Under the Wire

Bad Boys Undercover #4

by HelenKay Dimon

The Bad Boys of the Alliance—a top-secret military security agency—are back for more in HelenKay Dimon’s sexy, action-packed series

Only one thing could pull Reid Armstrong away from a vacation he’s earned with every muscle in his finely honed body—learning that his former fiancée has disappeared on a top-secret science expedition in the middle of nowhere. Second chances don’t come often in Reid’s business, and he needs to prove his worth to Cara Layne or die trying.

Waking up to find her camp destroyed and her colleagues missing, Cara is a walking target. She can’t trust anyone, least of all Reid. Even if his skills get them out alive, he’s a heartache waiting to strike twice. Yet being in close proximity proves their connection burns hotter than ever.

The body count is rising, the enemy is getting closer, and soon Reid will be right back in the position that cost him everything—forced to choose between the woman he loves, and the job that’s his only hope of saving them both . . .

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2016

About the author

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars


***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Under the Wire by HelenKay Dimon
Book Four of the Bad Boys Undercover serie
Publisher: Avon Books
Publication Date: June 28, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

The Bad Boys of the Alliance—a top-secret military security agency—are back for more in HelenKay Dimon’s sexy, action-packed series

Only one thing could pull Reid Armstrong away from a vacation he’s earned with every muscle in his finely honed body—learning that his former fiancée has disappeared on a top-secret science expedition in the middle of nowhere. Second chances don’t come often in Reid’s business, and he needs to prove his worth to Cara Layne or die trying.

Waking up to find her camp destroyed and her colleagues missing, Cara is a walking target. She can’t trust anyone, least of all Reid. Even if his skills get them out alive, he’s a heartache waiting to strike twice. Yet being in close proximity proves their connection burns hotter than ever.

The body count is rising, the enemy is getting closer, and soon Reid will be right back in the position that cost him everything—forced to choose between the woman he loves, and the job that’s his only hope of saving them both . . .

What I Liked:

I love HelenKay Dimon's romance novels. My absolute favorite is Mine (with Berkley Romance), but I also loved Everything You Need To Know (with Harlequin). This Bad Boys series with Avon is new to me. I got the first book in paperback via the Avon Addicts program, but unfortunately hadn't gotten to read it yet. It looks like that is going to be fixed very soon. I LOVED this fourth book!

Reid Armstrong is supposed to be taken a vacation from his CIA/MI6-type job. Instead, he's trekking through Russia, tracking his ex-fiancee after her brother noticed that she hasn't communicated recently, while on her geology expedition (she's a geologist). Cara is in danger - her camp was destroyed and she was dragged away, and she escaped. Reid finding her is both a blessing and a curse - she needs him in this rescue, but she hasn't seen him in sixteen months since she broke off the engagement and left him. But the sparks haven't fizzled, and the chemistry between the pair burn hotter than ever. Reid needs to get her out of Russia, but it'll be harder than expected, given that her geology mission wasn't all that was happening, whether she knew it or not...

I love that this story is so much more than a hot romance! I mean, the romance is super hot and so well-written, but this series is all about this secret department of the government that does spy/modern-day assassin kind of things. Reid is part of this agency, as is his friend Parker. Reid drags Parker with him to track Cara. It turns out that Cara isn't just taking soil samples. But it also turns out that someone is after Cara's team, for other reasons. Reasons that Reid and Cara slowly discover, as they try to make it to safety (Parker was sent ahead, lol).

Reid is such a sweetie! He's a bad boy (as this series' title would suggest), with lots of confidence (though not arrogance, not really) and charm. He is incredibly good at his job, and puts his life on the line for others constantly. As soon as he is in warrior mode, he becomes deadly and icily calm and efficient. The man was shot three times during this novel (which, by the way, lasted a span of days, not weeks/months). Reid is so selfless and tough, and it's no wonder he doesn't always open up about his past.

Cara, on the other hand, wants him to open up. She is much more expressive and wants Reid to, well, express. Cara isn't part of the agency, but she is brave nonetheless. She sees so many horrible scenes and events during the book, but stays strong. I hate how and why Cara broke the engagement with Reid, but at the same time, I could see things from her side. I just didn't like those things. Reid proposed to Cara fairly quickly after meeting each other, but Cara said yes, so she's equally "to blame" for things.

