Books & Spoons Review HARD TO HANDLE by Raven Scott

A covert ops specialist, a cyber-surveillance expert, and an unmatched international security and recovery pro. These are the men of Fortis. When money is no object, discretion is essential, and the police are not an option, the wealthy and powerful call on this trio of former government agents with elite military training—not to mention charm and good looks…

Samuel Mackenzie has his hands full with Fortis’ latest assignment. Their client is a European real estate investor who is trying to close a multi-million dollar acquisition. But a competitor is attempting to block the deal by any means necessary, including threats and vandalism that quickly escalate to life threatening assault. For Samuel it’s all in a day’s work—except for one unexpected twist…

The mission requires protective detail for the client and his mistress, who is also his personal assistant. But the mistress is Mikayla Cummings—the only woman Samuel has ever loved, and who always seems out of his reach. Yet things aren't what they seem. Because Mikayla has a hidden agenda of her own, one that puts her directly in the crossfire. Now Samuel will have one chance to save her life…and make her his forever.
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Considering how much I usually enjoy romantic suspense, it is a surprise to myself that I didn't get into this story. 
The suspense part of the story is well mapped out, the characters plan they steps ahead and those steps are constantly shared with the reader. Also, the recoup after doing research on the case, and those are shared as well. So you are constantly very much aware what is happening but it didn't draw my interest much. 
The romance started in a way that I didn't like, she was cheating on his fiance and Sam had no idea she was engaged to be married - to his business partner. Also when they reconnect there is an assumption of having an affair with a married man. I tried not to let these facts cloud my mind, and it wasn't easy since the relationship lack trust, and without trust, you just don't have much of a relationship, just a physical attraction you are acting upon. It does develop during the last part of the story, giving it a little bit more foundation to built upon, but only after they start to be completely honest with each other, and that takes time. 
Multi-layered deception and fraud nearly destroy a family, and foolheartedly Mikayla sets her eyes on getting the truth out by any means necessary, resorting to Sam's help when things get too hot to handle. I wish I could have enjoyed the story more, found the plot more interesting, and understood the reasoning behind the characters behavior better, but sometimes it just doesn't work that way. 
~ Three Spoons

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