Black and Blue by Cynthia Rayne Pages: 250
Series: Black Star Security
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Amazon
Goodreads
Life can leave you bruised
Former Navy SEAL, Jackson West, is trying to start over in the Bluegrass State. West had to choose between serving his country and being the parent his young daughter deserves. He’s missed too many milestones already and refuses to waste another second. He’s formed Black Star Security with his military buddies, and they’re gonna kick a little @ss. For a price.Sometimes you need a second chance
Deputy U.S. Marshal Annie Foster accidentally got her partner killed during a routine prisoner transport. Now three dangerous felons are roaming the Kentucky countryside, and it’s all her fault. Black Star Security is hunting the fugitives, and Annie’s assisting them, even though she’s devastated by the mistake she made. But she didn’t count on West, a big, bad alpha male who’s an intoxicating mixture of ruthless and tender.Will they capture the escaped convicts? And will West and Annie take a chance on each other?
Black and Blue is the story of a disgraced federal marshal and a start up security firm teaming up. I liked that we were seeing the Black Star Security from the beginning. Its interesting to see a company build instead of the story starting when they are already uber successful. The company is comprised of people from many walks of life: ex-military, tech geeks, former FBI agents, CIA. They all bring something unique that makes the entire operation interesting and diverse.
Jackson West (called West by everyone) is a retired SEAL who has returned to his hometown in Kentucky to start Black Star. He is a single dad of an adorable 9 year old girl. He has put up all his savings, his inheritance, and his reputation on making Black Star a success. The first job they take on isn’t one he expected…bounty hunting 3 escaped federal prisoners.
Annie Foster is the marshal responsible for the escape of those prisoners. It got her partner and friend killed and cost her career. Unable to get a job in any area of law enforcement, Annie is broke and working at a fast food place when she crosses paths with West and Black Star. Not only is this a chance to correct the biggest mistake of her life, its a chance to get back into the employment field she loved.
There is some attraction between West and Annie from the start; obviously, this is a complicated set up though! Annie has a lot of survivor’s guilt, West has an ex-wife and a child. It’s complicated! Throw in the task of catching a dangerous criminal (three escaped, but only 1 is a serious danger to society!), and you have a plot that keeps you on your toes.
My issue was with West and Annie. They weren’t a bad set of characters or anything, but I just didn’t find myself caring much about their relationship. Maybe I just didn’t buy it? I’m not sure. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was that didn’t click for me, but there was something that kept me from totally loving them. I did like the way West’s relationship with his ex-wife was portrayed. They were a very positive, mature example of divorced couples who coparent. I also appreciated that West wasn’t a manwhore. I’m kind over those. Even with those positive things, I still felt a little ambivalent about West and Annie.
I’m curious to get the stories of the other members of Black Star. They are an interesting group that I think could bring some entertaining stories!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: security team
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
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Claiming Felicity by Susan Stoker, Dangerous Witness by Katie Reus, A Cold Dark Place by Toni Anderson…then you will probably like Black and Blue!
Black and Blue
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