Book Review: When He's Dirty (Walker Security: Adrian Trilogy) by Lisa Renee Jones

When He's Dirty is part of the Walker Security series, and the first book in the Adrian Trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones. I have read some of the previous books in the Walker series, but not all of them. Please note that as the first book of a trilogy for our couple, it does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to obtain the whole series for the whole story.

As a member of Walker Security, Adrian Mack has found redemption for a walk on the dark side. For two years the former FBI agent was undercover in the notorious Texas Kings biker club. For two years he changed, he became one of them and when the bust happened, he didn't know who he was anymore. On a hitlist with a price on his head he disappeared and joined Walker Security, but now, the trial is set to start and witnesses are dropping like flies. Assistant District Attorney, Priscilla Miller is tasked with the conviction of The King himself, and she's passionate about taking him down, but her case is falling apart. She's also in trouble, and while she resists Adrian, the sexy ex-FBI agent with a killer reputation, and his team at Walker Security are her answer, in more ways than one. He touches her, she melts. He shields her, she survives. But everything is not as it seems. Friends are enemies. Secrets are really lies. And the one time in his life Adrian lets his heart do the thinking, passion might just be deadly.

When He's Dirty is a story with a classic romantic suspense feel. Adrian is still feeling guilt over the things he took part in while working undercover, and does not feel that he deserves the support of the Walker Security family, or Pri when the time comes. Of course, that does not stop him from taking steps to protect them or enjoy their relationships. Pri is struggling with her past mistakes too, and they are both neck deep in trying to get a real evil convicted and behind bars in a much more permanent way. Corruption, family drama, an ex-fiancé, and legitimate threats to their lives keep everyone on their toes and the story moving along at a brisk pace. There is a good amount of heat between Pri and Adrian, and just as much mystery about who might be feeding information to the big bad. There is also some serious character development for the major players. The only problem is that this is the first in a trilogy, and while relationships have been forged and all the characters introduced, there is a cliffhanger ending and plenty of unanswered questions to make readers eager for the next read. 

When He's Dirty is a well written start to a trilogy. I think fans of the author and complex stories that need a trilogy to tell completely.

Book Review: In Safe Hands (Search & Rescue) by Katie Ruggle

In Safe Hands is the fourth book in the Search & Rescue series by Katie Ruggle. The romance part of this story can stand well on its own, however to fully understand the larger story arc that rateches up the danger level this series does need to be read in order. The reading order is Hold Your Breath, Fan the Flames, and Gone Too Deep then In Safe Hands. I enjoyed all of them, so it is not a bad thing to binge read the series, right? There is also a prequel, On His Watch, a novella which I have not yet read.

Daisy Little has lived in agoraphobic terror for over eight years. Trapped within a prison of her own making, she watches time pass through her bedroom window. Daisy knows she'll never be a part of the world, until the day she becomes the sole witness of a terrible crime that may finally tear the Search and Rescue brotherhood apart for good. Chris, police deputy and friend, believes in her- but Daisy is starting to lose faith in herself. Picking up where Gone Too Deep ends, here we finally get all our answers.

In Safe Hands is a fast paced book that dropped so many answers to the questions fans of this series have had since the beginning. Daisy and Chris, and their ‘friendship’ are some serious icing on the cake. Daisy is agoraphobic after witnessing her mother’s death. Chris has been there supporting and teaching Daisy self defense all along. When Daisy sees something weird out her window she starts the ball rolling towards an action packed conclusion. All the couples we have met so far have their roles to play, and so do the shadowing figures we have had our suspicions about as we have made our way through this series. I think my favorite thing about Ruggle’s writing of Daisy (and most of the characters of this series) is the realistic and honest portrayal of her characters. No character is all good or bad, or main players have their faults, and the ones causing all the problems might be killers or arsonists, but they are not wholly evil. Mental illness, phobias, and traumas are things the characters have to deal with, but not what defines them. This is a rare and wonderful thing to find, and would make the books good reads even if the story, adventure, romance, and suspense were not all awesome as well. 

In Safe Hands is another quality book from Ruggle. I was glad to see how everything came to gather, but I will be sad to let go of these characters. Thankfully, a little bird tells me that a new series will start this summer, with Run to Ground.