I found this book a bit jumpy at the start and had to go back and reread the beginning to get the characters and story straight. The interaction between Liam and Lauren was good, although the continual use of pronouns he/him was frustrating. It did get better and I enjoyed the second half of the story, I would have liked more action/danger when Lauren finally did manage to get out of the apartment building though.

This is the first book in the series by Julia Crosswood. Twenty year old twins Kate and Lauren grew up without a father and a mother who was killed in a drunken car crash when they were ten. They were raised by their step father, but they were each other's only family and a constant in each others lives. Kate is quiet, sweet, kind, even temperated and the total opposite to her sister Lauren who is outgoing, stubborn, bullhead and strong willed. The sisters are at a party with friends when Kate is shot and killed by an unknown person. Scotts' Private Investigation and Security sweeps in and rescues Lauren to keep her safe from individuals that have a grudge against her father. Liam is good looking, well built, strong, bullheaded with a degree in law enforcement and working for the Scotts' is one of the personnel hired to protect Lauren. In constant closeness with Lauren he makes the mistake of falling in love with her. From the beginning the two of them are in a constant battle of wits, and a continuous rollercoaster ride from the moment she is in his charge. This book is full of unexpected twist and turns, an enjoyable read.

This is the 1st in a series and what an intriguing tale this is. Lauren and her twin Kate are inseparable, until they become targets of a criminal who is seeking revenge against someone who is close to the girls. With the mafia having Lauren in their sights, she has the urge to run, but gets kidnapped by Liam and Mason, who are hired protection, and will do whatever they must to keep her safe and protected. This is a well-paced story which is filled with mystery, revenge, action, intrigue, suspense, heartbreak, and is a steamy and thrilling addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author, and I recommend this story.

I will say that this book does draw you in from the beginning and the romance between Lauren and Liam are sweet, but I didn’t care for Lauren at all. While I understand she perceives she suffered a loss, she remained very young and immature throughout the book. The only emotion she expressed was anger and rudeness. It’s like she only thought about herself. Absolutely no real character development or redeeming qualities for my liking.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

The first page of this novel immediately had me hooked. I really love when authors make their main characters similar in the sense of personality. Both Liam and Lauren weren't characters that would simply let the other get what they want so easily. They were both determined to push one another, especially Lauren. my only issue was that I felt like it was too rushed, I do wish some scenes were a bit longer for instance when Lauren found Kate in the frat house bathroom shot or some of the scenes when she actually was able to leave the building with the group. I especially wished that there was more action during the mall scene, I really thought Lauren would accomplish what she expected too. I also do wish we got a bit more from Liam, although we can tell he's a very determined person we don't know anything else other than he has a sister. Some more character development on his part would've been great.

Spectacular !! Well deserved 5 star book.
Oh my goshh- this might be the BEST.. LIKE -THE BEST- Romantic suspense I've ever read. ( Mind you I read a lot of romance)

Okay so story , where do I even start.. there was never a dull moment for me after I started reading it, like literally never.. I just wanted to read it on & on

Liam is the epitome of broody, protective hero and Icy - Stubborn heroine
I'm a goner for it.

I love their relationship, the total SPSIe ( protection force) every single person was nailed in character and depth
The writting was awesome and very intriguing, had to wait every second to know what's gonna happen

In this story, we have Lauren who never doesn't do relationships & is an protective sister, she's broken when something unchangeable happens and Liam is determined to not to let her go!
He fought their sparks as much as he can- the moment she was about to kiss another man, He looses it!!
Such a loving protective hero, He truly loved her in all her mess and wanted to protect her from the danger lurking around her .

Guyss - I highly recommend reading this book.


Content warning: There is one closed door sex scene but nothing was graphic just s lil 🔥