is aggravated by an intense attraction that takes them both by surprise.

That attraction has to take a back seat because of the danger they are in. Equipment failures get them separated from the rest of the team and dependent on working together. Each of them has definite ideas and a habit of issuing orders which doesn't sit well with the other. Both of them have to learn to step back a little and learn to listen to the other. When they do they discover that both have valid points to make.

Though it only takes a few days, I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Lexi and West. The chemistry is undeniable, and its effect on West is especially strong. Thanks to things that happened in his past, he has shut off his emotions. However, he is obviously very protective of those he cares about and will do anything necessary for his team. He believes in what he does, but it does have an effect on him. The feelings that are growing for Lexi are breaking through the walls that he has built. He believes quite strongly that the man he has become does not deserve what Lexi is offering. Lexi is stubborn, sassy and frequently fearless when she should be more cautious. Her interactions with West were great, especially as they got to know each other. She was really good at getting him to talk about things he doesn't share with anyone. She quickly came to see that there was more to him than the "killing machine" that he believed himself to be, but convincing him of that fact was a real challenge. I loved that she knew enough not to push, but it was hard to see her start to lose hope. I loved the various scenes where West's coworkers would notice and comment on what was going on, but the best was at the end when they all ganged up on him. I loved the hint of vulnerability in him at the end as he finally goes to Lexi. I also loved his support of her plans for the future, and his reaction to the job offer at the end,

The suspense was really good, with a fast start and steady build up to the conclusion. Lexi and West on the ground in Pakistan had a real challenge trying to keep ahead of those that were after them. They also didn't know who they could trust, which occasionally caused some conflict between Lexi and West. Back at Alliance headquarters, trouble comes from a prisoner who seems to know far too much about what is going on. A risky plan is developed that they hope can pull off a rescue as well as stop the bad guys. Things go from bad to worse for Lexi and West when they are captured. The intensity of the final confrontation, as all the pieces came together, had me riveted until all was resolved. It looks like there is one loose thread to continue into the next book.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hell on earth is Skardu, Pakistan as far as Weston Brown is concerned. Stationed in this part of the world when he was a Marine, one of the worst missions for him occurred here. Coming back to Skardu, even if it is to find a valuable asset isn't making it any better. He can hold on until he reaches the good doctor and whisk him away to safety. As usual, the mission in Skardu is FUBAR. The good doctor is safe in another country, enjoying his mountain climbing. His daughter, Lexi Turner is the one sounding the alarm and asking to pass on key intel.

The second book in this series is more hard hitting than the first. This one is more intense with action packed scenes as Lexi and Weston do their best to escape from Skardu and make it to friendly territory. Ms. Dimon does a good job of keeping the reader and the characters guessing as to who is friend and who is foe. It just goes to prove, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

The characters in this story are enchanting. Lexi is a bemusing mix of book and street smarts. She's obviously very intelligent and can be a doctor, just like her father. Due to a traumatic life changing event she's been hiding out in a rural medical clinic. Living in a place where women, especially American white women are less than second class citizens, Lexi learns to be street smart. For Weston, the jaded warrior, Lexi is a fluffy ball of contradiction. He can't help but admire her tenacity as well as her intuition.

Those who are looking for more erotica or sexual tension, this is not the book for you. The sex is fine. The tale is more focused on the suspense and the mission. For those who enjoy more military based suspense, this will be a good to read. It's adrenaline pumping and never seems to be a break in the possible discovery and capture. The danger element to this story is what made it a page turner. Ms. Dimon creates a great action flick with a sweet romantic element to it. This book is so well described that it played like a movie in my head. I read this all in one sitting and wanted more. This series is definitely one I'm hooked on. Ms. Dimon is one to keep an eye on. Recommended for romantic suspense lovers who prefer the suspense over the romance.

*provided by Edelweiss

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This action packed romantic suspense story takes us to northern Pakistan and introduces us to West and Lexi. Lexi's father runs a medical clinic that she helps out with, taking care of any and all who use their services, especially mountain climbers from the nearby Karakoram range. When her father goes off to work at Mt.Everest, he leaves behind information that she's only to use in an extreme emergency. When she discovers that there are some serious weapons being brought into their region, she worries for the safety of her father's clinic and the local people. Using this top secret contact information, two men show up, West and Josiah, just in the nick of time to save her from some unsavory characters who have discovered her interest in the comings and goings at the nearby caves. Instantly drawn to West, she is struck by his ruthless, matter-of-fact demeanor but quickly surmises that there is more to him than meets the eye. However the clock is ticking for Lexi as the plot she's inadvertently uncovered reaches into the upper echelons of the Pakistan military. Only West can save her now - if his own nemesis doesn't get to him first.

Though this is the second in the Bad Boys Undercover series, it's not necessary to have read the first story to get a handle on the key characters involved. In fact, if I have one complaint about this story, it's that there were quite a lot of secondary characters (good guys, bad guys, and ones in between). On the one hand you've got the West and Lexi romantic suspense subplot. But there is also a good deal of time spent with the other members of the Alliance, the group that West belongs to. Thankfully, by mid-point in the story the key characters are all converging on one place, but it did make for a lot of busyness at times.

Despite this, I really enjoyed the characters of West and Lexi. West thinks of himself as a machine, doing what must be done in order to keep his teammates (or anyone under his protection) safe. Though he is initially annoyed to discover that Lexi has triggered the code that has sent him on this current mission (a code meant only to be used by her father), he immediately assumes protection of her. What he doesn't expect is the feisty, confounding woman that Lexi is - one who questions everything he does (at least at first) and who doesn't listen to him if she thinks she knows better (which is most of the time). I loved the way they played off each other, their equal frustration in discovering they are two strong minded individuals, and the eventual acknowledgement of the sexual attraction between them. In dangerous and adrenaline filled situations it's only natural for them to find an outlet for the strong emotions they are feeling - a sexy, steamy outlet. But West is determined to keep his heart out of it - he must if he's going to fulfill his duty, and in order to be a killing machine worry or concern for Lexi will only distract him. Lexi sees beyond the façade that West puts up to the real man underneath, one that cares for others, that does the job he must but still acknowledges the toll that killing takes on him. However she also knows it will be up to West to come to terms with his feelings for her and she's smart enough to know that pushing him to acknowledge those feelings when he isn't ready won't work if they are meant to be together for the long haul.

Lexi and West get into some pretty intense situations and the action doesn't let up from the time they meet to their eventual happy ending. While much of the story is gritty and action packed, there are some lighthearted moments, some fun camaraderie between the Alliance team members and a sexy romance between two likable and complex characters. The setting of the story was unique and I thought it was well researched and interesting. I'm definitely planning to read more of this series. 3.5 stars.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review.

Note 2: this review is also found as a blog post at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...

[Les Romantiques · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5

Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher

Third volume (with the introducing novella) in the Bad Boys Undercover series of which I liked the previous, Playing Dirty (review here
When Lexi sends information about weapons convoys she noticed near the clinic where she works in Pakistan, West and his team are sent there to retrieve those information and put her somewhere safe. But there’s not only those weapons at play.

I must say that from the beginning, the heroine and I got off on the wrong foot. I found her irritating, belligerent, I couldn’t figure her out. When the hero meets her she’s tied to a chair and interrogated by a man who’s just killed another one in front of her, but she’s all the same pigheaded toward West, demanding to do things in her own way, hiding the information she has to give … in short she got on my nerves. She eventually calm herself in the last third of the story and sees things differently but for me it was too late to warm up on her.

The hero is a special forces member as we often see them: super strong, self-confident, but what’s more he thinks of himself as a killing machine without emotion since an avalanche took his all team several years ago and he staid several days trying to find them (all this while wounded because he’s a Rambo who can take veeery well pain, injuries, and even torture). HE has a long way to go to accept that his coldness is only apparent and that he can live again with feelings, and he’ll go back and forth several times.

