What About Us by Sidney Halston

Irresistible beats and tantalizing bodies heat up the night at South Beach’s most scandalous new club.

Alex:
I hate doing business in clubs. Especially one like Duality. I’m here to seal a deal, not indulge in whatever hedonistic illusion they’re selling. Until, through all the skin and sex on display, I see her. Helen Blackwood. The girl who once filled my youthful fantasies, whose name is now synonymous with pain. Her father’s lies destroyed my family, leaving me with nothing to lose. And yet I can’t deny my electric response to her touch... or my urge to protect her when I see the bruise on her face.

Helen:
Growing up, life prepared me for society galas and powerful men, not minimum-wage jobs or drunk exes with anger issues. But I’m a survivor. So here I am, practically naked, serving drinks at a Miami nightclub. I don’t mind the stares. Apparently, Alex Archer does. After twelve years, we aren’t exactly friends, but money is something we both understand. Something he knows I need. I’ll be his personal assistant, even if it means working with the man I hate... and the man I still want.

No cheating. No cliffhangers. And no dress code.

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Growing up together, Alex and Helen were told by their parents that they would one day be married. But when their worlds come crashing down around them, they lost touch with each other.

Years later, Alex finds Helen working in a bar in Miami and he can't understand why when she has all that money from her family. The hatred he feels is consuming him but the protection he feels towards her is overpowering the hatred.

Helen can't believe her eyes, after all these years he finally shows up and he wants to take her from her job. Why didn't he try to protect her when she needed him? Now she doesn't need him, she can take care of herself. But the feelings she has for him have come back in full force.

Can Alex see the truth about her and how she has lived the last 10 years? Will Helen see the truth about her father? Can Helen and Alex move on from the past and have a future together?

I really liked this series and love Alex and Helen but would have liked more of the others from the past books. This story was really good, and you could feel the pain that Alex and Helen were going through, and I found myself rooting for them to win in the end. You can read this one without reading the rest in the series, but I would suggest reading them all, it is a great series. So sit back and enjoy it, I have.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
This book is set on the edge of the other books in the series. I was hoping for more interaction between the main characters in this book and those of the previous books.

The premise of this book is good, but at the same time, I think it left some ideas unexplored. In this day and age, I find it somewhat confusing for people, especially those with money, not to keep track of people they believe did them wrong.

As for Helen, I can't believe she didn't keep up with her family's former friends, or even googled the crimes her father was accused of. Her ex also causes a lot of drama, which she tries to deal with on her own.

As for Alex and Helen's romance, I did like their interactions between them, how she didn't give up her independence and how Alex came to respect her choices.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series. I would say that it has links to the previous books but could be read as a standalone. That said, the others are excellent, so don't miss out! Helen works for the guys we have met in the previous books, and they are protective of her.

Alex and Helen have a difficult past, the say the least, so meeting after 12 years brings up all manner of bad memories. As we learn in the story, their versions of what happened vary dramatically, and until they can reconcile their feelings with the truth, they are destined to always feel a disconnect. I really enjoyed how Sidney Halston led them both to the facts that they needed to listen to, and the truth they needed to face. It was beautifully done, especially for Helen and her relationship with her father.

The strength of their sexual attraction and chemistry clashed so well with Gabe's distrust and Helen's disappointment. Add in Luke and the mess that was, and the scene is set for a hot, fast-paced, and yet thought provoking romance. A very good addition to the series, thank you.

Also Available in the Panic Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo 

For reviews & more info, check out our Pull Me Close post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo 

For reviews & more info, check out our Make Me Stay post.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo 

For reviews & more info, check out our Kiss Me Back post.

USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: "Just Do It"—Nike. And that's exactly what she did. At the age of thirty, having never written anything other than a legal brief, she picked up a pen to pursue her dream of becoming an author. That first stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Halston lives in South Florida with her husband and children.

Connect with Sidney

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of What About Us (Panic #4) by Sidney Halston to read and review.

Kiss Me Back by Sidney Halston

The only thing hotter than the Miami sun is the sexual tension at Panic, the South Beach nightclub where love knows no boundaries.

Lola:
I’ve seen the way women in line behind the velvet rope look at William Fox, like he’s an Armani-clad St. Peter at the pearly gates. Except Panic isn’t heaven, and this bouncer is no saint. He’s been tempting me to sin ever since I started working here, but Fox’s slick smile and bad-boy swagger tell me everything I need to know about him. Still, a girl has needs. And Fox looks ready to fulfill every last one—at least for a night...

Fox:
I’m not used to being ignored—especially by women—but Lola Daye is different. The pretty bartender with the red lips and icy blue eyes seems perfectly happy pretending I don’t exist. Too bad, because the more she ignores me, the harder I fall. So I’m floored when she answers my drunken, flirty text with a yes. Lola claims she only wants a fling, but after one kiss, our bodies are speaking the same language. And I’m ready to prove that what we have could be forever.

No cheating. No cliffhangers. And no dress code.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
William Fox is a bouncer at club Panic, one of the It spots in Miami. He is used to women throwing themselves at him all the time. He has worked hard to get where he is, and he wouldn't change a thing. That is, until one woman crosses his path and makes him think twice. He wears nice suits, drives a nice car, and lives in a nice place, so why doesn't she notice him?

Lola Daye is the one woman that hardly gives Fox a second look. As far as he knows, but she looks at him every chance she gets. He makes her feel things she shouldn't. She has plans and cannot let anyone or anything get in the way of those plans. If she gave in to Fox, he could derail all her plans and that will not happen.

After a drunken text, Lola finally says yes to a date with Fox. Will he be able to stick to a fling or will she be the one to fall? Will the fling ruin her plans for her future?

I enjoyed this story but there were times I wanted to slap both Lola and Fox and tell them to get their acts together. Their wishy-washy ways were a little too much, but their banter was fun and the ending was perfect. I thought this was a good addition to the series and hope there will be more to come to the series too.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is book three in the series – I would definitely recommend that you read the previous two as they are excellent reads, but you could definitely enjoy this as a standalone too.

I really think this is a fabulous story, with strong characters, a brilliant twist, and a very, very desirable outcome. It manages to balance the situation between Lola and Fox, even when their positions are so significantly different. As more and more common ground is established, and the connection grows, it is difficult to see how they will be together, but also that it is inevitable that they must.

I love that we spend time in the nightclub(s) and get to see the guys all happy and sappy with their loves. It validates what we read in previous books and reminds us of how unlikely those romances were too – and yet, it is Iggy, the ultimate player, who makes the bold statement that changes everything.

Really, my best advice is that you pick it up and read it. It has many layers, lots of interest, and some great moments of relationship building that heal. It is also full of the reality of life, and words said but regretted, of getting back on even ground, and of forging forward rather than letting things drag you too far down.

Thank you, Ms. Halston, for another super read.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
This book explores the relationship between Lola and Fox. Both of them have issues that they are trying to overcome, each running from the past. When Fox asks Lola out, she reluctantly agrees and when he stands her up, she can't believe she put herself out there to be stood up.

Fox hates that he flaked on Lola. He really likes her, and he can only hope that Lola will give him another chance. When she does, he vows to make sure he doesn't let her down again.

As they begin dating, Fox learns that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Lola and he wants to know everything about her. Lola likes Fox but starting a relationship with him isn't in her plans, yet she can't seem to stop herself from falling for him.

I really enjoyed this book and was glad to revisit the characters from previous books.

Also Available in the Panic Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo 

For reviews & more info, check out our Pull Me Close post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo 

For reviews & more info, check out our Make Me Stay post.

USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: "Just Do It"—Nike. And that's exactly what she did.

After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative, romantic side and wrote Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she's not writing, you can find her reading and reading and reading. She's a reader first and a writer second. When she's not writing or reading, her life is complete and utter chaos, trying to balance family life with work and writing (and reading). But she wouldn't have it any other way.

Connect with Sidney

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Kiss Me Back (Panic #3) by Sidney Halston to read and review.

Kiss Kiss Bang by Sidney Halston

From USA Today bestselling author Sidney Halston comes the third Iron-Clad Security novel, Kiss Kiss Bang.

Six-foot-two and ripped... with superior computer skills, Josef “Joey” Clad is not your typical ex-Marine. The co-owner of Iron-Clad securities is 100% Alpha male, but under his muscular physique, he's the best hacker in Miami who specializes in running Iron-Clad's cyber ops. The perfect skill set for their new client who is getting threatening emails, a client who he definitely wants to get to know better. Much better.

Single mom, widow, Olivia Monroe has exceptional dreams that she refuses to let go of. Fifteen years ago, she left her broken home in New York City and never looked back. Now a dark horse candidate for Florida governor, she's not looking for a relationship. Even with the hot guy who sweeps in and saves her computer the night before a big speech. Her hero has trouble written all over him. Joey is too handsome, too funny, too confident, and way too hard to resist.

Too bad he's now her bodyguard.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is Josef, Olivia, and Sophia's story. Olivia is a widow who wants the people around her to have the best of anything and everything she can give them. She is a politician through and through, but she is also an amazing mom.

Sophia is a ball buster and I really thought she was a sweetheart in this story with Josef.

Josef is overprotective, strong, and amazing with both Sophia and Olivia.

This was a story about corruption, love, determination, and overcoming circumstances. Olivia's past and present collide in parts of this story and you can't help but guess what else is going to happen.

Olivia and Josef are a great couple. They balance each other well and they have a good relationship.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
Alternately exciting, funny, and surprisingly sexy, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It starts with Olivia having a very relatable emotional meltdown over a computer malfunction. It is a humanising glimpse beyond Olivia’s polished political facade that actually made me care about her.

It’s kinda sad that the most unbelievable part of this story is an incorruptible politician from an impoverished background with exacting moral standards. It’s almost an adult fairytale. Joey’s super high-tech security firm is probably more realistic. I loved the chemistry and interplay between Olivia and Joey and I enjoyed their sleuthing as Olivia finds herself and her family at risk.

This is the first book I’ve read in the series and I don’t feel like I missed anything by joining the series at book three. We do see some intriguing characters that I’m curious about and I think I’ll go back to the earlier books at some point. Olivia’s daughter is cute. Her presence possibly limits the heat factor at times, but Olivia makes sense as a single mum and I appreciated her struggle to make room for Joey in her very busy life.

This is a fun and sweet read and I would really like to believe that politicians like Olivia actually exist.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of sexy and caring romance

This is the third book in the series, and I loved it. You could definitely read it as a standalone, but really, don't deprive yourself of a series of very enjoyable reads. Fast paced, super sexy, and lots of warm and cuddly feelings.

In this installment, IT hacker and security genius Joey meets Olivia Russo when she has a meltdown in an IT store. He solves her IT problem and then infiltrates her life as he just knows she is worth his time. She is also totally smitten, but with a political campaign to win and a 5-year-old daughter to protect, she is more cautious. It was great fun watching Joey break down her barriers, and them both fall in love with each other – and Joey grow close to her daughter, Sophie. She gave them plenty of opportunity for fun moments too.

This has a really good underlying plot, a message about strong women, and a man who knows what he wants and yet manages to avoid being domineering. Made for a super-hot romance and a very enjoyable read.

I cannot wait to see what series Ms. Halston comes up with next, as so far they have all been winners for me.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆☆
I am seriously loving this series, it’s rare that I find a series that has me loving the new books as much as the previous, but this one does it! I would say this can be read as a standalone, but to really have the background of Iron Clad Security (ICS), I’d say read the previous books first!

Joey Clad is an ex-Marine and computer nerd who happens to be one of the best hackers ever. While updating security at a computer shop, he notices a woman on the security feed having a breakdown in the store, and once he sets his sights on her, he’ll do everything in his power to make her his. Olivia Russo is running for governor while also balancing being a single mom. When her laptop crashes right before a huge presentation, Oliva holds it together just long enough to make it to the crazy long line at the repair shop where she completely loses it. Joey steps in as her knight in shining armor, and though it takes a lot of convincing on Joey’s part, he convinces her to come back to ICS and let him get her set up with a new laptop. Joey is relentless with getting Olivia to date him, and eventually things really heat up between the two.

I absolutely love Joey’s character, he’s the sweetest and I think he really needed that redemption after the previous book when he was a dick to his sister. My favorite part of this book, of this series really, is the humor, intrigue, romance, and did I mention humor, that the author manages to fit into each book. This book is one you won’t be able to put down and I’m already on the edge of my seat waiting for book four!

Also Available in the Iron Clad Security Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Kiss Marry Kill post.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Last First Kiss post.

USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: "Just Do It"—Nike. And that's exactly what she did.

After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative, romantic side and wrote Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she's not writing, you can find her reading and reading and reading. She's a reader first and a writer second. When she's not writing or reading, her life is complete and utter chaos, trying to balance family life with work and writing (and reading). But she wouldn't have it any other way.

Connect with Sidney

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Kiss Kiss Bang (Iron Clad Security #3) by Sidney Halston to read and review.

Last First Kiss by Sidney Halston

He's an A-list Hollywood heartthrob.
She's trying to prove herself in a man's world.
For this female bodyguard, protecting her client is simply business, but what happens when sparks fly and the danger heats up?

After a series of box office flops, Rocco Monroe needs a hit. Bad press, shit talking, rumors, lies… it all goes with the territory after almost two decades in the spotlight, but when he lands the role of his career in a controversial biopic, the part of a lifetime comes with a catch: a hired bodyguard.

Annabelle Clad is so bored she wants to scream. Her life is coding and algorithms and binary codes…rinse and repeat. To her Rocco Monroe means freedom, a chance to show her overprotective brother and business partner that she can contribute to Iron Clad Securities. And no arrogant playboy will fuck up her concentration by batting his lashes at her. She would never jeopardize her reputation by swooning over any man.

That had happened once, and she wouldn’t bear that loss or humiliation ever again. Even if Rocco looks like a walking fantasy...

From USA Today bestselling author Sidney Halston comes the second book in the Iron-Clad series, Last First Kiss.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance

I have read the previous book in this series, but don't really believe that it's necessary to read book two.

I loved this story. It was a slight role reversal in that Annie is the protector and Rocco is the one needing protection.

Annie is a war veteran and believes that she has proven herself in her brothers' security firm. However, she is also hiding a lot of hurt and pain from her service and despite loving her family and her job, isn't quite ready to tell everyone the extent of what happened to her.

Rocco is a movie star that is either on the cusp of moving into "dramatic" roles or having his career tank. He is going to be playing a very controversial role and because of that, he needs security.

While Annie believes that she is ready for field work, her very overprotective and somewhat pigheaded brother doesn't want her hurt. Joey is a hard character to know and I wanted to smack him a lot throughout this book. Even though you know that it comes from a place of love and fear, it still didn't make it any easier to read about.

The relationship between Annie and Rocco grew in a very organic manner. It was definitely not love at first sight – it was more Annie kicking butt at first sight, which I loved.

I can't wait to see what comes next, but I have loved this series.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Last First Kiss is a great role reversal story. Ms. Halston took what is a typical romance, the A-lister and the bodyguard, and shook it up giving us something that is so far from the typical read.

Annie wants to prove just because she is female doesn't mean she can't protect not only herself but others as well. She needs to prove she deserves a spot, even with the overbearing, protective brother.

Rocco Monroe is trying to turn his career around. When he takes on a role that has his life in danger, he needs someone to watch is back. What he wasn't expecting is a five foot seven, strawberry blonde, hazel eyed woman. Rocco and Annie have some amazing chemistry. The battle between them is flirty and the sexual tension is high. I loved Annie's character. She's sassy and down to earth.

Ms. Halston easily draws you in and you just can't get enough. I look forward to what's next.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and whilst it reads well as a standalone, it was great to revisit the Clad clan, first introduced in Kiss Marry Kill.

This time it is Annabelle who gets to prove that she is effective in the personal protection business, even if she too falls for the client. Even if she has her brother who has preceded her in that particular role, she is still determined to prove her worth as a bodyguard.

It is good to have a strong female character in a usually male role. And I liked that she was being real, whilst the person she protected was acting. There is no pretence in the chemistry that there is between them, but the stakes are high. The relationship between her and Rocco is full of fun, even with the issues that give rise to him needing her as protection.

Good addition to the series, and now we have one Clad left to find his happily ever after. Can't wait!

Also Available in the Iron Clad Security Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Kiss Marry Kill post.

USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: "Just Do It"—Nike. And that's exactly what she did.

After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative, romantic side and wrote Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she's not writing, you can find her reading and reading and reading. She's a reader first and a writer second. When she's not writing or reading, her life is complete and utter chaos, trying to balance family life with work and writing (and reading). But she wouldn't have it any other way.

Connect with Sidney

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Last First Kiss (Iron Clad Security #2) by Sidney Halston to read and review.

Make Me Stay by Sidney Halston

Secret identities, second chances, drama, desire: It’s all going down in Miami Beach in this tantalizing novel from the bestselling author of Pull Me Close, which was hailed by Aurora Rose Reynolds as “a heart-gripping story about... the power of love.”

April:
Walking away from Matt Moreno was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Lying to him was a close second, but for his safety, I had no other choice. I was undercover, working to put some nasty people behind bars. But when Matt nearly recognizes me on Lincoln Road a year later, all those very real feelings come rushing back. Now that my assignment’s almost over, will he understand why I lied? Why I had to leave? Most important, can he ever forgive me?

Matt:
I was madly in love with June Simpson... or, at least, with the woman I thought was June. Then she just disappeared while my family’s nightclub went through hell. And after months of searching, when I think I’ve finally found that sexy, raspy voice and those exquisite blue eyes, she slips away once more. Turns out, “June” is actually Detective April White. She’s been playing me the whole time. And she’s about to rock my world all over again.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
A guy and a girl meet, fall in love, and the girl disappears.

A year later, the guy sees the girl on the street and the girl denies that she's the same person. Later she tells him who she really is. She's the person who planted the bugs to find evidence to put his father in prison and cost him his career as a lawyer. He's upset and can't forgive her, until she's severely beaten by a thug who blames her for him going to prison.

As Matt takes care of April during her recovery, he begins to realize that not everything is black and white, that the shades of grey is where the truth lies.

I enjoyed this book, but the flashbacks – from both points of view – made it hard for me to stay in the continuum of this book.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
This story starts out with Matt thinking he has found June after a year of her missing. She just vanished, but the only thing besides the voice that is familiar is those blue eyes. But the woman claims to be someone named Zara. So Matt has to wonder if he dreamed up June last year or if she was real because he fell hard for her.

April/June is living and working undercover, but she never thought she would fall for Matt. When she is pulled away from the case, she has to let him go to show that he is innocent and not the one they are looking for.

When she is able to tell Matt the truth, will he accept it and be able to forgive her? Will April be able to forgive herself for all the pain she has put him through? But when she is attacked and badly beaten, can Matt put aside his pain and help her recover?

I loved how the story went back and gave us June and Matt's story and then came back to present day. It made for a better and more enjoyable story for me.

I love how each story touches on some form of disability or disease. In Pull Me Close, Kate had a bad case of PTSD and in this one, April has her own thing she is fighting, you will have to read it to find out what. I love this series and can't wait for Fox and Lola's story.


Kris – ☆☆☆☆
After reading the first book in the Panic series, I was slightly worried about picking up number two... but because it was Matt's book I really wanted to give it a try. Pull Me Close had a very anxiety ridden character that almost made me crazy, so I worried that the author was going for all flawed leading ladies and had no idea where book two would take us. Matt's character in book one was written well enough that I wanted to see where his story would go.

I enjoyed this installment. It was very different from the first book in the fact that, yes, while our leading lady, April (May? June?) had Crohn's disease, she wasn't a total mess. In fact, she was very strong and sassy. Without spoilers, it's hard to tell much, but Matt and April's story had a lot of deception and angst. When Matt does find June after she disappears following the raid on Matt's nightclub, Panic, she's no longer dark haired and she's no longer June. Trying to reconcile what happened, Matt is left to care for this new person after she's been attacked and left for dead.

I felt for Matt, his character had to come to terms with some serious deception by the people he loves. Having to help and care for the person he used to love but betrayed him in the worst ways. I found Make Me Stay a good read. His struggle was well written and kept me interested.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
Can you fall in love with someone who has lied to you about everything? The second book in the Panic series focuses on Matt, Nick’s twin brother, and the woman he first knows as June. This is a tense and angst filled romance – it’s not quite romantic suspense, but it is an exciting read.

This story actually starts before the first book in the series. I was a little confused at first but the split time narrative works well and it gives readers more insight into Matt and Nick’s life before and after their father’s arrest. I like the puzzle created for readers with the dual narration and the need for readers to sift through truths and lies. This book has a little more Miami nightlife glamour than the first and I enjoyed the increased focus on Panic this time round.

I have to admit that I wasn’t a huge fan of the first book in this series and I was a bit nervous about reading this book. I much preferred Matt and April’s story and I’m glad I stuck with the series. This probably isn’t a standalone – readers of the first book will guess June’s secret straight away and the angst I felt for Matt was almost palpable as he remained oblivious and fell in love with June.

For me, April is a much more interesting character than Katie was in the first book. I didn’t always like April but she intrigued me and I couldn’t help but admire her. This time Matt is possibly the more bland of the two, but the lawyer/club owner is a complicated character and I love the dilemma April posed for him.

It is difficult to say much more without giving anything away but I enjoyed this and it is definitely worth reading.


Shannan – ☆☆☆
Make Me Stay happens before Pull Me Close even though you read them in the opposite order.

I loved the angst in Pull Me Close. I was captivated from the beginning. Make Me Stay unfortunately didn't have that same effect for me. I found myself bored at times, I was skimming, especially in the beginning. Matt was such an interesting character, but he just fell flat for me. I wanted to love this book, but it just wasn't for me.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and I think that you would do well to read them in order. Whilst it deals with the same issue from the other twin's viewpoint, it does draw on some of the knowledge gained in the first book.

Matt is working very hard, in his law practice and also in his family nightclub. So he little expects to find time for a romance, and even less does he expect that she will then disappear on him. As we get to see the relationship form, fall apart, and then the stunning truth emerge, it is only the most faithful romance reader that can imagine that this has any chance of working out. But Ms. Halston is a master of her craft and no such fear is necessary, although the resolution is extremely astute, it is also believable.

A good read, with a great mix of passion, romance, and suspense.

Also Available in the Panic Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo 

For reviews & more info, check out our Pull Me Close post.

USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: "Just Do It"—Nike. And that's exactly what she did.

After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative, romantic side and wrote Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she's not writing, you can find her reading and reading and reading. She's a reader first and a writer second. When she's not writing or reading, her life is complete and utter chaos, trying to balance family life with work and writing (and reading). But she wouldn't have it any other way.

Connect with Sidney

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Make Me Stay (Panic #2) by Sidney Halston to read and review.