An action-packed, exciting, and steamy romantic adventure across Italy.
_____
Atticus “Buck” Swanson is a CIA black ops agent tasked with bringing back civilian interpreter Zaire Nichols after she overhears a terrorist plot. But nothing goes according to plan and the unlikely pair goes on the run, not knowing who is on their side and who is out to kill them.

I read Hunted Through Italy in one sitting - could not put it down. The hyper-fast pace kept the pages flying. Also, there were many well-placed moments of downtime that allowed the relationship between the main characters to grow and breathe.

Buck and Zaire have believable chemistry that isn’t love at first sight, but it is realistic attraction that grows into a super hot connection and then love. I appreciated the choice to include both main characters second guessing their attraction as perhaps a result of trauma bonding. A lot of high intensity Romantic Suspense stories skip over that and don’t give the characters space when they return to their real lives before putting them together. We then see Buck and Zaire work through those concerns before the HEA and it made the ending feel solid and right for two very smart but cautious people.
———
Harlequin Romantic Suspense (June 2025)
Series: Not sure. Seems there may be more books to come from possible secondary characters

LEO: MMC is CIA. Yes, there are discussions of corruption and abuse of power, but on the antagonist side.

Setting: Rome, Italy, Italian countryside, Austria, Atlanta

BIPOC Characters: Yes, FMC is a woman of color.

Steam/Spice Level: Open door, in the bed, hot and steamy scene that qualifies as a Danger Bang! so bonus points all around for intimacy positivity and heat

POV: dual POV, third person, past tense

Standalone or Series: Standalone. May be a series starter
_____
Thank you Harlequin for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected publication date: May 27th, 2025

After overhearing two men planning an embassy bombing, interpreter Zaire Nichols contacts the American authorities in Rome. And that’s how she ends up being accused of murder. CIA black ops agent Atticus “Buck” Swanson is her escort back to the United States. When well-trained assassins try to silence her forever, Zaire and Buck set off on a race across Italy, trying to stay one step ahead of their deadly pursuers. They have to survive if they’re going to prevent a deadly terrorist attack—and have a chance to explore the attraction they feel for each other! Great book! I always think harlequin is going to be over the top romance?! But this book definitely got the heart pumping! It had great suspense, mystery, murder, great shoot outs, great chases, intriguing, action packed, and some shocking twists! The story was very interesting! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Hunted Through Italy is a gripping thriller that seamlessly blends suspense, action, and emotional depth. The novel follows Zaire, an introverted interpreter in Rome, who inadvertently becomes entangled in a high-stakes conspiracy after overhearing two men discussing the bombing of American Embassies and future plans for more mayhem. Her attempt to do the right thing by reporting the information to the American Embassy in Rome spirals into a nightmare when she is accused of murder and detained. From the moment Zaire seeks refuge at the American Embassy, unsure if she'll be believed or branded a criminal, the narrative grips you with its relentless pace and escalating tension. Enter Buck Swanson, a dedicated CIA agent tasked with escorting her back to the United States. However, their journey quickly turns into a desperate race for survival as they are relentlessly pursued by elite assassins intent on silencing Zaire before she can reveal information about what she overheard.

The novel’s pacing is relentless, with each chapter escalating the tension and urgency of Zaire and Buck’s predicament. Their escape across Italy is marked by thrilling chases, near-misses, and pulse-pounding action sequences that keep readers engaged. Beyond the excitement, the story also weaves in a compelling emotional journey as Zaire and Buck navigate trust, fear, and an unexpected connection that develops amidst the chaos.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its character development. Zaire is a refreshingly nuanced protagonist—vulnerable yet resilient, intelligent yet thrown into circumstances far beyond her control. Buck, the steadfast and skilled agent, complements her perfectly, creating a dynamic duo that readers will find themselves invested in. The supporting cast also enhances the narrative, adding layers of intrigue and complexity that round out the story.

The prose is engaging, vivid, and well-crafted, immersing the reader in the high-stakes tension of the chase. Each scene is carefully constructed to build suspense, making it difficult to put the book down. The blend of action, mystery, and emotional depth ensures that Hunted Through Italy is not just a thriller but a memorable reading experience. For fans of fast-paced thrillers with well-drawn characters and a gripping plot, Hunted Through Italy is a must-read. It delivers from start to finish. Solid 4 1/2 stars!