Review: Rocco (Reed Security #21) by Giulia Lagomarsino

Title: Rocco

Series: Reed Security #21

Author: Giulia Lagomarsino

Release Date: March 16, 2020

Published By: Independent

Category: Contemporary – Romance – Suspense – Action – Military

Type: Digital – Paperback

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Rating:

Heat: 

Blurb: 

Rocco is number twenty-one in the Reed Security series, and it is suggested they be read in order.


Rocco has his world all wrapped up in a neat package. He has a job that he loves and his daughter, the best thing that's ever happened to him. And he has his rules. These rules keep the order and balance in his life and the women where they should be. But he never counted on Brooke, and she's about to turn his world upside down.
Brooke never had the typical love life. She tried to have it all, but there was always something that held her back from committing. Until Gary. Gary was...not really important. But being with him led her to Rocco in the most unusual way, and now she's about to find out all about his rulebook.

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Favorite Lines:

Rules for Sexual Encounters:

“You were serious? You actually have a rulebook?”  ~  Brooke

“Whatever you decide, I’m all in. I could never walk away from you and be happy. You’re it for me.”  ~  Rocco

Excerpt:

          I caught movement out of the corner of my eye and discreetly pulled my weapon, keeping it out of sight from anyone else. Glancing over my shoulder into my truck, I saw a figure sitting in there, as if he fucking belonged. Ever so casually, I opened the door and slid in, pointing my weapon directly at- Holy fucking shit. He was a she. I faltered, not able to speak as I stared at the woman before me. Talk about a knock out. She had long, dark brown hair that hung in waves around her shoulder. Waves, yeah, that’s right, fucking waves. And I was noticing. Normally, I couldn’t give two shits what a woman’s hair looked like, let alone her face. As long as she had a nice body and was willing, that was all I really required. 
          But this woman, damn. She was a man-eater, that was for sure. I could see the way she was glaring at me, as if I had done something to offend her in my own fucking truck. Those deep blue eyes seemed to impale my chest, making it difficult to breathe, let alone think. And she had this cute button nose that was slightly upturned. I wanted to reach out and push on it, just to see her wrinkle her nose at me. 
          Jesus Fucking Christ, what the fuck are you talking about? Button nose and eyes impaling my chest? Get it together, dickhead. She is the enemy. She snuck into your truck and now she’s holding a fucking bat on you. Something you now just realized because you were too busy being fucking mesmerized by her! 
          I cleared my throat and tightened my grip on my gun that seemed to go lax in my hands over the last few seconds. “You want to tell my why you’re sitting in my fucking truck with a bat?”
          “I need to get out of here, and you’re going to take me wherever I need to go.”
          I quirked an eyebrow and would have started laughing if not for the evil-as-shit look on her face. “And why would I do that?”
          I could see the flicker in her eyes. She was going to try and take my weapon. I’m not sure why I did it, or what possessed me to be such a fucking idiot, but I fucking let her take it from me. Call it curiosity or maybe it was just the general burning in the area of my dick that had me allowing that shit to happen. Because I wanted this woman right now, and I was willing to see how far she would go, and what I could get out of it. 
          In a flash, she knocked my gun to the side. I almost rolled my eyes at myself as I let my fingers slip from the gun. I had to do most of the work for her. Her hit packed a lot of punch, but was in no way hard enough to actually knock the gun from my hand. I pretended to fumble, and even pretended I was slow enough to allow her to get to my gun before me. Shit, my acting was bad, but for some reason, she ate it up, grinning at me like she had just won first prize at the county fair. 
          “Wow,” she exclaimed. “I can’t believe that worked.”She flipped the gun around on me, pointing it at me with just a little too much ease. She obviously had at least a little training with a gun. At least she wouldn’t fucking shoot me, I hoped. 
          “Yeah, you really got me.”
          “Drive.”
          “And where are we going?”
          I heard sirens in the distance and her gaze flicked outside, scanning the area. “Just fucking drive!”
          “Alright, alright. Although, if you don’t want someone to call the police, I would recommend lowering the gun.”
          She snorted. “Yeah, so you can try and get it away from me? I don’t think so.”
          I sighed and put the truck in drive, pulling out slowly into traffic. Stopping at the next stop light, I looked over to see the man next to me, eyes wide and fumbling with his phone. 
          “Sweets, you might want to lower the gun. The natives are getting fucking scared.”
          She looked out the window and quickly lowered her weapon, finger-waving at the man next to us. He looked at us in confusion and I gave a little two finger wave of my own from where my wrist was resting on the steering wheel. He peeled out as soon as the light turned green and I sighed. Well, I suppose that could have gone better. 
          “Take the highway,” she said, pointing the gun at the road that would lead out of town. 
          “And where exactly are we taking this road?”
          “Anywhere,” she said quietly. “I just need to get out of here.”
          “And why is that?”
          She glared at me, leveling the gun at me once again. I bristled in irritation. Why the fuck I had let her take my gun, I had no fucking clue. Not that I couldn’t get it back in an instant, but it pissed me off that I had handed over control to this woman. 
          “You just shut up and drive.”
          So, I did. I’m not sure why. I didn’t seem to be sure of a whole hell of a lot right now. All I knew was that my dick liked her, and maybe there was a blowjob at the end of this very strange, fucked up rainbow. A man could dream. 
          We drove for the better part of an hour with her muttering in the other seat about stupid men and their beards. I couldn’t believe that all this was over some fucking idiot with a beard. This woman had gone psycho. She had ‘kidnapped’me and was using me as her hostage, to take her wherever she wanted to go. And I willingly went along for the ride, all so I could get my dick wet. 
          “So,” I said casually, hoping to get her to open up just a little. “What’s your name?”
          She hesitated for just a moment, like she was trying to think up a good name to use. “Bethany.”
          “Bethany,” I repeated unbelievably. “Right. I would have pegged you for a Skye or something.”
          “Skye? How the hell do I look like a Skye?” she snapped. 
          “Shit, I don’t know. You don’t have to bite my head off.”
          “Whatever. What’s your name? I’m sure it’s something really cliché like Butch or Grinder.”She snorted and I looked over at her in confusion. 
          “Why would you think my name is Butch or Grinder?”
          “Because, you look like the quintessential biker, besides the cut. What’s wrong? Lost your biker gang?”
          “I’m not in an MC. In fact, I’ve never been on a motorcycle.”
          “Yeah, right,” she snorted. “And I’m a virgin.”
          Now it was my turn to snort, which only earned me a glare. “Why would you think I’m a biker?”
          “Because you have all those tattoos and you’re all muscley, and you just look like someone I wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley.”
          “Right, because only bikers are men that you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Do you actually know any bikers?”
          “Just one,” she said irritatedly. “But he doesn’t really look like a biker. But he is someone that I wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley.”
          “Know a lot of those men, do you?”
          “Whatever. I’m probably totally misreading you. You probably spend all your time in the gym, but you’re one of those guys that can’t actually throw a punch. I mean, I should have known. I did take your gun from you.”
          I nodded solemnly. “Yeah, you’re right. That’s me. Just a gym rat that can’t throw a punch. Maybe you could show me the next time we stop for gas.”
          “So, now that we’ve cleared that up, what’s your name?”
          “Sam,” I said without a second thought.

Highlight:

          Knight left a few minutes later after giving me a hard glare, and Rocco and I made our way back inside. 
          “He really doesn’t like me.”
          “He doesn’t like anyone,”Rocco said, pulling a bottle of water out of his fridge. 
          “Yeah, but he really doesn’t like me.”
          “Not true. If he really didn’t like you, he’d just shoot you. And since you’re still standing, I’m guessing that it’s something you could overcome eventually.”
          “Whew,” I mocked, pretending to be really concerned. “Because I was really worried about him actually shooting me.”
          Rocco walked away, leaving me alone in the kitchen. I had the feeling that all of these guys had that side to them, where they could just walk away and not give a shit what you thought. There were no social niceties that I could see, and maybe they preferred it that way. They seemed to be a close-knit family that didn’t invite others into their realm. Well, they had sort of invited me, but it was a very limited invitation and only because of Reese. 
          Rocco returned a few minutes later and handed me a stack of papers that could only be one thing. His rule book. He handed it over with a raised eyebrow, as he expected me to challenge him. It wasn’t like I really could. I was living at his mercy right now. And while I didn’t think he would actually go to the judge and have me kicked out of his house, I wasn’t really willing to test that theory out right now. That is, until I read the damn document. 
          Snatching the papers out of his hands, I started to read. 
          “Rule One…”
          I paused and looked up at him. “You know, you’re very original with your rulebooks.” He didn’t say anything, so I continued. 
          “You will not go near my daughter at any time.”
          I arched an eyebrow at him. “Not that this is a problem for me, you know I don’t like kids, but seriously? I can’t go by her at any time?”
          “Not without me present, and only with my permission.”
          “What are you going to do when she goes off to school and has to interact with other people?”
          “She’s not going to school. We have our own school here. She’ll never come in contact with someone I don’t approve of.”
          “So, what you’re saying is that you’re going to pick out her boyfriends and decide who she can sleep with. Are you going to take them for a test run to make sure they’re good in bed too?”
          His jaw clenched, but he didn’t say anything, so I continued. 
          “Rule Two: You will at no time enter my bedroom unless you have a strict invitation from me. If I do invite you, refer back to the first rule book for further instruction.”
          “Wow, such a charmer. I already feel like there’s something magical brewing between us.”
          “There is nothing between us and there never will be. I’m doing you a favor because my boss is making me. Don’t go making shit up in your head.”
          “Like what?”I asked as innocently as possible. 
          “Like that I’ve come to the rescue and I’m here to save you.”
          I tilted my head to the side and gave a small smile, dying inside at the fact that I was about to freak him the fuck out. “But you already did save me. If you hadn’t offered up your home to me, I would be in prison right now. You’re literally my savior.”
          I saw him swallow hard as I approached. He backed up a step and shoved the papers back in my face. “Just finish reading the damn rules.”
          I laughed a little before finding the next rule on the sheet. 
          “Rule Three: All girly shit will be stored in bins under the sink. Only toothbrushes are allowed on the counter.”
          “But we don’t even use the same bathroom.”
          “I don’t care. This is my house and I don’t want to see it out. First it’s the countertops and then it’s shit laying around in my living room. It’s best if we just get this shit straight now.”
          “Sure. I can do that. I can keep my…girly shit…out of your way.”
          Although I was already thinking of how I could leave drying bras and panties hanging around for him to find. 
          “Rule Four: You must use your own bathroom at all times.”
          “Rule Five: If it’s that time of the month, I will NOT be making any midnight runs for chocolate or tampons. If you run out, you’ll just have to sit on the fucking toilet.”
          “I hope that you don’t get like this for your daughter. You do realize that at some point she’s going to need tampons too. And you’re going to have to be the one to buy them.”
          “There are other women here for that.”
          “Right, and you’re going to allow them to have the talk with your daughter? You’ll allow someone else to tell her all about sex and what to do? Because women can be very…graphic.”
          He snatched the papers out of my hands and grabbed a pen off the counter, scribbling in something else. When he handed it back, I almost burst out laughing. 
          “No sex talks with Evie. Um…I’m pretty sure that she won’t be old enough for that kind of talk before I leave.”
          “Doesn’t hurt to be prepared.”
          I threw the papers down on the table and walked away. 
          “Where are you going?” he shouted after me. 
          I spun around to face him. “Look, while I’m sure you put a lot of effort into making your damn rulebook, it’s a little too much for one sitting. Go do your man thing, and I’ll stay out of your way.”
          I walked into my room and slammed the door. Men could be such asses.

Review: 

Brooke is a passionate being. She’s also quite understanding. So when she walks in on her boyfriend in the middle of a BDSM scene with another man in their home that she literally JUST moved into with him, she doesn’t immediately freak out. But when he confesses to using her as a cover, the passion ignites and she does some damage with a baseball bat. Fearing jail, she runs and ends up taking a hostage and his vehicle to get away. What she doesn’t realize is that the sinfully sexy guy she absconds with is Rocco of Reed Security. Neither provides their real identity so she also can’t tell him her connection to the security company. When they end up in custody, Brooke is forced to live under house arrest with Rocco for a full year. The guy that rocked her world. The guy that has rules for everything – including hookups. The guy that has a toddler. And consequently a new set of rules concerning the little tyke as well. But Rocco is better than jail and Brooke decides she’s going to have an enormous amount of fun both enforcing and breaking every…single…one…of…the…rules.

Rocco is completely perplexed by Brooke. She’s never acting as he expects, constantly throwing him off guard. He’s a carefully planned man and has rules for everything. It keeps things simple and straightforward. With a young daughter to think about and a highly dangerous job, he can’t afford distractions. But Brooke is a level of crazy he never knew he would crave like a drug. She stands for the complete opposite of everything he holds sacred. She doesn’t like kids, she has no stable employment, no retirement or insurance, and holds a devastating secret that could mean the end of any shot they might have at happiness together. But Rocco’s ways aren’t necessarily the right path either and while his carefully constructed life may have seemed like the way to go, once he and Brooke realize they have more than just fantastic sex together, he also eventually sees that he's got to bend as well. But will he bend in time to save their delicate relationship, or will the dangers of his profession bring everything to a screeching halt before they have a chance to see where this love could lead?

Good Lord! I have never read any of the Reed Security series before. Given that this is the 21^st book in the series – You heard me right. Twenty-first! I have no idea how I have not stumbled across these books before. I may have started at 21, but dang, am I happy with it! I can only imagine how great the other books in the series are. Thinking about reading twenty of them to get caught up is a bit daunting, but also thrilling. I mean, how often do you come across a book that you not only enjoy, but find out has so much more to offer with so many other books before it? And that’s not even counting the next two books I am aware of that take place after ROCCO. Good grief! All of these mouth-watering special ops guys who now work for an elite security firm? Yes, please! I was able to obtain a copy of this book when I hosted a tour for it on my blog. I have to admit that the blurb hooked me immediately. I mean a hot man with all of Rocco’s talents and skill, with a daughter, and a rule book for sex? I had to find out more and I was not disappointed. It was hilarious to see this man thrust these rules that make his life uncomplicated toward a woman who is nothing but complication. And her way of testing him at every turn and challenging those rules? Priceless. But Rocco wasn’t the only one thrown for a loop. Brooke, self-proclaimed anti mother material ends up making a huge turn around where Evie is concerned as well. And while the little darling is only a portion of Brooke’s transformation, and definitely a scene-stealer (mostly because of how great Rocco interacts with her), Brooke ends up “domesticated” as Knight would put it. Overall this is a story of give and take, push and pull; making allowances when you love someone, no matter how far outside of your comfort zone it might throw you. And if you are lucky, you’ll find true happiness in a place you never could have thought it would ever exist. Initially, the book started out with a whole lot of crazy and a side of hot mess, but eventually, things began to even out a bit and make sense as you get to know and understand the characters more. Admittedly, these guys would all have to have just a bit of crazy to carry out the jobs they do, so it all works.

Having never immersed myself within the world of Reed Security before, I was a bit overwhelmed by all of the other team members. There were a crap ton of them. But after some time, they began to take shape and before too long, the camaraderie within this tight fold of skilled warriors had effectively drawn me in and left me thoroughly entertained. The heavy banter from one member to another was a joy to experience and even in the face of some horrific situations, they still maintained some levity – their love, loyalty, and trust for one another never in question. Once they discover Rocco seems to have willingly put himself in a predicament so far out of character and with a woman to boot, they all knew there was something special about Brooke. And the ribbing began. The married men provided advice. It was worthless crap but given in good intentions. The single men saluted to the end of an era and the Captain somehow always had a hand in every little detail that seemed to occur. Knight, also, was a trip. I couldn’t figure him out initially and wondered at his motivation. But it wasn’t long before his intentions were made clear and that my preliminary hesitation toward him was completely unnecessary. I can’t say I have many complaints with this book. Sure, Rocco going along with Brooke from the beginning was a bit far-fetched, but he did a good enough job of explaining his curiosity that I bought into it. So no big deal. But I was a tiny bit disappointed in their sexual chemistry. The times at the motel were hard and hot. But after they moved in together each time was almost anti-climactic. We were led to believe that it was just as explosive as the first time but the descriptions waned quite a bit afterward. Considering that both claimed to want to keep things down and dirty and avoid that “love making shit”, I was surprised at the lack of detail. There was one scene that really tugged when Brooke and Rocco are talking about a future and Brooke’s plans after house arrest is over. It’s glaringly clear on just how differently they think about things and at one point Brooke says, “Well maybe I don’t fit. Did you ever think of that?” I had the worst tingles when she said that - like it was the beginning of the end for them. With Brooke running through life pretty much care-free and Rocco having the career plan, they looked as if they’d found an impassable blockade. But, true to form, Brooke surprises him again and tries to see things his way and he eventually understands her point after a bit of an ass-kicking from his team. Given the constantly changing POV switch between Brooke and Rocco, and the reasons for their specific outlooks on life, this aspect of the book was a nice addition. I liked that there was a depth provided to each of them by allowing a picking of their thought process as events unfolded.

Make no mistake, these are a bunch of rough around the edges, hardcore guys with passion and language to match. If you gravitate towards sweet romance, this isn’t the book (and probably not the series) for you. And don’t get me started on Knight and his mad IT skills. Killer robots in Evie’s room? Check. Laser beams, tear gas, and floor shocks? Check. There is just so much to this book and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the rest of this series. I am assuming it would be best to start at the beginning. With all of the secondary characters introduced to me in this book alone, I would agree that it probably would be a good decision to start with the first book in the series. However, I also enjoyed my time immensely, so if you want to check his book out to check for compatibility, I don’t think you would have any issues reading ROCCO first. Although, you might also be left with a worse problem … having twenty other books to read when you discover how fantastic this book is. LOL But then you would also have the chance to read ROCCO all over again when you work your way back around to it. That’s a bonus. No matter if you decide to start with the first book, or this book, Ms. Lagomarsino and the Reed Security series is not to be missed.

Kindle version provided by Xpresso Book Tours/Author in exchange for an honest review.