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Illegal Contact
Flagler Security agent Jamison Krews would never default on a promise. So when Mel Carter, her long-time friend and training officer, asks her to protect her little sister, Jamison will honor the request. No matter the cost.
At twenty-six years old, Shea Carter is older than her teammates and she has more important things to focus on than the threat to her life. Leading the Tallahassee Tigers to the National Championship will take all of her energy and attention. Unfortunately, Shea has drawn unwanted attention as quarterback and not everyone wants her and the Tigers to succeed.
Will Jamison be able to convince Shea that she’s more than a babysitter and gain her cooperation—and her heart, before it’s too late?
Editor: Katherine V. Forrest
Cover Designer: Judith Fellows
Genre: Romance
At twenty-six years old, Shea Carter is older than her teammates and she has more important things to focus on than the threat to her life. Leading the Tallahassee Tigers to the National Championship will take all of her energy and attention. Unfortunately, Shea has drawn unwanted attention as quarterback and not everyone wants her and the Tigers to succeed.
Will Jamison be able to convince Shea that she’s more than a babysitter and gain her cooperation—and her heart, before it’s too late?
Editor: Katherine V. Forrest
Cover Designer: Judith Fellows
Genre: Romance
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2017
11 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Becky Harmon
12 books9 followersBecky Harmon was born and raised just south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Though she considers herself to be a Northerner, she moved south in search of warmth. Becky calls many places home but she is happiest with her partner, their daughter and the rest of their four-legged family.
Romance has always been her first love and when she’s not writing it, she’s reading it. Her first book, Tangled Mark, was released by Bella Books in 2016.
Romance has always been her first love and when she’s not writing it, she’s reading it. Her first book, Tangled Mark, was released by Bella Books in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 17, 2017
This book is sitting somewhere in the 3 to 3 1/2 star range for me. The best way to describe this would be an action-romance with a sports storyline. This is the second book I have read by Harmon. While I was entertained by this read, I did enjoy her book New Additions more.
The story is about Shea, a woman playing college football at quarterback. It is already a big deal for a woman to be playing college football, but when Shea starts receiving threats, her life might be on the line. Jamison is hired as personal security. It is her job to keep Shea safe. But as the danger grows and attraction arises, can Jamison really do her job and protect Shea?
First I want to mention, while this is a book about a college football player, you don't have to be a football fan to read this. The football took a back seat to the action and romance parts of the book. Me personally, I love sports so I would have enjoyed more. Especially some football scenes from the POV of Shea. I have a feeling Harmon was trying to write a book for a larger audience and that why it was not so sports heavy.
I had two issues with the book, I'll mention the smaller one first. There is a lot of characters to keep track of at times. People from different branches of law enforcement, security firms, and college security. A lot were named characters, I think at least 12 from all these different backgrounds. It got to be a bit much at times and I had trouble remembering who was who. I'm not great at remembering names in real life, and this book was difinetly pushing my abilities. I also thought there were times a few more dialog tags should have been used so I would know for sure who was speaking. Luckily, this didn't happen often, but there was a few times I had to stop to re-read to make sure I understood everything.
My biggest issue was the romance. The attraction was instant and seemed purely physical. This happens a lot in romance books, I get that, but it made Jamison seem a bit unprofessional. But the biggest problem was I felt the romance was more "tell" than "show". I felt I was told about the attraction and that these two should be together, more than letting the books speak for itself. Also, not as much chemistry as I would have liked. I wanted them to be together because I liked the characters, not because I felt their connection to each other.
What I did enjoy was the action of the book. I thought it had a good pace and kept moving through the book. It also kept you hanging, like is it finally safe now, or do I need to worry some more? It put me on a little edge as a reader, kept me on my toes, in a good way. I can only imagine, but I suspect it is difficult to write a action-romance. Making sure both fit seamlessly into the book. While I feel the action part was done well, I think the romance took a hit.
This book had its issues for me, but it was entertaining. I think it is pretty down the middle where some people will enjoy it more than me, others won't. Sports plus action-romance, is not a common mix, so if that appeals to you, I say go for it. Both books I have read by Harmon, have at the least manged to entertain me, so I will keep reading her books.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
The story is about Shea, a woman playing college football at quarterback. It is already a big deal for a woman to be playing college football, but when Shea starts receiving threats, her life might be on the line. Jamison is hired as personal security. It is her job to keep Shea safe. But as the danger grows and attraction arises, can Jamison really do her job and protect Shea?
First I want to mention, while this is a book about a college football player, you don't have to be a football fan to read this. The football took a back seat to the action and romance parts of the book. Me personally, I love sports so I would have enjoyed more. Especially some football scenes from the POV of Shea. I have a feeling Harmon was trying to write a book for a larger audience and that why it was not so sports heavy.
I had two issues with the book, I'll mention the smaller one first. There is a lot of characters to keep track of at times. People from different branches of law enforcement, security firms, and college security. A lot were named characters, I think at least 12 from all these different backgrounds. It got to be a bit much at times and I had trouble remembering who was who. I'm not great at remembering names in real life, and this book was difinetly pushing my abilities. I also thought there were times a few more dialog tags should have been used so I would know for sure who was speaking. Luckily, this didn't happen often, but there was a few times I had to stop to re-read to make sure I understood everything.
My biggest issue was the romance. The attraction was instant and seemed purely physical. This happens a lot in romance books, I get that, but it made Jamison seem a bit unprofessional. But the biggest problem was I felt the romance was more "tell" than "show". I felt I was told about the attraction and that these two should be together, more than letting the books speak for itself. Also, not as much chemistry as I would have liked. I wanted them to be together because I liked the characters, not because I felt their connection to each other.
What I did enjoy was the action of the book. I thought it had a good pace and kept moving through the book. It also kept you hanging, like is it finally safe now, or do I need to worry some more? It put me on a little edge as a reader, kept me on my toes, in a good way. I can only imagine, but I suspect it is difficult to write a action-romance. Making sure both fit seamlessly into the book. While I feel the action part was done well, I think the romance took a hit.
This book had its issues for me, but it was entertaining. I think it is pretty down the middle where some people will enjoy it more than me, others won't. Sports plus action-romance, is not a common mix, so if that appeals to you, I say go for it. Both books I have read by Harmon, have at the least manged to entertain me, so I will keep reading her books.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
September 17, 2017
Although Illegal Contact is marked as a romance novel, the romance between a Flagler Security agent Jamison Krews (30) and college football star Shea Carter (26) is just a sideshow in comparison to mystery, police procedural, action and sports. That is not the ratio I am looking for in my romances, and that is the first downside to this otherwise well-written book. The whole plot happens in just a few days, and the protagonists really know each other for so short a time. With so little romance in it, there is not enough time to develop a convincing relationship and character development in that respect.
The second downside is a type of ending which is insufficiently satisfying for my liking. It is rushed, with no real comprehension of the plans for Jamison and Shea's future and how they see their life together. In addition to their insta-love, I really do not see them together as a couple for the long haul.
The mystery and action is done well -- intense, logical and above all interesting. The college football plays a nice role in the narrative without being overbearing.
Illegal Contact held my attention but it did not meet my expectations. I recommend it to those who prefer mystery and action over romance. Others might be disappointed like I am, so consider yourself warned.
3 stars
Sep 17, 2017
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
The second downside is a type of ending which is insufficiently satisfying for my liking. It is rushed, with no real comprehension of the plans for Jamison and Shea's future and how they see their life together. In addition to their insta-love, I really do not see them together as a couple for the long haul.
The mystery and action is done well -- intense, logical and above all interesting. The college football plays a nice role in the narrative without being overbearing.
Illegal Contact held my attention but it did not meet my expectations. I recommend it to those who prefer mystery and action over romance. Others might be disappointed like I am, so consider yourself warned.
3 stars
Sep 17, 2017
*A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.*
April 14, 2020
I didn't like the romance at all. When did they even fall in love? They didn't even have one significant conversation which is crazy since they spend 24/7 together. It felt like I kept waiting for something important to happen which never did. The mystery wasn't all that impressive either.
September 24, 2017
According to the publisher, this book is categorised as Romance / Action, though there is more of mystery than romance. The story revolves around Jamison Krews, a private security agent, who is assigned to protect college football star player Shea Carter after she received death threats. After a rocky start, they feel a mutual attraction which might get in the way of Shea's personal safety. Will Jamison be able to protect Shea and, at the same time, act on her feelings?
I've got to admit that I know nothing about (American) football. However, this book doesn't dwell much on this sport so no previous knowledge is needed. Conversely, you'll be disappointed if you are looking for lengthy descriptions of the game. Additionally, there isn't much romance either: considering that the story happens in a short timespan, their insta-attraction and insta-love is, in my opinion, hard to experience through the pages. Having said this, my main issue with this book is that the mystery part of the plot seems a bit rushed at the end, there are a lot of things happening, too many secondary characters that are hard to remember which unfortunately confused me. In this case, fewer characters and events might have worked better.
Overall, 3 stars. An ok read if you are interested in mysteries with a touch of romance.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See my other reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
I've got to admit that I know nothing about (American) football. However, this book doesn't dwell much on this sport so no previous knowledge is needed. Conversely, you'll be disappointed if you are looking for lengthy descriptions of the game. Additionally, there isn't much romance either: considering that the story happens in a short timespan, their insta-attraction and insta-love is, in my opinion, hard to experience through the pages. Having said this, my main issue with this book is that the mystery part of the plot seems a bit rushed at the end, there are a lot of things happening, too many secondary characters that are hard to remember which unfortunately confused me. In this case, fewer characters and events might have worked better.
Overall, 3 stars. An ok read if you are interested in mysteries with a touch of romance.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See my other reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
January 21, 2018
Lots of action. Sports, cops, mystery with a side of romance. I gave 4 Stars, but it’s a solid 3 1/2, my love for football is why the extra 1/2 star.
February 21, 2023
Shea Carter is a very successful college quarterback. Leading her team to the championship. But, there have been threats against her life. Jamison works for Flager Security, and has been assigned to protect Shea. (Her sister Mel also works for Flager, but is on assignment out of the country. ) This is a mystery and a love story. It takes Shea awhile to accept the protection Jamison is giving her. But eventually she understands. I found it riveting. 5 stars!
February 10, 2018
Jamison works for a private security firm and is asked by her former trainer to provide security to her sister, Shea, the quarterback for the local university's football team. As the first woman to play college football, and the star of a winning team, Shea has been targeted by someone who is out to harm her. The plot of the book is about Jamison's determination to protect Shea and to get to the bottom of the mysterious attacks while managing the mutual and growing attraction between her and Shea.
While the unfolding mystery engaged me as a reader, I thought the ultimate unfolding of the plot was somewhat flat. The romance piece was okay but not highly memorable.
While the unfolding mystery engaged me as a reader, I thought the ultimate unfolding of the plot was somewhat flat. The romance piece was okay but not highly memorable.
April 4, 2019
I am a college athletic trainer and therefore loved the storyline. Any sports books are usually pretty good for me. I enjoyed reading this book and was eager to finish it. However, the ending was disappointing as it was a rapid conclusion with everything wrapped up to neatly and too briefly. There was only one sentence that even slightly explained why Shea was targeted. Therefore I believe this is a decent book with a weak ending.
April 17, 2018
Very enjoyable read!
I'm enjoying the Flagler Security series and hope there will be more books from these characters. The suspenseful aspect of the plot was very well developed. Jamison and Shea's chemistry was spot on. Mel treating Shea as her baby sister even though she's 26 was cute for a little bit then it got annoying. Overall, the book was well done!!!
I'm enjoying the Flagler Security series and hope there will be more books from these characters. The suspenseful aspect of the plot was very well developed. Jamison and Shea's chemistry was spot on. Mel treating Shea as her baby sister even though she's 26 was cute for a little bit then it got annoying. Overall, the book was well done!!!
February 23, 2018
Any time you have a female play a male game it makes for a “far fetched” book. Add in mystery and romance in a short period of time and unbelievable comes to mind. However, having said that it was an enjoyable and quick read.
November 23, 2020
A really good action-mystery, just the romance part could use some work. They could have at least talked properly to each other before claiming they are in love. So I'm taking one star away from the score
March 21, 2018
I liked this. Enough intrigue to keep you going. And romance was good. Easy read. Would read more by this author.
December 4, 2018
Very nice book, the story is so beautifully written with a different topic with a nice twist. Lovely characters with realistic dialogues. So lovely.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews