Another great addition to this new series. After meeting the 5 members that make up the Ares Security team in Kill Without Mercy I was more than ready to see where Lucas St. Clair's story was going to lead us.

Lucas St. Clair is the estranged son of a wealthy southern political family. He's carried the weight of his families expectations and his separate desires on his shoulders his entire life, he's given up the only thing he's loved because of his family but now she's in danger and he can't stay away.

Mia has no idea what danger lurks around the corners in her home town. She's spent the last 15 years quietly building her life and trying to rebuild her heart after having it crushed by Lucas St. Clair. Now he's back telling her she's in danger and demanding to be the one to protect her but her heart will be what needs protecting the most in the end. Can they both let go of the past and create a new future or is there too much history and hurt between them and will it get her killed?

Kill Without Shame is a second chance love story that will have you wanting to smack a couple of people upside the heads and rooting for them all at the same time. I am a sucker for second chance romances and this is one of the better ones out there lately. Lucas walked away for valid although frustrating reasons but he never truly left Mia's side. Mia, while she may have been broken she never gave up. I love that through her hurt she found herself and refuses now to be any thing other than who she was always meant to be. I also loved that the person she is now is the one that Lucas always wanted. I know that may sound a little confusing but trust me it will make perfect sense when you read it and it will be an integral part to the story. Mia was always meant to be a strong independent woman and when she was given the chance she took it and ran with it.

I appreciated greatly that Lucas while having alpha male tendencies recognizes Mia's need, willingness, and ability to help. He may not like it but he learns to accept that she won't be pushed aside and hovered over either because he feels the need to protect her or because he wants to coddle her.

One of the things I most enjoy about this series is the ties that bind the 5 men of Ares. I ache for what they went through to bring them together but I love what became of it. I love that through trial they have become a family and will stand with each other through anything . I love that these guys all have that Veteran Male Alpha-ness about them but not once have any of them come across as too strong to accept or desire help and love either through a friendship with their other 'brothers' on the team or through the romantic relationship for each individual. These are strong male characters but they aren't afraid to feel.

I am also a huge fan of the fact that each book while having a thread that ties it to the past one and future ones is it's own story. The story of the relationship is the main focus and if you decided to pick up book two with out having read the first book you won't be completely and utterly lost. We do get a good look at more of what will be coming for Hauk. I am so curious about how his story is going to play out since we have seen little pieces building in these first two books. It isn't enough to make you feel like you have to read them in order but it is enough to get your curiosity moving on high and anxious for more. There are 5 guys in all at Ares so unless something changes over the next few books I think we have at least 3 more books to go and I can't wait to get my hands on each of them.

If you are a fan of Military based Contemporary Romances with a bit of suspense these are great reads and I highly suggest giving them a try!

~ HAPPY READING ~

After being held hostage while in the military, Lucas St. Clair came back changed from the person his parents expected him to be. It also reminded him of the person he was forced to let go because of them, Mia Ramon. When it looks like she’s in danger, he drops everything to go save her.
This book wasn’t bad. Similar to a number of military second-chance stories, but it still had an interesting plot. All of the characters were well-written. I did have some minor problems with it. One thing that irritated me was the overuse of the word “murmured” much of the time the various characters were talking. I don’t like it when authors do this as people don’t just go around murmuring when they are talking to others unless it’s during certain situations.

It somehow didn't hold my interest. I'm not sure why. This is the first time in my NetGalley experience this has happened.

Lucas left Mia after high school. His family wanted a political career for him. Years later Mia is in trouble and Lucas is there to help. Mia hasn't forgiven Lucas for leaving her but they both find old feelings die hard.

In Kill Without Shame, we meet yet another amazing security team of badasses, this time called ARES. The members are all former military guys who were held prisoner together in Afghanistan. Lucas St. Clair is one of them, though unlike the rough backgrounds most of them have, Lucas comes from a rich political family. He turned his back on that life for good after coming back home, and now he’s rich and successful all on his own. When he finds out his high school girlfriend Mia is in danger, he immediately rushes to her side. He left her once, but he never stopped loving her (naturally), and now he has to convince her that not only can he keep her safe but he wants back in her life for good. Mia and Lucas have to figure out who wants her dead and put a stop to their plans.

This was a fun and interesting book! As you can probably guess, it doesn’t exactly break new ground, what with the secret team, the “I dumped you for your own good but I never forgot you” that Lucas has going on, and the headstrong but smart heroine. Still, I enjoy those stories so for me this one worked. I liked that Mia doesn’t immediately roll over and let Lucas in. She doesn’t trust him at first, nor should she. Well, she trusts his skills at keeping her safe pretty quickly, but she doesn’t trust his intentions and makes him work to regain that trust. Even better, Lucas understands why she doesn’t trust him and doesn’t push her or get mad at her for her reticence. He knows he screwed up, and he knows he needs to earn her back. I did also appreciate that his reasons for leaving her originally aren’t totally bogus (just a little bit, ha). Looking from the outside in, we readers can see neither Lucas nor Mia was really ready to handle their love yet. We can see that time to mature and some tough life experiences for both of them have made them stronger and better prepared to be together.

I liked the mystery in the book. There are some pretty big twists and turns, and even though I could kind of figure out who the villain might be fairly early, that person’s motivations weren’t quite clear at first. The book isn’t action-packed but the pace was fairly steady. Unfortunately, Lucas and Mia do something profoundly stupid towards the end, which was out of character and unnecessary except as a way to allow the villain to get to them in a dramatic fashion.

For me, this was a solid book in a new-to-me series, and I’ll be looking forward to more.

Grade: 3.5 out of 5

Loved this book, the first book I've read by Alexandra Ivy. This story has all my favorite things in a book....romance, mystery, action, suspense, and a cast of great characters. Lucas and Mia are reunited after 15 years apart and the chemistry is still there. These two finally get their HEA and I loved it. I can't wait to read more about the hot, loyal, protective men of Ares Security.

What would you do to protect the love of your life?

Lucas St. Clair may come from money and prestige, but none of that has ever matter to him. As a member of ARES Security it is nothing more than a reason his "brothers" can tease him. Now he must go home to face his past if he is ever to have a future with the love of his life. The love he left behind...

Mia Ramon is strong-willed woman who has worked her way up from the daughter of a gardener to the powerful owner of a well-known landscaping business. Lucas is in her past - along with her broken heart. Or, so she thinks until he comes barrelling back into her life determined to protect her form danger she didn't know existed.

This is another action-packed thrill ride from Alexandra! Her writing is well-detailed, well-plotted, and full of adventure and romance. I haven't yet read a story she's penned that has disappointed me.

**I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley.**

Fantastic romantic suspense/second chance romance. Lucas St. Clair left Louisiana and the girl he loved to escape the stifling future his parents had planned for him. He hasn’t forgotten her or their love. This book takes place fifteen years later. Lucas has been through hell and survived to start a successful security agency in Houston, TX. Mia has survived a different kind of hell and turned her fathers landscaping business into her own and something to be proud of. She hasn’t forgotten the boy who broke her heart. Now her life is in danger and Lucas will find out who the threat is and protect her whether she wishes it or not. He is determined to win back the only woman he has ever loved. But they have to survive first.
Kill Without Shame is a fast paced convoluted mystery that will keep you guessing and make you fall for Lucas and Mia along the way.

The best I read so far By Alexandra , Her writing is precise and clear. I experienced everything the characters did

KILL WITHOUT SHAME will have you by the throat from the first word until the last. I am not sure how author Alexandra Ivy keeps coming up with heart pounding scenarios but she certainly does with her ARES Security series. I was glad that Mia was a strong woman who was running her own landscaping business so she was up to standing up to Lucas. He was smart enough to know that 15 years was a long time and if she was available, he was going to have to work to get her back. There were times I wanted to shake both of them but the dance they did with each other was perfect to build a stronger, more mature commitment. Even if it did frustrate the romantic in me at times, I had to chalk up his past stupidity to being very young. I also loved the added second storyline that dealt with Taylor, Mia's friend and office manager and Detective Brian Cooper, it was reluctant on her part and sweet on his.

The ARES "brothers" are an amazing group who have each others back in all things and protective when one of them has his mind not quite where it should be. I have to admit I did not see the villain's identity in this one, until it was revealed, it was a very big surprise. If you are looking for a sexy hero, a strong willed heroine, danger, romance of the sweet and steamy kind, and a taste of Louisiana then KILL WITHOUT SHAME by Alexandra Ivy has got to be in your hands.

Annetta Sweetko, Fresh Fiction reviewer

I really like this book, I loved the characters Mia and Lucas. The story was really well written. The only issue I had was the fact that it kind of stopped in a couple of areas for me, but that might have been me and not the story itself. But I would highly recommend the author and story to people.

Five soldiers became five brothers when they were held in Taliban prison for weeks of brutal torture. It’s been over two years since returning from the war, and now the men run a successful security firm in Texas. Lucas St. Clair, hostage negotiator, comes from a wealthy, well-connected family who expected him to be a big-wig statesman. Yet after his time as a POW, Lucas left his manipulative family for his brothers-in-arms, founding ARES Security. However, when high school friend Anthony "Tony" Hughes was murdered near ARES offices, Lucas is drawn back to his hometown of Shreveport, LA, and face-to-face with Mia Ramon — the one that got away.

Mia Ramon has come a long way since she last saw Lucas St. Clair, taking over her father’s small lawn mowing business and turning it into a successful landscape company. She doesn’t have time for Lucas to waltz back into her life after he broke her heart 15 years ago. Yet, when she learns that her friend Tony was murdered with a photo of her in his hands, she realizes that Lucas may be the only one to help her find Tony’s murderer.

Once again, Alexandra Ivy weaves a suspenseful tale that captured me from page one. Kill Without Shame is the second story in Ms. Ivy’s ARES Security series. Although there is a small overall story arc, the romance and mystery are very much standalone, with no connection to the first book. Lucas and Mia’s story is gripping and sweet. The romance and suspense are well balanced. I liked that Mia and Lucas had a strong history, which gave their romance solid footing in the perilous situations. And there was little confession of feelings at inappropriate times - something that is a huge pet peeve of mine for romantic suspense titles.

Lucas and Mia had a friendship and attraction that was easy to rekindle because neither ever got over the other. The author does a wonderful job establishing their backstory, filling it with strong emotions, which gave credibility and strength to the situation. While Lucas wanted to be all alpha-caveman, he listened to the good advice of his friends, meeting strong-willed Mia on middle ground when it came to the investigation. And both were upfront about lingering hurt from the past, allowing them to quickly move past the pain and onto the future.

The mystery of who shot Tony and what it had to do with Mia was engrossing and cleverly written. The author gave me enough clues that I was able to piece it together before the characters; however, I was privy to all the information, not just bits and pieces. And even after I mostly figured it out, the story still drew me in and captured me. I enjoyed watching Lucas and Mia put it all together.

I had one small issue with the Kill Without Shame, which came near the climax of the investigation. There is a scene when Lucas puts Mia in a dangerous situation, which is WAY out of character for this over-protective male. The thing is… there was absolutely no reason for it, which is why it felt off. If it had been out of Lucas’s ability to do something different, it would have been more believable. However, it did set up the final showdown scene, so I rolled with it.

Overall, Kill Without Shame is an entertaining, suspenseful story with great balance between action and romance. The love story worked well because of the pair’s history together with their open communication and compromises. I completely enjoyed Lucas and Mia’s story and look forward to more from the ARES Security series.

My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot

4.5 - The one that got away... Stars!

The second book in Alexandra Ivy’s ARES Security Series offers up as much, second chance romance, suspense , twists and turns as it’s predecessor did. I really enjoyed Lucas and Mia’s rollercoaster-ride of a reconnection.



One thing that I am really liking about this series is the fact that although there is a small story running though the books that includes all the ARES guys to some level, each of the books so far has really concentrated on one particular guy and the woman he falls for. The author does a really good job of bringing you up to speed on things very quickly, which for me is a good thing when there is a big gap between releases.

It had been fifteen years since she’d last seen him in the flesh, but nothing had changed.

Lucas St. Clair and his family are classed as town royalty, so back in his teens, falling in love with the gardener’s daughter was very much something that his family were un-supportive of. As their love deepened he also saw that it was starting to have an effect on Mia in her dress and actions, so to prevent her trying to change herself any further to please his family and therefore lose herself in the process, he ups and leaves, thinking he was doing the best thing for them both. Not so much in Mia’s opinion, so when he strolls back into her life fifteen years on, after a picture of her is found on the body of a mutual friend, she is less than happy to see him.

He wanted her bothered. And hot. And aching. And willing...

But it doesn’t take long for them both to come to the conclusion that the time apart and years between them have done absolutely nothing to quell the feelings and chemistry between them. Problem is that someone is out to kill Mia, and Lucas and his brothers from ARES are determined to get to the bottom of the reasons why and the who is behind the threat. Which, let’s face it, isn’t the most conducive situation for a man to try and woo back the woman he let down so badly previously.

"If you get yourself hurt I’m not going to be happy..."
"I love you too."

I really liked these two, Mia is no shy retiring wall-flower, and she stood with Lucas when it came to investigating everything that was going on around her. The fireworks that inevitably crackle when an Uber Alpha male and a sassy, independent woman collide were very much apparent, but I loved the softer center you get to see from Lucas, as he tries to repair the damage his leaving did to their relationship.

"I need to protect you."
"I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time..."
"Too long. I want it to be my turn."

Another great addition to the series, everything is tied off for Lucas and Mia’s story. The situation with Hauk and his stalker is still very much unresolved, and we still have several other guys in ARES also looking for their HEA’s, bearing in mind there is a twelve month gap between the first two books releasing, I am guessing we may be looking at the same break between two and three because I cannot find any information on it as yet. I hope that we get the third book before December 2017, but it doesn’t look too promising at the moment.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

Lucas came from money, Mia didn't. His family had political aspirations for him and if he really wanted Mia in his life, they would mold her too. Lucas walked away from it all.

After college and the military, Lucas is now a partner in a security company called ARES. His partners are all "brothers" to him, bound by their survival and escape from a Taliban prison not blood. He is estranged from his family and has settled about 4 hours away from his old home. Then a man is murdered right near his office, carrying Lucas' address and a picture of Mia.

Mia was heartbroken when Lucas left. She put her energy into growing her father's landscaping business and has done well. Financially she is strapped but she works hard and is good to her employees.

Lucas is contacted by the police when they discover the man. It ends up the dead man is from Lucas' home town. The only thing Lucas knows is that Mia is in danger....

Will Lucas keep Mia safe? Will she ever understand why he left? Will they discover why someone wants Mia dead?

I have read many books by this author and I enjoyed this just as much. There are quite a few twists and turns while trying to put the puzzle together. It was a difficult task as they discover that no one really knew much about the deceased man's private life. The hard part is keeping Mia safe....

This is a good read, it has it all: murder mystery, unrequited love and I loved Mia's best friend, her only support system for many years.

~NetGalley provided an ARC for this book.~

Book two of ARES Security. Lucas St. Clair, the negotiator of the group. He is one suave guy, and i liked him when he was introduced on the first book. What I wasn't expecting, was a man so in love with a woman from his past that it carries thru the pages of the book.

I wanted to read this book again, just to feel loved by this guy. His devotion was something that i wasn't expecting from him. As I read the, his feeling was so overwhelming that I can't get over the fact that he left the girl to protect her.

Mia, however, is the typical normal girl-in-love-with-rich-boy phase. However, for both of them, it was true. She unconsciously tried to please Lucas' mother, hence the separation. And yet, how one forget what true love is?

I want to say this is a Cinderella type of story, but it is not. If their past came to thru, then it will be. But fate had other plans.

The shaping of the characters are good. The way each parts of the past was brought up came in beautifully. With each revelation come the product from it.

Ms. Alexandra Ivy, weaves a story that ensnares and captivates her readers. May it be in Paranormal Romance or Romantic Suspense. You will definitely be left breathless up until the last page of the book.

I look forward to book three of this series.

*I received an ARC of this book free from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Lucas broke Mia’s heart when he went off to the military leaving her alone to pick up the pieces. She rose above all and not only took over her father’s business, but had been steadily expanding it. Everything changed the moment Lucas walked back into her life with a determination she’d never known before.

Lucas had never gotten over leaving Mia, but he thought he’d done what was best for her. He didn’t want their different backgrounds turning her into someone she wasn’t. When an old friend winds up dead and he discovers it’s linked to Mia he’ll drop everything to protect her and find out what’s going on.

Mia is strong in every area of her life except when it comes to Lucas. No matter how strong and high her walls are he walks through them like they’re nothing. Lucas is almost funny in his determination. He’ll plant himself right in the middle of Mia’s life…and house…and not give a second thought to it until he knows she’s safe. Together they are a constant whirlwind of determination and passion.

Kill Without Shame is another fantastic book in the ARES Security series. It pulled me into the story and held me there until the final page.

My Favorite Laughable Moment is when Mia describes all the things Lucas’ ostentatious Porsche probably does.

Book 2 in this series just blew me away. We get one heck of a story.
Lucas has headed back to his hometown as something is happening and people are being murdered and he fears for the only woman he has ever loved. Mia was left behind by Lucas when he decided to up and join the military and really not giving her a reason why he was leaving her. She had assumed she simply wasn't good enough. But now although she hates to admit it she needs this sexy alpha male by her side although she would never tell him that.

We get suspense, mystery and a whole lot of hotness. Fantastic second book in this series and I can't wait for the next.

Kill Without Shame is book #2 in the ARES Security Series. I have not read book 1 and wasn't lost at all, this book could totally be read as a stand alone (although it will leave you wanting more).

Mia was in love with Lucas back in high school. He just up and left her and took with him her heart. She runs a lawn care business that was once her father's. Her friend Tony, although he seems to attract trouble, Mia allows him to come work for her when he needs extra money. Imagine her surprise when he turns up dead with a picture of her in his hand that states she must be killed.

Lucas served in Afghanistan and unfortunately was captured and held prisoner along with other men. Him and those men became brothers and when they escaped they started a security business called ARES Security. The one thing that kept him sane and wanting to live was thinking of Mia. Wishing he didn't have to let her go all those years ago. But, his father was a Senator and Mia was a commoner, a relationship was not to happen. Now, Lucas wishes he'd never listened to his father. Now, it seems his friend Tony was found shot and clutching a photo of Mia. Lucas knows she's in danger and will go to the end of the Earth to protect her. But, will she forgive him for breaking her heart?

Loved this book and was captivated from the beginning! It wasn't what I expected, at all. It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know who wanted Mia dead. Lots of mystery and nail biting moments. The only issue I had was I wished there were more steamy scenes between Lucas and Mia.