Crushed

Harper Security Ops #6

by A.K. Evans

What’s the price of survival?

Sawyer McKinney didn’t want to come back. It wasn’t like anyone wanted to see her ever again anyway.

But this was about life or death, and that meant there was only one place she could go.

If Jesse Hale never saw Sawyer again, it would be too soon. After all the devastation she left behind years ago, he can’t imagine why she’d ever show her face again.

When Jesse learns that Sawyer needs personal protection, he has a choice to make. Either turn her away and never forgive himself if something happens to her or risk his heart and keep her safe.

Just as Jesse agrees to help her, Sawyer decides that the price is too high. She’d rather be dead than be crushed by Jesse’s combat boots again.

Genres: Second Chance Romance, Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Small Town Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary

250 pages, ebook

Published January 10, 2023

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A.K. Evans is a contemporary romance author of over twenty published novels. While she enjoys writing a good romantic suspense novel, Andrea’s favorite books to write have been her extreme sports romances. That might have something to do with the fact that she, along with her husband and two sons, can’t get enough of extreme sports.

Before becoming a writer, Andrea did a brief stint in the insurance and financial services industry and managed her husband’s performance automotive business. That love of extreme sports? She used to drive race cars!

When Andrea isn’t writing, she can be found homeschooling her two sons, doing yoga, snowboarding, reading, or traveling with her family. She and her husband are currently taking road trips throughout the country to visit all 50 states with their boys.

Reviews

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review has taken more than a few days to be written, I loved Crushed, and it is probably my favorite in the series so far. Sawyer made promises to her dad the last time she saw him but could not live up to them. Reckless decisions cause Sawyer to flee.

Jesse is the one left behind and heartbroken. A decade later, Sawyer has returned and asked Jesse for help. There is so much hurt, and trust is shattered, but the chemistry is still there. Will Jesse and Sawyer get a second chance? Can Jesse and the team at Harper Security protect her from the danger that is lurking?

This series is addictive; the storylines and characters are begging to be read and hold your attention. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her father is killed in action while she was a teenager, Sawyer became determined to live a brave and courageous life because of the promise she made to him the last time she saw her dad. She became a bold risk taker, often pulling her best friends into her plans. But when a day turns unexpectedly tragic, Sawyer flees her hometown because she can’t stand to live with the survivor’s guilt . . .especially when she found out the boy she loved blamed her for what happened.

Devastated when she left town and changed her number, Jesse never wanted to see Sawyer again. But, when she shows up back in their hometown twelve years later, he is forced to make a choice. Preserve his heart or protect the woman who left him reeling all of those years ago.

But, with so much hurt, miscommunication and baggage between them, is it enough to even be friends let alone think about resuming what they once hoped to have? And, will the danger that sent her packing find Sawyer in their small town?

Crushed gives Jesse and Sawyer a second chance at romance as they are both forced to confront and sort through everything that happened all those years ago to disrupt their lives and pull them apart. They have spark from day one, but it’s a slow burn when they reconnect, because neither can trust what they are feeling isn’t one sided.

There is quite a bit of drama and angst in this book, both in their pasts and their present. At times, it feels a bit far fetched, but this is fiction, so be it. It has both sweet and spicy moments and a high level of heat, as this couple definitely heats up once they are on the same page again. Overall, it was a good read and solid addition to the Harper Security Ops series. 4 stars.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt Sawyer’s pain SO much in this one. She’s been through a lot. And I mean A. LOT. Friendships lost and never able to be recovered, first love lost in a painful manner, and now her boss wants to put all the blame for nefarious deeds on her head? Nope. She’s had enough and sure isn’t sticking around for that misery. So Sawyer does what she swore she’d never do. She returns home and tries to ask Jesse for help. But Jesse is a little less than receptive to hearing from Sawyer again and turns her down flat. And crushes her all over again. But maybe Jesse isn’t that young and dumb this time around because he can’t stop thinking about their conversation and just knows that he needs to see her again before she disappears. Again.

