by Mandy Baxter
Series: U.S. Marshals #3
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
Heat Level:
Strong, relentless, and lethal, he plays every angle to trap the worst criminals. But for the one woman he can't resist, he'll break all the rules… For hotel manager Tabitha Martin, bad boys usually spell disaster. And her new guest promises just that, with his formidable build, tattooed biceps, and quiet take-no-mess attitude. Tabitha is already putting everything on the line to escape her vicious drug-dealing ex's control for good—but a single sizzling moment in “Damien Evans'” arms has her wanting all the trouble he can give… He's been undercover too long and likes living dangerously too much. U.S. Marshal Parker Evans figures maybe that's why he doesn't immediately put Tabitha in custody. Sure, she's his one chance to finally take down a major drug ring. But every minute he protects this mostly innocent blonde leaves his heart all too vulnerable. And the cost of desire could be a deadly endgame…
One Touch More by Mandy Baxter is the third book in her U.S. Marshals series. These contemporary romances are heated and full of suspense. One Touch More introduces us to U.S. Marshal Parker Evans and troubled hotel manager Tabitha Martin. Sometimes falling for a bad boy ends up being a good thing.
Coffee Dates with One Touch More
- First Date: Parker Evans is former Marine and works undercover for the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Recovery unit. In the last four years he has spent more time undercover, spending his time with thugs and drug dealers. Undercover posing as, Damien Evans, he checks into a local motel for his latest sting operation involving a major drug ring. Here he meets Tabitha Martin the manager and there is instant sizzle.(Psst- Damien is HOT with his tattoos, killer grin and lickable abs)
- Second date: Damien has made contact with the perp, and low and behold, there is a tie to the hotel Tabitha manages. Sparks fly when these two are around each other but after the hot-mess her ex-boyfriend has her in Tabitha has sworn off bad-boys, well that is until Damien defends her. Damien has been undercover for so long he has lost touch with himself. He knows he should not get involved with Tabitha but unfortunately or perhaps luckily; he loses perspective whenever she is around. These two danced the tango with banter and wicked thoughts. I knew it was only a matter of when before they tangoed. The heat from these two was off the charts and Baxter will have you fanning yourself. The suspense angle is intense and you will forget to check the clock as you immerse yourself in this date.
- Third date: The suspense gets as heated as the sheets as we enter our third date. Tabitha comes clean about things, and a series of events lead to some trouble for our couple as Damien’s identity is revealed. While there is evidence of insta-love, there is no denying the attraction between these two. Baxter did a good job of slowing things down, and creating believability. We have some angst as the case and romance intertwine but it was not overdone. I like that we see growth in both as they open up and trust. The last few chapters were intense but Baxter wrapped up both the romance and the case allowing me to smile as I ended this date.
Once again, Baxter delivered and I enjoyed One Touch More. If you are looking for a heated romantic suspense then you should check out the U.S. Marshal’s series.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I really enjoy romantic suspense and this sounds like it was done well.
A lovely review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
It was, plus I am a sucker for undercover men..hehe
Jennifer
I’ve got this one on my Kindle to read. I’m hoping to get to it next weekend. I stayed up WAY past my bedtime with the previous book. So I’m hoping this one is just as good.
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..that is always a good sign Jennifer 🙂
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Suspense romances are my thing right now! This sounds great.
kimbacaffeinate
I had fun with this one Jennifer 🙂
Lorna
This one sounds like a good read to me, and so does the undercover aspect. I am glad you liked it so much.. I have never read this author, but maybe someday 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I like the undercover suspense too 🙂
Wattle
This sounds like a fun romantic suspense series, I think I will have to check it out 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you end up trying these 🙂
Red Iza
Oh yes, I’ll check this series out, I’m in the mood for good romantic suspenses these days, thanks 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Yay..enjoy I liked the added suspense 🙂
Angela
This book sounds like something I would love. There’s something about undercover agents that I can’t seem to get enough of. Thanks for bringing this series to my attention.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…I have a weakness for agents 🙂
Bookworm Brandee
This sounds pretty great, Kimberly. I’m happy that the chemistry between Tabitha and Damian is so palpable yet the author makes their ‘falling’ believable. And the suspense element seems intense. I’ll check out Mandy Baxter for sure!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, I am having fun with this series.
Ramona
You know how to pick them 🙂 Sounds like an interesting mix of things, guaranteed to please a wide audience. Too bad about the insta-love thing…
kimbacaffeinate
Insta-love doesn’t bother me, but as I said she slowed it down and added some depth 🙂
melliane
It’s great to see that this one is good once again! I have it but I’m again late with my ebooks….
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to know it is in your reading pile 🙂
The Bibliophile Babe
This sounds like a good read! I’ve been looking for a new alpha to lust after.
kimbacaffeinate
Alpha’s are good 🙂
Cyn
Hot hot and yummy alpha!? Yes please! I feeling like a need a little more action with my romance! Glad that this one was an hot read, will definitely have to check out this series.