Between them we see an immediate attraction, especially since the action takes place on 2 or 3 days maximum, fortunately without big declarations (those who follow my reviews know that I’m skeptical about instant stories). But the last chapters take place several weeks after the end of the plot which allows to believe a bit more in durability of their story. But for this occasion we assist at a knock-some-sense-into-your-head conversation between West, his colleagues, and his chiefs, that doesn’t ring natural at all and left me perplexed.

Beside the romance in itself there’s the plot with the weapons convoys, much more complex in reality, and following the plot of the previous volume. There’s a lot of action, quite a lot of suspense in the story itself and about some characters for whim we don’t know what game they’re playing.

So this is a romantic suspense that works well on the suspense side but didn’t work for me on the romance side. I must way that I'll hesitate to read the following volume in September.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Firstreads.

I was super disappointed in this book because I've read a book from this author before and liked it well enough. But this book just had absolutely nothing positive about it. First off, this book is the second in a supposedly stand alone series but it was pretty obvious that you needed to have read the first book to understand this one. I was constantly list and wondering how this or that happened and why and who these characters were that suddenly entered the story without an explanation. This point leads into my next one about how the author forgot so many details that I just gave up on trying to figure anything out and just rolled with everything and chalked it up to fantasy (which is pretty sad since this book is supposed to be romantic suspense). One example is that this book covers the span of about 3-4 days but during that entire time where the male and female lead are running from the enemies they never eat or drink anything. At that point with actual people, the people in question would have died. It was through the whole book that this type of thing continued which made the book and author appear very stupid. But I think that that biggest gripe I have with this book is that it soberly was not a romance. It was a spy action book that was low on thrills! There were only two very poorly written sex scenes where you didn't even really know what was happening and then it was over. Unfortunately, this book was a complete waste of my time and I definitely would not recommend it or the author to anyone.

[Gail Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the most annoying book to read. The story itself wasn't bad, but, the main female character was the most idiotic person ever. I don't even understand how one person could be so stupid. Lexi and her dad operates a clinic in Pakistan. Her dad (who she found out later also works as a spy) would pass along information on any unusual activities. Lexi was give the code while he was away. She saw some suspicious activities involving weapons and using the coded message, called for help. Enter, Weston - special ops agent. He arrives just in time of save her from getting kidnapped/killed. This idiotic woman then proceed to act belligerent and ignorant. She is fighting every step of the way. She refuses to see the danger, even thought they keep getting ambushed and shot at. They are also being hunted by the Pakistani army. West is special ops, but she is lecturing him about being to violent even though he keep stepping in front to prevent her getting killed. She doesn't wise up until the third quarter of the book, by this time they have been, haunted, shot at, caught, West tortured and almost buried alive, all because Lexi refuses to acknowledge the danger that they were really facing. I stuck with this book because once I start a book, I believe in reading to the end. This is my first time reading this author, so I am going try another one of her books, because I don't like making a snap judgment because of the first book that I read.

[Abra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book at RT16.

After two tries I made it to page 59 out of 367. So far the hero and the heroine have fled from the army, hidden in a shed for a while, and have moved to a small building somewhere. Unfortunately, the action is clogged by endless repartee. At a certain point you need to speak like a normal person and running for your life seems like a good place to start. All conversations run something like:

Hero: Why are we here?
Heroine: Javed told me to come here. (We don't know who Javed is).
Hero: That response raises more questions than it answers.
Heroine: How would you like me to construct the sentence? (At this point several people have been killed or injured during her rescue so she should probably focus).
Hero: Who is Javed?
Heroine: Javed Gul.(Still not helpful, he's looking for context).

Then there's an argument about who is swearing at whom. After that we get back to the subject at hand:

Hero: Tell me why you think this is a smart place for us to be.
Heroine: Much Better. Thank you for not being an asshole.

Why can't she ever give a straight answer?

This pattern has already repeated several times and I'm only 16% into the book. The hero finds this endearing, but I find it obnoxious. You add this to the fact that the heroine can't shut up even when fleeing the Pakistani army and I'm done.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serious threat, a sexy doctor to a Skardu, Pakistan, Lexi and a deadly Alliance member, Weston Brown come together in Falling Hard.

Lexi uses her father's codes to call for help when she notices military movement near the mountains of Skardu. Weston Brown is sent from the Alliance with a team to check it out...and all hell break loose. Running for their lives, Lexi and Wes find themselves separated from all their allies.

Lexi is jaded by her father's perceptions, while Weston is haunted by a previous mission gone horribly wrong.

The story is sure to get your heart pumping with a strong suspense filled plot. There is lots of action and a quick building romance that develops in a brewing pot of war.

I didn't find this fast paced and intense plot a great breeding ground for creating a romance but Dimon found a way.

This is a read for those who enjoy military based suspense thrillers. The characters are up against betrayal, life threatening situations and past circumstances that cloud the characters' judgments.

Enjoyable, page turner, Falling Hard was a wonderful trip into the war torn world of Pakistan.

I received this ARC copy of Falling Hard from Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication May 26, 2015.

[Christi Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced action. Heat that sears the pages. A taut thriller with plenty of romance. An usual setting. Soooooo many things to love about this book!

[Amy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A five-star book to me is one I don't want to put down and I seek out whenever I can. FALLING HARD by HelenKay Dimon is this to me. Dimon has a way of pulling the reader into a story, getting them all tied up in emotional knots and then won't let them go until the dust has settled. I absolutely love each minute.

FALLING HARD is West and Lexi's story. West is called back to Pakistan (a place he despises and was a turning point in his life) because suspicious activity has been called in. The team was not expecting to meet Lexi, but as most operatives know, assignments don't go as planned. That was true for this one from start to finish. FALLING HARD is rougher than the previous one I read - PLAYING DIRTY. The assignment is worse, the conditions are harsher and the danger is extremely intense, especially a few scenes. Dimon does a fabulous job of writing them with enough description so the reader knows the severity of the situation but not to the point of wanting to close the book.

The romance between West and Lexi is so different than the previous stories, which I love. I don't like reading the same story with different characters and Dimon excels at this. West is a scary guy to most but Lexi doesn't take his tough, bossy demeanor. She doesn't understand his world or the violence they encounter but she is pretty much a badass herself and doesn't back down from it. West loves that about her. There are not as many intimate scenes in this one, but that is what this story called for. The love scenes are still smoking hot and appropriate to the plot and the characters.

While I enjoyed all the action scenes, the one difficulty I had with FALLING HARD was that sometimes the action scenes didn't have quite enough detail and I had to re-read a few of them to understand what all was happening or didn't realize the number of guys that were there until they were shot, so it took me out of the story a couple of times. The story moves fast so you have to hang on each word to keep up.

FALLING HARD is an intense, fast-paced, raw, emotional romantic suspense story that will have you thinking about it long after you finish. I highly recommend it!

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

3.5 STARS

Falling Hard is full of suspense, action and romance. I loved Playing Dirty I had hoped to fall into this read like I did that one, but I didn't. I can't pinpoint what was different, why I didn't love this one. Don't get me wrong it was an enjoyable read but nothing stood out, nothing was that 'edge of my seat' suspense I had hoped for.

This series follows the men and woman of Alliance, a black ops force. In Falling Hard West (Weston) Brown finds out he needs to return to the once place he's swore to never return to, Skardu, Pakistan. When he returns to Pakistan to rescue Dr. Alex Turner he doesn't find the doctor, instead he finds his feisty daughter Lexi. There is an immediate attraction between the two but can West stay on course with the mission with Lexi sneaking into his thoughts?

The chemistry between the main characters was hot, the action was high. Like I said it was enjoyable, but my favorite of the series. I am interested to see where Josiah's story goes in the next installment.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this RS series from HelenKay Dimon. I can't wait to see where Alliance goes next!
I think West might be my new favorite HKD hero!

