What do you think?
Rate this book
Evidence: Under Fire #2
Trust Me
Taken hostage by terrorists, an archaeologist must risk everything when a SEAL attempts to rescue her too soon…
Archaeologist Diana Edwards is on a mission to uncover the link between artifact trafficking and terrorism. Just when she’s making progress, she’s kidnapped and forced to work for the very people she’s trying to stop. The nightmare deepens when she discovers the man who arranged her abduction is a terrorist everyone believes to be dead. A team of SEALs is sent in to save her, forcing her to make an impossible choice if she wants to stop looted artifacts from being used to fund brutal attacks across the globe.
Navy SEAL Chris Flyte has one job to do, but the hostage won’t cooperate, endangering him and everyone on his team. After he completes the mission and Diana is safely on American soil, her story of abduction and being forced to dig becomes suspect. But when she shows up on his doorstep saying she’s seen one of her abductors, Chris has to wonder if the archaeologist is lying, or if a terrorist has followed her home.
Archaeologist Diana Edwards is on a mission to uncover the link between artifact trafficking and terrorism. Just when she’s making progress, she’s kidnapped and forced to work for the very people she’s trying to stop. The nightmare deepens when she discovers the man who arranged her abduction is a terrorist everyone believes to be dead. A team of SEALs is sent in to save her, forcing her to make an impossible choice if she wants to stop looted artifacts from being used to fund brutal attacks across the globe.
Navy SEAL Chris Flyte has one job to do, but the hostage won’t cooperate, endangering him and everyone on his team. After he completes the mission and Diana is safely on American soil, her story of abduction and being forced to dig becomes suspect. But when she shows up on his doorstep saying she’s seen one of her abductors, Chris has to wonder if the archaeologist is lying, or if a terrorist has followed her home.
504 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2023
142 people are currently reading
3619 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Grant
49 books1,630 followersCOMING SOON
AVAILABLE NOW:
USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant also writes thrillers as R.S. Grant. She worked for over a decade as a professional archaeologist and mines her experiences for storylines and settings, which are as diverse as excavating a cemetery underneath an historic art museum in San Francisco, survey and excavation of many prehistoric Native American sites in the Pacific Northwest, researching an historic concrete house in Virginia (inspiration for her debut novel, CONCRETE EVIDENCE), and mapping a seventeenth century Spanish and Dutch fort on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean (which provided inspiration for the island and fort described in CRASH SITE).
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her archaeologist husband and demanding cat.
AVAILABLE NOW:
USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant also writes thrillers as R.S. Grant. She worked for over a decade as a professional archaeologist and mines her experiences for storylines and settings, which are as diverse as excavating a cemetery underneath an historic art museum in San Francisco, survey and excavation of many prehistoric Native American sites in the Pacific Northwest, researching an historic concrete house in Virginia (inspiration for her debut novel, CONCRETE EVIDENCE), and mapping a seventeenth century Spanish and Dutch fort on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean (which provided inspiration for the island and fort described in CRASH SITE).
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her archaeologist husband and demanding cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
June 14, 2023
This book was exactly what I expected from a master of the genre. Gritty and relevant. Thought-provoking and sexy. An explosive Romantic Thriller!
June 12, 2023
I love Rachel Grant’s books! Her plots are creative, complicated, sexy and she writes the smartest heroines. I appreciate that they are smart career women with intelligence, courage, a strong sense of integrity and a bit inventive. This is truly a unique meet-cute and could have ended very badly. Both the hero and heroine had previous relationships that were tragic, but soon realize that the past has no hold on them or the out-of-control attraction they feel. Lots of characters from previous books support here and that was just so fun. This is another plot that really could really happen and that has its' basis in reality. It had me reading continuously to the end.
Diana Edwards is an archaeologist with a mission, and it isn't just the dig she is currently working on in Jordan. She is a part of a special group whose purpose is to disrupt the supply chain of antiquities whose theft and sale funds terrorism. She is terrified when kidnapped from an open market but sees a chance to make real progress in finding the leaders behind the artifact trafficking and shutting down the operation. She is depending on her subdermal tracker for rescue when the time comes.
Tracking the car that took her from the market, her rescuer is Navy SEAL Chris Flyte, but his timing is all wrong. Diana has met the man who had her taken and found information that will take down the traffickers, but no one will believe that a dead man kidnapped her without proof. So, Diana does the only thing she can do: she refuses to be rescued and mouths "Trust Me" to her rescuer. Chris is baffled that the hostage refused to be rescued. So, the team waits, and Diana is forced to do the terrorists bidding and loot a site in order to find the elusive leader.
When the time comes, and she activates her tracker her rescuer is again Navy SEAL Chris Flyte. On returning to the states, Diana finds her account of what happened is not believed and her choices have placed her in danger of being returned to Jordan and prosecuted. She needs a champion and reconnects with Chris who believes her but has questions. After seeing one of the terrorists who held her captive at a Metro stop, Diana and Chris decide she isn't safe in DC and that there is a larger network in place than they first thought. Just how deep the network goes and who is involved is a web they need to untangle in order for Diana to be safe again.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Diana Edwards is an archaeologist with a mission, and it isn't just the dig she is currently working on in Jordan. She is a part of a special group whose purpose is to disrupt the supply chain of antiquities whose theft and sale funds terrorism. She is terrified when kidnapped from an open market but sees a chance to make real progress in finding the leaders behind the artifact trafficking and shutting down the operation. She is depending on her subdermal tracker for rescue when the time comes.
Tracking the car that took her from the market, her rescuer is Navy SEAL Chris Flyte, but his timing is all wrong. Diana has met the man who had her taken and found information that will take down the traffickers, but no one will believe that a dead man kidnapped her without proof. So, Diana does the only thing she can do: she refuses to be rescued and mouths "Trust Me" to her rescuer. Chris is baffled that the hostage refused to be rescued. So, the team waits, and Diana is forced to do the terrorists bidding and loot a site in order to find the elusive leader.
When the time comes, and she activates her tracker her rescuer is again Navy SEAL Chris Flyte. On returning to the states, Diana finds her account of what happened is not believed and her choices have placed her in danger of being returned to Jordan and prosecuted. She needs a champion and reconnects with Chris who believes her but has questions. After seeing one of the terrorists who held her captive at a Metro stop, Diana and Chris decide she isn't safe in DC and that there is a larger network in place than they first thought. Just how deep the network goes and who is involved is a web they need to untangle in order for Diana to be safe again.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
June 17, 2023
Trust Me, the second installment in the Evidence: Under Fire series, has a powerful, realistic, dark plot that hit me hard in the feels and it made me think a lot.
When archaeologist Diana Edwards is abducted in Jordan US government sends his best men to her rescue. But when the Navy SEAL Chris Flyte arrives on the site he can't save the hostage because she follows the criminals. Has Diana betrayed her country? Or there's a real explanation behind her inexplicable actions?
Diana is a very smart, strong woman who has had some traumatic experiencies in her life. Chris is a loyal, brave man who was just back from an op where he and his team were ambushed.
They are perfect for each other, it seems like they found in each other some peace, comfort and security.
I've rooted for them since the beginning of their story. I've followed their tough journey with my heart in my throat for most of the time, but when they were together my heart was all warm and fuzzy.
Rachel Grant writing is really good, intriguing, suspenseful and sweet, but what I appreciate the most is her knowledge of the world of the archaeology.
I highly recommend to read this book, I loved everything about it and I can't wait to read the next one by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.
July 4, 2023
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
It's been forever since I've listened to an audiobook that hooked me on every aspect of the story... the romance, the suspense, the mystery and the political entanglement!
The author set a fast pace to the book, with lots of action, a couple with chemistry galore, seals and secret agents all over the place and so many interesting characters, that I'll be definitely checking on her backlist!
This book have a plot that I particularly, never read before, even though I really enjoy any military novels, it's my first time listening/reading about archeologists and ancient artifacts in war zones.
I loved how everything was told, and how real the flow of the story felt.
I was holding my breath in the end, and I absolutely loved Diana and Chris!
Highly recommend it!
🎧 About the Audiobook Narration 🎧
The narration was impeccable.
It's been forever since I've listened to an audiobook that hooked me on every aspect of the story... the romance, the suspense, the mystery and the political entanglement!
The author set a fast pace to the book, with lots of action, a couple with chemistry galore, seals and secret agents all over the place and so many interesting characters, that I'll be definitely checking on her backlist!
This book have a plot that I particularly, never read before, even though I really enjoy any military novels, it's my first time listening/reading about archeologists and ancient artifacts in war zones.
I loved how everything was told, and how real the flow of the story felt.
I was holding my breath in the end, and I absolutely loved Diana and Chris!
Highly recommend it!
🎧 About the Audiobook Narration 🎧
The narration was impeccable.
May 19, 2023
4.5 stars
OfficIally, Dr. Diana Edwards is working in Jordan on an archeological dig. Unofficially, she is covertly trying to track a line on artifacts being sold on the black market for the Friday Morning Valkyries, a group similar to the Monuments Men. Betrayed and kidnapped, Diana refuses to be rescued by the Navy Seals. Why? She’s determined to finish the job when she realizes the leader is a terrorist that should have been dead.
Navy Seal Christopher Flyte doesn’t know what to think when his target refuses to be rescued and voluntarily goes with her kidnappers. Once he understands the situation…let’s just say…it’s complicated. But meeting Diana again on their home turf, only to learn danger is still nipping at her heels, Christopher realizes complicated is what he does best.
Diana and Christopher’s tale was packed with history, headlines, smoldering romance, and some well-placed fighting action! It took me a bit to warm up to Diana and her tough choices and while I can’t say I loved her, I liked her by the end of the story. Christopher could have been tweaked a bit more with backstory, but with all the extra details, I think he was a good balance for Diana. There’s quite a few cameos plus a new couple introduced as well and I’m happily anticipating their book!
Great addition the the series!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
OfficIally, Dr. Diana Edwards is working in Jordan on an archeological dig. Unofficially, she is covertly trying to track a line on artifacts being sold on the black market for the Friday Morning Valkyries, a group similar to the Monuments Men. Betrayed and kidnapped, Diana refuses to be rescued by the Navy Seals. Why? She’s determined to finish the job when she realizes the leader is a terrorist that should have been dead.
Navy Seal Christopher Flyte doesn’t know what to think when his target refuses to be rescued and voluntarily goes with her kidnappers. Once he understands the situation…let’s just say…it’s complicated. But meeting Diana again on their home turf, only to learn danger is still nipping at her heels, Christopher realizes complicated is what he does best.
Diana and Christopher’s tale was packed with history, headlines, smoldering romance, and some well-placed fighting action! It took me a bit to warm up to Diana and her tough choices and while I can’t say I loved her, I liked her by the end of the story. Christopher could have been tweaked a bit more with backstory, but with all the extra details, I think he was a good balance for Diana. There’s quite a few cameos plus a new couple introduced as well and I’m happily anticipating their book!
Great addition the the series!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 15, 2023
Rachel Grant is one of my Top 5 go-to authors for romantic suspense, and her newest title, TRUST ME, is a prime example why. First, I say “romantic suspense,” because, for me, Grant’s titles are primarily a suspenseful, action-filled mystery with romance thrown in.
Read the book’s description for the best synopsis that doesn’t give away key plot points.
Diana Edwards is a strong woman who knows her mind and her personal convictions. She can think on her feet and makes quick decisions for very important reasons. Chris Flyte is a Navy SEAL working through his own personal demons. They are attracted to each other, but can they trust each other.
Grant designs a fascinating mystery that seamlessly moves from the Middle East to the United States. She uses her own knowledge of archaeology to create detailed adventures and mysteries in which every clue is present. Unpeeling the onion that is Grant’s plotting is the fun I have with every one of her titles.
If you like fast-paced action adventure, read TRUST ME, then head to your favorite bookseller or library to seek out Grant’s backlist titles.
Read the book’s description for the best synopsis that doesn’t give away key plot points.
Diana Edwards is a strong woman who knows her mind and her personal convictions. She can think on her feet and makes quick decisions for very important reasons. Chris Flyte is a Navy SEAL working through his own personal demons. They are attracted to each other, but can they trust each other.
Grant designs a fascinating mystery that seamlessly moves from the Middle East to the United States. She uses her own knowledge of archaeology to create detailed adventures and mysteries in which every clue is present. Unpeeling the onion that is Grant’s plotting is the fun I have with every one of her titles.
If you like fast-paced action adventure, read TRUST ME, then head to your favorite bookseller or library to seek out Grant’s backlist titles.
May 15, 2023
This book kept me reading way into the wee hours of the morning. A rollercoaster ride of excitement with so many twists and turns it was hard to put down. Grant pulled no punches with the main characters throughout the book; especially the heroine. Diana was put through the wringer time and again and was definitely no pushover. I loved her determination and will to survive no matter what and her willingness to put herself on the line to find the truth and get justice. I enjoyed the banter between Chris and Diana and their relationship growth – both flawed, finding their way, and willing to let the other see their own vulnerability all while building something great. This was a compelling story full of suspense, intrigue, drama, angst, secrets, deception, betrayal, kidnapping, action, and mystery with sweet romance moments and hot sexy times. Great book from start to finish!
September 16, 2024
"You´re determined to save me from stairs."
This is a four POV book, told by the POV´s of Diana, Chris, Rand and Kira. Diana´s and Chris´s POV´s frequent.
I really liked Diana as a FMC. She was smart, resourceful and brave. I loved the way she handled herself and she was a true badass, not fighting skilled wise but with the way her brain worked and how she was so skilled at doing what she does best. Chris was her perfect counterpart. More skilled in the fighter area, but also intelligent and quick on his feet.
Regarding side characters I really enjoyed Rand and Kira and I can´t wait to read Kira´s book next! I have to admit I am a bit sad that we didn´t get some glimpses of Xavier and Audrey. I loved Freya and Morgan tho, they seemed to be very strong and smart women as well. In general the women power in this book is very nice!
Plotwise I enjoyed the majority of the story, the pacing was alright overall and the book was mostly quick paced. Only the middle part got a bit slow for me but it picked back up during the end of the story. I´d say this is mostly thriller with a side of romance. Maybe like a 60/40 ratio. However you can still expect spicy scenes in here. The thriller part of it was very well done and I enjoyed the tension right at the beginning. The romance part of it was a bit more insta lovey I´d say. They fall for each other pretty quickly and instantly, and since I am a slow burn lover, it was fine but I would have enjoyed it more if there would have been a little bit more angst to it. Where I also deduct the star was the mental health rep, which wasn´t really there in my opinion. Diana should have suffered from some severe PTSD with what she went through and it was barely/almost not at all portrayed in the book.
Overall it was a good read that made me curious for the next book in the series!
trigger warnings: kidnapping, attempted rape (not caused by the love interest), death/murder, loss of loved ones, torture, terrorism
This is a four POV book, told by the POV´s of Diana, Chris, Rand and Kira. Diana´s and Chris´s POV´s frequent.
I really liked Diana as a FMC. She was smart, resourceful and brave. I loved the way she handled herself and she was a true badass, not fighting skilled wise but with the way her brain worked and how she was so skilled at doing what she does best. Chris was her perfect counterpart. More skilled in the fighter area, but also intelligent and quick on his feet.
Regarding side characters I really enjoyed Rand and Kira and I can´t wait to read Kira´s book next! I have to admit I am a bit sad that we didn´t get some glimpses of Xavier and Audrey. I loved Freya and Morgan tho, they seemed to be very strong and smart women as well. In general the women power in this book is very nice!
Plotwise I enjoyed the majority of the story, the pacing was alright overall and the book was mostly quick paced. Only the middle part got a bit slow for me but it picked back up during the end of the story. I´d say this is mostly thriller with a side of romance. Maybe like a 60/40 ratio. However you can still expect spicy scenes in here. The thriller part of it was very well done and I enjoyed the tension right at the beginning. The romance part of it was a bit more insta lovey I´d say. They fall for each other pretty quickly and instantly, and since I am a slow burn lover, it was fine but I would have enjoyed it more if there would have been a little bit more angst to it. Where I also deduct the star was the mental health rep, which wasn´t really there in my opinion. Diana should have suffered from some severe PTSD with what she went through and it was barely/almost not at all portrayed in the book.
Overall it was a good read that made me curious for the next book in the series!
trigger warnings: kidnapping, attempted rape (not caused by the love interest), death/murder, loss of loved ones, torture, terrorism
May 17, 2023
A surprise falling in love story wrapped in edge of your seat suspense.
Rachel Grant’s female leads always have so much inner strength and a fiery spirit and Diana Edwards is no exception. Her meet cute with Chris Flyte seems a nonstarter when she refuses to let him rescue her, but he doesn’t know her true mission. Twists and turns abound as government red tape, terrorists, and her own heart put Diana in dire circumstances. The storytelling is fast paced not allowing for distraction from this tale. Diana and Chris’s backstories endear them instantly while we root for their HEA sometimes it appears out of reach. Couldn’t put down this breathtaking read.
Rachel Grant’s female leads always have so much inner strength and a fiery spirit and Diana Edwards is no exception. Her meet cute with Chris Flyte seems a nonstarter when she refuses to let him rescue her, but he doesn’t know her true mission. Twists and turns abound as government red tape, terrorists, and her own heart put Diana in dire circumstances. The storytelling is fast paced not allowing for distraction from this tale. Diana and Chris’s backstories endear them instantly while we root for their HEA sometimes it appears out of reach. Couldn’t put down this breathtaking read.
May 24, 2023
The latest and greatest Rachel Grant novel is here, and it does not disappoint!
Trust Me centers around Chris and Diana’s story. She is an anthropologist on a special assignment in Jordan when she is kidnapped by terrorists trafficking artifacts looted from sites. Chris is one of the Navy SEALS sent to rescue her. On the first rescue attempt, Diana decides to basically botch the rescue attempt by mouthing to Chris to “trust me”. Confused by the failed rescue, he thinks about what when wrong all the while unable to keep the beautiful Diana off his mind.
The readers discover that Diana, who also works with an organization to stop the sale of stolen artifacts, made the decision not to be rescued because during her captivity, she came face to face with a man nicknamed as the Four of Diamonds – one of the world’s worst terrorists that the United States said died two years earlier. She believes if she can get proof that he is in fact alive, she can put a major dent in the trafficking of stolen artifacts. Once she was finally rescued – and the Four of Diamonds no where to be seen – most think she is making it up and they want to brush her story under the rug.
Rachel Grant always writes her female characters as strong, courageous, smart, and of course, beautiful. Diana is no different. She doesn’t need Navy SEAL Chris to rescue her as she pretty much rescued herself. Rachel Grant also always writes her male characters as a strong military man – usually in some from of Special Ops. And the research she puts into her novels always impresses me.
The chemistry between Chris and Diana is off the charts from the beginning. As a reader who knew they would get together, it didn’t feel forced. The sexy scenes were super-hot and I’m glad I was not reading some of them in public as it would have made me blush! There was just the right amount of sexy scenes too. I’ve read plenty of other romantic suspense novels where there is an overload of those scenes because the author hadn’t flushed out the characters enough or done enough research to get the suspense aspect of the novel right. This was not the case in Trust Me.
The suspense aspect of the novel was full of twist and turns. I love how, when there is a subject matter that I don’t quite understand (like archeology), she’s able to make it understandable and I’m able to see why there’s more to Diana’s passion than just stopping the looting of archeology sites for stealing the artifacts. I can understand why she choses not to be rescued during the SEALS first attempt and why she follows the trail once she’s stateside again.
This is a spoiler free review, so I won’t give away any specific details. The “bad guy” was not one of those jaw-dropping moments as we figure out who it/they are from the beginning. The climax at the end was everything I hoped it would be! I also loved how Rachel Grant tied in characters from other series of her novels into this one. And as always, we know who the main characters of her next novel will be. And I for one, can’t wait!
Trust Me centers around Chris and Diana’s story. She is an anthropologist on a special assignment in Jordan when she is kidnapped by terrorists trafficking artifacts looted from sites. Chris is one of the Navy SEALS sent to rescue her. On the first rescue attempt, Diana decides to basically botch the rescue attempt by mouthing to Chris to “trust me”. Confused by the failed rescue, he thinks about what when wrong all the while unable to keep the beautiful Diana off his mind.
The readers discover that Diana, who also works with an organization to stop the sale of stolen artifacts, made the decision not to be rescued because during her captivity, she came face to face with a man nicknamed as the Four of Diamonds – one of the world’s worst terrorists that the United States said died two years earlier. She believes if she can get proof that he is in fact alive, she can put a major dent in the trafficking of stolen artifacts. Once she was finally rescued – and the Four of Diamonds no where to be seen – most think she is making it up and they want to brush her story under the rug.
Rachel Grant always writes her female characters as strong, courageous, smart, and of course, beautiful. Diana is no different. She doesn’t need Navy SEAL Chris to rescue her as she pretty much rescued herself. Rachel Grant also always writes her male characters as a strong military man – usually in some from of Special Ops. And the research she puts into her novels always impresses me.
The chemistry between Chris and Diana is off the charts from the beginning. As a reader who knew they would get together, it didn’t feel forced. The sexy scenes were super-hot and I’m glad I was not reading some of them in public as it would have made me blush! There was just the right amount of sexy scenes too. I’ve read plenty of other romantic suspense novels where there is an overload of those scenes because the author hadn’t flushed out the characters enough or done enough research to get the suspense aspect of the novel right. This was not the case in Trust Me.
The suspense aspect of the novel was full of twist and turns. I love how, when there is a subject matter that I don’t quite understand (like archeology), she’s able to make it understandable and I’m able to see why there’s more to Diana’s passion than just stopping the looting of archeology sites for stealing the artifacts. I can understand why she choses not to be rescued during the SEALS first attempt and why she follows the trail once she’s stateside again.
This is a spoiler free review, so I won’t give away any specific details. The “bad guy” was not one of those jaw-dropping moments as we figure out who it/they are from the beginning. The climax at the end was everything I hoped it would be! I also loved how Rachel Grant tied in characters from other series of her novels into this one. And as always, we know who the main characters of her next novel will be. And I for one, can’t wait!
June 4, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this Evidence: Under Fire series from Rachel Grant, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on the follow-up called Trust Me.
Archeologist Dr. Diana Edwards is working in the Middle East when she is abducted by the very artifact traffickers she's been trying to expose. Oh yeah, and there's that secret group that she's involved with that connects what she's doing with terrorism, so it isn't long before Diana finds herself in a heap of trouble.
When the Navy Seals are sent in, the impossible happens and Navy Seal Chris Flyte must choose to trust Diana in a way that goes against everything he is as a Navy Seal. I really felt for him in this situation and I totally wondered what Diana was thinking at that moment. But there is a connection between Chris and Diana that has him going along with her crazy plan.
Even though I didn't always like Diana, I did like the relationship between Chris and Diana which only grows over the course of the non-stop action in this story of artifact trafficking and terrorism funding. I really liked the level of action in this book -- people are always in motion and things are happening and I just don't want to put the book down!
I really enjoyed this story of a very gutsy archeologist and her quest to protect the artifacts and their history. It takes the work of many friends and colleagues in many agencies to help her get out of a very tricky and very dangerous situation, along with a very competent and attractive Navy Seal. I loved that they had some real rocky moments in their relationship which added to this romantic suspense international story. There's a complexity to the story that I liked as well -- as a reader I felt like I was solving the mystery of what was going on, right along with the main characters.
So, great action, complex story, interesting secondary characters and a satisfying romance. There's a nice setup for the next book, and now I can't wait for more!
Archeologist Dr. Diana Edwards is working in the Middle East when she is abducted by the very artifact traffickers she's been trying to expose. Oh yeah, and there's that secret group that she's involved with that connects what she's doing with terrorism, so it isn't long before Diana finds herself in a heap of trouble.
When the Navy Seals are sent in, the impossible happens and Navy Seal Chris Flyte must choose to trust Diana in a way that goes against everything he is as a Navy Seal. I really felt for him in this situation and I totally wondered what Diana was thinking at that moment. But there is a connection between Chris and Diana that has him going along with her crazy plan.
Even though I didn't always like Diana, I did like the relationship between Chris and Diana which only grows over the course of the non-stop action in this story of artifact trafficking and terrorism funding. I really liked the level of action in this book -- people are always in motion and things are happening and I just don't want to put the book down!
I really enjoyed this story of a very gutsy archeologist and her quest to protect the artifacts and their history. It takes the work of many friends and colleagues in many agencies to help her get out of a very tricky and very dangerous situation, along with a very competent and attractive Navy Seal. I loved that they had some real rocky moments in their relationship which added to this romantic suspense international story. There's a complexity to the story that I liked as well -- as a reader I felt like I was solving the mystery of what was going on, right along with the main characters.
So, great action, complex story, interesting secondary characters and a satisfying romance. There's a nice setup for the next book, and now I can't wait for more!
June 2, 2023
Well, this book is entirely responsible for me not getting enough sleep two nights in a row. As with every other Rachel Grant book I’ve read, Trust Me pulled me in and I was hardly able to shut my Kindle off because once the action starts in her novels it doesn’t let up until the very end.
Trust Me takes us to the Middle East where Dr. Diana Edwards is finishing up a short-term position in Jordan as a visiting archeologist. She’s also secretly part of a group that calls themselves the Friday Morning Valkyries whose purpose is to find - and stop - the looting of artifacts that are trafficked and sold to support terrorism. Just as her assignment is over and she’s about to head back to the US, she gets kidnapped and forced to work for the very people she’s trying to expose.
Once she’s rescued, she thinks she’s put the whole awful ordeal behind her. Except the US government doesn’t believe her account of what happened while she was held captive. Also, the bad guys may have followed her home. But never fear, hunky Navy SEAL Chris Flyte is there to help Diana figure out who is after her and protect her from danger that appears wherever they go!
There is SO MUCH I love about Rachel Grant’s books. The non-stop action. The smart, capable heroines and the supportive, manly heroes. The way there are twists and turns you don’t see coming. The romances between mature characters who treat each other with respect and manage their conflicts with maturity is also a huge plus. Romantic suspense is probably my favorite genre to read, but also the one I’m most picky about - I want equal amounts of romance and suspense (not a romance with suspense thrown in, not suspense with sex thrown in), and Rachel Grant delivers that every single time. The romance parts always make me swoon, and the suspense parts have me sitting on the edge of my seat while my heart pounds.
Did I know this book would cause me to lose sleep if I read it at night? Yes.
Did I do it anyway? Of course I did. And I’ll do it again with zero regrets.
* thank you to NetGalley and Janus Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Trust Me takes us to the Middle East where Dr. Diana Edwards is finishing up a short-term position in Jordan as a visiting archeologist. She’s also secretly part of a group that calls themselves the Friday Morning Valkyries whose purpose is to find - and stop - the looting of artifacts that are trafficked and sold to support terrorism. Just as her assignment is over and she’s about to head back to the US, she gets kidnapped and forced to work for the very people she’s trying to expose.
Once she’s rescued, she thinks she’s put the whole awful ordeal behind her. Except the US government doesn’t believe her account of what happened while she was held captive. Also, the bad guys may have followed her home. But never fear, hunky Navy SEAL Chris Flyte is there to help Diana figure out who is after her and protect her from danger that appears wherever they go!
There is SO MUCH I love about Rachel Grant’s books. The non-stop action. The smart, capable heroines and the supportive, manly heroes. The way there are twists and turns you don’t see coming. The romances between mature characters who treat each other with respect and manage their conflicts with maturity is also a huge plus. Romantic suspense is probably my favorite genre to read, but also the one I’m most picky about - I want equal amounts of romance and suspense (not a romance with suspense thrown in, not suspense with sex thrown in), and Rachel Grant delivers that every single time. The romance parts always make me swoon, and the suspense parts have me sitting on the edge of my seat while my heart pounds.
Did I know this book would cause me to lose sleep if I read it at night? Yes.
Did I do it anyway? Of course I did. And I’ll do it again with zero regrets.
* thank you to NetGalley and Janus Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 13, 2023
✔️Fast paced plot
✔️ Hot SEAL named Chris
✔️ Gutsy, brave archeologist Diana who puts its all on the line
✔️ Covert ops fighting both domestic and foreign terrorists
✔️ reigniting of the Monuments Men-Cultural Heritage Monitoring Lab
✔️ links two series together
✔️ steamy scenes
✔️ a darn fine read
Thanks to Janus Publishing NetGalley and the author for the early read.
✔️ Hot SEAL named Chris
✔️ Gutsy, brave archeologist Diana who puts its all on the line
✔️ Covert ops fighting both domestic and foreign terrorists
✔️ reigniting of the Monuments Men-Cultural Heritage Monitoring Lab
✔️ links two series together
✔️ steamy scenes
✔️ a darn fine read
Thanks to Janus Publishing NetGalley and the author for the early read.
dnf
January 26, 2025Not a fan of the story. DNF @ 30%.
Read
December 12, 2023DNF. One of fav authors and I’m really struggling with this story, can’t get attached to the characters at all which is a real shame, I’m going to shelf this one for another time.
June 15, 2023
All the twists and suspense with all the romance
Chris and Diana’s story grabbed me by throat from the very first word and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last one. I am always a fan of uber protective capable men being paired with smart brave capable women who need loving more than they need rescuing. This story does that beautifully. This hot suspenseful romance is filled with smart, funny and wildly appealing characters and an edge of your seat story. All of the unexpected plot twists made for a suspenseful mystery trying to guess who the bad guys were and what was going to happen next. There is also a perfect balance between the suspense and the swoony romance. So, the adventure of Chris and Diana will also give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, gasping, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. Diana is an archeologist on a dig in Jordan when she is kidnapped. Since she works for a secret organization trying to disrupt the looting and sale of ancient artifacts, when the SEALs come to rescue her she does not go with them the first time wanting to catch a terrorist instead. Chris is the leader of the SEAL team sent to rescue Diana and feels an immediate and confusing connection with her. Diana’s life becomes even more complicated once she gets rescued and the intrigue, danger, excitement and romance surge into roller coaster pacing. The book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from this genre - sweet moments, strong friendships, sexy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, uber protective men, secrets, plot twists, painful pasts, evil actors, and love. The story included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. I love when romantic suspense keeps me guessing the motives of the bad guys. I cannot wait to read more in this series.
Chris and Diana’s story grabbed me by throat from the very first word and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last one. I am always a fan of uber protective capable men being paired with smart brave capable women who need loving more than they need rescuing. This story does that beautifully. This hot suspenseful romance is filled with smart, funny and wildly appealing characters and an edge of your seat story. All of the unexpected plot twists made for a suspenseful mystery trying to guess who the bad guys were and what was going to happen next. There is also a perfect balance between the suspense and the swoony romance. So, the adventure of Chris and Diana will also give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, gasping, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. Diana is an archeologist on a dig in Jordan when she is kidnapped. Since she works for a secret organization trying to disrupt the looting and sale of ancient artifacts, when the SEALs come to rescue her she does not go with them the first time wanting to catch a terrorist instead. Chris is the leader of the SEAL team sent to rescue Diana and feels an immediate and confusing connection with her. Diana’s life becomes even more complicated once she gets rescued and the intrigue, danger, excitement and romance surge into roller coaster pacing. The book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from this genre - sweet moments, strong friendships, sexy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, uber protective men, secrets, plot twists, painful pasts, evil actors, and love. The story included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. I love when romantic suspense keeps me guessing the motives of the bad guys. I cannot wait to read more in this series.
June 15, 2023
As with every Rachel Grant book I have read, I absolutely flew through this one!
Chris Flyte is a Nacy SEAL who was first introduced in this series in Into the Storm, albeit briefly. He's recently divorced due to his wife cheating on him with another SEAL, which also leads to him moving from California to Virginia. One of his first assignments after his move is to extract Diana Edwards, an archealogist, from the grasps of a terrorist group in Jordan. But Diana sees someone in her first days of being captured the world believes is dead and she thwarts her rescue attempt, much to the dismay of the SEAL team sent in.
This book felt a bit different to other Rachel Grant books as much of the story takes place in the US, more or less out of harm's way. However, her captors from Jordan start to catch up with Diana in the US, and soon she is on the run and always looking over her shoulder. It also comes as no surprise that maybe you cannot trust everyone around you.
P.S. Cannot wait to dig into Rand's story next!
Chris Flyte is a Nacy SEAL who was first introduced in this series in Into the Storm, albeit briefly. He's recently divorced due to his wife cheating on him with another SEAL, which also leads to him moving from California to Virginia. One of his first assignments after his move is to extract Diana Edwards, an archealogist, from the grasps of a terrorist group in Jordan. But Diana sees someone in her first days of being captured the world believes is dead and she thwarts her rescue attempt, much to the dismay of the SEAL team sent in.
This book felt a bit different to other Rachel Grant books as much of the story takes place in the US, more or less out of harm's way. However, her captors from Jordan start to catch up with Diana in the US, and soon she is on the run and always looking over her shoulder. It also comes as no surprise that maybe you cannot trust everyone around you.
P.S. Cannot wait to dig into Rand's story next!
June 15, 2023
I love how this book brings the worlds created in the Evidence and Flashpoint together. It is like a warm hug from familiar characters and the tingling sensation of a new and exciting relationship all in one. An exciting, pulse pounding adventure with new and familiar faces that leaves you wanting more.
July 21, 2024
4.5!
Thanks to NetGalley for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Archaeologist Diana is currently in Jordan officially assisting in a dig with a Jordanian archaeologic site, unofficially she's a part of a team looking to make connections between artifact traffickers and terrorist group funding. When Diana is kidnapped for her expertise regarding ancient artifacts, she uncovers a bit too much.
Navy SEAL Chris Flyte is a part of the SEAL team sent to save Diana immediately after her abduction. However, when Diana mouths "Trust Me" to Chris before she appears to unwillingly but cooperatively follow her kidnappers, Chris is in for a long journey of figuring out if Diana is trustworthy, stupid, a traitor, or something else entirely...
I am a big fan of Rachel Grant and have enjoyed her Flashpoint series and her Fiona Carver duology. Prior to starting this ARC, I purchase the prequel and book 1 of the series (even though this definitely stood on its own). Trust Me and the series it's a part of "Evidence: Under Fire" is part of what appears to be a spin-off series from Grant's Evidence series which consists of 12 books that I haven't read. In Trust Me, there are a handful of Evidence characters that make side appearances that aren't required to know previously, as well as a few side characters from the Flashpoint series which I was pleasantly surprised to see.
Rachel Grant takes great care in having super complex plots and mysteries that her main characters need to solve and this is no different. Diana has a lot of smarts to her and is a strong and powerful woman who ends up getting into a terrible situation through no fault of her own. One piece to this plot that I didn't love, especially after reading book 1 of this series immediately before, was just how complicated this plot ended up being. Into the Storm (book 1) is a complex plot with a large number of moving pieces, but the setting largely takes place in one location and so the scope of the issue seems less crazy. Trust Me features a lot of location changes and almost too many strings that end up being pulled in the final reveals that I couldn't follow certain changes between chapters. I'm still not sure if there is a chapter that is in Diana's POV or a different character's POV since it's so short and purposely leaves ambiguity (which also makes sense for the moment but was super confusing while reading without knowing what the "good guys" were attempting).
Ultimately, still really loved the focus on the careers and the accuracies that Grant pours into her work as well as the general plot that our heroes were facing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Archaeologist Diana is currently in Jordan officially assisting in a dig with a Jordanian archaeologic site, unofficially she's a part of a team looking to make connections between artifact traffickers and terrorist group funding. When Diana is kidnapped for her expertise regarding ancient artifacts, she uncovers a bit too much.
Navy SEAL Chris Flyte is a part of the SEAL team sent to save Diana immediately after her abduction. However, when Diana mouths "Trust Me" to Chris before she appears to unwillingly but cooperatively follow her kidnappers, Chris is in for a long journey of figuring out if Diana is trustworthy, stupid, a traitor, or something else entirely...
I am a big fan of Rachel Grant and have enjoyed her Flashpoint series and her Fiona Carver duology. Prior to starting this ARC, I purchase the prequel and book 1 of the series (even though this definitely stood on its own). Trust Me and the series it's a part of "Evidence: Under Fire" is part of what appears to be a spin-off series from Grant's Evidence series which consists of 12 books that I haven't read. In Trust Me, there are a handful of Evidence characters that make side appearances that aren't required to know previously, as well as a few side characters from the Flashpoint series which I was pleasantly surprised to see.
Rachel Grant takes great care in having super complex plots and mysteries that her main characters need to solve and this is no different. Diana has a lot of smarts to her and is a strong and powerful woman who ends up getting into a terrible situation through no fault of her own. One piece to this plot that I didn't love, especially after reading book 1 of this series immediately before, was just how complicated this plot ended up being. Into the Storm (book 1) is a complex plot with a large number of moving pieces, but the setting largely takes place in one location and so the scope of the issue seems less crazy. Trust Me features a lot of location changes and almost too many strings that end up being pulled in the final reveals that I couldn't follow certain changes between chapters. I'm still not sure if there is a chapter that is in Diana's POV or a different character's POV since it's so short and purposely leaves ambiguity (which also makes sense for the moment but was super confusing while reading without knowing what the "good guys" were attempting).
Ultimately, still really loved the focus on the careers and the accuracies that Grant pours into her work as well as the general plot that our heroes were facing.
June 9, 2023
This was an exciting military romantic suspense that certainly delivered on the suspense. The situations that Diana went through were nail biting. Unfortunately, I felt the romance was not as well developed. There were some sexy scenes but I didn’t buy into the love emotions. It was more attraction due to circumstance, proximity and high stress. I liked the characters who had well developed personalities but there didn’t seem to be much opportunity for some heart to heart about the future for Diana and Chris. While it is expected as a military romance, I found it heavy (especially in the first couple chapters) on the acronyms and how the various military organizations interacted with each other.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
August 31, 2023
I've given this an A- for narration and a B+ for content at AudioGals - 4.5 stars
Trust Me, book two in Rachel Grant’s Evidence: Under Fire series is a cracker of a story that brings together characters from her original Evidence series and the Flashpoint books (one of my all-time favourite romantic suspense series). I enjoyed it a lot; as always with this author, the suspense plot is clever, complex and intricately plotted, and while the romance develops quickly, I liked the couple together and overall, the romance works better than it did in the previous book (Into the Storm). We met some of the characters in that book – SEAL Lt. Chris Flyte was a major secondary character, and Xavier Rivera appears briefly – but there’s no real crossover in terms of the storylines, so Trust Me can be listened to as a standalone. Plus, narration from the author’s two ‘regulars’ – Nicol Zanzarella and Greg Tremblay – makes this an excellent bet in audio.
Archaeologist Dr. Diana Edwards is currently working as a guest professor at a university in Jordan, where she is leading an excavation on a site in the desert, the dig funded – through the university – by an American company specialising in tourism and exclusive replica art. Diana has spent the last few months supervising the work at the site near Amman, but unbeknownst to all but a select few, she’s also working on behalf of the Friday Morning Valkyries, a group set up by Dr. Morgan Adler (Tinderbox) and former CIA operative Freya Lang (Firestorm) which attempts to stop the trafficking of artifacts from Jordan and Syria – the profits from which are used to fund terrorism. In this, they work alongside the Cultural Heritage Monitoring Lab (which actually exists), whose mission is to protect, remove or restore artifacts when sites and museums are threatened. FMV’s mission is more covert, their job to track the supply chain once the items have disappeared. The author wastes no time in getting her story started and throws the listener right in, as Diana, on her way to meet with a possible source of information, is kidnapped.
After discovering that his wife was cheating on him – with another SEAL, no less – Chris Flyte decided he needed to get away from Coronado and has recently transferred to a new team based out of Little Creek, Virginia where, although he’s been a SEAL for longer than almost anyone else on his team, he’s now the newbie. He’s about to undertake his first mission with his new team – the rescue of an American archaeologist taken hostage by Islamic State terrorists.
While Chris and his team are en route, Diana is waiting for the optimal time to activate her subdermal tracker (she needs to be within range of an active cell or satellite signal) which will provide an exact location. When the chance finally presents itself, however, she decides not to do it. She’s just been brought into the presence of the man responsible for her abduction and recognises him as a terrorist responsible for far worse things than artifact trafficking – Makram Rafiq was previously on the US’s Most Wanted list and was removed only after he was (supposedly) killed in a US military strike two years before. Yet here he is, in the flesh, standing right in front of her.
When the camp is breached, Diana is forced into the wadi tunnels by her two guards. But they’re moving slowly and are soon confronted by a man she assumes must be a SEAL, there to effect her rescue. She makes a split-second decision; if she remains with her captors, she will be able to do something real and substantial in the fight against looting and trafficking and funding terrorism. If she goes along with Rafiq’s plan – he wants her to clean all the looted artifacts he has amassed – she will be able to gather intel on where the items are coming from and help to cut off the supply chain. But to do that, she can’t let herself be pulled out now.
Chris can’t believe his eyes and ears when Diana basically refuses to be rescued. He can’t help but be reminded of the last rescue mission he was on – another hostage who didn’t want to be rescued who put the entire team in danger – and he’s not at all pleased. But without a clear shot at the man holding a knife to Diana’s throat, he has no option but to let her go. It’s not until he returns to HQ and his bodycam footage is examined that Morgan and Freya are able to decode Diana’s hand signals and work out what she’s doing. The military – and the government – are prepared to go along with her plans, and it’s another two months before Diana activates her tracker and the team is once again sent in to extract her. Successfully this time.
Unfortunately, however, Diana’s troubles don’t end with her return home. Back in the US, the authorities have started to question her assertion that Rafiq is still alive, and the Kingdom of Jordan is pressing to have her extradited to face charges relating to the looting of valuable artifacts (despite the fact that she was acting under duress). Her professional reputation is in tatters. And she’s convinced she’s being followed by Jamal, one of the two brothers who were assigned to guard her, and who is clearly out for revenge over his brother’s death. But with everything that’s happened and IS happening – can she be sure of her own eyes? And even if it IS Jamal – will anyone believe her?
The plot thickens and the action comes thick and fast once Diana is back in the US, as it becomes clear that there’s another hand (besides Rafiq’s) stirring the pot, trying to discredit Diana and have her take the fall for the looting and artifact trafficking out of the sites she was forced to work on in Jordan. As far as the romance goes, although Diana and Chris meet a couple of times in the early stages of the novel, it really begins when they meet at a party to celebrate Morgan’s birthday, and subtle interest turns into a combustible spark of attraction. Things develop quite quickly, but the author allows them the time to get to know each other and to communicate effectively about their wants and expectations. They’re both in their thirties (he’s thirty-five, she’s thirty-two) and have had long-term relationships, they’re intelligent, resourceful and career-oriented, and they make a great couple; I liked their honesty and willingness to be vulnerable with one another.
The narration is, of course, excellent, with Ms. Zanzarella reading from Diana’s PoV and Mr. Tremblay from Chris’. As with Into the Storm, there are a couple of other PoVs as well, but unlike that book, these perspectives feel more relevant as the characters in question are clearly being set up to be the next couple in the series. The narration is well paced and enunciated, with clear differentiation and a good variety in vocal characterisation. The low pitch Mr. Tremblay adopts for Chris’ dialogue has a resonance that does well to depict him as a physically imposing man, and he portrays the various male secondary characters – especially Rand and Ian – distinctly so they’re easy to tell apart aurally. Ms. Zanzaralla is equally adept when it comes to the female characters, although as I’ve said previously, her male voices can sometimes sound a little too similar to my ears. Both narrators do a great job when it comes to delivering the emotion in the story, and I was especially impressed with the way Ms. Zanzarella conveys the horror and trepidation Diana feels inside while she’s refusing to let her captors see it on the outside.
Trust Me is a fantastic combination of thriller, suspense and romance, and is, IMO, Rachel Grant’s best book since Firestorm. If you’re a fan of the genre and haven’t tried one of her books yet, this would be a terrific place to start, and in audio, there’s the added advantage of a great performance from two of the best voice actors around.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
Trust Me, book two in Rachel Grant’s Evidence: Under Fire series is a cracker of a story that brings together characters from her original Evidence series and the Flashpoint books (one of my all-time favourite romantic suspense series). I enjoyed it a lot; as always with this author, the suspense plot is clever, complex and intricately plotted, and while the romance develops quickly, I liked the couple together and overall, the romance works better than it did in the previous book (Into the Storm). We met some of the characters in that book – SEAL Lt. Chris Flyte was a major secondary character, and Xavier Rivera appears briefly – but there’s no real crossover in terms of the storylines, so Trust Me can be listened to as a standalone. Plus, narration from the author’s two ‘regulars’ – Nicol Zanzarella and Greg Tremblay – makes this an excellent bet in audio.
Archaeologist Dr. Diana Edwards is currently working as a guest professor at a university in Jordan, where she is leading an excavation on a site in the desert, the dig funded – through the university – by an American company specialising in tourism and exclusive replica art. Diana has spent the last few months supervising the work at the site near Amman, but unbeknownst to all but a select few, she’s also working on behalf of the Friday Morning Valkyries, a group set up by Dr. Morgan Adler (Tinderbox) and former CIA operative Freya Lang (Firestorm) which attempts to stop the trafficking of artifacts from Jordan and Syria – the profits from which are used to fund terrorism. In this, they work alongside the Cultural Heritage Monitoring Lab (which actually exists), whose mission is to protect, remove or restore artifacts when sites and museums are threatened. FMV’s mission is more covert, their job to track the supply chain once the items have disappeared. The author wastes no time in getting her story started and throws the listener right in, as Diana, on her way to meet with a possible source of information, is kidnapped.
After discovering that his wife was cheating on him – with another SEAL, no less – Chris Flyte decided he needed to get away from Coronado and has recently transferred to a new team based out of Little Creek, Virginia where, although he’s been a SEAL for longer than almost anyone else on his team, he’s now the newbie. He’s about to undertake his first mission with his new team – the rescue of an American archaeologist taken hostage by Islamic State terrorists.
While Chris and his team are en route, Diana is waiting for the optimal time to activate her subdermal tracker (she needs to be within range of an active cell or satellite signal) which will provide an exact location. When the chance finally presents itself, however, she decides not to do it. She’s just been brought into the presence of the man responsible for her abduction and recognises him as a terrorist responsible for far worse things than artifact trafficking – Makram Rafiq was previously on the US’s Most Wanted list and was removed only after he was (supposedly) killed in a US military strike two years before. Yet here he is, in the flesh, standing right in front of her.
When the camp is breached, Diana is forced into the wadi tunnels by her two guards. But they’re moving slowly and are soon confronted by a man she assumes must be a SEAL, there to effect her rescue. She makes a split-second decision; if she remains with her captors, she will be able to do something real and substantial in the fight against looting and trafficking and funding terrorism. If she goes along with Rafiq’s plan – he wants her to clean all the looted artifacts he has amassed – she will be able to gather intel on where the items are coming from and help to cut off the supply chain. But to do that, she can’t let herself be pulled out now.
Chris can’t believe his eyes and ears when Diana basically refuses to be rescued. He can’t help but be reminded of the last rescue mission he was on – another hostage who didn’t want to be rescued who put the entire team in danger – and he’s not at all pleased. But without a clear shot at the man holding a knife to Diana’s throat, he has no option but to let her go. It’s not until he returns to HQ and his bodycam footage is examined that Morgan and Freya are able to decode Diana’s hand signals and work out what she’s doing. The military – and the government – are prepared to go along with her plans, and it’s another two months before Diana activates her tracker and the team is once again sent in to extract her. Successfully this time.
Unfortunately, however, Diana’s troubles don’t end with her return home. Back in the US, the authorities have started to question her assertion that Rafiq is still alive, and the Kingdom of Jordan is pressing to have her extradited to face charges relating to the looting of valuable artifacts (despite the fact that she was acting under duress). Her professional reputation is in tatters. And she’s convinced she’s being followed by Jamal, one of the two brothers who were assigned to guard her, and who is clearly out for revenge over his brother’s death. But with everything that’s happened and IS happening – can she be sure of her own eyes? And even if it IS Jamal – will anyone believe her?
The plot thickens and the action comes thick and fast once Diana is back in the US, as it becomes clear that there’s another hand (besides Rafiq’s) stirring the pot, trying to discredit Diana and have her take the fall for the looting and artifact trafficking out of the sites she was forced to work on in Jordan. As far as the romance goes, although Diana and Chris meet a couple of times in the early stages of the novel, it really begins when they meet at a party to celebrate Morgan’s birthday, and subtle interest turns into a combustible spark of attraction. Things develop quite quickly, but the author allows them the time to get to know each other and to communicate effectively about their wants and expectations. They’re both in their thirties (he’s thirty-five, she’s thirty-two) and have had long-term relationships, they’re intelligent, resourceful and career-oriented, and they make a great couple; I liked their honesty and willingness to be vulnerable with one another.
The narration is, of course, excellent, with Ms. Zanzarella reading from Diana’s PoV and Mr. Tremblay from Chris’. As with Into the Storm, there are a couple of other PoVs as well, but unlike that book, these perspectives feel more relevant as the characters in question are clearly being set up to be the next couple in the series. The narration is well paced and enunciated, with clear differentiation and a good variety in vocal characterisation. The low pitch Mr. Tremblay adopts for Chris’ dialogue has a resonance that does well to depict him as a physically imposing man, and he portrays the various male secondary characters – especially Rand and Ian – distinctly so they’re easy to tell apart aurally. Ms. Zanzaralla is equally adept when it comes to the female characters, although as I’ve said previously, her male voices can sometimes sound a little too similar to my ears. Both narrators do a great job when it comes to delivering the emotion in the story, and I was especially impressed with the way Ms. Zanzarella conveys the horror and trepidation Diana feels inside while she’s refusing to let her captors see it on the outside.
Trust Me is a fantastic combination of thriller, suspense and romance, and is, IMO, Rachel Grant’s best book since Firestorm. If you’re a fan of the genre and haven’t tried one of her books yet, this would be a terrific place to start, and in audio, there’s the added advantage of a great performance from two of the best voice actors around.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
June 14, 2023
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Trust Me is the second installment in the Evidence: Under Fire series which combines archaeology and military romance in true Rachel Grant fashion. It’s also set in the same world as Grant’s two previous series so there’s a host of familiar faces – even more so than the first book! I’m sure other longtime fans will enjoy seeing Morgan, Freya, and Ian (who all play a critical role in this book) as much as I did.
The story kicks off in Amman, Jordan where the heroine Diana is a visiting archaeology professor at a local university. Except she’s really in Jordan to look into the illegal artifact trade that funds terrorism. One day while out working a source, Diana is kidnapped and taken to a terrorist camp. At first she thinks she’s been abducted by terrorists who found out she’s been spying for the US Army but she soon realizes she’s there to dig up, clean, and value artifacts straight from the hub of this illegal trade – aka the place she’s been trying to locate for months. The plot thickens when Diana comes face to face with her abductor Makram Rafiq, a man who built an empire by trafficking artifacts and is believed to be dead by the intelligence community.
The hero Chris is part of the SEAL team that is sent to rescue Diana, but there’s only one problem: she doesn’t want to be rescued. She takes a huge risk and botches her first rescue attempt because she believes she can lead the SEALs to the man in charge of the operation.
Diana is eventually rescued after a second attempt but there is no trace of Rafiq at the terrorist camp. What’s worse is that almost everyone believes Diana hallucinated Rafiq, and if Diana and her employers can’t find a way to prove that the terrorist leader is still alive, then she could face imprisonment in Jordan for looting archaeological sites. And so Chris finds himself on the run with Diana as she faces the possibility of extradition to Jordan, which sets up the romance.
As always this book had a tight plot and super competent MCs but as much as I enjoy suspense and thrilling plots, I care about the romance in romantic suspense more. And I’m sad to say the romance between Diana and Chris was sorely underdeveloped and lacking emotion. Forced proximity is such a great trope because it gives the characters the space to fall in love, but spending a lot of time together ≠ automatically falling in love. I even skipped the sex scenes because I did not feel a single spark between Diana and Chris. Tbh I wasn’t even quite convinced why Chris risked his life and career to help Diana.
TL;DR pick this up for the suspense but don’t expect to be swept off your feet by the romance.
Trust Me is the second installment in the Evidence: Under Fire series which combines archaeology and military romance in true Rachel Grant fashion. It’s also set in the same world as Grant’s two previous series so there’s a host of familiar faces – even more so than the first book! I’m sure other longtime fans will enjoy seeing Morgan, Freya, and Ian (who all play a critical role in this book) as much as I did.
The story kicks off in Amman, Jordan where the heroine Diana is a visiting archaeology professor at a local university. Except she’s really in Jordan to look into the illegal artifact trade that funds terrorism. One day while out working a source, Diana is kidnapped and taken to a terrorist camp. At first she thinks she’s been abducted by terrorists who found out she’s been spying for the US Army but she soon realizes she’s there to dig up, clean, and value artifacts straight from the hub of this illegal trade – aka the place she’s been trying to locate for months. The plot thickens when Diana comes face to face with her abductor Makram Rafiq, a man who built an empire by trafficking artifacts and is believed to be dead by the intelligence community.
The hero Chris is part of the SEAL team that is sent to rescue Diana, but there’s only one problem: she doesn’t want to be rescued. She takes a huge risk and botches her first rescue attempt because she believes she can lead the SEALs to the man in charge of the operation.
Diana is eventually rescued after a second attempt but there is no trace of Rafiq at the terrorist camp. What’s worse is that almost everyone believes Diana hallucinated Rafiq, and if Diana and her employers can’t find a way to prove that the terrorist leader is still alive, then she could face imprisonment in Jordan for looting archaeological sites. And so Chris finds himself on the run with Diana as she faces the possibility of extradition to Jordan, which sets up the romance.
As always this book had a tight plot and super competent MCs but as much as I enjoy suspense and thrilling plots, I care about the romance in romantic suspense more. And I’m sad to say the romance between Diana and Chris was sorely underdeveloped and lacking emotion. Forced proximity is such a great trope because it gives the characters the space to fall in love, but spending a lot of time together ≠ automatically falling in love. I even skipped the sex scenes because I did not feel a single spark between Diana and Chris. Tbh I wasn’t even quite convinced why Chris risked his life and career to help Diana.
TL;DR pick this up for the suspense but don’t expect to be swept off your feet by the romance.
June 15, 2023
Thank you to Rachel Grant, Janus Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I feel truly lucky and honored to be living a readers dream and receive an ARC of my most anticipated read of 2023 from my FAVORITE author and this did not disappoint. (I may update my review after the publishing date 6/15 to add some spoilers)
Trust Me is archeologist Diana Edwards and Chris Flyte's story. Chris previously appeared in Into the Storm and I really liked him and was excited to get to learn more about him in this book. Chris and Diana are two people who have been through some shit. While working in Amman, Jordan, Diana gets kidnapped and forced to go against archeologist ideals and work doing the very thing she is trying to stop. Chris and his SEAL team gets sent in to extract her, but to their surprise Diana asks for her and the kidnappers to be let go. If you read the previous book you already know why a mission gone bad is not good for Chris. Eventually Diana makes it out of the Middle East, but her troubles don't stop once she is back stateside.
Right off the bat this book was incredibly well researched and you can tell Rachel put her heart and soul into this. She is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to research and plot. The book straps the reader into an emotional roller coaster. One thing that surprised me was how heavy this book was in some parts. I always love when I can learn from a book and I have a lot of respect for archeologists who have gone to great lengths to protect artifacts. Although I didn't always relate with some of the choices Diana made throughout the book, I understood why she made them and felt the way she did. Grant did a great job setting that up.
The middle and end of the book felt like it balanced more of the overall aspects I enjoy of romantic suspense, but the whole book is a page turner. I love how Diana and Chris were well matched for each other. I was happy that they were both capable, intelligent protagonists but also human. I appreciate how Grant's couples are mature and really respect each other.
One of my favorite things about this book was how some of Grant's other characters made appearances in the story. I won't spoil it but I was pretty happy to revisit some old friends.
This book also reveals the couple for the next book and BOY AM I EXCITED! I felt a little sad we didn't see more interaction with them at the end and now I eagerly have to wait for the blurb for the next book to come out.
Overall, this was a great book, Rachel really knocked it out of the park and I am just so excited to see what she comes up with next. I would not hesitate to recommend!
I feel truly lucky and honored to be living a readers dream and receive an ARC of my most anticipated read of 2023 from my FAVORITE author and this did not disappoint. (I may update my review after the publishing date 6/15 to add some spoilers)
Trust Me is archeologist Diana Edwards and Chris Flyte's story. Chris previously appeared in Into the Storm and I really liked him and was excited to get to learn more about him in this book. Chris and Diana are two people who have been through some shit. While working in Amman, Jordan, Diana gets kidnapped and forced to go against archeologist ideals and work doing the very thing she is trying to stop. Chris and his SEAL team gets sent in to extract her, but to their surprise Diana asks for her and the kidnappers to be let go. If you read the previous book you already know why a mission gone bad is not good for Chris. Eventually Diana makes it out of the Middle East, but her troubles don't stop once she is back stateside.
Right off the bat this book was incredibly well researched and you can tell Rachel put her heart and soul into this. She is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to research and plot. The book straps the reader into an emotional roller coaster. One thing that surprised me was how heavy this book was in some parts. I always love when I can learn from a book and I have a lot of respect for archeologists who have gone to great lengths to protect artifacts. Although I didn't always relate with some of the choices Diana made throughout the book, I understood why she made them and felt the way she did. Grant did a great job setting that up.
The middle and end of the book felt like it balanced more of the overall aspects I enjoy of romantic suspense, but the whole book is a page turner. I love how Diana and Chris were well matched for each other. I was happy that they were both capable, intelligent protagonists but also human. I appreciate how Grant's couples are mature and really respect each other.
One of my favorite things about this book was how some of Grant's other characters made appearances in the story. I won't spoil it but I was pretty happy to revisit some old friends.
This book also reveals the couple for the next book and BOY AM I EXCITED! I felt a little sad we didn't see more interaction with them at the end and now I eagerly have to wait for the blurb for the next book to come out.
Overall, this was a great book, Rachel really knocked it out of the park and I am just so excited to see what she comes up with next. I would not hesitate to recommend!
June 16, 2023
Trust Me is Archaeologist Diana Edwards and Navy SEAL Chris Flyte’s story as they try to dismantle a terror funding network.
Synopsis:
Dr Diana Edwards is in Amman, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. She’s doing important work there, not only finding rare artefacts but trying to follow a trail to identify the people who are looting the dig sites with a sinister ulterior motive.
But then she is abducted and in comes Lieutenant Chris Flyte with his SEAL team. Chris is surprised as well as shocked when she refuses to go back with him, instead begging him to trust her.
Review:
And just like that, the story starts in September, where 32 to his 35-year-old Diana starts hatching a plan to catch the bigger fish. There’s stalking, terrorizing, and betrayals as Rachel Grant writes a thriller that makes you hold your breath throughout the story. Trust Me is set nine months after the events of Into the Storm (Book One).
Diana’s passion for her work is captured beautifully by the author where, even after being held captive, she’s thinking of researching the destinations/artefacts and carefully handling all the items that are being excavated.
But she’s not one to be cowed down as she negotiates with terrorists when she knows who’s she up against. Because Diana is a skilled archaeologist, be it at her job or the training she’s received for doing the work she’s involved in.
The story goes back to July as Diana’s purpose for being in Jordan is gradually revealed. Chris is on the USS Dahlgren in the Mediterranean Sea, with Diana occupying his thoughts most of the time while awaiting further orders. Narrated in the third person, Diana is held captive for more than a month, developing a ‘twisted kind of trust’ with her two primary captors.
I felt so scared for Diana and sad too. In the face of her courage, she found herself in such a scary situation. Whether it be her involvement in desecrating an archaeological site or her guilt for the purpose that the artefacts will be used for… Even after Diana is rescued and is back in Maryland, she’s not at peace as one of her abductors seems to be following her. Though no one believes her.
Grant’s books are pure addiction. The adrenaline, the thrill, the build-up. Chris remembering incidents from his past was one of my favourite incidents, especially when he remembers an incident central to the story of the first book (oh, the memories of reading that one).
I did get a feeling that Kira Hanson and Randall Fallon’s will be the next book and on getting a confirmation at the end…I danced at that. They’re so funny and flirty in a cute dorky way.
Trust Me was mind-blowing, the way the author related to events in the past and present. There were so many elements in this story, whether it be archaeology, history, and much more, with everything being brought together by the author so beautifully.
The way the author made everything happen in the book was nothing less than magical. Special mention for the nail-biting suspense and the climax, ten days after which there’s an epilogue that fittingly concludes the story.
P.S. It was sheer coincidence that I came across this course on Atlas Obscura, relating to something that is central to the plot of this story.
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
Synopsis:
Dr Diana Edwards is in Amman, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. She’s doing important work there, not only finding rare artefacts but trying to follow a trail to identify the people who are looting the dig sites with a sinister ulterior motive.
But then she is abducted and in comes Lieutenant Chris Flyte with his SEAL team. Chris is surprised as well as shocked when she refuses to go back with him, instead begging him to trust her.
Review:
And just like that, the story starts in September, where 32 to his 35-year-old Diana starts hatching a plan to catch the bigger fish. There’s stalking, terrorizing, and betrayals as Rachel Grant writes a thriller that makes you hold your breath throughout the story. Trust Me is set nine months after the events of Into the Storm (Book One).
Diana’s passion for her work is captured beautifully by the author where, even after being held captive, she’s thinking of researching the destinations/artefacts and carefully handling all the items that are being excavated.
But she’s not one to be cowed down as she negotiates with terrorists when she knows who’s she up against. Because Diana is a skilled archaeologist, be it at her job or the training she’s received for doing the work she’s involved in.
The story goes back to July as Diana’s purpose for being in Jordan is gradually revealed. Chris is on the USS Dahlgren in the Mediterranean Sea, with Diana occupying his thoughts most of the time while awaiting further orders. Narrated in the third person, Diana is held captive for more than a month, developing a ‘twisted kind of trust’ with her two primary captors.
I felt so scared for Diana and sad too. In the face of her courage, she found herself in such a scary situation. Whether it be her involvement in desecrating an archaeological site or her guilt for the purpose that the artefacts will be used for… Even after Diana is rescued and is back in Maryland, she’s not at peace as one of her abductors seems to be following her. Though no one believes her.
Grant’s books are pure addiction. The adrenaline, the thrill, the build-up. Chris remembering incidents from his past was one of my favourite incidents, especially when he remembers an incident central to the story of the first book (oh, the memories of reading that one).
I did get a feeling that Kira Hanson and Randall Fallon’s will be the next book and on getting a confirmation at the end…I danced at that. They’re so funny and flirty in a cute dorky way.
Trust Me was mind-blowing, the way the author related to events in the past and present. There were so many elements in this story, whether it be archaeology, history, and much more, with everything being brought together by the author so beautifully.
The way the author made everything happen in the book was nothing less than magical. Special mention for the nail-biting suspense and the climax, ten days after which there’s an epilogue that fittingly concludes the story.
P.S. It was sheer coincidence that I came across this course on Atlas Obscura, relating to something that is central to the plot of this story.
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
June 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, once it got going. I did find the opening a little slow and it did affect my initial enjoyment of the book; the opening is very complicated with a lot of set up. I completely understood why this was necessary – as with all of Rachel Grant’s books, there is a lot going on – but it took a while for the main characters, Chris and Diana, to actually meet properly in person.
That said, the plot itself is very interesting. It was very much up my street. It covers some complex, heartbreaking topics: the ethical and moral issues at hand regarding historical and archaeological preservation and so on were, in my opinion, explored well. There were some good twists and turns. As I said earlier in the review, a lot happens in Rachel Grant novels, and this is no exception – you’re never going to be bored reading one because there’s always something happening.
This is a fine line to tread, and there were times when the suspense plotline felt a bit heavy and overwhelming. Thankfully, the romance was a good contrast to it. The chemistry between Chris and Diana is good, and they were really sweet together. The romance is definitely more low-conflict than the rest of the book, which made a nice change of pace. There were some really steamy moments in it too and I can’t fault the romance aspect of this book at all; there was a bit of an instalove aspect to it which I really enjoyed.
Once this book got going I found it hard to put down. Rachel Grant is so talented at writing exciting page-turners and this is a good example of that, and it had a great romance to boot. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a romantic suspense novel with a sweet but steamy romance, especially if you’re interested in history and archaeology. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes:
Warnings:
Other: .
That said, the plot itself is very interesting. It was very much up my street. It covers some complex, heartbreaking topics: the ethical and moral issues at hand regarding historical and archaeological preservation and so on were, in my opinion, explored well. There were some good twists and turns. As I said earlier in the review, a lot happens in Rachel Grant novels, and this is no exception – you’re never going to be bored reading one because there’s always something happening.
This is a fine line to tread, and there were times when the suspense plotline felt a bit heavy and overwhelming. Thankfully, the romance was a good contrast to it. The chemistry between Chris and Diana is good, and they were really sweet together. The romance is definitely more low-conflict than the rest of the book, which made a nice change of pace. There were some really steamy moments in it too and I can’t fault the romance aspect of this book at all; there was a bit of an instalove aspect to it which I really enjoyed.
Once this book got going I found it hard to put down. Rachel Grant is so talented at writing exciting page-turners and this is a good example of that, and it had a great romance to boot. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a romantic suspense novel with a sweet but steamy romance, especially if you’re interested in history and archaeology. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes:
Warnings:
Other: .
August 1, 2023
'Trust Me' pretty much opens with a twist--it starts when many shorter suspense novellas end--as archaeologist Diana Edwards refuses her rescuers in order to pursue what she believes is an important but shadowy figure who uses the funds from ancient artefacts for terrorist acts.
But that's barely scratching the surface of what Rachel Grant typically offers her readers. The plot is winding, layered and complicated (and thankfully with a more toned-down woke-ish sentiment that I feared was going to be embedded in all of her books) with a healthy dive into the history and archaeology of the Middle East. The cast of characters--the pairings found in Grant's previous books--don't just flit in and out of the pages but do participate enough for you to know that they are pretty much integral to what is primarily Chris Flyte's and Diana Edwards's story.
Yet I wasn't entirely sold on Grant's secondary characters; they tend towards the opaque, their motivations too shady and their interactions sometimes too superficial to get a proper read on them, despite them having their own stories already told. In fact, they could be downright unlikeable (here's looking at you, Freya Lange) and too distant in a strange way that aids 'Trust Me' in being a standalone read.
Many of Grant's female protagonists tend towards the highly-sensitive, the impulsive and the self-righteous end of the scale, yet possess enough self-awareness to evaluate and reflect on their own (sometimes TSTL) actions. Diana Edwards is no different, but there's a good mix of moxie and vulnerability in her so that she isn't too much of a stereotypical Wonderwoman who continues her heroic deeds in dented armour.
In championing the strong, gutsy female though, Grant's male leads also tend to take a more subtle but deferent step back despite being part of the action in a way that leaves them as supportive characters rather than alpha ones. In fact, they sometimes come across like the quieter but greater voice of reason too, in contrast to the more highly-strung women who often left me more exasperated than impressed.
Still, I came for the action and Christ Flyte's story...and was served a good dose of it. It's also a long read for a good reason. There are details upon details to untangle on your own as a reader but it's such an immersive world full of heart-pounding action that figuring everything all out is probably a feat that deserves its own medal.
But that's barely scratching the surface of what Rachel Grant typically offers her readers. The plot is winding, layered and complicated (and thankfully with a more toned-down woke-ish sentiment that I feared was going to be embedded in all of her books) with a healthy dive into the history and archaeology of the Middle East. The cast of characters--the pairings found in Grant's previous books--don't just flit in and out of the pages but do participate enough for you to know that they are pretty much integral to what is primarily Chris Flyte's and Diana Edwards's story.
Yet I wasn't entirely sold on Grant's secondary characters; they tend towards the opaque, their motivations too shady and their interactions sometimes too superficial to get a proper read on them, despite them having their own stories already told. In fact, they could be downright unlikeable (here's looking at you, Freya Lange) and too distant in a strange way that aids 'Trust Me' in being a standalone read.
Many of Grant's female protagonists tend towards the highly-sensitive, the impulsive and the self-righteous end of the scale, yet possess enough self-awareness to evaluate and reflect on their own (sometimes TSTL) actions. Diana Edwards is no different, but there's a good mix of moxie and vulnerability in her so that she isn't too much of a stereotypical Wonderwoman who continues her heroic deeds in dented armour.
In championing the strong, gutsy female though, Grant's male leads also tend to take a more subtle but deferent step back despite being part of the action in a way that leaves them as supportive characters rather than alpha ones. In fact, they sometimes come across like the quieter but greater voice of reason too, in contrast to the more highly-strung women who often left me more exasperated than impressed.
Still, I came for the action and Christ Flyte's story...and was served a good dose of it. It's also a long read for a good reason. There are details upon details to untangle on your own as a reader but it's such an immersive world full of heart-pounding action that figuring everything all out is probably a feat that deserves its own medal.
December 25, 2023
WOW,WOW, WOW What a truly thrilling story.!!
This is book 2 in this series and it is just as intense as the first book,maybe even more so.
We are thrown into the world of Archeology once again and we are transported to Jordan when Archeologist Diana Edwards is taken Hostage by terrorist,for the purpose of identifying stolen artefacts and giving them a value so they can be sold to fund Terrorism.
The leader of this group is one of the most wanted terrorists in the world but was declared dead...but no he evaded death and is still very much alive.
Chris Flyte and his team of Navy Seals are sent to Jordan to rescue Diana But because Diana knows something they don't know..She risks her life and evades being rescued so she can eventually lead the Seals to find the most wanted terrorist who is assumed dead,and put a stop to the stealing and selling of historical artefacts.
But there is more at play here than meets the eye because when Diana is finally back on U.S Soil it hasn't prevented her from being in danger.
She is being stalked by one of her captors who wants revenge.
No-one belivees her accounts of her kidnapping.
She faces prison and extradition for looting...and the only man willing to help her is Chris Flyte,the man she had one passionate night with when she got back to America...They could of had more between them but Chris messes up.But now he is the only one willing to risk his career to help her prove that she is not a liar.He rescued her onc and he wants to rescue her again and again until she is safe,Because as they work together and get closer their passion is ignited once more.
This book has it all I was so entranced by all of the twists and turns of this story and once again Nicol Zanzarella and Greg Tremblay are simply Phenomenal reading this book.They are incredible voice actors and you just become hypnotised by their storytelling.I loved listening to them.
Rachel Grant has written some of THE Best Romantic suspense stories that I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.This book is so detailed and well thought out it has got everything you could want in a suspense..anticipation,shock value,surprises,emotional moments,action,excitement sprinkled with passion and electrifying chemistry between characters.
I Loved it and hope there is going to be more from this series..
Excellent.
5 Stars.
This is book 2 in this series and it is just as intense as the first book,maybe even more so.
We are thrown into the world of Archeology once again and we are transported to Jordan when Archeologist Diana Edwards is taken Hostage by terrorist,for the purpose of identifying stolen artefacts and giving them a value so they can be sold to fund Terrorism.
The leader of this group is one of the most wanted terrorists in the world but was declared dead...but no he evaded death and is still very much alive.
Chris Flyte and his team of Navy Seals are sent to Jordan to rescue Diana But because Diana knows something they don't know..She risks her life and evades being rescued so she can eventually lead the Seals to find the most wanted terrorist who is assumed dead,and put a stop to the stealing and selling of historical artefacts.
But there is more at play here than meets the eye because when Diana is finally back on U.S Soil it hasn't prevented her from being in danger.
She is being stalked by one of her captors who wants revenge.
No-one belivees her accounts of her kidnapping.
She faces prison and extradition for looting...and the only man willing to help her is Chris Flyte,the man she had one passionate night with when she got back to America...They could of had more between them but Chris messes up.But now he is the only one willing to risk his career to help her prove that she is not a liar.He rescued her onc and he wants to rescue her again and again until she is safe,Because as they work together and get closer their passion is ignited once more.
This book has it all I was so entranced by all of the twists and turns of this story and once again Nicol Zanzarella and Greg Tremblay are simply Phenomenal reading this book.They are incredible voice actors and you just become hypnotised by their storytelling.I loved listening to them.
Rachel Grant has written some of THE Best Romantic suspense stories that I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.This book is so detailed and well thought out it has got everything you could want in a suspense..anticipation,shock value,surprises,emotional moments,action,excitement sprinkled with passion and electrifying chemistry between characters.
I Loved it and hope there is going to be more from this series..
Excellent.
5 Stars.
June 16, 2023
It felt like I’d found a long buried treasure by getting the opportunity to read this exciting story. I have read several of the author’s books and she quickly became a favorite in the romantic suspense genre. Archeology has fascinated me for a long time, so this plot checks all the boxes! The importance of preserving history and it’s relics is so important. The illegal market for these artifacts is a subject we need to understand better and it is vividly addressed in the plot. This is my favorite of all her series yet.
Archaeologist Diana is at a site in Jordan and is digging for more than antiquities. She’s clandestinely part of an organization monitoring artifact trafficking. She’s suffered heart splitting loss, is a calculated risk taker and the dangers ahead are even greater. Trust is at the center of all the life threatening situations in this plot. The more I read, the less I trusted anyone. There’s the usual alphabet list of government agencies involved, many whose interests don’t align with hers. She could end up in jail or worse – killed, to honor secrets she’s entrusted with.
Chris is part of the SEAL team sent to extract Diana from a very dangerous abduction by a group of artifact thieves. Nothing goes as planned from this point forward. Who can you trust? It will be a non-stop series of cover-ups, attempts on Diana’s life, powerful people intent on shutting her down. When she and Chris first made eye contact there was a spark. Can she survive long enough to see if there might be something worth pursuing? Can she trust him? These are characters I want to read more about and hope they’ll be in the next of this series.
A digital advance reader copy of “Trust Me” Evidence: Under Fire Book 2, by Rachel Grant, Janus Publishing, LLC, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.
Archaeologist Diana is at a site in Jordan and is digging for more than antiquities. She’s clandestinely part of an organization monitoring artifact trafficking. She’s suffered heart splitting loss, is a calculated risk taker and the dangers ahead are even greater. Trust is at the center of all the life threatening situations in this plot. The more I read, the less I trusted anyone. There’s the usual alphabet list of government agencies involved, many whose interests don’t align with hers. She could end up in jail or worse – killed, to honor secrets she’s entrusted with.
Chris is part of the SEAL team sent to extract Diana from a very dangerous abduction by a group of artifact thieves. Nothing goes as planned from this point forward. Who can you trust? It will be a non-stop series of cover-ups, attempts on Diana’s life, powerful people intent on shutting her down. When she and Chris first made eye contact there was a spark. Can she survive long enough to see if there might be something worth pursuing? Can she trust him? These are characters I want to read more about and hope they’ll be in the next of this series.
A digital advance reader copy of “Trust Me” Evidence: Under Fire Book 2, by Rachel Grant, Janus Publishing, LLC, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.
June 21, 2023
I received this book as an ARC from Rachel while on vacation and knew not to start it. I have read a number of Rachel’s books and know once you start reading you will not be able to put it down. This one is no different. Diana Edwards is a well-known Archaeologist known for her work in the middle east. She is kidnapped while working on a dig with students in Jordan. Diana has had a lot of pain in her life, she lost her fiancé in an auto accident as they were arguing about her working for the CIA. She had never totally gotten over losing him. She almost lost her foot and has a pin in her ankle to remind her. She joined a group called Valkyries, who work to stop artifact trafficking. We met back up with Morgan and Freya from previous stories. Also, other characters from other books too. Navy Seal Chris Flyte has been in service for most of his life. He just transferred to a new unit and is still learning to fit in. He left his last unit due to his wife cheating on him with another seal. He has still not signed the divorce papers but knows she is Pregnant. Which is another blow to him as she put off having kids with him. His new assignment is to rescue Dr. Edwards. That was the plan till she stops them and goes with her kidnappers signing for him to “Trust Me”! Wow, so begins one of the best romantic thrillers I’ve read in a long while. You will stay on the edge of your set as these two go thru so much, both having to learn about the other. There is Artifacts Trafficking and history about it. Kidnapping, Terrorism, betrayal learning to trust and whom. The banter between Diane and Chris is to die for. There is a lot of holding your breath to see what happens next. Also, just the right amount of steam too. Rachel has given us another book to stay up nights reading over again, I know I will. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
July 12, 2023
Always a Treat!
If you enjoy romantic suspense stories with alpha men displaying their protective streaks and smart, strong heroines, Rachel Grant is your author. Every story of hers that I've been able to lay my hands on in the last several years has proven to be a pure winner because this author never disappoints!
In this story, Ms. Grant combines two of her best-selling series (Evidence and Raptors) into one heavenly delight. If you've been a fan of hers in the past, you'll recognize several of these characters. Our heroine, Diana, is an archaeologist abducted in the Middle East. She's smart, savvy, and strong-- she doesn't panic and keeps amazingly calm. But by the time the dust has settled and she returns to the States, she's in a world of hurt.
Chris is the Navy Seal that led the team to rescue Diana. Twice. It's... complicated, and worth the listen just for that little twist. He doesn't know what to think of this half-crazed woman. Some think she's a victim, others think she's just a bubble off plumb. Still others think she's a traitor. All Chris knows for sure is that he can't get her out of his mind.
With her commanding style and bewitching prose, the author leads the readers into a world where the truth is hard to discern. But one thing is certain: the chemistry between Diana and Chris is completely off the charts. They smolder, threatening the spontaneous combustion of my electronics. They're worth it, though.
If you haven't had the pleasure of reading/listening to a Rachel Grant romantic suspense novel yet, don't wait. Dive in here- it can stand on its own. Then you can go back and fill in the blanks on the other couples once you realize how astounding this author is. If you already know Rachel Grant's prowess with this genre, don't miss this action-packed, full-muscled read!
If you enjoy romantic suspense stories with alpha men displaying their protective streaks and smart, strong heroines, Rachel Grant is your author. Every story of hers that I've been able to lay my hands on in the last several years has proven to be a pure winner because this author never disappoints!
In this story, Ms. Grant combines two of her best-selling series (Evidence and Raptors) into one heavenly delight. If you've been a fan of hers in the past, you'll recognize several of these characters. Our heroine, Diana, is an archaeologist abducted in the Middle East. She's smart, savvy, and strong-- she doesn't panic and keeps amazingly calm. But by the time the dust has settled and she returns to the States, she's in a world of hurt.
Chris is the Navy Seal that led the team to rescue Diana. Twice. It's... complicated, and worth the listen just for that little twist. He doesn't know what to think of this half-crazed woman. Some think she's a victim, others think she's just a bubble off plumb. Still others think she's a traitor. All Chris knows for sure is that he can't get her out of his mind.
With her commanding style and bewitching prose, the author leads the readers into a world where the truth is hard to discern. But one thing is certain: the chemistry between Diana and Chris is completely off the charts. They smolder, threatening the spontaneous combustion of my electronics. They're worth it, though.
If you haven't had the pleasure of reading/listening to a Rachel Grant romantic suspense novel yet, don't wait. Dive in here- it can stand on its own. Then you can go back and fill in the blanks on the other couples once you realize how astounding this author is. If you already know Rachel Grant's prowess with this genre, don't miss this action-packed, full-muscled read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews