I loved that even though everyone at Ace Security was looking for Bailey, Nathan found her in an unexpected way. I think it helped in not making her so skittish, the connection with Nathan, as well as him being a geek. I loved that Nathan was instantly smitten with Bailey and that he didn't hide his connection to Bailey for long, that he laid things out in a way that wouldn't scare the crap out of her and how he took Joel into consideration too.

Some of my favorite parts of this book were the talks between Nathan and Joel. Nathan laid things out for Joel in a way that he would understand, to let him know what he was shown before was wrong and why. Those talks really made Joel think, to come to the realization on his own of what was right and wrong.

Bailey and Nathan's talks were just as great! From the start Nathan let Bailey know he was interested in her as a woman, but took things slow. Let her know that her past was just that, in the past, that all that mattered was the present and the future.

I liked how Nathan brought his brothers to meet his family and how they quickly accepted Bailey and Joel. Loved how Nathan explained to Bailey why his brothers liked Bailey.

I thought the plan of how to deal with Donovan was a great one, even if it meant that he would get too close. I loved seeing everyone get the better of Donovan.

The ending made me smile, loved the gesture that Nathan made.

Nathan glared at the wheel of his Ford Focus that he had named Marilyn after the star. His brothers logan and Blake told him one day his car was going to give to die on him. But Nathan couldn’t just get rid of the car . It was the first thing he had purchased when he had left home after HS graduation. Well Marilyn seems to have given up and he was in a supermarket parking lot with a trunk full of groceries including ice cream for his very pregnant sister in law. Nathan wasn’t a man who made friends easily he was more comfortable with his computer and numbers than with people. Nathan found over the years he pretty much didn’t like people they lied, were rude, and didn’t care about anything but themselves. That went for most that went for ,most any situation …. In line at the store on the road, and in business. They almost always put their own wants and needs first. Nathan and his brothers came back to Castle Rock and started a security business- Ace Security- after their mother murdered their dad then killed herself. The brothers were triplets and had been abused by their mother during their childhood. The Inca Boyz were a gang from Denver and had gotten in the business of hiring out as thugs online. They had tried to kill Alexis and vowed vengeance between her and his family. Nathan got out of his car and was looking under the hood at the engine then a woman was by him and he said his car wouldn’t start and she asked what happened when he put in the key and he said nothing. She then went under the hood and said she had done a temporary fix but he needed his car tended to. She also said she worked at Clayton's Auto Body if he was interested and she handed him a white business card. Nathan said he would call tomorrow for an appointment. The woman said she would tell her boss and then Nathan gave his name On the back of the business card was written “ tell them Bailey sent you”. Then nathan thought it was a coincidence that the woman he and Alexis had been looking for the last couple of months was also named Bailey, that was Donovan's ex who was the gang leader of the Inca Boyz. Then Nathan realized Bailey was the first woman he had ever felt lust for. Bailey absently responded to her brother as she thought about Nathan. There was something about him that did it for Bailey. Bailey had grown up in the poorest part of denver and barely graduated HS. She got involved with the Inca Boyz at the age of fourteen Bailey had started tinkering with cars in middle school. She used to hang out at the auto body shop with her dad that he worked at and she slowly picked it up. Her dad died when she was twenty and she got guardianship of her younger brother Joel. It had been tough to find money for childcare so Bailey used to bring Joel when she hung out with Donovan and the Inca Boyz crew. It was the worst mistake she had ever made as Joel changed from being easy going and open to closed off and angry in two years. She hadn’t understood why until she walked in and saw Donovan and Joel watching hard- core porn while Joel puffed on a joint. Bailey never brought Joel around the gang again and started making plans to get away from Donovan and the gang. When Donovan and his brothers were away she packed everything she could fit in her car and headed south. Bailey had gotten hired on by Clayton in his small auto shop. Bailey’s ultimate dream was to open her own shop. Joe;l was now turning ten but she didn’t have the money for the party Joel wanted. Nathan somehow knew Bailey wa s,eamt for him.
I really enjoyed this book. The only problem I had with it was it ended in a somewhat cliffhanger. Not a bad one that was a lead to the next book with a different person and it let you know what to more or less expect but to be fair for that reason I couldn't give a five that I would have otherwise. But I would have rated this a 4.5 if I could have. I absolutely loved this book it had action, suspense, family, love, romance, danger, gang. And so much more.I loved how Nathan was in love with Bailey but was willing to only be her friend until she let him know if she wanted things to change. I loved the interaction between Nathan and Bailey as well as Joel. I loved the relationship between Joel and his brothers and their partners. I loved that Nathan had insecurities also. I felt this book was realistic in a lot of ways. I think Joel added a lot to this book. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I definitely recommend.

There’s something very addictive and seductive about Susan Stoker’s various series of courageous and brave soldiers, their fight for justice and the fierce protectiveness for their loved ones.

“Claiming Bailey” book three in the Ace Security Series is another exemplary work of Susan Stoker’s creative writing as she brings the nerdy Nathan Anderson in search of elusive Bailey Hampton hiding with her brother from the vicious Inca Boyz gang. Keeping a low profile working as a mechanic, when fate brings her to Nathan, there’s no denying the chemistry, the protective shield and the safe have of Nathan Anderson and his brothers.

"Claiming Bailey" is a courageous and wonderful story of two beautiful people fighting to claim a future together. Nathan is an absolute kind and patient guy with Bailey and her young brother. He may not don the battle fatigues, but his fight for justice with his mad computer skills and equally amazing mind are his battling skills that help him keep Bailey safe.

Susan Stoker is one fine writer that I was glad to have come upon and enjoyed reading her stories. From her Badge Of Honor Series, Delta Force Heroes Series to Seal Of Protection Series and now to Ace Security series, I’ve literally enjoyed every single one of her books. Protecting Caroline, Protecting Fiona and Protecting Alabama are my top favorites of her books that I’ve visited innumerable times…chicken soup for the soul!!!

Received an ARC from Montlake Romance, Amazon Digital Services LLC, via NetGalley for an honest review.

Susan Stoker has finally come out with the newest book in her Ace Security series, Claiming Bailey, the third in the series about the Anderson triplets and their family run company founded to help victims of abuse and danger.
Bailey Hampton ran from her life with the Inca Boyz gang.Her ex was the president and he abused her, passed her around, and worst of all, tried to turn her 9 year old brother into an Inca Boy, so she ran, now Donovan is out of Jail and wants her and her brother Joel back.
Nathan Anderson is the geek of the Anderson brothers, the quiet one, but he’s been obsessed with finding Bailey for a long while.When his beloved car “Marilyn” breaks down, a beautiful, petite, woman fixes it for him.She gives him his card, and it turns out that Bailey finds him. Nate needs to convince Bailey that he and his brothers want to keep her and Joel safe, all while trying to convince her he wants her for himself, but she’s been hurt by Donovan a lot! Will she let Nate out of the friend zone? You’ll want to grab this and find out, especially for the surprise ending!

Review: CLAIMING BAILEY (Ace Security Book 3) by Susan Stoker https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-awj
Publication Date: December 5, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars

I loved this installment in the Ace Security series. Bailey was reeling from bad life decisions that seemed insurmountable until she meets Nathan. I liked that he wasn’t some musclebound Adonis, but rather a geeky math whiz. It made him so appealing and loveable. It was smooth and fast-paced, and ended before I wanted it to. Tense, heartwarming and sexy – all in a nice package. I cannot wait until the next one!

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle $4.99 http://amzn.to/2zJEc2t
You can borrow for free via Kindle Unlimited if you are a member. If you're not a member you can signup for a Free 30-Day Trial Here: http://amzn.to/2t4xstj

✦Ace Security Series by Susan Stoker✦
1. CLAIMING GRACE ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2zSzWxm
2. CLAIMING ALEXIS ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2umS67j | Review 4 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-97u
3. CLAIMING BAILEY ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2zJEc2t | Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-awj
4. CLAIMING FELICITY ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/2zOvWOy
You can borrow this series for free via Kindle Unlimited if you are a member. If you're not a member you can signup for a Free 30-Day Trial Here: http://amzn.to/2t4xstj

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Gang Affiliation, Stalking, Attempted Murder, Rape.

Bailey is hiding in plain sight. She knows that she needs to keep her brother safe from her old gang, the Inca Boyz. Joel is her younger brother and she knew that Donovan was trying to groom Joel to become like him. When her past comes back to stalk her, can she trust someone whom she's just met?

Then you have Nathan. He is somewhat insecure about himself and, despite his awesomeness with numbers, he doesn't believe that Bailey would even give him a second look. However, when fate steps in and places her right in his path, he can't help but be attracted and sweet.

These two have a relationship that anyone would envy. Nathan is patient while Bailey figures out her own feelings. He is great with Joel and instills great wisdom in him.

The Ace Security family wraps around Bailey and Joel so tight that she can't help but believe that she and Joel will survive Donovan's release.

I can't wait to see what the next stories will bring, as there was a lot going on at the end of this book.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars

This is the third book in the Ace Securities series and it is Nathan and Bailey's story. While the Anderson brothers are triplets, Nathan is the nerd/geek of the three. He doesn't go to the gym or work out, he is more excited to be working on his computer or chasing a paper trail. So with the trouble with the Inca Boys, he has been searching for Bailey, the ex-girlfriend of their leader. She has vanished along with her little brother. He is intrigued by her on paper and can't wait until he finds her in person. He has to know her and find the real reason she left the gang. When he has car trouble, a beautiful tattooed woman helps him out. She leaves him with a business card to get his battery replaced soon. After she leaves, he turns the card over and the name Bailey is written on the back. Can it be the same person? Is it that simple to find her, or that she found him?

Bailey Hampton realized that the Inca Boys was not the best place for her or her almost 10-year-old brother. So when she got the chance, she ran and hasn't looked back, except to be sure they were safe. Hoping that no one from the gang is coming after them, maybe they have forgotten about her and Joel. When she helps a good looking guy with his car, she doesn't know that he is going to save her and Joel. And that Ace Securities will always be there to save the day. But Nathan will be there for her and Joel no matter what.

Can she trust Nathan and his brothers to not turn her over to the Inca Boys? Will she and Joel ever be safe? Will Nathan be alright if Bailey only wants to be his friend? Will there be a happy ending for Nathan, Bailey, and Joel? What will Logan and Grace name their twins?

I love this series and I think Nathan and Bailey are my favorites so far. But then again, Felicity's story is next and I can't wait. This series is full of suspense, heartache, pain, and finding love that lasts. So, if you are looking for a series that is suspenseful and will keep you on the edge of your seat, then this one is for you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

I loved this book so much and Nathan was the much awaited brother who I was eager to read. A quick recap. Nathan is the their triplet along with his brother Blake andd Logan. Each have had to adapt to life after their abusive mother killed their father and herself. Nathan has always found himself to be different from his two brothers, nerdy, a geek, a lover of number and able to do paperwork without batting an eyelid. He has always had a few problems with being socially awkward and his experience showed through with his slight innocence thinking he won't be good enough for anyone.

Bailey is the ex of Donovan, seen in the first two books, and she has ran away after Donovan was putting awful thoughts into her 9 year old brothers head. She is running scarred that he will find them. The chemistry between them was great. What more could you want apart from a smart, funny caring man who like someone from the start even though he didn't have a great start in life.

Will bailey be forever running the rest of her life or will Donovan find her and finish what was started? I think I found my next book boyfriend. I was given this book for review of how I felt about the book.

Bailey was the girlfriend of the leader of the Inca Boys. When he ended up in jail it was her opportunity to leave the gang and her abusive ex behind her before she and her brother ended up dead or he coerced her brother into becoming part of the gang.

Nathan is computer nerd in the security company he owns with his brothers. They have been after the Inca boys and have been looking for Bailey but Nathan never expected to meet her in a parking lot when he is having car trouble.

Although in the beginning Bailey only wanted to be friends they soon became much more but when her past comes back with a vengeance will he be able to keep her and her brother safe?

Nathan may not seem like the usual alpha hero but when it comes to protecting Bailey and her brother he will do whatever it takes. Bailey sees beyond the insecure demeanor that Nathan exhibits to the sensitive caring man that he is. Although they may seem very different they are exactly what each other needs. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

"Claiming Bailey" by Susan Stoker. This is book three of the Ace Security Series. Finally, we get Nathan's story. I love Nathan - he's such a nerd but he's oh so sexy too. I liked Bailey too. Despite her past, she is a good person and her and Nathan are so sweet together. Ms. Stoker brings the story to life and creates such emotions and drama that keeps the reader turning each page eagerly. Having read the first two books of the series and truly enjoying them, I waited with baited breath for this one. Ms. Stoker did not disappoint. While I felt the previous books had a bit more action and suspense,"Claiming Bailey" was filled with so many touching moments. Honestly, this author brought tears to my eyes and it was a scene with the Hero baring his soul. If you haven't been lucky enough to read this amazing author, don't wait. She is one of my go-to and must-have authors. (received ARC from NetGalley for honest review)

2.75 stars. This book did not really work for me. This is Nathan and Bailey's story. Bailey is on the run from her ex-boyfriend, the leader of a dangerous gang. He abused her and, when he started to do the same to her younger brother, who she has guardianship of, she took him and ran. Now she is hiding out in a small town, hoping her past doesn't catch up to her. Nathan runs a security company with his triplet brothers. They are big, strong men, but Nathan is a computer geek who does the accounting for the company. Nathan and his brothers have been investigating a case about the gang and have been looking for Bailey. She practically falls in their lap when she meets Nathan in a parking lot. Nathan is immediately interested in her, but Bailey is in no place to start a relationship. So the two become friends and Nathan helps her get on her feet. The friendship leads to a relationship after a while. Nathan helps protect Bailey when her past comes back to haunt her.

The writing in the book isn't bad. The characters were only okay though. Nathan is described as being a nerd. That would have been okay if it was mentioned a few times, but it is repeated and harped on so often in the book that it made him unattractive to me. He also has very low self esteem and that was not sexy either. His personality was okay, and so was Bailey's, but they had zero chemistry. None. Most of the book dealt with their very heavy, depressing pasts and them overcoming them. Which is fine, but it was not romantic at all. The whole book was a downer. There is also some violence and a near-rape scene. The story was very slow moving and, at times, boring. Overall, while the story was interesting, there were just too many negatives for me to enjoy this book.

This is the third book in the Ace Security Series featuring Nathan and Bailey. This story tackles some difficult subject matters so if you have any kind of trigger effect use caution. However the author handles these subject matters with confidence and ease in a way that does not diminish the severity of these things or take away from the story. It does have a heavier feel but it is not overpowering.

The main characters were strong and confident in their own ways but also showed vulnerabilities that made you want to wrap them up in a hug. Especially Bailey’s younger brother Joel. My heart just went out to the poor, misguided young boy just wanting to fit in and be accepted. His struggles were heart-breaking but he made a wonderful turn-a-round when Nathan came into their lives and became a positive influence for him. Bailey benefited from Nathan’s attention as well. She was already a survivor of abuse and bad upbringing and was constantly scared and wary her past would find her. Her bad choices in men and relationships had her and her brother in hiding and always looking over their shoulders. She was desperate to keep her distance from everyone and stay invisible and was doing her best to provide for herself and Joel and keep him away from her old life. When Nathan walks into her life, she panics when he recognizes her and is ready to run; however, after an honest conversation between the two she puts her trust in him and his brothers to help them and keep them safe. Knowing her past was lurking in the shadows it made her feel more confident and safer with him at her side. He is not her type at all, but there is something refreshing and endearing about Nathan that pulls Bailey towards him. And noticing how he encourages and mentors her brother is a pretty big turn on too.

As for Nathan, he was so charming and sweet. He was raised in a bad atmosphere as well and still has many emotional scars and a low self-confidence. Being the youngest of triplet brothers, he sees himself as less and is always putting himself down. He and his brothers and their women are extremely close and look after each and try to remain positive influences in the others’ lives. He had been searching for Bailey, related to a case, but was drawn to her on a personal, deeper level he could not explain. The more he found out, the more he wanted to find her and keep her safe. He sees himself as the powerless, nerdy brother with a slight physique and no life or women skills. Once they meet, he is instantly attracted to Bailey and wants to make her his own, but he is reluctant and bothered by the fact that he has little experience with women. He was worried he would embarrass himself and a women like her would not give him the time of day. Though when trouble does show up, he steps up and shows his alpha side. He will do whatever he has to do to keep Bailey and her brother safe and in his life where they belong.

I really enjoyed Bailey and Nathan’s story. The characters were easy to connect with and they felt real. The story was also plausible and written in a way you could see it unfolding as you read and it kept me on the edge of my seat. There was so much drama, suspense and emotion in this book, it made a great read. I also enjoyed watching their relationship grow from friends to more based on honesty, trust and love and watching Nathan take Joel under his wing and show him the qualities of a good man. He was so patient, understanding and open with them both. The three of them made a great team. It was a wonderful book that will hold your interest and keep you engaged from beginning to end.

Claiming Bailey was WONDERFUL! Nathan our hero, is completely different than his brothers but his differences were something that I found pretty...HOT! He is soft spoken, sweet, not as muscular as his brothers, but smart and just as protective and wonderfully caring. He fit Bailey who is beautiful, tattooed, and who is determined to protect her brother from her mistakes that she made in the past. I found her to be such a lovable character. She and Nathan were SO meant to be together and I really loved their story!

Claiming Bailey had some breathtaking, heart-attack inducing suspense that certainly had me on my toes! Its exactly what I have come to expect and LOOOOOVE with Susan Stoker! This book was unique and sexy, suspenseful and full of romance and sigh and drool worthy hero. I TREASURE this unique and brilliant romantic suspense!

Claiming Bailey gets a STUNNINGLY SWEET AND HEART THUMPING FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Every time I think Susan Stoker's stories can't get better, she proves me wrong...EVERY TIME!

Bailey has escaped from her life as part of a gang. After the head of the gang went to jail, she packed up her 10 year old brother & disappeared. She knew they wouldn't let her go for good. She just wanted time for her brother to grow up & discover a life on the straight & narrow.

Nathan & his brothers run a security company & have been trying to bring down Bailey's old gang. Now that the leader is out of jail, they know he'll go after her. They're looking for her to protect her. Nathan has been intrigued with her since he started looking for her. After he accidentally met her, he's even more enthralled but knows he has to take it slow. Can he protect her? Will a relationship develop or will she run the minute she discovers who he is?

Ms. Stoker has a nice touch writing about dark & depressing topics. She managed to explain the painful backgrounds of both characters without turning the entire story dark or dragging the plot down with unnecessary facts. The characters were complex & while not innocent, were worthy of respect & sympathy. The plot moves at a slower pace than I'm used to reading but it was necessary to show this topic the respect it needed. The patience Nathan took to gain Baileys trust took time to run its course in order to be realistic. I enjoyed this book but if you dislike graphic details & only want to read superficial romances, this book may not be for you.

sweet story. Nathan reminded me alot of Boone. just that quiet guy. I love that this is set so close to home. this book shows that even geeks know how to protect their women.

If you are a fan of Romantic Suspense and haven’t read Susan Stoker then you have no idea what you are missing.

Claiming Bailey is another sensational, action packed story that had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next. The characters are well developed and the story is written in a way that makes it feel like you could step into the pages and watch the action go down.

Bailey escaped a life that are the things nightmares are made of, she would have never imagined running into Nathan would lead to a chance to overcome her past, and give her and her brother a future she never dreamed possible.

Bailey’s past will never let her go. Its horror is deeper than her inked skin. She’s hiding from that past and the leader of the gang that will one day come for her. Her deepest desire is to keep her brother safe from that life. But when she helps a nerdy geek with his car she finds herself longing for the friendship he offers her and her sibling.

Nathan has always been the brother his stronger, larger brothers protected. Now he’s in a position of offering protection to the most important person in his life and he won’t screw it up. Bailey is everything he’s ever wanted and despite what she thinks of herself, he intends to remain a part of her life in any capacity he can.

This couple initially seemed a little mismatched. I’m so used to the hero being the tough guy and the heroine being weak. What I loved about this story was that they were both weak and strong in their own unique ways but together they found the perfect balance that opened up their hearts for the future.

This is a fast paced read that didn’t kick into high drama and action until it neared the end. However, everything prior to that was a beautiful story of two people each growing and moving into a place in their lives where they found themselves content with who and what they were individually as well as together.

This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and Montlake.

Dual POV
Safety – H is an almost virgin; no ow drama; h’s ex is a threat but no relationship drama regarding him
Possible triggers

A nerdy, sexually less experienced man and a former gang whore collide in Claiming Bailey. Nathan is the geekier Anderson brother, more content to stay at the office and crunch numbers and do tech things. Bailey got swept up into the gang life at 14, but when she saw the effect it was having on her young brother, she ran. Bailey's life with the gang is difficult to read about-she was, for all intents and purposes, raped and physically abused. Nathan's childhood wasn't a picnic, but nothing compared to what Bailey endured.

Nathan falls for Bailey almost instantly and is determined to save her from the gang. Its sweet and so unlike anything Bailey has ever experienced. Bailey has had a rough life, having been involved in the gang from a young age, but she was callous to Nathan frequently. I understand her distrust, but Nathan had not given her any reason to treat him poorly. It kind of got on my nerves. Also, and this is  more of a social commentary on our world today and only tangentially related to this book, why is it when a woman has slept with LOTS of guys it is shameful but when its the guy who has slept with LOTS of girls, he never expresses shame? WTF is up with that and why do we still promulgate this view? Bailey's shame is not just about the number of guys so this isn't exactly a commentary on her, but she is ashamed of the number of men she has been with (not even counting the ones she was forced to sleep with). However, you never read about a man being anything more than slightly uncomfortable with the number of women he has been with. This bothers me a great deal because I think it sends a really disjointed message, much like the confusing messages Joel gets from the gang members. And speaking of Joel...

I think my favorite ship of this book was Nathan and Joel! Joel is a seriously messed up 10 year old. He spent a lot of time with the gang leader before Bailey ran and it has seriously confused him and warped his thoughts. And he has been overexposed to so many mature things like sex and violence. Nathan has this way of talking to Joel that treats him like a mature adult while addressing the misbehaviors Joel exhibits due to his time with the gang. He never makes Joel feel bad and always encourages him to think about what he knows as opposed to what Donovan (the gang leader) said. He guides Joel to rediscovering things without forcing opinions on him. I would have loved the book to just be about Nathan and Joel!

There is a little 'easter egg' type shout out to Stoker's other series, Delta Force Heroes. There is a game Joel loves called 'This is War' and he describes the new mission about this team of Deltas who have to save another Delta from dying after he loses his arm! Loved that little nugget!

While this series hasn't been my favorite of Stoker's, I can appreciate different things about it. The Anderson boys are different, even in a trope that could be trite. Bailey is very different than any character Stoker has written. While personally I struggled with her character, I think that many people will love the kind of anti-heroine vibe Bailey has in the story.
Link live on 12/5/17

I have read now a couple of book by Susan Stoker so I have a feel for her writing style and a pretty good understand if how the characters are going to act and react. This book was a huge disappointment in so many ways.
First off your have already go an idea of who Bailey and why she is running away from her former life. She clears the air right away that she felt like a sex object and she wasn't good enough to have happiness in her life. I mean right off the bat. So when Nathan takes one look at her and all his thoughts go straight to sex I was beyond disappointed. It made everything stop for this reader. The story went from helping the characters to sex in just a few short pages.
Even though the story changes you know the male lead has the hots and at some point they will have sex. Romance readers and even mystery readers enjoy a little mystery instead of sex. Yes the author creates a friendship that develops over time that leads to sex. Its still doesn't take away the sting of the brothers first thoughts of her.
The author drove home the message don't judge someone until you get to know them. Along with men feel insure about their bodies, looking. I loved the message it just went a little longer than needed.
The brothers and either wives\girlfriends as well as extra characters from the different books appeared and readers who love the series are left with a fun little nugget.
The message in the book after a while felt like the reader is being beaten over the head with Don't Judge People Until You Get To Know them.
Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake Romance publishing for the advance copy.

3.5 stars

I found this book difficult to get into. Bailey and Nathan’s past abuse was..intense is the only word I can think of. There is dark subject matter Stoker handles with aplomb, yet I struggled to connect to the story. The romance was understandably slow-paced, yet written with enough nuances for Nathan and Bailey to bare themselves to the other literally- and figuratively speaking-later on in the book.

Although the heaviness of the topics bogged me under, the story itself turned out better than I expected. I liked the glimpses of the Anderson brothers and their families. The new bundles of joy-aren’t babies great!-always bring out the smiles, and of course, the ending tied up the loose threads in an unconventional way.

Book three in the Ace Security series, Claiming Bailey can easily read as a stand-alone.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the author.

Claiming Bailey is another great romantic suspense by Ms. Stoker. A+