Can you call someone an enemy if you haven’t seen them for the better part of a decade?Deacon Black is perfectly content with the status quo—work, sleep, repeat.Who cares if he’s rigid, structured, and set in his ways? It’s a job requirement that keeps his men safe and his company’s doors open.One phone call is all it takes to upend his life and land him right back into a past he has tried to … into a past he has tried to forget.
Revisiting old ghosts is the last thing he needs.
Especially when the forced trip down memory lane includes the only woman he never wanted to see again.
Annalise Grimaldi hit the jackpot with her life—from her trust fund to her best friend, she has it all.
But her world comes crashing to a halt when her best friend vanishes— leaving behind an apartment in tatters and more questions than answers.
There’s only one person she can think of that can help in a situation like this.
She hates to make the call, but there isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do to make sure her friend is found.
Even setting aside her hatred for Deacon Black.
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I fell into insta love with Deacon in this book. Ms. James brought these characters to life in a wonderfully enjoyable book I never put down From start to finish. Deacon was burned bad during his first marriage to the self absorbed Dani who you will instantly dislike. She makes it so easy to hate her. Dani finds some trouble putting her supposed best friend in danger. Anna and Dani had been friends since childhood. When Anna felt threatened she contacts the only person she thinks could keep her safe unsure he’ll even take her call. Deacon Black has moved on from Dani and is now just over 30 he’s not looking for love. When he gets Anna’s call he’s unsure of how to proceed with his ex-wife’s best friend. Deacon agrees to meet Anna to discuss her fears. This is where the story takes off. Anna’s in danger and Dani is missing. This turns into a cat and mouse chase but with some serious twists. I really enjoyed reading this book and was praying for Deacon to find his HEA. Please read this great book.
This book was insanely good!! I feel this way about this author’s work but she outdid herself this time. Buckle up, you’re in for a wild ride with this fast-paced and suspenseful story. Almost a decade after Deacon’s divorce he has started his own security firm, moved on from his hellish marriage and finally has some semblance of peace until it is broken by his ex wife’s best friend calling scared out of her mind. Annalise isn’t just his ex-wife’s Best friend she also has hated him since high school and constantly reminding him at every turn that she was better than him. But when push comes to shove Deacon can’t turn his back on her or his missing ex-wife. The chemistry and sexual tension between Deacon and Annalise is off the charts. And the highly inappropriate African parrot is just hilarious! I can’t wait for this highly addictive series to continue!!!
Hostile Territory is the first book in the Blackbridge Security Series and what an exciting start. I was hooked from the first page and devoured in one sitting. It was packed with action, suspense and also lots of laugh out loud moments.
Deacon has moved on from his past and started his own Security business. Until he receives a phone call that turns his whole life upside down…
Anna is Deacon’s ex wife’s best friend. They’ve never gotten along. Now she’s relying on Deacon to help her..
These two characters love to hate each other. Can the attraction? Will they get through it all without killing each other?
Really enjoyed this story. Looking forward to reading more about these characters. But my overall favourite has got to be the bird. He cracked me up, never laughed so hard.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
This is the first book in the Blackbridge Security. We meet Deacon, owner of Blackbridge Security; and his ex-wife’s BFF Annalise Grimaldi.
They’ve been mortal enemies since high school. Now she needs his help! His ex-wife is missing and there’s a dead body in her apartment. Funny enough she turns to the one man she probably shouldn’t.
Danny is caught off guard when Annalise walks back into his life asking for help. He’s also surprised at the attraction he feels towards her as well. That just won’t do for his nemesis though. How could he be attracted to the one person that always rooted against him during his relationship with his ex-wife?
So this book includes the mystery of finding the former wife and dodging the bad guys all the while. Keeping Annalise safe is like another full time job as well.
I enjoyed reading the story but thought that the overall plot fell a little flat. Their love story won’t disappoint though. This enemies to lovers romance will surely tickle your fancy especially if those are books you enjoy.
Another page turner from Marie James! Hostile Territory is the first book in a new series, Blackbridge Security. I was hooked from page one!
Deacon Black is a former military man who started his own security business after a disastrous end to his marriage. Surrounded by some of the best men, Blackbridge Security is the go to for your security needs.
Annalise Grimaldi contacts Deacon when her best friend goes missing. The only problem, her best friend just happens to be Deacon’s ex-wife. When these two get together, it’s like mixing oil and water.
Add a little fire to that mixture and get ready to watch it burn. Can these two withstand the flames or will they realize that it’s better to just embrace the heat?
Cannot wait until the next book in this series!
Hostile Territory is the first title in Marie James, new Blackbridge Security series. This title features Deacon Black and Analise Grimaldi, a pair who have known each other since their teenage years. There is a fine line between love and hate and this enemies to lovers romance is sure to capture your attention.
Deacon Black is a security specialist and former military man. He’s dark, brooding, and has a ten inch thick wall around his heart when it comes to letting women close and showing his vulnerable underbelly.
Annalise is a strong, sassy socialite and also happens to be the best friend of Deacon’s ex-wife. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was watching the growth and development of Ana’s character.
The chemistry and attraction between this pair is undeniable, despite their best efforts to ignore it. The sexual tension oozes between this pair as they banter, argue and antagonize each other.
An enjoyable read, and great start to a new series. I look forward to seeing the rest of the Blackridge security specialists find their happy ever after.
Enemies to Lovers
Deacon was ex military who now has his own security business. Anna is his ex wife’s best friend so when something happens to Dani, Anna gets a hold of Deacon for help. I have to say I loved this book with the suspense, steam and humor. All of the characters in this book sure held their own and have me wanting to see where things go for all of them.
Hostile Territory by Marie James is a little different than the previous books I have read by her. It centers around a Security and Protection Agency and a majority of the characters make up the staff that work there. It is an entertaining, fast paced read, with lots of funny and emotional moments. I really enjoyed how the two leads, Deacon and Anna, evolve and grow as the book progresses and the banter that they have with one another. And I am really curious to see who the next book in the Series will be about and what their story will be. As always, James writing does not disappoint, even with a bit of change of pace. 4 Stars!
The day his divorce became final was the day Deacon thought that his ex Dani and everyone connected to her where out of his life for good however eight years later he gets a call from Annalise (Anna), Dani’s best friend, she’s extremely upset as there’s been an incident within Dani’s apartment and someone’s been taken out on a stretcher covered in blood. The news sends Deacon into protective mode, as he sets out to help keep Anna safe as he’s tries to find out what’s going on with his ex.
Dani’s the type that’s always loved being the center of attention, always putting herself first no matter what the cost is to others, Anna’s been happy to stay in the background, all she’s ever wanted was a true friend and she’s only ever saw the best in Dani, that’s until now, she’s beginning to see her for her true colours, and the aren’t very pretty at all. Anna turned to Deacon for help as she knew he’d to anything for his ex wife, she didn’t expect him to protect and keep her safe at all costs, including both their hearts.
This was a fantastic start to what’s set to be another amazing series from the talented Ms James.
Dang! Talk about tension and steam! This story really had me fanning myself. The story is about Deacon an ex-military man who have sense built a security business and team and Annalie who is his ex’s best friend. If that alone wasn’t enough to create the heat and tension then the fact that they have to work together to fine Ann’s best friend will. I loved this story and found myself talking back to the characters. They didn’t hear me of course but dang it if I didn’t try. I could not put this story down. I highly recommend this story for all readers who love passion, tension, action, a bit of angst, and wonderful writing! I received and ARC and am leaving a honest review.
AMAZING!! Deacon and Annalise’s story was amazing! I love everything about Hostile Territory! I could not put this book down! I devoured it in one sitting! FIVE HUGE STARS!!
Hostile Territory is book one in the Blackbridge Security series and a new series by Marie James. Would classify this book as a enemies to lovers with some suspense. With Deacon and Annalise, there is definitely no love lost. But when her best friend, his ex, goes missing he is the only one she can turn to. I really enjoyed reading this book and I can’t wait to read what’s next.
This new series is exciting, has heaps of action and gorgeous hot guys-I love it! But at heart it is a fantastic enemies to lovers romance.
Deacon Black is the owner and manager of Blackbridge Security and Consulting when a blast from the past calls him for help. Not someone he wanted to ever see or hear from again, however.
This story has a lot of drama and action throughout the story that keeps the pace of the story at a fast clip. It’s easy to read and holy moly, all of a sudden, I found myself coming to the end. I truly enjoyed Hostile Territory from the first page to the last. Wonderful descriptions of the characters and settings make it easy to visualise each scene. I enjoyed the fact that Deacon and his men weren’t afraid to call each other out about their emotions too.
Deacon is one tough fella, he is ex-military and runs his business with the same precision, which means he’s very successful. He is also quite the alpha but knows how to do more than protect his women. Annalise Grimaldi, that blast from the past, is a strong, self-reliant woman who, although she is a socialite, isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. There’s a lot more to both of these characters than meets the eye.
I liked both of the lead characters and thought they’d make a fabulous couple with their chemistry sending off bright sparks of of electricity. In fact, I liked all of the characters in the Blackbridge Security firm and look forward to reading all of their stories. Special mention must go to Puff Daddy, what a classic that little fellow is!
4 Stars
This new series is exciting, has heaps of action and gorgeous hot guys-I love it! But at heart, it is a fantastic enemy to lovers romance.
Deacon Black is the owner and manager of Blackbridge Security and Consulting when a blast from the past calls him for help. Not someone he wanted to ever see or hear from again, however.
This story has a lot of drama and action throughout the story that keeps the pace of the story at a fast clip. It’s easy to read and holy moly, all of a sudden, I found myself coming to the end. I truly enjoyed “Hostile Territory” from the first page to the last. Wonderful descriptions of the characters and settings make it easy to visualize each scene. I enjoyed the fact that Deacon and his men weren’t afraid to call each other out about their emotions too.
Deacon is one tough fella, he is ex-military and runs his business with the same precision, which means he’s very successful. He is also quite the alpha but knows how to do more than protect his women. Annalise Grimaldi, that blast from the past, is a strong, self-reliant woman who, although she is a socialite, isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. There’s a lot more to both of these characters than meets the eye.
I liked both of the lead characters and thought they’d make a fabulous couple with their chemistry sending off bright sparks of electricity. In fact, I liked all of the characters in the Blackbridge Security firm and look forward to reading all of their stories. Special mention must go to Puff Daddy, what a classic that little fellow is!
Reviewer: Robyn
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4 Stars
The first book in this series, what a way to start!
Right from the beginning, this story had me hooked.
From the broody, dominant, sexy Deacon to the feisty socialite Anna to a totally funny but oh so inappropriate African parrot this book had it all.
So much drama, intrigue, hilarious one-liners from a cast of colorful, witty side characters and a slow burn romance makes this book a must-read. I
I’m so excited to see what Marie will come up with next in this series, her books never fail to entertain.
Reviewer: Natalie
Deacon and Anna what a ride. They’ve grown up hating each other, but when someone they both care for ends up in trouble, they have to work together to find her. As they work together feeling start surfacing that they can’t deny. I laughed (Puff Daddy and the guys that work for Deacon) and I cried!! What another great read by Marie James!! Hopefully, Wren’s story is next? 😉
WOW is this ever going to be a fantastic series in this humble readers opinion. Once again Marie James has given me a well written book with characters that are fun, sexy, sassy and just perfect for the parts they play. The storyline hits all my favorite aspects as well. It’s got humor, suspense and lots of edgy, sexy romance.
This is so much more than just your normal enemies to lovers romance. It’s more like hate to how on earth did this happen. The main characters couldn’t be any more different if they tried. Anneliese has pretty much hated Deacon since high school when he was dating her best friend Dani and even more so when Dani and Deacon married. He just wasn’t in their social class and Anneliese never let Dani or Deacon forget it. Fast forward several years => Dani and Deacon have divorced, something that has hardened Deacon’s heart. He is now an all work and no relationship kind of guy. Seeing Dani or Anneliese is something he never hoped to do again but when Dani goes missing and someone is found shot in Dani’s apartment, Annelise turns to Deacon for help and saying no just isn’t an option.
From here the storyline takes off. The tension and chemistry that develops between Deacon and Annaliese is amazing and the thrilling suspense of finding Dani and sorting out all the interwoven dealings of the crimes going on is simply phenomenal. I highly recommend book 1 of this series, Hostile Territory, you won’t regret it.
2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars
First book in this series, what a way to start! Right from the beginning this story had me hooked… From the broody, dominant, sexy Deacon to the feisty socialite Anna to a totally funny but oh so inappropriate African parrot this book had it all. So much drama, intrigue, hilarious one liners from a cast of colorful, witty side characters and a slow burn romance makes this book a must read. I’m so excited to see what Marie will come up with next in this series, her books never fail to entertain.
Hostile Territory was a story that had me gripped from the very first page. Deacon and Anna’s story is an enemies to lovers romance that draws you in to not only the story but the characters. An action packed suspense with so much chemistry and heat that it radiates off the pages. The characters connected with me instantly and at times had me holding my breath as the push and pull between Deacon and Anna became electric. This captivating start to a new series has me itching for more.
3.5 stars
Hostile Territory is a fast-paced, enemies to lovers romantic suspense read filled with danger, lies, mystery, and twists and turns. There’s a broody ex-military guy, Deacon, with a chip on his shoulder who now owns a security firm and an ex-wife’s broody, spoiled best friend, Annalise (aka Anna). Throw in a missing best friend, a Russian mobster, some missing blood diamonds and you have yourself a lot of trouble.
This was a good, quick read. I liked the danger and suspense. There were good characters. Especially the crazy, foul-mouthed African parrot named Puff Daddy. It was hilarious! I wasn’t crazy about Anna and at times, she got on my nerves, but she had her own issues. Deacon was sexy and swoony even though he could be a jerk. Don’t get me started on the guys who work for Deacon! They all sound sexy. I can’t wait to see who is next in the series!
3.5 Stars
Hostile Territory is the first book in Marie James newest series called Blackbridge Security. Deacon and Anna couldn’t stand eachother due to their past history, when Deacon was married to his now ex wife Dani who’s also Anna’s bff. They were the opposite of one another in every way except for their undeniable attraction towards each other. However when Anna calls Deacon out of the blue, he doesn’t hesitate to help her. I found the story suspenseful and it was action packed. The guys who work at Blackbridge Security with Deacon seem to work well together, and have fun at eachother expense. I liked that the Cerebus MC was in it too. But I did find that the ending came together a little to quickly for me, and don’t get me started on the ex wife Dani.