These two have quite the past and share the same pain. They had a chance, but thoughtless words and shared grief ruined it until Sawyer hits Jesse’s radar again. This time though, he’s not letting her leave. She has to communicate with him and prove that he’s lost any shot at making her his. And Sawyer’s surprise is almost laughable, but then we remember just what she’s been through, and it’s also tinged with melancholy. This woman has been through so much and it’s up to Jesse to prove to her just what they have ahead of them. Hopefully, nothing but greatness….as long as whatever or whoever is hunting Sawyer doesn’t catch her.

As always, we don’t have unnecessary drama. We have COMMUNICATION. And we have some serious heat. I absolutely adore Sawyer and Jesse together and can’t wait for whatever is next from this author because she always finds the perfect way to crack my heart a little before gluing it back together even better than before!

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars
Crushed had all of the elements that the other books in this series has; like suspense, romance, heart break and small town issues but it was very different too. As usual it focused on the leading couple, Jesse and Sawyer, but more on their personal life and there’s a reason for this as well.

Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride that literally tears your heart into pieces at times. My heart broke for Sawyer and everything she went through. I understood her anguish and why she was wary of going back to Steel Ridge, even if it was her home town and her mother still lived there. Sawyer had such spunk, to see it return was wonderful but also because it was through Jesse’s support.

Jesse and Sawyer certainly had a massive miscommunication issue that helped to waste twelve years that they could have spent together. However, I wonder if it would have worked out back then with tempers flared and guilt thrown around like mud pies? I liked both Jesse and Sawyer and really loved them as a couple, they certainly had great chemistry.

When things really heated up, action and drama wise, the suspense was enormous and I couldn’t scroll fast enough. I also enjoyed the terrific humour in the book, at times a tad sarcastic but still funny. This book was all about second chances and I can only recommend it to everybody to see for themselves.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crushed is the 6th book in the Harper Security Ops series by A.K. Evans, featuring Sawyer and Jesse in an emotional second chance suspenseful romance. Jesse and Sawyer met in high school and formed a deep friendship through conversation and letters that never progressed to romance due to the age difference and his military enlistment. When an epic tragedy occurs, the entire town blames Sawyer, and a painful exchange with Jesse convinces her that he feels the same, prompting Sawyer to flee the town with no plans to return. Many years later, she has found herself in danger, and returns home to ask Jesse for help, not knowing how he will react to seeing her. Will he help her? Can they get over their shared grief, miscommunications, and hurts from the past in order to nurture the feelings that they both had for one another before the great tragedy happened?

This was the first book I’ve read in this series, and while the characters allude to their own crazy journeys, making it clear that I’m missing some backstory context, I do not feel that it interfered with my understanding or enjoyment of this book at all! The world building was excellent, not just in imagery, but especially the character development. The more I got to the know the rest of the men and women from Harper Security and their significant others, the more I was sucked into their family-like bond. I definitely will be going back and reading the rest of the books later, just because I like them all so much! In this book, the emotions were so authentic and raw, bringing tears to my eyes from early on. Thankfully, though, there wasn’t time to wallow in the emotion, because the book was fast-paced, with plenty of witty banter, drama, twists, action, and so much sizzling chemistry! I can’t wait to see what happens next! Now that I’ve found this author, I’m going to be along for the ride.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing New Read from the Phenomenal A.K. Evans
I’m speechless. Trying to find the words to express how much I loved A.K. Evans’s “Crushed” is proving to be extremely difficult. I’m a huge fan of this woman’s amazing talent. Anyone who regularly reads my reviews knows this. The latest in the Harper Security series though…just WOW! Jesse and Sawyer are now my favorite couple (but let’s be honest - that will probably change with the next Evans release because I tend to love EVERYTHING she does). From their long history and heartbreaking backstory to their super hot reunion, this romance is absolute perfection. “Crushed” has it all: sexy chemistry, characters we can connect to, and every one of those feels. This was absolutely one of those page-turning, single sitting, well into the wee hours of the morning reads, and I am anxiously awaiting the next A.K. Evans masterpiece. Every star imaginable!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a decade earlier a devastating tragedy left Sawyer filled with guilt and regret and believing that the best thing she could do was to leave her hometown and the man she loved behind. When the life she created comes crashing down she goes to the one man she can trust but will he be willing to overlook the event that tore them apart?

