Cover Image: Under Fire

Under Fire

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Member Reviews

Great read, love Scarlet Cole! The characters were real and their connection believable. There is action, romance and love.

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Incredible roller coaster ride of suspense and intense chemistry between Six and Louisa!
I have been a fan of Ms. Cole ever since I discovered her book and she never ceases to amaze me with her incredible story telling. She has a way of sucking you right in and endearing the characters to you so you want to get to know them and live their journey right beside them. Six is as alpha and protective as they come and Lou is unbelievably shy and quirky yet strong and beautiful. They are the unlikeliness of couples yet fit together perfectly. When Lou's life becomes endangered Six steps up to protect her and as they get to know each other danger threatens to tear them apart. Their chemistry is off the charts and the suspense is palpable, I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one sitting. No one writes romantic suspense like Scarlett Cole and I can't wait for book 2 in the series!
5 suspenseful sexy stars!

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Under Fire is the perfect combination of romance and action. Sixten “Six” Rapp is a retired Navy SEAL turned security specialist. He meets super-shy biologist, Dr. Louisa North at a conference and is compelled to get to know her better. The book is filled with action packed scenes that have you holding your breath, along with special moments between the main characters. This is the first book in what is sure to be a hit series by Scarlett Cole.

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Under Fire was romantic suspense at it's best. It was absolutely unputdownable! This was a fast paced, captivating story with strong, intriguing characters who will make your heart swoon and race. The dialogue was witty and funny, and there was lots of steamy and sizzling chemistry between the hero and heroine - just like I'm used by this talented author. Scarlett Cole wrote a fantastic first installment in her new and highly addictive Love over Duty series. She can do no wrong in my eyes. Every single book of hers has been a wonderful reading experience so far.

Louisa North has dedicated her whole research to finding a miracle treatment for a decease that took away her beloved father from her. When she realises that she has created a sample that is so powerful it could be used as a chemical weapon by the wrong people she decides to take precautionary measurements.  When things suddenly start to disappear from her lab without a trace she begins to wonder who's behind this whole thing - a competitor or some criminals?

Sixton Rapp has put his military life behind and has now started a security firm with his ex SEAL buddies who offers the kind of services only men trained like them can provide. When the beautiful, nerdy scientist who recetly crossed his way during a job approaches him and asks for help he refuses to accept her as a client - there is too much chemistry and passion burning between them. But when things start getting dangerous he will do anything it takes in order to protect Lou.

Can they both handle the heat & danger?

Sixton (Six) was a badass ex SEAL who lives up to his nickname Viking. He is not only striking with his blonde hair and deep blue eyes but he is also a fierce warrior and loyal military brother. Six is protective and caring and I loved how he treated Lou with so much understanding for her issue and for finding her quirks endearing. He is a man who appreciates not only beauty but also brains. Who wouldn't worship the ground this incredible hero walks on? I dare you to not fall hard for him.

Louisa (Lou) was a brave, strong-willed and good-hearted heroine. She is an accomplished scientist with a brilliant mind who is socially awkward and has to fight with anxiety on a daily basis. Lou was very perceptive and empathetic when it came to Six's PTSD encouraging him to seek help and not feel ashamed for it. I had lots of respect for Lou for being able to keep a cool head in the heat of the moment proving that she is indeed the perfect match for a man like Sixton.

I'm absolutely hooked on this series and can't wait to see what Scarlett has in tow for each of the Eagle Security guys. I see many great stories coming our way! If you enjoy books with an exciting storyline that will keep you constantly on your toes and likable characters who you would love to be friends with in real life than this is the right story for you! Grab it, devour it and let this amazing author put you under her magic spell. 
5+ well deserved stars!

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I need a hero like Six.

I was really looking forward to this book. Who doesn't like a hot ex SEAL turn security guy to protect them. Well I sure do and Six and the rest of Eagle Security can protect me anytime. I just know this series is goin to be amazing. I really luvd Six and Louisa there characters were just brilliant and getting a lil glimpse of the other as me wanting there books now I m dying for more of Mac after the way things went in the epilogue.

I have to say I alway learn things in books but good this was hot sexy and educational haha. Louisa leant me quite a bit in this book. I luvd her character from the start it's actually very hard not to luv her. Louisa is a very shy woman and doesn't do much outside of her work she is very dedicated to what she does. It actually makes life easier for her this way until she meet the very sexy Six.

Six/Sixton is an ex SEAL and now is opening up a new security firm Eagle Security with is best friends. They al have there own experiences in what they do and are one of the best. Six had met Louisa while on the job he was the security for a gala Louisa was doin a presentation for. He knew there was something different about he she was shy not very confident but there was something about her drawn her to him and she was the same. They were both very different people but that didn't seem to matter they couldn't get each other of there minds.

I really enjoyed this story. I was hooked from the start I was dying to know what was goin on and like I said I learnt something from this book as well. The story was full of drama from the start till the very end. Things differently didn't go easy for Six and Louisa they had things thrown at them from al angles. But having a guy like Six protecting you you know your in good hands.

I would highly recommend this book. Everything about it was great. I only started reading this author this year. I 've read al her books and I 've luvd everyone of them. I can't get enough of her books I hate putting it down once I 've started. I m dying for the next book in this series I m really excited for more.

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In her new action packed series Ms. Cole introduces us to the men of Eagle Security. All former SEALs, a band of Brothers who left the military behind but want to continue their role of protectors and honorable men. Sexton Rapp known as Six, has just retired and looking forward to his new job with Eagle. They're hoping to provide high end discreet security for the rich and famous.

Louisa North is a brilliant scientist in medical research looking for the cure for
Huntington's Disease. She and her partner Ivan had developed a drug they had hoped would be a break through, but after testing with very poor results realize it could actually become a dangerous chemical weapon. Louisa keeps a very close eye on her research and samples, and becomes disturbed when she sees things have been moved around. When reporting it, everyone feels she is mistaken, but she is worried.
Part of Louisa's job is speaking at fund raisers which is particularly frightening for her. She has Anthropophobia , which is the fear of people. She is hiding on a balcony giving herself a pep talk when she is found by Six, who just so happens to be there providing security for the event, his first assignment. He is intrigued by this beautiful woman with an affliction he has never heard of, never mind couldn't spell.

Suspense, action, and danger will keep you reading, not to mention a hot, sexy romance. I couldn't put it down and wish I could rate it with more stars! Can't wait to read the next in the series.

I received this e-Arc from the publisher and Netgalley for review.
Pat Fordyce

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Three and a half stars. Half a star added because the heroine is most definitely not TSTL.

Dr Louisa North is a scientist,dedicated to finding something to help alleviate some of the worst symptoms of Huntington's disease. Suffering from chronic anthropophobia (fear of other people, or social phobia) and extreme shyness, she owes her job to her mother's money smoothing the way. Alongside her fear of other people and shyness sits a large dose of OCD-like behaviour, so when she sees pages in one of her files sitting askew she just knows that someone has been touching her things. Then as she leaves her lab she notices that some of her drug tests samples look a little off-centre. Feeling not a little paranoid, Louisa switches labels on two samples putting her latest failure, a drug which keeps the subject paralysed but able to feel pain, to the back of the lab fridge.

Sixton "Six" Rapp has just left the SEALs and joined two of his best friends in setting up their own security business. Providing security at some charity fundraiser Six runs into Louisa backstage trying to calm her nerves before presenting to the audience. Despite being complete opposites, both Six and Louisa feel some kind of connection, so when they run into each other a few days later while Six is out jogging it seems like fate. As Six and Louisa bond over his PTSD and her social anxiety they slowly become friends, but Louisa's notes and samples are going missing at the lab and her boss doesn't seem to be treating it seriously. Then Louisa is almost kidnapped one night, and would have been if Six hadn't arrived in time to save her. Can Six keep her safe and find out who is behind the thefts at the lab?

This is a real change of pace for Scarlett Cole and Six is very different hero from her bad boy tatttoo artists and rockers. There are some similarities between Louisa and some of her heroines, Scarlett does like to give her heroines some 'issues', whether physical, mental or traumatic. Lots about this book had me punching my fist in the air and shouting "Yes, finally a heroine in a romantic suspense who behaves sensibly", no going off alone to explore abandoned mine shafts for our Louisa (metaphorically speaking)! Also, Louisa's anxieties and OCD behaviour doesn't go away, she doesn't start dressing like a Victoria's Secret model or suddenly become Chatty Cathy. But, I didn't really warm to either Six or Louisa, the suspense was lacking because it seemed obvious who was behind the thefts at the lab (although not necessarily why) and overall it felt a little flat, not the high-octane novel I've come to expect from Scarlett Cole.

I'd definitely read more in this series, the set up for what I expect to be the next book seems intriguing, and hopefully the characters will pull me in a bit more.

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This book has tension in spades – between who is trying to get the formula Louisa is experimenting with for Huntington’s disease and sexual tension (get out the fans!). Six and his buddies are fabulously written characters. Love the SEALs. Louisa is so afraid of people and crowds that it pretty much shuts her down. Fortunately, she is able to cope with organization and Six being there for her. This is the second book I have read by Ms. Cole and I have to say I am loving her stories.

So looking forward to the other stories in this series.

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Sixten Rapp is my kinda hero!!! He's hot, alpha to the core and a little bit broken, I do like my heroes to have some kind of "flaw" as it makes them a whole lot easier to connect to!

Having retired from the Armed Services, Six and his mates have formed a security agency, Eagle Securities and it is taking shape slowly but surely. They are hiring new folks and taking on more cases. He is not happy about working for a former high school associate, but work is work.

Dr. Louisa North is a genius but she is socially awkward. Give her a lab and a puzzle and she is happy as a clam but doing talks at fundraisers..it's a necessary evil to find a cure for the illness that claimed her father and which she herself may be a carrier. Saved by Six during a meltdown, they form an easy friendship and when things start to go wrong at her lab she knows exactly who to turn to.

Six and Louisa are drawn together but just as they take their fledgling feelings further, she becomes his client causing all sorts of headaches where his partners are concerned!

Louisa is a fab character, shy, awkward, smart but still attractive in her own quirky way. Six is strong but complicated and failing to deal with his PTSD issues. Together they get through each others issues and seem to calm each other without thinking about it. There are a great selection of secondary characters and I can't wait to meet them in more depth in the next books. Mac and Delaney look like being an insanely complicated duo!!!

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The premise is interesting although it is slow going when getting the plot to thicken. I like Louisa and her quirkiness but it took ages for them to get it on. Yes I understand her issues but she already felt really comfortabl with Six. I'm afraid this book unfortunately doesn't fit in with what I like at the moment.

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Under Fire is the first book in Scarlett Cole’s new Love Over Duty Series and it’s a winner! It’s also my first read by this author and she’s got a new fan!

Dr. Louisa North has been working on trying to develop a treatment for a deadly genetic disease that took her father from her 10 years prior. When she has to speak at a fundraiser for this disease, she ends up meeting Six Rapp, a formal Navy SEAL who has started up a security firm with his SEAL “brothers” and is doing security detail for the event. After the fundraiser, Louisa can’t stop thinking about Six, which is very unusual for her. Her life is all about being at the lab or at home. But there’s just something about him…

When Louisa suspects someone has been going through her notes and samples at the lab, she makes a switch on the labels of two of the samples, due to one turning out to be a very dangerous one and she doesn’t want it getting in the wrong hands. But when the sample believed to be the bad one goes missing, Louisa is on a mission to find out what happened and why.

When she turns to Six and his company for help with finding out what happened in the lab, at first one of his “brothers” isn’t on board since this isn’t the kind of work they do, but Six wants to help her. When things take a turn for the worse and men are after Louisa, all of Six’s team are on board. Things really heat up between the two of them and even though Six tries to cool things down while on the case, he can’t fight his feelings for Louisa and she doesn’t want him to.

Will they stop the men going after Louisa in time, before someone gets hurt or worse? Will Six be able to keep Louisa safe?

With great action and suspense, a hot romance, and a storyline that had me into it from the very beginning, this was a very enjoyable read. I’m very much looking forward to continuing this series and reading more of Scarlett Cole’s books!

**I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

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OMG.... I loved Six and how he brought Lou out of her shell. It was the right amount of suspense and hot scenes.
Scarlett Cole does not disappoint with her writing!!

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This was a fantastic romantic suspense, and I loved it! It was classic, while still being new, and fun, and I loved all the characters!

Sixten Rapp is a former Navy SEAL, and he's now retired. He's started a security company with his 2 best friends, both of whom he went to school with, and joined the Navy with. He's been away from the U.S. for quite a while, so transitioning back into civilian life is a little harder than he expected. He's never really had time or inclination for anything more than one night with the women he's been with, and he has no plans to change that course. But, on his first security job, at a ritzy fundraiser, he meets a painfully shy, but beautiful doctor, and something about her calls to him.

Dr. Louisa North is a mess, socially speaking. She's a brilliant researcher, but she has debilitating anxiety when it comes to dealing with people, especially in large groups. Her research into a cure for Huntington's Disease, which took her father's life and is strongly genetic, is of the utmost importance to her. So, she agrees to make a presentation at this fundraiser to get more money funneling into her program. She works for a private lab, and they need all they can get, though the owner himself is quite wealthy. She's outside on the patio, psyching herself up before her speech, when she starts freaking out, and she's found by Six. She's intrigued by him, and his calm, and it buoys her enough to get through the speech.

Both Six and Louisa find themselves constantly thinking about each other, until they run into each other again, by chance. They have strong chemistry, even through Lou's constant anxiety issues. Then something suspicious starts happening at her lab, and she's not sure who she can trust, so she goes to Six for help. That's when the suspense story line really starts in, and it was so fun, fast-paced, and exciting! I really enjoyed Six breaking through all of Louisa's walls, sometimes, before she even realized it. I also loved how aware he was of her and her quirks at all times, so as to not make her feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Their banter was so fun, and sexy, and I just really enjoyed watching them together.

The side characters were also quite entertaining, especially Six's 2 best friends and business partners, as well as the other guys who work for them. I'm definitely looking forward to getting the back story on them all, especially Mac and his unresolved feelings for Delaney, who is the sister of their deceased 4th best friend. Their book is next, in January 2018, so we should be finding out more details about them then. I really enjoyed this hot, sweet, and exciting story, and I can't wait to read more in this series!

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✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Typical Romantic Suspense cover; man in tank top brandishing a weapon. Stormy skyline in background sets the turbulent mood for the plot.

> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person

Scarlett Cole ventures away from her amazing Second Circle and Preload contemporary romance series' to delve into a more action-packed military romantic suspense series debut with UNDER FIRE.
Louisa's case is not one they'd normally take on, but something about her calls to Six and he's determined to help her out. Soon enough, though, it becomes evident that she truly needs protecting when a potentially dangerous test sample goes missing from her lab and someone breaks into her home. Social awkwardness and a bit of neurotic behaviorisms aside, Louisa is extremely intelligent. Their chemistry is interesting, but sometimes contradictory. I did not quite feel the bond between them and did not buy their relationship beyond lust and sexual fulfillment. I enjoyed Mac and Caleb, but wish there'd been a prologue or prequel detailing their days with Brock, which ultimately led them to who, what, and where they were today. The plot was a standard fare chemical weapons espionage plot and while it flowed well, it played out like a scripted TV show or movie and contained several points of predictability.
The conclusion was alright, but left several areas open for the next book to deal with.
Overall, it was alright, but I felt it personally fell a tad short of my expectations. I've really enjoyed this author's previous work (since her debut novel, actually) and hope the second book (presumably Mac and Delaney) will be more dynamic and feel more natural.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.825 ~ Stars: 4

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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐

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DNF @ 25%. Unfortunately this isn't working for me on this occasion.

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I'm a sucker for Scarlett Cole's books since I've read and loved The Second Circle Tattoos Series. When she announced that she was going to write a book about former SEALs I was absolutely intrigued. I knew she knows how to write hot tattoed guys and sexy rock stars but she proved that she can write yummy ex-sailors as well. Under Fire was nothing short of a perfectly written book with the right amount of romance and suspense to keep you on your toes. The plot was very intriguing and I loved that the author put a lot of effort into delivering a great story with credible and loveable characters. Having read all of her books I can say without a doubt that this one is among my most favorite. Six and Lou just got under my skin and I loved them with every piece of my reader heart. There is nothing more amazing then a good guy who can look behind a shy girl's walls and see the beauty hidden behind.

Sixten Rapp is a former SEAL who established a security firm together with his Navy brothers that offers the kind of services only a team of military-trained professionals can provide. Six has seen and went through a lot of stuff he still can't totally shake off. But nothing prepared the blond and blue-eyed "Viking" for his new client: an innocent, shy woman on a mission to improve thousands of lives: Dr. Louisa North, the woman who ignites a fire inside him and makes his protective instincts kick in.

Driven by personal reasons Louisa is trying to create a “miracle” medical treatment for a disease with no known cure. She never saw it coming that on this mission she would create a sample so powerful that the wrong people want to use it as a chemical weapon. Worried about her safety and the strange things happening at the laboratory, she contacts Six. At first, he and his team are unwilling to accept her as their client. But soon Six realizes that the danger is real and that there’s much more to this socially awkward geek scientist than meets the eye. When passion sparks between them Six is torn between his feelings for Lou and his duty. Will he be able to protect her from the evil people that are trying to get her? Or will he die trying?

Six is the perfect alpa-hero who is very protective of the people he loves and cares about and that doesn't only include Lou but his Navy brothers as well. He has a big heart and is a loyal soul. I loved how he could see past Lou's walls and accepted and adored her the way she was.

Lou was a shy, but very intelligent and kind person. She is hiding behind her bangs like a curtain from the outside world. It's hard for her to be in other people's company but Six and his understanding and accepting nature make her feel safe and encourage her to get a little out of her shell.

Get this amazing book and read it now! Seriously, you will otherwise miss out on a clever written story with depth and a plot that will keep your heart and mind spinning in a good way! Congrats Scarlett Cole on a great start to the Love over Duty Series. I'm looking forward to the next books about Six's delicious Navy brothers! 5+ stars

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Rating 3.5 stars!

This is the promising first book in the beginning of a new series by Scarlett Cole.

Six has just gotten truly home from his service as a SEAL and he and his friends, Cabe and Mac, have opened up their own private security firm. One of their first jobs, Six's first, for the new firm Eagle Securities when he meets Louisa, the speaker at a high-end fundraiser. She is outside giving herself a pep talk and it's clear she doesn't look so good. So he helps a bit, or tries to.

This isn't the last time he tries to help her either or she him as it's obvious he is fighting with issues of his own. But when it's clear someone is stealing from the lab and then has been in her home she goes to Six for advice. Cabe is quick to just send her to the police where Six decides he wants to help. She's quirky and he likes her.

As things progress and it becomes even scarier and business decisions have to be made which may pit the new partners and lifetime friends at odds and Louisa in further jeopardy.

Read this to enjoy the new beginning of this series. I enjoyed it.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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a very good romantic suspense story. Interesting storyline. Enjoyed!

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Fast paced, hot read. Good storyline. Six and Louisa perfect for each other.

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Louisa is a scientist looking for the cure to Huntington's disease, but instead accidentally creates something that can be weaponized.

Sixton is a retired SEAL and one of the group starting their own security business. The group takes up Louisa's case and help protect her. Good thing, because she is in danger.

Lots of good things happening in this book. I loved that the author resisted the urge to make the SEAL squad a bunch of independently wealthy men...they are putting together and business and they need the money. The instalove is strong but doesn't seem brow-raising the way I've seen it in other books.

The only cons are that the storybhitba slow spot in the middle (fortunately that didn't last long) and I had the feeling I'd read this book before. Even the ending part leading into (presumably) book 2 seemed familiar. A glance at Amazon says these are unique stories and not reissues.

Greatly enjoyable story.

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