ARC copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Covert Games is the 6th title in the Redemption Harbor series.
Romantic Suspense, action packed, great characters, and story line. This book is best read after the other 5 books in the series. It would be hard to follow the story line as this isn't really a standalone title.

Brilliant! I love this series. Reus writes incredibly interesting and sympathetic characters who I become fully invested in, and then find myself on pins and needles as her always twisted plots have me on the edge of my seat! This proved to be the case here and I found myself reading late into the night in order to finish.

Highly recommended.

*** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher ***

I have chosen not to give feedback on this title, which is probably pretty obvious as it was released almost 2 years ago.

My apologies for the delay. I don't want to rate/review titles that don't work for me when they are close to release or available on NetGalley, but it seems I forgot to go back and update the DNF status.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.

Laura

Another great read by a talented author I really enjoyed reading it and will definitely read more and recommend reading it

The longtime foe of the RHC team has finally gone too far this time. This series has been going on for a while now and one of the most dangerous villain’s they faced was the disgusting criminal Alexei Kuznetsov, but the time has finally come for them to get the chance to bring him down once and for all. I have loved reading this series and seeing each of the team members fall in love, from the very beginning I have become invested in each character and known that I just had to be along for the ride until the very end, and the final love story has finally dropped. Leighton has been the quietest and vaguest of characters to this point, we finally get to know him fully as he find love in the most unlikely of places. When Hazel, Leighton’s FBI contact, brings him a mission that leads him to Kuznetsov’s operation, asking for her help to rescue a young woman, Leighton knows that he cannot resist and immediate pulls the teams in to get started. Looking for a way in, the team soon discovers that the bastard’s niece might be just the link they needed, despite the fact that she looks clean on the surface. The moment Leighton comes face-to-face with Lucy he is struck with an intense attraction and his instincts tell him that she is innocent in her uncle’s dirty dealings, but is probably an asset to their cause, if he can force himself to use her that way. Lucy is instantly attracted to the man she meets, and despite her belief that no man stays or is ever worth the effort, she gives Leighton her trust and a chance. Soon they are thrust into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, but Leighton refuses to let Lucy be in true danger and will give up anything to keep her safe and in his life. Leighton was sweet and sexy hell as we kicked butt to make sure that Kuznetsov didn’t get away again, but when he let himself begin to truly feel for Lucy we see a whole new side of him. He was such a wounded hero, one that needed an open heart to heal his own, and thankfully he found that in Lucy. Lucy has lived her life in a bubble, turning a blind eye to the truth of her Uncle’s dealings, ever since her parents’ death, even if she considers herself to be worldly. Leighton opens her eyes in a big way and when she sees the truth and accepts it, she is immediately determined to do whatever she has to in order to make up for her Uncle’s misdeeds, showing how sweet and noble she really is. I enjoyed seeing her soften Leighton’s rougher edges, even as he showed her the strength that truly existed within herself. The passion that sparked between them was intense and fast burning, but though it burned bright and hot we can see that it will also be a long-burning fire that will keep their relationship alive for their entire lives. I am so glad Leighton found his perfect mate, even if it was in a strange and unexpected place. This was definitely another Katie Reus masterpiece.

I cannot get enough of this series! The characters are phenomenal and the storyline is great.

Finally Leighton has found someone that really catches his attention. The problem is that she is the wrong woman for him to fall for, and she might be working with Kuznetsova.

Read this book to see what happens between them and if she can finally pull Leighton out of his shell or if she gets him killed.

I loved every second of this book! I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Covert Games
Series: Redemption Harbor Book #6
Stand Alone Title: yes, but recommended in order
Author: Katie Reus
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Blurb: She was supposed to be a means to an end…

Redemption Harbor Consulting’s greatest enemy, Alexei Kuznetsov, is in their sights. For RHC cofounder Leighton, toppling the treacherous criminal’s empire is one more small step toward making up for his own past. To destroy Kuznetsov, he’ll go through the Russian’s niece, a woman Leighton suspects may also be guilty of dirty deeds. A woman he doesn’t count on wanting…who boils his blood and makes Leighton want things he doesn’t deserve with someone he can’t have.

Now she’s everything to him…

Despite other prospects, family loyalty has Lucy Carreras running one of her uncle’s prosperous hotels. But the longer she observes its operations, the more she believes the elegant establishment is host to some shady exploits. When her suspicions are confirmed by Leighton—a dangerous man straight out of her fantasies—Lucy’s entire world explodes when she learns just how evil her uncle’s sins are. Now she can’t stand by and let it continue. She and Leighton will take Alexei down together…if they can survive the deadly storm hurtling toward them.
Favorite quote(s): “Well, I don’t like a lot of this,” she snapped out. “So I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t ask for your opinion.”
“No. I learned early that sometimes it’s better to have no family than s@$*&y family.”
Thoughts: Katie Reus is one of those authors that I can actually say I have enjoyed every single thing she has written – some more than others of course, but I have not actively disliked a single book. Even some of my top favorite authors have a total miss every now and again – but Katie Reus? I can guarantee whatever book I pick up by her will be a hit. Covert Games was no different. While not the strongest in the Redemption Harbor series, it was a great addition to it. Lucy is a great character – while she may not be the strongest female character, she has a special kind of strength all her own. And, as usual, she finds her perfect match. Leighton holds a certain amount of caution, but takes a chance on Lucy. A lot of other guys would be happy to crucify Lucy to get to her uncle, but of course our guys are Redemption Harbor aren’t made that way. Which is why we love them!
Overall, Covert Games is a strong book in the series.
And I will always recommend a Katie Reus book!
Rating: B

A spellbinding tale of Lucy and Leighton that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and knowing the level of betrayal has only just begun

Amazing! Love the Redemption Harbor series. Katie can write a suspense novel like no body's business. Seriously, all the feels in this book. The characters carry over from the previous books, but you can read this as a stand alone. Love that the story takes place in New Orleans. Makes you want to go visit.

Leighton is part of a private security team who answer to no one. They are going to take down Lucy’s Uncle Alexei. The FBI have been keeping tabs on Kuznetsov waiting for him to slip up. Leighton is determined to save kidnapped women used as prostitutes by Kuznetsov at his hotel and casino. Lucy is the hotel manager can she be involved? When Leighton gets his first look at Lucy he does not care he knows she’s the one for him. These are two strong characters each with heartbreak in their past who are trying to make a better future.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Covert Games was a very fast paced romantic suspense, and I enjoyed the characters, the plot and the story very much. I might have enjoyed it even more if I had read the prior books in the series - but I also didn't feel lost.

The writing was outstanding, and the way the plot unfolded kept me at the edge of my seat.

I love Katie Reus as she has the perfect blend of romance and suspense. This series is great and I enjoy how the characters are developed novel after novel. Each book in this series is unique and interesting and she truly keeps my pages turning.

Both Lucy and Leighton are interesting, well-developed characters and their relationship is believable, which is important. I love that Katie writes strong, intelligent female characters that need that bit of protection from their men. Works for me.

This was another win--a solid 4 star read.

Covert Games is the sixth romantic suspense book in the Redemption Harbor series written by author Katie Reus. Thanks to NetGalley and KR Press for the advance copy.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cover Games is the sixth installment of the Redemption Harbor series. In it, you will meet Leighton and Lucy. Their relationship started off being a seduction mission. However, things quickly backfire on Leighton due to him actually developing feelings for Lucy. Unexpected and unintentional, he can't really do anything about it now. Well, other than letter Lucy now about the mission I guess.

I will admit that their relationship did feel a bit insta to me. However, it was highly enjoyable. Each character was likable, strong, and independent. It was hard not shipping them together because they seemed perfect for one another.

Besides them, the action/drama/romance were everything. I couldn't put this book down because I wanted to know how this whole mission was going to end. The twists and turns were good too!! I saw some coming but others were intriguing.

Another thing I liked was getting to see and know more about this team. How each member worked so well together made this quite enjoyable. I can't wait for the next book to come out!

Katie Reus' Redemption Harbor is the perfect blend of romance and suspense. Covert Games is no exception. Reus takes damaged, yet not broken, characters and finds their perfect balance to find healing to move on.

Leighton lives for the job and to take down a monster. He's willing to do anything, including go undercover, against the advice of most of the team, to use Kuznetsov's niece to bring down his criminal empire. Because how innocent can she really be if she's running the high-end casino Kuznetsov is running one of his human trafficking rings from?

For Lucy, she feels like she owes her uncle everything. She took the job running his casino out a sense of family loyalty. After all he took her in a raised her when her father showed the world his inner monster when he killed her mother, then himself. If her perfect childhood was just a facade, then there's no reason to spend anytime looking for a relationship.

In true Reus fashion, nothing is what it seems. She keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next. Don't start Covert Games before bed, because you won't be able to put it down!

In this story, RHC is after a Russian kingpin who amongst other things he does is traffic women. A friend of the group came to Leighton saying that this Russian took her eldest daughter because of her husband. Now Leighton and the team must come up with a plan to find her and bring her home. Their first order business is to go to the hotel that some of the women have been seen at. It is there that they must find out whether Lucy Carreras who runs the hotel-casino is also part of her uncle’s organization or not. Once they find out she is not the story really begins to take off. Especially between her and Leighton who has taken the lead in this story. With a lot of twists and turns to get to the end, it is a good read. Even though you know how the bad guys are there are a few surprises, and plenty of action to keep this story moving along. Once you get to the end you are sad the story is over, but wait the author has put the prologue at the end of the book. This takes you back to when Leighton was a Marine and on one of his missions. Very good touch and I am glad the author did it this way. A very good book.

"Fight for the fairy tale. It exists."

Katie Reus is a “got to” author for me. I never have to worry about being disappointed. She writes the type of H & h I like, with a good amount of action and supporting characters. Having read Resurrection, I had an idea what the Redemption Harbor books were about, but (truthfully) I am currently not up to date with this series. Nonetheless, this did not take away any of my enjoyment from this book. Sure, I was a little confused getting all of the supporting characters straight in my head, being since the MCs from previous books helped with this mission. However, I was able to figure it out, and even found myself eager to read many of the previous books I had missed.

Ok… so back to it! Covert Games

This is book 6 in the series, and begins with our Hero, Leighton Cannon. And I gotta say, I like the name Leighton. Very unique and different compared to most H names like Alex, Cole, Colt, Zack, Ryker, Hawke, and on & on…

Leighton takes on a case from an old FBI friend. Basically, the friend’s neighbor is in debt to a big-time crime lord named, Alexei Kuznetsov. As payment, Alexei (or one of his minions) took the beautiful daughter for his sex trafficking exploits. Alexei, being the shrewd businessman, works these women through his own hotels & casino. Basically he provides the supply (women being held against their will) and the place (hotels). Now all Leighton and his crew need to do is figure out at which hotel the women are being held in order to do a snatch and grab.

This is where our h comes in, Lucy Carreras. Lucy is Alexei’s niece who manages The Sapphire, an all encompassing hotel and casino. Unlike the uncle who raised her, Lucy has morals. And these shady operations are being performed right under her nose.

But Leighton and his crew don’t know where she stand’s in her uncle’s unethical organization, and approach with caution. Due to some cleverly placed clues by Katie Reus, they soon find out that Lucy is not the enemy they once thought.

Leighton and Lucy have an instant attraction to one another. Once the air is cleared, and suspicions are cast aside, the attraction turns into an insta-like before quickly sliding into insta-love. But love doesn't negate the fact that they have one big obstacle between them, Alexei. Although the steam factor was present, I would have liked to have seen more… something.

She seemed to complete him, and he seemed to complete her. Leighton was the night in shinning armor, and Lucy was the damsel in distress. I guess I just wanted a little bit more banter or chemistry. However, you can’t help but fall in love with Leighton and Lucy together. Despite his difficult past, he’s tender. Despite her lonely history, she’s loving. Leighton’s strength, and Lucy’s courage are melt in your mouth good for this charming easy read romance.

The mission was well thought out and executed. It kept me entertained and thoughtful. I never was 100% sure how things would pan out, although I did have some dead-on suspicions. As always, I enjoyed the epilogue. I truly believe all romance books should have one. And the deleted scene was a nice touch. I’m glad it didn’t go to waste, and that the author provided it for us to read as we so choose.

ARC provided by NetGalley. All thoughts are mine and mine alone.

Overall Rating → 4.5 “Fight for the fairy tale. It exists” STARS
Would I read more from this author? → YES!

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2661139732
Review posted on Amazon

I am a fairly recent fan of Katie Reus' work, so there are books that I still haven't read. This is the sixth book in the series, and while I have read a couple of others, I found myself floundering a little with this one. Don't get me wrong, this is a wonderful story, but there were scenes that I felt like I had to piece together the backstory.

This story is about Lucy, who works for her uncle at his hotel. When she finds there is sex trafficking going on right under her nose, you can imagine the betrayal she felt. Leighton is a great hero for Lucy.

COVERT GAMES is the sixth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTON HARBOR romantic, suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Redemption Harbor Consulting. This is former US Marine and RHC cofounder Leighton Cannon, and hotel manager Lucy Carreras’ story line. COVERT GAMES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Lucy and Leighton COVERT GAMES follows Leighton Cannon as he goes undercover in New Orleans to ferret information on drug runner and human trafficker Alexei Kuznetsov, an undercover operation that places Leighton in a position with Alexei’s niece Lucy Carreras. Lucy is unaware of her uncle’s businesses on the side, businesses that place our heroine in the direct line of fire but falling for undercover operative Leighton Cannon meant turning against the family she once loved, family that is about to destroy any semblance of peace and happiness for a very long time. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Leighton and Lucy, and the potential fall-out as Lucy’s uncle discovers that his niece has been up to no good.

Lucy Carreras is an innocent in the world illegal gambling, prostitution and back room machinations but once the truth has been revealed our heroine is the first to volunteer to take down the man she once loved and adored. Leighton Cannon is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, a woman who is willing to place herself in danger with no espionage experience or undercover training.

The insta-lust relationship between Leighton and Lucy is one of immediate attraction but our hero must play a role in order to gain Lucy’s trust before revealing the truth. Lucy is quick to accept everything Leighton, and the agents at Redemption Harbor reveal, acceptance that goes a long way in helping the team take down an illegal human trafficking ring. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Most of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters as the RDC Team executive a plan to destroy Lucy’s uncle: Colt Stuart and Skye Arevalo (Resurrection #1), Zac Savage (Savage rising #2), Brooks Alexander and Darcy Cooper (Dangerous Witness #3 ), Axel and Hadley (Innocent Target #4), Nova Blaire and Gage Yates (Hunter Danger #5), as well as FBI agent Hazel Blake. We are introduced to Lucy’s uncle Alexei Kuznetsov, his right hand man Marco Broussard, and Alexei’s fourteen year old daughter Liliana

The world building continues to focus on the Redemption Harbor Consulting firm as they go undercover with their private investigations to take down the baddest of the bad.

COVERT GAMES is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and lies. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are colorful, dynamic and sassy; the romance is captivating and intense. Another great addition to Katie Reus’ Redemption Harbor Consulting .

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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I have loved all the books in this series. I can't wait for the next one. With Katie Reus, you can't go wrong