Reviewed by Susan65
Title: The Dark Side
Author: Laura Baumbach
Series: Reese Holt #1
Heroes: Alex Throne/Reese Holt
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 240 Pages
Publisher: MLR Press
Release Date: October 14, 2016
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Kidnap victim Alex Throne literally drops into the arms of security specialist Reese Holt, pulling Holt into a battle against a ruthless drug cartel, personal betrayal, and a specter from Holt’s CIA past.
Holt agrees to put his team of specialists on the trail of Alex’s assailants while he takes on the personal job of protecting the life he inadvertently saved, motivated, in part, by a romantic attraction.
Keeping his mind on protecting Alex could prove difficult, especially when he can’t keep his mind off Alex’s body.
Review: This is a really good start to a new series… and one that I am keeping my fingers crossed actually finishes. Mexican Heat is one of my favorite books and I was beyond bummed when that series fizzled. I was hesitant to start this book for the same reason. So, here’s to being optimistic that the future is not representative of the past.
Reese is this super alpha, ex-Special Forces security specialist. Knowing that this series revolves around this sexy man gets me all excited. Alex is the kidnapped son of a billionaire that quite literally lands in Reese’s lap, in the middle of the ocean. As a reader, that scene was quite original and it shocked Reese and me quite equally. Alex is a great guy and Reese is instantly intrigued and attracted…fortunately, Alex feels the same.
There is not a whole lot of tip toeing around each other and dealing with feelings, because they are constantly one step behind the men who want to do Alex and his family harm. Reese, a man who knows that relationships and his job are not compatible, is helpless in his need to protect Alex…and hope that just maybe Alex can handle his not so conventional work life.
There is a lot of action, hot sexy times, and a budding relationship that happens quickly, but mostly it is a great start to this new series and I look forward to more of the same in the next installment.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
The Blogger Girls 
Thank you, Susan65. I appreciate your review. Have no fear, book two is already in the works. The sequel to Mexican Heat, with a single author though, is also not far behind.