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He’s a hot British billionaire.

The rich, muscled, former special forces soldier.

He’s a temptation she doesn’t want and can’t afford, but now she’s working undercover in his company to catch a rogue arms dealer.

Former MI6 agent Hadley “Striker” Lockwood found a new life in New York working for Sentinel Security. Her work fills a tired, jaded hole inside her. Life is just how she likes it, and she definitely has no desire for a man to mess that up.

When her next assignment sends her back to London to hunt a dangerous arms dealer, she finds herself not only face to face with a darkly tempting billionaire, but going undercover as his newest employee.

Bennett Knightley left the SAS with dark scars scratched on his soul and a determination to help in different ways. His successful company Secura makes high-tech gear for soldiers around the world, but now it’s under attack. Shipments are going missing, and his people are being targeted.

Enter Hadley—intelligent, stubborn, beautiful, and with walls a mile thick. Bennett’s never been tempted to mix business and pleasure, but with Hadley in the office he’s torn between their mission and claiming the maddening woman for himself.

As Hadley and Bennett close in on their enemy, they fight hard against their overwhelming attraction. She’s been burned before but the hot billionaire is getting under her skin. With Hadley, Bennett feels parts of himself coming back to life—now he has to not only convince her to trust him, but convince himself he deserves her.

First published December 20, 2022

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About the author

Anna Hackett

146 books2,512 followers
I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.

I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
Profile Image for Elle Golden.
Author 4 books48 followers
December 20, 2022
This was my first Anna Hackett experience, and I loved it.

I truly enjoyed this story. The path was dynamic and engaging. The characters were enticing and solid.
I loved how driven and tenacious Hadley was, how fearless and sharp. Bennett was also great. He was brave and such a good man. A protective at heart with a flirtatious side.
They were mature in their actions and didn't fall into mind games, which I appreciated.

I'm sure as heck checking out her other books.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews166 followers
December 22, 2022
I'm so glad that I was exposed to Anna Hackett's books since they're totally up my alley as she can seriously write romantic suspense with her brilliant touch. Hadley (aka Striker) is a former M16 agent who now works for Sentinel Security, and she's seriously bada** so I LOVED her hard. Bennett Knightley is also a bada** as he used to work for SAS, but nowadays he's built his own company up, but someone is trying to take it down (LOVED him as well). That's how he & Hadley end up working together as she goes undercover as an employee of his and the sparks are flying like crazy between them. However, she's not having any of it since she was burned in the past and just doesn't open up to anyone anymore, but Bennett is up for the challenge. Of course the twists are coming in hot, and they lead to serious action, so everything is escalating making it an edge of your seat fantastic experience. This story is fast paced with a ton of excitement, and heat so I LOVED every bit of it. I CANNOT WAIT for more in this series, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,125 reviews195 followers
January 1, 2023
Hadley and Bennett are up and HOO-BOY do they throw sparks at each other. Mostly because Hadley tries her hardest to pretend she doesn't have any feelings for Bennett and Bennett keeps imagining a forever with her in it. You know, let's just say it's complicated and go with that.

Just kidding. I have plenty more to say. Hadley's encased her heart in ice after being betrayed both personally and professionally. Bennett is utterly captivated by the efficient, focused former MI6 agent. Having Hadley go undercover at his company in an attempt to ferret out a mole does nothing to slow Bennett's headlong fall into feelings. Let's just say he REALLY likes her efficiency even if she playing a part. Her skirts aren't too bad, either.

As for Hadley, having been burned before, she's very careful with her heart. Working with Bennett gives her a chance to uncover the man behind the billionaire and the more she learns about him, the more she comes to like him. Sure, she has some baggage to unpack and all that, but these two work VERY well together. Both in and out of the office.

A couple of dangerous situations, a twisted road of clues, guns, fast cars, and a couple who know the value of trusting the person they're with when things turn ugly. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Leah.
658 reviews27 followers
December 19, 2022
I love when a heroine is the bodyguard/protector in a book. That isn’t to say that Bennett Knightley isn’t capable of protecting himself. He is former military that has a billion dollar business in creating military equipment, and his company is under attack. Hadley goes undercover to flush out the moles int he company. I am loving this series, Hadley is a woman who has been burned in the past by a man as well as disastrous examples in parents, so she has a hard time opening up to trusting someone that is outside of her inner circle. Bennett holds so much trauma from his past that he doesn’t believe that he deserves to be happy. These two are intense when they are together. There is no denying their connection and chemistry, and Bennett does everything he can to show Hadley that she can trust him. While Hadley shows Bennet that he is worthy of happiness. I wasn’t expecting the twist at the end. I actually thought the bid baddie was going to be someone else. Hackett gives some more easter eggs into couplings we can expect in the future and I can’t wait. This one isn’t my favorite of her’s but it is still an excellent story that keeps you engaged the entire time.

PoP: 64%
Series: Sentinel Security book 3
Type of Series: Series of Standalones


Profile Image for Joelle.
1,616 reviews17 followers
December 14, 2022
We really enjoyed Bennett and Hadley's story, found it to be fun and flirty and a lot of fun and just the right amount of romance and suspense. We found the cast of characters to be awesome, and we loved them.

Loved Bennett from the moment we met him, we found him fun and flirty to be an alpha, protective, possessive and a man that carries some baggage from his military days guilt is one of them. Like Hadley says, all you can do is do your best, and it's impossible to save them all. Just loved his character.

Hadley is a strong and independent woman who is good at her job and has been burned in the past between her job and past relationships, she has found it hard to trust. Bennett with his charisma will chip away at her walls to win the girl. Loved her too, she was also fun and flirty and carried a bit of baggage from the past as they made the perfect pair, they just needed to put their trust in one another.

The chemistry between was off the charts. Talk about hot and so many fan worthy moments. The hotter, the better ! The suspense drew you right in, page turner for sure.

Just loved it, what more can we say...
Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,250 reviews301 followers
February 6, 2023
Quick(ish) Review 3.5 stars but I always round up

Book specific: the fatigue from the formula starting to set in but still good. FMC is agent and MMc is billionaire working together with a little workplace romance as cover to discover who is trying to sabotage MMC company. Still fun though.

Series: Romantic suspense with a standard formula that I enjoy very much. Giving me the action adventure with familiar beats like this - MMC and FMC meet or end up spending alot of time together because danger. Action sequences interspersed with sexual chemistry bubbling over into sex at possibly less than appropriate times but who cares because sex is fun! Also big dramatic climaxes that lead to HEA. I liked them and I ate these up like candy. If that’s your jam and jelly, you may like it too.
Profile Image for Marie.
3,666 reviews36 followers
December 27, 2022
She shreds his control

Bennett is known for his control under pressure, his calm when danger strikes and his legendary focus no matter what is going on around him. Hadley destroys it all, he craves her touch, his imagination runs wild with dirty, dirty visions, but most of all he wants forever with her. He wants to protect her, fight by her side, worship her and provide her with everything she could ever want....he just needs to break through her very high, very solid walls!
I love Bennett for Hadley, he is strong enough to confront her when she runs but also wise enough to allow her to fight her own battles whilst he has her six.
A fantastic London based addition to the series which I read on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Moralnreadsఌ.
67 reviews
June 30, 2023
The bruises weren’t pretty.
“I’m alive,” he reminded her.
She nodded. “I hated watching him shoot you.” She leaned forward and pressed gentle kisses over the bruising. “When he had me, I knew you were coming for me. I know you’ll always come.”
His hands clenched on her hips. “Always, Hadley.”


Wow😭 i'm sobbing, the book is chef's kiss and i fall in love with it.
Profile Image for Charissa Gracyk.
Author 25 books107 followers
January 16, 2023
Hats off for Hadley!

I absolutely loved Hadley and Bennett together! I've been waiting for Striker's story and it was everything I hoped for and more! Great job, Anna! Now bring on Killian! 😍
Profile Image for Lisa D.
1,005 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2023
Fantastic

I knew this would be my favorite. I loved the chemistry and connection between Hadley and Bennett. Terrific plot (I figured out who it was for the first time ever) and a great story. Can't wait to read about Hex and Shade.
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
4,742 reviews45 followers
December 30, 2022
I absolutely loved Bennett and Hadley's story as I've read a glimpse of them in the previous book and they had me anticipating their story. And it was worth it! I loved the two of them together. Their chemistry is undeniable and their story is so intriguing with its suspense, action and twists. Absolutely recommend this one!
Profile Image for MNHockeymomreads (Heather).
302 reviews34 followers
December 20, 2022
Sentinel Security is one of the best security series that I have found. I love the dynamics of the team, and the mystery surrounding most of them! Anna Hackett has done an amazing job of pulling readers into this series making us want more and more from this team. I also like that the team is not made of just men. And their heroines are not wallflowers, they are all strong in their own way.
Hadley “Striker” Lockwood is one heroine I wish I could be best friends with! She has amazing taste, she is kind, witty, very smart, and a badass former M16 agent. She has pulled the women of this series in, and showed us her kindness through her actions. Now, it is her turn to show us what a fierce agent she is.
Bennett Knightley London's highly sought after billionaire bachelor quickly took notice of Hadley. And talk about the full package, Bennett is no slouch either. Former military and now owns a company that supports troops with safe protective gear. I love how down to earth he is and genuinely cares about people.
When these two are paired to work together to bring down the bad guy. The tension and chemistry is seriously epic. I loved how Bennett was all in and Hadley was the cautious one. Hadley and Bennett have some epic banter. Bennett respects the hell out of Hadley professionally and can see what a kind and genuine person she is. Hadley on the other hand needs time and for Bennett to really show his character. Once she gave into temptation it was so HOT! Their relationship was always more than just a physical connection, they are the full package. Their HEA is hard fought and the way they work together was what made this book so amazing. If you love romantic suspense, strong heroines, heroes that step back in awe of their heroines and some mystery, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Rachel - Read with Rach.
1,335 reviews86 followers
January 22, 2023
I loved Hadley and Bennett’s story! This is one of my favorite security series and this was an excellent addition. Hadley was such a badass and I loved her! Bennett was unexpected but I loved him and how he was with Hadley. I can’t wait for the next book!
August 25, 2023
Re-read August 2023: Still loving it, such a well balanced couple! Alpha badass with fierce badass ;-). Chemistry is sizzling and loved the British aspect. I will be back rereading this one!

Original review:
This series just doesn’t disappoint! This time it was Hadley and Bennett’s turn! We already got a little bit from this couple in the previous book and I was looking forward to getting more. Bennett was into Hadley from day one. He never wavered or really fought his desire. I like that in my H’s! He did everything he could to make Hadley his. He was fiercely protective, but respected her (badass!) skills and they functioned as a team. Hadley was an awesome heroine. I already really liked her from the previous books. She is independent, fierce, caring and simply badass. This girl has some skills! The chemistry was off the charts and when these two came together, phew! Fire! The action and suspense part was really good and we got some nice car chases, explosions and gun fights. I also loved seeing more from some of the other members of Sentinel security and am giddy to finally read Killian’s book next! I’ve been waiting for his story since book 1. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Safety:
OW: none
OM: none
No cheating
No third act break up / no separation
Profile Image for Aliya.
52 reviews
February 4, 2023
Hadley and Bennett deserved better. Too much international intrigue. Especially since none of these “spies” know how to stay out of the public eye. Constantly causing public scenes, or being photographed by the paparazzi.

The romance was just kind of meh. They both had issues that just magically disappeared. Could have done so much more with these two really great characters.
Profile Image for Marlene.
3,074 reviews220 followers
December 24, 2022
Once a member of Britain’s elite SAS (Special Air Service (the UK’s equivalent – more of less – of the US SEAL Teams), when Bennett Knightley retired from service he took his skills and determination from the front lines and created a highly profitable, high-tech company that specialized in the business of making the best protective equipment on the market for the military and the people who support them who are fighting the same good fight that he once did.

It’s also his way of exorcising his own demons. In honor of the friends he couldn’t protect in the past, because there was never enough good equipment to go around, he’s providing the best protection he can in the present and the future and making sure it goes where it will do the most good.

But someone has Bennett’s company in their sights, diverting his shipments and corrupting his people, putting that same protective gear in the hands of the very forces that Bennett is desperate to protect people from.

And swaying the court of public opinion to make it seem like Bennett is just another money-hungry capitalist selling out to the highest bidder no matter how dirty their money might be.

That’s where Sentinel Security, in the person of Hadley Lockwood, codename Striker, comes into the picture. And into Bennett’s company Secura, working undercover as a communications executive so she can see where the place has been infiltrated and hopefully get a lead on who has a serious desire to hang Bennett out to dry in as many ways as possible.

They’re supposed to work together. And they do. Entirely too well and not just in the office. But Hadley refuses to trust any man with her heart, while Bennett is still paying penance for all the people that he could not save.

All the while, there’s clearly someone out there who thinks Bennett hasn’t paid nearly enough. In spite of the threat, neither Hadley nor Bennett can resist reaching out for a present neither of them ever expected – even though they both know that any future is far from guaranteed.

Escape Rating A-: The two types of this author’s stories that I like best, whether they are science fiction romances like her Galactic Kings series or action adventure romances like Sentinel Security. The first, and the one I always await eagerly, is the romance that features the leader of whatever group the series is following. In the case of Sentinel Security that’s Killian “Steel” Hawke and his book is up NEXT! YAY!

But the other type, and one that manages to happen more than once in each series – after all, when it comes to leaders there can usually be only one – are the romances where the female half of the impending duo is every single bit the elite operator that the male half is – if not a bit more so as in The Medic.

Those elite operators who are so deliciously often the hero of her romances are just so kickass and badass that any woman who tangles romantically with them who is not just as badass in her own right sometimes gets a bit damselfied. Not because she really is, but because in comparison she really does need protection and a lot of it for whatever fix she’s stuck in.

Sentinel Security agent, formerly of MI6, Hadley “Striker” Lockwood does not need protection. She’s an expert either in providing that protection or in making sure that the villains wish they had a whole lot more of it than they actually do.

So Hadley doesn’t need Bennett to protect her from danger just as he doesn’t need Hadley to protect him. But they each are more than capable of watching each other’s backs in the middle of an operation as well as stealing each other’s hearts in their all too brief downtime.

Which makes Striker just the kind of romance of equals that I always enjoy. In this story, they’re both equally capable of taking down the villains. And they are both equally wary of putting their hearts on the line.

So if you love the kind of romance where everyone kicks ass, takes names and puts down the villains on their way to a well-earned happy ever after, Striker is a winner.

And I’m utterly thrilled that the head badass at Sentinel Security, Killian Hawke, is going to be forced to acknowledge that he’s met his match in every possible way in Steel, coming in January. That’s next month. YAY!

Originally published at Reading Reality
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,390 reviews202 followers
December 22, 2022


Amazon / Paperback

Hadley's a badass former MI6 agent turned private security operator who's been tasked with an undercover assignment to root out the person trying to take out gorgeous billionaire Bennett Knightley. Though Hadley has walls thicker than Bennett's protective gear for soldiers, one look at her has him tempted to scale them. He shouldn't cross that line, but he can't seem to help himself. Working together so closely will tempt both of them to cross those lines, though, and delve into something they hadn't been looking for.



