Lorenzo De Luca’s troubled past has left him a shell of a man. The blood that runs through his veins feels toxic. Determined to not let history repeat itself, Lorenzo vows to protect others from the violence that lives inside him.
But when Jolie Moore literally stumbles into his arms and his life, Lorenzo finds himself captivated by her larger-than-life personality. Jolie’s pull is strong, making it difficult for him to keep his promise. It’s hard to resist the urge to connect with the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve, but Lorenzo knows he needs to lock his heart away to keep her safe.
Because his legacy has the power to destroy.
Jolie’s never been one to back down from a challenge, and her resolve to help him heal is strong. Lorenzo is wary, already content having found peace in solitude. But it isn’t long before Jolie shows him that he’s shielded others from a man who only has the capacity to love.
A.K. Evans is a contemporary romance author of over twenty published novels. While she enjoys writing a good romantic suspense novel, Andrea’s favorite books to write have been her extreme sports romances. That might have something to do with the fact that she, along with her husband and two sons, can’t get enough of extreme sports.
Before becoming a writer, Andrea did a brief stint in the insurance and financial services industry and managed her husband’s performance automotive business. That love of extreme sports? She used to drive race cars!
When Andrea isn’t writing, she can be found homeschooling her two sons, doing yoga, snowboarding, reading, or traveling with her family. She and her husband are currently taking road trips throughout the country to visit all 50 states with their boys.
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH INKSLINGER PR. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
I've read a lot of this author's books by now, and each one of them has touched me in some way. This one particularly hits home for me because of some of the issues addressed in it.
I loved the backstory that the author dreamed up for Lorenzo and Jolie! There's a lot of angst and drama in Lorenzo's past, and yet Jolie is a ray of sunshine to him. I loved watching their journey toward each other and, once they were together, toward their happy ending! The one thing I hated was the push/pull that Lorenzo put them through. It didn't really sit well with me, and seemed to be more cruel than anything else, which didn't jive with his protective nature. There was a lot to work through in the story, and it wasn't skimped on due to the shorter length of the story.
All things considered, this was a wonderful installment in the series, and I can't wait to read about more of the team!
Wow, A.K. Evans continues to outshine herself with every new release. I really didn’t think she could create a hero that would win my heart over Dom from the previous book, but it’s happened. Lorenzo now holds the top spot for my affections. Lorenzo tried to fight his attraction to Jolie because he didn’t feel he was good enough for her because of his past, and Jolie didn’t think he wanted her because she was too “much” according to her previous relationships. I think it’s important to have characters that are flawed, not perfect. It makes me as a reader sympathize and love them all the more for it. They grew together not only as a couple, but also as individuals discovering their self-worth and it made their relationship stronger because of it. It’s so great to read a story without OTT drama but it has a nice pace to keep us turning the page. The only thing that made me sad was reaching the end. This is a book I very much enjoyed and highly recommend.
While Dom is still my man, Lorenzo runs a pretty close second. This was a pretty great read. Lorenzo's abusive childhood has him hesitant to build any deep relationship with a woman afraid of what he might become. Jolie sees Lorenzo for exactly who he is a protector someone worth spending her life with but getting him to start anything is hard. First he pushes her away but knowing he's hurting her by avoiding her and seeing her in a really sexy dress has him finally stepping up. But that's just step one they still have a long way to go before they can have their HEA.
I love the writing, Evans is so emotional with her characters it's easy to empathize with them. I enjoyed the tie in with her other Everything series and I'm kind of hoping for a hockey series in the future, Lorenzo's brother. Overall, it was a great read with fantastic characters, heartfelt situations, one pretty kickass climax, and not to mention a cute little puppy.
I feel like I keep having to up my expectations with each new book from this author, because I’m always certain that it can’t get any better than the current story I’m reading. Every time I start the next book, though, I’m proven wrong and I find that AK Evans is no one-trick (or one-plot) pony!
Lorenzo and Jolie are fabulous together, and the fact that Lorenzo has had a rough life only makes him appreciate love and a good woman that much more. Lorenzo has done his best to keep to himself because he’s convinced that he’s no good at relationships and love, but his friend and coworker’s sister, Jolie, just won’t leave his mind (or heart, but he’s not ready to admit that right away). It takes a potentially bad situation one night to kick Lorenzo into high gear when it comes to protecting and caring about Jolie, and once he decides to let his true self shine, he doesn’t falter with his woman once.
Jolie has had a crush on Lorenzo since first meeting him, but a misunderstanding has her believing that, yet again, she’s just too much for a man. Too outgoing, too loud, too expressive, too everything. Little does she know, her “too much” is more like “absolutely perfect” to the man she desires. Once Lorenzo and Jolie start out together, they manage to navigate around, over, or through everything that life throws at them beautifully. Even though there is learning to be done by both parties, they don’t give up and they manage to give me one of the best stories I’ve read this year. Their HEA is spectacular and proves that a story doesn’t need high drama and over the top antics to be beautiful.
We get to catch up with Dom and Ekko, as well, and I’m reminded yet again why I love Dom so much when he finds out just who his friend has found the fortune of loving. I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Cunningham Security guys.
Love isn't a strong enough word for how I feel about this book. I 100% fell head over heels for the man that is Enzo and the woman that is Jolie. I can't begin to tell you how much these two touched me. Enzo has lived a life of solitude. He's reasoning is valid, however, not at all he man he is. Enzo is smart, tough, sexy. He's a protector and wants to be there for his family. That's very obvious from the start of this book.
Jolie is just amazing. She wants to find the one. She wants to have it all. She wants Enzo. But will he ever allow his guard down enough to let her in? Will he ever allow her to see the real him? Jolie is sweet, smart, and funny. I loved her from start to finish. I love the person she is and how much she loves those around her. I loved her with her niece and nephew, so sweet!
A.K. Evans did an amazing job on this book. I could not put it down. I loved every part of this story. I can't want to see what's to come.
First I have to say that with each book the stories start to get better and better and this one really was jumping and I loved every moment of it. I had been wondering if Lorenzo was going to get his own book and holy hell yes sweet baby Jesus he did and it did not disappoint!
Lorenzo keeps to himself, he thinks it's better this way for him and the other person. Lorenzo comes from a troubled past and it has left him a shell of a man. He is guarded in everything he does and he keeps to himself until her Jolie.
Jolie comes into his life like a stick of dynamite and she changes everything he thinks about his life and his heart. Jolie is so different from him and she is so out going and full of life that it is a breath of fresh air for him and he decides to let his guard down and let her in.
This story is amazing and everyone should read the series to get a great reading experience. This is one MUST MUST read series so go on and one click it you will not be disappointed!
Lorenzo hasn’t had an easy life and it is for that reason that he doesn’t allow many people close but once he does, he loves with his whole heart. Although they are opposites he has been attracted to his friend’s sister and he will do whatever is necessary to protect her even if it is from himself.
Jolie has been attracted to Lorenzo from the moment they met however she doesn’t believe that he would ever be attracted to her let alone that she would hold his interest. As quiet and reserved as Lorenzo is she is just as outgoing and open.
When fate intervenes and Lorenzo gives into his feelings the connection and chemistry between them is magic. For two people who are so different they couldn’t be better for each other. This is a great addition to the Cunningham Security series.
I absolutely love reading anything by A.K. Evans and Solitude was not a disappointment by far! This was a beautifully written story with so much feeling and heart involved. Lorenzo’s character was so well written you can’t help falling in love. My heart broke for his past, because no boy should ever be put in a situation where they feel anything but love. A.K. Evans did a wonderful job making me feel so much for him, and to cheer Jolie and the strength she had. Such a beautiful story. This is one anyone can love, and will want to read more than once!
Absolutely amazing! I couldn't put it down. Once you start you won't want to stop. Jolie and Lorenzo are fantastic characters, you'll fall in love and cheer for them. The author did a great job bringing these two characters to life. There's mystery and heartache with a happy ending. Very easy to follow along. Each characters point of view is my favorite kind of writing, knowing what each is thinking..... A must read by a great author! It is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. ***ARC provided in return for honest review, read for Sweet and Spicy Reads***
I didn't think it would be possible to fall even more in love with the Cunningham Security series. Each book and the characters within them become more riveting and exciting to read. I don't want to spoil anything as solitude is a must read for any A K Evans fan! Lorenzo and Jolie's story is one you don't want to miss it will have you laughing and also have you emotionally charged from start to finish. Highly recommended for new readers and existing fans of both the Everything Series and the Cunningham Security series!!
I absolutely love this book! I thought I loved this authors last book, but this one is my absolute favorite! Lorenzo was so easy to love. I love both Lorenzo and Jolie though. My heart broke so many times for Lorenzo. I love that Ekko and Dom were in this book also and we got to catch up with them. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! *Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
Perfect... such brilliant writing, you will fall hard for Lorenzo and Jolie, they show what love and respect is all about. Lorenzo had such a hard start to life which is heart-breaking, the love between Lorenzo and his brother melted me, and how strong and determined Jolie was... she could never be too much for him. A K Evans never fails us.
Out of the entire series I have to say that Lorenzo and Jojo stole my heart! Lorenzo's story of Solitude was heartbreaking and the man is resilient! Must read series!
Wow, what a story! Such an emotional roller coaster! I absolutely loved it from start to finish! I have not read the first three in the series, but I can't wait to start from the beginning! I feel like I'm lucky I get to read those for the first time since I have read this one!! I couldn't put it down!!
Solitude definitely deserves more than 5 stars. A.K Evans knows how to pull you in and leaves you wanting more. You honestly can’t help falling in love with Lorenzo and Jolie. I’m so excited for the next Cunningham Security book release.
I loved this book, Lorenzo and Jolie were just perfect together. I think this series just gets better and better and already I’m looking forward to the next book!
Just when I think I have a favorite hero from A.K. Evans, she goes and writes another amazing story! I can't begin to tell you how much I love Jolie. Her larger than life and feisty personality are amazing. I love when there is a strong female in a book.
Let's talk about Lorenzo now. We see him in a few other books. You can tell from them that he is always kind of shy and a bit closed off. It broke my heart to read his story of why he is the man that he is. Even though he is a bit closed off you can tell right away he is a protector.
I loved when Jolie and Lorenzo are together. They say opposites attract and that is definitely the case here. You can feel their chemistry through the pages. He doesn't try to change her or tame her big personality. Jolie tries to make him see what type of man he is and what he has been missing all of his life.
When Lorenzo lets the walls crumble around his heart, you can see the true man he was meant to be. He loves fiercely and protects even more.He would do anything to see that Jolie is happy and safe. Jolie just has to learn to let him love her so fiercely!
I’ve loved every book in this series and Altho we’ve seen glimpses of Lorenzo we didn’t know his story. Wow...what an incredible man he is. He broke my heart from the first chapter. His past meant he didn’t know just what an amazing man he was even when he was a child! Jolie is fun loving and outgoing the perfect foil for the serious Enzo. As they begin to ge to know each other it’s easy to see how they work so well. She balances him and gives him confidence to be who he is meant to be. When the past collides with the future he’s there to love and care for her. What follows is such an awesome love story it had me hooked to my kindle. I couldn’t put it down. Fabulous book I now cannot wait for Pierce’s story.
The best thing about doing re-reads is feeling like you’re catching up with old friends! That’s exactly what a re-read of Solitude was for me….
A.K. Evans has a gift for giving us the best heroes and Lorenzo is right up there with there with the best of them but it was her heroine in this story, Jolie, who had me hooked. I found Jolie so relatable and someone I just really wanted to be friends with. The moment I got to the last page I was sad because I was missing my bestie. This was definitely a feel good story full of emotions that I know you will want to feel again and again!
Lorenzo and Jolie face a huge challenge: he fears he will become like his abusive father. Jolie, his friends, boss, brother, and mother know he is a protector and could not hurt her. As the struggle to overcome Lorenzo's solitude continues, someone attacks Jolie.
Amazing book by A.K. Evans and the narrators were spectacular in performing the audiobook. As the story unfolds, it is hard to stop listening because you are hanging on to every word.
Lorenzo De Luca works for Cunningham Security. He didn't have a great childhood with an abusive father and fears that he has inherited some of his father's traits and therefore stays away from all serious relationships.
Jolie Moore has been interested in Lorenzo for months but when he turns her down at a wedding she knows she has to move on.
When Lorenzo saves Jolie from a bad situation one night will the two finally form a truce? Will Jolie convince Lorenzo that love is worth the risk?
This was my favorite book so far in the series! It had my emotions all over the place and the book ended in such an awesome and happy way.
Lorenzo was a great character who had been through so much growing up that he was afraid of becoming his father. He was an amazing big brother to Rocco but he was in fear of relationships because of what he witnessed.
Jolie was a girl who was so hard on herself for what she viewed as her bad traits that she thought she would never be happy. She was a great friend to Ava and I loved her family and the bond they all had.
I really liked Jolie and Lorenzo and I got why they kept things quiet at the beginning as Lorenzo worked with Jolie's brother, Dom. They had sizzling chemistry and they really worked at bringing out the best in each other through trust. I really loved how they each improved themselves through the love they got from the other.
The incident over half way through the book was terrifying and I was glad it wasn't any worse than it was. It was scary when there wasn't some recognition but I was glad it got better.
The incident at the end of the book was much scarier and it could have been so much worse and I had a few tears as it was going down, especially after what had happened earlier in the book.
I loved that we got more of Dom and Ekko with Grace and Hank!!
The end of the book brought me happiness and can't wait for more! 4.5 stars- Rebecca
Lorenzo de Luca doesn’t do relationships. He’s vowed to spend his life protecting others. But, his father was abusive and he’s terrified of following in his footsteps, so he’s never trusted himself to fall in love. But, Jolie Moore has other plans for Lorenzo.
Jolie is larger than life. She’s vibrant and loving and simply captivating. She knows Lorenzo will never harm anyone who doesn’t deserve it and that he is worthy of all the love she can give to him. She just needs to convince him of that.
Jolie never backs down from a challenge, and she’s ready to prove to Lorenzo that he is more than capable of being in a loving and committed relationship with her. But will the walls he has spent his entire life building keep her from gaining entrance to his heart?
Talk about a book that gives you all the feels!!!! Lorenzo’s back story is heartbreaking. It’s easy to see why he lives the way he does and I was so glad that A.K. Evans gave his a sassy fireball of a woman who wouldn’t take no for an answer! I absolutely loved watching her break through every defense he had until he had no choice but to love her with everything he had!
I also want to give a shout out to the ending of this book . . . it was a completely unexpected and shocking twist and the added drama really helped to bring everyone’s feelings into focus and forced them to live for the present and future and not stay stuck in the past.
Kudos to another fabulous addition to the Cunningham Security Series! 5 Stars!
This was my favorite book so far in the series! It had my emotions all over the place and the book ended in such an awesome and happy way.
Lorenzo was a great character who had been through so much growing up that he was afraid of becoming his father. He was an amazing big brother to Rocco but he was in fear of relationships because of what he witnessed.
Jolie was a girl who was so hard on herself for what she viewed as her bad traits that she thought she would never be happy. She was a great friend to Ava and I loved her family and the bond they all had.
I really liked Jolie and Lorenzo and I got why they kept things quiet at the beginning as Lorenzo worked with Jolie's brother, Dom. They had sizzling chemistry and they really worked at bringing out the best in each other through trust. I really loved how they each improved themselves through the love they got from the other.
The incident over half way through the book was terrifying and I was glad it wasn't any worse than it was. It was scary when there wasn't some recognition but I was glad it got better.
The incident at the end of the book was much scarier and it could have been so much worse and I had a few tears as it was going down, especially after what had happened earlier in the book.
I loved that we got more of Dom and Ekko with Grace and Hank!!
The end of the book brought me happiness and can't wait for more! 4.5 Stars
Just when I think the hero in the previous book in this series is my favorite, I read the next book and become enamored by that hero. Lorenzo is no exception. He definitely pulled on my heart strings like no other. And I loved how much Jojo fought to get Lorenzo to see what an amazing guy he was and that he was not his father, nor would he ever become him. Seeing Lorenzo with his friend's infant babygirl was just outright adorable too! Jojo's family still as lovable as I remember from the previous books, and Lorenzo's baby bro, Rocco and their mother, Lena are endearing. The way they worried about Lorenzo and prayed for his happiness had me constantly with my hand to my chest as if I could physically ease the emotion I felt there.
My only complaint would be the suspenseful drama at the end. I thought what happened to Jojo was intriguing, but felt a little cheated that we never really got a better explanation as to why things went down that way. The motivation, after all those years, just seem flimsy. The confrontation, you would think the father would have had a whole lot to say before he did what he did. Even so, I was more impressed with Lorenzo's brother, Rocco's reaction and his speech about what happened. It was so moving and definitely what Lorenzo and their mother needed to hear. I hope there's a book for Rocco. He's seems just as amazing as his brother.
The author delivers another wonderful story in this latest addition to the series. Lorenzo De Luca’s childhood left a deep mark in this man’s soul and life as an adult. He keeps to himself, with few knowing the horrors he survived in his childhood. Just as determined to always protect others, he is also determined to shielding his heart. But he didn’t expect his co-workers sister, Jolie Moore , to have him rethinking his life. The attraction is there between them and when she finds herself in a bind, he comes to her rescue. As these two navigate through the relationship and open their hearts , protective walls come down. Will Lorenzo realize that he is nothing like the man he fears he’ll become? Will they realize that they are perfect for each other? Though there is a point of having some action in the plot, it’s truly a story about relationships, and realizing that love is worth the risk. Another winner in the series. The narrators Ava Erickson, and CJ Mission do a wonderful job of bringing the story to life. I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Solitude (Cunningham Security Series Book 4) by A. K. Evans is a romantic protector book full of suspense. It is a romance between Lorenzo, an employee of Jolie’s brother Dom at Cunningham Securities. Jolie is Dom’s younger sister and a licensed massage therapist. Due to family and social events, Jolie and Lorenzo often cross paths. Jolie is immediately attracted to the big, tatted man, but Lorenzo rebuffs her due to the internal demons he fights because of his horrific past. Solitude is about a wounded man who protects others to keep his encased heart safe until he meets Jolie, who turns his life upside down. Jolie breaches Lorenzo’s defenses as they give in to their passions that flame hot as new feelings grow between them. Suspense and mystery surround Jolie when a car hits her and leaves the accident scene. Add in a French Bulldog puppy named Ollie, who becomes a significant part of the story and is precious. Sigh! Solitude is a delightful read, also in an audiobook narrated by Ava Erickson and CJ Mission. Their reading brings the story to life. The emotions in Solitude are expressed succinctly when read, which sets the tone for a wonderful listen.
This is such a great book! I enjoyed the storyline and loved the characters. Lorenzo comes across as serious and reserved and the intense attraction he has towards Jolie is palpable. He hasn’t had an easy life and I just wanted to give him a big hug. Because of his past, he avoids relationships - no matter how much he wants Jolie. Jolie is a strong character and I loved her outgoing personality. She is the type of person that I would love to have in my corner. Opposites definitely attract in this book! I also liked all of the secondary characters in this book. Overall, I really liked Solitude as the plot was engaging, the characters were likable and well-developed, and the book moved at a good pace. Solitude is my first book by this author and I plan to read the previous books in this series. I received this book for free and I voluntarily leave this review.
This is the fourth book in this incredible series, and this is Lorenzo and Jolie’s story. Lorenzo has a tough childhood, which has left him a shell of a man, and he lives in fear that the violence from his past lives inside himself, and he is determined to protect others. Lorenzo works with Dom, who is Jolie’s older brother, and they frequently cross paths at social events, and when he turned Jolie down at a wedding, she decides it is time to move on. Can Jolie convince Lorenzo that love is a chance that is worth taking? This is a well written action packed, emotional roller coaster, with challenges, family, friendships, suspense, danger, intrigue, combustible chemistry, trust, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and steamy page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Lorenzo is Jolie’s older brothers best friend. For months, sexual tension is high between the two, until finally it explodes and they pour their hearts out, after a s*xy scene of course. This occurs at 20%(?) of the book. From there, they navigate their relationship, and the relationship between their friends and family. When Jolie is targeted and injured, its a race to figure out what happened and why.
Tags: m/f, medium angst, shown and told, PI and Massage therapist (or whatever the term is for someone who gives massages), HEA and epilogue, abusive father (Lorenzos), Hit-and-Run, light memory loss.