Full review to come at www.thebookpushers.com

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm honestly surprised that this turned out to be just as good as the last book considering two out of this series I ended up hating. I wasn't expecting another winner from this author.but I'm glad that it happened. I didn't love it more than Ford and Shay but West and Lexi were a couple I truly enjoyed reading about almost as much.

West was truly such a different yet refreshing change of a character for me. He was confident, so caring behind the rough exterior, vulnerable beneath it all, and honest even though he tried to hide it. I loved how he didn't fight or deny his feelings as I expected him, not in front of Lexi or his team, but he didn't exactly initiate anything or pursue her either. Normally, a man letting a woman do all the work as in initiating a kiss or sex would bother me, but here it didn't, because I felt like it was just part of his character. He didn't view himself as a good guy, he didn't like himself, he never directly said it but the hints are all there. He puts himself down, does what's expected of him without complaint, he's just a very broken person because of his upbringing and guilt over his past of people he couldn't save. He didn't want to drag her down with him, put her in danger because of who he is, and feels unworthy of her. It's not an attention thing or an excuse to treat people like crap, he just feels so lost and It made me understand him and care for him. His priority was always to protect her as part of his job but very quickly it changed from formal mission to his personal mission in making sure she got home safe. West was just so much more than I thought he was compared to the last book.

Lexi, my goodness, I loved this girl's take no shit personality. THIS is how you write a girl who can take charge and play with the big boys. Tasha was a terrible example of a strong woman and Lexi is everything Tasha was supposed to be but isn't. She was funny, she had confidence, she could take a dig right back at a guy. Her style was just awesome. She adapted very well to dangerous situations, at first she challenged West because she didn't know him but once she knew how capable he was in his job, she listened, followed instructions, and made a very cooperative woman when she wasn't worrying over West's safety. The beginning where she first meets a west and Josiah was one of the best first impressions I've ever read. I liked how she was blunt and calling all the shots like a boss, but a cute one who didn't have a stick up her you know what like Tasha. Her character didn't change throughout and she still called people out when she didn't like something. I admired how she dealt with West after all the action was over, she told him how she felt, what she was offering him, left him access to her room if he decided he wanted her and left the ball in his court. She didn't beg, didn't guilt trip him, didn't yell at him for not manning up. After he had a weak moment and walked out on her, she handled everything as a mature adult should. She was going to let him go and move on. When he got his act together, she didn't just jump in his arms right away, she rejected him (which made me proud) and when he told her to stay, she made him speak what he was feeling and what he wanted before taking him back. Another strong heroine who knows what she's worth and that sometimes guys need to be scared into never making the same mistake again in the future.

I will for sure read this book again because this and Ford and Shay's book have restored hope for me that there are authors who know how to write a hero AND a heroine we can love, a sincere apology for screwing up, a fitting grovel if necessary, and a couple who makes you feel giddy inside for them. I'm hoping this author has more couples like this in her other series because I'm in awe of of what she can do if the right trope presents itself in her hands. Now on to the last book of the series, the third book in my case, since I already read the fourth...

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weston Brown is working with a Black Ops Force known as Alliance. After nearly dying on assignment West is wanting some downtime. Instead, he's pulled into the deadliest operation yet, in the one place he never wanted to see again. Lexi Turner a Medical Tech lied to get a team to her father's mountain clinic in Pakistan. However, they both find out that the threat is real and someone wants them both dead.
Lexi has apparently been asking too many questions, drawing the attention of a terrorist named Benton and his cohorts. But as soon as she lays eyes on West, she trust him with her life, he's as big as a mountain and quiet. West is known for his rescue complex within the team but in this specific operation it will come in handy for going up against the ruthless gunrunners.
Lexi and West have been cut off from the rest of the Alliance team, they have to secretly navigate the deadly terrain and fight the sexual attraction that is brewing between them. West thinks of himself as a machine so sticking around has never been an issue for him, but now he will have to use every resource at his disposal to keep Lexi by his side and insure her safety from a demented killer who never leaves any loose ends behind.

