Thanks to Brittney Sahin and NetGalley for the free ARC. All opinions are my own in the following ARC Review.
Genres: Romantic Suspense, Military Romance
Tropes: Best Friend’s Sister, Single Mom, Insta-Attraction, Forced Proximity, Protective Hero, Strong Heroine, Betrayal, Hurt/Comfort, Fake Marriage, He Falls First, Found Family
MC: Audrey (FMC), Alejandro (MMC)
Setting: Colorado, Wyoming, New Zealand
Triggers: reference cheating, SA, spousal abuse; assault, gun violence
Epilogue: Yes
Synopsis: While dealing with the death of her second husband, Audrey narrowly escapes a break-in at her home. Alex is sent ahead to protect her, and quickly learns the attack was not random. It’s suspected Audrey’s late husband faked his death after uncovering classified information about a disbanded clandestine special-ops group. His discovery, and threat to expose it, made him a target of his own former team, who now believe Audrey is the key to retrieving the intel he hid as a failsafe. To flush out the threat, Alex and his team, including Audrey’s brother and the father of her son, stage a high-risk undercover trap using Audrey, where she is to be captured in the process. Alex and the team launch a full tactical rescue, defeat the rogue operatives, and secure the intel before it can be weaponized against the government. In the aftermath, common hurts and understanding, turn into love. Alex and Audrey marry, reveal a pregnancy, and look forward to building a life together shaped by safety and truth after surviving deception and betrayal.
Thoughts: This was another great read and a solid addition to the Brittney Sahin universe. I loved how intricately connected this book was in particular. Audrey and Alex both have complicated pasts, and it was impressive to see how even the loosest connections were thoughtfully woven together. I really enjoyed how sweet Alex and Audrey were with each other. Their severe past hurts allowed them to see themselves in one another, forming a deep, unspoken bond rooted in shared understanding. And while there wasn’t a love triangle, it almost felt like one at times because of Audrey’s interactions with her first ex-husband and father of her son. I did think there was a bit too much page time between these two, especially having such emotionally intimate scenes. It made Alex unsure of himself in moments, and I would’ve preferred to see more one-on-one scenes between him and Audrey instead. Alex truly was a great guy, and it was refreshing to see how accepting he was of everyone in Audrey’s life, including her ex. Even better, having respect and openness being reciprocated. I can genuinely see Alex and Audrey’s ex becoming good friends in the future. Brittney also teased what I hope turns into a potential new series revolving around Hollis’ family. I have to say learning about them intrigued me the most. I’m also looking forward to seeing who Gwen ends up with. Can’t wait for Reed’s book next, he’s definitely a favorite.