Member Reviews
Another book in the Love Under Fire series. It was really good till the middle it got slow but picked back up and I'm glad I stuck with it.
This is a keep you on your edge of your seat book. Two people thrown together because of their pasts. Together they have to learn to trust each other to survive the mess they are thrown into. Not an easy thing to do when your child's lives are on the line.
I thought this was a great book book.
** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Having read the first one from this author on this I had to see if this one pushed buttons also. Glad to say YES it does with you being a captive reader from the get go.
Lena is the one that is used in this story to lure you in right off pushing the anxious buttons. Dane is the one used to become the heartthrob right along with the character when paths cross. The intrigue is big in this one with their secrets and the drama that unfolds and simmers. It also will come with the wanting you get with will the two come through it all. This has the intensity and depth to keep you captive until the wrap up at the end of it all.
Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled: Amara for a copy of the eARC in exchange for a fair review.
Dane made a choice five years ago to save his family.. but he misses his son which is why he finds himself under the watchful eyes of soccer moms that aren't buying what he is selling. He makes a decision to leave after he gives himself away by cheering for his son who is on the other field. He finds himself in a bar later that night and when Lena sits down next to him, he goes for it.
Lena is feeling guilty especially as she gets to know Dane, she realizes that he isn't the normal criminal scum that associates with Viktor. But she has powerful motivation so when Dane turns to leave her hotel room, she knocks him out. However, she is upset to when they arrive to meet Viktor and she finds a young boy tied up who calls Dane, dad.
Dane knows he is in a world of trouble, at this point he can only agree to help Viktor in order to keep his son safe, but he hopes that he can bring Lena to his side so they can get out of this alive. Dane is stunned to learn that Viktor is controlling Lena through her daughter Kenzie. He brings her into Task Force Phoenix and they make plans to get both kids back.
This was a pretty good romantic suspense. No major mystery, but full of action and I liked that Lena and Dane had similar motivations. I am not sure I buy the quick romance considering she knocked him out, but hey it could happen I guess. All in all a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon.
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
Wow, there are lots of secrets with twists to the story which keeps you reading to find out what is going to happen next.
Dane is enticed by a pretty woman and then turned over to an evil man that kidnaps his son for his cooperation in finding a man that he wants killed. Lena is also following orders from this villain and Dane pours all his anger out onto her.
Things are not as they seem and eventually we get the whole story about Lena. Finally, they team up with Dane's group plan to rescue two children.
While this story has a HEA, the team does lose one of their men and the team is hit hard with his loss.
I love the ending and how each couple realized that with children on the way, their lifestyle was too dangerous and they were leaving the team. Poor Dane was not too happy about this until he was reminded that love is worth the struggle.
When Dane left his job as a US Marshal and joined Task Force Phoenix, his life changed. Now it's changed again, thanks to the woman he left the bar with. But Lena isn't who she was pretending to be, anymore than Dane is the man he was pretending to be. Their families' lives depend upon the same evil man, and both will do whatever it takes to take him down and secure the safety of their families.
I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but this one definitely made me a fan. I like romantic suspense when the balance between the suspense and action is blended well with the romance, and that balance is present here in Watched From a Distance. It's got everything needed in a good romantic suspense - suspense of course, romance of course, some action, a couple with amazing chemistry, and an excellent secondary cast. I'm definitely going to be watching for more from this author and more in this series.
Nail biting suspense with other lives on the line, Watched From Distance by Allison B. Hanson is one intense read. Besides the suspense, the villain that is one to truly hate and the twists in the story, it is also an emotionally rich romance.
The story-line is refreshing if beyond scary for any parent to imagine. Top-notch writing keeps the pages turning. It is not an instant success or action after action, but instead one well-thought out story.
It reads well as a stand-alone. Don’t want to give much away with the story, discover it for yourself. I have read another of the series, but this book is the best yet; the right amount of suspense, danger, action and romance. There is a new star in the world of romantic suspense books, Allison B. Hanson
Great!
A great addition to the Love Under Fire series. I really enjoyed Lena and Dane's story. It seemed a little long in parts but I couldn't wait to finish it.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
The next book in Allison B. Hanson's Love Under Fire series, Watched from a Distance tells Dane and Lena's story.
The suspense is turned up to high quickly and stays fairly constant throughout the book. Just like the other books in the series you get a glimpse into Dane's life as a US Marshal and as part of Task Force Phoenix. It is an inherently dangerous job and it brings him into Lena's life.
I don't want to reveal too much about the plot, but it reminds me of an action movie. The story included the continuation of some plot points from previous books, but you can read it as a standalone.
The book did feel a little too long, but I grew to like the characters more and enjoyed the story more the further I read.
Watched from a Distance was an enjoyable read. That started off fast paced and with a bang. But then really slowed down as this story developed. And even though there wasn't much in the way of action or suspense, I was still drawn in. Thanks in part to the storyline, but also the characters, including those from the previous stories. And the romance between Dane and Lena, which was sweet and engaging to read. And I think anyone who has read and enjoyed the first two books in this series is sure to enjoy this one too.
4.5 Stars
This book is quite interesting, it has some great characters, and I loved the story. It starts with an unexpected turn of event, where, two people are thrown together and they must find a way to trust each other.
Dane and Lena has nothing in common except the fact that they're both here unwillingly. The only way for them to survive is to help each other. What they didn't anticipate is to be attracted to one another, now they're both in trouble. They cannot stay emotionally detached and the situation is just getting worse. But can they trust each other enough to get out of this mess unharmed?
It's a very thrilling read. There is danger involved and to survive Dane and Lena have to work together. That is the only way they will be able to find a solution to their problem. The story will keep you on edge through out. It's very well-written and entertaining read. I'd definitely recommend it to fans of intrigue and romance.
Fantastic book that was a great mix of action, suspense, and steam along with a storyline that will keep you on the edge right till the end. I don't want to give away too much of the story so I'll just say your heart breaks for all Dane has given up but when he gets a chance at redemption and a shot at a new life with Lena you want him to go for it. The writing is fantastic and these characters feel like friends. Definitely a book I recommend.
Lena is being forced to work off her ex husband’s debt. She is instructed to get a man to her hotel room and knock him out. Dane had to fake his death to get away from one people who he was set to testify against. Now he is a member of the Phoenix Task Force and has been kidnapped. He is furious when he learns Lena was in on it. As they are sent on a mission, they have to fight the attraction between the two of them. Can they fight a mutual enemy and find love.
Great story. Faced paced, sex, and full of surprises. First time reading this author. The only thing was how many chapters it had. The chapter changed every time the dialogue change with the characters.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Netgalley *
This is a gripping romantic suspense that had me hooked from the start. It is packed with intrigue, danger and heat - a real page turner with a brilliant blend of action, danger, steam and romance. It starts with a hook up, moves on to a kidnapping and then a desperate attempt to bring a criminal to justice whilst also endeavouring to rescue children.
Although this is part of a series, I believe it still works well as a standalone. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book in the series - Witness in the Dark - and it was great to reconnect with some of the characters from that story in this one. Again this story has well developed characters, their motivations and background are revealed as the story progresses. It is another fast paced adventure with plenty of twists, turns and misdirection to keep the reading engrossed and guessing. There’s a definite sense of family and support even in the most trying of situations. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys steamy, romantic suspense.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
Watched from a Distance by Allison B. Hanson
Love Under Fire #3
What would you do to save the life of your child?
Would you lie?
Would you cheat?
Would you seduce?
Dane Ryan, a deputy marshal in task force phoenix, is faced with that question when faced with his son tied to a chair and told by ruthless Viktor Kulakov to bring in a man for killing. Little does he know at first that the person who lured him in is in the same boat he is and has already made a deal with the devil for her own child’s safety.
Laura Scott has remained strong as she follows orders from Viktor but her strength is beginning to fray as are her nerves when Dane shows up on the scene. She wonders if she should continue to do as Viktor says or align herself with Dane and his team to try to get her daughter back. And, if she decides incorrectly she might never see her daughter again.
This seems to be the final book in the series but I hope it will not be the last romantic suspense this author writes. I have enjoyed every one of the three books in this series and had hoped there would be more but it seems this is the end of the road since most of the men on the team have found their partners and want to start families. I am curious about what the men will do if they retire since that was not mentioned but other than that all the loose ends are tied up and it is nice to know the men are settling into their happily ever afters.
4-5 Stars
I liked the depth of emotions that the author gave to the characters. Even with her male characters she was not afraid to let them cry when they were hurting. The range of emotions that Lena went through as she struggled with the loss of her daughter and the situation she had placed Tobey in was well done. Kenzie was a sweetheart.
I cannot believe that this series has skipped me by! I loved it and as usual found a new series to love and entered the series partway through!
Dane still misses the family he had to give up. His former life was cash rich but love poor. He knew his marriage would never survive WitSec and above all else he wanted his wife and son to be safe. Now known as Dane, he undertakes missions for a secret branch of the US Marshals.
When he sees an alluring female in a bar he thinks that he'll engage in a little mindless fun. But little does he know that his family is once again in jeopardy.
Lena is on the hook to Viktor due to the dodgy dealings of her ex. She can't believe what she is just about to do, feed what seems like a nice man to a shark like Viktor. But is she doesn't her own reason for living will be snuffed out. Viktor is not above dangling Lena and Dane's children as bait to have them comply with his will. And at the moment the thing he wants more than anything is revenge...revenge on one of Dane's colleagues, although he isn't aware of that little fact yet!
There action is thick and fast and certainly thrilling enough. The love story was a bit strained in parts, not least of which due to Lena's involvement with Viktor and Dane's own bullheadedness at not listening to her own reason for being involved. I felt very engaged with the characters and loved meeting the rest of the Phoenix Crew (I'm now gong to have to go and buy the rest of the series to catch up!)
I did feel that some of the chapters were just to short and punchy and could have been merged into longer chapters. But other than that I really enjoyed the story!
This is the third (and final) book in the series, and I am sad to see it go. I really enjoyed getting to know the various characters throughout the books and was hoping the team would expand for more books, but at least Allison has another series on the way! But in this last outing of the Love Under Fire series, it's finally time for Dane to take the forefront and get his HEA. And if there's ever a guy who needs one, it's him! This is a guy who was not a LEO to begin with, rather he turned in a former employer to the authorities and had to go into WITSEC, leaving his wife and son Tobey behind. There he joined Task Force Phoenix and since then he's been shot, stabbed, impaled on a fence and bitten by a dog!
Lena has her own troubles; she is forced to work for Victor Kulakov, the focus of the team's investigation and her husband's former employer. He is holding her daughter Kenzie hostage, forcing Lena to carry out his orders in hopes of one day getting her daughter back. Not only is he involved in drug running and money laundering, but even worse human trafficking. When Viktor orders her to lure Dane back to her hotel room and get the drop on him, she has no choice but to follow his orders.
Once she brings him to Viktor, she discovers to her horror that he has kidnapped Tobey in order to force Dane to bring him his teammate Colton (from 'Wanted for Life'), who he thinks is a former DEA agent named Robert Gates. Colton had been undercover in Viktor's organization and had barely escaped with his life. Lena and Dane leave Viktor's hideout, ostensibly to find Colton in order to save both of their kids. They begin a desperate race to meet up with the other members of Task Force Phoenix, and find a way to save Tobey and Kenzie and finally put an end to Viktor's reign of terror. The mission is steeped in danger and not everyone will survive...
This may have been my favorite of the series, the shared danger and heartache the both Dane and Lena face, and the depth of their attraction make for a thrilling story. One thing I do like about all 3 books is that they stand well on their own and could be read individually, though the overall story arc is best enjoyed in reading them all in order. But for those that don't necessarily want to read a whole series, this one is probably the best of the three to get a mixture of action, suspense and romance. I have no trouble giving this one a whole 5 stars!
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Amara for the chance to read this early!
What a gripping story this is, from start to finish it held my attention and didn't let go. It's intense, filled with suspense and the bad guys out number the good guys. Then there is Dane and Lena. Dane is part of Task Force Phoenix and meets the lovely Lena in a bar. Lena, the innocent and beautiful woman who manage to very subtly entices him. They leave together. When they get to her room, Lena doesn't want to follow through, so Dane being the gentleman he is, kindly turns to leave. No hard feelings. The last thing he remembers in getting hit on the back of his head. He now sits in front of the man the task force has been trying to catch, who has his son tied up in front of him. The lovely Lena is off to the side. Nervous. Viktor wants one of Dane's own. Viktor doesn't know Dane knows the person he is hunting, but the demand that he and Lena go and retrieve him and in turn he'll turn his son loose. I won't go into the backstory about his son and time spent before the story opens, I think it's something the reader should read. Dane is beyond angry. Lena is his babysitter.
When they leave, Dane tells her in no uncertain terms what he thinks of her and what she did to him.
Intending on leading her on a wild goosechase and they are driving. Lena is driving. Dane doesn't even have ID. A could days into the trip he realizes he needs to win Lena's trust to get what he wants. He makes a call and things start to happen. When Lena finally tells him her story and why she gets to happily chat with her child every day for a few minutes, Dane understands Lena's motivation for doing Viktor bidding. When they meet up with the team, the first meeting with Lena, I think I held my breath. Her reaction and the reaction of Connor. Plans are made, carefully. Lena and Dane have some insane chemistry and it only grows more intense. The team knows this mission has to be perfectly timed. I could feel myself tense up during these moments. And what the outcome was. And wasn't. Which leads them further along onto yet another path, which again is white knuckle kindle reading, what the heck was that and what happened. Lots of those moments. I can't label this book, suspense with a side of romance. It's intense and a full length book which I really enjoyed.
Allison really knocks this one out of the park. I look forward to her next book! I highly recommend reading book one although it isn't necessary, it's just a great book.
arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review
Abso~fabulous read and highly recommended. This was the first of the series that I read and there were no issues keeping up, nor was there any confusion by not reading the prior books. Suspense, romance and lots of heat, this author kept me on pins and needles until the end. Nicely done, Ms. Hanson!! Loved it!
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.