Karyn Lawrence

Keep your eyes open for the new The Command series covers! They are gorgeous! See them now at Carlene Inspired
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

Suspenseful and sexy, Stay tells the action-packed story of Laurel Hayward as she is thrust into the arms of U.S. Marshall Jason Dunn for protection after witnessing a horrific crime. The criminal, while undeniably handsome, is an incredibly dangerous man who wants her for himself, likely for more than just her memory of the crime. Jason and Laurel try to fight the attraction under increasing danger, but they want him captured and they want each other.

“I’ll take care of what has to be done and then I’ll find you, L, believe me.”

Pretty, petite, and pretty-darn-hard headed would be one way to describe Laurel. She may be a ballet dancer, but the girl has spunk and I loved that about her character. Jason, on the other hand, is ruggedly handsome, a bit egotistical, and always focused on his job. These two don't seem like a perfect match, pairing them together didn't seem like it would work for me, but then I got to know Laurel's attitude and knew they'd make a great team. While it was a bit lacking in the dialogue department, these two heat up a room with looks, kisses, and then some. Pushed together by the dangers of witness protection, I really found myself enjoying their secret moments together, especially when Laurel couldn't deny the attraction despite the situation she was in. It was a tad predictable, but Karyn Lawrence kept me engaged with her writing style and attention to detail. Trust me, you'll find yourself hooked after just the first chapter.

Jason and Laurel have a serious case of insta-love and if it weren't for the undeniable chemistry they have, I would have been quick to set this book down. Fortunately, the insta-love is only apparent in the inbetween moments, overshadowed by the intense action and the lust-filled bedroom scenes. While I didn't love the instantaneous feelings these two had for one another I love the suspense that came with it, it heightened the fears both main characters experienced as they raced to protect Laurel. I wish there had been a bit more development in the characters, particularly the villain, and with Laurel and Jason near the end of the book. A lot of the questions and fears were put away and while I liked the epilogue it wasn't enough, I want more. Fortunately, the next book centers around Shawn!

Like most romantic suspense, Stay is filled with action-packed moments and heady smut scenes. It's fast-paced, well detailed, and a very entertaining read. I really enjoyed the intriguing plot, the strong characters, and the smooth transitions Karyn Lawrence used to transition from present to the past and back again. I highly reccomend Stay and the rest of The Command series.… (plus d'informations)

4.5 Stars
I highly suggest reading Stay prior to reading Keep.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Check out the new covers for The Command Stories on Carlene Inspired.

Keep is the second novel in The Command series and the dangerous criminal, Juric, is at it again. This time Shawn Dunn, CEO of Osterhagen Brewing, is trying to protect the women he has an attraction for. Kara Hayward is Laurel's older sister, though just as spunky she's been weighed down by marital problems for years. Though she's flattered, she's grown tired of the older Dunn brother constantly showering her in flowers and text messages. When he offers his protection, as well as his desire to have her, she finds her mind and body unable to refuse him though she wants to. As the bodies begin to pile up and danger increases she finds herself leaning on Shawn for help during Juric's terrifying game of cat and mouse.

But Shawn Dunn was not a gentleman. He may have been accused of it a few times in his past, but those people were mistaken.

I loved Keep, it went above and beyond my expectations after reading Stay. Not only was the writing improved, but the plot for Keep totally knocked me off my feet, I could not stop reading. Let's start with the characters, because Shawn and Kara blow Jason and Laurel's chemistry out of the water. Kara has a past that has moved her away from her home in America, while Shawn has a hatred for America, but a love for blonde American women. They have sexual tension like crazy, both fighting the battle to be in control and falling for one another's tricks. I loved the kissing scenes and certainly loved everytime things got real hot and heavy. These two were really meant to be, both in and out of the bedroom. There is so much character development in these two! Plus, Shawn is a charmer, I would give in to him too. Then there's Juric, he's back, he's just as deadly, and he's also a bit...confusing. Part of me has some sympathy for this guy (don't hate me!) and part of me is just as afraid as Kara and Shawn were. We also get to revisit the love story of Jason and Laurel that you hopefully read about in Stay. I loved seeing these two again and I really enjoyed how their relationship paved the way for Kara and Shawn, even if it was fraught with turmoil first.

"You shut everything out so only the goal matters." Jason's eyes were dark in the mirror. "Find her. Save her."

Keep is definitely a suspense novel and Kara is a total badass. I could not stop turning the pages and I might have jumped a few times, because there were twists I never expected. I was worried about how bringing back the same criminal from the previous book would work, but Karyn Lawrence pulled it off without a hitch. I love that Karyn tells a story befoe thrusting the character's into a deadly situation, it allows the reader to get to know the characters before the chaos. It's refreshing. The characters have the perfect power struggle, but we see that all change as the dangers of kidnapping and death are threatened. The scenes are intense, the dialogue realistic, and the emotional detail is excellent; I really felt like I was there experiencing it alongside the characters.

It was warm outside. A pleasant autumn day, great for burning alive and gunfights.

If you're looking to be charmed and glued to your seat, Keep is the book for you. I cannot reccomend this series enough if you a romantic suspense fan, especially if you like your romance more on the steamy side of things. Once you're done, don't forget to pick up Surrender!… (plus d'informations)