REVIEW: Archer by Debra Kayn

Archer by Debra Kayn (Hard Body #1)
Publisher: Forever Yours
Publication Date: July 2, 2013
Source: Netgalley* via publisher
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Get it: Amazon / B&N

She's on the run . . . 

Jane Beaumont currently has in her possession: a cat, a hundred grand in cash, and a pistol. She's on her way home to Bay City, Oregon-and away from the nightmare of her violent ex-boyfriend. She'll lay low at Beaumont Body Shop, a car detailer that runs a private investigation agency in the back. The only wrench in her plan is Kage Archer: sexy, strong, and intent on protecting Jane at all costs. She's wanted Kage forever, but putting him in harm's way is not a risk she's willing to take.

He's not going anywhere 

Kage is no stranger to the dark side of life, but he's always walked on the right side of the law. Yet when Jane expressed her interest in him years ago, he pushed her away for her own good. Now, after learning of all she's endured, Kage can't leave her side-or hide his need for her. When a frightening situation turns dire, can Kage convince Jane that the safest place to be is in his arms?

My Review

Archer by Debra Kayn was a story about a girl and her brother’s best friend finally getting together, but with the addition of danger, crime, and four hot private investigators who work in a body shop. I enjoyed this book, but I thought it definitely could have been more.

I loved Jane even if she lost some of that spunk she had before she met the craziness that is Scott. He has torn her down from her lively self and shredded the amazing confidence she once had, but she definitely tries to bring the old Janie back. Throughout the book, Jane’s tough, sassy and fire like attitude shines. She struggled with her fear and paranoia, but being around loved ones helped her deal. I loved that she was determined to keep the people she cared about safe, even if it meant defying them. She was scared, but she was so ready to fight back. For Jane to have endured such abuse for so many years and survived is a testament to her strong will. 


Kage was an awesome character. He totally adored Jane even back then when they were younger. He knew he wasn’t in the right place when Jane made a move on him all those years ago. He did his best to pull himself together and make something of his crappy life as an Archer and he did just that. He waited for Jane and was so ready to protect her even if it meant going back to the past he despised. I admired Kage because of what he did with his life, for his never ending loyalty and his unwavering integrity. Being an Archer is hard, but trying to be anything but what an Archer should be was even harder and Kage has done everything and anything he could to walk the straight and narrow road. I totally loved his sweet nobility and how he became something more than just his last name. The man was willing to cross the line to protect Jane and I was amazed by that. 

I loved both characters and their romance. Their surmounting sexual tension around each other was obvious and their sexy times were mild but still steamy hot. I adored their banter and the way they teased each other every chance they got. I do wish there was more background with them. I didn’t get the full development of their feelings and felt that their relationship moved quite quickly after the trauma Jane must have felt. 

I always like a little danger and suspense in my books because it builds on the anticipation and excitement. Archer definitely had that, but I thought it needed more spunk. I was certainly on my toes each chapter, waiting for Scott to strike. However, when he finally did, his capture was too easy. I was expecting a big show down, a big fight, but it never really came and it deflated the overall excitement. I did enjoy some insight on the underground drug lord and drug trades, but I wasn’t surprised at the revelation that connected Scott, Jane and Kage. There was also my question about Jane going back home to her brother to escape Scott. If I were Scott, it’d be the first place I would look and for me, this would have been Jane’s first mistake. She wanted to protect her loved ones, but she went straight to them, basically leading Scott to them as well.

Overall, I did have a good time reading Archer. It had some humor, sex, and a little suspense. What’s not to like, right?

*Thanks to Forever for sending a copy for review purposes

I was not compensated for my opinion.