Surrender At the Border

Border #1

by Risa Leigh

ATF agent B.J. Carleton’s first priority is stopping the flow of guns into Mexico until sassy Callie Snowden finds herself in the sights of a ruthless gunrunner, a man B.J. suspects killed her husband. After the tragedy Callie retreated home to her small Texas town, thinking she’d found safety. Now secrets from the past plunge her into a nightmare. When she and B.J. are kidnapped by ruthless cartel henchmen and taken into the Chihuahuan desert, B.J. must protect Callie from the killers and harsh terrain. As they run for their lives, the past continues to play itself out and catches them in its deadly spiral. And if B.J. gives in to his overwhelming attraction for her, he may lose everything...for both of them.

Genres: Suspense

230 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2016

Reviews

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's just something about reading about a police officer romance. So whenever I get the chance to review a book that has anything to do with police work, ATF, FBI, CIA, or anything like that you know I'm in.

I expected this new release to be at typical hot police officer romance but what it became was a much deeper novel that captured my full attention.

Both the heroine and the hero in this book, Callie and BJ , are both damaged people. But when they see each other sparks fly even though they know the last thing they need is any type of entanglement. The author did an awesome job captivating the reader with plenty of action, a few heart stopping moments, a touch of feelings, and a little bit of romance that we are always looking for.

I was fully captivated and really couldn't put this book down. I love the in depth storyline and definite depth of character development that Risa Leigh was able to create. You felt every bit of anxiety and hurt that these two people had. Even though there is a happy ever after in this, I really wish we would have gotten a bit more of their togetherness at the end of the story. We really don't know what happened and that's kind of a bummer.

What I do know is that this is story that is perfect for those that love police action stories with a touch of romance. Well done.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust under fire…

What do an ATF agent and a small town librarian have in common? Well, more than you would think if you are B.J. Carleton and Callie Snowden. Both have lost spouses to violence and, even years later, they are dealing with the aftermath. Despite a rocky start to their relationship, professional courtesy gives way to more personal feelings as they find themselves fighting for their lives… together.

This is a romantic suspense with a Mexican cartel, drugs and a stalker providing the sinister backdrop to B.J. and Callie’s romance. Having suffered loss before, they both are understandably wary when their attraction for each other sneaks up on them. Both have reasons for not committing and, considering they are on the run, pretty valid ones at that.

I can’t imagine how scary their situation is but they seem to take it all in stride. B. J., I can understand being cool under pressure, given his career and all. Callie was a surprise as she took each challenge and blow in stride. Almost too much stride. Not that I wanted her to have fainting spells or hysterics or anything—that would not be cool either. She did seem to be a bit cool and reserved though when I wanted her to be just more.

The pieces all fit together very neatly though their roller coaster ride courtship was anything but the “norm”. An interesting start to the series; I’m curious where the next story will go. ~ Diane, 3.5 stars

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

This was a pretty good read, one that kept me entertained for the majority of the story. B.J. and Callie are equally complicated characters who have painful pasts that have made them hesitant to become seriously involved with anyone new. Their blossoming romance spelled a renewed shot at them both finding love and happiness, and while the speed in which these two fell for one another may have many thinking insta-love, the fact that they were together for a particular period of time where they were also able to learn quite a bit about each other makes it a bit easier to understand how their feelings developed that quickly. There were times, though, that the shifts in their moods and conversations were kind of abrupt and frustrating. I did like, however, the evolution that their relationship goes through, and how they're finally able to move forward with their respective lives because being with each other has inspired them to do so. I certainly wouldn't mind reading more as the series progresses. Surrender at the Border gets four stars. ♥

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very engaging and interesting suspense novel. I began this morning and found it hard to stop until the end.

B.J. & Callie were believable as a couple right until the end. The author took me on a wonderful ride with many characters and locations that made for a great story line. All the twists and turns were exciting.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley & Entangled Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to meet Leigh at a local writer’s conference and it was fun to hear her talk about writing in multiple genres. She was sweet and supportive when she heard what I was interested in.

This novel was fairly predictable and didn’t really break outside of the standard romance tropes, but it was generally well written and entertaining. It’s not close to being considered as erotica for those worried about it.

[Bess · Rating 2 out of 5]

B.J. and the federal agents is dealing with a case and asks Callie helps. Instant attracting yet not all over you thing. Also Callie is a widom as B.J. and she is guessing that this about him or it is her stalker that she totally oblivious and now believes that she is a victim.

They are kidnapped a lot of things happens almost all the storyline is in border of the Mexico who also there is a cartel and they have to comeback to USA so very easy. Most of time I was bored there is some action yet a lot slow things.

And they have sex-ok but they were all dirty and the freak sand and mountains.

They seeks and also their friends are there and B.J. is shot and Callie doubting his feelings towards her. Cause the guy was a huge asshole towards her and snapped every time she asks something. There is not grieving just I love you-out of nowhere and kiss.

[Michelle Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a phenomena in reading, when you know the author of a work, you hear their voice when you are reading their work. I am friends with the author of this work, and as such I was not anxious to hear the sweet voice of my tiny, librarian friend, reading sexual content in my ear.

But amazingly, that didn't happen. Risa Brown has written this offering in such a strong voice, and with so much action, I not only didn't hear her, but I was halfway through the book before I noticed that. I had a lot of fun with this book, and that comes from a person who does not read this genre as a rule. Be prepared for a wild ride in several meanings of the term.

[Haley · Rating 1 out of 5]

you could say i was not a fan

[Erin Koiso · Rating 4 out of 5]

B.J. Carelton is an United States ATF agent, and he is in Rowdy, Texas. He is there to stop a gun runner who is selling illegal guns to the cartel in Mexico. When he finds out his target – Karl Abbott, is using the towns library computer system to make deals he knows the only thing he can do is install monitoring software to track his activity. But this may not go as simple as planned. The town librarian Callie Snowden, isn’t about to agree to this easily. Callie is strong willed and of high moral standards and she doesn’t like the idea of her patrons privacy being violated. After reaching an agreement – the software is installed. Callie has known Karl since way back, but she has no idea of his illegal activities.

Callie’s husband was a State Trooper and was killed in the line of duty. His murder remains unsolved. But Callie uses the opportunity of B.J. Being in town to see what he knows about the case. As they get closer, B.J. Realizes that Karl is too close for comfort to Callie. In fact, he is stalking her without her even realizing it. Once B.J. points it out to Callie she becomes even more scared than she was before. When Callie is kidnapped by Karl she realizes the one person that can save her is the one she can’t protect her heart against! With Callie and B.J. kidnapped and stranded in the heart of Mexico – danger lurks around every corner! Karl is after her, the drug cartels are looking for them, and she slowly get B.J. to open up to her. She finds out that he lost his wife to a murderer that happened in front of him. He carries as heavy of a burden and Callie does. The two of them do everything in their power to fight the spark between them but it grows daily. Stranded in the desert, desperate to get home safely, the two of them struggle as their hearts are mending before their eyes.

B.J. is a rugged, strong drug enforcement agent. He is damaged and broken and he has buried himself in his work for way to long. So long in fact that he isn’t even sure how change that. I fell for him quite quickly as you are quick to realize that even damaged he is a stand up guy!

Callie has had her heart ripped from her soul not once but twice. She is strong, sassy and determined. She is slow to realize that the last thing she thinks is looking for is the one thing she needs! I enjoyed her sassiness, her ability to face her fears and stand her ground in the darkest of moments.

The suspense of the story is fast paced and wildly addicting. I wanted nothing more than for Karl to get his just punishment! I loved how the relationship built between Callie and B.J. And couldn’t wait to see how everything turned out! Romantic suspense at its finest!

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good suspense / action and romance story. While the premise of lawman meets and becomes protective of a woman while he is on a case might be predictable, this book takes several unexpected twists. There is kidnapping, gun running, and plenty of suspense. The main characters are both complex individuals with plenty of baggage. Fortunately they work through their issues and get their happily ever after. I would read more by this author. It was a fun read, a book I didn't want to put down.

[Deb Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Risa Leigh brings readers the first book in a new romantic suspense series. Surrender at the Border is action filled and romantic. Leigh strikes a good balance and readers will quickly fall in love with her sassy heroine and her determined hero. Looking for something that will have you on the edge of your seat and staying up late flipping those pages? This one might be just the thing. A very good new book from an author to keep an eye on!

What I liked:

I have only just become really interested in romantic suspense writing and I find that there are several things that draw me to a particular book or author in the genre. Usually that is a trusted author, a good hook and a great balance between action and romance. Since Risa Leigh is new to the genre, I was skeptical but the synopsis of this story was interesting and got my attention. There has to be a great hook for romantic suspense novels. That thing that pulls the reader into the action. This one has that. An ATF agent trying to curb gun running from the Mexican drug cartels. A premise that is not necessarily unique until you add in the girl next door librarian who is still reeling from the death of her husband. Leigh has the romance angle covered as well right from the start.

Leigh gives readers characters who have depth. B.J. is an ATF agent and readers can see right from the beginning that his job is very important to him but they can also see is protective nature when it comes to protecting Callie during his investigation. He shows great vulnerability when he discusses the death of his wife and the death of Callie's husband due to violence and he quickly becomes a character readers can become invested in.

Callie thinks she is safe, but danger is lurking right around the corner. The man who killed her husband is stalking her and he happens to be the man B.J. is looking for in connection to the gun running case. Callie is sassy and energetic, but she that soft side that grips the heart of the reader. As she and B.J. begin to be aware of their attraction to each other, Callie blooms. A great female lead!

It's all about the balance in romantic suspense and Leigh does that with style. This is a fast paced novel. You have gun running, kidnapping, escapes, desert survival and everything a reader could ask for in the suspense aspect of the book. But you also have that heartwarming connection that builds between the hero and the heroine. There are moments of tenderness and sharing and moments of passion that keep the romantic aspects of the book on point. Leigh draws us in and keeps us right on the edge throughout this book.

What I didn't like:

This book has quite a bit going for it and this certainly is not a deal breaker. There was only one real love scene and it wasn't very long. That can be good and that can be bad. There was a good balance to the book but most of the romance was more of generic sort, not too much hanky panky. For me that's not a big deal but to some it might be. Just keep in mind that this is more romantic and lest sexual and you'll love it.

Bottom Line:

I liked it a lot. Risa Leigh gave me good characters. A believable storyline. Lots of heart pounding action and a wonderful romance between two people who has had their share of tragedy. The hero was rough and tough and the heroine was sassy and sweet. They proved they could survive just about anything including the desert. Risa Leigh is definitely an author to keep in your sights in the romantic suspense genre.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself all into the suspense of this story to where I could not put it down until I was finished. The fact that Callie is so head strong and independent doesn't help when B.J. is trying to help protect her from the person that Callie thinks is a friendly acquaintance. The characters were well developed and the story flowed really well. Risa Leigh did a great job with this one.

B.J. is an ATF Agent that is in the middle of trying to bust some illegal selling of guns to cartel members. When B.J. and his people get a clue that one of the people living in their town is using the library to make sales of a popular gun that the cartel is seeking, they go to tell Callie, who works at the library.

Callie is recovering from her husband being killed in the line of duty as an officer. Although there is some shady business surrounding his death, Callie is still holding out hope that B.J. and his men can uncover the truth. Callie has moved back home and is working at the library. When Karl, an old acquaintance, comes into the library requesting to use the computers, Callie thinks nothing about it and lets him. Little does she know that he is the one that is doing the selling to the cartel. Callie also realizes that Karl is all the sudden very interested with her as well and is even going on stalker tendencies with some of the things that he is doing. When B.J. and Callie begin to put the pieces together, they know they have their man, but before they can catch Karl, he has his men kidnap them. How will Callie and B.J. escape Karl's men, especially when the cartel gets involved??

This was a story full of suspense and some romance. I love the way that Risa Leigh incorporated it all together and made such a great story. When B.J. has to tell Callie that he also thinks that Karl is the one that killed her husband, he is not sure how Callie is going to handle all of this. B.J. shows great care with Callie and I love how he took care of her during their tying times and helped her along the way. Of course that was his job, but he went above and beyond. Thanks for a great story Risa and I can't wait for more from you in the near future!

[Susan Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It is quite tense, the two main characters BJ and Callie each have great sadness in their background which has ruled their lives, and stopped them moving on. You do get a sense of place, when Callie an BJ escape their kidnappers and try to get back to the Mexican border crossing, trying to avoid the drug cartel footsoldiers who are hunting them through the desert you can certainly feel their pain in the harshness of the terrain, and visualise the surroundings.

If you enjoy suspense stories with most of the romance of the story being played out in the minds of the couple this is a good read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*
Callie has been asked to cooperate with the ATF in order to bust a weapons smuggler, Karl, who has been using the computers at her library to arrange deals. When agent B.J. learns of Karl’s unwanted attention toward Callie, he makes sure to keep a close eye on her.  Karl has been stalking her and will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even kidnapping her and B.J. and taking them into Mexico. Fortunately, they manage to escape and must now find a way back to the States, while avoiding the Narcos. From crossing mountains to staying at an asylum, the two avoid being recaptured. However, when Karl refuses to disappear, the ATF realizes the only way to get him for good is to use Callie as bait, something that doesn’t sit too well with B.J.

I really liked this story. It pretty much kicks into high gear right from the beginning and doesn’t let up. I didn’t find any slow parts, nor did I ever feel a desire to skim paragraphs. Callie and B.J. connect with each other through similar past traumas and their relationship feels real. He doesn’t feel worthy of Callie’s affection, thus tries to push her away. Though not only for that reason does he push her away, but to keep his head clear for survival, which I appreciated. The suspense of this story carries throughout, the climax is thrilling, and the end is satisfying. There’s only one sex scene and its brief; any more than that would have felt unnecessary for the way the story is written. Overall, this book was a winner for me. I plan to add Risa Leigh to my watch list of authors.

My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the pleasure of reading Surrender at the Border by Risa Leigh.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review**

B.J. Carelton is an ATF agent who wants to stop the flow of guns and drugs over the border from Mexico but a sassy librarian may be his toughest lady he'll ever have to deal with. Through the support of the Rowdy's town council, Cassie Snowden, she reluctantly allows the ATF agents access to the libraries computer to track down a local resident who is selling weapons to the cartel. Unfortunately, Karl Abbott is using the computers to selling the newest version of the AR 15 rifle that the cartel wants desperately. He's also become a bit of a stalker towards Cassie since she moved back to Rowdy after her husband's death.

Cassie's husband was a Texas State officer, who was killed under somewhat suspicious cloud and she wants to know why after his death there was a notebook and an account with money that she didn't know about. B.J knows about this and has a theory that perhaps a local resident was involved. He is still reeling from the death of his wife, who was a social worker trying to help a child and their mother escape from an abusive relationship.

What follows is a kidnapping into Mexico by the cartel, a daring escape (Who knew a golf ball would come in handy as a weapon?), a race across the desert to make it back to the U.S.A before they are found, an overnight stay at a Mexican asylum and a fantastic finish to the story. I really enjoyed the non-stop action and of course trying to figure out if there was a HEA within the story.

I will definitely read another book by this author.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do gotta say I love adventure romance. This author will deliver that in this one. Even the cover screams it is in there. When agent B.J. is with those who approach Callie to let about what has been going on in the library she at first thinks it is about her deceased husband who also was in law enforcement. Not happy but does cooperate the fun begins in waiting on the trap to be sprung. When it is though the real stunner will be is her stalker and that he is after her . When he finds her she is with B.J. and their captivity begins. Go along with them as they are in for some dangerous times with some not so nice people of the lowest degree. They will also have to reason or not with a madman whom is in lust. When they do get on the run the suspense will grow but it will also be a time when they will really get to talk because other than running for their life they can do that. They will also be falling for each other in a big way but these are not ideal circumstances. He thinks because of his past he doesn't get a shot at love but those are the keepers. She will though also hear some truths about her husband she will have to digest fully. I do find though when there is two on the run I get a little anxious and want them to hurry up to safety. Wonderful though how in the midst of all of this love will find a way to mend two people and put them together. There will be of course a big finale that will race your engines but finish nicely.

[Sparkymom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie is a small town librarian who is asked to help the authorities find evidence on a criminal using the library's computers to conduct illegal activities. The fact that said criminal seems to be infatuated with her makes her even more useful. B.J. is an ATF agent working the case. He is also secretly working another angle related to Callie's late husband. Both Callie and B.J. have lost a spouse to violence. Problems start when the investigation manage to result in both of them being kidnapped and taken across the border into Mexico. A timely escape takes them out of one form of danger but places then right in the middle of a desert with little to survive on. The time alone searching for a way back home gives them plenty of time to get to know each other, in a couple of different ways (*wink, wink*). When the dust finally settles though, will what they found in each other be permanent or just a reaction to danger and stress?

This was an easy read with plenty of action and danger. It had a chatty talkative librarian matched with a taciturn growly agent, which made for an interesting contrast.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

[Vero Stro · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating suspense novel. Of course it also has tons of romance! I couldn't put it down!

B.J. & Callie were great characters, I liked them a lot. Their personalities are interesting,tough,sexy! . The story flows nicely and the book is full of action. Full of twists and turns

I received an Arc by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

[Calm Your Pits · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** This ARC was received from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

This was very good action/smut/love story. The characters were very interesting.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

[Tina Hobbs Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good writing, but the story moved a bit slow for me. I enjoyed the overall plot, but I feel it could have progressed quicker. I will try this author again!