ARC Review: The Conspiracy (Maximum Security Book 1) by Kat Martin

Shelly's Book Corner received a review copy from Harlequin and voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect the opinion of the book or the content of the review.

ARC Review: The Conspiracy (Maximum Security Book 1) by Kat MartinThe Conspiracy by Kat Martin
Published by Harlequin on January 22, 2019
Genres: Romantic Suspense
TropesPages: 368
Format: Paperback
Source: Harlequin
Buy on Amazon
two-half-stars

Harper Winston’s brother has disappeared. Pursuing his dream of sailing the Caribbean, Michael hasn’t responded to texts or emails in days. When even the Coast Guard can’t find him, Harper is forced to take desperate measures. Which means going to Chase Garrett, once her brother’s best friend, now the only man she can trust…or so she hopes.

As the successful owner of Maximum Security, Chase has learned to trust his gut. He knows Harper’s father is mixed up in a deadly business, and suspects there’s more to Michael’s disappearance than meets the eye. Getting involved again with the Winstons goes against everything he stands for, yet old loyalties die hard. As the case draws him closer to Harper and deeper into the Winstons’ snarled crime family, he is forced to put everything on the line to keep Harper safe…and both of them alive.

Review:

I’ve never read anything by this author but I loved the blurb of this book, so I decided to give it a chance. When I first started the book, I really enjoyed the story. The author did a good job building up the suspense elements of the story.

As far as the couple Chase and Harper, go I felt no chemistry between the two. There was lust but I didn’t feel an actual romantic connection between the two. Harper always had a thing for Chase but he was her older brother, best friend so that was a hard no. Now that she needs Chase’s help to find her missing brother she’s hoping maybe something can finally happen.

Given their past history I was expecting more emotion and tension. I felt like their relationship (if you could call it that) was showed to us and I would have liked to see it develop before my four eyes. Harper at times acted like a silly school girl with her first crush.
Y’all haven’t seen each other in years, haven’t gone on one date but the first time y’all have sex, you consider it making love? No. That’s not how it works! The man didn’t even take you out on proper date!! I love Harper is supposed to be this independent career woman but turns into a love sick puppy when it comes to a man? Can we please STOP doing this in 2019?

Once we got to the middle of the story, that’s when things started to fall apart for me. I got introduced to so many characters and it made my head spin. I know this is a romantic suspense but there has to be a balance between the two. I felt it focused too much on the suspense in the second half. At one point the drama and action was too much. How much can happen to one person? Or family? I also felt like Chase and Harper’s romance was put on the back burner.

As I previously stated this is my first time reading this author and I’m not sure if I will continue on with this series. I liked the premise and the story had huge potential but the execution was lacking and sadly the story fell flat for me.

two-half-stars

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