Release Day Review: Against the Edge by Kat Martin

Against the Edge
by Kat Martin
Series: Raines of Wind Canyon #8
Publisher: Harlequin- Mira 
Publication date: April 30, 2013
Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
ARC received in exchange for unbiased review
*purchase through buy links supports this blog

 A child he's never met. A danger he's never known.  Deep in the humid, rank heart of the Louisiana bayou, a survivalist group has something that belongs to former navy SEAL Ben Slocum: his son.  That he's a father is news Ben Slocum was not expecting. But once the initial shock wears off for the confirmed bachelor, he takes in the rest of what social worker Claire Chastain tells him: that Sam is in the custody of an abusive degenerate, that they've disappeared...and that Ben is now the child's only hope.  As Ben and Claire band together to track the two down, their concern for the boy draws them closer, each fighting feelings there's no time to explore. Because when their search takes them too close to Sam's abductor and his cohorts, the danger hits home-the son he's desperate to save, the woman he's desperate to love... Ben's got one chance to take back what's his, and in one gunshot he could lose it all.

Each book in the Raines of Wind Canyon features an ex-military alpha-male who is perfect in every way but slightly flawed in the commitment department. They work in security or as private investigators and ultimately fall for a strong, independent woman. Kat Martin dishes up great suspense virtually guaranteeing me an engaging read with swoon worthy characters. She mixes in some romance, a little heat and a few giggles. She raised the bar with Against the Edge,  this was intense, sweet and kept me on edge. I literally consumed this as I slipped into the world she created and I was thoroughly entertained.  

Ben Slocum is a former navy SEAL, lives in Houston and works with his former buddies at a security firm. When he returns home from his friend’s wedding he is surprised to find a pretty woman standing on his porch and so not in the mood to deal with whatever it is. He wants a shower and coffee, lots of coffee. Claire Chastain is a social worker from LA and she takes one look at Ben in his wrinkled tux, smelling of woman’s perfume and things she knows exactly who Ben Slocum is. Over a cup of coffee Ben’s life is about to change and in a big way. He learns his ex-fiancé Laura has passed away and he is father to a nine year old boy named Sam. As if this isn’t enough to absorb, his son is missing and Claire believes he was kidnapped by Laura’s ex’s boyfriend. The tale that unfolds is suspenseful and has Ben and Claire crossing state lines to find his son and maybe a little something more.

I adored Ben with his piercing blue eyes and smexy dark features. His former navy buddies nicknamed him the “Icepick” and I found it quite fitting. He is this sweet combination of naughty and nice that was just delicious. He totally has commitment issues, but can he own it? Heck no, instead he does one nighters and then claims he likes it that way. Men! Claire made a promise to take care of her friend’s son and she is determined to find him. She is smart, witty and is not afraid to admit she is wrong. The woman in Martin's books are strong, independent and never needy which I really appreciate. Beloved characters and couples from the security firm make an appearance in this book and it was nice getting updates. I love all the wives and how they look out for couple. I found them to be delightfully meddlesome. There were many conversations that made me laugh between Ben and Claire and the other characters as well. Martin makes the entire cast of characters feel unique from who they are and how they act.  I'd love to have friends who had my back like this group. We meet Ty Brodie the hero in our next book and he was smexy, smart and brave. Sam was adorable with his dog, and of course he stole my heart. The villains and other characters were memorable and added to the overall suspense. 

The hunt to find Sam was action packed, with plenty of twists to keep me entertained. Martin takes us from Houston, to LA to Louisiana and I enjoyed the chase. The investigation and the way this couple interacted had me completely engaged. As connections and clues unfolded the relationship began to develop and it felt natural. Claire and Ben had this chemistry from the start and I loved the slow build, the fall back and the steamy scenes. We see growth in both characters and I just loved when Ben finally got the big picture. I was fascinated with the criminals and extremist they encountered. I am not sure if it was the interaction between the couple or the chase to find Ben’s son but I completely slipped into this book and before I knew it I was over half done and could not put it down.   

Fans of romantic suspense and swoon-worthy heroes will enjoy Against the Edge. Fans of Lori Foster and her Love Uncover Series, will find Martin’s series delightful. Against the Mark the next book in the Raines of Wind Canyon will be released August 27, 2013. This series is an auto-buy for me and I cannot wait.

Four and half cups of Mocha coffee out of five

Review: Against the Odds by Kat Martin

Against the Odds
by Kat Martin
Series: Raines of Wind Canyon #7
Publisher: Harlequin 
Publication date: December 18, 2012
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Purchase*:Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
*purchase through buy links supports this blog

"Mr. Justice! Mr. Justice, can you give us a moment of your time?"Sabrina Eckhart stared at the news broadcast on KTRK-TV. She had watched the segment run on an earlier edition, but found herself watching it again. The reporter, a small man with dark hair and a determined expression, hurried to keep up with Alex Justice's long strides as he walked out of the downtown Houston Police Department building. "Mr. Justice!" At the sight of several TV cameras, Alex's steps reluctantly slowed. "Everyone in the city is grateful for what you did," the reporter said. "People are calling you a hero. What do you think about that?" The man thrust a microphone into Alex's handsome face. Six two, dark blond hair and blue eyes, always dressed as if he'd just stepped out of a GQ magazine, Alex Justice was an amazing-looking man. "I'm a private investigator," Alex said. "I did what I was paid to do—find evidence that would identify the killer of a ten-year-old girl. I was lucky enough to make that happen. There's nothing heroic about it." "It's been said you'll do anything to catch your man. Is that true?" Alex just kept walking. There wasn't a glimpse of the deep dimples bracketing his mouth that Rina remembered so well. She hadn't seen him in more than six months, not since the day her best friend, Sage Du-mont, married Jake Cantrell, one of Alex's best friends.

Kat Martin always entertains me with her ex-military alpha males and the woman who finally win their playboy hearts. Against the Odds is the seventh book from the Raines of Wind Canyon series but don’t let that scare you as each works as a standalone. In this novel we get smexy Alex Justice story and a side story regarding his sister and a totally lovable carpenter. Filled with action, suspense and a hot sizzling romance with just enough heat I quickly consumed this.

Alex works with his former military buddies at a security firm in Houston, and he has just collected DNA evidence that leads to the arrest of a child killer. He met hot little redhead Sabrina Eckhart at his best friend’s wedding and while there were sparks she clearly didn’t like him, so he is surprised and intrigued when she hires him to help her explore a mine she inherited from her Uncle Walter. As a former navy pilot he flies them down in his plane to West Texas and then rents a helicopter to explore the 3,000 acres. When the helicopter malfunctions things get a little heated, as events begin to occur leading him to believe that someone wants Sabrina dead. The tale that unfolds has two suspenseful threads with romances that kept me turning the pages.

Martin has a knack for creating characters that I end up rooting for. They are flawed noble and completely swoon-worthy. Alex Justice with his six-foot frame and piercing blue eyes is no exception. Despite his playboy ways, women from his past respect him and that says a lot. He is dedicated to his work and loyal to his friends and I loved how Sabrina got under his skin. Sabrina had a lucrative career in the stock marketing until the economy took a dump and now finds her net assets depleted so the prospect of a mine excites her. She finds Alex smexy and intriguing but doesn't see them going anywhere. The more she learns about him the deeper she falls. I actually liked her, and despite her need to be in the middle of it all she was pretty leveled headed. The suspects, old characters and Alex’s sister added humor, suspense and romance to the tale.

The world building and weaving of the two storylines was solid, intense and captivated me. Sabrina’s inheritance and the threats against her and others made for intense moments and action packed scenes as it thrust the couple together. The second tale regarding the child killer added an extra layer of suspense that had me flipping the pages searching for a happy ending.  Sabrina felt genuine and as the reader it was obvious to us how Alex was feeling but watching him figure it all out was fun and honestly I only wanted to bop him on the head a few times. I loved the banter, the tender moments and of course the heat. Martin gives you just enough heat to let your imagination soar and it’s one of the things I like about her romances as the suspense is front and center.

Against the Odds was a wonderful romantic suspense and a lovely addition to the Raines of Wind Canyon series. Tomorrow on the blog I will be sharing my thoughts on Against the Edge book eight.

Four cups of chocolate mocha coffee out of five

Against the Sun by Kat Martin

Against the Sun
by Kat Martin
Series: Raines of Wind Canyon #6
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Publication date: May 29, 2012
Genre: Adult Romance/Suspense
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository


* warning contains sexual content.

Millions of lives are on the line. But for him, only one truly matters. It's not in bodyguard Jake Cantrell's job description to share his suspicions with his assignments. Beautiful executive Sage Dumont may be in charge, but Jake's not on her payroll. As a former special forces marine, Jake trusts his gut, and it's telling him there's something off about a shipment arriving at Marine Drilling International. His instinct is aroused...in more ways than one. A savvy businesswoman, Sage knows better than to take some hired gun's "hunch" as gospel. And yet she is learning not to underestimate the man her grandfather hired to protect her. Determined to prove Jake wrong, Sage does some digging of her own and turns up deadly details she was never meant to see. Drawn into a terrifying web of lies and deceit-and into feelings they can't afford to explore-what Jake and Sage uncover may be frighteningly worse than they ever imagined.(synopsis from Goodreads)

Against the Sun is the sixth novel in the Raines of Wind Canyon series by Kat Martin. These are romantic suspense novels which deal with ex-military men and the woman who capture their hearts. Each is designed to be read as a standalone. As always this reader prefers to read them in order. I like to get a sense of all the players and enjoy knowing the back-history. Against the Sun held my attention from page one and I was swept away. 

In this novel we finally get Jack Cantrell’s story. He is a former special force marine who now works security jobs all over the world. He loves the ladies and respects them, but has no intention of settling down. Recently he has been doing work for his buddy’s security business in Houston. The tale begins with him arriving at the offices of Marine Drilling International. He has been asked to act as bodyguard for Sage Elizabeth Durmont as she entertains a Saudi sheik and his family. She is negotiating a multi-million dollar deal to buy a used oil drill platform and piping. She needs to understand customs, and be protected from those who oppose the deal. Sage doesn’t think she needs Jack’s help, but her grandfather insists.  She plans on letting this sexy jar-head know exactly who the boss is. Jack is not happy with having to deal with the breathtakingly beautiful and privileged executive. He figures she is a spoiled brat, who got her position due to birth. The tale that unfolds is filled with sexual tension and action packed drama, as threats are made against Sage and the sheik. 

Martin provides well fleshed out characters who make the tale feel genuine. Sage at times got on my nerves. Her wavering on decisions in her personal life made me crazy. I know she is a careful planner, but as a top executive in a cut throat business, I expected her to make decisions and stick with them. I did love the way she did what was morally right, even at the cost of business. Jake is complicated, and always in motion.  He has a strong moral compass and despite some Neanderthal tendencies is completely swoon-worthy. They are both convinced that what they have is a fling and that it could never work. Watching the two of them discover that with love all things are possible, was fantastic! Other characters including the Sheik’s family helped round out the tale and make the drama compelling.

The story line is fast paced, and there are many different components. All of which kept me delightful engaged. There is the business deal and a fiance' to deal with. The sheik's daughter is delightful and I loved her story line. The son is dark and his tale is filled with danger. The attacks occurring could be related to the deal or a personal attack against Sage. Watching Jack and his team piece together the clue and save the day was an awesome ride. Martin has an amazing ability to weave different plot threads together creating suspense and mystery. She has created a group of male characters that woman cannot help but fall in love with. I adore that she pairs them with strong, capable woman. 

I recommend Against the Sun and the Raines of Canyon series to fans of romantic suspense and swoon-worthy men. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Kat Martin writes romances novels in all genres from paranormal to historical. I have read quite a few and enjoyed them, so be sure and check them out.

I want to thanks Harlequin and netGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novel 4 coffee cups out of 5.

Kat Martin 

Website

How do you like your romance delivered?

With a side of suspense, mystery, straight up or wrapped in paranormal? 

Or are you like me..and prefer the buffet? 

Against the Night (The Raines of Wind Canyon #5) by Kat Martin

She's got the face of an angel and the body of …well, isn't that what he'd expect from an exotic dancer? But there's something about this girl that Johnnie Riggs can't shake. The former army ranger is hot on the trail of an elusive drug lord—and suddenly very hot under the collar, as well.

Amy's got her own agenda to pursue: her sister is missing and Amy seems to be the only one who cares. She'll enlist Johnnie's help and do her best to ignore her growing attraction to finally get some answers. But when the two trails begin to converge and reveal something even more sinister than they imagined, their mutual desire is the least of their problems. They'll bring the truth to light…or die trying.(synopsis from Barnes and Noble)

Against the Night is the fifth novel in the Raines of Wind Canyon series by Kat Martin. The series began by telling each brother’s story and now we are learning about their close friend retired Army Ranger, Johnnie Riggs.  Martin delivers suspenseful contemporary romances with strong, noble men and the woman who fall for them.  

Johnnie Riggs is a bounty hunter, PI and recovery expert. With the exception of his close friends and ex-ranger buddies, Johnnie is a loner. Convinced he isn’t relationship material, he doesn’t get close to anyone.  On a case to return a pedophile that has skipped bail, he stakes out an exotic dance bar. While scanning the crowd, he can’t help but notice Amy. Posing as Angel an exotic dancer; Amy is a pretty, petite blonde, who looks out of place.  Amy notices the tough ex-ranger and his rock hard abs. He complete unnerves her and yet she is drawn to him.  Soon, Riggs is a regular at the club and the more he gets to know Amy, the more he is convinced that something is off. His instincts are right; Amy is posing as an exotic dancer to investigate the disappearance of her sister and will do anything to find her.

 

Martin masterfully, weaves a suspenseful tale that quickly had me turning the pages, as Johnnie and Amy work together to find her missing sister. The search presents, a lot of danger, speed and action. Filled with drug cartel, creeps, and corruption it kept me on my toes. The chemistry between Johnnie and Amy was sizzling hot, sweet, and frustrating.  Both characters are independent and stubborn. I quickly felt a connection to them.  It was obvious to me and everyone around them that these too belonged together and watching them figure it out was delightfully intense.

Against the Night is the perfect read for fans of contemporary romance and suspense. While part of a series it can be read as a standalone. Kat Martin has over fifty-nine published works and has been on the NY Times Bestsellers list.  Against the Night is expected to be published on February 28, 2012 and will be available in both paper and eBook format.

I want to thank netGalley and Harlequin publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this book 4 coffee cups out of 5.

                                                        Kimba   

Author's website:Kat Martin

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Against the Storm (The Raines of Wind Canyon #4) by Kat Martin

Redheads like her are nothing but trouble. But Trace Rawlins, a former army-ranger-turned-private-investigator, takes the case anyway. After all, he knows how to deal with women.  Trace can sense that something’s wrong—Maggie O’Connell isn’t telling him everything. If these menacing calls and messages are real, why won’t the police help her? And if they aren’t real, what is she hiding?  As Trace digs deeper to find the source of Maggie’s threats, he discovers a secret that no one was meant to uncover. And the only puzzle left to be solved is whether the danger comes from an unknown stalker…or from the woman he’s trying his hardest not to fall for. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

Against the Storm is the fourth installment in the Raines of Wild Canyon series by Kat Martin.  Fear not, each book can be read as a standalone.  In each tale Martin gives us a suspenseful situation, a female in distress and a sexy cowboy to help save the day. 

Maggie O’Connell is a strong, successful photographer.  Recently, she has been finding little notes on her car and they are beginning to scare her   Encouraged by her friend she goes to the police.  A youthful mistake makes the police department believe that Maggie is simply crying wolf.  When she sees private investigator Trace Rawlins working another case, she realizes he might be able to help her.

When Maggie walks into Trace’s firm asking for help against a stalker, Trace takes one look at this redheaded beauty, and is ready to run.  Everybody knows Trace has a thing for redheads.  Two years ago he divorced one, and he still hasn’t recovered from her lying, cheating ways.  Despite his personal  concerns, his instincts tell him this is a serious threat to Maggie.

What follows is a suspenseful, wildly romantic story, which will have you flipping the pages to reach the outcome.  Martin is very good at delivering a suspenseful mystery interlaced with the right amount of romance.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series entitled, Against the Night.

I recommend Against the Storm  to anyone who enjoys suspenseful mysteries and spicy romances. It is a quick, easy, delightful read.

I gave this book 4 coffee cups out of 5.

Buy here: B&N or here: Amazon

Author's website: Kat Martin