The Conspiracy

The Conspiracy by Kat Martin Maximum Security #1 Great introduction to what will no doubt be a wonderful suspense packed romantic thrill ride provided book by book. In book one we meet the Garrett brothers, find out a bit about them and what they do, learn about Maximum Security (one of the businesses of the Garrett brothers) and are introduced to a number of people that may show up in future books of the series. That said...THIS book is about Chase Garrett and Harper Winston. Harper’s brother Michael has not checked in for a long enough time that she is worried and the person she feels most likely to help her find him is Garrett. So, she approaches him and in the first portion of the book the two head off together to follow the trail and try to find out what is what. This section is filled with suspense and action and seems to conclude only to have a twist appear that leads the story on to another story line that is still related to the reason Michael disappeared in the first place. Back in the USA again the story continues with Harper in danger and potential romance happening between Harper and Chase although the two do have some questions about whether or not they should pursue a relationship. And...I don’t want to give anything away so will say there was some yes-no-maybe going on but both really do like one another so it is more than likely they will get their HEA. In addition to the main thread of this story there are a few Maximum Security jobs undertaken that give an idea of what types of stories might occur in future books of the series. Maximum Security provides body guards, does private investigative work, seeks the lost and runaways, coordinates with police and other law enforcement bodies, does bail bond enforcement and no doubt other things, too. The men that work for the firm are many and hunky and worth thinking about and no doubt will get books as the series progresses. There was a lot going on and in many ways this is more a romantic suspense fantasy than reality story. Why? Well...humans are just that and not superheroes but then...when you pick up fiction you have to leave reality behind...at least a bit. * Did I enjoy this book? Yes * Do I want to read more books in this series? Definitely...I mean...Hawk? Of COURSE I want to read his story! Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC – This is my honest review. 3-4 Stars

Thrilling suspense and danger holds readers hostage while the emotions grips readers by the heart. Harper’s brother is missing and her only hope is the man who used to be his best friend. Trusting his gut, Chase suspects that there is more to Michael’s disappearance than what meets the eye. Chase and Harper’s chemistry sizzles with electricity and the attraction between is undeniable but this couple has some emotional issues that has to be overcome as well as family issues that need to be resolved which keeps the relationship on a razor’s edge throughout. Readers hold their breath in anticipation of the outcome even as the couple fight their attraction. The plot is fast paced and flows smoothly throughout with lots of adrenaline pumping suspense and dangerous events that keep readers on the edge of their seat as Michael is forced to put everything on the line to keep Harper safe. Surprising twists ensures that readers are kept guessing right along with the characters. The author has created another wonderfully, thrilling and suspenseful story with strong, imagination catching characters in a setting that demands readers come back for more and once again I was completely caught up in her world until the very end.

The Conspiracy has a solid start, setting up the storyline and introducing the main characters, and it takes off at a good clip. However, somewhere toward the middle it loses momentum with some serious lags in the story, and I found myself wanting to skim several times throughout the rest of the book. There are plenty of twists and action along the way, but the in between needs some serious tightening up. Most of the characters are pretty straightforward as far as who's good and who's bad - the villains are all, well, villainous in characteristics and looks, and the good guys are nice-looking, well-built, etc. Main characters Chase and Harper do have a bit more development than the secondaries, but some of that development makes them a little hard to connect with. Chase is rather sanctimonious in his opinions and painting everyone in Harper's family with the same brush. And Harper, I just couldn't get on board with her at all. She put me in mind of the swooning ladies from so many historical romances. She does a fair bit of crying and turning pale, and the gasps every time she glimpsed Chase's body grew repetitive and tedious. We have all of that combined with a determined woman ready to jump into the fray and fight shoulder to shoulder with Chase and company. Harper was like two different people and I would've liked to have seen more of that determined and strong heroine. In the end, there were things I liked and things I didn't with this one, and as of right now, I'm undecided on whether I'll continue with the series.