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U.S. Marshals #4
At Any Cost
Fast, cunning, and driven, he'll do whatever it takes to nail the most violent federal perps. But she is the one danger he'll never see coming…
She can't remember when she wasn't afraid. She can't go to the police. And "Olivia Gallagher" is only a day away from fleeing her Idaho wilderness life before biker gang leader Joel Meecum finally catches up with her. So keeping her rugged new neighbor at arm's length is the only safe play. Until Livy can't resist one last hungry chance to feel alive…
For U.S. Marshal Nick Brady, taking his vacation next door to Meecum's ex-girlfriend seemed the smartest way to find him. But suddenly, nothing is making sense. How could this feisty, straight-talking brunette ever get mixed up with Meecum's brutal crew? And why is he breaking his oath and getting so close that all he wants is to keep her safe? Now as the clock ticks, Nick and Livy's only chance at escape may be the one they can't survive…
Praise for Mandy Baxter's U.S. Marshals series
"A little bit of suspense and a whole lot of passion make this the perfect read for adventurous romance fans." -- RT Book Reviews , 4 Stars
"Fast-paced and full of heat, this is romantic suspense done right!" --Julie Ann Walker
"The perfect mix of steam and on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough." --Tracey Garvis Graves
"Page-turning, rip-roaring action." -- Publishers Weekly
She can't remember when she wasn't afraid. She can't go to the police. And "Olivia Gallagher" is only a day away from fleeing her Idaho wilderness life before biker gang leader Joel Meecum finally catches up with her. So keeping her rugged new neighbor at arm's length is the only safe play. Until Livy can't resist one last hungry chance to feel alive…
For U.S. Marshal Nick Brady, taking his vacation next door to Meecum's ex-girlfriend seemed the smartest way to find him. But suddenly, nothing is making sense. How could this feisty, straight-talking brunette ever get mixed up with Meecum's brutal crew? And why is he breaking his oath and getting so close that all he wants is to keep her safe? Now as the clock ticks, Nick and Livy's only chance at escape may be the one they can't survive…
Praise for Mandy Baxter's U.S. Marshals series
"A little bit of suspense and a whole lot of passion make this the perfect read for adventurous romance fans." -- RT Book Reviews , 4 Stars
"Fast-paced and full of heat, this is romantic suspense done right!" --Julie Ann Walker
"The perfect mix of steam and on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough." --Tracey Garvis Graves
"Page-turning, rip-roaring action." -- Publishers Weekly
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 31, 2016
37 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Baxter
20 books159 followersMandy Baxter lives in rural Idaho. She’s a part-time pet wrangler, a full-time sun worshiper, and only goes out into the cold when coerced. She loves black clothes, pink appliances and thinks junk food should be a recognized food group. In the summer, she can be found sitting by the lake, enjoying the view from her dock.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 13, 2016
Another great installment to the series. I found myself sympathizing with the heroine. She's a fun chick who has been put in a bad situation but Livy is making the most of what she's got. She has a bit of a sarcastic streak, which I liked, too.
I also really liked U.S. Marshal Nick Brady. He's smart, driven and kind of has a rebellious streak. He also has a dirty mouth and you know I can't resist that. The romance is a slow burn, building in small increments because it has to. With the sensitive situation that Nick and Livy are in, it had to move slower to be believable.
For readers thinking this is a straight up Romantic Suspense, it isn't. I'd actually categorize it as a Contemporary Romance with Suspense elements. Think along the lines of Julie James' FBI/US Attorney series. You can definitely read this book as a standalone but why would you want to? Go check out the first book in the series, ONE NIGHT MORE.
I also really liked U.S. Marshal Nick Brady. He's smart, driven and kind of has a rebellious streak. He also has a dirty mouth and you know I can't resist that. The romance is a slow burn, building in small increments because it has to. With the sensitive situation that Nick and Livy are in, it had to move slower to be believable.
For readers thinking this is a straight up Romantic Suspense, it isn't. I'd actually categorize it as a Contemporary Romance with Suspense elements. Think along the lines of Julie James' FBI/US Attorney series. You can definitely read this book as a standalone but why would you want to? Go check out the first book in the series, ONE NIGHT MORE.
May 31, 2016
4.5 Stars
At Any Cost really took me by surprise! I wasn't sure I would really get into the story of a girl hiding out and the marshall tricking her by using the 'new neighbor' rouse. However, I thought that Livy and Nick were believable and likable. Their relationship certainly moves quick, but it didn't feel like insta-love. Livy is cautious (which makes sense) but she is also lonely so the romance works. The danger is real and as the end approaches, the action is CRAZY good! Overall I thought this book was well written, entertaining, and enjoyable! Can't wait to read more!
At Any Cost really took me by surprise! I wasn't sure I would really get into the story of a girl hiding out and the marshall tricking her by using the 'new neighbor' rouse. However, I thought that Livy and Nick were believable and likable. Their relationship certainly moves quick, but it didn't feel like insta-love. Livy is cautious (which makes sense) but she is also lonely so the romance works. The danger is real and as the end approaches, the action is CRAZY good! Overall I thought this book was well written, entertaining, and enjoyable! Can't wait to read more!
June 11, 2016
4.5 stars
At Any Cost was such a good read.
Loved the storyline and the characters were likable and entertaining.
My attention was captured from the first page until the last, I just couldn't put my kindle down.
Another wonderful read by Mandy Baxter, I highly recommend you pick this one up.
Thank you Kensington Books ~ Zebra via Netgalley for the advance copy.
At Any Cost was such a good read.
Loved the storyline and the characters were likable and entertaining.
My attention was captured from the first page until the last, I just couldn't put my kindle down.
Another wonderful read by Mandy Baxter, I highly recommend you pick this one up.
Thank you Kensington Books ~ Zebra via Netgalley for the advance copy.
June 15, 2016
The chemistry was good, but the story was just kind of didn't make me excited. It had suspense, romance and all that but it didn't click with me. Having said that, it was enjoyable enough to not struggle to get through. I don't know what I wanted but I guess "more" is a vague response to what I wanted. Nick and Olivia made me laugh a few times because of the fact that Nick just happened to "be there at the right times" and Olivia didn't find that weird? I don't know, but I would have questioned it more his abilities and why he was so invested in my safety if I was her.
July 5, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/24JxOlo
Sexy with a side of suspense! At Any Cost was a light, easy read full of heat, danger, and unexpected romance.
The quick of it is that Nick Brady is a pain in the ass and he's pushed his boss at the US Marshals a wee bit too far and been told to get his ass out for the next month. He's on forced vacation and better come back and ready to step in line--he maybe has a hard time following rules lol. And of course...he's not gonna start following them now. He's gonna spend his vacation hunting down one of the Top 15 most wanted men in the US and is starting with tracking down the bad guy's ex girlfriend who's in hiding. And, oh man, the reclusive ski instructor...gonna rock his bad boy world.
I really enjoyed these two. They're just...nice together. Had that instant connection and were just fun to watch as they tentatively got to know one another and finally gave in to the heat swirling around them. They're both keeping secrets about who they really are but it never really bothered me. And holy cow the heat. Yeah, the steamy bits were freaking fantastic and had me squirming just a little bit. Nick has quite the mouth on him and puts it to use in just...lovely ways. Yeah. That was real nice.
The suspense is in her 'ex' coming after her. You know it's gonna happen and get the bad guy's pov as well. So it wasn't a surprise but kind of a waiting for the other shoe to drop sort of thing. And, whew, drop it did! Got my palms sweating and had me anxious to see how things would turn out.
All in all, an easy read and a nice steamy escape for a few hours. Definitely wanting to check out more from the US Marshals.
June 13, 2016
Each installment of the series gives us a new couple to love and this particular office of the USMS seems to have a concentration of the hottest guys the Marshals' Service has to offer.
Nick Brady is a lone ranger and single-minded one at that, which is not compatible with what the Marshals stand for and after one too many reprimands for disobeying orders he is forced to take some time off to get his act together and learn the benefits of teamwork. Like that's even possible. Nick joined the Marshals for one reason only: to apprehend fugitives and a forced vacation isn't going to stop him. His time will be best spent following up on leads that could help him catch one of the most wanted fugitives, starting with tracking down his rumored ex-girlfriend.
Olivia Gallagher has been in hiding for the last four years, but not for the reason everyone expects. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time and in possession of information that could bring down several criminal enterprises, her best bet is to keep moving to avoid being found, but her new next door neighbor tempts her step out of her lonely existence and live a little.
This book is actually slower than the previous books in the series as Nick and Livy circle each other for a bit as the story builds momentum, but once it takes off it's non-stop until the end. Livy is not what Nick was expecting and he can't reconcile the woman before him with the hardened biker he's hunting. While he understands her need for caution he can't help her unless she trusts him with the truth. How will their relationship be affected when Nick's deception comes to light?
I don't know about you, but knowing who the bad guy was and what his plans were did not lessen the tension for me. In fact, I was on tenterhooks waiting for the final showdown and Nick and Livy's growing romance served to distract me. I was quite taken by surprise at the erotic and fairly explicit sexual encounters and the dirty talk that I went back to all three previous books to make sure that I wasn't missing anything. No, I wasn't. In addition to being the office with the highest number of hot deputy marshals, these guys have the art of dirty talking down pat.
Livy's effect on Nick was very obvious and she did what a forced vacation could not: she made him understand the value of teamwork and shifted his intense focus on fugitive apprehension to her.
AT ANY COST was very entertaining and enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully, there'll be more after it.
Disclaimer: 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.
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Nick Brady is a lone ranger and single-minded one at that, which is not compatible with what the Marshals stand for and after one too many reprimands for disobeying orders he is forced to take some time off to get his act together and learn the benefits of teamwork. Like that's even possible. Nick joined the Marshals for one reason only: to apprehend fugitives and a forced vacation isn't going to stop him. His time will be best spent following up on leads that could help him catch one of the most wanted fugitives, starting with tracking down his rumored ex-girlfriend.
Olivia Gallagher has been in hiding for the last four years, but not for the reason everyone expects. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time and in possession of information that could bring down several criminal enterprises, her best bet is to keep moving to avoid being found, but her new next door neighbor tempts her step out of her lonely existence and live a little.
This book is actually slower than the previous books in the series as Nick and Livy circle each other for a bit as the story builds momentum, but once it takes off it's non-stop until the end. Livy is not what Nick was expecting and he can't reconcile the woman before him with the hardened biker he's hunting. While he understands her need for caution he can't help her unless she trusts him with the truth. How will their relationship be affected when Nick's deception comes to light?
I don't know about you, but knowing who the bad guy was and what his plans were did not lessen the tension for me. In fact, I was on tenterhooks waiting for the final showdown and Nick and Livy's growing romance served to distract me. I was quite taken by surprise at the erotic and fairly explicit sexual encounters and the dirty talk that I went back to all three previous books to make sure that I wasn't missing anything. No, I wasn't. In addition to being the office with the highest number of hot deputy marshals, these guys have the art of dirty talking down pat.
Livy's effect on Nick was very obvious and she did what a forced vacation could not: she made him understand the value of teamwork and shifted his intense focus on fugitive apprehension to her.
AT ANY COST was very entertaining and enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully, there'll be more after it.
Disclaimer: 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.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
June 2, 2016
Nick is a US Marshall hell bent on taking on the bad guys on the most wanted list without doing his time as a rookie US Marshall with taking prisoners to court. He doesn’t play by the rules and he is focused on getting what he wants and in this case it is Joel Meecum who happens to be on the most wanted list. Joel Meecum also has an agenda and that is finding Livy and getting his ledger back. That would be the same ledger that has information of all of his illegal dealings. How did Livy happen upon this ledge you may ask? Well, her estranged dad was Meecum’s crooked accountant. Nothing like trying to skim money for a ruthless biker. It just so happens that on the day that Meecum has figured out what Livy’s crap father was doing, Livy happened to be at her dad’s office when Meecum came in and beat her father to death as she hid in a closet with the ledger.
Livy has been on the run for four years hiding from Meecum and Meecum is hiding from the US Marshalls. Livy has done well by staying under the radar and ended up in a small Idaho ski town. She stayed to herself and kept all contact to a minimum. She had every right to be scared for her life because she knew that Meecum would not think twice about killing her for the information she held. Nick has secretly been on the Meecum case trying to find his ex-girlfriend which he hoped would lead him to Meecum. So once Nick is forced to take a mandatory vacation because of his unwillingness to play nice with the marshals he figures what better place to vaca than at a cabin right next to the person he believes to be Meecum’s ex. What Nick doesn’t expect is to fall for Livy and possibly put his career on the line. Does Nick think that loving Livy is worth all the trouble it will bring on him and possibly ruin his career that he has worked so hard for? Will Livy stick around to see how Nick feels about her or will she go on the run again trying to stay one step ahead of Meecum and everyone he has out looking for her? This book was packed full of suspense and some pretty hot lovin’. Nick is a bad boy that I wouldn’t mind being handcuffed by! A really good read and a new author I plan on following.
This book was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Livy has been on the run for four years hiding from Meecum and Meecum is hiding from the US Marshalls. Livy has done well by staying under the radar and ended up in a small Idaho ski town. She stayed to herself and kept all contact to a minimum. She had every right to be scared for her life because she knew that Meecum would not think twice about killing her for the information she held. Nick has secretly been on the Meecum case trying to find his ex-girlfriend which he hoped would lead him to Meecum. So once Nick is forced to take a mandatory vacation because of his unwillingness to play nice with the marshals he figures what better place to vaca than at a cabin right next to the person he believes to be Meecum’s ex. What Nick doesn’t expect is to fall for Livy and possibly put his career on the line. Does Nick think that loving Livy is worth all the trouble it will bring on him and possibly ruin his career that he has worked so hard for? Will Livy stick around to see how Nick feels about her or will she go on the run again trying to stay one step ahead of Meecum and everyone he has out looking for her? This book was packed full of suspense and some pretty hot lovin’. Nick is a bad boy that I wouldn’t mind being handcuffed by! A really good read and a new author I plan on following.
This book was provided as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
May 31, 2016
We meet gung-ho U.S. Marshal Nick Brady. The man is yummy looking but has some issues. Nick has only been with the Marshals for six-months and has already made an impression with his superiors. Sadly, it is not good. While his intentions are good and he brings in fugitives, he tends to skirts the rules. He works cases not assigned to him and tags along with other teams. His leaders feel he will get either get himself killed or burn out. Nick receives orders to take a month vacation but of course, Nick cannot simply take a vacation. Nope he has to follow a lead. Nick was a little too cocky for my taste but his intentions are good and admittedly he could be adorkable.
Twenty-four year old Livy “Olivia Gallagher” lives in fear and has been in hiding for the past four years. A gang leader wants her dead and his reach extends into law enforcement. I loved Livy from the start, and even though I question how she handled the situation, she is tough as nails, hilarious and loves her cat. Anyone who loves and talks to their animals are okay in my book.
At Any Cost offered up delicious heat and there is no denying the sizzling attraction between these two. While I enjoyed the heated moments, it was their conversations, banter and Livy’s hilarious conversations about “Frank” that kept me reading.
I ended up skim reading some of hot sex scenes. (something I never do) Not because they were bad, because trust me, Baxter heats up my kindle just fine. It was just too much and I needed more balance between the suspenseful plot, character development, and sexy times. The suspense angle regarding Livy and the mobster was fantastic, but sadly, this took a third row seat behind the sexy times, the couple’s inner dialogue about coming clean and Nick’s issues.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Twenty-four year old Livy “Olivia Gallagher” lives in fear and has been in hiding for the past four years. A gang leader wants her dead and his reach extends into law enforcement. I loved Livy from the start, and even though I question how she handled the situation, she is tough as nails, hilarious and loves her cat. Anyone who loves and talks to their animals are okay in my book.
At Any Cost offered up delicious heat and there is no denying the sizzling attraction between these two. While I enjoyed the heated moments, it was their conversations, banter and Livy’s hilarious conversations about “Frank” that kept me reading.
I ended up skim reading some of hot sex scenes. (something I never do) Not because they were bad, because trust me, Baxter heats up my kindle just fine. It was just too much and I needed more balance between the suspenseful plot, character development, and sexy times. The suspense angle regarding Livy and the mobster was fantastic, but sadly, this took a third row seat behind the sexy times, the couple’s inner dialogue about coming clean and Nick’s issues.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
May 21, 2016
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is May 31st 2016.
I'm going to keep this review short. I liked this story. I read a lot of books in this genre and they can start to blend together. This one was a little bit different which pleased me.
Nick was a stop at nothing to get what he wants kind of guy which made him an interesting character. While he would drive me nuts in real life, on the pages of fiction he worked. Then there is Livy who is a sweet girl with a potty mouth. I enjoyed her sarcasm.
Ultimately if you are a fan of this genre this is one to add to your to read list. I need to go back and read the rest of the series!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is May 31st 2016.
I'm going to keep this review short. I liked this story. I read a lot of books in this genre and they can start to blend together. This one was a little bit different which pleased me.
Nick was a stop at nothing to get what he wants kind of guy which made him an interesting character. While he would drive me nuts in real life, on the pages of fiction he worked. Then there is Livy who is a sweet girl with a potty mouth. I enjoyed her sarcasm.
Ultimately if you are a fan of this genre this is one to add to your to read list. I need to go back and read the rest of the series!
May 24, 2016
An awesome read and an excellent addition to the series! I really loved these characters. Olivia is fun and quirky although she has every reason to be skittish and standoffish (is that a word??). And the very last thing she needs complicating her already complicated life is a cop renting the cabin next door. Nick Brady is ambitious and determined to move ahead with his career with the US Marshalls but some of his antics have landed him in hot water and on a mandatory vacation. So he decides to combine a little business in with his vacation. Locating the girlfriend of Joel Meechum is his top priority and when he finds out the cabin next door to her is available he springs into action. However the woman he finds there is nothing like he expected and he quickly finds himself wanting to protect her rather than arrest her!!
Definitely a book I recommend!
Definitely a book I recommend!
September 7, 2016
Deputy U.S. Marshal Nick Brady eats, sleeps and breathes his job…to the point where his boss has made him take a step back. Furious, Nick takes his mandatory time off to follow up a lead he's been chasing…the ex of one nasty, most wanted biker dude. He finds his quarry Olivia Gallagher in small town Idaho, befriending her and earning her trust.
Livy has been hiding from biker gang leader Joel Meecum for years, constantly watching her back and living in fear 24 hours a day. Something about her new neighbor Nick makes her want to trust him, to possibly come clean about her past. Maybe he really can protect her. The two fall hard and fast for each other, but with huge secrets and false identities between them, they'll have to rely on their newfound connection if they're going to survive the ambush from the bikers dead set on silencing Livy for good.
AT ANY COST is the 4th book in the U.S. Marshals series by the talented Ms. Baxter, and even though it wasn't my favorite, I still recommend it for anyone invested in this series or anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense story. I'm not sure exactly what it was about AT ANY COST that I didn't care for. I know that I had a REALLY hard time getting into the story and identifying with either Livy or Nick. The story just seemed to stall and restart, stall and restart, never getting up to a great rhythm.
That said, the MC's chemistry was good, and Nick was a MASTER at the yummy dirty talk! It was erotic and sexy and best of all, NOT CHEESY. Thank goodness!! The plot was decent, not overly exciting or unique but okay. Overall this wasn't a bad read, and fans of the series will like it.
Bottom Line: This book is part of the U.S. Marshals series but can be read as a stand alone. While it's not my favorite, it's still a decent romantic suspense that fans will dig. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Livy has been hiding from biker gang leader Joel Meecum for years, constantly watching her back and living in fear 24 hours a day. Something about her new neighbor Nick makes her want to trust him, to possibly come clean about her past. Maybe he really can protect her. The two fall hard and fast for each other, but with huge secrets and false identities between them, they'll have to rely on their newfound connection if they're going to survive the ambush from the bikers dead set on silencing Livy for good.
AT ANY COST is the 4th book in the U.S. Marshals series by the talented Ms. Baxter, and even though it wasn't my favorite, I still recommend it for anyone invested in this series or anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense story. I'm not sure exactly what it was about AT ANY COST that I didn't care for. I know that I had a REALLY hard time getting into the story and identifying with either Livy or Nick. The story just seemed to stall and restart, stall and restart, never getting up to a great rhythm.
That said, the MC's chemistry was good, and Nick was a MASTER at the yummy dirty talk! It was erotic and sexy and best of all, NOT CHEESY. Thank goodness!! The plot was decent, not overly exciting or unique but okay. Overall this wasn't a bad read, and fans of the series will like it.
Bottom Line: This book is part of the U.S. Marshals series but can be read as a stand alone. While it's not my favorite, it's still a decent romantic suspense that fans will dig. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
June 9, 2016
This review was originally posted at The Book Nympho
At Any Cost is easily my favorite book in Mandy Baxter's U.S. Marshals series. At least for now, because every time I open up another book in the series it tops the last one as my favorite. If you love romance with a touch of suspense you need to check out this series.
At Any Cost focuses on a new couple, U.S. Marshal Nick Brady and Livy. Nick is forced to take a month-long 'vacation' to get his head on straight and learn to work as a team member instead of trying to solve all the cases himself. But Nick can't let go off one case that the Marshal's dept has been trying to close in the last four years. Biker, Meecum is on the Marshal's top 15 most wanted list and right now he is on the top of Nick's list.
Nick uses is the vacation to run down a lead on Meecum's ex-girlfriend to try and find the biker and bring him in to show his boss that his ways of working cases are needed in the department and not over the top at all. Once Nick lays eyes on Livy, he starts having other thoughts than using her to get to Meecum.
Livy has been on the run for the last fours years but not for the reason Nick and the Marshal's believe. She's been scared out of her mind, worrying that Meecum would find her or her mother. Livy knows if Meecum finds her, she is good as dead.
When Nick enters Livy's life she thinks that she might finally have someone she can trust. Their attraction melts the Idaho snow in At Any Cost. Romance readers will enjoy Nick the dirty talker and protector and rejoice in Livy as the strong leading lady that doesn't need a man to save her but instead wants to trust the sexy cop that's vacationing next door.
Each book in the U.S. Marshals series can be read as a stand alone so if you haven't tried the series yet you can easily jump in with At Any Cost. I look forward to the next release, Locked and Loaded and luckily I only have to wait until September to read it.
At Any Cost is easily my favorite book in Mandy Baxter's U.S. Marshals series. At least for now, because every time I open up another book in the series it tops the last one as my favorite. If you love romance with a touch of suspense you need to check out this series.
At Any Cost focuses on a new couple, U.S. Marshal Nick Brady and Livy. Nick is forced to take a month-long 'vacation' to get his head on straight and learn to work as a team member instead of trying to solve all the cases himself. But Nick can't let go off one case that the Marshal's dept has been trying to close in the last four years. Biker, Meecum is on the Marshal's top 15 most wanted list and right now he is on the top of Nick's list.
Nick uses is the vacation to run down a lead on Meecum's ex-girlfriend to try and find the biker and bring him in to show his boss that his ways of working cases are needed in the department and not over the top at all. Once Nick lays eyes on Livy, he starts having other thoughts than using her to get to Meecum.
Livy has been on the run for the last fours years but not for the reason Nick and the Marshal's believe. She's been scared out of her mind, worrying that Meecum would find her or her mother. Livy knows if Meecum finds her, she is good as dead.
When Nick enters Livy's life she thinks that she might finally have someone she can trust. Their attraction melts the Idaho snow in At Any Cost. Romance readers will enjoy Nick the dirty talker and protector and rejoice in Livy as the strong leading lady that doesn't need a man to save her but instead wants to trust the sexy cop that's vacationing next door.
Each book in the U.S. Marshals series can be read as a stand alone so if you haven't tried the series yet you can easily jump in with At Any Cost. I look forward to the next release, Locked and Loaded and luckily I only have to wait until September to read it.
April 19, 2016
I can't believe this is the fourth installment of Baxter's U.S. Marshals series and for me each book just gets better and better.
If you haven't started this series you are seriously missing out on some HOT U.S. Marshals who are bad ass but don't worry this one could be read as a standalone. In this story we meet Nick who is currently new to being a Marshal. The story begins with him being suspended for looking for the bad guys on his own. He even goes to the lengths of "borrowing" other case files from other Marshals (naughty boy Nick). Before he leaves on "vacation " he "borrows" another file on a MC guy who the Marshal service has been looking for a while. He catches a lead and goes with it which leads him to Livy.
Livy made a mistake and because of that has been in hiding for four years. She doesn't go out or have any friends since she doesn't know who to trust. Her only companion is her cat until a sexy cop rents the house across the street.
I really loved these two characters together. I found myself being sympathetic to everything she had to go through just to stay alive. She doesn't start living until Nick comes into the picture and I think she really needed that. Livy was smart and had a sarcastic side that made me love her as a heroine. Nick is also smart but completely driven by work. And OMG he's a dirty talker (swoon)! The romance between these two starts off a little slow since technically they have four weeks of being neighbors but once it gets started these two can't keep their hands off one another.
After reading this novel I'm already looking forward to the next. This book doesn't have a lot of action but it's filled with romance and the suspense of what's going to happen Livy in the end. To find out more I would definitely pick up this book!
If you haven't started this series you are seriously missing out on some HOT U.S. Marshals who are bad ass but don't worry this one could be read as a standalone. In this story we meet Nick who is currently new to being a Marshal. The story begins with him being suspended for looking for the bad guys on his own. He even goes to the lengths of "borrowing" other case files from other Marshals (naughty boy Nick). Before he leaves on "vacation " he "borrows" another file on a MC guy who the Marshal service has been looking for a while. He catches a lead and goes with it which leads him to Livy.
Livy made a mistake and because of that has been in hiding for four years. She doesn't go out or have any friends since she doesn't know who to trust. Her only companion is her cat until a sexy cop rents the house across the street.
I really loved these two characters together. I found myself being sympathetic to everything she had to go through just to stay alive. She doesn't start living until Nick comes into the picture and I think she really needed that. Livy was smart and had a sarcastic side that made me love her as a heroine. Nick is also smart but completely driven by work. And OMG he's a dirty talker (swoon)! The romance between these two starts off a little slow since technically they have four weeks of being neighbors but once it gets started these two can't keep their hands off one another.
After reading this novel I'm already looking forward to the next. This book doesn't have a lot of action but it's filled with romance and the suspense of what's going to happen Livy in the end. To find out more I would definitely pick up this book!
June 2, 2016
U.S. Marshal Nick Brady is following a lead, unofficially where he goes undercover while taking his official and mandatory vacation. His goal is to dig deeper into Olivia Gallagher, ex girlfriend of notorious biker gang leader. But as he get to know her, she becomes more to him than just a suspect.
Olivia has been on her own and alone for some time and she is just ready to let go and trust someone. Who better to trust than her new vacationing neighbor. Something about him screams protector and trustworth. Their meeting started out as a deceit but Nick will come through for her.
I’m jumping into this series without starting from book one. In fact, At Any Cost is the fourth installment of the series but I enjoyed it as if it was a first. This stand alone also was quick pace with lovable characters, sexy and heart stopping suspense scenes.
Baxter had no qualms making this book sweet and sexy. Nck was uber sexy. I enjoyed the suspect and US Marshal trope especially the suspense it gave to the story. I thought Baxter did a great job making me hold my breath in certain scenes. She painted the picture pretty clear. My only complaint is that it’s too short for my liking.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Angela
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June 12, 2016
4.5 /5 stars
Nick Brady was smokin' -- and he was really close to losing his job. A hardheaded independent man, he is upset to be on the 'easy' side of the Marshals service, so he does some of the in-depth finding on the side. I enjoyed his tenacity but could completely understand why his co-workers would dislike him -- he wasn't a team player in the least bit.
When he's reprimanded, he's given a month off and is told when he comes back, he's essentially starting over with his weeks of 'easy' work before getting the good stuff. But he has one last file stored away -- so of course, he goes after this case while he's not officially on duty.
See what a schmuck he could be? Yep.
Equally independent and hardheaded is Livy. When these two meet, you would just assume there would be hardheaded moment after hardheaded moment, but these two meshed incredibly well. I enjoyed them and their snark, sass, and heat.
Be warned -- the length of this book spans 3-weeks, and I love yous are proclaimed. So if you're not an insta-love type of reader, you either should look past it for this fun ride, or not pick up the story.
Definitely enjoyable and one of my favorite of the series!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Nick Brady was smokin' -- and he was really close to losing his job. A hardheaded independent man, he is upset to be on the 'easy' side of the Marshals service, so he does some of the in-depth finding on the side. I enjoyed his tenacity but could completely understand why his co-workers would dislike him -- he wasn't a team player in the least bit.
When he's reprimanded, he's given a month off and is told when he comes back, he's essentially starting over with his weeks of 'easy' work before getting the good stuff. But he has one last file stored away -- so of course, he goes after this case while he's not officially on duty.
See what a schmuck he could be? Yep.
Equally independent and hardheaded is Livy. When these two meet, you would just assume there would be hardheaded moment after hardheaded moment, but these two meshed incredibly well. I enjoyed them and their snark, sass, and heat.
Be warned -- the length of this book spans 3-weeks, and I love yous are proclaimed. So if you're not an insta-love type of reader, you either should look past it for this fun ride, or not pick up the story.
Definitely enjoyable and one of my favorite of the series!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
May 26, 2016
Nick Brady, having moved from SWAT to the U. S. Marshall Service, is a gung-ho seeker of bad guys and not thrilled with the six months he is supposed to spend doing menial tasks while learning to work with his teammates. When told by his supervisor to take a “vacation” he decides to not heed the advice he has been given but instead spend the month trying to bring one more criminal fugitive to justice. With this in mind he moves in next to a young woman he hopes will provide a clue. Little does he know that he will fall head over heels in love with sexy sassy Livy…or is she really Kari?
This is an action-packed, intense, steamy story. I admit I skimmed at times because for some reason Nick and Livy did not hold my attention as well as I had hoped they would.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is an action-packed, intense, steamy story. I admit I skimmed at times because for some reason Nick and Livy did not hold my attention as well as I had hoped they would.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 3, 2016
At any cost was one hot sexy amazing story. The writing was great. I loved the plot both character their chemistry and interaction. I loved Nick and Livy. At first Nick was really self-centered and likable but it all changes when he meets Livy and he transforms in loving carrying man. Livy had funny witty personality. It was normal that after beeing so long on the run she need some time to open up.
Really intens adventorus hot read. With sexy deputy and charming heroine wich hides for too long.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Really intens adventorus hot read. With sexy deputy and charming heroine wich hides for too long.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
June 5, 2016
This is a story u estimated one, an officer running a case n chase the key person, he found n fell into her, against the rules but love is all the best, can deal with everything.
Now Nick n Kari can live together, learning how to ski, n the bad guys r in prison.
Now Nick n Kari can live together, learning how to ski, n the bad guys r in prison.
April 14, 2016
First Mandy Baxter novel I've read, and I will definitely be looking into her other work. Loved Nick and Livy, particularly the dialogue between the two. The dilemma these two are faced with and how navigate through it makes for an great read. Highly recommend!
Read
April 28, 2016Review soon.
May 23, 2018
I wanted to love this book and it was very close in actually redeeming this series for me when the last two books greatly disappointed me but it just didn’t cut it. It started out great, there was buildup of a great relationship, and then it just started to fall apart. We get this couple who are both very different but unique characters that just work so well together and you see the potential in them. I liked them a lot and they were spending time together, getting to know one another NOT through sex, it was nice to see two people connecting just by talking and hanging out. The majority of people can be sexually compatible and that will come later in a relationship, me personally, I prefer, I want, I NEED to see the emotional bond between characters. I want to see what they can’t get or find with anyone else and what makes them special and different from any other person. It gave just a little of this and then ruined it by adding sex so early on just when it was getting to the good part. I’m not a prude in any way just to get that out of the way, I love sex scenes, but I want the foundation of the relationship before we get to that point.
One thing I didn’t like was seeing how Livy just turned off every safety measure she’d put into place so easily once Nick came around. For four years she’d been paranoid always looking over her shoulder, triple checking her house is secure, avoiding going out in public, and keeping to herself. She was so smart, kept a low profile, and stayed safe BECAUSE she instilled enough fear in herself never to let her guard down. All of a sudden one week of knowing him and she’s doing the opposite of everything that’s kept her safe and alive, all for a guy who’s only going to be around for a month? I get that the author wanted us to see that Nick brings her a sense of security that no one else can give her but there were other ways that could have been shown without making Livy’s character and day to day life lose its credibility. I just don’t buy that a woman in hiding for four years whose life consists of always being on her guard, consistently solitary, and smart enough to not be found is suddenly going to stop her routine of security measures and in turn compromise her safety. I just don’t buy it.
I didn’t like how she automatically forgot that Nick deceived her after Joel finally found her. I HATE when authors do this to wrap up a character’s redemption and declaration of love to each other, all because they thought they were going to die. No, just no. Then when the wronged apologizes to the deceiver in return, you’ve really done it now. Livy didn’t go looking for Nick and wouldn’t have even sought him out if he hadn’t introduced himself to her. She had NOTHING to apologize to him for. She lied about about who she was to protect herself and there’s nothing wrong with that. Nick, on the other hand didn’t hide who he was but didn’t tell her he was investigating her and that the whole reason he was even there was because of her. He didn’t deserve to get off as easy as he got it. He purposely deceived her, befriended her, and slept with her without telling her the truth first. Why wouldn’t she not believe he had feelings for her after that? He waited till the last minute to tell her what was going on and almost got her killed for his crap timing and recklessness. Him coming into her life might have been the best thing to happen to her but it was also the worst because that’s when everything started falling apart as well. He needed to redeem himself and she needed to make him work a little bit but because they were almost killed, he gets a pass.
Won’t read again, nice attempt by the author but it didn’t hit any marks. I’m thinking I might even have to reread the first book to see if it was as good as I thought it was the first time around or if I was just in a really good mood that day. Another disappointment and on to the last in the series.
Side note: When is a sweater and socks considered sexy? Never. Sorry, but no man I know would be turned on by an oversized sweater during sex. I wouldn’t feel sexy in a sweater and socks when a guy is kissing on me and it’s going to lead to more, that’s just weird.
One thing I didn’t like was seeing how Livy just turned off every safety measure she’d put into place so easily once Nick came around. For four years she’d been paranoid always looking over her shoulder, triple checking her house is secure, avoiding going out in public, and keeping to herself. She was so smart, kept a low profile, and stayed safe BECAUSE she instilled enough fear in herself never to let her guard down. All of a sudden one week of knowing him and she’s doing the opposite of everything that’s kept her safe and alive, all for a guy who’s only going to be around for a month? I get that the author wanted us to see that Nick brings her a sense of security that no one else can give her but there were other ways that could have been shown without making Livy’s character and day to day life lose its credibility. I just don’t buy that a woman in hiding for four years whose life consists of always being on her guard, consistently solitary, and smart enough to not be found is suddenly going to stop her routine of security measures and in turn compromise her safety. I just don’t buy it.
I didn’t like how she automatically forgot that Nick deceived her after Joel finally found her. I HATE when authors do this to wrap up a character’s redemption and declaration of love to each other, all because they thought they were going to die. No, just no. Then when the wronged apologizes to the deceiver in return, you’ve really done it now. Livy didn’t go looking for Nick and wouldn’t have even sought him out if he hadn’t introduced himself to her. She had NOTHING to apologize to him for. She lied about about who she was to protect herself and there’s nothing wrong with that. Nick, on the other hand didn’t hide who he was but didn’t tell her he was investigating her and that the whole reason he was even there was because of her. He didn’t deserve to get off as easy as he got it. He purposely deceived her, befriended her, and slept with her without telling her the truth first. Why wouldn’t she not believe he had feelings for her after that? He waited till the last minute to tell her what was going on and almost got her killed for his crap timing and recklessness. Him coming into her life might have been the best thing to happen to her but it was also the worst because that’s when everything started falling apart as well. He needed to redeem himself and she needed to make him work a little bit but because they were almost killed, he gets a pass.
Won’t read again, nice attempt by the author but it didn’t hit any marks. I’m thinking I might even have to reread the first book to see if it was as good as I thought it was the first time around or if I was just in a really good mood that day. Another disappointment and on to the last in the series.
Side note: When is a sweater and socks considered sexy? Never. Sorry, but no man I know would be turned on by an oversized sweater during sex. I wouldn’t feel sexy in a sweater and socks when a guy is kissing on me and it’s going to lead to more, that’s just weird.
November 11, 2023
Poor writing/long sections of description and internal monolgue. Not enough dialogue. Character development was lacking and relationship was unbelievable. What dialgue existed was often trite. All the characters had me rolling my eyes more than once. Will not be reading this author again.
May 18, 2017
At Any Cost is another excellent romantic suspense by Mandy Baxter. The chemistry and internal conflict adds to the mystery. Great sex scenes, well done.
romantic-suspense
November 13, 202120
February 7, 2017
3 stars - Contemporary/Romantic Suspense
November 15, 2016
3.5 stars
June 27, 2017
A good read.
June 15, 2016
Deputy U.S. Marshal Nick Brady hasn’t even been on the job three months and he’s already being reprimanded. Although he’s doing his job, on the side he’s been working off the grid, capturing the bad guys - taking work from other Deputies. Because of his inability to follow orders, Nick earned a mandatory one month leave of absence. But instead of using that time to reflect on his mistakes, he decides to pursue a most-wanted case, using a lead no one else tried. He’s going after Joel Meecum, ex-pres/member of the Black Death MC. Nick believes Joel’s ex is living under an assumed name in McCall, Idaho.
Livy Gallagher has spent the last four years afraid for her life. Moving as necessary, changing her identity as often, she’s found some normalcy teaching ski lessons in McCall. But her life gets turned upside down when a sexy man moves into the rental unit across from hers. Livy needs to decide if she can trust this sexy stranger and allow herself the human companionship she so sorely misses.
At Any Cost is filled with intense action and sultry sex scenes. But unfortunately, I never really got into the story or connected with the characters. Nick is an arrogant jerk who thinks because he is good at catching the bad guys, the rules don't apply to him. Now, I'm all for the self-assured alpha male who does what he pleases. And I love me some vigilante Captain America who goes against authority because he is just and noble. But Nick is none of these. He only cares about winning, with little regard for his fellow Marshals. Granted we find out later his motivation for his obsessive actions, but by then, it has little impact on my feelings toward the character. The biggest problem is he doesn't seem to learn from his behavior, and the book doesn't deal with the outfall from his actions. I just never liked Nick enough to enjoy his story or romance.
Livy, I mostly enjoyed. However her constant repetitive mantra that it is “better to be alone than dead” wore me down. Attracted to Nick from first sight, Livy felt a connection and trust that was borne out of loneliness, at least it seemed that way to me. Regardless, she decides to finally let her guard down and enjoy a human connection with Nick. And when it was just the two of them, enjoy their budding feelings and attraction, I really liked this book.
The story picked up speed for me after it shifted from focusing on the couple's hooking up, to Meecum gaining ground on finding Livy. And I was glad that the pair made attempts to be honest and open with one another from the very beginning, even while keeping some secrets. Yet I was still disappointed in Nick for doing his job first when the pair were in bed together. He couldn't just take that leap into love until after sticking his foot in his mouth just one more time.
In hindsight, I probably should have DNF'd this book. It's just that I loved the previous book in the series and had high hopes for this one. But my initial dislike of Nick never really went away, serving only to color the rest of the story and keep my expectations low. I found that I looked for problems with the story after a while, rather than trying to just enjoy the moment. I honestly think most fans of romantic suspense stories will enjoy At Any Cost. Unfortunately, I never got past my initial issues with the book.
My Rating: C- Finished It - Liked some, didn't like some
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Livy Gallagher has spent the last four years afraid for her life. Moving as necessary, changing her identity as often, she’s found some normalcy teaching ski lessons in McCall. But her life gets turned upside down when a sexy man moves into the rental unit across from hers. Livy needs to decide if she can trust this sexy stranger and allow herself the human companionship she so sorely misses.
At Any Cost is filled with intense action and sultry sex scenes. But unfortunately, I never really got into the story or connected with the characters. Nick is an arrogant jerk who thinks because he is good at catching the bad guys, the rules don't apply to him. Now, I'm all for the self-assured alpha male who does what he pleases. And I love me some vigilante Captain America who goes against authority because he is just and noble. But Nick is none of these. He only cares about winning, with little regard for his fellow Marshals. Granted we find out later his motivation for his obsessive actions, but by then, it has little impact on my feelings toward the character. The biggest problem is he doesn't seem to learn from his behavior, and the book doesn't deal with the outfall from his actions. I just never liked Nick enough to enjoy his story or romance.
Livy, I mostly enjoyed. However her constant repetitive mantra that it is “better to be alone than dead” wore me down. Attracted to Nick from first sight, Livy felt a connection and trust that was borne out of loneliness, at least it seemed that way to me. Regardless, she decides to finally let her guard down and enjoy a human connection with Nick. And when it was just the two of them, enjoy their budding feelings and attraction, I really liked this book.
The story picked up speed for me after it shifted from focusing on the couple's hooking up, to Meecum gaining ground on finding Livy. And I was glad that the pair made attempts to be honest and open with one another from the very beginning, even while keeping some secrets. Yet I was still disappointed in Nick for doing his job first when the pair were in bed together. He couldn't just take that leap into love until after sticking his foot in his mouth just one more time.
In hindsight, I probably should have DNF'd this book. It's just that I loved the previous book in the series and had high hopes for this one. But my initial dislike of Nick never really went away, serving only to color the rest of the story and keep my expectations low. I found that I looked for problems with the story after a while, rather than trying to just enjoy the moment. I honestly think most fans of romantic suspense stories will enjoy At Any Cost. Unfortunately, I never got past my initial issues with the book.
My Rating: C- Finished It - Liked some, didn't like some
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by NetGalley
June 2, 2016
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review and here it is: 5 stars!
Wow! Where do I begin to describe this novel? I guess I'll start at the beginning.
Tall, handsome, Deputy U.S. Marshall Nick Brady isn't a follow-the-rules-to-the-letter kind of guy. He left his position on a SWAT team because what he's really wanted to do all along is join the U.S. Marshall's Service and track down warranted fugitives, at least ever since his teenage sister's attacker and rapist got away with his crime on legal technicalities. Instead, when Nick finally joins the USMS, during his probationary period he's been assigned to hauling criminals back and forth to court appearances and is bored stiff, so in his free time, he's bucking the system, borrowing files from other officers and investigating on his own. His off-the-clock pursuits haven't gone unnoticed by his superiors, and he's been sent off on vacation (suspension) for one month to get his head on straight. Before he leaves, he takes a file with him, that of Top 15 Most Wanted fugitive, Joel Meecum, head of an arms and drug-running MC organization who's been off the radar and eluding capture for the past 4 years. But Nick thinks he's found an new angle--Joel's ex-girlfriend, Kari Hanson. Meecum has a bounty out on her head, and if Nick can find her first and find out what she knows, he just might be able to locate and nab Meecum, which would be quite a feather in his cap.
Nick is exceptionally good at what he does and finds Kari in a small ski resort town in Idaho. She's been holed up there, living and working as a ski instructor under the name Livy Gallagher, befriending no one and keeping an incredibly low profile for the past four years. He rents a cabin directly across the lane from hers for the month and slowly but surely befriends her--no easy task since her mantra has been "Alone is better than dead". He watches her as she struggles to dig her car out of a snowdrift and when her shovel breaks, he comes out and helps her. She offers him a cup of coffee in return, and realizes that he's the first person she's invited inside her small cabin since she moved in. She's stunned speechless by his good looks and he finds her funny, quirky and lovely. When he tells her that he's a police officer in Washington and on vacation, she slowly begins to allow him closer, but still keeps her secrets.
Their relationship goes from cool and guarded to sizzling hot, and this is most definitely an age 18-and-over read, but boy, can Ms. Baxter write a hot sex scene or five. As their relationship heats up, so does the danger level, because Joel Meecum is tired of hiding out in California and tired of being hampered in his illegal ventures because of Livy. She has something he wants back, something he's willing to kill her and anyone who stands in his way to retrieve--a ledger, detailing all of his contacts, his illegal activities, the names of his clients, his suppliers and even the dirty cops and politicians on his payroll. One of the guys he's had out looking for her spots her when she's out to dinner with Nick, and from here the suspense level goes off the charts. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough--but what a thriller!
This tour-de-force novel has it all, romance, suspense, sex, danger, humor, violence and I was hooked from the very first page and hated to see it end. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Wow! Where do I begin to describe this novel? I guess I'll start at the beginning.
Tall, handsome, Deputy U.S. Marshall Nick Brady isn't a follow-the-rules-to-the-letter kind of guy. He left his position on a SWAT team because what he's really wanted to do all along is join the U.S. Marshall's Service and track down warranted fugitives, at least ever since his teenage sister's attacker and rapist got away with his crime on legal technicalities. Instead, when Nick finally joins the USMS, during his probationary period he's been assigned to hauling criminals back and forth to court appearances and is bored stiff, so in his free time, he's bucking the system, borrowing files from other officers and investigating on his own. His off-the-clock pursuits haven't gone unnoticed by his superiors, and he's been sent off on vacation (suspension) for one month to get his head on straight. Before he leaves, he takes a file with him, that of Top 15 Most Wanted fugitive, Joel Meecum, head of an arms and drug-running MC organization who's been off the radar and eluding capture for the past 4 years. But Nick thinks he's found an new angle--Joel's ex-girlfriend, Kari Hanson. Meecum has a bounty out on her head, and if Nick can find her first and find out what she knows, he just might be able to locate and nab Meecum, which would be quite a feather in his cap.
Nick is exceptionally good at what he does and finds Kari in a small ski resort town in Idaho. She's been holed up there, living and working as a ski instructor under the name Livy Gallagher, befriending no one and keeping an incredibly low profile for the past four years. He rents a cabin directly across the lane from hers for the month and slowly but surely befriends her--no easy task since her mantra has been "Alone is better than dead". He watches her as she struggles to dig her car out of a snowdrift and when her shovel breaks, he comes out and helps her. She offers him a cup of coffee in return, and realizes that he's the first person she's invited inside her small cabin since she moved in. She's stunned speechless by his good looks and he finds her funny, quirky and lovely. When he tells her that he's a police officer in Washington and on vacation, she slowly begins to allow him closer, but still keeps her secrets.
Their relationship goes from cool and guarded to sizzling hot, and this is most definitely an age 18-and-over read, but boy, can Ms. Baxter write a hot sex scene or five. As their relationship heats up, so does the danger level, because Joel Meecum is tired of hiding out in California and tired of being hampered in his illegal ventures because of Livy. She has something he wants back, something he's willing to kill her and anyone who stands in his way to retrieve--a ledger, detailing all of his contacts, his illegal activities, the names of his clients, his suppliers and even the dirty cops and politicians on his payroll. One of the guys he's had out looking for her spots her when she's out to dinner with Nick, and from here the suspense level goes off the charts. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough--but what a thriller!
This tour-de-force novel has it all, romance, suspense, sex, danger, humor, violence and I was hooked from the very first page and hated to see it end. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
October 28, 2016
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
Olivia Gallagher isn’t who she says she is. On the run from her ex-boyfriend, a notorious biker gang leader, Livy jumps at shadows and is two seconds from bolting from yet another town when she meets her new neighbor.
US Marshall Nick Brady is supposed to be using his mandatory vacation to learn how to work as a member of a team, not investigating the ex-girlfriend of a notorious gang leader but the minute he meets Livy he can’t help but want to protect her and get to know her. She has no idea who he really is though and that ends up being a big problem when trouble comes looking for them both.
Okay so a quick review. I really liked Livy and her will to survive. It didn’t mean she wasn’t terrified because she was and she had every reason to be but she didn’t roll over and die, she kept running, kept looking over her shoulder but she wasn’t willing to give up and let her dangerous ex get close enough to bring her back into the fold, or worse, kill her. She didn’t have much to work with but she made what little she had work for her. It would have been easy to question her decision to keep running, but with her ex’s reach extending into law enforcement, it wasn’t a smart idea to go to them for help. She’s in a pretty scary, almost complete lose/lose situation. I liked how realistic her fear was too. She didn’t just push it aside from one moment to the next; it stayed with her until the last few pages where it turned into optimistic caution. Believe me; I would have had a nervous breakdown had I been in her shoes. Oh and the girl LOVES winter, just like me so yeah, I really liked Livy.
I had a bit of trouble warming up to Nick though. He was too cocky for his own good. While he almost always brought in the bad guy, he did it while bending the rules, going over co-workers’ heads, took over cases not assigned to him, and was generally NOT a team player. He actually thought he was better than most of his co-workers and that made it hard to see the good things about him. Nick generally wanted to make things safer for innocent people and had zero patience for BS but his impatience was leading him down a destructive path and he really took “stubborn” to a whole new level.
Nick and Livy as a couple didn’t lack in the physical attraction department. In fact their scenes were pretty hot and very intimate but I felt that the rest of the story kind of suffered or took a back seat in favor of the sex. I felt that the suspense and character development weren’t fully developed because more attention and detail was spent on the sex scenes between Nick and Livy. I didn’t care for such an abrupt ending to either. There was no epilogue, in fact it felt a bit like a cliff hanger. Something like:
“I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry too.”
“No you have nothing to be sorry for.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Then I blinked and it was the end of the book. What happened to Livy and Nick AFTER all was said and done and the bad guy was taken care of? It felt kind of incomplete to be honest but the story was still enjoyable.
Final Verdict: Even with the parts I felt needed more time and attention, At Any Cost was still a fun read and in my opinion, better than the previous book in the series.
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
Olivia Gallagher isn’t who she says she is. On the run from her ex-boyfriend, a notorious biker gang leader, Livy jumps at shadows and is two seconds from bolting from yet another town when she meets her new neighbor.
US Marshall Nick Brady is supposed to be using his mandatory vacation to learn how to work as a member of a team, not investigating the ex-girlfriend of a notorious gang leader but the minute he meets Livy he can’t help but want to protect her and get to know her. She has no idea who he really is though and that ends up being a big problem when trouble comes looking for them both.
Okay so a quick review. I really liked Livy and her will to survive. It didn’t mean she wasn’t terrified because she was and she had every reason to be but she didn’t roll over and die, she kept running, kept looking over her shoulder but she wasn’t willing to give up and let her dangerous ex get close enough to bring her back into the fold, or worse, kill her. She didn’t have much to work with but she made what little she had work for her. It would have been easy to question her decision to keep running, but with her ex’s reach extending into law enforcement, it wasn’t a smart idea to go to them for help. She’s in a pretty scary, almost complete lose/lose situation. I liked how realistic her fear was too. She didn’t just push it aside from one moment to the next; it stayed with her until the last few pages where it turned into optimistic caution. Believe me; I would have had a nervous breakdown had I been in her shoes. Oh and the girl LOVES winter, just like me so yeah, I really liked Livy.
I had a bit of trouble warming up to Nick though. He was too cocky for his own good. While he almost always brought in the bad guy, he did it while bending the rules, going over co-workers’ heads, took over cases not assigned to him, and was generally NOT a team player. He actually thought he was better than most of his co-workers and that made it hard to see the good things about him. Nick generally wanted to make things safer for innocent people and had zero patience for BS but his impatience was leading him down a destructive path and he really took “stubborn” to a whole new level.
Nick and Livy as a couple didn’t lack in the physical attraction department. In fact their scenes were pretty hot and very intimate but I felt that the rest of the story kind of suffered or took a back seat in favor of the sex. I felt that the suspense and character development weren’t fully developed because more attention and detail was spent on the sex scenes between Nick and Livy. I didn’t care for such an abrupt ending to either. There was no epilogue, in fact it felt a bit like a cliff hanger. Something like:
“I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry too.”
“No you have nothing to be sorry for.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Then I blinked and it was the end of the book. What happened to Livy and Nick AFTER all was said and done and the bad guy was taken care of? It felt kind of incomplete to be honest but the story was still enjoyable.
Final Verdict: Even with the parts I felt needed more time and attention, At Any Cost was still a fun read and in my opinion, better than the previous book in the series.
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