julzangold's review
4.0
A firecracker main character. A sexy, all-business body guard told not to touch said firecracker. What could go wrong?
Aurora unintentionally witnesses an organized crime hit, turning her life into a series of run and hide scenarios to avoid becoming the next victim. Her overbearing brother, Max, just happens to own a successful security company and takes responsibility of protecting Aurora. Little does Aurora know that her sexy new neighbor is the means by which Max is protecting her. Ex-Army Ranger Devon has strict orders to serve and protect, followed by the order to not even think about touching Aurora. Yeah, that works out really well.
I was very engaged with this novel. I love this debut author's writing style, it is very natural and easy to get lost in. The main characters are deep and fun, with plenty of chemistry. The reasoning for Aurora's need to go into hiding felt realistically intense, meaning the romance and the suspense were nicely balanced. The terminology and incorporation of crime, policing, and court proceedings were really well done, I couldn't find any holes (with my vast experience of crime shows, duh), which thoroughly impressed me! Overall, this author has made an impact on me and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work.
There were two things that held onto the final star for me: Max, and Aurora's pushiness at times. Max was just annoying. Don't do this, don't do that. He was well characterized as the overprotective big brother, and he was a critical piece of the longing trope, but him making decisions for Aurora multiple times on her romantic life made me so mad. How dare he try to control her and make decisions for her. I needed a big boy apology for me to forgive him, on Aurora's behalf of course. And Aurora, she meant well, but at times she was a bit too pushy for my liking when Devon tried to place boundaries. Yes, he wanted her, but he did say no for a multitude of reasons and on various occasions. And yet he was the one who felt guilty. Once they got past that, it was fine for me, and it was clear that the feeling was always mutual.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Merged review:
A firecracker main character. A sexy, all-business body guard told not to touch said firecracker. What could go wrong?
Aurora unintentionally witnesses an organized crime hit, turning her life into a series of run and hide scenarios to avoid becoming the next victim. Her overbearing brother, Max, just happens to own a successful security company and takes responsibility of protecting Aurora. Little does Aurora know that her sexy new neighbor is the means by which Max is protecting her. Ex-Army Ranger Devon has strict orders to serve and protect, followed by the order to not even think about touching Aurora. Yeah, that works out really well.
I was very engaged with this novel. I love this debut author's writing style, it is very natural and easy to get lost in. The main characters are deep and fun, with plenty of chemistry. The reasoning for Aurora's need to go into hiding felt realistically intense, meaning the romance and the suspense were nicely balanced. The terminology and incorporation of crime, policing, and court proceedings were really well done, I couldn't find any holes (with my vast experience of crime shows, duh), which thoroughly impressed me! Overall, this author has made an impact on me and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work.
There were two things that held onto the final star for me: Max, and Aurora's pushiness at times. Max was just annoying. Don't do this, don't do that. He was well characterized as the overprotective big brother, and he was a critical piece of the longing trope, but him making decisions for Aurora multiple times on her romantic life made me so mad. How dare he try to control her and make decisions for her. I needed a big boy apology for me to forgive him, on Aurora's behalf of course. And Aurora, she meant well, but at times she was a bit too pushy for my liking when Devon tried to place boundaries. Yes, he wanted her, but he did say no for a multitude of reasons and on various occasions. And yet he was the one who felt guilty. Once they got past that, it was fine for me, and it was clear that the feeling was always mutual.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Aurora unintentionally witnesses an organized crime hit, turning her life into a series of run and hide scenarios to avoid becoming the next victim. Her overbearing brother, Max, just happens to own a successful security company and takes responsibility of protecting Aurora. Little does Aurora know that her sexy new neighbor is the means by which Max is protecting her. Ex-Army Ranger Devon has strict orders to serve and protect, followed by the order to not even think about touching Aurora. Yeah, that works out really well.
I was very engaged with this novel. I love this debut author's writing style, it is very natural and easy to get lost in. The main characters are deep and fun, with plenty of chemistry. The reasoning for Aurora's need to go into hiding felt realistically intense, meaning the romance and the suspense were nicely balanced. The terminology and incorporation of crime, policing, and court proceedings were really well done, I couldn't find any holes (with my vast experience of crime shows, duh), which thoroughly impressed me! Overall, this author has made an impact on me and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work.
There were two things that held onto the final star for me: Max, and Aurora's pushiness at times. Max was just annoying. Don't do this, don't do that. He was well characterized as the overprotective big brother, and he was a critical piece of the longing trope, but him making decisions for Aurora multiple times on her romantic life made me so mad. How dare he try to control her and make decisions for her. I needed a big boy apology for me to forgive him, on Aurora's behalf of course. And Aurora, she meant well, but at times she was a bit too pushy for my liking when Devon tried to place boundaries. Yes, he wanted her, but he did say no for a multitude of reasons and on various occasions. And yet he was the one who felt guilty. Once they got past that, it was fine for me, and it was clear that the feeling was always mutual.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Merged review:
A firecracker main character. A sexy, all-business body guard told not to touch said firecracker. What could go wrong?
Aurora unintentionally witnesses an organized crime hit, turning her life into a series of run and hide scenarios to avoid becoming the next victim. Her overbearing brother, Max, just happens to own a successful security company and takes responsibility of protecting Aurora. Little does Aurora know that her sexy new neighbor is the means by which Max is protecting her. Ex-Army Ranger Devon has strict orders to serve and protect, followed by the order to not even think about touching Aurora. Yeah, that works out really well.
I was very engaged with this novel. I love this debut author's writing style, it is very natural and easy to get lost in. The main characters are deep and fun, with plenty of chemistry. The reasoning for Aurora's need to go into hiding felt realistically intense, meaning the romance and the suspense were nicely balanced. The terminology and incorporation of crime, policing, and court proceedings were really well done, I couldn't find any holes (with my vast experience of crime shows, duh), which thoroughly impressed me! Overall, this author has made an impact on me and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work.
There were two things that held onto the final star for me: Max, and Aurora's pushiness at times. Max was just annoying. Don't do this, don't do that. He was well characterized as the overprotective big brother, and he was a critical piece of the longing trope, but him making decisions for Aurora multiple times on her romantic life made me so mad. How dare he try to control her and make decisions for her. I needed a big boy apology for me to forgive him, on Aurora's behalf of course. And Aurora, she meant well, but at times she was a bit too pushy for my liking when Devon tried to place boundaries. Yes, he wanted her, but he did say no for a multitude of reasons and on various occasions. And yet he was the one who felt guilty. Once they got past that, it was fine for me, and it was clear that the feeling was always mutual.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
terrafyd's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The story was more flushed out than I thought a romance book would be. The characters were too. It was a nice balance between a mystery action story and romance
lyndsaydurbs's review
4.0
This was good! A nice read with a good amount of action and some intense romantic moments
linopalve's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fresholivebread's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Security agent protects his boss' sister, a witness, from the mob. He's an all-round good guy and a reserved protector whose family is his all; she's headstrong with something to prove, both with their own complications. Hands off is his one rule, but the chemistry and the heat between them certainly messes that up.
It's just a little bit insta, but the romance is woven well, and they're fun and steamy together, sharing both humorous and emotional moments. But the conflict seemed a bit contrived and her brother is an ass. Fairly happy with the resolution though! Plenty of action (though some suspension of disbelief is needed, I think) alongside the romance. It's an enjoyable debut novel.
It's just a little bit insta, but the romance is woven well, and they're fun and steamy together, sharing both humorous and emotional moments. But the conflict seemed a bit contrived and her brother is an ass. Fairly happy with the resolution though! Plenty of action (though some suspension of disbelief is needed, I think) alongside the romance. It's an enjoyable debut novel.
nicolelynnreads's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
ladyofbooks's review
3.0
Spare me from fainting heroines that have no backbone, and men that are hired bodyguards that refer to the mc girl as "spoiled little rich girl" and in the next chapter he even acknowledges that maybe that was harsh to say after what she went through? Yeah pass. Not for me. I tried five chapters and wasn't impressed. Actual rating 2.5 ⭐