A wildly entertaining, action-packed tale with explosive action, intrigue that keeps you on the edge, and ardent swoon-worthy romance that had me at the meet-cute... So far my favorite book in the series, it seems as the stories are getting more intense with each installment.
Jessie Kegan and Brandon Garrett had amazing chemistry and connection between them. Brandon is a smart, kind-hearted, considerate, protective warrior who can accept his limitations and asks for back up when needed, who appreciated Jessie's abilities and treats her like an equal. Jessie is a smart, strong, capable woman who can hold her own yet doesn't act recklessly, and knows when to lead and when to follow. I adored them together, they are a team, they got each other, and they communicate, they have difficult conversations, and share painful memories. There are tough times and dangers and threats they have to face, yet there isn't unnecessary emotional drama, their life is traumatic enough right now.
All the multilayered, deadly action coming at Jessie and Brandon seemed at times a bit too much, yet the plot held all the strings well together. And when things started to unfold the virulence was tangible, like a fervent pulse beating on the pages, gripping the scenes, carrying on the twists and turns.
I'm rather enamored with this tale and I can not wait to get back to the exciting world of the Maximum Security.
~ Five Spoons

**2.5 Stars**

The Maximum Security series has been very hit or miss for me. THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL has broken that trend, mostly because this was the most “meh” romantic suspense book I’ve read recently. Jessie Kegan hires her deceased brother’s best friend Brandon Garrett to help her solve the mystery of her father’s death and protect her from the people suddenly shooting at her.

The pros: I liked Brandon more than most Kat Martin heroes. He was alpha without beating the heroine over the head with a club caveman-style (metaphorically). The action was spot on, and the suspense storyline had lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I also really enjoyed that Jessie and Brandon had to delve into their fundamental differences with their relationships. It wasn’t insta-lust or love (although it happened quickly) and they had some difficult conversations before they got their HEA.

The cons: Where the book really fell apart for me was how Jessie’s trauma and grief were dealt with. So her brother and father and mother are dead, but that’s not enough trauma? She also was kidnapped and sexually abused by a bad guy (before the start of the book), which didn’t add to the overall story. I felt like the author was using the heroine’s former sexual abuse to add depth to Jessie. It was a cheap ploy. Plus (spoiler), the hero heals her with his magic penis and zip ties. Generally, I am okay with this relationship device, but this particular sexual healing moment had me rolling my eyes.

In addition, while the mystery had lots of twists and turns, there were too many darn characters! I couldn’t keep them all straight. The different groups, the red herrings, the secondary good-guy characters almost overwhelmed the plot at times.

Overall, this book is a fine read if you’re looking for some fast-paced escape reading and magic sexual healing, but I have read much, much better romantic suspense novels and much better Kat Martin novels.

**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**

I've enjoyed many of Kat Martin's romantic suspense novels but her newest, The Ultimate Betrayal, is one of my favorites. This book opens with a bang and the intensity never lessens. I was sucked in immediately, flipping pages with rapt attention until the very end.

Jessie and Bran are both intriguing characters with whom I engaged almost immediately. They're likable, honorable, determined in their quest for justice, and have incredible chemistry. I admired them as individuals and rooted for them as a couple. Martin puts them through the wringer before giving them their well-earned happily ever after. I loved Bran's sexual need for Jessie but also his gentleness and understanding as he helped her overcome a difficult obstacle. I respected Jessie's bravery both in her determination to discover the truth surrounding her father's death as well as how she confronted the trauma from her past. I enjoyed watching investigate as a team and come together as a couple, appreciating the respect, understanding, acceptance, and love that grew between them. They're one of my favorite Kat Martin couples.

A large portion of this book was on the action, danger, and suspense facet of the story but that doesn't mean Bran and Jessie's relationship takes a back seat. It's seamlessly interwoven into the intrigue with Bran's initial obligation to keep Jessie safe which gradually becomes friendship that evolves into sexual attraction and, finally, love. It's a gradual and realistic transition that checked all my HEA boxes.

