Royal Line: Tattered Royals Book 1, Carrie Ann Ryan and Nana Malone

From the start it was easy to tell that London wasn't truly a pampered royal and it was easy to like her right away.  I grew to love her when it was clear that even under duress, while stressed, feeling vulnerable, and nearly blindsided by an unexpected lust for her savior, she didn't run in fear and was absolutely in control of her reasoning.  She knew not to be an idiot about her safety.  While not wanting to give up everything about her life, she could also admit when it was far too dangerous for her to continue and again, not be an idiot about her safety.

Of course, she chafed at the restrictions, but that was completely understandable under the circumstances.  And not just because of the threat nipping at her heels.  I applauded her for chafing at the high handedness of all the men in her life and especially calling Kannon out numerous times about his astonishingly awful behavior.

In fact, I am so, so sad to say that I didn't like Kannon and he never grew on me.  Not even a little.  His attitude was more than just growly lion with a thorn in his paw, a tortured hero with a traumatic past, or even just a plain ol' jerk in unnecessarily large quantities.  He was disrespectful and patronizing and hurtful on so many occasions that not even his groveling near the end nor his confession enough to redeem him for me.

So the romance didn't just fall flat for me, it tanked and I'm incredibly sad about that.  And honestly, everyone except for London, Sparrow, and Rian were Judgy McJudgersons in virtually every aspect and at every opportunity.  I got really tired of that.  Adding in the very, very obvious villain (way, way too many references to how good and obligated they were smacked of trying too hard to direct attention elsewhere) with a lackluster confrontation (insanity and monologuing and a far too descriptive fight scene?) and you've got a 2.5 star story for me.  I rounded it up because London was a woman worth knowing.

The epilogue was incredibly predictable, I mean, the only surprise was the hair color(s).  I can't say I'll be reading the brothers' stories because they really didn't wow me in any way, it was London that was memorable.  Though I will admit that the chemistry was definitely there, it needed a balance of tenderness and affection, not a wishy washy, fickle, woe-is-me martyr of a dude who suddenly decides London is worth a forced plane trip and no counseling to get his issues taken care of before attempting to win her back.

I love Nana Malone and her writing, her characters are usually compelling, the action well-written and complex enough to draw interest, and the love just as palpable as the physical chemistry.  This story did not live up to what I know I'll get from her books.

*$4.99 on Amazon

I never asked for my tiara.

My dreams were always bigger than a palace. They're as big as the world.

Being fourth in line for the throne should have guaranteed me freedom.

I thought I was one step from walking away forever, but a long-forgotten rule forces me to run instead.

I refuse to marry a Duke and bear an heir to save our titles.

I trust my brothers to find a way to save my future, but first I need to save myself.

Only I never expected to meet danger...and Kannon Adams along the way.

I never asked for her.

My security business has secured all the clueless princess types I can handle.

Princess London Waterford of Alden is a whole other level of trouble.

Not to mention gorgeous and tempting as royal sin. Too bad she's also in danger.

When the bullets fly, I trust no one else to protect her, even if she pushes me away.

Together, we must find who's behind the threat to her life and try not to get caught in the crossfire.

One night together might never be enough, but if those who want her dead have a say, it'll be our last.

Not So Innocent: The Real Thing Book 2, Emma Lyon

I liked the writing, the voices of the MC's were distinct enough and each had their own issues to resolve or deal with before finding a future together.  Though I would have liked to see them with a little more of the settling part, like how they made their lives together.  The scene at the wedding was pretty adorable and right on brand for both men so even if we didn't get much more of them after the reconciliation, that was a really good moment.

There was a feeling of unresolved angst in Ethan's life with his father, but where we're left was actually a hopeful place despite not having him or his father open up and do a whole sharing bit.  What we got spoke to a positive progression rather than a stagnation or a decline, but that's mostly up to the interpretation of the reader than what's actually on the page.

Ethan was the younger partner and despite his lackluster enthusiasm for life after college and professions, he had good moments of maturity and insight that helped Holden see a lot of sense.  Overall it was a nice story, though character growth was lacking, but it was one that got me really curious about the series beginning with Zac and Lane.

*$4.99 on Amazon

You shouldn’t want what you can’t have.

Holden

That’s the first thing I think when I see Ethan Garrett—young, beautiful Ethan Garrett, son of Senator Garrett, the man I’ve been hired to protect. Did I mention young? Not that Ethan sees himself that way. Nearly twenty-three and fresh out of college, he thinks he knows what men like me are like. But the thoughts I have about him aren’t anywhere near innocent or nice.

Indulging a secret romance while trying to do my job can’t possibly end well, but Ethan’s made no secret that he’s put his sights on me. And I’m fast discovering that what Ethan wants, he finds a way to get.

Ethan

I don’t want nice, and I’m sure as hell not innocent. I don’t care that Holden thinks he’s too old for me—he’s the only one who doesn’t see me as a failure. And with my family in danger, he makes me feel safe. But there’s nothing safe about the way I’m starting to fall for him.

He might be leaving as soon as his job is done, but until then I’m not letting his hangups stand in our way. I’ll take whatever I can get from him, even if he breaks my heart.

Out of Harm's Way: Balls and Brawn Bodyguards Book 1, Rebecca James

Ox and Mick...Mick and Ox...I wanted to love them together. It was a giant and a nerd match that should have been made in heaven for my own taste, but there was something about Mick in the beginning and Ox at the halfway mark that didn't really work for me. They were fine overall, just not anything close to a couple I'd rave about.

I liked Ox for most of the story and appreciated that he was a solid character, one you could count on and build on, but his family drama seemed forced and didn't add to his character or his individual growth all that much. I will say that while Ox protected Mick and came to his aid at the drop of a hat, Mick was given a chance to "save" Ox in return. What didn't work for me in that situation was that it wasn't something Mick was specifically qualified for. His encouragement to Ox to open up was good, it worked for them, but the whole situation seemed very specific and yet very generic so literally anyone kind of close to Ox could have given the same advice and have it heeded.

Mick was saucy and also incredibly scared. Those traits should have worked, but his constant return to describing or discussing his past conquests bothered me. No shaming, no judgment about his exploits, I just think that his more salacious moments could have been skipped and just have him open up to Ox in a more genuine way, some kind of tender and open conversation becoming more and more heated as they shared desires or interests. I certainly won't claim to be anything close to an author myself, so maybe what I hoped for instead wouldn't be viable. Whatever. All I know is I wasn't a fan of how it was done in the story.

So overall this wasn't a bad story, it just wasn't for me in the end.

*3.99 on Amazon

I’m coming after you, baby boy. You’re going to pay for what you did.

The terrifying text message from Mick Water's abuser, recently escaped from prison, sends him spiraling into panic. His life is just getting back on track, and now he's constantly looking over his shoulder and barely able to sleep at night. When his friends arrange for a bodyguard for him, Mick feels a confusing combination of relief at having protection, dismay at the sheer size of his new bodyguard, and arousal due to Mick's attraction to big men. His ex was a big man, and Mick paid dearly for that attraction.

Oxford Bradley enjoys his job with Foster Security, which includes a mixed bag of high-stakes cases--some of them dangerous--and dull babysitting-type situations. When he isn't working, he prefers a serene life devoid of drama and, let’s face it, a somewhat vanilla sex life. Assigned to protect a terrified man from his abusive ex, Ox is horrified at his body’s reaction to not only Mick himself, but also Mick’s admission to a Daddy kink--he’s never had an unprofessional relationship with a client and he isn’t starting now.

As Mick warms up to Ox and the two men get to know one another, the attraction between them grows. Ox refuses to break his professional code, but what about when the danger's over? Living in different states, they can't possibly have more than a one-off, and the temptation to explore with this intriguing man is undeniable.

Will one night send Ox running back to his comfortable vanilla lifestyle, or will Mick help him find a new favorite flavor? And what happens when an opportunity presents itself for Ox to see Mick again?

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 45

  

• The Prince and his Bedeviled Bodyguard: Book 1, Charlie Cochet
• Evergreen, Geneva Vand
• A Swants Soiree, E.J. Russell

Short, sweet, and full of snarky feline and sappy wolf. Owin began as quite grating for me with his constant arrogance and prickly nature. It went beyond normal feline prickliness and I wasn't a fan. I immediately loved Grimm's general happy, wolfy attitude that was a perfect foil for Owin's more annoying traits. But it was Owin's turnaround that seemed so genuine because of his self-reflection that had me changing my mind about him. Everything was on a truncated timeline due to the story length, but that didn't bother me one bit. For such a short story I think it was well-rounded in the character growth and development department. It had enough sweetness, passion, and humor to give me everything I really needed from the genre and promise in the premise. What really drew me in besides Grimm was the obvious story we'll be getting about the King and the Earl. That's one I'm definitely sticking around for. And to know that the next story will be about a semi-reclusive bear? Those are my favorite. So yeah, this story's ability to make me change my mind so completely about a character combined with all the good stuff that's being hinted at makes me a happy camper and an eager reader of the series.  4 stars.

Fantastical and sweet, this story was full of heart and magic set in a simplistic world.  Aside from being overly descriptive at times, there was incredible detail that brought the world to life for me.  There was a lot to be charmed by when it came to the relationship between Kym and Gabe.  They were soft, sweet, and a little awkward which made their slower-build romance quite endearing and believable despite this being a fantasy story.  Their affection was built on a whole lot more than attraction and magic and went far deeper than I expected.  When it came time to face the real world I felt both of their tentative natures worked to their detriment and was extremely glad when a solution was found.  Even better was that it was Ashley who came up with the plan to end the moping.  She went from being a stubborn patient to the problem solver and I could really see her independence and growth.  Her role wasn't merely one to bring Gabe to the presence of a dragon, but to set in motion everything necessary to keep them together.  Strong women abound in this short tale and it rounded out this wonderfully sweet story.  4 stars.

We get Brent's POV in this incredibly short, yet sweet story.  There are only hints at desired steam along with some vivid flashes of fantasy, but otherwise this is an incredibly tame tale.  With swants to bring them together, there's a very cute story to go with their meet-cute, but I definitely didn't get enough.  I didn't really find their connection to hold any weight and with Jonathan's evasions and virtually no confessions of feels, it was barely a romantic novella at all for me.  I love this author so I can really see this story going father and becoming something really awesome though, so it's something I'd be willing to hold out for in the future because the MC's really did have a ton of potential as did the cute story line.  4 stars.

Bodyguard's Bite: Howler Brothers Book 2, Silvia Violet

This series is getting stronger with each book.  And though we're only on the second of the series, I can already see that with how much better this is than the first, we're definitely going to keep getting better and better.  Especially when you bring in the external drama that the family gets wrapped up in too.

What I enjoyed most about Bodyguard's Bite was the connection between Storm and Jax.  They had an intense connection from the beginning that was present throughout.  While I wasn't thrilled with the constant denial, I think it was a good idea for them to try and find some distance so they could discover the depth of their pull as mates.  How the distance was achieved bothered me because it felt a little forced and with more ignoring than forethought.  If it had been a little more believable I would have been much more okay with how it played out.  Their chemistry was definitely hot and that was something that never waned.

A small annoyance was the way the overlap between books one and two was included.  Being more like a quick summary took the tension out of the moment and didn't allow that tension to act as a tool to intensify Storm's internal struggle with getting to Jax or Emerson.

Aside from those two things, I think the MC's were likable, the rest of the family intriguing, and the drama was interesting.  I'm very curious to know more of the brothers' stories and where we're going to go from here.

*$4.99 on Amazon

What if the one thing you wanted most was forbidden?

Wealthy werewolf Storm Howler wants a chance to act out his submissive fantasies without his overprotective brothers scaring off every dominant man in sight. If he can’t choose his own partners, how will he ever find his fated mate?

As the former leader of a shifter special forces unit, Jax knows how to keep people safe, but he also craves the one thing he never had in the military: control.

When Storm and Jax meet, tension sizzles between them. It only takes one night of control and surrender for each of them to question whether they’re fated for one another. But the next day, they discover Storm’s brothers have hired Jax as Storm’s new bodyguard. Rather than resign, Jax agrees to the hands-off policy in his employment contract, because no one can protect Storm as well as he can. But when danger threatens, Storm needs a man who can calm his mind as easily as he protects Storm’s body. The two begin spending more time together, and there’s only so long anyone can fight against fate—or love.

Second Song: Sugarhouse Blues Book 1, Edie Danford

Written as if this whole story were a song, the story is very beautifully framed and sometimes motivations are slightly obscured in the prose. But what comes through is love, all kinds of love, and that carries the stories, the men, the families that share an incredible connection.

There were quite a few times that I felt like I could skim because it was taking a really long time to say certain things, to do something, or to actually get somewhere. It was a very, very slow-burn romance. At first I felt a little annoyed by that, but I think the time between their real-life connection and their re-connection with romantic intent was necessary. Kind of an 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' thing. But even then things weren't really emotionally smooth sailing. It wasn't until nearly the end when Antonio has a forced heart-to-heart with his sister-in-law that he finally jumps in with Sage with both feet and no reservations. I didn't see the reason for his fear and hesitation before that point and while I think it fit and made sense, it was a bit out of left field and seemed a little forced when I think Antonio just needed to stop making romantic decisions for Sage and for them without Sage.

Except when we get to the epilogue I'm completely won over. It was so sweet and pretty much perfection for the couple and the entire family.

I'm not opposed to a whole lot of family involvement in a story, especially one like this where without them both men's situation and hearts necessitate their family support. Did it need every interaction with the kids? Probably not, but it made Sage and Antonio a little softer for me and I liked it. It definitely added to the length of the story though as well as depth to all their complications both on their own and together.

This was a long read for me and I enjoyed quite a lot of it. The themes and feels made it worth reading and I wouldn't be opposed to getting Shiloh's story because I'm wondering just what kind of person will be the perfect foil to all his glittery, jittery hardness and vulnerability.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

A wounded singer's second act. A bodyguard's chance at redemption. Two wounded souls find healing in love's sweetest song.

After a brutal attack killed his bodyguard and left his voice permanently damaged, superstar singer Sage Hazen retreated to his Vermont home, unsure he'd ever perform again. Four years later, Sage is testing the waters with a new act, and there's just one man he trusts to handle security--Antonio Callan, his former bodyguard's brother.
For Antonio, touring backwoods Vermont is the wrong gig at the wrong time. Still, it's only right to help the wounded kid his brother died protecting. But a week into the job, Antonio feels more helpless than heroic--and it's his heart that's at greatest risk. 
The more time they spend in close quarters, the harder it becomes to ignore the sparks flaring between them. Turns out protecting two wounded hearts from love is an impossible job. And harmonizing two very different lives will demand a brand-new take on courage.

Completely Changed: DiverCity Book 1, Kamisa Cole

There are a lot of nice things about this book.  There's honesty, reality, tension, steam...none of those things are to be discounted in this story of two men, damaged in different ways, trying to find a way to love someone others think they shouldn't.  What I like less is the pacing, the push and pull, and the many instances of forced progression in the story and the individual conflicts.  But overall, we're given a good story with two men who obviously need one another and despite all the difficulties, they find a love that fits.

All the pieces of the story had their place, but the way they were put together only kind of fit.  They worked chronologically, but most of the progression between them felt forced.  Instead of allowing them to move forward organically some conflicts were thrown in to give them somewhere to go, something to push them forward too strongly, too quickly.  The way things started with the instant attraction and element of protection was a good start.  It's just when the very next thing that happens is pages and pages of vehement denial, pushing one another away, immature decision making and reactions...none of it really bodes well for a functional relationship.  And when the things that make them give in are constantly thwarted by conflicts that don't really feel natural I'm hard-pressed to say I was eager to find out where they went from there.  I wasn't compelled by the overall story unfortunately.

Kash was the more interesting of the two men with a personal history that was believable and, from start to finish, felt like it added depth and was something that could be reconciled fully in a meaningful way by the end of the story.  A couple surprise revelations worked to bring the family concept full-circle, but it also seemed a little bigger than simply keeping it with his mother and realizing that families can be chosen by virtue of love and support and not merely by blood and paperwork.  Alec embodied his age and maturity level at virtually every turn.  While I admit that he had some horrendous things happen in his young life, those experiences may have taught him about cruelty and also healing, but they don't necessarily bring maturity.  I never truly felt like he became anything more than a 19-year old boy who loved an older man and was at the cusp of life.  His own personal evolution was a bit lacking though he does have great potential with someone like Kash at his side.

Tenderness and steam eventually came together once all the drama was behind them.  Before that point there was either one or the other, but not a whole lot of the two combined.  Both elements were held back at different times for one reason or another and once everything was all on the same page, the intensity that should have been there all along finally culminated into a really sweet ending.  So while I can't really say this is my favorite story, there were some things that really did work that will likely speak to a whole lot of other readers.  I'm mildly intrigued in the rest of the series because there are some truly interesting side characters and hints at connections that I'd really like to see pan out in the end.  In that respect, drawing interest for more from their world and their real family, I'd say the story achieved its aim.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Never fall for a broken, younger man…

Then again, I don’t think love happens accidentally anyway. You pick who you love. It’s what my adoptive mother taught me.
It’s what I believed all my life.
Until Alec McGowan walks in.

As head of security of the bar we work at his safety is my responsibility. But it’s more than that.
He buries himself under my skin, and no matter how much I fight it, I cannot stop thinking about him—or wanting him.
It’s when tragedy strikes that I realize Alec might be all I ever needed.

But… Is it already too late for us?

A Family of His Own: Stories of Us Book 3, Rheland Richmond

The bodyguard trope is one I generally enjoy, especially when it involves people who need love and protection wrapped up in a sexy package.  Adding in the power that comes from regained confidence and freedom claimed, and I'm usually a goner.  But with this story I was struck right in the beginning by some disturbing comments and attitudes that I had a severely difficult time getting over.  Cris and Xavier's connection also just didn't sink deep enough for me to fall in love with the story.

Cris had a really hard go of things.  I could absolutely relate to his loneliness and when he got stuck with Patrick, I felt for him.  In a cerebral way I can see how his inner strength got him through the ordeal, but on the page it seemed to fizzle out pretty quickly.  The man he was when a surprise phone call came was one of vulnerability and eager hope.  That man was interesting too, but not nearly as potent.  There seemed to be a disconnect between who Cris was at the beginning and who he was near the end.  I kind of liked both sides of him, but if they had been brought together well they would have cemented him as a whole and diverse character and I would have loved him.  Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Xavier, on the other hand, started off as a noble man, one that I was curious to get to know.  Except when he was faced with the surprising and captivating Cris, his mouth pissed me off.  In what world is it ever okay, even to provoke a reaction, to victim blame?  Sure it got Cris to spit fire from his eyes, but Xavier's whole attitude was one of heavy-handed and domineering authority that I absolutely didn't appreciate.  He excused his terrible words and attitude later by saying he couldn't stand the idea of Cris hurt, but that was only ever one passing thought in his head never to be revisited.  And then the pages and pages and pages devoted to his denial of any spark or feelings he might have for Cris was so overboard.

And so by chapter four, I was having an extremely difficult time getting into the story.  I almost didn't care what happened.  When the drama went down it was so close to the end of the story that I wasn't sure if anything was ever going to get answered.  Sure enough, because it was left so last second, it felt more like an info-dump and everything was rushed which left me feeling underwhelmed.  That and the overall pacing of the story was hard to swallow.