Bennett carries a load of guilt that will probably never leave him and the scars he bears along with that guilt have taken their toll on him. Then a strong, fierce woman happens to him, and he's suddenly wanting more. Will he ever be able to sneak his way past her defenses? Will she be able protect her man while he claims her heart?

Like Wolf and Hades before them, Hadley and Bennett's story continues in excellent fashion the Sentinel Security world. Their chemistry is fire, with Hadley leading the way. She's fierce, strong and guarded, with Bennett being the perfect foil for her. He has his own alpha tendencies, but isn't overbearing, is strong enough to appreciate and be insanely appreciative of hers too. These Sentinel men and women are awesome, can't wait for when the big boss Killian finally falls in love *hint hint*.



ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Karen.
58 reviews14 followers
May 23, 2023
A physical bug on a phone?

This is 2023. So many tools, most of them software, can take over a phone. NSO group, Pegasus, software that can clone a phone's contents and operating system remotely. If you read the news, this is common knowledge. So when Hadley physically slapped a bug on Kitty's phone, it was eyeroll time. The plot and shoddy technical research cost the story some credibility.

Another thing that didn't make sense was Hadley's affair at age 21 with a sleeper agent. This is a woman who was an MI6 operative and the massive resources of MI6 wouldn't have uncovered this?. It didn't matter how new she was. Anyone at a security agency is vetted to death and that includes any romantic partners. I don't care how plummy an accent this guy had, and how attracted she was to him, her training if anything should have told her to investigate him first.

The other thing I found distracting was all the hot sex when they were surveilling someone. They didn't have enough people to follow both Kitty and Ajay. It just didn't have the professionalism I look for. I even stopped before I found out who L'Orage was. These may be little things to some, but it's stuff like this that makes me lose trust in an author's ability to control her characters, provide credible background, and keep the reader interested. If you want to know how an author controls the details, just read any Daniel Silva novel. I know one is pure suspense with minor romance and this book is romantic suspense. But if you're going to do a crossover do it well.

This is a new author for me and the first book I've read of Anna Hackett's. I know she's very prolific but I'm really not interested now in reading more of the series after finding out how clueless and careless these characters are for professionals.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,096 reviews49 followers
December 19, 2022
Bennett and Hadley have been percolating away in the background of the previous books. You just knew that when they finally got together there would be flames and I was not disappointed.

Bennett may be a billionaire now but he was SAS and still would be if he hadn't decided h could save more lives by inventing the very best protection he could for soldiers on the front line. But someone has decided to steal from Bennett - bad move for them because he won't stop until he finds them.

Hadley may come from the aristocracy but she is so different from her cold, uncaring parents that it's hard to believe they're related! She was a bit of a legend at MI6 but Killian managed to steal her away and she enjoys her new life in New York. But a simple meeting in London has put her in the perfect place to assist Bennett in his investigations. But will they kill each other before they can act on the intense chemistry between them?

Bennett struggles with protecting Hadley - he's well aware of how lethal she is but he just can't switch off that caveman part of his brain when she's around! Hadley has struggles of her own - she was burned in love before and doesn't want a repeat but Bennett has this way of making her lose her cool! Hadley is also intelligent, independent, and tenderhearted under that ever-so-detached persona she projects.

The romance scorches with these two - office nooky has never been so hot! Whilst the chemistry sizzles between them it never gets in the way of their mission and the action is superb. Can't wait for more. I'm also secretly hoping that the other Knightly brothers and Henry, Bennett's best buddy, also get a book because they are super intriguing!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
718 reviews13 followers
December 21, 2022
I just had a feeling that Striker was going to be amazing and Anna did not disappoint!

Hadley “Striker” Lockwood left her life in London behind as well as her career as an MI6 to work for Killian “Hawk” at Sentinel Security. When Hawk needs her to return for a mission, she finds herself in a place she wasn’t expecting and needing to work with the one man she knows is going to be temptation alone, but she has been hurt in the past and refuses to get tangled up again. Bennett Knightley has only know to push to make his business successful to help others. As former SAS he knows the ins and outs of the world and has worked incredibly hard to create products to keep people safe. The problem is he has had products stolen and while working with MI6, they can’t afford to let that happen. So Hadley is brought back to work with her former boss, current boss and be undercover with Bennett at his business. As these two work to unravel what is happening with his products, the tension and chemistry is undeniable. Ben is all in, but Hadley knows what can happen when you trust the wrong person.

I love these two and can we take a moment to just say Hex’s book will be AMAZING! I have an idea of who she might get with and if it is, we will have yet another phenomenal book. Hadley was strong and amazing and just the best female to pair with Hottie Billionaire as Hex calls him. Bennett has his own things he is working through, but once he really sees Hadley it is all about her and making her see that they were good together. I love every second of each of these books as these characters become friends in a way not many other authors can write. I feel close to each of those on the Sentinel Team and love the little updates on them and a peek at what might be ahead.
Profile Image for Jenny Jackson.
795 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2023
Bennett and Hadley

I cannot get enough of this series. This installment started a bit slower than the first two books but once everything got going it was nonstop. It also had a different feel because it took place largely away from the Sentinel Security office and therefore didn’t involve the other members as much, and I think that was what I missed the most.

British billionaire and former SAS officer Bennett Knightly has spent his time since retiring from the British Army building a company focused on getting much needed protective gear into the hands of the people who need it. After seeing first hand how better equipment could have saved the lives of the people he worked with, he was determined to make a difference. When his shipments are stolen, Hadley, former M16 officer and current Sentinel Security officer, is tasked with working undercover at his company to find the moles and keep Bennett’s company from being destroyed.

Hadley has trouble trusting people, especially men, and more importantly, especially men she drawn to. But the longer she works with Bennett Knightly, the clearer it becomes that he may be the one man, outside her team, she can trust. Bennett is determined to tear down Harley’s walls, but he understands her trust issues and that makes his mission to earn her trust even more meaningful to him. While chasing leads and saving his company Bennett and Hadley fall head over heals. They have plenty of obstacles ahead, but find they don’t matter as much when the only other option is walking away.

This was a great addition to the Sentinel Security series. While it had less of the other two couples, it had more Steel and Hex and dropped some major hints about their upcoming books.
844 reviews9 followers
June 19, 2023
2.5* This book is why I don’t read books set in England.

So in the first chapter, Hadley describes her sister as having a very cool British marriage. Wtf does that mean???? If you’re going to write about two English people then please research it first. We don’t say bin truck, it’s dustbin lorry, at one point someone says about the billions of dollars that Bennett has made. HE’S MADE POUNDS, not dollars!!!

If I ignore all of that, the book is well written, but boring. When Bennett’s company is being targeted by an unknown enemy, Hadley is sent in undercover to help him. As she’s an ex MI6 agent, who now works for Killian in New York, she has the expertise to help. Bennett is a self made billionaire, who is also ex SAS. Bennett has wanted Hadley for a long time, but she never give him any hope that she felt it too. Until they are stuck working together.

It’s okay, but not fantastic. Hadley is working undercover as a media consultant, but on the first week of her ‘job,’ she’s disappeared for hours with Bennett. No one says anything, or wonders why they are both missing??? Hadley is undercover as ‘Hallie’ yet a lot of people in London know who she is, and that she worked for the government. Yet no one recognised her when she’s out with Bennett? Bennett as a famous billionaire never seems to get recognised, and one night they go to the theatre together, and are photographed getting out of car, and still NO ONE RECOGNISES HER!!!

It’s just silly, and rather sloppy writing from Anna Hackett. I’ve read most of her books and I used to love them. They do seem to be getting a bit rushed. Sadly.
Profile Image for Carey S..
523 reviews7 followers
December 23, 2022
Hadley “Striker” Lockwood is a former MI6 agent, who is currently working for Sentinel Security. Hadley and her boss, Killian, meet with her former boss at MI6 in London and with Bennett Knightly, the founder of Secura, as the book begins. Someone is targeting the safety gear that Secura makes, by stealing shipments of their products and selling them to terrorist organizations. Bennett is frustrated and angry that terrorists are using Secura’s products, when those same products are supposed to give ‘the good guys’ a safety edge against the horrors of war and fighting. Before too long, MI6 and Sentinel Security figure that someone is actually targeting Bennett personally, as well as his company. Hadley wants to make sure that they don’t succeed in either case.

Hadley was seduced and duped by a foreign agent trying to get access to MI6 when she was a fresh-faced recruit to that organization. Since then, she has been wary of trusting anyone, especially a potential romantic partner. Bennett is aware of her prickliness, but it doesn’t matter to him. He likes everything about Hadley, and wants to understand her better. Through a series of attacks on Secura and on Bennett and herself, she learns that he actually can be trusted.

There is a boatload of teamwork happening from the start to the finish of this story. Hadley communicates frequently with her team members in New York, and there are other Sentinel Security members who support her efforts in London. As usual, hints are dropped for potential future stories within the context of this story, all while the protagonists are dodging bullets and facing serious attacks. This exciting tale is well-crafted, with a good mix of action, excitement, danger, and spicy interludes. The conflicts are crystal-clear, and both protagonists are likeable and strong characters. There is a ‘family’ element to the story--both with actual familial interactions and with the ‘found’ family of each protagonist--who are always around when things get tough.

I was in the middle of another book when I got notified that I could read this book. I immediately stopped reading the other book, picked this one up, and couldn’t put it down! The mystery surrounding Bennet’s attacker, the actual attacks and thefts of shipments, and the inner struggles of both Bennett and Hadley combined to make an exciting and fast-paced story that kept me engaged from start to finish!
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
2,826 reviews168 followers
December 20, 2022
Series: Sentinel Security #3
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good

Former M16 agent Hadley “Striker” Lockwood finds herself back in London working undercover as an employee of Secura to catch a rogue arms deal. But she quickly finds herself falling for the owner of Secura, Bennett Knightly.

Hadley has been a wonderful member of the Sentinel Security team. She works hard, loves shopping, and keeps all men at a distance. Her past has taught her to never trust men but when she is forced to work with Bennett, she can’t ignore how much she wants him. I really enjoyed seeing Hadley opening up and letting go of her fears of being used. She is such a strong woman and she deserves to have a wonderful partner at her side, which is what Bennett is.

Bennett is a veteran who built Secura to supply better armor and gear for soldiers. He wants to protect the people who risk their lives for their country. Bennett was a protective, caring, and extremely kind man. His company is filled with veterans who were struggling to readjust to civilian life. He goes out of his way to help his people and it really hurts him when something happens to them. Bennett was a sweetheart and I loved seeing him break down Hadley’s barriers and show her what a true partner can be like.

These two had an intense and steamy relationship. In between dealing with threats and surveillance, they were attacking each other. These two had wonderful chemistry and I loved watching them drive each other crazy. Overall, this was a wonderful blend of action and romance. I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next book.

Trigger Warnings: death of friends and comrades during war; bomb threats and detonations; gun violence; bodily injuries and blood;

*ARC provided by the author for an honest review.*

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Profile Image for Angie.
241 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2022
I'm obsessed and I don't wanna be helped

Another book that will be a re-read before it's even cooled off. Anna Hackett writes 110% into every book, every masterpiece. My eyes dry out and tear up in an endless cycle because I can't tear them away from her books. And I love the tiniest hints of future stories, how she not only introduces background characters but incorporates their stories-to-be into books that don't focus on them. She doesn't completely leave them out until it's their turn but also makes it clear who this book is about - a noble billionaire whose past made his presnt, who knows what he wants (Hadley) and he goes after it and a strong, independent woman with walls of steel (pun not intended but funny) who is determined to keep the pleasure and the business separate while kicking ass and burning sheets. I loved it.

