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Gauge
A forbidden romance years in the making…
FBI agent-turned-mercenary Duke “Gauge” Osborne doesn’t hesitate to jump in front of a bullet when a mafia solider comes gunning for his Bang Shift teammate, but even in death he can’t escape thoughts of the woman he broke all his rules for. He’s hardly seen her since he was forced to break her heart all those years ago, so when he wakes up in agony at the hospital, he’s shocked to find her by his side.
Special Agent Viola Lane has avoided Gauge for years—since the night he’d dumped her after taking her virginity. Gauge left her devastated, but she pulled up her big girl panties and moved on. Married, divorced, and now talking to a new man, she’s determined to find her happily ever after. When her team learns Gauge has been shot, she rushes to his bedside. He’s an assignment, nothing more, which is why she agrees to temporarily move in with him after he gets released. A mistake, she quickly learns, as unresolved feelings come roaring back to life.
With Viola back in his sights, Gauge won’t miss his shot. He’ll do whatever it takes to win her back …except tell her the truth.
Old enemies. Unexpected allies. First loves. Everything changes when the threats lurking in the shadow finally come to light.
***A steamy contemporary, full-length romantic suspense, featuring mercenaries and the mafia. ***
FBI agent-turned-mercenary Duke “Gauge” Osborne doesn’t hesitate to jump in front of a bullet when a mafia solider comes gunning for his Bang Shift teammate, but even in death he can’t escape thoughts of the woman he broke all his rules for. He’s hardly seen her since he was forced to break her heart all those years ago, so when he wakes up in agony at the hospital, he’s shocked to find her by his side.
Special Agent Viola Lane has avoided Gauge for years—since the night he’d dumped her after taking her virginity. Gauge left her devastated, but she pulled up her big girl panties and moved on. Married, divorced, and now talking to a new man, she’s determined to find her happily ever after. When her team learns Gauge has been shot, she rushes to his bedside. He’s an assignment, nothing more, which is why she agrees to temporarily move in with him after he gets released. A mistake, she quickly learns, as unresolved feelings come roaring back to life.
With Viola back in his sights, Gauge won’t miss his shot. He’ll do whatever it takes to win her back …except tell her the truth.
Old enemies. Unexpected allies. First loves. Everything changes when the threats lurking in the shadow finally come to light.
***A steamy contemporary, full-length romantic suspense, featuring mercenaries and the mafia. ***
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2022
7 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Harbin
53 books296 followersMandy Harbin is a USA Today Best‐selling author who loves creating stories that explore the complexities of everyday relationships...with some kissing thrown in. She also writes young adult romance as M.W. Muse because teens like kissing, too.
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The Bang Shift Series
Tender Tarts
Woods Family Series
Join Mandy's newsletter and get a FREE book ➜ mandyharbin.com/newsletter
Find her online at:
Bookbub ➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mandy...
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/Author.Mandy...
Instagram ➜ @Mandy_Harbin https://www.instagram.com/mandy_harbin
Twitter ➜ @Mandy_Harbin twitter.com/Mandy_Harbin
The Bang Shift Series
Tender Tarts
Woods Family Series
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 23, 2022
This is the latest book in the Bang Shift series by Mandy Harbin and I have to say these books get better and better.
Duke ‘Gauge’ Osbourne is an FBI agent who works at the Bang Shift Garage. Viola is his colleague and they dated when they were in the FBI academy together.
Years later, Gauge is Single and Viola has been married and divorced. She is currently talking to another guy when Gauge gets shot. Her assignment is to find out who shot him but she also helps to look after him whilst he recovers.
With both of them still having feelings for the other, it doesn’t take long before they are trying to not admit to the other how they feel. And this works… for a while
And of course, there is secrets that get revealed and the action that comes from them working with the FBI that I’ve come to love from this series
After the epilogue, Bear and Roxie’s story can’t come soon enough. I was wanting it after the first book, now I NEED it
Duke ‘Gauge’ Osbourne is an FBI agent who works at the Bang Shift Garage. Viola is his colleague and they dated when they were in the FBI academy together.
Years later, Gauge is Single and Viola has been married and divorced. She is currently talking to another guy when Gauge gets shot. Her assignment is to find out who shot him but she also helps to look after him whilst he recovers.
With both of them still having feelings for the other, it doesn’t take long before they are trying to not admit to the other how they feel. And this works… for a while
And of course, there is secrets that get revealed and the action that comes from them working with the FBI that I’ve come to love from this series
After the epilogue, Bear and Roxie’s story can’t come soon enough. I was wanting it after the first book, now I NEED it
March 22, 2022
I CANNOT believe that I finally found this series after so many books because this series is totally up my alley to be honest. Of course, I did end up reading all of them in the space of one weekend but I didn't do anything else & regret nothing LOL! Gauge fell in love with a girl while in the FBI academy despite the fact that it was against the rules, however, he did end up breaking her heart, and no other woman has even come close to it. The book starts out with him taking a bullet for someone on his team & it was bad, so he started thinking about the girl who got away as he floated away. Little did he know that she would show up. Special Agent Viola Lane never got over Gauge, but did her best to make sure she never came close to him again, to the point that she ended up getting married & it didn't end well. The moment she learned he was shot, she was sent out there to help with the investigation, but she would have gone anyway. Now these two are in a house together as they try to figure out the who & the why, but their past is coming up despite the fact they're both trying to leave it alone. They still have the same chemistry if not stronger, so it was only a matter of time before they wouldn't be able to deny it any longer. Oh, and there's still the bad guys that need to be found as the danger is stalking all of them. This was an edge of my seat story that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
March 11, 2022
Duke aka Gauge, loves his job and he'll even deign to admit he likes his colleagues, lol. He much prefers the Bang Shift way over the FBI - way fewer rules and red tape. But after he and Viola bumped into each other again after so many years, he finds himself playing the "what if" game. But he's about to get another bite at the Viola Cherry - pity he has to get shot first!
Viola will admit that Gauge is a hero for saving a teammate but he is not worming his way past her defences this time. It took too long to recover from him the first time around. But she's in his house, working with him to recover his memories and he is just so deliciously Gauge.
I felt so sad that Gauge and Viola got ripped apart. Family expectations with a slice of miscommunication put paid to their explosive but very new relationship. The passion still burns hotly between them though, no matter the intervening time.
There is plenty to keep occupied and many threads to untangle. Not least of which is the very grey area/morally grey character of Luc! Now if we could only sort out Bear and his lady love.
Viola will admit that Gauge is a hero for saving a teammate but he is not worming his way past her defences this time. It took too long to recover from him the first time around. But she's in his house, working with him to recover his memories and he is just so deliciously Gauge.
I felt so sad that Gauge and Viola got ripped apart. Family expectations with a slice of miscommunication put paid to their explosive but very new relationship. The passion still burns hotly between them though, no matter the intervening time.
There is plenty to keep occupied and many threads to untangle. Not least of which is the very grey area/morally grey character of Luc! Now if we could only sort out Bear and his lady love.
March 28, 2022
This is book seven in The Bang Shift series and it is Gauge and Viola's story. Gauge and Viola have history as they met while in the academy and they fell in love only for Gauge to break Viola's heart. When Gauge is shot and in hospital he starts thinking again about the woman he let get away and never stopped loving or got over her only to wake up and find Viola there as she has been sent to find out what happened and also figure out who shot Gauge and why. The chemistry between Gauge and Viola is just as strong and intense as it used to be and the more time that they spend together the harder it will be to deny how they still feel about each other but danger is just around the corner waiting to strike but will they both get out alive and get a second chance of being together and having a happy ending. Omg I absolutely loved this book as it was so addictive and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next and I can't wait to read more books in this series.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
March 21, 2022
This is the seventh book in this incredible series and is Gauge and Viola’s journey. Gauge was an FBI agent turned mercenary, and he is shot when he stands in front of a teammate, but when he wakes in hospital the girl whose heart, he broke years previously is by his side. Viola is a special agent and she and her team are sent to assist the Bang Shift team. Viola has managed to avoid Gauge for years, and she now moves in with him temporarily when he is released from hospital. Viola is determined to keep things at business level, while Gauge is determined to convince her to take a second chance on them being together. This is a well written story which has undeniable chemistry, passion, intrigue, danger, suspense, secrets, family, friendships, loyalty, miscommunication, and is an intense and all-consuming page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
April 7, 2022
Second chance story between Gauge and Viola. They met years before but they drifted away in their jobs. They happen to meet again when Gauge when he's shot by an assassin. When he wakes up in the hospital Viola is there guarding Gauge while he recovers. Their enforced time together brings back all their feelings. Love the characters and their relationship as Viola tries to deny her love for Gauge. There is passion, intrigue, danger, secrets, drama, miscommunication, suspense, and love. Do they find the assassin before he strikes again? Will their love be strong enough this time around? Love the story. This is the first book I've read by this author and I plan on checking out the rest of this series. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2022
Title: Gauge
Author: Mandy Harbin
Format: ebook
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Small Town, Black Ops, second chance , FBI, Mafia
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series:,The Bang Shift book 7
POV: Gauge, Viola (mostly)
Steam Level: slow burn to steamy
5/5
Gauge is the seventh book in the Bang Shift series. While it’s a standalone I’d recommend reading this series in order. Mandy Harbin is ramping us the tension and weaving together events from previous books to make this series even more epic. Unlikely allies make another appearance and that epilogue/sneak pen into the next book is insane. Mandy Harbin is quickly becoming an author I want to binge read everything she’s written/published. I love that we finally find out the history between Gauge and Viola And we find out Gauge’s real name.
I received this book for free. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Author: Mandy Harbin
Format: ebook
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Small Town, Black Ops, second chance , FBI, Mafia
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series:,The Bang Shift book 7
POV: Gauge, Viola (mostly)
Steam Level: slow burn to steamy
5/5
Gauge is the seventh book in the Bang Shift series. While it’s a standalone I’d recommend reading this series in order. Mandy Harbin is ramping us the tension and weaving together events from previous books to make this series even more epic. Unlikely allies make another appearance and that epilogue/sneak pen into the next book is insane. Mandy Harbin is quickly becoming an author I want to binge read everything she’s written/published. I love that we finally find out the history between Gauge and Viola And we find out Gauge’s real name.
I received this book for free. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 11, 2022
Gauge & Viola
They had a past. One neither could forget no matter how hard they had tried. Meeting at an associate's wife's party they see each other for the first time in years. Memories. Later, as was shown at the end of the previous book, Roc, we know Gauge is shot by an assassin. Viola is sent with others in her team to help out the Bang Shift. Her "help" turns out to be guarding Gauge as he recovers.
Will forced time together renew their feelings? Their possible future? Or will the escaped assassin succeed? There are secrets revealed, enemies discovered, families united or split. The characters are strong and finding their secrets and backgrounds add intrigue and interest to the story.
Reviewed for Words Turn me On
They had a past. One neither could forget no matter how hard they had tried. Meeting at an associate's wife's party they see each other for the first time in years. Memories. Later, as was shown at the end of the previous book, Roc, we know Gauge is shot by an assassin. Viola is sent with others in her team to help out the Bang Shift. Her "help" turns out to be guarding Gauge as he recovers.
Will forced time together renew their feelings? Their possible future? Or will the escaped assassin succeed? There are secrets revealed, enemies discovered, families united or split. The characters are strong and finding their secrets and backgrounds add intrigue and interest to the story.
Reviewed for Words Turn me On
April 3, 2022
This is an intense second chance story that take you on journey of danger, emotions, passion and love.
Gauge and Viola's story begins when the meet at the academy, soon after giving themselves to each other Gauge breaks things off. Years later they were always on each others mind.
When Gauge gets shot, it is Viola's team is sent to help investigate. As they dig into the secret, danger lurks, passion heats up and feeling come out from the depts they have been hidden.
This is a story that will pull you in, take you on ride as you turn each page as Gauge and Viola find their way to each other. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gauge and Viola's story begins when the meet at the academy, soon after giving themselves to each other Gauge breaks things off. Years later they were always on each others mind.
When Gauge gets shot, it is Viola's team is sent to help investigate. As they dig into the secret, danger lurks, passion heats up and feeling come out from the depts they have been hidden.
This is a story that will pull you in, take you on ride as you turn each page as Gauge and Viola find their way to each other. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2022
Gauge was Viola's first love. Their breakup was abrupt and they both moved on. Years later when he's almost killed, it's her job to take care of him. But is their time together more than just business? Is it an opportunity for another chance at love? I like this story! It's a suspenseful, action packed, simmer to passionate romance. The main characters are strong, likable and heroic. Great supporting cast of friends, family and enemies. Good plot with realistic dialogue and descriptive details. This is book 7, can be read as a standalone but reading the other books will give more background on the other characters. I will be looking for the next story featuring Bear.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
This is the 7th book in the Bang Shift series, this is a second chance at romance and happiness and it is Gauge and Viola's story. They first met while in the academy and they fell in love only for Gauge to walk away and break Viola's heart. They meet again when Gauge is shot and is in hospital only to wake up and find Viola there, she's been sent to find out what happened and also who shot Gauge and why. Their chemistry is still as strong and intense as it was, and the more time that they spend together the harder it is to deny their feelings. But danger is there! Will they both get out alive and get their second chance? .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2022
Gauge even near death couldn't forget the woman who he broke, Viola. When he gets shots news travels fast and soon Viola is tasked with helping him, butbwoth a second chance for Gauge to fix what he did will Viola give him the chance? Will he tell her the truth of what happened all those years ago. Well written steamy angst second chance romance with desires action and more!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2022
Wow. This book had everything I wanted. We also got to know Gauge more. We also find out what happened after Roc. I couldn't put book down once started.
I loved Gauge and Viola together, they have a past, but thrown back together after what happened end of Roc. They fight their attraction because of their past. But it all comes to ahead when past secrets come out.
I can't wait for more.
I loved Gauge and Viola together, they have a past, but thrown back together after what happened end of Roc. They fight their attraction because of their past. But it all comes to ahead when past secrets come out.
I can't wait for more.
October 5, 2022
4.5*
another riveting addition to this highly additive series of books, plenty of action, suspense, steamy heat and frustration in wanting these two back together for me to keep turning the pages. Now onto the last book - Bear - looking forward to reading the last book and already know this whole series will be added to my re-reading list to enjoy them all over again in the future!
another riveting addition to this highly additive series of books, plenty of action, suspense, steamy heat and frustration in wanting these two back together for me to keep turning the pages. Now onto the last book - Bear - looking forward to reading the last book and already know this whole series will be added to my re-reading list to enjoy them all over again in the future!
January 4, 2024
GAUGE: A Second Chance Mercenary Romance (The Bang Shift Mercenaries Book 7)
Loved this book too as I have loved all the books in this series. Gauge and Vi have a history going back to their early academy days when Gauge had inexplicably stopped their budding romance after taking Vi’s v card. Many years later the pain and attraction is still there. Gauge had very good reasons that he could not reveal to Vi and still refused to do. The complications in their story are many and unravelling the truth makes for a book you don’t want to put down! I am onto read Bear, the last story in the Bang Shift series which is bitter sweet because I don’t want the series to end!
Loved this book too as I have loved all the books in this series. Gauge and Vi have a history going back to their early academy days when Gauge had inexplicably stopped their budding romance after taking Vi’s v card. Many years later the pain and attraction is still there. Gauge had very good reasons that he could not reveal to Vi and still refused to do. The complications in their story are many and unravelling the truth makes for a book you don’t want to put down! I am onto read Bear, the last story in the Bang Shift series which is bitter sweet because I don’t want the series to end!
February 24, 2023
great series
I love the bang shift books! Can’t wait to read the last one. Recommend they will not disappoint. Gauge and Viola story will keep you wanting to read more.
I love the bang shift books! Can’t wait to read the last one. Recommend they will not disappoint. Gauge and Viola story will keep you wanting to read more.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews