BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: OF FLAME AND FATE by CECY ROBSON

It’s time to meet your destiny in OF FLAME AND FATE, the next installment of the Weird Girls Flame series by Cecy Robson. Fans of Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series and the Cassandra Palmer series by Karen Chance, will devour this urban fantasy where the fate of the world lies in the hands of four unique sisters.

Of Flame and Fate

Weird Girls Flame #2

By Cecy Robson

Releasing September 26th, 2017

Self-Published

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In Of Flame and Fate (Weird Girls Flame #2) by Cecy Robson, Taran Wird is determined to protect Destiny; a bizarre  and elite supernatural entity that could die if Taran doesn't keep her safe. However, being able to command fire and lightning might not be enough to get the job done. Yet, with wolves and other supernaturals on her side it's race to see if they can stop Johnny Fate, a man that has similar powers to Destiny. Will Taran be able to keep Destiny and her pregnant sister safe, or will all her efforts be for nothing?

Having not read the first book of this series, I wasn't sure what to expect in whether it could be read as a stand-alone or not, and I've got to say that I could read it as a solo book, even though I would have liked to have had more knowledge about Taran, her sisters and how they're so intertwined with the secondary characters in Destiny and Misha, the vampire. Yet, in saying that, I really enjoyed this book due to the battles the heroine faces in keeping Destiny safe. Really, the battles were exciting, especially with the way this book started with Taran in trouble and whether those that are trying to save her would be able to.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to everything Taran, her mate Gemini and her sisters face in the battle of good versus evil. Will Taran be able to adhere to her mate's wishes? Furthermore, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to protect Destiny and her pregnant sister, even at a great risk to herself. I also liked how stubborn she could be and that she wouldn't give up, even though things get very dangerous for her at times, especially when it comes to what happens to Destiny and whether they'll be able to save her. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is the tight bond she shares with her sisters and that she would do anything to protect them.

Overall, Ms. Robson has delivered a thrilling and attention-grabbing read in this story where the chemistry between Taran and Gemini was intense and the ending had me concerned for Taran and Destiny, as Taran fights to keep Destiny alive and faces a tough battle to eliminate the bad guy. Will she be able to eliminate the person that is hurting Destiny? I would recommend Of Flame and Fate by Cecy Robson, if you enjoy paranormal romance or books by authors Chloe Neill, Jeaniene Frost, Patricia Briggs and Devon Monk.

Taran Wird, who commands the power to wield fire and lightning, is an oddity in the supernatural world. But neither Taran nor her unique sisters compare to the bizarre entity known as Destiny. And Taran is assigned to protect her.

Born of two witches, Destiny is revered among the supernatural elite for her acute ability to predict the future. Her biggest prophecy involves Taran’s sister, Celia, whom Destiny decreed will bear children strong enough to take on the evil that’s rising. Yet Destiny is not alone in her predictions, or individuality.

When Johnny Fate, a rock star among humans and a male version of Destiny is discovered, his powers and Destiny’s clash, triggering the start of Destiny’s demise and altering the fate of Celia’s unborn children.

Taran, her werewolf lover Gemini, and their allies must determine if it’s Fate who will decide what will become of Celia’s children, or if their lives and the world will perish with Destiny.

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The doors crash open as a pack of weres in human form stomp in, the exception being an immense, midnight-black wolf with a white left paw who leads them. His lips peel back, exposing a row of pointy fangs as he growls at the vampires surrounding me. But it’s the man storming forward with dark almond eyes and a six-inch dagger in his hand that gives me pause.

“Hi, honey,” I say, giving him a little wave.

Funny thing, he doesn’t wave back. His gaze swoops over my naked body. “Hold her,” he snarls, ramming the knife into my thigh.

Reality shoves aside the shock of having the man I love stab me in the leg. Like a heated blade through butter, he slices through the skin and muscle, creating a diagonal line and spraying blood across the glass shower walls. I expect pain, scorching white-hot pain, and to lose my blood supply in large volumes. But like the creepy crawly beneath my skin, I just feel that wretched pulling and grabbing.

