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Norcross Security #1
The Investigator
It should have been easy. Stay away from her boss’ hot brother.
Museum curator Haven McKinney has sworn off men. All of them. Totally. She’s recently escaped a bad ex and started a new life for herself in San Francisco. She loves her job at the Hutton Museum, likes her new boss, and has made best friends with his feisty sister. Haven’s also desperately trying not to notice their brother: hotshot investigator Rhys Norcross. And she’s really trying not to notice his muscular body, sexy tattoos, and charming smile.
Nope, Rhys is off limits.
Investigator Rhys Norcross is good at finding his targets. After leaving an elite military team, he thrives on his job at his brother’s security firm, Norcross Security. He’s had his eye on smart, sexy Haven for a while, but the pretty curator with her eyes full of secrets is proving far harder to chase down than he anticipated.
Luckily, Rhys never, ever gives up.
When thieves target the museum and steal a multi-million-dollar painting in a daring theft, Haven finds herself right in the middle of a deadly situation. With the painting gone and Haven in danger, Rhys vows to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and Haven finds herself risking the one thing she was trying so hard to protect—her heart.
Museum curator Haven McKinney has sworn off men. All of them. Totally. She’s recently escaped a bad ex and started a new life for herself in San Francisco. She loves her job at the Hutton Museum, likes her new boss, and has made best friends with his feisty sister. Haven’s also desperately trying not to notice their brother: hotshot investigator Rhys Norcross. And she’s really trying not to notice his muscular body, sexy tattoos, and charming smile.
Nope, Rhys is off limits.
Investigator Rhys Norcross is good at finding his targets. After leaving an elite military team, he thrives on his job at his brother’s security firm, Norcross Security. He’s had his eye on smart, sexy Haven for a while, but the pretty curator with her eyes full of secrets is proving far harder to chase down than he anticipated.
Luckily, Rhys never, ever gives up.
When thieves target the museum and steal a multi-million-dollar painting in a daring theft, Haven finds herself right in the middle of a deadly situation. With the painting gone and Haven in danger, Rhys vows to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and Haven finds herself risking the one thing she was trying so hard to protect—her heart.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2020
About the author
Anna Hackett
144 books2,492 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews
April 3, 2021
Norcross Security is the worst security service in the entire romance world. Reese done a poor job protrcting Haven. Because Haven kept being missing or in danger. Good thing, Miss Hackett makes this book short.
So do not expect much of sophisticated plot/ chemistry. More insta lust. Then Haven kept got in danger. Reese is acting as hero all the way. Depite all that, I still enjoy this book OK. Maybe because I need something silly to distract me. Or maybe I just want something light for my rainy weekend.
3 stars
So do not expect much of sophisticated plot/ chemistry. More insta lust. Then Haven kept got in danger. Reese is acting as hero all the way. Depite all that, I still enjoy this book OK. Maybe because I need something silly to distract me. Or maybe I just want something light for my rainy weekend.
3 stars
May 2, 2022
2⭐️
how is he a bodyguard if she keeps getting kidnapped and what not? idk felt very? weird? shit wasn't adding up.
how is he a bodyguard if she keeps getting kidnapped and what not? idk felt very? weird? shit wasn't adding up.
September 15, 2020
This is a hard one to write.
It isn’t often that Anna Hackett has her writerly chops planted firmly on earth but the Norcross series promises that, with hot men in suits—former military, but now running their own businesses, getting involved in several suspense plots along the way. As an RS reader, it’s familiar ground; as a Hackett fan, I had both tingles of excitement and my own personal reservations about it.
But the long and short of it is, ‘The Investigator’ didn’t exactly work out for me, having fallen roundly into the clichés that tend to abound in such a genre: a gruff talking former manwhore (with some OW drama) who seemed to like the use of the words ‘mine’ and ‘baby’, the action scenes that comprised the hapless heroine getting into waves of trouble and having the hero ride to her rescue, predictable dialogue, and the wave of instant lust/love that weirdly keeps the hero chasing after a woman who frankly didn’t seem too much of a standout protagonist. I couldn’t quite believe in Rhys and Haven as a pairing as a result and found myself more interested in the whole cast of characters that Hackett wrote into this first book, even if there isn’t much detail yet on how distinguishable these Norcross men and their associates really are apart from their being suited, hot, tattooed and alpha.
‘The Investigator’ begins with art heist and sort of gives an idea of how this series is going to go on—with shady underworld dealings and events that shake up the male protagonist’s worldview sufficiently that he is now motivated to move for the woman he’s always had his eye on. I wish I had a better time with this but I’m keeping my fingers crossed through, that it’ll just get better from here.
*ARC by the author
It isn’t often that Anna Hackett has her writerly chops planted firmly on earth but the Norcross series promises that, with hot men in suits—former military, but now running their own businesses, getting involved in several suspense plots along the way. As an RS reader, it’s familiar ground; as a Hackett fan, I had both tingles of excitement and my own personal reservations about it.
But the long and short of it is, ‘The Investigator’ didn’t exactly work out for me, having fallen roundly into the clichés that tend to abound in such a genre: a gruff talking former manwhore (with some OW drama) who seemed to like the use of the words ‘mine’ and ‘baby’, the action scenes that comprised the hapless heroine getting into waves of trouble and having the hero ride to her rescue, predictable dialogue, and the wave of instant lust/love that weirdly keeps the hero chasing after a woman who frankly didn’t seem too much of a standout protagonist. I couldn’t quite believe in Rhys and Haven as a pairing as a result and found myself more interested in the whole cast of characters that Hackett wrote into this first book, even if there isn’t much detail yet on how distinguishable these Norcross men and their associates really are apart from their being suited, hot, tattooed and alpha.
‘The Investigator’ begins with art heist and sort of gives an idea of how this series is going to go on—with shady underworld dealings and events that shake up the male protagonist’s worldview sufficiently that he is now motivated to move for the woman he’s always had his eye on. I wish I had a better time with this but I’m keeping my fingers crossed through, that it’ll just get better from here.
*ARC by the author
October 2, 2021
One thing is for sure….ya can’t say this shit is boring.
The storyline is constantly moving. There is almost constant action - sexual, danger, or something in between. Pacing is the author’s strongest writing skill. Even the parts I hated were so short that I could easily just move along.
DANGER GALORE
The first, second, third, and fifth danger scenes are fine.
The third danger scene made me scratch my head as to why the bad guy would come back and do something so public as opposed to waiting to catch her alone, secluded.
I lost count of the danger scenes, but the party the FMC goes to was the worst. It was a risk without reward, and felt very soap opera kinda danger because it ended up being much ado about nothing.
The fast pacing here leaves you little time to get too caught up in the absurdity of the FMC being such a gigantic danger magnet.
I noticed some reviews complained about her being TSTL, reckless, weak, etc.. I didn’t find that until the kidnapping at 77%. She’s an average gal and fights like one. For the most part, she made very human, realistic decisions. The decision at 77% to go chase the painting wasn’t exactly smart, but I would call it more human than TSTL. Wonder Woman with a stiletto? Ehh, okay, I’ll even go with that, but the dialogue here is what I can’t go with. I other words, it’s not what she does that’s the problem… it’s the cheese coming out of the character’s mouths.
Lifetime movie awards cheesy….
“Mr. Volkov wants you.” “Well, he can’t have me.” She scrambled back. “You can’t just decide you want a person and take them. I’m not a thing.”
^^^ It’s bad. Just bad.
It took me until that 75-80% mark to put my finger on what prevented this book from being good. The danger element is written like a YA/Preteen novel (think Hardy Boys) whilst the romance and character arcs are nothing of the sort. It’s a mix match, and the danger plot at 80% brings that forward. Up until then, I could go with it, but this is just so fucking stupid and cheesy that it could curdle a raccoon’s stomach.
Moving on…
MMC is a’right. Not my fav, but he doesn’t grate my nerves. I think what lowered my liking was that he is a security expert but doesn’t do a great job at steering danger away from her. I keep envisioning The Pink Panther and Mr. Magoo in Magic Mike’s body.
Romance was a rollercoaster. Yes, it’s kinda caveman’ish hot, and I do get why she’s hesitant to let the MMC in, but their words and actions don’t match here. He doesn’t go balls to the wall and just tell her she’s it for him, but he makes claims on her like he has. Same with her, she says she don’t want romance with him, but she’s constantly taking/ giving dry humping, oral, and make out sessions. I’d have just liked some straight shooting to come a lot earlier.
This is insta-attraction with a slow burn to more and more feelings developing. There are OW/OM on page, but neither MC have sex or intimacy with OM/OW after laying eyes on each other. Plenty of sexy times.
Ending…
Author wraps everything up with MCs, leaving no dangling threads. HFN. The closing scene is something to set up a secondary character’s book, and it takes its OTT theme from the rest of the book. A shootout at that gala *eyeroll*. It’s so absurd that I can’t help but be curious. I’m apparently a masochist.
OVERALL
I can’t say WTF I’m left with here. I feel like I’ve been hit by a cheese tornado and kinda liked it somehow. *Dips stale nacho in the sauce* Whewweee. 2.5 stars.
.
The storyline is constantly moving. There is almost constant action - sexual, danger, or something in between. Pacing is the author’s strongest writing skill. Even the parts I hated were so short that I could easily just move along.
DANGER GALORE
The first, second, third, and fifth danger scenes are fine.
The third danger scene made me scratch my head as to why the bad guy would come back and do something so public as opposed to waiting to catch her alone, secluded.
I lost count of the danger scenes, but the party the FMC goes to was the worst. It was a risk without reward, and felt very soap opera kinda danger because it ended up being much ado about nothing.
The fast pacing here leaves you little time to get too caught up in the absurdity of the FMC being such a gigantic danger magnet.
I noticed some reviews complained about her being TSTL, reckless, weak, etc.. I didn’t find that until the kidnapping at 77%. She’s an average gal and fights like one. For the most part, she made very human, realistic decisions. The decision at 77% to go chase the painting wasn’t exactly smart, but I would call it more human than TSTL. Wonder Woman with a stiletto? Ehh, okay, I’ll even go with that, but the dialogue here is what I can’t go with. I other words, it’s not what she does that’s the problem… it’s the cheese coming out of the character’s mouths.
Lifetime movie awards cheesy….
“Mr. Volkov wants you.” “Well, he can’t have me.” She scrambled back. “You can’t just decide you want a person and take them. I’m not a thing.”
^^^ It’s bad. Just bad.
It took me until that 75-80% mark to put my finger on what prevented this book from being good. The danger element is written like a YA/Preteen novel (think Hardy Boys) whilst the romance and character arcs are nothing of the sort. It’s a mix match, and the danger plot at 80% brings that forward. Up until then, I could go with it, but this is just so fucking stupid and cheesy that it could curdle a raccoon’s stomach.
Moving on…
MMC is a’right. Not my fav, but he doesn’t grate my nerves. I think what lowered my liking was that he is a security expert but doesn’t do a great job at steering danger away from her. I keep envisioning The Pink Panther and Mr. Magoo in Magic Mike’s body.
Romance was a rollercoaster. Yes, it’s kinda caveman’ish hot, and I do get why she’s hesitant to let the MMC in, but their words and actions don’t match here. He doesn’t go balls to the wall and just tell her she’s it for him, but he makes claims on her like he has. Same with her, she says she don’t want romance with him, but she’s constantly taking/ giving dry humping, oral, and make out sessions. I’d have just liked some straight shooting to come a lot earlier.
This is insta-attraction with a slow burn to more and more feelings developing. There are OW/OM on page, but neither MC have sex or intimacy with OM/OW after laying eyes on each other. Plenty of sexy times.
Ending…
Author wraps everything up with MCs, leaving no dangling threads. HFN. The closing scene is something to set up a secondary character’s book, and it takes its OTT theme from the rest of the book. A shootout at that gala *eyeroll*. It’s so absurd that I can’t help but be curious. I’m apparently a masochist.
OVERALL
I can’t say WTF I’m left with here. I feel like I’ve been hit by a cheese tornado and kinda liked it somehow. *Dips stale nacho in the sauce* Whewweee. 2.5 stars.
.
Read
March 29, 2021Lost interest @ 43%
September 10, 2020
Well to be blunt I really wasn’t sure that I would really enjoy this new series but this book took wings and just blew me away. I’m usually more of a paranormal reader so had strong reservations about this very contemporary series but I can honestly say it was a nonstop, exciting story full of twists. Haven our heroine is smart, driven , totally off all men and unfortunately attracts all kinds of weirdos ! Now luckily she also attracts her bosses brother Rhys who is part of a top notch security team and it turns out that Haven is constantly in very real danger.
This couple have so much chemistry and I’m surprised that my kindle didn’t start smoking ! Slight problem though as they have misunderstandings and Haven just keeps pushing Rhys or at least trying to away. I truly found the situations Haven kept finding herself in both amusing and unexpected but do think the pace added greatly to my overall enjoyment. The author throws a lot into this the first book and we meet numerous supporting characters that are simply crying out to have their stories told. Bottom line is this was sexy, exciting and fun so what’s not to love ?
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This couple have so much chemistry and I’m surprised that my kindle didn’t start smoking ! Slight problem though as they have misunderstandings and Haven just keeps pushing Rhys or at least trying to away. I truly found the situations Haven kept finding herself in both amusing and unexpected but do think the pace added greatly to my overall enjoyment. The author throws a lot into this the first book and we meet numerous supporting characters that are simply crying out to have their stories told. Bottom line is this was sexy, exciting and fun so what’s not to love ?
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
October 22, 2020
Safe and recommended.
May 17, 2021
I'm writing this as I just wrapped up book 3 in this series. I breezed through the first three books in this series so fast (I mean in the span of the last 36 hours) I didn't even take the time to update my Goodreads account!
You better believe I will be reading more from this author asap! The Norcross men have me hooked ❤️
You better believe I will be reading more from this author asap! The Norcross men have me hooked ❤️
November 22, 2023
THE INVESTIGATOR starts off a new series by Anna Hackett and I enjoyed meeting these new characters. I'm also a big fan of the best friend's sibling trope so that was a nice bonus for me. There was a great balance between the action and romance and I always enjoy the fast paced stories that Hackett writes. Haven and Rhys were incredibly sexy together and this was hitting all my favorites on the swoon list. In fact, the relationship between Haven and Rhys was my favorite part of the story even though they start off a bit rocky because Haven doesn't trust easily. I would honestly only rate the story/plot with three stars because it was a bit overly cliched in some parts but the characters make up for it and that's why I went with four stars. I'm looking forward to reading more with the Norcross family!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Treasure Hunter Security
2. Team 52
3. Norcross Security
4. Billionaire Heists
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Treasure Hunter Security
2. Team 52
3. Norcross Security
4. Billionaire Heists
May 17, 2022
The Amazon note to readers said that the heroine got kidnapped a lot. It wasn't kidding.
I was excited by the blurb because I love heist-related stories. But despite the high stakes of the heist (stolen multi-million dollar painting), the way that the heist and recovery went down in the book didn't feel all that exciting. It felt like Hackett wrote down all the tropes and moments she wanted to hit in the book, outlined where she wanted them to happen, and wrote the rest of the book around those points.
Also, I wouldn't hire Norcross Security if I lived in this book's universe because they don't seem like an effective security firm. Their struggles made the romance less enjoyable for me because they're painted as this elite security team but they didn't come across as one at all. For example, they're supposed to be keeping Haven safe but she keeps on getting kidnapped multiple times in ways that should've been preventable if this group was as elite as they were portrayed.
I liked the romance more than the suspense. Rhys and Haven were attracted to each other before the book begins so we don't get a strong understanding of what it is about the other person that they like, but they seem like a well-suited couple with a lot of chemistry. I do think the weaker suspense let the romance down because Rhys is part of that security team as Norcross' lead investigator.
It was entertaining enough but I don't think I'll seek out other books in this series.
This is a steamy, open door romance. There are multiple scenes of kidnapping and some violence but nothing gory. The book also ends in a cliffhanger that's probably a lead-in for the next book but the main story between Rhys and Haven is resolved by the end of the book.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog.
I was excited by the blurb because I love heist-related stories. But despite the high stakes of the heist (stolen multi-million dollar painting), the way that the heist and recovery went down in the book didn't feel all that exciting. It felt like Hackett wrote down all the tropes and moments she wanted to hit in the book, outlined where she wanted them to happen, and wrote the rest of the book around those points.
Also, I wouldn't hire Norcross Security if I lived in this book's universe because they don't seem like an effective security firm. Their struggles made the romance less enjoyable for me because they're painted as this elite security team but they didn't come across as one at all. For example, they're supposed to be keeping Haven safe but she keeps on getting kidnapped multiple times in ways that should've been preventable if this group was as elite as they were portrayed.
I liked the romance more than the suspense. Rhys and Haven were attracted to each other before the book begins so we don't get a strong understanding of what it is about the other person that they like, but they seem like a well-suited couple with a lot of chemistry. I do think the weaker suspense let the romance down because Rhys is part of that security team as Norcross' lead investigator.
It was entertaining enough but I don't think I'll seek out other books in this series.
This is a steamy, open door romance. There are multiple scenes of kidnapping and some violence but nothing gory. The book also ends in a cliffhanger that's probably a lead-in for the next book but the main story between Rhys and Haven is resolved by the end of the book.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog.
April 20, 2021
5 stars ⭐️
Anna Hackett never fails to deliver a great story. Plenty of action, hunky alpha men, sassy females, bad guys! This new series of hers is fantastic. Abit cheesy in humour, but hey, I enjoyed the ride. Wish I had my own Vander, Rhys, Easton, Saxon, or Rome. 😍😍
Anna Hackett never fails to deliver a great story. Plenty of action, hunky alpha men, sassy females, bad guys! This new series of hers is fantastic. Abit cheesy in humour, but hey, I enjoyed the ride. Wish I had my own Vander, Rhys, Easton, Saxon, or Rome. 😍😍
July 10, 2022
DNF @50% okay this just wasn’t doing it for me 😭
April 29, 2021
Struggled with the series as it progressed. The characters all seem very similar...just different names. Some of the scenes across the books felt similar too. Didn’t feel like a lot of character progression, nor did they feel very 3 dimensional either. Did really want to like this series, but just not for me.
October 27, 2021
2.5 stars lmao. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. The heroine keeps getting kidnapped which is fine but it's dumb. And they were head over heels in love with other way too soon. The lust thing was really annoying too.
May 23, 2022
Kidnapping
I just want to know how many times one woman can get kidnapped in one book. Just asking for a friend.
I just want to know how many times one woman can get kidnapped in one book. Just asking for a friend.
August 22, 2022
A new-to-me author. A reader recommended Ms. Hackett to me, and I'm glad I picked up her book!
Norcross Security is a billion-dollar security company set in San Francisco. The brothers and some of their friends are former military who've set up a private security company with far-reaching talents and connections. All the men are sexy badasses. And so far, the women hold their own. This one was set in the art world and starts with an exciting, tense scene with a Monet being stolen from the museum where the heroine is curator. (Ack! Monet is my favorite painter ;) ) The action and sexual tension are pretty non-stop.
I really liked the story for the pacing and the action. I didn't love the story, though, because I had a hard time relating to the main characters. Everybody is rich and/or beautiful and/or powerful. I would have appreciated getting a little more into their emotions and motivations vs. just telling me that someone had emotional baggage.
The supporting characters are clearly hinting at future stories in the series. It was solid, escapist reading.
I liked it well enough that I looked up the author to see that she has many other books. I was excited to pick up her Team 52 series. I haven't read a good sci-fi/adventure romance in a while. I'm really liking those.
Norcross Security is a billion-dollar security company set in San Francisco. The brothers and some of their friends are former military who've set up a private security company with far-reaching talents and connections. All the men are sexy badasses. And so far, the women hold their own. This one was set in the art world and starts with an exciting, tense scene with a Monet being stolen from the museum where the heroine is curator. (Ack! Monet is my favorite painter ;) ) The action and sexual tension are pretty non-stop.
I really liked the story for the pacing and the action. I didn't love the story, though, because I had a hard time relating to the main characters. Everybody is rich and/or beautiful and/or powerful. I would have appreciated getting a little more into their emotions and motivations vs. just telling me that someone had emotional baggage.
The supporting characters are clearly hinting at future stories in the series. It was solid, escapist reading.
I liked it well enough that I looked up the author to see that she has many other books. I was excited to pick up her Team 52 series. I haven't read a good sci-fi/adventure romance in a while. I'm really liking those.
September 16, 2020
The Investigator: A Boss' Brother Romance
Norcross Series #1
Anna Hackett
https://www.facebook.com/AnnaHackettA...
Release date 09/14/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
It should have been easy. Stay away from her boss’ hot brother.
Museum curator Haven McKinney has sworn off men. All of them. Totally. She’s recently escaped a bad ex and started a new life for herself in San Francisco. She loves her job at the Hutton Museum, likes her new boss, and has made best friends with his feisty sister. Haven’s also desperately trying not to notice their brother: hotshot investigator Rhys Norcross. And she’s really trying not to notice his muscular body, sexy tattoos, and charming smile.
Nope, Rhys is off limits.
Investigator Rhys Norcross is good at finding his targets. After leaving an elite military team, he thrives on his job at his brother’s security firm, Norcross Security. He’s had his eye on smart, sexy Haven for a while, but the pretty curator with her eyes full of secrets is proving far harder to chase down than he anticipated.
Luckily, Rhys never, ever gives up.
When thieves target the museum and steal a multi-million-dollar painting in a daring theft, Haven finds herself right in the middle of a deadly situation. With the painting gone and Haven in danger, Rhys vows to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and Haven finds herself risking the one thing she was trying so hard to protect—her heart.
Note to readers: This is a sexy, fast-paced romance with a heroine in danger who’s sworn off men (and gets kidnapped…a lot) and a hot, tattooed former military hero (who looks fine in a suit and rolls his sleeves up showing off his ink).
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When the world looks like to collapse on her head, he is the one standing by her side ...
I was curious about this new series as it is maybe my first Anna Hackett read with has no paranormal element or is not science-fiction.
But like her other series, it is a non-stop action read with a badass hero and a very resilient heroine.
Rhys is wowowowwww, charming, sex on stick, over protective and he has his hands full with Haven and he is falling quick and hard.
Haven is more on the reserved side, after one too many deceit, she has sworn of men, if she can stick to her new rule as Rhys is definitely very yummy.
I do not know how haven still stands up after everything she went through, it looks like she suffers from a case of bad luck with Rhys as her cure. Yet, I would be happy to switch place with her (sorry hub), if being beaten, drugged, kidnapped, my bottom singed could too be avoided. She has every right to breakdown, thus she does but she gets also very angry for becoming every villain’s punching-ball, and an angry Haven can become quite violent if not murderous.
I loved this introduction to a new series and can’t wait for its sequel and the other members of the team to get their own story.
4.5 stars for the good time I spend among the Norcross’ family and gang.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Norcross Series #1
Anna Hackett
https://www.facebook.com/AnnaHackettA...
Release date 09/14/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
It should have been easy. Stay away from her boss’ hot brother.
Museum curator Haven McKinney has sworn off men. All of them. Totally. She’s recently escaped a bad ex and started a new life for herself in San Francisco. She loves her job at the Hutton Museum, likes her new boss, and has made best friends with his feisty sister. Haven’s also desperately trying not to notice their brother: hotshot investigator Rhys Norcross. And she’s really trying not to notice his muscular body, sexy tattoos, and charming smile.
Nope, Rhys is off limits.
Investigator Rhys Norcross is good at finding his targets. After leaving an elite military team, he thrives on his job at his brother’s security firm, Norcross Security. He’s had his eye on smart, sexy Haven for a while, but the pretty curator with her eyes full of secrets is proving far harder to chase down than he anticipated.
Luckily, Rhys never, ever gives up.
When thieves target the museum and steal a multi-million-dollar painting in a daring theft, Haven finds herself right in the middle of a deadly situation. With the painting gone and Haven in danger, Rhys vows to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and Haven finds herself risking the one thing she was trying so hard to protect—her heart.
Note to readers: This is a sexy, fast-paced romance with a heroine in danger who’s sworn off men (and gets kidnapped…a lot) and a hot, tattooed former military hero (who looks fine in a suit and rolls his sleeves up showing off his ink).
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When the world looks like to collapse on her head, he is the one standing by her side ...
I was curious about this new series as it is maybe my first Anna Hackett read with has no paranormal element or is not science-fiction.
But like her other series, it is a non-stop action read with a badass hero and a very resilient heroine.
Rhys is wowowowwww, charming, sex on stick, over protective and he has his hands full with Haven and he is falling quick and hard.
Haven is more on the reserved side, after one too many deceit, she has sworn of men, if she can stick to her new rule as Rhys is definitely very yummy.
I do not know how haven still stands up after everything she went through, it looks like she suffers from a case of bad luck with Rhys as her cure. Yet, I would be happy to switch place with her (sorry hub), if being beaten, drugged, kidnapped, my bottom singed could too be avoided. She has every right to breakdown, thus she does but she gets also very angry for becoming every villain’s punching-ball, and an angry Haven can become quite violent if not murderous.
I loved this introduction to a new series and can’t wait for its sequel and the other members of the team to get their own story.
4.5 stars for the good time I spend among the Norcross’ family and gang.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 23, 2022
DNF 56% 1 star..
Oh boy… I am in the minority. This book is only 230 some odd pages but managed to make me feel like it was 800. I usually finish a 400 page book in 1-3 sittings but I’m only half way through and I’ve dried nearly a dozen times just to power though but I can’t do it anymore.
The heroine makes me want to burn the book.
Now let me rant… I can stand a helpless heroine who also does the “No I want to help” and the “everyone is more important than little ole me”. You’re not allowed to cause all the problem, not help with anything, and constantly get in the way. You can be one but you cannot do all three!
“I’ve sworn off men… until it’s confident” I feel awful for the guy. He is being led on for like half the book and she also insults the shit out of him when all he’s done is save her ass! She’s so annoying! Omg!!!
The writing was fine but repetitive and predictable and the heroine was so unlikeable it made this book drag like no other.
There was like three sex scenes in a row but they last for all of a paragraph including him being magically able to make her come with practically no effort. Gag.
2/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. Get a better girlfriend dude, she isn’t worth it.
Oh boy… I am in the minority. This book is only 230 some odd pages but managed to make me feel like it was 800. I usually finish a 400 page book in 1-3 sittings but I’m only half way through and I’ve dried nearly a dozen times just to power though but I can’t do it anymore.
The heroine makes me want to burn the book.
Now let me rant… I can stand a helpless heroine who also does the “No I want to help” and the “everyone is more important than little ole me”. You’re not allowed to cause all the problem, not help with anything, and constantly get in the way. You can be one but you cannot do all three!
“I’ve sworn off men… until it’s confident” I feel awful for the guy. He is being led on for like half the book and she also insults the shit out of him when all he’s done is save her ass! She’s so annoying! Omg!!!
The writing was fine but repetitive and predictable and the heroine was so unlikeable it made this book drag like no other.
There was like three sex scenes in a row but they last for all of a paragraph including him being magically able to make her come with practically no effort. Gag.
2/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. Get a better girlfriend dude, she isn’t worth it.
September 20, 2020
I love all Anna Hackett's books, but this one didn't work that well for me unfortunately. The heroine didn't make the best choices and got captured again and again and again, to the point I was rolling my eyes. Unlike many of Anna's heroines, she didn't fight back much, and her backstory with her ex was glossed over. The hero was kind of a jerk for much of the book, too. He's not very understanding toward her at first, and at one point he got really angry at her in a way that seemed like a big red flag to me. He wants her but for no explainable reason, and he's been pining after her but never gets to know her even a little, even though he's been around her a lot and he is a confident guy with the ladies. It doesn't make much sense. I didn't feel a lot of chemistry either. Good sexy times, but the build up just wasn't much, and they didn't seem very compatible tbh. Plus he's pretty terrible at his job of keeping her safe, because she keeps getting captured! All in all, this one regrettably fell flat for me.
April 27, 2021
What a waste of time. The female main cha is small minded without common sense.
Haven literally has the type of personality I have an aversion to. While she's had a traumatic past experience with her abusive ex back in Miami, that she even fell for someone like him without sensing danger, then misjudging Rhys without even talking to him, predicting what Rhys would do to her without certain evidence displays her idiocy and moronic judgment. She gets in the way of EXPERT investigators, not even thinking about or considering that she is in their way, and asks for trouble at every turn, which makes me think how the universe is crying out that there might just be a problem with Haven. Being pretty and sexy to men doesn't excuse not using her brain to think out sensible solutions and ideas.
I am sorry. this was so bad and corny I couldn't stomach the book after about thirty pages. I skimmed through, but the book never redeemed itself. Throwing in hot sex between lame dialogue doesn't constitute a great story. One star.
Haven literally has the type of personality I have an aversion to. While she's had a traumatic past experience with her abusive ex back in Miami, that she even fell for someone like him without sensing danger, then misjudging Rhys without even talking to him, predicting what Rhys would do to her without certain evidence displays her idiocy and moronic judgment. She gets in the way of EXPERT investigators, not even thinking about or considering that she is in their way, and asks for trouble at every turn, which makes me think how the universe is crying out that there might just be a problem with Haven. Being pretty and sexy to men doesn't excuse not using her brain to think out sensible solutions and ideas.
I am sorry. this was so bad and corny I couldn't stomach the book after about thirty pages. I skimmed through, but the book never redeemed itself. Throwing in hot sex between lame dialogue doesn't constitute a great story. One star.
October 14, 2023
The Investigator is book one in the new series called Norcross Security by Anna Hackett. After a bad experience, Haven McKinney started a new life in San Franciso as a curator at the Hutton Museum. Haven McKinney realises that the sexy brother of her boss, Rhys Matteo Norcross, is off limits and avoids him whenever he is in the Museum. However, when a robbery occurs at the Museum, Haven is hurt, and a painting worth a lot of money is stolen, changing Haven and Rhys's life forever. The readers of The Investigator will continue to follow Rhys and Hannah to discover what happens.
The Investigator is the first book I have read in the Norcross Security series, and I will read other books in this series. I engage from the first book with the characters and the story. I love Anna Hackett's description of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Investigator is well-written and researched by Anna Hackett. I like Anna Hackett's portrayal of The Investigator's settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Investigator will learn about the consequences of art thief. Also, the readers of Investigator will understand that hacking is sometimes good. It can be helpful to law enforcement investigations.
I recommend this book.
The Investigator is the first book I have read in the Norcross Security series, and I will read other books in this series. I engage from the first book with the characters and the story. I love Anna Hackett's description of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Investigator is well-written and researched by Anna Hackett. I like Anna Hackett's portrayal of The Investigator's settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Investigator will learn about the consequences of art thief. Also, the readers of Investigator will understand that hacking is sometimes good. It can be helpful to law enforcement investigations.
I recommend this book.
August 16, 2022
You know how Nancy Drew got kidnapped in every single book? Well Haven gets kidnapped every chapter lol. Despite the kidnappings, shootings, bombs, mafia, beatings, thefts, and constant questionable missions, I would call this a safe read. If you just want romantic suspense without having to worry about the couple too much, this is a good version of that. Was I rolling my eyes at their antics? Yes. But I was still enjoying it. CW for previous toxic boyfriend who hit her when she caught him cheating.
March 25, 2024
Rhys & Haven
Such a fun story.
Rhys and his brothers are all an intense, gorgeous bunch and guys. Rhys, as well as several of the others, work for NS. Rhys particular job is Investigator. So when his brother’s art gallery gets robbed, he is first up to help solve the case. But Rhys has a special interest in this case..the Curator, Haven.
Haven works for a Norcross and is BFF with their sister Gia. She loves her job as Curator and is devastated when a multi million dollar piece goes missing. For some reason, she seems to be in the center of the robbery and has no idea why. In addition, the main Investigator is none other than Rhys, the gorgeous male she can’t seem to get out of her mind. But she wants nothing to do with men after her last relationship. Plus, Rhys is the brother to her BFF and boss and just no.
As Rhys and Haven spend more time together though, their chemistry is combustible and they can’t control the pull they have on each other. Very entertaining read, love that there is no 3rd act breakup drama, and spicy spicy. Great read and look forward to more.
Such a fun story.
Rhys and his brothers are all an intense, gorgeous bunch and guys. Rhys, as well as several of the others, work for NS. Rhys particular job is Investigator. So when his brother’s art gallery gets robbed, he is first up to help solve the case. But Rhys has a special interest in this case..the Curator, Haven.
Haven works for a Norcross and is BFF with their sister Gia. She loves her job as Curator and is devastated when a multi million dollar piece goes missing. For some reason, she seems to be in the center of the robbery and has no idea why. In addition, the main Investigator is none other than Rhys, the gorgeous male she can’t seem to get out of her mind. But she wants nothing to do with men after her last relationship. Plus, Rhys is the brother to her BFF and boss and just no.
As Rhys and Haven spend more time together though, their chemistry is combustible and they can’t control the pull they have on each other. Very entertaining read, love that there is no 3rd act breakup drama, and spicy spicy. Great read and look forward to more.
October 20, 2020
Action sequences from start to finish, with some smexy times tossed in here and there, The Investigator kicks off a new series of what I hope will contain a book for each Norcross sibling! While the actual plot didn’t have surprises, (sorry, but you read enough romantic suspense and cliches do occur) the characterization really brought things to life! Individually, each character popped to life and drew me in to their lives, keeping an interesting perspective on what was playing out.
December 7, 2021
***3.5***
This was cute and fast. I was feeling like some romantic suspense, but low-key - I'm too stressed right now for real abuse/dark, just wanted a little bit of danger to get the blood flowing. This fit the bill nicely, even though it was a bit silly how often the FMC got grabbed. Like, lol, this security team isn't that good at their jobs if she's getting kidnapped every day.
But I don't even care, it hit the spot. YMMV
This was cute and fast. I was feeling like some romantic suspense, but low-key - I'm too stressed right now for real abuse/dark, just wanted a little bit of danger to get the blood flowing. This fit the bill nicely, even though it was a bit silly how often the FMC got grabbed. Like, lol, this security team isn't that good at their jobs if she's getting kidnapped every day.
But I don't even care, it hit the spot. YMMV
November 3, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a quick, light, sexy read.
This was a quick, light, sexy read.
January 17, 2024
I think I would have enjoyed this more if Haven wasn't so TSTL. Every bad situation she was in was because of something stupid she did. Rhys had some annoying moments too.
August 11, 2021
Dnf 50%
This is like the dime store version of the rock chick by Kristen Ashley. The chemistry just wasn't there between the main characters, the characters actions weren't smart, for that matter, the storyline wasn't thought through enough either. I'll update if I decide to finish.
I'm super bummed I purchased the audiobook!
This is like the dime store version of the rock chick by Kristen Ashley. The chemistry just wasn't there between the main characters, the characters actions weren't smart, for that matter, the storyline wasn't thought through enough either. I'll update if I decide to finish.
I'm super bummed I purchased the audiobook!
September 18, 2020
Museum curator Haven McKinney has sworn off men after her last relationship. She loves her new job at the Hutton Museum but when thieves steal a multi-million dollar painting she finds herself right in the middle of a deadly situation. Her boss's brother, Rhys Norcross, is determined to find the painting and protect Haven, no matter what.
It’s always a good day when a new Anna Hackett book comes out, especially if it is the start of a new series. The Investigator was a great start for a new series and introduced a great group of characters.
Haven is a spunky heroine who is just trying to start a new life without men. Unfortunately, her boss’s sexy brother is everything she didn’t know she wanted. Haven was a great heroine who was very unlucky. She had the worst luck and was constantly in trouble, luckily Rhys can take care of that.
Rhys was an adrenaline junky and a bit of a playboy until he laid eyes on Haven. I was unsure if I would like him at first but he quickly grew on me. He was protective but also really sweet with Haven. I liked that he wasn’t afraid to show her how much she made him feel or how she scared him sometimes. Haven brought peace to Rhys and made him slow down and appreciate the smaller things in life. I really liked that they balanced each other out.
The Norcross family, and coworkers, were all fascinating and great. I am really excited to meet each one of them and learn all their secrets, especially Vander because he seems very dark and mysterious. Overall, this was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait for the next book.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
It’s always a good day when a new Anna Hackett book comes out, especially if it is the start of a new series. The Investigator was a great start for a new series and introduced a great group of characters.
Haven is a spunky heroine who is just trying to start a new life without men. Unfortunately, her boss’s sexy brother is everything she didn’t know she wanted. Haven was a great heroine who was very unlucky. She had the worst luck and was constantly in trouble, luckily Rhys can take care of that.
Rhys was an adrenaline junky and a bit of a playboy until he laid eyes on Haven. I was unsure if I would like him at first but he quickly grew on me. He was protective but also really sweet with Haven. I liked that he wasn’t afraid to show her how much she made him feel or how she scared him sometimes. Haven brought peace to Rhys and made him slow down and appreciate the smaller things in life. I really liked that they balanced each other out.
The Norcross family, and coworkers, were all fascinating and great. I am really excited to meet each one of them and learn all their secrets, especially Vander because he seems very dark and mysterious. Overall, this was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait for the next book.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
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