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claudia_is_reading's review
1.0
This is a compend of all that I don't like in a story: absurdly cliché dialogue, cartoonish characters, and instalove in its worst expression.
Also, revenge is not justice, and a bloody knife is not a romantic gift. Just saying...
I should stop listening to audiobooks because I like the narrator and begin to pay closer attention to the author. Had I done that, I would have seen that the only book by Josh Lanyon I ever left unfinished was the one that was co-authored with this writer. Live and learn *laughs*
Also, revenge is not justice, and a bloody knife is not a romantic gift. Just saying...
I should stop listening to audiobooks because I like the narrator and begin to pay closer attention to the author. Had I done that, I would have seen that the only book by Josh Lanyon I ever left unfinished was the one that was co-authored with this writer. Live and learn *laughs*
the_novel_approach's review
5.0
Reese Holt is ex-special ops and the owner of Overlap Security Services, Inc. He takes on D3 assignments—dirty, dark and dangerous—around the globe, even jobs the US government won’t take on because they are borderline illegal. His clients are high-profile and the jobs high-risk, and his company has nothing but the best in the way of ex-military personnel. Reese is also a loner; he can’t take a chance on a relationship because the danger is too high, and he just never knows if the next mission will be the last. There are two rules he goes by: 1) He’s nobody’s white knight, and 2) never let it get personal. On a mission to retrieve a black box, five miles off the coast of New Jersey, Reese finds himself in a dilemma when he comes face to face with a pair of blue-eyes.
Alex Throne isn’t what Reese thinks he is. Alex isn’t the spoiled rich kid at all. Even though his father is owner of Throne Industries, Alex doesn’t want the responsibility of corporate raiding and all the business that comes with it. He has a special affinity for numbers that he has kept secret. He chose to be an accountant, and handles some charities for Throne Industries. As Reese and Alex get to know one another, it opens a door on how talented, caring and brave Alex really is. While under Reese’s protection, Alex is kidnapped by the crazed Pablo Cali, sending Reese and his team into the jungles of Columbia to rescue Alex and his sister.
MLR promoted The Dark Side for months, and I couldn’t wait for it to come out. It was definitely worth the wait—Laura Baumbach never fails to entertain. This is a fast paced and power packed story full of action, suspense, and heartbreak. It’s loaded with emotion and really great characters. Max Avery, Ryan East, Mark Banner, and Chris Wells are all a part of Reese’s dynamic team, but he has a special relationship with Max. Max is more than a best friend to Reese.
Reese and Alex are going to be a couple to watch out for, and Alex was just amazing. This was an absolute page turner for me, and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Baumbach does with the Reese Holt series next.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
Alex Throne isn’t what Reese thinks he is. Alex isn’t the spoiled rich kid at all. Even though his father is owner of Throne Industries, Alex doesn’t want the responsibility of corporate raiding and all the business that comes with it. He has a special affinity for numbers that he has kept secret. He chose to be an accountant, and handles some charities for Throne Industries. As Reese and Alex get to know one another, it opens a door on how talented, caring and brave Alex really is. While under Reese’s protection, Alex is kidnapped by the crazed Pablo Cali, sending Reese and his team into the jungles of Columbia to rescue Alex and his sister.
MLR promoted The Dark Side for months, and I couldn’t wait for it to come out. It was definitely worth the wait—Laura Baumbach never fails to entertain. This is a fast paced and power packed story full of action, suspense, and heartbreak. It’s loaded with emotion and really great characters. Max Avery, Ryan East, Mark Banner, and Chris Wells are all a part of Reese’s dynamic team, but he has a special relationship with Max. Max is more than a best friend to Reese.
Reese and Alex are going to be a couple to watch out for, and Alex was just amazing. This was an absolute page turner for me, and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Baumbach does with the Reese Holt series next.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
ld2's review
3.0
Reese Holt is an ex-everything from CIA to Special Ops, and now manages a mercenary/security firm that works all kind of James Bond-esque missions. The book opens with Reese working job that takes him out to sea, where, quite literally, Alex Throne drops right in front of him in the middle of the water. From there, Reese and Alex’s lives are intertwined, and Reese finds a new mission in life: protecting Alex Throne. The plot is fast paced with a lot of action and some heart wrenching moments. There’s violence, grief, and implied sexual assault, but the relationship between Reese and Alex is loving and gets its happy ever after.
Joel Leslie is a phenomenal narrator and does a wonderful job bringing the book to life. I love the different voices he uses and the amount of emotion he brought to his performance.
Overall this book was a 3 star rating for me. The writing was solid, but the plot had a lot happening with not enough build up for my taste. I never fully felt like I connected with the characters, and that may be because this book was supposed to be the first in a series (unfortunately, I don’t think anymore books was written in the series) and it felt like an introduction to the characters. The book does well as standalone, and I still enjoyed the story overall.
Joel Leslie is a phenomenal narrator and does a wonderful job bringing the book to life. I love the different voices he uses and the amount of emotion he brought to his performance.
Overall this book was a 3 star rating for me. The writing was solid, but the plot had a lot happening with not enough build up for my taste. I never fully felt like I connected with the characters, and that may be because this book was supposed to be the first in a series (unfortunately, I don’t think anymore books was written in the series) and it felt like an introduction to the characters. The book does well as standalone, and I still enjoyed the story overall.
georgiewhoissarahdrew's review
2.0
I want you to imagine you (mid-30s M) are in the middle of a Top Secret mission, you're in the middle of the Atlantic, 40 feet under the surface in full diving gear. You're just a bit on edge. Suddenly, a body plummets from the surface above right where you are. It's bound, hand and foot. You catch it; it's a man, he's bleeding but still alive, though clearly not for much longer. Now - this is the tricky bit - do you:-
A - make as rapidly as possible for the surface?
B - give the man air, as you head rapidly for the surface?
C - notice how wavy his hair is, how blue his eyes, and ruminate for a moment on the quirk of fate that has sent him here into your arms?
Any (C) readers will enjoy this book.
A - make as rapidly as possible for the surface?
B - give the man air, as you head rapidly for the surface?
C - notice how wavy his hair is, how blue his eyes, and ruminate for a moment on the quirk of fate that has sent him here into your arms?
Any (C) readers will enjoy this book.
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