My bleeding trickles to a stop just as Gemini’s hand plunges deep into the incision. The image is so graphic and brutal my stomach lurches. I’m seconds from passing out. The vamps on either side of me are the only thing keeping me vertical. But when my focus latches onto the hilt of the dagger, and I realize it’s a femur—a freaking femur!— my body immediately slumps.

Of course, that’s not the worst part.

The tangle of bodies, limbs, and faces, carved around the hilt twitch, as if seizing, breaking free of what’s holding them to slither. Oh, and it gets better. The mouths open, singing one messed up version of O Fortuna.

“Jesus Christ,” I gasp, my body trembling violently as their slowly amplifying voices echo across the room.

Agnes grips my jaw, yanking my face toward her. “Taran, get it together before you set this whole place on fire.”

I wrench my head free. “Don’t you think I’m trying?!”

I bite back a curse, and a few more, when something scampers toward my right butt cheek.

It doesn’t get far. Gemini thrusts his hand deep, wrenching a large, screeching lump from my leg, exciting the minute faces continuing to sing and slide along the hilt. Their voices crescendo and their bodies writhe with glee. I don’t get a good look at the demon impaled by the dagger, and I don’t want to. I only see enough to realize I was right about the spindly legs and pinchers.

Gemini carries the shrieking demon to the sink, ignoring the way the long cluster of centipede legs kick out and clutch blindly at the air. I wish I could ignore it. But those things you can’t unsee? I’ve seen plenty in my twisted, messed up life and this is one more to add to my list.

Gemini holds out his free hand. Without asking, a vamp drops an opened bottle of vodka into his palm. Gemini pours the vodka over the demon, stunning it and causing the legs to fall open like petals—nasty petals covered with blood, pointy grippy ends, and little bits of me.

With a turn of his wrist, he drops the demon into the sink. It falls with a sick plop.

Agnes’s weight abruptly pulls off me when she stands and hurries to the sink. She flicks a lighter another vamp tosses her and drops it on top of the demon. “Ad infernum,” she tells it, sending it back to hell.

The vamps step away from me as the flames spray up to lick the ceiling. The exception is Edith who remains on her knees, clutching my leg between her breasts and sealing my wound with several fast and enthusiastic strokes of her tongue.

“Get away from her,” Gemini demands. His voice is more beast than human, setting off an orchestra of snarls from the rest of the pack.

Like a very hungry dog with a bone, Edith doesn’t want to let go. Gemini doesn’t give her a choice. From one breath to the next, he rips me from her, wrapping me in a blanket someone hands him and carrying me away.

CECY ROBSON is an author of contemporary romance, young adult adventure, and award-winning urban fantasy. A double RITA® 2016 finalist for Once Pure and Once Kissed, and a published author of more than eighteen titles, you can typically find her on her laptop writing her stories or stumbling blindly in search of caffeine.

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REVIEW: THE LAST MOVE by MARY BURTON

The Last Move

By Mary Burton

Releasing September 19th, 2017

Montlake Romance

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In The Last Move by Mary Burton, years ago FBI agent Kate Hayden survived the shooting that killed her father, but now her past is coming back to haunt her when a copycat killer starts committing murders by serial killers that Kate has put behind bars. However, as her past comes back to haunt her, will she and Detective Theo Mazur be able to stop the killer, or will a killer finally beat her?

What a gripping, fast-paced, enthralling read Ms. Burton has delivered in this book where the start of this story had me hooked because of what's going on and had me wondering whether the killer would be caught because he seemed smart and meticulous. However, it was from the moment the hero was introduced into this story where things got really exciting and drew me in completely, because he's a good cop that has been through a lot and it's palpable he's going to go through more once FBI agent Kate Hayden becomes involved, as she's the best of the best and doesn't give up until she's caught whoever she's after, which is proven by her determination to help a teenage girl who has been through so much because of her abductor.

