JACOB is first book in the new ‘Black Inc.’ series by Lisa Marie Rice. I enjoyed getting to know Jacob. He has been in the periphery of the Midnight series so I liked that it was finally his turn. Jacob finds Alex back in his life, and his emotions are engaged. He is determined to take advantage of having Alex back, and keep her in his life. She is angry at him over their past but he is sure he can convince her to forgive him. Even if they saved the world first, he will fight for a future with her. I lived seeing Jacob accept that he has emotions even as he works to thaw out Alex's anger. Saving the world must happen but love and acceptance will become equally important. Great read as always. No one does it like LMR.

Jacob is a pretty good story but it started slow. Don't quit reading because you won't be disappointed. Alex and Jacob certainly have some history between them. Overall, the writing was good just kind of dragged in a few spots.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a honest review

It's been awhile since I've read a Lisa Marie Rice book and I was happy to read and review Jacob by Ms Rice. This book is packed with romance and action. It definitely kept feeling at the edge of my seat.

Jacob by Lisa Marie Rice is the first book in the Black, Inc series.

Imagine the world coming to an end from a virus. And you were the only one who knew it might happen. That's where we start. Dr. Alexandra Hethering is at the top of her field working for the CDC. When she discovers a possible danger to national security she hopes that the well respected security firm, Black, Inc can assist. She gets so much more than she bargained for.
Jacob Black has reinvented himself, now he's faced with the one thing he has wanted since that long ago day, Alex. And he'll do whatever is within his considerable power to protect her. But first, amends and then work towards bringing down the threat from the smallest source.

* I did get this eARC from NetGalley*

This is the story of Jacob and Alex. They were best friends when they were young but on the day her parents died he left her and never looked back. Now, Jacob is the CEO of a security office under a different last name than was Alex knew him as. Alex is a top notch scientist who has discovered a secret that might wipe out the world's population forever. They now must team up and put aside their differences to save the world.

I don't feel like the problem was resolved. Yes, they're blowing everything up but I mean the problem with Jacob and Alex. I did not feel like closure that I wanted between the two of them. It is a HEA, but I felt like his explanation needed more. I understand why he left on the day itself, but that does not explain why he did not contact her for 18 years- even though he knew her every move.
It was also very repetitive at some points. She explained the situation to the first guy, then Jacob, then the Queens and all three times the reader had to reread the problem. I understood the problem the first time, I did not need to read it 2 more times. I was also 52% into the book and I feel like nothing of importance had happened. The scenario was set up for us for half the book and the action only happened at the end of it- but honestly there was not that much action and I was hoping for more. This book was half romance half sci-fi and I feel like the two were competing for attention. It might have been better to write two separate books instead of forcing both genres into one.
I kind of mentioned this earlier in the review, but it was an insta-love scenario. Yes, they both still had feelings for each other from when they were children, but where was the pining? Where was the groveling - I would rather read that than read about how Alex thought Jacob's toe hairs were sexy.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy.

I really enjoy Lisa Marie Rice's books. They have fun bonkers tendencies. I think this reads well as a standalone - there is no need to have any of the Midnight books to enjoy it. It was clear there was a Jocab book coming. Second chances are not really my thing bu this works for me. They knew each other as kids/teens and then grew up separately. When Alex and Jacob meet again they are independent adults who have grown into strong people.

This is a fun read!

Jacob Black-whew! Talk about Tall, Dark and Dangerous!! This book will take you on a wild ride that never lets up.

Alex has loved Jacob since she was a teen, until he left her and disappeared.
Suddenly she is thrust back into his world and he will do everything he can to keep her safe and happy while trying to prevent a world ending catastrophe.

I only wish we had a little more backstory about why he stayed away and what he had to deal with.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

3.5 Stars

Imagine a world where the thrills of high-tech espionage and the chills of bioterrorism collide, creating a cocktail so potent it could wipe out millions. Now, sprinkle in a dash of old flames and unresolved childhood drama, and voila, you've got yourself a narrative that's as believable as it is tense.

Enter our protagonists, Alex and Jake—childhood buddies thicker than thieves, whose bond could weather any storm... until, on the gloomiest day of Alex's life, Jake pulls a Houdini, leaving her alone. Fast forward through the sands of time, and Alex marches into Black Inc, seeking assistance, only to bump into the ghost of heartaches past: Jacob.

As the story unfolds, it seems someone forgot to write dialogue, opting instead for a deep dive into the characters' innermost thoughts. It's like reading a diary, but without the juicy secrets. Just when you start to wonder if the action got lost in the mail, the final quarter delivers more excitement than a caffeine-fueled all-nighter.

Once Alex and Jake reunite, any semblance of the complex, intriguing characters introduced at the start is thrown out the window, replaced by love-struck teens with the depth of a kiddie pool. The dramatic shift is so sudden, you'll wonder if pages were skipped.

Despite its wanderings into the realm of insta-love and undercooked reconciliations, the novel's backbone—its thrilling plot—manages to pull it back from the brink. It's a mix of heartbreak, second chances, and a looming global threat, wrapped up in a narrative that's equal parts frustrating and fascinating. Buckle up for a story that's a rollercoaster of emotions, with a side of existential contemplation.

It's a wild ride through what could have been a compelling story, if only the characters remembered they were supposed to be adults dealing with a little more than just high school drama.

**I was given this book for my honest review by NetGalley **

Alex Hethering had one constant in her young life after the death of her parents, her friend Jake Simpson, but then he was gone. After years of study, Alex is now Dr. Alexandra Hethering, a scientist working at the CDC. She had searched over the years for Jake, but with no results. Her colleague is missing and she fears for his safety, as well as the country, if what she believes he is involved in proves to be true. She arrives at Black, Inc., a well-known security business hoping that they can help her locate him. She finds herself rerouted across the country to the main headquarters and office of the head of Black, Inc. She is shocked to recognize that Jacob Black is actually her Jake. When she explains what she fears may be involved, a strain of virus that could decimate the world, Jacob sets a plan in motion to find her missing colleague and stop whatever horror he might be unleashing. When she is abducted, will her tracker on her watch work and will he find her in time? A total rush to the thrilling end as now that he has found her, he can’t live without her! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

I can't tell you how much I have loved the Midnight Series, Men of Midnight Series and the Women of Midnight Series. They are the best in sexy romance and heart pounding suspense, and they all gave he the escape I crave from the reality of life. Now we have Jacob Black of Black, Inc., a man who can get the job done when no one else can. Be. Still. My. Heart. I can depend on Lisa Marie Rice to deliver an excellent story and a heart-rending romance and do it all in the page space some authors use for the introduction. There is not one wasted page in this book. I love that.

When Alexandra Hethering was sixteen, she experienced tragedy so profound it marked her for life. She was never the same carefree girl as she was before her parents died and Jake took a bus out of her life. Eighteen years later she is an accomplished scientist at the top of her profession, working at the CDC, but she still wonders what happened to the boy she cared for and why did he leave her on the worst day of her life.

Jacob Black owns the premier security firm in the world, Black, Inc. He has come a long way from that trailer park he left behind in Bend, Oregon. He is a decorated SEAL, and wealthy beyond his wildest dreams. But he has never forgotten the girl he was forced by circumstances to leave behind.

Jacob is notified the minute that Alex makes an appointment at Black, Inc. and he sets in motion their reunion. But it is not the happy event Jacob envisions. Alex is more than a tad put off by his sudden reappearance in her life and is not inclined to be all that forgiving of Jacob. Alex is on a mission and if anyone else could help her, she would be out the door. Her colleague has gone missing in at a critical time in their research. She needs Black, Inc. to find him and fears that his disappearance could lead to a world-wide epidemic that could kill billions of people.

The threat is real, and Jacob realizes how vital this is, but after seeing Alex again, he is not going to ever let her go. Convincing her may take some time, but Jacob is a patience man. Alex insists on being a part of this mission and Jacob only wants to keep her safe. He has no life without her.

My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

I could not put this book down! You have two teenagers who come from two totally different backgrounds, but were best friends anyway. One day everything changed and they never saw each other again. Now 18 years later you have Alex stumbling into the Black Inc. office for help with a missing colleague at the CDC. What started out as a pretty normal meeting totally shifted with one phone call. She ends up coming face to face with her past and she is experiencing all of the emotions with anger taking the forefront. Will things work out or will Alex end up like she was 18 years ago?

I've been a fan of Lisa Marie Rice since I first read Midnight Man years ago. It's one of my favorite re-reads and I loved Jacob just as much. It's always nice to hear the story behind the story and we have a whole new crew of guys to explore. Fantastic and I can't wait to read the next one!

Jake and Alex knew each other as kids, and now are reunited. He owns a powerful security company and she works for the CDC. Heading off together to stop a crazy Russian from using a bio-weapon, and going after one of her fellow scientists adds a touch of intrigue. Not to mention reuniting and a strong romance to follow. Would recommend.

✨ Publication date: April 2, 2024✨

Alexandra Hethering is a top tier scientist for the CDC and is worried about her missing colleague who hasn’t been seen or heard from in four days. She can’t be sure but she fears he may have been working with an outside organization that may be using his talents to unleash a deadly disease to the world.

Alex doesn’t trust anyone at the CDC so she engages Black Inc a well known private investigative security company to help her find out what truly happened to her colleague. As she is whisked to head quarters she comes face to face with Jacob Black.

Alex knows Jacob, but knows him as Jake Simpson….the one that got away. Eighteen years ago he left Alex in the rain and never looked back. She never stopped looking for him and now here he is.

Jacob lost eighteen years with the woman he loves and now that she’s in front of him, he vows she will never be out of his sight. After learning why she engaged his company, Jacob offers all of his resources and people to help solve her problems.

When Alex is kidnapped by the organization that has her colleague, Jacob will stop at nothing to get her back.

I liked this book, the writing was good and the plot and relationship were good too. It was a quick read with minimal spice and lots of action. I would have liked a bit more detail on their relationship before and more on their connection now. After 18 years Alex forgave him pretty quickly. I liked the CDC story but similarly would have liked some more details. This is a 3.5 star for me and I would definitely pick up the next instalment of the series.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #lisamarierice #jacob

Great read but I expected no less! I remember reading midnight man and falling in love, now Jacob has my heart! Who doesn’t love a handsome hero. He’s strong and just the man for Alex but she doesn’t know it yet!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you for allowing me to review

Years ago, sixteen year old Alexandra was at the lowest point and needed her best friend Jake. She goes looking for Jake but his father says he has left. Alex figures he’s gone to the bus station and pedals there as fast as she can. But he is already on the bus and doesn’t even turn to look at her.
Eighteen years later, Alex is one the head scientist at the CDC. One of her colleagues is missing and she turns to Black Inc. for help. When she arrives at their headquarters, she is instantly escorted to a helicopter then a plane, where she is taken to the main office.Once Alex arrives, she is shocked to see the boy she loved.
Jake now Jacob Black is a millionaire, decorated soldier, and owner of a security company. He will move heaven and earth to help Alex. A threat that could kill millions of people and Jacob will not lose Alex again. When she’s taken, Jacob will stop at nothing to get her back.
Loved this story. Second chance at love. Sex. Fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I liked it because she didn’t hold Jacob’s past mistakes against him.

* voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley *

I've been looking forward to reading Jacob's story!
To the point that I wanted to re-read all the books where he makes an appearance in order to remember all his moments.

Even if I haven't done that, this book delivered.
It felt pretty short, though it even features the pov of the villain, in true Lisa Marie Rice Fashion. Jacob and his long lost first love, Alex, were granted a second chance and their love flourished beautifully, almost obsessively and very hot. I liked the take on the bioweapon, and I always love to read how this author tackles the danger in her suspense, it is never boring, always intriguing with all the knowledge and use of tools.

For me, this book checked all the good boxes and I'll be sure to follow my plan and re-read all the past book in order to arrive again at the elusive character, most wanted, Jacob. A great read!

I received a copy of this book in order to share my view on it.

Jacob is a good read that is never boring, but it does miss the mark slightly more than occasionally. On one hand, the author impresses with what seems to be a fairly fluent take on the science of infectious disease and bioterrorism. (I say "what seems to be" only because I know all but nothing about the subject and wouldn't be able to judge otherwise.) On the other hand, the romance part—the part one would expect to be a slam dunk for an oft-published author of the genre—is hard to buy.

As is not uncommon for second-chance romance, the story begins with a prologue in the past. We're given to understand that Jake had a horrendous childhood with the time spent at Alex's house the only bright spot. But while his crappy living conditions are well described, the story behind how it got that way is never fully clear. Also, we know how he and Alex became friends, but the details are murky. They were friends, but whether they were more is unclear. And Jake leaving as he did never made sense, even when present-day Jacob explains it.

Alex is also a puzzle. For her to be the scientist and researcher that she is, she had to have been somewhat of a prodigy. And yeah, we know she went to college a year or so earlier than most. But while Jacob (in his third-person POV chapters) marvels at her brilliance again and again, I would've preferred more of it to come out in her character development.

Together, they are somehow adorable. Supposedly iron-tough and emotionless Jacob is absolute mush when it comes to Alex, but in spite of their history, it reads like instalove. It's been 18 years after all, and their undying devotion seems a little unlikely. I needed a bit more growth to understand how grown-up Jacob and Alex connect, if that makes sense.

So it sounds like I didn't like the book, but that isn't true. There was plenty to keep me reading even if I raised my eyebrow on several occasions. Would I read the next book? Yes, probably.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Jacob is about Jacob Black - billionaire owner of a security company but very secretive and never in photos. Who is he actually and where did he come from? Could someone from his past come back to open up his heart and make him find out what love is?

I absolutely loved this one. It was so much more then expected - emotional, little bit steamy, and features international travel trying to stop the reproduction of Smallpox before it's released into the public.

Highly recommended!

First read of this author for me and whilst I enjoyed the premise of the book and the characters, it didn’t really tick all my boxes.

I followed along happily enough right up till our characters were reunited then (for me personally) the story morphed from two strong characters to two love struck teenagers incapable of rational thought. Alex instantly forgave Jake/Jacob for what happened (which was so quickly glossed over it’s like it didn’t happen) and Jake/Jacob became unrecognisable by being incapable of having rational thought or decision making abilities in the presence of Alex.

The storyline was intriguing and made up for this somewhat but this was instalove on steroids with little really character interaction to warrant it for me