This entry in the Romantic Suspense line didn't really work for me which is unfortunate as I was looking forward to the characters and setting. The chemistry between the MCs was lacking. The FMC did things out of character (was very careful and cautious, was calculating enough to withhold evidence to ensure her safety, yet fine with unprotected sex). The MMC was surprised that the FMC was smart and knew things. It just fell flat over all.

While on assignment in Rome, African American interpreter Zaire Nichols overhears terrorists planning an embassy bombing. She’s accused of murder after reporting it to the American authorities in Rome. Assassins attempt to kill her. So, she ends up on the run across Italy with CIA black ops agent Atticus “Buck” Swanson, her escort back to the U.S. Zaire and Buck attempt to evade their pursuers and try to prevent a deadly terrorist attack, while exploring their instant, scorching, and deepening attraction.

Zaire’s company’s Atlanta office sent her to Rome to establish a presence in the Italian office. An intelligent homebody who enjoys true crime and sharing random facts, Zaire doesn’t always use her filter when talking to people. She’s brave and passionate, with a strong survival instinct and will. A former Navy SEAL, Buck is resilient, intelligent, and skilled with tactics, like fighting and weapons. While the last thing he wants is to be back in Rome, he’ll do what needs to be done to keep Zaire safe and bring her home safely. Intense and focused on his job, he’s deeply attracted to Zaire at first sight, which is confusing and distracting for him. As much as he wants her, he’s resistant to getting involved. Unable to let go of the past, he believes they’re wrong for each other.

Delaney’s writing is down-to-earth, detailed, vivid, and descriptive. Reading one of her novels is like watching a well-done romantic thriller, romantic suspense, or romantic drama. I love how she doesn’t waste words and uses Zaire and Buck’s senses to explore their intense/electric attraction and deep connection, develop their characters, evolve their relationship, for world-building, and to draw readers into each scene alongside the characters. Another area where Diamond’s writing shines is how she doesn't shy away from depicting and exploring the realism of the dangers of their situation in her description and exploration of the circumstances, the characters’ experiences, and their reactions with detail, nuance, and care.

Her action-packed, tautly written, and well-constructed fights, escape scenes, car chases, explosions, etc., are thrilling. They kept me on the edge of my seat. Once I started reading, I was completely drawn into the story and couldn’t put the book down. She gives the characters (and readers) a chance to get to know each other before they become intimate. While Zaire and Buck are on the run and hiding, the scenes when they talk to each other about themselves, sharing their dreams, aspirations, and fears, and encouraging each other are funny, sweet, and emotional. Aside from the action scenes, these were my favorites. I love when authors take the time to allow the characters (and us) to get to know each other before they become intimate, even when it’s high stakes! I think it heightens the emotional connection between the characters and the intensity of their chemistry during their love scenes and their impact on the story and the reader. Zaire and Buck’s interactions and love scenes are steamy, intimate, sexy, and emotional, contributing to both the evolution of their characters’ and Delaney’s multilayered story.

Hunted Through Italy is a fast-paced, suspenseful, steamy, action-packed, thrilling, romantic read highly recommended for romantic suspense, interracial romance, action, thrillers, and light international espionage fans.

HARLEQUIN - Romance provided an advanced review copy via Netgalley for review.

Fast-paced, gripping story of an interpreter, Zaire, who overhears a bombing plot and tries to do the right thing by reporting it to the American embassy. Instead, she is detained and accused of murdering her roommate. CIA agent Buck flies to Rome to escort her back to the States, expecting a quick trip to the airport and an easy flight home. What he gets is a woman with a target on her back and a race to escape those who want to stop her.

The growing urgency to uncover the truth while running for their lives kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Relentless pursuit, close calls, and intense confrontations kept me on edge throughout the book, wondering when they would catch a break. Buck's suspicions made sense, and I loved his ability to find a solution. The nail-biter twist at the end was an outstanding conclusion to the mission.

I enjoyed the development of Zaire and Buck's relationship. Zaire was terrific. Introverted, but not shy, intelligent, and able to adapt to circumstances, and with a penchant to spout trivia when she's nervous. Buck is unflappable and skilled at his job. Sparks flare between them from the start. Buck resists because a past relationship has led him to believe that certain aspects of his past make it impossible for someone to love him. The rare moments of downtime allow them to get to know each other, and the attraction builds from there. I liked how Zaire wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted. I ached for them both when Buck pushed her away, believing that their connection was only because of what they'd been through. I loved the ending and seeing Buck see the truth. I loved the epilogue and seeing how they took the time to be sure of their feelings.

Delaney Diamond don't miss. If I remember right, this is her first trad release in a very long time and was happy to see it! She did her thing. It was just the right length, full of suspense and steam!

5 star adventure

This is a hero that will strap himself to the underside of a Jeep and hold on for 2 hours to rescue his lady. That’s all you need to know.

Buck is a CIA agent sent to bring Zaire from Rome to the US after she’s overheard plans to attack a US embassy. The bad guys are real bad, and Buck and Zaire are on the run all over Rome to escape. Both are competent at their jobs and have to work together to stop the baddies and survive.

There’s suspense, running from gun fire, the sights of Rome, danger banging. Great fun read. I’ll be in Italy this summer so it was a good warm up for my trip, though I hope I don’t get into as much trouble as Zaire.

Arc provided by the publisher, thank you!

Loved this book. Just enough romance and just enough suspense. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Thank you Harlequin Romance for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. Hunted through Italy was such a cute rom-com to me. Neither Zaire or Buck thought they were each others type but they couldn’t stop the attraction that was brewing between them. Throw in some spy action and this book reads like a movie. Somewhat of a spoiler ahead. I especially love when the story is coming to an end and Zaire walks away from Buck. Love a woman who stands her ground and doesn’t settle for less than all in. But Buck didn’t let her get away that easy and he came to claim his love. A really fun and easy read.

An action-packed, exciting, and steamy romantic adventure across Italy.
_____
Atticus “Buck” Swanson is a CIA black ops agent tasked with bringing back civilian interpreter Zaire Nichols after she overhears a terrorist plot. But nothing goes according to plan and the unlikely pair goes on the run, not knowing who is on their side and who is out to kill them.

I read Hunted Through Italy in one sitting - could not put it down. The hyper-fast pace kept the pages flying. Also, there were many well-placed moments of downtime that allowed the relationship between the main characters to grow and breathe.

Buck and Zaire have believable chemistry that isn’t love at first sight, but it is realistic attraction that grows into a super hot connection and then love. I appreciated the choice to include both main characters second guessing their attraction as perhaps a result of trauma bonding. A lot of high intensity Romantic Suspense stories skip over that and don’t give the characters space when they return to their real lives before putting them together. We then see Buck and Zaire work through those concerns before the HEA and it made the ending feel solid and right for two very smart but cautious people.
———
Harlequin Romantic Suspense (June 2025)
Series: Not sure. Seems there may be more books to come from possible secondary characters

LEO: MMC is CIA. Yes, there are discussions of corruption and abuse of power, but on the antagonist side.

Setting: Rome, Italy, Italian countryside, Austria, Atlanta

BIPOC Characters: Yes, FMC is a woman of color.

Steam/Spice Level: Open door, in the bed, hot and steamy scene that qualifies as a Danger Bang! so bonus points all around for intimacy positivity and heat

POV: dual POV, third person, past tense

Standalone or Series: Standalone. May be a series starter
_____
Thank you Harlequin for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected publication date: May 27th, 2025

After overhearing two men planning an embassy bombing, interpreter Zaire Nichols contacts the American authorities in Rome. And that’s how she ends up being accused of murder. CIA black ops agent Atticus “Buck” Swanson is her escort back to the United States. When well-trained assassins try to silence her forever, Zaire and Buck set off on a race across Italy, trying to stay one step ahead of their deadly pursuers. They have to survive if they’re going to prevent a deadly terrorist attack—and have a chance to explore the attraction they feel for each other! Great book! I always think harlequin is going to be over the top romance?! But this book definitely got the heart pumping! It had great suspense, mystery, murder, great shoot outs, great chases, intriguing, action packed, and some shocking twists! The story was very interesting! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Hunted Through Italy is a gripping thriller that seamlessly blends suspense, action, and emotional depth. The novel follows Zaire, an introverted interpreter in Rome, who inadvertently becomes entangled in a high-stakes conspiracy after overhearing two men discussing the bombing of American Embassies and future plans for more mayhem. Her attempt to do the right thing by reporting the information to the American Embassy in Rome spirals into a nightmare when she is accused of murder and detained. From the moment Zaire seeks refuge at the American Embassy, unsure if she'll be believed or branded a criminal, the narrative grips you with its relentless pace and escalating tension. Enter Buck Swanson, a dedicated CIA agent tasked with escorting her back to the United States. However, their journey quickly turns into a desperate race for survival as they are relentlessly pursued by elite assassins intent on silencing Zaire before she can reveal information about what she overheard.

The novel’s pacing is relentless, with each chapter escalating the tension and urgency of Zaire and Buck’s predicament. Their escape across Italy is marked by thrilling chases, near-misses, and pulse-pounding action sequences that keep readers engaged. Beyond the excitement, the story also weaves in a compelling emotional journey as Zaire and Buck navigate trust, fear, and an unexpected connection that develops amidst the chaos.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its character development. Zaire is a refreshingly nuanced protagonist—vulnerable yet resilient, intelligent yet thrown into circumstances far beyond her control. Buck, the steadfast and skilled agent, complements her perfectly, creating a dynamic duo that readers will find themselves invested in. The supporting cast also enhances the narrative, adding layers of intrigue and complexity that round out the story.

The prose is engaging, vivid, and well-crafted, immersing the reader in the high-stakes tension of the chase. Each scene is carefully constructed to build suspense, making it difficult to put the book down. The blend of action, mystery, and emotional depth ensures that Hunted Through Italy is not just a thriller but a memorable reading experience. For fans of fast-paced thrillers with well-drawn characters and a gripping plot, Hunted Through Italy is a must-read. It delivers from start to finish. Solid 4 1/2 stars!