Collision Point

This is a good, exciting suspense romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat not only with the danger that is too close for comfort but, with Riordan and Amara’s relationship. The only problem I have with the story is that this new series is a spin-off of Elite Ops and those characters play a big part of this story. I only read Wild Card which, is the first in that series and it is about Riordan’s brother, Nathan and Noah Blake. There are many references to the events of that book in particular so, I wasn’t completely unaware of the details. However, if you didn’t read that book or any other in the previous series you will be at a disadvantage and won’t get the full experience with Collision Point.

This book started with heart-pounding clarity; the action-packed rescue of a woman held captive. But then the momentum shifts, and the story becomes very unclear. Like looking through a blurry camera lens, the characters and their emotions start to draw you in but you cannot bring them into focus. As you keep at it, the plot begins to take shape. Who is Ivan Resnova and what does he do for a living? Why can’t Amara remember her time with Riordan Malone? Based on how the two respond to each other, Amara and Riordan (or at least their bodies) certainly know each other well. I kept trying to keep track of what felt like loose ends. At the end, the picture does snap into focus, but you may be too exhausted to feel satisfied!

This was the first Lora Leigh book I have ever read, so I cannot compare this book with the author’s previous works. The writing was fairly good although the characters did not seem fully developed. It seems some of the them appeared in prior series by Ms. Leigh, so that may be why I am missing some of the backstory. After I finished the book, I realized that as I read the story, I felt as off-kilter as Amara. I shared her frustration with her memory loss and how the fragments of her missing year would dance in and out of her reach. But I think that disjointedness could have been better done – perhaps a little less confused and more cohesive for the plot pacing.

The interaction between Amara and Riordan was also a point of interest and contention, at the same time! That itself can be a dichotomy – is it the the sign of an excellent storyteller or an amatuer writer? The bond that Amara and Riordan had seemed so mystical and unique, I really was intrigued. But mixed heavily into their recognition of this special connection to one another was there constant thoughts of sex with one another. Constant. Now. Before. During arguments. During emotional scenes. Just sitting around. It was clear Amara and Riordan couldn’t get enough of each other, but…… Now, I am no prude and enjoy the “romance” in romantic suspense, but this aspect of the book was done with a very, very heavy hand and I think it took away from what could have been some very intense, sexy, steamy scenes.

Overall, the book was a 3.5 star read for me. I would not hesitate reading another book by this author, and I am interested in what will become of some of the characters (Elizaveta clearly has a story to be told.) It had great potential, but what should have been “slight touches” or “flourishes” to the story became a heavy slathering that really diminished the plot.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Brute Force is a new suspense series by Lora Leigh. When you first start this novel it’s a bit confusing. There’s a whole lot of missing information you don’t get until later on in the story. You just have to ride it out. Amara is in search of Rory and how he can help her solve what is happening to her. She can’t remember why she needs him just that she does.

Neither of these two characters are really forthcoming. Rory and Amara have both been healing from being close to death and now she’s trying to figure out why she feels someone’s trying to kill her.

Rory knows someone’s after her just not who. The only way to figure it out is to take point over her security and tick off her daddy. What must be done must be done right?

So these two have combustible chemistry. They’re actually really good for one another. He’s pretty Alpha and she tries to be but in the bedroom she submits to Rory quite easily.

I enjoyed reading this first book of this series. I’m looking forward to reading the others too. I think the author, Lora Leigh, did a great job bringing the suspense in with the romance.

4 Star Review Collision Point (Brute Force #1) by Lora Leigh
This is a second chance at love story and although the first book in a new series is in fact a spin off from the Elite Ops series. This is Riordan “Rory” Malone and Amara Resnova’s story.
Rory is a member of Brute Force Protection Agency and Amara is the daughter of an alleged crime lord. Having previously been kidnapped, Amara struggles with memory loss and the relationship she appears to have had with Rory. Not having read the other series, I was confused at times as I did not know their back story.
When Amara finds herself in danger and fighting for her life she seeks Rory’s help and protection.
Although it is a romantic suspense book, I felt it dragged at times, focusing more on the physical relationship between Rory and Amara rather than the action, suspense,intrigue and danger surrounding them.
Will Rory be able to keep Amara safe or will it all be in vain? One click to find out.

