Rich (Benson Security #5) by Janet Elizabeth Henderson

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rachel Ford-Talbot has nothing to do with her family or their pharmaceutical business. And she likes it that way. As one of four partners who own an internationally renowned security business, Rachel prefers to leave her past, with all its secrets, deeply buried.

But when a series of thefts reveal that the family business is being targeted for industrial espionage, her father begs Rachel to investigate. His illness makes it hard for her to refuse, but Rachel wonders if he truly understands what he’s unleashing on his company. Because she isn’t the same bright-eyed graduate that walked through their doors years earlier. Now, she’s strong, powerful, and somewhat terrifying. A woman who doesn’t suffer fools lightly and who is afraid of nothing.

She also isn’t alone.

This time, she has the might and expertise of Benson Security at her back. And an ex-CIA agent at her side—because Michael “Harvard” Carter has appointed himself her bodyguard for the duration. Even though Rachel doesn’t need, or want, the annoyingly sexy man’s help. But while the world sees a first-class bitch when they look at her, Michael sees only someone who intrigues him. Which makes him the biggest threat of all.

This is a standalone novel. You don’t have to have read any of my other books to enjoy it.

MY REVIEW

Where has this author been all of my life? I’m blown away by the emotions this book invoked as I read it.  Despite the serious event that happens to the heroine, there are moments of outrage, laughter, and cheering that I just couldn’t hold back.

Rachel Talbot-Ford is a wealthy heiress “with a bitch streak a mile wide”. She’s the snarky co-owner of Benson Security, and an incredibly strong heroine who has survived a brutal past that has been kept secret for 10 years. Now her father has asked her security company to find a thief who is stealing secrets from Tal-For. The very company she was warned to stay away from or else. Against her better judgment, she goes along with an undercover operation with her extremely attractive Benson Security employee Michael “Harvard” Carter as her bodyguard and fake fiance. Will she be able to resist Michael’s charm and patience and keep him at a distance? The warnings to stay away from Tal-For are back, but she won’t let them get away with it this time.  She will not allow it.

Harvard is a professional and he plans to keep the very volatile Rachel safe from herself and the evil forces out to ruin her life.  It will take patience. It will take a firm hand. It will take his love to save them both.  She will give in to his charm and acceptance if it’s the last thing he does.

Who wouldn’t love the characters in this tragic and fascinating story. Rachel is not a woman I would like to be friends with, but I can empathize with her reasons to hide behind her tough and sarcastic persona. She suffered a trauma ten years ago which has made her stronger and a tough nut to crack. But she has met her match in Harvard. His calm, kind, and so sexy personality sold me. Also, the supporting characters from Benson Security, flamboyant and intelligent Elle and the lovable Ryan and his constant eating are so refreshing and funny. And, of course, Rachel’s hodgepodge of a kooky and crazy family.

Hot diggity dog (as Elle would say)! I loved this story, the characters, and the freaking hot romance. Let me tell you, the scene with Rachel and Harvard in the pool.  Whew! Very hot!  I can’t wait to start reading this series from the beginning. Ms. Henderson is going on my list of favorite authors of 2020. 

If you enjoy romantic suspense thrillers that take your breath away, give this one a try.

Thank you to Ms. Henderson for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Benson Security Series

   1. Reckless (2016) – My review
   2. Relentless (2017) – My review
   3. Rage (2017)
   4. Ransom (2018)
   5. Rich (2020)
   6. Run (2021)
   7. Reset (2022)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janet is a Scot who moved to New Zealand fifteen years ago. Among other things, she’s been an artist, a teacher, a security guard at a castle, a magazine editor, and a cleaner in a drop in center for drug addicts (NOT the best job!). She now writes full-time and is working on her 19th book. Her books have won several awards, including the Daphne du Maurier award for excellence in mystery and suspense. When she isn’t living in her head, she raises two kids, one husband, and several random animals. She survives on chocolate and caffeine.

Follow Janet on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

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