REVIEW: Hard and Fast by Raven Scott

In Hard and Fast (Fortis #2) by Raven Scott, automotive engineer Alexandria ‘Alex’ Cotts is determined to be the best in her career, in an industry heavily dominated by men. Her game-changing engine design could be just what Magnus Motorsports – the company she works for – needs to win the Sea-to-Sky Highway race. However, someone is determined to see her fail, and it’s up to Lucas Johnson and his team of security specialists to find the culprit while endeavoring to keep her safe.

”Is it worth it, though? The time? The cost? You’ve hired a band of frigging gun-toting mercenaries!”
Marco grinned. “They are not mercenaries, they are security specialists. The best in their field, from what I’ve been told.”
“Fine, gun-toting security specialists.” He laughed. She felt marginally better.”

Ever since reading the first book of this series, and being impressed by Ms. Scott’s ability to write a romantic suspense that kept me on the edge-of-my-seat with its suspense and left me unable to figure out the person responsible for causing the trouble, I have been looking forward to this story. And I’ve got to say that this book did not disappoint as it did exactly the same.

Certainly, this story matches its title. With the word HARD very easily describing the men (although they do know how to relax). While the word FAST is represented by a race car, and the Fortis team needing to solve the case quickly before anyone ends up seriously hurt. So, of course, I was hooked from the very first page for those reasons. As well as the fact that this book encompasses the mysterious strangers and sexy protector tropes, a heroine determined to see her dream come to fruition, and a hero doing his utmost to find the person determined to destroy her hard work while he tries his hardest to protect her.

”I want you to know that I don’t respond well to threats,” she replied softly, sweetly. “And I like a challenge.”
She reached out to touch the front of his jacket, but Lucas grabbed her wrist in midair before she could reach him. “And I don’t play games,” he snapped back, frustrated by how much she tempted him.
“Neither do I.” She tugged hard and he let go of her. “But maybe that’s more than you can handle.”

As for the dialogue, it was quite intense due to the investigation to find the bad guys, the incidents caused in an attempt to stop Alex’s work, the wrong assumption Alex makes about the hero that makes her do something reckless, and what happens to Alex. Yet, there were some light, humorous moments by Alex when she’s conversing with one of the secondary characters, or when she’s talking with Lucas. She definitely provides quite a challenge, for the hero from the moment they meet.

I really liked both main characters, and was completely compelled by their back stories. Alex is strong, smart and tenacious. What I enjoyed so much about her was that she wouldn’t give up on her dream, no matter how dangerous things became. Then there’s the tight bond she shares with her family. I really felt for her when they were all together. They’re an overprotective bunch of men, and although omitting certain truths about what’s going on in her life doesn’t sit well with her, she’s altruistic enough to do it to keep them from worrying.

“Can we just act like you’re my date for the wedding instead of my bodyguard?”

While Lucas, he’s smart, assertive and hard-working. His skills as a cyber-surveillance expert shine throughout this book when he and his team come up against a hacker, or if anything computer-related needs investigating. He’s also very benevolent in helping Alex realize that she’s made the right decision continuing to pursue her dream. Yet, what I liked most about Lucas was how protective he was of Alex. The moment where he learns she may be considering hooking up with an old boyfriend was definitely a turning point in their growing relationship, and had me cheering because he began to comprehend how much Alex was coming to mean to him.

Overall, Ms. Scott has delivered another fantastic book in her Fortis series where a few very sensual sex scenes steam up the pages, illustrating this couple’s intense chemistry perfectly. Alex definitely tests Lucas with her stubborn streak. Enough that, I thought the first sex scene would have happened sooner, yet it was worth the wait.

The way the story ended was wonderful, and took me completely by surprise with what happened to Alex. Luckily, Lucas and his team are on her side. Lucas’s declaration about what he would have done if she didn’t return his feelings of love made me smile. No way was he going to let her get away. Not after the misunderstanding that led to her disregarding the rules set by Lucas and his team, which put her in danger. If you enjoy romantic suspense stories, I would highly recommend the Fortis series by Ms. Scott. Be sure to read Hard as Ice, the first in the series as well, because Lucas isn’t the only HOT hero of the Fortis team.

Book Info:

December 29th, 2015 | Dafina | Fortis #2

A covert ops specialist, a cyber-surveillance expert, and an unmatched international security and recovery pro. These are the men of Fortis. When money is no object, discretion is essential, and the police are not an option, the wealthy and powerful call on this trio of former government agents with elite military training—not to mention charm and good looks…

With his tech brilliance, lethal physical abilities, and easygoing manner, Lucas Johnson is a triple threat. And that’s exactly what Magnus Motorsport needs to protect their game-changing engine design, and its engineer, Alex Cotts, from hackers and saboteurs. Lucas isn’t expecting any surprises—until he discovers Alex is actually a sexy, irresistible woman…

In a male-dominated industry, Alex has always tried to hide her alluring femininity. But Lucas has no trouble seeing her beauty—or her stubborn streak. Alex is convinced she doesn’t need him to babysit her—or distract her with his sex appeal. Yet when a suspicious fire destroys Alex’s work, she finds herself turning to him. In the face of increasing danger, soon Lucas must keep her alive, as his client—and as the only woman he’s ever truly wanted…