Thank you so much for the opportunity to review this book and to be an early reader via NetGalley! However, I will not be writing a review for this title at this time, as my reading preferences have since changed somewhat. In the event that I decide to review the book in the future, I will make sure to purchase a copy for myself or borrow it from a library. Once again, thank you so much for providing me with early access to this title. I truly appreciate it. Please feel free to contact me with any follow-up questions or concerns.

There’s a cautionary tale at the core of Hunt’s second installment of the Alpha Security series: don’t opt for a one-night stand … that you pick up in a rural Thailand bar. It’s never as unencumbered as you’d think, particularly with the daughter of a US Senator is swept up in an intimidation scheme affecting her father. And when your one-night stand is Tray Hanson, the man hired to guard your back.

**3.5 Stars**

Trey and Elle had an explosive night together, and as Elle was trying, unsuccessfully, to quietly sneak away, Trey confesses he was hoping for more. See, Trey isn't the man he used to be. Yes, in the past he's been the one attempting to leave without getting caught, but he hasn't been that man for a long time. He now wants more, and thought with the connection he and Elle, a trauma nurse, had made in more ways than one, he'd found it. As he's trying to convince her to stay, their chemistry ignites again and...wait, that's not, well, it is, but yeah, the gunfire has captured both of their attentions. Shortly afterward, a man appears, obviously Trey's friend and backup, Elle slips away, with Trey calling for her the whole time. She gets away, possibly stumbling upon something she shouldn't have in the process, and someone she's dubbed Alley Man.

A few hours have gone by now, but Trey, an Alpha operative, and his team are no closer to finding Elle than before. However, things are even more complicated now as Trey's desire to find her is no longer only personal. It seems as if Elle is the mission they were sent there for, specifically to protect her per her father's, a Senator, request. If only they'd received the mission details when they arrived three days ago, Trey wouldn't have crossed the line he never has before. Well, there was something magnetic about his pull to Elle though, and it wasn't lust right away. It was more.

Elle is trying to get home and unfortunately, the journey is long and wrought with obstacles. While waiting in line at the airport, she notices a man that resembles Trey, which triggers hot memories of their night together, and, after finishing her objective, accidentally collides with another traveler, this one however, causes fear as it's Alley Man.

"The only thing Elle knew was that she was really—and completely—screwed." - Elle

Thankfully, she gets away with Trey's, yeah, it was him, help and is taken to a safe location where his team is holed up. Unfortunately, they aren't the only ones there as her father, Samuel, and ex-fiance, James, are lying in wait. Samuel wastes no time in putting Elle in her place. (Psst...daddy dearest he is not.) He's, of course, again making demands upon her and her time, regardless of her wishes. She concedes, on one condition, but Trey refuses to agree to the latter, and substitutes his own.

"Control over her and her life was all anyone seemed to want from her." - Elle

"But she’d never once felt like a job. She felt like a necessity." - Trey

Will Trey keep Elle safe? Who is after her and why? Is it someone closer than anyone knows?  What happens when Elle learns some hard truths? How long before Trey and Elle realize their chemistry can't be denied? What happens when the case is solved? Will they admit their feelings for one another? Or say good-bye, believing their time together could only be temporary? Is there a HEA in their future?

One-click now and follow along as two people meet by chance, then discover their paths would've crossed regardless. This is the second in the series and while I was able to read along without feeling lost, Rafe and Penny, the couple from Heated Pursuit, the first book, did make appearances and references were made to how they met.  While I enjoyed this book as a whole, there was one major issue for me (see below) and, if not for that, my rating would've been higher.

On a purely personal note, I know the Alpha headquarters is a secret and the bar the guys own is a front, but I really hated that Trey "had" to "play" nice with the locals as a "woman" was plastered against him, her breasts rubbing against his arm, her fingers dancing up and down his chest, and she kisses his cheek. This is after he's been sleeping with Elle. You can "play" nice without letting women touch you, especially when you're having sex with the heroine on a consistent basis. Oh yeah, and Elle saw this happen, and my words on how it was described were what Trey used with her. So, if the situation was reversed, he'd let another man do that with Elle? Umm, no, he wouldn't. So why have a grown man allow another woman to do that? He can do his job just fine without allowing women to touch him in this manner. Will he still let it happen when he and Elle are official? When they get married? If they have children? After they've been together 10 years? It was unnecessary and I lost respect for Trey. Yes, I know he only viewed it as "work," and wasn't interested, but still, up to that point, I was really liking him. Thanks for ruining him in my eyes. This would've been a solid four star, maybe even closer to five, read for me, but that happening knocked it down to three. A real man would not allow another woman to touch him when he believes he found his one, regardless of the reason, and especially not because it's "part of the job." It's disrespectful to his woman and calls into question his supposed feelings for her. Yeah, I know I've gone a little ranty on this, but it ticks me off. It was so completely uncalled for and added NOTHING to the story.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

From Net Galley –   This is the 2nd Book in this series – and it can be read as a stand alone book. Both Trey and Elle and the gang from Alpha Security are great. And look forward to the next book in this series- featuring  Charlie and Vince.

Trey is an alpha but has given up his player ways and has fallen for Elle the person they are paid to protect. When things go wrong he goes in the protection mode. But you got too- love a man that loves and listen to his Mom and you see a soft side there. And Elle – shes been used and lied too and has trust issues and a secret she thinks will keep her from Trey but she finds her place with Alpha and Trey . When the chips are down and the bad guy is taken of Elle and Trey finds that love is all you need.

I really loved Charlie in this book and cant wait to read her  book in this series .I’m sure we are in for an exciting time with Charlie and Vince.  Lisa

Trey Hanson is sexy and sweet at the same time. He thinks he found the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. The problem - she disappears after a hail of gunfire and he later finds out she's his next assignment.

Elle Monroe has been a pushover for most of her life, so to escape, she works as a nurse in underdeveloped countries. Unfortunately, she is brought back because of circumstances relating to her senator father and must be protected by the alpha team.
Together, Trey and Elle have explosive chemistry. Surrounded by his team makes situations very comedic but not too drawn out.

There was a lot of danger and suspense that definitely kept me interested in the storyline. Although the bit with Elle's ex seemed a bit over the top.

This is the second novel to the Alpha Security series and it felt like it could be a standalone. Characters from the previous book made an appearance and made me curious about their journey but it did not take away anything from the story I was reading. There was a lot of action as well as some comedy. If you like these elements, I do recommend this novel.

This is not at all a book that I love. I think if you are into the action romance genre and you don't care about erotic content, this might be a good pick for you though.

Elle is supposed to be a character who has taken everything sitting down up until she has an epiphany in life and decides to take charge of her life. In futherance of her new and improved "take charge" mission, Elle volunteers as a nurse in Thailand. While on that trip she meets Trey and has the best most mind blowing night of her life. Trey is a big bad alpha hero who is sick and tired of one night stands. Even though he dives into bed with Elle the first day he meets her, somewhere in that first night he decides that he wants more than one night. But surprise! Elle is the one who wants just one night. She is in the middle of doing the morning after slip out when Trey catches her. He's in the process of trying to convince her to give him more than one night when things go crazy.

Suddenly Elle and Trey find themselves under attack. It turns out that Elle is being hunted by people seeking to influence her senator Father. As coincidence would have it, Trey is a part of the Alpha rescue squad that was sent to protect Elle. He didn't know that when he slept with her but Elle spends the rest of the book wondering if Trey slept with her just to get close to her for the mission. Elle and Trey are forced to remain together after returning stateside when Elle's life is repeatedly threatened. Trey takes the opportunity to try to convince Elle to give a real relationship a chance. Elle, however, can't have babies and she doesn't think Trey will want to be with her after learning that so she keeps ducking him.

Ok, several issues with this one. First, I hate an omniscient, omnipresent enemy. No matter how far Elle ran or where she went, the dude with the scar on his face kept finding her. Like, how are you being protected in a hidden mountain compound and crazy stalker dude still finds you? Second, there is no sex in this book and I do NOT understand that. This book gives you all the sexy vibes and constantly tells you the characters are getting it on but then nothing. No naked, sweaty, bumping and grinding, just nothing. Also, Elle and her refusal to consider a relationship starts off noble and then gets super tiring. Trey is too much of the bossy alpha male, to the point where he's more of a caricature. And, did I mention there is no sex?

I found a lot of the action in this book tedious because it didn't help move the relationship forward. It's not a bad book, but it just didn't have enough of what I look for in my action romance reads.

New to me author, Ms. Hunt slings me into a world of political intrigue and betrayal. Elle is the proverbial dutiful daughter to her powerful father, a Senator. Intimidated by him, she follows his rules as if they are law, even down to the husband he picked for her. When a life changing event shows Elle just how little she means to both her father and finance, she decided she's had enough. Instead of being the perfect airhead socialite, she puts her nursing degree to good use and volunteers in 3rd world countries. She will make a difference. Unfortunately for her, she may leave her father and ex-fiance behind but they don't agree.

This story kicks off hard and fast with Elle doing the morning after dash after a spectacular night of sex with a stranger. Unlucky for Elle and the stranger, Trey, they were supposed to meet up. Not for the horizontal mambo but for Trey to protect her from threats. When it comes out Trey is supposed to be part of Elle's protection detail, the story hits a hotter sexual tension. Elle's temper is a slow fuse but when she finally hits her limit, she explodes. Exploding Elle is a fun Elle as long as her ire is aimed elsewhere.

The characters in this story are fun. I liked both Trey and Elle. I did find their hang ups to be a little overplayed. As in, I didn't understand why they wanted certain personal information kept quiet. I didn't find it shameful or embarrassing, but then again, I'm a honey badger, not some young single female with self image issues.

The conflicts in this story are well done and tie in nicely together. Ms. Hunt does a good job of starting with one main thread only to split off into to different subplots and then tie it all back together in the end. I liked it. After reading this book, I am definitely on the look out for more Ms. Hunt books. She reminds me of Maya Bank's KGI series. This romantic suspense is recommended to all romance readers.

I have chosen to DNF this title.  I appreciate the access to the title and apologize that this was not one I was able to finish.  I really liked Trey, but Elle was annoying to me which made it difficult to relate to her as the heroine of the novel.

I look forward to the next title I read through your company.

Laura

Holding Fire is book #2 in the Alpha Security series and can be read as a stand-alone. April Hunt is a new to me author and I can honestly say I look forward to reading what ever else she has out there.

While waiting around for the details to his next assignment, Alpha Security operative, Trey, meets a beautiful woman and spends the night with her, only to be rudely interrupted in the morning by a bunch of bad guys with guns blazing. His one night stand disappears and while tracking her down discovers that she was his next assignment. Elle has finally taken her life's objectives into her own hands, after an incredible one night stand that almost ended in disaster, she finds out that she was the one being targeted, and the man she was with was actually her security detail.

This book was chock-full of action, suspense, drama and oh yes, hot alpha security guys that may melt your heart and a few other things...
Did you take a look at the cover? That is one smokin' hot book cover!
I am definitely going back to read book #1, Heated Pursuit, and look forward to the release of Hard Justice book #3 in the future.

After the great fun I had reading Holding Fire, I definitely will seek out the Alpha Security series. April Hunt has offered readers a really well balanced story, the ratio of action/sex/romance is really spot on. I appreciated that the hero and heroine were both strong, independent characters in their own rights, and that they were so layered and well drawn. The story itself was an easy read, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time ith April Hunt and the Alpha Security team. I look forward to more.

This is an interesting book in that it reads a lot like some books by Lexi Blake, or Maya Banks... what with the alpha men who used to be military who are now into security thing. It's a trope that's been done to death and back, and I enjoy it still. Where this was a little bit different was that the alpha character, Trey, wasn't quite as alpha, dominant, or an asshatt. But that's really about it as far as story and plot and characters go. 

One other thing that was different is that there is almost no on page sex. They have a lot of steamy foreplay that leads to sex, but the majority of it, really until the end of the book, all happens off page. For the first few scenes it took me off guard. There was all this build up for something super sexy, only to shift completely and I'd end up in a whole new scene. It tended to take me out of the moment. I'm not one who needs to have all kinds of sex in her romance, but when there is that much build up, I expected more. 

But, I did like this a lot. It was a predictable plot line and I knew what was going to happen fairly early on. It was just easy to read, you know? But it was a lot of fun, nonetheless.

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting and complicated suspense/action plot, sweet and perfect love story. I love bodyguard stories, and this was no exception.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

Alpha Security operative Trey Hanson is ready to settle down. When he meets a gorgeous blonde in a bar, and the connection between them is off the charts, he thinks he's finally found the one. But after their night together ends in a hail of gunfire and she disappears in the chaos, Trey's reasons for tracking her down are personal . . . until he learns she's his next assignment.

Elle Monroe never expected to see Trey again. The night they shared was incredible, but the last thing she's looking for is a relationship. Now that it's clear she's being targeted, though, she has no choice but to trust this man she barely knows with her life. And Trey's not just determined to keep her safe . . . he's determined to win her heart.

Review:

I was hooked from page one!

This was an exciting romantic suspense story, where after spending one extremely passionate night together Trey finds out Elle is the one he has been hired to protect.  From that point on the sexiness and the action keep ratcheting up.  I won't give away any more of the plot, but I will say there are a lot of twists and turns, action and super sexy.

This is my first time reading this Author and I loved her style.  She wrote engaging and interesting characters. Trey and Elle were both strong and caring which made them super appealing.  The sexy scenes had the right amount of heat without being over the top.  The story was fast-paced and there were no slow points.  I loved the little surprise at the end of the book.

4.5Stars

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

This is the second book in the series but could be read as a standalone, I really enjoyed the first book and couldn't wait to read this one, I wasn't disappointed. I did like Trey, but I, like Elle did find it a bit unbelievable how he knew she was the one after sharing a few hours together. He's ready to settle down but Elle needs a bit more convincing, Elle is sick of being controlled by her father and after discovering her fiancé cheating on her she goes off traveling and working as a nurse in undeveloped countries. She didn't expect to see Trey again, but her Dad's job has put her in danger, Trey and his team are protecting her. Trey was waiting for his next assignment when he met Elle, their time together ended in a hail of bullets so he thought he would not see her again. Finding out she's his next job both pleases him and annoys him, now he can keep her safe while convincing her they belong together.
There's a few twists and turns, you're kept waiting to find out who did it. I did like Trey and Elle together, I just wish she had given him a chance a bit earlier. Overall an enjoyable read, I can't wait for the next book in this series.

What’s it About? Trey Hanson spends the night with Elle Monroe and thinks he may have found someone special but when chaos and a gun fight break out, Trey loses Elle in all the chaos. As an Alpha Security operative, Trey is good at finding people and protecting them and when he finds out that Elle is his next assignment he sees it as an opportunity to convince her to give them a chance at a real relationship.




Overall reaction to the story? April Hunt is yet another new to me author that wowed, dazzled, and had me vowing to come back for more. The pacing was perfect for a romantic suspense, and the characters were delightful.


Describe the hero in five words: Strong. Intelligent. Fun. Sexy. Stubborn.

Did you like him? Yes.

Why? Trey is all alpha but at the same time the guy has a soft, gooey center that was just waiting for the right woman. The author really made Trey seem like a realistic character. He wasn’t too “macho” but he wasn’t incompetent at his job either. He was fun but he could also be intense. I just loved how charming this guy could be and sure, he could be a bit bossy but I could forgive that in light of the situation he and Elle found themselves in. I should be so lucky to have a one nighter with a guy like him!


Describe the heroine in five words: Determined. Intelligent. Sassy. Stubborn. Caring.

Did you like her? Yes.

Why? I’m so picky about romantic suspense, I need the heroine to be something special, a cut above the rest and Hunt delivered. When Elle is introduced she’s basically trying to find herself and her inner strength after having dealt with some big time jerks in her life. I liked her, she wasn’t perfect but that’s what I liked about her. She was determined to do things her own way but she wasn’t so stupid as to think she could do a better job of protecting herself than a trained professional. She did have one or two moments where I wasn’t too pleased with her as a character but other than that she was a pretty neat heroine.



Let’s talk about the romance: Holding Fire had a nice role reversal between Trey and Elle, he was ready to settle down, she wanted to cut and run. It added a different tone to their dynamic and honestly I liked it! It was nice to see the guy, especially a guy like Trey who was a total badass show his softer side. The chemistry rocked my socks BUT I found it so frustrating that there would be such a sexy buildup between them and you think the sexy times are going to be explosive but then you blink and it’s the next day already. Ugh, that was just not good. I don’t like teases in real life and I definitely don’t like them in romances. It didn’t happen all the time but it did happen enough to kind of bug me. I could understand if this book was on the “Sweet” side of the romance specter because I would be prepared for that but to build up the tension with some really great scenes and then not follow through? Nope. Not something I enjoy.



Click It or Skip It? Even with the closed door scenes, Holding Fire delivers on action, romance, and likable character. I’m definitely a fan.

4 stars 

Holding Fire is the second title in the Alpha Security Series, and is a fast paced romantic suspense with elements of action, intrigue, suspense and drama. Although this title can be read as a standalone the characters that feature in the first title appear throughout this book, and it's nice to understand their backstory. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Holding Fire, and found the characters to be complex, dynamic and endearing.   Holding Fire has everything I look for in a romantic suspense, heat, steam and a strong alpha, and just as strong feisty and sassy heroine.  This story line is sexy, fun and suspenseful. 

Trey is the hero an alpha through and through, former military, strong, handsome and used to having his directives followed.  Elle is strong, sassy and feisty and desperate for her independence.  I loved the strong chemistry and connection between this pair, it's quite believable and the love scenes are quite hot and steamy. 

I enjoyed the first book in this series, but in my mind the author has developed and this book is better, whilst still not a completely unique story line, it is fun and entertaining and the twists and turns kept me engaged and turning the pages until the very end. 

The secondary characters are fabulous, not only adding depth to the story line, but also elements of humor that had me laughing out loud.  I really look forward to the next additional titles in this series, to see the other members of Alpha Security find their happy ever after.

Holding Fire was filled with suspense and was action packed. This is the second book in the Alpha Security series. I enjoyed Holding Fire it kept me glued to the pages the action was non stop and exciting to read and follow. The chemistry between Elle and Trey were great loved how they both worked together. Elle caught her finance cheating and she helps a friend with clinics overseas. Trey is part of the Alpha security team and he takes it upon himself to protect her. Can't wait for the third book.

*** I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book via netgalley on behalf of the publisher ***

Hold on a be prepared to fall in love with the oh so very hot alpha males who are part of April Hunt's Alpha Secruity Series.  In Holding Fire we get to know Trey Hanson up close and personal.  Trey is the picture and definition of everything you would expect an Alpha Security man to be.  His latest assignment, which he finds out a little after the fact, is Elle Monroe.  Elle is a trauma nurse who is also the daughter of a senator.  The senator has hired Alpha Security to protect Elle.  Elle and Trey meet in Thialand as she is finishing up a medical assignment there, and what starts out as a one night stand quickly turns into something so much more.  As the threat of danger becomes more imminent, seeming to pop up around every turn, the sitaution forces Elle and Trey to go into seclusion, where things get even more heated.  Trey wants more, Elle is determined not to go there with him or anyone, due to circumstances beyond her control resulting from past tragedy.  When everything comes to a head, however, love sometimes means be willing to sacrifice everything, and the rewards you reap for doing so are often much better than you could have ever dreamed.  

Holding fire is an action-packed romance filled with danger and suspense, and plenty of hot alpha males and the women that give them a run for their money.  I loved both Trey and Elle, and the secondary characters were awesome.  The story itself  was well-written, well-paced, and kept my undivided attention from beginning to end.  I can't wait to see what April Hunt has in store for the rest of the hot bunch.

An action-packed, sexy, and full of sinfully sexy alpha males that will have your panties dropping and your heart racing. April Hunt is one of my GO TO authors when it comes to romantic suspense. Her books are written perfection while her heroes just make me SWOON every single time. And Holding Fire contained one alpha male that I absolutely fell in complete and utter LOVE with! Trey is a definite favorite of mine. And I adored Elle's fierce personality and soft spots. Trey and Elle had such incredible chemistry. Their passion was HIGH OCTANE HOTNESS!

Holding Fire is and was unforgettably entertaining! The action was non-stop and had my heart pounding at every turn. I give this book a FANTASTIC FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Its wildly sexy, and fierce. I loved it!