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My Everything
Protecting Kaylie was my job. Being shot, tortured, and nearly killed wasn’t. Neither was falling in love.
Kaylie is everything I desire—and can’t have. A pretty little thing forced upon me. One week in a car, then I move on with my life. Right?
Wrong.
Caught in a lethal game of organized crime, lies, & manipulation, it’s too late to run. Falling is easy. It’s the truth that kills. In the darkest despair, I surrender, holding on to the one thing I crave.
Her.
Kaylie Remington—my butterfly—my everything.
***
Running away with Marc was never my choice. Falling for him wasn’t either. But what can a girl do?
Marc is the forbidden fruit my father kept me from. He awakens a desire I never felt. A will to live—and something worth dying for.
But danger catches up, and he pays the price.
Risking his life for me is his job. Me selling my soul to protect his, isn’t mine. But when the threats come from unexpected places and everything I believed in is a lie, I hold on to the one thing I trust.
Him.
Marc Maddox—my warrior—my everything.
Kaylie is everything I desire—and can’t have. A pretty little thing forced upon me. One week in a car, then I move on with my life. Right?
Wrong.
Caught in a lethal game of organized crime, lies, & manipulation, it’s too late to run. Falling is easy. It’s the truth that kills. In the darkest despair, I surrender, holding on to the one thing I crave.
Her.
Kaylie Remington—my butterfly—my everything.
***
Running away with Marc was never my choice. Falling for him wasn’t either. But what can a girl do?
Marc is the forbidden fruit my father kept me from. He awakens a desire I never felt. A will to live—and something worth dying for.
But danger catches up, and he pays the price.
Risking his life for me is his job. Me selling my soul to protect his, isn’t mine. But when the threats come from unexpected places and everything I believed in is a lie, I hold on to the one thing I trust.
Him.
Marc Maddox—my warrior—my everything.
- GenresRomance
Unknown Binding
22 people want to read
About the author
Daria M Paus
6 books18 followersDaria comes from a family of artists whose creativity has been passed down by generations. Inspired by her great-great-great-grandfather, the renowned author L.T, she is honored to pass on his legacy.
She writes contemporary fiction about the flawed, the broken, and the dark.
With a background of arts and illustration, Daria paints vivid pictures of colorful characters that come alive on the pages.
Daria lives and works on her farm near Stockholm, Sweden, and spends her free time with family and pets.
She writes contemporary fiction about the flawed, the broken, and the dark.
With a background of arts and illustration, Daria paints vivid pictures of colorful characters that come alive on the pages.
Daria lives and works on her farm near Stockholm, Sweden, and spends her free time with family and pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 14, 2023
This story is about Kay and Marc's. Kay's father hired Marc as a bodyguard to get her to "safety" .. During that time, they develop feelings for each other. While I do like this action packed story, there were some ... unresolved answers.. like the ending of the book and Marc's feelings towards everything .. it kept me captivated because of all the twist and turns.
August 6, 2023
I was hesitant with the age gap between Marc and Kaylie but their story.. SO GREAT! It was such a roller coaster of emotions and I definitely enjoyed it!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
August 22, 2023
I really liked this book! It was hard to get into at first because it made you question a lot (of course everything is explained in good time though!) It left me on the edge of my seat a lot. I had a hard time putting it down because I wanted to know what would happen next! Just when I thought I could predict what would happen, there would be a great unexpected twist! Definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2023
Kaylie and Marc’s story is rather dark, gritty and absolutely fascinating. He is a much older, grumpy and gruff bodyguard hired by her father to take her across the country and to keep her safe. At twenty-three, Kaylie has led a very sheltered life, basically a prisoner in her father’s mansion. Being sent away from her father is disturbing, but not as disturbing as the man in the driver’s seat, her bodyguard. She finds him to be rude, taciturn and unpleasant even though she also acknowledges to herself that he is gorgeous. She is very aware of his physical attributes though she does her best to appear unaffected.
Marc believes Kaylie to be a pampered, stuck-up princess. He was blackmailed into taking this job and is most definitely not happy about. Her youth, her looks and her air of innocence annoy him, especially since he believes the last is a facade and that she is a spoiled, entitled rich girl. Their cross country road trip soon dispels some of his assumptions. She is more than just a beautiful face. She is smart, brave and the innocence is real. Marc becomes attuned to her every move and mood, and though it is part of his job, he enjoys watching her. He has no intention of getting close to her, of letting his attraction to her lead to intimacies for few reasons. She is in his care, she is an innocent, and getting close to someone leads to more pain. Marc has already loved and lost, and he is not about to risk his heart again.
Their story becomes more twisty, dangerous and suspenseful from this point on as they try to elude who ever is pursuing the them. He hands her off as arranged then everything goes topsy turvy. Who is the enemy? Who do they trust? Can they escape? This book has plenty of heat, vulnerable moments and finally the realization that their hearts are involved after all. But there is more than one reason they may never have a future together.
The characters drew me into their story and made it impossible for me to put this book down for long. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Marc believes Kaylie to be a pampered, stuck-up princess. He was blackmailed into taking this job and is most definitely not happy about. Her youth, her looks and her air of innocence annoy him, especially since he believes the last is a facade and that she is a spoiled, entitled rich girl. Their cross country road trip soon dispels some of his assumptions. She is more than just a beautiful face. She is smart, brave and the innocence is real. Marc becomes attuned to her every move and mood, and though it is part of his job, he enjoys watching her. He has no intention of getting close to her, of letting his attraction to her lead to intimacies for few reasons. She is in his care, she is an innocent, and getting close to someone leads to more pain. Marc has already loved and lost, and he is not about to risk his heart again.
Their story becomes more twisty, dangerous and suspenseful from this point on as they try to elude who ever is pursuing the them. He hands her off as arranged then everything goes topsy turvy. Who is the enemy? Who do they trust? Can they escape? This book has plenty of heat, vulnerable moments and finally the realization that their hearts are involved after all. But there is more than one reason they may never have a future together.
The characters drew me into their story and made it impossible for me to put this book down for long. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2023
Marc Maddox is a hot name for a hero.
The book starts off a little mysteriously. 23-year-old Kaylie is picked up by a handsome bodyguard, who drives her across the country. We don't know why she suddenly had to leave or where she's going. I thought Marc and Kaylie would be the only characters in the novel for some reason, LOL.
Then the mob comes in. I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling anything.
The plot twist at the end was good, and I almost had tears pricking my eyes. The reason why I'm not giving 4 stars was that they barely talked at all in the beginning when they were on a long car ride, and I couldn't quite get why they fell for each other besides the physical attraction. There were also a few spelling mistakes scattered throughout the book, but I understand that the author's first language isn't English.
I never fully understood who the father was besides a doctor. We never got his name. Did he really keep Kaylie trapped in a mansion for 23 years? She had no life/job skills, no formal education it seemed. Not that you need a job, but I would like to know her future plans once she fully recovers.
I was also told that there was an age gap between Kaylie and Marc, but I don't think I was told how old he was...
Thanks to the author for the ARC! This hasn't affected my review or rating in any way.
The book starts off a little mysteriously. 23-year-old Kaylie is picked up by a handsome bodyguard, who drives her across the country. We don't know why she suddenly had to leave or where she's going. I thought Marc and Kaylie would be the only characters in the novel for some reason, LOL.
Then the mob comes in. I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling anything.
The plot twist at the end was good, and I almost had tears pricking my eyes. The reason why I'm not giving 4 stars was that they barely talked at all in the beginning when they were on a long car ride, and I couldn't quite get why they fell for each other besides the physical attraction. There were also a few spelling mistakes scattered throughout the book, but I understand that the author's first language isn't English.
I never fully understood who the father was besides a doctor. We never got his name. Did he really keep Kaylie trapped in a mansion for 23 years? She had no life/job skills, no formal education it seemed. Not that you need a job, but I would like to know her future plans once she fully recovers.
I was also told that there was an age gap between Kaylie and Marc, but I don't think I was told how old he was...
Thanks to the author for the ARC! This hasn't affected my review or rating in any way.
August 7, 2023
I liked this book. We have a dual POV from Kaylie and Marc. Kaylie is a pretty young 23 year old who has been sheltered her whole life by her rich father who never left their estate. Then one day, she is climbing into a car with Marc, a sexy and gorgeous older hired bodyguard by her father to drive her across the country in a week. Being in a vehicle and staying at small roadside motels, Marc and Kaylie definitely notice each other. Marc pushes her away not only because her father warned him to stay, but because Marc knows that opening up leads to loss and utter heartbreak. The road trip across the country is just the start of this roller coaster of events that happen in this book. After something happens, you think these characters can rest from all of it only to have something else come up. There is a slow burn romance, there are moments where something almost happens that leaves even the reader frustrated. But do not worry, we do get some spicy scenes. I preferably would have liked more in depth spicy scenes. I think there could have been more character building to really connect with these characters but this book kept giving and has a little twist in the end that I didn't see coming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2023
I’d like to give this book a 4.5 (I know that’s not an option but in my heart it is lol) What a page turner! Just when you think that everything is fine and starting to settle down, WHAM, Daria hits you with yet another plot twist that has you gripping the edge of your seat just waiting. In a world where everyone is the enemy and trust is scarce, where are a girl and her body guard that are running for their lives to turn?
I really loved the romance and general relationships between all of the main/main-side characters. The author did an amazing job at not only expanding on old relationships but bringing out new ones and building that connection that has you groaning at the thought of putting it down.
The writing style was amazing, the plot was riveting, and the slow burn kept you yearning for the fireworks. I would recommend this to anyone that loves bodyguard romances, slow burn, enemies to lovers, and especially if you like the one bed trope. I’m excited to read the other books in this universe!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really loved the romance and general relationships between all of the main/main-side characters. The author did an amazing job at not only expanding on old relationships but bringing out new ones and building that connection that has you groaning at the thought of putting it down.
The writing style was amazing, the plot was riveting, and the slow burn kept you yearning for the fireworks. I would recommend this to anyone that loves bodyguard romances, slow burn, enemies to lovers, and especially if you like the one bed trope. I’m excited to read the other books in this universe!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2023
One of the little gems that grab you and never let go.
— Review unsolicited and written by me on 29/09/23 —
A new author has taken a spot on my Kindle, whatever Daria Paus writes, i will read.
I read the book in one -long , 4am- sitting. The romance was perfect from page one. They fall in love with each other, and I fell in love with both of them (er, not like that, you know what I mean).
It’s a bodyguard and innocent girl in danger trope, just done really well.
Innocent girl Kaylie gets a massive character arc and comes out swinging every time, which was so girl-power and gratifying.
Conversely, Mr bodyguard Marc, all-taught-muscle held together by anger (read, grief), gets his own arc, becoming more honest and vulnerable, and I really want to be the one to hold his hand while he worked through his feelings, unfortunately he was on the wrong side of the screen.
All the chemistry and angst would have been plenty enough for a great story, but then came the page-turning mafia thriller, with super scary villains and lots of twists.
So, I’m sorry this book is over, but I’m consoling myself there’s a least two characters set up for one hell of a mafia romance.
— Review unsolicited and written by me on 29/09/23 —
A new author has taken a spot on my Kindle, whatever Daria Paus writes, i will read.
I read the book in one -long , 4am- sitting. The romance was perfect from page one. They fall in love with each other, and I fell in love with both of them (er, not like that, you know what I mean).
It’s a bodyguard and innocent girl in danger trope, just done really well.
Innocent girl Kaylie gets a massive character arc and comes out swinging every time, which was so girl-power and gratifying.
Conversely, Mr bodyguard Marc, all-taught-muscle held together by anger (read, grief), gets his own arc, becoming more honest and vulnerable, and I really want to be the one to hold his hand while he worked through his feelings, unfortunately he was on the wrong side of the screen.
All the chemistry and angst would have been plenty enough for a great story, but then came the page-turning mafia thriller, with super scary villains and lots of twists.
So, I’m sorry this book is over, but I’m consoling myself there’s a least two characters set up for one hell of a mafia romance.
September 8, 2023
I read this book as an ARC reader and absolutely loved it!
I've read all of Daria's books and I have to say you never know what to expect from this author other than knowing her work is going to be a piece of art!
My Everything didn't disappoint. Kaylee and Marc are forced together when Marc is blackmailed into delivering her to an unknown destination at her father's request. Sparks fly at their unwanted close proximity and they both find themselves in a situation that neither expected (nor does the reader!) Lots of twists and turns in this action packed/heartbreaking/saucy read.
For those that have read Johnny & I, be prepared to spot that loveable, moody (yeah ok, one of my favourite characters) make a few hilarious and heartbreaking appearances! This has some really effective links to Johnny's story but you don't need to have read them to know what's going on.... You may want to (do it, it's worth it!)
Five stars once again, Daria deserves more!
I've read all of Daria's books and I have to say you never know what to expect from this author other than knowing her work is going to be a piece of art!
My Everything didn't disappoint. Kaylee and Marc are forced together when Marc is blackmailed into delivering her to an unknown destination at her father's request. Sparks fly at their unwanted close proximity and they both find themselves in a situation that neither expected (nor does the reader!) Lots of twists and turns in this action packed/heartbreaking/saucy read.
For those that have read Johnny & I, be prepared to spot that loveable, moody (yeah ok, one of my favourite characters) make a few hilarious and heartbreaking appearances! This has some really effective links to Johnny's story but you don't need to have read them to know what's going on.... You may want to (do it, it's worth it!)
Five stars once again, Daria deserves more!
September 8, 2023
Kaylie has led a sheltered life, at twenty-three she has not really experienced much, never leaving her father's estate. One day her father tells her she needs to leave with Marc for her protection. Marc is not happy to have his new charge, as he was blackmailed into taking the job. Marc and Kaylie have a chemistry, that Marc is determined to fight. He deliver her to where he was told, something does not feel right, but is he ready to make her his?
The story is action packed, there are secrets that come out throughout the book. Some may find it triggering due to the subject matter and what has happened in the past.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is action packed, there are secrets that come out throughout the book. Some may find it triggering due to the subject matter and what has happened in the past.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2023
I was hooked when I first read the blurb of this book. It was engaging, adventurous, and full of romance. The book itself, did not disappoint. You have an arranged marriage, forbidden loves, and also action and adventure.
I wasn’t a fan of Kaylie at the beginning because she seemed like different people put together but they didn’t really mix. She grew on me as the story went on.
My only issue is that the beginning is so fast paced and so much happened. Some of it felt out of place and thrown in while other things added to the story. I loved the idea of the story and parts of it hooked me but the parts that seemed off and thrown in took away from the book
Overall: 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wasn’t a fan of Kaylie at the beginning because she seemed like different people put together but they didn’t really mix. She grew on me as the story went on.
My only issue is that the beginning is so fast paced and so much happened. Some of it felt out of place and thrown in while other things added to the story. I loved the idea of the story and parts of it hooked me but the parts that seemed off and thrown in took away from the book
Overall: 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2023
My Everything is a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity, slow-burn, age-gap romantic suspense. Kaylie is a sheltered 23 year old in danger. Marc is a hunky, grumpy, 40 year old bodyguard hired to transport her from danger. He has been hurt in the past and is now broken, refusing to let anyone in. This book was so good. It read very fast and had so many twists and turns... without giving away the plot, you have murder, mafia, violence, and arranged marriage, among many other things. The chemistry between Marc and Kaylie sizzled, and after a lot of angst, danger, and drama, we get a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2023
My Everything
By Daria M Paus
Two+ person POV. Age gap.
What starts off as a predictable story, quickly turns into a twisting, turning roller coaster. Who is friend and who is foe? It's unclear from the start and your left questioning until the end. The love story the is at the heart of this book is sweet and real. Age gap with trauma keeps the hot Marc from trusting, even if the innocent young woman keeps fighting for what she wants. If you're a lover of romance books with an emotional ride to the HEA, you'll love My Everything.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Daria M Paus
Two+ person POV. Age gap.
What starts off as a predictable story, quickly turns into a twisting, turning roller coaster. Who is friend and who is foe? It's unclear from the start and your left questioning until the end. The love story the is at the heart of this book is sweet and real. Age gap with trauma keeps the hot Marc from trusting, even if the innocent young woman keeps fighting for what she wants. If you're a lover of romance books with an emotional ride to the HEA, you'll love My Everything.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 8, 2023
This book had me after the first few pages! It was an unlikely love story with an age gap and tons of this won’t ever work out even if they tried in between. The mmc and fmc had plenty of baggage in both of their pasts that would have been reason for them to want to run far away from the other.
I don’t want to give too much away, but if you like action, suspense, with an age gap unlikely romance add a big splash of spice then this is definitely one you’ll want to read! I will be on the lookout for more of Daria’s book’s, this one was really enjoyable!!
I don’t want to give too much away, but if you like action, suspense, with an age gap unlikely romance add a big splash of spice then this is definitely one you’ll want to read! I will be on the lookout for more of Daria’s book’s, this one was really enjoyable!!
September 11, 2023
Living a sheltered life, who would have thought Kaylie's life would have landed her here. Growing up believing she had nothing to live for and nothing to lose. Until one day she did. The story of Kaylie of and Marc is a slow-burn and just when you think it's time, you're forced to wait a little longer.
The book had a good story line and a decent amount of spice.
Check TWs and tropes before reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book had a good story line and a decent amount of spice.
Check TWs and tropes before reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2023
The twist and turns in this book was absolutely amazing. Marc and Kaylie deserve the happiness they have. Kaylie has been lied to her whole life and doesn't know what is true and what is not. Marc is a bodyguard who has been against doing anything that is dangerous, but when Kaylie's dad blackmails him the only choice he has is to accept.
This forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and age gap romance is everything you could hope for. The banter, the protectiveness, and the love between Marc and Kaylie are extraordinary.
This forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and age gap romance is everything you could hope for. The banter, the protectiveness, and the love between Marc and Kaylie are extraordinary.
August 15, 2023
Even with this being the first book I read from this author I have to say that for me she knocked it out of the park and has me waiting on pins and needles for the next book in this series. I loved her style of writing and the characters she gave us. A definite go to for bodyguard romance authors from now on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2023
My Everything by Daria M Paus is a good, and enjoyable slow burn bodyguard grumpy sunshine forced proximity age gap forbidden love read. The story has a good story line that has some good twists and turns. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining romance read that will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 5, 2023
This novel is an intense ride you won’t want to get off of. I was drawn in from the start and barely had a chance to breath until I finished it two days later. I don’t think I’ve ever read 425 pages in such a short about of time. Although it’s packed with multiple troupes, it’s not in your-face obvious. The story is suspenseful with multiple twists and turns you don’t see coming. I highly recommend.
September 22, 2023
This is my first book from this author. There are a lot of misspelled words in the book, and it threw me off a little. The storyline was good, but there are a lot of unanswered questions. I know there is age gap, but I never figured out how old he was. There is arranged marriage and forced proximity. I never really understood how they fell in love because they were just driving the whole time. I see the sexual tension.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
An emotional rollercoaster that leaves you guessing until the end. You don't know who you can trust and who is the enemy and it's so exciting! The characters feel real and so does their romance even though there is a big age gap. It's a slow burn but the tension and hidden desire between the characters is worth the wait!
August 6, 2023
This is definitely a book that can get you out of a reading slump, i love easy reads as it keeps you hooked! This book was one you cant put down, you read it because u want the main characters love to bloom, you want to see how there love story ends. Would reccomend to anyone. The ending tho, amazing!
August 13, 2023
Page turner!
I loved the story and the characters and the action. This is not a boring book, there is always something happening that keeps you hooked. It draws you in from the first page and keeps you needing more until the end. The book is full of surprises I never predicted, which is so good!!!
I loved the story and the characters and the action. This is not a boring book, there is always something happening that keeps you hooked. It draws you in from the first page and keeps you needing more until the end. The book is full of surprises I never predicted, which is so good!!!
August 18, 2023
This book covers the story of a young girl and her older bodyguard protecting her. The story quickly takes off and jumps right into the action of Marc and Kaylie's adventures on the road. Recommend for those who enjoy forced proximity and age gap.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2023
This is the first book I've ever read by this author. The storyline itself was decent. However, the amount of mistakes and typos was a distraction for me. There were so many. But the review is for the storyline itself. It was full of action and adventure. A little spice and romance thrown in. I would read the next book to follow, but after it's been proofread.
September 7, 2023
My Everything what an amazing book this is. Kaylie is a strong woman and this is a great story with all the many twists and turns and non stop action.
Marc did what he thought was the right thing to protect Kaylie even though at times wonders if it was the right thing to do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Marc did what he thought was the right thing to protect Kaylie even though at times wonders if it was the right thing to do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2023
My Everything by Daria M Paus is the.first book I read from this author. I can honestly say I was addicted to this book that I finished it in one afternoon.I Loved the story and fell in love with the characters Kaylie and Marc her bodyguard. Thier chemistry makes this a steamy romance they try to fight their attraction but it's useless love the ending I so recommend this book 😁
August 4, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and read it in one sitting because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!!!! Outstanding story with mindblowing twists and lovable characters!!! Kaylie is a sweetheart, perfect for Marc, even though she is much younger. FIVE STARS!
August 12, 2023
Liked the book as a whole, loved the characters and the concept of the story.
It’s a slow burn and when you think somthing will happen between then it dosent, which can be frustrating for some people (me included)
The little twist it had sucked me in more and more.
It’s a slow burn and when you think somthing will happen between then it dosent, which can be frustrating for some people (me included)
The little twist it had sucked me in more and more.
August 14, 2023
The novel is a slow burn and high action read. There is never a down moment for these lovers. The plot keeps you engaged and you find yourself loving some characters and hating others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews