Restart & New Revenge by Allison Bettes is my first experience reading this author’s work and I will definitely be reading more – in fact, I think I’ll add the first 3 books in this Ranger Shield Security Series to my wish list. After getting to know Anna “Ace” and Archer and spending time with the other characters from the first 3 books, I want to read their stories as well. I felt the story line was well developed and the book was well written. Romantic suspense is my favorite and this checked all the boxes for me in this genre, while still giving me the “feels” of a contemporary romance. I’m also a sucker for second-chance romances especially when the characters had been previously married. Like I said, this checked all the boxes for me as a reader. Looking forward to her next series as well! I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

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Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book in a day, and it’s interesting. It’s not what I typically go for, but I did like parts of it.

So, I wanna start with what I liked about this book. Firstly, the flashback chapters that showed how they met and ended up having a shotgun wedding in Vegas were sprinkled in at great points and gave a lot of insight. Archer was a great MMC, and how much he cared about Ace and was willing to do to get her back was super sweet. I also really enjoyed all the side characters.

However, the book really does not live up to the description. 1) at no point are they really in hiding and 2) he isn't the only one who can keep her safe and that plot twist is a spoiler I can't get into but that didn't fit the vibe of the book or make any real sense in the scheme of things

Basically, a plot that had true potential, characters that were very likeable, but then a rather iffy execution, in my opinion. I found myself confused by some of the choices the author made, particuarly in the latter half of the book. I also could not get past the over explaining that kept happening.
Like, at one point it's mentioned that Archer's dad wanted him to do something illegal in the past (cover up bribes) and Ace mentions it being morally wrong, federally illegal, and against penal codes. Which. Yeah? And then Archer comes back with how impressed he is that she knows so much about police codes...
Or another time a shady character disappears after saying "see you tomorrow" and another character comments about how he doesn't think that'll be the last time we see the shady guy.

It was just a little painful...a lot of telling, and then telling again, instead of trusting readers to understand.

On a better note, I did enjoy them rekindling their romance and the ending in general, it was very sweet and romantic. Helped lift my spirits a bit about the book. Overall, I'd recommend this to suspense readers who are looking for a shorter, fun read.