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The Guardian Angelinos #3
Face of Danger
Private investigator Vivi Angelino loves living life on the edge, but stepping into the shoes of a movie starlet to bait a serial killer isn't just a thrill . . . it's a ticket to the big time for her fledgling security firm. That is, as long as a certain risk-averse FBI agent stays out of her way-and out of her fantasies.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang isn't above using his well-worn rulebook to stop Vivi's latest walk on the wild side. But when they learn her client is involved in something far more insidious than bad acting, Vivi and Colt must work together despite the electrifying attraction arcing between them. For each new clue is bringing them closer to a high-profile crime with a dark and deadly truth at its core . . . and a cold, calculating murderer with nothing left to lose.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang isn't above using his well-worn rulebook to stop Vivi's latest walk on the wild side. But when they learn her client is involved in something far more insidious than bad acting, Vivi and Colt must work together despite the electrifying attraction arcing between them. For each new clue is bringing them closer to a high-profile crime with a dark and deadly truth at its core . . . and a cold, calculating murderer with nothing left to lose.
379 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 11, 2011
76 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
About the author
Roxanne St. Claire
266 books1,833 followersI don’t know about you, but when I check out an author's bio, it’s usually because I’ve read a book I liked and wondered about the person behind it. Let's skip the formal bio and I'll give you the inside scoop on who Roxanne St. Claire really is.
First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.
I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.
Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband's gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.
xoxo
Rocki
First of all, call me Rocki. Everyone does. Evidently, when my mother brought me home from the hospital I seemed too scrawny and small to pull off “Roxanne” (she’d read Cyrano de Bergerac while pregnant or I would have been Judy) so they called me Rocki.
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, the youngest of five (overachievers, every one), and fell in love with words and stories the summer I read Gone With The Wind. That year, for my twelfth birthday, my parents gave me a typewriter (with italic font – it was the coolest thing) and from that day on, I’ve had my fingers on a keyboard, pounding out love stories for fun. My AP English teacher taught me the two most important lessons an aspiring author ever needs: 1) verbs are the key to life and 2) a writer should get a real job. After attending UCLA and graduating with a degree in communications, I tried acting and television broadcasting. Oh, they aren’t real jobs? I learned that the hard way. I changed my last name from Zink to St. Claire because a news producer told me Roxanne Zink had too many harsh consonants for a TV personality – apparently Katie Couric didn’t get the memo. I got some fun gigs, and even met Tom Hanks when I did a guest appearance on Bosom Buddies. I liked on camera work, but wasn’t too crazy about starvation, so I moved to Boston and got that “real” job. In fact, I placed my foot on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder and didn’t look down until I’d climbed all the way up to the level of Senior Vice President at the world’s largest public relations firm. On the way up, I met the man of my dreams in an elevator. Two years later – in the same elevator! – he asked me to marry him and I wisely said yes.
I stayed in PR, moved to Miami, had a few babies, lost my home in a hurricane, built another one a few hours north and all along, I kept writing my “stories” for fun. One night, I read a particularly fabulous romance novel that changed my life for good. That night, I decided I wanted to make someone else feel as whole and happy as that author made me feel. (Everyone asks! It was Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.) With two small children and one big “real” job, writing my first novel wasn’t easy, but I did finish a manuscript that managed to get the attention of a literary agent. She told me to do one thing and one thing fast: write another book. (The first one is usually a “learner” book, honestly.) That second manuscript sold to Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books and was released in 2003 as Tropical Getaway. Since then, I’ve written almost thirty more, in multiple genres, and long ago replaced the corporate ladder with the rollercoaster of publishing as a full-time novelist. Finally, writing is my real job.
Today, I live in a small beach community in Florida with my husband and two dogs. Our kids are off to college and law school, which means my nest is empty! I spend my time writing, working with the kids at my church, enjoying my husband's gourmet cooking, and hanging with my many writer friends. Of course, I love to read. I’m still crazy about words and stories and hope to write at least a hundred books in my lifetime. And, yes, verbs are the key to life. My favorites? Love. Work. Believe.
xoxo
Rocki
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April 24, 2011
My favorite of the series! I absolutely loved everything about this book--the characters, the plot, the romance, the suspense, the who-done-it, the action...all of it worked for me, and as an added bonus, it even made me cry.
Face Of Danger is the third book (you must read these in order) in Roxanne St. Claire's Guardian Angelinos series, and it was a real pleasure to read. We first meet the heroine, 32 year-old tomboy skateboarder, Vivi Angelino of the Boston area in book #1 (Edge of Sight), where she sets up her security company (The Guardian Angelinos) along with her twin brother Zach and her Rossi cousins. In this book her company is making progress, taking job referrals from their FBI acquaintance Colton Lang, and is on the verge of big success, but she needs to make a mark with a big client. Vivi hears news about a possible serial killer stalking some Hollywood actresses--the Red Carpet Killer--and because of her resemblance to Oscar nominated actress Cara Ferrari, she comes up with an idea. Since the Red Carpet Killer has murdered the last two female Oscar winners, and the Oscars are just around the corner, maybe Cara would consider hiring Vivi as her body double? That way Cara could go into hiding (assuming she wins the Oscar), and Vivi would lure the killer to make a move on her instead? Sounds like a plan, right?
Vivi
Vivi tells her plan to her FBI friend (and secret crush), the straight-shooter, by-the-book, take-no-chances, hunky nerd, Colton "Cautious" Lang. Lang doesn't like the idea, doesn't like the thought of cute (but not his physical type) Vivi putting herself in the path of a killer, and secretly hopes that Cara Ferrari doesn't hire Vivi. When Cara wins the Oscar, Lang's FBI bosses order him (with a promise of a huge job promotion to their L.A. office if he's successful) to be part of Cara's security team to protect her and catch a potential killer. Cara has plans to return to her childhood home in Nantucket, and Lang is aboard the private jet that will take her (and her pet dachshund "Stella") there. But when he sees Cara, he does a double-take. That's Vivi playing the part of Cara, right? Or is it? Vivi has been sworn to secrecy (and an iron clad non-disclosure agreement) not to let anyone know that she is impersonating Cara, so convincing Lang that she is really Cara will be a true test of her acting skills and her disguise. Can the skater girl who hides her femininity behind oversized clothes, a pierced nose, a funky short haircut, and a lack of makeup become the sexy, long-haired siren who is Cara Ferrari? Will a lap dance right out of one of Cara's movies (complete with thigh-high stiletto boots) convince Lang that who he thinks might be Vivi is really Cara?
Colton Lang
Oh wow, the lap dance (and what follows it) really kicked things into high gear in this book. Vivi and Lang have some serious, serious chemistry in this story, and I loved seeing Lang trying to resist Vivi. Because of something in his past, Lang is dead set against taking risks (mostly of the emotional kind), and Vivi is one giant risk-taker. But can he help it that he's attracted to her and her risk taking behavior? She makes him feel alive, but that could be risky for his heart.
Cara’s Nantucket house
Vivi has her own past, and in this book we learn what she's been hiding for 16 years, and how it's affected her romantic life, and her perception of herself. I was heartbroken to learn her secret(s), and the fact that she couldn't bring herself to confide in anyone. She has this wonderful connection with Lang (rarely did she call him 'Colt'), filled with plenty of teasing dialogue and physical and emotional heat. It's easy to see their connection, and why Vivi trusts Lang like she's never trusted anyone before. The only question between the two seems to be if they're ready to admit their feelings for one another and be brave enough to take the next step. Each has their reasons for holding back, and it's not until all the secrets are revealed that they can they move forward.
What I loved about this story: first of all, the chemistry between Vivi and Colt. Simmering, simmering...and then explosively hot! There's not many scenes, but what is there is sooo good. Oh, the bathtub scene...
Second: the characters. I absolutely loved Vivi--she's bold, fearless, a risk-taker, compassionate, brave, and vulnerable. It was very easy to root for her, and my heart just about broke when she was upfront with Lang .
Colton Lang? Beneath those golf shirts and khakis and old-fashioned phrasing was one smokin' hot sexy man. Yes, he was a straight arrow, a "Dudley-Do-Right" as Vivi called him, totally by-the-book, except when Vivi's life was in danger (which it was many times in this book). That's when you could see the enormity of his feelings for Vivi, but darn it that past of his was holding him back, and you just wanted him to break free of it!
Third: the suspense plot. RSC serves up quite the suspense plot, filled with a potential serial killer, child slavery, human trafficking--and you're not really sure who's all caught up in it. She gives us plenty of suspects to wonder about--Cara's drunken sister Joellen, her agoraphobic housekeeper Mercedes, her homely assistant Marissa, her former lover Roman, and Cara herself. Many times throughout the book I thought I had figured things out, picked out my suspects, figured out their motives, only to have RSC throw a little curve-ball, a little twist, to keep me guessing.
Fourth: the action. Lots of bursts of action throughout the book as Vivi and Lang put their heads together to not only figure out who is threatening Cara's life, but why? Is it really the Red Carpet Killer who wants her dead, or someone else? Is Cara connected to a human trafficking ring that is operating right out of her house in Nantucket and the cranberry bogs on her property? Is something from Cara's past threatening her future?
Cranberry bog
By far the most intense action comes at the end of the book, when Lang realizes that Vivi is in danger and tries to save her in a heroic move that is straight out of an action movie (OMG, I was biting my nails over that move!) Even little Stella (the weiner dog with a crush on Lang) played an important role in the climax!
Stella
So yes, Roxanne St. Claire got it all right in this one. Just the right blend of hot romance with two very special, passionate characters, a plot filled with plenty of twists and turns, and a riveting ending (plus a juicy, romantic epilogue to boot). Oh yes, we also get to see (or hear about) Zach, Sammi, Marc, Devyn, Uncle Nino, Chessie and Gabe (who's up next)--love that Angelino/Rossi family. This is shaping up to be quite a series--but I think RSC may have a hard time topping this one. I enjoyed everything about this book, and the nerd in me even had to do some research about cranberry bogs--I never gave a thought about how cranberries came to be! So far Vivi is the star of this series, but I do have some high hopes for the intriguing Gabe. I just hope his story will somehow involve Vivi and Lang too, because I'm not quite ready to see them go. 5 stars
Face Of Danger is the third book (you must read these in order) in Roxanne St. Claire's Guardian Angelinos series, and it was a real pleasure to read. We first meet the heroine, 32 year-old tomboy skateboarder, Vivi Angelino of the Boston area in book #1 (Edge of Sight), where she sets up her security company (The Guardian Angelinos) along with her twin brother Zach and her Rossi cousins. In this book her company is making progress, taking job referrals from their FBI acquaintance Colton Lang, and is on the verge of big success, but she needs to make a mark with a big client. Vivi hears news about a possible serial killer stalking some Hollywood actresses--the Red Carpet Killer--and because of her resemblance to Oscar nominated actress Cara Ferrari, she comes up with an idea. Since the Red Carpet Killer has murdered the last two female Oscar winners, and the Oscars are just around the corner, maybe Cara would consider hiring Vivi as her body double? That way Cara could go into hiding (assuming she wins the Oscar), and Vivi would lure the killer to make a move on her instead? Sounds like a plan, right?
Vivi
Vivi tells her plan to her FBI friend (and secret crush), the straight-shooter, by-the-book, take-no-chances, hunky nerd, Colton "Cautious" Lang. Lang doesn't like the idea, doesn't like the thought of cute (but not his physical type) Vivi putting herself in the path of a killer, and secretly hopes that Cara Ferrari doesn't hire Vivi. When Cara wins the Oscar, Lang's FBI bosses order him (with a promise of a huge job promotion to their L.A. office if he's successful) to be part of Cara's security team to protect her and catch a potential killer. Cara has plans to return to her childhood home in Nantucket, and Lang is aboard the private jet that will take her (and her pet dachshund "Stella") there. But when he sees Cara, he does a double-take. That's Vivi playing the part of Cara, right? Or is it? Vivi has been sworn to secrecy (and an iron clad non-disclosure agreement) not to let anyone know that she is impersonating Cara, so convincing Lang that she is really Cara will be a true test of her acting skills and her disguise. Can the skater girl who hides her femininity behind oversized clothes, a pierced nose, a funky short haircut, and a lack of makeup become the sexy, long-haired siren who is Cara Ferrari? Will a lap dance right out of one of Cara's movies (complete with thigh-high stiletto boots) convince Lang that who he thinks might be Vivi is really Cara?
Colton Lang
Oh wow, the lap dance (and what follows it) really kicked things into high gear in this book. Vivi and Lang have some serious, serious chemistry in this story, and I loved seeing Lang trying to resist Vivi. Because of something in his past, Lang is dead set against taking risks (mostly of the emotional kind), and Vivi is one giant risk-taker. But can he help it that he's attracted to her and her risk taking behavior? She makes him feel alive, but that could be risky for his heart.
Cara’s Nantucket house
Vivi has her own past, and in this book we learn what she's been hiding for 16 years, and how it's affected her romantic life, and her perception of herself. I was heartbroken to learn her secret(s), and the fact that she couldn't bring herself to confide in anyone. She has this wonderful connection with Lang (rarely did she call him 'Colt'), filled with plenty of teasing dialogue and physical and emotional heat. It's easy to see their connection, and why Vivi trusts Lang like she's never trusted anyone before. The only question between the two seems to be if they're ready to admit their feelings for one another and be brave enough to take the next step. Each has their reasons for holding back, and it's not until all the secrets are revealed that they can they move forward.
What I loved about this story: first of all, the chemistry between Vivi and Colt. Simmering, simmering...and then explosively hot! There's not many scenes, but what is there is sooo good. Oh, the bathtub scene...
Second: the characters. I absolutely loved Vivi--she's bold, fearless, a risk-taker, compassionate, brave, and vulnerable. It was very easy to root for her, and my heart just about broke when she was upfront with Lang .
Colton Lang? Beneath those golf shirts and khakis and old-fashioned phrasing was one smokin' hot sexy man. Yes, he was a straight arrow, a "Dudley-Do-Right" as Vivi called him, totally by-the-book, except when Vivi's life was in danger (which it was many times in this book). That's when you could see the enormity of his feelings for Vivi, but darn it that past of his was holding him back, and you just wanted him to break free of it!
Third: the suspense plot. RSC serves up quite the suspense plot, filled with a potential serial killer, child slavery, human trafficking--and you're not really sure who's all caught up in it. She gives us plenty of suspects to wonder about--Cara's drunken sister Joellen, her agoraphobic housekeeper Mercedes, her homely assistant Marissa, her former lover Roman, and Cara herself. Many times throughout the book I thought I had figured things out, picked out my suspects, figured out their motives, only to have RSC throw a little curve-ball, a little twist, to keep me guessing.
Fourth: the action. Lots of bursts of action throughout the book as Vivi and Lang put their heads together to not only figure out who is threatening Cara's life, but why? Is it really the Red Carpet Killer who wants her dead, or someone else? Is Cara connected to a human trafficking ring that is operating right out of her house in Nantucket and the cranberry bogs on her property? Is something from Cara's past threatening her future?
Cranberry bog
By far the most intense action comes at the end of the book, when Lang realizes that Vivi is in danger and tries to save her in a heroic move that is straight out of an action movie (OMG, I was biting my nails over that move!) Even little Stella (the weiner dog with a crush on Lang) played an important role in the climax!
Stella
So yes, Roxanne St. Claire got it all right in this one. Just the right blend of hot romance with two very special, passionate characters, a plot filled with plenty of twists and turns, and a riveting ending (plus a juicy, romantic epilogue to boot). Oh yes, we also get to see (or hear about) Zach, Sammi, Marc, Devyn, Uncle Nino, Chessie and Gabe (who's up next)--love that Angelino/Rossi family. This is shaping up to be quite a series--but I think RSC may have a hard time topping this one. I enjoyed everything about this book, and the nerd in me even had to do some research about cranberry bogs--I never gave a thought about how cranberries came to be! So far Vivi is the star of this series, but I do have some high hopes for the intriguing Gabe. I just hope his story will somehow involve Vivi and Lang too, because I'm not quite ready to see them go. 5 stars
May 5, 2017
I won this book in Goodreads First Reads.
I'm surprised by how much I love this book. The first book of this series, Edge of Sight, was pretty much an Epic Fail. The second book of the series, Shiver of Fear, was a Mild Epic Fail, due in large part to Devyn's ridiculousness. So, the whole time I was reading Face of Danger, I really was surprised by how much I was actually enjoying it, and that it ended up being an Epic Success for me by the end. I was actually really intrigued by the whole concept and all the characters.
I was extremely interested in the dynamic between Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang and Viviana Angelino ever since they met in Shiver of Fear. There was instant sexual interest and tension between the two of them, and couldn't wait to see when and how they were going to act on it. Colt is a by-the-book, follow-the-rules golfer, and Vivi is a spunky, punky skater who started up her own security company with her brother and cousins. By all accounts, complete opposites. I guess it's true what they say: Opposites attract. There was legitimate chemistry between these two. I didn't feel a lot of chemistry with Marc and Devyn in Shiver of Fear, and I definitely didn't feel any with Zach and Sam in Edge of Sight, but I could see that Colt and Vivi actually cared about each other. Sure, they had their spats and arguments, but they could talk to and listen to each other; they could appreciate the opinions of the other. Colt and Vivi are by far my favorite couple of this series so far, and they are two of my favorite characters.
I sincerely hope that Gabe's book is the next one in the series. He is the one person that I am most interested in within the Guardian Angelinos. We don't know much about him except that he's a spook and has access to unlimited information, and he loves his family. I am really interested to learn his secrets and see what extraordinary woman can convince Gabriel Rossi that love is worth it. So she better not suck, Roxanne St. Claire!
Another reason, aside from the awesome main characters, that I gave this book five stars is because I was actually interested in the plot and I was intrigued by the story the whole time I was reading the book. I liked the different mysterious plots and cases, and I loved watching Vivi and Colt work together to solve not one but two huge FBI cases.
I also appreciated the fact that Vivi and Colt had real issues that took them a while to get over. And they didn't just get over them as soon as they fell into bed together. Vivi's sexual fears were real and she wasn't able to just go off and have sex with Colt right away just because she wanted to. A lot of the time, authors make everything suddenly all okay after some kind of sexual trauma by just having the heroine and hero fall into bed together. Well, people, that is not reality. So, yes, I liked the fact that Vivi's situation was somewhat real. Also, Colt had genuine difficulties getting past the death of his lost lady love. It's not easy to get over the death of someone you have loved and lost, and some people never do. Therefore, I felt that it was entirely realistic for Colt to have taken over five years to finally accept and move on. Again, authors often make everything Okey Dokey Smokey just because the hero meets the heroine. Like with Vivi's situation, that just doesn't happen most of the time. So, like I said, I'm glad that St. Claire made their situations and reactions real.
I just have to say again that I really loved this book. I'm still a little shocked that I enjoyed this book so much, but alas, I did. I would recommend this book to many. I wouldn't necessarily recommend the first two, but you need to read them to understand everything because the books are very closely related. I eagerly await the next installment (GABE!!!!) of the series.
I'm surprised by how much I love this book. The first book of this series, Edge of Sight, was pretty much an Epic Fail. The second book of the series, Shiver of Fear, was a Mild Epic Fail, due in large part to Devyn's ridiculousness. So, the whole time I was reading Face of Danger, I really was surprised by how much I was actually enjoying it, and that it ended up being an Epic Success for me by the end. I was actually really intrigued by the whole concept and all the characters.
I was extremely interested in the dynamic between Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang and Viviana Angelino ever since they met in Shiver of Fear. There was instant sexual interest and tension between the two of them, and couldn't wait to see when and how they were going to act on it. Colt is a by-the-book, follow-the-rules golfer, and Vivi is a spunky, punky skater who started up her own security company with her brother and cousins. By all accounts, complete opposites. I guess it's true what they say: Opposites attract. There was legitimate chemistry between these two. I didn't feel a lot of chemistry with Marc and Devyn in Shiver of Fear, and I definitely didn't feel any with Zach and Sam in Edge of Sight, but I could see that Colt and Vivi actually cared about each other. Sure, they had their spats and arguments, but they could talk to and listen to each other; they could appreciate the opinions of the other. Colt and Vivi are by far my favorite couple of this series so far, and they are two of my favorite characters.
I sincerely hope that Gabe's book is the next one in the series. He is the one person that I am most interested in within the Guardian Angelinos. We don't know much about him except that he's a spook and has access to unlimited information, and he loves his family. I am really interested to learn his secrets and see what extraordinary woman can convince Gabriel Rossi that love is worth it. So she better not suck, Roxanne St. Claire!
Another reason, aside from the awesome main characters, that I gave this book five stars is because I was actually interested in the plot and I was intrigued by the story the whole time I was reading the book. I liked the different mysterious plots and cases, and I loved watching Vivi and Colt work together to solve not one but two huge FBI cases.
I also appreciated the fact that Vivi and Colt had real issues that took them a while to get over. And they didn't just get over them as soon as they fell into bed together. Vivi's sexual fears were real and she wasn't able to just go off and have sex with Colt right away just because she wanted to. A lot of the time, authors make everything suddenly all okay after some kind of sexual trauma by just having the heroine and hero fall into bed together. Well, people, that is not reality. So, yes, I liked the fact that Vivi's situation was somewhat real. Also, Colt had genuine difficulties getting past the death of his lost lady love. It's not easy to get over the death of someone you have loved and lost, and some people never do. Therefore, I felt that it was entirely realistic for Colt to have taken over five years to finally accept and move on. Again, authors often make everything Okey Dokey Smokey just because the hero meets the heroine. Like with Vivi's situation, that just doesn't happen most of the time. So, like I said, I'm glad that St. Claire made their situations and reactions real.
I just have to say again that I really loved this book. I'm still a little shocked that I enjoyed this book so much, but alas, I did. I would recommend this book to many. I wouldn't necessarily recommend the first two, but you need to read them to understand everything because the books are very closely related. I eagerly await the next installment (GABE!!!!) of the series.
May 4, 2011
Face of Danger was fabulous and it has to be one of the best books of 2011 for me. Move over Bullet Catchers, this is my new favorite by Roxanne St Claire.
Vivi Angelino the heroine is the one who came up withe the idea of the Guardian Angelinos and her family thought she was crazy. Vivi is a former reporter, newly licensed PI and she is determined to put her company on the map, no matter what it takes.
Colton Lang is a by the book FBI Agent who Vivi loves to call a nerd and he is the complete opposite of Vivi. Breaking the rules ultimately is detrimental is what, he believes(and his past experiences prove that). He is very skeptical of Vivi's idea.
The suspense plot of the book revolves around the idea that Oscar winners are suspected of being killed and Vivi decides to masquerade as one (with permission of course). Much to the chagrin of Colt, Vivi succeeds and becomes a part of his mission(the actress she is pretending to be). It becomes a test for Colt's promotion to LA and for Vivi it is a gamble for her business. But there is a catch Cara(the actress Vivi is playing), makes her sign a non-disclosure agreement under which even the FBI shouldn't know that Vivi is not Cara.
Since, Colt knows her it is a bit difficult and what Vivi does to stop Colt has given the romance world one of the most hottest and erotic scene I have read. Man, if the book could smoke ;)The lap-dance Vivi does is something I have no words for.
But things are not so simple and there is more heavier things going on over-lapping with another mission.
Vivi she is amazing. She is truly fearless and determined and willing to take risks, but the way the book is written Vivi never crosses the line to TSTL(too stupid to live). She relives in her self and her business and knows that certain things are needed on the way to success. She challenges Colt and loves to needle him.
