Herc's Mercs by @AriMckay1 @torquere #REVIEW

The Bigger They Come, Ari McKay, Torquere Press
Herc's Mercs #1
Cade “Hercules” Thornton is an ex-Marine and soldier of fortune; now he’s the owner of Hercules Security, which provides the best bodyguards in the business. After his leg was crushed and reconstructed, Cade doesn’t do field work anymore - until a challenge is issued to him by wealthy Kate Morgan, who wants her “bookish” grandson protected from a stalker. She insists on having the very best bodyguard available, and that is Cade himself.

But there is nothing laid back or bookish about Dr. Jude Morgan. Having lived under the thumb of his grandmother his entire life, Jude is insistent that he doesn’t need a babysitter. Sparks fly when Cade tries to insinuate himself into Jude’s life, and Cade knocks Jude on his ass - literally.

Yet the danger to Jude is real, and Cade is the only thing standing between him and an increasingly more terrifying stalker. Cade’s protective feelings for his client become something more, while Jude begins to realize that his brawny, neo-Viking protector is a man unlike anyone he’s ever known. Yet as Cade and Jude grow closer, so does the danger.

Cade will stop at nothing to protect Jude, but Jude’s stalker is determined to get his man - even if he has to kill Cade Thornton to do it.

REVIEW:
Ok so this one started off a little weird for me. There was something that happened early on that didn't seem to fit Cade's personality, and while it was addressed, it still felt off for me.

I liked the stalker story line and felt that a longer book really could have explored that more and really upped the scare factor.

Both MC's had kind of abrasive personalities but that just made the coming together all the sweeter. Most of the story centered around Cade and Jude so it didn't have too many secondary characters but the few that were there stood out, like Jude's grandmother and Red. And lets just say that I was really looking forward to learning more about Red.

A strong start to a new series and one that left me wanting to know more.

RATING: 3 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

Line in the Sand
Herc's Mercs #2
Alec “Red” Davis is Hercules Security’s director of operations, a man who is brave and honorable and yet also a stickler for following the rules. When Cade Thornton says that Alec is losing his touch, Alec takes a position as private bodyguard to Jonathan Baldwin, an up-and-coming actor starring in one of Hollywood’s hottest new franchises.

Jon is attractive, personable, and grateful for his fans, which, unfortunately, makes keeping him safe a real challenge. As Alec is drawn more and more into Jon’s life, he finds his admiration for his client growing -- as well as an attraction which is strictly against his professional ethics. Unfortunately for Alec’s peace of mind, Jon finds Alec equally attractive, and Alec finds himself torn between duty and desire.

Then, while guarding Jon on an “adventure” vacation in Central America, a flash flood puts both their lives in danger. Alec finds himself pushed to his limits in a race against time to save the man he loves before time runs out -- for both of them.

REVIEW:
We met Red in the first book and I was intrigued, so I was happy to see his story was next.

This book is really super sweet and I love that the author really takes the time to develop these relationships. There is the insta attraction but the real deep feelings take time to come to fruition.

There isn't an outside element that is trying to come between these two characters it's all about the situation they find themselves in and the way that adversity brings these two people together.

Red may have tried to fight the attraction at first but it was always there and you knew eventually he was going to realize it.

I am really enjoying this series and the kick ass alpha men that aren't afraid to show their feelings.


RATING: 3 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

Bloody but Unbowed
Herc's Mercs #3
Daryl Greer isn’t a bodyguard. He’s Hercules Security’s “odd-job” specialist, as wild and dangerous, as he is competent. Fiercely independent, he resents his older brother Matthew’s view that he spends his life “playing G.I. Joe”. When he’s sent to rescue a kidnapped scientist, Dr. Emerson Winfield, from a terrorist organization, Daryl finds himself attracted to the snarky, outspoken man even though Emerson is the kind of rich, successful person Matthew claims could never be interested in a hick like Daryl.

For his part, Emerson doesn’t care about Daryl’s lack of polish; he’s more interested in the incredible chemistry between them. He sets out to prove to Daryl that they can make a relationship work despite their differences. But Daryl’s defensiveness about his career drives a wedge between them -- and if he doesn’t find a way to deal with his issues, Daryl might lose Emerson forever.


REVIEW:
Daryl and Emerson couldn't be more wrong for each other other than the fact that they are exactly what the other needs.

I loved Emerson's smart ass mouth and the back and forth between the two men was fun to read. You knew from the beginning that Daryl had a chip on his shoulder, but that just made his fall even more fun to read.

I really enjoyed the fact that Emerson loved Daryl for who he was and didn't want to change him, but Daryl wanted to change for Emerson.

This was my favorite story in the series so far and I can't wait to see who is next. The writing keeps getting stronger and I am in for the duration!

And I have to say that I am very intrigued by Matthew's, Daryl's brother, relationship and wouldn't mind reading more about it.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.


These books were given to us by Torquere Press. Many thanks.