Summary
Run: Gemma Falls never expected to use her game theory expertise to outrun a killer. But for years, that skill is all that kept her one step ahead of a deadly stalker. When Gemma gets the chance to teach at D.C. University, she hopes she and her young daughter have found a safe harbor. The only flaw is the arrogant philosophy professor who’s always underfoot giving unwanted advice—in his sexy British accent . . .
Hide: Jethro Hanson has blood on his hands. He’s working within ivy-covered university halls now, but he knows that his work with the Deep Ops team and the deadly acts he once committed for the sake of Queen and country place him beyond forgiveness—until he meets Gemma . . .
Seek: Soon, the passion between them stuns them both. But when Jethro discovers a threat is fast overtaking her, he must choose between the redemption he seeks—and releasing the ever-present killer inside . . .
Review
The author has romantic suspense down to a fine art. At least, the suspense part–with a lot of action and some gory details.
This time, I think she also did the romance part quite well. That’s what happens when a kid is involved, I discovered. It forces the non-parent character to show a side of them that’s different and make them more likeable, and make the parent character fall for them. Here, Gemma was the parent–of three year old Trudy–and Jethro was the alpha ex-deep op who fell for both. He clearly had a protective streak already, but he became also nice and sweet. That despite Gemma’s standoffishness.
Gemma is on the run with her daughter, and can’t afford to trust anyone, nor get involved with her sexy colleague. Especially when she realizes how dangerous he really is. And yet, she slowly opens up to him, makes a space for him in her life. I loved how conflicted she felt: Jethro brings new dangers in her life, but he also offers safety and protection. In her situation, it was a hard choice to make, staying or running again. The dilemma felt real.
I enjoyed their chemistry. There’s definitely some attraction right from the beginning–both are gorgeous, after all–but their personalities didn’t match. It wasn’t quite enemies to lovers, but close. But Jethro has a big heart and offers his help numerous times. Of course Gemma ends up falling for him.
The investigation, and how it involved Jethro and the whole Force’s team, as well as the police department, were gripping. I won’t say more about the victims, the suspect, and what happens, but let’s just say that it’s explicit and violent, and the pace is good and there are many twists. Some actions or reactions may have been weird or even stupid, but it kept the story going, so I won’t complain.
There’s some sexy here too. I like that. Maybe it didn’t exactly suited them though. I mean, Gemma has been abused, I would think she would refuse a dominant male in bed. But what do I know, right?
I can’t wait to see who’s next at getting their happily ever after.
Quickie
- Series: Deep ops #5 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #single mom #ex agent
- Triggers: gruesome murders with graphic depictions, mention of alcoholism and domestic abuse or neglect, multiple injuries
- Main couple: Gemma Falls & Jethro Hanson
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + little Trudy seducing every adult in the vicinity
- – can I slap thick headed investigators in the face?
Stalker mode
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