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To Love and Protect #2

Striking Distance

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I never imagined I’d get caught in the crossfire between the DEA and the Mexican cartel. After a failed kidnapping attempt, a bodyguard attaches himself to my hip. Why does it have to be Victor: my best friend’s brother?

It doesn’t matter that I’ve had a crush on him since I was sixteen; we rub each other the wrong way. Except now that we’re forced together something changes between us. I trust Victor to keep me safe, but can I trust him with my heart?

Published February 20, 2020

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About the author

L.K. Shaw

51 books1,630 followers
LK Shaw is the bestselling author of sexy, sinful suspense. She resides in South Carolina with her high maintenance beagle mix dog, Miss P. An avid reader since childhood, she became hooked on historical romance novels in high school. She now reads, and loves, all romance sub-genres, with sci-fi romance and dark romance being her favorite. LK enjoys traveling and chocolate. Her books feature hot alpha heroes and the strong women they love.

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5 stars
175 (44%)
4 stars
118 (29%)
3 stars
71 (17%)
2 stars
22 (5%)
1 star
10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie Crews.
529 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2020
Is there anything LK Shaw cannot write, just when I think, wow she sure has outdone herself, I get the next book and am amazed how she does its, every book just keeps getting better. You for sure have to read Love Undercover first, it will make this book so much more fun if you know the back story. In this book we get the story of Victor and Estelle, their story will keep you reading until the end and have you on the edge of your seat hoping they will get their HEA. Their story line is very intense and complicated, but don’t miss out on this next installment sin the Love Undercover series.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,304 reviews65 followers
February 8, 2020
Every time I think LK Shaw can't outdo herself, she does!! I've followed this author from her first book and I can honestly say, with every book she grows more and more as an author and I look forward to each book. This is the second book in the Love Undercover series and I loved it. Drama, mystery, intrigue and a lot of action fill this book and it kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. Estelle and Victor are hot together but their's is a rocky start. He becomes her body guard when she is almost kidnapped and while she doesn't like this fact, you can tell there are feelings simmering between that will have to be resolved at some point. It will keep you on the "edge of your seat" as you go on this journey with them. And while the characters from the first book make an appearance, you don't have to read it to understand the story. Just get the book, curl up in a comfy chair, have some wine handy and let your imagination take you into Estelle and Victor's story.
790 reviews4 followers
February 19, 2020
This book could be succinctly described as amazing. Victor is gentle, protective, sexy, swoonworthy, the kind of man I would think anyone would dream of as a protector, and Estelle – imagine growing up with those men as your best friend’s brothers! Estelle is relationship-averse (with the parents from hell), while Victor sees a future with her, when he is one of the first responders to her attempted kidnapping. Although this is the second in the series, you don’t need to have read the first to both follow and enjoy this book, although you may find you go off and grab it when you’ve finished reading Striking Distance. I can’t think of a single fault in this book, other than that I wanted Victor to leap off the page to me (I know I know!). The characters are, typically for LK Shaw, engaging and well developed; the storyline is gripping and fast; and wow, there is heat. It deserves more than those 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily because it is un-put-down-able.
Profile Image for Jennifer  Tyronney.
163 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2020
Striking distance

The latest novel gifted to us by the wonderful L K Shaw is not to be missed! Although you don’t have to have read Love Undercover, it does make this story even better to have met and loved some of the characters before.

We return to the world of Brody and Ines and the looming danger of Alvarez. Our two central characters Víctor, the serious, devastatingly handsome, headstrong policeman, determined to prove himself and Estelle, the feisty, fiercely independent and equally headstrong teacher are thrust into each other’s worlds by a mutual threat.

They must both learn to compromise and deal with the passion and spark that is clearly evident between them, whilst navigating a shared history that Estelle would rather not face. Her past is full of sadness and anguish, leaving Victor the job of proving to Estelle that she can find love.

A dark, but truly wonderful tale, full of intensity and heartwarming moments. A great read!
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews441 followers
February 20, 2020
Striking Distance is the 2nd book in L.K.Shaw's Love Undercover series. This continues Victor and Estelle's story. Although this is bk 2, this can be read as a standalone.
The plot is fantastic, action is packed and flows from start to finish; the chemistry between the main characters is sizzling.
Victor and Estelle's story isn't an easy one. There's drama, angst, revenage, suspense, secrets, intrigue and of course- romance. Great read and I look forward to reading more in this series.


My Rating: 4.4 stars *********
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,377 reviews204 followers
February 20, 2020




When his sister's best friend, Estelle, finds herself in danger, Victor assigns himself her protector, and dormant feelings between the two flare to life.

Estelle has crushed on her friend's brother since she was a teen, and being thrown into uncomfortably close proximity to him now isn't helping that crush. But there's someone out there who's trying to get to her, and it will only add to the intense feelings that she is starting to realize Victor shares with her.



I always love reading friend's brother and brother's friend romances, and this one is particularly good. Victor is alpha af, and Estelle gives as good as she gets. She's sweet but no wilting wallflower. Throw in lots of suspense and action to go along with their hot chemistry - what a ride!



ARC via L. Woods PR for an honest review.

Review & Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Jenn (Young) Bonfadini.
83 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2020
L.K. Has done it again and wrapped us up in a world of suspense and intrigue. Victor and Estelle are solid characters, trying to navigate a world where they fight their enemies and deal with their feelings for each other. Estelle doesn’t do relationships. Her parents are messed up addicts who didn’t care about her at all. She spent more time at the Rodriguez house then at her own. When Estelle’s life is threatened and she goes to stay with at the Rodriguez house, things with Victor change. When did she start seeing him as something more than her best friends brother? But he is more. So much more.
This book has it all, just like your typical LK book does! Suspense, passion, humor, and all the feels. Add in some strong bad guys, a great ending and good secondary characters and I’m hooked on this new series. Can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Pam James.
920 reviews21 followers
February 16, 2020
I was reading this during a very busy time for me. I could not stop reading it. I just had to know what was going to happen next. Wow wow wow!!! So Good! Victor so reminds me of my husband in personality. And the way he treats Estelle. So many emotions right now. You can tell that Victor is so in love with Estelle. It comes through with his actions. It is such a romantic book. The suspense is palpable. If you love a great Romantic Suspense you Have to get this book! From a True Fan... Pam James.
Profile Image for Phyllis Lopez.
967 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2020
The Story of Victor Rodriguez and Estelle Jenkins kept you on the edge of your chair from Chapter one right to the end! A story of revenge and intrigue involving a Mexican Cartel leader. Beautifully written! It was like being on the most exciting rollercoaster! You never knew what was around the next corner. Loved the whole Rodriquez family! L.K. Shaw is a Gifted writer! You must pick a copy of this book up, you will not regret it!
Profile Image for Maureen Ames.
333 reviews13 followers
February 24, 2020
Striking Distance is the second book in L.K.Shaw's Love Undercover series. Even though this is the second book in the series it can be read as a standalone. Victor and Estelle's story is full of action and underlying attraction to each other from.the start. The story flows nicely and the characters work together to making Striking Distance a great new read. If you like an action read, Striking Distance and the Love Undercover series is for you.
3,844 reviews
February 20, 2020
Ms. Shaw is a definite go to for me! I have not read one of her stories that I was not thoroughly and satisfyingly entertained. The depth of her characters make me feel like I've known them forever. And, yes, enjoyed Estelle, but, have another new book boyfriend! Thanks Victor for being a totally awesome alpha (not over-bearing!) Good thing my husband is not jealous of my book boyfriends, LOL!

If you enjoy a great romantic suspense, I think you might enjoy this story!

I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
1,239 reviews8 followers
February 18, 2020
I enjoyed this sweet, sexy, well written and engaging story. All the characters are very rounded and real. The storyline is realistic even though the characters are in unusual circumstances. Estelle and Victor have both have the hots for eachother but have never acted on it. I did not read the first book in this series but I would like to. This story can easily be read as a standalone. I hope that there will be a third book in this series. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I very highly recommend it. This is an engaging and enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Cindy Hughes.
1,429 reviews8 followers
February 20, 2020
This book has everything you could want! There’s enough drama, suspense, twists and turns, danger, action and romance that keeps you reading end! Estelle and Victor were made for each other. They both had feelings for each other but didn’t act on them until danger brought them together. Victor was going to do everything in his power to protect her. Striking Distance is a fantastic book in the Love Undercover series! I can’t wait for the next book in this amazing series!
Profile Image for Chris.
1,631 reviews12 followers
February 19, 2020
Striking Distance is the perfect combination of good writing, a storyline filled with suspense and intrigue, and memorable characters that have smoking hot chemistry together!

It is a faced paced story as Victor, a cop, tries to protect Estelle after too many dangerous coincidences are happening around her. In order to keep her safe they are now staying under the same roof. Estelle is his sisters best friend so they have history together but after dancing around a mutual attraction towards each other for years, being near each other constantly lights a fire under both of them and they can’t resist their feelings anymore.
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,500 reviews66 followers
February 18, 2020
I really loved this story. This is my first time reading anything by this author and it certainly won't be my last. From the start, the author pulls the reader into the story and engages them. I loved Victor and Estelle, their story is a rocky one and their chemistry was palpable. This story is filled with suspense, revenge, passion and wonderful characters. A wonderful page turning read and one I definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Kerry Pruett.
580 reviews10 followers
February 13, 2020
I love a story that has the characters have a back story. It is always amazing how they come together from being friends to lovers to soul mates. The back and forth between the characters is always great. Victor and Estelle fit this perfectly. I so enjoyed the danger around the corners, and never knowing for sure what will happen next. Victor and Estelle for sure didn't disappoint with their smoldering sexiness either. A great sexy adventure
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,471 reviews61 followers
February 22, 2020
Striking Distance is book two in the Love Undercover series and it is Victor and Estelle's book. From the very beginning we get a taste of action and the storyline gets intense. I absolutely loved this book and I'm excited to read more!!
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
819 reviews46 followers
February 19, 2020
I've read books by this author before and I really like her style of writing and I really enjoyed this book too. I read it in one sitting it's fantastic.


This book is book 2 in this series love undercover series. Book #2 Striking Distance


Estelle has had a lot of hurt and sadness in her life especially from her parents, Estelle is used to taking care of herself and doing what she had, she never wanted to rely on anyone for anything.


Victor is a very sexy, strong alpha male and he really cares for Estelle and she is his sisters best friend. Victor is a cop and when there is an attempted kidnapping on Estelle he vows to totally protect her no matter what. When he takes Estelle to the Rodriguez house the place where she's actually spent a lot of her time before this, things begin to happen and while he is protecting her lines do become very blurred. Victor has had feelings for her for a while silently


They both start to start to have feelings for one another and even for Estelle who never wanted to fall in love cant deny her feelings that are developing.


I really loved these characters and I was really rooting for them right until the end. There Is a lot of chemistry and a very strong connection between them both, they are very intense in a sexy kind of way this book will keep you hooked right until the end. I really cant wait for the next instalment in this series. I recommend this book to everyone when it gets released,


This book will keep you turning the pages right from the beginning and it is a real romance book, I really like this authors books and I will be defiently be recommending and reading more of her books to everyone.


Thank you to the author and the publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.

ARC provided in exchange or an honest review.

This book is expected to be released 20th February 2020.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews153 followers
February 17, 2020
4 Cranky Stars


Estelle was used to taking care of herself. She’s never relied on anyone to make her happy, keep her safe or provide for her. Her parents were the most useless human beings using her as a pawn in their bitter divorce even years later. The only family she had to depend on was the Rodriguez family. Her and Ines were the best of friends but with that territory came Victor. Estelle’s carefully crafted life was halted when an attempted kidnapping goes down and she finds herself in the middle of a drug war. Victor has always had a thing for Estelle. She was the queen at keeping him at a distance. When he finds her in harm's way his every instinct personal and professional kicks in. Victor is a cop and is designed to keep people safe. When he brings Estelle to the family home to keep her protected lines get crossed. Slowly the girl who vowed to never fall in love ever and the boy who just wants her to be his fall into each other’s arms despite the war waging just outside on the streets of Chicago.


You have to love Victor. He is the epitome of alpha male but it’s not overbearing. He lets Estelle be herself he moves at her pace and I liked that. No real I’m the man you do what I say! Estelle had a shell and I felt bad for her. Her parents were the absolute worst at everything. I will say I did read this book in a day. It was action packed and suspenseful. I mean when we found out who the mole was I was shocked. So if you love your books with hot cops, protective men, take no bull chicks, smooches and falling in love then this is the book for you.
2,354 reviews14 followers
February 24, 2020
This is not an author that I really have read a lot about but she won me over with this book. I love romantic suspense books but to be honest with you, lately it has really been all about the rom-coms, so it was a nice change of pace and I am glad that I chose this book to do it with...We meet Estelle who has had a crush on Victor for years however she doesn't admit even to herself, and especially since she doesn't really believe in relationship regarding love. When things do not go as planned and she gets hit with something she was not prepared for, he comes to assist, and my friends things to change..Enjoy!

rcvd an arc at no cost to author...voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
Author 2 books12 followers
Want to read
February 20, 2020
Way to write a story here! If I was an Author I'd wanna be like LK Shaw......she gives all the feels with her books and 99% of the time she gets me in some way! I mean not like I don't love it because honestly I like having a story that's not the same old formula all the time.....I have the patience of a 2 year old on a sugar high, lol.
But about the story.....Estelle has maybe, possibly had a thing for Victor all these years. But for a woman who doesn't trust relationships or any kind of love it's never gonna happen. When life throws a curve at her and it's Victor to the rescue can these two manage to overcome her past, keep her safe and still have some kind of a relationship???
Absolutely loved this and if you haven't read book one you'll be fine, only thing is now you'll want to go dive into it as well! Highly recommend this!!
Profile Image for Gladys.
12.1k reviews138 followers
February 18, 2020
I thought that this book had a perfect balance of emotion and excitement. Victor and Estelle were very likable characters that made a great couple that was easy to root for. The story will keep you have you in a constant state of anticipation as there is plenty of drama, danger, tension, action, suspense, heart and heat. An all around very entertaining read. I am posting a frank, elective review.
Profile Image for Sylvie Rochon.
2,163 reviews
February 7, 2020
This is my first read from this author and it is not the last. I absolutely loved it. I have not read the first of this story yet, I will. However, I was not lost in the story at all. The plot is intense, intriguing and there is a lot of chemistry between Estelle, a school teacher nearly gets abducted, and Victor the cop/old family friend who protects her. It's heart warming and a great read!
I received this free book from book funnel for a fair and honest review!
Profile Image for Julia Leonard.
799 reviews16 followers
February 9, 2020
Victor and Estelle are quite the pair.
Their story is extremely complicated of course.
In the end everything will turn out as it should.
LK has outdone herself on this latest masterpiece.
Looking forward to more of her fabulous stories.
Profile Image for Suzana.
576 reviews19 followers
February 20, 2020
5 "She fit perfectly in my arms, her soft curves against my hard edges" stars

*ARC generously provided by the author and I'm leaving an honest review*

This book (and series) should read every romance/romantic suspense lover. The plot is so cleverly well-developed and well-written. The writing just flowed and had me engrossed to the story from start to finish wanting to find out what happens next. I enjoyed every minute of it and never wanted it to end. I fell for the characters primary and secondary because it's so easy to love them and identify with them. In my opinion all the characters were the heart of the story because they were so engaging and made me want to know more about them. The characters are complex; the plot is strong and unpredictable. I loved that it was written in first person, dual POV so I know what both characters – Victor and Estelle – were thinking at the specific time or moments. The author knew how to develop, create the storyline and make you fall in love with her words, plot and the characters demanding your attention. It was enjoyable read with so many twists and turns, while delivering an intense and passionate romance - love story between Victor and Estelle that I devoured in one sitting. This book was such a page turner, gripping, gritty and steamy, but also sweet, funny, heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story.

Victor and Estelle are truly amazing together. The chemistry and tension between Victor and Estelle was everything. I liked them from the moment they interacted the first time. They lit the pages with their chemistry. They are each other’s match; sinfully sexy and intense. He can’t explain what exactly is about her that gets to him; he just knows that he is drawn to her. With danger surrounding them, he vowed to keep her safe. Victor is charming (when he wants to be lol), loving, caring, loyal, broody; but also jaded from the past and doesn’t trust easily. Estelle is loving, caring, fighter, survivor, vulnerable, loyal and jaded from the past. Separately they are beautiful mess, together they are perfectly imperfect. Neither of them in the beginning is looking for a relationship, but also can’t deny the strong connection they feel or the chemistry. They are passionate, a little bit angsty and intense. I loved their banter which was a highlight to getting to know them and my reading. They had a lot going on. I love their moments and dialogues and banter; how they are just drawn to each other, how gradually they let each other in and began to trust each other. They simply understand each other. Maybe they don’t make sense but when they are together – they are just perfect and exactly what they need in order to heal and move on from the scars of their past. Their love story is not perfect. It’s layered, fast paced, real, emotional, with depth and edge. The pace of the story added to their romance and to them figuring out place in life and new circumstances of situation. It was flirty, fun, touching, heartbreaking and heartwarming.

This is the second book in LK Shaw’s Love Undercover series but it can be read as a standalone. In my opinion it’s more enjoyable if it’s read from the first book In Too Deep because you get a feel of other characters and get to know them – some superficially some as the main characters as it’s their story. It kept my attention at all times and I could not put it down. With an effortless writing, awe-inspiring details, suspenseful storyline with mystery, intensity, romance and emotional rollercoaster the author takes us on an emotional and beautiful journey of the characters and allows us into their minds and hearts; to see them who they were and what they have become. I recommend it.
Profile Image for Donna.
3,858 reviews49 followers
February 9, 2020
Striking Distance is a sweet and sexy romantic suspense that will leave you breathless. The chemistry between Victor and Estelle is of the charts. Watching them grow toward each other was exquisite torture. A terrific tale of love and intrigue.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,456 reviews51 followers
February 26, 2020
In another action-packed story, L.K. Shaw draws us back into the world of the Rodriguez family.

After the teaser that the author gave us at the end of book 1, I was eager to read Estelle's story. It seemed to have all the markers that I love: best friend's brother, suspense, lots of action, drama, heat & romance. I am glad to report that it did not disappoint.

From the opening line, I was hooked. I kept reading, looking for the next increase in the level of excitement. I can't recommend this book enough. I am already super eager for 'Atonement'. I can't wait!

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Pamela.
3,755 reviews34 followers
February 21, 2020
Estelle is best friend to Victor's sister and in trouble with the mexican cartel. She always had a crush on Victor. Now Victor is her bodyguard after an attempted kidnapping. Victor tries to avoid his attraction to Estelle but the closeness they share while on the run makes it impossible to ignore. A good read with plenty of suspense and action.
1,141 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2020
While there were definitely some action-packed moments near the beginning of the book, I felt this was more a slow build to the climatic chapters.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,703 reviews21 followers
February 18, 2020
I found this exciting and interesting. I really enjoyed the story and both Estelle and Victor. The pacing was good, it was also hot and action-packed. A sort of second chance romance since they had crushes on one another as teens. It's so great when they open up to each other in the end. I just loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

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