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Hold Trilogy #2
Too Hot to Hold
HE’S AN ELITE NAVY SEAL LIVING A RISKY DOUBLE LIFE.
SHE’S THE GORGEOUS REPORTER HOT ON HIS TRAIL.
Nick Devane’s life is one big classified secret. Until Kaylee Smith busts his covert world wide open, threatening to blow his cover. Digging around where she doesn’t belong could get them both killed…especially when the beautiful journalist uncovers top secret information that could set off a global disaster if it falls into the wrong hands. Nick can’t let that happen, even if he has to battle deadly mercenaries and an irresistible attraction that is all consuming.…
Kaylee didn’t expect her search for her missing ex-husband to lead to this sexy and dangerous warrior. Now she’s teamed up with Nick on a mission that takes them into deepest Africa—and into the middle of a massive government cover-up. With rogue agents hot on their trail, Kaylee’s going to unearth all Nick’s secrets. Before they both vanish without a trace. Before the passion burning between them sets off an explosion no one may survive…
SHE’S THE GORGEOUS REPORTER HOT ON HIS TRAIL.
Nick Devane’s life is one big classified secret. Until Kaylee Smith busts his covert world wide open, threatening to blow his cover. Digging around where she doesn’t belong could get them both killed…especially when the beautiful journalist uncovers top secret information that could set off a global disaster if it falls into the wrong hands. Nick can’t let that happen, even if he has to battle deadly mercenaries and an irresistible attraction that is all consuming.…
Kaylee didn’t expect her search for her missing ex-husband to lead to this sexy and dangerous warrior. Now she’s teamed up with Nick on a mission that takes them into deepest Africa—and into the middle of a massive government cover-up. With rogue agents hot on their trail, Kaylee’s going to unearth all Nick’s secrets. Before they both vanish without a trace. Before the passion burning between them sets off an explosion no one may survive…
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 30, 2009
46 people are currently reading
1056 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Tyler
80 books1,280 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler writes what she loves to read - romantic suspense novels starring military heroes and paranormal romance novels novels starring warrior heroes, all complete with happy endings. She also writes as SE Jakes.
And because she's not busy enough, she also co-writes as Sydney Croft. She lives in New York with her husband, her kids and her crazy Weimaraner, Gus.
For more information on Stephanie, please visit www.stephanietyler.com or email her at stephanie@stephanietyler.com.
For more information on SE Jakes, please visit SEJakes.com.
For more information on Sydney, please visit www.sydneycroft.com or email Sydney at sydney@sydneycroft.com
And because she's not busy enough, she also co-writes as Sydney Croft. She lives in New York with her husband, her kids and her crazy Weimaraner, Gus.
For more information on Stephanie, please visit www.stephanietyler.com or email her at stephanie@stephanietyler.com.
For more information on SE Jakes, please visit SEJakes.com.
For more information on Sydney, please visit www.sydneycroft.com or email Sydney at sydney@sydneycroft.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 14, 2010
5 stars – Romantic Suspense
Elite Special Forces soldier Nick Devane is hiding from secrets of a traumatic past that have led him to trust no one except his adopted father and brothers. The pain and isolation of his childhood have resulted in a toughened demeanor and an aversion to touch that contribute fine to his skills as a select military operative, but aren’t so great for long-term relationships.
Kaylee Smith is an undercover reporter who’s trying to use her investigative skills to get answers about her ex-husband’s reported KIA death while on a mission in Africa. She seeks help from soldier Nick Devane, but he wants nothing to do with the trouble Kaylee’s stirring up, no matter how attracted he is to the sexy, feisty bad-girl with a tiger tattoo and wicked hotwiring skills, that is unless it’s some danger of the bedroom variety. But when someone claiming to be her “ex” calls Kaylee and asks her to come to the DRC in Africa, she’s determined to follow through, no matter what the risks, and it will be up to Nick to keep her safe. Of course, neither of them anticipated that they’d uncover a powerful, covert government conspiracy or that their explosive passion could be even more dangerous.
This second installment in Tyler’s Hold trilogy is a steamy, intense, edgy, gripping, emotional, and action-packed military romantic suspense read. Nick Devane is a sexy-as-sin alpha hero with a tortured past and hardened persona who makes you feel tenderness towards him one minute and then a desire to be taken hard and rough against a wall the next. He’s “Too Hot to Hold” indeed! 5 stars!
Elite Special Forces soldier Nick Devane is hiding from secrets of a traumatic past that have led him to trust no one except his adopted father and brothers. The pain and isolation of his childhood have resulted in a toughened demeanor and an aversion to touch that contribute fine to his skills as a select military operative, but aren’t so great for long-term relationships.
Kaylee Smith is an undercover reporter who’s trying to use her investigative skills to get answers about her ex-husband’s reported KIA death while on a mission in Africa. She seeks help from soldier Nick Devane, but he wants nothing to do with the trouble Kaylee’s stirring up, no matter how attracted he is to the sexy, feisty bad-girl with a tiger tattoo and wicked hotwiring skills, that is unless it’s some danger of the bedroom variety. But when someone claiming to be her “ex” calls Kaylee and asks her to come to the DRC in Africa, she’s determined to follow through, no matter what the risks, and it will be up to Nick to keep her safe. Of course, neither of them anticipated that they’d uncover a powerful, covert government conspiracy or that their explosive passion could be even more dangerous.
This second installment in Tyler’s Hold trilogy is a steamy, intense, edgy, gripping, emotional, and action-packed military romantic suspense read. Nick Devane is a sexy-as-sin alpha hero with a tortured past and hardened persona who makes you feel tenderness towards him one minute and then a desire to be taken hard and rough against a wall the next. He’s “Too Hot to Hold” indeed! 5 stars!
July 11, 2014
Ok, I made it through this one. The second book in the Hold Trilogy by Stephanie Tyler. I liked it slightly more than the first but still wasn't that great for me. I'm not a fan of excessive profanity but Ms. Tyler certainly is. There was no sexual tension as the characters scratched their itches before any tension could build. Something was still missing. I have the 3rd in the series and I'm not sure I want to continue.
December 1, 2009
Yeah, okay...disclaimer: Stephanie Tyler is my friend. And she's also my writing partner with the Sydney Croft books.
But she wouldn't be my writing partner if I didn't love her writing. :)
That said, I really, really love her new SEAL series. Stephanie writes amazing heroes who are alpha, but not jerks. Oh, they have their moments, but when it comes down to it, they are protectors and lovers at heart.
Nick, the hero of Too Hot To Hold, is my favorite of the three brothers (though it really is a close call with Jake, the hero of Hard To Hold.) He's dark and tortured, and hotter than hot. Kaylee is a great match for him -- strong and sassy, and a touch stubborn.
This book (as well as the others in the series) is edgy and sexy, romantic suspense with heavy emphasis on the "romance." Stephanie's deep focus is on the characters, who are richly drawn and layered, and the result is a unique military romantic suspense.
I really think that if you like the Sydney Croft books, you'll like this series. It's not as erotic, the heroes aren't quite as over-the-top alpha, but it's solid, fast-paced, and fun!
But she wouldn't be my writing partner if I didn't love her writing. :)
That said, I really, really love her new SEAL series. Stephanie writes amazing heroes who are alpha, but not jerks. Oh, they have their moments, but when it comes down to it, they are protectors and lovers at heart.
Nick, the hero of Too Hot To Hold, is my favorite of the three brothers (though it really is a close call with Jake, the hero of Hard To Hold.) He's dark and tortured, and hotter than hot. Kaylee is a great match for him -- strong and sassy, and a touch stubborn.
This book (as well as the others in the series) is edgy and sexy, romantic suspense with heavy emphasis on the "romance." Stephanie's deep focus is on the characters, who are richly drawn and layered, and the result is a unique military romantic suspense.
I really think that if you like the Sydney Croft books, you'll like this series. It's not as erotic, the heroes aren't quite as over-the-top alpha, but it's solid, fast-paced, and fun!
January 5, 2012
Fantastic story, that had me glued to my Kindle! Not only did I like the main characters in Nick and Kaylee, but this book also had great background stories about the others. Non-stop action and lots of hot and heavy lovin'! Loved it!
Stephanie Tyler is a great story-teller which has definitely made me a fan of hers and this series!
My Nick.
Stephanie Tyler is a great story-teller which has definitely made me a fan of hers and this series!
My Nick.
July 21, 2010
These 3 brothers and their stories have totally sucked me in. This time around we focused on Nick and I finally got to know the secrets in his background that drove me nuts in the last book. We also learned more about Clutch and the craziness in Africa.
While all of these guys seem to battle demons from their past, Nick's seem especially horrific. When you really learn what those demons are you have to question if people are really that horrible to those that are flesh and blood. It also makes me very glad that Nick was able to find Jake as a young boy, and Kenny, Chris, and Maggie as a young teen. The small family was just what Nick needed to help the wounds of his first family.
As in the first book the relationship between the brothers is just as interesting as the relationship between the couple. Nick and Kaylee has some explosive chemistry and some even more explosive issues to resolve. Nick's life has always been about keeping his secrets and Kaylee is a danger to those secrets in more than one way.
Kaylee also brings together the story in Africa with our old friend Clutch. The little we learned about Clutch the last book told us that he was screwed no matter what he did,screwed so badly that he walked away from Sarah to keep her safe. We learn more about the shadowy reasons why Clutch did this and how he yearns to be free, so much so that he has a plan on place, now he just needs to survive that plan.
Chris and his whole midwife curse shows up yet again in this book. For some reason I tend to giggle when these scenes show up, there is something about a big, rough, and crazy alpha male Navy SEAL encountering a pregnant woman, causing her to go into labor so fast that he has to deliver the baby, leaving the thankful Mom to name the baby after him. So many in fact he has lost count. I also think/hope that we haven't seen the last of Jaime, that the next book with Chris, those 2 end up together as they were incredibly hot together.
While all of these guys seem to battle demons from their past, Nick's seem especially horrific. When you really learn what those demons are you have to question if people are really that horrible to those that are flesh and blood. It also makes me very glad that Nick was able to find Jake as a young boy, and Kenny, Chris, and Maggie as a young teen. The small family was just what Nick needed to help the wounds of his first family.
As in the first book the relationship between the brothers is just as interesting as the relationship between the couple. Nick and Kaylee has some explosive chemistry and some even more explosive issues to resolve. Nick's life has always been about keeping his secrets and Kaylee is a danger to those secrets in more than one way.
Kaylee also brings together the story in Africa with our old friend Clutch. The little we learned about Clutch the last book told us that he was screwed no matter what he did,screwed so badly that he walked away from Sarah to keep her safe. We learn more about the shadowy reasons why Clutch did this and how he yearns to be free, so much so that he has a plan on place, now he just needs to survive that plan.
Chris and his whole midwife curse shows up yet again in this book. For some reason I tend to giggle when these scenes show up, there is something about a big, rough, and crazy alpha male Navy SEAL encountering a pregnant woman, causing her to go into labor so fast that he has to deliver the baby, leaving the thankful Mom to name the baby after him. So many in fact he has lost count. I also think/hope that we haven't seen the last of Jaime, that the next book with Chris, those 2 end up together as they were incredibly hot together.
July 13, 2015
When I have been reading the first book in the series, I completely fell in love with all the brothers but especially with Nick. I was really waiting for his story, he was such an interesting hero. I have some really high expectations and this is probably a reason I am slightly disappointed.
I somehow thought that Nick and his story would be more fascinating. I am not sure which way... maybe I expected he will be more tortured or just darker. Whatever, I became a bit disenchanted with what I get. Right now, I think that Jake was more appealing as a hero.
I am not convinced by the huge amount of Chris appearance either, especially the way his romance with Jamie evolves. They will have their own book - the third one in the series and I would prefer to read about them there and in Too Hot to Hold I would like to see more Nick and Kaylee romance development. It's stupid but I felt like Chris and Jamie were stealing the time from Nick and Kaylee. Plus, now I am not as interested in Chris story as I would be without knowing so much about Jamie.
All in all, I think the first book in the series was better. This seemed too long and a bit boring sometimes. And at that point of Chris and Jamie relationship I'm not sure if I will read the third book any time soon.
I somehow thought that Nick and his story would be more fascinating. I am not sure which way... maybe I expected he will be more tortured or just darker. Whatever, I became a bit disenchanted with what I get. Right now, I think that Jake was more appealing as a hero.
I am not convinced by the huge amount of Chris appearance either, especially the way his romance with Jamie evolves. They will have their own book - the third one in the series and I would prefer to read about them there and in Too Hot to Hold I would like to see more Nick and Kaylee romance development. It's stupid but I felt like Chris and Jamie were stealing the time from Nick and Kaylee. Plus, now I am not as interested in Chris story as I would be without knowing so much about Jamie.
All in all, I think the first book in the series was better. This seemed too long and a bit boring sometimes. And at that point of Chris and Jamie relationship I'm not sure if I will read the third book any time soon.
January 15, 2016
Much much better than the previous one, this book was packed with action, I got to meet my favourite couple Sarah and Clutch and the main couple from the first book was far from action ;)
The story is very good. Kaylee Smith is a journalist and she keeps getting those call from her husband. But that husband should be dead, he was declared MIA and then declared dead. Instead he's calling her, asking her to go to Africa and give him some of his money.
Kaylee decides to go and Nick Devane goes with her. There we discovered a very sad story about USA government.
Really good!
The story is very good. Kaylee Smith is a journalist and she keeps getting those call from her husband. But that husband should be dead, he was declared MIA and then declared dead. Instead he's calling her, asking her to go to Africa and give him some of his money.
Kaylee decides to go and Nick Devane goes with her. There we discovered a very sad story about USA government.
Really good!
February 6, 2010
This is the second book in Stephanie Tyler's Navy Seals series about 3 brothers.
Too Hot To Hold is Nick's story......I think?
I was looking forward to this book after reading Hard To Hold. Nick's story seemed liked it was going to be very interesting after he appeared in book 1. In fact one of the things that appealed to me about this series was the relationship and camaraderie between the three brothers. I just wish there had been more of it.
This book was supposed to be Nick’s story as I stated earlier, but he had to share center stage with Clutch and Sarah’s story (who also appear in Hard to Hold), and third brother Chris and Jamie’s story (he’s supposed to star in book 3 Hold on Tight). Now don’t get me wrong, I think secondary characters and their storylines are an integral part of a novel, but in this book they almost had equal billing and quite simply I wanted more of Nick and Kaylee’s story.
Nick and Kaylee seemed like they could have been soul mates. Both were in trouble with the law during their youth for their car-stealing abilities and adeptness at hot-wiring cars. Both had major family issues with Nick choosing to leave/disown his own family at 14 and Kaylee being abandoned by her mother at 9. And both are keeping huge secrets.
Kalyee is a journalist who’s on the hunt for the truth about her supposedly dead ex-husband Adam. Who knew a dead man could make phone calls? And he’s been calling Kaylee or has he? Kaylee contacts Nick from a list left to her by her Ex as one of the last people to see Adam alive to try and help her uncover the truth.
Together they embark on a journey to Africa which was Adam’s last know location. They discover they’ve been setup and are now in grave danger and on the run as attempts are made on their lives. With Clutch and Sarah in tow, they try to stop a top secret plot to eradicate a group of government sanctioned mercenaries code name GOST of which Clutch is a member.
Despite the secrets Nick and Kaylee are keeping from one another, they have no problem in the having sex department (including in his Porsche and the wet African outdoors).
These two seemed to fall fast and fall hard for each other and frankly I just couldn’t buy into it. Nick had barely been able to maintain a relationship in his past for more than a few hours with other women; had never spend an entire night when he did have sex with someone and could barely stand to be touched. Considering the minimal amount of time he spent with Kaylee I just didn’t believe he could be in love with her.
I will read the third book in the series, Chris’ story, but this one left me wanting more.
Too Hot To Hold is Nick's story......I think?
I was looking forward to this book after reading Hard To Hold. Nick's story seemed liked it was going to be very interesting after he appeared in book 1. In fact one of the things that appealed to me about this series was the relationship and camaraderie between the three brothers. I just wish there had been more of it.
This book was supposed to be Nick’s story as I stated earlier, but he had to share center stage with Clutch and Sarah’s story (who also appear in Hard to Hold), and third brother Chris and Jamie’s story (he’s supposed to star in book 3 Hold on Tight). Now don’t get me wrong, I think secondary characters and their storylines are an integral part of a novel, but in this book they almost had equal billing and quite simply I wanted more of Nick and Kaylee’s story.
Nick and Kaylee seemed like they could have been soul mates. Both were in trouble with the law during their youth for their car-stealing abilities and adeptness at hot-wiring cars. Both had major family issues with Nick choosing to leave/disown his own family at 14 and Kaylee being abandoned by her mother at 9. And both are keeping huge secrets.
Kalyee is a journalist who’s on the hunt for the truth about her supposedly dead ex-husband Adam. Who knew a dead man could make phone calls? And he’s been calling Kaylee or has he? Kaylee contacts Nick from a list left to her by her Ex as one of the last people to see Adam alive to try and help her uncover the truth.
Together they embark on a journey to Africa which was Adam’s last know location. They discover they’ve been setup and are now in grave danger and on the run as attempts are made on their lives. With Clutch and Sarah in tow, they try to stop a top secret plot to eradicate a group of government sanctioned mercenaries code name GOST of which Clutch is a member.
Despite the secrets Nick and Kaylee are keeping from one another, they have no problem in the having sex department (including in his Porsche and the wet African outdoors).
These two seemed to fall fast and fall hard for each other and frankly I just couldn’t buy into it. Nick had barely been able to maintain a relationship in his past for more than a few hours with other women; had never spend an entire night when he did have sex with someone and could barely stand to be touched. Considering the minimal amount of time he spent with Kaylee I just didn’t believe he could be in love with her.
I will read the third book in the series, Chris’ story, but this one left me wanting more.
September 2, 2013
I found this book even worse than the previous. There was so little depth in the main characters relationship that not only there was a secondary love story that had already started in the previous book but even the third brother had to take a huge part of the screen and start there (almost from the beginning of the book) his own love story. The suspense was ok but the way it was solved left me hanging.
I still have some hopes that the third and last book might have something more.
However I'm highly disappointed by this series and will most probably never pick up any book from this author again.
I still have some hopes that the third and last book might have something more.
However I'm highly disappointed by this series and will most probably never pick up any book from this author again.
May 12, 2010
Definitely better than the first one. Nick & Kaylee's relationship felt more real than Jake and Isabelle's. There were still some parts of the book that you had to suspend reality to get through (yeah, I really want to have hot and sweaty sex in the middle of an African jungle - on the ground nevertheless!) Other than that, I enjoyed it! On to Chris's story - Hold On Tight.
January 7, 2010
Just closed the cover on this book -- WOW!!! Nick is beyond hero material. This book kept me on the edge of my chair and guessing who was going to make it through and who wasn't. Kaylee, the female lead, was a great match for Nick and their relationship bloomed as the story progressed. The fact that all three brothers, along with their dad, are in each book just adds to the rich storyline. Now I'm ready for Book 3 -- "Hold On Tight"!
May 31, 2011
I wasn't impressed.
June 8, 2014
Re-read.
I really enjoyed this part of the trilogy, mainly because it's when we really start to get to know Chris and there is just something I love about that guy!
I really enjoyed this part of the trilogy, mainly because it's when we really start to get to know Chris and there is just something I love about that guy!
November 16, 2023
I had no idea what I was getting into when I bought Too Hot to Hold by Stephanie Tyler. I found the book at a random thrift store and figured I might as well take a chance, and I bought it confidently in front of my mother may I add so I really had to follow through on emphasizing its literary value.
I didn’t realize this was part of a series so it was difficult for me to piece together the plot at times but I think I had a pretty good grasp of what happened. The book follows Kaylee Smith as she searches for the truth behind her missing ex-husband, a case she is thrust into because she receives a phone call from her supposedly dead husband in Africa. It was hard to understand what happened with him but Kaylee is still receiving his benefits and even though she’s romantically moved on, she wants to bring him justice. The military says he went AWOL and was KIA but she pursues Nick as a way to investigate her claims, as well as enjoy his…companionship…as well. (To be honest I was taken aback by how quickly they jumped into it considering it was only chapter five, but I’m figuring they had more of a backstory in earlier books.)
At this point in the series, she begins it by seeing a man named Aaron whom she promptly dumps upon Nick's return. Nick is apparently this big-time Navy SEAL who is protecting her while she tries to uncover what really happened. The reader can also quickly see that Kaylee isn’t exactly the greatest decision maker anyway, as she steals Nick's car because she wanted to drive his “911 Turbo Porsche”. I’m not sure what that means but I probably wouldn't be as passive as him if I caught someone I had a fling with driving it. Perhaps that is the author highlighting how devoted he is from the beginning to show he is simply maintaining a facade? Or his stress receptors are fried from the military. Who knows.
(Possible Spoilers?)
Regardless, the story continues as they travel to Africa, specifically to the place her husband went missing to try and find primary sources and why he was tied in with GOST, a mercenary organization. They soon meet Clutch and Sarah, who seem to be allies or even characters from another storyline that were also surveillancing the situation, but they also try convincing Kaylee that he went AWOL, which makes Nick state that he's ready to kill them whenever. To be honest, I loved this strong, military man trope. The thing I especially like is that the author makes these men dominant but not overwhelming or obnoxious. Instead, Tyler creates protective and obsessive characters that continue to show their novel worthy loyalty to the main character, which I equally love and envy.
With many sexy scenes and close calls ranging from fighting GOST members to delivering a baby in the back of a car, the book ends with Kaylee finding out that Aaron sacrificed himself to make sure she would be safe and be able to continue living her life. With Clutch and Sarah’s help, they dismantle GOST and finally can bring Aaron justice. At the end, Nick devotes himself to protecting her, as he has finally come to genuine terms with his feelings towards her and they go to settle into their home together. I was happy they made it to the end together but I didn’t really want the story to even end because it felt unfinished in some way, but I guess that means I’ll have to read the book that comes after.
Something I wish could’ve been different about the novel was the build until they get down to business. The first intimate scene I really like those slow builds where they have more of a mental connection and I felt like that was a tad rushed in this novel. Not that I’m complaining though, Stephanie Tyler really is an illustrated writer. I don't often get chances to sit down and read but I thought it was easy to get immersed into this storyline, which was really refreshing. This novel was sexy and filled with strong banter and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series so I can fully appreciate this richly layered plot!
I didn’t realize this was part of a series so it was difficult for me to piece together the plot at times but I think I had a pretty good grasp of what happened. The book follows Kaylee Smith as she searches for the truth behind her missing ex-husband, a case she is thrust into because she receives a phone call from her supposedly dead husband in Africa. It was hard to understand what happened with him but Kaylee is still receiving his benefits and even though she’s romantically moved on, she wants to bring him justice. The military says he went AWOL and was KIA but she pursues Nick as a way to investigate her claims, as well as enjoy his…companionship…as well. (To be honest I was taken aback by how quickly they jumped into it considering it was only chapter five, but I’m figuring they had more of a backstory in earlier books.)
At this point in the series, she begins it by seeing a man named Aaron whom she promptly dumps upon Nick's return. Nick is apparently this big-time Navy SEAL who is protecting her while she tries to uncover what really happened. The reader can also quickly see that Kaylee isn’t exactly the greatest decision maker anyway, as she steals Nick's car because she wanted to drive his “911 Turbo Porsche”. I’m not sure what that means but I probably wouldn't be as passive as him if I caught someone I had a fling with driving it. Perhaps that is the author highlighting how devoted he is from the beginning to show he is simply maintaining a facade? Or his stress receptors are fried from the military. Who knows.
(Possible Spoilers?)
Regardless, the story continues as they travel to Africa, specifically to the place her husband went missing to try and find primary sources and why he was tied in with GOST, a mercenary organization. They soon meet Clutch and Sarah, who seem to be allies or even characters from another storyline that were also surveillancing the situation, but they also try convincing Kaylee that he went AWOL, which makes Nick state that he's ready to kill them whenever. To be honest, I loved this strong, military man trope. The thing I especially like is that the author makes these men dominant but not overwhelming or obnoxious. Instead, Tyler creates protective and obsessive characters that continue to show their novel worthy loyalty to the main character, which I equally love and envy.
With many sexy scenes and close calls ranging from fighting GOST members to delivering a baby in the back of a car, the book ends with Kaylee finding out that Aaron sacrificed himself to make sure she would be safe and be able to continue living her life. With Clutch and Sarah’s help, they dismantle GOST and finally can bring Aaron justice. At the end, Nick devotes himself to protecting her, as he has finally come to genuine terms with his feelings towards her and they go to settle into their home together. I was happy they made it to the end together but I didn’t really want the story to even end because it felt unfinished in some way, but I guess that means I’ll have to read the book that comes after.
Something I wish could’ve been different about the novel was the build until they get down to business. The first intimate scene I really like those slow builds where they have more of a mental connection and I felt like that was a tad rushed in this novel. Not that I’m complaining though, Stephanie Tyler really is an illustrated writer. I don't often get chances to sit down and read but I thought it was easy to get immersed into this storyline, which was really refreshing. This novel was sexy and filled with strong banter and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series so I can fully appreciate this richly layered plot!
October 8, 2012
Too Hot to Hold ของ สเตฟานี ไทเลอร์
หนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นเล่มที่สองในชุดที่เล่าเรื่องราวของพี่น้องต่างบุพการีสามคน แต่ได้รับการเลี้ยงดูจากคนที่พวกเขาเรียกว่าพ่อและแม่คนเดียวกัน
นิค ดีเวนเป็นชายที่ใช้ชีวิตแบบติดขอบ เขารักการเสี่ยงอันตราย และนี่เป็นสิ่งที่เหมาะสมสำหรับชายผู้เป็นหนึ่งในหน่วยรบที่แข็งแกร่งที่สุดในโลกอย่างหน่วยเนวีซีล แต่นิคก็มีความลับในอดีตที่ถูกเก็บเอาไว้ และเมื่อเขาได้รับแจ้งว่า ชื่อของเขาถูกนำมาค้นหาในฐานข้อมูลโดยการร้องขอของหญิงสาวคนนึง นิคก็รู้ว่า เขาไม่อาจนิ่งเฉยได้
ดังนั้นเขาจึงติดต่อเพื่อขอพบกับเคย์ลี สมิธ หญิงสาวที่พยายามสืบประวัติของเขา แต่การไ้ด้พบกับเธอก็กลายเป็นบางสิ่งที่มากกว่า เพราะเคย์ลีกลายเ็ป็นบางคนที่มากกว่า
โทรศัพท์ลึกลับที่เธอได้รับจากชายที่อ้างตัวว่าเป็นอดีตสามีผู้เสียชีวิตไปแล้วของเคย์ลี ทำให้เธอตัดสินใจเปิดกล่องนิรภัยที่แอรอนทิ้งกุญแจเอาไว้ให้เธอ ในนั้นมีรายชื่อและรายละเอียดของการสู้รบ หนึ่งในรายชื่อ และเป็นชื่อสุดท้ายก็คือ นิค ดีเวน
เคย์ลีซึ่งเป็นนักข่าวสายสืบสวนที่เก่งกาจ สามารถตามหาทหารทุกคนที่อยู่ในรายชื่อนั้น และพูดคุยกับพวกเขาเกี่ยวกับแอรอน ทำให้เธอรู้ความจริงที่น่าตกใจ ซึ่งก็คือ แอรอน อดีตสามีซึ่งเธอเข้าใจว่าตายไปนานแล้ว กลับมีชีวิตอยู่หลังจากนั้นอีกนานมาก เขาได้ช่วยชีวิตของคนในรายชื่อนั้น แต่การตามหาตัวนิค ดีเวนกลับเป็นเรื่องยาก ประวัติของเขาถูกเก็บซ่อน แต่ในที่สุดเคย์ลีก็หาทางจนได้พบกับเขา
นิคเป็นชายที่เคย์ลีบอกกับตัวเองว่า ไม่เหมาะสม เธอเคยแต่งงานกับชายในเครื่องแบบมาแล้ว และต้องพบกับความเจ็บปวด แน่ล่ะเธออาจจะไม่ได้รักแอรอนจนหมดหัวใจ แต่แอรอนก็คือเพื่อนสนิท คือคนที่เธอคิดว่าเข้าใจตัวตนของเธอ เขามีอดีตร่วมกับเธอ รู้ว่าเคย์ลีกำลังวิ่งหนีปีศาจตัวไหน แต่แอรอนก็รักกองทัพมากกว่าเธอ และนั่นทำให้ความสัมพันธ์ของทั้งสองจบลง เธอขอหย่าจากเขา แต่ความสัมพันธ์ที่สะบั้นก็ไม่ได้ทำให้ความเป็นเืพื่อนของทั้งสองจบลงไปด้วย ดังนั้นเมื่อเธอพบว่า มีบางอย่างผิดปกติเกิดขึ้นกับแอรอน เคย์ลีก็ตั้งใจจะสืบหาความจริงจนถึงที่สุด
และนั่นนำเธอมาพบกับนิค ชายผู้ซึ่งยอมเปิดเผยเรื่องราวการเผชิญหน้ากันกับแอรอน ชายผู้ซึ่งยอมรับว่าแอรอนช่วยชีวิตของเขาเอาไว้ (แม้ว่าในรายงานที่แอรอนทิ้งเอาไว้จะบอกว่า นิคไม่ได้ต้องการความช่วยเหลือด้วยซ้ำ) แต่ในท้ายที่สุดเมื่อเคย์ลีขอร้องให้นิคพาเธอไปแอฟริกาเพื่อไปยังจุดสุดท้ายที่เขาได้พบกับแอรอน นิคก็ตอบปฏิเสธ มันอันตรายเกินไป
ปัญหาก็คือ นิคไม่อาจพาตัวออกห่างจากชีวิตของเคย์ลีได้ เขาอาจจะเพิ่งพบเธอ แต่หญิงสาวคนนี้มีบางอย่างที่ลึกซึ้ง และเธออาจจะเป็นเพียงคนเดียวที่เข้าใจความซับซ้อนในตัวตนของเขา นั่นเพราะเคย์ลีเองก็คือคนที่มีความซับซ้อนในตัวเองเช่นกัน
สุดท้ายแล้วนิคก็ไม่มีทางเลือก เมื่อปรากฎชัดเจนว่า เคย์ลีกลายเป็นเป้าหมายของคนร้ายที่ต้องการหยุดการสืบหาความจริงของเธอเกี่ยวกับแอรอน เพราะความลับที่เคย์ลีกำลังจะเปิดเผย มันใหญ่โตที่อาจจะสั่นครอนรัฐบาลได้เลยด้วยซ้ำ
ในแง่ของพล็อตแล้ว ในเล่มนี้มีหลายจุดที่คล้ายคลึงกับเล่มแรกนะคะ ซึ่งก็คือ ความไม่น่าเชื่อ และเหตุการณ์บังเอิญทั้งหลายทั้งปวงที่เกิดขึ้น ไม่ว่าจะเป็น (สปอยล์) คนที่ล่อให้เคย์ลีไปแอฟริกาแท้จริงแล้วคือคนรักของไกด์นำทางที่เคย์ลีติดต่อ หรือคดีที่เคย์ลีกำลังสืบหาก่อนหน้าที่จะละความสนใจมายังเรื่องของแอรอน ดันไปเกี่ยวข้องกับตัวตนที่แท้จริงของนิคชนิดแยกกันไม่ออก
มีความไม่น่าเชื่อเยอะมากในหนังสือเล่มนี้ แต่นั่นไม่สำคัญเลยค่ะ เพราะคาแร็คเตอร์มีพลังมากพอที่จะกลบความไม่สมบูรณ์แบบทั้งหมดนี่ได้
นิคเป็นตัวละครที่น่าสนใจ เขามีวัยเด็กที่เจ็บปวด จากลูกชายคนเล็กของตระกูลผู้มั่งคั่งและเต็มไปด้วยอำนาจ นิคเลือกที่จะเดินหนีจากมา ทิ้งทุกอย่างไว้เบื้องหลัง ทิ้งตัวตนที่แท้จริง เพราะเขาไม่อาจมีชีวิตโดยปราศจากความรักได้ ความ���ย็นชาของครอบครัวทำลายตัวตนของเขาช้า ๆ และเมื่อนิคได้มีโอกาสได้พบกับเคนนี่ และแม็กกี้ เวลดอน สองสามีภรรยาผู้เป็นบิดามารดาของเพื่อนสนิท นิคก็ได้ค้นพบครอบครัวของเขา ครอบครัวที่ไม่จำเป็นต้องผูกรั้งกันไว้ด้วยสายเลือด และนิคเลือกที่จะใช้ชีวิตกับคนที่ต้องการเขา
การเลือกของนิคกำลังจะกลับมาหลอกหลอนเขาอีกครั้ง เพราะความลับบางอย่างในอดีตได้ถูกเปิดเผยออก และครั้งนี้ทำให้นิคกลายเป็นที่ต้องการอีกครั้ง จากครอบครัวที่เคยปฏิเสธเขา
แม็กซ์ชอบนิค ทั้งที่เขามีความแตกต่างจากเจคค่อนข้างมาก เขาอาจจะไม่ได้ดูยิ่งใหญ่ หรือเก่งเหนือมนุษย์ แบบที่คนแต่งทำให้เรารู้สึกเช่นนั้นกับเจค (พระเอกเล่มแรก) แต่นิคก็มีตัวตนของตัวเองที่ชัดเจน ความบ้าระห่ำ และเต็มไปด้วยความซับซ้อน
สำหรับเคย์ลี ในแง่ของคาแร็คเตอร์แล้ว เธอยังเทียบกับอิซาเบลไม่ได้ แม็กซ์ไม่รู้สึกถึงความเข้มแข็งของเธอมากนัก แต่ในแง่ของการดำเนินเรื่องแล้ว เคย์ลีดูเหมาะสมกับนิคมากที่สุด เธอคือคนที่เขาต้องการ และเข้ามาในชีวิตของเขาในยามที่เขาอาจจะต้องการเธอมากที่สุด แม็กซ์ชอบความไว้วางใจที่ทั้งคู่มีให้กัน ชอบการที่เคย์ลีรู้จักหัวใจตัวเองดีพอ และการที่เธอไม่ต้องการเก็บความลับจากนิค แม้ว่าการเิปิดเผยมันอาจจะเป็นการทำลายความสัมพันธ์ที่แทบจะยังไม่ได้เริ่มต้นของทั้งคู่ด้วยซ้ำ และสิ่งที่แม็กซ์ชอบมากที่สุดก็คือ การที่เคย์ลีไม่กลัวที่จะเอื้อมมือคว้าสิ่งที่เธอต้องการ และนั่นก็คือนิค
เพราะสำหรับชายที่ถูกทอดทิ้งตลอดสิบสี่ปีแรกในชีวิต นิคต้องการใครสักคนที่ต้องการเขามากพอที่จะสู้เพื่อเขา และเคย์ลีก็คือคนคนนั้น เธอกล้าที่จะเปิดใจตัวเอง และบอกว่ารักเขา ในยามที่เขาเองยังไม่แน่ใจในความรู้สึกของตัวเองด้วยซ้ำ และนั่นทำให้แม็กซ์รักเคย์ลีในแบบที่เธอเป็น
โดยรวมอย่างที่บอกนะคะ มีความไม่น่าเชื่อเยอะมาก ๆ ในพล็อตเรื่องเล่มนี้ แต่แม็กซ์ถูกครอบงำโดยตัวละครค่ะ ทำให้เราตาบอดมืดมัวไปกับความไม่สมบูรณ์แบบทั้งหมดนั่น
คะแนนที่ 80
ป.ล. ขอระบายความรู้สึกหน่อยนึงนะคะ เพราะสิ่งที่เกิดขึ้นกับแอรอน (สปอยล์) และคนอื่น ๆ ที่เป็นการกระทำของรัฐบาลต่อพวกเขา ทำให้อ่านไปก็เครียดมาก ๆ เพราะสำหรับเรานั่นคือการทรยศในรากลึกที่สุด ทั้งหมดเป็นคนที่อยู่ในโครงการคุ้มครองพยานตั้งแต่เด็ก และเมื่อเติบโตขึ้นพวกเขากลายเป็นทหารเพื่อรับใช้ชาติ แต่กลับถูกเอาเรื่องความหลังที่พ่อหรือแม่ของพวกเขาเป็นพยายนให้การปรักปรัมคนร้ายมาข่มขู่ เพื่อบังคับให้เป็นทหารรับจ้าง และปฏิบัติภารกิจที่รัฐบาลไม่ต้องการให้คนรู้ว่าตัวเองเป็นคนสั่ง ทั้งหมดต้องทิ้งชีวิตของตัวเอง คนที่พวกเขารักกลายเป็นเบี้ยที่ใช้ในการข่มขู่เพื่อให้พวกเขายอมทำตาม แม็กซ์อ่านแล้วรู้สึกกดดันมาก ๆ เพราะถ้านั่นเป็นเรื่องจริง มันคือสิ่งที่ไม่อาจให้อภัยได้เลย และปัญหาก็คือ มันมีสิทธิ์เป็นเรื่องจริงเสียด้วยสิ
หนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นเล่มที่สองในชุดที่เล่าเรื่องราวของพี่น้องต่างบุพการีสามคน แต่ได้รับการเลี้ยงดูจากคนที่พวกเขาเรียกว่าพ่อและแม่คนเดียวกัน
นิค ดีเวนเป็นชายที่ใช้ชีวิตแบบติดขอบ เขารักการเสี่ยงอันตราย และนี่เป็นสิ่งที่เหมาะสมสำหรับชายผู้เป็นหนึ่งในหน่วยรบที่แข็งแกร่งที่สุดในโลกอย่างหน่วยเนวีซีล แต่นิคก็มีความลับในอดีตที่ถูกเก็บเอาไว้ และเมื่อเขาได้รับแจ้งว่า ชื่อของเขาถูกนำมาค้นหาในฐานข้อมูลโดยการร้องขอของหญิงสาวคนนึง นิคก็รู้ว่า เขาไม่อาจนิ่งเฉยได้
ดังนั้นเขาจึงติดต่อเพื่อขอพบกับเคย์ลี สมิธ หญิงสาวที่พยายามสืบประวัติของเขา แต่การไ้ด้พบกับเธอก็กลายเป็นบางสิ่งที่มากกว่า เพราะเคย์ลีกลายเ็ป็นบางคนที่มากกว่า
โทรศัพท์ลึกลับที่เธอได้รับจากชายที่อ้างตัวว่าเป็นอดีตสามีผู้เสียชีวิตไปแล้วของเคย์ลี ทำให้เธอตัดสินใจเปิดกล่องนิรภัยที่แอรอนทิ้งกุญแจเอาไว้ให้เธอ ในนั้นมีรายชื่อและรายละเอียดของการสู้รบ หนึ่งในรายชื่อ และเป็นชื่อสุดท้ายก็คือ นิค ดีเวน
เคย์ลีซึ่งเป็นนักข่าวสายสืบสวนที่เก่งกาจ สามารถตามหาทหารทุกคนที่อยู่ในรายชื่อนั้น และพูดคุยกับพวกเขาเกี่ยวกับแอรอน ทำให้เธอรู้ความจริงที่น่าตกใจ ซึ่งก็คือ แอรอน อดีตสามีซึ่งเธอเข้าใจว่าตายไปนานแล้ว กลับมีชีวิตอยู่หลังจากนั้นอีกนานมาก เขาได้ช่วยชีวิตของคนในรายชื่อนั้น แต่การตามหาตัวนิค ดีเวนกลับเป็นเรื่องยาก ประวัติของเขาถูกเก็บซ่อน แต่ในที่สุดเคย์ลีก็หาทางจนได้พบกับเขา
นิคเป็นชายที่เคย์ลีบอกกับตัวเองว่า ไม่เหมาะสม เธอเคยแต่งงานกับชายในเครื่องแบบมาแล้ว และต้องพบกับความเจ็บปวด แน่ล่ะเธออาจจะไม่ได้รักแอรอนจนหมดหัวใจ แต่แอรอนก็คือเพื่อนสนิท คือคนที่เธอคิดว่าเข้าใจตัวตนของเธอ เขามีอดีตร่วมกับเธอ รู้ว่าเคย์ลีกำลังวิ่งหนีปีศาจตัวไหน แต่แอรอนก็รักกองทัพมากกว่าเธอ และนั่นทำให้ความสัมพันธ์ของทั้งสองจบลง เธอขอหย่าจากเขา แต่ความสัมพันธ์ที่สะบั้นก็ไม่ได้ทำให้ความเป็นเืพื่อนของทั้งสองจบลงไปด้วย ดังนั้นเมื่อเธอพบว่า มีบางอย่างผิดปกติเกิดขึ้นกับแอรอน เคย์ลีก็ตั้งใจจะสืบหาความจริงจนถึงที่สุด
และนั่นนำเธอมาพบกับนิค ชายผู้ซึ่งยอมเปิดเผยเรื่องราวการเผชิญหน้ากันกับแอรอน ชายผู้ซึ่งยอมรับว่าแอรอนช่วยชีวิตของเขาเอาไว้ (แม้ว่าในรายงานที่แอรอนทิ้งเอาไว้จะบอกว่า นิคไม่ได้ต้องการความช่วยเหลือด้วยซ้ำ) แต่ในท้ายที่สุดเมื่อเคย์ลีขอร้องให้นิคพาเธอไปแอฟริกาเพื่อไปยังจุดสุดท้ายที่เขาได้พบกับแอรอน นิคก็ตอบปฏิเสธ มันอันตรายเกินไป
ปัญหาก็คือ นิคไม่อาจพาตัวออกห่างจากชีวิตของเคย์ลีได้ เขาอาจจะเพิ่งพบเธอ แต่หญิงสาวคนนี้มีบางอย่างที่ลึกซึ้ง และเธออาจจะเป็นเพียงคนเดียวที่เข้าใจความซับซ้อนในตัวตนของเขา นั่นเพราะเคย์ลีเองก็คือคนที่มีความซับซ้อนในตัวเองเช่นกัน
สุดท้ายแล้วนิคก็ไม่มีทางเลือก เมื่อปรากฎชัดเจนว่า เคย์ลีกลายเป็นเป้าหมายของคนร้ายที่ต้องการหยุดการสืบหาความจริงของเธอเกี่ยวกับแอรอน เพราะความลับที่เคย์ลีกำลังจะเปิดเผย มันใหญ่โตที่อาจจะสั่นครอนรัฐบาลได้เลยด้วยซ้ำ
ในแง่ของพล็อตแล้ว ในเล่มนี้มีหลายจุดที่คล้ายคลึงกับเล่มแรกนะคะ ซึ่งก็คือ ความไม่น่าเชื่อ และเหตุการณ์บังเอิญทั้งหลายทั้งปวงที่เกิดขึ้น ไม่ว่าจะเป็น (สปอยล์) คนที่ล่อให้เคย์ลีไปแอฟริกาแท้จริงแล้วคือคนรักของไกด์นำทางที่เคย์ลีติดต่อ หรือคดีที่เคย์ลีกำลังสืบหาก่อนหน้าที่จะละความสนใจมายังเรื่องของแอรอน ดันไปเกี่ยวข้องกับตัวตนที่แท้จริงของนิคชนิดแยกกันไม่ออก
มีความไม่น่าเชื่อเยอะมากในหนังสือเล่มนี้ แต่นั่นไม่สำคัญเลยค่ะ เพราะคาแร็คเตอร์มีพลังมากพอที่จะกลบความไม่สมบูรณ์แบบทั้งหมดนี่ได้
นิคเป็นตัวละครที่น่าสนใจ เขามีวัยเด็กที่เจ็บปวด จากลูกชายคนเล็กของตระกูลผู้มั่งคั่งและเต็มไปด้วยอำนาจ นิคเลือกที่จะเดินหนีจากมา ทิ้งทุกอย่างไว้เบื้องหลัง ทิ้งตัวตนที่แท้จริง เพราะเขาไม่อาจมีชีวิตโดยปราศจากความรักได้ ความ���ย็นชาของครอบครัวทำลายตัวตนของเขาช้า ๆ และเมื่อนิคได้มีโอกาสได้พบกับเคนนี่ และแม็กกี้ เวลดอน สองสามีภรรยาผู้เป็นบิดามารดาของเพื่อนสนิท นิคก็ได้ค้นพบครอบครัวของเขา ครอบครัวที่ไม่จำเป็นต้องผูกรั้งกันไว้ด้วยสายเลือด และนิคเลือกที่จะใช้ชีวิตกับคนที่ต้องการเขา
การเลือกของนิคกำลังจะกลับมาหลอกหลอนเขาอีกครั้ง เพราะความลับบางอย่างในอดีตได้ถูกเปิดเผยออก และครั้งนี้ทำให้นิคกลายเป็นที่ต้องการอีกครั้ง จากครอบครัวที่เคยปฏิเสธเขา
แม็กซ์ชอบนิค ทั้งที่เขามีความแตกต่างจากเจคค่อนข้างมาก เขาอาจจะไม่ได้ดูยิ่งใหญ่ หรือเก่งเหนือมนุษย์ แบบที่คนแต่งทำให้เรารู้สึกเช่นนั้นกับเจค (พระเอกเล่มแรก) แต่นิคก็มีตัวตนของตัวเองที่ชัดเจน ความบ้าระห่ำ และเต็มไปด้วยความซับซ้อน
สำหรับเคย์ลี ในแง่ของคาแร็คเตอร์แล้ว เธอยังเทียบกับอิซาเบลไม่ได้ แม็กซ์ไม่รู้สึกถึงความเข้มแข็งของเธอมากนัก แต่ในแง่ของการดำเนินเรื่องแล้ว เคย์ลีดูเหมาะสมกับนิคมากที่สุด เธอคือคนที่เขาต้องการ และเข้ามาในชีวิตของเขาในยามที่เขาอาจจะต้องการเธอมากที่สุด แม็กซ์ชอบความไว้วางใจที่ทั้งคู่มีให้กัน ชอบการที่เคย์ลีรู้จักหัวใจตัวเองดีพอ และการที่เธอไม่ต้องการเก็บความลับจากนิค แม้ว่าการเิปิดเผยมันอาจจะเป็นการทำลายความสัมพันธ์ที่แทบจะยังไม่ได้เริ่มต้นของทั้งคู่ด้วยซ้ำ และสิ่งที่แม็กซ์ชอบมากที่สุดก็คือ การที่เคย์ลีไม่กลัวที่จะเอื้อมมือคว้าสิ่งที่เธอต้องการ และนั่นก็คือนิค
เพราะสำหรับชายที่ถูกทอดทิ้งตลอดสิบสี่ปีแรกในชีวิต นิคต้องการใครสักคนที่ต้องการเขามากพอที่จะสู้เพื่อเขา และเคย์ลีก็คือคนคนนั้น เธอกล้าที่จะเปิดใจตัวเอง และบอกว่ารักเขา ในยามที่เขาเองยังไม่แน่ใจในความรู้สึกของตัวเองด้วยซ้ำ และนั่นทำให้แม็กซ์รักเคย์ลีในแบบที่เธอเป็น
โดยรวมอย่างที่บอกนะคะ มีความไม่น่าเชื่อเยอะมาก ๆ ในพล็อตเรื่องเล่มนี้ แต่แม็กซ์ถูกครอบงำโดยตัวละครค่ะ ทำให้เราตาบอดมืดมัวไปกับความไม่สมบูรณ์แบบทั้งหมดนั่น
คะแนนที่ 80
ป.ล. ขอระบายความรู้สึกหน่อยนึงนะคะ เพราะสิ่งที่เกิดขึ้นกับแอรอน (สปอยล์) และคนอื่น ๆ ที่เป็นการกระทำของรัฐบาลต่อพวกเขา ทำให้อ่านไปก็เครียดมาก ๆ เพราะสำหรับเรานั่นคือการทรยศในรากลึกที่สุด ทั้งหมดเป็นคนที่อยู่ในโครงการคุ้มครองพยานตั้งแต่เด็ก และเมื่อเติบโตขึ้นพวกเขากลายเป็นทหารเพื่อรับใช้ชาติ แต่กลับถูกเอาเรื่องความหลังที่พ่อหรือแม่ของพวกเขาเป็นพยายนให้การปรักปรัมคนร้ายมาข่มขู่ เพื่อบังคับให้เป็นทหารรับจ้าง และปฏิบัติภารกิจที่รัฐบาลไม่ต้องการให้คนรู้ว่าตัวเองเป็นคนสั่ง ทั้งหมดต้องทิ้งชีวิตของตัวเอง คนที่พวกเขารักกลายเป็นเบี้ยที่ใช้ในการข่มขู่เพื่อให้พวกเขายอมทำตาม แม็กซ์อ่านแล้วรู้สึกกดดันมาก ๆ เพราะถ้านั่นเป็นเรื่องจริง มันคือสิ่งที่ไม่อาจให้อภัยได้เลย และปัญหาก็คือ มันมีสิทธิ์เป็นเรื่องจริงเสียด้วยสิ
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2019
Registered on Bookcrossing - http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/7...
Another great book in the romantic suspense trilogy. I love all the characters and the story kept me interested to see what happens next.
Another great book in the romantic suspense trilogy. I love all the characters and the story kept me interested to see what happens next.
August 26, 2012
Nick Devane ist einer der drei Seal Brüder um den es in diesen Büchern überhaupt geht. Es stammt aus einer reichen und politisch einflussreichen Familie, die ihn nicht haben wollte, und so kam es zusammen mit Jack in die Familie von Chris, Kenny und Maggie. Nick selbst ist kein einfacher Zeitgenosse, denn er tut immer nur das was er will und ist dabei gleichermaßen arrogant und selbstgerecht. Allerdings reicht er nicht an Jacks Sturkopf heran und so wird eine junge Journalistin scheinbar zu seinem Verhängnis.
Kaylee ist kein Kind von Traurigkeit und so hat sie selbst schon die ein oder andere Jugendstrafe hinter sich, versucht aber nun ihr Leben so gut zu Leben wie es eben geht. Dass ihr Ex-Mann und ehemals bester Freund Aaron verstarb war für sie ein harter Schlag, doch als dann plötzlich ihr Telefon klingelt und er scheinbar gar nicht so tot ist wie alle dachten und sie dazu noch um etwas vollkommen gefährliches bittet, kann Kaylee ihm seine Bitte nicht abschlagen. Sie wendet sich also an Nick, der mit ihr nach Afrika kommen soll um sie zu beschützen, während sie ihr Leben für Aaron auf’s Spiel setzt.
Auch dieses Mal sind wieder sehr viele Ähnlichkeiten zwischen den Protagonisten zu finden und Stephanie Tyler setzt scheinbar einmal mehr auf „gleich und gleich gesellt sich gern“. Allerdings ist das gerade bei Nick wahrscheinlich die einzige Möglichkeit, dass jemand an ihn herankommt, denn Kaylee versteht ihn in seinem Denken und Tun wie es wohl niemand anders kann. Beide sind ohne die Liebe der Mutter aufgewachsen, auch wenn es nicht genau die selbe Situation war reicht es doch um sie einander vertrauter werden zu lassen. Dabei hat Kaylee es auf keinen Fall einfach, denn Nick hat eine sehr dicke Haut und einen starken Willen. Doch sie weiß, dass er wahrscheinlich der einzige ist bei dem sie sich so frei fühlen kann wie sie es eben tut, also kämpft sie selbst im gefährlichen Afrika noch um Nicks Liebe!
War der erste Band noch sehr auf das zwischenmenschliche fixiert, ist es hier eher das körperliche Empfinden. Das passt hier hervorragend hinein, denn Nick hat seit – oder eben wegen – seiner Kindheit Probleme mit körperlicher Nähe – außer beim Sex. Somit ist es schon vorprogrammiert, dass hier gerade der körperliche Akt sehr weit in den Vordergrund gehoben wird. Doch es ist keinesfalls störend, sondern vollkommen passend.
Dass die Haupthandlung wieder in Afrika spielt ist für die Autorin bezeichnend, denn sie selbst ist scheinbar von dem Kontinent fasziniert und so erhält die Geschichte seine Priese Gefahr neben allem anderen.
Und auch mit Sarah und Clutch, bekannt aus dem ersten Band, gibt es ein wieder sehen. Die Liebesgeschichte der zwei verlief bisher weit im Hintergrund, doch nun bekommt sie einen höheren Stellenwert und ist zugleich ein wichtiger Teil der Handlungen dieses Buches. Haben die zwei also eine Chance?
Zeitgleich rückt Chris mit einer FBI-Agentin (Jamie) in Afrika an um seinem Bruder zu helfen. Jamie selbst ist vor allem auf der Suche nach ihrer Schwester und versucht alles um sie aus ihrer Situation zu befreien. Die beiden leben somit den Grundstein für den dritten Band, der eben die Geschichte dieser beiden aufgreift.
Beziehungen, Liebe, Leidenschaft, Gefahr. Es klingt sehr rasant, ist es aber leider nicht zu jeder Zeit. An manchen Stellen wirkt die Handlung geradezu zäh und scheint auf der Stelle zu stehen, doch das ist immer nur auf ein paar Seiten der Fall, bis sich das wieder so weit gibt und den Leser weiterhin mit sich reißt. Doch leider ist die Geschichte um Nick und Kaylee nicht so feurig, wie es sich der Leser vielleicht wünschen würde: Das Ende kommt zu plötzlich und so wahnsinnig untypisch für die Charakterzüge der beiden Protagonisten. Auch scheint die Geschichte um Sarah und Clutch oft viel interessanter. Sie stehlen dem Heldenpaar sozusagen die Show. Wobei auch Chris und Jamie ihr übriges dazu beitragen.
Ein bisschen durchwachsen, aber dennoch spannend und gefühlsintensiv. Ich habe es sehr gerne gelesen und freue mich nun auf die Geschichte um Chris und Jamie.
Kaylee ist kein Kind von Traurigkeit und so hat sie selbst schon die ein oder andere Jugendstrafe hinter sich, versucht aber nun ihr Leben so gut zu Leben wie es eben geht. Dass ihr Ex-Mann und ehemals bester Freund Aaron verstarb war für sie ein harter Schlag, doch als dann plötzlich ihr Telefon klingelt und er scheinbar gar nicht so tot ist wie alle dachten und sie dazu noch um etwas vollkommen gefährliches bittet, kann Kaylee ihm seine Bitte nicht abschlagen. Sie wendet sich also an Nick, der mit ihr nach Afrika kommen soll um sie zu beschützen, während sie ihr Leben für Aaron auf’s Spiel setzt.
Auch dieses Mal sind wieder sehr viele Ähnlichkeiten zwischen den Protagonisten zu finden und Stephanie Tyler setzt scheinbar einmal mehr auf „gleich und gleich gesellt sich gern“. Allerdings ist das gerade bei Nick wahrscheinlich die einzige Möglichkeit, dass jemand an ihn herankommt, denn Kaylee versteht ihn in seinem Denken und Tun wie es wohl niemand anders kann. Beide sind ohne die Liebe der Mutter aufgewachsen, auch wenn es nicht genau die selbe Situation war reicht es doch um sie einander vertrauter werden zu lassen. Dabei hat Kaylee es auf keinen Fall einfach, denn Nick hat eine sehr dicke Haut und einen starken Willen. Doch sie weiß, dass er wahrscheinlich der einzige ist bei dem sie sich so frei fühlen kann wie sie es eben tut, also kämpft sie selbst im gefährlichen Afrika noch um Nicks Liebe!
War der erste Band noch sehr auf das zwischenmenschliche fixiert, ist es hier eher das körperliche Empfinden. Das passt hier hervorragend hinein, denn Nick hat seit – oder eben wegen – seiner Kindheit Probleme mit körperlicher Nähe – außer beim Sex. Somit ist es schon vorprogrammiert, dass hier gerade der körperliche Akt sehr weit in den Vordergrund gehoben wird. Doch es ist keinesfalls störend, sondern vollkommen passend.
Dass die Haupthandlung wieder in Afrika spielt ist für die Autorin bezeichnend, denn sie selbst ist scheinbar von dem Kontinent fasziniert und so erhält die Geschichte seine Priese Gefahr neben allem anderen.
Und auch mit Sarah und Clutch, bekannt aus dem ersten Band, gibt es ein wieder sehen. Die Liebesgeschichte der zwei verlief bisher weit im Hintergrund, doch nun bekommt sie einen höheren Stellenwert und ist zugleich ein wichtiger Teil der Handlungen dieses Buches. Haben die zwei also eine Chance?
Zeitgleich rückt Chris mit einer FBI-Agentin (Jamie) in Afrika an um seinem Bruder zu helfen. Jamie selbst ist vor allem auf der Suche nach ihrer Schwester und versucht alles um sie aus ihrer Situation zu befreien. Die beiden leben somit den Grundstein für den dritten Band, der eben die Geschichte dieser beiden aufgreift.
Beziehungen, Liebe, Leidenschaft, Gefahr. Es klingt sehr rasant, ist es aber leider nicht zu jeder Zeit. An manchen Stellen wirkt die Handlung geradezu zäh und scheint auf der Stelle zu stehen, doch das ist immer nur auf ein paar Seiten der Fall, bis sich das wieder so weit gibt und den Leser weiterhin mit sich reißt. Doch leider ist die Geschichte um Nick und Kaylee nicht so feurig, wie es sich der Leser vielleicht wünschen würde: Das Ende kommt zu plötzlich und so wahnsinnig untypisch für die Charakterzüge der beiden Protagonisten. Auch scheint die Geschichte um Sarah und Clutch oft viel interessanter. Sie stehlen dem Heldenpaar sozusagen die Show. Wobei auch Chris und Jamie ihr übriges dazu beitragen.
Ein bisschen durchwachsen, aber dennoch spannend und gefühlsintensiv. Ich habe es sehr gerne gelesen und freue mich nun auf die Geschichte um Chris und Jamie.
July 2, 2010
Recently I caught up with Stephanie Tyler and asked her about her exciting new romantic suspense trilogy.
I loved HARD TO HOLD and I noticed t was dedicated to your grandfather, who served in the United States Navy. Did you always plan on writing a trilogy featuring Navy Seals? Was this a sort of tribute to him?
The military / SEAL thing came from a couple of different places. When my daughter was born, she had a lot of medical problems and ended up in the hospital for a long time. My husband said, this kid’s so tough, she could be the first female SEAL. And I was like, SEAL. And then one day, long after the book was handed in, I was talking to my uncle about my grandfather. I knew my grandfather had been in the Navy, but what I didn’t know was that he’d snuck in at the age of 15. So I think that my grandfather and my daughter both guided me in this direction,
Did you always know you were going to write fiction? And why were you drawn to thrillers?
Yes to writing fiction – I’ve been making up stories forever, seeing them played out in my head like a movie, having characters talk to me. And I think for a long time, I wasn’t finding my niche because I was writing more literary fiction and poetry, which I love. It wasn’t until my daughter’s birth that I started reading romance novels pretty exclusively (because I needed that happy ending) – before that, I’d read a lot of thrillers (Patricia Cornwell was a particular favorite at the time)…and so I think I finally understood that I could have both together, the thrill and the romance.
What's the most important thing you've learned about the publishing business? And what's the most valuable piece of advice you could give an aspiring author?
The most important thing…well, I know you’ve heard it before, but the only thing you can control is writing the best book you possibility can at the time you write it. For aspiring authors, don’t polish the one project you have to death at the expense of continuing to write. Write a lot and finish projects.
You co-write the Sydney Croft novels with a writer named Larissa Ione. What's that like? Do you always have the same vision for the characters? I think readers would be intrigued to know how this collaboration works out.
It’s honestly really easy, and that’s because Larissa (she also writes a fantastic, bestselling Demonica series) and I often joke that we share a brain. For the most part, I write the hero’s pov and Larissa the heroines, and we each take different subplot characters. There’s a lot of energy and the writing tends to go very fast. It’s honestly easier than writing on my own, because our strengths and weaknesses balance one another out – the whole, two heads are better than one – is very true in this case.
Can you give us a peek at your To-Be-Read pile? Do you tend to read thrillers, or do you like to read outside your genre, especially when you're
deep into your manuscript?
On the TBR pile – Karin Slaughter’s Undone, Linda Howard’s Ice, Ava Gray’s Skin Game, Barry Eisler’s Fault Line, Nina Bruhn’s Shoot to Thrill and Lynn Viehl’s Shadowlight
.
What's next on the horizon?
I’m working on the second book in a new series that comes out back to back in late 2010 – still military heroes, loosely connected to the Hold world – the series title is Shadow Force and the book titles are LIE WITH ME and PROMISES IN THE DARK. And Larissa and I are writing Sydney Croft’s sixth book.
I loved HARD TO HOLD and I noticed t was dedicated to your grandfather, who served in the United States Navy. Did you always plan on writing a trilogy featuring Navy Seals? Was this a sort of tribute to him?
The military / SEAL thing came from a couple of different places. When my daughter was born, she had a lot of medical problems and ended up in the hospital for a long time. My husband said, this kid’s so tough, she could be the first female SEAL. And I was like, SEAL. And then one day, long after the book was handed in, I was talking to my uncle about my grandfather. I knew my grandfather had been in the Navy, but what I didn’t know was that he’d snuck in at the age of 15. So I think that my grandfather and my daughter both guided me in this direction,
Did you always know you were going to write fiction? And why were you drawn to thrillers?
Yes to writing fiction – I’ve been making up stories forever, seeing them played out in my head like a movie, having characters talk to me. And I think for a long time, I wasn’t finding my niche because I was writing more literary fiction and poetry, which I love. It wasn’t until my daughter’s birth that I started reading romance novels pretty exclusively (because I needed that happy ending) – before that, I’d read a lot of thrillers (Patricia Cornwell was a particular favorite at the time)…and so I think I finally understood that I could have both together, the thrill and the romance.
What's the most important thing you've learned about the publishing business? And what's the most valuable piece of advice you could give an aspiring author?
The most important thing…well, I know you’ve heard it before, but the only thing you can control is writing the best book you possibility can at the time you write it. For aspiring authors, don’t polish the one project you have to death at the expense of continuing to write. Write a lot and finish projects.
You co-write the Sydney Croft novels with a writer named Larissa Ione. What's that like? Do you always have the same vision for the characters? I think readers would be intrigued to know how this collaboration works out.
It’s honestly really easy, and that’s because Larissa (she also writes a fantastic, bestselling Demonica series) and I often joke that we share a brain. For the most part, I write the hero’s pov and Larissa the heroines, and we each take different subplot characters. There’s a lot of energy and the writing tends to go very fast. It’s honestly easier than writing on my own, because our strengths and weaknesses balance one another out – the whole, two heads are better than one – is very true in this case.
Can you give us a peek at your To-Be-Read pile? Do you tend to read thrillers, or do you like to read outside your genre, especially when you're
deep into your manuscript?
On the TBR pile – Karin Slaughter’s Undone, Linda Howard’s Ice, Ava Gray’s Skin Game, Barry Eisler’s Fault Line, Nina Bruhn’s Shoot to Thrill and Lynn Viehl’s Shadowlight
.
What's next on the horizon?
I’m working on the second book in a new series that comes out back to back in late 2010 – still military heroes, loosely connected to the Hold world – the series title is Shadow Force and the book titles are LIE WITH ME and PROMISES IN THE DARK. And Larissa and I are writing Sydney Croft’s sixth book.
April 23, 2010
Nick Devane was adopted by the Waldron’s when he was 14 years old. Nick has been neglected by his biological family and started to rebel, so the Waldron’s found a way to get him away and start a new life with them. Just like his adopted siblings Chris and Jake, he’s part of the Navy Seal team, he lives for danger and of course beautiful women.
Kaylee Smith was raised by her grandmother after he mother abandoned her. She works as a reporter under a pseudonym and is known to find the truth no matter what. Kaylee always believed that her ex-husband Aaron was killed during one of his missions in Africa, but when she receives a mysterious phone call from her “dead” husband she doesn’t know what to think. He wants to come to Africa to get him free by paying a huge amount of ransom money, not knowing that this trip will change her life forever.
Too Hot to Hold by Stephanie Tyler is the second novel in the Hard to Hold Trilogy and like the previous novel, one hell of a book. I’ve read a couple of Stephanie’s other Navy Seal books and she’s got me hooked from the start. She creates a world full of action, danger, sexual attraction and of course fears, one fabulous combination.
Kaylee meets Nick when she finds a list with names of military men in a safely deposit box of her dead husband. Because of that mysterious phone call, she decides to call or visit all these men to find out what happened to her husband. Is he really dead and someone is playing with her or is he still alive? She wants Nick to help her, but he refuses.
Nick eventually agrees to help her and travels with her to Africa, where danger lies in every corner of the jungle. Meanwhile at home his brother Chris covers for him and tries to keep FBI agent Jamie as far away from Nick as possible, not an easy job to do.
I already loved the interaction and huge bond between the three brothers Jake, Nick and Chris. Although they don’t share the same parents, that don’t mean they aren’t close, they would die or do anything for the others, no matter the situation.
The only thing for me to say is that this is one fabulous novel and I’m really looking forward to the last installment in this series.
Kaylee Smith was raised by her grandmother after he mother abandoned her. She works as a reporter under a pseudonym and is known to find the truth no matter what. Kaylee always believed that her ex-husband Aaron was killed during one of his missions in Africa, but when she receives a mysterious phone call from her “dead” husband she doesn’t know what to think. He wants to come to Africa to get him free by paying a huge amount of ransom money, not knowing that this trip will change her life forever.
Too Hot to Hold by Stephanie Tyler is the second novel in the Hard to Hold Trilogy and like the previous novel, one hell of a book. I’ve read a couple of Stephanie’s other Navy Seal books and she’s got me hooked from the start. She creates a world full of action, danger, sexual attraction and of course fears, one fabulous combination.
Kaylee meets Nick when she finds a list with names of military men in a safely deposit box of her dead husband. Because of that mysterious phone call, she decides to call or visit all these men to find out what happened to her husband. Is he really dead and someone is playing with her or is he still alive? She wants Nick to help her, but he refuses.
Nick eventually agrees to help her and travels with her to Africa, where danger lies in every corner of the jungle. Meanwhile at home his brother Chris covers for him and tries to keep FBI agent Jamie as far away from Nick as possible, not an easy job to do.
I already loved the interaction and huge bond between the three brothers Jake, Nick and Chris. Although they don’t share the same parents, that don’t mean they aren’t close, they would die or do anything for the others, no matter the situation.
The only thing for me to say is that this is one fabulous novel and I’m really looking forward to the last installment in this series.
April 30, 2010
3 3/4 stars
This is the second book in a series about 3 adopted brothers who are Navy SEALs. This book revolves around Nick Devane. He is the second adopted son of Kenny and Maggie Waldron. Like Jake in the first book, he has a secret from his past that he wants to keep in his past. Kaylee Smith enters Nick's life with more of his past and he can't deny her the help she requests. He doesn't know why, but he is drawn to her and wants more from her than any other woman in his past.
While I felt the plot was well developed, I felt the relationship between Nick and Kaylee lacked something. I can't put my finger on what, but I felt a little lacking in their relationship resolution. I guess I wanted something more from it. Maybe it has to do with the difficulty I had connecting with the characters. I didn't find myself particularly liking them in the beginning. They grew on me as the story went on, but in the beginning, I was more interested in finding out the characters histories separate than the present together.
This book can be read as a stand-alone book. It doesn't reference too much from the first book and if I hadn't read it, I wouldn't feel lost. The only part that might be a little confusing is that between Sarah and Clutch--their story is in the first book and it might be a little confusing if you don't have the whole history. This one does give a background for the next book, though. The remaining brother, Chris, meets his match and their story begins here. it definitely made me excited to read the next book.
I enjoyed this book more than the last because it didn't have the annoying details that didn't seem to work like the first one did. They are getting better as the series goes along, so I am looking forward to reading the final book.
This is the second book in a series about 3 adopted brothers who are Navy SEALs. This book revolves around Nick Devane. He is the second adopted son of Kenny and Maggie Waldron. Like Jake in the first book, he has a secret from his past that he wants to keep in his past. Kaylee Smith enters Nick's life with more of his past and he can't deny her the help she requests. He doesn't know why, but he is drawn to her and wants more from her than any other woman in his past.
While I felt the plot was well developed, I felt the relationship between Nick and Kaylee lacked something. I can't put my finger on what, but I felt a little lacking in their relationship resolution. I guess I wanted something more from it. Maybe it has to do with the difficulty I had connecting with the characters. I didn't find myself particularly liking them in the beginning. They grew on me as the story went on, but in the beginning, I was more interested in finding out the characters histories separate than the present together.
This book can be read as a stand-alone book. It doesn't reference too much from the first book and if I hadn't read it, I wouldn't feel lost. The only part that might be a little confusing is that between Sarah and Clutch--their story is in the first book and it might be a little confusing if you don't have the whole history. This one does give a background for the next book, though. The remaining brother, Chris, meets his match and their story begins here. it definitely made me excited to read the next book.
I enjoyed this book more than the last because it didn't have the annoying details that didn't seem to work like the first one did. They are getting better as the series goes along, so I am looking forward to reading the final book.
July 30, 2012
I really like the hero and heroine of this book.... both of them together were an amazing combination. The thing that I didn't like is how they always talked about their relationship in the strangest places. They'd be hiding out and all of a sudden talk about their future. & I mean, really?? is that the right time to talk about all that?
The secondary story about Sarah and Clutch from the previous book gets resolved and we finally get to find out what happens with GOST and it's operatives.
We also get a look into Chris's story in the following book, Hold on Tight.
It was a very intense book, with lots of action that kept things moving along. & there was the added bonus of a lack of focus on the whole "second sight" thing that Chris and Kenny have going on.
Really loving the fact that Stephanie Tyler has this obsession with Africa.... It really does get under your skin.
Speaking of Africa, I really hope that we find out more about Sarah and Clutch in the next book. After knowing them for two books now, I don't want them to suddenly disappear from the final one.
The secondary story about Sarah and Clutch from the previous book gets resolved and we finally get to find out what happens with GOST and it's operatives.
We also get a look into Chris's story in the following book, Hold on Tight.
It was a very intense book, with lots of action that kept things moving along. & there was the added bonus of a lack of focus on the whole "second sight" thing that Chris and Kenny have going on.
Really loving the fact that Stephanie Tyler has this obsession with Africa.... It really does get under your skin.
Speaking of Africa, I really hope that we find out more about Sarah and Clutch in the next book. After knowing them for two books now, I don't want them to suddenly disappear from the final one.
January 21, 2014
TO0 HOT TO HOLD - HOLD TRILOGY #2 - (Nick and Kaylee)
HE’S AN ELITE NAVY SEAL LIVING A RISKY DOUBLE LIFE.
SHE’S THE GORGEOUS REPORTER HOT ON HIS TRAIL.
Nick Devane’s life is one big classified secret. Until Kaylee Smith busts his covert world wide open, threatening to blow his cover. Digging around where she doesn’t belong could get them both killed…especially when the beautiful journalist uncovers top secret information that could set off a global disaster if it falls into the wrong hands. Nick can’t let that happen, even if he has to battle deadly mercenaries and an irresistible attraction that is all consuming.…
Kaylee didn’t expect her search for her missing ex-husband to lead to this sexy and dangerous warrior. Now she’s teamed up with Nick on a mission that takes them into deepest Africa—and into the middle of a massive government cover-up. With rogue agents hot on their trail, Kaylee’s going to unearth all Nick’s secrets. Before they both vanish without a trace. Before the passion burning between them sets off an explosion no one may survive…
HE’S AN ELITE NAVY SEAL LIVING A RISKY DOUBLE LIFE.
SHE’S THE GORGEOUS REPORTER HOT ON HIS TRAIL.
Nick Devane’s life is one big classified secret. Until Kaylee Smith busts his covert world wide open, threatening to blow his cover. Digging around where she doesn’t belong could get them both killed…especially when the beautiful journalist uncovers top secret information that could set off a global disaster if it falls into the wrong hands. Nick can’t let that happen, even if he has to battle deadly mercenaries and an irresistible attraction that is all consuming.…
Kaylee didn’t expect her search for her missing ex-husband to lead to this sexy and dangerous warrior. Now she’s teamed up with Nick on a mission that takes them into deepest Africa—and into the middle of a massive government cover-up. With rogue agents hot on their trail, Kaylee’s going to unearth all Nick’s secrets. Before they both vanish without a trace. Before the passion burning between them sets off an explosion no one may survive…
December 27, 2015
The second trilogy featuring Nick as the lead for this story. Nick Devane have a complicated childhood in which he has abandoned due to certain reasons and it was predictable on who he was as the story goes. Nick, a child who falls sick so often since his childhood wasn't taken care much which made him has the tendency to avoid caring for others apart for his brothers, Jake and Chris.
Kaylee Smith, a journalist who gotten a call from her ex-husband who went AWOL and had seemingly be dead. This pique her curiosity and she had chanced upon a list that her ex-husband had wrote, Nick Devane was on the list. Their attraction was immediate in which I felt was a little exaggerated as compared to Jake and Isabelle from the previous story.
Though the attraction portion was a little too much for me, I felt that the flow was much better and the plot had lesser out of proportion chapters. I liked how the leads took care of each other unconsciously and be willing to change their beliefs ever since they met.
Kaylee Smith, a journalist who gotten a call from her ex-husband who went AWOL and had seemingly be dead. This pique her curiosity and she had chanced upon a list that her ex-husband had wrote, Nick Devane was on the list. Their attraction was immediate in which I felt was a little exaggerated as compared to Jake and Isabelle from the previous story.
Though the attraction portion was a little too much for me, I felt that the flow was much better and the plot had lesser out of proportion chapters. I liked how the leads took care of each other unconsciously and be willing to change their beliefs ever since they met.
October 16, 2011
In the second of the Hold Trilogy, Nick finds his match in the guise of a deceased savior's ex-wife who also happens to be a newspaper writer whose pet project is finding out what really happened to Cotter Winfield (aka Nick). Wow, a whole lotta of connections/ coincidences but they didn't bother me at all. As Nick's adoptive father likes to say (paraphrase), everyone you meet plays a part in your life sooner or later you just have to wait to see if its for good or bad. Kaylee has a rough past of her own and this allows them to bond and relate to each otheron a basic level. The one thing that I didn't like so much was that not only was there one other romantic subplot (Clutch and Sarah) but two (Chris and Jaimie..the subject of the next book). At times it seemed as if Nick and Kaylee were getting shortchanged but then again all three couples meshed together in the plot so it wasn't massively distracting. Definitely enjoy these brothers...
August 24, 2012
Nick Devane’s life is one big classified secret. Until Kaylee Smith busts his covert world wide open, threatening to blow his cover. Digging around where she doesn’t belong could get them both killed…especially when the beautiful journalist uncovers top secret information that could set off a global disaster if it falls into the wrong hands. Nick can’t let that happen, even if he has to battle deadly mercenaries and an irresistible attraction that is all consuming.…
Kaylee didn’t expect her search for her missing ex-husband to lead to this sexy and dangerous warrior. Now she’s teamed up with Nick on a mission that takes them into deepest Africa—and into the middle of a massive government cover-up. With rogue agents hot on their trail, Kaylee’s going to unearth all Nick’s secrets. Before they both vanish without a trace. Before the passion burning between them sets off an explosion no one may survive
Kaylee didn’t expect her search for her missing ex-husband to lead to this sexy and dangerous warrior. Now she’s teamed up with Nick on a mission that takes them into deepest Africa—and into the middle of a massive government cover-up. With rogue agents hot on their trail, Kaylee’s going to unearth all Nick’s secrets. Before they both vanish without a trace. Before the passion burning between them sets off an explosion no one may survive
February 8, 2012
3 1/2 stars. Kaylee Smith is using her skills as an investigative reporter to search for information regarding her ex-husband's death. She forces her way into Nick Devane's life, despite the fact that he is part of a very covert Special Ops group. A mystery surrounding a special group known as GOST leads the two of them on a trip to Africa where human life is sold cheaply and Kaylee's continued search may result in death for her and those that she has involved in her quest. Her ex-husband's former colleagues and Nick's family and teammates all become entangled in a terrible conspiracy that could very well bring down a government or two.
May 3, 2010
Here's the thing, I loved this book, as I loved the first one in this series. But, and I've seen this happen with some of Suzanne Brockmann's books too, occasionally an author leaves things between the hero and the heroine unresolved. There were lots of things like that in this book. There is a HEA, which I love and, frankly, need in the books I read, but some of the issues are still hanging out there, which is why this is 4 stars and not 5. But I highly recommend it. It's full of action, hot love scenes, and a believable plot that was totally unique. Enjoy a great read.
October 4, 2011
I have to admit that I picked this book up right after finishing Hard to Hold and it was not a disappointment at all. I actually preferred Nick's character A tiny bit more than Jake. The action was once again fast enough to keep me awake(and it was getting really late by now) and the romance was touching and well written. I love these books, but the only thing I would have liked was a bit more history on Nick's childhood so I could understand the drastic steps he took as a teenager a little more.
Oh well, now I have to go and read Hole On Tight.
Oh well, now I have to go and read Hole On Tight.
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