Hard Play by Sheryl Nantus – a Review

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Description:
Ex-special forces ranger Dylan McCourt is a stone cold killer who cares only about his military brothers and doing what’s right. He’s used to giving orders and has zero patience for bullshit. Most people tremble when they look him in the eye, but not his infuriatingly sexy new rescue mission, Jessie Lyon. She just juts her chin and says she’s not leaving without clearing her father’s name, to hell with his rules. And was that a one finger salute he sees in her eyes or his imagination? Either way, he knows this is one job his training might not have prepared him for.

Review:

Hard Play by Sheryl Nantus is the first book in the Delta Force Brotherhood series.  Dylan McCourt owns and operates a nightclub in Las Vegas called The Devil’s Playground.  While it is quite successful it is also a cover for the Delta Force Brotherhood; an organization of ex Delta Force brothers who are always available to help someone in need. 

When Lisa Boudreau comes into the club – Dylan can tell by the look of her that she isn’t there for a drinks and a party.  She needs the help of the Brotherhood.  Lisa’s best friend Jessie Lyon is in some kind of trouble.  An ex cop, turned private investigator, hasn’t gotten in touch with Lisa in about a week.  If Jessie needs to go undercover – they have an agreement that she texts at least once a day – that is Lisa’s way of knowing that Jessie is alright.  But she hasn’t heard anything from her and she knows something is wrong.  Lisa has exhausted all of her leads, the cops think she is crazy and that Jessie just took off to clear her head and find a new life.  But Lisa knows that is not the case. 

With no indication of what case Jessie had been working on, or where she may be – Dylan agrees to take the case.  And after looking at a picture of Jessie he knows he must do whatever he can to save her, he has no idea why. But at first sight of the photo he knows – he must do whatever it takes to make her safe.  After doing some investigating Dylan and the Brotherhood soon find out that Jessie had been working at Fluxxx Casino as a blackjack dealer for the last three months.  What he can’t figure out is why? Why would an ex-cop turned PI need to work at a casino?  Unless she was undercover for some reason.  After looking into the casino more – Dylan finds out that the place is owned by Edward Molodavi, an old school mobster.  Edward Molodavi is bad news in the worst kind of way.  Not exactly  the kind of person that you want to get involved with.  And for some reason Jessie has upset him. 

The Brotherhood works fast to find out that Molodavi has Jessie held captive.  He found out that Jessie was working undercover to try and bring Molodavi down.  You see for Jessie it is personal.  One of Molodavi’s men shot Jessie’s dad while he was a  cop with Metro.  Her father was paralyzed and died not long after.  And Jessie swore to her father before he passed away that she would take Molodavi down. 

When Dylan moves in to rescue Jessie he finds is a stubborn, strong willed woman with the beauty and the brawn to be everything he has ever wanted.  After saving her from her captive, he must keep her safe and the more time he spends with her – the more he realizes that he would do anything to keep her with him. But is their attraction just Stockholm syndrome?  Are they only attracted to each other because of the adrenalin rush of the rescue and keeping her safe?  There may be only one way to find out.

Dylan McCourt is a hot, able bodied ex Delta Force on a mission.  From the moment you meet him you know he means business.  He doesn’t play games, he goes to work, gets the job done and does what ever is needed to keep those around him safe. The moment he sees the photo of Jessie you kind of know he is in trouble.  His primal instinct kicks in and he wants nothing more than to save her and find out more about her. He is rugged, and good looking and yet a complete gentleman all at the same time.  And his loyalty to his Brothers knows no bounds. 

Jessie Lyons is one stubborn willed woman on a mission.  She wants nothing more than to expose Molodavi for the criminal he is.  With the police seemingly turning their heads at all the illegal activity surrounding Molodavi, she knows she must be the one to bring him down.  She didn’t bargain for Dylan McCourt.  The attraction is there – quite obviously – but she has a job to complete.  She knows now that she can’t possibly do it all on her own and the help of the Brotherhood may be the only help she has.  She is strong willed, stubborn and can kick some serious ass if need be.  But on the same note she is relatable – and likeable.  You want her to be your friend.  You know she would always have  your back.

This is nowhere near my normal genre, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Being that I live in Las Vegas I loved how all of the surroundings were on point.  The outlying areas of Summerlin mentioned and Mt. Charleston was on point.  I have travelled the road from Mt. Charleston holding onto the dash for dear life myself. The story was spot on about the surroundings.  And I believe that makes the story much more enjoyable and relatable.  I love when the author gets it all right.  This story had intrigue and danger;  you want and need to know what is going to happen.  I loved all the sub-characters from the Brotherhood and I cannot wait to read the next soldiers story.  I loved that Lisa and Jessie’s friendship was real and you could feel the bonds of friendship in their words.

Completely out of my reading comfort zone – but absolutely enjoyed this book.  Would recommend to anyone that enjoys a good love story with some kick ass fight scenes.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher