Craze (Pierce Securities Book 1)

It was pretty good but i was distracted the entire time because the author would randomly put in the words "click click" - she never explains what they mean or signify and it drove me nuts - almost didn't finish the book because of it - aside from that it was pretty good

Craze is a pretty formulaic "bodyguard falls for the protectee" story where Ryan need to find Krista and keep her safe when Krista saw her boss doing the unthinkable in his office. This sort of book typically uses a kidnapping where the MMC did a royal screwup and lost the FMC, and had to rally to get her back, and this book is no exception. Unfortunately, this book did not have the MMC screwup, but rather, had the FMC did a "too stupid to live" decision that resulted in her capture. Then the bad guys, instead of eliminating her right away, decided to use her as subject of a snuff film, thus giving the good guys a chance to track her down and save her. Hah. The attraction between FMC and MMC is also... forced, as if Stockholm syndrome took hold, that MMC was obsessed with FMC before he got her, and he was useless on the job later.

I’m sorry,,, I couldn’t stomach past the first quarter of this book. It’s very distasteful for a romance novel. I wanted to see Ryan and Krista connect but I was too disturbed by the plot which was too focused on the pedophile aspect. Made my skin crawl. Disappointed.

I’m sorry,,, I couldn’t stomach past the first quarter of this book. It’s very distasteful for a romance novel. I wanted to see Ryan and Krista connect but I was too disturbed by the plot which was too focused on the pedophile aspect. Made my skin crawl. Disappointed.

Slight spoilers in this review: I half enjoyed and half disliked this book. The parts I didn’t like were the fact that there was no warning given to the reader of what happened when Krista walked into the office of her boss. I thought from the blurb it was going to be about some money scam/mob thing. I didn’t expect the description of a young naked child being abused. It was shocking and took me completely out of the story. Not exactly what I want to read about in a romance (and perhaps a possible trigger for abuse victims). Another thing is (and maybe I just missed it) but what happened to that child? So much didn’t make sense in this story. Why would her boss take a child to his place of work to abuse? Even at night, it seems incredibly risky and stupid. Why let Krista get away so easily when she was outnumbered? Why wasn’t the child interviewed? Where were his parents/guardians? Why weren’t they kicking up a fuss over what happened? Why did it take so long for Ryan and his co-workers to even ask Krista what she saw? Why did they keep her staying at a place that was compromised? Why would the people trying to grab her taunt her protectors and give them warning they knew where she was? The list goes on. I also noticed some sentences didn’t make sense, like some words were missing perhaps. Some facts changed as they went, like with the night of the barbecue, but that was minor. The will they/won’t they was also tiresome, as it carried on for almost the entire book. I would have liked them to be a little more adult about that; however there were good points too. I did like Krista and Ryan, I liked that they both had strong feelings and an understanding of who they are. I liked the world set up for Ryan and his co-workers which will figure into future books. I liked the comedic aspects to the story and I generally enjoyed the flow of the story. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a bodyguard type romance, I would just settle in for a lot of yes and no and yes and no on whether they will or won’t get their happy ending.

Pretty good story. Well written holds your interest. When Krista finds her boss photographing a naked boy, she grabs him and goes to the police. Her boss hires Pierce Securiies to find her but they figure out she's not at fault but her boss was part of a pedephile ring. They have Ryan hide her out until they find out what is going on. Ryan already has seen her in a park and liked her so things became complicated. Good story and would recommend anyone to read it.

Terrible. The storie is choppy and seems like an amateur wrote it as I read. The story line is choppy and incomplete in some instances. I was sick of reading about the guys male anatomy and the sex scene writing was lame. I won't read anymore of these books. I want my money back:(

I really enjoyed Craze. I tried to find something that I didn't like about it, but couldn't really nail any one thing down. I liked the characters, I liked the sexual tension, I liked the plot and I liked the ending. Can't really deduct any stars when you like all of that, now can you?

I appreciated that there was a bit of history between our characters Krista and Ryan before the real fun begins. They'd been flirting in the park for quite a while before things got real and they ended up shacked up together in Ryan's little cabin in the woods. If there was a spark before, it flamed into a blaze at this point. Like I said the sexual tension between the two of them could have been sliced up and served as cake. Loved that and how Ryan had to fight to keep things professional even as the slow burn threatened to incinerate him. Krista didn't give a damn and was like, "Let's do this s***!" and I laughed how she reacted when she couldn't get what she wanted. So funny.

