Mini-Review: Sinful Seduction

Sinful Seduction (Red Stone Security #8)

by Katie Reus

Blurb:

He'll do anything to protect her....

Former Marine and newest Red Stone Security employee Alexander Blue is still adjusting to the civilian world after a decade spent at war, but when he sees someone in danger, nothing can take away that intrinsic need to protect. After stopping a would-be mugger, Blue finds himself being bandaged up by a sensual local artist in her Key West condo. He never expected to stay the night, even if it is on her couch. The mysterious Mina gets under his skin in a way he never thought possible. When it becomes clear that her mugging wasn’t random and she’s being targeted by deadly men, Blue has no problem stepping into the role of protector.

But she doesn't want to be saved

Tired of being coddled and treated like a child, Mina has tried to distance herself from her family. When danger finds her, she’s forced to turn to the sexy stranger who she feels a strong, unexpected connection with. In him she sees glimmers of herself; a little broken, withdrawn and wary of the world. Soon she learns that the biggest threat might not be from the men trying to kidnap her, but from the quiet warrior who poses an immediate risk to her heart.

Themes: contemporary, mercenary 

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

 The hot steamy fun continues in this newest edition to the Red Stone Security series.  I love this series and have for a while and am thrilled it didn’t end when the spin-off Seraphina series began. The characters in this series are always interesting, sexy, smart and full of heart. Though we haven’t known Alexander Blue for very long, his personality pulls you in from the beginning and you immediately know you want to learn so much more about him.  Being a follower of the series I can say that you will enjoy this book whether or not you’ve read others in the series, but you are missing out on greatness if you don’t go back to number one and try them all.

When Alexander Blue finds himself at loose ends between missions, he never imagined he’d run into a dangerous conspiracy that would require all his exceptional skill to keep himself and the sexy Mina safe. Rescuing her from muggers, there is an immediate connection and he finds himself reluctant to leave her once he gets her safely home, and surprisingly she is just as reluctant to let him go.  Deciding that their attraction is worth investigating, they soon find themselves irresistibly drawn together and when it becomes apparent that she is in continued danger, Blue will do everything in his power to keep her safe, while keeping her with him.  Mina likewise is willing to give up some of her hard won independence to keep them both safe, but will she give up more to have a future with Blue?

Overall the story was intriguing, the romance was quick but well written, the love that develops was believable and I can honestly say this is one I will be reading again.  Mina is the type of woman I could see being my friend, even though she’s disgustingly beautiful.  She’s sweet, down to earth, uncompromising, and passionate about what she wants outs of life.  She uses her head as well as her heart to lead her life and help her make the best decisions for her life.  Blue is an obviously wounded warrior, one that has lost a lot of his faith in men, but refuses to give up on keeping the darkness from overtaking his life and putting those he cares about in danger.  I loved watching him in action when he protected them from or attacked the bad guys.  I even liked seeing him a bit uncertain in the beginning of his relationship with Mina, making him seem more human and less superhero.  The danger they had to deal with was not as intriguing as some in previous stories, and was sad to say a bit forgettable, but I felt the attacks and battles were there to bring them together more than anything, so they did their job. I was thrilled with this novella and I am looking forward to even more in this series, though the length continues to frustrate me because I just want so much more at a time.  A great series that continues to keep my interest and bring me back again and again.  Great work Katie.

*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.