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Life can leave you bruised

Former Navy SEAL, Jackson West, is trying to start over in the Bluegrass State. West had to choose between serving his country and being the parent his young daughter deserves. He’s formed Black Star Security with his military buddies, and they’re gonna kick a little @ss. For a price.

Sometimes you need a second chance

Deputy U.S. Marshal Annie Foster accidentally got her partner killed during a routine prisoner transport. Now three dangerous felons are roaming the Kentucky countryside, and it’s all her fault. Black Star Security is hunting the fugitives, and Annie’s assisting them, even though she’s devastated by the mistake she made. But she didn’t count on West, a big, bad alpha male who’s an intoxicating mixture of ruthless and tender.

Will they capture the escaped convicts? And will West and Annie take a chance on each other?

Unknown Binding

First published March 12, 2018

629 people are currently reading
470 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Rayne

58 books836 followers
Cynthia Rayne is a USA TODAY bestselling author of the Black Star Security, Kinky Security, Lone Star Mobster, and the Four Horsemen MC Series. While Cynthia was born and raised a damn Yankee in Ohio, her parents hail from Dixie, and she grew up on homemade buttermilk biscuits and southern wisdom. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, reading way too many romance novels, and drinking a truly obscene amount of coffee.


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5 stars
326 (46%)
4 stars
238 (34%)
3 stars
105 (15%)
2 stars
19 (2%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,384 reviews898 followers
March 11, 2018
After an assignment goes fubar, Annie is trying to level the scales of justice and can hopefully find redemption along the way. When her investigation intercepts with West’s he offers her a temporary place on his team.

West’s position with the SEALS was once his main priority until a tragic and soul destroying event occurred that made him reevaluate his life. Now he’s determine to make things right and is holding fast to this second chance to be the man and father he should have been in the past. Together they put all they have into solving the case and along the way yield to the attraction they have for one another.

I liked both of these characters as well as the team of security experts that make up West’s new security business. The camaraderie within the group was perfect and hooks you enough to want to know what each of their stories are going to be about.

This is a fast paced read that could have been fleshed out a bit more. Many times just when these characters hit a crossroads emotionally or physically, I felt that the story seemed to hesitate instead of rising to its full potential and giving me everything that I wanted. For the most part I enjoyed it and would probably try the next one in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dual POV
Safe – no ow/om drama; ex-wife was not an issue
Possible Triggers – H/h hunting a serial killer who rapes (not on page and no details shared) and slices his victims; very minor secondary character is drug addict who overdoses
Profile Image for Bella.
693 reviews31 followers
March 10, 2018
I was exceptionally impressed by this book! It's the first in a new series I will definitely be following. It certainly ticks all the boxes for this genre: plenty of action, plenty of suspense, and a great romantic storyline. I particularly like how finely crafted the characters are, with no strange inconsistencies or annoying and overlooked holes in character. The plot was a little different to the norm, which made for a refreshing change. The romance almost took a backseat for much of the book, which I really appreciated. In a way, the romance and action sub-plots were interwoven, rather than the action driving the romantic entanglements or vice versa. The only small flaw for me was that the romantic/sex scenes fell a little flat, but that's certainly personal preference and this is by no means jam-packed with sex, nor is the sex the point! Overall a fantastic read.
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,001 reviews45 followers
March 11, 2018
3 1/2

This was a good story with some interesting characters, yet something was missing. I am not sure what it was. I just didn’t feel the connection between West and Annie. It seemed very instant with really no reason. Well she had great boobs.

I liked the concept of the security team and all their backgrounds. The other guys seemed more interesting then West. I don’t know he really didn’t do it for me and he was almost pushing himself on Annie then pulling away with indecision.

There is action and lots of gore at the end. A good read that just didn’t do it for me. I will read the next because King sounds really interesting.

Received a copy from the author.
Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
2,119 reviews361 followers
March 19, 2018
There is some attraction between West and Annie from the start; obviously, this is a complicated set up though! Annie has a lot of survivor's guilt, West has an ex-wife and a child. It's complicated! Throw in the task of catching a dangerous criminal (three escaped, but only 1 is a serious danger to society!), and you have a plot that keeps you on your toes.

My issue was with West and Annie. They weren't a bad set of characters or anything, but I just didn't find myself caring much about their relationship. Maybe I just didn't buy it? I'm not sure. I can't put my finger on exactly what it was that didn't click for me, but there was something that kept me from totally loving them. I did like the way West's relationship with his ex-wife was portrayed. They were a very positive, mature example of divorced couples who coparent. I also appreciated that West wasn't a manwhore. I'm kind over those. Even with those positive things, I still felt a little ambivalent about West and Annie.

I'm curious to get the stories of the other members of Black Star. They are an interesting group that I think could bring some entertaining stories!

 

POV: 3rd
Tears: no
Trope: security team
Triggers: none
Series/Standalone: stand alone
Cliffhanger: 
HEA: 




Claiming Felicity by Susan Stoker, Dangerous Witness by Katie Reus, A Cold Dark Place by Toni Anderson...then you will probably like Black and Blue!

 


Black and Blue
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Profile Image for Mona Livsey.
378 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2018
A very engaging read! With all the elements of Romance, Suspence, Heartbreak and Absolution, This well paced action filled story will keep you glued to your seat. US Marshall Annie Foster has to live with the loss of not only her Partner, but her Best Friend when a botched Prisoner transfer takes a turn for the worse. Annie wakes up in the hospital without her friend and with out a job. She is determined to find the prisoners who caused so much Havoc and despair in her life.
Jackson West, a former Navy Seal Wishes he could change the past, anything to bring back his son. But nothing changes that he just wasn’t there. So he does whatever he can to be there for his daughter. After leaving the Navy, West begins his own Private Security Team in his small town home in Kentucky. Recruiting the best of the best, they begin to settle in when one thing leads to another and his path crosses with Annie’s while trying to find one of the missing prisoners.
Uniting forces and information is the quickest way to find them, so West hires Foster on a contingency basis, but finds the attraction between each other distracting as well as emotional.
His interactions between teammates is incredible and the action pace is hot! I found this a great read and am excited to see what else this author has to offer!
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
415 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2018
This is a new series I will be following as it comes out. I hadn't read this author before, but I read many of this type of book. Let me assure you this particular one is nothing like any before.
Annie Foster has had it rough lately, beyond rough, but is determined not to allow her dismissal from the U.S. Marshals stop her from finding justice. Jackson West isn't a stranger to the guilt of letting down a loved one either. He is determined to be a better father to his little girl so he leaves the SEALs and starts Black Star Security. A change encounter leads these two to one another in the trail of 3 escaped convicts.
Pick up this book to read if they can find a way to come together when evil is out there lurking.
Profile Image for Luli.
718 reviews78 followers
probado-y-no
April 11, 2019

My thoughts in English: below.

Dnf @ 21%
El primer y segundo capítulo han sido interesantes, intensos y prometedores.
Después empiezan los clichés: las descripciones físicas aburridas e interminables, él babeando por los atributos de ella y describiendo sus fantasías sexuales de una manera muy borde y desagradable y ella, muy lista y muy todo, pero se monta en un coche sola con 3 tíos fuertes, que dan un poquito de miedo y sobre todo desconocidos.
Y cuando llegan al granero en el que vive el héroe ella ya se ve viviendo allí. Y todo esto sin apenas saber sus nombres.

Que igual soy yo… vete tú a saber.

***

Dnf @ 21%
The first and second chapters were interesting, intense and so promising.
Then, the clichés began: endless and boring physical descriptions, he slobbering over her physique and describing his sexual fantasies (in a very rude manner) and the heroine, who I guess is super-clever, goes and gets on a car with three big, scary and utterly stranger men. Yep.
Then they arrive at the barn where he lives and she can totally see herself living there. And they even not know theirs names!

But maybe it´s me… Who knows.
Profile Image for Vivi Chatzikiriakou.
286 reviews26 followers
March 11, 2018
"A great start of a new series I'm instantly fell in love. Looks like Black Star Security will have us on out toes for indefinitely. "


Book rates: 5+stars
Plot: 5+stars
Characters: 5+starts
Writing: 5+stars
Pacing: 5+stars
Cover: 4stars


"I received a complimentary copy of this book and have volunteered to leave a review."

Well, I'll be damned! What an awesome, enjoyable read was that! While Cynthia Rayne has her share of distinct work since many years back, I've got now the opportunity to personally read a book of hers. Black and Blue was the perfect introduction and the reason why the author became instantly one of my favourites.

Black and Blue synopsis indicates enough details about what is happening in the book, so I'm not going to reveal and spoil the story more. There are so many feels in this book. The author dealing with important themes, like grief, loss, guilt, despair through the characters, made my heart really ache for them. The intensity of emotions and the hind of a might be a relationship between Annie and West have been written so perfectly, that till the end they kept my anticipation on the highest levels. They indeed sizzle as a couple. The chemistry between them is absolutely off the charts.

Then there is the suspense. The adrenaline rush I felt once I started reading Black and Blue didn't stop but was intensified more as the story was unfolded. The hunting, the murdered scenes and the fight are to name just a few. I was totally invested in the outcome. Frustrated, anxious and nervous for Annie's and West's welfare. The best part was the author's dose of humour to keep matters breezy and fun. The camaraderie within West's group and their witty lines were the perfect fit to blow off some tension at any given moment. In an instant, I became a fan of them!.

Over all, it was the author's fluent writing style and her unique talent that made Black and Blue on of the books any genre reader should read. It is a page turning, attention grabbing, with steamy-sexy-hot-as-hell scenes book I guarantee you all going to love it. So, what are you waiting for?

I hope I intrigued your imagination a little and make you grab the book. Until next time, enjoy your free time reading great books with the most unforgettable stories.

Vivi
Profile Image for Julia Red Hatter Book Blog.
644 reviews33 followers
March 11, 2018
I think my heart has finally stopped beating out of my chest. This was an intense ride seeped in danger. During a routine prison transport Annie loses three convicts and gets a bullet to the shoulder. Six months later she's scrambling to find the three prison runaways and meets Jackson West. West is a former Navy Seal and now runs a security firm. Sparks literally fly when they meet and the chemistry between them gets hotter and hotter throughout the story. I enjoyed seeing a female character in an alpha role, Annie fit perfectly with West and his alphaness. Both were badass, full of grit, and not afraid of going after what they wanted. Annie is riddled with guilt but plans to get these three escapees no matter what.

The slow burn love wasn't actually too slow. West and Annie both have their reservations about taking things further yet they both work through them. Cynthia Rayne has a way with words that make you feel the full story. I felt scared, sad, guilty, happy, and lovey. This will be a series I'll be following closely, I'm excited to see the others get their HEAs. Get ready to be sucked into a magnificent book, one where the characters pull at your heartstrings and the suspense has you heart beating out of your chest!
1,382 reviews10 followers
March 10, 2018
Wow! What a start, to this new series,
Black Star Security! I loved this book,
& really enjoyed reading it.
It is an great romance supense story.
In one second, U.S. Marshall,
Annie Foster's life, is changed forever.
Now, she wants justice. Annie vowed
to make things right.
After a tragedy rocks his world,
former Navy Seal, Jackson West,
is ready for a second chance.
To be a better father, for his daughter.
West, opens Black Star Security.
His former military buddies, join his team.
While on case, at a dive bar, West is enchanted by a beautiful brunette.
But, she did not seem to be your
average one night stand.
Annie was there looking for a suspect.
When things went wrong, West & Annie,
find their after the same person.
Since it's the same case, West asked
Annie to join his team.
The story will draw you in, from the very beginning, & keep you reading till the end.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
Profile Image for Stacy J..
1,345 reviews12 followers
March 9, 2018
This was a new author to me and I am very glad I took a chance.

Annie Foster made one mistake on the job and it cost her friends life and potential countless other innocent lives. She is doing everything in her power to right a wrong that happened. This pursuit puts her in the path of Former Navy SEAL, Jackson West who is starting his own security firm.

Jackson West is a man who has scars but is doing everything in his power to change. He finds out about three escaped convicts and sees the type of reward money they are offering and he knows this would be good for the new company and getting his name out there. What he didn't count on was the spitfire that he runs into or the chemistry between them.

I loved reading about the chemistry that these two had for each other. I liked for the most part that they were adults about it. Annie was a little more reluctant to admit it but Jackson was full steam ahead. He was a man bent on seducing this woman who has gotten under his skin. It was amazing to read.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,215 reviews219 followers
March 16, 2018
4 Star Review Black and Blue (Black Star Security #1) by Cynthia Rayne
This was a new author to me and the premise sounded intriguing, plus I enjoy romantic suspense.
West has formed a Security company with his military buddies and Annie, a U.S.Marshal is reeling from the death of her partner during a prisoner transport.
When they decide to work together to catch the escaped prisoners, although focused on their task at hand, they are also aware of the growing attraction between them.
Full of drama, suspense and intrigue as well as romance this book will keep you interested and the chemistry between West and Annie sizzled.The banter and camaraderie between West and the members of the security team was great and I cannot wait to read their stories.
I will certainly be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Jules The Book Junkie Reviews.
1,606 reviews94 followers
March 24, 2018
3.5 stars

Black and Blue is the first book in Cynthia Rayne’s Black Star Security Series which will undoubtedly feature a book about each of the hunky former military men in Jackson West’s newly founded company. Black and Blue not only sets up the series, but it also features Jackson West, a former Navy SEAL, and Annie Foster, a former U.S. Marshall. The two meet when their individual hunt for a trio of fugitives intersects.

I was hooked by the intense prologue. This quick-paced novel is action packed from start to finish. The characters are interesting, and the camaraderie between the members of Jackson West’s team is highly enjoyable. The group felt genuine, and their interactions made me want to join their team (perhaps not in the field). While there is an almost instant attraction between Jackson and Annie, there is thankfully no proclamation of instant love. I have to say that I didn’t feel the chemistry between these two characters, consequently the romance aspect of the story was less interesting than the action adventure story line.

Queasy readers should be advised that part of the action involves the hunt for a serial killer. While not the most grisly of descriptions, the serial killer’s actions are not sugar coated.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Nerd Girl Official; visit the website for more reading recommendations www.nerdgirlofficial.com
Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
March 30, 2018
This is a first time for me with this author but this is again a formula that gets my attention in a story line. Right away this author grabs at the heart strings when the character Annie has a dark happening when she is devastated but also determined. She then crosses paths with West whom is just starting out with his security company. He has some pals that are colorful that make up this company too. going along on their journey with them in hunting that does heat up in many ways keeps you on the alert with toes curling at times. Hair will get raised also with touch and go moments. All in all one that will be well worth it.
Profile Image for Ame Eggers.
234 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2018
New series and it's off to a running start! I wasn't sure if I was going to like the new book to be honest.....these are good guys.... I'm so used to Cynthia's law breakers with hearts of gold but no worries West and company are just as amazing as the Horsemen and the Mafia. Ex-Seal joins forces with a disgraced marshal to find escaped convicts...not as simple as it sounds when West reacts to Annie from the start. As for Annie, well she has a lot riding on her mind and heart before she can even let West in.......as always Cynthia Rayne writes characters with amazing emotional depth and storylines readers get invested in. The first book of the new series was fantastic and I'm eager for the rest to be released
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
March 22, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! West and Annie's story was a suspenseful thrilling romance. The plot twists and storyline were exceptionally well done.

Both lead characters were struggling to deal with their emotional wounds after experiencing personal losses. They met while each was tracking the three fugitives responsible for shooting Annie and her former partner Mike.

The secondary characters, who I hope all get their own books in this series, are hilariously funny, raunchy and irreverant.

I volunteered to read this book and give an honest review.
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
March 25, 2018
Black and Blue by Cynthia Rayne is the first book in the Black Star Security series. This fast-paced, action-packed story with an intriguing storyline is full of danger, tragedy, suspense, twists, grief, justice, loss, witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and so much more.

