Musings and Ramblings

Kill Without Mercy

ARES Security, #1

Alexandra Ivy

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Zebra
Date of Publication: December 29, 2015
Number of pages: 368

From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home—and they’re ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they’re intimidating. Together they’re invincible. They’re the men of ARES Security.

Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather’s small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he's eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can't just walk away—not when she’s clearly in danger…

There’s a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie’s dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe’s instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie’s courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won’t stop. Now it’s only a matter of time before Annie’s next—unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won’t be buried.

I started reading Alexandra Ivy's Guardians of Eternity series back when it came out in 2007. The series was sexy and fun, and I had a good time with it, but with one thing and another, I have fallen a few books behind. (Although I did mange to read the two novellas staring my favorite little gargoyle.) So when I saw that the author had a new non paranormal series coming out, I had to take a look. Didja see that cover? Plus, how often are you going to find true badasses in Iowa, for goodness sake? That alone had me taking a closer look.

This started out as the typical ex-military turned security group, with some variation to keep it fresh and current, romantic suspense novel. Intro the guys, zoom in our hero and then meet the heroine and next set up their initial random meeting. Isn't it funny how after reading enough of this genre, you can tell the basic road map of the journey that the author will be taking you on? It's the details that make or break the story. And can I just say that the details totally and completely made this one, at least for me.

I just kept being surprised with the twists and turns in the story. I'd think I had a handle on the direction of things, and *bam* we'd take sharp 90 degree turn. This kept me in the moment and not skimming ahead.  I really enjoyed not knowing what was going to happen next and being surprised with where the author took the story line.

The series story arc was introduced early, we had a chance to get to know all our heroes, and I have already started my book boyfriend crush on one of guys. Here's hoping his story is late in the series, since that will give me more time with him all to myself. ;) The story grabbed my attention and kept me involved right till the very end. I had to give it 4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Zebra/Kensington for the opportunity to read and review the book.