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Fortis #1
Hard As Ice
When money is no object, discretion is essential, and time is of the essence, the police are not an option. That’s when the wealthy and powerful call on the men of Fortis—a trio of former government agents with elite military training—not to mention charm and good looks…
Now that Evan DaCosta has recovered from an injury sustained in his work with the CIA, he’s ready to continue his life of adventure, intrigue, and service. That means joining Fortis—and taking on the recovery of precious jewels stolen from a prestigious auction house. The list of suspects is long, but Evan is focused on the possibility of an inside job. Now he’ll have to go undercover and stay close to the gorgeous business manager, Nia James. That won’t be a problem….But if she’s the thief, she just may steal his heart in the process…
A gifted salesperson, Nia worked hard to get where she is today. Now, with her career at stake, she can’t afford to be distracted by a man. Yet when Evan walks into the auction house, all six foot three of solid muscle poured into a tailored suit, Nia can’t help feeling safe, protected—and turned on. The feeling is mutual, and soon, despite their private misgivings, Nia and Evan become intensely entangled. But can their relationship survive their secrets?...
Now that Evan DaCosta has recovered from an injury sustained in his work with the CIA, he’s ready to continue his life of adventure, intrigue, and service. That means joining Fortis—and taking on the recovery of precious jewels stolen from a prestigious auction house. The list of suspects is long, but Evan is focused on the possibility of an inside job. Now he’ll have to go undercover and stay close to the gorgeous business manager, Nia James. That won’t be a problem….But if she’s the thief, she just may steal his heart in the process…
A gifted salesperson, Nia worked hard to get where she is today. Now, with her career at stake, she can’t afford to be distracted by a man. Yet when Evan walks into the auction house, all six foot three of solid muscle poured into a tailored suit, Nia can’t help feeling safe, protected—and turned on. The feeling is mutual, and soon, despite their private misgivings, Nia and Evan become intensely entangled. But can their relationship survive their secrets?...
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2015
30 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 8, 2015
Admittedly, there are times when 4 stars don't really indicate a to-die-for book - just as there are times when 3 stars don't mean the book bad. This is one of those cases. The cases where stars are given because the author showed exceptional talent in giving us a story, but said story isn't something we'd repeatedly read despite our high rating.
Why?
Because, even when something is fundamentally good, holding a reader's interest needs more than just that.
It needs to give you characters that are not only acceptable and loveable, but also exciting. Fictional people that you just want to relate with or hug or cuss at. And this wasn't the case.
Evan and Nia were tolerable as a main couple. But they failed to make me want to re-read their story. So I guess I'll wait for the next book, but there's no way I'm reading this one again...
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
Why?
Because, even when something is fundamentally good, holding a reader's interest needs more than just that.
It needs to give you characters that are not only acceptable and loveable, but also exciting. Fictional people that you just want to relate with or hug or cuss at. And this wasn't the case.
Evan and Nia were tolerable as a main couple. But they failed to make me want to re-read their story. So I guess I'll wait for the next book, but there's no way I'm reading this one again...
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
June 16, 2015
A million dollar heist against an action house brings Evan as undercover investigator up close and personal with one of the suspects, Nia, business manager.
Nia´s got old secrets that she doesn´t want know, and is one of two who knew the code to the safe, and through this is high on the suspect list. She´s got no idea that her newest client isn´t just what he claims to be.
When Nia and Evan´s feelings grow, things turn problematic, and when Nia´s life is threatened, it gets even worse. Can Evan find who´s responsible and keep his cover?
Contemporary Romance, suspense, action and smutty fluff in a great combo.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Nia´s got old secrets that she doesn´t want know, and is one of two who knew the code to the safe, and through this is high on the suspect list. She´s got no idea that her newest client isn´t just what he claims to be.
When Nia and Evan´s feelings grow, things turn problematic, and when Nia´s life is threatened, it gets even worse. Can Evan find who´s responsible and keep his cover?
Contemporary Romance, suspense, action and smutty fluff in a great combo.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 4, 2016
Finding Raven Scott's first entry in her entertaining Fortis series was an unexpected treat to kick off the summer reading season with Nia and Evan's love story set in the glamorous world of exquisite jewels and intrigue. Already ordered Hard and Fast.
December 25, 2015
Disclaimer : I was given a ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review. So here's the thing !
