This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Wow, how much sizzle between Lyosha and Mila and they are just keeping in the friend zone!

Lots of action and drama in this romance as there are multiple attempts at their lives and you never know who is behind the attacks.

You can't help but feel for Mila when Lyosha kisses her then runs away and ghosts her for almost a week. He just can't admit that they could be good together and you just want to smack him in the head and wake him up!

It could not put the book down as I just had to figure out who was behind the plot and how they could resolve their issues and get their HEA!

It was fun to read about the previous couple at Red Stone security when they make their appearances and what a great family that Mila has! Loved the book and as always, can't wait for the next one in the series. I may have to reread Viktor and Dominique's story in the meantime!

What can I say about Secret Enemy by Katie Reus other than I loved it. Great characters and a solid romantic suspense plot.

Katie Reus returns with "Secret Enemy", book 16 in Red Stone Security series. Lyosha is a member of the Red Stone Security, but has not always been on the right side of the law and feels unworthy when he falls in love with with his friend Mila. If you are looking for suspense and romance with lots of drama and fast paced action, Lyosha and Mila's story is just what you are looking for. And who doesn't love a dog and a kitten as part of their story? As with all the books in the series, it is a standalone read that always leaves readers waiting on pins and needles for the next one. **I was gifted "Secret Enemy" via NetGalley, leaving my review based on my reading. 5 Stars!

This was another fantastic romantic suspense read from Katie Reus following a friends to lovers theme. After a less than stellar childhood Lyosha doesn’t feel he’s good enough for Mila and he’s happy to settle for being friends with her. I think he’s also afraid of losing her family who have welcomed him as one of their own if a relationship between them didn’t work. Mila meanwhile, unaware of his history is left thinking the exact same thing – honestly this will leave you wanting to bang their heads together….. or maybe lock them in a room! It’s only when a ghost from Lyosha’s past rears his ugly head & threatens Mila’s safety that he comes to his senses & ‘mans’ up.

The best thing about Katie Reus writing is that it is so easy to read. Although the books are reasonably short, nothing about the plot feels rushed The characters are all well rounded, the heroes are all alpha men but with soft centres who will do anything to protect the ones they love and the heroines are all feisty and don’t make things easy for their men. Even the secondary characters leave you hoping that they will receive their own ‘happily ever afters’ in future books . All in all, this book was a great way to while away a couple of hours.

Mila and Lyosha meet when Lyosha brings a cat into the shelter she volunteers at, and they begin a friendship. Both are very attracted to the other, but deny their feelings for different reasons. Mila because she assumes Lyosha doesn't return the feelings/attraction and Lyosha because he has insecurities around having attachments in his life. At the same time that their attraction escalates, enemies from Lyosha past resurface to target them both and force them to spend even more time together.

Despite this being book 16 in the series, this is the first book I've read by Katie Reus. I very much enjoyed it and am so happy to have found an author with an extensive backlist to read from. I very much enjoyed the mystery and suspense in this slow burn love story and despite it being part of an extensive series, it's definitely a standalone. Highly recommend this if you are a fan of slow burns or romantic suspense!

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy. I've voluntarily left an honest review.

Dear Katie Reus,

I’ve read most of your Red Stone Security series and enjoyed them so I was happy to have the chance to read the latest installment. The books are generally about category length and can be read fairly quickly and have a good balance between the romance and the suspense aspects of the story.

The link to Red Stone Security in Secret Enemy is indirect; Mila has just started working there and Lyosha’s boss’s wife also works there but the firm has very little to do with the actual plot.

Lyosha met Mila at an animal shelter where she volunteers, having adopted a rescue kitten he’d found. He was immediately drawn to Mila and they became firm friends. Mila always wanted more but Lyosha has her squarely friend-zoned. Because readers have the benefit of Lyosha’s POV as well as Mila’s we know that Lyosha thinks he’s not good enough for Mila and that’s why he hasn’t made a move. Still, he can’t bring himself to stay away and as a result they’ve been in a weird holding pattern. In reality they behave a lot like romantic partners with each other, except without anything physical between them. He’s even met her entire family. It’s clear to anyone with eyes that they’re more than friends. It’s notable that neither of them are looking elsewhere for a romantic partner.

Lyosha was previously involved in some kind of criminal enterprise (Russian mafia style maybe? It wasn’t specified in this book), but then his boss and friend Viktor was able to take over from Viktor’s father and transform the organisation so that it is now legitimate. Lyosha is in charge of Viktor’s security but he also seems to be independently wealthy. I guess his previous activities generated a lot of income? Lyosha is now mostly lawful but when necessary and to protect those he loves, he’s willing to skirt the rules.

Mila is working for Red Stone Security in their marketing area so she has no involvement in security work.

One night after a not-date, they kiss and Mila thinks “finally!” but then Lyosha bolts and ghosts her for a week because he can’t deal with his conflicting emotions. To her credit, Mila, though hurt, doesn’t pine for him. She decides that she’s going to live her life and get on with things. If Lyosha doesn’t want her she won’t beg and she won’t waste away. She’s sad but determined to move on. Go Mila.

But then an old foe of Lyosha’s threatens Mila, and he goes into ultra-protector mode and moves her into his home so he can keep her safe. Again to her credit, Mila does not do anything stupid like refuse his help. She’s a practical woman. There was more than one occasion when she made very smart decisions which many a romantic suspense heroine could learn from in fact.

At Lyosha’s place, he finally gives into his feelings. He just can’t, in the words of REO Speedwagon, fight this feeling anymore.

To find their HEA, Lyosha has to neutralise the threat against both he and Mila and accept that he is worthy of the love of his found family, including Mila.

The suspense plot is fairly OTT and things move quickly. I had the sense that the suspense was more a vehicle for the romance than a story in itself and, as much as I like the high romance quotient in your romance, this time the other part of the novel didn’t hold together as well. The romance itself moved very quickly – there really was very little keeping them apart right from the beginning but Lyosha’s turnaround from rejecting a relationship to being all in was a little too quick and underdeveloped.

While Secret Enemy wasn’t my favourite of the series, there were things to like, including a tough guy hero who loves to cook and who’s head over heels for his lady and pretty squishy about his little cat, Nala. And Mila made good choices all the way through the book for extra bonus points.

Grade: C

Regards,
Kaetrin

Secret Enemy (Red Stone Security #16) by Katie Reus is classic Red Stone Security suspenseful romance. Lyosha Makanov is tough yet tender, while action prone he is thoughtful too. Mila first comes across as a kind damsel in need but then shows she can be tough too, making this an excellent romance.

The characters have time in this story to get to know each other in their friends who work at the same company role. It makes their relationship so much more believable. Their personalities are also developed so that you see what makes them tick. This is a story of suspense, danger, friendship, love, family and stopping the bad guy. Just the perfect read for anytime you need to be reminded good guys do win.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.25 stars-- SECRET ENEMY is the sixteenth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult RED STONE SECURITY romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Red Stone Security. This is RSS new hiree Mila, and Russian security specialist Lyosha Vasiliev’s story line. SECRET ENEMY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Lyosha was first introduced in book thirteen Love Thy Enemy-Lyosha works security for Viktor Ivanov.

Told from several third person perspectives including Mila and Lyosha SECRET ENEMY follows the friends to lovers relationship between RSS new hiree Mila, and Russian security specialist Lyosha Vasiliev. Mila and Lyosha have been dancing around one another for close to six months but Mila’s recent run in with her roommate’s boyfriend finds Lyosha in alpha-protector mode but our hero believes himself unworthy of Mila’s love, and in this continues to push away the woman he wants. When a former enemy returns, eyeing Mila as the ultimate prize, Lyosha knows that his lifestyle now threatens our story line heroine, and there is no turning back when she is targeted for Lyosha’s sins of the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lyosha and Mila, and the potential fall-out as Mila finds herself the target of two men, one of whom set his sights on the man with whom she will fall in love.

The relationship between Lyosha and Mila is a friends to lovers, immediate attraction wherein Lyosha refuses to cross the line into something more. Believing himself unworthy, Lyosha intends to keep his distance but threats against Mila continue to pull our couple into one another’s orbits. Meanwhile, Mila struggles with some issues of self-esteem, believing she is beneath the people for which Lyosha is friends. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Viktor and his wife Dominique (Love Thy Enemy); Dominque’s sister in law Lucy as well as Mila’s sisters Angel, Clarita and Zamira, their mother, and RSS agent Juan- there is definitely something developing between Angel and Juan. The requisite evil has many faces.

SECRET ENEMY is a story of vengeance and retribution, family and relationships, opportunity and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the characters are spirited; the romance is seductive and exciting. SECRET ENEMY is another wonderful addition to Katie Reus’ Red Stone Security family.



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Ibooks (Sandy Sch) posted

This is the first book in this series that I have read & I am hooked. Lyosha is amazing & adorable. I would have liked a little more suspense, but I loved the twist at that end. It was such a good “I didn’t see that coming” twist. I really loved the fact you don’t have to read the whole series to understand what is going in this book. It could almost be a stand alone. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

There's nothing like getting back to Red Stone Security and Katie Reus's world of romance and danger. I lost count of the number of times I've read this series, and to get another glimpse into that world is pure pleasure.

As the members of Red Stone Security keep increasing, so does the tight knit family by heart and soul keeps growing, and any visits by the previous characters is always a reading pleasure. Lyosho and Mila have been in the friends zone for a while, neither wanting to step beyond the boundary to ruin their friendship. But fate has different plans for them, and they are destined to be together, if Lyosho can keep Mila safe long enough to take care of the "Secret Enemy" lurking in the shadows of their happily ever after.

Another winner from Katie Rues

I was so excited to see this series continue! Lyosha showed up in a previous book but this can be read as a stand alone. This author creates amazing characters. Sexy alpha men and strong women are the backbone of the series. I love how the Red Stone crew are family.
Lyosha has to get over his doubts to find his HEA with the woman meant for him. Mila is a combination of sweet, determined, and strong.
This is one of the best romantic suspense series out there. I am so happy to see new stories. I can't wait for the next one!

Lyosha and Mila are cute characters, and I enjoyed the book. I felt with the theme of the story there could have been a little more action, but outside of that it was well written.

Lyosha and Mila met while she was volunteering a shelter and he brought in a half starved kitten that he keeps. Because of something Lyosha did in his past danger is coming for both of them and he does everything within his power to keep her safe. The only thing is, they have a thing for each other, and neither of them know. Will they get tired of fighting themselves and get their HEA?

ARC received for review

Another great book in this series, but it is a stand alone.

Mila and Lyosha annoyed me at times. They finally got it together, but they were all over the place.

Skirting the law is nothing new for Lyosha in his role as head of security and he is comfortable with the shades of grey that come with the job. But his feelings towards Mila are more deeply entrenched in his psyche. His belief that he has nothing to offer her puts his relationship firmly in the friend zone and when his past comes back to haunt him she is placed in danger. Will he step up, takes charge of her protection, and lay everything on the line? Targeting enemies is what he excels at. Will her own more recent history cause trouble that is unexpected? Will he be able to provide the shelter needed to keep her safe? Will he take a chance and proclaim his feelings for her?

Men can be so dumb sometimes. Take Lyosha – he thinks he is not good enough for Mila so what does he do? Ghosts her. I have many Red Stone Security books on my e-reader TBR pile as Katie states these can be read as standalones. I had no trouble following the story. The interaction amongst all of the characters is a highlight of this story. This friends to lovers story is so sweet being that it is romantic suspense, a favorite trope. I wish we had gotten more of the villain and his relationship with the second villain. Oh yes, two villains. I could have read a lot more into the lives of these characters.

This engaging book is part of the Red Stone Security Series but can definitely be read as a stand alone. It would enrich the story to know the background of the other characters but is not necessary to fully enjoy the story. Mila and Lyosha were the best of friends. Both wanted more but were afraid to share their feelings. When Mila’s safety is at risk, Lyosha is determined to keep her safe which is more challenging that you would think. There was twists and turns that will keep readers intrigued. The most fun part of the book for me was Mila’s family and how they embraced Lyosha. I loved every minute of this book!

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Lyosha is a strong alpha type and works in Security. When he brings a baby kitten in to the shelter and meets Mila he was drawn to her right away. He intentionally leaves some paperwork behind in hopes of seeing Mila again.
Fast forward a few months and Mila and Lyosha have become the best of friends but Lyosha denies the attraction and Mila doesn’t act on her true feelings either. Until one night Lyosha kisses her.
Again he starts to pull away thinking he is not good for her all the while someone is after him and using Mila to get to him. Just when you think they have the guy, a twist occurs.
Lots of action and romance in this book and definitely one to read!

This is the first book in this series that I have read I will definitely be going back and reading the others. What’s not to love about a big bad guy with tattoos that loves his cat.

Secret Enemy is book 16 of the Red Stone Security series.
And it doesn't disappoint. This book centred on Lyosha, a security expert, and Mila, a new employee at Red Stone. I love stories of unselfish people who are willing to give up their wants and desires to keep someone they care about safe. He stays on the "friend" side of things to keep her safe, until she is unexpectedly threatened by an event in his past.
Lyosha then jumps in to protect her, at any cost.
I had never read any other books by this author, but I am going to now get the first 15 books in the series!

I was provided this book by NetGalley in return for an unpaid, honest review.

3 1/2 Stars

When Lyosha and Mila meet he is immediate infatuated with her, but knows that she is too sweet for him. Lyosha has a past that is anything but sweet. But when it is clear that Mila's life is in danger, Lyosha take protection to the next level. Could it be his past coming back to haunt him? Or is sweet Mila in her own trouble?

Although I liked Lyosha and Mila ... I just didn't love them, I found the banter between them strained. But I really liked Mila's family dynamic ... that was realistic. The steamy scenes were ... well very steamy. This is the book 16 in this series and it can definitely be read as a standalone as characters from other books are introduced quite nicely.

I received a copy courtesy of KR Press KC through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review