Time is running out and the enemy is at the gate. Adam Hicks may be the rookie at Safeguard, but he’s no novice in the field. Retired from active duty after multiple tours and back fresh from a brief rest in New Zealand, he’s itching to return to action. But the challenge he hoped for arrives in an unexpected form: his sexy yet stern new partner. The last thing Victoria Ash wants is to work … Victoria Ash wants is to work with the new guy–especially one as gorgeous as Adam. His relaxed attitude about their first “easy” assignment together–setting up a private home defense network for a reclusive client–doesn’t impress her. Easy usually means trouble. She’s proved right when Adam discovers that the multiple incursions on the physical and cyber security systems aren’t just glitches. They’re under attack…and there’s a traitor in their midst.
As tension mounts, so does the attraction between Victoria and Adam. They must protect their client and the research he’s desperately trying to keep secret. Working together, they have to find the mole before their defense measures, in the fortress and online, are compromised and the deadly secrets they’ve sworn to protect are revealed.
Book three of the Safeguard series
This book is approximately 70,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
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3.75 stars–CONTRACTED DEFENSE is the third installment in Piper Drake’s contemporary, adult SAFEGUARD romantic, suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for the SAFEGUARD Division of the Centurion Corporation-military veterans turned mercenaries for hire who specialize in protection and security. This is Safeguard agent Victoria Ash, and former US solider Adam Hicks’ story line. CONTRACTED DEFENSE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I would recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise and threat throughout.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Victoria and Adam) CONTRACTED DEFENSE focuses on the Safeguard’s latest assignment-a well to do businessman whose need for protection appears unwarranted. With a well-trained security team already in place, Safeguard sends in Victoria Ash, and newcomer Adam Hicks- Victoria’s one-night stand from the night before, and the man with whom Victoria will fall in love. As Victoria and Adam struggle to ensure their latest contract duties are met, secrets behind the walls of the beautiful estate place our leading couple in a perilous situation. What ensues is the building romance between Victoria and Adam, and the potential fall-out as Safeguard Security falls victim to a former adversary.
The relationship between Victoria and Adam is one of immediate attraction. When Victoria is partnered with her anonymous one-night stand she is reluctant to further explore the attraction between them. Adam is willing to give their relationship a try but Victoria is fresh off a divorce, and the resulting aftermath has hardened her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Gabriel Diaz and his fiancée Maylin Chen (Hidden Impact #1) , sniper Lizzy Scott (Deadly Testimony #2) : billionaire businessman Roland Edwards; Roland’s in house security team- Dante, Ray, Brian and Jay- a man who struggles with Adam’s presence on his latest assignment.
CONTRACTED DEFENSE continues to focus on the negative rumors circulating throughout the security industry-rumors that are directly affecting Safeguard’s contracts and their bottom line. Their battle with Phoenix Biotech does not appear to be over although their relationship with Seattle law enforcement and the US Marshals office should have garnered most positive coverage.
CONTRACTED DEFENSE is a story of suspense, intrigue, romance and love. The premise is energetic and exciting although the guilty party is easily deduced; the characters are spirited and dynamic; the romance is intimate and intense.
CONTRACTED DEFENSE is a sexy, passionate and dramatic story line that will captivate your attention from the very start.
Contracted Defense by Piper J. Drake
Safeguard #3
Victoria Ash has seniority at Safeguard. She is at an event, takes a break in a nearby bar, sees a handsome man handling some men trashing Safeguard and joins in the brouhaha. Then, a one night tryst that was fun and fulfilling for Victoria and Adam Hicks only to find that Adam is a new Safeguard hire AND her new partner. The two have to secure a home, protect a man and work as professionals while dealing with the chemistry between them. There are some secrets that unfold, a traitor in their midst, the enemy is one they have fought before and an eventual successful conclusion to the case and their relationship.
I found this book to be an easy read with an okay story. I did not see what Adam saw in Victoria and I thought the actual suspense portion rather un-suspenseful. For me it was a middle of the road story that did not wow me with the H/h combination or the actual plot. I think I liked the dog and his owner best from the entire story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars