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Guarding Cindy
There’s nothing sexier than a Navy SEAL in pursuit of his woman.
In theory, Cindy Lake is an expert in romance. In practice? She’s a failure at love. After her boyfriend dumps her, taking a break from men seems like a good idea. Then Marcus Harrelson walks back into her life. Hot. Infuriatingly patient. With a smooth Texas drawl that makes her weak in the knees.
For years, the tragedy that stole his family crippled Marcus with guilt. But he’s not that broken man anymore. The moment he sets eyes on Cindy again, she stirs in him feelings that are far from platonic. She’s always been sexy. She’s always been sassy. He sees her now and that sweet promise of a second chance. Unfortunately, someone else sees her too.
When Cindy becomes the target of a stalker, convincing her that she needs a protector is his first priority. The second? That he’s a man she could trust with her heart. There’s an undeniable spark between them. But that spark could become deadly.
In theory, Cindy Lake is an expert in romance. In practice? She’s a failure at love. After her boyfriend dumps her, taking a break from men seems like a good idea. Then Marcus Harrelson walks back into her life. Hot. Infuriatingly patient. With a smooth Texas drawl that makes her weak in the knees.
For years, the tragedy that stole his family crippled Marcus with guilt. But he’s not that broken man anymore. The moment he sets eyes on Cindy again, she stirs in him feelings that are far from platonic. She’s always been sexy. She’s always been sassy. He sees her now and that sweet promise of a second chance. Unfortunately, someone else sees her too.
When Cindy becomes the target of a stalker, convincing her that she needs a protector is his first priority. The second? That he’s a man she could trust with her heart. There’s an undeniable spark between them. But that spark could become deadly.
- GenresRomantic Suspense
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2019
430 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Paige
32 books1,044 followersVictoria Paige writes smart, edgy, seductive romance.
Her heroes are badass alpha males and her smart, strong-willed heroines can hold their own against a bossy hero. Her books are sexually explicit and may contain dark themes, morally ambiguous choices, and disturbing situations as she injects realism into her stories and gives them her own twist.
Victoria lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and playful German Shepherd Dog, Loki.
Find her at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriapaig...
Twitter: @vpaigebooks
Join my newsletter for new release info, extended epilogues, giveaways and other freebies: https://www.subscribepage.com/victori...
Her heroes are badass alpha males and her smart, strong-willed heroines can hold their own against a bossy hero. Her books are sexually explicit and may contain dark themes, morally ambiguous choices, and disturbing situations as she injects realism into her stories and gives them her own twist.
Victoria lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and playful German Shepherd Dog, Loki.
Find her at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriapaig...
Twitter: @vpaigebooks
Join my newsletter for new release info, extended epilogues, giveaways and other freebies: https://www.subscribepage.com/victori...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 9, 2019
It's handy having an Ex-SEAL for a friend...
I wonder how many ex-servicemen actually get called up to protect damsels in distress? Sure, in romancelandia there are quite a few, but how many in real life? Do ex-servicemen keep the muscley hot guy thing going in real life like they do in romancelandia? Who wouldn't want a muscley hot guy with a natural protective instinct to have your back? Mind you, I don't actually know too many damsels in distress who need protection, to be honest. Let's say you do have a need for a protective and muscley hot guy, how cool would it be to have an ex-Seal friend to call up?
I really enjoyed this quick to read, action-packed and sexy romance. Victoria Paige brings her natural talent for suspense and sexy Alpha's to us with Guarding Cindy. I know each time I start a story by this author that I will be sucked in from start to finish and wanting more. In this case, it was getting to catch up with old friends, meeting new ones and trying to determine who is stalking Cindy?
As the story progressed and we get to know Cindy and Marcus more, I found myself amazed at how much I liked these characters. For starters, Marcus has a wee bit of baggage that would normally make me hesitate to put him in my favourite kind of hero category. By the end, Marcus has earned his "Hero-Hot-Guy" stripes and seems to wear them well. Marcus, though, had already worked through a lot of his issues and is now at a good place in his life. His mistakes are in his past and the survivor's guilt he suffered from has been worked through. Cindy has her own type of baggage, but to be honest, it wasn't that bad in my eyes. After all, she hadn't found the right man (until now) to even test her commitment issues on.
Guarding Cindy has decent suspense to work through and there were a few likely suspects from the very beginning. The trick was working through all of the hints to determine...who is stalking Cindy?
If you're a Victoria Paige fan like myself, you will be extremely satisfied with Guarding Cindy. If you haven't tried Ms Paige's stories before, while there are a few characters from her previous story, Reclaiming Izabel, you could easily read this one as a standalone. But once you start, there's a good chance you'll want to go back for more.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I wonder how many ex-servicemen actually get called up to protect damsels in distress? Sure, in romancelandia there are quite a few, but how many in real life? Do ex-servicemen keep the muscley hot guy thing going in real life like they do in romancelandia? Who wouldn't want a muscley hot guy with a natural protective instinct to have your back? Mind you, I don't actually know too many damsels in distress who need protection, to be honest. Let's say you do have a need for a protective and muscley hot guy, how cool would it be to have an ex-Seal friend to call up?
I really enjoyed this quick to read, action-packed and sexy romance. Victoria Paige brings her natural talent for suspense and sexy Alpha's to us with Guarding Cindy. I know each time I start a story by this author that I will be sucked in from start to finish and wanting more. In this case, it was getting to catch up with old friends, meeting new ones and trying to determine who is stalking Cindy?
As the story progressed and we get to know Cindy and Marcus more, I found myself amazed at how much I liked these characters. For starters, Marcus has a wee bit of baggage that would normally make me hesitate to put him in my favourite kind of hero category. By the end, Marcus has earned his "Hero-Hot-Guy" stripes and seems to wear them well. Marcus, though, had already worked through a lot of his issues and is now at a good place in his life. His mistakes are in his past and the survivor's guilt he suffered from has been worked through. Cindy has her own type of baggage, but to be honest, it wasn't that bad in my eyes. After all, she hadn't found the right man (until now) to even test her commitment issues on.
Guarding Cindy has decent suspense to work through and there were a few likely suspects from the very beginning. The trick was working through all of the hints to determine...who is stalking Cindy?
If you're a Victoria Paige fan like myself, you will be extremely satisfied with Guarding Cindy. If you haven't tried Ms Paige's stories before, while there are a few characters from her previous story, Reclaiming Izabel, you could easily read this one as a standalone. But once you start, there's a good chance you'll want to go back for more.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
September 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this book right from the start. The characters and plot were very unpredictable. Quirky. And serious when it was get serious time.
Different from the "usual" Rom-Suspense story.
3rd Person POV. Novella size.
I didn't miss anything that longer book would have included.
There was a little insta-love, but I felt their chemistry. Cindy and Marcus had the sparks.
I enjoyed the neighbors. I reminded me of a cross between Desperate Housewives and The Burbs.
Cindy's workplace had a fun bunch of characters. I had my eye on them.
I would love to read more about the Special Forces cast.
I enjoy Ms Paige's writing. Romance, suspense, humor, compassion and adventure.
4 stars. I received an advance copy from the author.
**OUT ON ebook on Sept. 10th. ***
Different from the "usual" Rom-Suspense story.
3rd Person POV. Novella size.
I didn't miss anything that longer book would have included.
There was a little insta-love, but I felt their chemistry. Cindy and Marcus had the sparks.
I enjoyed the neighbors. I reminded me of a cross between Desperate Housewives and The Burbs.
Cindy's workplace had a fun bunch of characters. I had my eye on them.
I would love to read more about the Special Forces cast.
I enjoy Ms Paige's writing. Romance, suspense, humor, compassion and adventure.
4 stars. I received an advance copy from the author.
**OUT ON ebook on Sept. 10th. ***
September 6, 2019
I recieved this book for a voluntary and honest review. I'm a fan of Susan Stoker, and this is a spin off of one of her series, Special Forces: Operation Alpha, written by one of my fav. authors Victoria Paige. This book is the second book that Ms. Paige has written with this series, and while it is stand alone, it follows reclaiming Izabel, with two characters that we met in that book, Marcus Harrelson who used to be security at Izabel's employment, and Cindy Lake, Izabel's personal assistant.
Cindy has commitment issues and she knows it, that's why she belongs to a dating service "RightSpark." At one time she had a crush on Marcus, but he had a lot of baggage he needed to handle. Having done so, he walks back into her life at the perfect time, when she seems to have garnered herself a stalker. Appointing himself as her body guard he occupies her spare bedroom, and maybe her heart? As per the norm of Ms. Paige, this is a fast paced novel, that keeps you guessing, just when you think you know who the stalker is, she proves you wrong. It will be interesting to see if she writes another installment.
Cindy has commitment issues and she knows it, that's why she belongs to a dating service "RightSpark." At one time she had a crush on Marcus, but he had a lot of baggage he needed to handle. Having done so, he walks back into her life at the perfect time, when she seems to have garnered herself a stalker. Appointing himself as her body guard he occupies her spare bedroom, and maybe her heart? As per the norm of Ms. Paige, this is a fast paced novel, that keeps you guessing, just when you think you know who the stalker is, she proves you wrong. It will be interesting to see if she writes another installment.
Read
December 30, 2019DNF at 35%
It wasn't bad, I just couldn't seem to care about the characters at all.
It wasn't bad, I just couldn't seem to care about the characters at all.
April 14, 2024
A Dynamic Combo of Tropes
4½ stars
Victoria Paige’s newest story is a really nice combo of friends to lovers, second chance at love, and an older man - younger woman dynamic. This is all sprinkled with the author’s signature mix of romance and suspense. The story involves a woman who acquires a stalker after having trouble with some relationship commitments. She’s also having an identity crisis with her choice of career. The man who wants to help solve her stalker issue is someone she formerly had a crush on. He is trying to recover from the destructive path he took after a tragic loss of his SEAL team and later his family. The two of them are drawn to one another despite their personal issues that they are trying to work through while possibly finding out if they can build a life together.
Marcus works in a security firm and has an opportunity to act on his previous attraction to Cindy when he insists on protecting her from the unknown stalker. Marcus is a hot, protective alpha character who lost his family in a terrorist attack and has needed help and time to recover from that horrible trauma. Cindy works as an administrative assistant at an architectural firm, but her real love is found in cooking, developing recipes and menus, and sharing her joy with food on social media. She is frustrated with dating boyfriends she met online that want more commitment than she’s ready to make. She can’t find the one who can get past her defenses that grew out of a scarred childhood. She feels guilty for taking a strong stance on wanting to just enjoy a relationship in the moment for now and avoids being pushed beyond her comfort zone in a relationship.
Marcus knew that Cindy was special when he first met her years before, but he was a mess back then. When he sees her again and finds out about her stalker, he is ready to get to know her and see if he can not only help solve the mystery of the person stalking her, but start something serious from their mutual attraction. He is very smart to use a lot of patience with Cindy and insists the relationship develop naturally before they become intimate. Their strong bond builds out of her need for protection. Marcus has been working through his survivor’s guilt after losing his family and his whole SEAL squad while in the military. He knows the time is right to find love again and sets out to convince Cindy that they deserve a chance.
Cindy and Marcus have their flaws and weaknesses and some walls to take down before they can make a commitment. They help one another grow as they spend quality time together. I liked how open they became about their pasts and their fears going forward. Their honesty and communication was refreshing. They probably would not have made as much progress on their personal growth without one another.
There were some colorful personalities and suspects during the story. Cindy’s difficulties at work with one of the owners of her firm was a timely reminder that there is still much to be done to improve the treatment of women from misogynistic male superiors at work. I thought having several candidates that could have been Cindy’s stalker helped to make a more enigmatic story. I always enjoy trying to figure out who the villain will be in the end.
This was a fun read with an engaging couple that finally find one another at the right time and place in their lives. The full epilogue gave a satisfying look into their future. I always anticipate Ms. Paige’s next book and this one continued my admiration for her as a storyteller.
I received an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
4½ stars
Victoria Paige’s newest story is a really nice combo of friends to lovers, second chance at love, and an older man - younger woman dynamic. This is all sprinkled with the author’s signature mix of romance and suspense. The story involves a woman who acquires a stalker after having trouble with some relationship commitments. She’s also having an identity crisis with her choice of career. The man who wants to help solve her stalker issue is someone she formerly had a crush on. He is trying to recover from the destructive path he took after a tragic loss of his SEAL team and later his family. The two of them are drawn to one another despite their personal issues that they are trying to work through while possibly finding out if they can build a life together.
Marcus works in a security firm and has an opportunity to act on his previous attraction to Cindy when he insists on protecting her from the unknown stalker. Marcus is a hot, protective alpha character who lost his family in a terrorist attack and has needed help and time to recover from that horrible trauma. Cindy works as an administrative assistant at an architectural firm, but her real love is found in cooking, developing recipes and menus, and sharing her joy with food on social media. She is frustrated with dating boyfriends she met online that want more commitment than she’s ready to make. She can’t find the one who can get past her defenses that grew out of a scarred childhood. She feels guilty for taking a strong stance on wanting to just enjoy a relationship in the moment for now and avoids being pushed beyond her comfort zone in a relationship.
Marcus knew that Cindy was special when he first met her years before, but he was a mess back then. When he sees her again and finds out about her stalker, he is ready to get to know her and see if he can not only help solve the mystery of the person stalking her, but start something serious from their mutual attraction. He is very smart to use a lot of patience with Cindy and insists the relationship develop naturally before they become intimate. Their strong bond builds out of her need for protection. Marcus has been working through his survivor’s guilt after losing his family and his whole SEAL squad while in the military. He knows the time is right to find love again and sets out to convince Cindy that they deserve a chance.
Cindy and Marcus have their flaws and weaknesses and some walls to take down before they can make a commitment. They help one another grow as they spend quality time together. I liked how open they became about their pasts and their fears going forward. Their honesty and communication was refreshing. They probably would not have made as much progress on their personal growth without one another.
There were some colorful personalities and suspects during the story. Cindy’s difficulties at work with one of the owners of her firm was a timely reminder that there is still much to be done to improve the treatment of women from misogynistic male superiors at work. I thought having several candidates that could have been Cindy’s stalker helped to make a more enigmatic story. I always enjoy trying to figure out who the villain will be in the end.
This was a fun read with an engaging couple that finally find one another at the right time and place in their lives. The full epilogue gave a satisfying look into their future. I always anticipate Ms. Paige’s next book and this one continued my admiration for her as a storyteller.
I received an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
September 12, 2019
This is second chance, romantic suspense that I enjoyed reading. This is my first Victoria Paige book and I have seriously been missing out. Marcus and Cindy have known each other for years. But when Marcus learns that Cindy has a stalker, he knows just how to protect and win her heart at the same time. Cindy is a mess when it comes to relationships. When her her stalker starts to escalate, she knows Marcus will protect her like no one else. This book was amazing. It has the perfect amount of romance and suspense. I hope I get to read more from Victoria in the future.
September 17, 2019
This was a couple centric longer novella with just the right amount of peril. I love when the growly alpha falls hard. I missed Reclaiming Izabel so I wasn’t initially introduced to these characters. But I connected with them and their story regardless. They both had some barriers to overcome but doing it together seemed effortless. I will be going back to read RI too.
Well done to my friend on her newest release!
Well done to my friend on her newest release!
September 26, 2019
Another great book by this author. Nothing wrong with being protected and cared for. Even if at first you don't want it. It is scary how there are many real life situations out there and terrible things happen. I enjoyed the characters and the back and forth they do. Special Forces where can you go wrong reading stories about them.....great book
September 28, 2019
I love reading Victoria Paige's work and this book did not disappoint at all. Drama, action, suspense, mystery, sexiness, family healing and an HEA have all the great makings of a fantastic book!! Cindy and Marcus are great characters and the story line is so good you won't want to put this one down until you read every last word!! This book is a must read.
September 16, 2019
This is a 2nd chance friends to lovers! Older man to younger women women my kinda book! A hot military book! Characters are wow! Marcus & cindy! Great read!
August 24, 2025
Great read. Reads fast and easy.
•No cheating between mcs
•No virgins
•No separations once together
•No real ow drama. Bit of om drama
•HEA-married with a kid
I'm not a huge fan of dead spouse storyline, but this was written pretty good. Never felt like she's competing with a memory.
•No cheating between mcs
•No virgins
•No separations once together
•No real ow drama. Bit of om drama
•HEA-married with a kid
I'm not a huge fan of dead spouse storyline, but this was written pretty good. Never felt like she's competing with a memory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2019
A cute enough blend of second chance romance with friends to lovers…
This is a Kindle Worlds book in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha series that can be read as a stand-alone.
It’s taken years for former Navy SEAL Marcus Harrelson to recover from a personal tragedy that sent him spiraling into darkness. Now on his feet, a partner in a security company, he runs into Cindy Lake again. He’d known she once had a crush on him but at that time he hadn’t been available, now he sees her for the woman she’s become and he’s seriously interested, would rather be more than a friend, even with their age gap of sixteen years. When he learns she’s been getting annoying phone calls he moves in to provide her security whether she wants it or not, he knows how serious such things can get.
Though working as an administrative assistant Cindy really likes to cook and she works as a recipe/menu developer as a hobby and even has a social media following. It keeps her busy since she’s had no luck at romance, she’s thirty years old and feeling the lack of someone special. Her relationships never last and she hasn’t addressed the reasons why, she knows it’s not them, it’s her. She was recently dumped by a boyfriend when she wouldn’t accede to an ultimatum and then started to receive strange phone calls that couldn’t be traced. With that and Marcus back around things become unsettled.
This story was a blend of second chance romance with friends to lovers in the form of a longer length novella. The heroine was often too nice, too trusting and that placed her in danger she didn’t have any instincts to sense. Marcus easily identified three potential suspects in her life but not soon enough to prevent what happened, it was his experience and quick thinking that saved the day. The hero made some bad choices handling a painful trauma and managed to redeem himself but how he now treats alcohol didn’t sit well considering his past problems. This was a cute enough story yet predictable, I found the suspense subdued, not very tangible, perhaps because the heroine played it down.
An advanced reading copy was obtained from the author.
This is a Kindle Worlds book in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha series that can be read as a stand-alone.
It’s taken years for former Navy SEAL Marcus Harrelson to recover from a personal tragedy that sent him spiraling into darkness. Now on his feet, a partner in a security company, he runs into Cindy Lake again. He’d known she once had a crush on him but at that time he hadn’t been available, now he sees her for the woman she’s become and he’s seriously interested, would rather be more than a friend, even with their age gap of sixteen years. When he learns she’s been getting annoying phone calls he moves in to provide her security whether she wants it or not, he knows how serious such things can get.
Though working as an administrative assistant Cindy really likes to cook and she works as a recipe/menu developer as a hobby and even has a social media following. It keeps her busy since she’s had no luck at romance, she’s thirty years old and feeling the lack of someone special. Her relationships never last and she hasn’t addressed the reasons why, she knows it’s not them, it’s her. She was recently dumped by a boyfriend when she wouldn’t accede to an ultimatum and then started to receive strange phone calls that couldn’t be traced. With that and Marcus back around things become unsettled.
This story was a blend of second chance romance with friends to lovers in the form of a longer length novella. The heroine was often too nice, too trusting and that placed her in danger she didn’t have any instincts to sense. Marcus easily identified three potential suspects in her life but not soon enough to prevent what happened, it was his experience and quick thinking that saved the day. The hero made some bad choices handling a painful trauma and managed to redeem himself but how he now treats alcohol didn’t sit well considering his past problems. This was a cute enough story yet predictable, I found the suspense subdued, not very tangible, perhaps because the heroine played it down.
An advanced reading copy was obtained from the author.
September 8, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "GUARDING CINDY" SPECIAL FORCES: OPERATIONAL ALPHA" This was a great story that flowed nicely full of suspense, intrigue, stalker, angst, emotional baggage, commitment issues, daddy issues, twists that have you on the edge of your seat.
Cindy Lake had commitment issues she had been on tbe "RightSparks" dating site and has been seeing Trevor Ford for awhile but he wants her to move in with him but she not ready for that he gives her an ultimatum and when she doesn't take it get walks out breaking up with her.
Cindi and her BF Izzy work at Stockman & Bose Builders the Architectural Firm after her break up from Trevor she been receiving hang up calls and tbe cops won't do anything.
Izzy's husband Drake shows up with Marcus Harrelson they run a Security Firm together there were both Seal's when he hears Izzy having troubles with a stalker he takes it upon himself to be her bodyguard.
Marcus had some serious issues in his past he and Izzy new one another for years and they both had an attraction to one another but it wasn't the right time for either of them now he's back and he will do anything to win her her over.
This who is the stalker storyline with so many possibilities as to who it is was so well written by Victoria Paige and ger cast of characters were so very interesting and held you captive to the last page.
I defintely recommend to get this book so well written and definitely well worth the read it won't disappoint.
Cindy Lake had commitment issues she had been on tbe "RightSparks" dating site and has been seeing Trevor Ford for awhile but he wants her to move in with him but she not ready for that he gives her an ultimatum and when she doesn't take it get walks out breaking up with her.
Cindi and her BF Izzy work at Stockman & Bose Builders the Architectural Firm after her break up from Trevor she been receiving hang up calls and tbe cops won't do anything.
Izzy's husband Drake shows up with Marcus Harrelson they run a Security Firm together there were both Seal's when he hears Izzy having troubles with a stalker he takes it upon himself to be her bodyguard.
Marcus had some serious issues in his past he and Izzy new one another for years and they both had an attraction to one another but it wasn't the right time for either of them now he's back and he will do anything to win her her over.
This who is the stalker storyline with so many possibilities as to who it is was so well written by Victoria Paige and ger cast of characters were so very interesting and held you captive to the last page.
I defintely recommend to get this book so well written and definitely well worth the read it won't disappoint.
September 9, 2019
First off, I love Victoria Paige. She's an auto-buy for me. She writes delicious romantic suspense and I'll always have room in my library for her books.
That being said, Guarding Cindy just didn't work out for me. It may be that I've been uber picky recently about my books. I actually haven't found one in the past week that caught my interest. Maybe I just wasn't in the best of moods. Anyway, let's get to the reason I gave this book 3 stars. The story is good, I liked the plot a lot. But I just didn't like the main characters. I couldn't find it in me to care about them, especially Cindy. I felt like some of her reactions to the situation were not rational. I didn't hate her. I just didn't feel anything for her beyond the occasional twinge of annoyance.
Then again, maybe I'm just a bit off these days. I'll do a reread once I feel the urge to dive into a book sometime in the future. If you're a fan of romantic suspense, you'll definitely like this book. Will you love it? That's up to you.
That being said, Guarding Cindy just didn't work out for me. It may be that I've been uber picky recently about my books. I actually haven't found one in the past week that caught my interest. Maybe I just wasn't in the best of moods. Anyway, let's get to the reason I gave this book 3 stars. The story is good, I liked the plot a lot. But I just didn't like the main characters. I couldn't find it in me to care about them, especially Cindy. I felt like some of her reactions to the situation were not rational. I didn't hate her. I just didn't feel anything for her beyond the occasional twinge of annoyance.
Then again, maybe I'm just a bit off these days. I'll do a reread once I feel the urge to dive into a book sometime in the future. If you're a fan of romantic suspense, you'll definitely like this book. Will you love it? That's up to you.
September 14, 2019
This book had it all. Cindy has never found complete love for herself. Having some issues of love makes it hard that you deserve it. Marcus comes into her life again but not the same. He’s healed and well and has a new job, but what he wants and needs is Cindy. Marcus comes in on the moment Cindy needs to have protection. She is being stalked but not sure by who. She is getting hang up phone calls and weird things are happening. Marcus agrees to spend time at her house to watch over her. One thing leads to another and they become intimate and the stalker is still after her. You can feel the love they have for each other and the thrill of the stalker is still there. She has a few ex boyfriends that might be behind it, but before they figure it out Cindy is taken by the stalker. Marcus has to get her back. Otherwise, history is repeating its self. Great book a must read.
September 11, 2019
This is a great short book. I was able to read it in an afternoon and loved it. Lots of suspense, drama and hot steamy moments. Cindy, a PA to bff Izzy, is a Southerner and loves to cook. Especially when she has a problem. Cindy has men problems. She can’t commit. They all leave. After the last one broke up with her she swore of men. Enter Marcus, partner of Izzy’s husband in a security business. He’s a Texan complete with the drawl, tall, handsome and stubborn. Cindy has a stalker and Marcus appoints himself has her bodyguard. She needs it too. There’s a break in, crazy neighbors, crazy coworkers, a nasty boss, a nice boss, crazy ex boyfriends, too many suspects and growing feelings between Cindy and Marcus.
October 2, 2019
I read this book with anticipation. I finished it in an hour and a half. Such a smooth read. Well where to start? First, Victoria did it again. The story of Cindy and Marcus is explosive. While read it you might need to keep a cool beverage handy. They are brought together again because of Cindy's stalker. He is of course the Navy Seal now bodyguard who is so Alpha. Cindy and Marcus have their own issues, but now they are in this moment. And good God their moments are hot. The plot is delicious, suspenseful, and just dann good reading. I loved the Tex encounters also. This is a great read, a must read. Please enjoy.
August 13, 2021
Finished this one in one quick sitting
Annnnd it was good.
As the title suggests, the hero appoints himself as the personal guard of the woman he kinda had and still has feelings for..so when he overhears this business of someone potentially giving her serious scares..
Ya know he goes crazy.
Overall, it was a nice plot, the story went rather smoothly instead of extra unnecessary details being added every page. The ending was slightly predictable but oh well.
ARC received for review
Annnnd it was good.
As the title suggests, the hero appoints himself as the personal guard of the woman he kinda had and still has feelings for..so when he overhears this business of someone potentially giving her serious scares..
Ya know he goes crazy.
Overall, it was a nice plot, the story went rather smoothly instead of extra unnecessary details being added every page. The ending was slightly predictable but oh well.
ARC received for review
September 9, 2019
Great second chance story with suspense, angst and a wonderful friends to lovers story.
Cindy is the PA to Izzy (from Reclaiming Izabel) and has commitment issues. She belongs to a dating service and has a stalker. When the Stalking escalates, Marcus appoints himself as her Bodyguard.
Cindy and Marcus used to work together and she had a crush on him but he was in a dark place then after a tragedy happened to his family.
Love the book. The chemistry between Marcus and Cindy was great. The suspense was awesome. I’ve read it in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down.
Cindy is the PA to Izzy (from Reclaiming Izabel) and has commitment issues. She belongs to a dating service and has a stalker. When the Stalking escalates, Marcus appoints himself as her Bodyguard.
Cindy and Marcus used to work together and she had a crush on him but he was in a dark place then after a tragedy happened to his family.
Love the book. The chemistry between Marcus and Cindy was great. The suspense was awesome. I’ve read it in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down.
September 9, 2019
This book is a spin off from Susan Stoker's Special Forces series. I'm a huge fan of both Susan Stoker and Victoria Paige. This is a second chance, romantic suspense short book with lots of fast paced and steamy scenes. I liked Marcus and Cindy a lot. They make a perfect, cute couple. When Cindy is stalked Marcus appoints himself as her bodyguard and their relationship grows from there.
Loved seeing snippet of Drake and Izzy from Reclaiming Izabel.
This book is perfect blend of romace and suspense.
Thanks Victoria for the advance copy in exchange for honest review.
Loved seeing snippet of Drake and Izzy from Reclaiming Izabel.
This book is perfect blend of romace and suspense.
Thanks Victoria for the advance copy in exchange for honest review.
September 3, 2019
A beautiful story full of redemption and love!
Marcus and Cindy’s story was a page turner and I couldn’t put it down till I was done! I love their openness with one another and just how beautifully they compliment one another! I also loved the sense of mystery in this book and how with each new character I was trying to piece the puzzle together! I absolutely love Paige’s writing and was ecstatic for another one of her special forces: operation alpha books!
Marcus and Cindy’s story was a page turner and I couldn’t put it down till I was done! I love their openness with one another and just how beautifully they compliment one another! I also loved the sense of mystery in this book and how with each new character I was trying to piece the puzzle together! I absolutely love Paige’s writing and was ecstatic for another one of her special forces: operation alpha books!
May 14, 2020
Cindy and her boyfriend have broken up. Now she has a stalker. She has decided it's time to be man free for awhile.
Marcus is getting his life back on track. After losing his family in an accident and his teammates in an ambush, he turned to painkillers and alcohol. He is ready to get on with his life.
Marcus has become Cindy's bodyguard with hopes for more. He just has to take it slow. When she is kidnapped, with the help from Tex, will he be able to find her in time?
Marcus is getting his life back on track. After losing his family in an accident and his teammates in an ambush, he turned to painkillers and alcohol. He is ready to get on with his life.
Marcus has become Cindy's bodyguard with hopes for more. He just has to take it slow. When she is kidnapped, with the help from Tex, will he be able to find her in time?
September 23, 2019
I found this book to be a perfect mix of romance and suspense with a whole lot of spice. I loved this series and this book was full of twist and turns that left me realizing that I may have found a new favorite series. I think this author led us on a journey as Cindy and Marcus come to terms on how to navigate their new relationship while trying to figure out who Cindy's stalker is. You won't want to put this book down.
September 3, 2019
Thanks Victoria for an advance copy. Cindy and Marcus were cute together and I liked that they talked about everything so there couldn't be any misunderstanding. The story had a perfect balance between romance and suspense which I love. Loved reading about Izabel and Drake.
Read
September 13, 2019It's LIVE and available on Kindle Unlimited.
Tropes: Older-man, younger woman, friends-to-lovers, stalker suspense.
Purchase Links:
US ➜ http://ed.gr/bs3hp
UK ➜ http://ed.gr/bs3hs
AU ➜ http://ed.gr/bs3hu
CA ➜ http://ed.gr/bs3ht
Tropes: Older-man, younger woman, friends-to-lovers, stalker suspense.
Purchase Links:
US ➜ http://ed.gr/bs3hp
UK ➜ http://ed.gr/bs3hs
AU ➜ http://ed.gr/bs3hu
CA ➜ http://ed.gr/bs3ht
October 3, 2019
Oh yes, please, who doesn’t love a great alpha male who happens to also be a Navy Seal. Yummy. This book was fantastic. It was intense but yet fun to read and once I started reading I just could not put it down. I highly recommend reading this book.
September 14, 2019
3.5 stars. Quick, easy, likeble read. Older Alpha Hero (46 to the heroine's 30).
September 14, 2019
Great book!
Second book I have read by Victoria Paige. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
Second book I have read by Victoria Paige. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
October 18, 2020
I'm cursed!
Cindy is taking a break from men, they a end up resenting her, then leaving her, so she is being 'single Cindy' for a while...but her stalker has other ideas!
The sparks between Marcus and Cindy are instant and cannot be doused, neither one of them were looking for a relationship but when they see each other for the first time in years, they know, now is their time.
Can Cindy trust him with her darkest secrets and biggest fear?
Can Marcus keep her safe and out of her stalkers grasp, or is he destined to lose everything....again?
A fast paced, high action suspense with a welcome appearance from Tex too. This is part of Susan Stoker's Operation Alpha World and is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Cindy is taking a break from men, they a end up resenting her, then leaving her, so she is being 'single Cindy' for a while...but her stalker has other ideas!
The sparks between Marcus and Cindy are instant and cannot be doused, neither one of them were looking for a relationship but when they see each other for the first time in years, they know, now is their time.
Can Cindy trust him with her darkest secrets and biggest fear?
Can Marcus keep her safe and out of her stalkers grasp, or is he destined to lose everything....again?
A fast paced, high action suspense with a welcome appearance from Tex too. This is part of Susan Stoker's Operation Alpha World and is available on Kindle Unlimited.
May 29, 2021
Second chances
Marcus has a heartbreaking backstory and after meeting him in Drake’s story it is great to see him and Cindy get a HEA. The stalker bit was interesting, but predictable. I loved seeing Tex and the addition of Keith was interesting. I do wonder if they found a way to hire him in their new business! Good story and well written. The idea of second chances and survivors guilt was interesting and well done. Drake and Isabelle were also part of the story and it was good to see how their family was doing.
Marcus has a heartbreaking backstory and after meeting him in Drake’s story it is great to see him and Cindy get a HEA. The stalker bit was interesting, but predictable. I loved seeing Tex and the addition of Keith was interesting. I do wonder if they found a way to hire him in their new business! Good story and well written. The idea of second chances and survivors guilt was interesting and well done. Drake and Isabelle were also part of the story and it was good to see how their family was doing.
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