Danger Next Door (Red Stone Security #2) by Katie Reus

After an explosion leaves detective Grant Caldwell scarred he quits his job and tries to hide from his well-meaning family while he heals. When Belle Manikas, a beautiful new neighbor, moves in next door with problems of her own he finds himself drawn to her even while he tells himself she’s nothing but trouble. Even though he knows he’d never have a chance with a woman like her—not with his disfigurement—he can’t stay away.

Thanks to severe health problems as a child Belle grew up sheltered and smothered by her loving, if overbearing, family. Now that she’s finally out on her own she plans to wring everything she can out of life. When she sets her sights on her brooding neighbor nothing can stop her from getting him into bed—until a madman fixates on her.

With Grant now working for Red Stone Security, he sees it as his duty to protect her at all costs. Unfortunately a violent criminal is stalking Belle and will stop at nothing until he’s destroyed her.

Overall rating: 5 Rockin’ Stars!!!!!

Grant is a good guy.  He takes care of others, defends those that are weaker and hunts criminals in the Miami area.  During a drug bust, Grant protects an innocent child from a bomb and it leaves him scared and damaged. 

Curling around the kid, he cried out in agony as the flames licked over him, searing through flesh and muscle.  Then blackness engulfed him.

Working hard to rehabilitate himself and get back to work, Grant is surprised to see a new neighbor moving into the house next to his.  She is beyond beautiful and he is sure that one look at him would scare her to death.  During his daily therapy exercises, he overhears a loud male voice and the sounds of his new neighbor in a state of distress.  Grant immediately goes to assist her and removes the threat.

She noticed he kept the left side of his face turned away from her even when he’d laughed and it bothered her.  The fading red marks that covered the side of his face and his ear were definitely noticeable, but it wasn’t as bad as he obviously thought it was.  She nearly snorted at the thought of this blatantly sexual man trying to hide part of himself from her. God, who didn’t have scars whether physical or emotional?

There is an instant attraction between Belle and Grant.  Grant however feels there is no way a beautiful woman could be interested in a damaged man. It is up to Belle to convince him that she sees him as a man not the scars on his body.

Breathing hard, he looked down at her flushed face.  Her lips were swollen, her eyes glazed and he could practically smell the desire coming off her it was so potent. “Why do you want me?” he rasped out, hating the desperation in his voice but unable to stop it.

This story will move you with struggle that Belle and Grant go through to find safety in each other’s arms.  Keeping Belle safe from a deranged killer and solving a long string of murders keeps this plot moving. Our Hero finds true love and a place where he belongs, scars and all. 

A soft hand settled on his non-scarred arm.  Her fingers slightly dug into his skin. “Grant. I want you to touch me, to make love to me. Right now.”

Hero – Grant Caldwell: 5 stars
Heroine – Belle Manikas: 5 stars
Steam: 5 stars 
Plot: 5 stars 
Cliffhanger: No

Would I recommend this book: Yes, this story has heart and soul mixed well with action.
Would I read other books by this author: Yes, she makes her characters feel real!

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