[Mischa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely liked this one much more than the first book in the series. It helped a lot that West did not lie to Lexi and also that they only just met, so I wasn't immediately thrown into the relationship.

I'm still giving it three stars (like, much better three stars - there's actually a whole range for three stars for me lol), because I'll be honest, it couldn't keep my attention that much. What I also find a little disappointing is that I guess Dimon isn't really into slow burn (as in, heroes not being attracted to each other from the beginning and not getting it on early on), because I think that it definitely wouldn't hurt this. The whole "saw them once and immediately knew they were different" bit is a little unbelievale, lame, and honestly overdone.

Also, the ending was a little slow then. But overall, definitely much better than the first one, so here's to hoping the sequels will be just as good.

P.S.: Am I the only one who has difficulty imagining the main characters when one of them is described as a "really big, muscly guy"? Like my mind immediately goes to this: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/0... :D

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by HelenKay Dimon and it was great. Weston Brown was on a required vacation after an op when he had the chance to help out another team in Pakistan and even though he did not want to go back there, off he went. The team had been notified by someone at a clinic near K2 that trucks were coming in and lots of activities were happening. That someone turned out to be Lexi Palmer who was quite a match for West. Their short time together was something that neither one of them expected but it was as hot as the war. Great read.

[Charity Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling Hard by Helenkay Dimon was a Simmering Read with a HEA!

This was my first story by HelenKay, and I was not disappointed in the storyline, or the delivery.

West, the H, was a strong, nearly invincible Alpha Male, and Lexi, the h, was definitely his equal.

Although they both had baggage, they were able to find what they needed in each other.

[Wendy Stubbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

TSTL!!

Not one of my most favorite books but I didn't hate it either. I read the first book in the series & really liked West's character. I wanted to see him get his HEA. I liked the characters overall & loved the banter between them.

I had 2 major issues. The first being the style of writing was kinda of clunky. It didn't flow very well. Also, a HUGE peeve of mine is having sex at the STUPIDEST times!! I mean, come on while you are hiding out from terrorists & the entire Pakistani Army? TSTL-Too stupid too live!!!

[Sue Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - full of action and suspense .
Can't wait to read the next book.

[Adele Buck]

I really struggled to keep reading this book. It just didn’t hold me. I DNF’d at about 50%.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a whole week to read. The twittyness of the heroine kept annoying me. I liked the storyline. She calls for help, receives help, and then complains shes getting help. Oui.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the characters and the plot but something was off. I can’t put my finger on it but maybe it was slow or should have been edited to be shortened. Anyway, I did enjoy it

[Nita Wilkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book but there was too much sex; in places, it got in the way of the action.

[Meredith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got to page 50 - If you want a good spy novel, stick to Vince Flynn or Brad Thor.

[DeAngela Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book

It was a very interesting book. The characters kept the book pace. I couldn't put the book down. I can't wait to read the next book

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to continue in this series. This book focused on West and Lexie. It had a similar underlying theme to the first book, obviously, but this book started out purely with the Alliance angle and the romance played second fiddle. I enjoyed this story, but not as much as the first book. This one does bring in elements of the first book, especially toward the end. I can't wait to see which of the Bad Boys is featured in book three!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 26, 2015



After a grueling assignment with the black ops force known as the Alliance, Weston Brown is craving downtime. Instead, he's pulled into his deadliest operation, in the one place he never wanted to see again. No-nonsense and so damn hot, Lexi Turner lied to get him to her mountain clinic in Pakistan. But the threat is terrifyingly real.

Lexi has been asking too many questions, drawing the wrong kind of attention. As soon as she lays eyes on West, she can tell he's quiet—yet tough—and has a rescue complex which will come in handy for going up against the world's most ruthless gunrunners.