As for the dialogue, it was really intense due to the investigation and the hunt for the killer; the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine; and the ending that had me on the edge-of-my-seat, as Kate does everything she can to beat the bad guys, even if it means sacrificing herself. Moreover, sometimes Kate comes off as a ball-busting and cold woman, but she's not. Really, she only acts that way to distance herself a little from the tragedies that come when people kill like the guy she's hunting. Kate is also resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to face her past, even if it means talking about the pain her father's death caused; the guilt she's lived with since that moment; and the rift it caused between her and he brother. Will she ever be able to forgive her brother completely?

While the hero, he's been through a lot in his life and it's made him the great father he is to his daughter; a dad that would do anything for his little girl. I also like how confident the hero was when it came to believing that they'd bring down the bad guy and his determination to protect the heroine, even though she excels at her job and doesn't need protecting. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was his determination to win the heroine over because she's good for him.

Overall, Ms. Burton has penned a worthwhile read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance had me hopeful that this couple would get their happy ever after, considering what happens at the end that left me concerned for the heroine when it came to the bad guys because of her past. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully, because of the decision Kate made when it came to her job and the decision the hero made when it came to his. I would recommend The Last Move by Mary Burton, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Kendra Elliott, Melinda Leigh, Toni Anderson and Debra Webb.

In this gripping stand-alone from bestselling author Mary Burton, an FBI agent must catch a copycat killer. The only difference this time: she’s the final victim.

Catching monsters helps FBI agent Kate Hayden keep her nightmares at bay. Now an urgent call brings her back to San Antonio, the scene of her violent past. A brutal new murder shows hallmarks of a serial killer nicknamed the Samaritan. Tricky part is, Kate already caught him.

Either Kate made a deadly error, or she’s got a copycat on her hands. Paired with homicide detective Theo Mazur, she quickly realizes this murder is more twisted than it first appeared. Then a second body is found, the mode of death identical to a different case that Kate thought she’d put behind her.

Now Kate and Detective Mazur aren’t just working a homicide; the investigative pair is facing a formidable enemy who knows Kate intimately. While Mazur is personally trying to protect Kate, the closer they are drawn to the killer, the clearer it becomes that in this terrifying game, there is only one rule: don’t believe everything you see…

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REVIEW: ROYAL ATTRACTION by TIFFANY TRUITT

Royal Attraction

By Tiffany Truitt

Releasing September 18th, 2017

Entangled Publishing

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In Royal Attraction by Tiffany Truitt, Alexandra 'Aly' Ryans escaped to the U.S the moment she believed she ruined her friendships with the three princes she grew up with. But with a royal wedding coming up and everyone expecting her to be there, Aly is returning home to England. However, mingling with royalty means being in the spotlight; something Aly hates and when they discover some things about her past, will it cause her to run again or will she finally stay and face the music so she and Oliver Dudley can finally have their shot at happy ever after?

This is the first story I've read by Ms. Truitt and I've got to say that I loved this book, despite the fact that I thought the hero was an immature brat that needed to grow up and I wished that Aly would have ended up with Aiden instead, even though I knew Oliver was the hero in this book. The way this story started had me empathizing with the heroine, as going home gives her a mix of trepidation and exhilaration in seeing her friends and family. Will things be the same or different? However, it was from the moment that the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time in this story that had me feeling sorry for Aly, as it still seems Oliver is still an immature jerk that doesn't know a thing about responsibility and would rather have fun by pulling pranks.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, because Aly was caught between two men in the past in Aiden and Oliver. However, there were certainly some really good light-hearted moments where the main and secondary characters reminisce about the past and tease the heroine when it comes to Aly and her use of british slang. Furthermore, the heroine is resilient and courageous in being able to face the past and hopefully make things right. I also liked the tight bonds she shares with the three princes and how they pretty much welcome her back with open arms, because they've missed her. Seriously, there's so much to like about the secondary characters in two of the princes - Freddie and Aiden; their bodyguard Liam and the prince's governess, Mrs. Wright. While the hero, he's an immature brat at times, but his desire for attention and being in the spotlight is for personal reasons; reasons that are good and a way to help his family. I also liked how determined he was to get the heroine to fight for their relationship, even though there's so much she dislikes about his life, especially how he's always hounded by the media and how he never has any expectations.

Overall, Ms. Truitt has delivered a fascinating and delightful read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance explosive and illustrates just how right these two are for each other; and the ending had me wondering whether Aly would ever be able to forgive herself for her past and fight for her happy ever after with Oliver. Yet, in saying that, I liked her courage and how far she was willing to go to be with the hero, even if it meant facing her fears. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely and had me wanting to laugh because of the surprise the hero has for the heroine and her reaction to the moment, as she's unprepared for what he wants her to do. I would recommend Royal Attraction by Tiffany Truitt, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Stacy Kestwick, Willow Winters, Staci Hart and Erin Watt.

Alexandra Ryans’s life has been anything but normal. Some might even call it a fairy tale. As the daughter of the former U.S. ambassador to England, she grew up within the palace walls, best friends with the three young princes. Adored by the press and the British people. What more could a girl want?

If only the press knew the real story behind her relationships with the Dudley boys. Then, they’d really sell some papers.

Oliver Dudley, youngest son and third in line for the throne, loves everything about his life. The fame. The parties. The women. The utter lack of expectations and responsibilities that come with being last in the line of succession. But while the world thinks he has everything he wants, there's one thing he was never able to call his own—the beautiful and spunky American Aly Ryans. But how can he convince her when she hates everything about his life? And what is he willing to give up to get her? 

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REVIEW: THE BEST MAN'S PROPOSAL by WYNTER DANIELS

The Best Man's Proposal

Hamilton Sisters #2

By Wynter Daniels

Releasing September 18th, 2017

Entangled Publishing

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In The Best Man's Proposal (Hamilton Sisters #2) by Wynter Daniels, Niki Hamilton is determined to get the promotion on offer to move to London to work and nothing is going to stand in her way. However, she never factored in falling in love with firefighter Grant Powers, especially after she ends up agreeing to live with him temporarily when she becomes homeless. But with Grant already being burned once by a woman he loved, how can he even think about giving love another chance. Will Niki and Grant realize that love is worth fighting for, or will Niki's need for independence keep them apart?

This book's cover alone would make me want to read this book, but the fact that this story has such an enticing blurb is the icing on the cake, which had me choosing this story to read and I've got to say that this story was highly entertaining and fast-paced due to the heroine's determination to get her dream job and the hero's determination to do everything he can to help those he loves. The way this story started had me smiling at the heroine's antics, as she knows getting involved with someone isn't a good idea, not if she wants her dream to come true when it comes to the promotion she worked so hard to get. However, it seems circumstances are determined to keep the hero and heroine together after the heroine finds herself about to be homeless. Will Grant be able to help her out?

The wonderfully-written dialogue drew me into this story and had me captivated because of the main characters back stories that have them ready to move on to bigger and better things or doing what's right for family. Will they be able to find a way to be together, even if it means compromising? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, hard-working and I liked how determined she was to prove herself to her boss, even though her boss was an absolute jerk that likes to take advantage of the heroine in the way that if he said to Niki, 'Jump', she'd say 'How high', because she was desperate to get the promotion her boss kept telling her about. I also liked the close relationships the heroine had with her sister and her best friend and that she could turn to them whenever she needed advice.

While the hero, he's confident, determined to win the heroine over, and I liked how he would do anything for his family, even if it meant sacrificing everything he's worked so hard for. I also liked how tight the hero is with his family and the way his grandparents tease him when it comes to his moments of eavesdropping. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how good he was for the heroine and vice-versa and how he was able to overcome what his ex-wife did to him to be able to give another woman a chance.

Overall, Ms. Daniels has delivered a wonderful and enchanting read in this book where the chemistry and romance between this couple was formidable and palpable in showing how good these two are together. The way this story ended had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, as Grant needs Niki just as much as the heroine needs Grant. Yet, what I liked most about the way this story ended was what Niki was willing to do to be with Grant. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully because of the surprise the heroine had for the hero. It was special and showed how much she loved him. Then again, special days are to be celebrated with the effort the heroine takes to make the hero's day exceptional. I would recommend The Best Man's Proposal by Wynter Daniels, if you enjoy second chance romances or books by authors Jenna Bayley-Burke, Avery Flynn, Sarah Balance and Tawna Fenske. 

  

Niki Hamilton had her hopes pinned on moving to Europe with her boyfriend. But then he dumped her. By text message. Just before her sister’s wedding. Left dateless in a flamingo-pink monstrosity of a bridesmaid dress, she decides to drown her sorrows in a glass of tall, dark, and handsome.

Firefighter Grant Powers has been burned by love, but when his best friend’s new sister-in-law falls into his arms—and stays there for one sexy night—he enjoys the experience a little too much.

Then a rental snafu leaves Niki temporarily homeless. So, gentleman and masochist that he is, Grant offers his spare bedroom. Despite the smoldering sexual tension between them, starting anything would be playing with fire.

Now, they just have to survive living together for a few weeks…

BUY LINK: Amazon

REVEW: ALONG CAME A RANGER by DEBRA HOLT

Along Came a Ranger

Texas Lawmen #3

By Debra Holt

Releasing September 11th, 2017

Tule Publishing

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In Along Came a Ranger (Texas Lawmen #3) by Debra Holt, being stuck in an elevator is not Stacy Smith's idea of fun, but at least she has great company to lessen her fear. However, Stacy has a rule about not getting involved with cowboys and that's exactly what Davis McKenna is, even though he's also a Texas Ranger determined to protect the innocent and punish the guilty. Will Davis be able to convince Stacy to take a chance on him or will her past demons keep the pair apart?

The first two books of this series are absolutely fantastic reads, but this book is the best by far. Because it encompasses two mesmerizing characters that find they're drawn to each other, but with the heroine's past when it comes to cowboys due to her mom and relationships, there's no way they could possibly have a chance, even though there's more to Davis than being a cowboy. He has a respectable job as a Texas Ranger and is a law enforcement officer willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, which is proven during a tough case.

As for the dialogue, it was well-written, enthralling and I loved the main characters backs stories that make the heroine think that getting involved with a cowboy isn't a good idea, because of all the ones her mother dated that proved unreliable including her father. However, in saying that, I liked how the hero won Stacy over and showed her he was different, even if it meant that their relationship never progressed further than friends. Furthermore, the hero is confident and I loved how willing he was to help the heroine when it came to her writing. Yet, what I liked most about the hero is his dedication to his job and how far he's willing to go to see justice served, which is proven by what happens with Stacy and a dangerous situation.

While the heroine, she's strong and brave with everything she's gone through in her past and the way she handles the obstacles that this couple need to overcome to be together, especially the moment where she does something that could get her hurt or worse. I also liked that she was willing to give the hero a chance, even though she doesn't have a high opinion of cowboys. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is her love for her career as a romance writer and the success she'd had that makes her popular with her fans.

Overall, Ms. Holt has delivered an incredibly enchanting read in this book where the chemistry was wonderful; the romance passionate and had me liking when the heroine gave in to the hero; and the ending had me loving the hero more than I already did, because he isn't willing to give up on the heroine and their happy ever after no matter how many times she rejects him. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, because this couple are meant to be. I would recommend Along Came a Ranger by Debra Holt, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, the opposites attract trope, or books by authors Elle James, Ann B. Harrison, Michelle Beattie and Katherine Garbera.

No cowboys allowed. That is Stacy Smith’s motto. Having overcome a rough childhood, she vows to not repeat the same mistakes that her mother made. Writing bestselling romance novels as Sabrina Noelle, she is happy to stay in her ivory tower, creating perfect worlds for her heroes and heroines that keep her busy and her heart whole.

Texas Ranger Davis McKenna handles crisis situations on a regular basis. But when he is stranded in a hotel elevator with a gorgeous woman on the verge of panic, he soon realizes that there’s more at play than just his protective instincts.

Take one determined Texas Ranger and one equally stubborn romance author and there is bound to be a showdown at high noon where desires and hearts are concerned. Can Stacy risk opening her heart to the man who represents everything she never wanted?

BUY LINK:  Amazon

REVIEW: DEFENDING HEARTS by REBECCA CROWLEY

Defending Hearts

Atlanta Skyline #2

By Rebecca Crowley

Releasing September 19th, 2017

Lyrical Shine

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In Defending Hearts (Atlanta Skyline #2) by Rebecca Crowley, Atlanta Skyline soccer star, Oz Terim, or the Wizard as his fans like to call him has been receiving threats. So, hiring a security detail is the right thing to do, even though it goes against everything he believes in. However, hiring Kate Mitchell is in his best interests, even if she isn't part of his plan for his life. Will Kate be able to keep Oz safe, or will the person responsible for the threats get to him and keep the pair from achieving their happy ever after?

Having absolutely loved the first book of this series, I couldn't wait to read more about the heroes of the Atlanta Skyline soccer team and the heroines they fall in love with, and I've got to say that this story was everything I could have hoped for and more due to the enthralling main characters that I was enchanted by and compelling dialogue that kept me entertained from start to finish, as these two do their best to deny their chemistry because she works for him and knows things should remain professional between them. The way this story started had me hooked and really liking both the main characters and had me determined to discover how desperately Oz needs security to stay safe, considering the harshness of the threats. Will he agree to the heroine's suggestions? Will he co-operate when the time comes for Kate to implement the security measures she's determined to put into place?

As for the dialogue, it was well-written, attention-grabbing because of the main characters back stories, and I loved their growing relationship that shows how opposite these two are and how good it is that opposites attract. Moreover, the heroine has been through a lot and I loved learning all about her time in the military and the reason why she's returned home. Certainly, she's resilient, independent, courageous and I liked how determined she was to make the best of everything that happens in her life whether its her strained relationship with her family or her growing relationship with Oz, even though there are moments where I think they'll never get together due to the heroine's fears. While the hero, he's confident and determined to achieve the plan he has for his life. However, the heroine forces him to toss his plan because she means everything to him, which is palpable by their teasing banter and his determination to win the heroine over. I also liked the close friendship the hero had with one of the secondary characters and that the man could offer advice when Oz desperately needed it. Will Oz accept the advice and do everything he can to make the heroine realize he's the man for her?

Overall, Ms. Crowley has penned an incredible read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful, the romance was passionate and showed off this couple's chemistry really well, and the ending had me concerned for the main characters because of what they go through. Will what they go through bring them close together again after things went awry? Will the heroine face her fears to give the hero a chance? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, because of the hero's determination to do everything he can to make the heroine comfortable in his life, even though her being in his life is totally disrupting to his plan for his life. I would recommend Defending Hearts by Rebecca Crowley, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Kelly Jamieson, Sharla Lovelace, Lia Riley and Kelly Moran.

When The Pitch Gets Personal

Atlanta Skyline’s star Swedish wingback Oz Terim—or as the fans call him, the Wizard—has an airtight plan for his life, his career, even his meticulously renovated house, but he barely gives a thought to the Islamic faith he inherited from his Turkish parents. So no one’s more surprised than he is when he’s the victim of anti-Muslim hate crime. Refusing to take the threat seriously, he resists the security detail Skyline insists on . . . until he meets Kate Mitchell. There’s no room for her in his plan and she’s the exact opposite of what he wants. Then why can’t he keep his hands off her?

After ten years in the military—and getting fired from her first post-Army job in Saudi Arabia—Kate Mitchell has slunk home to her Georgia roots. Private security isn’t the career she dreamed of, nor is she thrilled to work with an uptight professional athlete who plays a sport she has no interest in. She never expected to be attracted to him—or for him to fall for her, too. As their opposite lives tangle up—and the threat against Oz grows more serious—Kate has to decide who she wants to be in life and in love. 

BUY LINK:  Amazon