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Maji Rios #3
Double Down
After losing lives on a mission gone wrong, Maji Rios feels anything but ready for a covert operation to protect volatile Spanish pop star Erlea from the paparazzi and death threats.
Celeste, in-house physician for the hotel hosting Erlea’s show, has had enough of putting on a pretty face for the public to protect celebrities. That mistake cost her a thriving sports medicine practice and her trust in herself. When an unlikely friendship with Erlea turns deeper, she has a choice to make—run or double down on love.
Somewhere on her climb to fame, Erlea’s reputation as the wild child of Europe’s pop scene overtook her love for creating music. Can she reclaim her personal and artistic integrity with the help of the two women working to keep her life from imploding?
Cover Artist: Tammy Sedick
Genres: Action & Adventure / Romance
Tags: Federal Agents, Military, Bodyguard/Protection Romances, Celebrity, Multicultural, People of Color, Music
Celeste, in-house physician for the hotel hosting Erlea’s show, has had enough of putting on a pretty face for the public to protect celebrities. That mistake cost her a thriving sports medicine practice and her trust in herself. When an unlikely friendship with Erlea turns deeper, she has a choice to make—run or double down on love.
Somewhere on her climb to fame, Erlea’s reputation as the wild child of Europe’s pop scene overtook her love for creating music. Can she reclaim her personal and artistic integrity with the help of the two women working to keep her life from imploding?
Cover Artist: Tammy Sedick
Genres: Action & Adventure / Romance
Tags: Federal Agents, Military, Bodyguard/Protection Romances, Celebrity, Multicultural, People of Color, Music
242 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 201
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
M.B. Austin
3 books9 followersMB Austin, a mild-mannered civil servant by day, spends her discretionary time writing, reading, and raving about badass women in love and danger.
MB's first series, featuring Maji Rios, is inspired by real people, in and out of uniform, who work to make their communities and the world safer for all. And by the people who feed them.
MB lives with her fabulous wife in Seattle, an excellent town for coffee-fueled writers who don't need too much sun.
MB's first series, featuring Maji Rios, is inspired by real people, in and out of uniform, who work to make their communities and the world safer for all. And by the people who feed them.
MB lives with her fabulous wife in Seattle, an excellent town for coffee-fueled writers who don't need too much sun.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 5, 2019
3.25 Stars. This is the third book in the Maji Rios series. While this is the third book, this is actually a prequel. This takes place before book one. However, while this is a prequel when it comes to timeline, I would still recommend reading the first two books first. Maji’s job and the cast of characters in her life can be a bit confusing at times. All the other early reviewers were people new to the series and they found this book to be confusing. I had no issues with confusion having read the other books, I just wasn’t wowed by the story.
The first book in Maji’s series was exciting, it had its bumps as a debut but the action was the fun part. Book two had the added romance that book one was missing and was better written. This third book was perfectly fine but it lacked any spice. There wasn’t enough action for this action-romance series and the romance was a little dulled. Since this book was in the past before we meet Rose (one of the mains from book 1 and 2) I found myself really missing her character. I hate to say this but I don’t think Austin needed to tell this particular story. Maybe I’m wrong and some of the new characters in this book will pop up in book 4, but I don’t really understand why she choice to take us back in time to this particular spot. I could understand if we went back earlier to live through some of Maji’s actual mission to truly understand what she went though. Instead it was glossed over and besides a few bad dreams her PTSD wasn’t as focused on as I expected.
The action felt toned down and everything was too easily resolved. It was basically let Maji get shot and try to catch the bad guys, rinse and repeat. If you have read book one especially, you will know that Maji is a total badass almost superhero like. Instead of Maji going after danger she was much more passive and that was so unlike her character and made for a less fun and exciting read.
On the good side was the cast of characters. Even missing Rose I still liked the new characters and seeing ones I enjoyed from the other books. Austin has no issue with writing character that are likeable and characters you are supposed to hate.
I’m disappointed to say this was my least favorite of the series. I’m still hopeful there will be a book four and we will get back to Rose and Maji. The two together were really missed for me. I also hope the excitement of the first book and kickass-ness of Maji comes back in full.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
The first book in Maji’s series was exciting, it had its bumps as a debut but the action was the fun part. Book two had the added romance that book one was missing and was better written. This third book was perfectly fine but it lacked any spice. There wasn’t enough action for this action-romance series and the romance was a little dulled. Since this book was in the past before we meet Rose (one of the mains from book 1 and 2) I found myself really missing her character. I hate to say this but I don’t think Austin needed to tell this particular story. Maybe I’m wrong and some of the new characters in this book will pop up in book 4, but I don’t really understand why she choice to take us back in time to this particular spot. I could understand if we went back earlier to live through some of Maji’s actual mission to truly understand what she went though. Instead it was glossed over and besides a few bad dreams her PTSD wasn’t as focused on as I expected.
The action felt toned down and everything was too easily resolved. It was basically let Maji get shot and try to catch the bad guys, rinse and repeat. If you have read book one especially, you will know that Maji is a total badass almost superhero like. Instead of Maji going after danger she was much more passive and that was so unlike her character and made for a less fun and exciting read.
On the good side was the cast of characters. Even missing Rose I still liked the new characters and seeing ones I enjoyed from the other books. Austin has no issue with writing character that are likeable and characters you are supposed to hate.
I’m disappointed to say this was my least favorite of the series. I’m still hopeful there will be a book four and we will get back to Rose and Maji. The two together were really missed for me. I also hope the excitement of the first book and kickass-ness of Maji comes back in full.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
July 18, 2019
Ok I’m confused. And I’m not a stupid person, or I would love to think I’m not! So why am I confused ? .. I remained confused the whole book!
So my view: MCs were likable , but the story wasn’t. There’s so much going on at the same time, and nothing fits the overall story.
May I suggest that no one reads this book if they haven’t read the other 2 because it seems this was a series. I had the feeling that it might be, but thought if it’s that important, maybe the author would highlight this in the blurb ? So to be very fair, I could assume that this would be an enjoyable book if you’re aware of the other 2 books.
As this is my first time to read this author, I have to admit that I didn’t have a major issue with the writing style. So I will actually give her another shot whenever there’s a new book coming out.
P.s: i have a feeling my review might come across as confusing, but i promise it’s because I’m still confused myself :)
My rating is a 2.5 rounded up to 3.
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
So my view: MCs were likable , but the story wasn’t. There’s so much going on at the same time, and nothing fits the overall story.
May I suggest that no one reads this book if they haven’t read the other 2 because it seems this was a series. I had the feeling that it might be, but thought if it’s that important, maybe the author would highlight this in the blurb ? So to be very fair, I could assume that this would be an enjoyable book if you’re aware of the other 2 books.
As this is my first time to read this author, I have to admit that I didn’t have a major issue with the writing style. So I will actually give her another shot whenever there’s a new book coming out.
P.s: i have a feeling my review might come across as confusing, but i promise it’s because I’m still confused myself :)
My rating is a 2.5 rounded up to 3.
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
August 28, 2019
I’ve enjoyed Maji Rios’ exploits so far and I was really looking forward to a third to see where the relationship between Maji and Rose goes. Unfortunately, this is not that book. This is a prequel to “Strictly Need to Know” and I’m not entirely sure what the point of it was. I think this is supposed to fill in the gaps of what happened to Maji in her last operation and the trauma of being held hostage.
On her return from her mission Maji finds herself in Spain where she discovers she bears a remarkable similarity to pop star Erlea. Erlea is being threatened and the local agents work in tandem with Erlea to protect her. Erlea finds herself falling for the venue’s in house doctor, Celeste, but Celeste is struggling with her own relationship baggage.
I had hopes of learning more about Maji, about her relationship with her handler, Hannah and Ava and I would have liked to felt a greater expression of her trauma from the operation that went bad. In the absence of this I would have been okay with this being a romance between Erlea and Celeste but I found it to be a bit lukewarm from that point of view.
I’m still invested in Maji’s journey so I will read the next one in the series, this just didn’t feel necessary to me.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
On her return from her mission Maji finds herself in Spain where she discovers she bears a remarkable similarity to pop star Erlea. Erlea is being threatened and the local agents work in tandem with Erlea to protect her. Erlea finds herself falling for the venue’s in house doctor, Celeste, but Celeste is struggling with her own relationship baggage.
I had hopes of learning more about Maji, about her relationship with her handler, Hannah and Ava and I would have liked to felt a greater expression of her trauma from the operation that went bad. In the absence of this I would have been okay with this being a romance between Erlea and Celeste but I found it to be a bit lukewarm from that point of view.
I’m still invested in Maji’s journey so I will read the next one in the series, this just didn’t feel necessary to me.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
August 24, 2019
I agree completely to a comment in a friend's review:
"MCs were likable, but the story wasn’t. There’s so much going on at the same time, and nothing fits the overall story."
The story was confusing, but the main characters were really great.
"MCs were likable, but the story wasn’t. There’s so much going on at the same time, and nothing fits the overall story."
The story was confusing, but the main characters were really great.
February 3, 2021
This book is one hot mess that had us confused and confounded most of the time.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
August 26, 2019
The description is what drew me to this read. I selected not realizing it was #3 in a series. I tried to keep that in mind while reading. Erlea, entertainer extraordinaire, Celeste, talented doctor, and Maji Rios, tough as nails agent were all interesting in their own way. I was expecting more action and suspense and felt a little let down. According to some of the reviews I read, there was plenty of action in #1 of the series. I believe this was a case of I should have read the books in order, oh well.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books Inc. via NetGalley.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books Inc. via NetGalley.
July 18, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Ok this book just confuse me to a point that I didn't want to finish it may be because it is the third book in this series in which I didn't know it was. I might get the other two to see if I'll enjoy it more.
You have Maji who is covert operator, Erlea who is spanish pop star, Celeste who in house physician throw them together you have death threats relationship problems because you have Erlea a bit wild who seem to want someone to settle her down Celeste attracted to both Erlea and Maji while she coming out of a bad relationship you have Maji dealing with PSTD while being attract to a woman name Reimi who a dealer at casino she goes to regularly.
I like characters but the story didn't pull me in. I'm giving it 3 stars because I like the chatacters.
Ok this book just confuse me to a point that I didn't want to finish it may be because it is the third book in this series in which I didn't know it was. I might get the other two to see if I'll enjoy it more.
You have Maji who is covert operator, Erlea who is spanish pop star, Celeste who in house physician throw them together you have death threats relationship problems because you have Erlea a bit wild who seem to want someone to settle her down Celeste attracted to both Erlea and Maji while she coming out of a bad relationship you have Maji dealing with PSTD while being attract to a woman name Reimi who a dealer at casino she goes to regularly.
I like characters but the story didn't pull me in. I'm giving it 3 stars because I like the chatacters.
February 22, 2020
Mission Complete
Maji is a soldier who was wounded in a battle where many lives were lost. She still carries the guilt but feels up to doing a new mission. Her task is to protect the music star, Erlea. Celeste is the Dr on call at the hotel where Erlea is staying. She is a bit of a star in her own field, having been a physician with a sports medicine practice and a spot taking care of Olympic athletes. Meanwhile Erlea has finally had enough of being a wild child and wants to be a better person and artist. The lives if these women are intertwined, Erlea and Celeste, romantically and Maji who is tasked to keep them safe.
This was a decent book. It is the third in a series but it is a fine standalone (I haven’t read the others and don’t feel like I was missing any info) It wasn’t great but not terrible either. It kept my attention and I liked the suspense filled twists and turns but the ending fell a little flat for me. They left out the capture of one of the bad guys and it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. The romance was sort of boring and left something to be desired but that’s just my opinion.
Maji is a soldier who was wounded in a battle where many lives were lost. She still carries the guilt but feels up to doing a new mission. Her task is to protect the music star, Erlea. Celeste is the Dr on call at the hotel where Erlea is staying. She is a bit of a star in her own field, having been a physician with a sports medicine practice and a spot taking care of Olympic athletes. Meanwhile Erlea has finally had enough of being a wild child and wants to be a better person and artist. The lives if these women are intertwined, Erlea and Celeste, romantically and Maji who is tasked to keep them safe.
This was a decent book. It is the third in a series but it is a fine standalone (I haven’t read the others and don’t feel like I was missing any info) It wasn’t great but not terrible either. It kept my attention and I liked the suspense filled twists and turns but the ending fell a little flat for me. They left out the capture of one of the bad guys and it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. The romance was sort of boring and left something to be desired but that’s just my opinion.
August 13, 2019
Wow! I'm glad I'm not the only person who thought this story was a hot mess. I tried to read most the book before I read any of the reviews of it, which I guess was fortunate, because I probably wouldn't have read any of it at all if I'd seen the reviews first.
I wish I could say that this book held my interest, but it didn't. There were so many people in this book, and they were introduced all at one time, so it was hard to keep track. There is an attempt at political suspense, but it falls flat.
At different points in the book, we find out that Dr. Celeste Guillot (the source of whose problems is never explained), is attracted to Maji (who I think also had another name, but I can't remember it), but she can't maintain romantic relationships, so Celeste goes trawling for someone else, and that Erlea (whose name is also Beatriz, further adding to the confusion) is attracted to Dr. Guillot who seems to, in turns, reject her and attract her. These people all have confusing pasts, but none of the problems are ever explained.
I really tried to like something about this book, but no one in the book seemed to know what - or whom - they wanted, or what they wanted them for. I was not aware that this is a series, but now that I know it is, I'm wondering if all the books in the series are as muddled as this one is. I simply did not get the point of the book.
I wish I could say that this book held my interest, but it didn't. There were so many people in this book, and they were introduced all at one time, so it was hard to keep track. There is an attempt at political suspense, but it falls flat.
At different points in the book, we find out that Dr. Celeste Guillot (the source of whose problems is never explained), is attracted to Maji (who I think also had another name, but I can't remember it), but she can't maintain romantic relationships, so Celeste goes trawling for someone else, and that Erlea (whose name is also Beatriz, further adding to the confusion) is attracted to Dr. Guillot who seems to, in turns, reject her and attract her. These people all have confusing pasts, but none of the problems are ever explained.
I really tried to like something about this book, but no one in the book seemed to know what - or whom - they wanted, or what they wanted them for. I was not aware that this is a series, but now that I know it is, I'm wondering if all the books in the series are as muddled as this one is. I simply did not get the point of the book.
August 9, 2019
This book is … kinda hard to read and much harder to follow through. It's the third book in a series and it's the prequel, which I didn't know before reading. Now I think it might have been smarter to google the book first and read the other two books … BUT this one is the Prequel and in my opinion it should be possible to read it without having read the others … this is - unfortunately - not the case. Well, not for me at last.
The characters are likeable but there a so many of them that I was highly confused from time to time. The story didn't touch me much, I felt a lot overwhelmed by all the different characters and their interest in each other. I would have prefer a bigger focus on one story in order to connect with, instead you get a various cast with various problems. To make this clear, this is not all bad and the writing style is okay but it just didn't worked for me. Maybe I really should have read the other books first, but I did not know about them - maybe it should be mentioned in the blurb that this books belongs to a series.
Maybe I will do it in order to get a better grip at this particular book.
The characters are likeable but there a so many of them that I was highly confused from time to time. The story didn't touch me much, I felt a lot overwhelmed by all the different characters and their interest in each other. I would have prefer a bigger focus on one story in order to connect with, instead you get a various cast with various problems. To make this clear, this is not all bad and the writing style is okay but it just didn't worked for me. Maybe I really should have read the other books first, but I did not know about them - maybe it should be mentioned in the blurb that this books belongs to a series.
Maybe I will do it in order to get a better grip at this particular book.
September 5, 2019
I read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone book.
The characters are well written - they have good days, meh days. Not everything is perfect but they live their lives of diversity and wide experiences.
Maji, the catalyst to this story dances in and out of several plot lines. She is a SURVIVOR who feels best helping others.
Politics, relationship struggles, industry scandals, military failures. It's all here.
I will be buying the other books in the series now that I've met Maji.
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone book.
The characters are well written - they have good days, meh days. Not everything is perfect but they live their lives of diversity and wide experiences.
Maji, the catalyst to this story dances in and out of several plot lines. She is a SURVIVOR who feels best helping others.
Politics, relationship struggles, industry scandals, military failures. It's all here.
I will be buying the other books in the series now that I've met Maji.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews