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Harp Security #4
Mind Games: A Harp Security Novel
The daughter of a schizophrenic, Dr. Jane Evans prioritizes order, control, and—above all—her work in a psychiatric research lab. When an attempted kidnapping threatens to derail the project she’s on, her boss hires a bodyguard. He’s everything Jane is not, and if she can survive, she may even learn to like the difference.
Eric Sorensen owes Jane a debt he can’t possibly repay. Without her tutoring, he would not have made it through college, would not have the life he does. But none of his memories of college Jane prepare him for adult Jane. When she suddenly disappears, he follows her trail to a secret lab in a cartel-controlled Mexican jungle. Rescue seems impossible but Eric’s not the type to give up, even if it means trading his own life for hers.
Eric Sorensen owes Jane a debt he can’t possibly repay. Without her tutoring, he would not have made it through college, would not have the life he does. But none of his memories of college Jane prepare him for adult Jane. When she suddenly disappears, he follows her trail to a secret lab in a cartel-controlled Mexican jungle. Rescue seems impossible but Eric’s not the type to give up, even if it means trading his own life for hers.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
17 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Laura K. Curtis
14 books48 followersLaura K. Curtis does everything backwards. As a child, she was extremely serious, so now that she’s chronologically an adult, she feels perfectly justified in acting the fool. She started teaching at age fifteen, then decided to go back to school herself at thirty.
Laura has written four romantic suspense novels, two contemporary romances, and is moving into the arena of the Gothic (because she doesn't have enough on her plate).
Laura has taught middle school social studies, high school literature, and college-level rhetoric, all with relative success. She’s also a full-on Mac geek who spent years as a consultant and running an academic computing lab. The only thing she completely failed at in the field of education was attempting to teach obedience to her pack of Irish Terriers. Currently, she lives in Westchester, NY, with her husband and two insane Irish Terriers who have taught her how easily love can coincide with the desire to kill.
Laura has written four romantic suspense novels, two contemporary romances, and is moving into the arena of the Gothic (because she doesn't have enough on her plate).
Laura has taught middle school social studies, high school literature, and college-level rhetoric, all with relative success. She’s also a full-on Mac geek who spent years as a consultant and running an academic computing lab. The only thing she completely failed at in the field of education was attempting to teach obedience to her pack of Irish Terriers. Currently, she lives in Westchester, NY, with her husband and two insane Irish Terriers who have taught her how easily love can coincide with the desire to kill.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 22, 2015
3.5 stars ARC Review
It's almost like two separate books. Although a highly suspenseful book, I had a difficult time with the chemistry between the two characters. More review to come.
It's almost like two separate books. Although a highly suspenseful book, I had a difficult time with the chemistry between the two characters. More review to come.
September 2, 2023
This was the worst book I have ever read. I am QUEEN of the cheesy free audiobooks and this was the worst book I have ever come across in my life. If I have to give it a star then I give it a star just for that. Holy moly! This book had 17 different plots, none of them good, and none of them nuanced. I can’t believe I even finished it! I just had to see what the author was gonna do to tie it up. And the answer is, pretty much nothing. If you want to read this I would say view it as a comedy because that’s the only way to not be wasting your time.
October 18, 2015
Another DNF-- I really should know better than to pick up a book with a science-based premise, having a science PhD and working in the biotechnology industry. Especially since I had been lukewarm at best about my one other encounter with Ms. Curtis' work (LOST, book #2 of her Dobb's Hollow series/duology). The writing was more 'tell' than 'show', the characters were one-dimensional, and the plot incredibly far-fetched-- and when it went from simply far-fetched to absolutely outlandish with the transition to the secret cartel-owned, state-of-the-art lab deep in the Mexican jungle, I threw in the towel. Definitely not for me, but that doesn't mean MIND GAMES won't appeal to others.
November 16, 2015
3.5 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 17, 2015
The daughter of a schizophrenic, Dr. Jane Evans prioritizes order, control, and—above all—her work in a psychiatric research lab. When an attempted kidnapping threatens to derail the project she’s on, her boss hires a bodyguard. He’s everything Jane is not, and if she can survive, she may even learn to like the difference.
Eric Sorensen owes Jane a debt he can’t possibly repay. Without her tutoring, he would not have made it through college, would not have the life he does. But none of his memories of college Jane prepare him for adult Jane. When she suddenly disappears, he follows her trail to a secret lab in a cartel-controlled Mexican jungle. Rescue seems impossible but Eric’s not the type to give up, even if it means trading his own life for hers.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--MIND GAMES is the second installment in Laura K. Curtis’s contemporary, adult HARP SECURITY romantic suspense series focusing on the elite security team at HARP Security. This is security specialist Eric Sorensen, and scientist/researcher Dr. Jane Evans’s storyline. MIND GAMES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Eric and Jane) MIND GAMES focuses on the hunt for the people trying to kidnap Dr. Jane Evans. As the deadline approaches to reveal the latest drug for schizophrenia and mental disorders, threats and kidnapping attempts against Jane, as the lead researcher on Project Calm, begin to escalate. Enter Eric Sorensen-HARP security specialist-and a former acquaintance and college mate of Jane Evans. What ensues is a storyline that finds Jane abducted, imprisoned and forced to work on a designer drug for the Mexican cartels.
The romance aspect of the storyline finds Jane as the aggressor. She is a woman who wants something from Eric, but Eric isn’t open to a one-night stand, and his ‘job’ places everyone he loves in danger. The $ex scenes are limited without the use of graphic sexual imagery but I thought something was missing between Eric and Jane: perhaps it was the fact that our couple were separated for a good portion of the storyline.
MIND GAMES is a storyline with a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several of Eric’s fellow security specialists-all former military personnel-as well as HARP Security owner Nash Harper. We are also introduced to a number of Jane’s fellow researchers, including Dani-a young, twenty five year old woman who has gone missing in the days preceding Jane’s abduction; and Clive Handler-the man in charge of Project Calm. The requisite evil comes in many, many forms as Jane finds herself in the middle of the Mexican jungle running from drug lords, guerilla super-soldiers, and a human trafficking ring.
The world building focuses on several plot lines wherein our heroine attempts to uncover the truth, run for her life, and save the lives of several other victims of the Mexican cartels. A good portion of the storyline finds Eric and his comrades searching for Jane; and Jane stalling for time hoping for someone to come to her rescue. Jane’s questioning of the guards finds our heroine retrieving insider information that may come in handy to take down the people involved. There is a bit of a twist with the reveal but it wasn’t difficult to deduce the person behind the attempts on Jane’s life.
MIND GAMES is an action-packed story of suspense with a little science fiction via the development of a super soldier through drugs and hypnotherapy. The premise is entertaining and intriguing, if somewhat over the top; the characters are numerous, colorful and animated; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after. I will add that I miss Mac Brody from book one ECHOES-there was a definite negative vibe between Nash and Mac, and I was hoping for some information or resolution to their tepid relationship.
Copy supplied by Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 17, 2015
The daughter of a schizophrenic, Dr. Jane Evans prioritizes order, control, and—above all—her work in a psychiatric research lab. When an attempted kidnapping threatens to derail the project she’s on, her boss hires a bodyguard. He’s everything Jane is not, and if she can survive, she may even learn to like the difference.
Eric Sorensen owes Jane a debt he can’t possibly repay. Without her tutoring, he would not have made it through college, would not have the life he does. But none of his memories of college Jane prepare him for adult Jane. When she suddenly disappears, he follows her trail to a secret lab in a cartel-controlled Mexican jungle. Rescue seems impossible but Eric’s not the type to give up, even if it means trading his own life for hers.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.5 stars--MIND GAMES is the second installment in Laura K. Curtis’s contemporary, adult HARP SECURITY romantic suspense series focusing on the elite security team at HARP Security. This is security specialist Eric Sorensen, and scientist/researcher Dr. Jane Evans’s storyline. MIND GAMES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Eric and Jane) MIND GAMES focuses on the hunt for the people trying to kidnap Dr. Jane Evans. As the deadline approaches to reveal the latest drug for schizophrenia and mental disorders, threats and kidnapping attempts against Jane, as the lead researcher on Project Calm, begin to escalate. Enter Eric Sorensen-HARP security specialist-and a former acquaintance and college mate of Jane Evans. What ensues is a storyline that finds Jane abducted, imprisoned and forced to work on a designer drug for the Mexican cartels.
The romance aspect of the storyline finds Jane as the aggressor. She is a woman who wants something from Eric, but Eric isn’t open to a one-night stand, and his ‘job’ places everyone he loves in danger. The $ex scenes are limited without the use of graphic sexual imagery but I thought something was missing between Eric and Jane: perhaps it was the fact that our couple were separated for a good portion of the storyline.
MIND GAMES is a storyline with a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several of Eric’s fellow security specialists-all former military personnel-as well as HARP Security owner Nash Harper. We are also introduced to a number of Jane’s fellow researchers, including Dani-a young, twenty five year old woman who has gone missing in the days preceding Jane’s abduction; and Clive Handler-the man in charge of Project Calm. The requisite evil comes in many, many forms as Jane finds herself in the middle of the Mexican jungle running from drug lords, guerilla super-soldiers, and a human trafficking ring.
The world building focuses on several plot lines wherein our heroine attempts to uncover the truth, run for her life, and save the lives of several other victims of the Mexican cartels. A good portion of the storyline finds Eric and his comrades searching for Jane; and Jane stalling for time hoping for someone to come to her rescue. Jane’s questioning of the guards finds our heroine retrieving insider information that may come in handy to take down the people involved. There is a bit of a twist with the reveal but it wasn’t difficult to deduce the person behind the attempts on Jane’s life.
MIND GAMES is an action-packed story of suspense with a little science fiction via the development of a super soldier through drugs and hypnotherapy. The premise is entertaining and intriguing, if somewhat over the top; the characters are numerous, colorful and animated; the romance is a slow build to a happily ever after. I will add that I miss Mac Brody from book one ECHOES-there was a definite negative vibe between Nash and Mac, and I was hoping for some information or resolution to their tepid relationship.
Copy supplied by Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
November 16, 2015
3.5 stars
This review first appeared at Bea's Book Nook. I received an egalley for review.
The story grabbed me right away as it starts with Jane, Dr. Evans, being grabbed in an attempted kidnapping. I read straight through until about 15% in and by then, there'd been another kidnapping attempt and an attack on Jane's house. The story was fast paced, hard to put down, and I kept finding excuses for not doing the needful things such as laundry, email, etc so that I could keep reading. I really enjoy the Harper Security books and I tweeted Curtis, before I was even done with the book, to ask her for another and yay, she's planning one. When? No idea :( but I'll stalk follow her for the details.
I enjoyed "Mind Games" immensely. The action was fast, Eric and Jane were quite likable, and the story was twisty. As I said earlier, it grabbed my attention and didn't let go. Schizophrenia and mental illness are not as large a part of the story as I expected but they are treated respectfully. Jane seems quiet at first and possibly weak-minded but it soon becomes apparent that she's stronger than that. She keeps her composure under extreme circumstances but she also has moments of despair. Eric is sweet, strong, smart, and scarily competent. We get a visit from Tara and Jake from "Lost" and "Twisted" but you don't need to have read those books, "Mind Games" works as a stand-alone. The story is heavier on suspense than romance; the romance aspect is mild, sweet, and not shoehorned into the story but a natural outgrowth of it.
"After a week - after a day - I knew everything I needed about you. And what I didn't know, I wanted to find out."
"What do you mean? We didn't talk about anything of importance."
"Knowing someone isn't about learning what their family is like, or whether they love mashed potatoes with a unhealthy passion (blech ~ Bea), or even what sports team they favor. After five days, I've seen you with my colleagues and yours. I've run through the night with you. I know you're careful and methodical - that hasn't changed since we were kids - and that you have a generous heart."
I did guess the identity of the secret bad guy (one was out in the open, the other a secret) early on. While most of the characters were well-developed, the villains were the exception, particularly one of them. The security company, Harper Security, was a mix of realism and escapism. I enjoyed the fact that while the company took finances into account on an op, it didn't prevent them from doing the right thing (see a mini discussion on that topic in the comments here). The plot itself though was over the top and not entirely believable. I can't point out everything that was over the top because then I'd be going into spoiler territory and I don't want to do that. After you read the book, come back and we can discuss it in the comments or email me. However, the details of the rescue, including the problems, struck me as realistic and were no less exciting for that fact.
If you're looking for a romantic suspense that's fast, action packed, and has a sweet romance, pick up "Mind Games. Meanwhile I'll be impatiently waiting for more by Curtis, whatever she writes next.
This review first appeared at Bea's Book Nook. I received an egalley for review.
The story grabbed me right away as it starts with Jane, Dr. Evans, being grabbed in an attempted kidnapping. I read straight through until about 15% in and by then, there'd been another kidnapping attempt and an attack on Jane's house. The story was fast paced, hard to put down, and I kept finding excuses for not doing the needful things such as laundry, email, etc so that I could keep reading. I really enjoy the Harper Security books and I tweeted Curtis, before I was even done with the book, to ask her for another and yay, she's planning one. When? No idea :( but I'll stalk follow her for the details.
I enjoyed "Mind Games" immensely. The action was fast, Eric and Jane were quite likable, and the story was twisty. As I said earlier, it grabbed my attention and didn't let go. Schizophrenia and mental illness are not as large a part of the story as I expected but they are treated respectfully. Jane seems quiet at first and possibly weak-minded but it soon becomes apparent that she's stronger than that. She keeps her composure under extreme circumstances but she also has moments of despair. Eric is sweet, strong, smart, and scarily competent. We get a visit from Tara and Jake from "Lost" and "Twisted" but you don't need to have read those books, "Mind Games" works as a stand-alone. The story is heavier on suspense than romance; the romance aspect is mild, sweet, and not shoehorned into the story but a natural outgrowth of it.
"After a week - after a day - I knew everything I needed about you. And what I didn't know, I wanted to find out."
"What do you mean? We didn't talk about anything of importance."
"Knowing someone isn't about learning what their family is like, or whether they love mashed potatoes with a unhealthy passion (blech ~ Bea), or even what sports team they favor. After five days, I've seen you with my colleagues and yours. I've run through the night with you. I know you're careful and methodical - that hasn't changed since we were kids - and that you have a generous heart."
I did guess the identity of the secret bad guy (one was out in the open, the other a secret) early on. While most of the characters were well-developed, the villains were the exception, particularly one of them. The security company, Harper Security, was a mix of realism and escapism. I enjoyed the fact that while the company took finances into account on an op, it didn't prevent them from doing the right thing (see a mini discussion on that topic in the comments here). The plot itself though was over the top and not entirely believable. I can't point out everything that was over the top because then I'd be going into spoiler territory and I don't want to do that. After you read the book, come back and we can discuss it in the comments or email me. However, the details of the rescue, including the problems, struck me as realistic and were no less exciting for that fact.
If you're looking for a romantic suspense that's fast, action packed, and has a sweet romance, pick up "Mind Games. Meanwhile I'll be impatiently waiting for more by Curtis, whatever she writes next.
May 25, 2016
First reviewed at Red Hot Books here: http://redhotbooks.com/2016/05/review...
Mind Games is the second book in the Harp Security series by Laura K. Curtis. Although I hadn’t read the first one in the series yet, I really enjoyed the last book I read by Ms. Curtis (from a different series) so I decided to give this one a shot. Thankfully I didn’t feel like I was lost by not having read the first book, but I enjoyed this one so much I will probably go back and read it at some point. I love a good romantic suspense novel, and although I figured out early on who the big villain was, it didn’t lessen my overall enjoyment of the story.
Dr. Jane Evans is the daughter of a schizophrenic who committed suicide years earlier, and she is on the verge of a medical breakthrough in her psychiatric research lab. Determined to come up with a drug that treats schizophrenia, without the debilitating side effects, Jane’s life revolves entirely around her job. On the way to work one morning someone attempts to kidnap Jane, and at the last minute the attempt is thwarted by a bodyguard she wasn’t even aware her boss had hired to protect her.
Eric Sorenson may be a hired bodyguard, but he owes Jane a huge debt of gratitude. Without her help he would never have made it through college and he’s determined to make sure whoever is trying to kidnap her doesn’t get the chance. In the years since he saw her last she has grown and matured into a beautiful woman and as he spends more time with her, he is drawn to her passion for her work and her strength.
When the attempts to get ahold of Jane start getting more aggressive, Eric’s team becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of leads. They know her assistant Dani has gone missing, but no one can figure out who is behind it all. The thinking is that this is related to the new drug she is working on, and the plan is to keep her out of sight until the formal announcement of the sale of the drug. Eric takes her out of town and the chemistry between them bubbles over. The duo agree to keep their hands off each other until after she’s officially not his client, but it’s not easy.
Harp Security keeps Jane safe and gets her to the announcement as planned, but Eric doesn’t feel quite right about the situation. Believing Jane to be safe, he asks her out on a date for that night and they go their separate ways. When he shows up to pick her up for their date, Jane is nowhere to be found and there is Chinese food spilled all over her living room floor. Knowing she has been kidnapped, he enlists the help of his team to figure out who exactly is behind it and what they want.
When she comes to, Jane sees part of the team behind her abduction and when she realizes what they want from her she is sickened. Determined to stay alive because she knows Eric will come for her, Dr. Jane and Dani do everything they can to stall things. They know once their usefulness has worn out they will be killed, but helping the men that have her goes against everything she has worked for.
There’s a lot going on in this book and I really can’t wait to read future stories. I am particularly looking forward to Dani’s future story. There’s quite the cliffhanger left for her and I’m sure it’s going to be emotional once it happens. Despite the busy plot, there is still time to develop the core characters, and Jane is a badass woman. She’s crazy smart, determined to live and doesn’t sit around and wait for a man to do the heavy lifting. Eric appreciates her strength and intelligence, and doesn’t try to run roughshod over her.
Overall this was a fast paced story with a great plot, a lovable hero, kickass heroine and a really enjoyable read.
Rating: B
Mind Games is the second book in the Harp Security series by Laura K. Curtis. Although I hadn’t read the first one in the series yet, I really enjoyed the last book I read by Ms. Curtis (from a different series) so I decided to give this one a shot. Thankfully I didn’t feel like I was lost by not having read the first book, but I enjoyed this one so much I will probably go back and read it at some point. I love a good romantic suspense novel, and although I figured out early on who the big villain was, it didn’t lessen my overall enjoyment of the story.
Dr. Jane Evans is the daughter of a schizophrenic who committed suicide years earlier, and she is on the verge of a medical breakthrough in her psychiatric research lab. Determined to come up with a drug that treats schizophrenia, without the debilitating side effects, Jane’s life revolves entirely around her job. On the way to work one morning someone attempts to kidnap Jane, and at the last minute the attempt is thwarted by a bodyguard she wasn’t even aware her boss had hired to protect her.
Eric Sorenson may be a hired bodyguard, but he owes Jane a huge debt of gratitude. Without her help he would never have made it through college and he’s determined to make sure whoever is trying to kidnap her doesn’t get the chance. In the years since he saw her last she has grown and matured into a beautiful woman and as he spends more time with her, he is drawn to her passion for her work and her strength.
When the attempts to get ahold of Jane start getting more aggressive, Eric’s team becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of leads. They know her assistant Dani has gone missing, but no one can figure out who is behind it all. The thinking is that this is related to the new drug she is working on, and the plan is to keep her out of sight until the formal announcement of the sale of the drug. Eric takes her out of town and the chemistry between them bubbles over. The duo agree to keep their hands off each other until after she’s officially not his client, but it’s not easy.
Harp Security keeps Jane safe and gets her to the announcement as planned, but Eric doesn’t feel quite right about the situation. Believing Jane to be safe, he asks her out on a date for that night and they go their separate ways. When he shows up to pick her up for their date, Jane is nowhere to be found and there is Chinese food spilled all over her living room floor. Knowing she has been kidnapped, he enlists the help of his team to figure out who exactly is behind it and what they want.
When she comes to, Jane sees part of the team behind her abduction and when she realizes what they want from her she is sickened. Determined to stay alive because she knows Eric will come for her, Dr. Jane and Dani do everything they can to stall things. They know once their usefulness has worn out they will be killed, but helping the men that have her goes against everything she has worked for.
There’s a lot going on in this book and I really can’t wait to read future stories. I am particularly looking forward to Dani’s future story. There’s quite the cliffhanger left for her and I’m sure it’s going to be emotional once it happens. Despite the busy plot, there is still time to develop the core characters, and Jane is a badass woman. She’s crazy smart, determined to live and doesn’t sit around and wait for a man to do the heavy lifting. Eric appreciates her strength and intelligence, and doesn’t try to run roughshod over her.
Overall this was a fast paced story with a great plot, a lovable hero, kickass heroine and a really enjoyable read.
Rating: B
November 15, 2015
Mind Games is a total mind game!
When we first meet Dr. Jane Evans, all I could think was that she was going to be meek and mild, and that I hoped she has a backbone. Then we meet Eric Sorensen. Now, we all know that beards aren’t my thing, but damn if he doesn’t sound like sex on a stick walking. Eric is the epitome of T.D.H. and mysterious—that is a lethal combination in my book. I’m certain I’d have dropped my panties for him at that moment. Not to mention he saved Jane in the beginning of the book… Then enter more of the Harp Security Team. Jake. Tara. Nash and more!
Fast and furious would be the words I’d use to describe Mind Games. From the lab in NYC, to the jungles of Mexico and so much more in between. The fast-paced, magnificent specimens of male hunks, who are both kind and caring even though they don’t recognize it are super fly! I felt like I was on a roller coaster waiting for what would happen next.
If you are a hardcore romantic waiting for all the feels, this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you’re looking for mystery, whodunnit, thrills and chills, a couple of oh my’s and WTF’s, then this is all you! Just like it was all me!
I’m on the GIVE ME MORE plan! Ready, Set, NOWWW!!!! ~ Heather, 5 stars
When we first meet Dr. Jane Evans, all I could think was that she was going to be meek and mild, and that I hoped she has a backbone. Then we meet Eric Sorensen. Now, we all know that beards aren’t my thing, but damn if he doesn’t sound like sex on a stick walking. Eric is the epitome of T.D.H. and mysterious—that is a lethal combination in my book. I’m certain I’d have dropped my panties for him at that moment. Not to mention he saved Jane in the beginning of the book… Then enter more of the Harp Security Team. Jake. Tara. Nash and more!
Fast and furious would be the words I’d use to describe Mind Games. From the lab in NYC, to the jungles of Mexico and so much more in between. The fast-paced, magnificent specimens of male hunks, who are both kind and caring even though they don’t recognize it are super fly! I felt like I was on a roller coaster waiting for what would happen next.
If you are a hardcore romantic waiting for all the feels, this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you’re looking for mystery, whodunnit, thrills and chills, a couple of oh my’s and WTF’s, then this is all you! Just like it was all me!
I’m on the GIVE ME MORE plan! Ready, Set, NOWWW!!!! ~ Heather, 5 stars
April 22, 2016
Compelling
Well plotted romantic suspense. Heavier on the suspense than the romance but still kept my interest. Realistic in a good way.
Well plotted romantic suspense. Heavier on the suspense than the romance but still kept my interest. Realistic in a good way.
Want to read
October 30, 2015pre-order from Amazon
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews