Years ago Delaney and Mac were everything to each other. Their futures were laid out and their love was the enduring kind that would last through the years. However, that was before Delaney’s brother died. Before her brother died and Mac essentially killed him.

Now over a decade later Delaney has been injured during a kidnapping. As an investigative journalist, Delaney is hungry for the story that will bring a madman and a group of terrorist to justice. What she doesn’t want or need is Mac coming to her rescue as she recovers from her injuries. Mac has tried to move on with his life without Delaney but now that he’s got his foot back in the door he’s not going anywhere.

This book covers a lot of ground concerning illegal weapons, drugs and the money trail that helps to finance fanatical groups. It became just a bit too much for me at times and I found myself skimming. There were also times when the characters were outlining who would be doing what on the current assignment and those paragraphs became long and drawn out so I skipped them as well.

However, the true story of this couple finding a way back to each other after each of them had lost their brother/best friend and all the years of hate and resentment that followed was worth the read. There is a lot of push from Delaney as she cannot let go of the fact that her brother is dead because of Mac. On the other hand, Mac is prepared to do anything to protect her even if it means killing someone.

The pace is a bit slow, the connection between the men is incredible with lots of humor, the showdown is explosive and the sex is steamy. Overall, a very nice read.

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.

Dual POV
Safe – both h/H have been in relationships since their separation; H is not a manho; no om/ow drama
Possible triggers – h was kidnapped off page but not raped; some violence

In this second book, we get Mac and Delaney's story. They were once childhood sweethearts until Delaney's brother died while cliff diving with Mac. Delaney and her family were told that witness saw Mac goad her brother into jumping when he didn't want too. This caused immediate resentment and the loss of their relationship.

Man, did I feel for Mac in this story. Not only did he lose his best friend, but also the love of his life that day on the cliffs. We learn that he did goad her brother into jumping but only at the request of Brock to not let him walk away. His dream was to become a Seal and he knew he needed to get over his fear of heights to succeed. Mac did the honorable thing and did not tell the family or police that Brock was trying to overcome his fear because behind that fear he felt he needed to prove to his family that he could make it. Mac knew what that would do to his family if they learned the truth.

Jump 15 years later, Delaney is an investigating journalist and was taken and beaten. When she gets rescued, she asks for Mac when she isn't very lucid. Mac flys all the way to Germany to help Delaney only to find out she doesn't really want his help. Mac sees this as his second chance and isn't going to give up.

I'm truly enjoying this new series from Scarlett Cole. I love a good romantic suspense and she's providing the protective Alphas I love to read about. The only reason this book wasn't as enjoyable as the first one is only because I'm not a big fan of pushing away. I don't mined a little bit of it but Delaney took it to all new levels. I would have loved it if they had reconciled earlier in the book. Despite the constant pushing, I still enjoyed how much tenacity Mac had when it came to his pursuit her. ARC provided by Netgalley.

Final Siege
Love Over Duty series book # 2
Release Date: January 30, 2018
Review copy provided by the publisher

Is there anything hotter than an uber alpha SEAL, who loves his woman with an intensity that'll leave you lightheaded? I think not! Sigh...I loved Mac so hard.

The first book in this series, Under Fire was really good. I was blown away at the amount of research it must have taken to make it feel so real. But this book, knocked my socks off! There was something about Mac that really pulled at me. He's strong and incredibly brave, but he's also carrying around a broken heart and guilt for something that wasn't his fault. I think I was kind of hurting for him. The weight on his shoulders was palpable.

Delaney is my favourite kind of heroine. She's sassy, stubborn, fiercely independent, and has a ridiculously kind heart. She wants to change the world and bring the bad guys to justice.

Even though tragedy pulled them apart many years ago, the chemistry between them has never faded. When Delaney needs Mac, he doesn't hesitate to put her above everything else. Sigh...he's wonderful. I loved the slow burn in this book. The connection between the characters is alive and well, but with all the unresolved issues and secrets between them, they needed to move slow. Don't get me wrong, it was crazy frustrating waiting for the sexy times, but it was so worth it. Plus, it wouldn't have been authentic to the story to have Delaney and Mac just hop into bed. They needed to find their footing with each other.

There's so much going on in this book. The romance is swoon worthy and beautiful. The suspense/action component is so damn exciting. I felt like I was on this adventure with them. This series has a sexy James Bond kinda feel to it. I was certainly never bored! Every page kept me engaged and anticipating what was coming next.

It was heartbreaking watching Delaney and Mac navigate the murky waters of blame and guilt. The death of Delaney's brother, Brock, has kept them apart for so long. One thing I can always count on when I read a book by Scarlett Cole is all the emotion. Oy! I'm not sure any other author can pull so many feelings from me. I feel like I'm on a roller coaster the entire time...and I love it.

As always, Scarlett Cole has given us a book with a solid, well executed plot, and characters that you'll want to be friends with.

I'm really looking forward to Cabe's book! I'm already anticipating that I'll have myself a good snot and bawl. I highly recommend that you start with book one, Under Fire. The suspense aspect in both books are connected. Also, you don't want to miss Six and Louisa's story!

Final Siege is a suspenseful continuation of the Love Over Duty series featuring strong, dependable, loyal Mac and driven investigative journalist Delaney. As they battle through their past and the danger surrounding Delaney, Mac dares to hope for a second chance with her.
I didn't think I wanted to read the story when I read the blurb again after getting the book. I don't know what possessed me to get it because I don't like second chance romances. Too much history. Too much pain. Too much negativity weighing down the story. But I decided to give it a shot anyway because I remembered liking Six and Louisa from Under Fire and enjoying their story enough to want to give Ms Cole another shot.
This leads me to Delaney, who I did not like, at all. Each time I thought I was warming to her, she does something which makes me rethink my softening towards her. Delaney is your typical investigative journalist. Driven and determined to do whatever it takes to get her story. Perhaps even at the expense of everything. You gotta admire her dedication to that but at the same time shake your head at her stubbornness when it came to her own safety and her disregard for Mac as he tries to protect her. And on top of that, she hates Mac. Has hated him for 14 years and blames him for a tragic event in his life. So while Mac is trying to protect her, hoping to reconcile with her and tell her the truth, she's too cowardly to face it and her feelings. She's constantly pushing him away despite his patience with her. At least she comes around to Mac eventually but in my opinion, it took too bloody long. Her hatred dragged a spectre of negativity over the entire story even though the suspense plot itself was interesting enough to keep me going ... in spite of her.
"They studied him now with emotions he couldn’t separate. Pain, for sure. Hate, because of Brock. And occasionally a flicker of what he used to see there, something that told him they could still set each other’s worlds on fire."
"Mac wasn’t the man she’d remembered. She’d demonized him, and no matter which way she thought about it, her mom was right. Perhaps it was time to find the courage to ask Mac what exactly had happened on that cliff that day and find a way through it, past it."
"And Mac . . . all those years, he’d carried this, and the weight of her hatred."
"He hadn’t seen that coming. Well, maybe he’d always known that the story was at the top of her priority list, but he’d never imagined her looking down on him because of the lengths to which he’d had to go to protect his brothers and his country. To protect Louisa. Or the lengths to which he’d go to protect her."
And poor Mac. I could see how he juggled suffering through what Delaney felt for him, his feelings for her, and his hope that they could get beyond the tragedy in their past to a future together. I have so much admiration for Mac. He didn't give up. He was steadfast and determined. And he was rock solid. Someone Delaney could depend on even when she was constantly pushing him away and didn't want him around or his help. But for Mac, between his love for Delaney and his built-in need to protect, he stood firm.
I enjoyed the intrigue and suspense of the plot Ms Cole laid out. That was what kept me reading when I got thoroughly fed up with Delaney. If that hadn't been so interesting, I would have given up on the book completely. I figured I could skim the parts of how Delaney treated Mac quickly and move on.
I do plan on reading the next book if there's one. I think I'm starting to enjoy Ms Cole's style. This story was much more gripping than the first one in the series. She certainly upped the ante on the danger and excitement. I just hope her next heroine is a lot more likable than Delaney.

Mac and Delaney were each other’s first love, a love they thought would last forever, but everything went to hell fourteen years ago. Mac had no hope he’d ever get a second chance with Delaney, but that all changes when she’s injured in another country and asks for him. Now that’s she’s opened that door again, he’s not letting go especially when it seems Delaney’s investigation has gotten her into a world of trouble. He’s just the man to help Delaney, being a retired Navy SEAL now operating an elite security business with his teammates.

Delaney blames Mac for the tragic death of her brother, Brock, but deep down she’s never got over him. Fourteen years later she realizes that blaming Mac for the whole thing isn’t fair, but she can’t let that hurt and blame go. Now after calling for Mac’s help, though, they’re forced into close quarters and she must face the truth of the past and the old deep feelings for Mac she’s tried to suppress for so long.

I was a little worried I’d become frustrated with Delaney for her stubborn stance with Mac over the death of her brother, but the deep connection between them was enough to make it a non-issue. Plus, the story was fast-paced, full of action and twists, so any scenes mulling over feelings of hurt or resentment were short lived and interspersed with touching scenes of the past, and a gradual healing between them. There was no denying that Mac and Delaney were deeply in love and being around each other again just reignited that love and passion that never truly died. Oh, I do love an emotion filled second-chance romance! Being older, wiser and having more experience made the heat they had in the past even more sizzling in the present!

Mac was amazing with Delaney, so patient with her coming to terms with the past while they tried to make sense of the threats coming her way. I was happy that Delaney acknowledged early on that she needed to be more reasonable about the blame she heaped on Mac, but that the pain of losing her brother clouded her judgement.

Final Siege was a thrilling read with filled with danger and suspense, but underneath all that was a steamy, emotionally charged second-chance romance! Loved how it all worked out, and I can’t wait for the next installment!

A copy was kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

This review is also posted at The Readers Den.

Well let us take a look here and just check things off:

Great story
Great hero
unlikable heroine (slowly gets better)
random lectures on gun control (kudos for not really taking a side but WTF??)
1 or 2 TSTL moments from our unlikable heroine
mystery bad guys trying to kill our heroine

yeah, that covers it, the story was really great, had a good level of suspense, good background, really tried to hard to make a grudge over a decade past make sense (never really did) .

To be honest, I love the story, hated the lectures, disliked the heroine for most of the book and the ending got watered down a bit I thought by a bunch of "don't kill them" mantra on our unlikable heroines part.

If the story was not so good this would have been 3 Stars instead of 4. Too much lecturing by the author, I read fiction for entertainment not enlightenment.

Final Siege is the second book in the suspenseful Love Over Duty series by the amazingly talented Scarlett Cole. It features Malachai MacCarrick, a former SEAL and founding member of Eagle Securities and Delaney Shapiro, an investigative journalist and his deceased friends' younger sister and once girlfriend. This is a second chance and enemies to lovers romance within the background of an explosive story about arms dealing.

Mac has made a great career as a SEAL and now owns a company together with his Navy buddies. Nevertheless he still feels that something important is missing in his life. When Mac receives an urgent phone call one day it unexpectadly brings his troubled past right back to him. The woman he once fiercely loved has been brought to a military hospital in Germany beaten and bruised. In her drug-induced dreams she was calling out for him. Mac immediately decides to catch the next plane hoping to finally get the chance to resolve the unfinished business between him and Delaney and ultimately redeem himself. He has one big regret and it has to do with her beloved brother ...

Delaney thought that Mac's role in Brock’s tragic death was something she learned to deal with a long time ago. But the first moment she sees him at her bedside in an overseas hospital she is reminded that it’s not true. She still feels a lot of anger and resentment towards him. However she hasn't forgotten that she once loved him and that he made her happy. Every moment spent together is a painful reminder of the desire that once burned between them. When Delaney suddenly becomes a target for a dangerous and merciless Russian arms dealer Mac won't let her out of his sight. He would do anything and risk it all to protect her ...

This book was very slow paced in the beginning. However, it picked up in tempo later on and especially the last 30% and gave us a spectacular fight at the end. The conflict between Mac and Delaney took too long to be resoved in my opinion. This "big secret" wasn't such a huge issue that couldn't have been dealt before.

I absolutely adored Mac! He was an amazing male lead character - honorable, courageous, protective and caring. I felt so bad for him that he was carrying all this guilt for so many years. It wasn't fair! He did everything in his life in order to honor his buddy Brock. That says a lot about a person. He fought hard to win Delaney back and to show her that they belong together. I admired him for all his persistance and patience with her.

I've struggled to love Delaney and must sadly admit that I didn't like her at all. I found too many flaws in her character that weren't redeemable for me. She was very stubborn and self-centered always chasing a story to show the word what an amazing journalist she is. Even endanger other people in order to do so. I didn't like how she treated Mac most of the time. But that may only be my own perception. You will have to form your own opinion.

All in all it was quite an enjoyable read that I recommend to lovers of romantic suspense. Scarlett's writing was spotless as always. You can see all the effort she makes by researching the topics in detail she writes about. I'm definitely looking forward to the next intriguing installment in this series. I give this book 4 stars!

I love Scarlett Cole and her intelligent and poignant writing. She is a very versatile author that can write about tatoo artists, musicans and Navy SEALs and make them all look and feel credible. You can say while reading her books that she does intensive research on the topics she writes about and doesn't gloss over them. But beside that she effortlessly achieves to make you love and care about her characters and their stories. Every time I pic a book of hers I feel giddy with excitement to dive in.

Final Siege is book two in the Love Over Duty series where the three former SEALs and best friends Six, Mac and Cabe have established a company named Eagle Security after finishing their active duty. They offer services only a team of military-trained professionals can provide. While Six has found his one and only Louisa in book one, this story is about Malachai “Mac” MacCarrick and the girl he once lost: Delaney. When an urgent phone call from abroad brings her back into his life, he instantly knows that this is his chance to finally make things right and redeem himself.

Delaney Shapiro is an investigative journalist. While researching an explosive story, she gets kidnapped and wakes up in a hospital in Germany after being rescued. She is more than surprised to see Mac, a blast from her past, at her bedside. Delaney tells herself that she got over Mac and his role in her brother’s tragic death a long time ago. But every moment they spend together makes her question her hate and accussations towards him. She still feels the chemistry that once was between them, making her feel like betraying her brother. Things get out of hand when she becomes a target for an emerging Russian arms dealer, who is determined to make her quiet once and for all. To protect the only girl he's ever loved Mac will risk it all—including his life…

Mac was a loving, protective and loyal person. While I loved him in every possible way and worshiped the ground he walks on, I didn't exactly feel the same way about Delaney. Please don't get me wrong. I felt her pain and understood her dilema but sometimes she frustrated me. She didn't give Mac a chance to explain things at the beginning. She deliberately kept pushing him away even though he only wanted to help her. It hurt me to see how much Mac suffered because of that. He didn't deserve her harsh treatment. She should have listened more to her heart than her head! Luckily once the things from their past got settled between them, they were a force of nature together, making my kindle burst into flames.

Although the beginning of the book felt a little slow, the middle part was much better. I especially loved the last 30% of the book when things got very interesting and the plot twists came one after the other. I was holding my breath, while turning the pages in excitement to see how the story continues. What makes Love Over Duty a little different from Scalett Cole's other series is that it has more suspense and is angstier while still having enough romance to make you swoon. I really enjoyed reading Final Siege and I'm absolutely looking forward to Cabe's book!

This was an enjoyable story. That was slow to draw me in. But once it did, it certainly held my interest. As there was intrigue and pockets of action. Especially as this story neared its conclusion.

Plus the romance element was very enjoyable to read. Even though it took time to develop and was a little more angst ridden than I expected. As Delaney and Mac do have quite a history. But they worked well together and I was definitely pulling for them to get their hea.

As for the secondary characters in this story. I really liked them, and particularly enjoyed the camaraderie that Mac, Six and Cabe shared. And am certainly looking forward to reading more from this series in the future. And I'd happily recommend Final Siege to others. Especially to anyone who enjoyed Under Fire.

La saga Love Over Duty nous plonge dans du romantic suspense et ce que j'ai apprécié est le fait d'avoir des nouvelles de Six et Lou, les protagonistes du 1er tome , Under Fire, dont vous pouvez retrouver mon avis en cliquant ICI



Nous sommes donc de retour dans l'agence de sécurité Eagle Securities et désormais nous allons nous focaliser sur Malachai "Mac" Carrick , un autre membre fondateur de l'agence et également un ancien membre des Navy SEAL. Il connaît évidemment Six et Cabe depuis très longtemps et l'amitié qui unit nos héros est infaillible. Ils se connaissant tellement par coeur qu'ils savent tout du passé de Mac et de Delaney, l'héroïne. Ils savent qu'ils étaient unis mais qu'un accident a bouleversé la donne. On découvre donc Mac, un héros avec des failles et des regrets mais qui porte également le poids d'un énorme secret. Un seul coup de fil d'Allemagne suffira pour le faire sauter dans un avion et voler au secours de son ancienne petit amie Delaney. Il sera une épaule sur laquelle se reposer et il saura contrôler les émotions et les souvenirs que cette dernière lui fait ressentir. La passion , l'attirance , l'alchimie seront au rendez vous du côté de notre ex SEAL mais il a bien conscience qu'il ne pourra pas s'infiltrer de nouveau dans sa vie avec une facilité déconcertante. Ce que j'ai adoré chez lui est le fait qu'il ne renonce à rien , qu'il ne recule pas devant la difficulté et ayant connu des situations bien plus chaotiques sur le terrain , le danger ne lui fait pas peur.



Nous le verrons donc à la fois sur le terrain , avec un esprit affûté , une facilité à commander et à gagner le respect des autres incroyables. Au sein de Eagle Securities , vous avez trois équipes différentes et si les membres fondateurs sont à la tête de chaque équipe , la cohésion et le professionnalisme sont au rendez vous. Si son esprit est embrouillé en présence de Delaney , cela ne l'empêchera pas de rester vif et cohérent. Ces hommes ont reçu un entraînement des plus durs et face à l'adversité, l'union fait la force. Il faudra juste qu'il parvienne à faire entendre raison à Delaney et à faire en sorte qu'elle accepte de communiquer sur le passé. Les émotions et les sentiments sont présents comme au première jour et même si 14 ans se sont écoulés depuis la dernière fois où ils ont été en présence l'un de l'autre, il n'a jamais pu oublier la femme qui avait su conquérir son coeur et lui donner envie d'aller plus loin. Mac est donc un personnage attachant et intéressant car il ne va jamais brusquer Delaney et au contraire, tenter d'écouter son instinct et de l'aider de la meilleure manière possible. Si le danger rôde autour de la jeune femme, le plus gros problème sera les fantômes du passé, ceux qui se sont dressés entre eux depuis 14 ans, ce dont ils n'ont jamais réussi à parler à coeur ouvert. L'heure est venue de s'ouvrir totalement sur cet événement et poser des mots sur les maux.



Delaney Shapiro est une femme qui a sacrément des "couilles". Journaliste d'investigation, elle n'a pas peur de mouiller le maillot et d'aller sur le terrain pour étayer ses articles. Elle semble tenir dans les mains l'article qui pourrait lui faire remporter un prix Poulizer et elle ne s'attendait sans doute pas à revoir Mac après tant d'années. Ce que j'ai adoré chez elle est sa détermination, son entêtement et sa soif de justice. Elle travaille pour Benjamin Streep et ces deux là ont à coeur de rédiger des articles dénués de toute influence. L'honnêteté , la justice sont des valeurs importantes à leur yeux mais ils ne sont pas prêts à tout pour parvenir à leur fin. Delaney ne reviendra pas sans séquelles ni indemne de ce qui aurait pu facilement lui coûter la vie. Si le destin n'avait pas fait en sorte que des soldats soient encore présents dans cette zone de guerre , qui sait ce qu'il serait advenu d'elle. Il y a aussi chez elle cette ténacité à mettre en lumière la vérité au dépit de sa vie. On ne peut pas nier un certain entêtement de sa part qui peut être à la fois une force et une faiblesse. Elle est bornée et le fait de ne pas ouvrir le dialogue avec Mac sur leur passé commun va les conduire à souffrir tous les deux.



C'est pour cela qu'il sera aussi difficile d'accepter la main tendue de Mac car elle le retrouve à un moment donné de sa vie où elle est en position de faiblesse mais surtout de vulnérabilité. Très affaiblie après ce qu'elle a vécu sur le terrain, elle devra accepter de laisser le temps à son corps de se régénérer. Psychologiquement parlant, elle sera très forte car malgré quelques crises de panique, quelques moments de réconfort dans les bras protecteurs de Mac, elle ne laisse rien transparaître. Ses blessures sont réelles et pas des moindres mais pourtant à aucun moment du roman , nous ne la voyons se plaindre. Elle serre les dents et continue son enquête même si le trouble en présence de Mac est palpable car sa présence la renvoie dans la douleur , la souffrance et la perte. Son enquête va nous ramener sur la piste d'un ancien personnage du premier tome et au final , mis à part avec Mac, Six et Cabe, c'est une jeune femme qui reste très solitaire. Elle a un but dans la vie et en se plongeant tête baissée dans sa carrière, elle n'a jamais pu lier d'amitiés féminines qui auraient été d'un grande aide face à ses sentiments contradictoires vis à vis de Mac. J'ai adoré cette héroïne qui n'a pas peur de se jeter dans la gueule du loup et qui espérons le laissera une chance à Mac de s'exprimer sur ce qui les a déchiré.



Bref, je suis de nouveau conquise par la saga Love over Duty de Scarlett Cole qui a su créer une intrigue avec un fil rouge où nous nous attachons aux héros mais qui nous donne aussi envie d'en savoir plus sur les autres membres des Eagle Securities. Le prochain tome se focalisera sur Cabe et j'ai hâte de lire le tome qui lui sera dédié. Final Siege est une lecture addictive que j'ai dévoré en quelques heures et je n'ai pas pu lâcher mon livre avant de connaître le mot final. Danger, suspense, enquête, secrets et amour sont au rendez vous de cette romance explosive qui saura retenir notre attention.

We first met Malachai ‘Mac’ MacCarrick in "Under Fire", the first in the 'Love Over Duty' series about a group of former SEALs that open a security company after leaving active duty. There are brief references to his past relationship with Delaney, which was torn apart after her brother Brock died in an accident she blames Mac for, and they have not seen each other in 14 years. In fact, their last encounter was when she slapped him in front of her brother's coffin. (More FF catnip-angst!)

So it comes as a complete surprise to him when he receives a call from Landstuhl informing him that not only has Delaney been injured, but she asks for him during her brief periods of lucidity. He immediately goes to be with her, and what he finds shocks him. She had been captured in Afghanistan and beaten while investigating aid to insurgents from an unknown party in the US, including both money and weapons. (Not that she'll tell him at first what she exactly she had been investigating.) Delaney is torn when she realizes who exactly is with her; as much as she loved him, she can't forget his role in her brother's death. But when it becomes clear that the danger has followed her from Afghanistan to the US, she knows she needs his help and that of the rest of Eagle Securities.

Okay, the second chance romance trope is one of my favorites so on many levels this is my kind of book! Mac is also my kind of hero: hot, sexy and dangerous, but with a soft spot for those he loves. I waver on Delaney though, because she comes across as just a tad too stubborn, and I didn't like how long it took for her to finally listen to Mac about what happened that fateful night with Brock. I get it, but I just didn't like her as much as I liked Lou from the previous novel.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to other fans of romantic suspense, and I can't wait for Cabe's story...the angst in that one is going to be off the charts!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC!

If I could get into Cole's head I'd see muscled military guys in cargo pants, along with rockers and tattoo artists, with hearts bigger than life. She writes the best guys with lots of love and even some brain cells. Mac fell for Delaney years ago but her brother Brock died and their whole world came undone. Spending years living Brock's dreams they denied themselves of their own, but sometimes things happen for a reason. I felt drawn to the second chance romance while being captivated by the mission. Delaney is smart, sarcastic and angry for all the right reasons. Mac is honorable, brave and compassionate. Beautiful characters and suspenseful storyline made this another exciting read by Cole. My copy was given through Netgalley.

Received an ARC via NetGalley.
Explosive sexual chemistry, heartfelt drama and a heavy dose of suspense to get your heart rate accelerating, Cole covers all her bases for an amazing romantic suspense!
I loved this book. It sucked me in and I got completely swept up in Mac and Delaney’s story. The love story is gorgeous, and the suspense is nicely tied in.
I’m really looking forward to Cabe’s book up next.

***4 ‘Put A Line In The Concrete’ Stars***

Have you ever read a book that you really enjoyed and yet in the end a few little things had you wrestling with just how much you loved it and why, which leads to a bit more waffling over the rating and simply messing with your head?

If you haven’t, you’re lucky, but Final Siege has had my already over thinking mind working overtime. It isn’t that I didn’t like the book, hell I did the whole “Let me just take a peak” thing and didn’t really stop until about six chapters in because I was hooked, but those couple of things have made my head go a little wonky despite how much I enjoyed everything else.

Let’s start off on a good note though. Mac. I adored Mac. He has honor tattoo’d on to his heart and soul. The man is simply a GOOD man. His loyalty knows no bounds and when he sets his sights on a goal, a category 5 hurricane won’t stop him from achieving it. He’s confident and definitely has the alpha thing going on, but doesn’t go into asshat territory.

Delaney. Here’s where things get a little murky. I loved that she wanted to make the world a better place by bringing those intent on doing harm to justice. Her determination along with a good dose of stubborness to ensure that she accumulated factual data was something I admired. But on the personal side, I liked her, but didn’t love her. Some of her actions/reactions and her excuse(s) for them had me wanting to shake her because they had me looking at her as if she were a toddler throwing a tantrum for not getting their way. But when she was acting like a sensible adult, I did find her sweet and funny and really wanted to get to know that person.

Second chance romances are always rocky, no matter the reason for the why they didn’t work out the first time around, and while Mac and Delaney’s wasn’t the most OTT angsty I’ve ever read, they still drove me batshit crazy. I want to get more into things (I’ve written and deleted this part at least four times now) but that would give away a lot of the story. What it boils down to as good as I am with the outcome I’m still not all too sure if I believe they truly fit together. The only reason I say I’m good with it is because Mac really believed with his entire being that she was his and was always meant to be and I love him so much that I want him happy.

Even though I’m not all in on the HEA part, I still really enjoyed the book. The suspense aspect definitely kept me on my toes throughout the book, but what really kept me turning the pages (outside of needing to see Mac and Delaney FINALLY have it out) were the secondary characters (which should come as no surprise). I loved catching up with Six and Lou and how they were settling in as a couple, I enjoyed the little tastes of each of the Eagle Securities personalities and watching them interact, whether it be on a mission or just hanging out. I cannot wait for Cabe’s book and I’m really hoping that Ms. Cole has something simmering in her head for Mac’s siblings because I REALLY want to get know them all better.

Reviewed by Deborah from <a href="http://www.alphabookclub.org/">Alpha Book Club</a> <br><img src="https://alphabookclub.org/wp-content/uploads/Deborah.png" width="150" height="150" alt="description"/> <img src="http://alphabookclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ABC_Pinterest.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="description"/>

Scarlett Cole has delivered a world inside the minds of two people who are broken from the past and working on moving forward. Mac has special talents and works in the private sector of security with his brother in arms. One day he gets a call from the past and it sets him on a path to finally get a second chance at his future. His path takes him straight into his past with his ex-Delaney who is the sister of his best friend. Delaney was hurt during her investigation into a story overseas. Mac and Delaney and living in a past of hurt and Mac wants a second chance, but Delaney is on the defensive. It’s a battle of wills with them throughout the book and a terrific way to portray that even when we are broken there is a way to get through the darkness.

The story flows perfectly and there is so much mystery, suspense, and intensity to keep you guessing. The chemistry between Mac and Delaney is combustible and intense when they are on the page together. I loved Mac’s character because he fills like he lost a part of himself when Delaney blamed him for the past. Delaney keeps holding onto her hurt and Mac is her scapegoat. Delaney is stubborn, argumentative, and good at given Mac her opinion on the past. I didn’t like her so much because in the beginning she kept thinking she didn’t need anyone. She is one of those people who think life is better when they are in control of the situation without someone’s help. Her stubbornness just made Mac fight harder for her and to get his second chance. I loved this book and it’s a great story to read for when you have some free time because you will not want to put it down. If you love romance and suspense all in one, then this is the story for you.

Mac and Delaney were teenage lovers until Delaney blamed Mac for her brother`s death (who was Mac`s best friend). Mac has spent his life in the military ... the dream that his best friend had of becoming a SEAL, Mac fulfilled for him. After 15 years apart, Mac gets a call that Delaney needs him and he doesn`t hesitate getting the on the next available plane to be by her side. The sparks are still there between them, even if Delaney doesn`t want to admit it. Mac will do everything in his power to protect Delaney from the danger she has gotten herself into and to try and make it up to her for causing her brother`s death.

In this second chance love story you will be drawn into the world of gun smuggling and drugs. And as you turn the pages, you will keep wondering what will happen next. The chemistry between Mac and Delaney can`t be denied even though she fights it every step of the way. There were times I just wanted to shake her and tell her to let him explain what happened that fateful day on the cliff.

I received an ARC copy courtesy of St. Martin`s Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Are you ready for more from the office of Eagle Securities and the awesome Scarlett Cole? Of course you are, it’s Scarlett Cole!

Trust me when I say this is a one sitting read. I may have lost track of time while reading. Who needs to be mentally present at work the next day when I have Mac and Delaney’s book to inhale.

When a phone call sends Mac to the other side of the world for the one woman he never should have let walk away, it ultimately sets up a storyline that will suck you in and keep you glued to the pages till the very end where you will simply put the book down and think what now?

Mac and Delaney once were the ultimate couple, but that ended when a tragic loss tore them apart. Now with one single phone call, they are bought back into each other’s orbit and this time they need to come together to save Delaney’s life.

This book dragged me all over the place emotionally which I so didn’t expect but I absolutely loved. You can’t ignore the chemistry and spark that flares to life when Mac and Delaney are in the same place as each other and when a threat is hanging over her head, Mac goes into full on alpha mode which just made me love him more.

Yes, there is a whole lot of action, bad guys, secrets and intrigue and a fair few surprises. But this book is also about giving love a second chance and realising that sometimes hiding a secret for a good cause can only cause more pain and loss.

One of my favourite things about this book is how all the characters come together to help protect one of their own even though she has shut them out for years. It was a no brainer that they would swoop in and help. I loved it because it showed a side to each of the guys that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from these big bad asses.

Toss in a love story that won’t be denied with Delaney and Mac and you get a suspenseful and awesome read that I highly recommend to any romantic suspense lovers.

Scarlet Cole never stop writing this series.

Mac and Delaney have history. They were young lovers looking at a future together until her brother Brock’s death. She blamed Mac for it and the destruction of her family and refused any further contact with him.

After Brock’s death, Mac, Six and Cabe joined the Navy and became SEALs to fulfill Brock’s dream. It’s 14 years later and the guys have left the SEALs to start their own security company.

A call from Germany telling Mac that Delaney is severely injured and asking for him, sends him running to her. He’s never stopped loving her. When Delaney fully awakens, she treats Mac like crap and he takes it, promising to take care of her. And yet, she sends out mixed signals.

Delaney has become an investigative journalist. The story she is currently chasing is how she ended up in the hospital. I did not like Delaney’s character. She was self-centered and annoying. She treated Mac like crap for most of the book, using Mac’s part in Brock’s death to justify it. IMO she also had a couple of TSTL moments.

Mac was kind, patient, consistent and protective despite Delaney’s attitude.

Once back on U.S. soil, they discover trouble has followed Delaney home. The first 67% of the book moves very slowly and then the suspense starts to get going.

I found it hard to read this story. There were no breaks between scenes. I’d be reading along and the next paragraph would jump to a whole other scene or thought. I’d have to back up and start again trying to pick up the new thread. Very frustrating.

This is my first book by this author. While I am curious about Six and Louisa’s story and Cabe, I don’t think I could force myself to read another book in this format.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

Loving this series so much and as much as I loved the first book, Under Fire, I believe I may have loved this one just a bit more! I am a sucker for a second chance story and this is a great one. Mac and Delaney and their past made for a gripping story. Add in the excitement in their present and this was a book I couldn't put down!

When Malachai “Mac” MacCarrick receives a call telling him that Delaney Shapiro has been injured and needs his help he goes to her without a second thought. She may hate him now but he has never stopped loving her even all these years later. He'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe and if he has anything to say about it to win her back.

Put this on the must read list! It's action packed and filled with emotion. I highly recommend it.

A suspenseful second chance romance…

This is the second book in the Love Over duty series that can be read as a stand-alone.

Along with two best friends, former Navy SEAL Malachai (Mac) MacCarrick founded Eagle Securities. There used to be a fourth member to this group of friends until death parted them. It was that death that led these men into the service and now into their own security company, the death of one helped define the others from that day forward. Events in the past never truly leave us though the memories dim, for these men, and Mac especially, the past is about to return in full force. A telephone call from a military hospital in Germany sends Mac running overseas to assist the only woman he’s ever loved and unfortunately lost, she’s the sister of the friend who died. It’s been fourteen years with no contact but he’ll take this chance to make amends in any way he can, he owes it to her brother and her.

On assignment overseas, investigative journalist Delaney Shapiro was abducted while tracking down evidence for an explosive story on illegal arms smuggling with connections to the United States. She’s beaten badly before being rescued and while in the hospital she calls out for the man she once loved though she hasn’t dealt with him in years. Her subconscious reached out for him and he answered the call to her immense frustration for she has reason to hate the man. When the danger follows her home she’s forced to trust Mac for protection but still wants her story. How does she reconcile the passionate feelings she still has with the hatred toward him? Can she forgive him for the role he played in her brother’s death?

This was a suspenseful second chance romance, years after a tragedy tore two lovers apart. Neither one is the same person they were, the years have changed them, evolved them, but the feelings they once felt never truly died. They were left with unfinished business and now have a chance to finish things once and for all or try again. The hero took protection to the extreme, the heroine had built walls against the memories they shared and he has a devil of a time knocking them down. Closure and redemption and an undying love are themes found in the story.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.