Karen Rose - Watch Your Back

Baltimore Homicide Detective Stevie Mazzetti has suffered losses no woman should have to endure. And, despite it all, she’s still a fighter. When she learns that her ex-partner might have miscarried justice, she’s determined to put the past to rights, even when she becomes a target.
It’s former Marine Clay Maynard’s job to see the risk in every situation, but he doesn’t have to look hard to find the danger surrounding Stevie. Since the minute he first saw her, Clay has wanted to protect the wounded officer, and he started loving her not long after that. So when Stevie attracts the attention of a vicious psychopath, Clay will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. That is, if he can stay ahead of a killer with everything to lose—and something terrifying to hide...

Comment: This is the most recent book by this author. I've been a fan since book #1 years ago...I loved and still do love her writing style and combination of thriller and romance. I thin she manages to keep a good balance of both in every story.

This new book is Clay and Stevie's story. We've known them from several books ago and have slowly seen the development of the relationship between them. It has been a journey full of chemistry and caution but after a amazing end in the previous book, we finally have the chance to see them get their HEA in a story that puts Stevie in the front seat of a race against something from her professional past. But Stevie has friends and Clay, and it's their turn to find happiness...

Once more, I really loved a story by this author. Ms Rose got her readers used to wonderful stories and characters whose lives we still follow and wish the best for. One of the best things in her books is how special the romance feels after so many obstacles in the main character's paths.

This book loosely follows the action from the previous stories, and it tides up many subjects. It's easily read by any unsuspecting new reader, but for those loyal ones we see many subjects getting solved. In fact, it's clear the author is ready to tidy things, considering she already said whose story is next and how after that, she will change location again. Let's see what is on the move...

As for this story in particular, I have no beautiful words, just my sincere appreciation for a good romance. I loved Clay and Stevie's relationship. I thought at some moments she was a bit annoying but if I did the exercise of putting myself in her shoes, who knows what I'd do to protect my child, to keep my sometimes wrong pride and my fear to take a chance on love, just like she did? I don't think she acted wisely but she didn't do anything out of there either.
I think her and Clay's romance was slow to reach happiness but I liked how it happened. I was surprised at Clay, he is such a wonderful character...I don't remember details but I do recall when he first showed up and I thought he would be one of those alpha nonsense men, and after all he has a warm, loving side so amazing...it was really special to see him through that perspective.
It was wonderful to watch them together too and I loved seeing them finally compromise on an HEA after some misunderstandings and stubbornness actions.

The crime part was as mysterious as ever despite us knowing who the bad guy is. I keep saying my least favorite parts in her novels are when the bad guys do and think things. I get it's a good way to see things happen instead of knowing about them, but personally, I could do without the drama and the annoyance of bearing those mind processes, so unfair to good people!
Anyway, the mystery parts had their interest and some things did surprise me, but I confess it's not what makes me most eager to read.

I liked seeing beloved characters and others that have grown up during the series...like a family and I do like series with this.
There are clues about a secondary romance in this book which I also loved...it was a good way to solve two people's fates without much air time but in an important way, so..good work.

In the end, a great book and romance and once again, this author doesn't disappoint me. I keep being eager to read more and her biggest fault is the whole year it takes to get a new book out...with all those pages it's understandable but still not easy to bear in mind...a faster process would help!
Grade: 9/10