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West Investigations #3

Christmas Data Breach

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A mysterious fire is set at Christmas…
Forcing a security expert to reunite with the woman he never forgot


Security specialist Gideon Wright knows Mya Rochon’s cancer research is groundbreaking. But when an arsonist destroys his ex-wife’s lab and puts her at risk, he discovers it’s dangerous, too. With Gideon’s protection, Mya’s determined to finish her project—no matter the risk to her life…or Gideon's heart. But will their rekindled partnership face its most deadly adversary yet?

256 pages, ebook

First published September 2, 2021

33 people are currently reading
159 people want to read

About the author

K.D. Richards

79 books1,239 followers
K.D. is a former attorney and educator. Her books are action-packed, page-turners with strong female characters and twists that will surprise.
Follow her on bookbub https://bit.ly/2TLCA7z.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie (TheRebelliousReader).
6,862 reviews30 followers
October 2, 2021
4 stars. My favorite of the series so far. I think this series just gets better and better with each book and I really hope there will be more to come.

I adored the characters. Mya and Gideon were high school sweethearts. They got married right after high school and were married for four years before divorcing. They link back up twelve years later and it is obvious right from the start that they both still love each other. I loved this dynamic. They have so much history. Their relationship was wonderful and it developed nicely.

Mya is brilliant and all of her hard work for finding a cure for cancer is burned and she’s targeted. She’s a very likable character and I loved that though she was being targeted and there was someone out there killing people she knew and trying to get her she never let that stop her from trying to find out who it was and how she could salvage all of her hard work. She was really awesome. Gideon was a fantastic hero. Very swoon worthy. He’s super protective of Mya and I loved how deeply he was pining for her when they saw each other again after all of those years. He’s broody but he’s still incredibly charming.

The plot and the way everything unfold was really well done and Mya and Gideon make a really great team. The ending was good but just a bit abrupt. I wish it would’ve been a bit longer but that might just be me being greedy. I love this series and I hope there will be more books to come but if not I’m looking forward to whatever Richards puts out next.
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,864 reviews1,400 followers
November 10, 2021
4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

CW: PTSD, Divorce, Corporate Espionage

Video review available in Week 42: Oct 17 – Oct 23, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Profile Image for Ms. Woc Reader.
784 reviews901 followers
September 25, 2022

After escaping near death Mya must turn to her ex husband Gideon to help her figure out who is after her and her breakthrough cancer treatment.

It was interesting jumping back into this series because I thought the 2nd book was just alright. And I couldn't really remember the brother from that book well. Gideon may not be a West brother but he's in the inner fold. But I would probably rank this 1 second to the first book in terms of enjoyment.

This one just sucked me in and held me tight. It was very action packed which is how I like my romantic suspense. Everyone was a suspect in this book! Poor Mya was really surrounded by the worst of the worst. And of course big pharma ain't ish!

If you're looking for anything resembling Christmas you won't find it beyond the mention of lights so I'm surprised this was titled Christmas Data Breach. It was very easy to forget this was even taking place during the holiday season.

It got a little repetetive feeling towards to end which slowed me down but overall was a great read.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews125 followers
March 4, 2022
Good second chance romance accompanied by action-packed suspense. The story started with a bang as someone torched Mya's lab and tried to kill her. Fortunately, she had the presence of mind to make her way to her ex-husband's house. Gideon is an investigator with West Investigations, and she knows she can trust him.

Gideon was stunned to find Mya on his doorstep in the middle of the night, looking the worse for wear. Once he heard what happened, his protective instincts kicked in. Rumors about her cancer treatment research run rampant, her two coworkers end up dead, and the local cop seems intent on pinning the blame on Mya. As Gideon and Mya pursue their investigation, every new lead raises more questions. At the same time, the attacks on Mya intensify in frequency. Despite the betrayals she's endured at the hands of her coworkers, Mya is determined to reassemble her research and prove that it works. I was glued to the pages as she and Gideon made the trip to retrieve the last pieces she needed, only to face the worst betrayal of all. The final confrontation was a nail-biter when Mya found herself running through the woods yet again. I loved seeing her face down her pursuer and kept my fingers crossed that Gideon would arrive in time. The resolution was excellent, and I liked seeing everything come together for her at the end.

I also enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Mya and Gideon. They were friends as kids, sweethearts in high school, and married right after graduation. But they were very young, and the marriage ended after four years, mainly because Gideon loved her too much to keep her tied to him. Twelve years later, their chemistry was as strong as ever when they met again, though both tried to ignore it. I loved that Mya has the strength to stand up to Gideon's overprotectiveness when he tries to leave her behind. Their clashes were intense, but she never backed down. The more time they spent together, the hotter the sparks burned until they could no longer resist. I liked seeing how Mya broke through Gideon's walls and found out why he had pushed her away all those years ago. I liked seeing them admit that they'd never stopped loving each other. The ending was sweet and romantic as Gideon's big moment had all the emotion Mya could hope for.
481 reviews12 followers
September 27, 2021
could not put this one down!

From the page at the beginning with the Cast of Characters to the very end I was turning the pages.

I really enjoyed that the cast was included but for this one I didn't need it.

I think that shows how well written a book is. Just the right amount of characters that are developed and described making it easy for the reader to keep up with everyone.

The story takes you along a fast moving ride with Mya as she not only runs for her life but she is trying to to stay out of jail too.

I did think the homicide detective needed something ... not sure what. I think she was too fast at putting Mya at the top of the suspect list.

Even though Mya's assistant is found dead in Mya's town house hours after the fire it just didn't fit for Mya to be the prime suspect.

It was good for Mya she had the presence of mind to get to her Ex husband for help.

Gideon was a great character. He was strong and smart and even though he divorced Mya he still had her heart.

During the wild ride Mya and Gideon's passion and Romance is rekindled and there is a happy ending.

I especially liked the ending and the gift Gideon gave Mya.

No spoilers. Check this one out for yourself.

The previous books in this series are on my wish list.

Thank you Great Escapes Tour for introducing me to this series.

. . . There is one bedroom scene. My Jazzy Grandma might blush and fan herself a bit. But she keep on turning the pages.

I received a complimentary copy.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,147 reviews32 followers
October 5, 2021
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking on the link below. It is also posted in full.

https://novelsalive.com/2021/10/05/st...


It’s been a while since I’ve read a Harlequin Intrigue and Christmas Data Breach by K.D. Richards didn’t disappoint. It was fast-paced with lots of plot twists. The main plot was to find out who’s behind the theft of a formula for a cancer cure that they would literally kill to get their hands on.

Mya and Gideon were friends growing up and got married young. They’ve been apart twelve years, but that doesn’t stop the attraction and chemistry that’s still present when their paths meet again. When Mya runs to him for help—he is ex-military and works in security—the sparks fly!

There was a depth to the story with lots of clues as Mya, Gideon, and the firm he works for try to piece together the reasons behind the destruction, mayhem, and chaos. We get to know the characters a little at a time and watch Mya and Gideon fight their attraction at every turn since neither one knows what the other is thinking about their situation.

There are secrets, betrayals, truths uncovered, injuries, death, destruction of property, hard work, bad guys, and some romance. I didn’t feel that this was a Christmas story just because there were some decorations around. As the crimes are solved, there is closure, especially where Mya and Gideon are concerned. A satisfying end that left me wanting more.

Christmas Data Breach is the first book I’ve read in the West Investigations series, and it was easily a stand-alone since there was enough background information given. I plan to read the first two books in the series and others penned by Ms. Richards, a new-to-me author.
Profile Image for Robbin.
237 reviews9 followers
December 5, 2021
4.5⭐️

Thank you soooo much K.D. Richards for a free copy of the latest book in your West Investigations series for an honest review ❤️

I want to start off by saying Mya absolutely killed me with how naive she was being. Like girlllllll someone is trying to kill you! EVERYONE is a suspect. I felt bad that essentially everyone she trusted had their own personal agendas. But I literally wanted to shake some sense into her several times.

Detective Kamal was more than a little annoying with her tunnel vision. She didn’t seem to care about catching the real culprit only making all the evidence fit her theories about Mya.

I’m so glad Mya didn’t give up on Gideon but damn sometimes I low key wanted her to. He called himself not hurting her but his actions had the opposite effect. I was thankful for their heart to heart although it was definitely not at a good time 😭 I was internally screaming at Mya when she did that. Like girl now is really not the time LOL

The ending was soooo perfect ❤️ I love a happy ending 😩 I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Readsandeats.
1,078 reviews24 followers
June 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it was well paced and the plot believable.

Mya is a research scientist who is making inroads into a cure for brain cancer which is groundbreaking. One day after coming back from a break she hears a man in the corridor saying he can't find her but has set fire to the lab. When the police and fire brigade arrive Mya is faced by a policewoman who is not very sympathetic.
Things happen and she has to run away from a kidnapper, she turns up at Gideon Wrigth's house in the middle of the night, Gideon is her ex husband.
As the two of them work together to find out who started the fire and why, they learn more things and realise that maybe they still have feelings for each other.

A good read and one I would recommend. This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last.
Profile Image for Rob Davis.
Author 6 books5 followers
April 8, 2023
Fire destroys Mya Rochon’s lab at Christmas. Her worker Rebecca is killed and her server is stolen that has the remaining proof her lab discovered a cure for a cancer. Mya believes her and Brian are the only persons who can prove her lab found the cure, so if the perps can kill her and Brian they could make millions using her data. Mya takes refuge with her ex, high school sweetheart and Security Specialist Gideon Wright, but police detective Kamal suspects Mya of foul play, questioning her as if she were the cause of the fire and the murders, but releases her. After Brian is killed Kamal tries to pin the fire and murders on Mya. Gideon and Mya set out to find the real culprits. Gideon hides her from Kamal and protects her from being killed. Together they seek refuge with Mya’s old mentor not realizing all of the danger they are in. This is an interesting suspense novel and fun to read.
182 reviews21 followers
May 25, 2022
Disclaimer: The author sent me this book for unknown reasons. She even autographed it.

This was a good mystery. I wonder if the hero and heroine having a previous relationship is a recurring theme for this author. I liked the characters. I appreciate the hero keeping an open mind.
The heroine was smart and didn't complain about the physical toll of running for her life. She did have an upsetting habit of forcing the hero to let her join him when he was doing something dangerous and/or illegal. After reading the second book in the series, I wished to learn more about the two oldest West brothers. Surprise! They were both in this story. I hope they and Tessa get their own books in the future.
Profile Image for Shanae.
681 reviews18 followers
January 14, 2024
Wow! Christmas Data Breach by KD Richards is my first romantic suspense. I didn't even know these two genres could ever meet. With parallel stories going, Richards had me on the edge of my proverbial seat with the twists and turns in this second chance romantic suspense. I also love the way everything came together in the end for both aspects of the story! Mya Rochon and Gideon Wright are enjoyable characters. I also really enjoyed Susan Spain as the narrator...so much so that I'm going to listen to the rest of the West Investigations series.

Spice: 🥵

Content Warnings:
Moderate: Gun violence, Cursing, Death, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Stalking, Kidnapping, Sexual content, and Fire/Fire injury
Profile Image for Maddie.
Author 2 books14 followers
December 2, 2025
This was like Die Hard, if John McClain spent 70% of the movie yearning for Holly rather than cutting his feet on glass. Also it's not very Christmas-y. It really is only Christmas in name alone and, like, maybe two references to the time. But other than that, it's not the worst little read. It's incredibly fast paced, gets a bit boring in the middle, and I actually really enjoyed the action. The mystery is pretty easy to figure out, but there's a couple good twists. Mya is pretty clever, but I did also get annoyed with Gideon's alpha male vibes (as did Mya so that's fine lol). There are worse reads out there.
156 reviews
November 25, 2021
This third book in the West Series was just as good as the first two although I would rank this one second to the first book in the series. I'm glad I finally got to find out why Gideon was called the ice man. Love that Mya and Gideon got their second chance at love and the ending was perfect and romantic. Irwin and his son Adam were looney. If you want non-stop action a shootout all the chaos you can take run and pick up Christmas Data Breach you want, be disappointed. Can't wait for James's story!!!
Profile Image for Penny Knowlton.
34 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2022
Brilliant cancer researcher Mya Rochon is nearing completion of a treatment but someone is trying to steal her research. She runs to the only one she trusts, her ex-husband Gideon Wright. Can he protect her and her valuable information? Can they find their way back to each other?

Very interesting read. Mya and Gideon are intelligent, courageous people trying to survive an enemy they can't identify.

Profile Image for Christine.
78 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2023
I enjoyed the story and I liked the introduction to the oldest West brother. My only pet peeve is that the cover model for the first book was also used for this book and I am pretty sure that Ryan West and Gideon Wright are identical twins. There has to be somebody at Harlequin Books who is paying attention to the deals. This doesn't affect the story, it was just my observation.
Profile Image for Laura.
274 reviews
November 29, 2023
I'm enjoying this series. Despite the terrible crimes, in this whodunit series, they are relatively light so I can read them at night. The heroine's are intellegent & capable women who ask for help and communicate... mostly. The absence of the traditionally drawn out character arcs are why it is such a quick read.
Profile Image for Katie B.
5 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2022
The story is what I expect from a Harlequin Intrigue. What I did find strange was the lack of Christmas in a book titled Christmas Data Breach. If you are looking for a Christmas romance, this is not it.
Profile Image for Erin.
72 reviews
December 31, 2022
I liked the story and the suspense but I did not like that the hero was an ex husband. I prefer fresh meat to second chance romance. I kept re-writing it in my head. It would be been cute if it was a guy she had a crush on when she was younger but didn’t have an actual relationship with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
88 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2023
Gideon and Maya were married twelve years ago but when someone tries to kidnap her, he’s the one she goes to for help. Their are some surprises at the end.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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