Review: To Russia With Love – Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey

In the second novel of the COUNTERMEASURE SERIES, Trevor and Cassandra Bauer are starting a new life across the pond where they continue their search for Trevor’s parents while he still works as an NSA consultant. When George Miller, his best friend, comes across what looks to be a new piece of information on his parents’ case, they embark on a new adventure following a digital trail to Saint Petersburg.
They are encumbered with the task of infiltrating a Russia Mafia’s stronghold and recovering stolen files in exchange for that new clue. As they dive in the job, Trevor becomes bound to a Russian mafia crime lord. What started as a simple data file recovery turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse deep in a world of betrayal, hidden identities, and secret agendas.
Cassandra will do anything to keep Trevor safe. When everything goes FUBAR and she finds herself on the run, her sole focus is finding Trevor even it if means she has to depend on those who might not have their best interests at heart.
Stephan Connelan, Brennan Enterprises’ CEO and Trevor’s Parents’ friend, has fought his desire for Jessica Forrester since the day they met at Trevor and Cassandra’s wedding. Events in his past stop him from giving in to temptation, a temptation that would cause them both regret and hurt. But how long can he resist something so powerful as his attraction for the little vixen who has crowded his thoughts for months.
Jessica knows what she wants. Their age difference won’t stop her from having the man of her dreams. She is determined to find a way to reach the heart he has locked away behind high walls. Little does she know that her greatest obstacle is Stephan himself.

Series:  Countermeasure #2
Release Date:  July 20, 2012
Publisher:  Eire Publishing
Source:  Romance Novel Promotions
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Reviewer’s Thoughts:

I love when a series goes from HOT to SCORCHING.  That is exactly what authors Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey have done with geeky, computer nerd Trevor Bauer and his ex-CIA wife Cassie.

Trevor and Cassie continue to investigate the disappearance of Trevor’s parents.  When Trevor’s friend George comes across a conversation that mention’s software Trevor’s father was working on, he thinks they have the break they need.  But that information leads them to direct involvement with the Russian mob and Trevor being ensconced within the walls of a mob compound and Cassie left wonder if she’ll ever see Trevor again.

I thought Cassie and Trevor were hot in Countermeasure, but their heat index jumps about a 1000 degrees with this one.  They are truly each other’s reason for living…their passion.  Those feelings jump off the page at you.  They still can be snarky with each other, joke around and question what the other is doing, but they always know the other is there to cover their back.  When this latest assignment in Russia results in them being separated, you could feel how lost and desperate they felt not being with each other.  But they both knew that they needed to do whatever was necessary to find out what happened to Trevor’s parents.

But Cassie and Trevor weren’t the only couple burning up the pages.  Cassie’s best friend, Jessica, joins Trevor and Cassie’s company.  Once on Irish soil, it becomes Jess’ mission to find Stephan Connelan (Trevor’s “uncle”) and discover if what they felt for each other at Trevor & Cassie’s wedding was real or not.  Stephen fights the relationship the whole way, sighting his age and inability to commit to a relationship as reasons why Jess should stay away.  But Jess persists and Stephan caves, secretly knowing he wants Jess more than anything.  Their relationship almost falls apart, due to Stephan’s own pigheadedness, but luckily a chance run in with his ex finally sets him on the right path.  Good thing, because chemistry like they have shouldn’t be walked away from.

This is a series I’m glad I was introduced to because I can’t put the latest down once I start it.  The characters and storyline drawn you in and don’t let go, leaving a sense of loss when you get to that last page.  Definitely one I recommend.