Cut off from the rest of the Alliance, Lexi and West navigate the brutal terrain and a primal sexual attraction. Sticking around has never been West's way, but now he'll use every resource to keep Lexi by his side, safe from a killer who leaves no loose ends behind.


••••••••••••


REVIEW: FALLING HARD is the third installment (second full length) in HelenKay Dimon’s adult, contemporary Bad Boys Undercover military, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for the black ops force known as Alliance. This is former Marine Weston (West) Brown and physician’s assistant Lexi Turner’s storyline. FALLING HARD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.



Told from several third person perspectives FALLING HARD follows the rescue and return of Lexi Turner. When West’s Alliance Delta Team receives an encrypted message from Skardu, Pakistan, West’s worst fears comes to fruition when he learns he must return to the country that all but destroyed his life and his soul. Lexi and her father are the medical team working at the base camp for the K2 mountain climbers and Lexi has placed a call for extraction. What ensues is a cross country trek where our leading couple find themselves in danger of discovery by the Pakistan army, and a target for destruction by a former member of their team.



The relationship between Lexi and West is one of immediate attraction but West doesn’t do relationships or love. He is a man hardened by the demons of his past, and his experiences as a Marine. Something about the beautiful but talkative Lexi draws West out of his shell but in doing so, places everyone in danger when West is unable to concentrate on the mission at hand. Lexi is a woman with a past mired in secrets and it is these secrets that have forced Lexi onto a different path and direction in life. The $ex scenes are romantic, provocative and steamy, without the unnecessary erotic elements.



The secondary and supporting characters include several of West’s Alliance team members including former CIA operative Ward Bennett and former MI6 agent Tasha Gregory (Running Hot .5). We are also introduced Josiah King, West’s backup in Pakistan-Josiah’s story will be told next in FACING FIRE (September 2015). All of the Alliance Team members are former members of the military, CIA or MI6 whose purpose is to extricate, negotiate and take down any and all threats to safety and peace.



The world building continues to focus on the secret ops and deep undercover of a team of highly skilled, modern day warriors. All have seen their share of death and destruction; some members are hired for their ability to destroy; and everyone has vowed to protect at all costs. The threat of chemical warfare is an ongoing premise throughout the series. HelenKay Dimon’s style of writing is engaging; the tension continues to build as the storyline progresses.



FALLING HARD is an action packed, suspense filled, romantic storyline where the high cost of terrorism does not go unpunished. HelenKay Dimon’s heroes and heroines are fallible, real, and not without their own morals and ethics. If you are a fan of the military/romance storylines then the BAD BOYS UNDERCOVER series by HelenKay Dimon is a welcome addition to your reading library.



Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss

[Zara West · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like action, this book is one to pick. The hero, an agent for a private military group, is one of those strong silent types. The heroine tries to be kick-ass and really gives the hero a hard time, but underneath she is naive and scared. Something that gave me a bit of trouble was knowing who all the characters were as apparently some were introduced in the first book. But that's my fault for reading book 2 first. The other thing that troubled me was the setting. It seems to take place during an imaginary war between India and Pakistan, somewhere in the Himalayas. Sounds fascinating, however, the actual environment is barely described. I wished the author had fleshed this out more.

[Catherine (The Sassy Bookster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on The Sassy Bookster


I absolutely enjoyed Playing Dirty and was waiting impatiently for Falling Hard, which does not disappoint at all. The action begins right from the first page and does.not. stop. Weston Brown is supposed to be taking some downtime after a grueling assignment , but he does not know what to do with himself when he's got some free time and guess what? His ass volunteered for an assignment that lands him in the last place he wants to be: Pakistan. West had previously been in Pakistan on a covert assignment, one that cost him his entire team and put him through a hell that would have destroyed a lesser man.

The thing is, the assignment was supposed to be easy: get in, debrief an asset and get him on a plane to the US. Problem is, the asset is a 'she' that they were not prepared for and she is not willing to go quietly. Lexi Turner stumbled upon an illegal weapons ring while working in her dad's clinic in the mountains of Pakistan and pretending to be him, contacts the intelligence agencies in the US, a move that sets in motion a deadly game with the masterminds, one of whom is already in the custody of Alliance.

Falling Hard is a non-stop roller-coaster ride that plays out over dangerous terrain, with so many different players, all of them looking out for their own interests and it's hard to determine who the good and the bad guys really are. West has had some experiences in his past that really should have leveled him, but instead he became very detached in the way he carries out his job. In fact, he has gained notoriety as the team's go-to guy for when the enemies need to be taken out, a machine that is not affected by having to rid the world of the bad guys. In reality, West has trained himself to shut down his emotions and operate like a robot to avoid the fallout from being emotionally overwhelmed and somehow Lexi is able to see through that facade to the man beneath and accept him for who and what he is.

Lexi is the most fearless and strong heroine I have read about in a long time, and that's saying something. Right from the beginning, she made the Alliance team aware that she would not stand for being sheltered and would pull her weight. The things that West has to do to keep them safe do not faze her and even when his fear of emotional entanglements threaten what they have, she still willingly puts herself out there and risks rejection over and over again.

I have been impressed with Ms. Dimon's previous writings but with this series, she has cemented my love for her work and is an auto-buy for me.

I must say that Falling Hard is more of suspense than romance and only die hard fans of intrigue and danger would completely appreciate it. So, if you are one that loves the adrenaline rush that comes with the action that these covert operators find themselves in the middle of, then hang on for a thrill ride!


Source: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[ItsAboutTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review can be read at It's About The Book

4.5 stars

He’s hot. He’s sexy. But most importantly, he’s BIG. That’s what we look for in a bodyguard, right ladies? And Weston Brown is one large and in-charge male. And when the $hit hits the fan in Pakistan, you’re up in the clouds on a mountain being chased by bad guys, you want someone who can cover you from head to toe. Block you from all the bad guys bullets and knives. And that’s what Lexi Turner convinces herself is the reason she chooses him over Josiah to take her to safety after the clinic she works at is attacked. It has nothing to do with the fact that he’s also wickedly sexy…

West isn’t sure what the heck is going on. He and his teammate from Alliance are used to going into situations blind and extracting their target, but this situation has got clusterf@ck written all over it. The good doctor is AWOL, and in his place is a feisty female who insists that she will not leave Pakistan. That she means to stay and keep working at the clinic. That’s not going to happen. After you pull the alarm on the bad guys working the area and call in the cavalry, you don’t get to stay and watch. She needs to leave the country, ASAP. Doesn’t she know that the fact she’s reported illegal weapons is going to make the bad guys target her? Apparently not. Lexi doesn’t have a clue what’s at stake here, and her ignorance is going to lose her more than a clinic in the mountains. It could lose her her life! West is going to make sure that doesn’t happen, even if it’s against her will. But this is one ornery female, and she’s stubborn to boot. Why doesn’t she seem to understand simple instructions like BE QUIET when they’re moving through enemy territory?

Lexi’s back story has so much to do with why she doesn’t want to leave, but as understanding dawns and she realizes just how much furor her reporting the illegal weapons stash has caused, she fears for more than just her life–she’s afraid for West. While they’ve been on the run, out of communication with his team, she and West have formed a bond, part-friend, huge part lust and romance. She really cares for him and she doesn’t like the fact that he seems really cavalier about whether he ends up dead or alive at the end of this mission. While it’s nice to have someone who’ll die to keep you alive, she really wants a future with him. She wants him to WANT to stay alive. She’s afraid that he’s numbed himself so much to the killing and fighting that he can’t open himself up to love–and to her.

Overlay this romantic theme over a pretty awesome espionage plot and you’ve got a great romantic suspense book, courtesy of one of my favorite authors–HelenKay Dimon. She can pack more suspense, sex, humor and thrills into a book than anyone else I’ve read! Really loved this dense, rich book filled with mysterious twists and turns–you wrote a winner! Thanks for the ride, HelenKay!