Fierce and sexy, former Marine Travis Sanchez has always held himself back from the rest of the world, using his tattoos and piercings as armor. But when the woman he’s wanted for months is threatened, he knows it’s time to strip away the bad boy image and show her just how much he wants to be with her. As one of Red Stone Security’s best contractors, Travis is trained for almost any situation. … situation. But nothing prepares him for the most dangerous threat of all: the one to his heart.
Kind-hearted Noel Baskov’s only wish for the holidays is that her Miami coffee shop has a successful Christmas season. But her focus on work is interrupted when the family of the young girl she mentors is threatened, and the man she’s been lusting after for months steps in to handle it. Unfortunately the danger is far from over. Can this sexy and mysterious warrior protect Noel or will he be the one to shatter her heart?
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My first Katie Reus book, and probably not my last. This one is actually a novella I read in a boxed set of romantic suspense authors (RECIPE FOR DANGER).
My only negative is that I didn’t realize it was a short story. But the hero was yummy, the romance was steamy, and the action was pretty tense. There was more focus on the romance than the suspense, but when it was time to protect, the hero did not disappoint!
I’d love to read something longer by her.
Travis uses his skills gained from the Marines for Red Stone Security as personal protection. Since his mum died when he was young Christmas had lost its meaning. Noel at his local coffee shop was going to bring back the meaning of Christmas to him. They get involved in a family dispute of Noel’s friend’s and Travis has to kill to save the mother. Revenge will stalk Travis and Noel as we get closer to Christmas. This is a good romance for 2 lonely people who find Christmas has magic.
Katie Reus packs a ton of feels, heat and action into Miami, Mistletoe & Murder. The best part, is that its the right length to be able to read it all in one sitting, which I did.
Travis Sanchez is just yummy. His ink and piercings make a delicious package for a damaged and honorable man. Travis is damaged, but not broken, and that’s a very important distinction to make. As he opens up to Noel, we see a very different side of him, the one he doesn’t show really anyone. Understanding his need for pain was a symptom of so much more, he had the strength to get help and fight.
Noel is just plain perfect for Travis. Her strength is very different, yet just as powerful. Being a mentor in Big Sisters and taking it as seriously as she does is commendable. I love the way she’s a nurturer and caregiver. Cooking for Travis to thank him for saving Alisa, and how she draws him out to share his story.
Oh and did mention the chemistry between the two is explosive? I really think this is one of my favorite couples.
What a short, but exciting romantic suspense story. Part of the Red Stone Security series, which I have never read, but never once felt lost, Travis is on vacation from work when the coffee shop owner, Noel, that he has had his eye on needs help. Travis is perfect, absolutely perfect, and guaranteed to make you swoon. The only real problem I had with this story was that it was set in Miami, yet there was talk of putting on mittens. I have spent a lot of time in South Florida during the holidays and the days still average 80+ degrees. That was completely unrealistic and the only thing preventing it from being a 5 star read.This was a great introductions to this series and I can’t wait to read more.
When ex Marine Travis Sanchez left the military, he got a job working for Red Stone Security in Miami. After finishing a gig, which was so bad that the owner of Red Stone fired the client, Travis has been ordered to take a vacation. With nothing to do, he heads toward his favorite coffee shop, owned by Noel Baskov, a women that Travis has been eyeing, but had not gotten the nerve to ask out on a date, mostly because he is out of town so much. When he gets to the shop, he finds her on the phone talking to a young girl, who she mentors and who seems to be in trouble. With possible danger lurking, Travis insists on riding shotgun, and ends up killing an abusive ex boyfriend and possible pedophile. But the danger does not end there, and since he is on vacation, Travis makes himself available to Noel, trying to move slow, but too slow for Noel. The author weaves both of their pasts into the narrative as they get to know each other, skillfully developing the characters. This is a fast moving, action-packed story in addition to a steamy romance.
I received a free, advanced copy of this book from the NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review. I have not read all the books in the series, and it could be read as a stand alone, but I was left confused about the timing, since the couple from #8, appear in the epilogue in this #4 book, not only together, but pregnant.
I really enjoyed this little story that had a bit of danger and suspense as well as plenty of swoony hero goodness. I realized a long time ago that this author tends to do heroes just the way I like them and I’ve yet to be disappointed in one. The fact that Travis and Noel have known each other for about a year and that they’ve slowly been getting to know each better keeps this novella from feeling rushed in the relationship department. They have both been celibate for quite a while and Travis has only been with women he has a relationship with. That in itself is a great little Christmas treat! Add in the touch of danger that helps to showcase the protectiveness Travis feels, a piercing that only escalates the steam factor between these two, and a heroine strong enough to stand beside the hero and you’re set to go.
Great story
The storyline was interesting with mystery, seduction, and great characters, full of action, intrigue and romance.
It was a great read and didn’t disappoint
I love Katie Reus’s books. This 4th book is really good. This story is hot & steamy & it has the right amount of action. I loved Travis’s character. I loved Travis’s toughness & take no crap attitude. This is a short story worth reading great job Ms. Reus.
An absolutely wonderful story.
I volunteered to read and review a readers copy of Miami, Mistletoe & Murder thru Netgallery . I really enjoyed reading this story . It is a holiday suspense romance . The story is fast moving , very suspenseful and pulse pounding . It keeps you on the edge of your seat .it’s a very intense and action packed storyline . The story is part of The Red Stone Series . It’s as fantastic as the others in the RedStone security series .This storyline is Travis Sanchez security specialist and Noel Baskov Coffee house owner and their adventure and growing relationship . It’s a very well written and sexy story . The characters are fabulous . I highly recommend taking the time to read and enjoy this story .
Miami Mistletoe and Murder is the fourth book in the Red Stone Security series by Katie Reus. I say book but it is more of a novella length. Travis Sanchez is an ex-marine now working as a contractor for Red Stone Security and he’s had a major crush on Noel Baskov, the local coffee shop owner for several months. Can she see beneath the tattoos, piercings – one of them definitely unorthodox and his bad boy persona to see the quiet, kind hearted man he really is and take a chance on finding love? With a shooting and a stalker intent on revenge everything seems to be conspiring against them.
I loved that, even though this book is set at Christmas it isn’t overly sentimental and although it’s the fourth book in the series and the first one I’ve read, I don’t feel that I’ve missed anything or indeed spoilt the previous books. If anything, after reading Mistletoe and Murder I’m looking forward to catching up with the rest of the Red Stone Security series. I only wish this had been longer.
Miami, Mistletoe & Murder by Katie Reus is book Four in the Red Stone Security series. This is the story of Noel Baskov and Travis Sanchez. I haven’t yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book. Travis was Marine but now works for Red Stone Security. Not the friendlies looking person with his tattoos and piercings but that doesn’t stop Noel from being attracted to him. Travis usually uses his looks to keep people at bay but with Noel he wants to pull her close. When he goes to finally act on his desire she is heading out into what is a dangerous situation. Travis goes with her and that opens up danger but also brings them closer together.
Really enjoyed this quick hot read!
Miami, Mistletoe & Murder (Red Stone Security, #4) by Katie Reus I just love the Red Stone Security and all the heroes ….Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting reread this book. This is Travis (former marine Red Stone contractor a man with a past that haunts him and some very interesting piercings) Noel ( coffee shop owner…protective of those she cares for..has crushed on Travis since he first came into her shop) Add in a couple of bad guys, some violence, some laughs, a great piercing, steamy sex and you get to their Merry Christmas HEA>
Noel Baskov, owner of a Miami coffee shop, has been mentoring a young girl named Juanita.
When Juanita calls her and is afraid for her mother who is being accosted by her boyfriend, Noel rushes out of her shop and in to the arms of Travis Sanchez. Travis is a former Marine and now works for Red Stone Security. He has just completed an assignment and was on his way to Noel’s shop. He has been attracted to Noel and knows that she is out of his league, but that doesn’t keep him from wanting to see her…talk to her. He realizes that she is upset and when she explains, he volunteers to go with her. Noel has been attracted to him as well and accepts his help with Juanita. Their relationship will progress quickly as they realize their attraction is mutual and Travis will be there for her when his actions put her in danger. A thoroughly entertaining and HOT novella by Ms. Reus. This is part of the Red Stone Security series that is a must read and must-read series. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Noel owns a coffee shop and mentors with Big Sisters. Travis is former military and now works for Red Stone Security. He has a week off and goes to Noel’s shop to see her but she’s coming out as he’s going in and she’s upset. Her Little Sister called and said her mom and her ex were arguing outside. Travis goes with Noel to check in them. They arrive and they hear a gunshot. Tra is goes in and ends up killing the ex boyfriend. Noel and Travis start spending lots of time together after and it gets steamy. Neither really thought they had a chance with each other but both have been interested in the other since they met. When Noel is attacked, it brings them closer together and they both know they are with the one meant for them.
Noel is sweet, sexy, and a strong. Travis is a hunky, tattooed, pierced ex military. Steamy. Short but oh so good.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *