REVIEW: Glass Ceilings by A.M Madden

In Glass Ceilings (True Heroes #2) by A.M Madden, Nick Farley was the best undercover agent the FBI had, but after two years of working as a bartender in Chicago in order to take down a local crime syndicate, he was glad to finally get a promotion. Nick never expected to see Angela Cavallo again — the woman he’d met in Chicago. Certainly, not after the way they’d left things. But she’s in trouble, and he’ll do anything to keep her safe, especially after she knocks him for a loop with her secret.

“Nick, I was a person of interest in the case.”
“You’ve been cleared.”
“Still, what about my family’s involvement? Marrying me could put you under a glass ceiling, preventing you from ever advancing in your career.”
“Not marrying you could do the same,” I argued. “Either way, now that you’re back in my life the circumstances don’t mesh with my career. I’ll repair that later, but right now I need to
protect you, more than ever.”

Having been introduced to Nick in the first book of this series when he was one of the secondary characters, I was hoping he’d get his own story, and I’ve got to say that this book does not disappoint. It’s quite interesting the way this story progresses, as it is split into three parts. The first is when they meet in Chicago and the plans that they make; the second switches between different moments of the time since they parted ways and the present; and finally the third is the present.

I really liked how this story started by introducing Nick and his undercover assignment, and I was intrigued by whether he’d be able to build a case to take down the criminals he was after. However, it was the moment that he met Angela that had me flipping the pages quickly, because the more they got to know each other, the more I wanted to discover whether things would work out between them. Or whether the trouble she was running from would interfere in their chance at happy ever after.

The dialogue was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially Angela’s. She’s been through so much, and needs Nick; not only because she loves him, but because she needs to tell him something important. It’s hard not to feel sorry for her after what she goes through because of her ex. He wasn’t the man she believed him to be, and to learn that he’s actually part of a dangerous family; it was no wonder she felt like she didn’t have any choice but to do what she did. However, even though this book’s dialogue was quite intense, there were some nice light-hearted moments between Nick and Angela as well as Nick and his son that made me smile. The moment where Nick changes his son’s nappy had me laughing.

“What has you in Chicago?”
“Um…I guess I’m trying to find myself. How about you?” she asked, her green eyes widening with curiosity.
“I guess I’m fulfilling my own bucket list.”
“Working at The Dump in the heart of Chicago in the dead of winter? I’d love to know what else is on your list.”
“A one-night stand.” I smirked.
“Don’t go stealing my bucket list. Get your own.”

I absolutely loved both characters, as well as the secondary ones. Angela’s cousin, Eve, and Jase, the friend that Nick made in Chicago were fantastic. They suit each other so well since he’s a total player and she’s a huge flirt. Certainly, Eve isn’t afraid to reveal details that Angela was embarrassed to have told. Then there’s Ben and Ella from the first book of this series. Angela needs another person she can trust, and Ella is that person because she too has been through so much. While Ben, I liked the tight bond he and Nick had, considering they were sort of enemies when they were first met each other. Ben is someone Nick can rely on when it comes to advice and back-up, because with the way things are with his job he needs every available resource to help protect Angela.

Angela is strong, brave, and tenacious. She went through quite a lot in the time she was separated from Nick, and I felt sorry for her because it wasn’t easy. She couldn’t rely on anyone but her cousin Luca for fear of anyone in her family getting hurt after she kept learning more and more disturbing news about her ex-boyfriend. Indeed, questions surfaced the more I read. What made her so desperate she chose to disappear instead of asking Nick for help? Did her ex ever end up discovering her whereabouts? Would Nick ever be able to forgive her once he learns her secret? Would the hero be able to protect her and her family from the case he’s been pulled from investigating?

While Nick, he’s confident, protective and I could totally understand his anger towards Angela when they first come face-to-face again. She should have trusted him to protect her, considering the strong attraction they had. Then again, she had her reasons for staying away since her ex was threatening those she loved the most. She believed there weren’t any other options due to the connections his family had. But what I liked most about Nick was that he gave Angela the chance to explain her reasons for her actions, and once she explained, I liked what lengths he was willing to go to, to make sure she was safe.

Overall, this was a really good second book for the True Heroes series by this author where the sex scenes were hot and the suspense continued to keep me guessing all the way until the bad guy was exposed. The way this story ended was wonderful, as I couldn’t help but laugh at Eve’s antics and how much of a big deal Angela was making of the fact that her cousin went overboard in her party planning. I would recommend Glass Ceilings, if you’ve read Stone Walls (Book 1 of this series), and especially if you’re a reader that enjoys romantic suspense.

Book Info:

Publication: May 24th, 2016 | Random House – Loveswept | True Heroes #2

When a perfect new love is shattered, two hearts will do anything to pick up the pieces. In this sizzling novel from the bestselling author of Stone Walls, irresistible heat leads to sensual thrills—and a secret that changes everything.

Two years ago, Nick Farley was undercover as a bartender in Chicago. The tough-as-steel FBI agent was working all the angles to build a case against a local crime syndicate, but even his intense focus was no match for the sight of Angela Cavello’s plump pink lips pulling on her drink. All Nick got was one night—the longest, hottest, sweetest night of his life. It could have been the beginning of something real. Instead, she walked away—and Nick watched her go.

Angela has made some mistakes in her life, but Nick was never one of them. Nor was the baby boy he doesn’t know about. But Angela has been running from a stalker for so long that she’s forgotten how to feel safe. So when Nick suddenly reappears in her life, Angela faces a moment of truth. She wants to trust him and reveal her secrets—her life and the life of their son may depend on it—but first she needs to know that Nick can handle her past, and promise the one thing she most craves: a future together.