Jesse felt betrayed not only by the event that happened but Sawyer’s actions afterwards. Having her suddenly reappear in his life was a surprise he didn’t see coming however despite the pain of the past turning his back on the only woman he has ever loved isn’t possible.

Sawyer and Jesse finally get their second chance however their journey is one of healing and forgiveness as well as romance and suspense.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Jesse and Sawyer's story.

I knew I was in for a fantastic read very quickly into this second chance story. It's one of my favorite things about this author's creativity: her ability to deliver an emotional and engaging story that sucks me in from the beginning and doesn't let me go until the end.
The first few chapters are downright heartbreaking.
I had no chance (at that point in the read) of putting this down until I finished it. Just a suggestion...plan your time accordingly. 😉

Sawyer's tragedy has unfortunate consequences to her life that separate her from everything she's known. It's just so emotional!

Sawyer faces dangers that Jesse (and the men of Harper Security Ops) are prepared to handle. Thankfully, she finds the strength to reach out to him for help. I appreciated the connection between these two and loved their chemistry.

While I really enjoyed the drama and journey to this couple's HEA (because Jesse is totally her hero!), I adore the women of the Harper Security Ops series.
Avalon, Liv, Mallory, Lily, and Tarryn are amazing - and it is great to be adding Sawyer to this group of strong women.

This author consistently provides engaging and original stories that allow me to easily connect with these characters. While the roller coaster ride of emotions in these stories is sometimes tough, I always close the read thoroughly entertained, and that's exactly what happened here. I will miss these characters, and I look forward to my next read in this series.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Jesse and Sawyer's story. Though I wished it was longer because their story is kind of insta-attraction and their relationship shift in a matter of seconds, no kidding. But I think that's what kept me engaged and captivated throughout too. I loved how they got their second chance even though they did not get to date the first time around.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

Crushed had all of the elements that the other books in this series have; like suspense, romance, heartbreak, and small-town issues but it was very different too. As usual, it focused on the leading couple, Jesse and Sawyer, but more on their personal lives and there’s a reason for this as well.

Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride that literally tears your heart into pieces at times. My heart broke for Sawyer and everything she went through. I understood her anguish and why she was wary of going back to Steel Ridge, even if it was her hometown and her mother still lived there. Sawyer had such spunk, to see it return was wonderful but also because it was through Jesse’s support.

Jesse and Sawyer certainly had a massive miscommunication issue that helped to waste twelve years that they could have spent together. However, I wonder if it would have worked out back then with tempers flared and guilt thrown around like mud pies? I liked both Jesse and Sawyer and really loved them as a couple, they certainly had great chemistry.

When things really heated up, action and drama-wise, the suspense was enormous and I couldn’t scroll fast enough. I also enjoyed the terrific humor in the book, at times a tad sarcastic but still funny. This book was all about second chances and I can only recommend it to everybody to see for themselves.

Yet again, this series keeps on giving. This book is exactly like all the others, but this has a little something more. This book, like the rest, focuses mainly on the main characters, but as always, the others appear. The drama and suspense in this book again are off the charts. I found I was holding my breath and sitting on the edge of my seat.

I really loved Jesse and Sawyer, but the miscommunication between them is so frustrating at times. Had they just listened, maybe 12 years would not have been wasted. But reading this second chance romance, I feel that everything had to happen the way it did for them to find forever.

This book needs to be read firsthand, go in blind, with an open mind, and be ready for the rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. After the book finished, I was exhausted from my emotions being hit from every side. I cried and laughed whilst reading, which is a great mix. This book is a huge recommendation for me. And like I said, this series just keeps getting better.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luck had never been on Sawyer's side and she was used to it by now, but she wished the hits would stop coming. She was walking into work for the last time...she had worked as a bartender in a Maryland strip club for close to 5 years and she was told two nights ago not to come in because it had been shut down. Evidently, it had been raided and several employees, including her boss, had been arrested for hiring minors.

