Tag Archives: Katie Reus

A Very Merry Hitman (Holiday with a Hitman) by Katie Reus-review

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A Very Merry Hitman (Holiday with a Hitman 2) by Katie Reus-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 22, 2024

She’s surrounded by killers…

Aileen’s parents, brother and all her neighbors have unconventional jobs to say the least. So she’s surrounded by hitmen. Is it a little strange? Sure, but so is she. And lately she finds herself looking at one of her neighbors in a new light. When the single mom asks him for a teeny tiny favor—to help her after years of being celibate—he shuts down. So she decides to throw herself back out there and start dating again.

And he’s the most intimidating of them all…

Dante has wanted Aileen for as long as he can remember, but because of her past trauma, he’s always considered her off-limits. When two different Santas try to rob her in a matter of days, then all bets are off. Something weird is going on, so he does what any good hitman would do—he takes over her protection detail. He’ll keep her under his roof, in his arms, and hopefully in his bed, while ending any and all threats to her. Too bad her nosy family keeps getting in his way. It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but danger is about to find them all.

••••

REVIEW:A VERY MERRY HITMAN is the second instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult HOLIDAY WITH A HITMAN erotic, romantic suspense series. This is social media content developer Aileen Contos, and hitman Dante’s story line. A VERY MERRY HITMAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient third person perspective A VERY MERRY HITMAN follows the building relationship between Aileen and Dante. Aileen is a single mother who posts social media content for a living. Dante is a hitman who has worked with Aileen’s brother Theo, as well as her parents but Dante’s attraction to Aileen is hidden behind friendship and neighborly help. When not one but two Santas target our story line heroine, Dante, along with Aileen’s entire family, jump into action to take down the person responsible. What ensues is the building relationship between Dante and Aileen, and the potential fall-out as our heroine is targeted for someone else’s sins.

The world building follows several paths: Aileen is a single mother and is hoping to enter the world of dating but raising a child on her own meant making said child her number one priority and Aileen is hoping Dante will teach her about sexual fulfillment. Meanwhile someone is targeting our story line heroine, desperate to cover the sins of the past.

The relationship between Dante and Aileen begins as neighbors and friends but Dante is hoping for something more while Aileen believes remaining friends is the best option going forward. Aileen’s daughter Nessa is hoping Santa is answers her prayers, bringing with him exactly what Nessa has ordered. As Aileen continues to push Dante away, Dante will become guardian and protector of the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters include Aileen’s daughter Nessa; her parents and hitmen Nestor and Lorna; Aileen’s brother Theo and his wife Elliana (How the Hitman Stole Christmas 1) and Elliana’s friend Diego. The requisite evil has many faces.

A VERY MERRY HITMAN is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, dynamic and energetic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HOW THE HITMAN STOLE CHRISTMAS

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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TEMPTED BY HER NEIGHBOR by Katie Reus-a review

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TEMPTED BY HER NEIGHBOR by Katie Reus-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2024

He thinks his neighbor is out of his league…

Kyran got into a fair amount of trouble as a teenager, but after eight years in the military, he’s left his troublemaking past behind him, built a successful business and put down roots. Unfortunately, the sheriff of his hometown has a long memory. To him, Kyran will always be a loser, no matter how much he’s cleaned up his act.

And now she’s his alibi…

When he’s accused of a crime he didn’t commit, no one is more surprised than Kyran when prim and proper Lucie Miller provides him with an alibi—one that’s a complete lie. Determined to find out why his sexy next-door neighbor stepped up, he soon finds himself in danger of losing something far more important than his newfound respectability—his heart.

•••••

REVIEW: TEMPTED BY HER NEIGHBOR by Katie Reus is a contemporary, adult, romance novella focusing on former US Marine turned mechanic Kyran O’Callaghan, and his neighbor Lucie Miller.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Kyran and Lucie TEMPTED BY HER NEIGHBOR follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Lucie Miller has watched from afar as her sexy neighbor went about doing his business. When her car started acting up, Lucie knew the perfect man to get things done but a visit from the local sheriff pushed Lucie to become Kyran’s alibi for a crime he did not commit. From that point forward, Kyran and Lucie would become friends and lovers as the accusations against Kyran and harassment by the Sheriff were ongoing. Kyran’s younger years were spent getting into trouble, and in this, the Sheriff would continue to place blame whenever he could.

The relationship between Kyran and Lucie is a neighbors to friends to lovers. Kyran is hoping for something more from the woman that controls his heart but the Sheriff is determined to destroy Kyran O’Callaghan, with a little help from someone else. Lucie and Kyran’s fall is quick, sexy and sassy without the use of over the top, sexually graphic langauge and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Lucie’s over protective brothers Andrew and Jake: Sheriff Terrance Hill, and his nephew Henry.

TEMPTED BY HER NEIGHBOR is a fast paced, quick and easy read about betrayal and blame, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are energetic and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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FIGHTING FOR MAGNOLIA (Redemption Harbor Security 4)by Katie Reus

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FIGHTING FOR MAGNOLIA (Redemption Harbor Security 4) by Katie Reus-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters/Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2024

He promised forever, but then he left…

Magnolia fell fast and hard for the boy her parents warned her about. He told her that he wanted to give her the world, but then vanished. Now she runs a successful company in New Orleans and her son is picking out colleges—but someone is lurking in the shadows, stalking her every move. And they won’t stop until she’s six feet under.

Now he’s back and not going anywhere…

Security expert Ezra has just discovered the woman he never got over had their child years ago. Magnolia’s family lied to him, to both of them, and if he wants a place in their lives, he’s going to have to prove that he didn’t leave without a reason—all while keeping her safe from a deadly stalker who will do anything to destroy everything she loves.

•••••

REVIEW: FIGHTING FOR MAGNOLIA is the fourth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR SECURITY romantic suspense series- a spin off from the author’s Redemption Harbor series. This is hotel manager/philanthropist Magnolia Lavigne, and former US Marine turned security expert Ezra Hunt’s story line. FIGHTING FOR MAGNOLIA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Ezra and Magnolia FIGHTING FOR MAGNOLIA follows the second-chance relationship between our story line couple. Approximately seventeen years ago, Ezra Hunt walked out of Magnolia Lavigne’s life, leaving a heart broken and pregnant young woman in his wake. Fast forward to present day, Ezra Hunt is completely unaware of what happened or why including the discovery of the son he never knew but someone is targeting our story line heroine, and the team at Redemption Harbor Security have been tasked with protecting the woman Ezra still loves. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Ezra and Magnolia, and the potential fall-out as the truth reveals a double betrayal for our story line couple.

The world building follows the target of our story line heroine. Magnolia runs a shelter for abused women, and someone is taking aim but Ezra begins to suspect there may be more than one disgruntled person in Magnolia’s life, and our hero is determined to protect the woman that calls to his heart. Meanwhile, Magnolia and Ezra must come to terms with a betrayal from the past, a betrayal that could destroy the family Magnolia loves.

The relationship between Ezra and Magnolia is a second chance romance; a rekindling relationship that was destroyed by betrayal, bad intentions and questionable belief. Ezra is desperate to claim our heroine, and the son he never knew, and in this, Magnolia must face the reality of what happened and why. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar and entertaining secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Redemption Harbor Security teams. We are introduced to Ezra’s son Josh, as well as Magnolia’s mother and father. The requisite evil has many faces.

FIGHTING FOR MAGNOLIA is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and dishonesty, forgiveness and acceptance, family and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is inviting; the characters are determined, dynamic and resolute.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Fighting For Hailey
Fighting For Reese
Fighting For Adalyn

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

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FALLING FOR NOLA by Katie Reus -review

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💚 FALLING FOR NOLA by Katie Reus -review 💚

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 16, 2024

They started off on the wrong foot…

When Nola’s firefighter neighbor wakes her up for the third night in a row with his loud motorcycle, she has some choice words for him.

Once they clear the air, sparks fly between them…

Kayce falls for his neighbor from the first moment she yells at him, and he’s not alone in his attraction. But since they’re neighbors, she’s worried about the fallout if they part ways. Only he wonders why she thinks they’d ever break up…

REVIEW: FALLING FOR NOLA by Katie Reus is an adult, stand alone, romance novella focusing of thirty-five year old, fire inspector Kayce Laurent, and twenty-five year old artist Nola Cartier.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Kayce and Nola) covering approximately six months, FALLING FOR NOLA focuses on neighbors Kayce Laurent and Nola Cartier. After a late night stumble, Kayce Laurent and Nola Cartier agree to be civil neighbors but the attraction between them cannot be denied. Fearing a fall-out, Nola tries to keep her distance but life and circumstance throw our couple together.

The world and character building reveal some family history, energetic siblings, and well meaning neighbors.

The relationship between Kayce and Nola is one of immediate attraction but life and Nola’s fear of possible ramifications in the face of an inevitable break up keep our couple separated yet not. New Year’s Eve beckons, and Kayce is determined to claim Nola as his own. There are no $ex scenes.

FALLING FOR NOLA is a cute, sweet, engaging and fast paced story. The characters are charismatic; the romance is subtle.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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FIGHTING FOR ADALYN (Redemption Harbor Security 3) by Katie Reus

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FIGHTING FOR ADALYN (Redemption Harbor Security 3) by Katie Reus-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo Paper /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 28, 2024

She trusted the wrong person…

And got good people killed. While Adalyn will live with that mistake forever, she finally got justice. Even if it cost more than she’d imagined. But the past has come back to haunt her—and it wants revenge. An old enemy is out to destroy everything she holds dear, starting with her sister. He’s targeting all her former haunts and connections in New Orleans, using the wildness of Mardi Gras week to commit his crimes.

He thought she betrayed him and never looked back…

Rowan, veteran Marine, has hated Adalyn for getting his team killed. Until he discovers that the former CIA agent risked everything to stop the real perpetrator. Now they’re racing against the clock to stop a faceless madman determined to kill them and as many people as possible before the week is over. If they can’t figure out who he is or what his endgame is, an entire city could go up in flames—with them in it.

••••••••••

REVIEW:  FIGHTING FOR ADALYN is the third instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR SECURITY romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s Redemption Harbor series. This is former CIA agent Adalyn Bonnevies, and former Marine Rowan. FIGHTING FOR ADALYN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Rowan and Adalyn, FIGHTING FOR ADALYN follows in the aftermath of the murder of Adalyn’s sister’s roommate. Years earlier, CIA agent Adalyn Bonnevies was part of a team trying to shut down a drug smuggling ring in the Middle East but everything imploded, and the only other survivor blamed our heroine for everything that went wrong. Fast forward to present day, someone is targeting Adalyn Bonnevies, and former Marine Rowan has been called in to assist the team at Redemption Harbor Security but Adalyn wants nothing to do with the man who made it clear he hated the ground upon which she walked, and our heroine struggles to accept any help from Rowan himself. As the threats against Adalyn get more personal, Rowan declares himself guardian and protector of the woman with whom he is falling in love. What ensues is the search for a killer, and the fall-out as Rowan becomes collateral damage in a killer’s need to destroy our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the past and the present, and the possibility that someone involved in the original op has targeted our story line heroine. As the killer targets everything and everyone from Adalyn’s past, our heroine battles between head and heart, falling for a man who once declared his hatred for Adalyn Bonnevies.

The relationship between Adalyn and Rowan is a friends to enemies to frenemies to lovers relationship in which Adalyn struggles to accept Rowan’s apologies, apologies in the face of the threats against our story line heroine. From corrupt politicians and a personal need for vengeance, Adalyn is targeted for sins of the past. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several members of the original Redemption Harbor team return in secondary and supporting roles. We are introduced to Adalyn’s sister Fleur, as well as Redemption Harbor agent Tiago.There is something developing between Tiago and Fleur.

FIGHTING FOR ADALYN is a story of vengeance and madness, betrayal and obsession, family and friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Fighting For Hailey
Fighting For Reese

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

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Fighting for Reese by Katie Reus-review

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Fighting for Reese (Redemption Harbor Security 2) by Katie Reus-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26, 2024

She’s a grumpy security expert…

Reese doesn’t do relationships. Especially not with tall, sexy men with golden retriever energy. Nope, she prefers her men brooding and silent—with no strings attached. So when she hooks up with her gorgeous coworker after their friends’ wedding, she does what any sane woman would do. She runs.

He’s a sunshine badass…

Unfortunately for her, they’ve got to go undercover at a couples’ retreat which means one room, one bed, and a simmering heat neither of them can deny. Constantine—aka Cash to his friends—has been burned before because of his wealth. But Reese wants nothing to do with his money, which only intrigues him even more. Now that they’re sharing a room, his hot-and-cold vixen isn’t getting away from him again. But he’s got to keep them alive long enough to show that what they shared is more than a one-time thing. Something that proves more difficult when people around them start dying.

•••••

REVIEW:FIGHTING FOR REESE is the second instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR SECURITY romantic suspense series-a spin of from the author’s REDEMPTION HARBOR series. This is agents Constantine ‘Cash’ Pierce and Reese’s story line. FIGHTING FOR REESE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty . Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives FIGHTING FOR REESE follows the latest assignment for Cash and Reese. An employee is missing from the Kingston Wellness Spa, and her best friend is hoping the team at Redemption Harbor Security to uncover the truth. Going undercover as an engaged duo at a couple’s retreat, along with fellow agents US Marine Rowan and former CIA agent Adalyn, Cash and Reese quickly discover not all is well at the Kingston Wellness Spa. From dead bodies to the Albanian Mob, Cash and Reese find themselves facing the possibility of a serial killer who is intent to destroy them all.

The world building is detailed and intriguing. We are up close and personal with Cash and Reese as they journey towards coupledom while focusing on a potential killer who is desperate enough to make a mistake endangering everyone involved.

The relationship between Cash and Reese is co-workers to friends to fake lovers to lovers. Cash knows Reese is the woman that calls to his heart but Reese believes there is an end date to their fake affair. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are engaging and interesting. We are introduced to US Marine Rowan, and former CIA agent Adalyn; Spa owners Ben and Mila Kingston, as well as several guests, and law enforcement. The requisite evil has many faces.

FIGHTING FOR REESE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven, fast paced premise is intriguing and suspenseful; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and captivating.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one FIGHTING FOR HAILEY

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

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Fighting for Hailey by Katie Reus-review

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Fighting for Hailey (Redemption Harbor Security 1) by Katie Reus-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 23,2024

She’s the one who got away…

They grew up together, dated for years—but when Jesse Lennox had a chance at a college scholarship and a new life, Hailey abruptly ended things. She wanted him to have the life he deserved, and with her track record knew she’d just bring him down. Now they’re both grown and she runs the new branch of Redemption Harbor Consulting, heading up their security division. But her past is about to collide with her present in a big way, and she can’t outrun her demons any longer.

This time, he’s playing for keeps…

Years ago Hailey joined the military and ruthlessly cut all her foster siblings out her life. Now that one of them is in danger she’s back—and Jesse isn’t letting her push him away ever again. One of their own has been kidnapped and with the clock ticking, they have no choice but to work together to find him before it’s too late. But the threat is much worse than they imagined. It will take all their combined skills—and breaking through Hailey’s walls— to unravel the clues in time to save him.

•••••

REVIEW:FIGHT FOR HAILEY is the first instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR SECURITY romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s REDEMPTION HARBOR series. This is Redemption Harbor operative Hailey West, and billionaire businessman Jesse Lennox’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Jesse and Hailey) FIGHTING FOR HAILEY follows the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Hailey West grew up in the foster care system, and considered Jesse Lennox, Constantine ‘Cash’ Pierce, and Easton Reed family and friends but when Easton Reed goes missing, Hailey working as an operative for Redemption Harbor, is determined to uncover the truth, coming face to face with her past in the guise of Jesse Lennox. Jesse is also worried about the apparent kidnapping of their friend, their brother Easton, a world renowned scientist on the cusp of medical history. With the help of Cash Pierce, and some of the agents at Redemption Harbor, Jesse and Hailey begin an investigation of their own, only to discover a convoluted path of money and politicians hoping to make a score. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Jesse and Hailey, as they hunt for the people who took their friend.

The world building focuses on the search for Easton Reed, and the history between our story line couple. Jesse and Hailey were once a couple but life, fear and the future took each of them in different directions, and Hailey would eventually ghost them all.

The relationship between Hailey and Jesse is one of second chances but Hailey is afraid to reveal the truth about the past, a past she was hoping to forget. Enlisting in the military, Hailey did her time, as the three men in her life, struggled to make sense of why she ran. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to the new team and operatives for Redemption Harbor Security including Cash Pierce, Easton Reed, Hailey’s friend and fellow agent Reese, and Elijah. Reese and Cash’s story line is next.

FIGHTING FOR HAILEY is a story of second chances, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family, friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, engaging, dynamic and inventive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, and IndieReader bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, the Moon Shifter series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her book Avenger’s Heat recently won the Georgia RWA Maggie Award for Excellence in the fantasy/paranormal category.

Connect with Katie:

Facebook | Blog| Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Website

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HOW THE HITMAN STOLE CHRISTMAS by Katie Reus-review

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HOW THE HITMAN STOLE CHRISTMAS (Holiday with a Hitman 1) by Katie Reus-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 24, 2023

‘Tis the season for a grumpy-sunshine romance with a side of murder and mayhem!

She hates Christmas and everything that goes with it…

Explosives expert Elliana hates Christmas—and the only good thing about this holiday season is that her gorgeous neighbor seems allergic to shirts and clothes in general. She knows because she’s been watching him for months with her drone. She’s never stalked anyone before, but he not only doesn’t seem to mind, he puts on nightly strip shows just for her. When she finally works up the courage to talk to him, she stumbles right into a murder—that he’s committed.

But this holiday is one she’ll never forget…

According to him, the whole murder thing is no big deal—the dead guy needed killing. And while her hot neighbor wants her, protecting her is his main priority. So when she’s targeted, this cinnamon roll hitman kidnaps her for her own good. With a deadly threat hunting them and a hot hitman who keeps handcuffing her to him “for her own protection”, Elliana is starting to reconsider her grinchy stance on the holidays. And when everything finally comes to a head, the results are bound to be…explosive.

••••••••

REVIEW: HOW THE HITMAN STOLE CHRISTMAS is the first novella in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult HOLIDAY WITH A HITMAN romantic suspense series. This is hitman/ assassin for hire Theo Contos, and US Marine explosives expert/business woman Elliana Reed’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspective (Theo and Elliana)HOW THE HITMAN STOLE CHRISTMAS focuses on the building relationship between our story line couple. For close to a year Elliana Reed has been stalking her neighbor Theo, a neighbor who is well aware of Elliana’s propensity for voyeurism but Elliana is about to come face to face with the reality of her neighbor’s job when he reveals a contract has been issued for our heroine’s death. Finding in herself a victim of an abduction by Theo, Elliana will quickly discover there is more to Theo than she could have ever imagined. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Elliana and Theo, and the potential fall-out as someone has placed a target on Elliana’s back, and Theo will call in reinforcements from the people he trusts the most.

Elliana despises Christmas, and her new neighbor has decided to decorate for our story line heroine but Theo has an ulterior motive, and getting close to Elliana means protecting the woman with whom he will fall in love.

The relationship between Theo and Elliana is slow to build. Elliana has been spying on her new neighbor for close to a year, learning nothing except his need to pose naked for her cameras. Theo Contos knows just about everything he needs to know about Elliana but when a new contract comes in to take down Elliana, Theo takes drastic measures to protect our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Elliana’s business partner Weston Davis, singer Rebel Martinez, as well as Theo’s interesting and professional parents Nestor and Lorna, his sister Aileen and niece Nessa. The requisite evil has several faces.

HOW THE HITMAN STOLE CHRISTMAS can only be described as a ‘reverse’ grumpy-sunshine, holiday, romantic suspense novella with a little big of fun and lively interactions. The fast paced premise is captivating and exciting; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic, charismatic and amusing.

But…with the introduction of several characters and couples, I did feel as though I was missing some information-that the secondary characters had already been established with backstories I missed.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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