It has been years since I read a Lora Leigh book, but I remembered really liking the ones I read, so I jumped at the chance to read this one.

The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn’t let go.
I muttered at Riorden’s attitude and muddled through, trying to connect the pieces and solve the mystery…
Then I cringed at Amara’s missteps and fretted over the whole mess while I just hoped for the best…
I loved them, and fought their battles with them, right up until the end.
Bottom line: Very Good. 4 ½ stars.

3.75 stars–COLLISION POINT is the first installment in Lora Leigh’s contemporary, adult BRUTE FORCE erotic, romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s Elite Ops series. This is Riordan ‘Rory’ Malone, and Amara Resnova’s story line. COLLISION POINT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the originating series is revealed where necessary. Riordan aka Rory was first introduced in the previous series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Riordan and Amara) COLLISION POINT is a second chance story line that follows Riordan Malone, a member of the Brute Force Protection Agency, as he is once again tasked with protecting the woman that he loves. Six months earlier following the abduction of Amara Resnova that left our hero on the brink of death, Amara is once again targeted by an unknown source. As the daughter of a Russian mobster Ivan Resnova, Amara’s life has always been at risk, but with her memories of the previous year locked away within her mind, Amara begins to wonder what it is she has forgotten, including the man with whom she was once in love. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Amara and Riordan, and the fall-out when betrayal, lies and vengeance are revealed.

Following her harrowing kidnapping and subsequent months of recovery Amara’s life is but a shell of her former self. Without the memories of what happened, or the who and why, Amara is no more of a threat but recent events, and the slow recovery of the past re-energize the attempts against our heroine’s life. Riordan has never forgotten the woman that called to his heart but he too found himself struggling to survive knowing someone had attempted to destroy their lives.

The relationship between Riordan and Amara is one of second chances; a slow, rekindling love that was almost destroyed by one man’s need for power and control. Like all of Lora’s story lines, our hero is an alpha male whose need to protect is out of control. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but we know very little about our couple’s prior history-a history that is fraught with secrets and more. I will admit that I have not read the Elite Ops series therefore there could have been more information previously revealed of which I am not aware.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of the male leads from the author’s Elite Ops series.

The world building continues to follow in the wake of the American Russian mob. I am not sure as to which direction the author intends to devote to her series but there are a large number of ‘Russian’ protectors in need of a romance or two.

COLLISION POINT is a suspense filled story of betrayal, revenge, second chances and loves. The premise is engaging; the characters are colorful and numerous; the romance is provocative and seductive. If you are a fan of the author’s romantic suspense series, the style of writing and voice is very familiar.

When I first started this one I thought I had read it before but quickly realized it was related to the Elite OP series. Amara was kidnapped and rescued and six months has passed and her memory is gone of the events of the kidnapping and all events leading up to it, however, she is still in danger. Riordan and Grandpops and the Elite Ops and Brute Force team are brought back to protect her. The amnesia was a tricky thing and the chemistry between Riordan and Amara was palpable and combustible but Riordan walking on eggshells around her at times didn’t sit well. This was a typical Lora Leigh romance and full of steamy sex and that was not disappointing.

OMG! This book has it all.. sex, lies, secrets, surprises, and suspense. I can always count on Ms. Leigh to write fabulous stories. Be prepared to be on the edge of your seat and need a cold shower. This is the first book in a new series with some old friends.
Amara is part Russian and is kidnapped and beaten. When she awakes in the hospital, she has lost her memories going back almost a year. Riordan. works for Brute Force Security and is Amara’s bodyguard and lover before she is taken. He is shot during her rescue and takes awhile to get back on his feet. She goes looking for Riordan because there have been some incidents involving her life being in danger. She finds her by looking in her fathers files. She is starting to remember bits and pieces but not who kidnapped her.. The danger is closer than they think and the memories are coming back faster. Can Riordan keep her safe and not lose his heart or was his heart lost the first time he seen her?
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *

Riordan and Amara were true soul mates and the chemistry between them is off the charts. But they have to figure out who is trying to kill Amara before they can have their HEA. The suspense and action keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen and wondering who could be behind it.

This is a great beginning to a new series.