Awesome review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
That is why I like romantic suspense Cyn 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
I just realized that I can take inta-love when the author tricks me by making things happen midway. It gives the illusion that it wasn’t immediate, but that the characters took their time before jumping each other’s bones. Hehehe
kimbacaffeinate
I don’t mind it at all..what I don’t like is when it happens and the author wraps it all up with a wedding..I prefer it a little more open
Angela Adams
Wow! Thanks for the post!!
kimbacaffeinate
Welcome Angela
Teddyree
former marine and HOT, hell yeah, but oh that cover got the ugly stick 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Right…I hope you snag a copy 🙂
Stormi
My two favorite contemporary reads are cowboys and law enforcement so I need to check these out. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I do like me a cowboy Stormi 🙂
Sarah
Ahhh I am so in the mood for some romantic suspense right now. Yum!
kimbacaffeinate
It is one of my favorite types of romance Sarah.
Sophia Rose
Sounds like an all around good read. That’s great that the instant attraction slowed down and developed.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah I like how she handled it 🙂
Kathy
I am such a sucker for books that feature soldiers. I haven’t read a romance or romantic suspense book in a while. Maybe I’m due? I’ve kind of sworn off series, so can this be read as a standalone?
kimbacaffeinate
I love a man in uniform too Kathy 🙂
Heidi
Like the sound of the romance and the suspense, especially if the suspense was as good as the hot romance!
kimbacaffeinate
It was a dangerous case Heidi. Have a wonderful weekend
Debbie Haupt
OOh Kim I’ve been jonesing for a hot lawman read. Thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe Debbie, there is something about a man in uniform or in this case undercover 🙂
Lily B
i love a good romantic suspense and this one sounds like a lot of fun, been a while since i have read one
kimbacaffeinate
I am the same Lily, this was a good one 🙂
Faye la Patata
So I’m guessing this series has a lot to do with the heroes being a part of the US Army? :O That would be an interesting twist to things. I find the army in general as sketchy, but the politics involved and weaved with the other person’s storyline and history could be an interesting thing to read about.
kimbacaffeinate
Faye, this series is all about men in the US Marshal’s office. Yes, some are ex-military.
kindlemom1
This winter I’, definitely adding some of these fabulous romantic suspense authors to my TBR pile Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoy romantic suspense Ali.
Jenny
Glad to hear that after a little insta-love action the author slows things down and allows all of us readers to catch up and really believe in these two together. Also, I was sold at former Marine and tattoos:)
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, their emotions felt genuine and made me swoon
Kristin
Mandy Baxter, huh? Hot, huh? I do like the sound of the cop getting lost in undercover work AND coming to rescue of the damsel. Do I need to read the first two or can I jump in with this one???
I never mind insta-love but why is that such a trigger word with book readers? That and “angst”? I looked up the Urban Dictionary & Webster’s definitions of angst and I still don’t get what the fuss is about. Someone needs to explain what angst is so I know what is wrong with it – NOT YOU so just stop yourself!!! I’m pontificating, girl!!!! I think I just came up with a post idea for ya, though!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Personally I do not have an issue with either..as long as the author makes me believe and the drama/angst isn’t drawn out unnecessarily. All of these work as standalone and feature a US MARSHALL. .
Haniya
A hot romantic suspense sounds awesome! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly what I was thinking 🙂
Quinn's Book Nook
I’ve never read this author before, but this book sounds right up my alley. I love the undercover detective thing a lot!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah I liked the undercover thing too Quinn.
Nick
I keep meaning to try this author’s books because they sound like so much fun! I think I’d love the chemistry between these two. And the 4 flames up there definitely makes me want to pick it up, Kim! Haha! 😀
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
I can see you liking these. Didn’t you love the Love Undercover series by Lori Foster? This is kinda like that and totally yummy.
Tyler H Jolley
I’m not much of a heavy romance fan, but I always enjoy your reviews. And I love that you rate the overall book and the heat level. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Tyler. Appreciate the support 🙂
Katherine
I love a good romantic suspense and this one sounds seriously fun. Damien sounds like a great character – I love a good bad boy but not really character!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too Katherine and he really is a sweetie deep down.
Mary Kirkland
I love reading fun banter between two characters. This sounds like a lot of fun to read.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Mary..thanks and have a great weekend 🙂
Silvia
Haven’t tried her books yet, but I like romantic suspense and you got me curious about this series!
kimbacaffeinate
Glad I piqued your curiosity.
Lover Of Romance
I am pretty eager to try this author out soon. And I love the romantic suspense theme. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Romantic suspense is one of my favorite 🙂
Naomi
This sounds intense, but oh-so-hot! Glad you felt that the author did a good job on slowing things down so you felt the relationship was more believable.
kimbacaffeinate
I did, and you would like this Naomi.
blodeuedd
Maybe one day 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah for someday 🙂
Christy LoveOfBooks
I love when the character is undercover or something and can’t tell the other person, like in the first Love Undercover book. So I think I’d like this. Those two on the cover so don’t look like they’re into it, though. lol
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…exactly like that only more heated 🙂