Deadly Intuition

Hardy Brothers Security #2

by Lily Harper Hart

Grady Hardy is a bachelor to the core. He doesn't want a wife. He certainly doesn't want a girlfriend. One-night-stands and occasional dalliances are all he can handle. The errand his brother, James, gave him is more than enough responsibility to last him for an entire week. He certainly didn't see her coming. Sophie Lane is dedicated to her job. She's a reporter -- and she loves it. She likes important stories and county corruption. She has big dreams -- dreams that will one day take her out of Michigan and to New York City. She's got a plan. She doesn't need any romantic entanglements. When she meets Grady Hardy, she's beyond annoyed. Sure, he saved her from the guy accosting her with vague threats and hidden innuendo, but his swollen ego is too much for her to bear. Sophie is chasing a big Almost $600,000 is missing from the county coffers. It looks like someone at the sheriff's department is knee-deep in an embezzlement scandal. Finding those funds is the problem, and her focus. Grady doesn't want to anything to do with Sophie. She's rude, obnoxious, and a little too full of herself. When their worlds collide, though, he's not sure he can stay away. Sophie knows Grady isn't ready for a relationship. Sex is one thing, a future together is another. Unfortunately for her, her heart disagrees. When Sophie's life is in danger, Grady is ready to fight for her survival -- and a future he didn't even know he wanted. Her heart is a whole other story.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Amazon, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2014

Reviews

[CC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok continuation of the series. I enjoyed it as an easy read, but it was not quite as good as the first because the MCs were not as easy to like or identify with. Neither of them were bad or did horrible things. The heroine was just too stiff and hard to connect with. The Hero was not stiff, but his character had little development or depth. The book also dragged a little. I wish it were a bit shorter. I was also disappointed by the cut off ending. I understand I will get more of them in the next book, but I wanted something more.

The MCs from the first book in the series totally saved the book. Their interactions were humorous and even more entertaining than in their book. Luckily they were heavily used in this book.

I am happily moving on to book 3 but I kind of hope the books get a little more engaging or shorter.

Safety Gang Safe

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Grady and Sophie

Romance trope: romantic suspense
Series: Hardy Brothers Security
Length: 248 pages

Plot: Sophie and Grady don't exactly hit it off; Sophie is prickly and not interested in anything serious. But Grady can't seem to stay away, and when Sophie needs protection, Grady is the just the guy for it. There's something shady going on in local government, and the beautiful journalist is determined to find out what it is; someone else is just as determined to stop her. Grady needs to save her in time.

Commentary: This one was very similar to the first book in the series. Heroine in trouble, committment-shy former military hero who suddenly falls in love heart despite the heroine's misgivings. Sophie grew up in tough circumstances (for a while) and now she doesn't want anyone's help. But she keeps getting threatened and attacked and Grady, along with his brothers (and James's girlfriend) will help save the day. Sophie was prickly, which was understandable. I did get a little irritated with some of the over-the-top antics from the first couple (I always think that series with recurring characters run the risk of becoming caricatures as authors try to play up some of their previously endearing traits). And of course, it's obvious at this point that the next book will be about the third brother.

Previous book in the series: Deadly Intentions
Next book in the series: Deadly Illusions

[Amanda Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grady and Sophie's story

As middle Hardy brother Grady enjoys teasing James and Mandy's new found love little does he know he's heading straight towards his own HEA.

Sent on an errand to place their weekly ad in the paper Grady witnesses one of the female reporters, Sophie Lane, being threatened in the street. Drawn to the bolshie young woman who won't be browbeaten into dropping her story Grady needs to investigate and inveigles his way into her life and heart.

They have a lot to research when seeking answers though as her current case is over missing government funds and someone, somewhere is trying to cover it up.. as they reach for the answers they need Sophie's life will come under direct threat.. can Grady save the woman he just might love?

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Private Investigator Mystery Romance is spectacular. Like his brothers, Grady Hardy doesn't need or want a wife or a girlfriend. Sophie Lane, a dedicated investigative reporter, has similar feelings about men. When they accidentally meet, they verbally attack each other like cats and dogs. But, when she's accosted, his protective hackles rise.

The characters fight their attraction to one another. It's adorable. The situation under investigation is not known to be a crime, but the innuendos and threats indicate the severity is very real. Eventually, the culprits reveal themselves. The ultimate end is charming.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Need Character Work

This read just like the last book. Are James and Grady the same person? No? Could have fooled me. I got interested with the outline being different than the author's norm only to find she is writing about brothers that might as well be the same person. Yawn.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one more than the first, but that’s probably partly because I know the characters already and I like them more in this book. The story is interesting and some things have been unexpected, I will read the next one, too.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically the same plot as the first book, just swapped out character names and occupations. Good story if read alone, but reading directly after the first in the series felt like rereading the same book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

Great second story in the Hardy Brothers Security series. I can't wait to read the next edition. Something for everyone.

[Audz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

[Bridget Miklausich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly what you would expect. Silly but an easy escapist read.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Part of Deadly Beginnings (Hardy Brothers Security #1-3) which is FREE on Amazon today (8/4/2023)! 🎁

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Sharon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Grady and Sophie's story. She is a reporter that has stumbled into a embezzlement of county funds. Grady and his brothers try to keep her safe. Some new characters arrive. Great story

[Ashleyjo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Omg!! Chapter 12's underwear scene makes the whole book worth reading. Loved it!!

Listen, the mystery plots in book one and in this one are dense; nothing 'aha;' and,well, to be nice, lackluster. It's not grating... Just doesn't sparkle. The author really needs to add more attention to detail, more pizzazz, more depth to the story outside the romance. And, while I liked the romance because I liked the characters, it was very, very similar to the plot points in book one.

That said, I love the characters, and they do sparkle and sizzle. They have intelligent, witty, sarcastic, humorous, real-to-life voices and conversations that just sit comfortably with the reader.. Kinda like the familiarity of a smooth whiskey.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and am so excited to see how this series progresses. This story mainly focuses on Grady and Sophie, but all of the characters still play important parts. I think the author does this really well. Usually it seems like couples from previous books make brief appearances or are awkwardly inserted into the story for no reason, but this book was the perfect combination. I loved that we got to see Mandy and James' relationship continue to evolve in a meaningful way without overpowering Grady's budding romance. I also liked the mystery and was intrigued until the end. Can't wait for Finn's romance in book 3!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I am enjoying this series. This is Grady and Sophie's story with mystery and romance and fun. The characters are interesting and I love their interaction and the dialogue. Very enjoyable.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for a light, fun read. Good plot but characters lack depth.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two down

Well, these stories are a bit more predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. I like the banter between brothers and I like the strong denial leadS. Onto number 3!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story! Can't wait for the next. Great add to the series! Keeps getting better and better! Love these two together and it was a non stop twist after another!

[Meri Doseck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute love

Yet another romance but different, thrilling the reader with the hope that true love exists and the dare to chase it.

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story. better than the first. corrupt county politics and attempted murder.