Texas Bodyguard: Brax

3.75stars-fast paced, engaging, riveting

3.75stars-TEXAS BODYGUARD: BRAX is the second instalment in Janie Crouch’s contemporary, adult SAN ANTONIO SECURITY romantic suspense series focusing on the Patterson brothers-Luke, Brax, Weston and Chance. This is Brax Patterson, and Theresa ‘Tessa’ Mahoney’s story line. TEXAS BODYGUARD: BRAX can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Brax and Tessa) TEXAS BODYGUARD: BRAX follows in the wake of the surprise arrival and disappearance of Brax’s biological half-brother Robert, and the four month old nephew he knew nothing about. Robert is in trouble, claiming he searching for the people who owe him money but the surprise announcement of a child, signing custody over to our story line hero, gives Brax Patterson pause for thought. Struggling with the child, Brax and his brother’s contact a nanny service, and find themselves face to face with our heroine Tessa Mahoney, a young woman who knows immediately what is needed and why but all is not well in Brax’s life, as he is about to testify against the Riviera Cartel, and someone is targeting our story line couple. What ensues is the building relationship between Brax and Tessa, and the potential fall-out when Robert returns, and the Cartel takes aim at everyone involved.

Tessa Mahoney is homeless, on the run but knows of only one place she wants to go. Tessa has a secret, that if discovered, could change her relationship with our story line hero. With the upcoming trial of the Riviera Cartel, Brax finds himself the target of some powerful and desperate men.

The relationship between Brax and Tessa begins as a lie. Tessa’s phone number is at the bottom of the baby’s diaper bag, and Brax needs information about the child left in his care. As Tessa ‘nannys’ Brax’s nephew, the truth will reveal a connection no one ever expected. There are no $ex scenes only chaste kisses but mostly implied.

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Luke Patterson and his fiancé Claire (LUKE), their brothers Chance and Weston, parents Sheila and Clint, PA Maci Ford, as well as Brax’s half-brother Robert. The requisite evil has many faces. Weston’s story is next.

TEXAS BODYGUARD: BRAX is another quick read; a fast paced, action packed story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, desperation and love. The premise is engaging and riveting; the romance is subtle but barely there; the characters are determined and dynamic.