REVIEW: Risking Trust (Private Protectors #3) by Adrienne Giordano

 

Author: Adrienne Giordano

Series: Private Protectors

Pages: eBook

Genre: Romance - Suspense

Publisher: Carina Press

Amazon: Risking Trust

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Roxann Thorgesson's world is out of control. After her father suffers a fatal heart attack, she must take over as publisher of Chicago's second-largest newspaper. Then her ex-boyfriend Michael Taylor, CEO of his own security company, shows up needing a favor. The last thing Roxann needs is Michael around causing trouble—and potential heartbreak—but he's involved in a scandalous story she can't pass up.

Twelve years ago, Michael walked out on Roxann without explanation. Now he needs her help. Michael's estranged wife has been murdered and he is the prime suspect. He offers something no newspaperwoman could refuse: exclusive access to his headline-making murder accusation, in exchange for her help in uncovering the true killer. When their investigation leads them to a city hall conspiracy, both their lives and their newly reignited flame could be permanently extinguished…

REVIEW: 4 out of 5 stars

Risking Trust is the third book in the Private Protector series by Adrienne Giordano and was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Carina Press.

Michael Taylor has been framed for the murder of his estranged wife and has sought the help of his ex-girlfriend and owner of one of the most popular newspapers in Chicago, Roxann Thorgesson.

Michael left Roxann 12 years earlier without an explanation and went on to marry socialite Alicia but their marriage was rocky to say the least and her cheating put a strain on their already fragile relationship which resulted in bitter divorce proceedings taking place. He has sought Roxann’s help in the hope of clearing his name and has offered her exclusive access to his headline-making murder accusation, in exchange for help in trying to work out who the true killer is.

Michael has never forgotten Roxann and the past they shared and the feelings she once had for him have certainly come to life now he needs her help. Seeing them work together to not only clear Michael’s name but to also regain the trust they once had was wonderful but also tugged at the heart strings, I enjoyed them as a couple and the reasoning behind their initial split certainly had me shocked; he walked away from a relationship and a future which would have been seemingly perfect.

I really enjoyed the suspense, intrigue and mystery in Risking Trust, there was a lot going on with people in high positions and a cover-up was certainly happening with Michael being their scapegoat as well as Roxann now a target for her involvement in the case.

I really liked the main H/H, Michael has built himself a multi-million dollar security business after suffering after his military career from PTSD. Roxann is grieving the loss of her father and is still adapting to now having to run the newspaper – they are both strong characters who are determined, loyal and learning to trust again. I just wish Roxann could have made Michael work harder to earn her affections; she gave in so easily when he was constantly evasive in giving her the answers she desperately needed but other than this they reconnected perfectly.

The secondary characters, from Michael’s right-hand man Vic (who I believe is the hero from book 1, Man Law) to Roxann’s witty secretary, and colleague Phil were each fascinating and entertaining to read about. The true villain was never who I would have guessed, I was dumbfounded. I really enjoyed the interactions between all of the characters; they were thought out, likeable and written well.

Risking Trust is a fast-paced, action-packed and engrossing read that has an enjoyable plot. The romance is really nice and doesn’t take away from the main story. It is the third book in the Private Protector series but can certainly be read as a stand-alone novel.

I look forward to reading more books written by Adrienne Giordano.

 

Obtained: Netgalley