I think these two are such a great pair together! They really balance each other out - Reid is calm and collected, Cara is a little jumpier. This is a second-chance romance story, which I love. This is partly why having the book span over such a short time works - the couple is very acquainted with each other. Yet so, so much happens between them, emotionally and physically, in those few days.

Did I mention how great the chemistry between Reid and Cara is? So, so hot. All of Dimon's books that I've read have been some of the steamiest (and often unique) romance novels, and this book is no exception. I think I would have wanted one or two more, err, complete steamy scenes (if you know what I mean), but I also think what Dimon did have in the story worked well.

There is also such an emotional story to their relationship! I got hit right in the feels several times. I'm not complaining! I love experiencing their hurt, their disappointment, their slow build of trust again.

So many plot twists and turns! This isn't just a romance story - there is a lot of interesting spy stuff and conspiracies and betrayals. So cool! I liked how things were shaken up, from start to finish. I also like how Dimon worked in these spy twists and turns into Reid and Cara's relationship - meaning, the twists and turns brought them closer together.

Overall, I really liked this new Dimon book! I think my favorite of Dimon's books is still Mine, but this one was excellent.

What I Did Not Like:

One or two more steamy scenes that go the distance! All I would ask for. The emotional journey of the relationship in this book is SO well-written. Just a bit more physical scenes would have made the book PERFECT!

Would I Recommend It:

I recommend any of Dimon's books, if you are a romance reader! For me, she is right up there with Tessa Bailey and Katee Robert, Tessa Dare and Elizabeth Hoyt, queens of contemporary romance and historical romance. This particular Dimon book is so enjoyable, and so wonderful!

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. I'll definitely be picking up my copy of book one that Avon sent me! I think the cover of that book threw me off so I didn't read it, but I regret putting it aside now!

[Book Reading Gals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Under the Wire
Series: Bad Boys Undercover bk 4
Author: Helenkay Dimon
Genre: Romantic Suspense

The Bad Boys of the Alliance—a top-secret military security agency—are back for more in HelenKay Dimon’s sexy, action-packed series

Only one thing could pull Reid Armstrong away from a vacation he’s earned with every muscle in his finely honed body—learning that his former fiancée has disappeared on a top-secret science expedition in the middle of nowhere. Second chances don’t come often in Reid’s business, and he needs to prove his worth to Cara Layne or die trying.

Waking up to find her camp destroyed and her colleagues missing, Cara is a walking target. She can’t trust anyone, least of all Reid. Even if his skills get them out alive, he’s a heartache waiting to strike twice. Yet being in close proximity proves their connection burns hotter than ever.

The body count is rising, the enemy is getting closer, and soon Reid will be right back in the position that cost him everything—forced to choose between the woman he loves, and the job that’s his only hope of saving them both .

Thoughts: I'm just going to put this out there...Helenkay Dimon is one of the best voices in romantic suspense and romance today.

In her return to the boys of Alliance we get to see them in the aftermath of Facing the Fire. Reid and Parker (who've I've already started pestering her about getting a book) are supposed to be heading to Montana instead they're in Russia looking for Reid's ex-fiancee who also happens to be the sister of Caleb, another member of Alliance. Okay so I really want Parker AND Caleb to get books.

There are so many reasons why I love this book, but at the base its because Reid is one of the best heroes I've read in RS. He's so vulnerable when it comes to Cara and what she did to him. Cara was no slouch either, and as much as Reid thinks what she did didn't effect her he's wrong.

I loved how these two had to work together to stay one step ahead of the bad guys but were isolated so there was no hiding from the emotional fallout of their broken engagement. At times it was rough reading the emotions were so raw, especially from Reid. But it was so worth it.

Once again Dimon proves why she's a master storyteller, with characters rich in backstory, and a setting that is unique and shrouded in mystery.

Regardless of whether you've read any of the books in this series you can pick this one up and fall in love with the members of Alliance.

Grade A+
Review by: Heather
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I became a fan of Dimon with her series the Hanover Brothers and ever since then I always looked for a new series by her to devour. With the Bad Boys series I have only read books two and four which I will have to fix at some point in the near future but I like the direction on where this series is going.

In Under the Wire Reid is supposed to be on vacation from his job but when his ex fiancée doesn't check in Reid is off to find her. Cara hasn't seen Reid in over a year so when he comes to rescue her after she escaped her destroyed camp it's a bittersweet feeling.

Reid and Cara definitely had some really great chemistry throughout the story. I really liked how take charge Reid was in wanting to get her out of Russia but once they find out that Cara's mission wasn't the only thing going on it becomes harder then expected to get her to go.

These two characters had some similarities but overall they were different. While Cara is open with her feelings, Reid is not. She wants him to open up more but as the story progresses he does little by little. Both these characters have different jobs but both are brave in the adventures they come across in Under the Wire, which by the way was a awesome title for this novel.

This was a second chance of love story and I'm so glad these two got that moment. Their story might have been a bit more emotional then I was expecting but I really liked knowing what they were thinking and feeling along the way. It only made this story even more enjoyable.

The plot had a lot of twist and turns so I never knew which way it was going to go and I liked it. Dimon did a hell of a job keeping me guessing from the beginning. I could have used some more steamy scenes but I understood that it wasn't in the cards for them while they were running for their life and to get to the bottom of what was going on.

Overall, I'm really looking forward to reading the stories I missed from this series. If you love bad boys who are selfless and willing to put their lives on the line for total strangers and the ones they love I would definitely check out this series and Under the Wire.

[Kassiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-1/2 stars.

This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool.

Every book I read by HelenKay Dimon amazes me. The storylines are always gripping, she writes super hot stuff, and her characters are always on point. Why haven't I read the other books in the series? Or every book she's ever written?

Reid Armstrong is called out from his vacation when his former fiancée's brother tells him that he hasn't heard from her. She's a scientist on an expedition in Russia and her camp was raided. She was captured but escaped. Reid stops at nothing until he finds her, and when he does, sparks are still flying, despite the fact that she crushed him when she broke up with him over a year ago.

I loved both of these characters, and it won't surprise you to know that Reid really stole the show for me. He's so hot and sweet and ...manly. The chemistry between these two is off the charts.

"Are you saying I wreck your concentration?" Man, she hoped that's what he was saying because that was pretty damn sexy. A guy like him getting all riled up? Yeah, she'd love that.

"I'm saying I break all the rules for you."

Even better. That might have been the hottest thing she'd ever heard. "Kiss me."

I have been pulled in more and more by action thrillers like this lately. It's the best of both worlds--fast-paced action with crazy hot romance. There is so much going on in this book, I feel like I had a hard time keeping up with it all, but that's probably my fault for not reading the other books in the series first. The chemistry and banter between Reid and Cara totally made up for it. And I love second-chance romances so this book is total win.

HelenKay Dimon's action-packed Under the Wire has everything you could want in a romance--a couple you can't help but root for and a thrilling story that will have you on the edge of your seat until you turn the last page.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Under the Wire (Bad Boys Undercover #4) by HelenKay Dimon

Review done for Hooked on Books & CherryOBlossom Promotions

4 out of 5 stars

Cara Layne is on a secret, scientific mission in the middle of Russia. One night, her team is ambushed and attacked. She is the only one left at the camp.

On the verge of collapsing, she is surprised that someone has come to rescue her. An even bigger surprise is that it is her ex-fiancee Reid Armstrong.

Reid Armstrong is used to dangerous missions; that is what his job entails working for the Alliance. When he is called upon to rescue his ex-fiancee Cara, he doesn’t hesitate. She broke his heart by leaving, but he is still in love with her.

The bodies are piling up, and their escape is looking impossible.

This was a great suspenseful love story. It was action packed throughout and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what happens next.

This was the first book I read by this author and I will definitely be reading more from her.

I recommend this book to read.

[catzkc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a bit of the conspiracy/suspense plot didn’t make a lot of sense to me, as I hadn’t read any of the previous series. This probably would have been a DNF if I hadn’t enjoyed the scenes between Reid and Cara and Reid’s bro-pal Parker. Those were a lot of fun. Not to mention the scenes between Reid and Cara.

And the guy narrating the audiobook...ooooohhhhh myyyyyyyyyyy....I might have to use one of Audible credits just so I can hear his voice whenever I want!

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think maybe it's time to give up this series. I've found all of the books to be just ok, this one the same. The potential is there, but it doesn't quite make it for me.

The most interesting thing to this one was how Reid and Cara talked about their relationship to others when they finally met each other again. I thought it was funny how Cara kept saying she broke up with him, even though you could tell Reid was still in love with her. Both were trying to hide their feelings.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good second chance romance wrapped up in a terrific action/adventure story. Reid and his teammate Parker are supposed to be on an enforced vacation in Montana, as members of Delta Team recover from the losses sustained in Facing Fire. Instead, they are sneaking around in Russia, trying to find out what happened to Reid's ex-fiancée, Cara. The documentary team she is with hasn't been heard from and her brother is worried. While she may have destroyed his heart when she walked out on their engagement, he can't NOT go looking for her.

When Cara woke to wind and pain and the sensation of being dragged away before passing out, she thought she was a dead woman. Waking again to find her coworkers missing and the camp destroyed she's not sure which way to turn - until Reid comes walking out of the woods. While she trusts him and his abilities to keep her safe, trusting him with her heart again is another matter entirely.

Sixteen months earlier, Reid and Cara had fallen in love and gotten engaged only two weeks after he'd rescued her. The passion between them was fast and furious and freaked out Cara's logical mind. She was certain that it was an adrenaline-fueled reaction that Reid would quickly regret, so she ended things before he could. But Reid never gave up on his love for Cara and is determined to prove it to her. But first, they have to get out of this alive.

I really liked the rekindling of the relationship. Cara is smart, feisty, and a kick-ass woman. She has no trouble standing up to Reid when she feels that he isn't taking her seriously. She also has no trouble following directions when the situation calls for it. Reid is tough, a bit rough around the edges, and still head-over-heels for Cara. He doesn't understand why she walked away from him, but he's determined to win her back. I loved the banter between the two of them, as Cara tried to get him to understand what she needed from him, and Reid resisted talking about things that he thought shouldn't matter. There were some terrific scenes that were right out of a Mars/Venus playbook and frequently had me laughing out loud. The chemistry between them was still just as intense, also, and found its expression in some very interesting places. I loved seeing Cara finally realize the truth of Reid's love, and Reid accept that strong and silent isn't always the best option. I loved the conversation she had with her brother right before she went after Reid.

The suspense of the story was really good also. While initially, it looks like a case of someone wanting the data that the scientist have collected, it turns out that there were multiple players and objectives. Cara and Reid, with Parker's assistance, are often barely one step ahead of whichever bad guy has gotten close. Each bit of information they uncover is another piece of a puzzle that doesn't always add up. Backing them up is Alliance's head honcho, Tasha, who seems to have an unlimited supply of useful contacts and information that can get her what she needs. Her scenes with Niko were awesome, as she had him right where she wanted him. There were quite a few twists and turns before all was revealed. The final confrontation was intense, and the final revelation not at all what I expected.

The two secondary characters I liked the most were Cara's brother, Caleb, and Reid's teammate, Parker. Caleb is the quintessential protective big brother, who will do anything to keep his sister safe. That he has contacts that are more than your average man would have is just icing on the cake. Since he is a part-time hacker (oh, that word!) with Alliance, that makes things even more interesting. Parker was a riot. I loved everything about him, from his belief in things like Bigfoot and Yeti to the way he gave Reid a hard time about being in love. It was fun to see Cara try to rein in him and Reid when they would get going. I'd love to see him get his own story.

[Mischa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like the author should've ended this series with the third book, after what the series-wide storyline with the big baddie ended. However much the characters' decisions Dimon made pissed me off (and still do - again with the "I like her"? And this time like on every 10th page, I swear), I did enjoy it. But now, with the big one captured and what now looks like a one-baddie-per-book (unless this is the last one in the series - but I dunno. I thought she has no characters left, since everyone else was spoken for, but then she untroduced Parker in this one, so...), it just went from quite interesting to ordinary.

Now don't take me wrong, the one-baddie-per-book action romances are good, but they usually have characters for whom it either makes sense that they're working on something completely different, or just have a storyline that spans it all.

Also, what I've begun to notice was the constant disappearance of characters who had their happy ending. I mean, West (book 2) was on team Bravo led by Ford (b1) and yet in the second book, he was suddenly on an assignment with Delta and Ford was nowhere to be seen? Then in this book, the author rather put them in a completely secluded situation with just the new addition to the Alliance... I mean, I'm not saying I enjoy it when authors overly involve characters from previous books in this kind of series, but suddenly not including them at all just seems weird.

(Also, and this just made me laugh - it was the couple who was previously engaged and for whom it would make sense to jump each other in the first 30 percent of the book... but yet they were the ones who held out and only had sex like 60 percent of it :D)

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was yet another mediocre book in this series. I don't think I've found any of them as great as the ones in the "Tough Love" series. The characters just aren't as likable, we don't really see any of the past characters make another appearance and the suspense is just okay, with sometimes too much going on to comprehend.

I really liked Reid though. He seemed like a very loyal and loving guy who only wanted to protect Cara when she didn't check in as scheduled. He went out of his way to find her in Russia and risked his life to save hers. But Cara seemed like a unappreciative prude a lot of times. She only cared about her feelings and kept stuff from Reid instead of sharing things that may have kept them safer as they were trying to figure out what the expedition was all about. She got things straight in the end, but by that point, her back and forth feelings and general attitude were hard to overlook in my eyes and I would have made her gravel a lot more if I were Reid (I mean it's what women expect men to do when they screw up, why can't it be the same when the woman is at fault?).

The plot was okay - the ending surprised me and I didn't see the bad guy coming, but it almost seems as though there was too much going on to keep up. The secondary character names were plentiful and easy to forget, so by the time we got to the end, I'm wondering when that person was mentioned before and how they all related to the expedition.

I kind of wish Parker got his own book since he seems like a really likable character, but perhaps it's best he didn't since his book would probably not do him justice either.

[Donna Rutledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and this series. It's full of twists, mystery, intrigue, and excitement with some HOT love scenes.

Cara is a Scientist that is doing field work when her whole world is shifted. She is in the middle of something that she doesn't understand and wants to know what has happened.

Reid is a man who knows Cara and liked her so when she comes up missing it's up to him to find her. She doesn't know it yet but he implanted a tracker on her while they were together. He finds her and he knows that his company, a Special Ops Team with help from the British MI6 team, will want to know what is going on that a Scientific Team has been wiped off the face of the earth and the Russian Special forces is out in full force.

The book reels you in and you don't want to put it down even though it's past midnight. It's a fast ride to a new thought about our world and how fragile it could be. I highly recommend this book!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the storylines of HelenKay Dimon's books. She has a real way of telling a story that you can see before your eyes. In this book Reid Armstrong was supposed to be on a forced vacation when his ex-girlfriend's brother called him to tell him that she was missing. It was the one thing that would get him moving and he needed help since Cara Layne was in Russia in the mountains on a scientific expedition. Turns out when Reid finally catches up with her, he finds that her whole group had been attacked and part of them were missing. What he needed real help on was his heart. This is a great read.

[Felice Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid and Cara are great together. The chemistry is off the charts. I didn't realize this was the 4th book in the series, so now I'll have to go back and read from the beginning. The banter between all the characters is great and helps keep the story moving even during the more tense/emotional scenes.
Good Book.

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this series, Christian Fox one of the best narrators he did an excellent job. Can't wait to start the next series by HelenKay Dimon.. 1st time reader of this author and I love them all. Looking for excitement and suspense this is a great series to start.

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice that there is more of this series

[Theresa Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! Really enjoyed Reid and Cara!

[Michelle Halber · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Interesting POV (as it's from the male), action packed.

Story has several minor inconsistencies which were frustrating.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if it was the characters, the storyline, my current mental state, there's no telling, but this was my least favorite of the four books in this series. I still very much enjoy HelenKay Dimon's writing style and enjoyed the different aspects of the story (action, romance, etc.) but maybe the novelty of this series has worn off for me. I'm looking forward to starting another series by this author and I hope I can find one where I connect enough with the theme to keep the momentum going throughout the entirety of the series.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the plot in the beginning but as the book went on it started to fizzle out. I liked the more simplistic storyline and felt that too much was added into it with it being changed from a simple attack on American scientists to this whole secret conspiracy within a conspiracy. I think it was just too much to take in and it exhausted me more than anything. I dint care too much for reading Tasha and Niko's pov's, they weren't very interesting to me and it felt more like excess information or filler if you will. I think it took away the focus from Reid and Cara which should have made it better since I hated her to begin with but instead seemed to drag the story out when I was ready for it to be over and done with. Sometimes readers just need a simple storyline without trying to add every piece of drama you can get in which is what I think this book needed. It tried to throw everything in there and it becomes overwhelming.

I think Cara tops the list of one of the most selfish, ungrateful, heroines who thrive on messing with a man's head. Reid went there of his free will to check up on her as a favor to her brother but also for his own peace of mind and she shows her gratitude by making sarcastic comments, uncalled for insults, took advantage of their help by trying to call the shots, hid what her team was doing when they risked their own lives to help her, behaved like a spoiled bratty teenager as if she was the one wronged and had a right to treat him like crap. He was good to her the whole time, didn't hold any resentment towards her because his priority was getting her out alive and home. He didn't throw anything in her face until she went too far and I was proud of him when he called her out on her shit that she left him, not the other way around and she acted like she was the injured party.

I only wish he had gone harder at her making her feel shame and disgust at her behavior and how she just up and left him like he meant nothing at all to her. She had no right to behave the way she did when without their help, she would have been dead in a matter of hours the day they found her had they not gone to look for her. Her reasoning of why she left him was stupid. It didn't make sense considering all she had to do was tell him she wanted to slow down because everything was going too fast for her. The fault was on her and Reid had every right to treat her like shit and make sure she knew she was just a job but he didn't because he's an honorable man. What he saw in her afterwards I don't know. She was no prize that's for sure and I wanted him to realize he could do better than her and that she wasn't worth his time or feelings. She was not a likable person, in fact she's probably one of the bitchiest heroines I've ever read. She was not an example of what a heroine should be either. She doesn't know what she wants and plans to keep him at a distance, yet she makes a move on him first and then gets mad when he cuts it off because they're easy targets out in the open. What kind of message does that send to him? She played him, dumped him, ruined him, showed she hated him, then SHE kissed him and after it was over, told him to keep his lips to himself, when she initiated it in the first place...make up your damn mind and stick to it!!!

I would have liked to see Parker even take a jab at her treatment of Reid and warn her to stay away from his friend if she couldn't figure out what she wanted. It always seems like the sweetest harmless heroines are the ones who get the protective friend/protective family "don't hurt my so and so" talk but the ones who actually deserve the hostile warning and hesitance are given a free pass and sometimes deemed perfect who can do no wrong. Her grand apology also sucked, she gave excuses rather than taking responsibility for her screwup. If a man doesn't want to talk about his past, get the fuck over it, and let it go. All that matters is who he is with you today, everything else pales in comparison and that should be more than enough considering he puts up with your entitled attitude.

I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy this, I really wanted to but this woman drove me crazy and made me wanna pull my hair out every time she opened her mouth to talk. The romance sucked, the storyline was good, but Cara is more than enough reason to keep me from ever picking up this book again. I just can't stomach it a second time. I am interested in reading one of the other books in the series so I'm going to risk it and hope that the author can provide a likable heroine. I'll give the rest of the series a try not now because this book is still too fresh but sometime in the future and hopefully this will just be a rotten egg.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2016

The Bad Boys of the Alliance—a top-secret military security agency—are back for more in HelenKay Dimon’s sexy, action-packed series

Only one thing could pull Reid Armstrong away from a vacation he’s earned with every muscle in his finely honed body—learning that his former fiancée has disappeared on a top-secret science expedition in the middle of nowhere. Second chances don’t come often in Reid’s business, and he needs to prove his worth to Cara Layne or die trying.

Waking up to find her camp destroyed and her colleagues missing, Cara is a walking target. She can’t trust anyone, least of all Reid. Even if his skills get them out alive, he’s a heartache waiting to strike twice. Yet being in close proximity proves their connection burns hotter than ever.

The body count is rising, the enemy is getting closer, and soon Reid will be right back in the position that cost him everything—forced to choose between the woman he loves, and the job that’s his only hope of saving them both

••••••••••••

REVIEW: UNDER THE WIRE is the fourth full length installment in HelenKay Dimon’s contemporary, adult BAD BOYS UNDERCOVER romantic suspense series focusing on a Black Ops Team known as Alliance-the merging of former CIA and MI6 agents whose assignments are dangerous and deadly. This is Alliance member Reid Armstrong, and geologist Cara Layne’s story line. UNDER THE WIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives UNDER THE WIRE focuses on the search for Cara Layne, and her missing research team in the Ural mountain range of Russia. When Cara’s team goes missing, and our heroine does not check in, Cara’s brother Caleb knows just the man who will do anything to find his missing sister. Enter Reid Armstrong, Cara’s former lover and fiancé, who has been ‘drafted’ into searching for the woman that he loves. What ensues is a search and rescues that reveals Cara’s assignment in Russia involves more than a geological expedition.

The relationship between Cara and Reid is one of second chances. Eighteen months earlier Reid and Cara fell in love during another rescue mission but Cara walked away believing everything happened too fast. Reid has never stopped loving Cara and wants to ensure that there is a future with the woman that he loves. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate without the use of over the top graphic imagery and text.

Several members of the Alliance team play supporting and secondary roles including Alliance leader and former MI6 agent Tasha Gregory; Parker Scott- a former CIA agent and Alliance member teams up with Reid in his search for Cara Layne; and Caleb Layne-the Alliance’s IT computer hacker (but don’t call him that) ;)

The world building continues to focus on the dangerous missions no other group is will to undertake, or have the ability to slip undetected in and out of foreign lands.

UNDER THE WIRE is a well paced, well written story of suspense. There are some scenes of violence though not graphic or in your face gore-not everyone will make it home alive. The premise is entertaining and intriguing; the characters are charismatic, colorful and engaging; the romance is a second chance at love for two people caught up in a world of espionage and danger. HelenKay Dimon’s BAD BOYS UNDERCOVER series is intense, romantic and passionate.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Rva Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading romance since I was a preteen. I kind of drifted away in my 30's, then rediscovered it in the form of romantic suspense and paranormals in my forties. As romantic suspense really paved my way, the genre holds a special place in my heart. Bad Boys Undercover is everything I look for in a romantic suspense, plus some.

Reid and Cara were engaged. Some 16 months ago, Cara asked for "a break", leaving Reid reeling emotionally. When Cara's expedition goes missing in the Ural Mountains of Russia, Cara's brother calls Reid to go and rescue his sister.

The plot is ever so different and interesting, especially if you are familiar with the missing expedition referenced frequently in the book. Cara is a geologist, ostensibly searching for clues to the missing expedition mystery. The reality is a lot different. There are firefights, sound wave attacks, dastardly plots involving Doomsday bombs...There is a lot going on. And Ms. Dimon balances the intricate plot with Reid and Cara's romance brilliantly.

What worked for me - Everything. There is humor, there is snark, uber-alphaness, a strong shero, great, entertaining plot...The list goes on. And Reid did it for me on every level. His quiet hurt from Cara's denial of the validity of their relationship resonates through every scene. Reid wants her in his life so badly. And he can't figure out what went wrong, and it makes him a little crazy when Cara just kind of dismisses their connection as a post-mission adrenaline rush. At one point, he yells at her, "And you said yes. You seem to forget that part." Poor Reid.

Cara also worked for me. She's logical, precise, a scientist. She deals in facts. Her instant connection with Reid, and the overwhelming emotion she encountered sent her into a tail spin, causing her to pull back. Once she and Reid got on the same page...shoo! Bring on the smexy times.

Parker, he who believes in Yetis, and I loved his reasoning as to why, brought in a lot of comic relief. Can't wait for his story, as well as Cara's brother Caleb's.

The story is well done, fast paced and heart-poundingly intense. The writing flows beautifully between the tension of the story and Cara and Reid's connection.

What didn't work as well - Not one thing. Loved Under The Wire, beginning to end.

If you haven't already been indoctrinated to this series, run to your preferred device and immediately one-click the Bad Boys Undercover titles. If you love romantic suspense, with a lot of comedy, this series will work for you on every level. That said, it is not necessary to have read the other books in the series in order to enjoy Under The Wire.

Bottom line - An absolutely terrific, fun read. Highly, highly recommend.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This romantic suspense novel is the fourth novel in the series, but luckily this story stands pretty well on its own. Our hero Reid Armstrong belongs to a top secret military unit that has previously rescued our heroine Cara Layne. Caught up in the passion of the moment they start a relationship and plan to be married. Until Cara comes to her senses, or really, starts to doubt her feelings and breaks things off with Reid. This novel starts when Cara is in danger in Russia and her brother hires Reid to find her and bring her out alive. Reid, who had implanted a LoJack in her previously ( yeah, you read that right!), switches it on and pretty easily tracks her down. That seems to be the only easy part of this mission.

Reid brings along one of his teammates to help with the rescue and thank god because he provided some much needed comic relief. The plot was well written, but I found it hard to identify with these two characters. Reid was the strong silent military guy. Non communicative about his feelings, he played silent and broody even during the emotional scenes. You would think Cara would be the more emotional character and bring a little balance to the pair, romantically, but she was kind of stunted. Her responses were robotic and even though the plot moved along well, her lack of emotion really slowed down any momentum in this book. It’s funny that I can forgive a man for being unemotional but not the woman. Very stereotypical of me, but regardless, Under the Wire just didn’t pull my heartstrings.

[Hooked On Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars

Cara Layne is on a secret, scientific mission in the middle of Russia. One night, her team is ambushed and attacked. She is the only one left at the camp.

On the verge of collapsing, she is surprised that someone has come to rescue her. An even bigger surprise is that it is her ex-fiancee Reid Armstrong.

Reid Armstrong is used to dangerous missions; that is what his job entails working for the Alliance. When he is called upon to rescue his ex-fiancee Cara, he doesn’t hesitate. She broke his heart by leaving, but he is still in love with her.

The bodies are piling up, and their escape is looking impossible.

This was a great suspenseful love story. It was action packed throughout and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what happens next.

This was the first book I read by this author and I will definitely be reading more from her.

I recommend this book to read.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Wire by HelenKay Dimon is book #4 in her Bad Boys Undercover series and was the best one yet. I think I say that every time I read one of her books in this series.

The action and adventure starts in the first chapter and doesn't let up until all of the players are revealed. This plot is intricately woven with more than one possible resolution and fast paced. I just had to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. Reid and Cara were so good together. There was snarky banter and hot, delicious sexy times as these two got their second chance. Tasha is back and she doesn't mind covering her men's backs while outsmarting the bad guys. Oh, and Parker is an awesome character. He's funny and smart and lethal. I would love to see him get his own book. He so deserves to fall in love.

I can always count on Ms. Dimon to provide me with an a hot romance and a thrilling ride into action and adventure.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, fast-paced mystery. It was suspenseful, but played out more like a whodunit. Reid and Cara were nice characters. They didn't trip up their relationship with truly stupid shit. And, didn't hold on to for ridiculous reasons. Parker was amusing. I look forward to seeing more of him. Tasha was, again, badass.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed- hang on!

Consistent with the Bad Boys Undercover series, this was one wild awesome ride! But what Helenkay does so differently is the characters, you know their deepest fears and desires. The ending was really fulfilling with characters really coming together and working through their emotions.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book -- hot alpha men, danger and survival in the mountains, smart heroine -- what's not to like? Everything...the actions were nonsensical, the interactions dull, and seriously, how many times can a person get shot and still insist they are just fine for whatever? I liked the premise, but not a fan.

[Juli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Made it about 68% in and it was due at the library. It was not grabbing my attention, so I didn't try to finish. I might read it all the way through later if I decide to read the next in the series.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad--lots of tension. BUT--when someone is gunshot and bleeding, the first thing on my mind would be to take care of the wound, not talk about the relationship or sex. Gee, get your priorities straight!

I think Tasha is my favorite character--talk about tough!

[Barbara Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This story has a lot of history,danger,action,suspense and romance keeps you turning the pages until the hats off to this author looking forward to reading more books from this author