Next, we'll have Killian whose interesting chemistry with a certain redheaded CIA agent is sure to blow us away. And a taste of another favorite hacker (tied with Mav and Remi because I can't seem to favor just one of any character in Anna's books) who I think is going to be partaking in some hilarious banter with a very mysterious hottie (they've already startled).
Profile Image for Ashley Jasper.
1,740 reviews24 followers
December 21, 2022
A badass undercover female on a mission? Yes please and thank you. It was exactly what made me want to pick up Striker. But what made me keep turning the pages was the dynamic between Hadley and Bennett.

With an unknown threat coming for Bennett and more questions than answers at every turn, it was all they could do to try to get one step ahead. It meant a lot of time with Hadley putting her anger aside so they could work closely together. Talk about sexual tension and chemistry, under some simmering animosity of course.

When they finally gave into what had been brewing between them it was so worth the wait. I loved watching these two people who were so dedicated to their work, drop their guard. More than that, I loved that they found a safe place to lay their fears and past hurts in one another.

Did I guess who was behind all the mayhem before the big reveal? Yes. Was I disappointed about it? Not one bit. The way Anna Hackett wove the pieces together had me hanging on every word to see what would happen next. Whew! Can you say intense? My pulse was pounding as everything played out and the aftermath of what went down. But that little tease at the end...I can't wait to see what is in store for the Sentinel Security crew next!
1,730 reviews12 followers
December 21, 2022
Bennett Knightly, a billionaire with a big heart, had fought hard to build up his Secura company but memories of his military past still had him struggling with emotions of guilt and regret. As a member of Killian's Sentinel Security, Hadley “Striker” Lockwood was a force to be reckoned with. After she had been used and deceived naive Hadley was no more, she could only trust her friends and job partners at Sentinel. In a mission that required the knowledge and skills of both Bennett and her, strong feelings and desires surfaced, and they were put to the test and guess who struggled the more. Decided, intrepid, full of cunning and capable of taking care of herself, Hadley stood out all the time. I liked her way of thinking and giving herself to action with her sharp mind. I was saddened by the burden that Bennett carried in his heart. Good thing he ran into a woman like Hadley! Interesting development of the plot that kept me intrigued with the threat to the protagonists. The snippets about several of the secondary characters in this story caught my attention. I love it when it's their turn to star in stories full of suspense and adventure, Anna Hackett's style. Action, suspense, intense feelings, intrigue, betrayal, family drama, danger, camaraderie, romance, and heated passion.
668 reviews5 followers
December 16, 2022
I am in love with the sweet caring alpha billionaire Bennett Knightley. This former British military hottie is making excellent military gear to help the good guys stay safe and alive. His company, Secura, has made him very wealthy and a target. Someone recently started stealing his shipments and giving them to terrorists. It’s imperative he stops these thefts. Help is on the way in the guise of MI6 and Sentinel Security. Killian Hawke has brought along for this mission Hadley “Striker” Lockwood. Hadley is a top-of-the-line agent; in fact, she’s a former MI6. Hadley is going undercover at Secura to find the mole but this job is going to be really tough. She can’t keep her eyes off the delicious hard-bodied Bennett…AND Bennett is in lust over this beautiful brave competent agent. Their romance is hot and heavy. He just wants to go all “caveman” over her.
The action is non-stop and kept me guessing who the villain was. Bennett treats Hadley and all his people wonderfully. What a great guy. I loved all the characters and LOVED the story. I received a free advanced copy of this story from Bookfunnel and am happy to leave my opinion. Linda
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