Sidney Halston’s latest Iron-Clad Security series isn’t quite the typical bodyguard-type romance, even though the high-profile/security (geek) guy pairing is in full force here. It’s a rather unusual setup nonetheless (a politician with an ex-military hacker) and while there’s some suspense written into this, the focus is mainly on the romance that grows under adversity, coupled with an annoying child who seems to be constantly hovering at the ‘terrible-twos’ age and a ton of eye-blinding lust.

Joey Clad and Olivia Monroe are likeable, steady characters who don’t generally behave several decades younger than they’re supposed to be. Both are confident in themselves, tough in ways that matter and in this manner, well-suited to each other. Maybe the correct term here is ‘adulting’: behaving with the weight of the awareness that they do have responsibilities and don’t run away from them while talking it out—I literally get quite excited when couples in romantic fiction use their mouths to communicate instead of using sex to put the issue away for another time.

There are moments when Olivia pushes Joey away and gives all sorts of excuses at first while Joey dives straight into their relationship and isn’t unafraid to call her out for them—that part is done away with quickly. I did skim a little past the political issues and the antics of Olivia’s daughter, but mostly, ‘Kiss Kiss Bang’ is a story that deals with the threats thrown at Olivia and her daughter as Joey steamrolls his way into their lives and makes himself indispensable. Nearly emotionally angst-free, the book is, in this aspect, quite a predictable but welcome read—there aren’t that many earth-shaking revelations that turn the pairing against each other or one that contributes to a huge climax—which I could appreciate given the number of blowups that tend to be the norm in the romance genre.

The book doesn't span a large amount of time, but it feels like it does. Maybe because there's just so much to it. Suspense, romance, shady politicians and a cute five-year old girl who likes lizards.
Kiss Kiss Bang, can be read as a stand alone novel.

4.5 Stars!!!



Olivia Russo, through hard work and determination has found herself in the running to be Florida’s next governor. Joey Clad, who co-owns his own security company, unexpectedly has a chance meeting with Olivia and the two have serious chemistry right off the bat!!! Joey knows one thing for sure- that he wants to see more of Olivia!! As the two get to know each other, Joey realizes how much danger Olivia is in, and from that point he vows to protect her and her young daughter, Sophie...no matter what!!!

This is such an addictive series!! I love the way Sidney Halston combines suspense and romance to create novels that keep you glued to your kindle until the very last page! Olivia’s backstory really pulled at my heartstrings and I was keeping my fingers crossed that Joey was going to be not only her bodyguard, but the man she needed!! Sidney Halston did a great job with the storyline’s twists and turns!! Kiss Kiss Bang is a 4.5 star gem that kept me guessing until the last page—loved that!!! If you’re in the mood for a romantic/suspense novel than you need to check this book out!!

Loved Kiss Kiss Bang! First of all, the ICS is a case of characters that reel you in and have you loving each and everyone one of them. I was excited for Joey's story as he had always been in the background- essential- yet not overly alpha. Boy was I wrong- he was sexy alpha all the way. But what else do you expect from an Iron Clad man.

What I wasn't expecting was the badassness of Olivia Russo. She embodied all that a great heroine should with her courage, success and fortitude. Raising her daughter alone after her husband dies in a car accident, Olivia has pulled herself out of the most dire of circumstances and is not only trying to better herself and her daughter, but the entire state of Florida in her quest to become governor.

Clearly there is someone out to hinder her successes and prevent her from winning the election. Tactics to scare and harm her only make Olivia stronger and bring her into the ICS fold. A chance encounter with Joey leads to an instant sizzle and an intense attraction on both sides. When they are thrown together in bodyguard/client role it soon leads to lover and protector of not only Olivia but her sweets Sophie as well.

Joey melts- his tough macho alpha exterior is obliterated by one sweet little girl and her mother and they both have not only his mind wrapped but his heart as well.

The plot was very intriguing when Olivia has someone clearly after her and closing in on secrets of her past. But with Joey and the ICS gang on her side Olivia will deliver her own Kiss Kiss Bang and defeat her enemies.