4 Wine Glass #Review of Covert Games by Katie Reus

Title: Covert Games
Series: Redemption Harbor #6
Author: Katie Reus
Format: Kindle Edition, 201 pages
Published: January 22nd 2019 by KR Press, LLC
ISBN: ASIN B07JN56BLN
Links:  Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

She was supposed to be a means to an end…

Redemption Harbor Consulting’s greatest enemy, Alexei Kuznetsov, is in their sights. For RHC cofounder Leighton, toppling the treacherous criminal’s empire is one more small step toward making up for his own past. To destroy Kuznetsov, he’ll go through the Russian’s niece, a woman Leighton suspects may also be guilty of dirty deeds. A woman he doesn’t count on wanting…who boils his blood and makes Leighton want things he doesn’t deserve with someone he can’t have.

Now she’s everything to him…

Despite other prospects, family loyalty has Lucy Carreras running one of her uncle’s prosperous hotels. But the longer she observes its operations, the more she believes the elegant establishment is host to some shady exploits. When her suspicions are confirmed by Leighton—a dangerous man straight out of her fantasies—Lucy’s entire world explodes when she learns just how evil her uncle’s sins are. Now she can’t stand by and let it continue. She and Leighton will take Alexei down together…if they can survive the deadly storm hurtling toward them.

Your Thoughts:
Lucy Carreras had gotten under his skin… 

Katie Reus’ Covert Games is the latest release in her Redemption Harbor series. It is officially the sixth installment, but it works well as a stand alone read, if that is your preference. Redemption Harbor Consulting’s confounder Leighton finally gets his story told as he’s featured along with Luciana “Lucy” Carreras, the niece of RHC’s greatest adversary, Russian crime lord Alexei Kuznetsov.

As this tale opens, Leighton receives intel through an old FBI friend that Kuznetsov will shortly be brought to justice by the FBI. This same friend expresses concerns about one of Kuznetsov’s female sex trafficking victims who is believed to be located in New Orleans. The FBI won’t get involved in a rescue as doing so would sabotage their planned takedown. So, she asks Leighton to rescue her.

The team quickly mobilizes to find, snatch and save that one woman. But, as they receive more information, they expand their search and rescue to include as many of Kuznetsov’s unwilling victims as they can before they get caught in the crossfire. To do so, the team plans to use the current manager of The Sapphire, Kuznetsov’s hotel and casino complex in New Orleans to get inside his operation. That manager is Lucy, Kuznetsov’s niece. Left unanswered is whether Lucy is her uncle’s willing accomplice or if she’s not cognizant of his illegal and immoral activities. What Leighton doesn’t count on is being blindsided by the sparks that fly between him and Lucy.

Leighton and Lucy are both wonderful characters. Leighton is lonely and surrounded by other team members who have found their own love interests. Sadly, Leighton feels that he is doomed to never find love. So, when he first meets Lucy and is instantly attracted to her, he’s very tender and sweet with her. His alpha nature quickly comes to the forefront as he vows to protect her at any cost.

Unlike her uncle, Lucy has morals and is a kind, warm-hearted soul. My heart broke for her when she discovered that she’d been misled regarding her parents’ deaths. Leighton was her rock during this traumatic time. I really loved the steamy chemistry between them, and the caring, courageous natures that this couple exhibit. If I had any complaint, it would be that I’d have liked to have seen more to make them insta-like then insta-love so rapidly. But, heck, their relationship worked well with this story and I had no trouble just going with it.

The whole team is involved in this mission. As a fan, it’s a treat anytime I can catch up with them - especially Skye, who was half of the couple who kicked off this series. She’s still kickass and a bit crazy, but she’s also funny, competent and has most assuredly found her perfect niche with the team.

Following please find a few of my favorite lines from Covert Games:

"I want you more than any woman… Ever."
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“Kiss me,” she softly demanded, her eyes flaring with heat and hunger. For him.
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"Fight for the fairy tale. It exists." 
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"When you know… you know. If she’s it for you, don’t fight it."

Katie is one of my favorite authors. Her books are always entertaining reads.  She’s a must-read for me so as soon as I see she’s had a new release, I pick it up. Covert Games is an outstanding addition to Katie’s Redemption Harbor series. It’s teeming with romance, gripping suspense, surprising twists, fast-paced action, humor and danger at every turn! I can’t wait for the next book, Chasing Vengeance, to be released in April 2019!



Suggested Reading Order: 
1. Resurrection
2. Savage Rising
3. Dangerous Witness
4. Innocent Target
5. Hunting Danger
6. Covert Games
7. Chasing Vengeance – Coming April 2019!