There were great moments in this story though, lest you think I detested the book.  Every time Cris was genuinely happy, excited, and in awe of his gift, I was pretty floored by his immense love.  Without Cris this story would have suffered severely.  His heart was the best part of this whole book.  While I wasn't drawn by any of his friends and didn't like their banter, Cris managed to rise above them and be someone I'd remember.  He and Xavier really did work for their happiness and it was well-deserved.

*$4.99 on Amazon

XAVIER

Former Navy SEAL Xavier Thierry knows he is good at his job… protect the client. You do the job but never get too close—that’s his motto.

When the friend he owes for saving his life asks for a favor, he doesn’t hesitate to say yes, no questions asked. But babysitting some pampered brat is nowhere on his to-do list.

Until he first lays eyes on him… Cris. And he’s nothing like Xav expected.

He wasn’t sure when this man stopped being a job, but the rules blur once Cris ends up in his arms. How can Xavier let him go when he’s the only one who chases away the darkness?

CRIS

Cris Whitcomb thought he finally found his happily ever after… But the fairytale soon became a nightmare, one that left him with only one choice—to push away those he loves to protect them.

His chosen family refuses to be pushed away. Their solution, call in someone trusted to watch over and protect him… Xavier.

But what happens when your future walks in on the worst day of your life?

Maybe sometimes you have to go through the bad to get the best...

Bodyguard to the Billionaire: The Billionaire Duet Book 1, Nana Malone

Packing a sensual heat, mystery, intrigue, passion, and interesting characters all at the start, Nana Malone has created yet another powerhouse beginning to what's promising to be another fantastic duet.  Mia is a strong, independent woman who has been burned by romance.  Theo is a capable, complicated man who has been burned by life's circumstances.  While secrets cloud who they could be to one another, there's no denying that their chemistry and personalities mesh incredibly well and promise a whole lot of awesome to come.

Theo is the strong, brooding, more mysterious hero that I actually like.  He has an honesty streak a thousand miles wide and only for the care of his mother is he willing to take on the role of duke and billionaire.  His inner turmoil and conflict are believable and while I wish he were open with Mia before he gets outed in a pretty extreme way, I kind of don't trust Mia to hold to her word.

Mia is a strong woman.  She's also moody and reactionary.  There's no denying that she's stellar at her job.  Her hacking skills I just know are going to play a huge role in the second book and I can't wait for her to grow into herself, to find herself and really accept all she is and what she's truly worth.  For now, though, she's so contradictory that I don't trust her with all that Theo is and is protecting.  She says she knows who he is inside despite his secrets, that when he's ready to share she hopes he'll open up to her, and then she vents to her bestie that she can't handle his secrets...I'm seriously hoping she doesn't pull an emotional runner under some guise of his dishonesty when his truth comes out.  I have high hopes for her, so I'm hanging in there to see if she lives up to who I feel Theo deserves.

This story has a mix of tropes I'm both a fan of and some not so much.  The fake relationship, the bodyguard scenario, those are totally my jam.  But mixing that with extra secrets isn't my favorite.  There are quite a few mysteries that are actually really predictable, but the way they're weaved into the story, the burgeoning relationship between Mia and Theo...there's so much magic that I don't mind the predictability.  And the "reveal" at the end for our cliffhanger?!  Damn.  I didn't see that happening that way.  I'm on the edge of my seat and wish I could read their conclusion RIGHT NOW!  Definitely a book worth diving in head first.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

GOOGLE PLAY

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Derrick Arlington is one of the world's most eligible billionaires. Voted Sexiest Man Alive--two years running. 
And I just so happen to look exactly like him. 

It's never come in handy until I get offered an actual job out of it.

It was supposed to be so simple.

Go to the Winston Isles, stand in as his body double for a few weeks, go back to my life.

But when our carefully constructed plan goes awry and the billionaire goes missing, I have no choice but to take his place and hire a bodyguard. The best in the business: a smart-mouthed, tight-assed, lady bodyguard.

Zia Barnes is the LAST thing I want, even if I need her. She's determined, smart, and has no idea I'm a total imposter.

Good thing I have no intention on falling for her, or I'd be royally screwed.

Coming Soon...

*Releasing September 17, 2019

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

GOOGLE PLAY

About Nana...

USA Today Bestselling Author, NANA MALONE’s love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she borrowed from her cousin on a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana at a precocious thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since.

With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters. Waiting for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, Nana, meantime works out her drama, passion and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.

The books in her series have been on multiple Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble best seller lists as well as the iTunes Breakout Books list and most notably the USA Today Bestseller list.

Until that ninja job comes through, you’ll find Nana working hard on additional books for her series as well as other fun, sassy romances for characters that won’t leave her alone. And if she’s not working or hiding in the closet reading, she’s acting out scenes for her husband, daughter and puppy in sunny San Diego.

Want to hit me up? Just email me:

nana@nanamaloneromance.com

Follow Nana...

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Diamond in the Rough: Four Kings Security Book 4, Charlie Cochet

All. The. Things.  I think I'm either legit blind to anything wrong with this story or there really is nothing to be found.  My favorite trope is the ugly duckling trope and while this doesn't fit it perfectly, it's got everything I love about it.  From the nerdy, geeky, super genius that no one else seems to get or appreciate and the super desirable object of their admiration/affection seeing only them in return and loving everything that makes them unique (beauty in the eye of the beholder), the transformative power of their love becoming the freedom to accept themselves and let their awesomeness shine to the point that everyone sees them for who they really are, that the core of the story is really about their struggle to accept themselves and to be accepted, to the truth that bullying is bad and should be intolerable.

The camaraderie between the Kings and their whole family is phenomenal.  I wasn't lucky enough to start from book one but you can be damn sure I'm going to now.  Banter, teasing, joking, support, advice, open hearts, kindness, true love, empathy, devotion, loyalty...just...everything.  I'm so floored by what was achieved with this group that I don't know why I didn't have this series on my radar before.  Sometimes the dynamic between the mains and the supports in a story can overshadow the main relationship but while the interaction here was stellar and attention-grabbing for all the right reasons, it still remained a support to the MC's and their story.  There was an amazing balance that was achieved.

All the drama moved in a predictable direction in regards to the betrayal, but I didn't mind that one bit.  There were a couple surprises along the way, which kept it interesting, and the biggest surprise was Leo's reaction to the threats at the end.  His actions were incredible, both brave and scary, and I didn't see that coming at all.  It was one of the high-points of the story's action for me.  King is a total badass and I really had no complaints about him in those regards.  As for the emotional drama, a lot of it came from Leo's insecurities, but the secret from King's past was dramatic and yet it wasn't made into a tertiary struggle for the relationship.  Instead, it was a heartfelt reveal that was resolved by honesty and heartfelt acceptance that felt right.

As for King and Leo as a couple, they were everything sappy, heartfelt, sexy, and tender that I look for.  I had high hopes after reading the synopsis and I had a gut feeling that I wouldn't be disappointed.  I was not only not disappointed, I was blown away by the story I read.  Books by this author in the past have been either meh or more hit and miss so I didn't jump into this one right away and I'm kind of sorry I did.  At the same time, it wouldn't have mattered when I read it, it would have always been perfect to me.  So not only will I be actively seeking out this series in its entirety, I'll be bumping up their other series' on my TBR list as well.  If this is the kind of story they can produce, consider my mind changed.

*$4.00 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

When the cards are stacked against you, the Kings will even the odds.
For Ward “King” Kingston the role of protector, forged by fire and tragedy, is one he takes seriously. When King is asked to safeguard the son of a four-star general and friend, he is pulled back into the world of government black ops on a mission that raises painful memories from his past. The moment King meets Leo, amid the chaos of a lockdown at a secret black site, it’s clear he’s never faced a challenge like this—one that will test his unwavering sense of control. 

Leopold de Loughrey is a misunderstood genius whose anxiety and insecurities are sent into overdrive when he is forcefully recruited to work on a top-secret project. Terrified of what his role as "invaluable asset" means, Leo’s stress leads to disappearances, arguments, and blowups that threaten the project and Leo’s future. King’s arrival is a calm in the storm for Leo and his frenetic thoughts.

King and Leo couldn’t be more different, yet as they navigate the dangers of a secret multi-agency operation and face unknown threats, their differences could be what saves them. Neither man believes a happily ever after is in the cards, but their hearts might just prove them wrong… if they can survive a deadly betrayal.

In His Sights, LA Bryce

The demons in our minds come in many different guises.  For Noah it's his true self and he fights relentlessly against it.  When a moment of connection destroys everything he's ever worked for he's more convinced than ever to deny who he really is.  For Mason it's his mantle of responsibility that bleeds into his grief and increases his drive at work to the point of obsession.  His superiors don't see that drive as a good thing and are wary of where it will lead.  One bright point is a reconnection between two friends that quickly becomes more.  Noah and Mason's story isn't a continuous growth from that point on, however, it's based on it and revisited with heavy emotions and disappointments that they'll need to conquer together if they plan to keep something special.

Mason's general attitude and his vulnerability resonated well for most of the story.  He came across as a well-rounded character that I enjoyed reading about.  If it wasn't for his willingness to be open and honest about his heart I don't think he and Noah would have ever stood a chance.  I did think that his advertised obsession about the case had little validity because the case and any deciphering got set aside so often with only the basics revisited each time.  Instead, we saw a bit of multiple personality disorder when it came to dividing his work mind and his interactions with Noah.  That disconnect didn't sit well and made the revelations and fallout of the case seem a bit awkward.  Despite that, he was still my favorite in this story because he felt the most complete with a believable depth and motivation.

Noah was much more conflicted.  I struggled with him because of his penchant for running and his vehement denials and dismissals of his identity and any counsel or support Mason offered.  His personal road to accepting all of himself was rather stunted.  The underlying fear and conditioning was understandable and I would have appreciated his journey a lot more if it actually went somewhere.  Rather than a deepening or an evolution with a clear resolution, we get lots and lots and lots of angst and then a relatively lighthearted "it's all good" type of moment.  The switch was a bit abrupt and we're left to wonder if it's because of the peril Mason was in or if the truth and love finally got through his walls.  He said all the right things at the end, and while that was lovely, it just felt unsound.

The writing was captivating despite the content being frustrating.  I enjoyed the overall story and felt for the characters and wished so hard for everything good to finally find them.  The terrorist drama was touched on but not really built up well nor did it have a truly satisfying conclusion due to the "monologue moment" from the mole that magically tied everyone and everything together.  If there were a better balance between the progression of the case and all its facets along with the relationship's ups and downs this would have been a fantastic story.  As is, it was a good one that needed a bit more tweaking.

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Brazen: Brazen Duet Book 1, Nana Malone and M. Malone

Series: Brazen Duet #1

Wham, bam, thank you ma’am? That’s my motto.

There’s no room in my life for anything more complicated than a one-night stand. I’m a bodyguard. It’s easier to put my life on the line when there’s no one worrying if I’ll make it home for dinner.

But then the one woman who made me want more waltzes back into my life needing my protection.

Despite our explosive chemistry, we can’t go there again. What happened in Vegas, has to stay in Vegas.

Except the marriage vows neither of us remember.

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M. Malone

NYT & USA Today bestselling author M. Malone lives in the Washington, DC metro area with her husband and their two sons. She holds a master's degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized by how she's using her expensive education.

Independently published, she has sold more than 1/2 million ebooks in her two series, THE ALEXANDERS and BLUE-COLLAR BILLIONAIRES. Since starting her indie journey in 2011 with the runaway bestselling novella "Teasing Trent," her work has appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than a dozen times.

She's now a full-time writer and spends 99.8% of her time in her pajamas.

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Nana Malone

USA Today bestselling author Nana Malone's love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense novel she "borrowed" from her cousin.

It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick-butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination constantly channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, Nana works out her drama, passion and sass with fictional characters every bit as brazen and kick-butt as she thinks she is.

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