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It should have been a simple rescue mission…

Retired Pararescueman, Quinn Wolff, wrote the book on how to stay alive during a mission when he founded Wolff Securities, an elite private sector security firm. When he fast-ropes down to save missing humanitarian aid worker, Avery Marks, in the remote mountains of Azbakastan he isn’t prepared for the brave, stubborn woman who challenges the rules he wrote in order to protect her.

But when it comes to matters of the heart nothing is simple…

Avery Marks learned a long time ago to take care of herself, but when her convoy is attacked, her friends and coworkers murdered, she has to rely on the aid of intensely capable and handsome, Quinn Wolff to get her safely out of the country. His skills keep her alive, but his kisses put her in danger. In danger of losing her heart. That’s a risk she can’t take ever again.

Content Sexual content

268 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2014

255 people are currently reading
432 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Lowery

22 books199 followers
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Lowery writes heartfelt military romantic suspense. Her work has been nominated for the Golden Heart. She debuted her first book in 2012 which made her dreams of being a writer come true, followed by her SEAL Team Alpha series and she loves her job as much today as she did then. She is delighted to bring you stories from the heart and hopes you enjoy reading them as much as she did writing them.

Follow on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jenni...


View my 4 star review from RT Book Reviews Magazine!!!! http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...

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5 stars
231 (48%)
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166 (34%)
3 stars
61 (12%)
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9 (1%)
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8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Yesenia Gonzalez.
539 reviews18 followers
February 9, 2016
The suspense! Man she was so brave and when half the family didn't like her she let them hate her she thought it was her fault. I was happy he went to get her back she deserved to be with his family. I hope the brothers get a book as well.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,206 reviews18 followers
March 31, 2021
This book was so good. I have to say though that there are times I want to tell the author to change how she wrote the story—and this was one of them! I was heart broken, scared, mad, happy and so many emotions went through me while reading this book. The Wolff brothers security went to Azbakastan to rescue Avery who had been kidnapped by an awful leader that wanted her dead. The rescue didn’t go as planned, but they did get Avery out of the country. Avery was one stubborn woman who wanted to do things her way and not cause Quinn and his family problems. Quinn is a pretty stubborn guy himself, but he is a protector and will do anything he can to watch out and help others. His whole wonderful family was that way. Even back in the US, Avery has to be protected from the rebel leader. There were some exciting times I was on the edge of my seat. I very strongly encourage you to read the book.
Profile Image for Lynnette Hartwig.
419 reviews9 followers
June 13, 2020
Excellent!

This was my first book by this author and it was great. An easy read and a gripping story. Will definitely read more from this author.
Profile Image for SylviaV.
677 reviews9 followers
May 26, 2020
Maximum Risk - Wolff Securities # 1 by Jennifer Lowery.
My thoughts:
This is a well written romance suspense story with the usual alpha hero and the brave,plucky, stubborn female who brings him to his knees and who makes him realise there is more to life than duty and protecting family and that he deserves love. The dozen or so secondary characters keep the story flowing and are sure to pop up in other books in the series. Why only 3 stars? The story line seemed somehow familiar and Quinn and Avery's behaviour was predictable. There were some plot twists that for me were "not very likely" moments. Overall a good read but not engaging enough for me to buy the rest of the books in the series.
According to goodreads.com and amazon.com, this is the first book by Jennifer Lowery I have read/purchased.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yogi Rogers.
628 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2020
I am a sucker for instant love books when the guy has all the skills it takes to save his gal from the bad guys. In this case Quinn is a former navy seal who saves the damsel in distress Avery from the bad guys who kidnapped and tortured her. Saving Avery came with a high price that cost Quinn's family more than they wanted to pay. Quinn is the oldest of 6 siblings and has a nurturing nature that guides him to take care of everyone he feels responsible for. He also has a guilty nature that keeps his heart hurting when anyone he feels responsible for gets hurt. He is attracted to Avery and wants more with her than being her protector but shouldn't want more because he is her protector. Crossing the line with her would be breaking rule #1. But he can't help denying himself.

Avery was kidnapped by Islamic extremists and tortured for 3 days before she escaped and was saved by Quinn and his group. She has secrets and doesn't want anyone to know what she endured during her captivity. She just wanted to forget the horrible ordeal and go on with her life. When she realizes that forgetting isn't as easy as she thought it would be she begins to lean on Quinn the one person she feels safe with. She trusts him and wants more from him.

Even though this story was predictable and had some gaps that didn't make any sense I enjoyed it anyway. It had a lot of action and a reasonably good bad guy who was relentless in his attempts to capture Avery. I enjoyed the family dynamic and the relationship between the parents and the siblings. It was good. I would read another book in this series.
Profile Image for Tammi Looney.
176 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2018
Absolutely loved Maximum Risk from start to finish!!!! I was a little hesitant to read this, having never read anything by this author before and been recently disappointed by some of the military romance/suspense books of lately. Jennifer Lowery did not disappoint with the first book in the Wolff Securities series. There was just enough action through this book to keep it hopping. The romance between Quinn and Avery was sweet and not over the top unimaginable. The sex scenes between the two were not so descriptive that you blushed reading them either. I loved the Wolff brothers as well as the other characters throughout the story. Looking forward to reading other books from the series exploring the lives of the other Wolff brothers. The book had plenty of action, love and heartbreak to make this a truly great read! A tragedy happens close to the start of the book and plays a large part throughout the story. This tragedy effects Quinn and Avery's affections for one another from the start and how the supporting characters view Avery. Be prepared for this tragedy and how it plays out to pull at your heart strings.
Profile Image for Rhonda Wise.
317 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2025
This was fairly light hearted but it was fun. There are a few plot holes but that is to be expected with the genre and the size of the book. On the whole, it is a pretty good read.

The characters are very engaging. Avery is a stubborn. tenacious American woman. She refuses to truly back down even when threatened. Instead she switches gears and goes around the obstacles. Quinn definitely has his hands full, he's the eldest so he expects his siblings to follow his lead (and they usually do). He also expects the civilian he is guarding to do the same. But Avery doesn't want Quinn or anyone else in his family to be at risk due to her.

This leads to trouble. There are. admittedly, darker undertones due subject matter. They are handled politely and discretely. Truly. I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected
Profile Image for Liorah Amaris.
68 reviews13 followers
September 15, 2025
Maximum Risk is the kind of romantic suspense that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. Quinn Wolff is the ultimate protector, and Avery Marks is the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability. Their chemistry is off-the-charts, but what I loved most is how Jennifer Lowery made me feel every moment of danger, every spark of attraction, and every ounce of risk they took not only for their lives but for their hearts. This isn’t just a story of survival, it’s a story of courage, healing, and learning to trust love again. A thrilling, emotional ride that I couldn’t put down. Highly recommend for fans of romantic suspense who love danger with a side of passion.
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,326 reviews23 followers
May 4, 2017
A women who is on a mission to educate girls in other countries. When someone doesn't agree with that they put her life in danger. Quinn Wolff is sent to rescue her.

This book started with suspense and angst in the first chapter and did not stop until the last chapter.. Avery is a strong women that doesn't let her tragedy define her. Quinn is dealing with a loss while dealing with the strong feelings he has for Avery.

All the characters in this book were strong and showed how love, friendship, and family can help heal.
2,835 reviews8 followers
July 16, 2017
Great start to a new series! I really liked Quinn and Avery and thought they complemented each other well. The plot was interesting and I was engaged throughout. I will admit that I didn't love the sections from Dani and Mrs. Wolff's perspectives--they just felt unnecessary in this book and disrupted the flow.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,456 reviews13 followers
April 6, 2018
Very good but sad parts

I read for entertainment and escape. Therefore, I hate it when an author kills off a lovable main character. It kind of ruins the book. However, I gave it 4 stars because the story, the characters, the writing are very good. Except for the dead guy. And that probably doesn't bother others.
710 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2019
Book one in series. Well written,steamy,emotional. Strong female heroine gets kidnapped and rescued by a group of men and brought back to family home to keep her safe till bad men are caught. The Wolff guys are suppose to be bright but letting the bad guys get close to their target several times seems really dumb.
Profile Image for CeeRee Fields.
Author 16 books79 followers
March 5, 2018
Loved this story, kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot, supporting characters, main characters, the detective work, developing relationships. Love it all. Thank you, Jennifer. I highly recommended the story to family and friends.
2,219 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2020
Maximum Risk (Wolff Securities Book 1)

This book was filled with action, emotions and heartbreak. Couldn't out it down. Avery was one rough woman. Quinn rescued her, not once but several times.
Profile Image for Barb.
284 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2021
Words cannot express feelings

Bravo Ms. Lowery!! This book had me on the edge grom the beginning. I love that Avery gave as good as she got and Quinn* big sigh* All my fantasies rolled into one mega sexy warrior. I look forward to reading about the other Wolff brother!!!
Profile Image for JudeB.
16 reviews
November 2, 2021
An interesting and entertaining read which is totally enjoyable if you love the Alpha male types. Great storyline and well written by the author, will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Hoffman.
11 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2025
I LOVED this book!
Normally I refuse to read anything military related just because crying seems to be inevitable and it was in this one but not in the same way most of them get me. Maximum Risk was a perfectly balanced book and I CANNOT wait to read the rest of the series!
405 reviews
May 31, 2017
Fantastic read

This book held me from page one to the very last and wishing there were more pages to come. Outstanding and cannot wait until book 2!!
Profile Image for Kari.
315 reviews
March 6, 2018
I love this author. Swoon worthy men and frustratingly stubborn and strong women populate her books. I loved this one. It was the perfect recipe of suspense,romance, and heat.
2 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2020
What a great book

Wow, can not remember the last time I cried so much in a book. What a great book. Can not wait to read the rest of the series.
10 reviews
Read
October 26, 2024
Loved the book it was exciting and thrilling and every one deserve a happy ending
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,257 reviews206 followers
March 6, 2016
3.75 stars

About the book: Release Date August 11, 2014

It should have been a simple rescue mission…

Retired Pararescueman, Quinn Wolff, wrote the book on how to stay alive during a mission when he founded Wolff Securities, an elite private sector security firm. When he fast-ropes down to save missing humanitarian aid worker, Avery Marks, in the remote mountains of Azbakastan he isn’t prepared for the brave, stubborn woman who challenges the rules he wrote in order to protect her.

But when it comes to matters of the heart nothing is simple…

Avery Marks learned a long time ago to take care of herself, but when her convoy is attacked, her friends and coworkers murdered, she has to rely on the aid of intensely capable and handsome, Quinn Wolff to get her safely out of the country. His skills keep her alive, but his kisses put her in danger. In danger of losing her heart. That’s a risk she can’t take ever again.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: 3.75 stars----MAXIMUM RISK is the first installment in Jennifer Lowery’s contemporary adult WOLFF SECURITIES military romance, suspense series focusing on the Wolff family and their private security firm-Wolff Securities. This is retired pararescueman Quinn Wolff, and international aid worker Avery Marks.

Told from several third perspectives MAXIMUM RISK focuses on the search and rescue of Avery Marks after her humanitarian team is reported missing and presumed dead in the mountains of Azbakastan, and she is the lone survivor able to identify an infamous warlord. What ensues is a dangerous rescue that follows the extraction team cross country, where one of their own doesn’t make it out alive, and Avery’s return to civilization where she is persona non-grata to a family who lost their youngest child, yet remains a target of a warmongering madman. Not once, but twice more, Avery will find herself in the hands of a radical terrorist.

The relationship between Quinn and Avery is one of forbidden love. Avery is Quinn’s charge; his latest assignment and he must remain neutral and on guard as the same people who ambushed and killed Avery’s team, continue their hunt for the woman with whom Quinn has fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate without the over the top graphic element.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Quinn’s six siblings, his sympathetic parents, and local law enforcement. The world building focuses on the Wolff Securities, and the Wolff family dynamics.

MAXIMUM RISK is a suspense filled story of romance and love; heartbreak and loss; family and future. The premise is moving and compelling; the characters are emotional and intense; the romance is passionate and real. Jennifer Lowery writes a timely tale that will resonate with many readers.

My only issue is how a radical madman; a Middle East warlord and his soldiers are able to enter the USA without detection, and kidnap the same woman two more times. Is it even possible?

Copy supplied by the author

Profile Image for Cheryl Sanders.
2,246 reviews31 followers
January 10, 2015
Avery Marks, humanitarian aid worker, had been kidnapped in Azbakastan. Retired PJ Senior Airman Quinn Wolff of Wolff Securities was hired, pro bono, by his brothers ex who works for the government, to find her and bring her home. When tragedy strikes and the weight of the world on his shoulders, Quinn brings Avery to his home. She's seen the face of the leader of the terrorists group and now he wants her dead. She's still in grave danger and he's vowed to keep her safe. With the tragedy the Wolff family is going through, Avery wants to be anywhere else because it's all her fault. She and Quinn are both shouldering the burden of this tragedy. Rule #1 at Wolff Securities is DO NOT FALL FOR YOUR CHARGE!!! Quinn broke his own rule.

What a fabulous story! Jennifer Lowery has an amazing writing style and I got sucked into the story immediately and couldn't escape until the end. How could you not fall in love with the entire Wolff family? Quinn's parents are every childs dream. The family is full of alpha men and one tough sister that had to grow up around all those brothers. Quinn is a military man with a protective streak a mile long. How could any sane woman not fall in love with him? Avery is a good, strong woman who would rather herself be in danger than anyone else. I love a good story with strong male and female leads. I can't wait for the next book in this fantastic series.

*free copy gifted for honest review
**originally reviewed for welovekink(dot)com
526 reviews11 followers
September 23, 2014
Maximum Risk is the first book I’ve read by author Jennifer Lowery and it definitely won’t be the last. From the opening sentences I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. Avery Marks is running for her life…Running from the kidnappers that caused the deaths of her friends only because she’d being trying to provide literacy to a wrong faction of people. Out of nowhere drops Quinn Wolff a retired Pararescueman and owner of Wolff Securities. He, along with his brothers, rescues her and they return to their home in Michigan only to be faced with continued threats from her kidnappers.

Quinn’s family is strong and protective. Eventually, they uncover what truly happened to Avery while she was held prisoner. Quinn helps her to overcome the horrible nightmares that she endures as she relives the memories from being held captive. His mother takes Avery under her wing and subtly teaches her about the power of family. The faction that kidnapped Avery locates her at his family compound where the reader is treated to another round of suspense. After dealing with heartache, his mother helps Quinn acknowledge his true feeling for Avery.

This book had everything in it from suspense, to action, tragedy and a happily ever after. I can’t wait for the next installment in Wolff Securities. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from Jennifer Lowery.




Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,772 reviews41 followers
December 19, 2015
Suspenseful, exciting, sexy, a great book!

This is another fantastic story by Jennifer Lowery. Prior to reading this one, "The Maze" had been my favorite book by Jennifer. Now I have to say that Maximum Risk has become my favorite. (Of course, they are all great books.)

Avery and Quinn have to overcome nearly insurmountable problems to find their HEA. After shocking events in Chapter 4 (no spoiler here) you wonder how they will ever end up together. Their story is very compelling and you won't want to stop reading until you get to the end.

The Wolff family is large and provides opportunity for many additional books in the series. I can't wait for more to be written.

This is a stand-alone book, Quinn and Avery do get their HEA, but there are also a few unresolved issues to be left for the next book. I hate cliff-hanger endings but, in my opinion, this book ends without a cliffhanger. While the unresolved issues entice me to read the next book I'm not left with the feeling that the story is incomplete in any way. It's more a case of wanting to read the stories that the rich cast of secondary characters leave opportunity for.

If you love romantic suspense, with a great storyline and sexy interaction and tension between the heroine and Hero, you'll want to snatch this book up.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews67 followers
August 13, 2014
If you want an action packed, high adventure romance, this is
the book to read.
The book has intriguing characters that are believable and
well developed involved in a high stake adventure that keeps
you glued to the book from start to finish. Each character
brings their strengths and weakness into the story. The
characters find that they face danger, overcome fears then force
themselves to discover love by delving deep into themselves.
The story presents you with a mix of humor, family and
personal values.
You feel as part of the story from the Mohira Valley,
Azbakastan, up the mountain, inside a cave then evacuated
ending in Cedar Falls, Michigan. You can picture yourself doing
or feeling what the characters are doing or feeling.
The lead male character is Retire PJ Senior Airman Quinn Wolff
of Wolff Securities. His team goes into the Mohire Valley to
rescue Avery Marks, an America humanitarian aid worker who
was captured and being held by terrorist. The rescue was
requested by a CIA member. The terrorist then pursue Avery
and bring the whole Wolff family into the thick of the story. The
plot gets complicated with a lot of everyday issues making for
an exciting read.
This is the first Jennifer Lowery book that I read but will
definitely be reading more of her
Profile Image for Richard E..
180 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2014
Given this book as an EARC for a review.
(helped with some of the ground stuff).
Avery Marks is the founder of a book lending and English teaching program that takes her all over the Third World, teaching and helping women and girls educate themselves. She runs afoul of a tribal warlord in an Afghanistan-like country that Likes their women and girls only baseline educated. The warlord has Avery Kidnapped. (And tortured) The Wolff Brothers own/operate a Personal Security/Bodyguard/High Risk Recovery service. They are called in by an asset that has worked with them before.
Working their way into the country, chasing down leads, Quinn, a retired PJ (Air Force ParaRescue) manages to find Avery as she escapes from the tribe holding her.
This book has derringer-do, a strong Heroine, strong heroes, a good villain and romance.
I think anyone who likes Military Romance should put This one on their TBR list.
[There are more hunky Wolffe brothers] so stay tuned. !!
Jenn: THANK YOU for writing something Besides another SEAL Book...! (Even Tho you hit the ball out of the park with 'A SEALs Song') !!

Rich Johns
Army SF and Security Contractor (IRAQ) 9+ years.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
August 20, 2014
This book is fantastic!
Avery is in Azbakastan on a mission project to give books and teach women and girls how to read. Everything has been going great until she pisses off a terrorist/women trafficking group who either want to sell her or kill her. She manages to escape and is rescued by Wolff Securities which is owned by brothers. Quinn is one of the owners and was hired to save Avery. Quinn takes Avery back to his house because he realizes that she is still in danger because she is able to identify the leader of the group who kidnapped her. Quinn needs to keep Avery safe from the men who are out to get her. The number one rule for Wolff Securities is not become involved with their charge who they are protecting, which is a problem for Quinn. He was instantly attracted to Avery and has to fight the attraction. The book has it all, romance, mystery, action, and sexy alpha brothers. I loved all of the characters in this book and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series so see what happens with the family next.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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