REVEALED TO HIM (Kerr Chronicles #3) by Jen Frederick-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 3, 2015

Handsome and tough Jake Tanner, a veteran and the owner of a successful security firm, never lets his past hold him back. Despite his prosthetic hand and foot, women swoon over him—and with him between the sheets. Yet Jake feels bored and restless…until he’s hired to protect a beautiful writer whose life is in terrible danger.

Self-imprisoned by the fear of the anonymous stalkers who threaten her life, video-game writer Natalie Beck now only dreams of the world outside her pink-bedecked apartment. Trusting people again is off-limits. But the more time Jake spends with her, the more his professional commitment evolves from simple duty to scorching desire. While deeply sensual sparks ignite between the two, the danger outside circles closer. Will Jake’s intense devotion be enough to save Natalie? Or will she turn away from the one man willing to do anything to save her?

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REVIEW: REVEALED TO HIM is the third installment in Jen Frederick’s contemporary, adult KERR CHRONICLES erotic, romance series. This is thirty five year old security expert and US Ranger amputee Jake Tanner, and twenty six year old author Natalie Beck’s storyline. REVEALED TO HIM is a stand alone, romantic suspense story but several of the characters from Frederick’s KERR CHRONICLES including Ian Kerr, and Tiny (aka Victoria) play secondary and supporting roles. REVEALED TO HIM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty; any important information from the previous storylines is imparted where necessary although I felt I was on the outside looking in as it pertained to Jake’s friendship and business relationship with Ian and the other members of his team- I was missing some ‘inside information’.

Told from alternating first person points of view (Jake and Natalie) REVEALED TO HIM focuses on the investigation into the threats against Natalie Beck by a stalker who has forced our heroine into a reclusive and agoraphobic lifestyle. Following a incident that almost claimed her life, Natalie refuses to leave her apartment when a threatening letter surfaces claiming to know about Natalie’s true identity. Natalie is currently living in the same condo building as her cousin Oliver, a man who hires Jake Tanner to investigate the threats against Natalie.

Jake Tanner is a double amputee (caused by an IED explosion in Afghanistan) who currently owns and works at Tanner Security. His latest assignment has found our hero falling for a woman he has never met in person but has an overwhelming need to protect against those that have threatened her life. Natalie remains housebound throughout most of the storyline but her introduction to Jake finds our couple making quick work of their building relationship via texts, emails, phone calls and late night visits where Jake remains behind closed doors. Natalie may not be able to leave her home, but that doesn’t mean Jake isn’t welcome into Natalie’s bed and her heart. The $ex scenes are intense, erotic and provocative.

We are introduced to Natalie’s best friend and editor Daphne; and Natalie’s psychiatrist Dr. Terrance-both of whom have questionable motives when it comes to Natalie’s recover. Oliver Graham is Natalie’s sexy cousin, a professional football player whose protection of Natalie reaches beyond familial duty; and Dr. Crist-Jake’s friend and a man called in to confirm Natalie’s current diagnosis. Jake’s sister Sabrina is a welcome addition to the storyline as she is the supporting factor in Jake’s life. Sabrina’s attraction to Japanese billionaire and Ian Kerr’s best friend Kaga continues to be a ‘bone of contention’ between the siblings.

As it pertains to the character of Natalie, our heroine’s agoraphobia is destructive and controlling. There are moments when she pushes herself to the edge and fears falling into the abyss, while other times she is afraid of her own shadow; strangers and knocks on her door become potential threats against her life. There is a fine line between enabling a disability and helping to find a modicum of control. Jen Frederick presents a heroine with a debilitating disorder that controls ever aspect of her life.

REVEALED TO HIM is an interesting, intriguing and thought-provoking storyline about a psychological disorder that is often misunderstood. The mystery and suspense surrounding the identity of the person(s) responsible for the threats against our heroine was easily deduced-the author drops little hints throughout the story. The premise is inspiring; the characters are engaging, colorful and intense. My only issue is the quick conflict resolution at the end of the story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy