A kidnapping gone awry, a sexy alpha male to the rescue and an intelligent and smart women make the next story in Kat Martin's series so very interesting.

Jaxon Ryker thwarts a kidnapping attempt of his colleague and the women he secretly loves, Mindy Stewart bringing them together under one roof as he's tasked with protecting her. As they try to unravel the motive behind her attempted kidnapping, Jaxon and Mindy give a chance to the attraction that simmers between them.

A tight and captivating story as the suspense only deepens as the pages turn, and Kat Martin is a master at writing romantic thrillers!

This is my first Maximum Security book,and I am loving the characters. For a novella, the book packs plenty of romance and intrigue, although I certainly would have liked to have a little bit more so I can enjoy the tormenting wait between the two characters that Kat Martin writes so well. Mindy (and I do love her tortoiseshell glasses) is the unexpected victim of a kidnapping attempt, and as her crush Jaxon struggles to figure out who is behind it, the reader is treated to a few twists in the plot. I was a little disappointed in the heroine who could have been a little smarter (given her ex-boyfriend history, she didn't jump to his name first? Really), but I like her fighting spirit. Jaxon is the perfect swoon-worthy alpha hero. Worth the read!

This was a great edge of your seat book! This book kept me captivated the whole time! I could not put it down!

Shadows at Dawn, a novella, is book number 1.5 in Kat Martin's Maximum Security series, and although I generally prefer longer, more fully fleshed-out reads, this one worked for me despite its brevity and it gets 4 stars from this reader.

The principle characters in this novella are Mindy Stewart, the fairly new receptionist/bookkeeper at The Max (short for The Maximum Security Agency), and what's not to like? She's surrounded by the gorgeous hunks/operatives who work there, but she really only has eyes for one of them, former Navy SEAL, Jaxon Ryker, who also has eyes for her, although that thought never seems to cross her mind. Since they are technically co-workers, neither is willing to acknowledge their workplace attraction, both liking their jobs too much to endanger them with a workplace romance.

However, late one night, when Mindy is leaving the office to head for home, she spots a van parked near her car and although she eyes it suspiciously, she continues approaching her car when 3 men suddenly jump out of the van and try to drag her inside it--she manages to let out a loud scream before they silence her, and luckily, Jaxon, who was just leaving the building, hears her, sees the scuffle in the parking lot as Mindy tries to get away from her captors, and Jaxon rushes to her rescue. Neither he nor Mindy have a clue why anyone would want to kidnap her or what they hope to gain by doing so, but it's the beginning of their more than co-workers romance, and the start of this suspense-filled short novel, as they try to figure out the motive behind the foiled kidnapping attempt, soon followed by the break-in and trashing of her apartment, as Mindy's near abduction is what finally allows these two characters to admit to and act on their mutual attraction for one another. So, who wants Mindy and why? To find out you'll have to read this exciting novella.

For a novel as short at this one, it packs quite a romantic suspense punch, and although I would have loved more backstory on Mindy and Jaxon, they were both likable and memorable characters in this well-plotted, page-turner of a novella, and it left me eager to read the upcoming second novel in this series, The Deception.

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

Martin also released SHADOWS AT DAWN that offers a glimpse of Maximum Security bookkeeper Mindy Steward and P.I. Jaxon Ryker. It’s a novella and a quick read with a quickly-solved suspense, but perfect for when you don’t have a ton of time to invest in a longer novel and want resolution before heading off to bed for the night.

*Originally published at Frolic: https://frolic.media/romantic-suspense-wrap-up-august-september-2019/

Another exciting Kat Martin romance suspense book set in Texas with the investigative firm. I really enjoyed the fast-pace action and I liked Mindy, the strong female lead, and Jaxon, the alpha male private investigator, that accepts her and helps her out of danger.

ARC received for review

Nice little romance with a bad guy looking to kidnap the girl. This one lacked the meat and heat of the previous Kat Martin books I've read. It just seemed really rushed in places.

Kat Martin does romantic suspense so well. I loved this little novella. It was a perfect quick read with just enough plot to be interesting.

I’m a big fan of romantic suspense and have really enjoyed Ms. Martin’s books in the past but this one left me feeling disappointed. I liked both characters from the start because Mindy is surprisingly clear headed and composed when she fights off her kidnappers long enough for help to arrive. And Jax is an impressive Alpha male with a protective streak a mile wide, especially when it comes to protecting his co-worker at Maximum Security. The story was good but this book reads more like a rough draft than a final manuscript and I know this author can do better. I read a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

This story starts off with excitement and it doesn't stop. Jax and Mindy have sizzling chemistry but both are trying to stay away from each other until she is almost kidnapped. From that point on Jax never leaves her side to ensure her safety. Mindy has no idea who could possibly be after her until all the pieces fall into place.

This novella is fast paced and a lot happens in a short, but its oh so worth it!

A quick novella that is full of everything you come to expect from Kat Martin and this series! It can be read as a stand-alone so no worries there. there is action, romance, and a lot of heart.

Both Jaxon Ryker and Mindy Stewart work for Maximum Security, so Jaxon swore he would keep his off of her but when Mindy is the victim of an attempted kidnapping, everything changes. They have to put aside their overwhelming attraction, but if they live through this, all bets are off…

This story is a cute, sweet and steamy romance full of suspense, excitement and unexpected twists that keep readers hanging on to the edge of their seat. The characters are strong, captivating and easily grab readers attention with their co-worker relationship full of sizzling chemistry that makes it hard for them to keep their hands off each other. It’s very fast paced and while it is short, it is a full story and makes a perfect read where readers only have a short break from their day and need a quick adrenaline rush & heartwarming pick me up.

Ever since I discovered Ms. Martin I've done my best to grab all her books that I can find. I enjoy her brand of action, adventure and romance with characters that I'd want to be friends with. Jax is attracted to Mindy Stewart the receptionist at Maximum Security where he's a PI but stays away from her respecting the workplace boundaries. However when he saves her from being kidnapped from the parking lot of their office, all bets are off.
A fast moving adventure that will keep your adrenaline going with the right amount of sexual tension and erotic love scenes for your juices to keep you in the game. This is short story that introduces players at The Max in preparation for the release of the next full length novel in the series.

Kat Martin knows how to write romantic suspense and this short novella proves it. Jax and Mindy are working together to find out who is trying to hurt her and why. Great mystery and hot romance are blended well in this story that packs a punch.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

I love Kat Martin, she didn’t disappoint me with this new read either. It is a short read, longer than a novella, so the action starts pretty much immediately. Now Jax is on the hunt to find out why Mindy is being targeted by hitmen. Then the tables are turned and Max security takes out the threat. A must read.

Shadows at Dawn was a quick, enjoyable read with the perfect blend of romance and suspense.

Jaxon Ryker wanted Mindy Stewart the minute he saw her, but not wanting to jeopardize their working relationship at Maximum Security, he sets his feelings aside. But when someone tries to kidnap Mindy from Maximum Security’s parking lot, Jax swears to protect her at all costs. As the pair begin digging for answers, it becomes clear the person behind the attempted kidnapping will stop at nothing until they have Mindy.

The attempted kidnapping of Mindy proved to be a fantastic suspense storyline. I found myself wondering what Mindy could possibly be involved in that would cause someone to come after her and I have to say that I like the direction the author chose to go. The reason was plausible and I was completely sold on the motive of the person behind the attack. Despite how short this story was, I thought the pacing was well done and there was the perfect amount of action to keep things interesting while also moving the story forward. The ending was well done with just the right amount of stakes and I liked how everything wrapped up.

Mindy and Jax have both been fighting their attraction for one another since the moment they met so when they are forced into close proximity due to the danger on Mindy’s life, there’s no fighting it anymore. The chemistry between the pair is fantastic and when their relationship progresses physically, it’s wonderfully done. The scenes have the perfect amount of steaminess and I loved how well they meshed with one another. One thing I really enjoyed about their relationship was how the two talked out any issues that came up rather than ignoring the potential pitfalls in their romance.

Overall Shadows at Dawn was an amazing addition to the Maximum Security series and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Deception, soon. I highly recommend this series if you’re in the mood for some great romantic suspense.

Mindy loved working for the Max- Maximum Security. She was seated at her desk and answered the phone and directed the call to Jonah Wolfe - one of the agencies detectives. Mindy had only been working here a couple of months. Originally she had been hired as a temp. But she managed to impress Chase Garett , the owner and was offered a full time job. In the weeks since then , the private investigators, body guards, and bounty hunters had accepted her as part of the team. Mindy didn't mind working over as she got overtime pay . Part of her job was reorganizing ledgers and updating Chase’s QuickBooks so there was plenty to do. Jaxon Ryker worked out of the office and he made her adrenaline spike and her pulse speed up when he glanced in her direction. Ryker was as handsome as sin, yet seemed to be unaware of his masculine charms. He was nice, always considerate. He never flirted, never teased and constantly kept a respectful distance. Sometimes it drove Mindy crazy. Mindy was walking to her car behind the office when three men dressed in black with black ski masks over their faces jumped out of a white van and she turned and ran and screamed. Jax was getting ready to leave and see another client when he heard the scream and rushed out, it was mindy, she was fighting like a wild woman but couldn’t handle three men. Rage burned through Jax’s normal calm. Mindy worked with him, and as far as jax is concerned she was under his protection. More than that, she was calm and sweet and he cared about her far more than he should. Jax wanted to end the bad guys for trying to hurt Mindy . Mondy flung herself into jax and he told her everything is okay once the bad guys took off. Minduy exclaimed “you saved me!” Jax wondered why Mindy had been targeted? Was it a random abduction attempt or something more. He got her back inside and called the police. For weeks jax had steered clear of Mindy. The attraction he felt for her had no place in his life, or hers. But little by little her sweet smile , and vivacious, always cheerful attitude began to melt his iron resolve. He began to think about her even when he wasn’t at the office. Jax job was now to keep Mindy safe and he wasn’t leaving her by herself tonight. Mindy had trouble sleeping. Men had tried to kidnap her tonight . She had no idea why or what would have happened if Jax hadn’t been there to stop them.
I enjoyed this book but felt the romance was just a little rushed which didn’t take away a lot from the book but a little. This was a short read but lacked very little. I loved Mindy and Jax together and how they interacted. I loved the Mindy could help Jax when he was fighting to stop her from being abducted. I loved the intrigue, danger, and the action in this book. I liked how close maddock and jaxon were. I liked the pace and plot. I finished this in one setting. I loved the characters and the the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

Short, entertaining Romantic-Suspense novella that gave up its' secrets way to easily. Love both the hero and heroine and how they both were secretly in lust with each other, but weren't going to do anything about it until they are thrown together is a desperate situation.

Mindy Stewart is the receptionist/bookkeeper for Maximum Security and loves her job and the eye candy that struts around the office, especially former SEAL and PI, Jaxon Ryker. When Mindy is leaving work one evening three men attempt to kidnap her. Jax saves the day and everything changes. Jaxon has had his eye on Mindy and not that she is in danger he is going to do everything he can to protect her. Now, they just have to figure out who and why someone wants Mindy and to stop ignoring the attraction between them.

Shadows at Dawn
(Maximum Security #1.5)
by Kat Martin 

ebook, 114 pages
Published August 12th 2019 by HQN Books

Goodreads synopsis:
Don’t miss this scorching novella, part of what Publishers Weeklyis calling Kat Martin’s “tantalizing” new Maximum Security series!

Private detective Jaxon Ryker swore to himself he would keep his hands off Mindy Stewart. No matter how much Jax might secretly wish otherwise, his colleague at The Max is strictly off-limits. But when Mindy is the victim of an attempted kidnapping, everything changes. With both of them thrust into danger, Jax swears to protect her. As they work together in search of answers, it becomes clear Mindy’s life is on the line, so a trap is set—with Mindy as bait. Jax and Mindy have to put aside their overwhelming attraction, but if they live through this, all bets are off


***

4.25 Stars

This book follows Kat Martin’s popular novel, THE CONSPIRACY. It is a short novella but totally worth the read. I only took off .75 stars merely because I wanted more of this book and its characters. I felt like this could have been a full length novel if it wanted to be.

Basic premise: Mindy Stewart is working as what I assume is a temp accounting/receptionist job at Maximum Security. She feels like she fits well with the team but doesn’t seem to be an actual part of the team yet. She has a crush on Jaxon Ryker, one of the investigators on the team. He likes her too but she doesn’t know that when the book starts. As she leaves for the day, later than usual, she is the victim of an attempted kidnapping. Jax saves her from her attacker and is immediately invested to find out who is targeting Mindy.

I thought this book was great. I was invested from the minute Mindy was attacked. She felt like the “every woman” who wanted a man who seemed out of her reach. I liked that aspect. It gives women an idea that maybe they are more than they think they are.

I thought the funniest part was that Jax was trying to make it all business but the second he discovered that Mindy wanted him too, he was lost. A switch was flipped and he dove in head first to a relationship he didn’t know he might crave more of. This was not the same as his old hookups that he could walk away from and that sort of had him distracted sometimes making Mindy more open to attack.

Awesome read. Great story and suspense. I just wished there was more of it. Kat Martin is a must read for me now. Check it out for yourself.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this , and I recommend it to everyone.