HANNAH

3.75 stars --HANNAH is the third (and final?) instalment in Leigh James’ contemporary, adult SILICON VALLEY BILLIONAIRES romantic suspense series focusing on a tight-knit group of friends who work for Paragon Laboratories. This is Paragon Laboratories publicity director Hannah Taylor, and security specialist Wesley Eden’s story line. HANNAH can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and back story I recommend reading the series in order as there is an on-going premise throughout. Hannah and Wesley’s story line started in book one Lauren. Told from several first person points of view including Hannah and Wes HANNAH continues to focus on Chinese bio-tech industrialist Li Na Zhao, a woman who is desperate enough to save ‘face’ in light of the recent inability to deliver. From corporate espionage, kidnapping and murder, to stolen formulas, Li Na Zhao will do anything to prove she is number one including destroying the lives of our leading couple. At the end of book one LAUREN, Wesley Eden was in critical condition after taking a bullet near the heart in an attempt to save the woman he loved. On the mend, Wesley, along with Hannah, Lauren and Gabe, and an assortment of security from Betts Security set into motion a series of events and reverse hacking to take down Li Na Zhao, and her bio-tech company. What ensues is the building relationship between Hannah and Wes, and the potential fall-out as Li Na Zhao puts her own set of plans in to motion to destroy everyone involved. There is a large cast of secondary and supporting characters including Gabe and Lauren, attorney Bethany O’Donnell, and a number of hired security, all with connections to our story line hero. HANNAH is an ensemble story line where any number of characters are front and center as they endeavor to take down the woman attempting to steal their bio-tech discoveries. From Hannah and Wes, to Gabe and Lauren, as well as Hannah’s friend and fellow scientist Fiona, the characters share page time as they battle between themselves and the ultimate evil. I am not sure if the author has plans for a spin-off series focusing on the men (Ellis and Levi) of Betts Security, but here’s hoping. HANNAH is a story of corporate greed; espionage, betrayal, revenge and love. There is plenty of fast paced action intrigue and suspense. The premise is detailed and complex; the romance is passionate and hot; the characters are colorful and charismatic. Once again, I am concerned, about the lack of government, international and legal interference or concern. I am not sure, if in reality, the ‘gang’ at Paragon and Betts Security would be able to take down a large Chinese corporation on their own