Years ago Asher Winsome almost lost his life in the jaws of a great white shark. It was the scariest moment of his life—until his four-year-old nephew is kidnapped. Called home to be with his family, who see him as the black sheep, Asher must rely on every bit of his courage if he’s going to help get his nephew back. But this is not an ordinary kidnapping. And the outcome will leave Asher running for his life.
Former FBI agent Alec Banner buries himself in his work to forget everything that’s missing in his life. His job, at a private company run by an old friend, locating missing children can be tough and brutal, but Alec is no stranger to working with the worst of humanity. From the minute he’s called to help on the Winsome kidnapping he knows something is different.
Thrown together under such difficult circumstances Asher and Alec are drawn to each other’s unrelenting courage even in the face of their fears. But a relationship begun under such impossible stress can’t survive. When his job is finished Alec runs from Asher and his growing feelings, but the danger hasn’t passed, in fact it has only just begun. And both men will need to be brave if they are to survive.
Karrie lives in one of Australia’s sunniest places with her husband and three sons, though she hates the sun with a passion. She dreams of one day living in the wettest and coldest habitable place she can find. She’s been writing stories in her head for years but has finally managed to pull the words out of her head and share them with others. She spends her days trying to type her stories on the computer without disturbing her beloved cat curled up on the keyboard. She knows reads far too much, but can’t seem to stop herself. Saved is her debut novel.
Firstly I didn’t realise when I started this book that it was actually book 4. While it can easily be read as a stand-alone I did wish on several occasions that I’d read the previous books first.
Alec Banner is nearly forty and alone. He sees his colleagues and friends paired up and happy and he wants that. Asher Winsome is the black sheep of the family. Instead if following his father and brother into the family law firm he followed his own path. Asher is a marine photographer specialising in sharks.
These two are brought together under awful circumstances. But the attraction between them is instant and they struggle not to immediately act on it.
I loved these two together and really wanted them to work things out.
The story was lighter than I’d expected but then this is a new author for me so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect.
This is a nice easy romantic read.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley
This was a really enjoyable, easy read that hooked me from the start!
Karrie’s writing style is a joy to read. The words flow so effortlessly, a detailed and thrilling picture and the story is formed so well. I breezed through this book so quickly and was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time!
I love Alec and Asher, both unique and passionate. Their instant connection was believable even with what they had to endure when they first met. While miscommunication plays a part they are lucky enough to come together and their passion ignites!
This was the first book I’ve read from this series and the story flowed and the all the characters were introduced really well that I never felt like I was missing anything. As the characters were introduced their own stories were alluded to just enough to intrigue me and now I look forward to going back and reading Karrie’s previous works.
*****POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW*******
The first 40% of the book is about a child kidnapping and is thrilling, intense and somewhat confronting. It a race against time to save Asher’s nephew, Jack and find the sick people who took him and why. Alec tries his best to be professional but can’t help how attracted he is to Asher; sparks ignite for the two! Alec is able to comfort Asher at this hard time but his own thoughts and perceived shortcomings mess with his head and he and Asher part ways on bad terms. When Asher’s life is threatened Alec returns to help save him. Both Asher and Alec are still drawn to each other and what started as intense lust has now grown and they need to keep Asher safe to be able to move forward together. They must keep Asher alive long enough to be able to fight for their new future.
This was a really enjoyable, easy read that hooked me from the start. Karrie has weaved a wonderful tale that had me engrossed, had heat, humour and drama. I loved that she included some awesome Aussie characters too! A highly recommended read!!
Until You is the 4th book in the series and although you could enjoy it as a stand alone the characters from the previous books do make appearances in this one and events from past books are referred to.
I really enjoyed this one and I thought the author did a great job of finding the right guy for Alec. Asher was a strong character and I really enjoyed the slow burn between the two men. I enjoyed the suspense as well. The book covers a few difficult topics since the two men meet when Asher's nephew is kidnapped. Alec has a few insecurities and those along with some miscommunication do cause the two to split but when Asher's life is in danger Alec returns. I liked the way this was handled and that Asher didn't instantly go back to Alec. Overall a very enjoyable addition to the series.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Poor Alec. He was happy for his friends, he really was, but being around them hurt. They had something that he knew he would never have – love and happiness. He won me over in Trusted, so when I realized that Valor was going to be his story, I couldn’t wait to read it.
For the record… Valor did not disappoint. Asher was Alec’s perfect match. They met while trying to get Asher’s nephew back. Even through the pain and terror, their attraction was impossible to ignore. They both felt it, but neither one of them really trusted it. Especially Alec, which is the biggest reason he walked away.
As much as I adored Alec and Asher, the supporting characters added just as much to the story (I love it when that happens.) Asher’s family (mainly his brother and sister-in-law) and of course all of Alec’s makeshift family – because that’s exactly who they were to him.
This book had a hint of finality to it, but I hope it’s not. Even so, I still have one more book to read in the Until You series. Ironically, it’s Shipped, the very first book that I somehow missed. 😉
I received Valor in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Valor starts with Alec getting a call about Jack Winsome a four year old boy who has gone missing. Alec finds himself conflicted due to his feelings towards Asher, Jack's uncle, who is estranged from his family because of his choice of employment and his arent's emotionally abusive attitude. The grandparent's attitude was really disgusting their grandson was missing and all they cared about was their reputation. Alec and Asher sleep together soon after they meet which was quite unpofessional of Alec who should be focused on finding Jack. I found Valor an interesting read but overall I thought I was reading two different books, maybe if I had read the other books in the series rather than starting with the 4th.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ninestar Press for a copy in return for an honest review. #Valor #NetGalley
This was a great read. It is almost two mysteries in one basically. It made it for a very interesting read. I found myself on the edge of my seat wanting to know who was behind the Mysteries and was they connected in the end. All is revealed and it leaves you wanting to read more of the books as soon as they come out. I have not read the other books in this series but I do believe I may just have to go back and do so.
Alec works for an agency that that tracks and recovers missing children or children that are being harmed in some way or another. Before he joined the agency he was in the military and a FBI agent. When this opportunity came about after helping some friends in the past, Alec could not pass this opportunity up.
Alec loves his job but lately he has been feeling as if he is missing something in his life. All of his friends have met people and started relationships and now Alec is wondering if that is the cards for him as well. When Alec is called in on a case of an kidnapped child, Alec never thought he would meet the man to turn his world upside down. But that is exactly what happens when he meets the uncle of the missing child. Asher is everything that Alec wants but maybe not what he can handle.
Asher felt an immediate attraction to Alec. The issue is Alec is the person in charge of finding his nephew. But sometimes the attraction and connection you feel towards someone is just too much to pass up and that is what happened with these two men.
Can a relationship start between two people under stressful situations last? Or is things between these two men just a passing thing? What happens when Asher finds himself in danger? Can Alec save the man that he thinks of as his or will things come to an abrupt end between them?
Karrie Roman did an really good job on this book. It is full of mystery, action packed, and it is also full of love. I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to more by Karrie Roman in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
We finally got Alec's story and it was truly worth the wait!
This is book #4 in the Until You series and while it could be considered a stand alone, there are so many characters from the other books that I feel like you'd be missing out. Plus, the other books are wonderful, so do yourself a favor and read them all anyway.
Alec is former military, former FBI, full fledged badass. He works with his friends finding lost and stolen children, returning them to safety. When Alec gets a call from San Diego that a well to do lawyers 4 year old son was taken from the playground, he's called in and prepared to do anything he can to get Jack back.
Asher is somewhat estranged from his family due to his career choice, but his brother has called him home for support. When he walks in the door he takes one look at Alec and is immediately love-struck.
I know, I know. It sounds like insta-love and it felt like insta-love but it wasn't. Honestly. There was burn and it was slooowwww.
This felt like two books in one because of the two separate but related cases and it built so much excitement in me as I read. I also was treated to some much needed comedy in the form of Ben Cronin. I love how Alec has his self made family of support and friendship including Ben, Cameron, Zach, Ethan, Ryan and Lucas. The gang was back together again making memories and forging bonds and welcoming Asher with open arms.
Karrie Roman has created a world in which threats exist, but there is a team of good guys at the ready who happen to be gorgeous, funny and extremely entertaining. If you haven't read this series, now is the time to start. This fourth book was perfect.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
German review: __________________ "Valor" tells the love story of two men who get to know each other under very unfavorable conditions. Asher’s nephew was kidnapped and Alec is involved in the investigation, which means that their first meeting happens in an exceptional situation. Despite the circumstances, they are attracted to each other and soon start to get closer, but at the same time the circumstances are far from ideal for starting a relationship. Because of that, it is normal that they question - as does the reader - whether there truly is potential for something more between them or of if they just used each other as some kind of distraction.
Both characters are very likeable and I greatly enjoyed that they are 'tough guys' in many ways (after all, Alec was an FBI agent and is now a private investigator, while Asher dives with sharks even though he was attacked by them years ago), but openly show their feelings and their vulnerability. This has made both of them more tangible and I could empathize with them easily, which is why I was anything but indifferent to their fate - something that was especially important because of the danger that Jack's kidnapper posed. I also liked that they made mistakes and that their actions had consequences since that created some conflicts which were realistic obstacles for a potential deepening of their relationship.
Roman maintained a good balance between emotional, romantic or even erotic moments and the tension created by the storyline centred on the missing child. Both aspects have been given sufficient spotlight and in my opinion, the extreme emotions the family of the victim was feeling were given enough attention without overshadowing the love story. It was interesting to follow the investigation and of course one hopes all the time that everything will turn out well - especially after the situation gets worse towards the end. The whole book was a compelling read, but the last few chapters were especially gripping and therefore I did not want to put the book down. At the same time, I enjoyed the development of the bond between the protagonists and how it fit into these circumstances.
"Valor" is the fourth volume in a series, but I was able to follow the plot along even without previous knowledge. The characters from the first few books play a big role, but there is enough information to get a feel for them and how they are all connected to each other. However, the scenes in which one learns more about them made me curious, so I plan on reading the other installments as well. The story on hand certainly satisfied me; the writing style is very easy to read, I liked the protagonists and the mix of emotional and serious moments was perfect. That's why I rate it 4 stars. __________________ I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. Thank you!
Maybe I was expecting too much, but the story was so-and-so for me. I couldn’t get into character’s heads and the whole story felt contriving and unconvincing. Asher and Alec met when Alec is hired to look for Asher’s kidnapped nephew. They are attracted to each other from the moment they met, which was a first hurdle for me. I didn’t buy it.
It didn’t help that characters didn’t move away form stereotype. Asher’s parents are wealthy and emotionally distant, so after traumatic event Asher decided to rebel and live his life on his own terms. He is black sheep of the family. Which, okay, I can go with the flow it’s a popular trope for a reason but this time it didn’t work. Intense descriptions of emotional reactions felt off and over the top. The supporting characters didn’t bring much to the story either.
I was trying to follow the story from initial misunderstanding between two men, an interesting peek into Asher’s life and hunt for a villain but the story didn’t grow on me.
In all fairness, for readers who like insta-love stories this would probably be OK story. It just didn’t work for me.
I received copy of this book in exchange for review. The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
This is another great book in the Until You series and I really enjoyed it. I like how well the author combines a gritty mystery with an engaging romance. It is well-written, full of action and suspense, fast-paced, has some surprising twists, the storyline is intriguing and the characters are amazing. Alec and Asher are great together and have smoking hot chemistry as well as an instant connection when they first meet. Even after Alec leaves they still can't stop thinking about each other and Alec will have his work cut out for him when he returns as Asher may not be able to forgive him. Protecting Asher is Alec's primary concern even though Asher does not make it easy for him. They will need the help of their friends and a lot of luck if they want to survive the threats they are facing. I love the secondary characters and it is great to see how everyone from the previous books are doing. I look forward to reading more books by this author and I hope this exciting series isn't over.
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of NetGalley
This time we get to see Alec find his HEA and Asher couldn't be more perfect for him.
This series took me a bit to love, but now I'm hooked and love all the characters of this series. This is a romantic MM suspense series. Alec whom was once Military than FBI, has now joined the ranks of Chasing Hope with Ben, Ethan and Ryan. After getting closer to his friends Alec realizes he's lonely and wants what his friends have.
However, Alec almost blows it when his 'one' meets him at an inopportune time which makes Alec questions what is. As usual within this series the boys gets them self into one suspense after another however it never feels over the top and unreasonable as some can within this genre.
I liked Asher for Alec and vice versa. This was a sweet suspense story. I'm not sure if this is the end of the series or if it's going to continue but I hope it does I quite adore this series now.
Alec’s job, finding missing children, eats at him but he can’t give it up. Asher, estranged from his family, is a photographer, specializing in sharks. When Asher’s nephew is kidnapped, he returns home to help his brother and sister-in-law. When the boy is rescued Alec leaves, not realizing he left his heart behind. But when Asher is threatened, Alec is right there to protect him.
I’ve really liked this series. Each couple that has come together has been fun and interesting. Alec and Asher have become my favorite couple. Alec has really needed someone to love and care for him and Asher is perfect for the job. The suspense was well done and the sexy times were too. Not necessary to have read the other books to enjoy this one but I think they should be read in order.
Arc copy provided courtesy of IndiGo, for an honest review.
The first quarter of the book was a little slow for my taste, but once the first conflict resolved, the book picked up enough that I know I'll be reading it again.
I love that Asher works with sharks and got Alec down in the cage with him. It felt like I was there, and when they surfaced, I wanted to go back.
Asher's family is a little insane, so it was great to see him get some one on one with Alec. (His job also explains some of his earlier propensity for wandering into the pool fully clothed -- some of you may not feel it, but I've been there.)
Asher's kidnapping was also eventful. I read this as a stand alone, and it's sold me on getting the whole set, especially Ben's book.
If you like gay crime romance, you might like this. Somewhat like C. S. Poor mysteries or Charlie Cochet's Kings.
Now I have read the third and fourth books in this series. I really need to read one and two because they constantly refer to the characters in the first books throughout the series. I really liked this book in spite of the lack of context of the earlier characters. Asher was awesome fearless and willing to take risks yet sensitive and sweet. Alec is obviously amazing at his job finding missing children. The two of them had a great chemistry together and I loved all of their interactions. The opening of the book grabbed me right away and pulled me in. Great story, fast moving and interesting. Finding Asher's nephew was just the start of the story! I loved all the intrigue, the scenery and love of the ocean and the sharks, too! Great book! Thanks to NG for the ARC!!
This was a really enjoyable read. The author writing flows easily and the story is full of suspense and tension.
The characters are interesting and complex, and even as the chemistry between Asher and Alec is evident from the beginning, this is put aside until Asher's nephew is safe and sound. Even then, what Alec perceived as his shortcomings prevent them from getting together and they part ways.
But not all was so clean-cut as they had thought, and when Asher's life is in peril, Alec will run to the rescue.
The mystery's plot is really well done, and the slow-build romance was, IMHO, perfect. And even as this book is part of a series it can be perfectly read as a standalone. I did :P
That said, I'll be reading more from this author pretty soon.
I've read book three and fourth book in this series and they both are great. Alec finds missing kids and when Asher's nephews go missing he helps find him. Asher and Alec are attracted to one another eventually fall in love. There are some intense moments and love how the daughter-in-law don't let her inlaws tell her what to do. The book is funny, exciting, with a little angst, and romantic. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
I loved this story, I knew from the first few pages it was going to be a hot read, straight up the chemistry between the two main characters Alec and Asher was there. When Asher's nephew is kidnapped he comes running to help and Alec is only too happy to have him around. The path to happiness isn't smooth though with misunderstandings and drama unfolding throughout. I thought the romance that grew between them was lovely and it was a great feelgood read despite the kidnapping and then the trouble that follows. The sex scenes were hot and you could feel how much they cared about each other. I loved the scenes on the boat with the sharks, it kind of makes me want to experience being in a cage and watching those incredible but scary creatures. I didn't realise this was part of a series on starting, I think it works well as a standalone novel, but I intend to go back and read the previous books to find out Alec's coworkers stories.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ninestar Press for a copy in return for an honest review.
I received an e-arc from Net galley in exchange for an honest review. Honestly the writing was mediocre and the family the detective was helping was mostly only concerned with their image as opposed to getting the child back. The love interest is a giant mess, and the main guy blurs professional boundaries from jump. To be honest I lost interest after the guys had sex. All in all this book was a waste of my time, way too messy and very unbelievable.
This is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. I had not read any previous books in this series when I read it but had no issues following along and figuring out the basic relationships between characters. I enjoyed the characters and the writing. There were a few points where I found things to be a bit over the top but all in all an enjoyable read.
VALOR by Karrie Roman is a wonderful story! I couldn't put the book down and read it straight though in one day! All the action and suspense, the back and forth dialog between the characters was smart and fun. I thought all the characters were well developed and I would love to spend more time with all of them!
Excellent read!! I was surprised by how good this book was. I had zero expectations going in having never read a book by this author. Valor was GREAT! Overall, the book is well-written and moves at the right pace.
Alec and Asher are an unlikely pair, but work wonderfully together. The reader is quickly drawn to both characters. Alec is more dark and brooding. Asher is light and carefree.
These two are drawn together by the kidnapping of Asher's nephew. The pair works together to ensure his safe return.
The book provides a good balance of mystery/suspense and romance. It's never cheesy. Just enough sexiness.
I would recommend this book! I plan to read the previous books in this series too!
a missing child case brings former fbi agent alec banner into asher winsome's orbit in valor. as the uncle to the kidnapped child, he's willing to do anything to get his nephew back home safely. the winsome family dynamics are challenging, to say the least, but asher connects instantly with alec, and it's something more than insta-lust.
but alec doesn't give them a proper chance. incorrectly assuming that it was just heightened emotions that fueled their connection. and this assumption cuts asher deeply. when concerns about whether or not he is being targeted surface, the winsome family reaches out to alec. and alec soon finds himself jumping into shark-infested waters for another chance at getting closer to asher. he would do anything to keep him safe, and once he realizes that he's not going to stop fighting for asher at every turn.
especially since it's a matter of life or death. this is another great installment in the until you series.
**valor will publish on january 14, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/ninestar press in exchange for my honest review.