Black and Blue: Black Star Security

Wow!! Black and Blue is a great beginning to a new series by Cynthia Rayne. Suspenseful, great chatacters and storyline. Love the interaction between West and Annie. I’m glad that the rest of the series is already out because I’m moving right on to the next book. I’ve even gotten my sisters reading the series so it will be a race to the finish.

This is a really great book, it kept me wonder what would be happening next and if Annie would ever be able to stop the guilt that she is feeling over what happened. Then it had me wondering if Annie was going to come out of it alive, and how she was going to deal with her feelings for West.
Annie and Mike her best friend are US Marshall; they are transporting prisoners from one facility to another. Annie just finished patting down the three convicts. Ryder who was a drug addict, John Doe (they gave him that name because he wouldn’t tell them who he was) he would only rob from the rich sum bags of the world. Then there was Turner. Turner is a serial killer. He had killed 27 women by cutting them all over their bodies so that they would slowly bleed out. He was destined for death row. As she was searching Turner he kept looking at a clock and would never answer her questions. Getting frustrated Mike wanted to get on the road. A couple hours later they heard a noise coming from the back. They had no radio in the van to call for back up and they were out in the middle of nowhere. Once they had opened the back door somehow the three prisoners had freed themselves. Before leaving in a car with darkened windows that had showed up Turned shot Mike, and then shot Annie. Anne was trying to keep Mike alive but she eventually passed out herself but not before Mike made her make a promise some things for him.
Once she woke up in the hospital Mike was there as well, but he was on life support and it was just his body that was there not Mike himself. She blamed herself thinking that she should have done a cavity search on the three, and all of the “what if’s” she could have done. She was fired from the Marshall Service and couldn’t find a job in law enforcement anywhere. That didn’t bother her yet, she had three fugitives to find and bring back to justice. Working around the country supplementing her income by working in dinners she spent the rest of her time trying to track them down.
West is the owner of Black Security that he had just started up. All of the people that worked there for the most part were ex-military of Navy SEAL’s. Except for Mac short for Mackenzie worked for the FBI and there is the new hire Nox that was an Army Ranger and a very good sniper.
Sheriff Huck Wells told West about the three fugitives that were out and the reward for their capture and that one of them had been reported in the county. West had just brought in the three amateur bank robbers that tried to rob the bank that he was in. West was interested he could use the money and that is how he and some of his people were sitting in various parts of the bar waiting for Ryder to come walking in. That is when he saw Annie walk in through the front door and take a seat at the bar. He didn’t know at the time who she was. With her auburn hair and the short slink black dress putting emphasis on all of the right curves West was having a hard time keeping his eyes off of her. When Ryder can in and walked up to the bar, Annie started to chat with him, and made plans to meet Ryder in the alley so they could get together so Ryder thought. But something happened and everything got a bit messy. It was during the aftermath of this snafu that West had Annie team up with Black Security. The first two convicts were not as important to Annie to get back as it was Turner most on her mind. She felt like she already had the blood of her partner on her hands when Turner started to kill again there would be more for her to blame herself for. Will she get Turner before he gets her? Will West and Annie even have a chance at a relationship? Even though this book has some tense moments in it there is also some comedy relief in it as well. I really do recommend reading this book.

I was exceptionally impressed by this book! It’s the first in a new series I will definitely be following. It certainly ticks all the boxes for this genre: plenty of action, plenty of suspense, and a great romantic storyline. I particularly like how finely crafted the characters are, with no strange inconsistencies or annoying and overlooked holes in character. The plot was a little different to the norm, which made for a refreshing change. The romance almost took a backseat for much of the book, which I really appreciated. In a way, the romance and action sub-plots were interwoven, rather than the action driving the romantic entanglements or vice versa. The only small flaw for me was that the romantic/sex scenes fell a little flat, but that’s certainly personal preference and this is by no means jam-packed with sex, nor is the sex the point! Overall a fantastic read.

I really enjoyed this story and found that I could not put it down. I was sucked into this world of escaped fugitives and the men and women who hunted them down. Black Star Security series is full of possibilities and new adventures.

This is the story of Annie and West, by way of fugitive recovery. Annie is a strong and determined woman who has recently been through a tragedy that she feels is her fault. She believes that she is the cause of the death of her best friend/pseudo brother, and feels that guilt in everyday life. As a US Marshal she is resolute in hunting down the three escaped criminals who killed her friend.

West is a retired military man who created a Black Star Security and has been asked to track down these same escaped criminals. He as gathered some very interesting and very talented co-workers and they have set out to bring the criminals to justice. West and this team meet up with Annie and the stories adventure and romance begins. I will not give the plot away or any key points, I will just say that the story is satisfying and full of action and adventure and one that needs to be experienced.

The personal interactions as well as the professional ones in this story were a pleasure to read. I loved how the team, along with Annie worked together, supported each other, and challenged each other. It was a great balance. I loved getting a glimpse into West’s relationship with his ex-wife and child and how Annie fit into that world as well.

I loved the flow of this story and I must say I cried in chapter one! You know a story is going to be good when you are already attached to the characters after only a few pages. This is my first read by this author but will not be my last; it was a great read. I did find that this story was more of a police procedural and less of a hot and heavy romance, but the characters did get their HEA and I was happy for them.

My only qualm with this story (and I understand that it is fiction so facts can be manipulated) is that the police/US marshal procedures are not accurate. They work for the story but they are not entirely correct; so if you are a stickler for real world accuracy, this story might be in issue for you. Having stated that, what happens in this story works for this story and it was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed every minute of it. I look forward to reading more from these characters and spending more time in this world. I am excited most to read about Mac. I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review.

Black and Blue (Black Star Security- Book One) By Cynthia Rayne is the story of Jackson West and Annie Foster. Jackson West “Chief”is the head and owner of Black Star Security. He is dealing with the grief and guilt of his young son death. Ex-deputy US Marshal, Annie Foster is also dealing with grieve and guilt over the a mistake she thinks she made when routine prisoner transport goes horribly wrong. She is on the hunt for three dangerous felons who wounded her and “killed” her partner who was also her best friend. If you don’t like the use of the “F” word or explicit sex scene this is not the book for you! These are ex-navy seals the are going to drop the F-bomb. It is a powerful book of letting go of guilt, learning to forgive yourself and that it ok to move on and be happy after suffering a terrible lost. A page turner right from the start, there is danger all around and no one is safe. When danger hit way to close to home, and people Jackson loves are in danger he will stop at nothing to stop a dangerous, out of control killer. This is the first book in a brand new series. Black and White, the second book in the Black Star Security series has a release date of April 16th and is available for pre-order for only .99 pennies. This series is not to be missed. Bravo Cynthia Rayne!

This is the first book I have read from Cynthia Rayne, and I am glad I gave her a chance. I don’t like spoilers so I will try to review without giving anything away. I really enjoyed the story line as well as the characters, they leave you wanting to know more. Annie & West are both broken inside, and consumed with guilt for choices they made. When they cross paths sparks fly but not just from their tempers. The fact that Annie was written as a strong woman and not willing to submit in a man’s world was wonderful, seeing both of their alpha personalities clash kept me entertained. This story will have you laughing, crying and hot under the collar! I can’t wait to read the next book.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

The action starts almost right from the beginning. Our author is so good in creating the scene that she had me glad that I wasn’t there but sad for the people involved. I had no trouble whatsoever having the scene play out in my head. It’s the type of scene where you have to respect how far these people go for their job. The author doesn’t glorify the job but might give a little food for thought. It’s a very emotional scene, and it might be just me, but having tissue close by may not be a bad idea. Even though it was emotional, it was a scene that let me know that I’m going to love this series.

Where Annie Foster’s situation was very serious, Jackson West will give you a little chuckle. This was a scene that I could see playing out on TruTv’s Top Funniest. He may think he’s alpha but that may have been before Annie – she’s not one to back down. I did find myself making a wish that I could be a part of the background when these two were going at it – and no, not for “those” scenes. Our author also created the perfect belly laugh moment – my only hint for you is the word breakfast.

Some first books, in a series, can seem a little long but that’s because the author has to build the whole world first. This author made her world very entertaining, while at times being very serious, which left me looking forward to meeting the whole team. What was a little different about this one was instead of a well-established group; this was more of a startup. The author creates an ending that doesn’t disappoint either – I got one last laugh. And I get to look forward to next month when Black and White comes out.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and loved it so much that I purchased a copy.

This was a fantastic story. I just loved reading Annie and West’s story. I was enthralled right from the beginning. I cried at the one scene so be aware you may need tissues!!!! This was such a well-written story. The characters had such an amazing depth to them. They became like friends. The plot flowed so well that I just couldn’t put the book down. It was such a sad thing to see the words THE END!!! I look forward to the other stories in this series. The secondary characters are fantastic as well and will make for great stories.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a suspenseful romance. It was spell-binding.

Jackson West a former Navy Seal is starting a new chapter in his life. After his son died, West decided to become the parent his daughter needs and deserves. He vows to become the best dad he can be. He has left his life in the military behind and has formed a new Security company with the best of the best with his former military buddies.

While transporting three dangerous felons, Deputy U.S. Marshall Annie Foster accidently gets her partner, Mike killed. Now these men are roaming the Kentucky countryside and Annie feels responsible. All she can think about is re-capturing these dangerous men. When she and West end up on the same stakeout for prisoner #1, West decides to add Annie to his team in order to go after these bad men. What Annie and West don’t count on is the explosive chemistry between the two of them.

This is my first read by this author and I am hooked! The storyline is engaging and action packed. I read this book in one sitting and it was over 500 pages long. There is edge of your seat action, hot alpha men and the plot is fast paced. The love scenes are sizzling off the charts with some sweet moments and humor as well. There is an explosive climax with the bad guys and a happy ever after. I cannot wait for the next story in this series and I’m excited to have found this author.

BLACK AND BLUE… the analogy between story and title is brilliant. We are dealt awful blows in life, that leave us battered and bruised. Shaken to the depths of our soul, simply surviving. While life seems like an empty existence, an inner fortitude drives us to rectify the guilt that haunts and consumes, so we find a semblance of peace. It doesn’t matter what lengths you go to, to make things right – sometimes the guilt never disappears. It just seems to manifest.

Crime comes in all manner of packages – Petty and self- destructive. Some you are left wondering “What on Earth?” and some downright depraved evilness. It’s those criminal stories that shape their lives – in turn has major ramifications for those that cross their paths.

Can someone who has experienced pain and guilt be the one to show you there can be more if you allow yourself to heal? Jackson and Annie take you on their journey. Sometimes it won’t be pretty but it’s without doubt… real.

Mix of Kentucky, bluegrass dialect (so cool!!), ex-Navy SEAL/SF military banter, downright sexy scenes, hilarious humour- these boys are wicked fun! Yet… this author has blended it together beautifully into a life that is too real, full of hurt, anger, despair.

Cynthia delivers a beautifully paced story. Angsty drama, suspenseful action, a unfolding romance that simmers and burns, add intrigue along with some twists to come in this page-turning book – BLACK AND BLUE – BLACK STAR SECURITY Bk 1.

A well written story, highly recommended for those that love a military/security style romance. You’ll also meet the team members of Black Star – holy hotness they are serious when the job needs their full focus and attention but give them down time and all bets are off. It was crazy hilarious banter amongst the serious tones through the book. Not only are they a team, they are family and will have your back no matter what. You also get a sneak peek into the next story involving King. You will want to invest and immerse yourself into this series. I am looking forward to when a certain character in the book gets his story… There is more than meets the eye!!