What do you think?
Rate this book
Ranger Security #1-6
Ranger Security 6 Book Omnibus
Former Rangers, forever badasses. A sizzling 6 book set, this omnibus features the first 6 titles in the Ranger Security series. UNDER HIS SKIN OVER THE TOP UP IN FLAMES GOING DOWN HARD CROSSING THE LINE IN TOO DEEP
994 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2019
508 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Want to read
October 5, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/5/2019)! 🎁
October 30, 2019
An omnibus of the first six stories in Ranger Security, a cozy romantic suspense series, revolving around former Rangers who all work for the company. Each new employee has a reason for leaving the Rangers, and each is anxious to do well on his first assignment. It's definitely a plum job for these guys. The perks are amazing!
Be warned, it's insta-love in each story, but it's okay. It doesn't irritate like other stories with characters who fall instantly in love. I guess that's part of what makes these stories so cozy. I also like that each set of couples "get" each other, unlike most others in their lives.
It's interesting that most of the parents had been nightmares.
On the negative side, this omnibus could use a bit of formatting work, as there are sentences that break at the wrong moments. Another go with a proofreader would clean up the missed errors, including the punctuation (commas and plural-possessives), and those naval, chord, sent, etc. word confusions. I do wish someone would have at look at Up in Flames which needs some kerning on its "r-n" pairs. Oy.
Due to space limitations, the various entries under Characters have been chopped. For a complete list, see the review at KD Did It.
The Stories
Under His Skin, 1
This story cracked me up with life in a senior retirement community. Woo-hoo...! Get your parents into this place, lol! Oh, and it's told in third person dual point-of-view from Jeb's and Sophie's perspectives.
Sophie has had a horrible start to her life, and thank god for her grandmother! It does make me wish I had had her life...the part after she's six years old. The people who love her are amazing and help make this the coziest of the stories. It's this cozy approach that doesn't make me too confident of Jeb's and his coworkers' threats against her parents. It was too easy.
That take Jeb had on Sophie made for a nice twist, considering his suspicions. Another impressive bit is Marjorie's desk. For all the activity taking place beneath it, it must be HUGE.
The Characters
Jeb "Shades" Anderson will be posing as Foy Wilcox's grandson. Foy is quite the player. Mary is Foy's lady friend.
Sophie O'Brien inherited grandmother's Wisteria Grove Farms and now raises goats, making handmade soaps and lotions and gives massages. Dozie O'Brien is her grandmother. Sophie's father had been a bad seed who met her mother at a reform school. Their son, Sophie's brother, is even worse.
Twilight Acres is a glorified nursing home whose residents have a grand time! Marjorie Whitehall is the managing director. Rose Marie Wilton had lost a piece of jewelry. Lila Stokes had been a concert pianist whose daughter, Monica, is more interested in her inheritance. Arnold Hammerfield collects coins. Pearl McIntosh and Nanette Hearst also lost jewelry. The walker-using Hortensia "Teensy" Forsythe does a mean table dance. Clayton Plank is Sophie's loudest client. Cora Henderson had been Sophie's grandmother's best friend and neighbor. Ethel is a waitress with coulrophobia at the Four Square Diner. Betty does alterations.
Charlie Martin is the resident hacker for Ranger Security as well as a new mother, which makes no sense since she's not even hired until after Up in Flames , 3. Jay Weatherford is another former Ranger who isn't hired until Up in Flames.
Over the Top, 2
I do love Noelle's take on life, helping people. It certainly makes sense that she'd step up as a witness to a violent crime! What I don't get is her selfish, hypocritical parents. Jeez. How Noelle turned out as she did is a real mystery.
This story uses third person dual point-of-view from Judd's and Noelle's points-of-view.
The Characters
A military sniper, Captain Judd "Angel of Death" Anderson?? Willingham?? is the "Hell" of the fraternal twins.
Noelle Montgomery devotes her life to good deeds. Grandpa had been a barber. Lilo and Stitch are Noelle's new kittens. Ed Johnson hired Ranger Security. Ed's daughter married Curtis. Noelle's mother had been the editor of the local paper.
Les, Roy, and Clark are the police officers who have been guarding Noelle. Jeffrey Stark is the D.A. Rupert Nichols had owned the Main Street Diner. Chad has an ulterior motive for his suggestion to Marissa.
Travis "Tubby" Winchester is a mob boss who insists on his favorite brand of ketchup. Patrick is a nasty piece of work. Curtis Hanson is a banker who made some bad decisions. He and his wife, Carla, have eight- and ten-year-old daughters, Caro and Breanne.
Up in Flames, 3
This tale uses third person global subjective point-of-view and has a cute twist with a competition between a well-qualified woman and Ranger Security's preferred male. Their rivalry is somewhat high school-ish, but it does get better.
It's a typical story of the children of wealthy parents who waste their lives and their money. It certainly highlights Jay's actions against Andrew, oops, sorry, On-drew, oy. That, and how much Jay appreciates Charlie's strengths, ensured my enjoyment.
On another level, there's a secondary romance that sweetens the deal.
The Characters
Charlie Martin had been a good police detective with a real talent for computer hacking. She also teaches a self-defense class to battered women. David Charles Martin is her grandfather, a retired cop. Jack, Jr, is her older brother, a Ranger. Jack Martin, Sr, is Charlie's disapproving father.
Major Jay "The Phoenix" Weatherford suffers survivor's guilt.
Betterworth Chocolate is...
...a premier candy company owned by Marigold Betterworth. Truffles is the Yorkie who inherited Marigold's estate. Mrs Aggie Tippins, formerly the head housekeeper, is now Truffles' caretaker. Smokey Burkhart is the jack-of-all-trades. Jasmine is the current cook. Burt is the gatekeeper fascinated by aliens.
Andrew is Goldie's bullying idiot of a nephew. Josie Miller is Andrew's abused girlfriend. Taffy is Andrew's sister.
Going Down Hard, 4
Yep, Russell continues to keep each story different. Oh, sure, it's still a case of boy-meets-girl and they fall in love, but how many involve gigantic, um, members? And yet, it's only from two perspectives using third person dual point-of-view from Will's and Mia's perspectives.
The twist of Mia's grandmother's ring was a nice touch. He may not be what she wanted, but Harlan is a good man. At least he makes a choice from a good basis as opposed to Will's running in fear.
The Characters
Will "Renegade" Forrester is a third-generation Ranger. His father, a major, considers Will a washed-up disgrace. His mom has left for Aunt Margaret's. John Forrester is Will's grandfather, and it's his opinion that truly matters. Eli is Will's eighteen-month-old nephew, a much-wanted child of his sister, Roxanne, and her husband, Mark.
Mia Hawthorne was the one Will let get away in college, his lit tutor. Now she's in charge of the exhibit, Fertility Through the Ages, being sponsored by the Southern Center of Antiquities in Savannah, that includes Maulu Hautu, a.k.a., Dick, Moe, a very potent fertility statue. Sophie is Mia's assistant. Mia's mother, Jane, had been perpetually late...even to her own funeral. Mia's father, Charlie Hawthorne, is a waste of space.
Freddie Ackerman is a reporter who has dogged the exhibit's every move. Alma Threadgill is Ackerman's assistant.
The unscrupulous Rodrigo Ramirez is a private collector. Marie Upton visited the prison.
Crossing the Line, 5
It is fun to hear the story from two different perspectives in this tale told from third person dual point-of-view with Tanner expected to retrieve a treasure-obsessed old man. Only he has to contend with the stubborn Rhiannon for whom Theo is that supportive "grandparent".
I gotta laugh at how very sweetly stubborn Rhia is, although it's sad how her parents' volatile relationship has affected her own perspective. How much worse it must have been for an empath...
It's another story of well-applied money as I read the list of causes Theo supports.
The Characters
Tanner Crawford, a Ranger, had been raised by his paternal grandparents, John and Miss Molly Crawford.
Rhiannon Palmer, a local elementary guidance counselor who specializes in emotional intelligence, is a good friend of Theo's and is Tad's ex-girlfriend. Keno is her Australian shepherd. Elizabeth Alston, a gymnastics instructor, is her best friend.
Seventy-six-year-old Theodore Watson, a librarian obsessed with a family legend about buried treasure, has his own empathy gift. Tad is Theo's greedy, nasty son. The family estate, Watson Plantation, is but one of the contentious issues between father and son. Mortimer Watson was Theo's great-great-grandfather who had been married twice. The first was Amelia Watson and their young son, Winston. The second wife, Sophia, was quite jealous. Miss Mimi is Theo's aunt.
Wilhelmina Malone owns Willie's Diner, which is a favorite and where Wanda is a waitress.
In Too Deep, 6
Oh, man, talk about a set-up in this story that uses third person dual point-of-view. Poor Seth has to pretend to be the wedding planner's boyfriend while investigating and bodyguarding the about-to-wed couple. Well, you know where this is going.
It does make sense, for there is one MAJOR reason why Seth will be perfect for going undercover as the boyfriend. And any woman out there will agree with it, lol. From Penelope's perspective, he's perfect because he is not easily directed.
It's all down to the "red-letter terrorist" who's threatening the happy couple. Trent and Nella do deserve their happy day. They're both so down-to-earth and real. You'll love 'em.
It is sad that Katie is having to deal with this upset in her life, and she's damned lucky that Seth is her brother.
Oooh, Penelope has a nasty revelation about her status as a serial dater. Now she's thinking about a "No Fishing" sign, lol. All I can say is, thank god for Monica!
The Characters
Seth "Wild Card" McCutcheon is the only Ranger who doesn't want to leave the service. Katie is his sister who inherited the house. Rat Bastard, a.k.a., Michael, is her jerk of a husband. Mitchell is their son.
A successful wedding planner who never intends to marry, Penelope Hart owns Weddings by Hart in Atlanta. Monica is her good friend and assistant. Paul is her official heavy lifter.
Trent McWilliams is the quarterback for the Orlando Mustangs. Nella Francis is the bride and a sorority sister with Penelope and Patrice Anderson, the maid of honor. Lucy is Trent's sister and a bridesmaid.
Core Series Characters
Ranger Security is...
...based in Atlanta and started up by Jamie Flanagan, who has a genius IQ with more brawn than the traditional soldier. He's married to Garrett's granddaughter, Audrey...and if that ain't brave... Brian "The Specialist" Payne was known for his attention to detail, confidence, and observation skills. He's married to Emma. Actually, I'm pretty confused about which woman is married to who. Russell can be vague and the spouse seems to change from story to story. Guy McCann is renowned for his ability to skate the fine line between sheer genius and stupidity and always come out on top. Julia seems to be McCann's girlfriend. Juan-Carlos, a.k.a., Juan Carlos, is their very efficient, gay office manager.
Colonel Carl Garrett is quite methodical about sending Rangers who quit to Ranger Security.
The Cover and Title
The cover starts with a royal blue background on the left with a deep purple to red-violet and royal blue on the right. It's a half-dressed Ranger who fills that background, and if that nicely muscled chest is representative, I can see why the ladies are falling *grin*. Unfortunately, we only see from his top lip down to his black jeans. On the upper right is the Ranger Security logo and the series information. In a soft peach on his right shoulder is the, ahem, mission statement for the series: "Soldiers do it better". The title is a blend of sans serif (in white) and an oversized "S" in a white outlined yellow. Below that is the information that this is a six-book omnibus followed by an info blurb with both in white. The author's name is in white at the bottom.
The title is all encompassing, as it is the employees of Ranger Security.
Be warned, it's insta-love in each story, but it's okay. It doesn't irritate like other stories with characters who fall instantly in love. I guess that's part of what makes these stories so cozy. I also like that each set of couples "get" each other, unlike most others in their lives.
It's interesting that most of the parents had been nightmares.
On the negative side, this omnibus could use a bit of formatting work, as there are sentences that break at the wrong moments. Another go with a proofreader would clean up the missed errors, including the punctuation (commas and plural-possessives), and those naval, chord, sent, etc. word confusions. I do wish someone would have at look at Up in Flames which needs some kerning on its "r-n" pairs. Oy.
Due to space limitations, the various entries under Characters have been chopped. For a complete list, see the review at KD Did It.
The Stories
Under His Skin, 1
This story cracked me up with life in a senior retirement community. Woo-hoo...! Get your parents into this place, lol! Oh, and it's told in third person dual point-of-view from Jeb's and Sophie's perspectives.
Sophie has had a horrible start to her life, and thank god for her grandmother! It does make me wish I had had her life...the part after she's six years old. The people who love her are amazing and help make this the coziest of the stories. It's this cozy approach that doesn't make me too confident of Jeb's and his coworkers' threats against her parents. It was too easy.
That take Jeb had on Sophie made for a nice twist, considering his suspicions. Another impressive bit is Marjorie's desk. For all the activity taking place beneath it, it must be HUGE.
The Characters
Jeb "Shades" Anderson will be posing as Foy Wilcox's grandson. Foy is quite the player. Mary is Foy's lady friend.
Sophie O'Brien inherited grandmother's Wisteria Grove Farms and now raises goats, making handmade soaps and lotions and gives massages. Dozie O'Brien is her grandmother. Sophie's father had been a bad seed who met her mother at a reform school. Their son, Sophie's brother, is even worse.
Twilight Acres is a glorified nursing home whose residents have a grand time! Marjorie Whitehall is the managing director. Rose Marie Wilton had lost a piece of jewelry. Lila Stokes had been a concert pianist whose daughter, Monica, is more interested in her inheritance. Arnold Hammerfield collects coins. Pearl McIntosh and Nanette Hearst also lost jewelry. The walker-using Hortensia "Teensy" Forsythe does a mean table dance. Clayton Plank is Sophie's loudest client. Cora Henderson had been Sophie's grandmother's best friend and neighbor. Ethel is a waitress with coulrophobia at the Four Square Diner. Betty does alterations.
Charlie Martin is the resident hacker for Ranger Security as well as a new mother, which makes no sense since she's not even hired until after Up in Flames , 3. Jay Weatherford is another former Ranger who isn't hired until Up in Flames.
Over the Top, 2
I do love Noelle's take on life, helping people. It certainly makes sense that she'd step up as a witness to a violent crime! What I don't get is her selfish, hypocritical parents. Jeez. How Noelle turned out as she did is a real mystery.
"Money, on its own, could do nothing. It's how that money was spent that revealed its true power."I like that Noelle measures her life by doing the next right thing and helping where help is needed.
This story uses third person dual point-of-view from Judd's and Noelle's points-of-view.
The Characters
A military sniper, Captain Judd "Angel of Death" Anderson?? Willingham?? is the "Hell" of the fraternal twins.
Noelle Montgomery devotes her life to good deeds. Grandpa had been a barber. Lilo and Stitch are Noelle's new kittens. Ed Johnson hired Ranger Security. Ed's daughter married Curtis. Noelle's mother had been the editor of the local paper.
Les, Roy, and Clark are the police officers who have been guarding Noelle. Jeffrey Stark is the D.A. Rupert Nichols had owned the Main Street Diner. Chad has an ulterior motive for his suggestion to Marissa.
Travis "Tubby" Winchester is a mob boss who insists on his favorite brand of ketchup. Patrick is a nasty piece of work. Curtis Hanson is a banker who made some bad decisions. He and his wife, Carla, have eight- and ten-year-old daughters, Caro and Breanne.
Up in Flames, 3
This tale uses third person global subjective point-of-view and has a cute twist with a competition between a well-qualified woman and Ranger Security's preferred male. Their rivalry is somewhat high school-ish, but it does get better.
It's a typical story of the children of wealthy parents who waste their lives and their money. It certainly highlights Jay's actions against Andrew, oops, sorry, On-drew, oy. That, and how much Jay appreciates Charlie's strengths, ensured my enjoyment.
On another level, there's a secondary romance that sweetens the deal.
The Characters
Charlie Martin had been a good police detective with a real talent for computer hacking. She also teaches a self-defense class to battered women. David Charles Martin is her grandfather, a retired cop. Jack, Jr, is her older brother, a Ranger. Jack Martin, Sr, is Charlie's disapproving father.
Major Jay "The Phoenix" Weatherford suffers survivor's guilt.
Betterworth Chocolate is...
...a premier candy company owned by Marigold Betterworth. Truffles is the Yorkie who inherited Marigold's estate. Mrs Aggie Tippins, formerly the head housekeeper, is now Truffles' caretaker. Smokey Burkhart is the jack-of-all-trades. Jasmine is the current cook. Burt is the gatekeeper fascinated by aliens.
Andrew is Goldie's bullying idiot of a nephew. Josie Miller is Andrew's abused girlfriend. Taffy is Andrew's sister.
Going Down Hard, 4
Yep, Russell continues to keep each story different. Oh, sure, it's still a case of boy-meets-girl and they fall in love, but how many involve gigantic, um, members? And yet, it's only from two perspectives using third person dual point-of-view from Will's and Mia's perspectives.
The twist of Mia's grandmother's ring was a nice touch. He may not be what she wanted, but Harlan is a good man. At least he makes a choice from a good basis as opposed to Will's running in fear.
The Characters
Will "Renegade" Forrester is a third-generation Ranger. His father, a major, considers Will a washed-up disgrace. His mom has left for Aunt Margaret's. John Forrester is Will's grandfather, and it's his opinion that truly matters. Eli is Will's eighteen-month-old nephew, a much-wanted child of his sister, Roxanne, and her husband, Mark.
Mia Hawthorne was the one Will let get away in college, his lit tutor. Now she's in charge of the exhibit, Fertility Through the Ages, being sponsored by the Southern Center of Antiquities in Savannah, that includes Maulu Hautu, a.k.a., Dick, Moe, a very potent fertility statue. Sophie is Mia's assistant. Mia's mother, Jane, had been perpetually late...even to her own funeral. Mia's father, Charlie Hawthorne, is a waste of space.
Freddie Ackerman is a reporter who has dogged the exhibit's every move. Alma Threadgill is Ackerman's assistant.
The unscrupulous Rodrigo Ramirez is a private collector. Marie Upton visited the prison.
Crossing the Line, 5
It is fun to hear the story from two different perspectives in this tale told from third person dual point-of-view with Tanner expected to retrieve a treasure-obsessed old man. Only he has to contend with the stubborn Rhiannon for whom Theo is that supportive "grandparent".
I gotta laugh at how very sweetly stubborn Rhia is, although it's sad how her parents' volatile relationship has affected her own perspective. How much worse it must have been for an empath...
It's another story of well-applied money as I read the list of causes Theo supports.
The Characters
Tanner Crawford, a Ranger, had been raised by his paternal grandparents, John and Miss Molly Crawford.
Rhiannon Palmer, a local elementary guidance counselor who specializes in emotional intelligence, is a good friend of Theo's and is Tad's ex-girlfriend. Keno is her Australian shepherd. Elizabeth Alston, a gymnastics instructor, is her best friend.
Seventy-six-year-old Theodore Watson, a librarian obsessed with a family legend about buried treasure, has his own empathy gift. Tad is Theo's greedy, nasty son. The family estate, Watson Plantation, is but one of the contentious issues between father and son. Mortimer Watson was Theo's great-great-grandfather who had been married twice. The first was Amelia Watson and their young son, Winston. The second wife, Sophia, was quite jealous. Miss Mimi is Theo's aunt.
Wilhelmina Malone owns Willie's Diner, which is a favorite and where Wanda is a waitress.
In Too Deep, 6
Oh, man, talk about a set-up in this story that uses third person dual point-of-view. Poor Seth has to pretend to be the wedding planner's boyfriend while investigating and bodyguarding the about-to-wed couple. Well, you know where this is going.
It does make sense, for there is one MAJOR reason why Seth will be perfect for going undercover as the boyfriend. And any woman out there will agree with it, lol. From Penelope's perspective, he's perfect because he is not easily directed.
It's all down to the "red-letter terrorist" who's threatening the happy couple. Trent and Nella do deserve their happy day. They're both so down-to-earth and real. You'll love 'em.
It is sad that Katie is having to deal with this upset in her life, and she's damned lucky that Seth is her brother.
Oooh, Penelope has a nasty revelation about her status as a serial dater. Now she's thinking about a "No Fishing" sign, lol. All I can say is, thank god for Monica!
The Characters
Seth "Wild Card" McCutcheon is the only Ranger who doesn't want to leave the service. Katie is his sister who inherited the house. Rat Bastard, a.k.a., Michael, is her jerk of a husband. Mitchell is their son.
A successful wedding planner who never intends to marry, Penelope Hart owns Weddings by Hart in Atlanta. Monica is her good friend and assistant. Paul is her official heavy lifter.
Trent McWilliams is the quarterback for the Orlando Mustangs. Nella Francis is the bride and a sorority sister with Penelope and Patrice Anderson, the maid of honor. Lucy is Trent's sister and a bridesmaid.
Core Series Characters
Ranger Security is...
...based in Atlanta and started up by Jamie Flanagan, who has a genius IQ with more brawn than the traditional soldier. He's married to Garrett's granddaughter, Audrey...and if that ain't brave... Brian "The Specialist" Payne was known for his attention to detail, confidence, and observation skills. He's married to Emma. Actually, I'm pretty confused about which woman is married to who. Russell can be vague and the spouse seems to change from story to story. Guy McCann is renowned for his ability to skate the fine line between sheer genius and stupidity and always come out on top. Julia seems to be McCann's girlfriend. Juan-Carlos, a.k.a., Juan Carlos, is their very efficient, gay office manager.
Colonel Carl Garrett is quite methodical about sending Rangers who quit to Ranger Security.
The Cover and Title
The cover starts with a royal blue background on the left with a deep purple to red-violet and royal blue on the right. It's a half-dressed Ranger who fills that background, and if that nicely muscled chest is representative, I can see why the ladies are falling *grin*. Unfortunately, we only see from his top lip down to his black jeans. On the upper right is the Ranger Security logo and the series information. In a soft peach on his right shoulder is the, ahem, mission statement for the series: "Soldiers do it better". The title is a blend of sans serif (in white) and an oversized "S" in a white outlined yellow. Below that is the information that this is a six-book omnibus followed by an info blurb with both in white. The author's name is in white at the bottom.
The title is all encompassing, as it is the employees of Ranger Security.
October 10, 2019
Ranger Security and Matchmaking Service
Under His Skin - 5 stars
With a hot male torso on the cover, I was expecting more erotica than plot. I'm pleasantly surprised to be wrong, finding a comical batch of secondary characters, a mystery, and a slow burn romance.
Theft in a retirement community that's young at heart brings in an attractive former Ranger to crack the case. The only other person in his age bracket is an adopted granddaughter, so the pairing is obvious.
An example of the writing:
"His profile revealed cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass, an angled, well-defined jaw, a high forehead, a perfectly proportioned nose and a mouth that was so full it was almost sulky, for lack of a better description. His eyes were deep-set and heavy-lidded and, though she couldn’t discern a proper color from this distance, intuition told her they’d be light, most likely blue. Though it was a cliche comparison, he put her in mind of a Greek God and she could easily see him holding court on Mount Olympus."
Over The Top - 5 stars
An example of the writing, which also serves as a plot recap.
“I mistook you for a stripper when you first walked in and I’m passably attractive. Two hot-blooded single people—one of them newly returned from military service—forced under threat of death into close proximity.” She lifted a lazy shoulder. “Alas, the odds were not in our favor.”
As in the first book, the male lead is a hit, formidable former Ranger immediately entranced by a beautiful woman he's working with. This time it's attempts on her life, not a theft under investigation, which amps up both the plot and the electricity between them. The majority of the book is smoldering, teasing foreplay between them until they can't wait any longer and... (Let's Get It On starts playing). This made for a decent character study, though a bit too isolated from the secondary characters.
Up In Flames - 5 stars
No helpless heroines in this book lying in wait to be rescued! Both leads are strong, self-sufficient, and take zero flak from anyone. And now? They're both assigned to save a tiny dog.
As with the other books in this series, the sex is hot and the plot semi-plausible. There's a strong Insta-lust thing going on that turns to respect, then love. I'll continue to read more from this author.
Going Down Hard - 4 stars
I read books with half naked men on the cover as a literary palate cleanser, a refreshing raspberry sorbet of porny goodness between more serious books. This author does the trick admirably.
While heavier on the sex and way lighter in the plot than others in the series, it follows the same formula:
Hawt former military hero with PTSD.
Equally sexy female - bonus points for back history between the two.
Family issues for one, preferably both, leads.
Superficially silly mission for such an amazing hero, but...
Really hot fantasies, foreplay, and sex. Lots of sex.
...which means we let the inane plot slide.
Like, seriously, they were guarding a statue they named Moe Dick. And I still read it. Did I mention HOT sex? Compassionate, introspective heroes?
Decent, but the plot seemed weaker than in others in the collection. I'd still read more from this author.
Crossing The Line - 5 stars
Ah, this series... A security business with a side business of inadvertently finding partners to sex up their staff strikes again. Another new member, another investigation, more panty-dropping action.
Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course.
I like the character pairing and plot in this one. A tormented former soldier (hot, so hot) meets an empath (also conveniently hot) on a mission to find one of her close friends. Quite expectedly, it results in hot sex after an immediate mutual attraction.
An example of the writing:
"She tested the mood around him, and several things hit her at once—interest (gratifying, of course), confidence (also attractive—he knew what he was doing) and a sadness so deep and profound she almost gasped when she felt it. A frown worked its way across her brow. Loss, regret, shame. She could feel them all now. A tangled mess of remorse and misery so heavy she was surprised he could walk beneath its burden."
In Too Deep - 5 stars
The last volume could use another round of editing, as it's not as clean as the rest. The characters, story, and sex remain as spot on, entertaining, and arousing as the rest.
Mystery, wry humor, and erotic moments blend with vulnerable people falling in lust at first sight, and love afterwards. An example of the writing:
"Penelope suddenly stood. She’d learned everything she needed to know and even more that she wished she hadn’t. Like the fact that he was too d*mned good- looking for her own good, that he wasn’t going to be as easily managed as she’d hoped and that he had enormous feet, which meant that the rest of him was probably proportionate. Heat flashed over her thighs and her lady business sizzled beneath her panties."
Under His Skin - 5 stars
With a hot male torso on the cover, I was expecting more erotica than plot. I'm pleasantly surprised to be wrong, finding a comical batch of secondary characters, a mystery, and a slow burn romance.
Theft in a retirement community that's young at heart brings in an attractive former Ranger to crack the case. The only other person in his age bracket is an adopted granddaughter, so the pairing is obvious.
An example of the writing:
"His profile revealed cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass, an angled, well-defined jaw, a high forehead, a perfectly proportioned nose and a mouth that was so full it was almost sulky, for lack of a better description. His eyes were deep-set and heavy-lidded and, though she couldn’t discern a proper color from this distance, intuition told her they’d be light, most likely blue. Though it was a cliche comparison, he put her in mind of a Greek God and she could easily see him holding court on Mount Olympus."
Over The Top - 5 stars
An example of the writing, which also serves as a plot recap.
“I mistook you for a stripper when you first walked in and I’m passably attractive. Two hot-blooded single people—one of them newly returned from military service—forced under threat of death into close proximity.” She lifted a lazy shoulder. “Alas, the odds were not in our favor.”
As in the first book, the male lead is a hit, formidable former Ranger immediately entranced by a beautiful woman he's working with. This time it's attempts on her life, not a theft under investigation, which amps up both the plot and the electricity between them. The majority of the book is smoldering, teasing foreplay between them until they can't wait any longer and... (Let's Get It On starts playing). This made for a decent character study, though a bit too isolated from the secondary characters.
Up In Flames - 5 stars
No helpless heroines in this book lying in wait to be rescued! Both leads are strong, self-sufficient, and take zero flak from anyone. And now? They're both assigned to save a tiny dog.
As with the other books in this series, the sex is hot and the plot semi-plausible. There's a strong Insta-lust thing going on that turns to respect, then love. I'll continue to read more from this author.
Going Down Hard - 4 stars
I read books with half naked men on the cover as a literary palate cleanser, a refreshing raspberry sorbet of porny goodness between more serious books. This author does the trick admirably.
While heavier on the sex and way lighter in the plot than others in the series, it follows the same formula:
Hawt former military hero with PTSD.
Equally sexy female - bonus points for back history between the two.
Family issues for one, preferably both, leads.
Superficially silly mission for such an amazing hero, but...
Really hot fantasies, foreplay, and sex. Lots of sex.
...which means we let the inane plot slide.
Like, seriously, they were guarding a statue they named Moe Dick. And I still read it. Did I mention HOT sex? Compassionate, introspective heroes?
Decent, but the plot seemed weaker than in others in the collection. I'd still read more from this author.
Crossing The Line - 5 stars
Ah, this series... A security business with a side business of inadvertently finding partners to sex up their staff strikes again. Another new member, another investigation, more panty-dropping action.
Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course.
I like the character pairing and plot in this one. A tormented former soldier (hot, so hot) meets an empath (also conveniently hot) on a mission to find one of her close friends. Quite expectedly, it results in hot sex after an immediate mutual attraction.
An example of the writing:
"She tested the mood around him, and several things hit her at once—interest (gratifying, of course), confidence (also attractive—he knew what he was doing) and a sadness so deep and profound she almost gasped when she felt it. A frown worked its way across her brow. Loss, regret, shame. She could feel them all now. A tangled mess of remorse and misery so heavy she was surprised he could walk beneath its burden."
In Too Deep - 5 stars
The last volume could use another round of editing, as it's not as clean as the rest. The characters, story, and sex remain as spot on, entertaining, and arousing as the rest.
Mystery, wry humor, and erotic moments blend with vulnerable people falling in lust at first sight, and love afterwards. An example of the writing:
"Penelope suddenly stood. She’d learned everything she needed to know and even more that she wished she hadn’t. Like the fact that he was too d*mned good- looking for her own good, that he wasn’t going to be as easily managed as she’d hoped and that he had enormous feet, which meant that the rest of him was probably proportionate. Heat flashed over her thighs and her lady business sizzled beneath her panties."
February 8, 2020
Ranger Security Six Book Omnibus
All of these stories need to be edited. New paragraphs begin in the middle of sentences. A new speaker often begins in the same paragraph. I often had to reread to understand who was speaking and the meaning of what they said. Many, if not all, " rn" combine are written as "m." For instance , "corner" is written as "comer." The characters quite often looked out of the "comer" of their eyes. The stories were all basically the same, with the female leading characters all being very short and quite assertive, while the males were all six and a half feet tall and drop dead gorgeous. And they all had pretty graphic sex.
All of these stories need to be edited. New paragraphs begin in the middle of sentences. A new speaker often begins in the same paragraph. I often had to reread to understand who was speaking and the meaning of what they said. Many, if not all, " rn" combine are written as "m." For instance , "corner" is written as "comer." The characters quite often looked out of the "comer" of their eyes. The stories were all basically the same, with the female leading characters all being very short and quite assertive, while the males were all six and a half feet tall and drop dead gorgeous. And they all had pretty graphic sex.
February 9, 2020
Ranger Security 6 book omnibus
The stories all use the same formula, all the guys are hotter than sin, they all get into instant lust, and both the guy and girl each have their problem- just the short adventure is different. Some of the characters are unique and enjoyable. Proofreading is necessary. Towards the end of Tanner's story he is actually referred to as Will!
The stories all use the same formula, all the guys are hotter than sin, they all get into instant lust, and both the guy and girl each have their problem- just the short adventure is different. Some of the characters are unique and enjoyable. Proofreading is necessary. Towards the end of Tanner's story he is actually referred to as Will!
February 17, 2020
Book 1: Focuses too much on sex and not enough on plot, with the result that the latter is weak and implausible, ditto the resolutions to the two story arcs (or molehills). The ending is abrupt.
Started book 2 and found too many similarities and implausibilities.
Abandoned.
Bad formatting.
Started book 2 and found too many similarities and implausibilities.
Abandoned.
Bad formatting.
February 24, 2020
This is a six book series about new agents with Ranger Security. Each was a Army Ranger who left the military for a variety of reasons. Each agent is assigned their first case where they meet their future wife. Each book is a stand along book and different story. It's not a repeat of the same story with different names. I look forward to more in this series!
April 19, 2020
Enjoyed the series
Overall great easy stories. Good balance between romance and action. All wrapped up neatly with a happily ever after. I would have liked to have more overlap of characters or updates on pervious couples. Also the stories were slightly out of order, I like to read in chronological order of the story not written by the author.
Overall great easy stories. Good balance between romance and action. All wrapped up neatly with a happily ever after. I would have liked to have more overlap of characters or updates on pervious couples. Also the stories were slightly out of order, I like to read in chronological order of the story not written by the author.
September 22, 2022
ebook
I’d give more stars! Each of the Rangers has suffered a tragedy that left them unable to stay in the service. Each gets an assignment at their new job that includes a woman that irate, intrigues, frustrates and causes them to fall in love. Each man and woman had vowed to avoid love at all costs, makes some sexy interesting stories.
I’d give more stars! Each of the Rangers has suffered a tragedy that left them unable to stay in the service. Each gets an assignment at their new job that includes a woman that irate, intrigues, frustrates and causes them to fall in love. Each man and woman had vowed to avoid love at all costs, makes some sexy interesting stories.
February 4, 2020
Read: Feb 4, 2020
Rating: 4 Stars
Cute, funny, quirky and heartwarmingly sweet
Rating: 4 Stars
Cute, funny, quirky and heartwarmingly sweet
February 12, 2020
All different
All the stories are different. Yet all the same. Some of the stories are better the some of he other ones.
All the stories are different. Yet all the same. Some of the stories are better the some of he other ones.
February 21, 2020
5+ Star's
I would recommend this series to adults, that enjoy stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and oh so romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
I would recommend this series to adults, that enjoy stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and oh so romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
February 27, 2020
The women who tame them
Love all 6 books, they were invented and I loved the suspense that each and every book brought to the table.
Love all 6 books, they were invented and I loved the suspense that each and every book brought to the table.
March 5, 2020
Interesting stories
Good lead characters
Varying plots
Nice twists and turns
Good read
Good lead characters
Varying plots
Nice twists and turns
Good read
March 8, 2020
Excellent series
Look forward to more. Lots of alpha makes and strong women. Recommend this to all. Some books read in an afternoon others two or three days
Look forward to more. Lots of alpha makes and strong women. Recommend this to all. Some books read in an afternoon others two or three days
March 8, 2020
So good
I couldn't quit reading! Extremely entertaining. I will be reading more of Rhonda Russell's work. Ready to start her next series.
I couldn't quit reading! Extremely entertaining. I will be reading more of Rhonda Russell's work. Ready to start her next series.
March 9, 2020
Not as enjoyable as I would wish. Went by too soon.
March 29, 2020
6
Very engaging characters. Similar yet different circumstances. Enjoyed the personalities. I liked the feeling of honesty in each character. Highly recommend
Very engaging characters. Similar yet different circumstances. Enjoyed the personalities. I liked the feeling of honesty in each character. Highly recommend
May 3, 2020
A box of goodies
Stories to help a person see how all good things happen. Strong men and strong women who mesh just right
Stories to help a person see how all good things happen. Strong men and strong women who mesh just right
June 1, 2020
Loved all 6 books.
November 23, 2019
When I first started this series I thought it was kinda hokey. A security agency that worked more like a match-making agency for damaged Army Rangers. But as I read each story, the whole idea began to grow on me and what more can I say? I really enjoyed this series and will definitely be reading more by this great author. Kudos to Russel for all her hard work and superb talent!
October 31, 2019
Patients, kindness, respect and happy endings
I'd like to start with a sincere thank you to all those who serve or who have served. PTSD and survivors guilt are just a few things those who serve can suffer from. Ms Russell writing these alpha romances is a nice salute to them. The first 2 stories are Jeb and Judd's. Two brother's, twins with a very strong bond. Opposites yet not. Both retired from the Army Rangers and working for Ranger Security. Jeb's and Sophie's story is first. Then Judd's and Noell's. Overall quality of writing was good. Suspenseful, some humor, and of course some intimacy scenes. Nothing over the top. Jeb's story ends on a happy ever after and Judd's ends on a happy note. Jay and Will are the next 2 stories. Also previous Rangers in the military also saving damsels in distress. Jay needs to work with Charlie who we met in the fist story. During Jay's story, Charlie isn't working for Ranger Security yet. The steamy intimacy scenes pick up with them, and again the overall quality of writing was good. Their story ends with a happy ever after. Will's story is about Moe, treasure and finally getting what he didn't think he could have. The steamy intimacy scenes picked up in this story as well. A few wee glitches in proofreading but nothing too distracting. Tanner's the newest recruit and his assignment is to find a missing person who's looking for the family buried treasure. The treasure of the heart and it's Tanner and Rhianna who find their treasure of the heart. It seems two of the Ranger Security team have left but not sure who they are. Tanner's story end on a happy note. The final story is Seth's. He too is one of the new hires at Ranger Security. His first job is to be a pretend boy friend to his clients wedding planner. All these weddings all six stories have happy endings so it was fitting the last played out this way. Overall quality of writing was good. No cheating or cliffhangers and you get hours of fun and solving who did what. Enjoy
I'd like to start with a sincere thank you to all those who serve or who have served. PTSD and survivors guilt are just a few things those who serve can suffer from. Ms Russell writing these alpha romances is a nice salute to them. The first 2 stories are Jeb and Judd's. Two brother's, twins with a very strong bond. Opposites yet not. Both retired from the Army Rangers and working for Ranger Security. Jeb's and Sophie's story is first. Then Judd's and Noell's. Overall quality of writing was good. Suspenseful, some humor, and of course some intimacy scenes. Nothing over the top. Jeb's story ends on a happy ever after and Judd's ends on a happy note. Jay and Will are the next 2 stories. Also previous Rangers in the military also saving damsels in distress. Jay needs to work with Charlie who we met in the fist story. During Jay's story, Charlie isn't working for Ranger Security yet. The steamy intimacy scenes pick up with them, and again the overall quality of writing was good. Their story ends with a happy ever after. Will's story is about Moe, treasure and finally getting what he didn't think he could have. The steamy intimacy scenes picked up in this story as well. A few wee glitches in proofreading but nothing too distracting. Tanner's the newest recruit and his assignment is to find a missing person who's looking for the family buried treasure. The treasure of the heart and it's Tanner and Rhianna who find their treasure of the heart. It seems two of the Ranger Security team have left but not sure who they are. Tanner's story end on a happy note. The final story is Seth's. He too is one of the new hires at Ranger Security. His first job is to be a pretend boy friend to his clients wedding planner. All these weddings all six stories have happy endings so it was fitting the last played out this way. Overall quality of writing was good. No cheating or cliffhangers and you get hours of fun and solving who did what. Enjoy
April 7, 2020
Short and similar stories
The 6 stories were pretty much predictable after reading the first one in the set. I did enjoy the characters and the rangers relationships with each other. I simply would lose some interest when the love and sex portions of each book was virtually a repetition for 6 different couples.
The 6 stories were pretty much predictable after reading the first one in the set. I did enjoy the characters and the rangers relationships with each other. I simply would lose some interest when the love and sex portions of each book was virtually a repetition for 6 different couples.
December 14, 2019
Please see individual stories for review.
Want to read
July 19, 2025Prch. Amz. Feb 2, 2020
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews