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Callahan Security #5

Catch and Release

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Callahan Security is Back!!!

Jake Boxer wants a vacation, but when Jameson Drake calls and asks for a favor, he has no choice. Drake's accountant is in trouble and needs protection, so Jake agrees to take on the job. Little does he know the accountant is not only brilliant but drop-dead gorgeous.

Madison Montgomery, Monty to her friends, has no idea why a Russian ex-GRU operative is following her but she's relieved that Drake found someone to help. Her new bodyguard is gruff and demanding, but he's also sexy as hell.

When the cops come to Jake's hotel, they have no choice but to go on the run. Jake isn't sure who and what they are running from, but he's determined to keep Madison safe. If only he could keep his heart safe from Madison.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2022

507 people are currently reading
175 people want to read

About the author

Lori Matthews

39 books330 followers
I grew up in a house filled with books and readers. Some of my fondest memories are of reading in the same room with my mother and sisters, arguing about whose turn it was to make tea. No one wanted to put their book down!
I was introduced to romance because of my mom’s habit of leaving books all over the house. One day I picked one up. I still remember the cover. It was a Harlequin by Janet Daily. Little did I know at the time that it would set the stage for my future. I went on to discover mystery novels. Agatha Christie was my favorite. And then suspense with Wilber Smith and Ian Fleming.
I loved the thought of combining my favorite genres, and during high school, I attempted to write my first romantic suspense novel. I wrote the first four chapters and then exams happened and that was the end of that. I desperately hope that book died a quiet death somewhere in a computer recycling facility.
A few years later, (okay, quite a few) after two degrees, a husband and two kids, I attended a workshop in Tuscany that lit that spark for writing again. I have been pounding the keyboard ever since here in New Jersey, where I live with my children—who are thrilled with my writing as it means they get to eat more pizza—and my very supportive husband.

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5 stars
963 (57%)
4 stars
500 (30%)
3 stars
161 (9%)
2 stars
29 (1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
October 27, 2022
There were plenty more Callahan Security personnel I wanted to know more about, and we start here with Jake. Much like the Callahan brothers, he’s devoted to his career, but that’s about to take a back seat as he gets hit by a pint-sized whirlwind. Madison is a numbers girl who’s also got a creative flair for fashion. Auditing the books of a fashion house in Italy, sounds like it should be a dream come true, not the stuff of deadly nightmares. I adore this series and I loved getting this chance to come back to it. The chemistry this pair generates snaps between them in their every interaction. I was invested in seeing what it would take for them to get their Happy Ever After from the beginning. The mystery surrounding the people hunting Madison kept me glued to the pages, and I never saw anything like that solution coming. I may have only just finished reading this book, but already I can’t wait to find out more about the men and women that make up Callahan Security.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.
151 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2023
I needed something light and engaging, a good suspenseful story. Catch & Release was rather disappointing. I wonder if I should upgrade it to two stars though as it was engaging enough for me to finish it. Otherwise the plot is predictable and the book is full of clichés. Madison, a forensic accountant, gets in trouble on the job and is assigned security - ex Navy SEAL, Jake. She is tiny, he is huge, he has to keep her safe but straightaway they fall for each other and have sex. There are many “scorching kisses’ snd ‘ice fingers’ grabbing her heart when Jake is in danger. She is chased by a rouge Russian. I suppose you could make a good thriller out of it but the writing is very clunky and repetitive. The transition from scene to scene is clumsy.
Profile Image for Sara.
2,338 reviews13 followers
October 27, 2022
Another thrilling and suspenseful read from
Lori Matthews. Her storylines balance romance, intrigue and enough sizzle to keep your attention from beginning to end.

Madison/Monty is in Florence Italy complete a forensic audit for a fashion house her friend Drake Jameson is considering making a substantial investment. Madison is surprised to find she’s being followed through the streets and dark alleys of
Florence by a scary Russian. She contacts Drake for help and is sent to meet former Navy SEAL now security consultant for Callahan Security, Jake Boxer.

Jake has just completed an assignment and is exhausted, so he is less than enthusiastic when his boss calls and tells him to meet an Accountant in the hotel lobby because she’s being followed by a former
Russian GRU agent.

Shortly after meeting Jake and Madison are running for safety and trying to evade the Italian Polizia and the Russian. The storyline keeps you guessing as the author keeps throwing twists and surprises at these
Characters.

The emotions swing from one extreme to the other at the unexpected attraction between Jake and Madison and their inability to keep their hands off each other. Jake is distracted by Madison and kicking himself for breaking the cardinal rule of not getting involved with a protectee/client.

I thoroughly enjoyed the nonstop action and romantic suspense. This was the third book I’ve read in this series. This book can easily be read as a standalone; however, reading the prior books would enhance the experience as several secondary characters are from prior books in the series.

I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
322 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2022
Lori Matthews, ‘Catch and Release’.
Callahan Security Book 5.

As an ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review. Here it is.

Rating: 4 (of 5 stars).

In general: Strong heroine/bodyguard romance.

Main characters:
- Madison ‘Monty’ Montgomery.
She’s a forensic accountant at Jameson Drake’s company and visiting Florence (Italy) to look into the finances of a fashion house her boss thinks of investing in.
She’s followed by a Russian who seems to have ties with the local police. Madison has no idea why they are interested in her but she is scared and informs her boss, one of Callahan’s Security biggest clients.

- Jacob ‘Jake’ Boxer.
Security agent with Callahan Security. He just finished a job in Italy and now is ordered to protect Madison. He’s very attracted to the gorgeous looking Madison and it’s mutual. But being her bodyguard he knows it’s unprofessional to fall in love with a client. So he tries to not give in to their feelings.

Then the author, Lori Matthews, describes how Jake - with help of some Callahan co-workers - investigates the problems around the Florentine fashion house. Dealing with an ex Russian secret service agent and an Italian mob branch appears to be dangerous and life-threatening. During the security job both main characters cannot always forget the passion for each other.
The plot contains a lot of exciting action descriptions, some hot love scenes (and many doubts if this prudent) and in the end a twist with the not unexpected HEA.
An easy to read enjoyable book.

R. Huiszoon.
Profile Image for Just Read and Imagine.
523 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2022
Veridani has asked Jameson Drake to invest in their fashion house in Florence. Drake assigns the task of leading the forensic accounting project to verify the validity of the business to Madison Montgomery. With only a few items left to verify, everyone has returned to the states while Madison takes a few extra days to close the books. She is waiting for one foundation, Hope for Kids to respond before she can leave. After mentioning the wait to one of her contacts, she discovers someone following her and runs to escape him. It seems the company is now trying to silence her and she has to figure out why. Jake Boxer, Callahan Security consultant has been asked to protect Madison but first they need to stop running from the Russians and the Italian Polizia long enough to figure out what she knows and who is actually after her. When they finally realize she is being framed and why, Madison’s lawyer Thane Hawkins (Hawk), also a Callahan consultant works with a few contacts in Florence and between the three of them, they set a plan in motion to turn the tables on Veridani... before they hit yet another snag.

This is yet another great escape from Lori Matthews!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
796 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2022
I am a fan of this author and therefore the ARC of this book was an automatic request for me from Hidden Gems ARC program. This book did not disappoint! There are a few characters from the prior books, but could still be read as a standalone. This story takes place in Italy, where Madison “Monty” Montgomery is conducting an audit of an Italian fashion house for Jameson Drake, a large client of Callahan Security. When Monty discovers she is being followed, Drake calls in Callahan Security and Jake Boxer happens to be in the area. From that point, Jake and Monty are off while hiding from the men chasing her and figure out why her audit has brought out this kind of attention.
The book has lots of action and adventure as Jake and Monty work together and with other team members to resolve this issue. Plus as a couple they really compliment each other and there is an understanding of the other that rings true to the people they are. As always, this author kept me interested and reading. Enjoyed the backdrop of Italy and understanding the fashion industry there. Another great one!!
2,501 reviews42 followers
October 27, 2022
Madison “Monty” Montgomery is smart, a forensic accountant, and very good at her job (maybe too good). So, when she realizes that someone is stalking her, she calls her boss, Jameson Drake for help. Callahan Security Agent Jake Boxer has just completed a difficult assignment, but agrees to meet with Madison to see if he can assist her. He finds himself a little too attracted to her and that’s not good. He also quickly learns that she knows what she wants and that might just be him, which could be good, but not if he is going to protect her. In a foreign country, unsure of the laws, can Jake find out who is after Madison (he refuses to call her Monty) and get her safely back to the states? A missing heirloom necklace, a Russian thug, a shady Italian fashion house and a possible fake charity…which one has them running for their lives? A delightful romantic suspense as Madison and Jake try to outwit the bad guys and make it out of the country! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
1,009 reviews12 followers
October 11, 2022
The 5th book in the Callahan Security Series is JUST SO GOOD! Ms. Matthews has a knack crafting a story that makes the pages fly by!

Callahan Security is asked by a client to help their accountant, Monty/Madison Montgomery get to safety, or figure out what is going on. Jacob/Jake Boxer who works for Callahan Security, is in the area and is tasked with helping Madison, and boy does she need the help!

How does an forensic accountant get caught up in a crime that has not one but two sets of criminals setting her up for jewelry theft? What did she find in their books? She certainly doesn't know!

A terrifying ride from Florence through the Italian countryside, then back. Some H.O.T. hookups. Some really bad guys with guns. This story has intrigue, falling in lust, or is it love, and so much more.

Catch and Release is a great addition to the Callahan Security Series. I certainly hope there are more books in this series. They are great!
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
December 31, 2022
After back-to-back assignments for the last year to support himself and his family then a grueling job in Florence, the last thing Jake Boxer wanted was to help accountant, Madison ‘Monty’ Montgomery. But Monty worked for Drake and Drake was Mitch’s key client and Mitch was Jakes boss so protecting Monty is what Jake would be doing.

Neither Monty nor Jake was prepared for the immediate heat that flared between them and according to everything Monty said, there wasn’t a reason for a Russian to follow her in Italy or have police check her rental. Jake’s unable to wait until morning to start the job when he gets little warning, the police are about to burst into Jake’s room to arrest Monty.

On the run from a Russian mobster, crooked, Italian police and possibly the mafia, Jake and Monty are running out or safe harbors. All that said it’s a very enjoyable read despite the amount of damsel-ing.
Rating: 4.5stars
Profile Image for Shannyn Shuklian.
572 reviews25 followers
February 18, 2023

Madison is a consultant financial advisor for Drake. She’s on a job for him in Italy, when she notices someone is watching her. She contacts Drake because she doesn’t understand what could be happening. Pretty soon she is meeting with a Callahan security member that is also finishing up a different job in Italy.

Trying to forget her troubles, Madison gives in to her attraction to Jake. She wants to just continue to get lost in him.

Jake is so ready for a change. When Mitch calls him to keep Madison safe, he feels tested because there is an immediate attraction.

Will they be able to keep their hands to themselves? Will they figure out why Madison is being followed? Will they work through their own personal issues to be together? Will Mitch fire Jake?

This one was better than the last, but still not up to par with the first 3! I am however looking forward to reading Hawk’s story.
Profile Image for Naomi Lynne.
26 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2022
Very Good. Very Typical.

This story has a very clear plot, it’s written so well you almost feel like you’re in the room with the characters! Is it just me or is every heroine in a suspense thriller the type to not know anything about tactical/ dangerous situations and yet still demand to be taken along and treated as if she is tactically trained? Then, she doesn’t listen to advice from any trained individuals, changes the well thought out plan, and nearly gets them all killed. Meanwhile the hero’s response is always, “It’s all right. It’s not your fault, it’s mine”. This theme is overdone and this book is yet another that follows it. Honestly disappointing. Because of this I couldn’t stand the heroine but every other aspect of this book is fabulous.
Profile Image for Floraljoy.
1,124 reviews
October 25, 2022
Another good addition to the series:
It was fun reconnecting with everyone at Callahan Security but this book could easily be enjoyed as a standalone. There was action, intrigue and romance too. I found it a little slow and wordy at times but there was still enough action to keep the plot moving and me interested in what was going to happen next.
There was plenty of push and pull between Jake and Madison and I was rooting for them. I would have liked to see these two talk things out more as opposed to just hearing their internal dialogue about the same issues. However I still enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
812 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2022
I have to say anything written by Lori Matthews is a must read but I really really love the Callahan series. This book involves Jake Boxer from Callahan Security who was a former SEAL team member of Mitch's and now works for Callahan Security. Callahan receives an urgent request from their most difficult and best client Drake. Drake's forensic accountant needs immediate protection and is in the lobby of Jake's hotel. Jake isn't exactly thrilled as he just come off a long grueling assignment and was looking for some R & R but he agrees to talk to the accountant. Mitch didn't mention that the accountant was a drop dead gorgeous lady named Monty. Immediately upon meeting they are thrown into a harrowing incident trying to avoid not only the Italian mob but the Russian mob also. Monty doesn't seem to know what she has done to get on their radar but her and Jake must flee immediately to save their lives. Emotions are running high between both of them and things get "heated" when they are on the run. Can they figure out what is going on and save themselves from two different mob families?
Profile Image for Marie.
5,107 reviews52 followers
May 29, 2025
A dangerous case with twists and switchbacks that make you dizzy

Is Jake losing his touch?
Or his mind?
Or both?

This is a complicated and dangerous case but all he can think about is Madison's clever mind, her delicious curves and her sassy mouth, he has never crossed the line with a client before, but with Madison he doesn't just cross it, he blows it to smithereens. Madison has managed to make herself the target of a madman who is dark, dangerous and very deadly, it takes every bit of Jake's skill and Callahan Security's wizardry to crack this case....but that doesn't mean Jake can forgive himself for his professional slip, he can't let himself have Madison. Thankfully Madison is VERY, very determined to prove him wrong!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
2,415 reviews21 followers
October 18, 2022
If you love romantic suspense as much as I do, you need to get this book. Lori does romantic suspense so well. It checks all of my boxes. Suspense, yes. Non-stop action, yes. Some sexy times, yes. Lori knows how to catch your attention and keep it. I always have a hard time putting her books down. I really liked that Jake was not all “let’s get it on” but really wanted to do his job. Mind you, when times call for it, he is all in. I really liked Madison. She is not a nitwit but smart and all in with Jake. Their adventures with the help of Callahan Security and Drake and Thane keep you on the edge of your seat. Loved this story.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
6,523 reviews27 followers
October 24, 2022
Once again Lori has written a fast paced thriller that you don't want to put down and yet again I was reading until the early hours of the morning. It is a thrill a minute read with the Polizia and the Russian Mafia all gunning for our hero and his charge

Jake Boxer is a Callahan Security contractor who is the person closest when accountant Madison Montgomery realises she is been followed and is ion danger. She ahs no idea who is after her or even what it is about after all she was only checking information for a client. Now her and Jake are on the run and it will take all his skills to keep them safe but he will do whatever he needs to seeing he has fallen for his client
257 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2023
Couldn't lay it down

Oh my goodness! Some of the things happening in this story, could be written straight out of some peoples lives. I'm not sure how many mob families are still in service in the UNITED STATES but I also don't know of how many still exists in other countries! This was a different love story but it was surrounded by sneaky/snarky people. I'm not sure how the title fits and I knew right away where the missing necklace was so that part wasn't a mystery. But read them all ! If you're a cozy mystery fan, you'll like these even with some of the coarse antics and language!
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,361 reviews7 followers
August 27, 2023
international changes

Jake and Madison. Jake was briefly mentioned in some earlier books, but now he has his own story and it is a doozy! Madison is involved via working for Drake and Jake is an employee/teammate at Callahans. They are on the run and trying to solve a frame job on Madison. We see this taking place in Italy and we see mobs, yes plural, at play. Add in fashion, international intrigue, a romance, and seeing some series favorites (Hawk) this story was a quick and fun read!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
470 reviews12 followers
October 13, 2022
Jakes story

I really liked this story although I felt it had a slow start. It’s the story of Madison and Jake. Maddison is in Florence auditing a fashion house and suddenly finds herself being followed, she tells her boss who gets in touch with Callaghan Security who send in Jake. Good fun then ensues with the prerequisite villain, excellent sidekick, Hawk (who deserves his own story) and an interesting storyline.
It’s a good read
2,665 reviews32 followers
October 19, 2022
Jake is called upon by Drake to be a bodyguard for his accountant, when she gets into trouble. Unfortunately both Monty and Jake have to run for their lives in the process.
Danger, thrill rides, intensity and a whole load of drama really escalate this book. It really grabs on and doesn't let go and I loved that about it.
Their chemistry and the dynamic between Monty and Jake really made this story what it was and I highly recommend it!
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sue Smith.
731 reviews6 followers
October 22, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Jake Boxer and Madison Montgomery's exciting story on the run from the Italian/Russian mob in Florence.
Being framed for something she didn't do, Madison, Jake and Hawk have to prove she didn't commit the crime and find out who did!!
Brilliant storyline, fantastic characters and absolutely loved the HEA.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,611 reviews22 followers
October 24, 2022
Lori Matthew’s writes pulse pounding and page turning romantic dramas. Jake is a former SEAL in the now the people protection business. Madison is a forensic accountant who finds herself in need of protection. The story is set in Florence Italy and sees them being chased as they try to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. They engage in steamy adrenaline fueled activities that see them getting closer together. It is a nail biter to the end as they survive to begin a happy life together.
1,647 reviews11 followers
October 13, 2022
Jake is asked by his bosses to protect and help Madison who is being accused of a crime she didn’t commit. As danger rises, so too does their mutual attraction. This is an exciting story from start to finish that keeps the reader engrossed throughout. Very enjoyable.
I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily leave this review.
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,690 reviews9 followers
October 18, 2022
This was a fun and entertaining read with Madison and Jake stuck in Europe as they race to elude the Russians and Italian Police. Falsely accused of theft as a smokescreen, they need to figure out what it is someone thinks Madison knows, but doesn't realize she knows it. The story was fast paced with Madison and Jake working well together as a couple and as cohorts in solving the mystery.
1,220 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2022
Another great read by Lori Matthews especially if you enjoy romantic suspense type stories. Jake has been tasked with trying to keep Madison safe. While I enjoyed Jake, Madison drove me crazy at times, but overall it was a quick, enjoyable read. I received an advanced copy and I'm leaving this voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,815 reviews68 followers
October 20, 2022
This is book #5 in the Callahan Security Series and it’s Madison and Jake’s story. Jake is given the task of keeping Madison safe and it’s one wild ride. This romantic suspense is filled with non stop action, suspense, drama, danger, and great chemistry that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Loved this one!
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,640 reviews
October 27, 2022
This is the second book from this series that I have read and it had action, intrigue and romance. I liked the characters (although Monty did annoy me at times and I wanted to shake Jake at times too), I thought the story flowed well was interesting and it held my attention. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
142 reviews
January 12, 2023
Catch and release

Another great example of writing from a very talented writer.The stories are different and always exciting. I am looking forward to the next series. I am still looking for a book for an interesting character named Dragan. He's got real potential for a very exciting story. Doesn't have to be about the Callahan Security series. Just saying.
1,075 reviews
October 20, 2022
What?? Another book in this series? Oh, yes please. I really enjoyed this book and the story was very interesting. Jake and Madison were great characters to read. I hope we get another installation soon!
Profile Image for Michelle.
520 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2022
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.

It was okay. I wanted a little more intrigue. It was a good and it did entertain me but the plot was obvious which caused me to not really pay attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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