Fleeing from a killer, Kathryn Kelley took a job where she thought she’d be safe. But as soon as she arrived at the closely guarded government compound in Western Maryland, she wondered if she’d only jumped from the frying pan into the fire. She’d been hired to socialize a man named Hunter---no last name. He was supposed to be a criminal whose memory had been erased, but she couldn’t believe the story she was told about him. The more she got to know him, the more she fought to strip away the lies and get to the heart of the man. But even as the two of them grew to care deeply for each other, she knew that every move she made only put her in graver danger. Finally, she realized that the two of them had to escape. But did Hunter have the skill and the cunning to save her life? And what if he had to sacrifice himself to do it?
This was a decent read. The characters were ok. It did read as if it were a bit outdated. I don’t mind re-releases, but like it when there’s a forewarning..
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Firstly, I'll say this book was very well written. It's a romantic suspense set in a secret government complex - bad guys verses good guys. Almost all of the staff there are the former. There's plenty of action and quite an interesting back story that's pretty eye roll worthy and weird, but this is fiction after all. It can be read as a stand alone. The Decorah Security bit was almost non existent and made no impact on me or the main story.

Our heroine is sent to this compound because she's being targeted by a killer and she can work and hide whilst in a secure location. She meets John Doe who she's told is a criminal, who's had his brain wiped clear and has been reprogrammed?? and is being trained for some high security mission. He's the ultimate 6 million dollar man (Kathryn's thought) - which leads me into this :- I was completely confused when this book was set, as It certainly didn't seem like a contemporary read and that's what threw me off it a bit half way through.

The technology was not there. No smart phones, no wifi, there was a tape recorder hidden in the wall, a thumb drive sometimes called a disk by the heroine, security guys calling her a 'broad'... Time lines mention early eighties then forward seventeen years. I was so confused as I thought this book was a continuation of a modern series - eg number 20. So on the last page after the credits, the author mentions this book is a re-issue of a Harlequin romance entitled "Nowhere Man" released in 1998, so then it made complete sense. The author could have mentioned that at the beginning, instead of after her credits at the end. Would have put me in the right mind set! LOL.

There is insta-love, with not much slow burn and some steamy, but tasteful sex scenes. I didn't like Kathryn much, her character development was pretty flat and we knew nothing about her. She was being targeted by a killer and she just seemed to take it in her stride, also nothing much is mentioned about her past. Cookie cutter. Same with John Doe/Hunter. Of course there was a reason for that, as he'd had his mind supposedly 'wiped'. Hunter was a pretty cute character and soon-worthy. I didn't really feel much connection to the H/h or their romance, so I will say this is an average read and passed the time nicely. I liked it and will probably read more from this author, now that I know her books are older. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me the e-ARC. 3 stars.

OK intro to this author/series, though the book was light on details & possibly forgot a major one

We only really learn about what the Dacorah Security guys are/do at the very end of the team, when the female lead (whose name I've already forgotten) tries to explain to Hunter why and how he will fit into this new world. I think I'd read more if they came up for review, but if they are as detail-light as these, I won't be buying them.

The tale started off well, built up tension well with the attempt on the female lead's life but then the tale descended into confusion. I got why she was brought to the facility, but there seemed to be too many people acting in their own interests or with hidden agendas and the lack of believability was an issue.

On the plus side, I liked Hunter, felt sorry for him and for those like him that were revealed, but who likely (?) died when the facility in which they were being kept/stored/grown exploded. The romance was a non-starter for me and the tale could simply have worked with a female lead saving a guy who then becomes part of the same team that they're on, which I think is essentially what will be the case for the leads.

It needed more of a background for both leads and for the DS guys/organisation and tbh, felt very light on all the details, as if I were reading a diet version of a Kendra Elliott/JD Robb/Alexandra Ivy tale. I think, but can't be sure, that the incident at the start of the book got a sort-of explanation. Someone started to hint and then exited the tale, so it wasn't entirely clear, and if this person had been the originator, I'm not sure that I believed that he had either the reach or the knowledge that she would be accepted for employment where she ended up. That's the plus case scenario, as if not, the author missed a major explanation.

Glad it was an ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley.

Very interesting. Kept you guessing about who was the bad guy. Great development of relationship between Kathryn and Hunter. Great addition to the series.

Hunter, no memories, no previous life, only knows how to follow orders and kill! Dr Kathryn Kelly, the woman sent to “humanize” Hunter. She herself is running from a man that tried to kill her! What kind of secrets does Hunter have and whose trying to kill them! Loved this book! Will read more of this author!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced complimentary free copy of this book from NetGalley

This ‘Decorah Security’ romance is an extremely suspenseful read with a wonderfully romance that readers can really sink their teeth into.

Always a fan of this series! Each book is a standalone but sometimes a character will make an appearance from another book. Hunter was intense, unique and quite suspenseful. He's not what you think, maybe universal soldier? But not exactly. Kathryn was hired to get him used to social skills and blend in with others. However while basically stuck at operations she manages to investigate. Danger everywhere but not where you'd think. My copy came through Netgalley, review voluntarily provided.

Hunter (Deborah Security Series, Book 20) by Rebecca York is another unique, engaging read. I highly recommend it. The beginning prepares you for one story, then quickly drops in another unexpected story. Kathleen and Hunter are intriguing characters, each damaged in their own way and struggling to right themselves and their lives. The twists and turns are unexpected yet fit the storyline. Fast paced and thrilling, Hunter will keep you guessing and your hear racing.

Futuristic,romantic thriller. Fairly predictable and slightly unbelievable. Not a book for me. Strong,silent damaged hero saved by the love of a good woman.

Kathryn has been having a ot of problems with a former patient who has taken up stalking. When a new job comes along just as she needs it, she pretty much leaps before she looks and before she knows it she is fully submersed is a programme which seems to take criminals and "rehabilitate" them into productive members of society. The rehab seems to be successful but Kathryn soon realises that this is more going on than she was told.

She is introduced to John who seems to have had his entire history wiped. As part of the process of socialising him, Kathryn gets him to name himself and he comes up with Hunter. Soon they are bonding way more than they should and Kathryn is determined to break him out of the programme.

Decorah is definately a background character in this book. It's really only fully in the story near the end, there are small snippets earlier. It's more about Hunter and Kathryn, both of who are trying to protect the other. Great mix of romance and action.

4.5 stars

Kathryn Kelley is a psychologist who has just had a terrifying encounter with a psychopath. She narrowly escaped death at the hands of the man she helped institutionalize three years ago. However, he has not been captured, and Kathryn’s fear for her own safety causes her to hastily accept a job in a secure environment. Kathryn doesn’t take the time she normally does to review her assignment, as she’s anxious to be enveloped in high security working as a consultant for the Department of Defense.

The man known only as John Doe is being trained and developed for one purpose only – to take out a high ranking enemy of the country. He is put through rigorous physical training, and subjected to drugs and other therapies to ensure that he is completely obedient to the commands of his superiors. John Doe has no memory of his life before waking up in the laboratory, and all he knows is physical exertion, beatings, cruelty, and loneliness. His handlers feel that he needs to be “socialized” in order to fit in better when he’s sent on his assignment, and they’ve selected Kathryn as the person for the job.

Kathryn is appalled at the life John Doe leads. He’s extremely intelligent, yet doesn’t know how to handle warmth and kindness, things that are totally foreign to him. It doesn’t take long until he’s soaking up Kathryn’s care like a sponge. Though they haven’t spent much time together, Kathryn and John, who has now been dubbed Hunter, fall into a cocoon of affection and desire.

Kathryn soon comes to realize exactly what has been going on in this high secret operation, and is horrified at Hunter’s past. There is no doubt that Hunter will never survive his assignment, and it’s likely that Kathryn will not be allowed to leave the compound alive. HUNTER is part of the Decorah Security series, but this book easily stands alone, as that is a very minor portion of the story. Once I started reading, I did not want to put the book down. I was so drawn to Hunter, and my heart broke for him and what he had endured. The science is definitely creepy, especially when you consider that it’s probably not so farfetched at all. There are some truly awful villains, and plenty of excitement to go along with a beautifully tender romance. I recommend this book for fans of romantic suspense, who also enjoy a touch of the paranormal.

When Kathryn is targeted by an escaped prisoner --- one she helped put away --- she takes the first job offered to her in order to get her out of the public eye.

As a psychiatrist she is brought in to help Hunter develop social skills so as to be able to complete his mission. But Hunter is not a normal man. His memory has been erased and other than his size, he is almost child like. He doesn't trust easily, but he feels differently where Kathryn is involved.

They are greatly attracted to each other, and when she learns what his mission is, Kathryn and Hunter make plans to escape ... putting them both at great risk.

Does the man who named himself Hunter have the skill and the cunning to save her life? And what if he has to sacrifice himself to do it?

This is a well-written paranormal romantic suspense, with the paranormal part playing very little in the story telling. I can't say I really liked either character, but like a train wreck, I had to continue reading to see where it would lead. Kathryn comes across a little bossy, maybe arrogant and Hunter is like a cardboard character. But the romance they share does work.

Although this is 20th in the series, this one is easily read as a stand alone. If more information about Decorah Security is wanted, earlier books will be far more descriptive than this one.

Many thanks to the author / Light Street Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this Suspenseful Military Romance / Paranormal. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

3.5 Hearts This is #20 but the 1st that I am reading. But honestly it was fine. There wasn’t a lot about the company so I didn’t feel I missed too much not having read the first 19 in the series.

Hunter is a really interesting character. He is being trained for the government but something is really off about it. And Kathryn is hiding from a deranged psychopath. So of course they find romance… because why not?

There is something that makes Hunter and Kathryn perfect for each other and each want to protect the other from the rest of the world. I really enjoyed these two together.

I enjoyed the romance and the paranormal was a bit crazy but heck that is why we read paranormal.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Hunter is a man with no memory and he is been trained for a mission by the government. Kathryn is a trained psychologist who has been in protective custody after been a witness at a trial for a psychopath. She is bought to the training faculty where Hunter is in an attempt to socialise him. He is supposedly a criminal who has had his mind wiped but Kathryn is starting to question what she has been told it doesn't seem to match with the Hunter she has met. As she asks more questions her life is placed in danger and the only person who can keep her safe is Hunter Can she trust him with her life and do they have a future together

I love this series and I have to admit this one didn’t quite do it for me this time out, I think there seemed to be a bit of a spark missing for me. The story was nice enough but I don’t think the characters had any kind of connection, Hunter seemed a bit two dimensional to me for what I’m used to from Ms. York.
Hopefully I’ll enjoy the next books more

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Riveting! Rebecca York will pull you in from the first word, Her character development with Katherine is wonderful. I loved how, as a reader, I felt the same angst and fear she did when being stalked. This is rare skill in an author and enjoyed going through Katherine’s journey. Hunter was a unique character. I liked his determination and dedication to his tasks. York made it obvious from the beginning there was a connection between the two and I enjoyed how it developed and came together with the stalker plot. This is a must read!

I liked the idea of the book but unfortunately not so much the execution. The book had many not so interesting parts and skipped out on the interesting ones so it was for me very slow paced overall. I also couldn't find the characters interesting. Hunter seem very robotic and frankly, flat. Kathryn seems like an intelligent woman but sometimes too boring and sometimes too reckless you can't really follow her thought process and at times especially through the first few intimate scenes it feels like she is abusing her power since Hunter at times seems like a child and doesn't fully understand the intimate nature of his actions. That was a huge turn off for me. Also the whole clone thing came out of nowhere and didn't do anything to improve the story. In the contrary. It made it more far fetched and weird. (I know it's a paranormal book but usually there is a better explanation for why the paranormal exists)

So I guess I'm a little late to the game on this one. This is the first book I have read in this series - but I really enjoyed it (even without all the background). In fact - I would say this was the perfect book to enter the series if you haven't read any of the others. The Decorah Security Company really on exists in the very background of the book, so no fear that at book 20 you will be totally lost. I am guessing long time fans of the series might actually be disappointed in how little the series actually figures in to the book.

But back to Hunter and Kathryn. Hunter is a man utterly without a past - he woke up with no memories before waking - but is extremely smart and athletic. He is being trained (and manipulated) for a mission by the government. Kathryn, seeking an escape in to a secure location (she was being targeted by a psychopath she had testified against) is being brought in to help socialize Hunter. She is immediately drawn to him and him to her. They have a very strong connection - that brings them very close together as Kathryn finds out the really horrible truth about what is going on.

I loved Hunter and Kathryn together and the emotional connection between them. Hunter, as a product of what has happened to him, is utterly open to Kathryn. Kathryn wants to save Hunter, but she also sees his strength and innate goodness. Overally - I loved the premise of the story (very original) and characters.

The only thing I'll caution you on is that the science is pretty sketchy - it is paranormal romance so I am willing to give some leeway - but still it pushed my boundaries of believe-ability. I also found the technology to be out of date - like this was written in the early 2000s instead of now. Or maybe even the nineties. If a program like the one described existed (and lets face it - it probably does), I am guessing the security measures would be WAYYYYYYY tougher. No unlocked doors to labs or personnel records Hunter can just download. And definitely no subject video tapes.

That being said - this is still a solid B for me - and I am interested to read more of this series.

Another winner! I was immediately engrossed in this novel, even while horrified by some of it. The author has crafted a tightly woven novel that is based on a very disturbing, but clever, premise.. I found that I couldn't put this book down.

Put this one at the top of your TBR list. While part of a series, this is a stand alone novel. For fans of the series, this is a bit different than most of the books in the series, as in the paranormal aspect is more muted than in most of the books.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Light Street Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is book 20 in a series, but reads pretty well as a stand alone. I was a bit confused about the Decorah Security firm. How they were connected? Why r they there? But the main story is suspenseful. Kathryn is unusual, and very trusting. Her relationship with Hunter was cute. Overall a fairly good story. 3.5 stars. Definitely a paranormal suspense romance.