She stopped by to get her few belongings and then overhears her boss's wife speaking to another bartender saying that she was the blame. WTF? She hadn't even been there and had no idea there were underage employees, but evidently the man who had been showing up at the bar for the last few weeks was a detective. She should have known better than to think she was more interesting than the naked women around him.

She was getting ready to step forward and correct them when she hears Adriana say that Sawyer was a liability and she couldn't risk her finding out what was really going on at the club and she was going to hire someone to get rid of her. She left as fast as she could, packed everything that was important to her, got in her car and hit the road. It was time to go home and face her demons.

Twelve years ago she lost everything and the one person who could help her hated her.

I loved this story! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. BE PREPARED TO CRY!!! I cried so much while reading this story...ugly cried. Sawyer's tragic past broke my heart.

This story is action-packed from cover to cover, full of suspense and smoking-hot chemistry. AK Evans wrote an amazing second-change romance and I can't recommend this book enough, but have those Kleenex handy!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse and Sawyer have a history, but when Sawyer returns to her hometown looking for Jesse and protection will their past prevent him from helping her?

Sawyer moved to Maryland and stayed away from her hometown for twelve years after a tragedy and bullying took place. She needed a fresh start and thought she was good with her choice and where she was, until she wasn’t. Now with a threat hanging over her head and thoughts of her past problems, she runs back home to the one man that she knows can protect her and keep her safe, but will their history prevent that form happening?

Jesse is in a good place; he loves his job with Harper Security Ops, and he has great friends. He steers away from relationships because his heart has only belonged to one woman, but she left him and broke it twelve years ago. When he walks out of the office into the parking lot and sees that woman standing there looking at him, he’s at a loss for words and the past hurt rears its ugly head. Will he let her walk away again, or will he figure out why she left and why she returned, will he protect her and keep her safe?

These stories keep getting better with each character and their soul mates. I love the suspense, the heat, and the characters in these stories. Crushed is no exception. Jesse and Sawyer have to work through the past and open up to each other if they want to move on, or if Jesse will be able to keep Sawyer safe. The story is tragic and haunting, but it’s a great story. I laughed at parts, and I wanted to cry at parts, but ultimately, these two made me happy. I give the book a 5-star review and can’t wait for the next one in the series.

[Jannreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crushed is the 6th book in A.K. Evan’s Harper Security Ops series. I have loved all the books in this series and this one was no different. This was another one day read for me as I could not put it down. I am pretty sure I have said this with several of her books in the past but I think Sawyer and Jesse are my new favorite couple of this series. Their story just had me so emotionally invested and rooting for them from the first chapter.

When an unthinkable tragedy happens Sawyer leaves town feeling overwhelming guilt and thinking everyone blames her. It’s bad enough that the town blames her but she can’t bear to be near Jesse with the thought of him hating her. Unfortunately she leaves not knowing how Jesse truly felt.

Years later when Sawyer needs help the first person she thinks of is Jesse. Coming back to the town she feels hates her was incredibly hard but seeing Jesse was even harder. They both feel a strong connection and spark towards each other but the pain of the past and guilt may just be too much for them to overcome. Miscommunication from the past would be an understatement but man is it worth the wait for them to finally work through it. This book was perfect! A second chance, friends to lovers with some good suspense and incredibly sexy scenes, it could not have been better.

This book is a definite 5 star read. I can’t wait for more books in this series to be released! Love them all!

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Security Ops series is one series that I have loved since book one and Crushed so far is my favourite. The storyline was gripping and one that keeps your interest from the first chapter to the last one. Ms. Evans gives is an emotional story of a girl, Sawyer, who suffered a tragic loss when she was a teen and returns back home after twelve years. Why now? Well, she believes her life is in danger and the one person that could possibly help her is the one person she believes has hated her for the twelve years she was away. Jesse, the boy who was part of her history, a high school crush but lost his friendship when she suffered a huge loss, is the only one that can help her. Why Jesse? He works for Harper Security and had the training to help her. Did Sawyer have the wrong thoughts about how Jesse felt all those years ago? Will Jesse be able to help her? Will he be able to find the person or people who are after Sawyer? When walls come down and truths are told the chemistry between the two of them is off the charts. Sawyer and Jesse are truly two people who help one another in more ways than one.

Ms. Evans always writes a story that has you feeling the emotions that the characters feel and what they are living through. I highly recommend picking up Crushed and thoroughly enjoy this suspense-filled romance.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in this series. They are standalone books. That being said I think they are better read in order. Sawyer and Jesse fell for each other a long time ago when they were just kids. Too young for anything to really happen. Then a tragedy stuck. Sawyer lost three friends and Jesse lost a cousin. Now twelve years later Sawyer shows up in the parking lot of Harper Security Ops asking Jesse for help. Will what happened in the past stop Jesse from helping Sawyer? Can Jesse and Sawyer finally clear the air and have a chance together? Or will whatever or whoever Sawyer is running from get her first? This book was a great read. There is a lot of misunderstandings standing between Sawyer and Jesse. But after thinking about it Jesse isn’t going to let this second chance with Sawyer slip through his fingers. So much happened that he didn’t know about. They have lost so much time because of misunderstandings. Now Jesse just needs to figure out who is after Sawyer. I really like this series. There are two books in the series I haven’t read and they are on my TBR list. I can’t wait for the next book. Great job A.K. Evans. These characters are fantastic. Their woman have been through horrible things and have just come out stronger. I love that the ladies are wilting flowers waiting to be saved. I can’t recommend this series enough.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY EMOTIONAL HELL! I LOVE this series so much because not only does A.K. Evans write great suspense plots, but the emotional aspect of the story tends to choke me up, and Crushed was absolutely no exception. I wanted to hug our heroine, Sawyer, so much as she's really been through it in life after a tragedy had her leaving her home & mother for years. She's been working at a strip club as a bartender for a cool minute until it gets closed down, and everyone thinks it's her fault. If that's not bad enough, the owner's wife wants her killed so she goes home to get some help to keep her alive. Jesse is former military who works for Harper Security Ops these days, and it just so happens that Sawyer & Jesse have a past so she asks him for help, however, he doesn't even give her a chance to tell him why since she broke his heart so long ago when she skipped town, and she feels like he hates her stemming from that past so you already know this will be complicated. Thankfully, this amazing author doesn't keep us on pins & needles for long as Jesse looks into her former workplace & decides to help her, and maybe just maybe this time they'll get happily ever after. Of course they have to keep her alive but while they're doing that, the sparks are flying & the sexy times are HOT! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series so much, and CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[Christi Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Second Chance At Life And Love

Title: Crushed
Author: A.K. Evans
Format: ebook
Genre: Romantic Suspense, bodyguard, small town, second chance
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: Harper Security Ops book 6
POV: Sawyer, Jesse
Steam Level: Slow burn to steamy
4/5

After a tragedy causes Sawyer to leave town she returns after she overhears a conversation placing her life at risk. She returns home hoping the one person she left behind is the one person she can count on to help.

After their meeting doesn’t go as planned Sawyer is devastated but determined. Jesse, former military, current bodyguard can’t get their encounter out of his head. He’s determined to help. If she’s let him.

I loved Sawyer and Jesse. Their relationship is built on communication while they learn to trust each other again. I love Sawyer’s lust for life and Jesse’s support of her goals to Lu e life to the fullest.

Crushed is a great addition to a fun romantic suspense series. Each book
And couple is unique. The women are strong and survivors while the men are protective and supportive. I love this mix and Sawyer and Jesse are a great addition to the couples in this series. I like that we continue to see the previous couples’ HEAs without spoiling their stories. I started this series with book 7 and have now read all of them.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet again, this series keeps on giving. This book is exactly like all the others, but this has a little something more. This book, like the rest, focuses mainly on the main characters, but as always, the others appear. The drama and suspense in this book again are off the charts. I found I was holding my breath and sitting on the edge of my seat.

I really loved Jesse and Sawyer, but the miscommunication between them is so frustrating at times. Had they just listened, maybe 12 years would not have been wasted. But reading this second chance romance, I feel that everything had to happen the way it did for them to find forever.

