New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin raises the tension and the passion when family ambition turns deadly…
Harper Winston’s brother has disappeared. Pursuing his dream of sailing the Caribbean, Michael hasn’t responded to texts or emails in days. When even the Coast Guard can’t find him, Harper is forced to take desperate measures. Which means going to Chase Garrett, once her brother’s best friend, now the only man she can trust…or so she hopes.
As the successful owner of Maximum Security, Chase has learned to trust his gut. He knows Harper’s father is mixed up in a deadly business, and suspects there’s more to Michael’s disappearance than meets the eye. Getting involved again with the Winstons goes against everything he stands for, yet old loyalties die hard. As the case draws him closer to Harper and deeper into the Winstons’ snarled crime family, he is forced to put everything on the line to keep Harper safe…and both of them alive.
I should have known that when a book is listed as being a romance chances are it will be written for young girls age 15.
That being said the bodily responses of both male and female to lust are I would think to explicit for teenage girls. The constant reference to blatant sexual desire especially when in a life threatening situation by the characters in the book is really juvenile and I think humorous. This writing style, the use of simple language and inability to write engaging descriptive episodes for the reader shows that the writer lacks any real ability to write a good book.
Thrilling suspense and danger holds readers hostage while the emotions grips readers by the heart. Harper’s brother is missing and her only hope is the man who used to be his best friend. Trusting his gut, Chase suspects that there is more to Michael’s disappearance than what meets the eye. Chase and Harper’s chemistry sizzles with electricity and the attraction between is undeniable but this couple has some emotional issues that has to be overcome as well as family issues that need to be resolved which keeps the relationship on a razor’s edge throughout. Readers hold their breath in anticipation of the outcome even as the couple fight their attraction.
The plot is fast paced and flows smoothly throughout with lots of adrenaline pumping suspense and dangerous events that keep readers on the edge of their seat as Michael is forced to put everything on the line to keep Harper safe. Surprising twists ensures that readers are kept guessing right along with the characters. The author has created another wonderfully, thrilling and suspenseful story with strong, imagination catching characters in a setting that demands readers come back for more and once again I was completely caught up in her world until the very end.
Maximum Security, owned and operated by Chase Garrett, is a firm specializing in private investigation, bail enforcement, personal protection, business and residential security. Years ago, Chase had been best friends with Michael Winston, but after a confrontation with Michael’s mafia-like father, they lost touch. With that being the case, Chase is beyond shocked to see Michael’s sister walk through the doors of his office asking for help.
Harper Winston is frantic when her brother, Michael, goes missing. Pursuing his dream to sail his yacht in the Caribbean, Michael has not contacted her in a week, and she feels in her gut that something horrible has happened. Knowing that former family friend, Chase Garrett, is in the PI business, she enlists his services to track down Michael.
Harper and Chase have a relationship built on past friendship that as the search for her missing brother progresses, turns into something much more. As the truth behind what happened to Michael comes to light, Harper’s life is now in jeopardy. Chase is tasked to keep her safe and eliminate the threat, or their life together will end before it even has the chance to get started.
The Conspiracy is an enjoyable romantic suspense that keeps the pages turning. Would recommend to fans of this genre.
*Received ARC via NetGalley for honest review*
This is an entertaining, well written, enjoyable, steamy, romantic suspense novel. I was happily surprised to discover the excellent bonus novella, “Wait Until Dark” included in the Kindle library book. Both stories were fast paced, with likable, engaging characters, suspense, action, intrigue, and happily ever after endings. I am looking forward to reading the next novel in Ms. Martin’s outstanding “Maximum Security” series with great anticipation.
Please note that George Harrison wrote and sang “Something”.
The Conspiracy is a good thriller, but mostly it’s a well-crafted romance with a strong woman in a tough situation. The strong conflict between the hero and heroine makes for heart-wrenching emotion throughout the story. Very sexy and sensual, nonetheless, in classic Kat Martin style. A true page turner.
I’ve forgotten how good a Kat Martin book can be! Exotic locations. Budding attraction. A race against the clock. A web of lies. Steamy sex. A great read!
The Conspiracy by Kat Martin
Maximum Security #1
Great introduction to what will no doubt be a wonderful suspense packed romantic thrill ride provided book by book. In book one we meet the Garrett brothers, find out a bit about them and what they do, learn about Maximum Security (one of the businesses of the Garrett brothers) and are introduced to a number of people that may show up in future books of the series. That said…THIS book is about Chase Garrett and Harper Winston.
Harper’s brother Michael has not checked in for a long enough time that she is worried and the person she feels most likely to help her find him is Garrett. So, she approaches him and in the first portion of the book the two head off together to follow the trail and try to find out what is what. This section is filled with suspense and action and seems to conclude only to have a twist appear that leads the story on to another story line that is still related to the reason Michael disappeared in the first place.
Back in the USA again the story continues with Harper in danger and potential romance happening between Harper and Chase although the two do have some questions about whether or not they should pursue a relationship. And…I don’t want to give anything away so will say there was some yes-no-maybe going on but both really do like one another so it is more than likely they will get their HEA.
In addition to the main thread of this story there are a few Maximum Security jobs undertaken that give an idea of what types of stories might occur in future books of the series. Maximum Security provides body guards, does private investigative work, seeks the lost and runaways, coordinates with police and other law enforcement bodies, does bail bond enforcement and no doubt other things, too. The men that work for the firm are many and hunky and worth thinking about and no doubt will get books as the series progresses.
There was a lot going on and in many ways this is more a romantic suspense fantasy than reality story. Why? Well…humans are just that and not superheroes but then…when you pick up fiction you have to leave reality behind…at least a bit.
* Did I enjoy this book? Yes
* Do I want to read more books in this series? Definitely…I mean…Hawk? Of COURSE I want to read his story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
The Conspiracy is the first book in the Maximum Security series. Chase and Harper were were great characters and although I didn’t want the story to end, I definitely wanted them to have a hea. This was a fast paced, suspenseful, romantic read. It had a great storyline and wonderful supporting characters. I can’t wait to read their stories. I would definitely recommend this book and any other books that this talented author writes.
This is a very entertaining first book in a new romantic suspense series but Kat Martin. This is a crazy ride we go on courtesy of Harper and Chase, two wonderfully written characters, that checked off all the aspects of a good romantic suspense. Can Harper and Chase put aside their past to work together to find her brother or will they find a whole lot more than they bargained for? So much is going on in this book but it all works and flows together very nicely. I really enjoyed it.
The Conspiracy (Maximum Security #1) by Kat Martin ..Can I only give this 5 stars? Great start to a new series by Kat… My thanks to Kat, the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview and review this book. Harper Wilson (co-owner of a fashion business, daughter of a drug lord…she does not know this…looking for her missing brother Michael) Chase Garrett ( owner of Maximum Security ..The Max..hired by Harper to find her brother)… There is action and danger almost from the beginning of this book..there are some very realistic hard things to read but they make the story.. tears all kinds…laughs..strong friend and family feelings..hot steamy sex and action right up to the very HEA. We will see more of family and friend in up coming books…can’t wait.
Grab your Kindle and hang on tight because this is one wild and crazy ride, action packed from beginning to end! Harper’s brother is missing after embarking on a solo cruise to the Caribbean, and she turns to the one man who can help her find him. As the owner of Maximum Security and college best friends with Harper’s brother, Chase has the means and the incentive to help Harper. Although there’s an attraction there, for more reasons than Chase can name, it’s not a good idea for them to act on their feelings. With twists, surprises and lots of steam, this one will keep you reading late into the night, so don’t miss this exciting, riveting romantic suspense!
This is the first book in Kat Martin’s “Maximum Security.” Maximum Security is a firm made up of individual contractors who specialize in private investigation and all kinds of security. It is run by Chase Garrett, who is the hero in this story.
This book is made up of two separate pots that both have a common theme. The hero, Chase, and heroine, Harper, have been secretly attracted to each other for years. Harper’s brother, Michael, and Chase were best friends when they were growing up. Unfortunately, Michael acquires a drug problem which causes an estrangement between Chris and Michael.
Chase and Harper have not seen each other for years. However, Michael has disappeared while on a trip to South America. Harper hopes to hire Chase to find him. Unfortunately, Chase refuses because of Michael’s drug problem. Finally Harper convinces Chase that Michael is clean, and Chase reluctantly agrees.
What follows is an intriguing and suspenseful search as Harper and Chase hike through dangerous South American territories in order to rescue Michael. They are still very attracted to each other, except Chase refuses to get involved with Harper. He knows that Harper’s father is involved in many illegal activities.
However, they finally admit their feelings for each other and begin an affair. Unfortunately, they both realize that Chase’s law-upholding business would clash with Harper’s law-breaking father’s life. So they decide to break up.
That lasts until Harper manages to escape from a group of people who are attempting to kidnap her. When Chase hears about this, he refuses to leave her alone. He becomes her personal body guard. Both Harper and Chase believe her attempted abduction is related to Michael’s kidnapping and that they both involve Harper’s father.
Therefore, Chase and Harper work together to find out who wants to kidnap her and why. During this time, the couple’s emotions swing back and forth. Their chemistry is unbelievable, and the sex between them is hot and steamy. However, they also realize that Harper’s father is a difficult obstacle for them to overcome. Therefore, they either cannot resist each other, or they do not want to have anything to do with each other.
This is an action-packed, page-turner romantic suspense novel with many villains. However, Chase and Harper have a strong love that is able to overcome all of the obstacles in their way.
THE CONSPIRACY, book One of Kat Martin’s Maximum Security series, is a nail-biting thriller that is action-packed with explosive danger and bad guys. The heat between Harper Winston and Chase Garrett is hotter than the heat in the Colombia’s jungle. Chase is pulled deeper into Harper’s father’s criminal activities, and now someone is after Harper. Whew! Kat Martin fills the pages with the tension between two powerful families and international intrigue. THE CONSPIRACY will keep readers on their toes with lovable and despicable characters and a diabolical plot of revenge. WAIT UNTIL DARK is Kat Martin’s bonus story of another fast-paced Maximum Security adventure you won’t want to miss.
The story was OK but most of the time the two characters were thinking about how beautiful and how good looking they were and how they wanted to have sex with each other. The story around it was pretty good.
Kat Martin always writes a good story. Chase and Harper, both born wealthy, both good people. Chase came from old money but followed in his mother’s family tradition- the military and protection. Harper came from new and illegal money- but having been kept unaware of where her father’s money came from. Although the two families’ fathers hated each other for years- the children still formed strong attractions and friendships despite the hostility. This was well written, engrossing, with multiple suspense throughout. The ending was wrapped up well and very satisfactorily with even a bit of a breath stealing surprise. I do recommend this book and will be reading more.
Bonus book- Wait Until Dark
This is described as a prequel to the series on the single copy page. It definitely came before the first book as there’s no mention of Chase’s wife Harper, but it’s not detailed enough to be a true prequel. It is good, but I’m glad I read it after book one. Jonah and April have a somewhat insta-attraction but it’s easily accepted with the high emotions of her almost being killed multiple times. Like in the first book the female lead- April- is feminine, gorgeous, and very strong willed. And Jonah is the ultimate open-minded, but protective, yummy alpha male. It would’ve been nice if there was an epilogue but hopefully we’ll find out more about their lives in future books. I highly recommend this series and author.
Another winner for Kay Martin.
Wonderful book, loved the story and the characters.
Kat Martin is right up there with Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown when it comes to romantic suspense novels. The Conspiracy is the first of her books I have read in awhile. I wasn’t disappointed. From the cosmopolitan city of Dallas to the jungles of Columbia, the story is action packed from the start. Harper Winston sets out to find her brother Michael, whom she believes is in trouble after not hearing from him in days. Her only hope is Chase Garrett, her father’s #1 nemesis. The plot unfolds into the underbelly of drug cartel and all of the seediness that goes along with it. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Kat Martin book without a sizzling romance. Harper and Chase’s attraction is off the charts hot. The sun stories are great too. Harper’s brother , Michael falls in love too. His is a sweet story with Pia. All the secondary characters are great and I look forward to their stories in the future. The villains are disgusting and we are glad when they get their just desserts. A real page turner…..loved it!!!
This author has ventured into a new series and I love it. The research and imagination of Ms. Martin makes this book one of the best thrillers I’ve read recently. There are kidnap victims, criminal activity and romance that finds it’s way into their lives. This Maximum Security Agency featured in this series can take on the duties of detectives, bodyguards, skip tracers and the deadly business of mob activity. Michael Winston disappears while on a cruise; his sister, Harper, seeks help to find him; Max Security owners, Chase and Brandon, take on the challenge; and, the adventure begins. If you want heart stopping action and never a dull moment while reading a great book, I can recommend this story. Thanks to this author, I’ve hardly put the book down until I see the final page. It’s a great read!
Sometimes you just need a happily after after…and Kart Martin delivers… Action-packed, plenty of bad guys….but the good guys ALWAYS come out on top.