Recently off the injured list, Nathan Ortiz is chosen for an off-the-books op in his old stomping ground of Miami. He has no idea that the pursuit of missing women will bring him face to face with his first love, Amelia. She is a hard-working restaurant owner trying to give women in need a chance. But now some mysterious disappearances are leading back to her restaurants and a foundation run by Cade's wife, Maria. So the team begins an investigation where they are not sure where all the pieces will lead.

It takes them into a dark world where young women vanish to unknown ends. They are trying to stay ahead of those involved and out of harm's way. There are multiple possible antagonists, motives and mysteries.

Nathan is a hot protective alpha. Having a near death experience recently made him realize what he was missing. But he has a lot of resentment, questions, and pain stemming from their past. Amelia is sassy, smart, resourceful, and brave. But she still carries guilt from their past and fear of being rejected. The situation they find themselves lends itself to mistrust and wondering what hidden agendas there might be.

Nathan and Amelia are also trying to come to terms with being reunited and deal with the ghosts, pain, and guilt from their past while finding their connection and attraction has not waned. But there are secrets, trust issues, and lingering regrets and anger. It's a mix of lust and passion with a need for protection and forgiveness.

They had chemistry, passion and a long standing connection that neither of them ever forgot or could truly replace in their lives. But the secrets, hurt feelings and anger regarding their break up and lost years will have to be addressed to even find their footing in the present or move onto a possible future. And they also have to face the threats and danger and solve the mystery that the team is working on. Amelia seems to find herself getting deeper and deeper into the danger and Nathan is determined to keep her safe.

There were quite a few cameos from other team members: featured were Dax, Elliott, Karen, Wesley, Selene, Cade and his wife Maria. And a few other filtered in as the team hits Miami to take down the people responsible for crimes against women. I like the camaraderie and all of the skills of the team members. It was  a big mystery with several possible perpetrators. It was fast-paced and full of action, danger, suspense, and surprises. But it was also a sweet, sexy, second-chance love story.


ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Nathan Ortiz is in Miami posing as one of his covers in order to keep a new crime power from stepping into the skin trade. He and his team are looking for any way they can get closer to those at the top of their list, and will use any means necessary to find what they are looking for.

Amelia Rios own 2 popular restaurants and has worked hard to have the stability she was missing as a child. Dating has never been a priority, as her focus was on her restaurants. But now that things are setting, she is taking a chance by going on a date with an antiquities dealer who has frequented her restaurant. That date puts her square in the sights of Nathan’s team, and Nathan -- her first love.

The history between these two added an interesting element to the story. Their reactions, built from that history, spoke volumes to to the connection they once had and the hurt between them that had not been addressed.

Their chemistry in the present was off the charts from the very first glance and only flamed hotter as they began working together. I actually had a hard time believing that Amelia’s original date didn’t recognize the fire burning between them, especially since several other characters commented on it. But it was not difficult to imagine they had both held the hurt from 12 years before while also feeling the heat in the present -- and that combination made me love them all the more.

The twists and turns in this story had me diving in headfirst and hardly looking up. Those surprise twists drive the story in such a way that you can’t help but hold on and enjoy the ride. Beyond the heat between the characters, the investigation they are a part of was full of suspense and mystery. I had my own suspicions (which were partially correct) but I loved watching how little clues would jump out, often long after I had read a particular clue.

ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Katie Reus is the New York Times, USA Today, & 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 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.