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Maximum Security #2.5
Before Nightfall
Kat Martin is back with another thrilling Maximum Security novella filled with danger, suspense and one smoldering road trip to the mountains of Mexico!
When her best friend’s son is kidnapped, private detective Lissa Blayne drops everything to focus on the missing boy. Julie and Lissa have been close for years, so when Julie’s friend Colt Wheeler joins the investigation, Lissa bristles at the former ranger’s take-charge attitude. Lissa doesn’t need a man calling the shots, even if there is something about Colt’s protective side that has her tough exterior melting away. As Lissa and Colt take their search on the road, the tension between them slowly morphs into trust and understanding—and they’ll need both in order to outsmart the dangerous abductor they’re tracking. The only thing hotter than their attraction is the heat of the Mexican sun, but this road trip is no vacation…
When her best friend’s son is kidnapped, private detective Lissa Blayne drops everything to focus on the missing boy. Julie and Lissa have been close for years, so when Julie’s friend Colt Wheeler joins the investigation, Lissa bristles at the former ranger’s take-charge attitude. Lissa doesn’t need a man calling the shots, even if there is something about Colt’s protective side that has her tough exterior melting away. As Lissa and Colt take their search on the road, the tension between them slowly morphs into trust and understanding—and they’ll need both in order to outsmart the dangerous abductor they’re tracking. The only thing hotter than their attraction is the heat of the Mexican sun, but this road trip is no vacation…
1 pages, Audio CD
First published July 1, 2020
352 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
189 books3,173 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 19, 2024
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, romantic suspense novella. It is fast paced with a likable, strong and capable female protagonist, an engaging, former military male protagonist, sizzling chemistry, action, intrigue, and happily ever after ending. It is an excellent addition to Ms. Martin's outstanding "Maximum Security" series and it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Mr. James Anderson Foster, has a captivating voice and does an excellent job depicting the characters and their personalities.
June 25, 2020
ARC received for review
Why did Ms. Martin feel the need to name off twenty people Lissa works with in the first chapter, and we never see ninety percent of them. That was just unnecessary unless Ms. Martin needs it for her word count. I haven't read the previous books, but that in no way took away from this one.
Lissa and Colt had definite chemistry. At times it seemed a little too easy in finding Timmy, but overall it wasn't a bad book.
Why did Ms. Martin feel the need to name off twenty people Lissa works with in the first chapter, and we never see ninety percent of them. That was just unnecessary unless Ms. Martin needs it for her word count. I haven't read the previous books, but that in no way took away from this one.
Lissa and Colt had definite chemistry. At times it seemed a little too easy in finding Timmy, but overall it wasn't a bad book.
May 11, 2021
3.5 Stars
Before Nightfall was a quick, enjoyable read with a fun and suspenseful plot.
After her best friend Julie's son is kidnapped by his estranged father, P.I. Lissa Blayne doesn't hesitate to drop everything to go after the boy. Joining her to get Timmy back is Julie’s friend Colt Wheeler, a former Army Ranger. When the investigation leads the pair to Mexico, finding Timmy and getting him home gets a lot harder. With the window to rescue Timmy closing, it will take all of Lissa and Colt's skill to outwit their enemy.
The kidnapping storyline proved to be an interesting one as initially Lissa and Colt had very little information to go on about what Julie's ex has been up to for the last eight years. After more information is revealed about Ray and the connections he has in Mexico, I was curious to see how the duo would manage to get Timmy out without getting caught. Add in a narrow time frame to get him out and the tension was well done. The plan the group came up with was fun even if it was a bit implausible. The rescue mission was where all the action was and I found it to be well paced and suspenseful. Overall while there were a few moments of disbelief, the plot was a fun one.
The attraction between Lissa and Colt was instantaneous for both of them. Neither of them expected anything to come of that attraction but due to the high stress of the situation, the pair found themselves in bed fairly quickly while on the road. The chemistry between these two was fantastic and the steamy scenes were very well done. There are some obstacles to a relationship for the pair, mainly Colt living in Denver while Lissa lives in Dallas. The resolution of the long distance aspect was left open ended by the story's end which I felt was realistic as there's no way to make a decision like that in a few weeks time. I do think the 'I love you' moment was a bit rushed but that's not uncommon with romantic suspense or novellas.
Overall Before Nightfall was a fun addition to the Maximum Security series and I highly recommend the series if you're looking for some great romantic suspense.
Before Nightfall was a quick, enjoyable read with a fun and suspenseful plot.
After her best friend Julie's son is kidnapped by his estranged father, P.I. Lissa Blayne doesn't hesitate to drop everything to go after the boy. Joining her to get Timmy back is Julie’s friend Colt Wheeler, a former Army Ranger. When the investigation leads the pair to Mexico, finding Timmy and getting him home gets a lot harder. With the window to rescue Timmy closing, it will take all of Lissa and Colt's skill to outwit their enemy.
The kidnapping storyline proved to be an interesting one as initially Lissa and Colt had very little information to go on about what Julie's ex has been up to for the last eight years. After more information is revealed about Ray and the connections he has in Mexico, I was curious to see how the duo would manage to get Timmy out without getting caught. Add in a narrow time frame to get him out and the tension was well done. The plan the group came up with was fun even if it was a bit implausible. The rescue mission was where all the action was and I found it to be well paced and suspenseful. Overall while there were a few moments of disbelief, the plot was a fun one.
The attraction between Lissa and Colt was instantaneous for both of them. Neither of them expected anything to come of that attraction but due to the high stress of the situation, the pair found themselves in bed fairly quickly while on the road. The chemistry between these two was fantastic and the steamy scenes were very well done. There are some obstacles to a relationship for the pair, mainly Colt living in Denver while Lissa lives in Dallas. The resolution of the long distance aspect was left open ended by the story's end which I felt was realistic as there's no way to make a decision like that in a few weeks time. I do think the 'I love you' moment was a bit rushed but that's not uncommon with romantic suspense or novellas.
Overall Before Nightfall was a fun addition to the Maximum Security series and I highly recommend the series if you're looking for some great romantic suspense.
February 27, 2022
Note: This has been combined into a box set (ebook & audio) with other novellas from the series - included: Wait Until Dark, Shadows at Dawn, & Before Nightfall.
While this is listed as book 2.5, the way it’s written it stands fine completely on its own. Colt is actually “introduced” in book 3, The Ultimate Betrayal. It’s minor, but if you want to listen chronologically save Before Nightfall for after that.
Martin packs a lot into this 2.5 hour audio. It’s a nice mix of romance and suspense/action. When the son of a common friend is kidnapped, Colt & Lissa join together to rescue him. Of course, there’s sparks between them as they travel - better yet they work really well together as a team. Again, Martin writes a strong, capable woman and a man who respects that about her.
There’s a nice little epilogue to give this couple their HEA.
Narration:
James Anderson Foster does a great job again. In addition to giving all the main characters unique voices, he handles the accents with ease.
While this is listed as book 2.5, the way it’s written it stands fine completely on its own. Colt is actually “introduced” in book 3, The Ultimate Betrayal. It’s minor, but if you want to listen chronologically save Before Nightfall for after that.
Martin packs a lot into this 2.5 hour audio. It’s a nice mix of romance and suspense/action. When the son of a common friend is kidnapped, Colt & Lissa join together to rescue him. Of course, there’s sparks between them as they travel - better yet they work really well together as a team. Again, Martin writes a strong, capable woman and a man who respects that about her.
There’s a nice little epilogue to give this couple their HEA.
Narration:
James Anderson Foster does a great job again. In addition to giving all the main characters unique voices, he handles the accents with ease.
October 1, 2020
A quick novella filler in Kat Martin’s high octane Maximum Security series, BEFORE NIGHTFALL is a nice bite of a book with some fun insta-love and pulse-pounding action scenes. I really liked our hero, Colt. His eye patch was sexy and I loved that he treated the heroine, Lissa, with the professional respect she deserves.
When there is a full action plot like in this novella, the romance does tend to suffer a bit. I really didn’t believe Lissa and Colt were willing to uproot their whole lives after a few days of knowing each other, but it’s a fun fantasy! And what’s that famous saying, “adrenaline makes the heart grow fonder”? Overall, this was a nice novella, nothing too special, but I have high hopes for the rest of the series.
**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**
When there is a full action plot like in this novella, the romance does tend to suffer a bit. I really didn’t believe Lissa and Colt were willing to uproot their whole lives after a few days of knowing each other, but it’s a fun fantasy! And what’s that famous saying, “adrenaline makes the heart grow fonder”? Overall, this was a nice novella, nothing too special, but I have high hopes for the rest of the series.
**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**
April 26, 2021
Fast and easy read, good story.
July 6, 2020
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
One thing I love about novellas is that they generally don't take endless pages setting up the romance or the mystery/suspense. Kat Martin gets right to it and that is just what "Before Nightfall" does. Insta lust and a kidnapping bring two strangers together in an intense story that I just couldn't put down. The romance is hot and the action is fast paced, just how I like it.
When Lissa Blayne receives a call from her best friend, Julie, she is out the door the next instant. Julie's ex, Ray, who she hasn't heard from in eight years, has surfaced and he wants to see his kids. Tim doesn't return from basketball practice and they fear Ray has taken him.
On his way to Denver, Colt Wheeler is stopping in Dallas to see the wife of a fallen friend and her kids. Colt is starting a new phase in his life, having left the Army Special Forces due to an injury. When he finds Julie upset and Tim missing he offers to use his contacts to find and retrieve the boy. Together, Colt and Lissa must find and rescue Tim from his very dangerous father, but there is always time for some insta-love.
One thing I love about novellas is that they generally don't take endless pages setting up the romance or the mystery/suspense. Kat Martin gets right to it and that is just what "Before Nightfall" does. Insta lust and a kidnapping bring two strangers together in an intense story that I just couldn't put down. The romance is hot and the action is fast paced, just how I like it.
When Lissa Blayne receives a call from her best friend, Julie, she is out the door the next instant. Julie's ex, Ray, who she hasn't heard from in eight years, has surfaced and he wants to see his kids. Tim doesn't return from basketball practice and they fear Ray has taken him.
On his way to Denver, Colt Wheeler is stopping in Dallas to see the wife of a fallen friend and her kids. Colt is starting a new phase in his life, having left the Army Special Forces due to an injury. When he finds Julie upset and Tim missing he offers to use his contacts to find and retrieve the boy. Together, Colt and Lissa must find and rescue Tim from his very dangerous father, but there is always time for some insta-love.
June 28, 2020
Before Nightfall by Kat Martin is a novella in her Maximum Security series. Lissa Blayne is a private detective for Maximum Security, and when her best friend calls for immediate help, Lissa drops everything to go to her friend. Lissa’s friend Julie is desperate, as her abusive ex-husband, whom she has not seen in 8 years, kidnaps her 11-year-old son. Her ex has no interest in the little girl, but he wants his son to train him to be like him. When Lissa runs into the house, there is another man, whom she mistakes for the ex, only to learn that this man, was a friend of her deceased husband (she remarried.
Colt Wheeler is a former Ranger, who was Liam’s (Julie’s deceased husband) friend, and has always tried to make sure the family was doing well. When he was traveling to a possible job, he stopped in to visit, just after her ex kidnapped the boy. Colt is determined to help find the boy, and Lissa is not thrilled that he plans to go with her. Colt has friends who can help in Mexico, where the ex is heading, since he is part of the cartel. Lissa knows that she will need help trying to get the boy back alive, especially going against a powerful cartel. In a short time, they both will begin to feel the attraction they have for each other.
What follows is an exciting, suspenseful adventure where Colt and Lissa find themselves in intense and dangerous situations as they get closer to finding the boy. Even with the help of powerful friends in Mexico, they must deal with not only the cartel, but with the Mexican police who are threatening Lissa and Colt to not interfere with their plan to bring them down. But Lissa and Colt know they cannot wait any longer, as the boy could be in middle of an attack.
Before Nightfall was an intriguing, action packed, suspenseful, exciting story line that had me on the edge of my seat throughout the book, even though it was a novella. I also loved Colt and Lissa together, as they made a great couple that we rooted for. Once again, Kat Martin gives us another exciting thriller. If you enjoy action, suspense, fast paced thriller, and romance, you should read anything by Kat Martin.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Colt Wheeler is a former Ranger, who was Liam’s (Julie’s deceased husband) friend, and has always tried to make sure the family was doing well. When he was traveling to a possible job, he stopped in to visit, just after her ex kidnapped the boy. Colt is determined to help find the boy, and Lissa is not thrilled that he plans to go with her. Colt has friends who can help in Mexico, where the ex is heading, since he is part of the cartel. Lissa knows that she will need help trying to get the boy back alive, especially going against a powerful cartel. In a short time, they both will begin to feel the attraction they have for each other.
What follows is an exciting, suspenseful adventure where Colt and Lissa find themselves in intense and dangerous situations as they get closer to finding the boy. Even with the help of powerful friends in Mexico, they must deal with not only the cartel, but with the Mexican police who are threatening Lissa and Colt to not interfere with their plan to bring them down. But Lissa and Colt know they cannot wait any longer, as the boy could be in middle of an attack.
Before Nightfall was an intriguing, action packed, suspenseful, exciting story line that had me on the edge of my seat throughout the book, even though it was a novella. I also loved Colt and Lissa together, as they made a great couple that we rooted for. Once again, Kat Martin gives us another exciting thriller. If you enjoy action, suspense, fast paced thriller, and romance, you should read anything by Kat Martin.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
October 6, 2024
A novella between book 2 and 3, the Maximum Security series continues with a tangent looking at one of the employees instead of the brothers. This book can be read as a standalone. For better understanding of this world, it is best to read the first two books in the series.
This novella features every divorced parent's nightmare, their ex-spouse kidnapping their child and taking the child away from them. Lissa's friend, Julie made the mistake of not informing her kids about their father. Without this vital piece of information, Julie's son is easily tricked into going with his father. I never understood the appeal of keeping people "in the dark" for their own protection. I have found it to only benefit the person who knows and keeps quiet. Regardless, Lissa immediately dives in to help find Julie's son.
Enter Colt, a former military, he and Lissa go way back. He also conveniently is visiting Julie's son is taken. Colt and Lissa's interaction are a bit awkward at first with mistaken assumptions on Lissa's part. From there, the story turns into seduction over searching for the kid. Ms. Martin does a good job of inserting sex during plausible wait times whilst searching for the kid. Colt and Lissa's sexual chemistry is sweet if a bit fast. This quick hook up possibly induced by stress and fear for the child could possible turn into something more. The story leaves it with romantic possibilities months later. Overall, this is a short little story to tide a reader over until the next full book comes out.
*provided by NetGalley
This novella features every divorced parent's nightmare, their ex-spouse kidnapping their child and taking the child away from them. Lissa's friend, Julie made the mistake of not informing her kids about their father. Without this vital piece of information, Julie's son is easily tricked into going with his father. I never understood the appeal of keeping people "in the dark" for their own protection. I have found it to only benefit the person who knows and keeps quiet. Regardless, Lissa immediately dives in to help find Julie's son.
Enter Colt, a former military, he and Lissa go way back. He also conveniently is visiting Julie's son is taken. Colt and Lissa's interaction are a bit awkward at first with mistaken assumptions on Lissa's part. From there, the story turns into seduction over searching for the kid. Ms. Martin does a good job of inserting sex during plausible wait times whilst searching for the kid. Colt and Lissa's sexual chemistry is sweet if a bit fast. This quick hook up possibly induced by stress and fear for the child could possible turn into something more. The story leaves it with romantic possibilities months later. Overall, this is a short little story to tide a reader over until the next full book comes out.
*provided by NetGalley
August 1, 2020
I am a fan of Kat Martin for a while and this is also a part of a series, so please please read the first too, you will know the characters and I feel that that helps. I read a previous review that they disliked reading all the secondary characters and that it wasted time since they had nothing to do with it. When you read Ms. Martins book, there is always a series, ( i thinks since every book I have read was a part of one.) and at at times they are connected by situation or just a character from her other books, so they really are not a waste of time because if you continue reading her books, which I am pretty sure you will you will find a character which will remind you of when and where, maybe others dont like that but I do and I tend to read and reread books that I like and she is one my go to authors. So in this one we have Julie whose ex whom she had not heard from in years kidnaps her kids and he was a horrible man. Julie contacts her friend Lissa for help and she is distraught when Cole a friend of her deceased husband had stopped by to check up on her, and he promised his friend that he would look in on and assist if necessary. Lissa takes an instant dislike to Colt (but does she really) and these set out to locate those kids which wont be easy since they are now dealing with the Mexican Cartel..So strap on and Enjoy!\
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
July 20, 2020
[I received a digital arc from Netgalley for an honest review]
I have felt this series has been progressively getting better so I was a bit disappointed with this novela. While I found the story / plot line interesting the romance aspect felt forced and rushed, which is sometimes the case with novellas. This story is about our main characters, Lissa and Colt, who team up to help a mutual friend whose son has been abducted by his father. Add in Mexican drug cartels, some high tension situations and some hot & heavy intercourse and you have the gist of the book. I was here for the plot and the chapters from the young boy who's been abducted point of view but the conversation and interactions between our heros just felt stunted and didn't flow smoothly. This was definitely a lust at first sight relationship, it felt superficial and I didn't feel that they any real bond.
I have felt this series has been progressively getting better so I was a bit disappointed with this novela. While I found the story / plot line interesting the romance aspect felt forced and rushed, which is sometimes the case with novellas. This story is about our main characters, Lissa and Colt, who team up to help a mutual friend whose son has been abducted by his father. Add in Mexican drug cartels, some high tension situations and some hot & heavy intercourse and you have the gist of the book. I was here for the plot and the chapters from the young boy who's been abducted point of view but the conversation and interactions between our heros just felt stunted and didn't flow smoothly. This was definitely a lust at first sight relationship, it felt superficial and I didn't feel that they any real bond.
July 14, 2020
Kat Martin knows how to pack a punch in a short amount of time or I guess word count!
From beginning to end this story will have reads wanting and needing more from the different characters. I wouldn't recommitted reading this as a stand alone novel.
The characters come alive bring readers on adventure readers will not forget.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Kat Martin Before NightFall.
From beginning to end this story will have reads wanting and needing more from the different characters. I wouldn't recommitted reading this as a stand alone novel.
The characters come alive bring readers on adventure readers will not forget.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Kat Martin Before NightFall.
June 22, 2020
I'm a fairly new fan of Kat Martin's books, and more specifically, her Maximum Security series. As this was book #2.5 in the series, I expected it would be somewhat shorter than books #1 and #2, and I'm really glad I didn't start reading the series here because I would have been clueless about the Maximum Security agency and it's varied operatives/detectives/ex-military/SEALs/etc. As it was, and since I voluntarily requested an advance reader copy, it found it hard to read than most of the other ARCs I've read and reviewed. Some of the chapters started in the middle of some of the sentences of the preceding paragraph, amd in quite a few instances, it was hard to determine which character was speaking. For these and some additional issues I'll get to, the best I can give this short novel is 3 stars.
Early on, Julie, a friend of Max agency private detective Lissa Blayne's, calls her in a panic. She's just been contacted by her abusive ex-husband, Ray Spearman, whom she's not heard from in 8 years. He wants to see his children and when they aren't at her home when he shows up, he breaks a lamp and says they'd better be there the next time he shows up. Instead, he kidnaps his son from his school. While this is happening, Julie receives a surprise visit from Colt, who promised his dying friend and fellow operative, Liam Douglas, to look in on his wife and kids--Julie and her children. At this point I was utterly confused and by the end of this short novel still hadn't made sense of this conflict. If Liam was Julie's husband, and was the father of her children, how did they suddenly become the children of Ray Spearman? No mention was made of the fact that he might be her second husband, or if he's their stepfather, and, in that case, unless he legally adopted them, they aren't his children at all and he has no rights where they are concerned.
Once Ray has Timmy in his clutches, the chase is on with Lissa and Colt on his trail, and that trail leads to Mexico. En route, their intel is that Ray has become a major player in a dangerous drug cartel, and he's holed up with Timmy in quite a fortress in Mexico. With the help of additional connections in both the U.S. and Mexico, Lissa and Colt hatch a plan to kidnap Timmy and return him to his mother without anyone getting killed in the process.
As Lissa and Colt agree to team up and head for the border to retrieve Timmy, their sexual attraction to one another burns up the motel sheets several times, and the planning and rescue operations are exciting, dangerous and complex. To say this short novel is fast-paced is the understatement of the year, but what was sacrificed by it's brevity was any real character development, an explanation of Timmy and his sister's paternity, a better explanation of what Max Security is all about, and who some of the secondary players in the novel fit in, as well as any deep emotional connection between Lissa and Colt. And even when we get to the expected HEA ending, it's given short shrift, and it left this reader rather disappointed.
Quite honestly, I know that Kat Martin is a far better writer than is exhibited in this novel. Her previous novels in this series were gripping reads with characters you got to know and understand fairly well, and the relationships between them developed at a more reasonable pace. If you're a fan of action/suspense romances, I highly recommend starting with the first two novels in this series. This wasn't a bad novel, it simply wasn't enough to really sink my teeth into, and for me to care about it's main characters to any degree. Hopefully, Ms. Martin's nest Maximum Security novel with be more fully fleshed out and a more satisfying read. I'm looking forward to it.
Early on, Julie, a friend of Max agency private detective Lissa Blayne's, calls her in a panic. She's just been contacted by her abusive ex-husband, Ray Spearman, whom she's not heard from in 8 years. He wants to see his children and when they aren't at her home when he shows up, he breaks a lamp and says they'd better be there the next time he shows up. Instead, he kidnaps his son from his school. While this is happening, Julie receives a surprise visit from Colt, who promised his dying friend and fellow operative, Liam Douglas, to look in on his wife and kids--Julie and her children. At this point I was utterly confused and by the end of this short novel still hadn't made sense of this conflict. If Liam was Julie's husband, and was the father of her children, how did they suddenly become the children of Ray Spearman? No mention was made of the fact that he might be her second husband, or if he's their stepfather, and, in that case, unless he legally adopted them, they aren't his children at all and he has no rights where they are concerned.
Once Ray has Timmy in his clutches, the chase is on with Lissa and Colt on his trail, and that trail leads to Mexico. En route, their intel is that Ray has become a major player in a dangerous drug cartel, and he's holed up with Timmy in quite a fortress in Mexico. With the help of additional connections in both the U.S. and Mexico, Lissa and Colt hatch a plan to kidnap Timmy and return him to his mother without anyone getting killed in the process.
As Lissa and Colt agree to team up and head for the border to retrieve Timmy, their sexual attraction to one another burns up the motel sheets several times, and the planning and rescue operations are exciting, dangerous and complex. To say this short novel is fast-paced is the understatement of the year, but what was sacrificed by it's brevity was any real character development, an explanation of Timmy and his sister's paternity, a better explanation of what Max Security is all about, and who some of the secondary players in the novel fit in, as well as any deep emotional connection between Lissa and Colt. And even when we get to the expected HEA ending, it's given short shrift, and it left this reader rather disappointed.
Quite honestly, I know that Kat Martin is a far better writer than is exhibited in this novel. Her previous novels in this series were gripping reads with characters you got to know and understand fairly well, and the relationships between them developed at a more reasonable pace. If you're a fan of action/suspense romances, I highly recommend starting with the first two novels in this series. This wasn't a bad novel, it simply wasn't enough to really sink my teeth into, and for me to care about it's main characters to any degree. Hopefully, Ms. Martin's nest Maximum Security novel with be more fully fleshed out and a more satisfying read. I'm looking forward to it.
July 3, 2020
3.5 Stars
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of Before Nightfall by Kat Martin for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.
Before Nightfall is an extremely fast-paced novella that whizzes by. The writing is tight, and the characters are typical of romantic suspense. I haven’t read the previous two books in this series, so at times I did feel a bit lost. This novella is definitely supposed to bridge the gap between the second full book to the next in this series.
Lissa Blayne’s character is that of a hardened investigator who has plenty of cynicism towards the dredges of society and is not interested in a long-term relationship. The story moves so quickly, there wasn’t much time to become vested in her character. I did enjoy her loyalty to her best friend and determination to find the friend’s young son.
Colt Wheeler is a great hero who jumps in to help find his late buddy’s missing son. His attraction to Lissa is untimely since he’s on his way to Denver to start a new life. I enjoyed his straight-forward personality.
The romance between the main characters is based on the physical attraction that crackles between the hero and heroine, and it has little time to develop into something deeper. The story ends with a happy for now instead of a happily ever after. I found this appropriate since they didn’t have much time to see whether they can truly develop long lasting affection along with the physical. I like that both characters are willing to compromise to see where their attraction can go.
If you enjoy lightning fast action with characters driven to succeed, and willing to work together to achieve their goals, then you will like Before Nightfall. I do suggest reading the other two books in this series prior to reading this novella. Happy reading!
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of Before Nightfall by Kat Martin for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.
Before Nightfall is an extremely fast-paced novella that whizzes by. The writing is tight, and the characters are typical of romantic suspense. I haven’t read the previous two books in this series, so at times I did feel a bit lost. This novella is definitely supposed to bridge the gap between the second full book to the next in this series.
Lissa Blayne’s character is that of a hardened investigator who has plenty of cynicism towards the dredges of society and is not interested in a long-term relationship. The story moves so quickly, there wasn’t much time to become vested in her character. I did enjoy her loyalty to her best friend and determination to find the friend’s young son.
Colt Wheeler is a great hero who jumps in to help find his late buddy’s missing son. His attraction to Lissa is untimely since he’s on his way to Denver to start a new life. I enjoyed his straight-forward personality.
The romance between the main characters is based on the physical attraction that crackles between the hero and heroine, and it has little time to develop into something deeper. The story ends with a happy for now instead of a happily ever after. I found this appropriate since they didn’t have much time to see whether they can truly develop long lasting affection along with the physical. I like that both characters are willing to compromise to see where their attraction can go.
If you enjoy lightning fast action with characters driven to succeed, and willing to work together to achieve their goals, then you will like Before Nightfall. I do suggest reading the other two books in this series prior to reading this novella. Happy reading!
October 25, 2022
I ended up reading this Novella out of order, but I didn’t feel like it hindered anything. In fact, it made certain things click in to place better for me in The Ultimate Betrayal. Actually, because I did read it out of order, my first introduction to Colt Wheeler was in The Ultimate Betrayal and from the moment his eye patch showed up on the scene I desperately wanted more of his story. I was please to see that he was matched up with the only female P.I. to be mentioned as an employee at the Max through the books I have read so far. Lissa was exactly what I want in a female lead, strong, sassy, logical, & capable. I thought they matched really well and had great chemistry. I know this was a Novella so the quick movement of their falling in love wasn’t a surprise, but I found myself wishing I had more to read because I thought they were so great. I find it fascinating how well written and rounded the Novellas have been by Kat Martin, I have read (recently) novellas that fell so flat it could be used as a place mat. Out of the 3 novellas I have read so far Kat Martin has not disappointed me. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.
December 1, 2022
This is a novella 2.5 in the Maximum Security series. Lissa Blayne receives a phone call from her best friend, Julie. Ray, her ex-husband of ten years just showed up and was violent. She is on her way. At the same time her deceased second husband’s best friend from the military has stopped by now that he is out of the service on his way home to Denver.
Lissa gets to Julie’s to meet Colt Wheeler. They discover her son Timmy has been picked up from ball practice by his father. A man he has no memory of. Tech guru Tabby at Maximum Security, has tracked Ray to Mexico who is now working for one of the drug cartels. He is wanted in both the US and Mexico.
Lissa and Colt head to Mexico. With friends to help they find where Ray has Timmy and plan an extraction. With a joint task force planning a raid, Lissa and Colt have no time to waste in order to get eleven year old Timmy out.
The chemistry is instantaneous. Feelings neither have felt before will have to wait until Timmy is home safe with his mom.
Lissa gets to Julie’s to meet Colt Wheeler. They discover her son Timmy has been picked up from ball practice by his father. A man he has no memory of. Tech guru Tabby at Maximum Security, has tracked Ray to Mexico who is now working for one of the drug cartels. He is wanted in both the US and Mexico.
Lissa and Colt head to Mexico. With friends to help they find where Ray has Timmy and plan an extraction. With a joint task force planning a raid, Lissa and Colt have no time to waste in order to get eleven year old Timmy out.
The chemistry is instantaneous. Feelings neither have felt before will have to wait until Timmy is home safe with his mom.
September 7, 2020
First of all that cover is killing me! I've read a few of this authors books enough to by pass it but when reviewing the book I got a good look at it and was dying. Not a fan if I wasn't already familiar with the authors books I probably wouldn't have given this book a second glace.
As for the book in general it was actually pretty good for a novella. It was pretty short so not enough time for a complex backstory which I would've preferred so I can appreciate the characters more. I'll also excuse the fact that the love attraction between the two main characters were very rushed because it was a novella. What I did love was watching the case unfold as the who go out and seek the child from the father who had kidnapped him. The father is unpredictable and anything could be happening and Lissa friend who is the parent of the child is worried sick. There are many factors making this a high risk but Lissa and Colt will do everything they can. Great novella I really enjoyed it.
As for the book in general it was actually pretty good for a novella. It was pretty short so not enough time for a complex backstory which I would've preferred so I can appreciate the characters more. I'll also excuse the fact that the love attraction between the two main characters were very rushed because it was a novella. What I did love was watching the case unfold as the who go out and seek the child from the father who had kidnapped him. The father is unpredictable and anything could be happening and Lissa friend who is the parent of the child is worried sick. There are many factors making this a high risk but Lissa and Colt will do everything they can. Great novella I really enjoyed it.
August 7, 2020
Just okay
**Spoilers**
Not a great novella, I was tempted to skip it, but I loathe reading a series incompletely. So that means reading all the books, even the 'halfs'. I like Lissa and Colt, I just feel like a full length book or weaving their story as a B plot in another book would have been better. Julie was TSTL and that always sticks in my craw. Why in heavens name would you open the door to an abusive ex-husband? Then to compound that by dropping your kid off somewhere and letting the other kid go to a mall with a friend - knowing that he's looking for them?!? And then having a plot device of the father picking up the son from a sports practice where the people in charge never question who he is? No school or sports activity is going to hand a kid over to someone that isn't authorized, or on an approved list. Just dumb, and annoying.
**Spoilers**
Not a great novella, I was tempted to skip it, but I loathe reading a series incompletely. So that means reading all the books, even the 'halfs'. I like Lissa and Colt, I just feel like a full length book or weaving their story as a B plot in another book would have been better. Julie was TSTL and that always sticks in my craw. Why in heavens name would you open the door to an abusive ex-husband? Then to compound that by dropping your kid off somewhere and letting the other kid go to a mall with a friend - knowing that he's looking for them?!? And then having a plot device of the father picking up the son from a sports practice where the people in charge never question who he is? No school or sports activity is going to hand a kid over to someone that isn't authorized, or on an approved list. Just dumb, and annoying.
July 12, 2020
NOT TO BE MISSED NOVELLA
Kat has once again written another segment in her MAXIMUM SECURITY SERIES, that any reader already will want to read! ULTIMATE BETRAYAL, BOOK 3 releasing on 7/28/20, will be another MUST READ in this SERIES! I rarely read a writer's advance prologues; but, I did tonight & I'm glad I only have 17 days left to find out the trials & tribulations Jessie will need to endure. To say more, would give the gist of the story; which I won't do! My advice is to pre-order ULTIMATE BETRAYAL!
Kat has once again written another segment in her MAXIMUM SECURITY SERIES, that any reader already will want to read! ULTIMATE BETRAYAL, BOOK 3 releasing on 7/28/20, will be another MUST READ in this SERIES! I rarely read a writer's advance prologues; but, I did tonight & I'm glad I only have 17 days left to find out the trials & tribulations Jessie will need to endure. To say more, would give the gist of the story; which I won't do! My advice is to pre-order ULTIMATE BETRAYAL!
July 31, 2021
I really enjoyed this book but it would’ve made a great full novel. It was full of intrigue romance and danger but there wasn’t time to develop the full story. Lissa Blayne was a retired Dallas police woman Who now worked for Maximum Security in Dallas. Lisa’s best friend, Julie Douglas, was having trouble with her ex husband threatening to take their ten years old son that he has not seen in eight years. Colt Wheeler showed up to see Julie and her kids just in time to help Lissa try and stop Julie’s ex husband. This s a good but short story.
August 7, 2022
Colt Wheeler feels a certain responsibility for the family of the man he loved like a brother and lost overseas. When he stops for a visit, he finds a frantic Julie who has been getting threatening texts from her ex husband. Colt teams up with Julie's best friend, private detective Lissa Blayne to try to find Julie's ex. When he kidnaps Julie's son, Lisa and Blayne are forced to follow him to Mexico and hopefully save the boy before they end up in the middle of a drug war. Another heart stopping thriller full of action, adventure and emotion.
September 21, 2022
This is the a novella in the Maximum Security series. There’s action from the beginning and the chemistry between the main characters is hard to ignore. Such a good series.
Lissa Blayne is a detective for the Dallas office of Maximum Security. Her best friend Julie Douglas is frantic when her son, Timmy, is kidnapped by her ex-husband.
Colt Wheeler was an army ranger and is good friends with Julie and her family too. He and Lissa team up to find Timmy and bring him home.
The search leads them to Mexico and puts them all in danger. Will they find Timmy and bring him home safe?
Lissa Blayne is a detective for the Dallas office of Maximum Security. Her best friend Julie Douglas is frantic when her son, Timmy, is kidnapped by her ex-husband.
Colt Wheeler was an army ranger and is good friends with Julie and her family too. He and Lissa team up to find Timmy and bring him home.
The search leads them to Mexico and puts them all in danger. Will they find Timmy and bring him home safe?
August 2, 2020
Before Nightfall
A great short romance from the Maximum Security series! Lissa gets a call from her best friend. Julia's ex is in town and wants to see their kids. Lissa goes to Julia's and meets Colt, Julia deceased husband's friend from the Rangers. Lissa and Colt end up teaming together to rescue Timmy, Julia's son when her ex kidnaps him. A thrilling adventure with romance!
A great short romance from the Maximum Security series! Lissa gets a call from her best friend. Julia's ex is in town and wants to see their kids. Lissa goes to Julia's and meets Colt, Julia deceased husband's friend from the Rangers. Lissa and Colt end up teaming together to rescue Timmy, Julia's son when her ex kidnaps him. A thrilling adventure with romance!
August 9, 2020
Lyssa Blayne works for Maximum Security. When her best friend's son is kidnapped she will do anything to help get him back. Colt Wheeler is also a friend and he wants to help as well. Lyssa and Colt go to Mexico to get the boy back. I liked both Lyssa and Colt. Their dynamic was really believable. They mad a good team. A good entry in the series.
September 6, 2020
This is a Maximum Security novella with employee Lissa Blayne. Her best friends son is kidnapped by the ex-husband & Lissa works with Colt, family friend of her best friend to find him. You will love both Lissa & Colt along with the secondary characters (except for the ex-husband of course). It’s a great, action packed read that you will definitely enjoy!!
January 23, 2021
I enjoyed this novella. I liked that the plot in this story. I was getting tired of someone trying to kill the heroine in this series, so it was a nice change. The whole series is worth reading. These novella’s can be read in any order. I listened to the whole series and the narrator did a great job.
June 5, 2021
I love this series by Kat Martin, can't seem to get enough. Every installment just has me wanting more. The suspense is awesome, the characters always have great chemistry and I enjoy hearing the chars from the other books mentioned. Each new one feels like going home to old friends who always come to the rescue in the end.
April 23, 2022
Another great novella in the Max series.
Lisa and Colt meet up at a mutual friends house where the friends son Timmy has been kidnapped by her first husband. They vow to track Tim down and return him to his family. Great instant attraction and explosive passion ignite along the way. Short but fulfilling and continues to fill out the secondary players from Maximum Security.
Lisa and Colt meet up at a mutual friends house where the friends son Timmy has been kidnapped by her first husband. They vow to track Tim down and return him to his family. Great instant attraction and explosive passion ignite along the way. Short but fulfilling and continues to fill out the secondary players from Maximum Security.
December 19, 2022
Loved this book.
I loved this book and read it in a day. Both Lissa and Cole are going to rescue their friend’s son. Loved staying on edge. Loved their instant chemistry and how hard they fall for each other. They were perfect for each other. Loved their happy ever after and I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book and read it in a day. Both Lissa and Cole are going to rescue their friend’s son. Loved staying on edge. Loved their instant chemistry and how hard they fall for each other. They were perfect for each other. Loved their happy ever after and I highly recommend this book.
July 4, 2020
Great book
Was very hard to put down. This book and the whole group of this series has been page tuners. Grabs your attention right from the first page. Can't wait to get the next book.
Was very hard to put down. This book and the whole group of this series has been page tuners. Grabs your attention right from the first page. Can't wait to get the next book.
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