Armed and Devastating

The Precinct: Brotherhood of the Badge #2

by Julie Miller

When did plain, mousy personal assistant Brooke Hanford sprout miles of long, smooth, creamy legs? And more important, why did Detective Atticus Kincaid suddenly notice? Their relationship had always been the "good friend" variety. But now Brooke was in his thoughts and under his skin. The fact that she was receiving unwanted male attention in the form of some creep's anonymous psychological terror brought out all of Atticus's protective instincts.

Now Brooke found herself virtually surrounded by the badge and broad shoulders of Atticus. Her awkward affection for him erupted into a raw need that she'd never known. But would the fuel of newfound passion ignite a killer's revenge…?

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Harlequin, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Suspense, Contemporary

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 8, 2008

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

USA TODAY Bestselling author Julie Miller writes breathtaking romantic suspense. She's won a National Readers Choice Award and two Daphne du Maurier Awards among other prizes. She was also honored to receive a Career Achievement Award from RT BookReviews and has been a finalist for many national and international awards. Her books have appeared on the USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, Amazon and BookScan Top 100 Romances bestseller lists.

Writing about Kansas City cops, Julie has crafted bestselling, award-winning books for Harlequin Intrigue. In addition, Ms. Miller publishes romantic suspense books with a military twist. Millions of copies of her books have been sold in print and digital formats around the world.

Reviews

[Apoorva · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I'm a sucker for these Kincaid brothers, honey.

Edit: I've FIGURED IT OUT. I FIGURED OUT WHO KILLED JOHN. IT TOOK ME TWO HOURS AWAY FROM THESE BOOKS AND A CONSCIOUS WORKING MIND (I slept after finishing Protective Instincts so my mind wasn't conscious so it doesn't count) BUT I'VE FIGURED IT OUT. I'm 90% sure that this person is it.

My hypothesis is that Irina Zorinsky Hansford is the killer. I have pieces of evidence to support my claim too.

1. In Protective Instincts, there was a woman driving the car that abducted John. He even asked about her. She was never mentioned again.

2. "I thought you were dead" is one of the first things John says to his captor. Out of the entire Z-group, we are only aware of Leo and Irina being dead (Mcbride dies too but that's later). I agree this is a little reaching but it fits with everything else I'm thinking.

3. It was in this book or Protective Instincts where we see the Perpetrator say something about wanting to clear their name. Now, who do we know who's had their name tarnished and who's been labelled a traitor? IRINA. That's right.

And that's not all.

4. We hear the perpetrator say the following sentence, "Kincaid betrayed me. He convinced the others that Irina Zorinsky Hansford had to die.” Now, because I was confused during the time whether or not Leo was dead (I'm not confused anymore, they mention he's dead in the epilogue of this book), I thought Leo might still be alive and he's the one saying this, BUT then this happened......

5. "Then she’ll find out that Irina Zorinsky isn’t buried there.”
This comes up right in the end of this book when they're talking about how Brooke is finding her parents bodies to give them a proper burial. We gloss over Leo's body and it's not even mentioned that that body might not be his, but when they start talking about how if Brooke does a DNA testing on what she believes are the remains of her mother Irina Zorinsky Hansford, THIS is what the perpetrator says. Mind you, there's not even a hint that LEO's body might not be his. It's IRINA's body that's coming into question.

Now, if you add all of this together with the fact that Liza Parrish knows some information that is worth killing for AND that she saw someone in a suit that she couldn't tell the gender of and how it was vaguely put out there that it could be a woman too, I've come to the conclusion that Irina Zorinksy is our killer.

I'm going to read the rest of the Kincaid clan books and figure out if I'm right. I'm not going to write here whether or not if I was correct. If I'm wrong, you can just think of these as the ravings of a madwoman but if I'm right.............wow.
So, yeah. Have fun reading the other books in the series too, guys. Let's all wait and see if my hypothesis is false or not.

[Mojca · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this story, Ms. Miller confirmed her status as one of my favorite romantic suspense authors out there. Though this is the second book in a four-book miniseries about the four Kincaid brothers searching for their father’s murderer, I didn’t get the feeling I should’ve read the first book as well (the gist of it was illustrated in this one).

The prologue (John Kincaid’s April funeral) hinted at things to come – mainly the decision for the four brothers to find their father’s murder and make him pay, but while other authors might have waited a tad, letting the reader get used to the feel of the story, Ms. Miller plunged us immediately into action in the first chapter and the tension and intrigue didn’t let up until the very end.

The suspense plot was gripping and nail-biting, especially with the heroine’s unwillingness to trust her (and the hero’s) instincts when it came to her new handyman (how can you not trust a cop’s gut?!), the plot flowed effortlessly toward the end where the author hit us with another twist and an intriguing cliffy that despite being a cliffy it wasn’t bothersome, but actually made me look forward to the next story in the series, despite the main villain, "the boss", being rather obvious. I don’t know if that was deliberate from the author’s part, a fluke or a red herring.

And I absolutely loved the friends-to-lovers romance. Atticus and Brooke were absolutely adorable in their quest to keep their friendship intact and not "taint" it with passion. And failing miserably.

This was a truly great and wonderfully-paced suspense story intertwined with a cute, sweet and sexy budding romance. Loved it.

[Suzy Manning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little slower than her usual fare. Had to back track a few times because I lost track of what what happening. That said, Julie Miller at her worst is better than 75% of the authors on the market. This series is like paying a visit to old friends as characters from previous books wander in and out of subsequent books.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Miller never disappoints, but with Armed and Devastating, she delivers even more. There's awesome romance, great suspense, a hero named Atticus and Aunts. I know that sounds weird, but these are the best Aunts ever.
LOVED the book. You should definitely read it!

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have yet to read a Julie Miller book that wasn't a good read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this read. It was a hot, sexy action thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this book in one sitting it was so good.

[Leisa Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the second installment of The Precinct: Brotherhood of the Badge - Armed and Devastating. We're briefly introduced to Brooke in the first book, Protective Instincts and I was glad to get her story. I enjoyed her development in confidence and standing up for herself. While some of her new found confidence caused her to make a poor choice she rose to the occasion when needed. We got to see her spunk and protective instincts where her aunts were concerned.

In this installment we learn a little more about John Kincaid and his murder. I like the prologue because it has given each brothers view on the time at the cemetery. The connection between the brothers is strong and their love for their mother is awesome.

I enjoyed getting to know Brooke and Atticus and how their relationship grew. Loved both of their analytical minds and their ability to see more than was obvious. There were some interesting twists and turns which I won't reference as it will give away some crucial information on the overall plot of the series. Suffice it to say it's a good read and very quick!

While I think I know who is pulling the strings I can't wait to see if I'm right. I'm reading the third book now, Private. S.W.A.T Takeover.

I am a die hard Julie Miller fan and read everything she writes, most times more than once. I recommend not only this book but reading anything and everything she has written! You won't be sorry!

[Penny Wright]

Wowzer!

Armed and Devastating is one complex, edge of your seat convoluted mystery adventure! There is action, chemistry, romance, twist and turns….hard to put down book! I recommend the Kincaid brothers books be read in order.

[AG Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread

[Misty]

Awesome

I just finished reading this book and it was awesome from beginning to end! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was very good

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast pass book that kept me turning each page. One sample of this book ( I called for backup, but if I go down before they get here, I want you to take my gun and shoot the son of a bitch. He really stunk at pep talks. But Brooke nodded her understanding and clung to the wood as Atticus removed his hand and turned toward the footsteps. His gun was drawn, his arm rock steady.) If you like a little bit of romance thrown into your action books, I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did!

[Karine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ya I know that there is a bit of a taboo about reading Mills & Boon novels, well there is here in Australia anyway. But I must say that was really was a good mystery novel, and there were some funny parts in it too. It wasn't until the very end of the book that I discovered who the mystery ‘boss’ was; that is if I think it is them at all.

[Griz Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of reading ALL Julie Miller's KCPD books one right after the other--and they are awesome! She's a fantastic romantic suspense author. Her mysteries stay fresh book to book, and her characters are realistic.

Hunky heroes, smart heroines, a swoon-worthy romance all wrapped up in just the right amount of mystery and danger. What more could I ask for?

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, I like how the author is advancing the mystery around John Kincaid's murder. And while this one was a bit predictable, I still enjoyed it very much. I always like it when the mousy girl gets the hunk.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good, this all I have to say. I am not much for the Intrigue Series, but this one had me from the beginning. Atticus is pretty hot. Brooke is kinda too mousy for my taste, the whole damsel in distress thing gets old, but it works her for some reason.

[Hannah Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a great! I can't wait to see what happens next with "Holden" Is he gonna get the witness?
And Brooke is so cool, I am so much like her I totally felt like I was her while reading this book. I loved it!

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was so boring... I was at 60% and I was still waiting for something to happen... I thought her other books in the series were a lot better

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread.

[ScarlettOwl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book , loved how the hot guy who see her as a most thing learns to aside his ego in order to see what he could have. And a women who learns it's ok to come out of your shell.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit

What can I say? I loved this book, it had action and romance. Hot Cops, wow. Sparks fly, bullets flys. This is a must read. Get it today.

[charmaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Each book just gets better and better.Julie Miller has out done herself.I'm going to get the rest of this series.

[Julie Miller]

A Romantic Times Award finalist for Best Harlequin Intrigue.

[blue]

sadly i will not be able to finish this or the series (which i was reading backwards because im hilarious) as i am nearly 300 miles away from it (it belongs to my grandmother) and probably will never see it again. rest in peaces plot and people i do not recall in the slightest. well maybe i recall it a little bit. anyway. i need a guilty pleasure shelf mayhaps.