Krista was a strong female lead who exhibited all the right feelings at all the right times. When she was pissed she went off, when she was scared she screamed, and when she was happy her smile could be seen for miles. Ryan was the typical alpha male but I wouldn't call him overbearing or overprotective. He did what he thought he had to do and nothing more. Some of these alphas can be so smothering, but I didn't feel he was like that. As for the other characters, Zach was a pleasure to read about. There's a part when he is kicking some garden gnomes that was just hilarious. You have to read it to understand why I think so. As for the other guys in the security firm...we're not told a lot about them because I'm guessing the author wanted to keep the focus on Ryan and Krista, but we are graced with a few glances into what may unfold in future books. Definitely interested in Zach and the journey he's about to take. Read the book to find out what's so special about Zach, at least to me.

The plot was exactly what it should be: horrible. Not horrible as in it sucked, but horrible as in the crime was pretty terrible. Sometimes these romantic suspense novels suck as far as the suspense goes, but Craze was good. With so much romance, for a book like this to work there has to be a pretty gruesome crime. Check and check. And the way the plot was wrapped up was not rushed at all or anticlimactic which was great. I hate when books build you up only to rush through the ending. I don't know how many times I have to say this, but you can't rush the ending of a book. You just can't. Not any book, but especially suspense novels. It's gotta roll out at the perfect pace and Conley did that here. And just when you thought it might actually be over, it really wasn't. That was great.

So this book is a HELL YES on the recommendation meter. It's sexy with a good plot and characters that'll make you laugh as much as they'll make you roll your eyes. Gotta love books like that. This is a winner, so definitely check it out.

•••I listened to the Audible Audio Edition of this book•••

Sarah Grant performed all the characters very well, but I especially adored her portayal of Krista. I felt her pain and misgiving as well as her joy and relief. The suspense and horror were palpable and I felt fully immersed in the story. I truly hope she carries on with the series as I cannot imagine these characters voiced by anyone else :)

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This series must be listened to (or read) in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to listen to Wire!

Krista has always been a little creeped by her boss Mr. Lowe... She just has no idea why. Him inviting her and her nephew Tate for a private weekend at his vacation house on the river makes her feel very odd. He didn't mention inviting Tate's parents... But that was an implied invitation right? Why would he want the two of them only? Who is the gorgeous guy who always kinda flirts with her in the park at lunch?

Working late one night to finish the reports she has due leads Krista to see something she cannot unsee. She thought she was alone in the office. All she was doing was her job. Finding her boss with a naked young boy in his office while another masked man watched and recorded as he fondled the boy made ALL the misgivings and odd feelings she had ever had about him click into place. She grabs the boy and runs straight to the cops. After the interrogation by a second officer who implicates her in the crime and calls into question the validity of her claims about "such an upstanding citizen" she realizes she has to run... And disappear... Before they make her disappear for good. Will the boy be safe? Can she get safely away? Will her family be safe? Especially Tate? How is she going to survive?

Ryan has been hired to track down and turn over Krista, the sexy classy woman he has been admiring from afar in the park for over a month. Something about the case doesn't sit well with him. Above all, some unreasonable part of him feels the need to keep her safe. What has she gotten herself into? What exactly could she have stolen that was important enough to hire a private security firm to hunt her down for? Why does this job make him feel so uneasy?

This book has many comedic moments to balance the horror and terror of the subject matter. I found it very enjoyable even though it contained elements that I would normally avoid. I can't see how this book could be done any other way :) It was truly an intense nail biter right up until the very end!

***This series is suitable for adult listeners (or readers) who enjoy their romantic suspense with a great deal of horror and plenty of thrills, chills, action, mystery and romance with the requisite HEA :)

Received book via instrafreebies for honest review of content.

This is the first book I read of Anne Conley. I rather enjoyed it. Ryan is dreamy, strong, and protective. He watches her with infatuation from afar. When finally one day, they do meet. However, not in the typical fashion of "boy meets girl" and "falls in love" type of way.

Krista finds out that her boss is not only "odd" and "creepy" but he is slightly delusional and deeply perverted. Krista's life become endangered when she stumbles on some after hours office activities regarding Mr. Tate. Tate hires Pierce securities to find Krista. Then the excitement begins with Ryan and Krista.
In an effort to try and keep her nephew safe and elude the police, she can't seem to help stifle the increasing feelings she has for Ryan. When Ryan and Krista get closer, it makes things rather difficult for Ryan to protect her. Doesn't that always happen? Sex always complicates things.
Together, they set off to protect Krista's family and preserve the innocence of her beloved nephew. In turn, Krista finds that she has also found a piece of herself in Ryan...her heart.
Be sure to read their journey. It has twists, turns, moments that will turn your stomach and moments of butterflies and weak knees.

All in all I was very entertained and read other book in series and this author is now on my preferred list. Get lost in Krista and Ryan...I dare you.

I read and enjoyed previous books by this author. However this is definitely my favourite so far.

This is book one in the Pierce Securities series. It's Ryan and Kristas story and what a story it is. Ryan is part of Pierce Securities. When they are called in to find Krista they get more than they bargained for. Krista is a great character. I really liked her. Ryan's a hot sexy alpha that will do anything to PROTECT who he cares for.

Well written romantic story with a brilliant suspense storyline. The characters came across as strong and relatable which I loved. I got to a stage in the story where I felt something bad was gonna happen and I didn't want to continue. However I was compelled to keep reading to see what actually was gonna happen. Twists and turns were unpredictable. Another great BONUS to keep me on the edge of my seat.

On a more personal level I want to add that I started this book an hour after being in a car crash. I seriously thought that I'd be dwelling on the crash all day. However Anne's words dragged me out of the real world and into her story. A truly great read. Thank you Anne.

Looking forward to reading more about these sexy men in future books.

A copy of this title was received in exchange for an honest review.

Ryan and Krista have noticed each other in the park at lunch time but don't actually meet until something terrible happens and Krista needs Ryan's help to get out of it. Ryan is the all american, outdoorsy, boy scout type and Krista is the lover of indoor plumbing. These two really shouldn't make any kind of connection but they do. The story is told in dual POV. The characters are well developed. I did have a hard time connecting with Ryan but that's more because of the type of guy he is rather than the writing. Krista doesn't seem to mind though. lol The scenery descriptions are done very well. Sex scenes are hot but not overwhelming the book. There are some twists and turns in here as well. Some small triggers for sexual abuse and rape so be careful if these are an issue for you. They are not a major part of the book but do have something to do with the plot.

This can be read as a stand alone and does have an HEA. This is the first installment of the Pierce Securities series so hopefully we will see more of these two in the future.

You. Have. Got. To. Read. This. Story! An outstanding mystery with every element of a fascinating thriller. If you care anything for mystery & suspense, for exciting action that has you holding your breath and leaves you on the edge of your seat.......then, this book is for you. Krista accidentally stumbled into a situation that had her fleeing for her life. Ryan is the security agent tasked with finding her, hiding her and keeping her safe from the powerful & deranged men determined to capture and snuff out her life. The insidious power runs deep, flowing through the justice system and rising upwards to pinnacles of influence and control. The devious twists, the surprising turns and the emotions of fear, anger, terror, frustration, lust all culminate into an amazing tale of suspense along with the confusing chemical reactions sparking between Krista & Ryan. Their journey together includes the pathway to love despite all fight, denial and struggle against it. I am thankful to have received this book in exchange for an honest review. I eagerly look forward to Ms. Conley's next book. Five Stars.

Craze that is what you feel when everything start falling apart. When everything you thought was good and.. well normal falls to crap and now your running for your life. Craze That is what Krista's life has become.
For Ryan Craze is staring at a woman that he knows is way out of his league and wanting her anyway. Craze is him having to protect her not only from the crazy people coming after her but from his wanting her.
Yeah I don't want to repeat the title again but you will feel a little on the touched side as you are reading this trip into the dark side of normal. You will definitely feel dizzy at the whiplash turns Ryan and Krista take in their relationship, and you know what? Your gonna love them all. Every heart pounding moment and every tear jerking second. The beginning of a fantastic series! Ryan and Krista will steel your every thought!!!

This book was not what I expected, it was better! This story is about Krista, a lady who spends her daily lunches at the park to watch the kids and Me. Eyecandy. While working late one night she stumbles into something at work that puts her and her family in danger and she runs! Her boss hires Pierce Securities to find her, and the job raises red flags everywhere, there is just something not right going on.

Ryan, Mr. Eyecandy himself is the one who goes after Krista, once he realizes who she is, to protect her, find out the truth, and not turn her in. While protecting her, a strong bond is forming between them, and Ryan has to keep his distance, cause after all, this is a job. Yeah, easier said than done!

This book is filled with danger, romance, thrills and chills, hot sex and love. It shows the true character of what people will do to protect the love of their family, and to protect what they see in their future. A definite must read!
Reviewed in exchange for an ARC.

**Book was gifted for a fair and honest review**
This was the very first book of Anne's that I have ever read so I alway go into reading the book with a fair amount of dread because of not wanting to hurt someone's feelings.
I found I loved the concept of the story. It had my heart pumping with fear for Krista! To find yourself in that situation would be terrifying! Who better to come to her rescue, but Pierce Security and the hot bodies that work there?!?!
As with some reviews I'm not sure of the "click, click" or how it even added to the story. I can only assume maybe someone was taking pictures of Krista.
Overall it's still a fantastic read and still worth a 5-star review!

Craze is the classic Damsel in Distress story but with some unexpected twists and turns that I enjoyed while being shocked at the same time. I loved the chemistry between Krista and Ryan, I enjoyed her spunk and his intelligence. Romantic suspense is a favorite genre of mine and I think Anne Conley is a voice to be reckoned with amongst other new and upcoming authors. I love a Happily Ever After and this story didn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to continuing this series and seeing where the rest of the cast of characters go along the line.

I found that this book started slowly, but it really started rolling after a few chapters. I loved how diverse the characters were and the situations were a bit overused, but I like the spin Anne Conley put on them. Craze is my first book my Conley, but it won't be my last.

This book was really, really good and everyone should put it at the top of their To Be Read list. I am giving this book a 5++ rating. Ann Conley did really well developing her characters and story.  I loved how the main characters Krista and Ryan came together regardless of all the craziness that Krista was running from.  Ryan was supposed to be taking care of her and keep her safe from some nasty sick men.  Then again maybe he could keep her safe and have amazing sex at the same time or maybe not. So read to find out!!!!!!!

-Donna

Wow! My heart was pounding throughout this whole book! Between the chemistry and dynamics of Ryan and Krista and the suspense of the book....I wasn't sure my heart could take any more! Great book with awesome characters! Can't wait to read more in this series.

Welcome to Pierce Security. A group of sexy men who have ventured out to set up their own security team. The funds are tight, the cases are few but what they do have is a strong determination to make this venture a success.

When a business man comes to them with a job, they listen intently but see the red flags flying high. His story didn’t seem creditable but they needed the job so they took it. Little did Ryan know the woman they were hired to find was the classy lady he had been admiring at the park during lunch the last few days. She was out of his league and he wondered how she could have done what she was being accused of.

Krista works to hard, crunches those numbers and has a very boring existence. Eating lunch at the park and watching the parents play with their kids reminded her of what was missing in her life. She also enjoyed watching the rugged man each day, wondering what kind of father he would be. One night, hours after everyone else had left the office, she walks into a criminal act that will put her life at risk. With no other option than to run, she is soon chased down by the man who was hired to deliver her to the suspicious business man…….her rugged eye candy from the park.

Ryan will now have the job of protecting Krista till they could find out who was lying to them and NOT falling in love with her. From this point on the author will leave you breathless as the truth begins to unfold and the love that Krista and Ryan fight begins to consume them. He is going to have to decide if keeping his job and help the only team that would take him in and give him a chance to prove himself worthy is more important than what his body and heart is screaming about taking Krista as his own.

Krista is afraid yet she isn’t willing to back down. What she saw was horrendous, what she did was right and she would do it again even if that means her death, but what is she supposed to do when her body responds to Ryan every time he enters the room. She will get to experience Ryan’s world out in the woods and find his way of living appeals to her more than she expected, but is she ready to give up her career to be with him, that is if she survives this ordeal.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the series. This is a different path for the author compared to her other books but she had shown that she can expand her style and talent and not disappoint her readers. Grab your copy of Craze and be prepared to ride the twist and turns of suspense and passion with these two.

This was my first time to experience Anne's writing, and she has me hooked! Right from the beginning I couldn't put the book down.
Krista is living a pretty boring life, most all her time is spent working. The little time she has that she enjoys outside work, is spent with her sister and nephew, and her time in the park. Spending her lunch breaks in the park, watching the sexy stranger across the way, she fantasizes about him. One of the last to leave work one night, her life is changed forever.
Ryan, works for Pierce Securities, but business is slow, and they need all the work they can get. So when a new client walks in and offers them a job, they accept it even though they instinctively know something is off about the client.
Ryan is put in charge of the case, but when he sees the focus of the job is the girl from the park, the one he has been fantasizing about since the first time he saw her. Well things get a bit crazy.
Krista and Ryan together is a recipe for sparks, and miscommunications. From one moment to the next emotions are high, but will Ryan be able to keep Krista safe without falling for her, or will the feelings these two have for one another set their already planned futures on a new course.
I loved how I could not guess ahead, I was on the edge of my seat though each page.
This is a 5 star read for me. I can not wait for the next in the Pierce Securities Series.
***This review is based upon a complimentary copy of the work provided by the author in exchange for an honest review on behalf of This Redhead LOVES Books.***

Received ARC for honest opinion.
Krista has a normal job and life where she works way to many hours.
She enjoys the peace of sitting at the park some days at lunch and watch the kids play around.
She notices some eye candy at the park who is always smiling and winking at her but neither one of them have the guys to actually speak to the other. Eye Candy thinks she is to classy of a lady for him and out of his league.
It's not until Krista's life is threatened that she actually speaks to Mr Eye Candy aka Ryan!
He is actually hired to capture Krista and bring her back to someone but, Pierce Security has a feeling something is off about this job. Sure enough Ryan is the one assigned to around the clock protection for Krista. Will Ryan be able to keep Classy Lady aka Krista safe or will the bad guys get to Krista?
This book was great! Can't wait to read more from this author :)
Thanks so much for a chance to read this

As a fan of Anne's Stories of Serendipity series, I was excited to start this new series of hers, contemporary romances about realistic alpha males with interesting stories to tell. And I was not disappointed. The characters are well developed, the plotlines intricate and researched. Not your typical, predictable fare, these books had me laughing, gasping, and even learning new things. The writing is strong, and I was able to immerse myself fully into the stories - even staying up until 2 a.m. on work nights and nursing the dreaded book hang over. Worth every single star, and then some.

I was given the opportunity to ARC read Craze and wanted to share my review. AWESOME READ! Drama, action packed, love story, couldn't put it down!! Krista is going along, working, a normal, day in day out job, minding her own business. She does get to enjoy a little eye candy at lunch with a nice looking guy that she admires from afar. That guy, Ryan, is watching her too, and admiring. While Krista is dropping off completed work she walks in on the unthinkable and a huge mess. Ryan works for Pierce Securities and they have to protect her from the ones that want to harm her. Can Ryan protect her and keep her safe and does he care for her too!? Oh you have to read to find out! Great supporting alpha characters in security company! Can't wait for more.

This was my first book by Anne Conley but definitely won't be my last. I was hooked the entire time and did not want to put this book down. I was curious to see how everything played out. I definitely plan on reading the rest of the series and really getting to know the rest of the Pierce Securities guys.

Suspense, edge of my seat tension and great chemistry! Really enjoyed the start of this series, so much that I just finished the 2nd book too. Anne Conley has a great talent for making you feel like you really know these characters. Great book.

I really enjoyed this book. It has been years since I took the pleasure of reading a book for fun! I am glad that I could join Krista in this adventure. I was in the story with Ryan and Krista and caught up in their whirlwind of creepy characters, romance and suspense. This book took me by surprise and it was difficult to put it down and take care of the things in real life. As soon as I could I would return to their story, finished the story in less than 12 hours and am really looking forward to the next book in Pierce Securities, I have taken an interest in all of their employees. Thank you Anne Conley!

This book hits the ground running and continues to be amazing the whole way through!! I've never read a book by Ann Conley and WOW, I'm now a fan!! Krista has a simple, boring life. When she takes a lunch break she heads to the park everyday to watch the kids playing and also enjoying watching Mr. "eye candy"! Who knew eye candy could become her saving grace and her protector!! All is well with her world until one night when she goes in her bosses office, after hours, to drop off papers and what she finds will change her life completely!! This story is full of on the edge of your seat moments wanting not to put the book down! I wanted to read it all the way through but life got in the way! Every free second I got, I was reading this book! This is a must read!! I look forward to more stories about Pierce Securities!!

Anne Conley had me under her spell from the first chapter. I found myself thinking over and over "Just one more chapter then I'll go to bed." I couldn't put it down. Her combination of intrigue, love, angst and action had me turning the pages quickly to see what happened next. I can't wait for the next installment in the Pierce Securities series!