Opposites attract in the third Ace Security novel from New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker.Bailey Hampton will do whatever it takes to keep both herself and her little brother safe from the vicious Inca Boyz gang. Hiding out in Castle Rock, Colorado, is only a temporary solution until she can earn enough money to get out of the state altogether. But when she meets handsome security … meets handsome security nerd Nathan Anderson, she discovers a reason to stay and fight for what she wants.
Ace Security’s Nathan Anderson has always been the “numbers guy,” not the man any of the firm’s clients look to when their safety is threatened. But from the first time he ran into Bailey, she never made him feel like less of a protector than his brothers. Nathan was attracted to the petite, black-haired pixie with wild tattoos from the start, and by some miracle, she seems to return his interest.
But danger stalks Bailey and her brother, so it’s up to Nathan to channel his inner alpha and find a way to end the threat to their lives once and for all—and he’s not giving up Bailey without a fight.
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This is the third book in the Ace Security Series featuring Nathan and Bailey. This story tackles some difficult subject matters so if you have any kind of trigger effect use caution. However the author handles these subject matters with confidence and ease in a way that does not diminish the severity of these things or take away from the story. It does have a heavier feel but it is not overpowering.
The main characters were strong and confident in their own ways but also showed vulnerabilities that made you want to wrap them up in a hug. Especially Bailey’s younger brother Joel. My heart just went out to the poor, misguided young boy just wanting to fit in and be accepted. His struggles were heart-breaking but he made a wonderful turn-a-round when Nathan came into their lives and became a positive influence for him. Bailey benefited from Nathan’s attention as well. She was already a survivor of abuse and bad upbringing and was constantly scared and wary her past would find her. Her bad choices in men and relationships had her and her brother in hiding and always looking over their shoulders. She was desperate to keep her distance from everyone and stay invisible and was doing her best to provide for herself and Joel and keep him away from her old life. When Nathan walks into her life, she panics when he recognizes her and is ready to run; however, after an honest conversation between the two she puts her trust in him and his brothers to help them and keep them safe. Knowing her past was lurking in the shadows it made her feel more confident and safer with him at her side. He is not her type at all, but there is something refreshing and endearing about Nathan that pulls Bailey towards him. And noticing how he encourages and mentors her brother is a pretty big turn on too.
As for Nathan, he was so charming and sweet. He was raised in a bad atmosphere as well and still has many emotional scars and a low self-confidence. Being the youngest of triplet brothers, he sees himself as less and is always putting himself down. He and his brothers and their women are extremely close and look after each and try to remain positive influences in the others’ lives. He had been searching for Bailey, related to a case, but was drawn to her on a personal, deeper level he could not explain. The more he found out, the more he wanted to find her and keep her safe. He sees himself as the powerless, nerdy brother with a slight physique and no life or women skills. Once they meet, he is instantly attracted to Bailey and wants to make her his own, but he is reluctant and bothered by the fact that he has little experience with women. He was worried he would embarrass himself and a women like her would not give him the time of day. Though when trouble does show up, he steps up and shows his alpha side. He will do whatever he has to do to keep Bailey and her brother safe and in his life where they belong.
I really enjoyed Bailey and Nathan’s story. The characters were easy to connect with and they felt real. The story was also plausible and written in a way you could see it unfolding as you read and it kept me on the edge of my seat. There was so much drama, suspense and emotion in this book, it made a great read. I also enjoyed watching their relationship grow from friends to more based on honesty, trust and love and watching Nathan take Joel under his wing and show him the qualities of a good man. He was so patient, understanding and open with them both. The three of them made a great team. It was a wonderful book that will hold your interest and keep you engaged from beginning to end. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this ARC.
Bailey has escaped from her life as part of a gang. After the head of the gang went to jail, she packed up her 10 year old brother & disappeared. She knew they wouldn’t let her go for good. She just wanted time for her brother to grow up & discover a life on the straight & narrow.
Nathan & his brothers run a security company & have been trying to bring down Bailey’s old gang. Now that the leader is out of jail, they know he’ll go after her. They’re looking for her to protect her. Nathan has been intrigued with her since he started looking for her. After he accidentally met her, he’s even more enthralled but knows he has to take it slow. Can he protect her? Will a relationship develop or will she run the minute she discovers who he is?
Ms. Stoker has a nice touch writing about dark & depressing topics. She managed to explain the painful backgrounds of both characters without turning the entire story dark or dragging the plot down with unnecessary facts. The characters were complex & while not innocent, were worthy of respect & sympathy. The plot moves at a slower pace than I’m used to reading but it was necessary to show this topic the respect it needed. The patience Nathan took to gain Baileys trust took time to run its course in order to be realistic. I enjoyed this book but if you dislike graphic details & only want to read superficial romances, this book may not be for you.