Hidden Heat (Hauberk Protection) [Paperback]

My review as posted on the Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews website:

I have loved the Hauberk Protection series since the first book and Hidden Heat is a fantastic addition to this series.

Let me first state that this series really needs to be read in order. With each book we are introduced to more and more people involved with Hauberk and it helps to know who is who when reading these books. Hidden Heat begins during Deliberate Deceptions. Our hero (although I know he'd object to that title), Troy McPherson, is the International Operations manage at Hauberk. He is currently working out of the Washington, DC office although he's questioning this decision every time he comes into contact with Sandy Hallquist (Hauberk's owner Sam Watson's administrative assistant).

Troy is an extremely capable and very dangerous guy. He has a difficult job and it's one that most people would find objectionable. Troy however seems to feel it's his due and he does it extremely well. Troy's background has shaped who and what he is and without divulging any of the plot, I will just say that his personal story and journey is well written and at times quite shocking.

Sandy is from the mid-west and escaped "home" because she craved more out of life than settling down and having babies. She is constantly questioned by her mother as to when she plans on moving home and doing just that. Trouble is Sandy has no desire to settle down and in fact she craves a lot more out of life especially when it comes to her sexuality. The funny thing is everyone she works with sees her as this innocent, wholesome woman.

Early in the story Troy hauls Sandy out of what he sees as a potentially dangerous situation and then proceeds to send her mixed signals (so like a guy!). Sandy soon takes her roommate Jazz's advice and makes her intentions quite known to Troy. They start a relationship much to the dismay of Sam who sees Sandy as too sweet and innocent to be with someone like Troy. Before long a situation develops with Jazz's boyfriend that puts both her and Sandy in danger. I will warn you that there is a very intense and very graphic scene with Jazz and her boyfriend that some people might find hard to read. It is not pretty and unfortunately it is a situation that many women find themselves in and it is my hope that women will read this and realize what they can do to protect themselves.

This is a very complex and suspenseful story. With every book we see more and more layers to this series and Hidden Head has me intrigued as to what will come next, in my opinion that is some great writing because I'm already anticipating the next release!

Sandy Halliquist left Minnesota to find some excitement in the big city. She's not ready to settle down and get married like her mother wishes she would. Sandy loves her job at Hauberk Protection. She likes the people and believes in the job. There's just one problem and it's her uncontrollable attraction to Hauberk employee Troy.

Troy is a bodyguard for Hauberk Protection but he is also an assassin. The military taught him well and he has some unfinished business with some despicable people. Until he takes care of it he can't move on. The last thing Troy needs is a distraction but it's getting hard to deny the feelings that Sandy inspires.

Neither Sandy nor Troy are looking for a forever type of relationship. They both want a hot fling so that's what they agree to. But when danger stalks Hauberk Protection someone is bound to get hurt. Can Troy protect Sandy from the enemies lurking near? Will these two singles decide marriage is in the cards?

Hidden Heat is plump with sexual tension and thrilling drama. Leah Braemel keeps her Hauberk Protection series hot with another exciting couple and edge of your seat plotting. Sandy and Troy are explosive in the bedroom and out. Both characters have their own agenda and neither is looking for marriage but it doesn't take long for their emotions to start confusing them making them think about forever.

There is an excellent, dark, and gritty plot in Hidden Heat. Some of it is even hard to read but it makes the story more realistic. Bad things happen to good people all the time it's awful but there's no getting around it. I like that Ms. Braemel keeps it real with her characters. I enjoyed the characters honesty with each other. I also enjoyed getting some page time with characters from previous books in the series. It's not necessary to have read the previous books to follow this killer story but I bet you will want to check them out after reading Hidden Heat. I personally can't wait to see what Ms. Braemel has in store next for her outstanding Hauberk Protection series.

*Hidden Heat does feature a rape scene

Miranda for Joyfully Reviewd

Sandy Hallquist works as the executive assistant at Hauberk Protection. At work she is coolly efficient and handles all business matters with the seriousness they deserve. Her personal life is a completely different story. Contrary to some opinions she isn't looking for a wedding ring, white picket fence and a dog. If she wanted that kind of scenario she would have remained in Minnesota and gone along with her marriage-minded mama's plans for her life. Sandy wants a life full of excitement and fun without the messy commitments - and she believes that Troy fits that bill perfectly.

Troy McPherson is wildly attracted to Sandy but believes her milk & honey demeanor to be a good indication that they would be all wrong for each other. Troy is 100% bad ass. He works for Hauberk Protection Agency but he's also a highly qualified assassin - and he makes no apologies for that either. He didn't have a traditional upbringing and not even his name is real. As far as he's concerned Sandy is off-limits - and not just because of the risk of a sexual harassment suit either.

Despite Troy's best efforts to maintain his cool where Sandy's concerned he slips and allows himself a moment of pleasure after preventing her from leaving a club with another man. The impulsive kiss they share in the parking lot spirals into a soul stirring sexual experience that Sandy longs to repeat - only Troy doesn't seem to share her feelings. Thanks to Jazz, Sandy's friend and roommate, she decides to take matters into her own hands and corners him at work for a little extracurricular sexual activity - along with a few downhome truths about what she truly desires. What neither of them expects is for their hook up to lead to so much emotional turmoil or soul searching. When the `L' word is mentioned it looks like Sandy might call a halt to their relationship, but is that really what she wants - a future without Troy?

Leah Braemel continues her utterly charming HAUBERK PROTECTION series with its newest release HIDDEN HEAT. Sandy and Troy complement each other beautifully. They're headstrong, trustworthy, adventurous, and emotionally detached - or at least that's how they are with most people. Together they're combustible. If you've read the other titles in the series you're well aware of the unique friendships, inner office romances and sometimes dangerous situations that are such a driving force throughout this series, but with HIDDEN HEAT there's a deeper element that caught my attention - the inner turmoil Sandy and Troy face while trying to come to grips with their pasts and what could potentially be a happy future. Once again Ms. Braemel pens a brilliant storyline that incites many emotions in the reader - including laughter and some serious head shaking. HIDDEN HEAT is a powerful and fun story full of all the emotion, sensuality and suspense that I've come to really enjoy in Ms. Braemel's writing.

HIDDEN HEAT is the fourth title in Leah Braemel's HAUBERK PROTECTION series.
Other titles:
PRIVATE PROPERTY
PERSONAL PROTECTION
DELIBERATE DECEPTIONS

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)