This book needs to be read first hand, go in blind, with an open mind, and be ready for the rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. After the book finished, I was exhausted from my emotions being hit from every side. I cried and laughed whilst reading, which is a great mix. This book is a huge recommend from me. And like I said, this series just keeps getting better.

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars


Crushed is the sixth in the Harper Security Ops series and while each book follows interconnected characters, they can all be read as standalones.

Jesse and Sawyer have been friends since their teenage years and each harbored a crush without the other realizing it. Before they can get started, a tragic event separates them. Sawyer flees her hometown in the wake of the tragedy believing everyone, especially Jesse hates her. She spends years barely making ends meet and working as a bartender, while Jesse joins Harper Security. When fate kicks Sawyer in the teeth again, she has to go home to get help from the one person she never thought she could face again.

This book was so sad and lonely in the beginning. My heart just broke for Sawyer and the reason she ends up alone. I cannot imagine losing everything in one fell swoop like that. I loved Jesse and how much he loves Sawyer. As usual, the guys and gals of Harper Security make me swoon. Great read.

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crushed (Harper security Ops 6)

This is the author's sixth book in this series by this author, and what a fantastic story this is. This is the story of Sawyer and Jesse; these two characters have a second-chance romance. This story is full of suspense, action, passion, and love. This is one hot and steamy read; the chemistry between these two characters is page-melting. This story will grip you from the first page and keep you reading long into the night. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride, so hold on. This is an amazing addition to this incredible series of books by this author, and they just keep getting better and better the more you read.

I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Release date - 10 Jan 2023
www.obsessedbookreviews.com

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer was a bit of a daredevil back in the day. She wasn't afraid to put everything on the line ... until the one time that risk taking nearly led to tragedy. But her leaving her risky past behind also meant leaving a broken-hearted Jesse behind.

Jesse loved Sawyer until she did the unforgiveable. He's left reeling when she come back into his life. Now he's the one with HER life in his hands. Can he leave the past where it belongs or will it continue to colour his present?

Miscommunication, emotional baggage, survivors guilt - there is a gamut of emotion in this book. I love a good second chance romance and this had all the things I love. The chemistry and attraction is still there and as hot as ever but it's also slow burn this time as neither of them are trusting the other so quickly this time around.

There was a bit of angst outside of their relationship which played into the storyline and it had a side of sweet with the spicy.

[Dimple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crushed is the sixth in the Harper Security Ops series and while each book follows interconnected characters, they can all be read as standalones.

Jesse and Sawyer have been friends since their teenage years and each harbored a crush without the other realizing it. Before they can get started, a tragic event separates them. Sawyer flees her hometown in the wake of the tragedy believing everyone, especially Jesse hates her. She spends years barely making ends meet and working as a bartender, while Jesse joins Harper Security. When fate kicks Sawyer in the teeth again, she has to go home to get help from the one person she never thought she could face again.

This book was so sad and lonely in the beginning. My heart just broke for Sawyer and the reason she ends up alone. I cannot imagine losing everything in one fell swoop like that. I loved Jesse and how much he loves Sawyer. As usual, the guys and gals of Harper Security make me swoon. Great read.

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review of Crushed by A.K. Evans
* * * * *
A sweet and steamy security romance with a second chance of first loves.

Sawyer suffered a horrific tragedy on the cusp of adulthood, everyone treating her as the villain for the events...including the man she loved.
Years later, her job comes to an odd grinding halt but it only gets bad when she overhears that her life is literally in danger.
She turns to one person.
Jesse.
Returning to the hetown that haunts her and hates her, she asks him for help.
First they need to get past what happened that day at the cemetery...and a major misunderstanding.
Jesse is not going to let her go again. He just got her back. After hearing her situation, he is going to be sure not only does she stay out of danger...but make sure she stays with him.

A fantastic read on a love that never truly died and how to forgive one's self.

[Jill Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

12 years ago life was turned upside down for Sawyer and Jesse. What turned out to be the worst week of her life was made worse when she thought that Jesse no longer wanted anything to do with her. Flash forward 12 years and Sawyer’s life is on the line and she knows that the person who can keep her safe is Jesse. That doesn’t mean that Jesse wants anything to do with Sawyer since she broke his heart by leaving. It takes a couple of days for him to realize that Sawyer really is in trouble and needs him. It takes them no time to get through the awkward why did you not want me/ why did you leave. They both were wrong but no communication was their problem. So as Sawyer settles into life with Jesse it is 🔥 after 🔥 after 🔥. Can’t blame them for trying to make up for 12 years, right?!? A.K. Evans always knows how to bring the 🥵🥵🥵 to a book. This one is no exception! Bravo A.K. Evans, bravo!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in the Harper Security Ops did not disappoint! Sawyer and Jesse met when they were younger. After some serious saddening events and some miscommunication Sawyer leaves town. When circumstances bring her back to Steel Ridge she goes to Jesse for help but some old wounds take longer to heal. Throughout the book you knew that Sawyer and Jesse were made for each other, they just have to find a way to heal from the past and communicate with each other before it's too late. I loved this book because it had a little bit of everything. The women of Harper Security Ops definitely have some bad luck but they welcome Sawyer into their mix and suddenly staying in Steel Ridge doesn't seem so bad. I can't wait til the next book in the series. You can read this book as a stand alone but you'd probably want to read the whole series for some background info, plus they are all great books.

[Jennifer Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't cry very often while reading books. I might feel emotional, but for literal tears to come, the book really has to mean something to me. Sawyer has been through so much. Her father was killed while on active duty, and then she had such a horrific and traumatic experience that she left town and never came back again (I'm not dropping spoilers here).

Jesse joined the military after high school but was crushed when Sawyer skipped town. When Sawyer needs help, she turns to Jesse's work, but he's not happy to see her. He doesn't realize she's only there because she's in trouble, nor does he realize why she left in the first place. His protective instincts kick in.

Absolutely loved this book. Andrea's writing always captivates me. Great read!

[Cathy Jackson]

OH my goodness, Crushed is one incredible, emotional journey that Sawyer and Jesse was on for over a decade!
Sawyer couldn’t stay where there was so much pain for her, so she left her mom and the man that she loved behind because she couldn’t stand the pain and anguish in what she thought she caused them.
Twelve years later and she shows up at Harper Security out of the blue, am I dreaming is the only thing that Jesse wondered. He was hurt and angry at seeing her and didn’t handle it very well. He was cruel and mean to her that day, how in the world will he ever get her to forgive him?
Jesse and Sawyer are definitely a second chance romance you don’t want to not hear! Gregory Salinas gives the Jesse vibe and does an incredible job as does Kit Swann as Sawyer!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed tissues for this book. It was an absolute fantastic read. I loved the entire book!

Sawyer and Jesse knew each other when they were teenagers. They were working in getting closer when tragedy struck. Sawyer quickly left town, and didn’t keep in touch with anyone from her home town. Years later, she found herself in a bad situation and needed they type of help Jesse could provide.

I loved this book! I definitely needed those tissues. This story was very well written. I read the whole book I one sitting because I could not put it down. This series is probably my favorite from AK Evans so far.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chances:
This was quite a simple, yet enjoyable little romance. However neither an active threat nor Harper Security Ops featured as prominently as in previous books with the focus this time being more on the relationship and issues from their past. I liked discovering Jesse and Sawyer's story and thought they made a cute couple. Yet I must admit I missed some of the suspense, danger and intrigue that I have come to expect with this series. I still look forward to seeing what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am crushed that Sawyer and Jesse's story has come to an end, this may be a romantic suspense, but boy does A.K. Evans throw all the emotions in this one, it is heartbreaking, it grips you from the start, and all you can do is hold on tight and hope this couple do get their happily ever after.

A young couple torn apart by tragedy and misunderstandings twelve years ago, before they even had a chance to be more than friends, are about to be reunited when Sawyer returns home seeking out the only man she hopes can help her when she finds herself on the run for her life, Jesse never thought he would ever see Sawyer again, and this couple doesn't get the best of starts, but there is no denying the chemistry and connection that they still have, can they finally put the tragic past behind them before the danger that is lurking, finally makes itself felt?