Final Siege

Love Over Duty #2

by Scarlett Cole

IN THE LINE OF FIRE…

Former SEAL Malachai “Mac” MacCarrick is all about the future he’s created with his Navy brothers in Eagle Securities, taking assignments in the most dangerous places, and doing things no one but ex-military would attempt. But when an urgent phone call brings his troubled past—and the woman he once loved—into the present, it’s a chance to redeem himself that he can’t refuse.

STRAIGHT TO THE HEART…

An investigative journalist researching an explosive story, Delaney Shapiro tells herself she got over Mac—and his role in her brother’s death—a long time ago. But the first moment she sees him at her bedside in an overseas hospital, she knows it’s not true. Every moment together rekindles the desire that once burned between them, and now that she’s a target for an emerging Russian arms dealer, Mac won’t let her out of his sight. To protect her, he’ll risk it all—including his life…

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance, Contemporary Romance

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 30, 2018

About the author

Four-time RITA finalist, Scarlett Cole, is a contemporary romantic suspense / contemporary romance author (represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency) who calls both Toronto, Canada and Manchester, England home. A born city dweller, she periodically quashes the urge to live in the country by hiking up a mountain to remind herself that living away from people would terrify the pants off her.

She believes everybody deserves their love story to be told and loves her heroes on the rough and rugged side…and usually tall (because she married one of those 6ft 6” men you read about in romance!). She’s an A-type personality and Scorpio star sign, so good luck getting her to do anything she doesn’t want to.

When she isn’t writing, she’s happy to talk hot men and expensive shoes while drinking a cold gin and tonic. Don’t bring up olives. As far as Scarlett is concerned, they are the devil’s food. As long as you don’t bring up olives, she’s happy to hear from any time.

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If you want to know more about Scarlett's books, visit her at:
www.scarlettcole.com

Reviews

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mac and Delaney were each other’s first love, a love they thought would last forever, but everything went to hell fourteen years ago. Mac had no hope he’d ever get a second chance with Delaney, but that all changes when she’s injured in another country and asks for him. Now that’s she’s opened that door again, he’s not letting go especially when it seems Delaney’s investigation has gotten her into a world of trouble. He’s just the man to help Delaney, being a retired Navy SEAL now operating an elite security business with his teammates.

Delaney blames Mac for the tragic death of her brother, Brock, but deep down she’s never got over him. Fourteen years later she realizes that blaming Mac for the whole thing isn’t fair, but she can’t let that hurt and blame go. Now after calling for Mac’s help, though, they’re forced into close quarters and she must face the truth of the past and the old deep feelings for Mac she’s tried to suppress for so long.

I was a little worried I’d become frustrated with Delaney for her stubborn stance with Mac over the death of her brother, but the deep connection between them was enough to make it a non-issue. Plus, the story was fast-paced, full of action and twists, so any scenes mulling over feelings of hurt or resentment were short lived and interspersed with touching scenes of the past, and a gradual healing between them. There was no denying that Mac and Delaney were deeply in love and being around each other again just reignited that love and passion that never truly died. Oh, I do love an emotion filled second-chance romance! Being older, wiser and having more experience made the heat they had in the past even more sizzling in the present!

Mac was amazing with Delaney, so patient with her coming to terms with the past while they tried to make sense of the threats coming her way. I was happy that Delaney acknowledged early on that she needed to be more reasonable about the blame she heaped on Mac, but that the pain of losing her brother clouded her judgement.

Final Siege was a thrilling read with filled with danger and suspense, but underneath all that was a steamy, emotionally charged second-chance romance! Loved how it all worked out, and I can’t wait for the next installment!

A copy was kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

This review is also posted at The Readers Den.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for review

Tragedy separated them 15 years ago, but when Delaney's in trouble the name she calls out is his. Mac drops everything and races to her side. Much drama ensues before she hears the rest of the story and forgives him. Lots of hot and sexy times along with intrigue and catching bad guys left over from book one. Now what's going to happen in Cabe's book?

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC provided by the author for an honest review*

Mac OMG HOT!!!!



I m luving this series so much. The first book in the series was great but this was even better. I just luv a second chance romances there just my favourite and Mac and Delaney story is just brilliant. I was really looking forward to more of these guys and girls.



The history between Mac and Delaney is good and bad. I feel so sorry for both characters they have been through so much together and seperate. Things are very complicated between them. Delaney holds so much hate and luv towards Mac. Even with the hate for Mac he is never far from her thoughts. Which just annoys her so much she wants to get on with her life and move on. But even after so many years he is always there in her mind.



Mac is just amazing hot brilliant I just luv this guy so much. He is my favourite Eagle man. The way that Mac will do and drop jus anything for Delaney is so cute and just shows how strong there relationship still is. Delaney fights the spark and sexual tension that's still strong but Mac won't let her get away this time. They both need each other but there is still things that need to be said.



I enjoy this book so much. The story was brilliant. I liked that the story did blend in with the first book. The books are standalone but I think it's better to read them in order. The first book is amazing as well so you won't be disappointed. It's was great getting more of Six and Cabe these guys are just great there friendship is so solid. I'm dying for more of this series. I just know that Cabe's book is goin to be great. I would highly recommend this series and book so far it is so good. The story is sexy full of drama and characters that you will luv from the start and left wanting more of them. I couldn't put this book down once I started it I was hooked.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Separated by a tragic accident 15 year before, Delaney’s and Mac’s world collide when Delaney shows up at Mac’s bedside after a mission goes very wrong, leaving him injured.

Delaney blames Mac for the death of her brother, Mac’s best friend.

Mac doesn’t want to let Delaney go again.

When Delaney’s research for reporting pulls her front and center with a Russian arms dealer, Mac will do whatever it takes to keep Delaney safe.

Explosive sexual chemistry, heartfelt drama and a heavy dose of suspense to get your heart rate accelerating, Cole covers all her bases for an amazing romantic suspense!

I received this ARC copy of Final Siege from St Marins Press. This is my voluntary and honest review. Final Siege is set for publication Jan. 30, 2018.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Malachai "Mac" MacCarrick gets a call that his his former love, Delaney Shapiro, is in a German hospital, he takes off to help without question. He has not seen her in fourteen years after she blamed him for her brother's death. But now she has survived trauma and is injured.

Mac has never got over losing not only his best friend and feeling responsible for it, and losing the love of his life. He went in the military to honor her brother, and now owns Eagle Securities with their other two friends. He is strong, dependable, and still cares, but is also haunted by the past.

No matter what has happened in their history, he feels protective of her and his feelings have not changed...even if she does still hate him and does not want his help. She is bitter, stubborn, independent minded, tenacious, and is determined to keep him at arm's length.

But Delaney has no choice but to rely on Mac when they get home and realizes that she is still a target. As she tries to continue her investigation, it becomes even clearer that she is in danger and she needs more professional help than they realized. Mac has the skills and resources to fight for her, and he is determined to keep her safe...and hopefully find a way to earn her forgiveness and get to keep her in his life.

But miscommunication and issues from their past, unresolved feelings, guilt, and resentment still put up walls between them that Mac is trying to break down as Delaney keeps fortifying them. Mac is torn between duty and love. But right now it is most important for him to keep her alive so he has a chance of winning her back for good. And the mess they find themselves in is dangerous and unpredictable.

This installment pulled me right in and kept up the sexual tension, suspense, action, and emotion. It is a second chance love story based on forgiveness, redemption, and healing all mixed up in an action-packed, romantic suspense story. It brings back all of the Eagle Securities guys from the first book including his partners, Six and his new love, Louisa, and Cabe. These guys and Delaney all have history and that also adds depth to the story. There are plenty more team members and they all share a strong team ethic and also have funny rapport too. I am looking forward to Cabe's book, Deep Cover next.

I was gifted a copy by the publisher.
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[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this second book, we get Mac and Delaney's story. They were once childhood sweethearts until Delaney's brother died while cliff diving with Mac. Delaney and her family were told that witness saw Mac goad her brother into jumping when he didn't want too. This caused immediate resentment and the loss of their relationship.

Man, did I feel for Mac in this story. Not only did he lose his best friend, but also the love of his life that day on the cliffs. We learn that he did goad her brother into jumping but only at the request of Brock to not let him walk away. His dream was to become a Seal and he knew he needed to get over his fear of heights to succeed. Mac did the honorable thing and did not tell the family or police that Brock was trying to overcome his fear because behind that fear he felt he needed to prove to his family that he could make it. Mac knew what that would do to his family if they learned the truth.

Jump 15 years later, Delaney is an investigating journalist and was taken and beaten. When she gets rescued, she asks for Mac when she isn't very lucid. Mac flys all the way to Germany to help Delaney only to find out she doesn't really want his help. Mac sees this as his second chance and isn't going to give up.

I'm truly enjoying this new series from Scarlett Cole. I love a good romantic suspense and she's providing the protective Alphas I love to read about. The only reason this book wasn't as enjoyable as the first one is only because I'm not a big fan of pushing away. I don't mined a little bit of it but Delaney took it to all new levels. I would have loved it if they had reconciled earlier in the book. Despite the constant pushing, I still enjoyed how much tenacity Mac had when it came to his pursuit her. ARC provided by Netgalley.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.5/5

The Love Over Duty features the friends who worked and trained hard to become SEALs after the tragic death of their best friend fifteen years ago. They worked hard,  survived training and countless missions and have now formed their own company, Eagle Securities, specialising in taking on tasks only such highly trained people can do. One of these men is Malachai MacCarrick - aka Mac. He had been dating his best friend's younger sister, Delaney Shapiro, but when her brother died it tore them apart. When he is contacted to say she's asking for him whilst seriously injured after being rescued from a hostage situation he drops everything to fly to Germany to be with her. Her head doesn't want to give Mac another chance but her heart has other ideas.. . .

Delaney is an investigative journalist who has stirred things up considerably, hence her kidnapping and being kept as a hostage. On her return to the US the danger hasn't diminished and, as she continues to research matters, Mac discovers she's still a target for arms dealers. With her life on the line and her investigation linking other events the Eagle team have been involved in can they work together to bring the dealers to justice? Dare they rekindle their love? Will they stand any chance of finding their own HEA together?

This is a story which is full of grief, pain and anguish, secrets, angst and turmoil as well as being a fast paced romantic suspense. It is an enthralling page turner that takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster journey that I just didn't want to put down.  Under Fire is the first book in the series and I recommend reading that one before this as the story continues on from events in that book. This is a brilliant series and I can't wait to read Deep Cover, Cabe's story and the conclusion to this trilogy which is due to be published at the end of July, 2018.

I was gifted a copy of this book without obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying it!

[Dísir · Rating 2 out of 5]

A separation caused by tragedy, and a coincidental ‘rescue’ so to speak, 14 years later, leading to a second-chance romance did sound like the kind of story I wanted to dig into. Delaney and Mac do have weighted history and I was eager to see what Scarlett Cole would write about such a story and second chances, particularly after I got a sniff of what happened in their past.

But as an RS reader, I’m admittedly used to a style of writing that has gotten ingrained over the years, so these are my own preferences that I’m highlighting here—preferences that perhaps show how unused to Cole’s style I am.

For this reason, ‘Final Siege’ was hard to get into despite the enticing blurb, and these were mostly structural (narrative-wise) quibbles for me. Cole’s writing did throw me off in the instances of head-hopping—when the perspectives sometimes switched without warning—and the lack of demarcating in spots where scenes and dialogues just didn’t break or signal any time passing. With the lack of paragraphing and breaks, the whole narrative felt a little rambly, along with some awkward insertions of sentences that didn’t quite seem to flow with the development of a scene or aid in characterisation. Some parts, however, were well-written, though it was hard to get past the uneven way the whole story was laid out, particularly at the beginning of chapters where I found myself scrambling to make sense of context.

By and large, Delaney and Mac danced around the biggest ghost in their past that haunt them. Delaney did turn out frustrating at times: her inability to get over Mac’s supposed part in her brother’s death felt like something she hung onto simply so that she had a reason to keep on hating Mac. There was also a large focus on the push-pull happening between Delaney and Mac that got cloyingly repetitive when I’d expected the suspense to take priority after they meet again. That however, only kicked in somewhere near the halfway point, which made ‘Final Siege’ seem rather slow-paced for an RS book and in some way, like a game that went a step forward and 2 steps back.

That said, I’m not too sure how much of final revisions ARCs actually undergo. ‘Final Siege’ does unfortunately, look like a book that still needs a bit of editing; otherwise, it’ll be left as a story that’s got a potential which it never quite reached.

*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

[Gawelleb · Rating 1 out of 5]

J’ai même pas eu le courage de finir!
Déjà que je n’aime pas les histoires entre anciens amants qui se retrouvent mais là ça a été le pompon!
Attention spolier!
Le héros était avec le frère de l’héroïne quand celui-ci est mort (de façon débile en se jetant dans l’océan depuis une falaise). Depuis 15 ans l’autre gourde lui en veut et refuse d’écouter toute explication parce que ça fait maaaal! Perso, je trouve qu’on guérit mieux en sachant la vérité plutôt qu’écouter des « on dit » mais bon ... Sauf que l’autre couillon lui court après comme un petit chien chien à sa mémère parce qu’elle est soit disant la femme de sa vie (soit dit en passant ils ne se sont pas vus pendant 15 ans, elle a changé et pas en bien). Bref ... encore une fois, une histoire qui manque singulièrement de dialogue entre les personnages! Mais attention il y a aussi une héroïne qui se veut forte et intelligente mais qui souffre du complexe de Loïs Lane. C’est une journaliste qui s’est faite enlever, tabasser par des terroristes, qui une fois revenue aux USA se retrouve avec 27 impacts de balles sur sa porte (alors qu’elle était derrière) et qui est forte, courageuse et a un travail à finir ... sans l’aide du héros qui ancien Seal dirige une entreprise de sécurité... ben oui il a tué son frère vous vous souvenez? Bref la cocotte oublie que Lois se fout dans les emmerdes pas possible parce qu’en fait elle SAIT que Superman va la sauver ! Elle ne lui dit pas « Non non je suis une femme forte je n’ai pas besoin de protection face à des terroristes sans foi ni loi » ... bref une chieuse !!!
Bref une bouze !!

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *Final Siege had everything I love in a romantic suspense! There was, indeed a lot of suspense, a bit of anguish, some romance, and a lot of past hurt to resolve.


Story:
Final Siege was such a great story - Cole is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors for romantic suspense. Delaney was alluded to in Under Fire , and getting to meet her was such a treat! Especially because she was not in a good situation when Mac finally caught up to her after years of them not seeing each other.

One of the things I loved the most in Final Siege was the unresolved feelings and relationship between Mac and Delaney. Especially because they could have cleared everything up ages ago if they had only taken the time - and courage - to sit down together for a conversation.

One of the main themes in Final Siege is guilt. The guilt Mac felt after his best friend died in a diving accident. The guilt Delaney felt after her brother died, and she blamed Mac. Leaving him to fend for himself and his grief on his own.

When fate - and Delaney - brings the two of them back in the same orbit, there is chemistry. But there is so much more than that. It was easy to feel that they had history together, and that if they were able to let go of the past, they could be really good together.

The suspense part of Final Siege was really well done. Even as Mac and his friends and colleagues started to unravel the mystery with Delaney's help, there was a lot more to figure out. And Delaney was not the kind of woman to stay behind and let the men do all the hard work. Of course, this only made me love her more, because she did this in such a smart way.

If you're a fan of romantic suspense, you should pick up Under Fire right now, and then get Final Siege on release day;)
Characters:
Mac was the tough, gruff guy I just wanted to get to know better. I just had this feeling that underneath his hard exterior, there was a beautiful heart.

Delaney was the female character I have dreamt of meeting for a long time! She was smart, strong, level-headed, fair, and very organised. When push came to shove, she was able to set her fear aside to make sure she would manage to stay safe.
Writing style :
Final Siege is written in third person, past tense. There are chapters that show either Delaney's or Mac's point of view, and the narration also includes dialogues that helped me get to know all the characters better with each chapter.
Feels :
Oh my gosh, my feels! There was fear, there was hope, there was love, there was stubbornness, there was happiness, wariness, apprehension... If you can name another feeling, I probably felt that one, too!



He was right, and it irritated her. As did the way his T-shirt stretched across his biceps. She was still all kinds of raw from waking up in his arms on the plane. At first, she'd savored it, and then she'd remembered.

How much? Couldn't she see he didn't want his stupid money back? Or his place back. He wanted her back. The old her. The new her. All the different hers there were going to be in the future.

His duty and his love, two sides of the same coin.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two and a half stars.

So I quite liked the first book in this new series, the heroine had a brain and was unusual, I didn't really warm to the hero and heroine but the first book in a new series can often be a bit 'off' as the author finds their feet so I was looking forward to the second book.

Delaney Shapiro was madly in love with her older brother Brock's best friend Malachi 'Mac' MacCarrick until the day her brother died, being goaded to jump off a cliff by Mac. Her father died shortly afterwards and her mother became an alcoholic.

Fourteen years later and she has not seen or spoken to Mac since her brother's funeral. Mac is now a former Navy SEAL who has set up Eagle Securities with Brock's other friends. As usual, these are all military and do super secret security stuff. One day Mac gets a call from a military hospital in Germany, Delaney is a journalist and had been kidnapped, drugged and tortured in Tajikistan following a story about US companies being complicit in arming the Taliban. In her delirium Delaney asks for Mac and he comes to her aid.

Reunited after fourteen years Mac is still just as much in love with Delaney as he ever was, but she can never forgive him for causing the deaths of her beloved brother and father.

Delaney comes back to San Diego but soon believes that she is being followed and a man tries to break into her apartment whilst she is in there. Obviously she is on to something with her investigation but irritatingly she doesn't know what.

I didn't really enjoy this book, although I read it through to the end. Delaney (as many others have said) acts like a petulant teenager, refusing to listen to Mac's explanation of what really happened that day and insisting on hating him, whilst also relying upon Mac to keep her safe from the men following her. I didn't really understand why Mac loved her still, and if he called her Buttons once he called her it 49 times (okay all 49 instances in the book might not all be the annoying nickname) - it's a stupid nickname.

This book sat uneasily in that grey area between true romantic suspense and light-weight romance with a bit of a mystery. The plot was all over the place (and had to stop for frequent bouts of bonking as Delaney and Mac had sex on every available surface), I still don't have a grasp on WHY the men were chasing Delaney, because frankly until a source gives the team A REALLY BIG CLUE they are totally in the dark. So there was too much sex and feelings for a romantic suspense but too much plot for a mystery romance.

I don't think it helped that I have also confused the arc in the first book with another book (which I now have to try and find) where there are mysterious goings on in the town where the good guys have created their compound - I was looking for that arc!

I still love Scarlett Cole as an author, her recent book Nikan Rebuilt was a rollercoaster of emotions, but I'm afraid this book didn't do it for me.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well let us take a look here and just check things off:

Great story
Great hero
unlikable heroine (slowly gets better)
random lectures on gun control (kudos for not really taking a side but WTF??)
1 or 2 TSTL moments from our unlikable heroine
mystery bad guys trying to kill our heroine

yeah, that covers it, the story was really great, had a good level of suspense, good background, really tried to hard to make a grudge over a decade past make sense (never really did) .

To be honest, I love the story, hated the lectures, disliked the heroine for most of the book and the ending got watered down a bit I thought by a bunch of "don't kill them" mantra on our unlikable heroines part.

If the story was not so good this would have been 3 Stars instead of 4. Too much lecturing by the author, I read fiction for entertainment not enlightenment.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received an ARC via NetGalley

I was forcing myself to keep reading, but could only make it to 50%. Did not like Delaney at all. She seems very selfish and willing to have Mac keep her safe, but still blames him for her brother’s death. She is always blaming Mac for things that were not his fault. Mac blames himself because he was not more Superman like to save his friend. Mac keeps being OK with her treating him like crap when he dropped everything to get her safely home. Her brother made a choice to do something and that killed him. I like Mac more than Six in the previous book. Mac is more forgiving than I would be, but he loves his family, his teammates, and Delaney and will do anything for them. He can also laugh when Delaney is being a witch and call her on it. Much prefer her Rock Star Preload series.

[phoebess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final Siege was mostly about determination. Mac's, to get back into Delaney's life, and Delaney's, to prove she left her past behind. You have one guess who won. *wink, wink* I really enjoyed the dynamics between those two, their chemistry, funny banter and pretty much easy-going natures.
I was also pleasantly surprised the suspenseful plot was a continuation of the one in previous book and on top of that it managed to avoid a few pet peeves of mine—for example, Lou wasn't forgotten and found herself in imminent danger too. Not that I would wish it for her but I really hate when the heroines from previous books suddenly can live happy lives because all they needed was to switch places with another unlucky soul. And the absence of this nonsense in the story made it more real, more relatable for me.

[Heather Fineisen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A so-so entry in the romantic suspense genre. An investigative reporter and a former SEAL are reunited while she works on a story tracking weapons. A lot of detail to the suspense with the romance lacking with the exception of some steamy bedroom scenes. The characters weren't developed enough to really care for them that much.

Copy Provided by publisher

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If it comes down to love or duty, I promise, you win every time.”

4 swoony, suspenseful stars!

The second book in Scarlett Cole’s Love Over Duty series is a gorgeously emotional second-chance-romance tied into a suspenseful, dangerous storyline to bring us an intense romantic suspense that I struggled to put down. After reading the first book of this series, the hint of Mac and Delaney’s story had me seriously excited for this book, and it was just what I was hoping for – intense and exciting with a swoony love story and a to-die-for hero. I loved this one!

Malachai ‘Mac’ MacCarrick is one of three best friends and former SEALs who created Eagle Securities. Retired from active duty, the boys started their company and carry out all kinds of missions from basic protection to top-secret, dangerous missions in the most dangerous places on earth. But when Mac receives a phone call to tell him that the woman he once loved and then lost is in trouble, he drops everything to rush to her side.

Delaney Shapiro is a tenacious investigative reporter who is hot on the trail of illegal weapons dealers. Her investigations lead her into a whole lot of trouble in an Afghanistan hot spot, and when she wakes up days later in an American military hospital, she is stunned to find Mac by her bedside.

Mac and Delaney grew up together. Delaney’s older brother, Brock, was Mac’s best friend, and the two of them fell in love as teenagers. They were everything to each other and they knew it was forever, but when Brock tragically died it tore them apart and they haven’t seen or spoken to each other in 14 years. Now Delaney is back in Mac’s life, and she’s in a whole lot of trouble, and he has no intention of letting her go again.

“As long as you need, Delaney. I’ve got you. Even though you don’t need me or want me to have you. I’m not going anywhere.”

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance, and I loved Mac and Delaney’s story. It’s clear from the beginning that there is still a lot of emotion between them, but where Mac knows in his heart that Delaney is the only girl for him, she is still full of anger and grief and she has no intention of letting him get close to her. But the gorgeously protective alpha is determined to be there for her, setting the stage for a battle of wills that makes their situation all kinds of intense, because the chemistry between these two is sizzling!

“Let’s just try taking one night at a time, and see where we end up come morning.”
“You can tell yourself that if it makes you feel better, but we both know that you and me, that this…it’s unfinished business. I’m not going anywhere until it’s finished, no matter how long that takes.”

Mac is a smitten man in love (*dreamy sigh*). When he fell in love with Delaney, he fell for life, and even through all the years in between he’s never gotten over her. His devotion to her is absolutely beautiful to see, as is his fierce protectiveness, and I loved that even though he was patient with her, he pushed as well, and he balanced it perfectly as he fought to get his girl back.

She was his. Always had been. And somebody had tried to hurt her. He couldn’t stay away from her a moment longer, and he prayed she wouldn’t make him.

Delaney’s emotions are all over the place. Though she is trying to keep her focus on her story, she can’t deny her pull to Mac, but the pain from the past is still very much a part of her and her confusion over the situation is understandable and really well written.

It’s emotional and intense, and a little bit angsty, but it’s a gorgeous romance as Mac and Delaney’s chemistry pulls them closer and closer together, leading to an inevitable reconnection and them finally facing up to their past as they realise exactly what they still mean to each other.

“Are you really still here with me?”
“I’m right where you are,” …. “It just took me a while to get there.”

But through it all, the danger surrounding Delaney increases as her investigation into a Russian arms dealer makes her a target. Her life is in danger, and Mac will need to use all of the resources he has to protect the woman he loves.

I loved this book. It sucked me in and I got completely swept up in Mac and Delaney’s story. The love story is gorgeous, and the suspense is nicely tied in, though I admit I did start to zone out when the intricate details of the arms deals were being discussed, but there is lots of excitement along the way as it builds up to a wonderfully action-packed climax. I loved that we got to see Eagle Securities in action and catch up with the characters introduced in the first book, and I especially loved the relationships between all of the boys. I’m really looking forward to Cabe’s book up next.

This is a great read, I really enjoyed it – 4 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Ptiteaurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nous sommes de retour pour un nouvel épisode de la saga Love over duty. Dans ce roman nous retrouvons Six et Lou mais les héros nous réservent aussi d excellents moments . La tension et le suspense sont toujours au rendez vous et le danger n aura jamais été aussi près du QG des Eagle Sécurité .

Mac est un héros charmant fiable et fidèle qui se voit accorder une seconde chance quand Delaney l appelle à son chevet .

14 ans se sont écoulés mais le passe et ses fantômes sont bien presents et Delaney est prête à tout pour ne plus dépasser la limite . Le temps des réponses est venu mais nos héros parviendront ils à mettre carte sur table _?

chronique complète https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...

[Maksida · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry to say this but I haven't actually finished this book. It was too slow and Delaney simply killed it for me. She was just too much, couldn't stand her. I really tried my best but no couldn't do it. There is nothing wrong with Scarlett's writing and I loved all of her previous books. It might be just me so please give it a go I certainly haven't given up on this author.
An ARC received from NetGalley for an honest review!

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Final Siege is part second chance romance and part terrorist suspense story. Mac and Delaney were in love as teens. However, Mac's involvement in Delaney's brother's death caused a rift they couldn't overcome. Now, 14 years later, Delaney is in trouble. She is an investigative reporter whose story has put her in danger. Mac, a former SEAL who now runs a security firm, wants to help her but she is adamant that he leave her alone.

Mac and Delaney's story is so sad. Brock's death was such a tragedy that many couples might not have survived; add in Delaney's feeling that Mac is responsible and you have an end that no couple could survive. I admired Delaney's determination to her job. She is passionate about honest media and reporting. She wants to root out terrorists and those supporting them. Mac spent years as a SEAL trying to do the same thing. Both Mac and Delaney are smart and loyal which makes them engaging characters that you care about.

I admit-I struggled to get into this book. With a relatively explosive start, it really slowed down and got a bit boring. Once Delaney is back in San Diego, things just sort of got boring for a while. It was odd pacing and it threw me off. Normally I don't feel this way about Cole's books. Things pick up again but by then, I was just not invested. It took me days to finish this book. That is unusual for me-once I start a book I am usually done in 24 hours! Maybe it was just me and not the story at all. Its possible!

There is some connection to plot in the previous book, so it might be helpful to read them in order!

 

POV: 3rd
Tears: no
Trope: second chance
Triggers: none
Series/Standalone: series
Cliffhanger: no
HEA: yes

books by Katie Reus, Susan Stoker, ...then you will probably like Final Siege!

 

Final Siege

 See full review on The Book Disciple

[Elenasbookblog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 suspenful stars!

http://elenasbookblog.com/new-review-...

Scarlett Cole is one of my favorite authors in contemporary romance and now she ventures in romantic suspense. Final Siege is a book full of adventure and love born in the midst of non-stop action!
Mac is devoted to Eagle Securities which he has created with his navy brothers. He is not afraid to take jobs in the most dangerous places and nothing can disturb his calmness except his painful past. When he receives an unexpected call from Delaney, the love of his life that got away, he cannot refuse to give his help even if that means bringing his life upside down.
Delaney has left everything behind chasing all the dirty secrets as an investigative journalist. When she is ready to expose an arms dealer, she is not safe anymore and the only one who can protect her is Mac. She has never forgotten her first love but she cannot forgive him for his role in her brother’s death.
Danger brings these two closer and they soon see that the fire still burns and their love and attraction is still sizzling. Can they forget their past and move forward?
Mac is a wonderful hero. He is thoughtful, loyal and hardworking. He has a commanding presence and he will do anything to protect Delaney. I loved that he doesn’t hide his feelings and he shows his vulnerabilities to her. He admits his love, his regrets and his fears.
Delaney is an independent, strong girl. She has work ethics and she will do anything to help the greater good. I found her sometimes a little stubborn and I wish she could have listened sooner what Mac had to say. I understand her reluctance to learn the truth about her brother’s death because she is in pain but I would have liked to solve their misunderstandings earlier in the story. Also, she might be independent but sometimes you just need to accept the help if needed and she fights him in every turn.
When these two have scenes just the two of them speaking about their feelings or burning the sheets, the story is delicious. When there are the politics and the details of Delaney’s investigation, I found myself wanting to skip them and go directly to the action.
Scarlett Cole knows how to write characters full of emotions and Mac and Delaney will keep your attention. Final Siege is a book packed with suspense and heat and it might be not be my favorite one by this author, but if you are romantic suspense fans, this story will hold you captive!

[Book Lover · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mac and Delaney have history. They were young lovers looking at a future together until her brother Brock’s death. She blamed Mac for it and the destruction of her family and refused any further contact with him.

After Brock’s death, Mac, Six and Cabe joined the Navy and became SEALs to fulfill Brock’s dream. It’s 14 years later and the guys have left the SEALs to start their own security company.

A call from Germany telling Mac that Delaney is severely injured and asking for him, sends him running to her. He’s never stopped loving her. When Delaney fully awakens, she treats Mac like crap and he takes it, promising to take care of her. And yet, she sends out mixed signals.

Delaney has become an investigative journalist. The story she is currently chasing is how she ended up in the hospital. I did not like Delaney’s character. She was self-centered and annoying. She treated Mac like crap for most of the book, using Mac’s part in Brock’s death to justify it. IMO she also had a couple of TSTL moments.

Mac was kind, patient, consistent and protective despite Delaney’s attitude.

Once back on U.S. soil, they discover trouble has followed Delaney home. The first 67% of the book moves very slowly and then the suspense starts to get going.

I found it hard to read this story. There were no breaks between scenes. I’d be reading along and the next paragraph would jump to a whole other scene or thought. I’d have to back up and start again trying to pick up the new thread. Very frustrating.

This is my first book by this author. While I am curious about Six and Louisa’s story and Cabe, I don’t think I could force myself to read another book in this format.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Love Over Duty series  continues with more action as now Mac jumps in to save his high school sweetheart when she gets in trouble. The chivalry Mac showed with patience for Delaney was beyond belief. He seemed a bit too whipped. It's one thing to be certain and pursue a relationship with the confidence of being clear what you want. It's another to do that even when the other person is behaving badly. Mac worked really hard to let her make her own decisions, even when she risked herself and acted rather TSTL. Mac respected her work and helped her to get what she needed to succeed.

The fact they haven't seen each other for 14 years and now come together seemed a bit too quickly for me. Delaney could see Mac is a good guy but she refused to let him explain the past for too long. She seemed a bit selfish letting him support her and help her but still trying to shut him out. I understand she was injured and under misconceptions, but it felt unfair when she wouldn't spend any time with him except she needed his help with her career or protection from the bad guys.   We are told when time passes at various points at the hospital or at Mac's home but we aren't shown the interactions enough, the dialogue to progress their relationship. But perhaps there wouldn't be much as Delaney was unwilling to hear anything but her own opinion.

The mystery with identifying the bad guys was intelligently analyzed and I enjoyed the way everyone came together to solve it. They all had a part, not just the couple of the story. We are shown all the things happening, the action, the conversations and some thoughts involved. I really enjoyed this. Final Siege comes to explosive end in a showdown with the bad guys.  I loved the mystery and action, the guys of Eagle Securities including Mac and will continue to read this series.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Scarlett Cole's since I picked up her first book The Strongest Steel back in 2015, each of her books have been four or five star reads for me and this while this story wasn't a five star it definitely gets four Love Over Duty stars.

There is much more than going on than just Mac and Delaney finding their way back to one another, Delaney is an investigative journalist and apparently she has uncovered something that someone wants to stay hidden. With Delaney's life in danger we get to see how Mac and the men of Eagle Securities takes care of one of their own.....watch out bad guys because you are not going to like what happens to you if you mess with one of their women!

You can see my full review along with an excerpt and #giveaway here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...

[Self-Professed Book Hoarders · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the second entry of the Love Over Duty series, the reader is introduced to Delaney Shapiro the heroine of this tale. Delaney is smart, independent and a real go-getter and this is what makes her an excellent investigative journalist. Unfortunately, I really couldn’t get into her character, at least I will not be apart of the Delaney fan club. The character's backstory has affected her personality and Delaney seems really selfish and maybe way too stubborn. As the reader, it is always a goal of mine to find books that highlight strong female leads. Female leads who kick butt and take names with some flying kicks here and a couple of roundhouses for good measure. Delaney holds her own when her in this story but her interactions with her male lead (Mac) leaves a bit of a sour taste. It seems that her character didn’t contribute much to balance the relationship.

Malachai “Mac” MacCarrick is the overly considered hero of Final Siege and he is what all heroes are chalked up to be. Mac is dashing, handsome and an all around good/protective guy. Like so many of these stories the hero is easily twisted around the small finger of the heroine and does whatever it takes to get into her good graces. Where’s the balance? Mac spent a lot of time securing the heroine’s safety without much appreciation. Honestly, I thought that these two characters would part ways towards the end of the book in order to save the hero his dignity or just to give him some of his dignity back. Now, I must say that grief is a hard thing to deal with (even for us regular folks) and people cope with their grief differently. I just needed a little more balance between the characters.

A sign of a really good author is his/her ability to draw the reader into the story. Scarlett Cole was able to draw this reader into the book and into her characters. Though I did not care for the heroine, the male lead and the secondary characters were really great. The action sequences we're fascinating and a setting/background were well-thought-out and well-planned.
As the series progresses it will be interesting to see the different types of female leads introduced. Not only that, it will be equally as interesting to see how the stories of future female leads connect with established heroines.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant military based read from Scarlett cole.

I really like these characters, a group of guys who grew up together who served together, who are more like brothers than friends and now all work in their special ops business Eagle securities.

Final seige is a second chance romance with action and danger in the mix.



A slow burn romance, Delaney is an invesigative reporter who gets in too deep, ends up kidnapped then rescued by soldiers.
Delaney last saw Mac when she had slapped him at her brothers funeral believing Mac could of prevented his death or was to blame.

14 years later..

From a young couple so in love to strangers, but when Mac gets a call saying Delaney is in hospital and keeps asking for Mac he's surprised and despite the fact she is under the influence of strong painkillers and in pain probably disoriented going back to the past he fly's to Germany anyway to see her because he still loves her and still has hope.

Delaney is so stubborn and battles with her feelings and is still fixed in the past, still pointing blame but being in danger for what she has discovered Mac refuses to leave her side and makes her go stay with him, fly back home and be around the guys who were also her brothers best friends growing up.

A reunion all round, Delaney finds herself having missing the guys she grew up with and begins to let her barriers down for Mac too


Final Seige evoked heart warming feelings, I loved the action and I loved that it finally reached a hea.

Told in third person dual pov which isn't normally my choice of writing style, I like to read from first persons point of view and get into the heads of the characters but I soon got into the story and went with the flow.

A great companion to the first book Under Fire which I recommend reading prior to this due to what happened previously being a big part of this plot.

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Arc received from netgally for review purposes.

[Jennifer]

Update 11/20/2017 Final Siege has been completed and ARC's have being released.
The first book in this series, Under Fire, was great and I highly anticipate Final Siege. That being said as of 9/20/2017 Final Siege has not been completed and ANY rating for that work is not based on the work. Readers beware of ratings that appear prior to books publish dates if their ARCs have not been released or in some cases before the book has even been written. It is a disservice to readers and the author to do so even if a reader's past experience with that author has not been great.

[Kahea · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 ‘Put A Line In The Concrete’ Stars***

Have you ever read a book that you really enjoyed and yet in the end a few little things had you wrestling with just how much you loved it and why, which leads to a bit more waffling over the rating and simply messing with your head?

If you haven’t, you’re lucky, but Final Siege has had my already over thinking mind working overtime. It isn’t that I didn’t like the book, hell I did the whole “Let me just take a peak” thing and didn’t really stop until about six chapters in because I was hooked, but those couple of things have made my head go a little wonky despite how much I enjoyed everything else.

Let’s start off on a good note though. Mac. I adored Mac. He has honor tattoo’d on to his heart and soul. The man is simply a GOOD man. His loyalty knows no bounds and when he sets his sights on a goal, a category 5 hurricane won’t stop him from achieving it. He’s confident and definitely has the alpha thing going on, but doesn’t go into asshat territory.

Delaney. Here’s where things get a little murky. I loved that she wanted to make the world a better place by bringing those intent on doing harm to justice. Her determination along with a good dose of stubborness to ensure that she accumulated factual data was something I admired. But on the personal side, I liked her, but didn’t love her. Some of her actions/reactions and her excuse(s) for them had me wanting to shake her because they had me looking at her as if she were a toddler throwing a tantrum for not getting their way. But when she was acting like a sensible adult, I did find her sweet and funny and really wanted to get to know that person.

Second chance romances are always rocky, no matter the reason for the why they didn’t work out the first time around, and while Mac and Delaney’s wasn’t the most OTT angsty I’ve ever read, they still drove me batshit crazy. I want to get more into things (I’ve written and deleted this part at least four times now) but that would give away a lot of the story. What it boils down to as good as I am with the outcome I’m still not all too sure if I believe they truly fit together. The only reason I say I’m good with it is because Mac really believed with his entire being that she was his and was always meant to be and I love him so much that I want him happy.

Even though I’m not all in on the HEA part, I still really enjoyed the book as a whole. The suspense aspect definitely kept me on my toes throughout the book, but what really kept me turning the pages (outside of needing to see Mac and Delaney FINALLY have it out) were the secondary characters (which should come as no surprise). I loved catching up with Six and Lou and how they were settling in as a couple, I enjoyed the little tastes of each of the Eagle Securities personalities and watching them interact, whether it be on a mission or just hanging out. I cannot wait for Cabe’s book and I’m really hoping that Ms. Cole has something simmering in her head for Mac’s siblings because I REALLY want to get know them all better.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

[Sejla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Scarlett Cole and her intelligent and poignant writing. She is a very versatile author that can write about tatoo artists, musicans and Navy SEALs and make them all look and feel credible. You can say while reading her books that she does intensive research on the topics she writes about and doesn't gloss over them. But beside that she effortlessly achieves to make you love and care about her characters and their stories. Every time I pic a book of hers I feel giddy with excitement to dive in.

Final Siege is book two in the Love Over Duty series where the three former SEALs and best friends Six, Mac and Cabe have established a company named Eagle Security after finishing their active duty. They offer services only a team of military-trained professionals can provide. While Six has found his one and only Louisa in book one, this story is about Malachai “Mac” MacCarrick and the girl he once lost: Delaney. When an urgent phone call from abroad brings her back into his life, he instantly knows that this is his chance to finally make things right and redeem himself.

Delaney Shapiro is an investigative journalist. While researching an explosive story, she gets kidnapped and wakes up in a hospital in Germany after being rescued. She is more than surprised to see Mac, a blast from her past, at her bedside. Delaney tells herself that she got over Mac and his role in her brother’s tragic death a long time ago. But every moment they spend together makes her question her hate and accussations towards him. She still feels the chemistry that once was between them, making her feel like betraying her brother. Things get out of hand when she becomes a target for an emerging Russian arms dealer, who is determined to make her quiet once and for all. To protect the only girl he's ever loved Mac will risk it all—including his life…

Mac was a loving, protective and loyal person. While I loved him in every possible way and worshiped the ground he walks on, I didn't exactly feel the same way about Delaney. Please don't get me wrong. I felt her pain and understood her dilema but sometimes she frustrated me. She didn't give Mac a chance to explain things at the beginning. She deliberately kept pushing him away even though he only wanted to help her. It hurt me to see how much Mac suffered because of that. He didn't deserve her harsh treatment. She should have listened more to her heart than her head! Luckily once the things from their past got settled between them, they were a force of nature together, making my kindle burst into flames.

Although the beginning of the book felt a little slow, the middle part was much better. I especially loved the last 30% of the book when things got very interesting and the plot twists came one after the other. I was holding my breath, while turning the pages in excitement to see how the story continues. What makes Love Over Duty a little different from Scalett Cole's other series is that it has more suspense and is angstier while still having enough romance to make you swoon. I really enjoyed reading Final Siege and I'm absolutely looking forward to Cabe's book!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final Siege is even more action-packed than the first book in the series and features an amazing second chance at love romance.

Former Navy SEAL Malachai MacCarrick is putting everything he has into the security firm he created with his friends to ensure it becomes a success. But when Mac receives word that his first love, Delaney Shapiro, was wounded on assignment, he drops everything to help her and for the chance to redeem himself. For Delaney, seeing Mac after all these years is incredibly difficult but she knows he may be the only one who can keep her safe long enough to finish her story.

Delaney always dreamed of becoming a journalist, but after her brother’s death she pushed herself harder to be the kind of journalist who makes a difference in the world. Delaney is extremely dedicated to her job even when it’s detrimental to her safety. I admired her passion for her work and really connected with how she would get lost in her work forgetting everything else.

Mac has always blamed himself for what happened to Delaney’s brother which heavily influenced his decision to join the SEALs as that was Brock’s dream. Losing his best friend in such a tragic accident forced Mac to work harder to be the best he could be for both himself and for Brock. I really felt for Mac because even after learning Brock’s death wasn’t his fault, it’s so apparent how much guilt he still feels over what happened.

Delaney and Mac’s relationship is complicated by Mac’s role in Delaney’s brother’s death and by the fact the two of them never talked about what happened the day her brother died. I was surprised by how long it took for them to finally talk about it as I would have expected that conversation earlier in their relationship. Ultimately though I feel like it was handled well and moved their relationship forward. One area Delaney and Mac don’t have any issues is the physical side of their relationship. Their chemistry is off the charts and the physical scenes are incredibly hot.

The story Delaney is working on was interesting and I like how it ended up tying into what happened to Louisa, the heroine of the first book. While you don’t have to read the first book in the series before reading this one, I definitely think it helps give you a better idea of what’s going on and who’s who. We see a bit more of the other members of the security firm in this book as there are more scenes taking place there this time around. I enjoy watching the men on the team interact as I feel their different styles complement each other well and make for a well balanced group.

Final Siege was just as great a read as the first book, Under Fire, and the Love Over Duty series is shaping up to be a fantastic romantic suspense series. I highly recommend these books if you’re in the mood for some great romantic suspense with exciting and interesting plots.

[Carvanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Years ago Delaney and Mac were everything to each other. Their futures were laid out and their love was the enduring kind that would last through the years. However, that was before Delaney’s brother died. Before her brother died and Mac essentially killed him.

Now over a decade later Delaney has been injured during a kidnapping. As an investigative journalist, Delaney is hungry for the story that will bring a madman and a group of terrorist to justice. What she doesn’t want or need is Mac coming to her rescue as she recovers from her injuries. Mac has tried to move on with his life without Delaney but now that he’s got his foot back in the door he’s not going anywhere.

This book covers a lot of ground concerning illegal weapons, drugs and the money trail that helps to finance fanatical groups. It became just a bit too much for me at times and I found myself skimming. There were also times when the characters were outlining who would be doing what on the current assignment and those paragraphs became long and drawn out so I skipped them as well.

However, the true story of this couple finding a way back to each other after each of them had lost their brother/best friend and all the years of hate and resentment that followed was worth the read. There is a lot of push from Delaney as she cannot let go of the fact that her brother is dead because of Mac. On the other hand, Mac is prepared to do anything to protect her even if it means killing someone.

The pace is a bit slow, the connection between the men is incredible with lots of humor, the showdown is explosive and the sex is steamy. Overall, a very nice read.

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.

Dual POV
Safe – both h/H have been in relationships since their separation; H is not a manho; no om/ow drama
Possible triggers – h was kidnapped off page but not raped; some violence