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Norcross Security #2
The Troubleshooter
Never, ever fall for your brother’s annoying, infuriating, gorgeous best friend.
Gia Norcross’ life is exactly how she likes it. She has a successful PR firm in San Francisco, a beautiful apartment, a loving family of overprotective brothers, and her fabulous designer shoe collection. Perfection. Sure, occasionally she has to deal with her aggravating nemesis who happens to be her brother’s best friend. Saxon Buchanan: tall, rich, handsome, bossy, and knows how to work her last nerve.
She’ll never, ever admit to anyone that most days, she isn’t sure if she wants to punch the arrogant, tattooed, suit-wearing know-it-all…or kiss him.
After a military career spent in a covert special ops team doing hard, dirty, and very classified missions, Saxon Buchanan is happy working at Norcross Security as the company’s top troubleshooter. He also enjoys the perks of civilian life. That includes sparring with smart, sexy Gia of the wide brown eyes, luscious curves, and sharp tongue. He’s spent half his life fighting the pull of his best friend’s little sister.
But seeing a man aim a gun at Gia changes everything.
When Gia’s troubled childhood best friend drags her into a really, really bad situation, soon bullets are flying, precious gemstones are missing, and Gia’s in danger. Saxon’s done pushing away the one woman he’s ever wanted. He’ll do everything to protect her, and he’s not letting anything get in his way: not the bad guys, not his best friend, and especially not Gia.
Note to readers: This is a sexy, fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers romance with a heroine in danger and the six-feet plus of tattooed, suit-wearing hotness who drives her crazy, but vows to keep her safe.
Gia Norcross’ life is exactly how she likes it. She has a successful PR firm in San Francisco, a beautiful apartment, a loving family of overprotective brothers, and her fabulous designer shoe collection. Perfection. Sure, occasionally she has to deal with her aggravating nemesis who happens to be her brother’s best friend. Saxon Buchanan: tall, rich, handsome, bossy, and knows how to work her last nerve.
She’ll never, ever admit to anyone that most days, she isn’t sure if she wants to punch the arrogant, tattooed, suit-wearing know-it-all…or kiss him.
After a military career spent in a covert special ops team doing hard, dirty, and very classified missions, Saxon Buchanan is happy working at Norcross Security as the company’s top troubleshooter. He also enjoys the perks of civilian life. That includes sparring with smart, sexy Gia of the wide brown eyes, luscious curves, and sharp tongue. He’s spent half his life fighting the pull of his best friend’s little sister.
But seeing a man aim a gun at Gia changes everything.
When Gia’s troubled childhood best friend drags her into a really, really bad situation, soon bullets are flying, precious gemstones are missing, and Gia’s in danger. Saxon’s done pushing away the one woman he’s ever wanted. He’ll do everything to protect her, and he’s not letting anything get in his way: not the bad guys, not his best friend, and especially not Gia.
Note to readers: This is a sexy, fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers romance with a heroine in danger and the six-feet plus of tattooed, suit-wearing hotness who drives her crazy, but vows to keep her safe.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2020
1889 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
Anna Hackett
162 books2,904 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
April 15, 2021
The troubleshooter is well.... trouble. Not in good way. The book is more about sex and never ending damsel in distress.
Gia is super annoying . Norcross is the worst security company in the world. And Saxon is too emotional. Miss Hackett managed to conjure a knight in shinning armor scenes too much.
The sex scenes are sloppy as well.
2 stars
Gia is super annoying . Norcross is the worst security company in the world. And Saxon is too emotional. Miss Hackett managed to conjure a knight in shinning armor scenes too much.
The sex scenes are sloppy as well.
2 stars
October 20, 2020
I had a hell of a hard time writing this review for ‘The Troubleshooter’, mainly because I’ve loved some of Anna Hackett’s books and series and jumped into Norcross (her latest ones) expecting to be thrilled and entertained like I was for the others.
Seriously, I wished I could have liked it a lot more, since Gia/Saxon’s story sounded like a fantastic one. But instead of the enemies-to-lovers kind of thing I was expecting, it turned out that Gia and Saxon had always sort of secretly wanted each other for a while and that their underlying tension was just…foreplay? And then they’re suddenly in love (how?) after some steamy moments and occurrences that bring out Saxon’s unreasonably white-knight tendencies.
There were several reasons behind which this didn’t work for me. First off, the premise of the story was one that began with Gia’s TSTL behaviour when it came to obstinately believing her friend’s goodness when it clearly posed a personal danger to herself. Carrying on in that fashion didn’t make her loyal; it made her eye-rollingly stupid. That Gia also expected so little of Saxon, and was so quick to cave when it came to his obsessive over-protective behaviour was just as disappointing.
Which brings me to the second reason that’s a little more complex…and it’s one that I struggle with time to time with Hackett’s short and sharp erotica-ish action-drama-adventures. The stories’ brevity mean that they’re typically trope-laden to the max—not that there’s anything wrong with that especially if there’s a lot of nuance or world-building in it—but I did feel ‘The Troubleshooter’ and the pairing were undeveloped to the point where it became merely a retelling of another stereotype where you shouldn’t think too much deeply into the idea that both Gia/Saxon finally gave into what they really wanted after years of looking the other way.
Using the brother’s best friend (and thus, the little sister is forbidden) trope unfortunately, is one that I have too many arguments against that need to be internally resolved before I can buy into a pairing like this. All too often, if the best friend’s brother is truly a bad choice for instance, wouldn’t that say loads about the type of friends you keep, let alone the hypocrisy of staying friends because he’s reliable in every way except with women? And if Saxon really wanted Gia, why not man up and go for it earlier instead of screwing around and being a philandering bastard until a threat to Gia’s life suddenly made him realise that he was always ‘in love’ with her after all? Had no threats come, would nothing then have broken this holding pattern after all? Would Saxon have contentedly just gone after his type of leggy blondes for the rest of the time?
As I said, too many issues—my own, admittedly—that weren’t satisfactorily addressed in this short, sharp tale.
Hackett’s Norcross series is shaping out to be a collection of very similar men in suits: players, all attractive, never really committed, ex-military and too much of a bully as they run roughshod over the women to the point of being distastefully controlling (yet staying cowards when it comes to relationships). I found myself quite disappointed in the lack of variation in the characters and the somewhat-recyclable themes found here so far. Not too sure if this series is working out for me right now, sadly.
*ARC by the author
Seriously, I wished I could have liked it a lot more, since Gia/Saxon’s story sounded like a fantastic one. But instead of the enemies-to-lovers kind of thing I was expecting, it turned out that Gia and Saxon had always sort of secretly wanted each other for a while and that their underlying tension was just…foreplay? And then they’re suddenly in love (how?) after some steamy moments and occurrences that bring out Saxon’s unreasonably white-knight tendencies.
There were several reasons behind which this didn’t work for me. First off, the premise of the story was one that began with Gia’s TSTL behaviour when it came to obstinately believing her friend’s goodness when it clearly posed a personal danger to herself. Carrying on in that fashion didn’t make her loyal; it made her eye-rollingly stupid. That Gia also expected so little of Saxon, and was so quick to cave when it came to his obsessive over-protective behaviour was just as disappointing.
Which brings me to the second reason that’s a little more complex…and it’s one that I struggle with time to time with Hackett’s short and sharp erotica-ish action-drama-adventures. The stories’ brevity mean that they’re typically trope-laden to the max—not that there’s anything wrong with that especially if there’s a lot of nuance or world-building in it—but I did feel ‘The Troubleshooter’ and the pairing were undeveloped to the point where it became merely a retelling of another stereotype where you shouldn’t think too much deeply into the idea that both Gia/Saxon finally gave into what they really wanted after years of looking the other way.
Using the brother’s best friend (and thus, the little sister is forbidden) trope unfortunately, is one that I have too many arguments against that need to be internally resolved before I can buy into a pairing like this. All too often, if the best friend’s brother is truly a bad choice for instance, wouldn’t that say loads about the type of friends you keep, let alone the hypocrisy of staying friends because he’s reliable in every way except with women? And if Saxon really wanted Gia, why not man up and go for it earlier instead of screwing around and being a philandering bastard until a threat to Gia’s life suddenly made him realise that he was always ‘in love’ with her after all? Had no threats come, would nothing then have broken this holding pattern after all? Would Saxon have contentedly just gone after his type of leggy blondes for the rest of the time?
As I said, too many issues—my own, admittedly—that weren’t satisfactorily addressed in this short, sharp tale.
Hackett’s Norcross series is shaping out to be a collection of very similar men in suits: players, all attractive, never really committed, ex-military and too much of a bully as they run roughshod over the women to the point of being distastefully controlling (yet staying cowards when it comes to relationships). I found myself quite disappointed in the lack of variation in the characters and the somewhat-recyclable themes found here so far. Not too sure if this series is working out for me right now, sadly.
*ARC by the author
April 28, 2021
This was it. She knew. Maybe she'd always known that Saxon was it for her. There would be no one else. She'd never get over him. She was stupidly, irrevocably in love with Saxon Buchanan.
4 stars!
I've been obsessed with the romantic suspense genre lately, and this novel was a perfect addition to my list. This was my first novel by Anna Hackett, but I loved her easy writing style. Both Gia and Saxon had very distinct personalities and voices which makes reading so much easier and more enjoyable. This novel blended the perfect amount of danger, banter, and had plenty of steamy goodness to keep me engrossed in the story. To be honest, the main reason I picked up this novel was because I am so STOKED for Rome's story, which is finally available! I will be diving into his story as soon as I can ♡
My Saxon Buchanan, the sexy and lethal playboy who only has eyes for his Contessa..
August 18, 2021
5 stars ⭐️
Holy goodness, Saxon and Gia steamed up the pages in book 2 of the Norcross Security Series. Full on action at every turn, you won’t want to put this one down til you finish it. Even Team 52 pops in for a visit.
Holy goodness, Saxon and Gia steamed up the pages in book 2 of the Norcross Security Series. Full on action at every turn, you won’t want to put this one down til you finish it. Even Team 52 pops in for a visit.
October 17, 2020
Well here we go again with another fast paced, intriguing look at the Norcross family and this time it's the solitary sister Gia who is in the bad guys cross hairs. Trying to help a friend gets Gia into seriously hot water but luckily her brothers best friend Saxon is more than ready to get between Gia and whoever is coming for her. Trouble is they have both been tip toeing around the insane chemistry they share and now Saxon is more than ready to step up and claim his curvy, fiery "Contessa" !
This isn't overly complex or convoluted but instead its a fairly straightforward story involving gem theft that has humour and passion fuelling it. I adored the family dynamics and the sense of warmth and love that leapt off the page. Gia is no push over and instead is a loyal, determined fighter and certainly held her own in the testosterone heavy world she lives in. Saxon was complete revelation as although he has been brought up with the proverbial silver spoon he carries sadness that the Norcross family have helped him overcome. This was such a fun read with its memorable characters, deliciously naughty romance, surprise visit by some old friends, ( my lips are sealed) but for this reader it was the humour that made it such fun to read. As usual I always want more but then again as it is part of a series I'm certain I won't have to wait too long
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
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This isn't overly complex or convoluted but instead its a fairly straightforward story involving gem theft that has humour and passion fuelling it. I adored the family dynamics and the sense of warmth and love that leapt off the page. Gia is no push over and instead is a loyal, determined fighter and certainly held her own in the testosterone heavy world she lives in. Saxon was complete revelation as although he has been brought up with the proverbial silver spoon he carries sadness that the Norcross family have helped him overcome. This was such a fun read with its memorable characters, deliciously naughty romance, surprise visit by some old friends, ( my lips are sealed) but for this reader it was the humour that made it such fun to read. As usual I always want more but then again as it is part of a series I'm certain I won't have to wait too long
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
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October 23, 2020
Gia and Saxon. Oh, yeah. She's sassy and strong and is very good at ignoring her attraction to her brother's HAWT best friend. He's focused and deadly and has to remind himself that some people are just off limits. Period. Done deal.
Then Gia gets dragged into something dangerous and suddenly all the excuses the two have been giving themselves don't seem worth it when they realize they could very easily lose their connection before it ever starts going. Cue the smoking hot flirting and lingering looks and sexy touches.
The Norcross family to a person has determination and smarts on their side. Once Gia decides she's in, she's in hard. And she doesn't give up on people (come to think, that's sort of what got her into trouble in the first place. Thanks, Willow.) which means she might fight and argue with Saxon, but she absolutely has his back when he needs her. Just like he has her back when she needs him.
I'm digging this series. We get danger, fighting, verbal sparring as foreplay, and a family who stands together when something threatens anyone in their ranks. Bring on Easton's story!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Then Gia gets dragged into something dangerous and suddenly all the excuses the two have been giving themselves don't seem worth it when they realize they could very easily lose their connection before it ever starts going. Cue the smoking hot flirting and lingering looks and sexy touches.
The Norcross family to a person has determination and smarts on their side. Once Gia decides she's in, she's in hard. And she doesn't give up on people (come to think, that's sort of what got her into trouble in the first place. Thanks, Willow.) which means she might fight and argue with Saxon, but she absolutely has his back when he needs her. Just like he has her back when she needs him.
I'm digging this series. We get danger, fighting, verbal sparring as foreplay, and a family who stands together when something threatens anyone in their ranks. Bring on Easton's story!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 28, 2025
The Troubleshooter is the second book in the Norcross Security series by Anna Hackett. It is an exciting romantic suspense with security experts, chemistry, tension, drama, danger, mystery, and more.
Gia has a big heart but when a friend who is always in trouble drags her down she is caught in the middle of a dangerous game when jewels are stolen. Gia must rely on her brothers to keep her safe and the one person who she has secretly loved Saxon will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
I enjoyed this the second time around as much as I did the first time.
Gia has a big heart but when a friend who is always in trouble drags her down she is caught in the middle of a dangerous game when jewels are stolen. Gia must rely on her brothers to keep her safe and the one person who she has secretly loved Saxon will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
I enjoyed this the second time around as much as I did the first time.
October 25, 2020
Absolutely loved it!
Another fantastic book from Anna Hackett!! Do you like crazy non stop action and a forbidden hot romance? Then you need to buy this newest book in the Norcross series. Someone is out to get Gia Norcross and Saxon Buchanan is not going to let it happen.
Another fantastic book from Anna Hackett!! Do you like crazy non stop action and a forbidden hot romance? Then you need to buy this newest book in the Norcross series. Someone is out to get Gia Norcross and Saxon Buchanan is not going to let it happen.
October 20, 2020
The Troubleshooter: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
Norcross Series #1
Anna Hackett
https://www.facebook.com/AnnaHackettA...
Release date 10/19/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Never, ever fall for your brother’s annoying, infuriating, gorgeous best friend.
Gia Norcross’ life is exactly how she likes it. She has a successful PR firm in San Francisco, a beautiful apartment, a loving family of overprotective brothers, and her fabulous designer shoe collection. Perfection. Sure, occasionally she has to deal with her aggravating nemesis who happens to be her brother’s best friend. Saxon Buchanan: former Delta Force, tall, rich, handsome, bossy, and knows how to work her last nerve.
She’ll never, ever admit to anyone that most days, she isn’t sure if she wants to punch the arrogant, tattooed, suit-wearing know-it-all…or kiss him.
After a military career spent in a covert special ops team doing hard, dirty, and very classified missions, Saxon Buchanan is happy working at Norcross Security as the company’s top troubleshooter. He also enjoys the perks of civilian life. That includes sparring with smart, sexy Gia of the wide brown eyes, luscious curves, and sharp tongue. He’s spent half his life fighting the pull of his best friend’s little sister.
But seeing a man aim a gun at Gia changes everything.
When Gia’s troubled childhood best friend drags her into a really, really bad situation, soon bullets are flying, precious gemstones are missing, and Gia’s in danger. Saxon’s done pushing away the one woman he’s ever wanted. He’ll do everything to protect her, and he’s not letting anything get in his way: not the bad guys, not his best friend, and especially not Gia.
Note to readers: This is a sexy, fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense with a heroine in danger and the six-feet plus of tattooed, suit-wearing hotness who drives her crazy, but vows to keep her safe. This book can be read as a standalone story, but it's recommended to read the previous Norcross book, The Investigator.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he keep her safe when she stubbornly does as she wants ...
One more action packed story Mrs Hackett delivers here.
I loved to read about Gia and Saxon, their love-hate relationship was fun to observe, sparks fly as quips and barbs.
Sad they refrained their attraction because they felt they were out of reach, the famous forbidden trope of the best friend’s sister.
Saxon is from a wealthy but with no soul family, why he sought his friend Vander’s. There he found what his lacked, love, compassion and care plus a girl who turned a woman who drove him mad. But now she is threatened, that stops and change now.
Gia has known what love and care are all her life, and she loves and cares hard, even for those who seem to deserve it less. She feels like it is her duty to stand for her friend everyone has gave up about. Even when she put her in danger and brings drive-her-mad-sexy Saxon to her doorstep.
It is a fun fast read story of giving in one’s attraction.
4.5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
May 24, 2022
Pretty stones
The diamond sounds pretty. Willow is problematical. I really like Gia. She is definitely bad@$$. Saxon really sounds super hot.
The diamond sounds pretty. Willow is problematical. I really like Gia. She is definitely bad@$$. Saxon really sounds super hot.
December 21, 2022
The Troubleshooter is another captivating, fast paced, suspense and action filled romance from Anna Hackett. Gia Norcross and Saxon Buchanan are perfectly suited. I loved their verbal sparring. Having been raised with the three Norcross brotherx, Gia can hold her own and she's definitely not a pushover. Saxon may have been born with a silver spoon in his mouth and yes, he loves the finer things in life but that does not prevent him from doing what hedoes best. He's a troubleshooter and a fixer. He considers the Norcross brothers by bond. And, Gia? He's always wanted her but it's a line he won't cross. That is until she's in danger. Now with her safety on the line he stakes his claim and vows to protect her at all costs. Gia may act as if she's reluctant but she's always wanted Saxon secretly. But, she's not willing to just fold and give up her independence.
January 18, 2024
7.43 on CAWPILE= 4 stars
I enjoyed this so so much, especially since i listened to it on audio, the tension between Saxon and Gia was so well done, i had such a fun time with their little banter and their little "we shouldn't be together but we want it so bad it hurts". It was cute and steamy at the same time. It was a bit of an action moment as well so it was a whole lot of fun.
Saxon was such an alpha and Gia was an extra alpha and i just liked the dynamics between them although i am taking away one star because Gia was sooooo set on helping Willow who literally ruined her life, when Willow didn't actually give one f about one moment of Gia's time to help. And although her brothers kept telling her how toxic Willow was, Gia was just so annoying for that.
But those Easton x Harlow breadcrumbsssss at the final scene, i know it's going to be fire!! Onto their book.
I enjoyed this so so much, especially since i listened to it on audio, the tension between Saxon and Gia was so well done, i had such a fun time with their little banter and their little "we shouldn't be together but we want it so bad it hurts". It was cute and steamy at the same time. It was a bit of an action moment as well so it was a whole lot of fun.
Saxon was such an alpha and Gia was an extra alpha and i just liked the dynamics between them although i am taking away one star because Gia was sooooo set on helping Willow who literally ruined her life, when Willow didn't actually give one f about one moment of Gia's time to help. And although her brothers kept telling her how toxic Willow was, Gia was just so annoying for that.
But those Easton x Harlow breadcrumbsssss at the final scene, i know it's going to be fire!! Onto their book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2023
Picks up where book 1 left off (with someone coming after Gia with a gun). Gia is the youngest of the Norcross siblings. She runs and owns her own PR firm. Saxon is best friends with her brother Xander (I think it's that brother) and has had a crush on Gia since childhood. He now works at Norcross security.
Gia is in trouble because of her childhood friend Willow. Willow is a user and general hot mess. Willow stole some jewelry from her ex and he and some henchmen are after her and by default Gia too.
Nice mix of action and heat. Gia is pretty kick-ass and I have to love that! Gia and Saxon fit very well together. There is an opener for book 3 at the end (but not quite the cliffhanger that was at the end of book 1). This does end in a HEA for Gia and Saxon.
Ripped Bodice Bingo: Vigilante square
Gia is in trouble because of her childhood friend Willow. Willow is a user and general hot mess. Willow stole some jewelry from her ex and he and some henchmen are after her and by default Gia too.
Nice mix of action and heat. Gia is pretty kick-ass and I have to love that! Gia and Saxon fit very well together. There is an opener for book 3 at the end (but not quite the cliffhanger that was at the end of book 1). This does end in a HEA for Gia and Saxon.
Ripped Bodice Bingo: Vigilante square
May 14, 2021
This book is the immediate follow on to book one. It’s Gia and Saxon’s story. We get the same fun, action adventure romantic comedy as before. This time it’s Norcross sister Gia with her brother Vander’s best friend. The two grew up together and both have been interested in the other, unbeknownst to each other. But when Gia is in danger because of her friend, Saxon snaps and realizes he can’t let Gia get away. He’s there to protect her, even though she thinks she can protect herself. And in the process, she realizes she can’t deny what she’s feeling for him. They’re a super cute and fun couple.
January 7, 2023
Não é ruim, só que a autora exagera demais nas situações de perigo, os vilões simplesmente brotam em todos os lugares o tempo inteiro, apesar de ser facilmente resolvido, as situações em si são exageradas.
A escrita é fluida e ideal para sair de uma ressaca, nem grandes problemas e apesar de não ser uma leitura profunda, entretém. Mas, é sempre mais do mesmo, a autora tem uma fórmula e pelo que tô vendo usa em todos os volumes .
A escrita é fluida e ideal para sair de uma ressaca, nem grandes problemas e apesar de não ser uma leitura profunda, entretém. Mas, é sempre mais do mesmo, a autora tem uma fórmula e pelo que tô vendo usa em todos os volumes .
January 2, 2023
Not as good as the first book but I did still like this. I didn't love Gia and frankly, she never grew on me. Saxon was better. I'm more excited for the next book. These books are very quick reads so I'm sure I'll continue soon.
July 11, 2024
La historia está bien escrita y los personajes son interesantes. La acción y las interacciones de los personajes secundarios complementan la trama.
March 5, 2025
mmm
Keeps you reading and not able to stop! Love this series! And o can’t wait to read them all, plus they are all intertwined!!
Keeps you reading and not able to stop! Love this series! And o can’t wait to read them all, plus they are all intertwined!!
October 14, 2020
What a wild ride! Gia is awesome and fierce and I totally want to be her. Saxon is melt your socks hot. Their chemistry and history make a great story. Gia's rant at Saxon's parents is epic. The pink diamond is intriguing. Loved the tie-in to Team 52. I received an advanced copy of this book and freely leave this honest review.
January 22, 2024
My OCD got the best of me I needed to know what the next story was. Not as bad as the first one.
October 31, 2025
Series: Norcross Security #2
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Gia Norcross has a successful PR firm, a beautiful apartment, a loving family filled with overprotective brothers, and a great shoe collection. Unfortunately when her high school best friend drags her into trouble she ends up with her brother's best friend as her bodyguard. He pushes all her buttons and she doesn’t know if she wants to punch him or kiss him.
This was another fast pace romance from Hackett. Gia has been secretly crushing on her brother's best friend since she was a teenager but he also pushes all her buttons. What she doesn't know is that he has wanted her for years too. They have pushed each other away for so long their bickering makes them seem like enemies, but it is really just to hide the attraction.
While I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Saxon in the beginning, he quickly grew on me. He was an alpha male who was extremely protective of Gia, especially after he sees her have a gun pointed at her. I liked how he accepted everything about Gia and found her sharp tongue sexy.
Gia was a firecracker. She was smart, successful, and could kick some butt when she needed to. I liked that when things got rough she knew her brothers would come but still didn’t wait for them to save the day. She wasn’t afraid to rescue herself.
Overall, this was a great sequel and I can’t wait for the next Norcross couple, which hopefully will be Easton’s story.
TW : gun violence; injuries and blood; kidnapping; A friend with a drug addiction;
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Gia Norcross has a successful PR firm, a beautiful apartment, a loving family filled with overprotective brothers, and a great shoe collection. Unfortunately when her high school best friend drags her into trouble she ends up with her brother's best friend as her bodyguard. He pushes all her buttons and she doesn’t know if she wants to punch him or kiss him.
This was another fast pace romance from Hackett. Gia has been secretly crushing on her brother's best friend since she was a teenager but he also pushes all her buttons. What she doesn't know is that he has wanted her for years too. They have pushed each other away for so long their bickering makes them seem like enemies, but it is really just to hide the attraction.
While I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Saxon in the beginning, he quickly grew on me. He was an alpha male who was extremely protective of Gia, especially after he sees her have a gun pointed at her. I liked how he accepted everything about Gia and found her sharp tongue sexy.
Gia was a firecracker. She was smart, successful, and could kick some butt when she needed to. I liked that when things got rough she knew her brothers would come but still didn’t wait for them to save the day. She wasn’t afraid to rescue herself.
Overall, this was a great sequel and I can’t wait for the next Norcross couple, which hopefully will be Easton’s story.
TW : gun violence; injuries and blood; kidnapping; A friend with a drug addiction;
March 28, 2024
Saxon and Gia
Another good read.
Gia is the sister of the Norcross family and surrounded by lots of men. Her brothers primarily but also the alpha men of NS. One in particular is the pain in the butt, hot, alpha, know it all Saxon. They fight non stop.
Saxon works at NS and grew up with the boys. He has had his eye on Gia for some time but being the sister of his bf gets complicated.
When Gia’s life is in danger, Saxon can no longer hide his feelings. Yes the two may fight all the time, but Saxon knows Gia feels the same way. Their chemistry is off the charts. The more they work side by side the hotter their relationship is and they can no longer contain it.
Love the world that was built and really enjoy reading about each of them. Love how everyone else still is involved in the story. I will say, the women seem not to ever take a threat seriously so get with it. Great read.
Another good read.
Gia is the sister of the Norcross family and surrounded by lots of men. Her brothers primarily but also the alpha men of NS. One in particular is the pain in the butt, hot, alpha, know it all Saxon. They fight non stop.
Saxon works at NS and grew up with the boys. He has had his eye on Gia for some time but being the sister of his bf gets complicated.
When Gia’s life is in danger, Saxon can no longer hide his feelings. Yes the two may fight all the time, but Saxon knows Gia feels the same way. Their chemistry is off the charts. The more they work side by side the hotter their relationship is and they can no longer contain it.
Love the world that was built and really enjoy reading about each of them. Love how everyone else still is involved in the story. I will say, the women seem not to ever take a threat seriously so get with it. Great read.
October 24, 2020
Originally published at Reading Reality
This is the story I was expecting after the hints at the end of the first book in the Norcross series, The Investigator. And it was exactly the kind of terrific doozy of an action adventure romance that I expect from this author!
Gia Norcross has entirely too many brothers – or at least that’s how she sees it at least some of the time.
Not that she doesn’t love every single over-protective one of them. But they do have a testosterone-fueled tendency to try to protect her even when she doesn’t need protecting. And especially when she does.
As she does fairly often in this entry in the series.
Not, as happened a bit too often in the first book in the series, because the heroine couldn’t seem to recognize the obvious risks that she kept walking right into. But rather because Gia’s heart is very big and extremely loyal, and she’s unwilling to cut off one of her childhood friends. Even if that friend has become a liar, a thief, and a user of both pharmaceuticals and people.
And Gia is most often her target. Or her sucker. She’s someone who seriously needs some tough love, but Gia keeps on bailing her out of the trouble that she’s gotten herself into.
In this particular case, seriously big time trouble that follows her friend right to Gia’s doorstep. In search of the stolen jewels that said “friend” is letting Gia hide for her. Gems that are way more valuable – and chased by people way more deadly, than her friend is willing to admit.
Unlike her lying, using, so-called friend, Gia has some real badasses fighting in her corner. Because they’re her brothers, sometimes she’s fighting them more than the bad guys who are after her.
But one of those badasses is not one of her brothers, and in spite of the number of years they’ve been pissing each other off on a regular basis, she definitely doesn’t have any sisterly feelings towards Saxon Buchanan.
Occasionally murderous feelings, but even those are just a cover for how much she wants him and how long it’s been going on. But Saxon has been parading a seemingly endless stream of long leggy blondes through his bed, and Gia’s not remotely interested in being a notch on anyone’s bedpost. Especially not someone who seems to prefer women who are her exact opposite.
But, this isn’t the story of a rake reformed. Instead, it’s the classic story of the older brother’s best friend falling for his friend’s underage sister – who has grown up into the woman he wants but shouldn’t have.
Something about that damn ‘bro code getting in the way.
With at first one, then two and eventually three different sets of villains chasing after Gia for those stolen jewels that she doesn’t even have, Saxon Buchanan finally makes keeping Gia safe and making her his not just his top priority, but his only priority.
No matter what her brothers or any of those villains have to say in the matter. His real challenge is to get Gia to admit that she’s been on that train all along.
Escape Rating B+: I liked The Troubleshooter considerably more than I did The Investigator, so I’m really happy to say that the books stand more than enough alone that you don’t have to read the first to get into the second.
The reason I liked this one better is that Gia was a much more active character than Haven. Haven kept falling into trouble, and seemed to always be reacting to the crap that happened TO her.
Gia, on the other hand, felt proactive. Some of her actions didn’t turn out for the best, or didn’t turn out quite the way she planned, and occasionally the bad guys planned better, but it always felt like Gia was pushing her own action forward. She was never passive. She was not a passive person in any way, and she was always the prime mover of her own story no matter how much Saxon and her brothers tried to wrap her in cotton and keep her safe. Not always successfully. And that lack of success wasn’t remotely always Gia’s fault.
Instead, Gia’s fault isn’t a fault. Well, her temper is definitely a fault, but it isn’t what got her into this mess. Gia’s loyal, and always tries to see the best in people. As faults go, it’s a pretty good one. And it is one that gets her in trouble, but her actions, even when they turn out wrong, still keep the story moving and make her the prime agent of her own story.
I liked Gia a lot. She’d be a loyal friend and a whole lot of fun. But she’s also a serious businesswoman who has made her own way. There’s just a lot to admire about her character and I did.
I did enjoy the way that Saxon and Gia’s relationship exploded. Developed is not the right word, because it’s been there all along. Definitely exploded. They have explosive chemistry AND explosive tempers and they caught serious fire. Saxon is every bit as troubled as most of this author’s heroes, but the chemistry between them burned up the page and just plain worked.
One tiny thing niggled at me. In the previous story there was an evil old man who collected women to be his sex slaves. In this one there’s an evil old man who buys women to be sold as sex slaves. In neither case was the evil old lech the main villain. He felt over the top both times and I’m tired of reading about him. That’s my 2 cents and I’m sticking to it.
Howsomever, I’m definitely NOT tired of reading about the Norcross family. Especially as the hints at the end of this book promise that the next romance in the series will follow one of my favorite tropes, the falling for the boss trope. This time with the added bonus that the assistant is in no way intimidated by her boss’ power, or his money, or pretty much anything or anyone at all.
This is going to be so much fun!
This is the story I was expecting after the hints at the end of the first book in the Norcross series, The Investigator. And it was exactly the kind of terrific doozy of an action adventure romance that I expect from this author!
Gia Norcross has entirely too many brothers – or at least that’s how she sees it at least some of the time.
Not that she doesn’t love every single over-protective one of them. But they do have a testosterone-fueled tendency to try to protect her even when she doesn’t need protecting. And especially when she does.
As she does fairly often in this entry in the series.
Not, as happened a bit too often in the first book in the series, because the heroine couldn’t seem to recognize the obvious risks that she kept walking right into. But rather because Gia’s heart is very big and extremely loyal, and she’s unwilling to cut off one of her childhood friends. Even if that friend has become a liar, a thief, and a user of both pharmaceuticals and people.
And Gia is most often her target. Or her sucker. She’s someone who seriously needs some tough love, but Gia keeps on bailing her out of the trouble that she’s gotten herself into.
In this particular case, seriously big time trouble that follows her friend right to Gia’s doorstep. In search of the stolen jewels that said “friend” is letting Gia hide for her. Gems that are way more valuable – and chased by people way more deadly, than her friend is willing to admit.
Unlike her lying, using, so-called friend, Gia has some real badasses fighting in her corner. Because they’re her brothers, sometimes she’s fighting them more than the bad guys who are after her.
But one of those badasses is not one of her brothers, and in spite of the number of years they’ve been pissing each other off on a regular basis, she definitely doesn’t have any sisterly feelings towards Saxon Buchanan.
Occasionally murderous feelings, but even those are just a cover for how much she wants him and how long it’s been going on. But Saxon has been parading a seemingly endless stream of long leggy blondes through his bed, and Gia’s not remotely interested in being a notch on anyone’s bedpost. Especially not someone who seems to prefer women who are her exact opposite.
But, this isn’t the story of a rake reformed. Instead, it’s the classic story of the older brother’s best friend falling for his friend’s underage sister – who has grown up into the woman he wants but shouldn’t have.
Something about that damn ‘bro code getting in the way.
With at first one, then two and eventually three different sets of villains chasing after Gia for those stolen jewels that she doesn’t even have, Saxon Buchanan finally makes keeping Gia safe and making her his not just his top priority, but his only priority.
No matter what her brothers or any of those villains have to say in the matter. His real challenge is to get Gia to admit that she’s been on that train all along.
Escape Rating B+: I liked The Troubleshooter considerably more than I did The Investigator, so I’m really happy to say that the books stand more than enough alone that you don’t have to read the first to get into the second.
The reason I liked this one better is that Gia was a much more active character than Haven. Haven kept falling into trouble, and seemed to always be reacting to the crap that happened TO her.
Gia, on the other hand, felt proactive. Some of her actions didn’t turn out for the best, or didn’t turn out quite the way she planned, and occasionally the bad guys planned better, but it always felt like Gia was pushing her own action forward. She was never passive. She was not a passive person in any way, and she was always the prime mover of her own story no matter how much Saxon and her brothers tried to wrap her in cotton and keep her safe. Not always successfully. And that lack of success wasn’t remotely always Gia’s fault.
Instead, Gia’s fault isn’t a fault. Well, her temper is definitely a fault, but it isn’t what got her into this mess. Gia’s loyal, and always tries to see the best in people. As faults go, it’s a pretty good one. And it is one that gets her in trouble, but her actions, even when they turn out wrong, still keep the story moving and make her the prime agent of her own story.
I liked Gia a lot. She’d be a loyal friend and a whole lot of fun. But she’s also a serious businesswoman who has made her own way. There’s just a lot to admire about her character and I did.
I did enjoy the way that Saxon and Gia’s relationship exploded. Developed is not the right word, because it’s been there all along. Definitely exploded. They have explosive chemistry AND explosive tempers and they caught serious fire. Saxon is every bit as troubled as most of this author’s heroes, but the chemistry between them burned up the page and just plain worked.
One tiny thing niggled at me. In the previous story there was an evil old man who collected women to be his sex slaves. In this one there’s an evil old man who buys women to be sold as sex slaves. In neither case was the evil old lech the main villain. He felt over the top both times and I’m tired of reading about him. That’s my 2 cents and I’m sticking to it.
Howsomever, I’m definitely NOT tired of reading about the Norcross family. Especially as the hints at the end of this book promise that the next romance in the series will follow one of my favorite tropes, the falling for the boss trope. This time with the added bonus that the assistant is in no way intimidated by her boss’ power, or his money, or pretty much anything or anyone at all.
This is going to be so much fun!
August 7, 2021
THE TROUBLESHOOTER is a best friend's sibling, enemies to lovers romance with some action adventure thrown in. Even though Gia and Saxon bicker and fight they're both secretly harboring a crush on the other. Now that Gia's life is being threatened Saxon has decided he can't resist her any longer and he's putting everything on the line. I do love a hero who unabashedly adores the heroine but Saxon is also a bit overbearing when it comes to keeping Gia safe. I did like Gia as well but she's pretty dramatic about everything and she often accused Saxon of being spoiled when it's clear that Gia is the more spoiled of the two. However, I did like Gia's loyalty to her friends and family and her refusal to give up on those she cares about.
April 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!
Being a Hackett fan due to her Gladiator series, it was actually a little surprising how amateurish the female dialogue can be in this series. I’m not used to that from her. And it’s particularly obvious with the female leads on this series. They say things like “my man will come and rescue me!” Which is unlike any of her sci-fi heroines.
But if we look past the clichés, there are so many great things in this book.
🔥 best friends sister
🔥 ex army hero
🔥 enemies to lovers
🔥 forced proximity
These books are fast paced, quick reads full of action and sex. So much sex.
I love Hackett’s dirty talking heroes.
Yum.
Being a Hackett fan due to her Gladiator series, it was actually a little surprising how amateurish the female dialogue can be in this series. I’m not used to that from her. And it’s particularly obvious with the female leads on this series. They say things like “my man will come and rescue me!” Which is unlike any of her sci-fi heroines.
But if we look past the clichés, there are so many great things in this book.
🔥 best friends sister
🔥 ex army hero
🔥 enemies to lovers
🔥 forced proximity
These books are fast paced, quick reads full of action and sex. So much sex.
I love Hackett’s dirty talking heroes.
Yum.
October 20, 2020
This can be read as a standalone, but it is even more fun if you have read a certain other series by Ms. Hackett. This is a wild ride of humor, action, suspense, and steamy romance. The heroine may have three bad@$$ brothers, but they made sure she wasn’t helpless. She proves she’s got what it takes to make the hero realize he will risk the wrath of his best friend to finally claim his woman. I usually prefer sci-fi or paranormal elements in my romance reading, but when the writing is this good….I am thrilled to be expanding my horizons!
October 23, 2020
The scorching vibes between Gia and Saxon could start a fire, but I loved their verbal arguments best. These two could volley back and forth, giving as good as they get, and I devoured those scenes like candy! I am in love with this series and can’t wait to see who’s up next!
October 20, 2020
A must read. The sexual tension between Gia and Saxon is through the roof and the plot is amazing.
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