Member Reviews
Exhilarating!! I love this story because it kept me engaged right up to the ending which was fantastic!! Bailey is a strong, independent woman who is running from the gang and it's leader, her ex, in order to protect her 10yr. old brother and keep him out of the gang. Nathan Anderson has been searching for Bailey in order to protect her from the gang leader he knows is after her. Nathan finds Bailey in a chance meeting and the excitement begins! This story has it all, edge of your seat excitement and intrigue and a beautiful developing romance. Highly recommended if your a romantic suspense fan and want to bury yourself and escape for a little while.
In the third installment of Ace Security, Cupid turns to dorky nerd brother, Nathan. He is the behind the scenes guy. Never quite liking or understanding his brothers obsession with the women in their lives. Until Bailey. This romance plot I’d enjoyable because the triplets are hot, and they all have to grow and recover from growing up in such an abusive home. I still love Blake the best.
The Third Ace security book about the Anderson brothers book brings the story of Bailey and Nathan as they navigate attraction to relationship, overcoming past mistakes and moving forward toward a bright future. Enjoyed reading about these two and their inner strengths that ended up complimenting each other. Good read and looking forward to the next one.
ebook from net galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
Claiming Bailey by Susan Stoker is another amazing 5 star read from this author.
What I love most about Susan Stoker books is you always know what you’re getting and no I don’t mean all her books are the same I mean that we’re getting a tough alpha male who can take care of his wife/girlfriend/partner but also has enough sense to know that she can take care of herself and isn’t afraid to stand by and watch her kick ass, also her heroine’s aren’t all sniffling females who cry over a broken nail they can take care of their boyfriend/husband/partner as well as themselves. Every story I’ve read by this author (all of them) are brilliant they have pulled me in and left me wanting more. If you haven’t read anything by Susan Stoker well I highly recommend you try one of her books you will in no way be disappointed although I should warn you this woman is the queen of tease, she leaves you looking forward to the next book but makes you wait for the one you actually want but never disappoints in getting you there.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley.
Slow Burn Romance
Bailey made some serious mistakes as a teenager but when she realized how her brother was being affected, she ran and made herself a new life. Nathan has been searching for the ex-girlfriend of gang leader Donovan for months and has become obsessed with finding her. When the two of them first meet Nathan falls hard for her but Bailey is wary, having been brainwashed and ‘marked’ into believing she is trash. A good story with a super protective, caring and sensitive hero, who is prepared to wait (for ever if need be) for her to be ready for a relationship.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Susan Stoker does it again. I am a huge fan of this author, and she never disappoints. This book is another home run for the Ace Security Series. I absolutely love how different these characters are, yet share some of the same core values that brings them together. The story is full of angst, and a beautiful love story not just between two adults but between a sister and a brother.
Wow!
Interesting story line that is well developed with amazing characters that you can’t help but like.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
Bailey and her brother are hiding from her ex boyfriend who was the president of a gang. She got a job at a mechanic shop and trying to straighten her ten year old brother out. Her ex was a very bad influence on him and was trying to make him into a gang member. Nathan owns a security business with his brothers. He is a little geeky and when his car won’t start, Bailey stops and helps him. Nathan has been searching for Bailey since his brother’s girlfriend was taken by the gang. Now it seems she’s dropped right into his lap. Both have low opinions of themselves but they don’t see the insecurities in the other. Bailey and Nathan knows her ex will come after her, so they come up with a plan when he shows up. Bailey has walls built up and Nathan will do anything, even just be her friend, to be close to her.
Great story with a good cast of characters. The story was very interesting and a couple of disturbing scenes. Page turning, with a surprise in it.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for netgalley *
First of all, you should be warned about some possible triggers. This book touches the subject of rape and we have an almost rape in the story. If you don't want to read about that, don't touch this book.
I decided to change my original 4 star rating to a three because when the time came to write this review the first thing that popped into my mind was Joel and how much I disliked his character. I also didn't like the back and forth in some aspects of the book. For example, Nathan and Bailey start as friends, then they go on a date, the decision to stay friends for whatever reason and then they become a couple again. The reason I disliked Joel so much was his attitude. I felt like he was only acting because Nathan told him so. All the other times Nathan wasn't in the picture, Joel was acting very abusive towards his sister. I get that he grew up with the worst gang members he could and they brainwashed him, but Nathan kept telling him how he should really act and he was "getting it", but every single time he was proving himself wrong. I wanted to read a scene (even a tiny one) where he did something good for his sister. Something nice, like making her breakfast or something. He wasn't seeing all the sacrifices his sister made for him (which were a lot) even when Nathan pointed them out. I am disappointed. The secondary characters can also mature and develop in a story that isn't about them.
It was weird to have the inexperienced geeky Nathan and the way more experienced Bailey. The roles for once were reversed and I was happy for that. Finally some change from the "norm". I liked their characters. I liked Bailey more because she was doing so much for her brother. I have to admit, that the events of her past are a little hazy to me. She had a father who warned her not to join the gang, but she did and took her brother with him? Or did her father die? If someone can answer that please do. I am asking you to do it because I don't see myself re-reading the book. I definitely plan on reading Felicity's book though.
OK, I want to start by saying I have read Ms. Stoker's books before and loved them, so I was excited about being picked to read and review this book. I am going to guess you already have an idea about what the books about. So I will save us time by not repeating what you already know. I have a lot to say, Let's start with Nathan, He's a self proclaimed nerd. In the beginning of the book he states this proudly and didn't care what people thought or said he didn't really care for people at all. Just gonna say I love my Alphas but give me a smart, witty, confident beta and I'll take that ride with a smile. This is what we got in the beginning, this sadly did not last. During the course of the book we lost Nathan and got some self depreciating,sad, unsure omega who was really great with people. It felt like he switched personalities. Which brings me to Bailey who is a ex-girlfriend of a gang leader. Tatted up and beautiful who was horrifically abused in this gang. When she sees the effects it has on her 10 year old brother she runs. Her brother Joel is a foul mouthed brat who repeatly said the f-word while NOBODY said anything. Yes, he was in a horrific situation but come on! He calls his ex-gang member sister a bitch and Nathan hears this, she says nothing because he was grumpy and Nathan - that was disrespectful Joel. Yes, they got him help, but I never felt he respected his sister ever. In the whole book Bailey is obviously having a hard time with self-esteem issues and trauma from her abuse, however not once did someone recommend she gets help. She was so self depreciating it felt she brought Nathan down with her. I felt nothing for them as a couple. The intimate parts were steamy and awesome but not because of the couple but because Ms. Stoker's writing is that good. I hate saying anything bad about a book because it takes a lot of talent and heart to do what authors do and I never want to disrespect that or be the cause of bad feeling. While I may not like this story, I love her writing and will continue to get excited about her book's.
Hiding from her past from the gang known as the Inca Boyz, Bailey and her brother Joel sneak away from Donovan, the leader of the gang.
Donovan is in jail, but swears he will find Bailey when he is released.
Bailey realizes that she cannot let her brother, Joel, grow up to be in a gang and off she heads. She finds a job as an auto mechanic and karma collides when Nathan's rat trap of a car craps out in a parking lot and the woman he and Alexis have been looking for, comes to his rescue.
Nathan reads the business card Bailey hands him and realizes that she might be the Bailey they've been searching for. He calls the shop to make an appointment to have his car fixed.
Nathan feels sparks from the beginning and as he and Bailey get to know each other, he lets her know just how he feels. Bailey is hesitant to enter into any kind of a relationship having just gotten out of the grasp of Donovan.
Nathan puts himself down due to his nerdiness, but that only endears him to Bailey all the more. Her brother, Joel, has know nothing other than woman are subservient to the males of the world, as that is what Donovan was planning in his head. There are so many times when Joel is so disrespectful to his sister, Bailey that it actually made me gasp.
As their budding relationship blooms, Nathan tells Bailey he will never hurt her and if all she can give him is friendship, he'll take it.
Nathan becomes a figure in their lives and helps Joel to cope with the ways in which he was taught that were not how a person should act. Nathan works on making Joel a better person, even going so far as to work with him on homework and make Math fun for him.
As Donovan's presence is felt coming closer, Ace Security, Nathan, Bailey and Joel form a number of plans to keep everyone safe.
In the end, will Bailey and Nathan get their HEA or will circumstances prevent that from happening.
5 stars
Have read the other two books in this series, and this one tops them all for me. I loved Bailey and Nathan, and Joel worked his way into my heart also. Great story, good plot, and so much fun to read. Claiming Bailey by Susan Stoker is the third book in her Ace Security . Nathan is the nerd brother of the Ace Security team whose goal is to help protect people being a abused. While investigating other case of abuse, Nathan learns about Bailey, who has been “owned”by the leader of a gang, thinking that she really is trying to escape that leader when he goes to prison. This was a quick, fun read for me. Nathan and Bailey were definitely attracted to each other, but there was enough suspense when the leader of the Gabe gets out of prison and hunts down Bailey and her younger brother, to make the story more interesting to me. I need at least the semblance of a good plot to keep my interest. This had it. Thanks to Netgalley for offering me the option to read and review this. I also own the book.
Amazing!
I think all of the Ace security brothers has something I love in all of them but I think Nathan is my favorite over all. My heart hurt for him and Bailey in this book. If there were two people who ...
3.5 stars--CLAIMING BAILEY is the third instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult ACE SECURITY romantic suspense series focusing on the Anderson triplets (Blake, Logan and Nathan) and the family owned Ace Security. This is Ace Security co-owner and self-proclaimed numbers geek Nathan Anderson, and mechanic Bailey Hampton’s story line. CLAIMING BAILEY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. There is an ongoing premise throughout the series that focuses on the take down of the vicious gang known as the Inca Boyz.
NOTE: Due to the content of the story line, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Bailey and Nathan) CLAIMING BAILEY follows the building relationship between twenty four year old mechanic Bailey Hampton, and Ace Security numbers geek Nathan Anderson. As the team at Ace Security continues their hunt for the mysterious Bailey and her little brother Joel, little did they know that the woman in question was living right under their nose. When Nathan’s beloved ‘Marilyn’ broke down in the parking lot, our heroine stepped up to help Nathan get back on the road only to be blindsided when Nathan’s offer for dinner comes with some disturbing news.
Nathan knows Bailey is on the run from the Inca Boyz gang, forcing our heroine to reveal her questionable past- a past that places everyone in danger including our story line couple. What ensues is the building relationship between Nathan and Bailey, and the potential fall out when Bailey’s whereabouts are discovered.
Bailey Hampton’s earlier years were spent living under the ‘protection’ of the Inca Boyz gang. Since the age of fourteen Bailey’s life became a cycle of sex, drugs and drinking only to come to a head when she realized that her little brother was being coerced into something she didn’t like. Hiding in Castle Rock was a little too close to the man in charge but securing a job and a home for her brother had been our heroine’s first order of priority. Nathan Anderson considers himself the nerd; the non-violent, ‘weaker’ sibling to his ex-military brothers who adore and protect the people they love. Always feeling like an outsider Nathan struggles with his place in the family-a family destroyed by their mother’s abuse and neglect. Knowing the Inca Boyz will be coming for Bailey Hampton, the Ace Security Team set up a plan that includes Bailey’s brother Joel-a ten year old whose earlier experiences have changed him into a hardened young boy.
The relationship between Nathan and Bailey is slow to build as Bailey battles her attraction to a man who may be willing to sacrifice our heroine in the hunt for the Inca Boyz gang. Bailey’s dark and dangerous past has left both physical and emotional scars including an unwanted and forced tattoo that screams louder than any words spoken aloud. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Logan and Grace (Claiming Grace #1), Blake and Alexis (Claiming Alexis), Ace Security employee Felicity Jones, Bailey’s ten year old brother Joel, her boss at Clayson Auto Boy Clayson Davis, as well as several other mechanics (Henry, Ozzie) who look after our story line heroine. The requisite evil is the Inca Boyz crew and their current leader Donovan.
CLAIMING BAILEY looks at one woman’s struggle to move on from her past. Bailey’s need to hide is predicated on the decisions she made at an early age that have affected her life and the life of her younger brother. Nathan Anderson struggles battles his attraction to a woman who is looking to run, and his ongoing inability to be accepted for who he is. The premise is entertaining but I questioned a couple of the plotline scenarios including the use of a ten year old in the take down of a murdering gang member, as well as the set up in which all three in question risk their lives in more way than one. The romance is passionate and provocative; the characters are broken and immature-struggling with their place in the here and now.
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***4.5 ‘#TeamNathan’ Stars***
Claiming Bailey was filled with all kinds of swoon worthy moments, not that I’m all that surprised considering we are talking about a Susan Stoker novel, but this one had more aww moments than the previous two novels and the dopey happy sigh happened many, many times. Add in a good dose of suspense and it made for a page turning read right up until the very add.
Oh Nathan. I swear I fell in love with the man in the first chapter. He’s honest to a fault about how he sees the world and how he see himself, even if it is a bit harsh at times. He has a huge and compassionate heart and way more patience than is probably humanly possible. And for all of his adorkable-ness, he has this alpha side that comes out and makes him absolutely irresistible.
Bailey absolutely blew me away, in a good way. This woman made some bad choices as a teenager, but once she got a huge reality check, she made a vow to get out and do everything in her power to ensure that she and her brother never went back. Her guilt at all she’d done was huge, but watching as she worked to create a better life for herself and her brother had me admiring and adoring her.
If you love slow build/burn romances, then you are going to love Nathan and Bailey’s journey. While, on the outside they appear to be absolute opposites, they have more in common than either of them could ever imagine. I’ll admit that there were a few too good to be true moments between Nathan, Bailey and Joel, Bailey’s brother, but regardless, each moment brought out their true personalities and why they were all perfect for each other.
As typically happens with a Susan Stoker novel, my interest in Claiming Bailey was peaked at the end of Claiming Alexis and I was hooked from the first chapter and thoroughly enjoyed how everything played out with Nathan and Bailey as well as the Inca Boyz/Donovan storyline. There were a few moments that had me going ‘Hhhhhmmmm’ but they didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. And that ending definitely has me wanting to get my hands on Claiming Felicity sooner rather than later.
5 Holding your breath until the end stars!!!
I was given this book in turn for an honest review.
Bailey was a mystery, and Nathan was determined to breakdown her walls. Given the looming threat of the Inca Boyz, Bailey must keep herself and her brother safe. Will she let Nathan in? Will they ever break free from the imminent threat of the Inca Boyz?
Susan Stoker has brought us an array of characters, characters we love from the moment we meet them. She has yet again shown her talent for diversity and brought us an alpha male, nerd. What a beautifully talented, sexy, strong, determined and amazing man he is. Nathan Anderson is my favourite of the Anderson brothers. From the first book, I knew he would be. There was just something about his character that pulled me to him, had me begging to know more about him.
The plot element to this story is also quite different, and I really liked it. Susan Stoker had me sat on the edge of my seat waiting for that moment, when things would get dangerous, frightening, the moment you question will the characters get the happy ever after they deserve.
The Anderson brothers are amazing, they are a united front and will go to great lengths to protect each other and those they love or care about. If lines need to be crossed, they will cross them, and they won’t let anything stop them or bring them down.
The strength that both Bailey and her brother showed was outstanding. Their lives were in danger and in the most frightening moment of their life, they managed to find strength to fight, and not crumble.
The Ace security series has been an exciting and fascinating series. If you enjoy romantic suspense, this series for you.
I feel like I've been waiting a while to read this third installment. I mean, we've all been wondering where Donovan's ex-girlfriend was and what she was like, right? Well...we certainly find out.
Nathan is the last of the triplets we get to read about. He's the self proclaimed nerd who has always felt as though he was the third wheel or the one who always needed saving. Now that his brothers have found their soulmates and are happy, he can't help but feel as though he wants that too. Especially since he's been searching for Donovan's ex-girlfriend obsessively. By chance, the meet. And now that he's laid eyes on her, he's not letting her go. At least not without a fight.
Bailey is Donovan's ex-girlfriend. Why ex? Because she couldn't stand around and watch Donovan corrupt her little brother anymore. But being on the run from the leader of a gang member isn't just scary, it's dangerous. And now that she knows Donovan is out of jail and looking for her and her brother, she wants to run again. But there's something about Nathan that keeps her in place. He's not the typical guy she goes for, but he's absolutely a keeper.
Although I've been waiting for this book for a while, I'm almost a little disappointed. Yes, the anticipation was well worth it. Yes, both Nathan and Bailey have some serious self esteem issues that need to be sorted through. But I felt like we spent the entire book working on self esteem more than the danger aspect. Maybe it's because there was so much danger in the other two books, I was expecting more? I'm not sure. I can't quite put my finger on it. But all in all....I'm happy there was a HEA. And now I'm even more intrigued with that cliffhanger. Yep, you heard me right. If you think this is the last of this series, you're wrong.
*I was gifted this book from the Jeep Diva in exchange for my honest opinion.
reviewed by Chris