I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Into the Crossfire
by
Lisa Marie Rice
It is part of the Protectors #1 series and is a romantic suspense in Paperback edition that was published by Avon Red on July 27, 2010 and has 304 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books in this series include [books_series]
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Nightfire
First in the Protectors romantic suspense series. The couple focus is on Sam Reston and Nicole Pearce in San Diego.
My Take
There was a very real feel to this story, even if the protagonists are too sweet to be real, LOL. Sam has overcome a horrific childhood and is extremely loyal to those about whom he cares while Nicole adores her father so much that no sacrifice is too great. It’s her pride and struggle to do the right thing that brings her within Sam’s reach.
I do love the dichotomy of Sam’s reality and his appearance. I can definitely imagine what she’s thinking when she sees him coming in from his undercover assignment — as stanky and terrifying as he was! A man who knows what he wants, he doesn’t let his self-perception get in the way when he goes after Nicole. Lucky for her in so many ways.
Nicole’s dad’s deterioration from his illness is so sad. Such a waste of a bright, vibrant man and I just love Nicole’s dedication to him as well as Sam’s interaction with him.
Interesting tidbit on bad-guy escalation. Definitely a good bit of data for women to know.
As for Hamas (and others like them), get a frickin’ life. Y’all got a helluva lot of your own people suffering. Why not put your intelligence and money to work for something positive instead of screwing up still more people’s lives? I just hate people who use religion as an excuse to abuse others. I don’t care if they’re Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindi, animists, or whatever.
If you enjoy romantic suspense, pick this one up. I can’t wait to start reading the next in this series, Hotter than Wildfire.
The Story
When the gorgeous Nicole Pearce moves in next door with her fledgling translation agency, Sam is smitten. Enough that he’s stalking her. But Nicole wants nothing to do with him; she needs to concentrate on her dying father.
Terrorists however want the file sent her by a Port of Marseilles employee and they’ll stop at nothing to get it.
The Characters
Nicole Pearce had a very successful career translating for the UN in Switzerland until her father, Nicholas Pearce, a former ambassador, needs her help coping with his illness. She will do anything, give up anything, to help him. And she’s starting up her own translation business, Wordsmith, in San Diego. Manuela is their housekeeper.
Sam Reston is a former U.S. Navy SEAL and now runs a very successful security agency, Reston Security. His childhood has affected more than his health, but also his perspective on what’s right. Mike Keillor and Harry Bolt are his “brothers” (Old Man Hughes was the foster parent where the boys met and protected each other). Mike is SWAT with San Diego PD while the computer-savvy Harry is recovering from horrendous wounds he got in Afghanistan; he’s also more diplomatic with certain clients than Sam.
Mayor Hector Villarreal is needed to endorse Sam with Nicole. Amanda Rogers is one of a number of “birds” whom Sam has rescued. Jean-Paul Simonet is a clerk at the Port of Marseille with nothing left to live for since his family’s murders by terrorists. He’s intelligent, but not quick. Bashir Fakhry runs the Lebanese restaurant Sam loves. Lieutenant Kelly is with SDPD and is in charge of investigating Nicole’s break-in.
Kyle Connelly recruited Sam into Bucinski’s criminal operation; he’s also regaled Sam one time too many over his pleasure in raping a twelve-year-old. Muhammed Wahed, a.k.a., Paul Preston, has been groomed to infiltrate Western society. Richard Mold is a Wall Street trader-turned-hedge-fund manager. He’s also the man with the name of a mercenary who takes care of problems,Outlaw.
Sean McInerney was dishonorably discharged from the Rangers. Now, he’s putting his talents to use for himself. Warren Wilson is ex-army, a specialist driver, good mechanic, a good shot, and willing to do anything for money.
The Cover and Title
The cover is shades of blue reflecting the darkness within this story while the image is Sam’s arms wrapped around a naked Nicole, discreetly covering her breasts.
The title is two-fold for Sam is moving Into the Crossfire of his love for Nicole and that of the terrorists who want Nicole dead.