When we find out that Vivi wasn't always a tomboy, skate loving girl that is one moment I was not expecting and what she went through when she was young was very painful but she hides it really well that people don't get what is at the bottom of Vivi. She never even told her family and that has to be difficult for her.
There are moments when her old fears come to the surface but Colt is there. Colt has been attracted to Vivi from the start but she scares him and being thrown in proximity slowly changes things. Vivi interferes in the way Colt does things and he lets her. He without wanting to falls for her and when he has this epiphany it is hilarious.
The book works because of the awesome characters and the human trafficking part was so heart-breaking.
I hope we get a story for Gabe.
Vivi Angelino the heroine is the one who came up withe the idea of the Guardian Angelinos and her family thought she was crazy. Vivi is a former reporter, newly licensed PI and she is determined to put her company on the map, no matter what it takes.
Colton Lang is a by the book FBI Agent who Vivi loves to call a nerd and he is the complete opposite of Vivi. Breaking the rules ultimately is detrimental is what, he believes(and his past experiences prove that). He is very skeptical of Vivi's idea.
The suspense plot of the book revolves around the idea that Oscar winners are suspected of being killed and Vivi decides to masquerade as one (with permission of course). Much to the chagrin of Colt, Vivi succeeds and becomes a part of his mission(the actress she is pretending to be). It becomes a test for Colt's promotion to LA and for Vivi it is a gamble for her business. But there is a catch Cara(the actress Vivi is playing), makes her sign a non-disclosure agreement under which even the FBI shouldn't know that Vivi is not Cara.
Since, Colt knows her it is a bit difficult and what Vivi does to stop Colt has given the romance world one of the most hottest and erotic scene I have read. Man, if the book could smoke ;)The lap-dance Vivi does is something I have no words for.
But things are not so simple and there is more heavier things going on over-lapping with another mission.
Vivi she is amazing. She is truly fearless and determined and willing to take risks, but the way the book is written Vivi never crosses the line to TSTL(too stupid to live). She relives in her self and her business and knows that certain things are needed on the way to success. She challenges Colt and loves to needle him.
When we find out that Vivi wasn't always a tomboy, skate loving girl that is one moment I was not expecting and what she went through when she was young was very painful but she hides it really well that people don't get what is at the bottom of Vivi. She never even told her family and that has to be difficult for her.
There are moments when her old fears come to the surface but Colt is there. Colt has been attracted to Vivi from the start but she scares him and being thrown in proximity slowly changes things. Vivi interferes in the way Colt does things and he lets her. He without wanting to falls for her and when he has this epiphany it is hilarious.
The book works because of the awesome characters and the human trafficking part was so heart-breaking.
I hope we get a story for Gabe.
April 14, 2011
Review posted at: www.happilyeverafter-reads.blogspot.com
Face of Danger is book 3 in one of my current, favorite, must read series, The Guardian Angelinos. These are absolutely standalone books, but I enjoy the layers you get when reading a series starting at the beginning. We first meet Vivi Angelino in book 1 as a feisty reporter who’s trying to talk her brother, Zach, into starting a family owned security firm. After much convincing, the firm is started up and The Guardian Angelinos are born.
I’ve loved Vivi and her skateboarding ways from the very beginning and her story was everything I hoped it would be. She doesn’t just want their family business to succeed. She wants to be the BEST. Period. And the key to becoming the most sought after security firm in the country (Vivi would say the world!) is Vivi’s newest case. There’s a Red Carpet Killer who’s killed the last 2 best actress Oscar winners and with Vivi’s resemblance to this year’s winner, she’s hired to be a body double in the hopes of drawing out the killer.
Enter Colton Lang *SIGH*. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lang has also been around the Angelinos throughout the series as he’s farmed out cases to them through the FBI. He’s by the book, he dresses the part, he uses words like malarkey and cockamamie and gets under Vivi’s skin like no other. Thrown together in this case, they uncover more twists and turns than I saw coming, and fight for their lives even when they’re not sure who they need to be fighting against.
I love a good romantic/suspense story and Roxanne St. Claire delivers. Vivi and Lang are the couple that you cheer for. They have hilarious banter, work great together as a team and have some of the most touching, sweet moments of the series to date. Both characters have survived horrific pasts, continue to deal with and move beyond pain and loss and watching them want to trust each other and learn to trust each other, was a joy to read.
Face of Danger is book 3 in one of my current, favorite, must read series, The Guardian Angelinos. These are absolutely standalone books, but I enjoy the layers you get when reading a series starting at the beginning. We first meet Vivi Angelino in book 1 as a feisty reporter who’s trying to talk her brother, Zach, into starting a family owned security firm. After much convincing, the firm is started up and The Guardian Angelinos are born.
I’ve loved Vivi and her skateboarding ways from the very beginning and her story was everything I hoped it would be. She doesn’t just want their family business to succeed. She wants to be the BEST. Period. And the key to becoming the most sought after security firm in the country (Vivi would say the world!) is Vivi’s newest case. There’s a Red Carpet Killer who’s killed the last 2 best actress Oscar winners and with Vivi’s resemblance to this year’s winner, she’s hired to be a body double in the hopes of drawing out the killer.
Enter Colton Lang *SIGH*. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lang has also been around the Angelinos throughout the series as he’s farmed out cases to them through the FBI. He’s by the book, he dresses the part, he uses words like malarkey and cockamamie and gets under Vivi’s skin like no other. Thrown together in this case, they uncover more twists and turns than I saw coming, and fight for their lives even when they’re not sure who they need to be fighting against.
I love a good romantic/suspense story and Roxanne St. Claire delivers. Vivi and Lang are the couple that you cheer for. They have hilarious banter, work great together as a team and have some of the most touching, sweet moments of the series to date. Both characters have survived horrific pasts, continue to deal with and move beyond pain and loss and watching them want to trust each other and learn to trust each other, was a joy to read.
May 5, 2011
This book was so good I don't even know where to begin. I have to admit, I was not Vivi's biggest fan before I started this one. It's not that I disliked her, but her feisty nature and tomboyishness were problematic for me. But once I started the book and got inside her POV all my hesitations were washed away. I've always been a sucker for a straight-laced hero paired with a troublesome heroine, and from the first Colton Lang pushed all my hero buttons. The story itself is intriguing, involving a serial killer, human trafficking and one very determined little doggy. One of the things I admire most about Roxanne St. Claire is her willingness to go wherever the story takes her. And this foray from Hollywood to Nantucket and back again is just as action-packed as any she's written. Lang and Vivi's HEA isn't achieved easily and they've both got some hurdles to get over before they can trust one another but once they do...well, let's just say that they've got some serious chemistry. Fabulous read.
April 6, 2016
Much better than the previous book, as this one managed to have both a solid investigation with several layers of mysteries to unwrap and discover, as well as an undeniable attraction between the leads, both physical and emotional.
The heroine Vivi, playing the body double to protect an Oscar-winning actress from being victim to a potential serial killer, provided the background for several interesting topics: a complete sexy makeover and transformation for someone who protected herself so skilfully that few were even aware that she was doing it, some situations in which the hero wasn't so much sure of himself and wondered whether he dealt with his actress-fantasy or with his real-life one. I liked discovering about the several skeletons in the actress' closet and understand how those would impact her career.
The heroine Vivi, playing the body double to protect an Oscar-winning actress from being victim to a potential serial killer, provided the background for several interesting topics: a complete sexy makeover and transformation for someone who protected herself so skilfully that few were even aware that she was doing it, some situations in which the hero wasn't so much sure of himself and wondered whether he dealt with his actress-fantasy or with his real-life one. I liked discovering about the several skeletons in the actress' closet and understand how those would impact her career.
May 5, 2015
I have read some books by Roxanne St. Claire from her Bullet Catcher series and rather enjoyed them. This was my fist book in The Guardian Angelinos series and it was also quite good.
I definitely liked the characters and the fact that it was an opposite attraction. Colton and Vivi are so different that it was nice to read about the feelings between them.
Although, the best part of the story was the suspense. Though the idea of Vivi making as a double for Cara seemed a bit unreal and strange to me, the whole intrigue was interesting and well-constructed. The ending was really surprising.
I will continue reading books by Roxanne St. Claire and I am definitely going to read a book with Gabe as a main character.
I definitely liked the characters and the fact that it was an opposite attraction. Colton and Vivi are so different that it was nice to read about the feelings between them.
Although, the best part of the story was the suspense. Though the idea of Vivi making as a double for Cara seemed a bit unreal and strange to me, the whole intrigue was interesting and well-constructed. The ending was really surprising.
I will continue reading books by Roxanne St. Claire and I am definitely going to read a book with Gabe as a main character.
May 27, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/05/rev...
Favorite Quote: “No, I’m not really big on the whole screw and shoo gig. But thanks for the offer. “
Vivi Angelino owns and operate the private security firm-Guardian Angelino with her brother Zach and extended family. Vivi wants to take the company to a higher level, but in order to do that she needs a huge case to put her on the map. When she hears of the Red Carpet murders, Vivi sees her chance to make the company shine. A natural risk taker, Vivi decides to switch places with Oscar winning actress Cara Ferrari who may be the next victim of the Red Carpet killer. Nobody has a problem with this but Special Agent Colton Lang. Agent Lang has been sending Vivi’s company business for the past few months all the while trying to deny the attraction he feels for her. When he hears of Vivi’s plan, his first instinct is a resounding, “NO.” But Vivi didn’t get where she is today by playing by the rules and since Agent Lang may or may not be accepting a promotion in LA-Vivi does what needs to be done.
Face Of Danger is the third book in Ms. St. Claire’s Guardian Angelino series. More light hearted then the first two, in here we focus on carefree skater Vivi Angelino and the straight laced Special Agent Colton Lang. Fast paced with a smooth writing style and a tense mystery. The romance is a strong presence in here; overshadowing the plot as we have watched Lang and Vivi dance around each other the entire series.
When Vivi takes matters into her own hands and approaches Ms Ferrari about being her body double. Ms. Ferrari agrees but makes Vivi sign a severe non disclosure agreement. This puts Vivi in a precarious situation, especially when the FBI take matters into their own hands and make Ms. Ferrari agree to their protection. Vivi has to work double time to convince Lang that she is Cara and not Vivi. When Vivi arrives at Cara’s home in Nantucket, (disguised as Cara), she is immediately attacked and realizes that Cara may know more about the Red Carpet murders then she let on. As Vivi and Lang start investigating, they find information that blows the case wide open and leads Vivi and Lang to believe that the murders are just a ruse to hide something more explosive then they ever could imagine.
Vivi and Lang connected for me at the beginning when I first met them. Opposites in every way, the sexual tension was a viable presence starting in book one and increasing into book two. It feel off to me in here though. Both Vivi and Lang have experienced a devastating event in their past which emotionally restricts them from committing to a serious relationship. While I understand both their reasons (they are valid) the path to enlightenment felt superficial. All you hear about is the physical connection they both want. I never felt it went deeper then that. Their scenes together intertwine into the mystery of the storyline, often pushing it to the side lines.
Vivi is a wonderful heroine but a bit childish for a 32 year old. She came across more mature in the previous books. She is a pistol though and the first to leap into action. Intelligence, strength, and courage are all facets of her personality and they shine through. She shows a remarkable lack of caution with Lang though. Vivi teases and taunts Lang to the breaking point-yet never takes that final step. She finally commits but only after he saves her life. That cheapened the moment for me. There is a VERY hot scene between Vivi and Lang in the beginning that really blows you away. It sets the stage for what could have been a magnificent romantic entanglement but the resulting scenes didn’t back it up so it sat in my mind-filed under confused.
Special Agent Colton Lang is a true alpha who deals with life in a clear and concise manner. Rules are important to him and he has a hard time dealing with Vivi and her lack of discipline. I had a problem with him in the beginning because he used his strong personality to try and bend Vivi to his will. It felt like her was talking down to her. Even though under the guise of protection-it still felt wrong. But she can more then hold her own with Lang and when Ms. St. Claire draws out his background and divulges more of his personality-you understand why he is as he is.
Our secondary characters are a mixture of old and new. Gabe (yum) appears and hints that his spying days may be over. Could the next book be about him? We can only hope. Uncle Nino is still cooking yummy foods and offering invaluable advice. and more Rossi’s are being roped into working for what Vivi calls, “the dark side”. The villain in the story took me by surprise and Ms. St. Clare does a great job of offering us viable suspects to watch while the real villain slips by unnoticed till they reveal themselves in the end.
The suspense of the story was a twisted devious ride that has us racing down paths of misdirection that keep us guessing till the end. Ms. St. Claire tries to keeping the romance and suspense running side by side without sacrificing either but unfortunately it doesn’t happen.The main conflict falls flat for me and I found myself growing bored towards the end. A tense climatic situation towards the end adds some punch, but not enough to blow this reader away.
All in all most fans of this series will be pleased with this newest installment. I am going to hope that book four will being us back to the astounding level of romance and suspense we had in her first book-Edge Of Sight.
Rating: C-
Favorite Quote: “No, I’m not really big on the whole screw and shoo gig. But thanks for the offer. “
Vivi Angelino owns and operate the private security firm-Guardian Angelino with her brother Zach and extended family. Vivi wants to take the company to a higher level, but in order to do that she needs a huge case to put her on the map. When she hears of the Red Carpet murders, Vivi sees her chance to make the company shine. A natural risk taker, Vivi decides to switch places with Oscar winning actress Cara Ferrari who may be the next victim of the Red Carpet killer. Nobody has a problem with this but Special Agent Colton Lang. Agent Lang has been sending Vivi’s company business for the past few months all the while trying to deny the attraction he feels for her. When he hears of Vivi’s plan, his first instinct is a resounding, “NO.” But Vivi didn’t get where she is today by playing by the rules and since Agent Lang may or may not be accepting a promotion in LA-Vivi does what needs to be done.
Face Of Danger is the third book in Ms. St. Claire’s Guardian Angelino series. More light hearted then the first two, in here we focus on carefree skater Vivi Angelino and the straight laced Special Agent Colton Lang. Fast paced with a smooth writing style and a tense mystery. The romance is a strong presence in here; overshadowing the plot as we have watched Lang and Vivi dance around each other the entire series.
When Vivi takes matters into her own hands and approaches Ms Ferrari about being her body double. Ms. Ferrari agrees but makes Vivi sign a severe non disclosure agreement. This puts Vivi in a precarious situation, especially when the FBI take matters into their own hands and make Ms. Ferrari agree to their protection. Vivi has to work double time to convince Lang that she is Cara and not Vivi. When Vivi arrives at Cara’s home in Nantucket, (disguised as Cara), she is immediately attacked and realizes that Cara may know more about the Red Carpet murders then she let on. As Vivi and Lang start investigating, they find information that blows the case wide open and leads Vivi and Lang to believe that the murders are just a ruse to hide something more explosive then they ever could imagine.
Vivi and Lang connected for me at the beginning when I first met them. Opposites in every way, the sexual tension was a viable presence starting in book one and increasing into book two. It feel off to me in here though. Both Vivi and Lang have experienced a devastating event in their past which emotionally restricts them from committing to a serious relationship. While I understand both their reasons (they are valid) the path to enlightenment felt superficial. All you hear about is the physical connection they both want. I never felt it went deeper then that. Their scenes together intertwine into the mystery of the storyline, often pushing it to the side lines.
Vivi is a wonderful heroine but a bit childish for a 32 year old. She came across more mature in the previous books. She is a pistol though and the first to leap into action. Intelligence, strength, and courage are all facets of her personality and they shine through. She shows a remarkable lack of caution with Lang though. Vivi teases and taunts Lang to the breaking point-yet never takes that final step. She finally commits but only after he saves her life. That cheapened the moment for me. There is a VERY hot scene between Vivi and Lang in the beginning that really blows you away. It sets the stage for what could have been a magnificent romantic entanglement but the resulting scenes didn’t back it up so it sat in my mind-filed under confused.
Special Agent Colton Lang is a true alpha who deals with life in a clear and concise manner. Rules are important to him and he has a hard time dealing with Vivi and her lack of discipline. I had a problem with him in the beginning because he used his strong personality to try and bend Vivi to his will. It felt like her was talking down to her. Even though under the guise of protection-it still felt wrong. But she can more then hold her own with Lang and when Ms. St. Claire draws out his background and divulges more of his personality-you understand why he is as he is.
Our secondary characters are a mixture of old and new. Gabe (yum) appears and hints that his spying days may be over. Could the next book be about him? We can only hope. Uncle Nino is still cooking yummy foods and offering invaluable advice. and more Rossi’s are being roped into working for what Vivi calls, “the dark side”. The villain in the story took me by surprise and Ms. St. Clare does a great job of offering us viable suspects to watch while the real villain slips by unnoticed till they reveal themselves in the end.
The suspense of the story was a twisted devious ride that has us racing down paths of misdirection that keep us guessing till the end. Ms. St. Claire tries to keeping the romance and suspense running side by side without sacrificing either but unfortunately it doesn’t happen.The main conflict falls flat for me and I found myself growing bored towards the end. A tense climatic situation towards the end adds some punch, but not enough to blow this reader away.
All in all most fans of this series will be pleased with this newest installment. I am going to hope that book four will being us back to the astounding level of romance and suspense we had in her first book-Edge Of Sight.
Rating: C-
August 5, 2015
I’ve had this book sitting on my bookshelf for years it seems and for whatever reason, I didn’t read it until now. While I hoped to try and read the books in order, I just decided that I would try this one first and see how I liked St. Claire’s suspense style. Before this, I only read her Barefoot Bay series so I was curious to see how she started out.
FACE OF DANGER works as a standalone although I think it would’ve been nice to get to know the rest of Vivi’s family since the whole series is about a family-run security firm. Private investigator Vivi Angelino jumps straight into the action when a suspected serial killer is on the loose. The killer has been targeting Hollywood high-profile celebrities and Vivi has reason to believe that another world-class celeb is next on the killer’s list.
To stop this from happening, she proposes to be the star’s body double. Since agreeing to the idea, the star’s only condition is that no one else can know or it will ruin her reputation. So despite being surrounded by people who can help in in times of trouble, Vivi must keep her mouth shut in order to fulfill this mission. The only thing is, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang can spot Vivi from a mile away and he won’t stand for me being in harm’s way if he can help it.
Let’s start off with that I liked about this book. The whole premise is quite unique and I loved the idea of family run security firm. Anything with family like that just reels me in. I started the book with liking Vivi immediately. She and Lang have a very fun relationship. Though Lang is supposedly the more straight-laced kind of guy, I didn’t get that impression throughout the entire book. He likes to tease Vivi when he can and I think that’s far more interesting than a guy who broods too much. So hands down, the best part of this book was the romance.
Unfortunately for me, the problems that I did have with this book has mostly to do with the suspense aspect. I told a friend of mine that I would have loved this book more if it didn’t have the suspense plot but that defeats the whole purpose of this book, doesn’t it? I just didn’t like how unbelievable some of the events were in this book.
First of all, the celebrity who Vivi becomes a body double for takes her on pretty quickly for it to be believable. I also wished that she was a little more nicer. It would’ve made the mission more meaningful if she was made more into a victim. It would also paint Vivi in a more sympathetic light I think because we could relate to her more rather than think she’s doing something reckless. Readers could maybe understand why she was putting her own life in danger for someone.
Also, while some of the sexual tension is well done, I just didn’t really like how some of it played out. Take this for example… When Lang recognizes her, Vivi tries to save her cover by BLOWING HIM on a plane. Out of context, it seems a little ridiculous but in the book, it felt a little forced too.
While I did enjoy the writing and the romance a lot, there were just some parts that didn’t play out so well for me in this book. I’m still going to try the others in the series and see how I get along with those.
April 24, 2011
I just finished reading this book. I wanted to wait for it to be on Kindle, but yesterday I was at a neighborhood bookstore and the owner was putting it out, so I grabbed one. I'm so glad I did, just because this one needs a place on the keeper shelf.
This book had absolutely everything I want in a romantic suspense. The main characters were wonderful, funny and real. The story line was "big" like a movie (in fact, it would make a wonderful movie) with action and plot twists and surprises. And the secondary characters were amazing! Everyone of them were fleshed out and believable. Even the setting was magnificent. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
What I liked the most: Vivi and Colt! They had sizzling chemistry from the very first page. She's a risk-taker and he's a rule-follower but they have mutual respect on top of delicious attraction. I love that they both have secret crushes on the other, and heartbreaking reasons for being scared to let their walls down.
I also liked the plot, which starts out a tad "hokey" with a possible serial killer "The Red Carpet Killer" going after actresses, but moves into something so much deeper and horrible. As the mystery deepens and they realize how serious the issue is, both of the characters are affected.
The love scenes are so great! Very sexy, even funny, and very touching. Especially at the end - so good.
What I didn't like: the cover! Why put such a cheesy, run of the mill guy/picture on a book with so many possibilites for something better. Readers shouldn't be fooled - this wasn't a run of the mill book.
What I want next: Gabes book!! And soon!
This book had absolutely everything I want in a romantic suspense. The main characters were wonderful, funny and real. The story line was "big" like a movie (in fact, it would make a wonderful movie) with action and plot twists and surprises. And the secondary characters were amazing! Everyone of them were fleshed out and believable. Even the setting was magnificent. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
What I liked the most: Vivi and Colt! They had sizzling chemistry from the very first page. She's a risk-taker and he's a rule-follower but they have mutual respect on top of delicious attraction. I love that they both have secret crushes on the other, and heartbreaking reasons for being scared to let their walls down.
I also liked the plot, which starts out a tad "hokey" with a possible serial killer "The Red Carpet Killer" going after actresses, but moves into something so much deeper and horrible. As the mystery deepens and they realize how serious the issue is, both of the characters are affected.
The love scenes are so great! Very sexy, even funny, and very touching. Especially at the end - so good.
What I didn't like: the cover! Why put such a cheesy, run of the mill guy/picture on a book with so many possibilites for something better. Readers shouldn't be fooled - this wasn't a run of the mill book.
What I want next: Gabes book!! And soon!
September 21, 2014
This author is wonderfully creative! I love this series. This was fast paced and action packed. I had no idea that Vivi (from the previous books) was so darn cute. I had to say that sense that is what Colton always says. lol There things about her that I didn't know and at first made me think I missed something. But then it all came out and yeah no one knew. The plot was great lots of twists and turns totally Roxanne St.Claire style. Colton Lang was just wonderful and yummy with issues of his own. The chemistry between them was always there even in the previous book. All my faves were in this book and I am hoping the next one is about Gabe!!
April 5, 2021
Vivi Angelino is willing to do anything to get her fledgling security team to shine. Even pretend to be a movie star in the cross-hairs of a killer. Now, if she could only get FBI agent Colton Lang to let her do what she does best...Break the rules.
Colt is this close to a promotion that would get him out of Boston and away from painful memories. He knows what will get him there—staying by the book; taking risks kills people. But it soon becomes clear Vivi has bitten off more than she can chew alone, and all bets are off as Colt is determined to keep her alive. Even at the cost of his own heart.
And the series closes with a bang! The final book delivers (and plenty) on what the first two struggled with. Everything.
The suspense was top-notch with two separate subplots (a serial killer targeting Oscar winning actresses and an international human trafficking ring) with plenty of twists, turns, red-herrings and misleads thrown in, some edge-of-the-seat action scenes and near-misses...
But it was the romance angle that really grabbed me. Vivi and Colt were such complete opposites that any sort of connection between them would've seemed a stretch, but the very first scene they shared together brought a smile on my face and I just kept rooting for them.
They both had their demons and issues, both were skittish about acting on the attraction sizzling between them, but everything—their individual personalities, their strange relationship, the banter worked, meshing perfectly together. Even their issues, that could've ruined even the semblance of a relationship between them, and possibly the reading experience, worked in favor of it all. Their story was compelling and riveting as tiny tidbits about what made them who they were, how they got to these points in their lives were revealed, as the puzzle pieces slowly started making the whole picture.
Of course, there had to be conflict. And their was, they both contributed their bit, and it did seem insurmountable at times, but it worked and didn't seem to drag too long.
Everything clicked just perfectly and blended together. A nice mix of suspense and romance, action and drama, with two amazing protagonists. *chef's kiss*
Colt is this close to a promotion that would get him out of Boston and away from painful memories. He knows what will get him there—staying by the book; taking risks kills people. But it soon becomes clear Vivi has bitten off more than she can chew alone, and all bets are off as Colt is determined to keep her alive. Even at the cost of his own heart.
And the series closes with a bang! The final book delivers (and plenty) on what the first two struggled with. Everything.
The suspense was top-notch with two separate subplots (a serial killer targeting Oscar winning actresses and an international human trafficking ring) with plenty of twists, turns, red-herrings and misleads thrown in, some edge-of-the-seat action scenes and near-misses...
But it was the romance angle that really grabbed me. Vivi and Colt were such complete opposites that any sort of connection between them would've seemed a stretch, but the very first scene they shared together brought a smile on my face and I just kept rooting for them.
They both had their demons and issues, both were skittish about acting on the attraction sizzling between them, but everything—their individual personalities, their strange relationship, the banter worked, meshing perfectly together. Even their issues, that could've ruined even the semblance of a relationship between them, and possibly the reading experience, worked in favor of it all. Their story was compelling and riveting as tiny tidbits about what made them who they were, how they got to these points in their lives were revealed, as the puzzle pieces slowly started making the whole picture.
Of course, there had to be conflict. And their was, they both contributed their bit, and it did seem insurmountable at times, but it worked and didn't seem to drag too long.
Everything clicked just perfectly and blended together. A nice mix of suspense and romance, action and drama, with two amazing protagonists. *chef's kiss*
April 15, 2011
Vivi Angelino is on a mission to get the name of her new company known. She decides to approach famous actress, Cara Ferrari, about working as a body double in order to protect her from a possible serial killer. When Cara agrees, Vivi finds herself disguised as Cara and under the protection of Special Agent Colt Lang. They’ve worked together before and she knows hiding her identity will be even harder than hiding how bad she has the hots for him. Colton has always thought Vivi was cute, but won’t get close to another woman who is a risk taker in order to protect his heart. The sexual tension grows almost as quickly as the danger in this edge of your seat page turner.
Holy cow! The chemistry between Vivi and Colt is seriously HOT! I didn’t expect Colt to be such a stud, but I’m smitten. I couldn’t get enough of these two. I don’t usually go for the preppy type, but I’m crushing on Colt in a bad, bad way. Thankfully he doesn’t let his straight laced demeanor carry over into the romance department of his life, but his intense nature never waivers. This is definitely a good thing if you’re the girl he is getting intense with ;) I’ve loved Vivi since I first met her in Shiver of Fear, but never would have guessed based on her fun loving demeanor how much emotional baggage the poor girl is carrying. She hides her past traumas behind her sassy attitude and tomboy attire. Colt could not be a more perfect match for her even if his rule following and khaki wearing self couldn’t be more different from Vivi. She deserves a man that makes her feel safe, and Colt is qualified to do just that.
Some parts of this book are really graphic and down right heartbreaking. A very emotional read without a doubt. There isn’t anything fluffy about this romance novel. The author tackles tough topics, but balances out the plot perfectly with well timed romantic rendezvous to keep it from getting too heavy.
I’m 100% addicted to this big Italian family, and can’t wait to see where their adventures take them next!
Holy cow! The chemistry between Vivi and Colt is seriously HOT! I didn’t expect Colt to be such a stud, but I’m smitten. I couldn’t get enough of these two. I don’t usually go for the preppy type, but I’m crushing on Colt in a bad, bad way. Thankfully he doesn’t let his straight laced demeanor carry over into the romance department of his life, but his intense nature never waivers. This is definitely a good thing if you’re the girl he is getting intense with ;) I’ve loved Vivi since I first met her in Shiver of Fear, but never would have guessed based on her fun loving demeanor how much emotional baggage the poor girl is carrying. She hides her past traumas behind her sassy attitude and tomboy attire. Colt could not be a more perfect match for her even if his rule following and khaki wearing self couldn’t be more different from Vivi. She deserves a man that makes her feel safe, and Colt is qualified to do just that.
Some parts of this book are really graphic and down right heartbreaking. A very emotional read without a doubt. There isn’t anything fluffy about this romance novel. The author tackles tough topics, but balances out the plot perfectly with well timed romantic rendezvous to keep it from getting too heavy.
I’m 100% addicted to this big Italian family, and can’t wait to see where their adventures take them next!
April 17, 2011
Love how the characters in this book Colton (Lang) and Vivi are brought to life. You get to see them in the other books but here they get to shine on their own. It's their story. You get a smidgen of Gabe in there and Chessie she's a little stingy of the giving the rest of the family a spot in this book lol. I do love my glimpse's of past and future characters and there is a surprise appearance by a bullet catcher at the end that i loved. Colton and Vivi both have some tough personal hurdles to get past in this book not to mention the case they find themselves involved in together. Vivi snags herself a huge client for a payoff of a cool million dollars she only has to be a decoy for a famous actress who may or may not be the target of a serial killer dubbed The Red Carpet Killer. Vivi signs a agreement she won't tell anyone that she not Cara the actress she's doubling for. Thing is 5 minutes into the assignment she comes face to face with one Colton Lang FBI special agent in charge. She's worked with Colton a lot so he knows her very well. She's got to try and either make him believe she's Cara or make sure he doesn't give her away since she was told someone would be watching and listening to her every move. Things get crazy right from the start when she gets attacked and get crazier from there. There's alot more going on than the possibility of a Red Carpet Killer. This story has many twists and turns and surprises. When you read this see if you can figure out who the blue eyes muscle man is before it's revealed towards the end. lol Now that I've warned you might think a little harder than i did ( which was not much at all) and figure it out. Vivi is such a strong person you'd never think she has personal demons but because of Colton she decides she needs to face them once and for all and then maybe Colton can face his too. There is some emotional stuff and funny stuff and suspenseful stuff with plot twists you won't see coming. Your kept guessing right til the end. I loved it right down to the ending. Ready for the next one please! Great series.
February 25, 2017
I can't say enough how much I LOVE this book in the series. I love everything about it: the writing, the characters development, the plot twists, the melt-your-heart-make-you-sigh-longingly moments.
We met Colton Lang in Shiver of Fear, and there was already some tension between him and Vivi. Vivi is all about getting the results, even if it means breaking the rules. Colton, however, the FBI agent that he is, is all about doing things by the book, which means, no rules breaking. These two opposites attract in more ways than one. Vivi isn't feminine by any means. She's a skateboarder with a nose piercing. Colton wants a woman who actually looks like a woman and not a boy from a distance. Or so he thinks.
Both of them have a past they need to get over. For Colton, that past lingers in Boston, which was his main drive to get a new job in LA and leave his past behind. For Vivi, the past will always be with her. On the outside, she's a tough woman, kicking ass and taking names. But on the inside, she hides a secret so terrible that not even her closest family members know about it. She wasn't always a tomboy as a teenager but something happened one night that changed her forever.
When Vivi takes a job as a body double for an actress who is the next target for a serial killer, little did she know that a Pandora box will be opened into the world of human trafficking and child prostitution. As Vivi and Colt race to find out the people behind this organization and what connection the actress Vivi is protecting have to these crimes, their lives become entwined and the heat between them ignites.
I love that St. Claire didn't throw the H/h together right away to build up a connection between them first. For Vivi to come to terms with herself before taking the next step, it made me admire her more. And Colton... well, I just want to yank his clothes off myself. The tug and pull between these two was really sweet that makes you want to root for them from the beginning.
Now I hope there's going to be a book for Gabe. He needs his HEA too!
We met Colton Lang in Shiver of Fear, and there was already some tension between him and Vivi. Vivi is all about getting the results, even if it means breaking the rules. Colton, however, the FBI agent that he is, is all about doing things by the book, which means, no rules breaking. These two opposites attract in more ways than one. Vivi isn't feminine by any means. She's a skateboarder with a nose piercing. Colton wants a woman who actually looks like a woman and not a boy from a distance. Or so he thinks.
Both of them have a past they need to get over. For Colton, that past lingers in Boston, which was his main drive to get a new job in LA and leave his past behind. For Vivi, the past will always be with her. On the outside, she's a tough woman, kicking ass and taking names. But on the inside, she hides a secret so terrible that not even her closest family members know about it. She wasn't always a tomboy as a teenager but something happened one night that changed her forever.
When Vivi takes a job as a body double for an actress who is the next target for a serial killer, little did she know that a Pandora box will be opened into the world of human trafficking and child prostitution. As Vivi and Colt race to find out the people behind this organization and what connection the actress Vivi is protecting have to these crimes, their lives become entwined and the heat between them ignites.
I love that St. Claire didn't throw the H/h together right away to build up a connection between them first. For Vivi to come to terms with herself before taking the next step, it made me admire her more. And Colton... well, I just want to yank his clothes off myself. The tug and pull between these two was really sweet that makes you want to root for them from the beginning.
Now I hope there's going to be a book for Gabe. He needs his HEA too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2014
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK: COMING MARCH 2014
Auntee had already posted a great review of this 3rd installment so I'll just say that I agree with her twice over. After the disappointing Shiver of Fear, Face of Danger was refreshingly, and thankfully, satisfying on every level.
The sexual chemistry between Vivi and Lang had already been primed and prepared from the previous book from which we know Vivi's vivacious personality versus Special Assistant Agent-in-Charge Lang's (or is that Asst Special Agent-in-Charge?) calm & collected, Dudley Do Right demeanour. You know already that some breath-stopping clashes are bound to happen. Some authors manage to set the stage but then fail to follow through.
Not. In. This. Case.
Ms St Claire has rocketed to the top of my auto-buy list (not that that's very long) and my all-time fav Romantic Suspense author. Face of Danger has 99% of the ingredients of that make a perfect RS book and that's way better than what's being published these days and even by authors that used to be auto-buys but who have long dropped off my radar.
So what's the missing one per cent? The culprit is that scene . I thought that was way overdone for the character who made it and though critical to the climactic ending, it would have been better if the author had gotten someone else to be there to do it. It was just a tad too much to add to this character so yes, rather over-the-top, over done. But, again, a small quibble compared to how much I loved everything else.
Probably the best part is that I wasn't made to suffer any scenes involving Marc and his nutjob girlfriend.
Auntee had already posted a great review of this 3rd installment so I'll just say that I agree with her twice over. After the disappointing Shiver of Fear, Face of Danger was refreshingly, and thankfully, satisfying on every level.
The sexual chemistry between Vivi and Lang had already been primed and prepared from the previous book from which we know Vivi's vivacious personality versus Special Assistant Agent-in-Charge Lang's (or is that Asst Special Agent-in-Charge?) calm & collected, Dudley Do Right demeanour. You know already that some breath-stopping clashes are bound to happen. Some authors manage to set the stage but then fail to follow through.
Not. In. This. Case.
Ms St Claire has rocketed to the top of my auto-buy list (not that that's very long) and my all-time fav Romantic Suspense author. Face of Danger has 99% of the ingredients of that make a perfect RS book and that's way better than what's being published these days and even by authors that used to be auto-buys but who have long dropped off my radar.
So what's the missing one per cent? The culprit is that scene . I thought that was way overdone for the character who made it and though critical to the climactic ending, it would have been better if the author had gotten someone else to be there to do it. It was just a tad too much to add to this character so yes, rather over-the-top, over done. But, again, a small quibble compared to how much I loved everything else.
Probably the best part is that I wasn't made to suffer any scenes involving Marc and his nutjob girlfriend.
July 2, 2020
This one was read by me years ago and now I am binging on audio and loving it just as much (or more). Someone is killing the best actress Oscar winners and this year Vivi is posing as the look alike for the winner. What is she going to do when Special Agent Colt Lange also shows up to protect Kara, only it is Vivi. Along the way the stumble upon more than just the red carpet killer but human trafficking. Crazy but true. So much goodness in this one!
April 11, 2011
Loved this book. Gabe! Please let his book be next. Im glad Vivi and Lang finally got their story. We learned a little back ground on both if them and why what's happened to them in the past has shapped them today and how they approach relationships. Uncle Nino is a favorite and makes an appearance as do other family members. Hope Roxanne St Claire writes some more of the Guardian Angelinos!
January 22, 2014
I really liked Vivi, she's strong even if she may seem a little too risk-taking. I liked how the attraction she feels for the hero makes her overcome her trauma. I liked Lang, he's strong, resolute, quite stubborn, and it was delightful to see him struggle between reason and feelings. The plot is interesting, but I found the final culprit was dealt with a little too quickly.
February 19, 2018
I didn't enjoy this third instalment of the Guardian Angelino's series as much as I did the other two, perhaps because Vivi and Colton didn't really capture me as much as the previous heroes and heroines did. However, that being said, this is an enjoyable series. If you want a quick, romantic read with a twist of mystery, then you'll enjoy all three books in this series. Wouldn't mind a fourth one with Gabe as our hero. What do you say, Roxy?
June 26, 2018
SUCH A FABULOUS BOOK!!!
This book was everything a good romantic suspense mystery should be!! The characters were great.... The plot was A+...... The twists and turns kept you guessing right up to the end. The action never let up.... This book was a "winner" the whole way through!!!! It was sexy, sweet, heartfelt, engrossing and very romantic. If you are looking for a really good romantic suspense story don't pass this one up!
This book was everything a good romantic suspense mystery should be!! The characters were great.... The plot was A+...... The twists and turns kept you guessing right up to the end. The action never let up.... This book was a "winner" the whole way through!!!! It was sexy, sweet, heartfelt, engrossing and very romantic. If you are looking for a really good romantic suspense story don't pass this one up!
September 26, 2021
This is book three of the Guardian of Angelinos series and it was a very good book full of suspense, mystery and romance. Vivi Angelino works very hard to grow her family’s company of bodyguards and that is the reason she really wants the job in L.A. to be a body double for a movie star. Unfortunately Special Agent Colt Lang does not want her involved with anyone where she might be in danger but he is fighting a losing battle. I really enjoyed this book.
May 17, 2020
Great story
I liked the family dynamics, suspense, characters, and HEA. I was hoping there might be a little more about the little girl with the broken leg. A bit of bad language and a lot of sex, but the storyline was enjoyable.
I liked the family dynamics, suspense, characters, and HEA. I was hoping there might be a little more about the little girl with the broken leg. A bit of bad language and a lot of sex, but the storyline was enjoyable.
January 25, 2021
Warning: rape and human trafficking of children. I know this is a romance novel. But the author introduced a heinous subject matter and didn’t provide a thorough resolution. What consequences do Cara, Roman and Joellen face? That should’ve been addressed.
November 5, 2017
I love it!! Vivi and Lang are amazing together.
tbr-later
April 28, 202027 April 2020: $1.99 on Kindle
April 30, 2020
Loved this amazing book - great suspense, terrific romance, amazing action. Enjoyed it via audio book. Hope there are more in the series one day.
April 13, 2021
this book was also amazing. but i think it was overloaded with dramas.....but i liked it.
i really love this series. want to read more about this Rossi family and all siblings.
i really love this series. want to read more about this Rossi family and all siblings.
Read
February 9, 20222/9/2011 reread 9/22/16
a few rereads in between those first dates, too
a few rereads in between those first dates, too
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews