Sandy M’s review of Collision Point (Brute Force, Book 1) by Lora Leigh
Contemporary Romantic Suspense published by St. Martin’s Press 27 Feb 18

There was a time I loved everything Lora Leigh wrote. Now I second guess both me and her. Is it me whose tastes have changed over the years? Or is it the author who is perhaps running out of ideas or any number of issues to keep a reader more interested? Maybe a combination of the two? Whatever it is, only certain aspects in her last several books have appealed to me.


This time around it’s the suspense in the story that I like the most. Amara and Riordan have a past, are lovers when she’s kidnapped. After her rescue she doesn’t remember the last year of her life. Thus, Riordan, former elite ops and undercover for Amara’s father, himself has recovered from injuries sustained during the rescue, but he has to start from the beginning to figure out why she was taken and by whom.

Amara does feel the pull between them, but she has hesitation when it comes to Riordan. Which is fine and logical, but it goes on much too long for me. Riordon is the typical alpha hero, and I do like him. He knows what he wants and goes after it, unlike Amara. I’m not totally sure why I never really warmed up to her. I know she’s been through hell and wants her memories to return, which should allow me to allow her wishy-washy-ness, but that never happens.

Of course, because it’s a Lora Leigh book, the sex scenes are frequent. Again, a bit too much. Especially because I don’t feel a true connection between Riordan and Amara. Again, I’m going to blame that on Amara – of course! – because of her running hot and cold when it comes to getting into Riordan’s bed. Sorry, but once she discovers they were lovers before, I wanted to see some trust from her.

I do have to say I like Amara’s father a little. Typical father when it comes to his daughter and her love life. But he does have secrets, so you’re left to wonder how involved he is in the whole scheme of things, which as a crime lord makes the odds pretty darned good. The end resolution is a little rushed, but the action and suspense up until then is the best part of the book. I wanted more of a connection between Riordan and Amara, but it wasn’t to be this time around. I’m leaning toward not continuing with the series, only because I prefer more of an emotional story to go with my sex scenes, both of which Lora Leigh used to combine quite successfully in the past.

Grade: C

In short the book was an enjoyable read. Hunky masterful man helping out beautiful vulnerable woman not knowing who to trust. He is frustrated because he wants her to acknowledge their relationship and doesn't truly believe she has no memory of it. Definitely not predictable.

This is part of a series and while it stands alone you have a sense the entire book that there are subplots you are missing due to the other books. The back story around who is behind the attacks could have been woven in a little better instead of a bunch of new facts in the last handful of pages.

I was given an ARC of this by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I try to approach every book with an open mind, but the blurb wasn't all that enticing for me so I had mixed feelings going in. But once I started reading I was hooked! This new-to-me author surprised me with the first installment in her Brute Force series. The suspense and romance were definitely present in this book and they did not disappoint. I can't wait to read the next installment which is to be released at the end of August.

You really can't go wrong with a Lora Leigh book. Not if you're looking for that dangerous, sexy, dynamic story that will curl your toes atleast.

I'm primarily a paranormal reader but I've been a Lora Leigh fan since book 1 of the Breeds so I had to give this series a try and I'm so glad that I did. Rory and Amara are such a dynamic duo. Amara is dealing with lost memories and in a time of need, turns to Rory to help safeguard her. There is action, suspense, and of course sex.

This books is not for the faint at heart or the prude because it is definitely a HOT read but if you're like me and love all the smexiness, then you'll love Collision Point. I honestly can't say enough good thing about it. My one and only complaint was that the ending left me a little bit wanting BUT thats why I plan to read book 2 so its not a fail. 4 stars!

This is book one in the Brute Force series and it features Riordan Malone and Amara. If you’ve read this authors Elite Ops series you know how intense these Malone men are. Riordan is a total ALPHA man. He loves hard, fights hard and works hard. The sex is “Malone-intense” if you know what I mean. (wink wink) The mystery and suspense in this book is OFF-THE-CHARTS! It is non-stop action from cover to cover.

This author NEVER disappoints! Fabulous story line and the characters always make me wish they were in my circle of friends, especially Grandpops. I can’t wait to read more!

Riordan considered Amara nothing but trouble. He would protect her always and when her life was threatened he would ensure she was safe and by his side. Having forgotten their time in the past he works to help her recover her memory as each new threat unfolds. Great story and the chemistry between the characters threatens to consume them both.

I have always been such a fan of lora leigh. Her stories Captivate you and keep you interested with the plot the characters in the suspense and romance this book is just as good and a great series starter. I loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this for an honest review.

I have not read this book as of yet, but it is definitely on my TBR list. I'm sure that I would read anything with LL on it.

Regarding the romance, I'm not completely sold on this couple. I mean, they said the "right" things, I just didn't feel it.

I'd have loved more father and daughter's exchanges which we are told were legendary.

I'd love to know more about Noah/Nathan story. And definetely more of Ivan and Syn.

I loved the mystery of this story. Totally worth five starts.. I can't wait to enjoyed another great story from this author.

Confusing at times. Story started out with a lot of action and then lost me as it read as a historic romance and then was current times. Appeared that there was another book or storyline I wasn't aware of, but this book was listed as book 1, but references to Riordan's brother Nathan/Noah and Sabella kept popping up as if I needed to know their story before Riordan and Amara's. A lot of steamy sex scenes that became too much and took away from the story as every serious situation had them having sex that I started skimming through the scenes to get to the story and find out who kidnapped Amara and beat her so badly. Why did she lose her memory and who was ultimately behind it. Why she was mad at Riordan? It was ok. I will still give this author another shot and will leave the Brute Force Series alone.

It took me five days to read this book, which is never a good sign. Right off the bat, I felt like I was missing something with this story. Which surprised me because this is the first book of a new series. But a little investigation on Goodreads led me to discover that this series is a spin-off from the Elite Ops series, of which I’ve read the first book. Which doesn’t make me feel any less confused, but at least gives me a little context I didn’t have before…

Amara and Riordan previously had a secret relationship. As the daughter of a powerful businessman (whose dealings may or may not be legitimate), Amara is under constant security - and Riordan was the head of her security team. While Riordan’s on another assignment out of the country, Amara is kidnapped, and during her rescue Riordan is badly injured.

Now, six months later, Amara is struggling to remember what happened during the year prior to her abduction - including what the exact nature of her relationship was with her bodyguard. Troublesome dreams keep waking her at night, but they always end with a man who promises to help her. Wanting answers, she gives her security team a slip and goes in search of the man in her dreams.

I’m kinda over the bossy, controlling, pushy, alpha male hero. Our hero and heroine have a strong physical pull towards each other, but when Amara puts the brakes on things physically, Riordan gets angry with her.

“And I don’t want to hear your lies, goddammit,” he all but yelled, the furious words silencing her. “Lie to yourself if you have to, but do us both a favor and stop f#%^*& lying to me. You’re mine, Amara. You were mine before the abduction and nothing has changed. And by God, you better remember that much at least. Fast.”

That’s right, she was kidnapped, tortured, and lost her memory. And that’s how he talks to her after being back together a few short days. If you like your heroes kind, compassionate and understanding, this one isn’t for you. (FYI, I like my heroes kind, compassionate and understanding.) There was door slamming and foot stomping, and about the most immature behavior I've seen by an adult in a long time. Oh, and hickeys so everyone would know Amara has been claimed. (Insert eye rolling gif here…)

Amara, for her part, spends the first 50% of the book making googly eyes at Riordan, but then puts a stop to things just when they’re starting to get hot and heavy. It’s a woman right to say no, but I sort of started to feel sorry for Riordan - don’t get a man all worked up over and over if you aren’t going to follow through. Outwardly she’s rude and cold towards Riordan, but in her internal monologue it’s all “when he went caveman, she melted.” Maybe if you want him to be honest with you, you should be honest with him, you think? She ran so hot and cold with him, it got annoying.

I also don’t understand the whole “I’m so angry with you, let’s kiss” thing that went on for far too long in this book. Seriously, do these two even like each other? All they did was argue. Why do you want to hop in bed with someone who is pissing you off? Why is that romantic?? As we’ve established, I’m more of a sweet romance kinda gal, so this angry kissing/making out/sex thing is just lost on me.

The writing of this book was actually pretty good. It’s just hard to enjoy the story when you don’t particularly like the characters. (I didn't even go into the actual plot of the story, which was just okay - they are trying to figure out who was responsible for the kidnapping, but are basically just sitting around waiting for Amara's memory to come back.) I don’t get the “I hate you - I love you” thing that was going on. Maybe if we got to see some of the relationship prior to Amara’s kidnapping, I could have seen or felt the connection between them. However, as it was written, all we had to go on were the internal thoughts of each of them about how they felt for each other prior to the kidnapping. And it wasn’t enough for me. I know Lora Leigh is capable of writing a suspenseful story that holds my interest and an alpha hero I can appreciate and enjoy - one who still has a soft spot for his woman, and behaves that way toward her (I really liked Noah in Wild Card) - I just didn’t read it here.

* thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Gifted read by Netgalley for an honest review.
I really liked the plot of this book, however the execution was discombobulated.
From the first chapter it felt like I was missing something, like this was the second book of a continued story. It was as if you the reader was plopped down in the middle of a story and characters you should already know and have a connection with. But you didn't!
I really liked the characters and the storyline, I just felt lost throughout the book. Had the execution been done differently this would have been an amazing read.
Romantic suspense, sexy times, intrigue, danger and a strong male and female lead should equal a great book! Sadly the characters alone couldn't get me there due to the lack of connection with the way this story was put together.
You can't just jump into a story and characters without some background without some knowledge of what the heck was going on! It was like the reader wasn't let in on this big secret of the background story.
Such potential :( 2.5 stars but soo could have been a 4star read!

collision point by lora Leigh.
Riordan Malone is an elite Ops agent.
Amara Resnova is the daughter of a crime Lord. can she escape him? can riordan help her? this was a very good read with likeable characters. diidnt like Ivan though will definitely be reading more from this author. 4*

Collision Point by Lora Leigh is the first title in her new Brute Force series, however, it isn't what I would term a standalone, since it's really a spin-off of her Elite Ops series, which I gave 5-star reviews across the board. I wish I could say that this novel was also a 5-star read, but the best I can give it is a 3-star rating, primarily because I spent 95% of this novel utterly confused and in the dark.

The novel starts off with a life-or-death rescue attempt in the prologue. The heroine, Amara Resnova, has been kidnapped by masked men, badly and repeatedly beaten by them--her leg and wrist bones broken, and then thrown into deep hole in the ground. Her lover and bodyguard, Riordan Malone, who was sent away on a mission to England by her father, Ivan, and a few familiar names from the Elite Ops series come to her rescue, during which Riordan is shot several times, and Amara's last memory of all that had happened to her was that she knew Riordan had died.

Well, Riordan didn't stay dead, he survived his 3 bullet wounds and has spent the past 6 months trying to regain his strength. He's tried to contact Amara repeatedly during that time, but been told she wanted nothing to do with him, so he's certainly surprised when she shows up at his ranch, asking for his help. Riordan is shocked to learn that she has no memory of not only her kidnapping and injuries, she has no memory of him or their one-year affair that preceded it, although she has nightmares in which Riordan dies, and dreams of having a sexual relationship with him. She also feels that someone is still out there to kill her, and she has a gut-feeling that Riordan will keep her safe. Shocked and hurt that Amara doesn't remember him, he nonetheless agrees to help protect her and return to her father's home to do so.

Up until this point in the novel, I was hooked, but after the two main characters return to Ivan's home, there are so many other characters introduced in such quick succession, all with similar sounding Russian names, that I simply couldn't keep them straight. It didn't help that somehow the reader is supposed to understand their interrelationships, which I certainly didn't until the final chapters of this novel. When Riordan's Elite Ops agents also get involved, the cast became even more confusing. First, Riordan previously went by the name Rory, now presumed dead, no explanation given. Then there's Elite Ops agent, Noah, previously known as Nathan, and while I remembered the reasons for his identity change, I'm guessing that no one who hasn't read Ms. Leigh's brilliant Elite Ops series, will have the first clue about any of this.

The one thing that was clear througout was even that even though Amara doesn't recognize or remember Riordan, she clearly remembers their sexual relationship, and if there is one thing you can rely on, it's that Lora Leigh excels at writing some of the steamiest sex scenes in erotic romance fiction, although in this novel, there were so many of them, they seemed oddly repetitive, and they overtook the plot, which seemed to drag on endlessly as Riordan and Amara couldn't keep their hands off each other, and still hadn't a clue as to who had abducted her and why. I'm all in favor of erotic scenes, but there were far too many of them in this novel, and the author had to sacrifice forward momentum and plot to include them all.

While the whodunit part of this novel is eventually resolved and dealt with, it introduces a character whose name hasn't even been mentioned until the end, which left me feeling cheated out of the opportunity to guess who the real villain in this novel was, and even once you learn his identity, his relationship to Amara and her family is so complicated and condensed to just a few sentences that although I was happy he was caught, and that there would be an HEA ending, that I still wasn't able to quite wrap my head around the denouement.

Although it's clear that I had a number of issues with this novel, I'm still a fan of Ms. Leigh's romance fiction, and since Collision Point is the first title in this series, I'm hoping for better novels to come.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

Collision Point has Lora Leigh's trademark steam and rapid-fire relationship momentum. But what's missing is the character development that makes us as readers care about Rory and Amara. The story also struggles to keep the plot on the rails; Leigh here undercuts many of her plot moments with awkwardly places sex scenes. Don't get me wrong, I love the sexy times, but they could've been utilized in the story more deftly.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

Riordan “Rory” Malone is a force to be reckoned with. A member of the Brute Force Protection Agency and an operative working with the Elite Ops, Rory is the fiercest of the warriors and protectors. Honed from the strong Irish stock of their grandfather and sharpened to a razor’s edge, Malone men live for one single purpose: to protect the women who own them, body and soul. From the moment he saw Amara Resnova, he knew she could be that woman.
Let me start off by saying that Lora Leigh has been one of my favorite authors for years. That being said, I found some issues that really bugged me in this book. This is probably the first time I’ve given one of her books less than a 5 star. Unfortunately I felt that Amara’s character did a 360 from her initial conversation with Rory to when he was guarding her and it kept happening throughout the story. It didn’t deter from it too much and I still devoured the book as quickly as her others, but in the end it just wasn’t as good as her other books.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

The suspense begins right from the start. Drama and intrigue. Lots of cursing and heat. NOT Christian approved.

I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book

I really wanted to like this book because I am a Lora Leigh fan but I found myself confused because although this is book # 1 in the Brute Force series I felt like I needed to read some other series... that based on the characters that you meet in this book... was probably awesome. If I ignored the confusion in the beginning of this book.... then overall it was ok. I think that if there was some disclosure about needing to read whatever series that is attached to this one before reading this book than maybe this book would have gotten 4 stars instead of 3.

Lora Leigh is a must read author for me. Collision Point was a great read and I couldn't put it down.My interest never wavered and the characters were well written.