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Norcross Security #3
The Specialist
She’s in danger and now her personal protector is her too handsome, totally aggravating billionaire boss.
Executive assistant Harlow Carlson is having a very bad week. Firstly, she’s been temporarily reassigned to work for bossy, workaholic tyrant, Easton Norcross. He might be sex in a suit, but mostly she just wants to stab him with her stylus. Secondly, her father’s in trouble and has gone missing. Lastly, when a strange man attacks her on the street, Harlow knows she’s in over her head.
That’s when Easton steps in. Now her boss is her own personal protector and he isn’t taking no for an answer.
After he left the Army Rangers, Easton Norcross found a purpose in building his company, Norcross Inc. He works hard, likes control, takes care of his family and employees, and thrives on making money. But his new assistant pushes buttons he never knew he had. Harlow’s smart, efficient, and not afraid to speak her mind. And her curvy body makes it very hard to remember that he’s her boss.
But when he sees she’s in danger, Easton is willing to break all the rules to keep her safe.
As danger swirls around Harlow and she’s sucked into her father’s dangerous dealings, Easton knows he’ll need all the specialist skills the Army gave him to protect her, as well as pulling in his brothers at Norcross Security. But the toughest job he’ll have is convincing his beautiful assistant to take the biggest risk of all—falling in love.
Note to readers: This is a sexy, fast-paced romance with lots of action-packed suspense, a heroine in danger, and a hot, billionaire boss who’ll do anything to protect her.
**Each book in this action-packed romance series can be read as a standalone.
Executive assistant Harlow Carlson is having a very bad week. Firstly, she’s been temporarily reassigned to work for bossy, workaholic tyrant, Easton Norcross. He might be sex in a suit, but mostly she just wants to stab him with her stylus. Secondly, her father’s in trouble and has gone missing. Lastly, when a strange man attacks her on the street, Harlow knows she’s in over her head.
That’s when Easton steps in. Now her boss is her own personal protector and he isn’t taking no for an answer.
After he left the Army Rangers, Easton Norcross found a purpose in building his company, Norcross Inc. He works hard, likes control, takes care of his family and employees, and thrives on making money. But his new assistant pushes buttons he never knew he had. Harlow’s smart, efficient, and not afraid to speak her mind. And her curvy body makes it very hard to remember that he’s her boss.
But when he sees she’s in danger, Easton is willing to break all the rules to keep her safe.
As danger swirls around Harlow and she’s sucked into her father’s dangerous dealings, Easton knows he’ll need all the specialist skills the Army gave him to protect her, as well as pulling in his brothers at Norcross Security. But the toughest job he’ll have is convincing his beautiful assistant to take the biggest risk of all—falling in love.
Note to readers: This is a sexy, fast-paced romance with lots of action-packed suspense, a heroine in danger, and a hot, billionaire boss who’ll do anything to protect her.
**Each book in this action-packed romance series can be read as a standalone.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2021
About the author
Anna Hackett
146 books2,499 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
October 21, 2021
4.5 stars..
Boss/Employee romantic suspense.
My first read by this author and so will definitely be reading more of her books.
This is book#3 in this romantic suspense series and I feel could be read as a standalone.
The hero is the billionaire boss and the heroine is his temporary assistant.Sparks fly between these two and come to a header when the heroine is attacked outside her home and our hero comes to her rescue.The heroine is now a target because her father screwed up and owes a large amount of money to not one,but two baddies.The Perils of Pauline had nothing on our heroine!
Enter our hunky hero to save the day and the heroine.
This book had everything I wanted to read at present,add in some super sexy times and I was a happy reader.Zander,I am looking at you staring in a future book!!
Lately,well this past year has been tough on my reading ,I can barely make it through some chapters as I had lingering"Covid brain"with some of my other reads,but not this book.I will check out more of this author's books for sure!
Boss/Employee romantic suspense.
My first read by this author and so will definitely be reading more of her books.
This is book#3 in this romantic suspense series and I feel could be read as a standalone.
The hero is the billionaire boss and the heroine is his temporary assistant.Sparks fly between these two and come to a header when the heroine is attacked outside her home and our hero comes to her rescue.The heroine is now a target because her father screwed up and owes a large amount of money to not one,but two baddies.The Perils of Pauline had nothing on our heroine!
Enter our hunky hero to save the day and the heroine.
This book had everything I wanted to read at present,add in some super sexy times and I was a happy reader.Zander,I am looking at you staring in a future book!!
Lately,well this past year has been tough on my reading ,I can barely make it through some chapters as I had lingering"Covid brain"with some of my other reads,but not this book.I will check out more of this author's books for sure!
April 25, 2021
I loved the opening to The Specialist (Norcross Security Book 3). It hooked me, delivering everything I love in a romance. The sexual tension between heroine Harlow and hero Easton is delicious and perfect. When they finally succumbed to the chemistry, my Kindle started to steam up. Harlow has a quick wit and smart mouth and takes no guff from her billionaire businessman boss. As a hero, Easton has the goods! He’s pure alpha, but he falls hard for Harlow and makes it his mission to protect her.
Which leads to the plot. The Specialist is a romantic suspense. The story revolves around the hunt for Harlow’s father. After incurring some serious gambling debts, getting into trouble with two dangerous crime organizations, and outright stealing from one of them he has endangered his and his family’s lives. So what’s a loving father and husband to do? Take it on the run and desert his family, leaving his daughter to protect her mother and sister and locate him before the bad guys do. Harlow is used to going it alone, but Easton, whose family owns a security firm, is intent on protecting her and helping her clean up the mess the father left behind.
The father is a sniveling, selfish, cowardly deserter. I disliked him so much that I kept hoping the bad guys would kill him and do Harlow a big favor. Alas, I knew the author wouldn’t do that.
In closing, I’d like to say the ending was exciting and action-packed. A great finale!
Which leads to the plot. The Specialist is a romantic suspense. The story revolves around the hunt for Harlow’s father. After incurring some serious gambling debts, getting into trouble with two dangerous crime organizations, and outright stealing from one of them he has endangered his and his family’s lives. So what’s a loving father and husband to do? Take it on the run and desert his family, leaving his daughter to protect her mother and sister and locate him before the bad guys do. Harlow is used to going it alone, but Easton, whose family owns a security firm, is intent on protecting her and helping her clean up the mess the father left behind.
The father is a sniveling, selfish, cowardly deserter. I disliked him so much that I kept hoping the bad guys would kill him and do Harlow a big favor. Alas, I knew the author wouldn’t do that.
In closing, I’d like to say the ending was exciting and action-packed. A great finale!
March 31, 2021
The Specialist
Norcross Security Series #3
Anna Hackett
https://www.facebook.com/AnnaHackettA...
Release Date 03/30/2021
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
She’s in danger and now her personal protector is her too handsome, totally aggravating billionaire boss.
Executive assistant Harlow Carlson is having a very bad week. Firstly, she’s been temporarily reassigned to work for bossy, workaholic tyrant, Easton Norcross. He might be sex in a suit, but mostly she just wants to stab him with her stylus. Secondly, her father’s in trouble and has gone missing. Lastly, when a strange man attacks her on the street, Harlow knows she’s in over her head.
That’s when Easton steps in. Now her boss is her own personal protector and he isn’t taking no for an answer.
After he left the Army Rangers, Easton Norcross found a purpose in building his company, Norcross Inc. He works hard, likes control, takes care of his family and employees, and thrives on making money. But his new assistant pushes buttons he never knew he had. Harlow’s smart, efficient, and not afraid to speak her mind. And her curvy body makes it very hard to remember that he’s her boss.
But when he sees she’s in danger, Easton is willing to break all the rules to keep her safe.
As danger swirls around Harlow and she’s sucked into her father’s dangerous dealings, Easton knows he’ll need all the specialist skills the Army gave him to protect her, as well as pulling in his brothers at Norcross Security. But the toughest job he’ll have is convincing his beautiful assistant to take the biggest risk of all—falling in love.
Note to readers: This is a sexy, fast-paced romance with lots of action-packed suspense, a heroine in danger, and a hot, billionaire boss who’ll do anything to protect her.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will Miss Organization let Mister Handle All help her ...
Two down, one to go.
The number of Norcross brothers to have fallen hard for a woman.
Oh my, Easton ... drool ....
Like Rhys, he is a take charge and make no prisoner kind of guy.
The guy went from nothing to billionaire in a matter of a few years, he is a cash machine.
And still the down to earth fellow who was raised by his Italian mama.
Kind, compassionate, cooking, smelling and tasting alpha, he is yumminess on stick.
So when his temporary new assistant is threatened, he jumps straight into the fight, enrolling his siblings and slipping into his shiny knight armor (sorry too much of historical romances).
Harlow is not damsel in distress, and while she might not be an amazon, she is not one prone to crying and weeping. She gives as much as she receives.
Yet it is also quite more than nice to have such shoulders like Easton’s to rest one’s head in period of intense stress.
Shoulders with a stunning body to complete it, a voice to melt, a cunning mind who talk dirty between the sheets.
Anyway, everything to fall fast and hard. If only she was not in such a mess.
One more awesome addition to this series.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 hot, scorching hot
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Norcross Security Series #3
Anna Hackett
https://www.facebook.com/AnnaHackettA...
Release Date 03/30/2021
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
She’s in danger and now her personal protector is her too handsome, totally aggravating billionaire boss.
Executive assistant Harlow Carlson is having a very bad week. Firstly, she’s been temporarily reassigned to work for bossy, workaholic tyrant, Easton Norcross. He might be sex in a suit, but mostly she just wants to stab him with her stylus. Secondly, her father’s in trouble and has gone missing. Lastly, when a strange man attacks her on the street, Harlow knows she’s in over her head.
That’s when Easton steps in. Now her boss is her own personal protector and he isn’t taking no for an answer.
After he left the Army Rangers, Easton Norcross found a purpose in building his company, Norcross Inc. He works hard, likes control, takes care of his family and employees, and thrives on making money. But his new assistant pushes buttons he never knew he had. Harlow’s smart, efficient, and not afraid to speak her mind. And her curvy body makes it very hard to remember that he’s her boss.
But when he sees she’s in danger, Easton is willing to break all the rules to keep her safe.
As danger swirls around Harlow and she’s sucked into her father’s dangerous dealings, Easton knows he’ll need all the specialist skills the Army gave him to protect her, as well as pulling in his brothers at Norcross Security. But the toughest job he’ll have is convincing his beautiful assistant to take the biggest risk of all—falling in love.
Note to readers: This is a sexy, fast-paced romance with lots of action-packed suspense, a heroine in danger, and a hot, billionaire boss who’ll do anything to protect her.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will Miss Organization let Mister Handle All help her ...
Two down, one to go.
The number of Norcross brothers to have fallen hard for a woman.
Oh my, Easton ... drool ....
Like Rhys, he is a take charge and make no prisoner kind of guy.
The guy went from nothing to billionaire in a matter of a few years, he is a cash machine.
And still the down to earth fellow who was raised by his Italian mama.
Kind, compassionate, cooking, smelling and tasting alpha, he is yumminess on stick.
So when his temporary new assistant is threatened, he jumps straight into the fight, enrolling his siblings and slipping into his shiny knight armor (sorry too much of historical romances).
Harlow is not damsel in distress, and while she might not be an amazon, she is not one prone to crying and weeping. She gives as much as she receives.
Yet it is also quite more than nice to have such shoulders like Easton’s to rest one’s head in period of intense stress.
Shoulders with a stunning body to complete it, a voice to melt, a cunning mind who talk dirty between the sheets.
Anyway, everything to fall fast and hard. If only she was not in such a mess.
One more awesome addition to this series.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 hot, scorching hot
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
March 31, 2021
Disappointing from such a great author
⭐️⭐️
I’ve been a fan of Hackett for a long time now. Her space gladiator romances are, in particular, quite lovely. One of the things I’ve admired is her ability to balance the whole alpha-male protective thing with strong female characters.
In the Norcross Security series, a contemporary as opposed to sci-fi or even hybrid contemporary/sci-fi, I think Hackett is losing sight of that goal a little bit. This series has felt a little old-fashioned to me, in terms of the use of tropes and character development, and this book followed that disappointing trend.
Harlow and Easton have a semi-professional relationship (Harlow is a temp secretary for Easton) and are wildly attracted to each other. However, neither wants to act on it because well… he’s her boss. It isn’t until after Harlow’s father finds himself in some serious financial trouble that the two are compelled to work more closely together, and explore the explosive tension that’s been driving them nuts.
I think my specific disappointment with this book was that the power dynamic between them was cemented in many different ways, and I didn’t like that Easton always came out on top. He was her boss, he has all the money, he has all the resources, he even is the one who decides how she should process her dad’s betrayal (which is kind of a huge deal) by stating that she should just accept his role as her protector. Harlow is a selfless person who doesn’t want to be a bother, which felt very demure and wilting, even though she was supposed to be a take-charge, in-control person. She came across with major damsel in distress vibes, and given that they already have such a power gap between them, it ended up making this romance feel like more of an 80s or 90s romance than one in 2021.
I also have one personal piece to add. As the wife of a veteran, I understand the fantasy that my partner’s demons could be healed by my love alone, or by the sheer force of his will, but that’s honestly not the case. It just saddened me when Easton talked about his PTSD as something that he, by force of will, controlled. I would have much preferred if he told Harlow that he went to a therapist on a weekly basis. It asserts the dangerous myth among veterans that seeking help for PTSD or other trauma is a sign of weakness, because a strong person could control it, which is simply not true.
There’s also a line about Vander that I dislike immensely, and will likely keep me from reading his book, which is that his crabby expression (which denotes his place as the most mentally unstable of the group, if I’m reading his character correctly) begs “a woman to get to know the man beneath it”. Again, it’s 2021. Sexy romance characters get therapy and show up to their relationships as whole people, and don’t rely on their partners to do the emotional work of “fixing” them.
Overall, I’ve been a fan for a long time, but this book didn’t work for me. It might work for you if you really like the whole power dynamic situation, but it wasn’t my jam. Bring back the strong heroines, Anna!
⭐️⭐️
I’ve been a fan of Hackett for a long time now. Her space gladiator romances are, in particular, quite lovely. One of the things I’ve admired is her ability to balance the whole alpha-male protective thing with strong female characters.
In the Norcross Security series, a contemporary as opposed to sci-fi or even hybrid contemporary/sci-fi, I think Hackett is losing sight of that goal a little bit. This series has felt a little old-fashioned to me, in terms of the use of tropes and character development, and this book followed that disappointing trend.
Harlow and Easton have a semi-professional relationship (Harlow is a temp secretary for Easton) and are wildly attracted to each other. However, neither wants to act on it because well… he’s her boss. It isn’t until after Harlow’s father finds himself in some serious financial trouble that the two are compelled to work more closely together, and explore the explosive tension that’s been driving them nuts.
I think my specific disappointment with this book was that the power dynamic between them was cemented in many different ways, and I didn’t like that Easton always came out on top. He was her boss, he has all the money, he has all the resources, he even is the one who decides how she should process her dad’s betrayal (which is kind of a huge deal) by stating that she should just accept his role as her protector. Harlow is a selfless person who doesn’t want to be a bother, which felt very demure and wilting, even though she was supposed to be a take-charge, in-control person. She came across with major damsel in distress vibes, and given that they already have such a power gap between them, it ended up making this romance feel like more of an 80s or 90s romance than one in 2021.
I also have one personal piece to add. As the wife of a veteran, I understand the fantasy that my partner’s demons could be healed by my love alone, or by the sheer force of his will, but that’s honestly not the case. It just saddened me when Easton talked about his PTSD as something that he, by force of will, controlled. I would have much preferred if he told Harlow that he went to a therapist on a weekly basis. It asserts the dangerous myth among veterans that seeking help for PTSD or other trauma is a sign of weakness, because a strong person could control it, which is simply not true.
There’s also a line about Vander that I dislike immensely, and will likely keep me from reading his book, which is that his crabby expression (which denotes his place as the most mentally unstable of the group, if I’m reading his character correctly) begs “a woman to get to know the man beneath it”. Again, it’s 2021. Sexy romance characters get therapy and show up to their relationships as whole people, and don’t rely on their partners to do the emotional work of “fixing” them.
Overall, I’ve been a fan for a long time, but this book didn’t work for me. It might work for you if you really like the whole power dynamic situation, but it wasn’t my jam. Bring back the strong heroines, Anna!
November 5, 2021
These books are similar to Kristen Ashley's "Rock Chick" series without all the shenanigans of the Rock Chicks.
December 7, 2021
As I mentioned in the review of the first book, it's kind of silly how often these FMC's get kidnapped and/or attacked ... especially while under the protection of a super-uber security group.
But I just didn't care that much, because what I was looking for was some RS that wasn't really scary, just a little dangerous and a lot sexy. This series fits the bill, with fun characters to boot.
***3.5***
But I just didn't care that much, because what I was looking for was some RS that wasn't really scary, just a little dangerous and a lot sexy. This series fits the bill, with fun characters to boot.
***3.5***
June 15, 2022
(audiobook+ebook) This author writes sexy romantic suspenses like no one. My fave elements? Her heroines aren’t complete damsel in distress; her alpha males are capable of giving up control; pace and action are good. With this book, she adds another good one to her series.
The Norcross family is wealthy, so the fact that Easton is a billionaire isn’t a new element. The little special flavor here is the office romance aspect, as Harlow works for him. It adds a touch of forbidden to the story, which means denial, secrets, and of course office shenanigans. I love that. That also means a shift in the relationship, between boss/employee and victim/protector. Very different dynamics for sure.
It helps defining the characters. Easton is a tyran in the office, but once the woman he’s interested in is in danger, he shows her a completely different side of him. As for Harlow, she’s in charge with her family, but she can follow orders at her job, and she’ll fight before letting anyone help her when she ends up in a dangerous situation. They’re complex characters, and they have to meet somewhat in the middle. A middle they spend the whole book searching for.
The suspense part was just complicated enough to offer a couple of twists without risking plotholes. It may not be the most gripping story–because the Norcross family is powerful enough to be their own deus ex machina–but it does the job. You get Harlow in danger a few times, Easton scared for her, then angry at the people who want to arm her, and that creates the tension that pushes them together.
The whole Norcross clan makes an appearance with their spouse, even the parents. It was nice to see the siblings in a less formal situation.
The narrators from the previous books come back, and they do a good job once again. Sometimes the female narrator brought less energy than the male narrator, but it was overall quite good. I’ll keep listening to the series for sure.
Quickie
- Series: Norcross security #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #billionaire romance #military #alpha male #office romance
- Triggers: kidnapping, some violence, car accident, slight PTSD
- Main couple: Harlow Carlson & Easton Norcross
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + I loved the way the alpha male appreciated a woman in charge
- – Harlow is an enabler, her father deserves punches in the face, not help
The Norcross family is wealthy, so the fact that Easton is a billionaire isn’t a new element. The little special flavor here is the office romance aspect, as Harlow works for him. It adds a touch of forbidden to the story, which means denial, secrets, and of course office shenanigans. I love that. That also means a shift in the relationship, between boss/employee and victim/protector. Very different dynamics for sure.
It helps defining the characters. Easton is a tyran in the office, but once the woman he’s interested in is in danger, he shows her a completely different side of him. As for Harlow, she’s in charge with her family, but she can follow orders at her job, and she’ll fight before letting anyone help her when she ends up in a dangerous situation. They’re complex characters, and they have to meet somewhat in the middle. A middle they spend the whole book searching for.
The suspense part was just complicated enough to offer a couple of twists without risking plotholes. It may not be the most gripping story–because the Norcross family is powerful enough to be their own deus ex machina–but it does the job. You get Harlow in danger a few times, Easton scared for her, then angry at the people who want to arm her, and that creates the tension that pushes them together.
The whole Norcross clan makes an appearance with their spouse, even the parents. It was nice to see the siblings in a less formal situation.
The narrators from the previous books come back, and they do a good job once again. Sometimes the female narrator brought less energy than the male narrator, but it was overall quite good. I’ll keep listening to the series for sure.
Quickie
- Series: Norcross security #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #billionaire romance #military #alpha male #office romance
- Triggers: kidnapping, some violence, car accident, slight PTSD
- Main couple: Harlow Carlson & Easton Norcross
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + I loved the way the alpha male appreciated a woman in charge
- – Harlow is an enabler, her father deserves punches in the face, not help
March 15, 2024
THE SPECIALIST brings readers the next Norcross brother, this time the successful and wealthy Easton. When his regular executive assistant goes on leave, Harlow is transferred over and Easton finds himself captivated and intrigued by the woman who isn't impressed by his wealth or intimidated by his grumpy workaholic ways. When Harlow’s father gets in deep with the wrong people and drags Harlow into it, Easton is determined to help protect her at all costs.
This has all of Anna Hackett’s usual action packed scenes interspersed with some quieter moments for Harlow and Easton. We also see lots of Vander Norcross and some of the other characters from Norcross Security who I assume will be getting books going forward. While I hate to say it, this may be my last book in this series because I feel like I'm just reading them to read them and not getting a whole lot out of it. There’s a level of repetitiveness to Hackett’s books sometimes that gets boring. I'm also finding that this “brand” of suspense is not really where my interests are right now. The NORCROSS books are a little silly and definitely ridiculous at times; they're like the equivalent of the FAST & FURIOUS movies, which don't get me wrong, I enjoy those movies a lot and they can be a lot of fun. I don't mean this as an insult, it's just not the mood I'm looking for right now when it comes to suspense.
This has all of Anna Hackett’s usual action packed scenes interspersed with some quieter moments for Harlow and Easton. We also see lots of Vander Norcross and some of the other characters from Norcross Security who I assume will be getting books going forward. While I hate to say it, this may be my last book in this series because I feel like I'm just reading them to read them and not getting a whole lot out of it. There’s a level of repetitiveness to Hackett’s books sometimes that gets boring. I'm also finding that this “brand” of suspense is not really where my interests are right now. The NORCROSS books are a little silly and definitely ridiculous at times; they're like the equivalent of the FAST & FURIOUS movies, which don't get me wrong, I enjoy those movies a lot and they can be a lot of fun. I don't mean this as an insult, it's just not the mood I'm looking for right now when it comes to suspense.
May 14, 2021
I’m still waiting on Vander’s story, but I have no complaints with Easton. This Norcross brother is the billionaire entrepreneur. But he’s also a tough guy. He wasn’t part of the black ops team with Vander, Saxon, and Rhys, but he spent his own time in the military. Easton falls for his temporary admin assistant Harlow. She’s the first woman to not cower before him or throw herself at him. He’s instantly annoyed. And smitten. But it’s not until her dad drags her into his troubles that Easton gets to step in and play rescuer. Like the other books, he has to protect her. And in the process the two fall in love. In a way, I really thought these two had the best bond of all the couples since they worked together. But like the other books, you get action, danger, and lots of hot romance. The books have a formula. But it’s working. I’m enjoying the series. Still waiting for Vander, though ...
September 15, 2023
3.5*
This picks up where the last book left off. This is Easton and Harlow's story.
Harlow is the oldest and her family has always been used to her organizing and taking care of things. When her dad runs into problems, he fucks this up trying to fix it on his own and expects Harlow to help him make it all better. Unfortunately he paints a target on Harlow's back. He owes money to some unsavory people.
Enter Easton with the skills (and cash) to help. Nice, decently paced with a good amount of action.
This picks up where the last book left off. This is Easton and Harlow's story.
Harlow is the oldest and her family has always been used to her organizing and taking care of things. When her dad runs into problems, he fucks this up trying to fix it on his own and expects Harlow to help him make it all better. Unfortunately he paints a target on Harlow's back. He owes money to some unsavory people.
Enter Easton with the skills (and cash) to help. Nice, decently paced with a good amount of action.
October 12, 2021
Originally published at Reading Reality
As much as I love this author’s blend of action adventure and romance, there’s always a special spot in my heart for the romance in each series where the boss of whatever the group is finally takes the fall into love. Ready or not, willing or unwilling.
Considering that being the bosses that they are, they are generally neither ready nor willing, it makes their inevitable fall all that much more delicious.
I also have a sneaking fondness in general for the slightly taboo thrill of workplace romance, particularly when that romance is between the hard nosed man in charge and someone he knows he really shouldn’t touch – like the assistant he can’t live without in the office but finds himself unexpectedly wanting to live with outside it.
The Specialist does a fantastic job of combining both of these romantic pleasures into one terrific story!
Escape Rating A-: I’m coming to the rating early because there was so much of this one that I loved so hard (there’s a pun intended here) and can’t wait to talk about the parts I loved.
Number one, in Easton Norcross the author has combined two of my all-time favorite romance heroes into one marvelous – and generally marvelously tailored – heartthrob.
As I said, I love this combination of tropes, the boss of bosses of an entire series (Team 52’s Jonah Greyson in Mission: Her Justice or Holmes in Hell Squad) with the falling for your boss, however reluctantly, trope. So this entry in the Norcross series gave me vibes of a story that I loved so much in this exact same vein – Rock Hard from Nalini Singh’s Rock Kiss series.
For anyone who read that series – and if you haven’t please take a look! – Easton Norcross and T-Rex, AKA Gabriel Bishop, would be besties – once they stopped fighting over who was alpha.
But the descriptions of Easton, not just the way he looks but also the way he works, read like Easton is an Italian-American Roarke (of the awesome In Death series), just 40 years earlier and without the Urban Wars in his past. Just a different war.
So this is one where I fell hard for the hero. Maybe not as hard as the heroine, but damn close.
I also loved parts, but not all, of the heroine, Harlow Carlson, for her ability to stand in the face of Easton’s distracting, demanding, over-working and over-achieving hard-headedness in the office. In spite of the mess in her personal life, Harlow remains in control at the office, and never lets Easton steamroller her on the job.
As much as I enjoyed Easton, the one niggling little thing that keeps me from bumping this up to an A has to do with the pattern that is emerging in this series in regards to the heroines. Individually they’ve all been both likeable and worthy of the heroes, but they ALL seem to get in over-the-top, over-their-heads trouble from which they have to be rescued by the heroes. All of them seem to have either family or friends who do really dangerous and stupid shit that they can’t resist getting in up to their necks.
I really want to see at least one story where the heroine is equally – even if differently – badass, because these women, even Gia Norcross, veered a bit too close to damsel in distress territory.
But Easton was such an irresistible combination of Roarke and T-Rex that pretty much ate this story up with a spoon in a couple of very enjoyable hours.
This is a series where each story does stand alone, at least so far, but they are so long on fun and short on length that reading them all is a great binge-read for a rainy weekend. Meanwhile, I’ll be over here waiting for this author to give me her take on another one of my favorite romance tropes.
The next book in the Norcross Security series is The Bodyguard, taking up his duties in late April. I have a feeling that this will be grand!
As much as I love this author’s blend of action adventure and romance, there’s always a special spot in my heart for the romance in each series where the boss of whatever the group is finally takes the fall into love. Ready or not, willing or unwilling.
Considering that being the bosses that they are, they are generally neither ready nor willing, it makes their inevitable fall all that much more delicious.
I also have a sneaking fondness in general for the slightly taboo thrill of workplace romance, particularly when that romance is between the hard nosed man in charge and someone he knows he really shouldn’t touch – like the assistant he can’t live without in the office but finds himself unexpectedly wanting to live with outside it.
The Specialist does a fantastic job of combining both of these romantic pleasures into one terrific story!
Escape Rating A-: I’m coming to the rating early because there was so much of this one that I loved so hard (there’s a pun intended here) and can’t wait to talk about the parts I loved.
Number one, in Easton Norcross the author has combined two of my all-time favorite romance heroes into one marvelous – and generally marvelously tailored – heartthrob.
As I said, I love this combination of tropes, the boss of bosses of an entire series (Team 52’s Jonah Greyson in Mission: Her Justice or Holmes in Hell Squad) with the falling for your boss, however reluctantly, trope. So this entry in the Norcross series gave me vibes of a story that I loved so much in this exact same vein – Rock Hard from Nalini Singh’s Rock Kiss series.
For anyone who read that series – and if you haven’t please take a look! – Easton Norcross and T-Rex, AKA Gabriel Bishop, would be besties – once they stopped fighting over who was alpha.
But the descriptions of Easton, not just the way he looks but also the way he works, read like Easton is an Italian-American Roarke (of the awesome In Death series), just 40 years earlier and without the Urban Wars in his past. Just a different war.
So this is one where I fell hard for the hero. Maybe not as hard as the heroine, but damn close.
I also loved parts, but not all, of the heroine, Harlow Carlson, for her ability to stand in the face of Easton’s distracting, demanding, over-working and over-achieving hard-headedness in the office. In spite of the mess in her personal life, Harlow remains in control at the office, and never lets Easton steamroller her on the job.
As much as I enjoyed Easton, the one niggling little thing that keeps me from bumping this up to an A has to do with the pattern that is emerging in this series in regards to the heroines. Individually they’ve all been both likeable and worthy of the heroes, but they ALL seem to get in over-the-top, over-their-heads trouble from which they have to be rescued by the heroes. All of them seem to have either family or friends who do really dangerous and stupid shit that they can’t resist getting in up to their necks.
I really want to see at least one story where the heroine is equally – even if differently – badass, because these women, even Gia Norcross, veered a bit too close to damsel in distress territory.
But Easton was such an irresistible combination of Roarke and T-Rex that pretty much ate this story up with a spoon in a couple of very enjoyable hours.
This is a series where each story does stand alone, at least so far, but they are so long on fun and short on length that reading them all is a great binge-read for a rainy weekend. Meanwhile, I’ll be over here waiting for this author to give me her take on another one of my favorite romance tropes.
The next book in the Norcross Security series is The Bodyguard, taking up his duties in late April. I have a feeling that this will be grand!
January 4, 2024
Repeat repeat repeat.......
This is book 3...... I was entertained with book 1, mildly entertained with book 2, but come on! All 3 books have been exactly the same story line. A terrible security company that can't keep anyone safe, female leads that aren't very smart or have ANY self preservation. They all get kidnapped while being protected, they all get grabbed AGAIN going out for drinks, let's not forget getting taken from the house because you want to open the door knowing your being hunted/or willingly leaving alone. 101 skirt descriptions because all 3 appearntly wear the exact same thing. They keep letting the kidnappers go after "the holding room" just for them to kidnap them AGAIN. Zero originality on the authors part, she changed names and order of events and that's it. HOW ARE THERE 9 OF THE SAME BOOK?????
This is book 3...... I was entertained with book 1, mildly entertained with book 2, but come on! All 3 books have been exactly the same story line. A terrible security company that can't keep anyone safe, female leads that aren't very smart or have ANY self preservation. They all get kidnapped while being protected, they all get grabbed AGAIN going out for drinks, let's not forget getting taken from the house because you want to open the door knowing your being hunted/or willingly leaving alone. 101 skirt descriptions because all 3 appearntly wear the exact same thing. They keep letting the kidnappers go after "the holding room" just for them to kidnap them AGAIN. Zero originality on the authors part, she changed names and order of events and that's it. HOW ARE THERE 9 OF THE SAME BOOK?????
January 8, 2024
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, although, I really want to read Vander's story. The first three books had the exact same storyline. A hot guy who has never been serious about anyone, a gorgeous woman who is in trouble because of someone else, the guy who wants to protect her and moves her into his house, the woman who gets kidnapped MULTIPLE times (and at least once because she's being stupid), fall in love, the end. Repeat for the next two books. I'm hoping Rome's story isn't the same formula.
April 25, 2021
Free is about right
It's hard to imagine that people really act this stupid and foolish. It doesn't offer much hope for the human race. Basically, not overly realistic.
It's hard to imagine that people really act this stupid and foolish. It doesn't offer much hope for the human race. Basically, not overly realistic.
May 30, 2021
DNF 25%
March 30, 2021
I have read all of the books Anna Hackett has written and I keep coming back to them because the stories are interesting, the heroes are seriously hot hunks with some rough edges and maybe some, if not a lot of ink, and the females are strong and feisty and they don’t take any crap, which leads us to book 3 in the Norcross Security series, The Specialist.
Easton Norcross is a workaholic, rich and he’s as smooth as a shot of whisky. When it comes down to it, he will protect those he loves with his last breath if that is what it takes. He’s also got some personal demons after his life in the military and Harlow may be the one to help him banish the darkness.
Harlow Carlson has been assigned to work with Easton while his usual assistant is on leave. Harlow is super organized, smart, efficient and she knows how to handle the demanding and hardworking Easton, but I have to say that her comebacks and the way she interacts with Easton in the office setting sometimes would probably have got her fired in real life.
Harlow has always been the family fixer and now it’s fallen upon her to once again help to fix a situation that she had no part in creating. Her dream of buying and renovating a home goes down the drain when her father asks her for help. He’s got in deep with the wrong people. Honestly, what is it with these supposedly intelligent and sensible businessmen who end up not asking for help and then doing such stupid, life threatening things and getting their families involved in their messes? I mean really, her father gets involved with a French crime boss who has relocated to the US with his psychotic cousin, and also in a twist, with a female crime boss of all things, who has an employee who oversteps and ends up putting her in the crosshairs of Norcross Security, but who still does something really stupid towards the end of the book.
Just when you think the problem has been solved, her stupid father does something else to make things worse and of course, Harlow is again the one who suffers for it, all while her spineless, seemingly self-absorbed mother is at a yoga retreat, none the wiser and her younger sister is at college. Also, given the tools Norcross Security had access too, the fact that they had such trouble locating Harlow’s father when they needed to was a bit out there.
Getting back to Harlow and Easton. When he finds out the problem, Easton steps in, literally takes over and assumes the protector role. Harlow tries to maintain a professional distance, but that is impossible and she is steamrollered into staying with Easton. Harlow needs to let go and realise that she isn’t the fixer for her family and that her father made the mistakes and that while she has tried to help, there isn’t any more that she can do. Easton also needs to let go and relax and enjoy his life a bit more, but he’s a workaholic because drowning himself in his work keeps the darkness at bay.
Easton and Harlow initially get on like oil and water, but the more time they spend together, the more they fall in love with each other, even though it takes a while for either to admit it and they do break lots of workplace rules in hot and sexy ways. Generally, Anna’s heroines aren’t the TSTL type, but some things that Harlow did ranked up there with a bit stupid. I mean how long would it take to check to see if your sister is in the house before walking out to meet a supposed kidnapper? Also, in said case, you have the entire security team in the house and you can’t alert them so they could quietly help you – this is what they do after all?!
I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next installment in the Norcross series -not sure who’s up next, but there are lots of hunks to choose from!
Easton Norcross is a workaholic, rich and he’s as smooth as a shot of whisky. When it comes down to it, he will protect those he loves with his last breath if that is what it takes. He’s also got some personal demons after his life in the military and Harlow may be the one to help him banish the darkness.
Harlow Carlson has been assigned to work with Easton while his usual assistant is on leave. Harlow is super organized, smart, efficient and she knows how to handle the demanding and hardworking Easton, but I have to say that her comebacks and the way she interacts with Easton in the office setting sometimes would probably have got her fired in real life.
Harlow has always been the family fixer and now it’s fallen upon her to once again help to fix a situation that she had no part in creating. Her dream of buying and renovating a home goes down the drain when her father asks her for help. He’s got in deep with the wrong people. Honestly, what is it with these supposedly intelligent and sensible businessmen who end up not asking for help and then doing such stupid, life threatening things and getting their families involved in their messes? I mean really, her father gets involved with a French crime boss who has relocated to the US with his psychotic cousin, and also in a twist, with a female crime boss of all things, who has an employee who oversteps and ends up putting her in the crosshairs of Norcross Security, but who still does something really stupid towards the end of the book.
Just when you think the problem has been solved, her stupid father does something else to make things worse and of course, Harlow is again the one who suffers for it, all while her spineless, seemingly self-absorbed mother is at a yoga retreat, none the wiser and her younger sister is at college. Also, given the tools Norcross Security had access too, the fact that they had such trouble locating Harlow’s father when they needed to was a bit out there.
Getting back to Harlow and Easton. When he finds out the problem, Easton steps in, literally takes over and assumes the protector role. Harlow tries to maintain a professional distance, but that is impossible and she is steamrollered into staying with Easton. Harlow needs to let go and realise that she isn’t the fixer for her family and that her father made the mistakes and that while she has tried to help, there isn’t any more that she can do. Easton also needs to let go and relax and enjoy his life a bit more, but he’s a workaholic because drowning himself in his work keeps the darkness at bay.
Easton and Harlow initially get on like oil and water, but the more time they spend together, the more they fall in love with each other, even though it takes a while for either to admit it and they do break lots of workplace rules in hot and sexy ways. Generally, Anna’s heroines aren’t the TSTL type, but some things that Harlow did ranked up there with a bit stupid. I mean how long would it take to check to see if your sister is in the house before walking out to meet a supposed kidnapper? Also, in said case, you have the entire security team in the house and you can’t alert them so they could quietly help you – this is what they do after all?!
I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next installment in the Norcross series -not sure who’s up next, but there are lots of hunks to choose from!
March 31, 2021
This book picks up pretty much where the last one ended with Harlow getting a call from her father that clearly worries her. Easton might have only been her boss a short time but he's determined to find out what is troubling the gorgeous, annoying and ever so sassy Harlow. Harlows father has serious money issues and unfortunately the man he owes money to takes a real shine to Harper. She's totally uninterested but with her father's life in danger what can Harlow do ? Whatever she decides Easton is going to protect her but there's no easy way out as Harlows dad just keeps making even more mistakes !
I think the hot and heavy romance here will appeal to many readers. This author certainly knows how to write about alpha males although I liked that Easton had a back story that meant he still had his own demons to fight. I usually like the heroines but there was just something about Harlow that irritated me. Harlow admits she's controlling and likes to be a fixer but just sometimes she acted without thinking things through and I do prefer a character who isn't too stupid to ask for help.
Look I will be frank and say I absolutely love the dynamics in the Norcross family as they feel warm and well real. I know this is fiction so I suspend reality but for this reader Harlows parents were both pretty unpalatable which obviously colours my judgment. Obviously her father needs a good slap but her mother has also let down Harlow big time so no matter how this ended I was still going to dislike the couple.
Bottom line is the author clearly had fun writing dialogue for this pair and threw just about every dilemma she could at them. This gives readers a fast paced story with several villains which was perhaps overkill but certainly added to the suspense. I'm guessing Rome gets his book next but obviously I'm watching out for Vanders book because he is clearly one very cool drink of water !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I think the hot and heavy romance here will appeal to many readers. This author certainly knows how to write about alpha males although I liked that Easton had a back story that meant he still had his own demons to fight. I usually like the heroines but there was just something about Harlow that irritated me. Harlow admits she's controlling and likes to be a fixer but just sometimes she acted without thinking things through and I do prefer a character who isn't too stupid to ask for help.
Look I will be frank and say I absolutely love the dynamics in the Norcross family as they feel warm and well real. I know this is fiction so I suspend reality but for this reader Harlows parents were both pretty unpalatable which obviously colours my judgment. Obviously her father needs a good slap but her mother has also let down Harlow big time so no matter how this ended I was still going to dislike the couple.
Bottom line is the author clearly had fun writing dialogue for this pair and threw just about every dilemma she could at them. This gives readers a fast paced story with several villains which was perhaps overkill but certainly added to the suspense. I'm guessing Rome gets his book next but obviously I'm watching out for Vanders book because he is clearly one very cool drink of water !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
December 21, 2022
One of the best things about an Anna Hackett book is the snappy dialog. The verbal sparring between the two main characters, especially the ladies, adds an extra element to already awesome storylines. Easton Norcross has it all. A self made billionaire he lives on an altogether different level than the common folk. It makes him seem aloof and unattainable. That may be true in part but he's a man with demons. Harlow Carlson is the epitome of the perfect Executive Assistant with a good dose of sassiness mixed in. She gives Easton no quarter and doesn't hesitate to tell him what she thinks. She's a caretaker, to the point that her family relies way to heavily upon her. Now her dad's in trouble and she's determined to fix it on her own. As if Easton is going to let that happen. When her life is turned upside down and inside out with not one but two entities targeting her she knows that accepting help is her only hope. But, having a relationship with her boss, Easton, may a bridge too far even if he sets her on fire with his kisses and more. Easton is intense as her employer but as her protector he's ruthless. Norcross Security puts all their resources into keeping Harlow safe and solving her troubles.
January 2, 2023
2.5 stars. This one just did not work for me. I found it very dull. Neither Harlow nor Easton really grew on me. I found this plot a lot more disjointed and scattered. There were just too many bad guys and I didn't fell like all those plots were satisfactorily wrapped up. If the author had focused the story a bit more, I would have liked this more.
April 21, 2022
I adore a sassy, snarky feisty h who has a gold medal in sarcasm, and Harlow definitely fits that description. She’s exactly what a workaholic like Easton needs in his life, she sees him and is as protective of him as he is of her. Loved it.
May 24, 2022
Fiesty
Harlow is definitely fiesty and that is definitely what Easton needs. I really liked that she never eased up on him.
Harlow is definitely fiesty and that is definitely what Easton needs. I really liked that she never eased up on him.
March 7, 2022
I didn't care for either mc and had a hard time getting through it
March 30, 2021
This is part of a series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. The main characters are well-developed and fascinating. The secondary characters enrich the story and make the Norcross world come alive. The story is full of action, suspense, humor, and romance. Each story features a different couple and provides a very satisfying ending. I am loving this series and have become a total fan of all the author's books!
April 7, 2021
I normally love Anna's books but this one just didn't do it for me. Harlow is too meek and dependent, Easton is too possessiv and I don't enjoy the highly unbalanced power dynamics. Honestly, I just can't stand one partner telling the other one (regardless of gender) what they should do or how they should manage their lives.
Besides, putting a tracker on someone and not telling them (outside of a criminal investigation etc.) is just not okay IMO.
Besides, putting a tracker on someone and not telling them (outside of a criminal investigation etc.) is just not okay IMO.
October 25, 2021
Lots of action and adventure packed into this book. It was great watching the characters flounder as they finally admitted to their attraction to one another.
May 9, 2021
Norcross and Carlson
The Norcross guys are dropping like flies, the latest, Easton, the richest brother, has a great new efficient personal assistant. Harlow is as beautiful as she is organized. When her father gets into trouble for bad debts the guys step up to help.
The Norcross guys are dropping like flies, the latest, Easton, the richest brother, has a great new efficient personal assistant. Harlow is as beautiful as she is organized. When her father gets into trouble for bad debts the guys step up to help.
November 24, 2022
Upped my rating to a 5 after reading for the 3rd time. I do love Harlow and Easton!
October 25, 2021
SHORT SUMMARY: When Easton's(H) old secretary went for a leave to see her grandson, she was temporarily replaced by Harlow(h). Like every other women Harlow doesn't throw herself at him but now she is the only woman Easton want but can't have. After all he is her boss. He tried keeping his distance from his mouthy and damn good at her job secretary. When he saw her sad while reading a message he knew something was wrong and then a man attacking her, he got scared for her and would do anything to keep her safe. Harlow have been attracted to his boss from the moment she met him. After all he was very handsome, but sadly he doesn't keep women around long and ofcourse he is her boss. But when her father messed up putting her family at danger she became the target of bad guys. When Easton jumped up to help, for the first time she could finally lean on someone reliable and feel safe and loved. Sadly his father kept messing up putting her at danger even more. Easton would stop at nothing and would do anything to keep her safe and his. With bad guys trying to steel her, a lots of guns and actions they finally get there HFN.
MY THOUGHTS: This was authors usual genre and trope which is my favorite. So automatically I liked the book. I can't say anything that particularly bugged me but there were few scenes, two to be exact I felt were unnecessary. (See ***trigger and safety section***). This was very average nothing too extraordinary and a bit expected
MAIN CHARACTER: I liked both the main characters. I liked where h jumped to save H and ofcourse I loved when hero saved her from bad guys selflessly.
***TRIGGERS AND SAFETY***
NO CHEATING
OM/OW DRAMA: Yes, no, Maybe
h abused by bad guys psycho cousin
I like the book. I you like it too. Lemme know how you guys felt about it.
MY THOUGHTS: This was authors usual genre and trope which is my favorite. So automatically I liked the book. I can't say anything that particularly bugged me but there were few scenes, two to be exact I felt were unnecessary. (See ***trigger and safety section***). This was very average nothing too extraordinary and a bit expected
MAIN CHARACTER: I liked both the main characters. I liked where h jumped to save H and ofcourse I loved when hero saved her from bad guys selflessly.
***TRIGGERS AND SAFETY***
NO CHEATING
OM/OW DRAMA: Yes, no, Maybe
h abused by bad guys psycho cousin
I like the book. I you like it too. Lemme know how you guys felt about it.
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