I liked this book very much. There were a few too many "smoothness" references at the beginning, but that's pretty much all I can think of that made me roll my eyes at.
The characters were well written, the sex scenes were hot, the mystery well handled. I liked how the romance developped. It felt organic, despite the time past (and I usually dislike fast pace romance). The lead characters were attracted to each other but didn't try and play any childish game about it. They went into the relationship eyes opened (or at least, opened on what they were expecting from it).
Nia was a very interesting female character. I liked her very much. I liked that she was strong, ambitious, that she never turned into a caricature and even when the proverbial shit hit the fan, her reactions felt real, not over the top, no hysterical yelling or name calling, etc. I liked that. I liked that she didn't swooned or fell head over heels instantly. I lked that she was cautious and always said what she felt. Evan was good too. I liked how he mkept his eyes on the job, even when the lines started to blur.
The heist thing was also well written. I found the resolution of the all thing a tiny bit too "conveniant", the way it involved all those certain person, but, apart from that, I enjoyed the way it developped.
I am definetely going to look forward to more of this author's books.
I liked this book very much. There were a few too many "smoothness" references at the beginning, but that's pretty much all I can think of that made me roll my eyes at.
The characters were well written, the sex scenes were hot, the mystery well handled. I liked how the romance developped. It felt organic, despite the time past (and I usually dislike fast pace romance). The lead characters were attracted to each other but didn't try and play any childish game about it. They went into the relationship eyes opened (or at least, opened on what they were expecting from it).
Nia was a very interesting female character. I liked her very much. I liked that she was strong, ambitious, that she never turned into a caricature and even when the proverbial shit hit the fan, her reactions felt real, not over the top, no hysterical yelling or name calling, etc. I liked that. I liked that she didn't swooned or fell head over heels instantly. I lked that she was cautious and always said what she felt. Evan was good too. I liked how he mkept his eyes on the job, even when the lines started to blur.
The heist thing was also well written. I found the resolution of the all thing a tiny bit too "conveniant", the way it involved all those certain person, but, apart from that, I enjoyed the way it developped.
I am definetely going to look forward to more of this author's books.
October 24, 2016
3.5 Stars. I enjoyed this book and thought the suspense part was really well done. I liked the main characters and thought they had really good chemistry. Although I didn't love this enough to want to re-read it I did like it well enough to want to read the next book in the series. A well written book with interesting and well developed characters and a good suspense plot.
November 30, 2020
A good romantic suspense though this needed a better editor. I read this in one sitting and liked it a fair bit. A solid 4 ✨.
August 30, 2019
Scott sounds like she's from Michigan. Nia, the heroine, is originally from Detroit but went to school in Bloomfield, which was very entertaining for me. Her comment about being partial to Eminem hit close to home. Any Detroiter knows you have to respect the local talent.
Other than that there book was pretty interesting. A nice amount of twists to keep you interested and surprised by the outcome.
Will definitely be continuing the series.
Other than that there book was pretty interesting. A nice amount of twists to keep you interested and surprised by the outcome.
Will definitely be continuing the series.
January 20, 2018
I think because I’m not a fan of deception and relationships I was never going to love this books for me it raises some questions that snap me out of the book. I did find quite a few typos and it usually takes a lot for me to notice them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2018
Good read
Lots of action and romance in this book. The characters are believable and the story line flows nicely. Easy to follow and it keeps you turning the pages.
Lots of action and romance in this book. The characters are believable and the story line flows nicely. Easy to follow and it keeps you turning the pages.
August 29, 2018
It was a good read
January 31, 2019
Great book
Great book! Loved the characters and the plot. Was not expecting the ending! Great twist to a great book! Must read
Great book! Loved the characters and the plot. Was not expecting the ending! Great twist to a great book! Must read
September 14, 2019
I don't usually read modern day romances so I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this story.
Plot held. The surprise twists at the end kept me engaged.
Well written.
Plot held. The surprise twists at the end kept me engaged.
Well written.
November 12, 2019
1st time reading this author's work. Won't be my last. Very good read.
April 10, 2025
New author for me, an amazing plot; with all kinds of twist and turns.
September 18, 2025
it was a really good book
November 10, 2015
Review of Hard as Ice – Raven Scott
Customer rating 4.5 /5.0
September 20, 2015 by Deborah A. Fortner
CONCEPT
The concept of the story man goes undercover and gets close to one of the suspects. The closer he gets, the more his attraction to her, the more his heart opens to the possibility of love. But is she innocent or guilty of the crime?
STORY
When money is no object, discretion is essential, and time is of the essence, the police are not an option. That’s when the wealthy and powerful call on the men of Fortis—a trio of former government agents with elite military training—not to mention charm and good looks…
Now that Evan DaCosta has recovered from an injury sustained in his work with the CIA, he’s ready to continue his life of adventure, intrigue, and service. That means joining Fortis—and taking on the recovery of precious jewels stolen from a prestigious auction house. The list of suspects is long, but Evan is focused on the possibility of an inside job. Now he’ll have to go undercover and stay close to the gorgeous business manager, Nia James. That won’t be a problem….But if she’s the thief, she just may steal his heart in the process…
A gifted salesperson, Nia worked hard to get where she is today. Now, with her career at stake, she can’t afford to be distracted by a man. Yet when Evan walks into the auction house, all six foot three of solid muscle poured into a tailored suit, Nia can’t help feeling safe, protected—and turned on. The feeling is mutual, and soon, despite their private misgivings, Nia and Evan become intensely entangled. But can their relationship survive their secrets?
.CHARACTERS
Evan DaCosta is a member of Fortis and they have been assigned an uncover job to reveal the thief of a local auction business. He meets one of the main suspects, Nia James and his attraction for her is evident. He knows he has a job to do but the more time he spend with aloof Ms. James, the more he realizes he wants a real relationship with her but can he trust she was not involved in the robbery. Nia on the other hand, has worked long and hard to make something of herself and does not want her past to come back and ruin her career chances. She realizes Evan is a client and fights to not fall for him. His charm and charisma break through her barriers and she allows him into her heart, only for the secret to be revealed that he is a part of the investigation and now has broken her trust. These two characters had ice around their hearts as a barrier but they allow the love to flow to melt the ice.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue was on point and appropriate for this story.
STRUCTURE
The structure of the storyline was on point and remained in line with the theme.
OVERALL
Hard as Ice was my first read by Raven Scott and I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Fortis series. I look forward to book two.
Customer rating 4.5 /5.0
September 20, 2015 by Deborah A. Fortner
CONCEPT
The concept of the story man goes undercover and gets close to one of the suspects. The closer he gets, the more his attraction to her, the more his heart opens to the possibility of love. But is she innocent or guilty of the crime?
STORY
When money is no object, discretion is essential, and time is of the essence, the police are not an option. That’s when the wealthy and powerful call on the men of Fortis—a trio of former government agents with elite military training—not to mention charm and good looks…
Now that Evan DaCosta has recovered from an injury sustained in his work with the CIA, he’s ready to continue his life of adventure, intrigue, and service. That means joining Fortis—and taking on the recovery of precious jewels stolen from a prestigious auction house. The list of suspects is long, but Evan is focused on the possibility of an inside job. Now he’ll have to go undercover and stay close to the gorgeous business manager, Nia James. That won’t be a problem….But if she’s the thief, she just may steal his heart in the process…
A gifted salesperson, Nia worked hard to get where she is today. Now, with her career at stake, she can’t afford to be distracted by a man. Yet when Evan walks into the auction house, all six foot three of solid muscle poured into a tailored suit, Nia can’t help feeling safe, protected—and turned on. The feeling is mutual, and soon, despite their private misgivings, Nia and Evan become intensely entangled. But can their relationship survive their secrets?
.CHARACTERS
Evan DaCosta is a member of Fortis and they have been assigned an uncover job to reveal the thief of a local auction business. He meets one of the main suspects, Nia James and his attraction for her is evident. He knows he has a job to do but the more time he spend with aloof Ms. James, the more he realizes he wants a real relationship with her but can he trust she was not involved in the robbery. Nia on the other hand, has worked long and hard to make something of herself and does not want her past to come back and ruin her career chances. She realizes Evan is a client and fights to not fall for him. His charm and charisma break through her barriers and she allows him into her heart, only for the secret to be revealed that he is a part of the investigation and now has broken her trust. These two characters had ice around their hearts as a barrier but they allow the love to flow to melt the ice.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue was on point and appropriate for this story.
STRUCTURE
The structure of the storyline was on point and remained in line with the theme.
OVERALL
Hard as Ice was my first read by Raven Scott and I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Fortis series. I look forward to book two.
July 14, 2015
ARC REVIEW
Ummm I can get lost staring at that cover.....
Yes the book is as good as that cover. My first Raven Scott and I'm not turning back. I want more. Two gorgeous people both jaded by past experiences finding safety and hope in each other. It was aggravating in all the right ways, it was emotional in all the right places, and suspenseful not quite enough but sexy as hell. This is the first book in the Fortis series; Fortis is a private security business built by three retired government agent bad-asses. The company built for corporations/people who needs help outside the reach of the police or other conventional means.
Evan DaCosta choose the life of a CIA spook over his father's corporate business. Evan Evan made plenty of contacts and even better some very close friends and when they decided to retire and open a private security business he chipped in as a silent partner not quite ready to retire just yet. The choice is taken out of his hands when he gets shot and deemed unable to go back to work. Not ready to take over for his late father he starts working with Fortis and his first job is one he'll never forget.
Nia James has worked hard to get where she is at and after what she persevered through as a teen it is even more remarkable. She keeps her work and personal life separate and nothing gets in the way of her work. But a million dollar necklace goes missing at the auction house she manages and Nia is the number one suspect. She knows this can not only ruin her career but that of the auction house as well Nia is understandably distressed especially since the evidence, even though it's all circumstantial, is pointing straight at her.
Evan and the Fortis team decide the fastest way to get the truth out is with an undercover job. Evan goes undercover using his late father's art collection as a ruse to start seeing Nia. But with one look and Evan is lost and struggles to keep is desire for Nia and his job separate especially since everything they think about her as a thief is the complete opposite of how she really is. Nia isn't looking for a relationship but their is some thing about Evan that calls to her that makes her feel safe. But can their love for each other survive when Nia finds out the truth?
Ummm I can get lost staring at that cover.....
Yes the book is as good as that cover. My first Raven Scott and I'm not turning back. I want more. Two gorgeous people both jaded by past experiences finding safety and hope in each other. It was aggravating in all the right ways, it was emotional in all the right places, and suspenseful not quite enough but sexy as hell. This is the first book in the Fortis series; Fortis is a private security business built by three retired government agent bad-asses. The company built for corporations/people who needs help outside the reach of the police or other conventional means.
Evan DaCosta choose the life of a CIA spook over his father's corporate business. Evan Evan made plenty of contacts and even better some very close friends and when they decided to retire and open a private security business he chipped in as a silent partner not quite ready to retire just yet. The choice is taken out of his hands when he gets shot and deemed unable to go back to work. Not ready to take over for his late father he starts working with Fortis and his first job is one he'll never forget.
Nia James has worked hard to get where she is at and after what she persevered through as a teen it is even more remarkable. She keeps her work and personal life separate and nothing gets in the way of her work. But a million dollar necklace goes missing at the auction house she manages and Nia is the number one suspect. She knows this can not only ruin her career but that of the auction house as well Nia is understandably distressed especially since the evidence, even though it's all circumstantial, is pointing straight at her.
Evan and the Fortis team decide the fastest way to get the truth out is with an undercover job. Evan goes undercover using his late father's art collection as a ruse to start seeing Nia. But with one look and Evan is lost and struggles to keep is desire for Nia and his job separate especially since everything they think about her as a thief is the complete opposite of how she really is. Nia isn't looking for a relationship but their is some thing about Evan that calls to her that makes her feel safe. But can their love for each other survive when Nia finds out the truth?
June 29, 2015
**ARC from Netgalley**
After suffering a bad injury that ended his career with the CIA, Evan DaCosta has started Fortis along with his two friends, an agency where his first investigation is to find the person responsible for stealing jewels from a prestigious auction house and return them to their rightful place. There's every possibility that it was an inside job, so Evan decides his best course of action is to become a client of the auction house and getting close to one of the suspects.
Nia James is good at her job but she has skeletons in her closet that she'd rather no one learn the truth about. However, it seems nothing is off limits when jewels are stolen from the auction house she works at. Knowing she's one of the suspects, she knows she has to be careful but she can't seem to stay away from her new client.
What can I say, other than I absolutely loved this story. It had everything I enjoy in a book - murder, mystery, mayhem and romance. The amazing plot is fast-paced and I couldn't believe how quickly I finished Hard as Ice.
As for the dialogue, the emotions throughout this whole book were so real and as a reader that's important. It makes you imagine you yourself are in the shoes of the hero and heroine. Makes you suffer alongside the heroine when she discovers Evan's motives for getting close to her. Even though I could understand the need for Evan's deception when it came to gaining Nia's trust and learning if she had anything to do with the robbery, I really felt for the heroine when she discovered the truth.
Overall, this was an excellent story and has me looking forward to the next adventure in this series. I would recommend it to those that love a good romantic suspense novel that leaves you hanging on every word until the antagonist is revealed.
After suffering a bad injury that ended his career with the CIA, Evan DaCosta has started Fortis along with his two friends, an agency where his first investigation is to find the person responsible for stealing jewels from a prestigious auction house and return them to their rightful place. There's every possibility that it was an inside job, so Evan decides his best course of action is to become a client of the auction house and getting close to one of the suspects.
Nia James is good at her job but she has skeletons in her closet that she'd rather no one learn the truth about. However, it seems nothing is off limits when jewels are stolen from the auction house she works at. Knowing she's one of the suspects, she knows she has to be careful but she can't seem to stay away from her new client.
What can I say, other than I absolutely loved this story. It had everything I enjoy in a book - murder, mystery, mayhem and romance. The amazing plot is fast-paced and I couldn't believe how quickly I finished Hard as Ice.
As for the dialogue, the emotions throughout this whole book were so real and as a reader that's important. It makes you imagine you yourself are in the shoes of the hero and heroine. Makes you suffer alongside the heroine when she discovers Evan's motives for getting close to her. Even though I could understand the need for Evan's deception when it came to gaining Nia's trust and learning if she had anything to do with the robbery, I really felt for the heroine when she discovered the truth.
Overall, this was an excellent story and has me looking forward to the next adventure in this series. I would recommend it to those that love a good romantic suspense novel that leaves you hanging on every word until the antagonist is revealed.
August 3, 2015
What if you were completely innocent of a crime, but all the evidence leads to your way? The investigation to the stolen jewels was intriguing, the way the Fortis found evidence and pieced things together was amazing, if not scary, cause everything was leading towards Nia, and she is innocent.
Nia is amazing leading lady, the past she has overcome, and the future she has worked for herself, is admirable. She works hard, is dedicated, loyal, and on her free time uses her passion for music to teach those, who wouldn't have the opportunity otherwise. She might seem cold and distant, but that is just her protecting herself from being hurt.
Evan smoothly goes into his undercover persona, to find out more about Nia. But things get out hands, things like feelings and intimacy. Evan struggles with the deception, but time is limited, and the crimes have to be solved. And posing as a boyfriend to Nia, gives them more information, and keeps her safe, if needed.
The suspense had so many twists, I have to say, I had no clue who the person behind all of it was, and what was the motivation, until it was revealed. The suspense part is more focused on the investigation, not so much on the action.
The connection between Evan and Nia is hot, but built on a lie. The moment when Nia finds out the deception is explosive with tension. There was lots of work needed to recover from the lies Evan lived with, trust to be built anew. If forgiveness was even possible in Nia's heart, after everything that went down.
A story full of surprises and twists in the plot, that will keep you guessing till the end
~ Three Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
Nia is amazing leading lady, the past she has overcome, and the future she has worked for herself, is admirable. She works hard, is dedicated, loyal, and on her free time uses her passion for music to teach those, who wouldn't have the opportunity otherwise. She might seem cold and distant, but that is just her protecting herself from being hurt.
Evan smoothly goes into his undercover persona, to find out more about Nia. But things get out hands, things like feelings and intimacy. Evan struggles with the deception, but time is limited, and the crimes have to be solved. And posing as a boyfriend to Nia, gives them more information, and keeps her safe, if needed.
The suspense had so many twists, I have to say, I had no clue who the person behind all of it was, and what was the motivation, until it was revealed. The suspense part is more focused on the investigation, not so much on the action.
The connection between Evan and Nia is hot, but built on a lie. The moment when Nia finds out the deception is explosive with tension. There was lots of work needed to recover from the lies Evan lived with, trust to be built anew. If forgiveness was even possible in Nia's heart, after everything that went down.
A story full of surprises and twists in the plot, that will keep you guessing till the end
~ Three Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
August 4, 2015
"When money is no object, discretion is essential and time of the essence, the police are not an option. That's when the wealthy and powerful call on the men of Fortis - a trio of government agents with elite military training - not to mention charm and good looks..."