I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Miranda.
441 reviews40 followers
March 9, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I had not read this author before but I will definitely be reading her books in the future! I loved the characters, their ribbing of each other, and their cohesiveness when working as a team. Annie was one awesome heroine and the heat between her and West was off the charts!
There were a few misspellings and such but this was an advanced copy and I'm sure will get a final polish before publishing. Other than that I couldn't put this book down! Loved it and I've got myself a new author to follow!
Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
2,119 reviews361 followers
March 15, 2018
Good action. I liked the security team (very diverse group of people!) and I liked the hunt for the escaped prisoners. West and Annie were okay. I'm not entirely sure I fully believed their romance. Maybe I just didn't get enough development in that area? I'm not sure. Whatever the reason, I never really connected with them.
2,515 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2018
I enjoyed this authors previous books so when I saw this new series I knew I wanted to give it a try. This is the start of a new Security company , started by Jackson West and a few of his former teammates, SEALs and other military personnel. A former US Marshall Annie is looking to track 3 former prisoners who escaped whilst they were in transport to a prison, her former partner and friend is shot and she blames herself. She meets up with West tracking the same criminals. Deciding to pool their resources she joins the company and they track them down one by one. A fast paced and an emotional journey ensues . Drama, action and a lot of testosterone from hot sexy Alpha’s. Good book
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,803 reviews18 followers
March 26, 2018
Black and Blue by Cynthia Rayne a five-star read that won’t leave you Black and Blue but will leave you breathless. This is the first book in the Black Star security series and the first book I have read by this author and wow what a read, I can’t wait for the next book. Jackson West is a man who has faced his demons and hasn’t truly been able to come out the other side but after everything he has faced that’s no surprise. But ohhh what a man, he will turn your head and so much more. There is everything in this story drama, steam, and humour with a dash of suspense thrown in for good measures. Thank you so much Cynthia Rayne for this amazing story.
Profile Image for Shelly Reynolds.
702 reviews18 followers
March 13, 2018
"It wouldn't mean jack. I'd walk away like nothing ever happened. So what's the point? We're both too old for a fling."
"That's cute"
"What's cute?"
"You actually think you'd be able to walk after I got done with you."

I loved this story! I was draw in from page one and couldn't put it down! What great characters! There was suspense, heartbreak, humor, and steam! Holy hotness!!

Jackson West, former Navy SEAL, runs Black Star Security. Business is slow, but he's holding out hope. When the opportunity arises to get the job of tracking down 3 dangerous fugitives, he and his men are on it. Following a lead, they get close to one of their targets, only to find they aren't the only ones looking for him. Who is this woman who just interfered with their mission? And why does she make him feel things he hasn't felt in a long time? Their only choice is to join forces, track down the targets, and get on with their lives. But, does he want to move on with out Annie, now that he's found her? When the most ruthless of the fugitives finds her, and his daughter, will he be able to savethem? Or will time run out?

Annie Foster needs to find them. It's all her fault that her partner was shot and that those 3 prisoners escaped. It was supposed to be a routine transport, but it was anything but. After losing everything, including her job as a US Marshal, she takes hunting them down in to her own hands. She has to make this right. Close to apprehending one, she soon finds out that she's not alone in her mission. Joining forces with Jackson West was a temporary fix to finish what she started. What she didn't count on is the way Jackson makes her feel. When the mission is over, will she be able to walk away?

I loved the chemistry between these two, the push and pull, the ribbing they give each other, and that hallway scene? WHOA!!
The other Black Star men all have a personality of their own, and they mesh well -acting like one big family of brothers right down to nicknames and jibes. It was a great story!!

I can't wait for the next book!

482 reviews
March 12, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition

Ok, I’ll be the first to admit it...I’m a HUGE Cynthia Rayne fan!!! I almost cried when I found out that her Four Horsemen MC and Lone Star Mobster series were at an end...still hoping she’ll break down and write some more. I was thrilled to find out that she’s writing a new series and even more thrilled when I read the first book and saw that her wicked sense of humor and amazing storytelling abilities are still intact, this book is a winner. West and Annie are the main characters in this first book and they draw you in right away. Love their chemistry with each other and the camaraderie that they share with their colleagues. Lots of action, hot sex and crazy characters, can’t have a decent Cynthia Rayne book without them. I absolutely can’t wait for the next installment in the Black Star Security series! Great book, amazing job Ms. Rayne, you’re the best! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
487 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2018
This is a really great book, it kept me wonder what would be happening next and if Annie would ever be able to stop the guilt that she is feeling over what happened. Then it had me wondering if Annie was going to come out of it alive, and how she was going to deal with her feelings for West.
Annie and Mike her best friend are US Marshall; they are transporting prisoners from one facility to another. Annie just finished patting down the three convicts. Ryder who was a drug addict, John Doe (they gave him that name because he wouldn’t tell them who he was) he would only rob from the rich sum bags of the world. Then there was Turner. Turner is a serial killer. He had killed 27 women by cutting them all over their bodies so that they would slowly bleed out. He was destined for death row. As she was searching Turner he kept looking at a clock and would never answer her questions. Getting frustrated Mike wanted to get on the road. A couple hours later they heard a noise coming from the back. They had no radio in the van to call for back up and they were out in the middle of nowhere. Once they had opened the back door somehow the three prisoners had freed themselves. Before leaving in a car with darkened windows that had showed up Turned shot Mike, and then shot Annie. Anne was trying to keep Mike alive but she eventually passed out herself but not before Mike made her make a promise some things for him.
Once she woke up in the hospital Mike was there as well, but he was on life support and it was just his body that was there not Mike himself. She blamed herself thinking that she should have done a cavity search on the three, and all of the “what if’s” she could have done. She was fired from the Marshall Service and couldn’t find a job in law enforcement anywhere. That didn’t bother her yet, she had three fugitives to find and bring back to justice. Working around the country supplementing her income by working in dinners she spent the rest of her time trying to track them down.
West is the owner of Black Security that he had just started up. All of the people that worked there for the most part were ex-military of Navy SEAL’s. Except for Mac short for Mackenzie worked for the FBI and there is the new hire Nox that was an Army Ranger and a very good sniper.
Sheriff Huck Wells told West about the three fugitives that were out and the reward for their capture and that one of them had been reported in the county. West had just brought in the three amateur bank robbers that tried to rob the bank that he was in. West was interested he could use the money and that is how he and some of his people were sitting in various parts of the bar waiting for Ryder to come walking in. That is when he saw Annie walk in through the front door and take a seat at the bar. He didn’t know at the time who she was. With her auburn hair and the short slink black dress putting emphasis on all of the right curves West was having a hard time keeping his eyes off of her. When Ryder can in and walked up to the bar, Annie started to chat with him, and made plans to meet Ryder in the alley so they could get together so Ryder thought. But something happened and everything got a bit messy. It was during the aftermath of this snafu that West had Annie team up with Black Security. The first two convicts were not as important to Annie to get back as it was Turner most on her mind. She felt like she already had the blood of her partner on her hands when Turner started to kill again there would be more for her to blame herself for. Will she get Turner before he gets her? Will West and Annie even have a chance at a relationship? Even though this book has some tense moments in it there is also some comedy relief in it as well. I really do recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,394 reviews33 followers
March 21, 2018
4 1/2 stars!

Black and Blue is the first book in the exciting new Black Star Security series by bestselling author Cynthia Rayne. A highly entertaining, thrilling, romantic suspense that's a definite must read! With an intriguing storyline, complex characters, humor, witty banter, intense situations, danger, and surprise twists, this emotional roller-coaster of a story will hold you captive from beginning to end. It was a terrific story, and a great beginning to what is going to be an excellent series!

Former Navy SEAL Jackson West had his life turned upside-down in the worst way possible, and after loosing his family, he decided changes had to be made. Some of those changes included leaving the Navy, forming Black Star Security with some of the men and women who he'd served with, and making his daughter number one priority in his life. Now they have their first case of hunting down three fugitives who escaped 6 months ago while being transported to another facility. The last thing he expects is to have a woman interfere with their surveillance, until he learns who she is.

Former U.S. Marshall Annie Foster has been hunting for the fugitives who changed her life 6 months ago, and who is also responsible for taking the life of her former best friend and partner. Except that she blames herself for that as well, seeing as how it was her responsibility to make sure that they were safe. She's lost everything since that night, and is determined to find the fugitives at all costs. What she doesn't expect is to have a gorgeous man stand in her way, or offer her the help that she desperately needs.

Although there's definitely chemistry between them, West and Annie are determined to find the fugitives, and push aside the attraction, at least for now. While the team searches for the three fugitives, things start heating up. With many twists and turns, and surprises that they don't see coming, everything escalates quickly. Can West, Annie, and the team find and capture all of the fugitives? Will they be able to find the men before it's too late and someone else gets hurt? Will West and Annie continue to hide their feelings for one another? Or will they finally let their walls down, and take a chance to see what could be between them? Will they get the HEA they both want and deserve? You'll have to read this to find out, but you won't be disappointed!

I strongly recommend this book, new series, and exceptional author.

I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the author.
Profile Image for Elysian Fields.
2,191 reviews37 followers
March 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this story and found that I could not put it down. I was sucked into this world of escaped fugitives and the men and women who hunted them down. Black Star Security series is full of possibilities and new adventures.
This is the story of Annie and West, by way of fugitive recovery. Annie is a strong and determined woman who has recently been through a tragedy that she feels is her fault. She believes that she is the cause of the death of her best friend/pseudo brother, and feels that guilt in everyday life. As a US Marshal she is resolute in hunting down the three escaped criminals who killed her friend.
West is a retired military man who created a Black Star Security and has been asked to track down these same escaped criminals. He as gathered some very interesting and very talented co-workers and they have set out to bring the criminals to justice. West and this team meet up with Annie and the stories adventure and romance begins. I will not give the plot away or any key points, I will just say that the story is satisfying and full of action and adventure and one that needs to be experienced.
The personal interactions as well as the professional ones in this story were a pleasure to read. I loved how the team, along with Annie worked together, supported each other, and challenged each other. It was a great balance. I loved getting a glimpse into West’s relationship with his ex-wife and child and how Annie fit into that world as well.
I loved the flow of this story and I must say I cried in chapter one! You know a story is going to be good when you are already attached to the characters after only a few pages. This is my first read by this author but will not be my last; it was a great read. I did find that this story was more of a police procedural and less of a hot and heavy romance, but the characters did get their HEA and I was happy for them.
My only qualm with this story (and I understand that it is fiction so facts can be manipulated) is that the police/US marshal procedures are not accurate. They work for the story but they are not entirely correct; so if you are a stickler for real world accuracy, this story might be in issue for you. Having stated that, what happens in this story works for this story and it was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed every minute of it. I look forward to reading more from these characters and spending more time in this world. I am excited most to read about Mac.
Profile Image for Terri Eaches.
571 reviews8 followers
March 12, 2018
I've just found an automatic one click author!!! An amazing story where two lost souls find each other and help cope with their feelings of guilt and loss. Annie Foster and her partner Mike Danes are low men on the totem pole at the Kentucky Us Marshall post and have the unsavory job of transporting prisoners from one penal institution to another. A transport goes wrong and three prisoners escape leaving the two marshals to die on the side of a road. Annie has made it her lifes mission to find the escapees and bring them to justice to avenge her partner and best friend then find a way to live with the guilt she carries and the 'what ifs'. Jackson West retired as a commander of his SEAL team to start his own private security business Black Star Security so he can be state side and spend time with his daughter after his sons death. After a bank robbery of fumbling young men West has the opportunity of his first case of capturing the escapees, one of which is a serial killer, West and his team is balls to the wall engaged in the mission. When Annie and West cross paths in their separate missions for the same people sparks fly and not just angry sparks. Can Annie and West get beyond their own guilt and alpha personalities to work together while fighting their attraction??? When there is a threat against Wests daughter, Annie puts herself on the front line and neither option is acceptable for West. Black and Blue is a great title for this book, and the cover isn't so bad either🔥🔥.

This is a definite must read!!! The characters are so lifelike you'll swear you are in Kentucky with them. The dialogue between the team members is awesome and will show how much they feel like family to each other. I actually laughted like a loon during one particular breakfast scene after Nox joins the ranks and read it to my husband. This book will stay with you after the last page is read. I've already ordered Black and White and can't wait for King's story with his Savvy!!! Cynthia Rayne wrote an amazing story with his/her POV showing each persons struggle, no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a much deserved HEA and a teaser of the next book in the series...woo hoo!!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Thank you so much Cynthia Rayne
Profile Image for Darlene.
190 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2018
BLACK AND BLUE… the analogy between story and title is brilliant. We are dealt awful blows in life, that leave us battered and bruised. Shaken to the depths of our soul, simply surviving. While life seems like an empty existence, an inner fortitude drives us to rectify the guilt that haunts and consumes, so we find a semblance of peace. It doesn’t matter what lengths you go to, to make things right - sometimes the guilt never disappears. It just seems to manifest.

Crime comes in all manner of packages - Petty and self- destructive. Some you are left wondering “What on Earth?” and some downright depraved evilness. It’s those criminal stories that shape their lives - in turn has major ramifications for those that cross their paths.

Can someone who has experienced pain and guilt be the one to show you there can be more if you allow yourself to heal? Jackson and Annie take you on their journey. Sometimes it won’t be pretty but it’s without doubt... real.

Mix of Kentucky, bluegrass dialect (so cool!!), ex-Navy SEAL/SF military banter, downright sexy scenes, hilarious humour- these boys are wicked fun! Yet… this author has blended it together beautifully into a life that is too real, full of hurt, anger, despair.

Cynthia delivers a beautifully paced story. Angsty drama, suspenseful action, a unfolding romance that simmers and burns, add intrigue along with some twists to come in this page-turning book - BLACK AND BLUE - BLACK STAR SECURITY Bk 1.

A well written story, highly recommended for those that love a military/security style romance. You’ll also meet the team members of Black Star - holy hotness they are serious when the job needs their full focus and attention but give them down time and all bets are off. It was crazy hilarious banter amongst the serious tones through the book. Not only are they a team, they are family and will have your back no matter what. You also get a sneak peek into the next story involving King. You will want to invest and immerse yourself into this series. I am looking forward to when a certain character in the book gets his story… There is more than meets the eye!!
Profile Image for RedEnigma94.
772 reviews17 followers
March 23, 2018
I'm a Cynthia Rayne newbie. Honestly, Black and Blue is a very well-written story, and I absolutely look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. I love stories like these that have the perfect blend of romance and action. I was engaged right from the beginning and just could not put this book down. Annie and West were awesome together, and I enjoyed their little push-pull, "battle of the wills." Clearly sparks were flying everywhere--no matter how hard they tried to deny themselves.

Annie and West both carried around some serious guilt and pain--rightfully so--that truly pierced my heart. A crucial mistake Annie made as a U.S. Marshal agent cost her partner his life. But Mike wasn't just any partner, he was her best friend, and the pain of losing him went deep. Ms. Rayne really did this scene justice. When I tell you I was in tears, I was literally sobbing.

Then we have West who lost a son, and that too, cut very deep. As a parent, I can only imagine the anguish and heartache I'd feel if I lost one of my children the way West did, or any way for that matter. But he vowed to make up for his shortcomings by being the best father he could be to the one child he had left, his daughter Katie.

What I also loved about this story was the camaraderie between the boss man, West and the rest of the crew at Black Star Security. They could joke and play around with each other one minute (the were some laugh-out-loud moments), but in the next, be there to have each others' backs in the most dangerous of situations. I admire the way they seem to truly care about one another. They're not afraid to be blatantly honest with each other when the occasion calls for it.

I thought the plot that centered around hunting three escaped fugitives was exciting and flowed beautifully within the story. I felt like I could be watching an episode, or even a movie of this book on tv.

There were minimal grammatical errors, but not so much so that readers get distracted. This was a really awesome book!
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