The suspense portion checked a whole lot of boxes too. Martin kept me on the edge of my seat with a tightly woven plot that had me flipping pages, fully engaged, and wondering where the next twist was going to take me. I spent a fair amount of time alternating between gasping and holding my breath. And just when I thought everything was okay, Martin threw in another twist. It wasn't until I turned the last page of the epilogue that I allowed myself to finally breath easy. I love when an author pulls that off.

If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed romantic suspense story with sizzling chemistry and enough twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages from start to finish, I highly recommend The Ultimate Betrayal.

*ARC received for author Q&A and fair and unbiased review

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Anther hit for a very talented author. Can't wait to read more of her books. I highly recommend this author to everyone.

Non stop action from start to finish! Bran and Jessie are connected through her dead brother Danny. When she goes to Bran for help as there's no one else to turn to, his response is yes.

In the coming days and months, she holds her own and shows him they operate cohesively to gather information and track down the truth. In the quest for justice they come to rely on each other. Although Jessie struggles with his skills and the danger of his job, she realizes she must make a difficult decision to determine if love can conquer all.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

Another great romantic-suspense by one of my favorite authors. I can always rely on Kat Martin to deliver a great plot and a hot romance. I love the guys and girls of the Max and look forward to the next book.

Jessie Kegan is an investigative journalist on a mission. Her father was accused of treason, jailed and died suddenly of a heart attack. After getting over her shock, she stuffs her grief deep down and takes a long hard look at what happened. As she digs deeper, the baddies come after her. She runs to the only man she knows will help: Captain Brandon Garrett, US Army Special Forces Delta, retired, now working for his brother's business, Maximum Security, as a bodyguard and boy does Jessie nee her body guarded.

When Jessie shows up at Maximum Security with an absolutely unbelievable story about her father and a conspiracy and espionage and treason, Bran is more than a little shocked. When the bullets start flying, he knows she just might be onto something big, really big. He also knows he could never refuse her anything she wanted or needed if it was within his power to do it. Her brother, Danny, died in Afghanistan saving Bran's life. He had a debt to pay.

Finding the baddies and protecting Jessie is going to be the easy part. Keeping his hands off the beautiful Jessie, now that is the hard part.

This is the first book in this new series. It is very fast paced with lots of twists and turns. It seems like there is a lot of military mysteries with reporter/journalists being published now

The Ultimate Betrayal was a fast-paced, action-packed read with a fantastic romance.

After Jessie Kegan’s father is accused of espionage and treason, Jessie knows he's innocent. But before he can clear his name, Colonel Kegan dies of a heart attack. Convinced her father was murdered, Jessie uses her skills as a journalist to begin digging into his case but her investigation attracts unwanted attention and soon Jessie finds herself the target of a killer. For protection, Jessie turns to bodyguard Brandon Garrett, her late brother's best friend. To honor his promise to his friend, Bran will do whatever it takes to keep Jessie safe. With time running out to clear her father's name before his killer catches up her, Jessie and Bran are in a race to find the truth before it's too late.

The plot in this book was action-packed from the start with an attack on Jessie's life in the very first chapter. From there, the action doesn't let up. The case against Jessie's father is that he stole munitions scheduled for destruction and sold them on the black market. Initially there's very little to suggest Colonel Kegan is innocent outside of Jessie's belief he is, but slowly over the course of the book Jessie and Bran uncover a huge conspiracy centered around the theft. There were a few surprises throughout the plot and the characters do run into a few dead-ends. Throughout the book there are several attempts on Jessie's life which definitely kept the suspense up and kept you guessing on what would happen next. Overall I liked the way the investigation into the theft wrapped up with a solid final scene. I will say that after the main plot wraps up, there's a minor plot that felt unnecessary and seemed to only be included to traumatize Jessie.

Jessie and Bran's relationship starts out fairly slowly despite an obvious attraction on both sides. Bran doesn't want to dishonor his friend by starting something with his sister that's not likely to turn into something real whereas Jessie has issues being touched after she was previously sexually assaulted. I thought the author dealt well with Jessie's issue being touched and Bran's solution was incredibly sweet. The chemistry between the characters is fantastic and their relationship develops nicely after a few hiccups. One great thing about their relationship was how quickly they came to trust and respect one another. The friendship they developed was fantastic and I liked that they trusted each other to handle themselves in any situation.

Overall I really enjoyed The Ultimate Betrayal and I am looking forward to future installments in the series. I highly recommend this series if you're looking for some great romantic suspense.

The Ultimate Betrayal by Kat Martin
Maximum Security #3

Brandon “Bran” Garrett likes what he sees when Jessie Keegan walks into his place of business and the interest Jessie has in Bran is intense, too. Bran is soon involved with helping Jessie try to clear her father’s name, find out who killed her father while he was in prison, following clues and doing his best to keep Jessie safe. This was a fast-paced, complicated, thrill ride from beginning to end.

What I liked:
* Jessie: dedicated, intelligent, seeker of truth and not afraid of a bit of trouble. She did have a backstory that had a big impact on her life. She deserves happiness and to find a family to replace the one she lost.
* Bran: ex-military, intense, lethal, and capable – in more ways than one. He is a good man who deserves happiness.
* The supporting characters – all of them – good men who end up with good women – eventually.
* Meeting Bran’s brothers – the relationship between the brothers is strong and they are there for one another
* The side story of Ty’s romance
* The intensity of the story
* The plot, story, and writing
* The twists and turns and complexity of the story
* The growth Jessie showed in a couple areas of her life
* That there were some good men despite the bad ones
* The way it all came together in the end.

What I did not like:
* The reminder that there are evil, ruthless, greedy people in all elements of society – not everyone in places of responsibility are trustworthy.
* Knowing that there really are people willing to harm others for reasons I don’t understand

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

Kat Martin has long been an instant buy for me, and her latest book in the Maximum Security series did not disappoint. THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL is a tale of espionage, treason and cover-up, with investigative journalist Jessie Kegan at the heart of the solution. Jessie’s father was accused of espionage, but dies before he can stand trial. She’s convinced that his reported heart attack is murder, so she does her thing and finds herself on the radar of the killer who wants her father’s secrets (and, probably Jessie, too) to follow him to the grave. Her brother’s best friend, Brandon Garrett, is a bodyguard with Maximum Security, and you know he’s going to step in and help. As the danger escalates, so does the question of who can be trusted, and who’s lying. Present are all the hallmarks of Martin’s stories—robust characters, an exciting pace, and a satisfying romance. The ending is inevitable because, hello, romance and HEA’s, but the journey is so good.

*Originally published at Frolic: https://frolic.media/july-2020-must-read-romantic-suspense/

Full of twists and turns Jessie Kegan is determined to clear her Father's name. Enter Brandon Garrett, her brothers best friend and now her bodyguard. They both think that is all he should be but of course than ends up falling by the wayside as they run from danger. I guessed who the bad guy was early in the story. That did not keep me from continuing to read a story that was hard to put down. Great addition to the series.

I will leave a review on Amazon or B&N on July 28, 2020

The Ultimate Betrayal by Kat Martin is the 3rd book in the Maximum Security series. Once again this author writes a book, that pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let loose until the very end. The chemistry between Bran and Jessie is certainly hot, as they fight their attraction to each other in the beginning. This book contains plenty of twists and turns, and I would certainly recommend it to others.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review

The Ultimate Betrayal, the third novel in Kat Martin's Maximum Security series should be subtitled, "How to Write One Heck of an Addictive Romantic Suspense Novel," because this novel starts off with a bang and never lets up, and it gets 5 enthusiastic stars from this reader.

As the novel opens, no sooner does Jessie Keagan race into the Maximum Security office in Dallas, Texas, when someone shoots out the windows, trying to kill her. She's raced to the office to find help in the form of her late brother's best friend, Brandon Garrett. She is in desperate need of protection, and she's got one incredible story to back it up. First, she was kidnapped and sexually abused by her captor, a serial rapist and murderer (for 3 days, before she managed to escape). Then, her father, Colonel James Keagan, Commander of the U.S. Army Alamo Chemical Depot, was arrested, jailed and died there under mysterious circumstances, not long after discovering that tons of chemical weapons which were slated for destruction had disappeared, and the Army blamed him.

Jessie is a freelance journalist and knew her father was an honorable man--she believes he was scapegoated, framed and then murdered, and obviously, to her, whoever is responsible for the theft wants her silenced too. Since her brother, Danny, lost his life in Afghanistan while saving Brandon's life, there is nothing he won't do for her, and it doesn't help that he's wildly attracted to his best friend's sister, but doesn't feel right about his feelings of attraction because she is his best friend's sister. And that's just for starters.

This well-written, well-plotted, and deeply engrossing novel, with two fully-developed, likable characters, has more twists and turns than Lombard Street in San Francisco. There are multiple hit men out to kill Jessie, Jessie's conviction that her beloved father would never have committed this horrible crime, as well as her conviction that he was murdered--but who is after her and why? The army found hidden assets in an offshore account, supposedly placed there by Jessie's father, and she refuses to believe it. There are multiple threats from the military, multiple attempts at killing both Jessie and Brandon, a plane crash, secrets, lies and betrayals, and let's not forget to mention that Jessie's abductor is now out of jail on a technicality and is now stalking her, to finish what he started.

In addition to their search for the truth about how the chemical-filled warheads disappeared and who was responsible for it, who was responsible for killing Jessie's father, the excitement and danger around every corner, the attraction between Jessie and Brandon leads to some really hot sex scenes. Although the attraction between these two characters is mutual and blossoms, Brandon isn't a relationship type of guy, and having grown up in a military family, Jessie knows that she doesn't want to tie herself to a military man, and yes, she has hang-ups caused by her 3 days with her abductor.

Be forewarned, there is also plenty of violence in this novel, as well as graphic sex, but if you're looking for an gripping, action-packed, and emotional read with plenty of suspense, this novel provides it in spades. Although The Ultimate Betrayal is the third book in this series, it works just fine as a standalone, but I recommend reading this series in the order written, because it provides additional depth as to how Maximum Security came to be, and the men and women who have found a place within it. Quite simply, I found this novel impossible to put down, and I highly recommend it.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

This book took off from the very first page, Jessie Kegan seeks the help of her brother’s best friend. Her brother, Danny died in Afghanistan saving the life of Brandon Garrett, his best friend. Brandon now runs a security firm. He and Jessie are now searching for answers to see if her father was murdered in prison, accused of a crime he may not have even committed. Be prepared for lots of twists and turns along with some smoldering romance which keeps you reading at a fast pace. It is the third book in the Maximum Security series, but I haven’t read the others so it was fine as a stand-alone. I received this ARC from netgalley in return for my honest review.

The Ultimate Betrayal, book 3 in the Maximum Security series, by Kat Martin starts off with the same fast pace
we've grown to love! Jessie Kegan enlists the help of Brandon Garrett to prove the innocence of her father when she's convinced he's been framed then murdered. Full of twists, turns, couldn't put it down!! Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

The Ultimate Betrayal by Kat Martin is the 3rd book in her fantastic Maximum Security series. We meet our heroine, Jessie Kegan at the beginning, when she goes to Maximum Security and asks the help of Brandon Garrett. Brandon, our hero, was best friends with Jessie’s brother, Danny, who was killed in Afghanistan, as he was also injured. Brandon promised to always be there for Danny’s sister, if ever she needed help.

Jessie’s father died of a heart attack, after being accused of treason, and sent to jail. Jessie is determined to clear her father’s name, and prove he was framed, as well as murdered. Brandon drops everything to work with Jessie to find evidence, as well as to become her bodyguard to protect her against attacks by someone who does not want her to continue her research. They both find themselves under attack a number of times, leaving them to wonder who to trust. They both made a great team, as Brandon was a former captain in the military, and Jessie is very good investigative journalist.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful adventure where Brandon and Jessie find themselves in intense and dangerous situations as they get closer to finding those involved with stealing weapons, which also involved terrorists and millions of money being passed. While working together, both Brandon and Jessie become attracted to each other, and despite their determination not to become involved, best laid plans do not always work out. Their romance was steamy, and we knew they were both falling love. But each had their own issue; Brandon worried that he was breaking his promise to Danny by becoming involved with Jessie, and Jessie feared the dangerous life that Brandon did working for Maximum Security.

The last half of the book was not only exciting, edge your seat thriller, but worrying that our heroes would not survive. When the evidence begins to point out that someone in the military was involved in the stealing the weapons, selling them to terrorists and framing and killing Colonel Kegan; the attacks against them escalate. Brandon’s brothers and some other Maximum Security members will help them. It was great to see some of our favorites from previous books.

Ultimate Betrayal was an intriguing, suspenseful, exciting, action-filled mystery that was also very intense, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The smoldering romance between Brandon and Jessie was perfect, as we rooted hard for them to stay together, despite their issues. Once again, Kat Martin gives us another exciting thriller, as she is one of the best in writing Romance Suspense. If you enjoy action, suspense, romance and intense crime thrillers, you should read anything by Kat Martin.

Jessie Keegan walks into the offices of Maximum Security to a hail of bullets and shards of flying glass to kick off the latest story in Ms. Martin's latest suspense thriller. This story is darker than most filled with government secrets and terrorist plots but well within the capabilities of retired navy seal Brandon Garrett who teams up with Jessie to keep her safe and expose the truth.
Jessie is an investigative reporter. Somebody is willing to kill to protect the truth and it will take body guard Brandon Garret's considerable skills to keep her safe. Jessie is alone in the world, her brother Danny died while saving Brandon's life out in the field and now her dad, a career military veteran is dead after being accused of espionage.  Determined to expose the truth, Jessie and Brandon team up in more ways than one.
To complicate things Jessie has been a victim of a stalker and serial killer who newly released from jail is a red herring in the search for the truth behind her father's murder.  Ms. Martin builds up the suspense and the twists and turns should keep readers engaged.
All in all another notch in Ms. Martin's belt. Even as we're checking off the members of the Maximum Security team I can't wait to see the third Garrett brother get his own story.

This is such a good series!!!! 4.5 stars for The Ultimate Betrayal! It's a fast paced and exciting romantic suspense!! Great story!! Never a dull moment for Brandon and Jessie! From the moment she asks him for help, it's on. Their chemistry is so magnetic and they instantly have such a strong connection. I love all of their interactions and they make a really great team! Amidst the intensity of the situation, they develop a wonderful relationship, something neither thought could be possible. It isn't always easy, but they navigate through it to find their HEA.
I enjoyed this 3rd book in this series very much and look forward to more!

I received this book from netgalley for an honest review..
So Im not really sure how I feel about this book. I think that it was well written and the story moved along well. The sexual tension between Bran and Jessie was fire.. I just couldn't really connect to the story or its characters.. I found myself not really caring at all what happened. Also two side characters became romantically involved after what felt like them knowing each other for 5 min, and all of a sudden they were planning a family trip to disney world? it just seemed like it came out of nowhere and didn't really need to be included in the story.
But I do think that my not feeling anything for the story is more of a me problem, not the book.. I read alot of these ex military/ bodyguard kind of romances at one point and i think i burnt myself out of these kinds of story lines..
I think the actual problems I had with the story were minor, and if you love military/ bodyguards helping the Heroine solve a mystery that is personal to her.. With a bit of the forbidden because Bran was best friends and in the same unit with Jessies brother before he was killed in action. and they don't want to get involved with each other. You should check this book out..
It is part of a series and while I only read this one I didn't feel like I was lost at anypoint

This book had all the ingredients of a good suspense story but never quite pulled off it's potential. I found the terminology almost archaic in this high-tech age, the characters never wormed they way into my heart the way I expect and the story was a bit far fetched at time.