3.5 stars

This is book #8 in a series but the first time I've read this author. No worries...each instalment is a complete story concerning one couple & you can quickly pick up enough of the general history.
Alexander Blue is a recent hire at Red Stone & struggling a bit after leaving the marines. He feels awkward in social situations & prefers to spend his downtime alone.
Mina is an independent artist from a wealthy family. Estranged from her father, she's currently living & working in Key West using her mother's maiden name. She grew up with body guards in a high security setting & is enjoying the freedom that comes with anonymity. But someone knows who she is.
When she's attacked one afternoon, at first she thinks it's a random mugging. But...isn't a 4 man team a bit excessive? Luckily a stranger intercedes. He's a big, sexy guy & fights them off with considerable skill. To repay him, Mina takes him home to treat his injuries.
He doesn't say much but his body speaks volumes. The attraction is mutual & soon Blue is using his resources to dig into Mina's life & find out who's behind the attack. Game on.
This is a romantic suspense with lots of action & danger as our couple move toward their HEA. Characters from previous books make appearances as part of the team tracking down those responsible for the plot against Mina. There's a nice little twist concerning the identity of the would-be kidnapper & you get the feeling this character will eventually feature in his own book.
It's a fast paced story where the ending is never in doubt & better than many in the genre. The writing is smooth with an even flow that ensures a quick, light read. Blue is suitably hunky & just alpha enough to be believable but not annoying. Mina, thank God, is portrayed as a smart, capable woman as opposed to a wailing damsel in distress prone to dumb decisions.
Their relationship is no surprise but you'll keep reading to uncover the kidnapper & see who's left standing at the end. Sure, you can whinge about things like insta-lust morphing into true love in about a week & a half but for many readers it's the kind of fantasy they're looking for as a little break from reality.
The author obviously knows her characters (and readers) well & delivers a slick, polished romance with enough suspense to keep it interesting. ( )