From the very beginning this book had me seated in intense intrigue. Bailey seems like an ordinary girl just trying to survive by helping her mom, going to school, but she has a photographic memory, so she also comes across as odd to some. Some people are out to kidnap her, and help comes in the form of an incredibly attractive but aloof guy, Kash. As things continue to happen, we learn more about Bailey’s life, family, and more. The book is full of details because I feel it is laying the groundwork for what is to come in this trilogy. So, at times it may come across as the book is slow to get into but when I looked back at what I read and the ending I realized it was just setting us up for more. There seems to be a lot of secrecy surrounding not only Bailey but her estranged family and Kash. Everyone is hiding something and there are a lot of twists that I didn’t see coming and some that I did but I was very invested in how it all would play out. Some say that Bailey came off as immature at times, but I get her. Her life is in an upheaval, she is in a new environment, no one is willing to tell her anything, and they claim it’s all to protect her, but she is the one being treated as a prisoner. If it were me at 22, I would act out and want to get to the bottom of things as well, even if it wasn’t seen as the mature thing to do. Kash and Bailey had an intense attraction that is fought by both, yet they can’t seem to stop it. There were so many different mysteries and suspense to keep me intrigued that I will be patiently impatient while waiting on the next one. ( )

Talented computer hacker/security designer, Bailey has spent her life idolizing billionaire tech genius, Peter Francis, never knowing that he is actually her father. When she is almost kidnapped, it becomes clear that she will need protection, and Peter is the only one who can offer it, so Bailey moves into his estate. She is inundated with siblings she never knew, jealous relatives, and an extremely attractive personal bodyguard named Kash. As Bailey spends time with Kash and gets to know him better, she finds herself falling for him, but that only complicates an already difficult situation.

The Insiders starts with a bang and moves along at a fast pace until the middle of the book when the focus of the story changes from Bailey and the danger she is in, to several other characters and sub plots that do finally come together by the end of the book. The romance between Bailey and Kash starts out as a slow burn, but once it turns physical, the emotional build up dies pretty quickly, leaving the passion feeling a little flat. Some parts of this book draw the reader in, making it easy to keep reading, but some parts are over-dramatic and unrealistic. Overall, The Insiders is a mixed bag of engaging suspense and romance with a good amount of an overactive new adult sensibility. ( )

The blurb of this story piqued my interest. However, I found myself struggling with the storyline itself. Not the characters, per se, but the actual plot of the story. There were parts of the story that I really enjoyed and others that had me almost wanting to skim. I am not sure what exactly the disconnect was here. I just kept feeling like I wanted MORE. More something. I know that isn't really much to go on but it is how I felt.

There are a lot of interesting secondary characters and I can see where the author most likely intends to take this series. I am hoping that this first book is just laying the groundwork and is the reason I struggled because without Kash and Bailey and wanting to see what would happen with their relationship is the reason that I kept reading.

I am a huge fan of this author but this was not my favorite book. However, the premise and the characters of this book kept me reading which is a testament to this author's ability to tell a story. I realize that not all books are a hit with readers and that is what I am hoping for as this series continues. It is that reason that I am rounding up to 4 stars because there were elements that I wanted to know more about from this world. ( )

I was really excited for this as I have been wanting to read something from this author for so long. Sadly, I could not get into this at all. I put it down and came back to it, and still was just not into it. Maybe I will try something else from this author. ( )

Bailey has been kidnapped, found out her father is a billionaire and alive and must go live on his estate because she’s in danger. She has siblings she’s never met and has to navigate this new world and try to make sense of it. Bailey is kind, has a good heart and is incredibly intelligent.

Kash is Bailey’s fathers associate. He is now her personal guard as well. Kash is mysterious, broody and extremely handsome. He has his own secrets and has his own trauma. He is very protective of Bailey which quickly crosses the professional line. The attraction and sexual tension is most definitely there and the romance is perfect, Kash, *chef’s kiss*.

The storyline is complex but very easy to follow. The Insider introduces us to amazing side characters who are important throughout the story. It kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing. I couldn’t put this one down and I can’t wait to pick the next one up! Definitely recommend!



Thanks to netgalley and st. martin’s press for allowing me the opportunity to read and review. ( )