Hard as Ice is the first book in the Fortis series and is the story of Nia James and Evan 'Ice' DaCosta.
Evan's company is hired to investigate a jewellery heist at an auction house, he goes undercover in order to get close to the prime suspect, Nia. Nia knows that all evidence points to her being the thief, and secrets from her past will not help her case. While she desperately tries to keep her skeletons firmly in her closet, she cannot help but be drawn to her gorgeous new client, Evan. At the same time, Evan struggles to maintain his objectivity as he fights his desire for Nia, and when her life is threatened - can he maintain his cover? As Nia and Evan grow closer and secrets are revealed, will danger and deception tear them apart?
I really enjoyed Hard as Ice, it was full of twists and turns and kept me guessing until the end. There was edge of your seat suspense and the perfect balance of romance and danger. Nia and Evan were very likable characters, they worked well together as a couple, had great chemistry and there was no shortage of heat. I would recommend this book to lovers of romantic suspense and I will definitely be following the series.
I was given a copy of Hard as Ice via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Hard as Ice is the first book in the Fortis series and is the story of Nia James and Evan 'Ice' DaCosta.
Evan's company is hired to investigate a jewellery heist at an auction house, he goes undercover in order to get close to the prime suspect, Nia. Nia knows that all evidence points to her being the thief, and secrets from her past will not help her case. While she desperately tries to keep her skeletons firmly in her closet, she cannot help but be drawn to her gorgeous new client, Evan. At the same time, Evan struggles to maintain his objectivity as he fights his desire for Nia, and when her life is threatened - can he maintain his cover? As Nia and Evan grow closer and secrets are revealed, will danger and deception tear them apart?
I really enjoyed Hard as Ice, it was full of twists and turns and kept me guessing until the end. There was edge of your seat suspense and the perfect balance of romance and danger. Nia and Evan were very likable characters, they worked well together as a couple, had great chemistry and there was no shortage of heat. I would recommend this book to lovers of romantic suspense and I will definitely be following the series.
I was given a copy of Hard as Ice via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2015
Jewels, jewels…who took the jewels?
Fortis, a security company with great qualifications and hunky agents, is called in to figure out who took jewels from Worthington Gallery and Auction House in Boston. A clean heist with no leads EXCEPT that only two people had the combination leaves few suspects in what is considered to be an inside job. Evan is in charge of the operation and goes undercover, in more ways than one, to find out who the culprit is. Nia, the main suspect is not who or what Evan-“Ice”- DaCosta and his team expect her to be.
Ice and Nia are strong interesting and intriguing. As their relationship unfolds I kept hoping it would all work out for both of them since they seemed so good for one another. I have to say that this is one of the first books I have read that kept me guessing till the bad guy was revealed. I usually read the ending of books first but the ending of this book was not enough to uncover who set up the heist.
This contemporary love story is well worth reading and introduces characters that I look forward to reading about in the future books of this series.
Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Books for the copy to read and review
4.5 Stars
Fortis, a security company with great qualifications and hunky agents, is called in to figure out who took jewels from Worthington Gallery and Auction House in Boston. A clean heist with no leads EXCEPT that only two people had the combination leaves few suspects in what is considered to be an inside job. Evan is in charge of the operation and goes undercover, in more ways than one, to find out who the culprit is. Nia, the main suspect is not who or what Evan-“Ice”- DaCosta and his team expect her to be.
Ice and Nia are strong interesting and intriguing. As their relationship unfolds I kept hoping it would all work out for both of them since they seemed so good for one another. I have to say that this is one of the first books I have read that kept me guessing till the bad guy was revealed. I usually read the ending of books first but the ending of this book was not enough to uncover who set up the heist.
This contemporary love story is well worth reading and introduces characters that I look forward to reading about in the future books of this series.
Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Books for the copy to read and review
4.5 Stars
July 27, 2015
In "Hard as Ice" by Raven Scott, we read the story of Nia and Evan. Evan, a security specialist, is investigating a jewel heist. Nia is the prime suspect. I really, really liked Nia. She is confident and proud yet there's such a vulnerability about her, that I just wanted to reach out and hug her. She is a strong woman that has worked hard to get where she is and live her life beyond her past. Evan is a sexy, strong guy that does his job oh so well! There is nothing that I enjoy more than watching the big, strong alphas fall! :o) I loved how Ms. Scott wrote this book - there is enough detail about the characters and the the ins and outs of the art world to educate the reader but not so much that it became boring and drawn out. This is one book that I couldn't put down - I read it on my Kindle, my phone - whenever I had a minute, I'd open it up and read it. Throughout the story, there were some surprises which only made the story more thrilling. Ms. Scott has written story that has intrigue, danger, romance and love. What else can one ask for when reading a romantic suspense? Ms. Scott has gained a new fan and I can honestly say, I cannot wait to read the next book of the series! (received copy for honest review)
August 1, 2015
I loved this book - it is fast paced romantic suspense at it's best. Nia has access to a safe protecting a very expensive and rare red diamond necklace. She is one of only two people with the combination when is goes missing. Evan "Ice", is part of Fortis, a very high end security company that is brought in to investigate the theft. He has secrets in his past, but wants to learn all of Nia's secrets while keeping his own secrets hidden. Neither of them is prepared for the intense attraction between them. This is a very sexy romance embedded in a tightly crafted suspense mystery/thriller. If you are a fan of the genre, you will love this book. I have added Raven Scott to my must read authors' list.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a complementary ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a complementary ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2016
Great story. Loved the chemistry between Evan and Nia from the beginning to the end along with the mystery and Nia's need to be in control and through out "Hard As Ice" I truly begin to understand Nia. I really felt her pain. Glad that she had Lianne as her best friend who is a therapist..
Didn't expect the thief to be someone of interest to Nia.
Nia had been thru a lot growing up with betrayal from her friend Hailey, boy friend Kyle and step brother Nigel and Evan. Evan really didn't betray her he just should been upfront with a little bit just as his partner Lucas suggested.
Now on to read about Lucas "Hard And Fast".
Didn't expect the thief to be someone of interest to Nia.
Nia had been thru a lot growing up with betrayal from her friend Hailey, boy friend Kyle and step brother Nigel and Evan. Evan really didn't betray her he just should been upfront with a little bit just as his partner Lucas suggested.
Now on to read about Lucas "Hard And Fast".
February 26, 2016
Copy recieved. Courtesy of Netgalley
This the first book in the series and can be read as a standalone. HEA
overall I enjoyed the book. It was well written but kind of slow in the beginning. The main characters were ok but I didn't really feel the sizzle. The story picked up about halfway through with a few twists and turns with the mystery. Just an ok read for me. I liked the storyline so I am not giving up on the series.
This the first book in the series and can be read as a standalone. HEA
overall I enjoyed the book. It was well written but kind of slow in the beginning. The main characters were ok but I didn't really feel the sizzle. The story picked up about halfway through with a few twists and turns with the mystery. Just an ok read for me. I liked the storyline so I am not giving up on the series.
November 9, 2016
Wow!
Nina and Evan loved them as a couple the chemistry they had was awesome. Evan belonged to a security team call Fortis investigation a series of wrongdoing at Nina place of employment . Nina did trust easily due a harsh betrayal during her teen years. This novel consists of deceit , betrayal, and thief. The characters and storytelling was on point,my first time reading any thing from Raven Scott now on to finding the rest of the novels to this series
Nina and Evan loved them as a couple the chemistry they had was awesome. Evan belonged to a security team call Fortis investigation a series of wrongdoing at Nina place of employment . Nina did trust easily due a harsh betrayal during her teen years. This novel consists of deceit , betrayal, and thief. The characters and storytelling was on point,my first time reading any thing from Raven Scott now on to finding the rest of the novels to this series
July 15, 2015
Received as a FirstRead from GoodReads...
Wow--Evan & Nia--va va voom! They were smokin' hot together! A great story, just the right mix of suspense, action & steamy goodness. Definitely an author worth reading!
Wow--Evan & Nia--va va voom! They were smokin' hot together! A great story, just the right mix of suspense, action & steamy goodness. Definitely an author worth reading!
January 2, 2017
Boston based romantic suspense by Raven Scott (also writes as Sophia Shaw) involving an auction gallery and missing jewels. African American H & h. Realistic use of Boston and its suburbs, real people with real jobs. Definitely has sequel bait.
February 2, 2016
This is a Goodreads giveaway.
I really like the book. The writing was very good. The characters were very believable and I did not want to put it down.
I really like the book. The writing was very good. The characters were very believable and I did not want to put it down.
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