Review of Beck (Corps Security #3) by Harper Sloan

[Barbara Ann RS]

If you have been following this series, you do not want to miss reading Beck! The novel has a heavy emphasis on romance, and although it is primarily a character-driven plot, the story is full of intense, suspenseful moments and heavy-hitting surprises that left me stunned by the end.

John Beckett and Denise “Dee” Roberts are the featured couple in this third installment of the Corps Security series. Even though the book is titled for Beck’s character, I really think Dee’s character arc and transformation is the crux of the story, and Beck is her rock, becoming her anchor when she feels the urge to run away or withdraw from life.

Dee has been a part of the series from the beginning and although her character hadn’t been fully developed, it was evident that she is an amazingly supportive, loyal best friend to Izzie whose drama unfolds in Axel, the first book in the series.  Thus far, Dee has appeared to be the flirty, happy-go-lucky friend, too fickle to have any kind of serious relationship with Beck, who has been interested in her from the first time they met. However, in Dee’s case, appearances are deceiving, and slowly, over the course of the book, Sloan peels away the layers of the protective shell that encases Dee to reveal the personal demons that haunt her. If you haven’t read the series, I strongly encourage you to start with Axel in order to fully understand Dee’s fears and the depression she privately battles.

“I am Denise Ann Roberts. Strong, Proud, and independent. A loyal friend, godmother, and I radiate…happiness so that people will never see how lonely I really am.” 

Dee and Beck’s story covers a two year time span and is narrated from both of their POVs. No one really knows why Dee and Beck have never been able to commit to each other despite the strong chemistry that sizzles between them. Beck has been frustrated with Dee for much of the past two years, and I was a bit surprised when I realized how serious he is about Dee. He isn’t satisfied with the purely physical relationship that Dee has offered; he wants her heart as well.  While Beck’s “brothers” just shake their heads at his refusal to give up on a hopeless relationship, they have no idea of the emotional connection Beck has forged with Dee after seeing past her façade.  I was floored by Beck’s consistent adoration, loyalty, and the depth of his love for a woman who has continuously pushed him away. 

Overall, Dee is a likeable character but early in the book, I was frustrated and confused about why she keeps running from a man whose feelings are so genuine and transparent. I really didn’t understand why she couldn’t lower her guard to give him a chance. However as more details are revealed about her past and the pain she’s endured, I gradually began to empathize with her reluctance to trust men, and I could see why Beck is willing to be so patient with her.

What can I say about Beck? He’s a drool worthy hero, beautiful and solid on both the inside and out. Is he a little too perfect? Maybe. I found it hard to find any flaws in his character. Perhaps he’s a bit too possessive and territorial and goes a bit overboard when his inner caveman comes out? I’ll let you decide. Nevertheless, it’s nice to find a hero with the fortitude to stand up and fight for the woman he wants when it would be so easy to just walk away from the constant rejection.

The love scenes interspersed throughout the book are wild and steamy but don’t overshadow the character development and drama that unfolds. Although the majority of the book focuses on Beck and Dee’s evolving relationship, a subplot related to Dee’s company does put her life in jeopardy and leads to some tense and explosive scenes that certainly ratcheted up my interest to find out what will happen in the next book since new characters have been introduced and potential new relationships are foreshadowed.

If you like the series but aren’t quite hooked yet, Beck may be just the book that will push you into becoming a fan.

I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.

Link to Blog Tour & Giveaway

http://sunmountainreviews.wordpress.com/2014/01/04/blog-tour-review...