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ARES Security #2
Kill Without Shame
Five brave military heroes have survived the hell of a Taliban prison to return home—and take on civilian missions no one else can. They’re the men of ARES Security. Highly skilled, intimidating, invincible, and one by one, tested again and again . . .
Lucas St. Clair’s prestigious family had a political future neatly planned out for him—one that didn’t include his high school sweetheart, Mia Ramon. Under their pressure, Lucas gave her up. But since surviving captivity, he’s a changed man—and a crucial member of ARES Security. When he discovers a dead man clutching a picture of Mia that bears a threatening message, his fiercest protective instincts kick in, and he knows he must go to her.
Mia has never forgiven Lucas for breaking her heart, and she’s convinced her feelings for him are in the past. But it’s soon clear that isn’t true for either of them. Now, determined to solve the crime and keep Mia safe, with his ARES buddies backing him up, Lucas will have to reconstruct the murder victim’s last days—and follow a lethal trail that leads right back to the fate of the woman he still loves . . .
Lucas St. Clair’s prestigious family had a political future neatly planned out for him—one that didn’t include his high school sweetheart, Mia Ramon. Under their pressure, Lucas gave her up. But since surviving captivity, he’s a changed man—and a crucial member of ARES Security. When he discovers a dead man clutching a picture of Mia that bears a threatening message, his fiercest protective instincts kick in, and he knows he must go to her.
Mia has never forgiven Lucas for breaking her heart, and she’s convinced her feelings for him are in the past. But it’s soon clear that isn’t true for either of them. Now, determined to solve the crime and keep Mia safe, with his ARES buddies backing him up, Lucas will have to reconstruct the murder victim’s last days—and follow a lethal trail that leads right back to the fate of the woman he still loves . . .
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2016
166 people are currently reading
1067 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Ivy
141 books5,178 followersI'm not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother's knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library. Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.
Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
--From authors website--
Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
--From authors website--
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
November 16, 2016
Well the guys from Ares security are back and yes I know it's a formula that appears to be exploited quite a lot with rugged ex military heroes banding together and running their own buisness but it's a format that for romance works. The slight twist here is these five guys all met when they were prisoners of the Taliban and together worked to escape the atrocities inflicted on them but even now in their civilian lives the past is never quite far away enough.
This book focuses on Lucas, the one who had the world laid out on a plate at his feet. Son of a wealthy political family and yet the one thing that really mattered to him he walked away from. Fast forward to present day and an old school chum is found dead near Lucas's office but he carries the photo of Mia , the woman Lucas has spent fifteen years thinking of .
Mia is shocked when Lucas walks through her door and actually who am I kidding? Lucas crashes back into her life and pretty much starts to take over! To say he's protective and hard headed is putting it mildly but he has his work cut out for him if he really wants to make up for lost time. I do understand that this couple have chemistry and long buried feelings but it does seem as if they can barely keep their hands off each other and I would have preferred to see Mia make Lucas work for it . After all he did just up and leave with no explanation although in his head his reasons were sound but to an adult they seemed very juvenile.
What I liked was the mystery surrounding the murder and just why it places Mia in danger. I do enjoy suspense and wading through red herrings and there's a huge one here that had me doubting someone's intentions. So much connects to the past and there's plenty of opportunity for the reader to come up with ideas of their own with a grand reveal that shakes Mia's world. A huge plus is we get to see more of the other guys Lucas works with and I liked that they called him on his mistakes . This is a romance so I'm allowed to just go with the flow but certain things niggled away at me. First the supposed escape from imprisonment which ok is just referred to but what really irritated was the lack of Lucas's family. In a story were everything that went wrong started with them shouldn't we at least meet at least one relative ? Rant over as I did enjoy this book and the writing made it easy to fall into. I'm not sure that I personally would enjoy Lucas's high handed ways but in romance anything goes .
This voluntary opinion is of an advance reader copy
This book focuses on Lucas, the one who had the world laid out on a plate at his feet. Son of a wealthy political family and yet the one thing that really mattered to him he walked away from. Fast forward to present day and an old school chum is found dead near Lucas's office but he carries the photo of Mia , the woman Lucas has spent fifteen years thinking of .
Mia is shocked when Lucas walks through her door and actually who am I kidding? Lucas crashes back into her life and pretty much starts to take over! To say he's protective and hard headed is putting it mildly but he has his work cut out for him if he really wants to make up for lost time. I do understand that this couple have chemistry and long buried feelings but it does seem as if they can barely keep their hands off each other and I would have preferred to see Mia make Lucas work for it . After all he did just up and leave with no explanation although in his head his reasons were sound but to an adult they seemed very juvenile.
What I liked was the mystery surrounding the murder and just why it places Mia in danger. I do enjoy suspense and wading through red herrings and there's a huge one here that had me doubting someone's intentions. So much connects to the past and there's plenty of opportunity for the reader to come up with ideas of their own with a grand reveal that shakes Mia's world. A huge plus is we get to see more of the other guys Lucas works with and I liked that they called him on his mistakes . This is a romance so I'm allowed to just go with the flow but certain things niggled away at me. First the supposed escape from imprisonment which ok is just referred to but what really irritated was the lack of Lucas's family. In a story were everything that went wrong started with them shouldn't we at least meet at least one relative ? Rant over as I did enjoy this book and the writing made it easy to fall into. I'm not sure that I personally would enjoy Lucas's high handed ways but in romance anything goes .
This voluntary opinion is of an advance reader copy
January 3, 2017
4.5 -
The one that got away...
Stars!
The second book in Alexandra Ivy’s ARES Security Series offers up as much, second chance romance, suspense , twists and turns as it’s predecessor did. I really enjoyed Lucas and Mia’s rollercoaster-ride of a reconnection.
One thing that I am really liking about this series is the fact that although there is a small story running though the books that includes all the ARES guys to some level, each of the books so far has really concentrated on one particular guy and the woman he falls for. The author does a really good job of bringing you up to speed on things very quickly, which for me is a good thing when there is a big gap between releases.
It had been fifteen years since she’d last seen him in the flesh, but nothing had changed.
Lucas St. Clair and his family are classed as town royalty, so back in his teens, falling in love with the gardener’s daughter was very much something that his family were un-supportive of. As their love deepened he also saw that it was starting to have an effect on Mia in her dress and actions, so to prevent her trying to change herself any further to please his family and therefore lose herself in the process, he ups and leaves, thinking he was doing the best thing for them both. Not so much in Mia’s opinion, so when he strolls back into her life fifteen years on, after a picture of her is found on the body of a mutual friend, she is less than happy to see him.
He wanted her bothered. And hot. And aching. And willing...
But it doesn’t take long for them both to come to the conclusion that the time apart and years between them have done absolutely nothing to quell the feelings and chemistry between them. Problem is that someone is out to kill Mia, and Lucas and his brothers from ARES are determined to get to the bottom of the reasons why and the who is behind the threat. Which, let’s face it, isn’t the most conducive situation for a man to try and woo back the woman he let down so badly previously.
"If you get yourself hurt I’m not going to be happy..."
"I love you too."
I really liked these two, Mia is no shy retiring wall-flower, and she stood with Lucas when it came to investigating everything that was going on around her. The fireworks that inevitably crackle when an Uber Alpha male and a sassy, independent woman collide were very much apparent, but I loved the softer center you get to see from Lucas, as he tries to repair the damage his leaving did to their relationship.
"I need to protect you."
"I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time..."
"Too long. I want it to be my turn."
Another great addition to the series, everything is tied off for Lucas and Mia’s story. The situation with Hauk and his stalker is still very much unresolved, and we still have several other guys in ARES also looking for their HEA’s, bearing in mind there is a twelve month gap between the first two books releasing, I am guessing we may be looking at the same break between two and three because I cannot find any information on it as yet. I hope that we get the third book before December 2017, but it doesn’t look too promising at the moment.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.
The second book in Alexandra Ivy’s ARES Security Series offers up as much, second chance romance, suspense , twists and turns as it’s predecessor did. I really enjoyed Lucas and Mia’s rollercoaster-ride of a reconnection.
One thing that I am really liking about this series is the fact that although there is a small story running though the books that includes all the ARES guys to some level, each of the books so far has really concentrated on one particular guy and the woman he falls for. The author does a really good job of bringing you up to speed on things very quickly, which for me is a good thing when there is a big gap between releases.
It had been fifteen years since she’d last seen him in the flesh, but nothing had changed.
Lucas St. Clair and his family are classed as town royalty, so back in his teens, falling in love with the gardener’s daughter was very much something that his family were un-supportive of. As their love deepened he also saw that it was starting to have an effect on Mia in her dress and actions, so to prevent her trying to change herself any further to please his family and therefore lose herself in the process, he ups and leaves, thinking he was doing the best thing for them both. Not so much in Mia’s opinion, so when he strolls back into her life fifteen years on, after a picture of her is found on the body of a mutual friend, she is less than happy to see him.
He wanted her bothered. And hot. And aching. And willing...
But it doesn’t take long for them both to come to the conclusion that the time apart and years between them have done absolutely nothing to quell the feelings and chemistry between them. Problem is that someone is out to kill Mia, and Lucas and his brothers from ARES are determined to get to the bottom of the reasons why and the who is behind the threat. Which, let’s face it, isn’t the most conducive situation for a man to try and woo back the woman he let down so badly previously.
"If you get yourself hurt I’m not going to be happy..."
"I love you too."
