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IAD Agency #1
Under Pressure
Jason MacBain is the perfect agent. Tall, dark, and deadly, he is a man who lives by simple rules—kill the bad guys and protect the world. Closed off from his emotions, Jason’s control is legendary. He has never believed in love and won’t let anything get in the way of completing a mission…but all of that changes the night he meets Bella.
Isabella Moretti is a famous chef struggling to reclaim her life after barely surviving a vicious attack. Moving back to Chicago, Bella hopes to recover and regain the sense of safety that has been stolen from her. When she meets Jason, she’s frightened by the passion he ignites within her…yet nothing makes her feel safer than being in his arms.
When her life is threatened, Jason will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and end the threat to her for good. As the pressure builds, Bella is forced to trust him with her safety, but does she dare trust him with her heart?
NOTE: This book was previously published but has been revised and extended.
Isabella Moretti is a famous chef struggling to reclaim her life after barely surviving a vicious attack. Moving back to Chicago, Bella hopes to recover and regain the sense of safety that has been stolen from her. When she meets Jason, she’s frightened by the passion he ignites within her…yet nothing makes her feel safer than being in his arms.
When her life is threatened, Jason will do whatever it takes to keep her safe and end the threat to her for good. As the pressure builds, Bella is forced to trust him with her safety, but does she dare trust him with her heart?
NOTE: This book was previously published but has been revised and extended.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2012
183 people are currently reading
980 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Roma
53 books689 followersLaurie Roma mainly writes contemporary, romantic suspense, fantasy, and sci-fi romance. She can usually be found tapping away on her keyboard, creating worlds for her characters while she listens to music. Of course, her playlist depends on her mood…but then again, so does her writing. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at laurieromabooks@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
November 26, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
2.5 stars
Under Pressure is more romance than anything else but it suffered from a case of insta-love with a little alpha male overload. Don’t get me wrong, I really like alpha males most of the time. However, the constant reiteration that Isabella was Jason’s and him getting jealous over EVERY man in her life was a bit OTT for me.
There are some decent things going on in this story. I liked Isabella for the most part. She has been through a traumatic experience and is trying to take her life back. When she meets Jason, he is an absolutely beautiful specimen of a man, but then he talks and is a complete jerkface. Still after a single exchange, he likes the stunning woman before him and talks her into going home with him for a night of passion. He just didn’t expect Isabella to run out right after the first round of what was going to be many in Jason’s mind.
Isabella is hiding from a stalker, one that almost killed her the last time she saw him. I really wish there was a little more play on this part of the story. The stalker seems really smart and so intense in his feeling for the object of his affection. For most of the story, the stalker is kinda an afterthought. I thought there could have been a little more page time for this part of the story. Jason’s agency seemed really cool too but it was off to the side and we really didn’t see the men doing much action, well, except guarding Isabella. I did enjoy the cooking stuff in the book, those were some of my favorite moments.
I didn’t really like the way Jason and Isabella were all of a sudden together and committed to each other like they’d been together for months or years after barely meeting. He calls her love all the time and she spends a ton of time sitting in his lap. It was just not my kind of love story. I like alpha males a lot most of the time but something about Jason just rubbed me wrong and I never connected with him.
I thought some of the other potential couples sounded interesting. Laurie Roma introduced about four potential new couples for spin off books. I’m just not sure I like her writing style, I think it will be hit or miss for most. No offense to her since I love Kristen Ashley and she is hit or miss for everyone too.
Narration:
Jillian Macie is a new to me narrator. Overall, I think her performance was about average. She did well with the material given to her. I never got lost in the story but I think that was more due to content. She made all the characters sound unique. I listened to this audiobook at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
2.5 stars
Under Pressure is more romance than anything else but it suffered from a case of insta-love with a little alpha male overload. Don’t get me wrong, I really like alpha males most of the time. However, the constant reiteration that Isabella was Jason’s and him getting jealous over EVERY man in her life was a bit OTT for me.
There are some decent things going on in this story. I liked Isabella for the most part. She has been through a traumatic experience and is trying to take her life back. When she meets Jason, he is an absolutely beautiful specimen of a man, but then he talks and is a complete jerkface. Still after a single exchange, he likes the stunning woman before him and talks her into going home with him for a night of passion. He just didn’t expect Isabella to run out right after the first round of what was going to be many in Jason’s mind.
Isabella is hiding from a stalker, one that almost killed her the last time she saw him. I really wish there was a little more play on this part of the story. The stalker seems really smart and so intense in his feeling for the object of his affection. For most of the story, the stalker is kinda an afterthought. I thought there could have been a little more page time for this part of the story. Jason’s agency seemed really cool too but it was off to the side and we really didn’t see the men doing much action, well, except guarding Isabella. I did enjoy the cooking stuff in the book, those were some of my favorite moments.
I didn’t really like the way Jason and Isabella were all of a sudden together and committed to each other like they’d been together for months or years after barely meeting. He calls her love all the time and she spends a ton of time sitting in his lap. It was just not my kind of love story. I like alpha males a lot most of the time but something about Jason just rubbed me wrong and I never connected with him.
I thought some of the other potential couples sounded interesting. Laurie Roma introduced about four potential new couples for spin off books. I’m just not sure I like her writing style, I think it will be hit or miss for most. No offense to her since I love Kristen Ashley and she is hit or miss for everyone too.
Narration:
Jillian Macie is a new to me narrator. Overall, I think her performance was about average. She did well with the material given to her. I never got lost in the story but I think that was more due to content. She made all the characters sound unique. I listened to this audiobook at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
June 23, 2017
Such a great read!
"Under Pressure" is the story of Jason and Bella.
Meeting on a chance encounter, Bella a chef who's just escaped from a tragedy which changed her life meets the head of the IAD Security Agency, Jason and its insta spark.
Even though there's initial misunderstanding, they give into their passions and after just a minor glitch, fall head over heels for one another.
If you like mild angst, an OTT crazy protective alpha hero and heroines with a tragic past, this story is for you.
The secondary characters are all intriguing, and make you look forward to rest of the series.
It was really enjoyable, hot and the serial stalker was creepy enough for you to root for his death.
And there's batter!
Really enjoyed this one.
Safe
4.25/5
"Under Pressure" is the story of Jason and Bella.
Meeting on a chance encounter, Bella a chef who's just escaped from a tragedy which changed her life meets the head of the IAD Security Agency, Jason and its insta spark.
Even though there's initial misunderstanding, they give into their passions and after just a minor glitch, fall head over heels for one another.
If you like mild angst, an OTT crazy protective alpha hero and heroines with a tragic past, this story is for you.
The secondary characters are all intriguing, and make you look forward to rest of the series.
It was really enjoyable, hot and the serial stalker was creepy enough for you to root for his death.
And there's batter!
Really enjoyed this one.
Safe
4.25/5
March 4, 2019
Jason MacBain is used to being known as cold and unfeeling, his life dictated it as a former MI5 agent and now leader of IAD in Chicago. When Isabella Moretti bumps into him, she apologizes but Jason's blank face and stiff exterior has her fiery temper coming out. One cataclysmic meeting leads to Jason wanting more from Isabella, but first he has to find her. Uncovering her traumatic past has Jason doing everything in his power to protect her, but her stalker seems intent on finding her again despite all the extra protection.
Gripping story, Jason is pure alpha male. Lots of characters that could lead to future books for sure. Isabella is delightful, she is temperamental but also you have a soft side that Jason is determined to protect. Excellent start to a new series.
Gripping story, Jason is pure alpha male. Lots of characters that could lead to future books for sure. Isabella is delightful, she is temperamental but also you have a soft side that Jason is determined to protect. Excellent start to a new series.
September 6, 2019
Bella broke my heart with what she had to go through and I admit to not seeing her revelation coming. It was dark and twisted but she was strong enough to survive it and still move on. She also has a great support system that is made up by her big loving family (with three insanely protective big brothers!) and a close knit group of friends.
When she meets Mac, Bella can’t deny the instant attraction she feels for the big guy. After the last year, she never thought she’d feel this way again so she throws caution to the wind and spends a crazy hot night with him.
Only things really did come to a head too quickly for her peace of mind and Bella ends up running away before she can really explore the wild connect she had with Mac. But this is a romance so of course the two leading MCs find each other again and that’s where the story really takes off.
I loved that Mac was such a softie for Bella. He was a total badass with everyone else but when it came to Bella he dropped his guard, bared his heart and staked his claim right from the start. It’s hard to fall for a guy that is so ready to devote himself to the woman he’s given his heart too. Mac is one of the sweetest, most kick-ass, alpha book boyfriend’s in romancelandia. Just saying . . .
The crazy psychotic stalker from Bella’s past does turn up to try and ruin her again but this time around, Bella is prepared and with some many friends and family at her back, the outcome is pretty obvious for this guy.
I really did enjoy reading this one. There were parts in the story that felt repetitive and too wordy but it didn’t detract from the story and there are so many potential couples for future books that I’m definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.
Memorable Moments: Their meet-cute was more of a meet-instantly combust moment. Their sizzling chemistry was definitely on point for these two.
And then there’s the epic epilogue. It was sweet, steamy and left me with a goofy happy smile on my face.
Would I recommend? It was a really good read and has tons of potential MCs for future books.
SAFETY INFO:
When she meets Mac, Bella can’t deny the instant attraction she feels for the big guy. After the last year, she never thought she’d feel this way again so she throws caution to the wind and spends a crazy hot night with him.
Only things really did come to a head too quickly for her peace of mind and Bella ends up running away before she can really explore the wild connect she had with Mac. But this is a romance so of course the two leading MCs find each other again and that’s where the story really takes off.
I loved that Mac was such a softie for Bella. He was a total badass with everyone else but when it came to Bella he dropped his guard, bared his heart and staked his claim right from the start. It’s hard to fall for a guy that is so ready to devote himself to the woman he’s given his heart too. Mac is one of the sweetest, most kick-ass, alpha book boyfriend’s in romancelandia. Just saying . . .
The crazy psychotic stalker from Bella’s past does turn up to try and ruin her again but this time around, Bella is prepared and with some many friends and family at her back, the outcome is pretty obvious for this guy.
I really did enjoy reading this one. There were parts in the story that felt repetitive and too wordy but it didn’t detract from the story and there are so many potential couples for future books that I’m definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.
Memorable Moments: Their meet-cute was more of a meet-instantly combust moment. Their sizzling chemistry was definitely on point for these two.
And then there’s the epic epilogue. It was sweet, steamy and left me with a goofy happy smile on my face.
Would I recommend? It was a really good read and has tons of potential MCs for future books.
SAFETY INFO:
August 27, 2015
3.50-4.0 RATING- For readers (like me) that love a damsel in distress and a capable, sexy, hero that falls hard...Under Pressure is an enjoyable read. The hero's actually going on my best boyfriend list. Once he meets the heroine, he never looks back.
The writing was good and it was definitely steamy. The only drawback was a bit of cheesiness and predictability coupled with some over the top suspense, all which caused some eye rolling. Just minor things to be fair. Overall, I'm glad I read this book plan to read the other books in the series. I didn't mind paying the $4.70 price (Amazon) but wish the title could be loaned.
The writing was good and it was definitely steamy. The only drawback was a bit of cheesiness and predictability coupled with some over the top suspense, all which caused some eye rolling. Just minor things to be fair. Overall, I'm glad I read this book plan to read the other books in the series. I didn't mind paying the $4.70 price (Amazon) but wish the title could be loaned.
December 13, 2013
♫ I just found another amazing author to read ♫
June 12, 2019
This was alittle hard for me to rate.. i was going back and forth between a 3 star and a 3.5 star lol
Mentioning this above their is a chapter of the assault Isabella went through!! It doesn't show the rape but it shows leading up to it brother mentioned she was raped by the stalker.. i liked this book but there was something bugging me.. i believe it was the sorta 3rd pov? That's what annoyed me lol another thing the kiss on the lips by the guy best friend.. idc if your french jason should have punched him..
Isabella girl is slowly rebuilding her life since a assult happened to her a year ago and with a support group like her family and friends she's slowly getting her life back. One night she runs into Jason who is sorta stiff and sorta coldish. But they have a spark and well they go home together after that dirty kinda one night made Jason want to find bella and he does.. little does he know he's sorta friends with her three over protective brothers.. there is looottt of male testosterone i swear lol there was alottt of charas introduce in this book.. i did lose count how many guys.. i think i loved jason more then Bella.. idk why.. it just felt more love for Jason. Maybe it was the fact also bella kept the ugh..
But glad Jason never gave up and was by bella side and made sure she was safe from the crazy stalker who hurt her..
As for others in the series i so wanna read I do hope Liz and sal are a couple they have that connection!! Tony idk who.. and danny i dont think ill read his since he seems like a manwhore.. also Jenna and the twins ;)
Low agnst, no ow/om drama, drama, secondary charas, sexy times, Both been celibate for awhile & No virgins
Recommend- maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Instalove/lust
Slight push/pull from h
Mentions Sexually assaulted
Assaulted
Safe sex then no condom
Slight panic attacks
Hea
Epilogue
Mentioning this above their is a chapter of the assault Isabella went through!! It doesn't show the rape but it shows leading up to it brother mentioned she was raped by the stalker.. i liked this book but there was something bugging me.. i believe it was the sorta 3rd pov? That's what annoyed me lol another thing the kiss on the lips by the guy best friend.. idc if your french jason should have punched him..
Isabella girl is slowly rebuilding her life since a assult happened to her a year ago and with a support group like her family and friends she's slowly getting her life back. One night she runs into Jason who is sorta stiff and sorta coldish. But they have a spark and well they go home together after that dirty kinda one night made Jason want to find bella and he does.. little does he know he's sorta friends with her three over protective brothers.. there is looottt of male testosterone i swear lol there was alottt of charas introduce in this book.. i did lose count how many guys.. i think i loved jason more then Bella.. idk why.. it just felt more love for Jason. Maybe it was the fact also bella kept the ugh..
But glad Jason never gave up and was by bella side and made sure she was safe from the crazy stalker who hurt her..
As for others in the series i so wanna read I do hope Liz and sal are a couple they have that connection!! Tony idk who.. and danny i dont think ill read his since he seems like a manwhore.. also Jenna and the twins ;)
Low agnst, no ow/om drama, drama, secondary charas, sexy times, Both been celibate for awhile & No virgins
Recommend- maybe
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Instalove/lust
Slight push/pull from h
Mentions Sexually assaulted
Assaulted
Safe sex then no condom
Slight panic attacks
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2014
2.5 stars
I read Hammer's Fall by this author and really liked it so I searched up some of her other books. This book was quick, sweet read. Nothing ground-breaking, just a comfort read.
Pros:
- I liked the author's writing style.
- The H was a possessive alpha, who's tough and mean until he meets the h, and then he's as sweet as can be. I always find that I like that formula in my romance books.
-It was a simple, predictable read. I don't have to worry about asshole H's or cheating plot devices. I like reading a romance and knowing where the couple stand. I hate fearing that someone will cheat.
- Literally, every male in the book is a big, bad alpha and the H stood his own.
Cons:
- Too many characters! In the beginning it was okay with her two brothers and bestfriend, but the IAD members came and it was too much for me.
- I felt like some scenes were unnecessary.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable read that had a comforting pattern. The romance was sweet, the testosterone a-plenty, and the sexy times hawt.
I read Hammer's Fall by this author and really liked it so I searched up some of her other books. This book was quick, sweet read. Nothing ground-breaking, just a comfort read.
Pros:
- I liked the author's writing style.
- The H was a possessive alpha, who's tough and mean until he meets the h, and then he's as sweet as can be. I always find that I like that formula in my romance books.
-It was a simple, predictable read. I don't have to worry about asshole H's or cheating plot devices. I like reading a romance and knowing where the couple stand. I hate fearing that someone will cheat.
- Literally, every male in the book is a big, bad alpha and the H stood his own.
Cons:
- Too many characters! In the beginning it was okay with her two brothers and bestfriend, but the IAD members came and it was too much for me.
- I felt like some scenes were unnecessary.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable read that had a comforting pattern. The romance was sweet, the testosterone a-plenty, and the sexy times hawt.
June 10, 2019
I don't like reading about rape.
It would have been nice if the rape was mentioned in at least one review or something but obviously it wasn't.
I'm pissed.
I knew she went through a tragedy but it wasn't clear until the 25%.
Day ruined and author to avoid from now on.
It would have been nice if the rape was mentioned in at least one review or something but obviously it wasn't.
I'm pissed.
I knew she went through a tragedy but it wasn't clear until the 25%.
Day ruined and author to avoid from now on.
dnf-2025
September 29, 2025DNF 43% 2000’s bad. She’s Italian, short, and with tits and ass, and curly hair. So she’s an “exotic beauty” as opposed to “conventionally” like her tall, thin, blonde friend. She was violently attacked by a stalker a year ago. The love interest is either acting like a possessive asshole or trying to fuck her. No in between. But somehow after 3 hours she feels so safe with him even though he’s done nothing but accuse her of things. The opposite of good.
Read
August 23, 2019review to come
September 3, 2024
🌟Brief Summary:
Bella is a famous chef recovering from a traumatic event. Jason is cold and closed off due to his traffic past. They meet at an event and sparks fly. They have a ONS but right after Bella freaks a bit and does a runner.
A week later they just happen to run into each other and this time he isn’t letting her get away.
‼️Insta lust-love
‼️Possesive alpha male
‼️OTT JP
‼️MINE MINE MINE
‼️Touch her and die
‼️Cozy friends and family vibe
‼️Stalker/ bot by the H
‼️SA
‼️Attempted Rape
❣️Things I Liked/Loved❣️
❤️This is a safe sweet very insta relationship based read. Very easy low angst.
-All the sweet touches and intimacy
-I liked the stalker stuff and would have liked more
-Both characters were very likable
-Freinds and family vibes
Things I Did 💔 Not Like
-I don’t like that she smokes
‼️ I absolutely DO NOT LIKE doggy style for the first time it’s just so impersonal. I hate it it’s a huge pet peeve of mine. It’s ment to show out of control passion but still not for me.
-In general I didn’t love the sex scenes after the first few I could have done without them and had more just relationship stuff.
-Lots of telling VS showing and info dumping on stuff I wanted to see.
🥀 Hero:
Jason 37yr
Uber rich
Owns a company that works w the government kinda like mercenaries.
He is cold to everyone but the h.
Doesn’t do relationships till the h.
🦋 Heroine:
Bella 29
She has 3 older brothers that all work for the H is some way but she only just moved back to Chicago so they never met.
She has a stalker that almost killed her and now she is living back w her family to recover.
💭 POV:
3rd person multiple
😡/😍 Angst level:
Low
❤️🔥 Sex & Burn Rate:
Fast. The sex was ok🔥🔥🔥 maybe 2-3 scenes i enjoyed the rest felt like filler.
🌓 Push/Pull:
After that first encounter no
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
None
Just her stalker
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
Neither V
Both experienced, both did casual dating and had regular hookups before meeting.
No manwhore but definitely a ladies man. He had sex when he wanted it but he wasn’t gross or changing bed partners every night.
The h did as well she enjoyed her travels and men when she wanted them.
No talks of his last partner
She is celibate for 1 year because of SA
No OP after they meet
Condoms then none
Both clean
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
1 week separation after their ONS
I wish he would have decided to look for her sooner but he did decide to find her before they ran into each other.
🎧AUDIO
3.5 stars it was good and clear the narrator changed voices, had accents and emotions.
Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
SA not on page
Assault
Attempted murder
Stalking
🌈Epilogue:
Not really it’s the same night
🥂HEA:
HFN i think we see more in future books
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.❌
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
Bella is a famous chef recovering from a traumatic event. Jason is cold and closed off due to his traffic past. They meet at an event and sparks fly. They have a ONS but right after Bella freaks a bit and does a runner.
A week later they just happen to run into each other and this time he isn’t letting her get away.
‼️Insta lust-love
‼️Possesive alpha male
‼️OTT JP
‼️MINE MINE MINE
‼️Touch her and die
‼️Cozy friends and family vibe
‼️Stalker/ bot by the H
‼️SA
‼️Attempted Rape
❣️Things I Liked/Loved❣️
❤️This is a safe sweet very insta relationship based read. Very easy low angst.
-All the sweet touches and intimacy
-I liked the stalker stuff and would have liked more
-Both characters were very likable
-Freinds and family vibes
Things I Did 💔 Not Like
-I don’t like that she smokes
‼️ I absolutely DO NOT LIKE doggy style for the first time it’s just so impersonal. I hate it it’s a huge pet peeve of mine. It’s ment to show out of control passion but still not for me.
-In general I didn’t love the sex scenes after the first few I could have done without them and had more just relationship stuff.
-Lots of telling VS showing and info dumping on stuff I wanted to see.
🥀 Hero:
Jason 37yr
Uber rich
Owns a company that works w the government kinda like mercenaries.
He is cold to everyone but the h.
Doesn’t do relationships till the h.
🦋 Heroine:
Bella 29
She has 3 older brothers that all work for the H is some way but she only just moved back to Chicago so they never met.
She has a stalker that almost killed her and now she is living back w her family to recover.
💭 POV:
3rd person multiple
😡/😍 Angst level:
Low
❤️🔥 Sex & Burn Rate:
Fast. The sex was ok🔥🔥🔥 maybe 2-3 scenes i enjoyed the rest felt like filler.
🌓 Push/Pull:
After that first encounter no
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
None
Just her stalker
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
Neither V
Both experienced, both did casual dating and had regular hookups before meeting.
No manwhore but definitely a ladies man. He had sex when he wanted it but he wasn’t gross or changing bed partners every night.
The h did as well she enjoyed her travels and men when she wanted them.
No talks of his last partner
She is celibate for 1 year because of SA
No OP after they meet
Condoms then none
Both clean
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
1 week separation after their ONS
I wish he would have decided to look for her sooner but he did decide to find her before they ran into each other.
🎧AUDIO
3.5 stars it was good and clear the narrator changed voices, had accents and emotions.
Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
SA not on page
Assault
Attempted murder
Stalking
🌈Epilogue:
Not really it’s the same night
🥂HEA:
HFN i think we see more in future books
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.❌
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2013
I found out about Laurie Roma and her IAD Series while reading an Amazon Discussion Forum. I was intrigued by a series that almost every single person unanimously agreed was outstanding. They were right. From the very first sentence, to the very last punctuation mark, this book held my attention and my heart captive. Under Pressure is breathtaking perfection and erotic romance at its very finest. Bella, our heroine, is trying to move on with her life after almost dying at the hands of a stalker. She has been victimized and traumatized and firmly believes that she will never be able to trust any many again. My heart broke for Bella time and again as tried to find her footing after her whole world seems to have collapsed around her. A famous chef, she wonders if she is even capable of working due to damage from her attack. Enter Jason who is the epitome of alpha male perfection. He is commanding and domineering and always gets what he wants. And Jason wants Bella. He is enchanted by Bella from the moment he meets her. Their chemistry was through-the-roof hot and I was surprised my Kindle didn’t explode from the heat. After their first encounter, Bella flees, fearing not Jason, but what Jason makes her feel. Their worlds quickly collided with the realization that their lives are more connected than either of them knew. Jason is both friends and co-workers with some of her brothers and those brothers are not amused by Jason’s extreme interest in their sister. But, when Bella tells everyone what happened to her the gloves come off and there is nothing Jason and her brothers won’t do or endure to heal Bella and put a stop to the stalker who has returned to her life.
Jason and Bella are beautifully matched and in sync. Bella was damaged and real but it didn’t take away from the core of strength she had inside her. Watching her rise like a phoenix from the ashes and take control of her life just endeared her to me even more. Jason is the perfect balance to Bella. He is strong and passionate, demanding and nurturing. I adored Jason and I was in awe of his love and devotion to Bella (not to mention his sweet as sin accent). The emotional connection these two had sent shivers up my spine and caused my heart to race. The sex scenes were mind-blowing and intensely erotic but also cathartic and healing. The suspense of the book kept me thoroughly entertained and it was very easy to keep up with and follow. The secondary characters introduced in Under Pressure whet your appetite even further and give us more insight into IAD. I can’t wait to see what Mrs. Roma has in store for us with the rest of the IAD Series. I give this book 5 of 5 stars.
Jason and Bella are beautifully matched and in sync. Bella was damaged and real but it didn’t take away from the core of strength she had inside her. Watching her rise like a phoenix from the ashes and take control of her life just endeared her to me even more. Jason is the perfect balance to Bella. He is strong and passionate, demanding and nurturing. I adored Jason and I was in awe of his love and devotion to Bella (not to mention his sweet as sin accent). The emotional connection these two had sent shivers up my spine and caused my heart to race. The sex scenes were mind-blowing and intensely erotic but also cathartic and healing. The suspense of the book kept me thoroughly entertained and it was very easy to keep up with and follow. The secondary characters introduced in Under Pressure whet your appetite even further and give us more insight into IAD. I can’t wait to see what Mrs. Roma has in store for us with the rest of the IAD Series. I give this book 5 of 5 stars.
December 9, 2025
4th read November 2025: Such a comfort read. Love it! ❤️
3rd read December 2024: I just had to re-read this one. Ugh, so good! Jason is perfection! ♥️
Re-read February 2024: holy possessiveness that was awesome! Jason is the best…le swoon!
Original review:
YAS! This had everything I look for in a romantic suspense. There was plenty of danger, a super protective alpha male that was possessive as heck (and even jealous of h’s brothers touching her 😅). He falls for h instantly (even though he was kind of a jerk at first, but that quickly changes ;-) ). It felt like instalove goodness (I’m so here for that).
The heroine was also very lovable, strong and fierce. We get a wonderful sense of family and side characters that make you want to read their own stories.
Of course we get some scorching steam and some sugary sweet romance. Loved it!
Safety:
No OW
OM: h has a crazy stalker (that had already raped her in the past). He wants her for himself. H and the other members of IAD take care of him.
No cheating
No separation / no third act break up
Mention of rape
3rd read December 2024: I just had to re-read this one. Ugh, so good! Jason is perfection! ♥️
Re-read February 2024: holy possessiveness that was awesome! Jason is the best…le swoon!
Original review:
YAS! This had everything I look for in a romantic suspense. There was plenty of danger, a super protective alpha male that was possessive as heck (and even jealous of h’s brothers touching her 😅). He falls for h instantly (even though he was kind of a jerk at first, but that quickly changes ;-) ). It felt like instalove goodness (I’m so here for that).
The heroine was also very lovable, strong and fierce. We get a wonderful sense of family and side characters that make you want to read their own stories.
Of course we get some scorching steam and some sugary sweet romance. Loved it!
Safety:
No OW
OM: h has a crazy stalker (that had already raped her in the past). He wants her for himself. H and the other members of IAD take care of him.
No cheating
No separation / no third act break up
Mention of rape
December 31, 2015
This one was a little disappointing, the insta love didn't work for me.
I thought the book started out pretty strong with an interesting heroine, a hot hero, and intriguing secondary characters. Unfortunately the book started going downhill after the initial hook up. I didn't buy into Jason's all consuming love/lust for Bella, it didn't fit his character. Too much tell, not enough show.
Trigger -
I thought the book started out pretty strong with an interesting heroine, a hot hero, and intriguing secondary characters. Unfortunately the book started going downhill after the initial hook up. I didn't buy into Jason's all consuming love/lust for Bella, it didn't fit his character. Too much tell, not enough show.
Trigger -
May 30, 2022
Under Pressure
2 Stars
Following a devastating betrayal that cost him everything, billionaire and cover-operative (yes, that is not a mistake), Jason MacBain has closed himself off to emotion. That is until he meets Isabella Moretti at a charity event. The survivor of a horrific attack, Bella is determined to reclaim her life one step at a time beginning with Jason. But Bella's stalker has found her again and will stop at nothing to finish the job he began.
Note: This is an expanded re-issue of the story originally published by Siren Publishing.
***trigger warning for ***
Although the premise has potential and Jason and Bella are appealing characters, the end result is disappointing mainly due to the telling rather than showing style of writing.
To begin with, Jason and Bella's initial meeting establishes an intriguing love-hate relationship that quickly turns into insta-luv. The change is so sudden that it's enough to give the reader whiplash.
Bella starts out as strong, resilient and determined yet rapidly devolves into a weepy damsel in distress in need of a strong man (or men as her overbearing older brothers get in on the act too) to save her.
Jason, who is supposedly stoic and emotionless, transitions from a man unwilling to risk his heart to one obsessed with claiming a woman he just met. His domineering alpha tendencies and intense jealousy of every man in Bella's vicinity gets very old very quickly.
While the stalker plot is suspenseful, it takes a back seat to the romance.
Overall, the author's writing style is not for me and I will not be continuing with the series.
2 Stars
Following a devastating betrayal that cost him everything, billionaire and cover-operative (yes, that is not a mistake), Jason MacBain has closed himself off to emotion. That is until he meets Isabella Moretti at a charity event. The survivor of a horrific attack, Bella is determined to reclaim her life one step at a time beginning with Jason. But Bella's stalker has found her again and will stop at nothing to finish the job he began.
Note: This is an expanded re-issue of the story originally published by Siren Publishing.
***trigger warning for ***
Although the premise has potential and Jason and Bella are appealing characters, the end result is disappointing mainly due to the telling rather than showing style of writing.
To begin with, Jason and Bella's initial meeting establishes an intriguing love-hate relationship that quickly turns into insta-luv. The change is so sudden that it's enough to give the reader whiplash.
Bella starts out as strong, resilient and determined yet rapidly devolves into a weepy damsel in distress in need of a strong man (or men as her overbearing older brothers get in on the act too) to save her.
Jason, who is supposedly stoic and emotionless, transitions from a man unwilling to risk his heart to one obsessed with claiming a woman he just met. His domineering alpha tendencies and intense jealousy of every man in Bella's vicinity gets very old very quickly.
While the stalker plot is suspenseful, it takes a back seat to the romance.
Overall, the author's writing style is not for me and I will not be continuing with the series.
dnf
June 12, 2019The writing was weird. It would switch POVs randomly. I didn’t make it far.
August 17, 2019
The suspense was intense and the cast of larger than life agents was impressive. It was a serious book but there were some pretty funny lines. The sex scenes were raw and not for everyone.
June 10, 2019
Grammatical errors
May 28, 2019
The first couple of chapters really held promise and I enjoyed the back and forth banter between Jason and Bella. I liked that they had an almost insta attraction/love thing happening but grew tired of the many sex scenes. What I didn't enjoy was that the focus was less on MAC Security and the IAD Agency and more on introducing the many members of the agency, none of whom seemed to do anything aside from providing personal security or actually resolve anything. Not much time was spent on finding the butthead that tormented Bella and tracking him down. Made me question just how effective the IAD Agency was.
Overall, I liked it, it was easy enough to read and I'm undecided whether I should invest more time in Books 2 & 3.
Overall, I liked it, it was easy enough to read and I'm undecided whether I should invest more time in Books 2 & 3.
June 30, 2013
Originally posted http://eromantix.com/wordpress/
This is the first book in the IAD Agency Series. While I read this book I just kept thinking 007. This certainly had a James Bondish quality to it. Jason was originally Scottish, after losing his family young he was recruited to work for MI6. Now his main job is running a branch of a top-secret anti terrorist organisation, IAD. So think Bond playing by his own rules with no limits. However Under Pressure isn't about Jason's super secret spy business, it's about catching Bella's stalker. When these two meet at a charity auction sparks fly. Faster than you can say "How about a lift home?" they are back at Jason's getting to know each other intimately. Bella is a little overwhelmed by the experience and does a runner as soon as Jason leaves her alone.
What she doesn't know is that two of her brother's and one of her best friends all work for Jason. It doesn't take him long to track her down. Yes, I did think that it was a little strange that so many people connected to Bella happened to be super spies. But I decided to roll with it. Bella had been stalked and attacked the year before and the guy is still after her. Jason steps in to keep her safe and find the bad guy. During the attack she was badly injured and sexually assaulted, which made it a bit surprising how fast she fell into bed with Jason.
Meeting the rest of the crew that worked at IAD was great. Laurie Roma has put together an interesting bunch of people. All unique individuals with their own back stories and issues. As Bella's world merges with Jason's you get to see how friends and family are going to interact. I really liked the community Laurie Roma created. I also liked Bella and Jason, they were sure about their feelings and willing to fight for them. One little thing I found a bit unusual is that at different times both of the main characters smoke. I didn't really care. But books have gone the way of movies or TV, they just don't show people smoking anymore.
I quite liked Laurie Roma writing style. But sometimes her POV was a bit confusing. She would start a paragraph in on Bella's point of view and finish in Jason's. I found myself rereading paragraphs just to check who was thinking what. Apart from a few glitchy things I really quite liked Under Pressure and am going to read the next book in the series while I am on a roll.
This is the first book in the IAD Agency Series. While I read this book I just kept thinking 007. This certainly had a James Bondish quality to it. Jason was originally Scottish, after losing his family young he was recruited to work for MI6. Now his main job is running a branch of a top-secret anti terrorist organisation, IAD. So think Bond playing by his own rules with no limits. However Under Pressure isn't about Jason's super secret spy business, it's about catching Bella's stalker. When these two meet at a charity auction sparks fly. Faster than you can say "How about a lift home?" they are back at Jason's getting to know each other intimately. Bella is a little overwhelmed by the experience and does a runner as soon as Jason leaves her alone.
What she doesn't know is that two of her brother's and one of her best friends all work for Jason. It doesn't take him long to track her down. Yes, I did think that it was a little strange that so many people connected to Bella happened to be super spies. But I decided to roll with it. Bella had been stalked and attacked the year before and the guy is still after her. Jason steps in to keep her safe and find the bad guy. During the attack she was badly injured and sexually assaulted, which made it a bit surprising how fast she fell into bed with Jason.
Meeting the rest of the crew that worked at IAD was great. Laurie Roma has put together an interesting bunch of people. All unique individuals with their own back stories and issues. As Bella's world merges with Jason's you get to see how friends and family are going to interact. I really liked the community Laurie Roma created. I also liked Bella and Jason, they were sure about their feelings and willing to fight for them. One little thing I found a bit unusual is that at different times both of the main characters smoke. I didn't really care. But books have gone the way of movies or TV, they just don't show people smoking anymore.
I quite liked Laurie Roma writing style. But sometimes her POV was a bit confusing. She would start a paragraph in on Bella's point of view and finish in Jason's. I found myself rereading paragraphs just to check who was thinking what. Apart from a few glitchy things I really quite liked Under Pressure and am going to read the next book in the series while I am on a roll.
December 27, 2016
Bella knew they were overreacting. Nothing had happened since that night in New York. Nothing. The only thing that could be a concern was the few hang-ups she had gotten at home the last few days. Wrong numbers. Everyone got them.
Oh, you dumb stupid bitch... SMH.
I had been teasing with the thought that this was some kind of P2P Twilight fanfiction. I dunno why exactly - probably the insta-love, dark obsession, Jason (Jacob) and Bella, stuff... you know. But I'd swear on the Torah that Edward said this same shit in Twilight:
“You are the most important thing in my life now, Bella. I will do whatever it takes to make you safe. No one will take you from me,” he said softly.
I'm not gonna go hunt down the actual line from Twilight, but I know - I know - it's daaamn close. Like, too close to not be on purpose.
I mostly liked it. I'm not proud of it.
August 26, 2013
Bella Moretti literally bumps into Jason MacBain at a charity auction and she instantly feels a strong sexual pull. Even though she is attracted to Jason, she thinks he is “arrogant ass” and doesn’t hesitate to share her thoughts with him. Jason is used to women falling all over him, so he’s confused by Bella’s negative response.
Bella moved back to Chicago a few months ago. She has returned to her hometown to heal and be near her friends and family. She was one of New York’s youngest executive chefs working for a chic prestigious hotel. Bella is a strong, intelligent woman used to dealing with her brothers who are overprotective and macho so she takes Jason protective behavior in stride.
It’s easy to lose your heart to Jason, who tragically lost his family when he was fifteen. He has a British cultured accent and grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland in a wealthy family. Emotional entanglements don’t appeal to him. Jason has spent his life protecting people, but giving little thought to his own safety. For the past five years he has run the Chicago IAD branch which is fronted through MAC Securities. IAD exists to wipe out terrorists. It is under the radar intelligence with no rules.
UNDER PRESSURE is an exhilarating book filled with romance, intrigue, spies and delightful secondary characters which include Bella’s friends, her family and everyone who works for Mac Securities. This is a testosterone fueled story with lots of hot alpha males, who love nothing better than to trash talk as they banter back and forth. This is the first book in the IAD series and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books
Bella moved back to Chicago a few months ago. She has returned to her hometown to heal and be near her friends and family. She was one of New York’s youngest executive chefs working for a chic prestigious hotel. Bella is a strong, intelligent woman used to dealing with her brothers who are overprotective and macho so she takes Jason protective behavior in stride.
It’s easy to lose your heart to Jason, who tragically lost his family when he was fifteen. He has a British cultured accent and grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland in a wealthy family. Emotional entanglements don’t appeal to him. Jason has spent his life protecting people, but giving little thought to his own safety. For the past five years he has run the Chicago IAD branch which is fronted through MAC Securities. IAD exists to wipe out terrorists. It is under the radar intelligence with no rules.
UNDER PRESSURE is an exhilarating book filled with romance, intrigue, spies and delightful secondary characters which include Bella’s friends, her family and everyone who works for Mac Securities. This is a testosterone fueled story with lots of hot alpha males, who love nothing better than to trash talk as they banter back and forth. This is the first book in the IAD series and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books
July 23, 2015
3.5
I'm not sure what it is about Laurie Roma's writing that I like and dislike at the same time. I like the formula of a security group, great love interests, etc....but what really gets me is the heavy handedness of it all.
Everyone knows everyone. It gets a little...heavy and I can't help but feel manipulated by the author. Granted, it's a romance novel, but it doesn't feel organic and the author seems to be setting up the next ten books with all the relationship setups in one novel.
Not my cup of tea...I'm used to enticing little snippets of one or two couples, not half a dozen.
Like Dickens, there's a cast of thousands (all supremely good-looking, dangerous, good at their jobs....it's so farcical) and the sex scenes are nice, though repetitive. I have a hard time getting sucked into them since it feels so forced.
I don't know. I'll probably give the next novel in the series a whirl, but just to see if it's as annoying as this.
Oh and all the food stuff. That's okay, love a book with food scenes. :D
I'm not sure what it is about Laurie Roma's writing that I like and dislike at the same time. I like the formula of a security group, great love interests, etc....but what really gets me is the heavy handedness of it all.
Everyone knows everyone. It gets a little...heavy and I can't help but feel manipulated by the author. Granted, it's a romance novel, but it doesn't feel organic and the author seems to be setting up the next ten books with all the relationship setups in one novel.
Not my cup of tea...I'm used to enticing little snippets of one or two couples, not half a dozen.
Like Dickens, there's a cast of thousands (all supremely good-looking, dangerous, good at their jobs....it's so farcical) and the sex scenes are nice, though repetitive. I have a hard time getting sucked into them since it feels so forced.
I don't know. I'll probably give the next novel in the series a whirl, but just to see if it's as annoying as this.
Oh and all the food stuff. That's okay, love a book with food scenes. :D
July 24, 2013
Wham, bam, true eternal lasting love.
The path to romance and love is very speedy in this book, but entertaining. A one night stand turns very quickly into possessive-alpha-lover-protector-security-expert heroism and the woman who is too adorable, a survivor of a vicious attack by a raving madman. Clearly, she needed him for protection and there he was, he needed her to light up the dark parts of his life and there she was. I have read this story before, but the good thing about this were the secondary characters that I now want to read about. I know theres one more book out right now, but there were a lot of potential couples mentioned in this first story that were more interesting than the MC here, but only because these two were all so very predictable.
The path to romance and love is very speedy in this book, but entertaining. A one night stand turns very quickly into possessive-alpha-lover-protector-security-expert heroism and the woman who is too adorable, a survivor of a vicious attack by a raving madman. Clearly, she needed him for protection and there he was, he needed her to light up the dark parts of his life and there she was. I have read this story before, but the good thing about this were the secondary characters that I now want to read about. I know theres one more book out right now, but there were a lot of potential couples mentioned in this first story that were more interesting than the MC here, but only because these two were all so very predictable.
October 13, 2013
I received this a copy of this book from an blog hop contest.
"You LoJacked Me?"
What did you like:
The heroine was the heart of the team. She is the soft spot of the commander (alpha hero). This was a great beginning to a series, enough secondary characters that I can't wait to see more of. The info about the characters was interspersed nicely and well paced within the story. There was a nice bit of foreshadowing for later books and the relationships revealed between characters was that of a solid family group.
Would you recommend to a friend: Definitely
"You LoJacked Me?"
What did you like:
The heroine was the heart of the team. She is the soft spot of the commander (alpha hero). This was a great beginning to a series, enough secondary characters that I can't wait to see more of. The info about the characters was interspersed nicely and well paced within the story. There was a nice bit of foreshadowing for later books and the relationships revealed between characters was that of a solid family group.
Would you recommend to a friend: Definitely
August 21, 2013
I loved everything about this book. The two main characters, Jason and Bella meet at a charity event and are instantly attracted. Jason is a hot alpha male, head of a company that spies for the government and has an Scottish brogue. Wow! Bella, is strong and independent, but is trying to overcome some bad things that have happened to her. There are wonderful secondary characters and plenty of hot macho spies. Perfect!
December 14, 2012
This was one of those books that I had a hard time putting down. Bella is a feisty woman (my favourite kind!) Her relationship with her brothers is hilarious, and the chemistry between her and Jason sizzles in all the right ways.
October 10, 2014
I saw recommended on Twitter and decided to read it after checking out the blurb. While I can’t deny the story was sweet, I had a hard time overlooking the lack of editing, choppy writing and plot holes. I liked the story, but I didn’t love it.
April 21, 2013
The premier book from this author is off the chart. Love all the character from the books and can't wait for everyone story in the series....
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