I really liked these two, Mia is no shy retiring wall-flower, and she stood with Lucas when it came to investigating everything that was going on around her. The fireworks that inevitably crackle when an Uber Alpha male and a sassy, independent woman collide were very much apparent, but I loved the softer center you get to see from Lucas, as he tries to repair the damage his leaving did to their relationship.
"I need to protect you."
"I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time..."
"Too long. I want it to be my turn."
Another great addition to the series, everything is tied off for Lucas and Mia’s story. The situation with Hauk and his stalker is still very much unresolved, and we still have several other guys in ARES also looking for their HEA’s, bearing in mind there is a twelve month gap between the first two books releasing, I am guessing we may be looking at the same break between two and three because I cannot find any information on it as yet. I hope that we get the third book before December 2017, but it doesn’t look too promising at the moment.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.
November 12, 2016
ARC received for review
4.5 stars
Lucas and Mia were high school sweethearts until he left her behind to join the military. Now years later Mia owns a successful business and is in danger. Lucas comes back to save her and finally admit he made a huge mistake in leaving. I love how Mia didn't let him run all over her. Great little side romance with the detective and her best friend. Loved seeing the rest of the ARES boys again. Now who's next Teagan or Max cause we all know Hauk is going to have to wait till last.
4.5 stars
Lucas and Mia were high school sweethearts until he left her behind to join the military. Now years later Mia owns a successful business and is in danger. Lucas comes back to save her and finally admit he made a huge mistake in leaving. I love how Mia didn't let him run all over her. Great little side romance with the detective and her best friend. Loved seeing the rest of the ARES boys again. Now who's next Teagan or Max cause we all know Hauk is going to have to wait till last.
October 6, 2019
You know these dumb horror movies with a blond girl going alone to the basement to check out this creepy sound in the dark? This book is like one of those movies.
It made me roll my eyes time after time and annoyed me a lot. This story has some potential. I won’t say it could be made into a great book, definitely not into the one truly memorable, but it could be one of those nice, entertaining reads. Unfortunately, there are too many issues.
Let’s start with the minor things before we go big. The characters. Lucas and Mia. Mia is one of those irritating heroines with no preservation instinct who always know better and have to have the last word in every conversation. As an owner of a company in the gardening industry, she feels competent to investigate the murder case of her friend. Because why not? And two attempts on her life do little to stop her or at least slow her down. As opposite, Lucas is totally dull. He is seriously lacking personality. The only thing that describes him is his love for Mia. He has no other traits or flaws. And stubborn as a mule Mia does with him what she wants. As a professional he could lead the investigation (though he is a military negotiator, so I’m not really sure about his competence, but anyway, he is definitely more capable than Mia) but instead he is leaded by Mia. And if truth be told, even Taylor and detective Cooper make more interesting couple than Mia and Lucas. They love is as paper-thin as their personalities.
Then comes the plot. Huh. The suspense is not as bad as it could be, if you disregard the fact that the villain is the most obvious person and the motives are also pretty clear from the beginning. But it’s the case with many other books. It’s the futility of some scenes that ruins the whole experience. They are just out of those horror movies or some cheese romantic comedies you are embarrassed you are watching.
Those scenes just scream: Kill them! Kill without shame! They are too stupid to live! I wish the other members of ARES are less paper-thin but from the glimpse I have, they are not. I will give a chance to this series only when I need one of this book for a challenge.
It made me roll my eyes time after time and annoyed me a lot. This story has some potential. I won’t say it could be made into a great book, definitely not into the one truly memorable, but it could be one of those nice, entertaining reads. Unfortunately, there are too many issues.
Let’s start with the minor things before we go big. The characters. Lucas and Mia. Mia is one of those irritating heroines with no preservation instinct who always know better and have to have the last word in every conversation. As an owner of a company in the gardening industry, she feels competent to investigate the murder case of her friend. Because why not? And two attempts on her life do little to stop her or at least slow her down. As opposite, Lucas is totally dull. He is seriously lacking personality. The only thing that describes him is his love for Mia. He has no other traits or flaws. And stubborn as a mule Mia does with him what she wants. As a professional he could lead the investigation (though he is a military negotiator, so I’m not really sure about his competence, but anyway, he is definitely more capable than Mia) but instead he is leaded by Mia. And if truth be told, even Taylor and detective Cooper make more interesting couple than Mia and Lucas. They love is as paper-thin as their personalities.
Then comes the plot. Huh. The suspense is not as bad as it could be, if you disregard the fact that the villain is the most obvious person and the motives are also pretty clear from the beginning. But it’s the case with many other books. It’s the futility of some scenes that ruins the whole experience. They are just out of those horror movies or some cheese romantic comedies you are embarrassed you are watching.
Those scenes just scream: Kill them! Kill without shame! They are too stupid to live! I wish the other members of ARES are less paper-thin but from the glimpse I have, they are not. I will give a chance to this series only when I need one of this book for a challenge.
November 29, 2016
The next ARES Security book, KILL WITHOUT SHAME by Alexandra Ivy! Love these alpha friends who survived and escaped a Taliban prison and reading the romantic suspense each is featured in. Yes, there are a lot of these types of books out there right now, but Ms. Ivy gives you a fast paced read, entertaining mystery and a heroine who can stand up to and hold her own against her hero as they work out their relationship. Oh yeah, and hot sex!
Lucas St. Clair was born into a prestigious Shreveport family and was expected to excel and follow his father into a successful political career. His family had everything planned, but that future did not include Lucas’ girlfriend, the family’s gardener’s daughter, Mia. Rather than have his family mold Mia into their version of acceptable, he drove away and left her behind.
Mia Ramon has never forgiven Lucas for leaving without a word and breaking her heart, but in the intervening 15 years she has built her father’s lawn care business into a thriving high-end landscaping business. Lucas has kept track of her, but doesn’t believe he deserves a second chance with her until a detective interviews him in Houston about their mutual high school friend found dead outside the ARES office building clutching Mia’s picture. Lucas returns home to protect Mia at any cost and hopefully get her back into his life.
The men of ARES Security are all hot and sexy in their own way. Lucas being a born diplomat, but also well aware of his place in society and he will use it to his advantage. He can seem overbearing or arrogant at times, but Mia stands right up to him and goes toe-to-toe for what she wants. This is the difference between their relationship now and Mia trying to change for his parents before. I really enjoyed Ms. Ivy bringing Matt and Teagan in to help with this case. I can’t wait for their stories and Hauk’s mystery stalker continues from the first book.
Thanks very much to Kensington Books, Zebra and Net Galley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review. Love this series!
Lucas St. Clair was born into a prestigious Shreveport family and was expected to excel and follow his father into a successful political career. His family had everything planned, but that future did not include Lucas’ girlfriend, the family’s gardener’s daughter, Mia. Rather than have his family mold Mia into their version of acceptable, he drove away and left her behind.
Mia Ramon has never forgiven Lucas for leaving without a word and breaking her heart, but in the intervening 15 years she has built her father’s lawn care business into a thriving high-end landscaping business. Lucas has kept track of her, but doesn’t believe he deserves a second chance with her until a detective interviews him in Houston about their mutual high school friend found dead outside the ARES office building clutching Mia’s picture. Lucas returns home to protect Mia at any cost and hopefully get her back into his life.
The men of ARES Security are all hot and sexy in their own way. Lucas being a born diplomat, but also well aware of his place in society and he will use it to his advantage. He can seem overbearing or arrogant at times, but Mia stands right up to him and goes toe-to-toe for what she wants. This is the difference between their relationship now and Mia trying to change for his parents before. I really enjoyed Ms. Ivy bringing Matt and Teagan in to help with this case. I can’t wait for their stories and Hauk’s mystery stalker continues from the first book.
Thanks very much to Kensington Books, Zebra and Net Galley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review. Love this series!
November 1, 2025
Rich kid and a heir to St. Clair legacy, Lucas, fell hard for the maid’s daughter, Mia. His family would never approve but that didn’t matter to Lucas. So, why did he break her heart and disappear out of her life forever only to show back up years later.
Mia never forgave Lucas for breaking her heart.
When a man dies near Lucas’s ARES office with Mia’s name in his pocket, Lucas will stop at nothing to protect Mia. Even if means bring his entire ARES Security team in to do it.
I’m a sucker for stories that reunite lost lovers. Lucas must worm his way back into Mia’s heart but what I enjoyed most was Lucas staying true to himself and just showed Mia that he has been there all along.
Great story with amazing action, and a sweltering romance, you can't go wrong with an Alexandra Ivy romantic suspense, unless its an Alexandra Ivy romantic fantasy...lets face it anything by Alexandra Ivy is my kind of read.
I received this ARC copy of Kill Without Shame from Kensington Books in exchange for a honest and voluntary review. This book is set for publication Dec. 27, 2016.
Mia never forgave Lucas for breaking her heart.
When a man dies near Lucas’s ARES office with Mia’s name in his pocket, Lucas will stop at nothing to protect Mia. Even if means bring his entire ARES Security team in to do it.
I’m a sucker for stories that reunite lost lovers. Lucas must worm his way back into Mia’s heart but what I enjoyed most was Lucas staying true to himself and just showed Mia that he has been there all along.
Great story with amazing action, and a sweltering romance, you can't go wrong with an Alexandra Ivy romantic suspense, unless its an Alexandra Ivy romantic fantasy...lets face it anything by Alexandra Ivy is my kind of read.
I received this ARC copy of Kill Without Shame from Kensington Books in exchange for a honest and voluntary review. This book is set for publication Dec. 27, 2016.
December 27, 2016
Alexandra Ivy writes romantic suspense like Christina Dodd in my opinion. Lots of red herrings, lots of suspects, lots of danger. It all makes for a very compelling story. I didn't love this one as much as Kill with Mercy, but its still an enjoyable read!
November 12, 2016
They survived the depths of Hell in a Taliban prison. Five men closer than brothers, ready to stand by each other no matter what. Together they formed ARES Security and took on the jobs no one else could handle, they are brave, loyal, skilled and if necessary, will KILL WITHOUT SHAME. Once again, Alexandra Ivy gives us razor-sharp tension, hot and steamy romance, and brings these unsung heroes to life in all their human glory!
A dead body on the street with his name and business address, as well as a picture of the woman he let get away, pulls Lucas St. Clair and the men of ARES into the world of Lucas’ past, a past colored with love, pain and the pressures of a family who controlled his life with ruthless calculation.
Mia was broken-hearted when Lucas left her behind for bigger and better things more appropriate to his standing in life, but now he is back, a changed man on a mission to save the only woman he would ever love. So much anguish, so many secrets, so many feelings of betrayal, now a successful business owner, how can Mia trust in Lucas as he takes a step outside of the law to keep her safe?
One again, Alexandra Ivy captures the force of true love, pitches it into a tale of dark secrets and murder and attempts to bring two strong people back together again. Will her characters allow her to create a well-earned happy ending or will the ghosts of the past haunt the love that still exists? Definitely another of Ms. Ivy's intriguing and captivating tale for lovers of loyalty, over-the-top alpha males that sizzle and strong women who value their independence and guard their hearts!
I received an ARC edition from Zebra in exchange for my honest review.
Series: ARES Security - Book 2
Publisher: Zebra (December 27, 2016)
Publication Date: December 27, 2016
Genre: Romantic Suspense | Military
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
A dead body on the street with his name and business address, as well as a picture of the woman he let get away, pulls Lucas St. Clair and the men of ARES into the world of Lucas’ past, a past colored with love, pain and the pressures of a family who controlled his life with ruthless calculation.
Mia was broken-hearted when Lucas left her behind for bigger and better things more appropriate to his standing in life, but now he is back, a changed man on a mission to save the only woman he would ever love. So much anguish, so many secrets, so many feelings of betrayal, now a successful business owner, how can Mia trust in Lucas as he takes a step outside of the law to keep her safe?
One again, Alexandra Ivy captures the force of true love, pitches it into a tale of dark secrets and murder and attempts to bring two strong people back together again. Will her characters allow her to create a well-earned happy ending or will the ghosts of the past haunt the love that still exists? Definitely another of Ms. Ivy's intriguing and captivating tale for lovers of loyalty, over-the-top alpha males that sizzle and strong women who value their independence and guard their hearts!
I received an ARC edition from Zebra in exchange for my honest review.
Series: ARES Security - Book 2
Publisher: Zebra (December 27, 2016)
Publication Date: December 27, 2016
Genre: Romantic Suspense | Military
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 8, 2016
This was very lackluster. Maybe it is just me. I have now read three books in a row in which the hero basically bowls over the heroine with his alpha protectiveness. That is it. The hero did not have to try too much beyond that - I wanted more to the relationship. The solution to romantic suspense is also a little too easy. I am able to deduce the villain too early in the story. Alexandra Ivy writing is fluid, but this story us just a little too bland. I like the premise of this series and will continue, but I hope the next book will give us a little more -- of everything.
February 9, 2017
I've given this a C- at AAR, so 2.5 stars.
Kill Without Shame is the second book in Alexandra Ivy’s ARES Security series, and while mention is made of a plot thread concerning one of the team who has been receiving threats which I assume was begun in the previous book, that plotline is not really advanced here so this one can be read as a standalone. That said, I can’t really recommend it, as the whole thing is incredibly unexciting; the romance is seriously underdeveloped and not at all believable given the context, and the suspense is pretty much non-existent – the fact that it took me over four days to read shows how easy it was to put the book aside.
ARES Security is a high-tech, high-end firm set up by five men, brothers-in-arms, who bonded when they were held prisoner by the Taliban during a tour in Afghanistan. The hero of Kill Without Shame is Lucas St. Clair – the son of a senator – who is estranged from his wealthy, but coldly aloof parents, but whose name still opens doors. He is not above using that name and family connections when needed, but mostly, he wants to leave his old life behind him and concentrate on the new one he is building. That becomes difficult, however, when he is informed that an old acquaintance from his school and college days, Tony Hughes, has been shot and killed in the street, and that he was clutching a picture of Mia Ramon – an old flame of Lucas’ – when he died. Worse, the picture had the words “Kill her, or else” scrawled across it. Lucas didn’t know Tony well – they were from completely opposite backgrounds – but Mia is important to him; even though they haven’t seen each other for fifteen years, he still carries a torch for her and can’t bear the thought of her being in danger.
Mia is a successful businesswoman in her hometown of Shreveport, running a landscaping and garden design business that she has built up from her father’s much smaller operation. The last person she wants – or expects – to see in her office is Lucas St. Clair, and their reunion is frosty. Lucas walked out on her with no explanation fifteen years earlier, and she hasn’t seen him since; he broke her heart and she is not about to put herself through it again. She can’t deny that he’s become a devastatingly attractive man, or that she still feels the same pull towards him as before, but she is determined to keep him at arm’s length, no matter what. Mia looked on Tony as a friend and used to employ him from time to time, so she’s naturally upset to hear of his death – but she has no idea of why anyone would want him dead, and even less as to why she would be a target herself.
Lucas naturally wants to investigate Tony’s murder and the threat against Mia – and keep her safe. It’s not long before their enforced proximity is rekindling the old feelings between them, or long before they’re giving in to them, but even then, Mia is determined to keep things on a casual footing as a means of self-protection.
The stakes are raised, however, when an attempt is made on Mia’s life. With help from his team, Lucas gradually uncovers a series of misdeeds that dates back decades, implicating people Mia cares about in a morass of embezzlement, blackmail and murder. Lucas and Mia have to work together to uncover the truth, even as the killer is closing in on them.
From that description, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is a fast-moving thriller with a sexy romance on the side, but it’s nothing of the sort. The pacing is pedestrian and the romance is perfunctory and, frankly, unbelievable; Lucas and Mia haven’t seen each other in FIFTEEN YEARS – and they’re hopping into bed together the day after their reunion. They split up when Lucas was eighteen – I’m assuming Mia was around the same age – and there is a massive difference between what someone is like at eighteen and what they’re like in their early thirties. They are – or should be – very different people now, yet there’s no sense of them getting to know each other again. In fact, there’s no romantic development at all – although I do give the author credit for having Lucas be open about his feelings for Mia and prepared to put himself out there, even when it’s clear to him that she is still not sure about him. There is a cute secondary romance in the story – between Mia’s assistant, Taylor, and the local detective assigned to the case – which is actually more interesting than the non-romance between Lucas and Mia.
The mystery plot is reasonably well put-together, but there’s only one possible villain, which takes away any element of suspense pretty early on, and the storyline is fairly predictable. The characterisation overall is paper thin and I never connected with either of the principals; and not only is the main romantic relationship a disappointment, there is no real sense of the emotional bond we’re told exists between Lucas and the other ARES team members.
All in all, Kill Without Shame – which makes absolutely no sense as a title! – is a lacklustre book that proved a big disappointment. I’m not invested enough in any of the characters to want to pick up another book in the series, and quite honestly, not suitably impressed with any facet of this one – writing, plotting or characterisation – to be inclined to read this author again.
Kill Without Shame is the second book in Alexandra Ivy’s ARES Security series, and while mention is made of a plot thread concerning one of the team who has been receiving threats which I assume was begun in the previous book, that plotline is not really advanced here so this one can be read as a standalone. That said, I can’t really recommend it, as the whole thing is incredibly unexciting; the romance is seriously underdeveloped and not at all believable given the context, and the suspense is pretty much non-existent – the fact that it took me over four days to read shows how easy it was to put the book aside.
ARES Security is a high-tech, high-end firm set up by five men, brothers-in-arms, who bonded when they were held prisoner by the Taliban during a tour in Afghanistan. The hero of Kill Without Shame is Lucas St. Clair – the son of a senator – who is estranged from his wealthy, but coldly aloof parents, but whose name still opens doors. He is not above using that name and family connections when needed, but mostly, he wants to leave his old life behind him and concentrate on the new one he is building. That becomes difficult, however, when he is informed that an old acquaintance from his school and college days, Tony Hughes, has been shot and killed in the street, and that he was clutching a picture of Mia Ramon – an old flame of Lucas’ – when he died. Worse, the picture had the words “Kill her, or else” scrawled across it. Lucas didn’t know Tony well – they were from completely opposite backgrounds – but Mia is important to him; even though they haven’t seen each other for fifteen years, he still carries a torch for her and can’t bear the thought of her being in danger.
Mia is a successful businesswoman in her hometown of Shreveport, running a landscaping and garden design business that she has built up from her father’s much smaller operation. The last person she wants – or expects – to see in her office is Lucas St. Clair, and their reunion is frosty. Lucas walked out on her with no explanation fifteen years earlier, and she hasn’t seen him since; he broke her heart and she is not about to put herself through it again. She can’t deny that he’s become a devastatingly attractive man, or that she still feels the same pull towards him as before, but she is determined to keep him at arm’s length, no matter what. Mia looked on Tony as a friend and used to employ him from time to time, so she’s naturally upset to hear of his death – but she has no idea of why anyone would want him dead, and even less as to why she would be a target herself.
Lucas naturally wants to investigate Tony’s murder and the threat against Mia – and keep her safe. It’s not long before their enforced proximity is rekindling the old feelings between them, or long before they’re giving in to them, but even then, Mia is determined to keep things on a casual footing as a means of self-protection.
The stakes are raised, however, when an attempt is made on Mia’s life. With help from his team, Lucas gradually uncovers a series of misdeeds that dates back decades, implicating people Mia cares about in a morass of embezzlement, blackmail and murder. Lucas and Mia have to work together to uncover the truth, even as the killer is closing in on them.
From that description, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is a fast-moving thriller with a sexy romance on the side, but it’s nothing of the sort. The pacing is pedestrian and the romance is perfunctory and, frankly, unbelievable; Lucas and Mia haven’t seen each other in FIFTEEN YEARS – and they’re hopping into bed together the day after their reunion. They split up when Lucas was eighteen – I’m assuming Mia was around the same age – and there is a massive difference between what someone is like at eighteen and what they’re like in their early thirties. They are – or should be – very different people now, yet there’s no sense of them getting to know each other again. In fact, there’s no romantic development at all – although I do give the author credit for having Lucas be open about his feelings for Mia and prepared to put himself out there, even when it’s clear to him that she is still not sure about him. There is a cute secondary romance in the story – between Mia’s assistant, Taylor, and the local detective assigned to the case – which is actually more interesting than the non-romance between Lucas and Mia.
The mystery plot is reasonably well put-together, but there’s only one possible villain, which takes away any element of suspense pretty early on, and the storyline is fairly predictable. The characterisation overall is paper thin and I never connected with either of the principals; and not only is the main romantic relationship a disappointment, there is no real sense of the emotional bond we’re told exists between Lucas and the other ARES team members.
All in all, Kill Without Shame – which makes absolutely no sense as a title! – is a lacklustre book that proved a big disappointment. I’m not invested enough in any of the characters to want to pick up another book in the series, and quite honestly, not suitably impressed with any facet of this one – writing, plotting or characterisation – to be inclined to read this author again.
October 14, 2024
The ARES men are back.
I’m finding that I enjoying the ex-military heroes who band together, like brothers, to form their own business. It is such a fantastic and enjoyable concept to read.
Kill Without Shame is full of mystery, suspense, a second chance romance, and so much more. It was a non-stop page turner, entertaining, and satisfying. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the murder and Mia. All the characters where easy to like. The second chance love story was captivating and adorable. Lucas and Mia worked together and made a great couple. And, last it was nice to see more of the other guys Lucas works with. They each have their own unique abilities and backgrounds and to see how they stand up for one of their own, it’s touching.
I had a delightful time read Kill Without Shame. I LOVE the men of ARES Security and can’t wait for the next installment.
Rated: 4 Stars
I’m finding that I enjoying the ex-military heroes who band together, like brothers, to form their own business. It is such a fantastic and enjoyable concept to read.
Kill Without Shame is full of mystery, suspense, a second chance romance, and so much more. It was a non-stop page turner, entertaining, and satisfying. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the murder and Mia. All the characters where easy to like. The second chance love story was captivating and adorable. Lucas and Mia worked together and made a great couple. And, last it was nice to see more of the other guys Lucas works with. They each have their own unique abilities and backgrounds and to see how they stand up for one of their own, it’s touching.
I had a delightful time read Kill Without Shame. I LOVE the men of ARES Security and can’t wait for the next installment.
Rated: 4 Stars
December 28, 2016
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
This series has a very promising premise. These are the stories of a group of soldiers who survived and escaped from a Taliban prison. They return home and form a security company. Each has his own scars and each has a unique talent. This book is about Lucas. Unfortunately, the plot was thin and the 2nd chance romance didn't burn up the pages.
Tony is shot two blocks from the ARES Security offices. He has Lucas' name and address in his pocket and a picture of Mia in his hand with "Kill her, or else" written across her face. Tony is a high school acquaintance of Lucas' and Mia is the one that got away, or more precisely, the one he left behind 15 years ago.
Mia moved on after Lucas left. She has built a successful commercial landscape company and is happy with her life, if a bit lonely at times. When Lucas shows up and tells her of Tony's death and the threat to her, she is determined not to make the same mistake twice. Lucas is determined never to let her go again. Someone is determined to make sure some secrets remain buried, forever.
Actual rating: 3 1/2-Stars.
This series has a very promising premise. These are the stories of a group of soldiers who survived and escaped from a Taliban prison. They return home and form a security company. Each has his own scars and each has a unique talent. This book is about Lucas. Unfortunately, the plot was thin and the 2nd chance romance didn't burn up the pages.
Tony is shot two blocks from the ARES Security offices. He has Lucas' name and address in his pocket and a picture of Mia in his hand with "Kill her, or else" written across her face. Tony is a high school acquaintance of Lucas' and Mia is the one that got away, or more precisely, the one he left behind 15 years ago.
Mia moved on after Lucas left. She has built a successful commercial landscape company and is happy with her life, if a bit lonely at times. When Lucas shows up and tells her of Tony's death and the threat to her, she is determined not to make the same mistake twice. Lucas is determined never to let her go again. Someone is determined to make sure some secrets remain buried, forever.
Actual rating: 3 1/2-Stars.
December 29, 2016
Sigh. That was my reaction to finishing Kill Without Shame. The first book in the ARES Security series earned a solid 4 stars from me so I was looking forward to this one but it just didn’t grab me.
My first issue was this is a second chance at love story. Mia and Logan were high school sweethearts until he walked away from her. She’s never forgiven him. This trope drives me up the freaking wall. We are talking high school, people! Get over it, most people are naïve relationship wise in high school. Give them a break. The good news is they seem to get past this fairly quickly since lucky for Logan someone’s out to kill Mia so she needs him to keep her alive.
The action and pace of the book were decent and I did enjoy time spent with Teagan and Max, a couple of Logan’s “brothers”. I really wish I hadn’t figured out who the killer was the minute their name first appeared on the page, as this would have been a much more interesting read, but alas, I did.
Even though I knew who did it, I didn’t have the why’s quite worked out, so there was at least a little bit of mystery to keep me going.
Speaking of Teagan, Max and the rest of the team, when do these guys actually work? Between Rafe being on his honeymoon, Hauk trying to figure out who’s sending him death threats (which is a mystery that needs tying up since it’s run through two books now), and Max and Teagan working on Logan’s problems, I’m just not seeing any ARES Security billable hours type work going on.
I did not like the big confession at the end where the killer gives away all their secrets. It had a bit of a murder mystery from the 80’s rerun feel to it that had me rolling my eyes. ARES investigation wasn’t amateurish at all, but the killers swan song had me waiting for them to say “I would have gotten away with it too if it wasn’t for those meddling kids!.”
Kill Without Shame wasn’t bad, and it had some entertaining parts to it, but overall it was just an okay book. I’m holding out hope for the series, though. Unlike some who can hold grudges from High School, I’m willing to give a few hot former military security specialists a break or two.
Rating: 3 Decent Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
For this review and more, check out EDGy Reviews
My first issue was this is a second chance at love story. Mia and Logan were high school sweethearts until he walked away from her. She’s never forgiven him. This trope drives me up the freaking wall. We are talking high school, people! Get over it, most people are naïve relationship wise in high school. Give them a break. The good news is they seem to get past this fairly quickly since lucky for Logan someone’s out to kill Mia so she needs him to keep her alive.
The action and pace of the book were decent and I did enjoy time spent with Teagan and Max, a couple of Logan’s “brothers”. I really wish I hadn’t figured out who the killer was the minute their name first appeared on the page, as this would have been a much more interesting read, but alas, I did.
Even though I knew who did it, I didn’t have the why’s quite worked out, so there was at least a little bit of mystery to keep me going.
Speaking of Teagan, Max and the rest of the team, when do these guys actually work? Between Rafe being on his honeymoon, Hauk trying to figure out who’s sending him death threats (which is a mystery that needs tying up since it’s run through two books now), and Max and Teagan working on Logan’s problems, I’m just not seeing any ARES Security billable hours type work going on.
I did not like the big confession at the end where the killer gives away all their secrets. It had a bit of a murder mystery from the 80’s rerun feel to it that had me rolling my eyes. ARES investigation wasn’t amateurish at all, but the killers swan song had me waiting for them to say “I would have gotten away with it too if it wasn’t for those meddling kids!.”
Kill Without Shame wasn’t bad, and it had some entertaining parts to it, but overall it was just an okay book. I’m holding out hope for the series, though. Unlike some who can hold grudges from High School, I’m willing to give a few hot former military security specialists a break or two.
Rating: 3 Decent Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
For this review and more, check out EDGy Reviews
December 15, 2016
Like the first book of this series, there was nothing intrinsically wrong with this book; it was well written and flowed along nicely. It was, however, just not all that interesting, at least not until very near the end. The big bad's motive, in my opinion, was held far too long from the reader; then unloaded in a big infodump of 'this is what I did and why I did it'. I did like that the other guys in the ARES team figured a little more prominently here.
I still think the series has promise, and that there is a lot that Ivy can do with it. She really needs to dig up something new, though. Some of the RS tropes used here are a little tired. I also hope that the RS thriller/mystery overcomes the straight romance aspect in future books.
I still think the series has promise, and that there is a lot that Ivy can do with it. She really needs to dig up something new, though. Some of the RS tropes used here are a little tired. I also hope that the RS thriller/mystery overcomes the straight romance aspect in future books.
March 23, 2017
Unfortunately, this was a book that I struggled with, despite the promising blurb that made me wish otherwise. As a suspense read, ‘Kill Without Shame’ is decent, but I found myself somewhat disappointed in the textbook style it was presented in, with the whodunnit moment coming as a huge info dump by the villain, with multiple POVs that could be distracting. Yet if the suspense is decent enough, the pairing seems a weak one, forged, or should I say, re-forged in the heat of danger and uncertainty.
After a 15-year absence of doing whatever he wanted, the appearance of high high-school ex on a dead man’s belongings convinces Lucas St. Clair that he’d always loved the woman whom he’d broken up with. It’s a premise that gets my spidey sense tingling as he goes in search of her to protect her—as well as to convince them that they really do belong together after walking away from Mia Ramon supposedly for her own good. Forgive my scepticism and my own unforgiving instincts when it comes to a limp explanation that I felt Mia accepted too easily because he smelled good, had a huge ton of sex appeal, good sexual moves and a hot body. A sleek, smooth apology and it was back in bed with him, because the threat against her made it easy to lean in on Lucas who happened to be conveniently there and gave him the reason to hone in once more on her when he saw the opportunity.
As always, my issue with second-chance romances is the believability of it, particular when one party has forsaken another for no apparent good reason, then returns out of the blue expecting forgiveness and a HEA after having spent the intervening years apart trying to forget her with other women, muscling in finally because she ’needs’ him. Had the threat against Mia not materialised, would he have gone after this woman whom he proclaimed to be the only one for him? Lucas St. Clair’s bullying and controlling behaviour rubbed me the wrong way, unfortunately; keeping watch over her—at a distance—for 15 years, then dictating her actions might be romantic to some, but it reeks merely of cowardice for me personally despite Alexandra Ivy’s efforts to shed some light on the remorse and regret he has felt since he walked away from.
There’s a secondary romance in a sub-plot that never quite went anywhere and also a hint of another team member’s stalker—plot lines that are meant to tantalise for future books perhaps, but it felt squandered instead when these scenes (and the subsequent switches in POVs) detracted from the building action and suspense. On a broader scale, ‘Kill Without Shame’ has all the right ingredients, I guess the individual bits, along with several clichéd moments that put it all together failed for me.
*ARC by netgalley
(still so grateful for the early copy, mind)
After a 15-year absence of doing whatever he wanted, the appearance of high high-school ex on a dead man’s belongings convinces Lucas St. Clair that he’d always loved the woman whom he’d broken up with. It’s a premise that gets my spidey sense tingling as he goes in search of her to protect her—as well as to convince them that they really do belong together after walking away from Mia Ramon supposedly for her own good. Forgive my scepticism and my own unforgiving instincts when it comes to a limp explanation that I felt Mia accepted too easily because he smelled good, had a huge ton of sex appeal, good sexual moves and a hot body. A sleek, smooth apology and it was back in bed with him, because the threat against her made it easy to lean in on Lucas who happened to be conveniently there and gave him the reason to hone in once more on her when he saw the opportunity.
As always, my issue with second-chance romances is the believability of it, particular when one party has forsaken another for no apparent good reason, then returns out of the blue expecting forgiveness and a HEA after having spent the intervening years apart trying to forget her with other women, muscling in finally because she ’needs’ him. Had the threat against Mia not materialised, would he have gone after this woman whom he proclaimed to be the only one for him? Lucas St. Clair’s bullying and controlling behaviour rubbed me the wrong way, unfortunately; keeping watch over her—at a distance—for 15 years, then dictating her actions might be romantic to some, but it reeks merely of cowardice for me personally despite Alexandra Ivy’s efforts to shed some light on the remorse and regret he has felt since he walked away from.
There’s a secondary romance in a sub-plot that never quite went anywhere and also a hint of another team member’s stalker—plot lines that are meant to tantalise for future books perhaps, but it felt squandered instead when these scenes (and the subsequent switches in POVs) detracted from the building action and suspense. On a broader scale, ‘Kill Without Shame’ has all the right ingredients, I guess the individual bits, along with several clichéd moments that put it all together failed for me.
*ARC by netgalley
(still so grateful for the early copy, mind)
February 22, 2018
Kill Without Shame is the second book in the ARES Security series featuring five soldiers who were bound together in horror when they were taken prisoner by the Taliban. These protective alpha males have returned stateside and maintained their closeness to include starting a security firm together - ARES Security. Now each one will exercise those protective instincts to save a damsel and bring her into the fold.
Our hero in this installment is Lucas St. Clair, the charmer of the group. Lucas came from power and privilege, and probably surprised and angered his family with his decision to go into the military. When an old acquaintance is killed holding a picture of Lucas' high school sweetheart, he hightails it back to Louisiana to save the day. My connection with Lucas was not as strong as I felt with Rafe in Kill Without Mercy. I admired his determination to save Mia and bring her back into his life, but I wish we had more character development for him. He didn't come off as a tortured hero despite his time as a prisoner of war, and I didn't feel he was bonded to his Ares brothers quite as strongly as some of the other guys.
Mia Ramon was the daughter of the St. Clair family's landscaper, and viewed as wholly inappropriate for the golden boy, Lucas. Despite running her own successful landscaping business, Mia lives with a chip on her shoulder from Lucas' desertion so long ago. But Mia had no choice but to accept Lucas' help when it becomes apparent that someone is out to kill her. I liked that Mia has somewhat dragged herself from the poverty of the Louisiana swamp and built a life for herself.
The mystery was laid out well in this one. I liked who was picked to be the villain, the murder plot, and the investigating detectives. But I also felt that all of our characters were slow on the uptake. I thought their suspicions should have been raised sooner, and even common sense deduction seemed to point at our culprit.
Probably my favorite part of the series is still the brotherhood between the Ares men. As I wasn't connecting totally with Lucas, I liked that Max and Teagan were around to capture some of my attention. I still think Teagan will be my favorite of the group, so I hope that his book comes around soon.
August 21, 2018
I really liked the romance in this one. I was a bit surprised as second chance is not my favorite trope. I think why this one worked for me was because Lucas looked out for Mia from afar for a long time, he truly thought she was better of without him. But the second she was threatened he was there for her. The secondary romance was good too, the couple so deliciously awkward.
The crime they all were investigating was pretty predictable, with one exception, how the murdered person was connected to the bad guy. But once that came out it was easy to connect the dots.
The crime they all were investigating was pretty predictable, with one exception, how the murdered person was connected to the bad guy. But once that came out it was easy to connect the dots.
January 3, 2017
Five soldiers became five brothers when they were held in Taliban prison for weeks of brutal torture. It’s been over two years since returning from the war, and now the men run a successful security firm in Texas. Lucas St. Clair, hostage negotiator, comes from a wealthy, well-connected family who expected him to be a big-wig statesman. Yet after his time as a POW, Lucas left his manipulative family for his brothers-in-arms, founding ARES Security. However, when high school friend Anthony "Tony" Hughes was murdered near ARES offices, Lucas is drawn back to his hometown of Shreveport, LA, and face-to-face with Mia Ramon — the one that got away.
Mia Ramon has come a long way since she last saw Lucas St. Clair, taking over her father’s small lawn mowing business and turning it into a successful landscape company. She doesn’t have time for Lucas to waltz back into her life after he broke her heart 15 years ago. Yet, when she learns that her friend Tony was murdered with a photo of her in his hands, she realizes that Lucas may be the only one to help her find Tony’s murderer.
Once again, Alexandra Ivy weaves a suspenseful tale that captured me from page one. Kill Without Shame is the second story in Ms. Ivy’s ARES Security series. Although there is a small overall story arc, the romance and mystery are very much standalone, with no connection to the first book. Lucas and Mia’s story is gripping and sweet. The romance and suspense are well balanced. I liked that Mia and Lucas had a strong history, which gave their romance solid footing in the perilous situations. And there was little confession of feelings at inappropriate times - something that is a huge pet peeve of mine for romantic suspense titles.
Lucas and Mia had a friendship and attraction that was easy to rekindle because neither ever got over the other. The author does a wonderful job establishing their backstory, filling it with strong emotions, which gave credibility and strength to the situation. While Lucas wanted to be all alpha-caveman, he listened to the good advice of his friends, meeting strong-willed Mia on middle ground when it came to the investigation. And both were upfront about lingering hurt from the past, allowing them to quickly move past the pain and onto the future.
The mystery of who shot Tony and what it had to do with Mia was engrossing and cleverly written. The author gave me enough clues that I was able to piece it together before the characters; however, I was privy to all the information, not just bits and pieces. And even after I mostly figured it out, the story still drew me in and captured me. I enjoyed watching Lucas and Mia put it all together.
I had one small issue with the Kill Without Shame, which came near the climax of the investigation. There is a scene when Lucas puts Mia in a dangerous situation, which is WAY out of character for this over-protective male. The thing is… there was absolutely no reason for it, which is why it felt off. If it had been out of Lucas’s ability to do something different, it would have been more believable. However, it did set up the final showdown scene, so I rolled with it.
Overall, Kill Without Shame is an entertaining, suspenseful story with great balance between action and romance. The love story worked well because of the pair’s history together with their open communication and compromises. I completely enjoyed Lucas and Mia’s story and look forward to more from the ARES Security series.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Mia Ramon has come a long way since she last saw Lucas St. Clair, taking over her father’s small lawn mowing business and turning it into a successful landscape company. She doesn’t have time for Lucas to waltz back into her life after he broke her heart 15 years ago. Yet, when she learns that her friend Tony was murdered with a photo of her in his hands, she realizes that Lucas may be the only one to help her find Tony’s murderer.
Once again, Alexandra Ivy weaves a suspenseful tale that captured me from page one. Kill Without Shame is the second story in Ms. Ivy’s ARES Security series. Although there is a small overall story arc, the romance and mystery are very much standalone, with no connection to the first book. Lucas and Mia’s story is gripping and sweet. The romance and suspense are well balanced. I liked that Mia and Lucas had a strong history, which gave their romance solid footing in the perilous situations. And there was little confession of feelings at inappropriate times - something that is a huge pet peeve of mine for romantic suspense titles.
Lucas and Mia had a friendship and attraction that was easy to rekindle because neither ever got over the other. The author does a wonderful job establishing their backstory, filling it with strong emotions, which gave credibility and strength to the situation. While Lucas wanted to be all alpha-caveman, he listened to the good advice of his friends, meeting strong-willed Mia on middle ground when it came to the investigation. And both were upfront about lingering hurt from the past, allowing them to quickly move past the pain and onto the future.
The mystery of who shot Tony and what it had to do with Mia was engrossing and cleverly written. The author gave me enough clues that I was able to piece it together before the characters; however, I was privy to all the information, not just bits and pieces. And even after I mostly figured it out, the story still drew me in and captured me. I enjoyed watching Lucas and Mia put it all together.
I had one small issue with the Kill Without Shame, which came near the climax of the investigation. There is a scene when Lucas puts Mia in a dangerous situation, which is WAY out of character for this over-protective male. The thing is… there was absolutely no reason for it, which is why it felt off. If it had been out of Lucas’s ability to do something different, it would have been more believable. However, it did set up the final showdown scene, so I rolled with it.
Overall, Kill Without Shame is an entertaining, suspenseful story with great balance between action and romance. The love story worked well because of the pair’s history together with their open communication and compromises. I completely enjoyed Lucas and Mia’s story and look forward to more from the ARES Security series.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by Netgalley
January 5, 2017
Wow I forgot how much I loved these group of guys. Lucas is an heir to so much but he wants nothing to do with that all he cares is his brothers who were there for him when they were captured in the military and Mia the one who got away. When he is question about a friend he knew back in high school he thought nothing of it but when he was found murdered a couple blocks away from ARES his security business and with a picture of Mia he is on high alert. Mia hasn't been the same since Lucas broke up with her and left her high and dry but she still managed to build her father's landscape business into something important. When she learns her friend died she tries to do some investigating but Lucas shows up and stops her but even when Mia is being hunted Lucas has a way of making her melt. He knows he has to do everything he can to let her trust him again and prove he will not leave her as well as keeping her safe from a killer trying to kill her. Great story kept me on my toes trying to figure out who done it while finding out who's the next story going to be about.
December 27, 2016
As always Ms. Ivy hits a home run!
This is Lucas' book and he is determined to keep the woman he pushed away fifteen years ago safe after a mutual friend ends up murdered while holding a photo of Mia. Once Lucas sees the photo he walks out of the bar and leaves the detective staring at him. Teagan is right beside him and asks what he needs. Lucas informs Teagan that he is going to Louisiana and doesn't know how long he'll be gone.
Mia never thought she would see Lucas again and clearly neither did Taylor, her friend and assistant. Although Taylor wants to use her stun gun on him. After all, he hurt her friend fifteen years ago and he isn't going to get the chance to do it again. Mia doesn't have much of a choice though because someone wants her dead and she knows Lucas has the best chance of finding out who.
This is an intricate tale of murder and theft, of lovers and friends. It's a hit and it lives up to its name.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is Lucas' book and he is determined to keep the woman he pushed away fifteen years ago safe after a mutual friend ends up murdered while holding a photo of Mia. Once Lucas sees the photo he walks out of the bar and leaves the detective staring at him. Teagan is right beside him and asks what he needs. Lucas informs Teagan that he is going to Louisiana and doesn't know how long he'll be gone.
Mia never thought she would see Lucas again and clearly neither did Taylor, her friend and assistant. Although Taylor wants to use her stun gun on him. After all, he hurt her friend fifteen years ago and he isn't going to get the chance to do it again. Mia doesn't have much of a choice though because someone wants her dead and she knows Lucas has the best chance of finding out who.
This is an intricate tale of murder and theft, of lovers and friends. It's a hit and it lives up to its name.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2017
This series is amazing... great story line I enjoyed reading Lucas and Mia's story and hopefully the author will write Hauk's book next or Teagan or even Max and I can't wait
September 5, 2020
Why did it have to be Lucas St. Clair that got the only other book in this series? I'm assuming the others were supposed to get a book at some point, but Lucas was the one I was the least interested in. Teagan and Max are so much more interesting! I'd rather have read their book. But we got Lucas instead. He's the son of gazillionaires who joined the military with the aims of living up to the family expectations of being a politician before the whole Taliban torture thing changed his life. And those expectations and what they would have done to Mia was the primary reason he ditched her back when he was 18 and left her brokenhearted. But when a former "friend" of Lucas and Mia is killed carrying a photo of Mia with the words "Kill her or else" Lucas rushes to his hometown to protect her. And after 15 years without a word from Lucas, Mia isn't thrilled to see him (except physically apparently). Although she does see the necessity of protection and she's not going to turn down a security expert, she's not quite ready to forgive him.
Despite not having thought about going back to Mia and attempting to win her back in the past 15 years, as soon as he sees her, he's open and honest about wanting her back. He's also sorta willing to be patient as she learns to trust him again. But being a second chance romance and me being picky about that sort of thing, I wasn't quite satisfied with his efforts. First of all, I couldn't shake the fact that, if Lucas hadn't been told about his friend's death, Mia would probably be dead and Lucas would have lived on in regret. He never would have gone back to her if her life hadn't been in danger. I'm with Mia wondering what it means that he hadn't communicated with her, at all, in 15 years...not until her life was being threatened...then it's all, "I could lose her." And on top of that, although Lucas seemed remorseful and Mia could occasionally "see his regret," I could never actually feel it. There's maybe one point in the story where he realizes she could walk out of his life and he gets a small taste of what Mia went through 15 years earlier (and I do appreciate that at least), but it wasn't enough. We never really feel his regret or even an acknowledgement of what he'd done to her (or how his actions might have changed her). That being said, although I didn't care for the second chance romance aspect of things, I did still like the romance between Mia and Lucas. It was sexy and I never felt like Lucas was being a douchebag or anything in his determination. They made a pretty enjoyable couple. I actually found myself fairly intrigued with Taylor and Detective Cooper's romance, but was somewhat disappointed that it never really got any closure or went anywhere beyond flirtation.
The suspense plot starts out pretty decent with Mia and Lucas investigating their friend's death and trying to figure out who wants Mia dead. Some of it is police procedural type stuff with Lucas and his friends finding evidence and it's interspersed with moments where the main characters find their lives in danger and they have to fight their way out of it. This did take a step towards ridiculous when, instead of taking evidence to the police, Lucas takes Mia along to confront the villain...to do what? To get a confession? To spook her? They can't make an arrest and they've potentially tipped their hand. It would have made more sense to wait for more evidence (as the police were doing) and be wary of this particular individual until they were neutralized. But clearly that would not have been as exciting or have put them in quite as much danger, so it's allowed for the sake of suspense I guess. An average suspense plot overall with some predictablity but also some decent excitement.
Despite not having thought about going back to Mia and attempting to win her back in the past 15 years, as soon as he sees her, he's open and honest about wanting her back. He's also sorta willing to be patient as she learns to trust him again. But being a second chance romance and me being picky about that sort of thing, I wasn't quite satisfied with his efforts. First of all, I couldn't shake the fact that, if Lucas hadn't been told about his friend's death, Mia would probably be dead and Lucas would have lived on in regret. He never would have gone back to her if her life hadn't been in danger. I'm with Mia wondering what it means that he hadn't communicated with her, at all, in 15 years...not until her life was being threatened...then it's all, "I could lose her." And on top of that, although Lucas seemed remorseful and Mia could occasionally "see his regret," I could never actually feel it. There's maybe one point in the story where he realizes she could walk out of his life and he gets a small taste of what Mia went through 15 years earlier (and I do appreciate that at least), but it wasn't enough. We never really feel his regret or even an acknowledgement of what he'd done to her (or how his actions might have changed her). That being said, although I didn't care for the second chance romance aspect of things, I did still like the romance between Mia and Lucas. It was sexy and I never felt like Lucas was being a douchebag or anything in his determination. They made a pretty enjoyable couple. I actually found myself fairly intrigued with Taylor and Detective Cooper's romance, but was somewhat disappointed that it never really got any closure or went anywhere beyond flirtation.
The suspense plot starts out pretty decent with Mia and Lucas investigating their friend's death and trying to figure out who wants Mia dead. Some of it is police procedural type stuff with Lucas and his friends finding evidence and it's interspersed with moments where the main characters find their lives in danger and they have to fight their way out of it. This did take a step towards ridiculous when, instead of taking evidence to the police, Lucas takes Mia along to confront the villain...to do what? To get a confession? To spook her? They can't make an arrest and they've potentially tipped their hand. It would have made more sense to wait for more evidence (as the police were doing) and be wary of this particular individual until they were neutralized. But clearly that would not have been as exciting or have put them in quite as much danger, so it's allowed for the sake of suspense I guess. An average suspense plot overall with some predictablity but also some decent excitement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2017
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
I was very excited to get back into the world of ARES Security and the brothers of a sort that run it. This series follows five guys who became friends while in a Taliban prison. They endured hell which has made them closer than brothers could ever be. Now they all use their skills to keep the people in America safe from other Americans.
Lucas St. Clair came from an elite family. They expected him to one day run for government. His family has very strict rules for how a family should be and how one should present itself. Lucas wants nothing to do with that. He got really tired of his family always frowning at everything he wanted. Now he just wants to do his job with his friends. He isn’t happy when he is drawn back into town when a old friend from high school is killed. Tony was not only dead, but he was found with a picture of Lucas’s old girlfriend, Mia.
Mia is very much blue collar girl. She grew up in the wrong part of Louisiana swamps. She was very embarrassed by her alcoholic father and trashy yard. Even when she was in school, she knew that she wasn’t good enough for Lucas (even though Lucas didn’t believe that for a moment). Now, she is all grown up and has taken her father’s lawn mowing business and turned it into a very successful landscaping business.
This story has a great mystery in how they go about trying to figure out who killed Tony. There is also some great investigation in how some other people are tied to this case. In addition to Lucas and Mia, there is a romance between two secondary characters, Max the detective and Taylor, and single mother that works for Mia in the office.
While I’m a really big fan of reading a series in order, those of you that are not bothered by reading out of order can start with this book. The story is mostly stand alone and I think Ms. Ivy does a great job of bringing in the details you need for that were given in the first book. If you like a romantic suspense/murder mystery, this is a great choice.
Narration
I’m a huge fan of Jim Frangione. I started listening to him with Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I’ve been very pleased with several books that i’ve listened to since I first found him. I will mention that I felt a little bit like I was back in the BDB world at the beginning of this book with the characters talking “shitkickers” and saying “True that.” Luckily, that didn’t stick around for long and I was back in the headspace for ARES. I’ve known some people who don’t like Frangione’s women’s voices, but I don’t mind them. I do like him for alpha male type characters. I also think he is great with pace and tone.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited to get back into the world of ARES Security and the brothers of a sort that run it. This series follows five guys who became friends while in a Taliban prison. They endured hell which has made them closer than brothers could ever be. Now they all use their skills to keep the people in America safe from other Americans.
Lucas St. Clair came from an elite family. They expected him to one day run for government. His family has very strict rules for how a family should be and how one should present itself. Lucas wants nothing to do with that. He got really tired of his family always frowning at everything he wanted. Now he just wants to do his job with his friends. He isn’t happy when he is drawn back into town when a old friend from high school is killed. Tony was not only dead, but he was found with a picture of Lucas’s old girlfriend, Mia.
Mia is very much blue collar girl. She grew up in the wrong part of Louisiana swamps. She was very embarrassed by her alcoholic father and trashy yard. Even when she was in school, she knew that she wasn’t good enough for Lucas (even though Lucas didn’t believe that for a moment). Now, she is all grown up and has taken her father’s lawn mowing business and turned it into a very successful landscaping business.
This story has a great mystery in how they go about trying to figure out who killed Tony. There is also some great investigation in how some other people are tied to this case. In addition to Lucas and Mia, there is a romance between two secondary characters, Max the detective and Taylor, and single mother that works for Mia in the office.
While I’m a really big fan of reading a series in order, those of you that are not bothered by reading out of order can start with this book. The story is mostly stand alone and I think Ms. Ivy does a great job of bringing in the details you need for that were given in the first book. If you like a romantic suspense/murder mystery, this is a great choice.
Narration
I’m a huge fan of Jim Frangione. I started listening to him with Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I’ve been very pleased with several books that i’ve listened to since I first found him. I will mention that I felt a little bit like I was back in the BDB world at the beginning of this book with the characters talking “shitkickers” and saying “True that.” Luckily, that didn’t stick around for long and I was back in the headspace for ARES. I’ve known some people who don’t like Frangione’s women’s voices, but I don’t mind them. I do like him for alpha male type characters. I also think he is great with pace and tone.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2016
I loved the first book of the series, Kill Without Mercy, and was so excited to get this title from NetGalley for a review. And the story is built on a suspenseful puzzle to be solved, a murder of an old friend that makes no sense, and a second chance romance that kindle the feelings from years past.
But from the beginning I got this feeling that I know this story, I even knew who the culprit was, and how it all went about before the clues came to light. That doesn't say the story wasn't good, just an odd feeling to have.
I liked Mia and her spunk and strength. She had made a good life for herself and was successful in all the areas of her life. Her obvious weakness was Lucas and the attraction between them. Because the fire from their past, from high school, was still burning like they were never separated for years.
Lucas is a rather complex character. He says he has left his family and their demands behind, but at every opportunity uses their name to get a headway. He says he is not going to touch the trust fund for nothing, and with the first opportunity is planning to use it to move forward. He left Mia when he was eighteen, with no explanations, breaking her heart. Now he forces his constant presence into her life, and she lets it happen. Lucas really dances on the thin line between being protective alpha male and being a forceful jerk who doesn't listen to others or respect them and their opinion. He has good intentions, and in his heart, he knows what he wants and why, yet he is not communicating this to Mia, even though he is supposed to be the master communicator that solves international crises. Lucas, or his behavior, frustrated me several times.
The story is told from several different points of view, and there's a hint of a secondary romance on the side as well, with Mia's friend Taylor and the detective. I'm still not sure what role that secondary romance played in the book, it didn't add to the plot considerably, but every time Taylor and Cooper got screen time, the point of view was switched to them and the flow of the tale interrupted. I really enjoyed both Taylor and Cooper, I was invested in them, I wanted to know more about them, but still wondering its necessity to the main plot.
The threats that Hauk got in the first book of the series are still in the background of this book, still being investigated and the mystery of them continues to carry on. Yet this story can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
The action is fearful and intense, the deadly attempts to eliminate Mia at any cost or collateral damage are dire and dreadful. The danger gets on the doorsteps and too close too many times, yet the pieces of the puzzle are not fitting in neatly, it seems the culprit is hiding in plain sight.
The feelings, the attraction, the pull to each other between Mia and Lucas are a blazing fire as soon as they lay eyes on each other again. The past hurt and mistakes fade away, and there's only one goal in mind: to stay alive long enough to have another chance, a new opportunity to built something between them.
This was a good story, entertaining and engaging if lacking on originality (as I was so familiar with the plot and the twists in it). The intrigue towards the series is still strong, to learn more about the team and their destinies are still tickling in my mind and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.
~ Three Spoon with a teaspoon on the side
But from the beginning I got this feeling that I know this story, I even knew who the culprit was, and how it all went about before the clues came to light. That doesn't say the story wasn't good, just an odd feeling to have.
I liked Mia and her spunk and strength. She had made a good life for herself and was successful in all the areas of her life. Her obvious weakness was Lucas and the attraction between them. Because the fire from their past, from high school, was still burning like they were never separated for years.
Lucas is a rather complex character. He says he has left his family and their demands behind, but at every opportunity uses their name to get a headway. He says he is not going to touch the trust fund for nothing, and with the first opportunity is planning to use it to move forward. He left Mia when he was eighteen, with no explanations, breaking her heart. Now he forces his constant presence into her life, and she lets it happen. Lucas really dances on the thin line between being protective alpha male and being a forceful jerk who doesn't listen to others or respect them and their opinion. He has good intentions, and in his heart, he knows what he wants and why, yet he is not communicating this to Mia, even though he is supposed to be the master communicator that solves international crises. Lucas, or his behavior, frustrated me several times.
The story is told from several different points of view, and there's a hint of a secondary romance on the side as well, with Mia's friend Taylor and the detective. I'm still not sure what role that secondary romance played in the book, it didn't add to the plot considerably, but every time Taylor and Cooper got screen time, the point of view was switched to them and the flow of the tale interrupted. I really enjoyed both Taylor and Cooper, I was invested in them, I wanted to know more about them, but still wondering its necessity to the main plot.
The threats that Hauk got in the first book of the series are still in the background of this book, still being investigated and the mystery of them continues to carry on. Yet this story can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
The action is fearful and intense, the deadly attempts to eliminate Mia at any cost or collateral damage are dire and dreadful. The danger gets on the doorsteps and too close too many times, yet the pieces of the puzzle are not fitting in neatly, it seems the culprit is hiding in plain sight.
The feelings, the attraction, the pull to each other between Mia and Lucas are a blazing fire as soon as they lay eyes on each other again. The past hurt and mistakes fade away, and there's only one goal in mind: to stay alive long enough to have another chance, a new opportunity to built something between them.
This was a good story, entertaining and engaging if lacking on originality (as I was so familiar with the plot and the twists in it). The intrigue towards the series is still strong, to learn more about the team and their destinies are still tickling in my mind and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.
~ Three Spoon with a teaspoon on the side
February 10, 2017
ARC REVIEW
Ooooo Book two in Alexandra Ivy's new ARES Security series. Really good suspense and a wonderful romance, I'm a sucker for second chance romance. Mia was just the gardener's daughter but to Lucas she was so much more. She's the one who got away and Lucas never stopped loving her or looking out for her. Lucas never thought he was worthy enough for her and knew she would never forgive him after the way he left and he thought she had every right to hate him. Mia tried to forget Lucas, she made herself believe she was over him, but as much as she wanted to rush back into his arms when he showed up out of the blue her heart still hurt so much from when he left. She doesn't want to open herself up for that kind pain again.
The men of ARES Security are still trying to find out who is sending threats and stalking Hauk but then Lucas gets waylaid by the murder of an old school friend, Tony, who came all the way to Houston from Shreveport to see Lucas. In the dead man's front pocket was a picture of Mia, Lucas' high school girlfriend, on the back of the picture were the words "Kill her or else". Local PD be damned Lucas rushes off to Shreveport to protect Mia whether she likes it or not and get to the bottom of why someone would want her dead. Mia and Tony were best friends, she always had his back and until recently he worked part time for her landscaping company but after getting busted for drugs she had to let him go. Mia took over her father's landscaping business and turned it into a thriving and successful business; Mia was well on her way of achieving her dreams.
Tony's death sends everything into a spiral, Lucas comes back to a place he said he would never return to but Mia's life is in danger and he will stop at nothing to protect her and find out what is really going on. Mia swears she's over Lucas and tries to keep him at a distance but at every step he's there and this time he's not leaving when it's all over. The truth about the past and why he left finally comes out and Mia is astounded. Lucas stirs up a hornet's nest and with the help of ARES Security they find out the truth about the many secrets Tony was keeping. Lucas and Mia fall deeper in love with the people they have grown up to be.
Overall, the conclusion is outstanding and it was a great story. I really liked Lucas. I look forward to Teagan and Hauk's story.
Ooooo Book two in Alexandra Ivy's new ARES Security series. Really good suspense and a wonderful romance, I'm a sucker for second chance romance. Mia was just the gardener's daughter but to Lucas she was so much more. She's the one who got away and Lucas never stopped loving her or looking out for her. Lucas never thought he was worthy enough for her and knew she would never forgive him after the way he left and he thought she had every right to hate him. Mia tried to forget Lucas, she made herself believe she was over him, but as much as she wanted to rush back into his arms when he showed up out of the blue her heart still hurt so much from when he left. She doesn't want to open herself up for that kind pain again.
The men of ARES Security are still trying to find out who is sending threats and stalking Hauk but then Lucas gets waylaid by the murder of an old school friend, Tony, who came all the way to Houston from Shreveport to see Lucas. In the dead man's front pocket was a picture of Mia, Lucas' high school girlfriend, on the back of the picture were the words "Kill her or else". Local PD be damned Lucas rushes off to Shreveport to protect Mia whether she likes it or not and get to the bottom of why someone would want her dead. Mia and Tony were best friends, she always had his back and until recently he worked part time for her landscaping company but after getting busted for drugs she had to let him go. Mia took over her father's landscaping business and turned it into a thriving and successful business; Mia was well on her way of achieving her dreams.
Tony's death sends everything into a spiral, Lucas comes back to a place he said he would never return to but Mia's life is in danger and he will stop at nothing to protect her and find out what is really going on. Mia swears she's over Lucas and tries to keep him at a distance but at every step he's there and this time he's not leaving when it's all over. The truth about the past and why he left finally comes out and Mia is astounded. Lucas stirs up a hornet's nest and with the help of ARES Security they find out the truth about the many secrets Tony was keeping. Lucas and Mia fall deeper in love with the people they have grown up to be.
Overall, the conclusion is outstanding and it was a great story. I really liked Lucas. I look forward to Teagan and Hauk's story.
February 8, 2017
5 Rip roaring Stars!!!!!! Wooooooohooooooo*********
Ms. Ivy has done it again. I immediately downloaded this book today and got down to the business of reading and just literally finished this awesome story. Lol...My house and laundry needs cleaning, but reading the next installment in the ARES security came first! Lol...What can I say, I am enraptured with these men and the family bond they shared after being tortured for weeks in Afghanistan. In the 2nd book we have the story of Lucas, the smooth talking hostage negotiator and Mia Ramon, the heroine and his one true love. About 16 years ago Lucas left the love of his life, thinking it was better for them this way, but now that her life is in danger, there is nothing that is going to stop him from being by her side and doing everything in his power to get her back. I adored Lucas for being vulnerable and admitting his mistake, I especially loved that he had no problem at all of putting his heart on the line to get his woman back and to keep her by his side forever. This story had it all danger, suspense, murder, brothers in arms, hot sex scenes and most importantly love. There was also a little side story for Mia's best friend Taylor, who had been dealt a hard blow in life but remained strong and she too may have found her HEA. I am in love with all of these men, Rafe and Annie have their HEA from the 1st book in the series, Kill without Mercy, and now Lucas and Mia are having their HEA. We still have Hauk, Max and Teagan to go and I am eagerly anticipating all of there stories but none so much as Hauk's. If you have read this series from the beginning, someone is stalking the sniper in the group and no one can pin down who it is. Please Ms. Ivy, don't let his book be the last one in the series....please don't do that to your avid fans. Lol...Loved it!!! A fantabulous read!!!!!
Ms. Ivy has done it again. I immediately downloaded this book today and got down to the business of reading and just literally finished this awesome story. Lol...My house and laundry needs cleaning, but reading the next installment in the ARES security came first! Lol...What can I say, I am enraptured with these men and the family bond they shared after being tortured for weeks in Afghanistan. In the 2nd book we have the story of Lucas, the smooth talking hostage negotiator and Mia Ramon, the heroine and his one true love. About 16 years ago Lucas left the love of his life, thinking it was better for them this way, but now that her life is in danger, there is nothing that is going to stop him from being by her side and doing everything in his power to get her back. I adored Lucas for being vulnerable and admitting his mistake, I especially loved that he had no problem at all of putting his heart on the line to get his woman back and to keep her by his side forever. This story had it all danger, suspense, murder, brothers in arms, hot sex scenes and most importantly love. There was also a little side story for Mia's best friend Taylor, who had been dealt a hard blow in life but remained strong and she too may have found her HEA. I am in love with all of these men, Rafe and Annie have their HEA from the 1st book in the series, Kill without Mercy, and now Lucas and Mia are having their HEA. We still have Hauk, Max and Teagan to go and I am eagerly anticipating all of there stories but none so much as Hauk's. If you have read this series from the beginning, someone is stalking the sniper in the group and no one can pin down who it is. Please Ms. Ivy, don't let his book be the last one in the series....please don't do that to your avid fans. Lol...Loved it!!! A fantabulous read!!!!!
December 6, 2016
I had never read this series but I love Alexandra Ivy, so when the opportunity to read this one came along I jumped on it.
I decided to pick up the first book and read it before this one. It's not necessary to enjoy this second book in the series, you won't be lost if you haven't read the first, but it was a pretty awesome book so go for it if you can.
I really like this series. I love romance, I love suspense and action, I love a few steamy scenes thrown in, so this was a great pick for me as it had it all. I'm not really a fan of the "second chance romance" plot, I like things new and fresh, but I rolled with it. And since they had this history it kept it out of the insta love territory.
I loved Lucas and Mia together. I could feel the chemistry and heat between them. Even though Lucas was a bit over protective (rightly so), Mia still stood on her own two feet. They made a nice team. The mystery was not too hard to figure out but it was nice to get all the little details.
All in all a fun, exciting, read. I love the men of ARES and can't wait to see who's up in the next book.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I decided to pick up the first book and read it before this one. It's not necessary to enjoy this second book in the series, you won't be lost if you haven't read the first, but it was a pretty awesome book so go for it if you can.
I really like this series. I love romance, I love suspense and action, I love a few steamy scenes thrown in, so this was a great pick for me as it had it all. I'm not really a fan of the "second chance romance" plot, I like things new and fresh, but I rolled with it. And since they had this history it kept it out of the insta love territory.
I loved Lucas and Mia together. I could feel the chemistry and heat between them. Even though Lucas was a bit over protective (rightly so), Mia still stood on her own two feet. They made a nice team. The mystery was not too hard to figure out but it was nice to get all the little details.
All in all a fun, exciting, read. I love the men of ARES and can't wait to see who's up in the next book.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 9, 2017
Lucas left the woman he loved for a better future, in his mind, but now years later history is coming knocking on his door. Will he do better this time?
Mia´s made a life for herself in her old hometown, but she never forgot her first love. Now that he´s back with ridiculous claims about her safety, will she be able to trust again? And what happens when the threat turns deadly?
Contemporary action, suspense and smutty fluff in an awesome combo, love returning to the Ares men!
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review, although I already had it on pre-order =D
Mia´s made a life for herself in her old hometown, but she never forgot her first love. Now that he´s back with ridiculous claims about her safety, will she be able to trust again? And what happens when the threat turns deadly?
Contemporary action, suspense and smutty fluff in an awesome combo, love returning to the Ares men!
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review, although I already had it on pre-order =D
December 22, 2016
I love where the author is going with this series. I love the connection with all the guys. It was good to get Lucas' backstory. Lucas and Mia seemed destined for each other. Nice build up to the suspense and reveal.
Looking forward to digging into the lives of the rest of the team.
Great read!
*Complimentary copy received via Netgalley for an honest review.
Looking forward to digging into the lives of the rest of the team.
Great read!
*Complimentary copy received via Netgalley for an honest review.
December 28, 2016
"A copy of this ARC has been provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review"
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