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Without #3
Without Judgment
Do you know what I got for always being the good girl? A cheating ex, fake friends, and now a scandal that has even my own father ashamed of me.
No one believes it isn’t me on the video. My new bodyguard is no exception. Mason is not only my brother’s best friend,
but my newly assigned babysitter who wishes he was anywhere but here.
He’s both hot and judgmental. It’s a maddening combination that has me wanting to push all his buttons.
With his bad boy vibe, alpha demeanor and the way he calls me princess, I'm convinced my draw to him is crazy. Until I learn
under the tattoos and piercings there may be more than meets the eye. Turns out I may not be the only one fighting the attraction.
I’m determined not to be the helpless girl everyone thinks I am, even if it means taking drastic measures.
The question is whose side will Mason be on in the end?
*** Without Judgment is a standalone romance for mature audiences due to steamy bedroom scenes that are in no way contained to just the bedroom.***
No one believes it isn’t me on the video. My new bodyguard is no exception. Mason is not only my brother’s best friend,
but my newly assigned babysitter who wishes he was anywhere but here.
He’s both hot and judgmental. It’s a maddening combination that has me wanting to push all his buttons.
With his bad boy vibe, alpha demeanor and the way he calls me princess, I'm convinced my draw to him is crazy. Until I learn
under the tattoos and piercings there may be more than meets the eye. Turns out I may not be the only one fighting the attraction.
I’m determined not to be the helpless girl everyone thinks I am, even if it means taking drastic measures.
The question is whose side will Mason be on in the end?
*** Without Judgment is a standalone romance for mature audiences due to steamy bedroom scenes that are in no way contained to just the bedroom.***
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2023
285 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Aubrey Bondurant
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Aubrey Bondurant is a romance author who believes life is better with humor, heat, and a happily-ever-after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—smart, flirty, and spicy enough to make you blush in public.
When she’s not writing, Aubrey is usually spending time with her family. She can be tempted by anything caffeinated, great cocktails, and any dog big enough to knock her over with enthusiasm. She’s convinced the world needs more kindness, more laughter, and way more swoony book boyfriends.
➡️ IG - https://bit.ly/2wsDtm1
➡️ Amazon - https://amzn.to/2MeeMVb
➡️ Facebook - https://bit.ly/2VsWsIO
➡️ Join my Reader Group https://bit.ly/2K9yuyN
➡️ Bookbub - https://bit.ly/2Jz77e8
➡️ Twitter: https://bit.ly/2LZrNzP
Aubrey Bondurant is a romance author who believes life is better with humor, heat, and a happily-ever-after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—smart, flirty, and spicy enough to make you blush in public.
When she’s not writing, Aubrey is usually spending time with her family. She can be tempted by anything caffeinated, great cocktails, and any dog big enough to knock her over with enthusiasm. She’s convinced the world needs more kindness, more laughter, and way more swoony book boyfriends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 28, 2018
***IT'S ALIVE!!!***
This Princess didn’t deserve to be judged…
My plan was always to be a stay-at-home mum forever and ever. A job fell in my lap, the extra money was tempting to allow for my family to have treats…and now I’m a Team Leader in a busy office. I still to this day contemplate - I didn’t plan this, how did I get here? I think we have all had plans that were set and somehow got diverted. Sometimes the changes are good and other times you feel like your world is falling apart. In Without Judgement we get to know Avery and Mason a little better and see how they cope when their plans get diverted.
Poor Avery had no idea her scumbag ex could do worse than cheat on her with her best friend. What he does ruins her reputation and throws her life into chaos. Avery's father is running for mayor and he's worried more about his reputation than hers. He wants her to cop the scandal on the chin and act the contrite and dutiful daughter who has seen the error in her ways. AND SHE DID NOTHING!! At this stage, good old dad was definitely getting stink-eyes from me. At least Avery has her brother Trevor to count on. Trevor calls in the guards…I mean security guard to see that Avery comes to no further harm.
Mason owes Trevor a favour and babysitting his little sister will pay him back AND his hoping get him extra brownie points from his best friend. Having to put up with a spoilt princess who does nothing but lunch with friends and visit the spa for treatments, is not Mason’s idea of fun. But, this princess isn’t playing her part how he thought she would. She’s not spoilt, self-serving and egotistical, Avery is actually pretty sweet and generous too. Mason is struggling with his plans to keep his distance and just do his job. Avery is not the “kid” he was expecting, she’s beautiful and Mason is extremely attracted to her. It's going to be harder to keep to his plans and not divert to her bedroom.
I absolutely LOVED Without Judgement and the whole Without series. It has just the right mix of emotions to keep me connected to the characters and invested in seeing them reach their happy ever after. Mason is definitely the kind of hero I love and Avery is the kind of heroine I admire. Mason's looks alone grabbed my interest but I also love to see the tortured hero battle his demons and conquer them with the help of the heroine. I shed more than a few tears for Avery and I hated that Mason played a part in playing with her emotions. I knew Mason was invested in their relationship before he did (wink, wink) and I hated that he pushed her away.
Without Judgement deals with quite a few issues that many struggles with nowadays. Social Media gives people an ability to hurt without laying a finger and can ruin lives. Avery is a smart cookie and decides to use it to her advantage. I loved that she learnt to have faith in herself and fix her own problems. Mason is a returned Marine who struggles with survivors’ guilt. It broke my heart that he felt no one would miss him and guilt for surviving when others had died leaving loved ones behind. These issues were handled in a way that was realistic and thought-provoking. Sometimes you forget to look below the surface to see what others are struggling with.
I had the heart flutters, big smiles, smirks, snorts and squirmy times that I expect and love in an Aubrey Bondurant read. The pacing was perfect, the connection jumped off the pages and the sexy times were HOT! Avery and Mason’s journey wasn’t an easy one but it did leave me with a giddy, ain’t life grand, kind of feeling. If you haven’t started the Without series, or tried an Aubrey Bondurant story, I suggest you get to it.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
This Princess didn’t deserve to be judged…
My plan was always to be a stay-at-home mum forever and ever. A job fell in my lap, the extra money was tempting to allow for my family to have treats…and now I’m a Team Leader in a busy office. I still to this day contemplate - I didn’t plan this, how did I get here? I think we have all had plans that were set and somehow got diverted. Sometimes the changes are good and other times you feel like your world is falling apart. In Without Judgement we get to know Avery and Mason a little better and see how they cope when their plans get diverted.
Poor Avery had no idea her scumbag ex could do worse than cheat on her with her best friend. What he does ruins her reputation and throws her life into chaos. Avery's father is running for mayor and he's worried more about his reputation than hers. He wants her to cop the scandal on the chin and act the contrite and dutiful daughter who has seen the error in her ways. AND SHE DID NOTHING!! At this stage, good old dad was definitely getting stink-eyes from me. At least Avery has her brother Trevor to count on. Trevor calls in the guards…I mean security guard to see that Avery comes to no further harm.
Mason owes Trevor a favour and babysitting his little sister will pay him back AND his hoping get him extra brownie points from his best friend. Having to put up with a spoilt princess who does nothing but lunch with friends and visit the spa for treatments, is not Mason’s idea of fun. But, this princess isn’t playing her part how he thought she would. She’s not spoilt, self-serving and egotistical, Avery is actually pretty sweet and generous too. Mason is struggling with his plans to keep his distance and just do his job. Avery is not the “kid” he was expecting, she’s beautiful and Mason is extremely attracted to her. It's going to be harder to keep to his plans and not divert to her bedroom.
I absolutely LOVED Without Judgement and the whole Without series. It has just the right mix of emotions to keep me connected to the characters and invested in seeing them reach their happy ever after. Mason is definitely the kind of hero I love and Avery is the kind of heroine I admire. Mason's looks alone grabbed my interest but I also love to see the tortured hero battle his demons and conquer them with the help of the heroine. I shed more than a few tears for Avery and I hated that Mason played a part in playing with her emotions. I knew Mason was invested in their relationship before he did (wink, wink) and I hated that he pushed her away.
Without Judgement deals with quite a few issues that many struggles with nowadays. Social Media gives people an ability to hurt without laying a finger and can ruin lives. Avery is a smart cookie and decides to use it to her advantage. I loved that she learnt to have faith in herself and fix her own problems. Mason is a returned Marine who struggles with survivors’ guilt. It broke my heart that he felt no one would miss him and guilt for surviving when others had died leaving loved ones behind. These issues were handled in a way that was realistic and thought-provoking. Sometimes you forget to look below the surface to see what others are struggling with.
I had the heart flutters, big smiles, smirks, snorts and squirmy times that I expect and love in an Aubrey Bondurant read. The pacing was perfect, the connection jumped off the pages and the sexy times were HOT! Avery and Mason’s journey wasn’t an easy one but it did leave me with a giddy, ain’t life grand, kind of feeling. If you haven’t started the Without series, or tried an Aubrey Bondurant story, I suggest you get to it.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
September 21, 2018
4.25 Stars
Avery Newhall, 22, doesn’t think her ex-fiancé can sink any lower than cheating on her with her former best friend till he releases a sex video he claims to be her.
“Babysitting” his college buddy’s little sister isn’t exactly the security job ex-Marine Mason Butler, 28, has in mind for his new company, but he owes Trevor (Without Regret) a favor and their father has capital to invest.
The story pulled me in from the beginning. It was engaging and the characters had depth. Like book one (Without Apology) there’s a bit of a suspense angle that kept me turning pages to find out the real story behind the sex tape.
While Avery didn’t start out the type of heroine I typically gravitate to, she was likeable and I found myself sympathetic to her woes. And then she gained her footing and her voice, standing up for herself and taking charge of the situation. She was definitely someone to root for, and the route she took—I didn’t see that coming.
Mason had a very tall order to fill in the hero department in comparison to Simon and Trevor from the previous books.
“I didn’t bother to remind my erection that she was way off-limits. Instead, I took my discomfort as penance for being an asshole to her.”
Truth be told, he was kinda an asshole to her at different times. Deep down I think he was a good guy, but he was a bit broken.
I didn’t care for the fact that he added to her already fragile self-esteem after what she’d been through, and just when I’d think that Mason had worked past some of his own issues and came to realize that he and Avery weren’t so different after all, he’d reverted back to asshole mode again. While I also had sympathy for Mason and what he’d been through, it was Avery who shined when the going got tough.
Despite the moments where I wanted Mason to grovel more (or when Icontemplated fantasized swoon-worthy hotties Simon and Trevor staging an intervention to help him get his head out of his ass), in the end I liked where they eventually ended up. There was a sweetness to the story and plenty of steamy times.
“You taste better than the fantasy.”
Told via Avery and Mason’s alternating first person POV, the story balances the light-hearted moments, positive messages, and some sad, more serious themes well. When I got to the end and it dawned on me that there were no more couples to read about, I realized I’d miss this well-written series.
Safety Recap:
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
Avery Newhall, 22, doesn’t think her ex-fiancé can sink any lower than cheating on her with her former best friend till he releases a sex video he claims to be her.
“Babysitting” his college buddy’s little sister isn’t exactly the security job ex-Marine Mason Butler, 28, has in mind for his new company, but he owes Trevor (Without Regret) a favor and their father has capital to invest.
The story pulled me in from the beginning. It was engaging and the characters had depth. Like book one (Without Apology) there’s a bit of a suspense angle that kept me turning pages to find out the real story behind the sex tape.
While Avery didn’t start out the type of heroine I typically gravitate to, she was likeable and I found myself sympathetic to her woes. And then she gained her footing and her voice, standing up for herself and taking charge of the situation. She was definitely someone to root for, and the route she took—I didn’t see that coming.
Mason had a very tall order to fill in the hero department in comparison to Simon and Trevor from the previous books.
“I didn’t bother to remind my erection that she was way off-limits. Instead, I took my discomfort as penance for being an asshole to her.”
Truth be told, he was kinda an asshole to her at different times. Deep down I think he was a good guy, but he was a bit broken.
I didn’t care for the fact that he added to her already fragile self-esteem after what she’d been through, and just when I’d think that Mason had worked past some of his own issues and came to realize that he and Avery weren’t so different after all, he’d reverted back to asshole mode again. While I also had sympathy for Mason and what he’d been through, it was Avery who shined when the going got tough.
“I hate when you use the word ‘fine.’” —Mason
“Then maybe you should’ve inspired something better….”—Avery
Despite the moments where I wanted Mason to grovel more (or when I
“You taste better than the fantasy.”
Told via Avery and Mason’s alternating first person POV, the story balances the light-hearted moments, positive messages, and some sad, more serious themes well. When I got to the end and it dawned on me that there were no more couples to read about, I realized I’d miss this well-written series.
Safety Recap:
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
Read
August 17, 2025Sampled it, but not for me. Trite.
September 10, 2018
Love me a bodyguard trope! A protective Hero is like catnip to me, and Mason delivers!
And as always, Aubrey kills me with her endings. The endings are always my favorite. But that's all I'm saying :X
And as always, Aubrey kills me with her endings. The endings are always my favorite. But that's all I'm saying :X
September 28, 2018
5 SMOOCHES!
I have yet to pick up a book written by Aubrey Bondurant where I did not get completely wrapped up in her writing and the story. She writes truly captivating stories, ones that I didn’t want to put down—and that I was left still thinking about long after I did. She describes her writing style as adult contemporary erotic romantic comedy, but don’t mistake that for smutty fluff. Regardless of what she calls her style, there is plenty of substance to her work and this author is a gifted storyteller. Her writing is thoroughly absorbing, it’s crisp and smart and engaging. She writes rich, multifaceted stories, blending heartfelt emotion with clever wit, endearing characters and off-the-charts sexiness. She ties all of those pieces together through a creative, inspired plot, and it always results in a win for me.
The third book in Bondurant’s Without series, Without Judgment is a big brother’s best friend romance. Readers of the previous two books will remember Avery, the sister of the hero, Trevor, from Without Regret. Some of the details of her story were teased in that book, and Without Judgment picks it up from there. After catching her fiancé cheating on her with her best friend right before their wedding, Avery ends their relationship. Unfortunately, she didn’t really know him as well as she thought she did, and his problems become hers in a media sensation. With her father’s mayoral race rocked by the scandal, Avery’s safety becomes an issue, and her brother calls in his best friend, Mason, a security expert. Mason makes some very wrong assumptions about Avery, and at the first glance of her, deems her nothing more than a beautiful, but spoiled debutante. I really loved Avery and how she surprised Mason at every turn. She was smarter than anyone gave her credit for, she was beautiful but sweet and thoughtful, and she was about as far from the vapid, self-absorbed princess he thought her to be. Mason, a Marine Corps veteran battling some serious demons, is just starting his security company, and he’s lucky that he was seriously hot because his maddeningly hot and cold, rough-around-the-edges, closed off demeanor left a bit to be desired.
Bondurant doesn’t shy away from difficult topics in her stories, and she tackles some here with fantastic success. I was as riveted to this story by the suspense plot as I was by the romance. This was no easy, love-at-first-sight happily ever after. Avery and Mason may have had a raw, physical attraction that burned hot between them, but the emotional side of their relationship was more of a slow-burn. One step forward, two steps back was definitely the pace that Avery and Mason took, and that constant push and pull between them, while heart-wrenching at times, did make the moments when they were on the same page more rewarding. Mason fought his attraction to her and any semblance of relationship every step of the way, often callously knocking the kindhearted Avery back over whatever imaginary line he thought she was crossing. He made some wildly inaccurate assumptions about her and her motives, and I loved how Avery put him in his place after each of those instances. They say you don’t know what you have until it’s gone, and Bondurant employed the absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder tactic well here. What I really loved most about this story, though, was Avery. While sometimes difficult to witness, I enjoyed watching her grow and mature through these trying circumstances, with no one seemingly on her side or who even truly believed her. Those scenes with her father were especially heartbreaking, and I loved how she got fed up and took matters into her own hands. I cheered this strong, clever, witty heroine on the whole way.
Without Judgment was a reminder to not judge a book by its cover, that there is always more to someone than meets the eye. With plenty of heart-tugging emotion, characters I cared deeply for and a romance hotter than the Texas blacktop in July, Bondurant gives readers a page-turner in Without Judgment that I simply didn’t want to end. This story pulled me in from the start and held me captive, furiously tap-tap-tapping my Kindle’s screen as I devoured this story. I’m sad that the series is over, but as always, I’m looking forward to what’s next from this incredibly talented author. Without Judgment by Aubrey Bondurant gets five smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
I have yet to pick up a book written by Aubrey Bondurant where I did not get completely wrapped up in her writing and the story. She writes truly captivating stories, ones that I didn’t want to put down—and that I was left still thinking about long after I did. She describes her writing style as adult contemporary erotic romantic comedy, but don’t mistake that for smutty fluff. Regardless of what she calls her style, there is plenty of substance to her work and this author is a gifted storyteller. Her writing is thoroughly absorbing, it’s crisp and smart and engaging. She writes rich, multifaceted stories, blending heartfelt emotion with clever wit, endearing characters and off-the-charts sexiness. She ties all of those pieces together through a creative, inspired plot, and it always results in a win for me.
The third book in Bondurant’s Without series, Without Judgment is a big brother’s best friend romance. Readers of the previous two books will remember Avery, the sister of the hero, Trevor, from Without Regret. Some of the details of her story were teased in that book, and Without Judgment picks it up from there. After catching her fiancé cheating on her with her best friend right before their wedding, Avery ends their relationship. Unfortunately, she didn’t really know him as well as she thought she did, and his problems become hers in a media sensation. With her father’s mayoral race rocked by the scandal, Avery’s safety becomes an issue, and her brother calls in his best friend, Mason, a security expert. Mason makes some very wrong assumptions about Avery, and at the first glance of her, deems her nothing more than a beautiful, but spoiled debutante. I really loved Avery and how she surprised Mason at every turn. She was smarter than anyone gave her credit for, she was beautiful but sweet and thoughtful, and she was about as far from the vapid, self-absorbed princess he thought her to be. Mason, a Marine Corps veteran battling some serious demons, is just starting his security company, and he’s lucky that he was seriously hot because his maddeningly hot and cold, rough-around-the-edges, closed off demeanor left a bit to be desired.
Bondurant doesn’t shy away from difficult topics in her stories, and she tackles some here with fantastic success. I was as riveted to this story by the suspense plot as I was by the romance. This was no easy, love-at-first-sight happily ever after. Avery and Mason may have had a raw, physical attraction that burned hot between them, but the emotional side of their relationship was more of a slow-burn. One step forward, two steps back was definitely the pace that Avery and Mason took, and that constant push and pull between them, while heart-wrenching at times, did make the moments when they were on the same page more rewarding. Mason fought his attraction to her and any semblance of relationship every step of the way, often callously knocking the kindhearted Avery back over whatever imaginary line he thought she was crossing. He made some wildly inaccurate assumptions about her and her motives, and I loved how Avery put him in his place after each of those instances. They say you don’t know what you have until it’s gone, and Bondurant employed the absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder tactic well here. What I really loved most about this story, though, was Avery. While sometimes difficult to witness, I enjoyed watching her grow and mature through these trying circumstances, with no one seemingly on her side or who even truly believed her. Those scenes with her father were especially heartbreaking, and I loved how she got fed up and took matters into her own hands. I cheered this strong, clever, witty heroine on the whole way.
Without Judgment was a reminder to not judge a book by its cover, that there is always more to someone than meets the eye. With plenty of heart-tugging emotion, characters I cared deeply for and a romance hotter than the Texas blacktop in July, Bondurant gives readers a page-turner in Without Judgment that I simply didn’t want to end. This story pulled me in from the start and held me captive, furiously tap-tap-tapping my Kindle’s screen as I devoured this story. I’m sad that the series is over, but as always, I’m looking forward to what’s next from this incredibly talented author. Without Judgment by Aubrey Bondurant gets five smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
September 19, 2018
Without Judgement has everything I love in a romance. Great chemistry, an element of forbidden romance, a solid storyline with drama, action, sexy times and humor. A handsome, yet somewhat broken military man also makes Without Judgment a winner!
Ex Military now security detail, Mason, does a favour for his friend by looking out for a little sister in trouble. Mason is a big drawcard in this book, but Avery is the star for me. She is sweet and innocent but has had a run of shitty circumstances. I love the development of Avery. She grows so much emotionally throughout the story, eventually out "adulting" Mason. This pair are perfect for each other and I enjoyed the organic progression of their relationship.
I'll admit it, I cryed, this one really pulls at the heartstrings. The ending was in keeping with the characters, and better than I expected.
Without Judgement is a standalone, however I recommend reading previous books in this series first as they are awesome too.
Ex Military now security detail, Mason, does a favour for his friend by looking out for a little sister in trouble. Mason is a big drawcard in this book, but Avery is the star for me. She is sweet and innocent but has had a run of shitty circumstances. I love the development of Avery. She grows so much emotionally throughout the story, eventually out "adulting" Mason. This pair are perfect for each other and I enjoyed the organic progression of their relationship.
I'll admit it, I cryed, this one really pulls at the heartstrings. The ending was in keeping with the characters, and better than I expected.
Without Judgement is a standalone, however I recommend reading previous books in this series first as they are awesome too.
September 30, 2018
I love this author, always a good read with all of the feels.
Complete story and available on ku. Recommended.
Complete story and available on ku. Recommended.
September 29, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..This is the third book in the series and I loved it, just as I tend to with Aubrey's book. This is Avery story, if you are following the series you had tidbits of her before, if not you can start with this one you will not be lost. Avery had caught her fiance cheating on her with her so called best friend, and now he leaks a sex tape of her only it isn't her and no one believes her. Her awesome brother contacts his best friend who Avery had never met, Mason who is in the security business which he is trying to build up and him protecting Avery will truly help his business, only he is for the shock of his life because he did not picture the beauty who is Avery. Avery was a sweet girl who did not deserve everything that was happening to her but I liked that she figured who she was and how to better herself, only thing that I have to say is she forgave Mason too soon. Mason had a lot of demons and he would push Avery away but he finally got a clue and realized she was it for him.
February 17, 2020
The heroine was treated like shit by just about everyone in this. Including the hero, who blew hot then fridgidly cold right up until 85%.
Her father, who has been absentee dad for most of her life, thinks she's a liar and a slut. When he realizes he's been in the wrong, he decides he'll start being there for important events. You know, now that she's an adult and has her own place.
I didn't have a problem with her easily forgiving the hero the first time. The second time, I too thought he had changed and was looking for more. By the third time he pumped and dumped, stick a fork in me I'm done. Not her though, this time he really promised hard, and she's all okay, no prob, kissy kissy smoochie smoochie. I don't even think he apologised, he just told her he'd changed for reals this time.
Her father, who has been absentee dad for most of her life, thinks she's a liar and a slut. When he realizes he's been in the wrong, he decides he'll start being there for important events. You know, now that she's an adult and has her own place.
I didn't have a problem with her easily forgiving the hero the first time. The second time, I too thought he had changed and was looking for more. By the third time he pumped and dumped, stick a fork in me I'm done. Not her though, this time he really promised hard, and she's all okay, no prob, kissy kissy smoochie smoochie. I don't even think he apologised, he just told her he'd changed for reals this time.
September 16, 2018
Mason likes to give his girl thorough answers, "I grinned that she’d used the word, after all. “Washed in the lake this morning since I couldn’t eff you awake.” I enjoyed the way her cheeks pinkened at my words." I liked this book, I liked that Mason's girl was always surprising him, it kept him on his toes.
September 28, 2018
If I could give this book six stars, I would, because there was nothing about it that I didn't like. Avery Newhall's father is running for the mayor of Houston, and the last thing he needs is his daughter's sex tape scandal. Avery's ex-fiance cheated on her with her best friend, so she dumped him - and he appears he's taking revenge by releasing a tape to the media. However, after reluctantly viewing it, Avery realises it's not her on the tape. But the paparazzi - and her father - don't seem to care about that one small detail.
Since Avery's being hounded by the media, her adorable older brother, Trevor, calls on his best friend since college, Mason Butler. Mason is in the middle of starting up his own security business, and Avery's father has offered to invest if he'll act as her bodyguard for two weeks. It's not the kind of job he wants, but he needs the investment and he feels he owes Trevor for helping him stay out of trouble in college so he could get into the Marines, so he agrees to take the gig. He's never actually met Avery, having turned down all of Trevor's invitations to join him at home, so he's expecting her to be a spoiled princess.
It doesn't take long for Mason to find out he's very wrong about Avery. She's not spoilt or stuck up. She's down to earth, caring and incredibly upset at the notion of the public thinking she's on that sex tape. She feels like her father thinks his campaign is more important than his own daughter. She regularly visits an animal shelter and helps out with the dogs; there's one in particular, Koda, whom nobody will adopt because he's a pit bull. Avery would love to adopt him but her father won't have it, and since she's now living with him again after having left the ex, she has to follow his rules.
Avery thinks that Mason is an angry, distant man, and she doesn't want him around her 24/7, no matter what her father says. She tries to connect with him, given he's her brother's best friend, but he keeps pushing her away. When she discovers him trying to build a website for his business, she offers to help him as she loves building websites, and to her surprise he agrees to let her.
Once they both get past their misconceptions of each other, they start to see the people underneath and they form a deep bond. They're attracted to each other and it's a slow burn; Mason feels loyal to Trevor and doesn't want to abuse his trust by coveting his younger sister, but in the end, their desire for each other takes over. When Mason gets her out of town and to a cabin his estranged father gifted him, they finally give in.
This book was so lushly written. The characters had so many layers to them, and the romance was a really great slow burn. There were a lot of tropes here that are quite common - sibling's best friend/best friend's sibling, bodyguard, ex cheating with the best friend - but this author did such a great job of making the story believable. I loved that Mason wanted to tell Trevor from the get go, and that Trevor's reaction was not overblown, as it tends to be with so many books about this trope. I loved Mason's vulnerability, and his willingness to eventually let Avery in. I loved Avery's down to earth character, determined not to play the role bestowed upon her by everybody else. I loved these two characters and watching their romance take shape, growing into something tangible, something fierce, something real. I loved Avery's adorably close relationship with her brother. This is one of the best books I've read this year.
Since Avery's being hounded by the media, her adorable older brother, Trevor, calls on his best friend since college, Mason Butler. Mason is in the middle of starting up his own security business, and Avery's father has offered to invest if he'll act as her bodyguard for two weeks. It's not the kind of job he wants, but he needs the investment and he feels he owes Trevor for helping him stay out of trouble in college so he could get into the Marines, so he agrees to take the gig. He's never actually met Avery, having turned down all of Trevor's invitations to join him at home, so he's expecting her to be a spoiled princess.
It doesn't take long for Mason to find out he's very wrong about Avery. She's not spoilt or stuck up. She's down to earth, caring and incredibly upset at the notion of the public thinking she's on that sex tape. She feels like her father thinks his campaign is more important than his own daughter. She regularly visits an animal shelter and helps out with the dogs; there's one in particular, Koda, whom nobody will adopt because he's a pit bull. Avery would love to adopt him but her father won't have it, and since she's now living with him again after having left the ex, she has to follow his rules.
Avery thinks that Mason is an angry, distant man, and she doesn't want him around her 24/7, no matter what her father says. She tries to connect with him, given he's her brother's best friend, but he keeps pushing her away. When she discovers him trying to build a website for his business, she offers to help him as she loves building websites, and to her surprise he agrees to let her.
Once they both get past their misconceptions of each other, they start to see the people underneath and they form a deep bond. They're attracted to each other and it's a slow burn; Mason feels loyal to Trevor and doesn't want to abuse his trust by coveting his younger sister, but in the end, their desire for each other takes over. When Mason gets her out of town and to a cabin his estranged father gifted him, they finally give in.
This book was so lushly written. The characters had so many layers to them, and the romance was a really great slow burn. There were a lot of tropes here that are quite common - sibling's best friend/best friend's sibling, bodyguard, ex cheating with the best friend - but this author did such a great job of making the story believable. I loved that Mason wanted to tell Trevor from the get go, and that Trevor's reaction was not overblown, as it tends to be with so many books about this trope. I loved Mason's vulnerability, and his willingness to eventually let Avery in. I loved Avery's down to earth character, determined not to play the role bestowed upon her by everybody else. I loved these two characters and watching their romance take shape, growing into something tangible, something fierce, something real. I loved Avery's adorably close relationship with her brother. This is one of the best books I've read this year.
September 22, 2018
4.5 stars
This is a new-to-me author and I loved the story.
"He was sex on an angry stick."
Avery finds herself in the middle of a sex tape scandal, which jeopardises her father's mayoral election. With no one believing that it's not her in the video, her father appoints a bodyguard to keep her safe from the paparazzi and to make sure she toes the PR line. He might be gorgeous but he's also stern and seems to have judged her before he even really knows her.
"The thought struck me that perhaps the problem was she was more my cup of tea than I liked."
Babysitting a spoilt princess is the last thing Mason wants to do when he's trying to get his new security business off the ground, but he can't deny this favour for his best friend. However, as judgemental as he is about her, he can't deny that she pleasantly surprises him at every turn, and that he's beyond attracted to her.
"I think we both knew the moment I got into this bed we wouldn't be sleeping."
I really enjoyed this story. Avery is far from a spoilt society girl - she's soft-hearted and pretty sweet, and a good girl. I loved how she stood up for herself and the smart way she asserted her independence. Mason is a stand-up guy but closed off and has huge barriers around his heart, which stop people from getting close to him. I loved how Avery chipped through those barriers. Beneath his tough guy façade, he was terribly vulnerable and fearful of rejection. I loved how loving Avery made him re-evaluate the way he looked at his life and pushed him outside of his comfort zone, and helped him to realise what made him really happy.
A great, sexy, slightly angsty story with a bit of mystery thrown in.
This is a new-to-me author and I loved the story.
"He was sex on an angry stick."
Avery finds herself in the middle of a sex tape scandal, which jeopardises her father's mayoral election. With no one believing that it's not her in the video, her father appoints a bodyguard to keep her safe from the paparazzi and to make sure she toes the PR line. He might be gorgeous but he's also stern and seems to have judged her before he even really knows her.
"The thought struck me that perhaps the problem was she was more my cup of tea than I liked."
Babysitting a spoilt princess is the last thing Mason wants to do when he's trying to get his new security business off the ground, but he can't deny this favour for his best friend. However, as judgemental as he is about her, he can't deny that she pleasantly surprises him at every turn, and that he's beyond attracted to her.
"I think we both knew the moment I got into this bed we wouldn't be sleeping."
I really enjoyed this story. Avery is far from a spoilt society girl - she's soft-hearted and pretty sweet, and a good girl. I loved how she stood up for herself and the smart way she asserted her independence. Mason is a stand-up guy but closed off and has huge barriers around his heart, which stop people from getting close to him. I loved how Avery chipped through those barriers. Beneath his tough guy façade, he was terribly vulnerable and fearful of rejection. I loved how loving Avery made him re-evaluate the way he looked at his life and pushed him outside of his comfort zone, and helped him to realise what made him really happy.
A great, sexy, slightly angsty story with a bit of mystery thrown in.
September 24, 2018
You know those books that suck you into the story and don't let you go until you devour every single word? Well readers, this is definitely one of those books. And if you love a best friend's little sister romance - then you really won't want to pass up this book.
Aubrey Bondurant makes it so easy for readers to fall into this story. From the writing that flows so easily that you don't realise you have been lost in the pages for so long to a storyline and characters that capture your attention and make you WANT to know what's going to happen next - Without Judgment is a must read.
To be honest, I wasn't sure that Avery was a character that I could relate too. I was worried that she was going to be too much of a doormat for me to truly enjoy her journey. But man was I wrong. And really I shouldn't be surprised, because Aubrey is yet to write a female character that could even come close to being a doormat. I love that I was kept on my toes with Avery and her unexpected twists and turns.
Mason is everything that I love in a hero. A little broken, a lot alpha and smokin' between the sheets. Sure there were moments where you wanted to beat on the guy a little - you know that internal war of doing what he perceives is right and what is right for him. But as the story unfolded, I couldn't help but fall for him, and I am a complete sucker for the overcoming of demons with the aid of a woman that get's under their hard exterior.
The chemistry between these two was H-O-T. As much as they tried to ignore the magnetism that sparked between them - it was way to strong to deny for long. These sexy scenes between these two was explosive and dynamic. It literally jumped off the page it was so electric.
Without Judgment gives romance readers a book that is easy to escape into. The way that the story unravels will make you want to know "what's next" and you will want to invest in these two.
Highly recommended!
Aubrey Bondurant makes it so easy for readers to fall into this story. From the writing that flows so easily that you don't realise you have been lost in the pages for so long to a storyline and characters that capture your attention and make you WANT to know what's going to happen next - Without Judgment is a must read.
To be honest, I wasn't sure that Avery was a character that I could relate too. I was worried that she was going to be too much of a doormat for me to truly enjoy her journey. But man was I wrong. And really I shouldn't be surprised, because Aubrey is yet to write a female character that could even come close to being a doormat. I love that I was kept on my toes with Avery and her unexpected twists and turns.
Mason is everything that I love in a hero. A little broken, a lot alpha and smokin' between the sheets. Sure there were moments where you wanted to beat on the guy a little - you know that internal war of doing what he perceives is right and what is right for him. But as the story unfolded, I couldn't help but fall for him, and I am a complete sucker for the overcoming of demons with the aid of a woman that get's under their hard exterior.
The chemistry between these two was H-O-T. As much as they tried to ignore the magnetism that sparked between them - it was way to strong to deny for long. These sexy scenes between these two was explosive and dynamic. It literally jumped off the page it was so electric.
Without Judgment gives romance readers a book that is easy to escape into. The way that the story unravels will make you want to know "what's next" and you will want to invest in these two.
Highly recommended!
September 28, 2018
What do you do when your ex turns out to be even worse than you thought? Not only a cheating douche but also someone who would ruin your reputation turning your world upside down and making you aware of some very inconvenient truths about the people in your life.
When it's not just the cheating ex letting her down but, even worse, also her father, Avery finally has enough and takes her life in her own hands. Okay, there is this big bad boy of a babysitter around who might get in her way once or twice but, well, let's just say that his guy might grow on you - and obviously on Avery as well. Falling in love was the easy part though, convincing him that his time of pushing people aways was over - yeah, that might be the impossible part. Or not?
When Mason agreed to babysit his friend's younger sister when her life fell apart due to some publicity stunt or other, he expected many things, a spoiled princess being one of them but he never ever expected Avery. Avery with her charm and her heart, with her honesty and her ability to love deeply. Avery, who might change his life forever - if he just gave her the chance.
This was my first book by Aubrey Bondurant but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed every single page and couldn't put the book down once I'd started to read it. I felt with those two, I cheered them on and I might have been furious sometimes. Damaged but strong characters that help each other and support each other no matter what.
So - are you ready to meet the underwear whisperer? You are in for a ride, enjoy it!
When it's not just the cheating ex letting her down but, even worse, also her father, Avery finally has enough and takes her life in her own hands. Okay, there is this big bad boy of a babysitter around who might get in her way once or twice but, well, let's just say that his guy might grow on you - and obviously on Avery as well. Falling in love was the easy part though, convincing him that his time of pushing people aways was over - yeah, that might be the impossible part. Or not?
When Mason agreed to babysit his friend's younger sister when her life fell apart due to some publicity stunt or other, he expected many things, a spoiled princess being one of them but he never ever expected Avery. Avery with her charm and her heart, with her honesty and her ability to love deeply. Avery, who might change his life forever - if he just gave her the chance.
This was my first book by Aubrey Bondurant but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed every single page and couldn't put the book down once I'd started to read it. I felt with those two, I cheered them on and I might have been furious sometimes. Damaged but strong characters that help each other and support each other no matter what.
So - are you ready to meet the underwear whisperer? You are in for a ride, enjoy it!
November 2, 2018
Without Judgment is book 3 in the Without Series but it certainly can be read as a stand-alone.
Mason does a favour for his friend and takes a job looking over Avery we has found herself in a spot of trouble, he shouldn’t be attracted to her she should be off limits as his friends younger sister but we can’t always control out emotions.
Avery is sweet and innocent but circumstances beyond her control have dealt her a bad hand will Mason make everything right for her....
Aubrey Bondurant’s writing intrigues me it captivates me and I have to say I haven’t read a book by her that I didn’t enjoy, her characters are strong with plenty of charisma, the banter and the storyline flow and who could get past her steamy passionate scenes that leave you extremely hot under the collar. This book has it all sizzling chemistry, a hint of forbidden romance, plenty of action and the perfect mix of humour so for me Without Judgment ticked every box. Can’t wait for more from this very talented author.
Mason does a favour for his friend and takes a job looking over Avery we has found herself in a spot of trouble, he shouldn’t be attracted to her she should be off limits as his friends younger sister but we can’t always control out emotions.
Avery is sweet and innocent but circumstances beyond her control have dealt her a bad hand will Mason make everything right for her....
Aubrey Bondurant’s writing intrigues me it captivates me and I have to say I haven’t read a book by her that I didn’t enjoy, her characters are strong with plenty of charisma, the banter and the storyline flow and who could get past her steamy passionate scenes that leave you extremely hot under the collar. This book has it all sizzling chemistry, a hint of forbidden romance, plenty of action and the perfect mix of humour so for me Without Judgment ticked every box. Can’t wait for more from this very talented author.
September 28, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! Avery made quite an entrance in book 2, so I couldn’t wait for her story. Add the sexy, quiet, brooding Mason into the mix...color me intrigued.
Caught in the middle of a scandal, Avery needs protection, and Mason has been hired to do the job. She is his best friend’s little sister, plus a rich & spoiled princess. So there’s no way he could ever want someone like her...right?
Ms. Bondurant gives us another well-written, delicious story with all the feels. Lots of laughs, mixed with some angst & sass, with a healthy dose of sexy times, this was a highly enjoyable read for me.
I love that Trevor and Emma made appearances in here - I missed them!
The first two books don’t need to be read before this one. BUT I highly recommend you do, so you can meet the characters and get to know them a little before diving into this one. All of them are SO GOOD.
Caught in the middle of a scandal, Avery needs protection, and Mason has been hired to do the job. She is his best friend’s little sister, plus a rich & spoiled princess. So there’s no way he could ever want someone like her...right?
Ms. Bondurant gives us another well-written, delicious story with all the feels. Lots of laughs, mixed with some angst & sass, with a healthy dose of sexy times, this was a highly enjoyable read for me.
I love that Trevor and Emma made appearances in here - I missed them!
The first two books don’t need to be read before this one. BUT I highly recommend you do, so you can meet the characters and get to know them a little before diving into this one. All of them are SO GOOD.
September 24, 2018
I truly just can't get enough of anything Aubrey Bondurant writes. She writes completely relatable characters who have made mistakes, who want a "normal" life and who want to make a difference...whether that is in another's life or in many others through charity. The characters are witty and opinionated and sometimes gruff but you can actually envision them through her descriptions. You can see in your mind the smirks and the beauty of each character...what makes them unique and what makes them tick. Mason has never had a relationship. Whether he blamed his father or that's just who he is, giving his all to one person is not in the cards for him. Avery is a whole other kettle of fish. She gives her ALL to her relationships, sometimes to her own detriment. This story drew me in because these two will somehow have to find a way to meet in the middle and perhaps both will find that they "grow up" with the challenge. Avery needs to find her voice and Mason (and her family) need to let her do that. A 5 star read for me!
September 28, 2018
There was a lot I enjoyed about Avery and Mason. I liked watching her grow up, and learn to stand up for herself. I liked watching him fight his attraction to her and his loyalty to his employer, her father.
I liked their chemistry at the end of the book. Although this one was more of a happy for now ending, that felt a little under developed and not quite right for the characters.
That, honestly, is my main criticism of this title. I enjoyed it overall, but Avery was so young at the beginning emotionally that I wasn't ever fully convinced that they could work as a couple. I did enjoy this overall, but I think I wanted a little more character development.
I liked their chemistry at the end of the book. Although this one was more of a happy for now ending, that felt a little under developed and not quite right for the characters.
That, honestly, is my main criticism of this title. I enjoyed it overall, but Avery was so young at the beginning emotionally that I wasn't ever fully convinced that they could work as a couple. I did enjoy this overall, but I think I wanted a little more character development.
September 28, 2018
A princess finds her Prince charming
On damn this is such a good read . Avery & Masons story is so lovely .
They both get to show their vulnerabilities with each other without being judged .
Avery thought she had the man she loved for life, but he betrayed her trust & her love . Then he went on to try to destroy her reputations.
Losing his brother in arms whilst they both served in Iraq broke Mason . He doesn't let people in , he has his best friend Trevor , but what he wasn't prepared for was Trevors sister , Avery .
Full of great characters, a couple you want to hug,& a couple you want to slap ......hard. Oh & I did have a cry .
This is a must read
On damn this is such a good read . Avery & Masons story is so lovely .
They both get to show their vulnerabilities with each other without being judged .
Avery thought she had the man she loved for life, but he betrayed her trust & her love . Then he went on to try to destroy her reputations.
Losing his brother in arms whilst they both served in Iraq broke Mason . He doesn't let people in , he has his best friend Trevor , but what he wasn't prepared for was Trevors sister , Avery .
Full of great characters, a couple you want to hug,& a couple you want to slap ......hard. Oh & I did have a cry .
This is a must read
September 29, 2018
I'm in awe of this series each books gets better and makes me read until the end because I can't stop it that exciting. Avery fiancee is caught cheating with her best friend and she ends there relationship but he wasn't who she thought and his issues ending up getting her caught in them and No one will believe it's not her. After it rocks her father motor race she needs protection to keep her safe and her brother sends in his best friend Mason. Mason looks down on her thinking she's a valid spolied brat. Which causes a lot of tension between them. He has a hot cold issue because he start to see who for who she really is and not what he thinks she is.
September 29, 2018
I really liked Without judgement it would be the first one that I read by Aubrey Bondurant can't wait to read more by the author . The story between the characters drew me in to what was going on with them .
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=8 heroine=8 secondary characters=8
Chemistry=8 steam=6 romance=7
humor=3 darkness level=3 action=3 mystery=3
enjoyment=8 angst=3 story line=9 Story ending=9
character development=9 pacing=9
cover=10 stars=4
Genre =
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone =yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author=yes
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=8 heroine=8 secondary characters=8
Chemistry=8 steam=6 romance=7
humor=3 darkness level=3 action=3 mystery=3
enjoyment=8 angst=3 story line=9 Story ending=9
character development=9 pacing=9
cover=10 stars=4
Genre =
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone =yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author=yes
October 1, 2018
5 Stars!
Another great read by Aubrey Bondurant. For me, her stories keep getting better and better. We meet the main characters in this story, Avery and Mason, in book two. These two were hot together! From the initial introduction, I really thought Avery was going to be a high-maintenance chick. That wasn't the case. Mason's side story about the military tore at my heart. The story flowed smoothly and before I knew it, I was at the end of the book.
This is definitely going down as one of my favorites by Aubrey. I can't wait to see what she had in store for us next.
Another great read by Aubrey Bondurant. For me, her stories keep getting better and better. We meet the main characters in this story, Avery and Mason, in book two. These two were hot together! From the initial introduction, I really thought Avery was going to be a high-maintenance chick. That wasn't the case. Mason's side story about the military tore at my heart. The story flowed smoothly and before I knew it, I was at the end of the book.
This is definitely going down as one of my favorites by Aubrey. I can't wait to see what she had in store for us next.
October 6, 2018
So much yes!
Avery and Mason are my absolute favorite from the without series. Avery needed someone to be in her corner, and Mason needed to work through his issues. Together they are amazing and the tough road that they travel is so worth it for the sweetness at the end. I was so sad for this book to end.
Avery and Mason are my absolute favorite from the without series. Avery needed someone to be in her corner, and Mason needed to work through his issues. Together they are amazing and the tough road that they travel is so worth it for the sweetness at the end. I was so sad for this book to end.
September 28, 2018
I absolutely love this authors series and this book was no exception. Couldn’t put it down and had to read until it was finished. Definitely a 5 star read..
September 28, 2018
Wow!! What a great book! I am so in love! This was a well written book with great characters! FIVE STARS!!
September 29, 2018
Great characters
All of Aubreys book are an automatic buy for me! I love this new series and loved the military component in this story.
All of Aubreys book are an automatic buy for me! I love this new series and loved the military component in this story.
March 17, 2021
3 Stars
This book follows Avery (Trevor from book #2 little sister) and Trevor's best friend, Mason. Avery gets caught up in a sex tape scandal after her cheating ex-fiance releases a video. It's not even Avery in the video, but now paparazzi are following her and waiting outside her home. Mainly because her father is running to be the mayor of Houston and has a bit of notoriety for owning a gas and oil company.
Mason steps in as a body guard for Avery so they have to be around each other basically 24/7 for a couple of weeks. They end up unable to fight their attraction for one another (of course) and eventually hook up. Surprisingly it does take them a long time to act on their feelings. Mason has some issues he is working through because of his time in the army - while Avery is wanting to spread her wings a bit since she has always living off her father and had planned to go straight into housewife mode after marrying her ex-fiance (she's only 22).
My thoughts -
I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. I'm left feeling slightly lukewarm about it. It's a fun, fairly quick read, but I don't think we get the best character development in this one. To me it doesn't make a ton of sense why Avery and Mason fall for each other. I wish we were shown more interactions between the two of them to build up the tension. Avery and Mason were both fine - but maybe slightly boring? There is a part where Avery hires a personal trainer to come to the house. Mason freaks out and sends him home. I thought that situation could have been played up a little. Maybe Mason watches them on the video camera system and then runs down to break them up? I think the story would have benefited from more of those little drama situations if that makes sense? And the sex scenes end up being quite dull and repetitive. Probably because I didn't think the two main characters had a ton of chemistry. Also, I wasn't even sure why Mason was needed as a bodyguard. I mean really? She has a sex tape and people are trying to take her pictures, but a 24/7 guard seemed really extreme.
I did appreciate that Avery finally stood up to her dad regarding the sex tape. I thought that was really nice that she actually had a backbone and didn't need Mason to do it for her. Also, again I didn't hate the characters - there just wasn't anything to LOVE about them.
I don't think I would recommend this series by Audrey, but I do recommend her other romance series, which are a lot better. Such as the "Something" series.
My reviews of the other books in this series:
Without Apology (Without, #1)
Without Regret (Without, #2)
This book follows Avery (Trevor from book #2 little sister) and Trevor's best friend, Mason. Avery gets caught up in a sex tape scandal after her cheating ex-fiance releases a video. It's not even Avery in the video, but now paparazzi are following her and waiting outside her home. Mainly because her father is running to be the mayor of Houston and has a bit of notoriety for owning a gas and oil company.
Mason steps in as a body guard for Avery so they have to be around each other basically 24/7 for a couple of weeks. They end up unable to fight their attraction for one another (of course) and eventually hook up. Surprisingly it does take them a long time to act on their feelings. Mason has some issues he is working through because of his time in the army - while Avery is wanting to spread her wings a bit since she has always living off her father and had planned to go straight into housewife mode after marrying her ex-fiance (she's only 22).
My thoughts -
I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. I'm left feeling slightly lukewarm about it. It's a fun, fairly quick read, but I don't think we get the best character development in this one. To me it doesn't make a ton of sense why Avery and Mason fall for each other. I wish we were shown more interactions between the two of them to build up the tension. Avery and Mason were both fine - but maybe slightly boring? There is a part where Avery hires a personal trainer to come to the house. Mason freaks out and sends him home. I thought that situation could have been played up a little. Maybe Mason watches them on the video camera system and then runs down to break them up? I think the story would have benefited from more of those little drama situations if that makes sense? And the sex scenes end up being quite dull and repetitive. Probably because I didn't think the two main characters had a ton of chemistry. Also, I wasn't even sure why Mason was needed as a bodyguard. I mean really? She has a sex tape and people are trying to take her pictures, but a 24/7 guard seemed really extreme.
I did appreciate that Avery finally stood up to her dad regarding the sex tape. I thought that was really nice that she actually had a backbone and didn't need Mason to do it for her. Also, again I didn't hate the characters - there just wasn't anything to LOVE about them.
I don't think I would recommend this series by Audrey, but I do recommend her other romance series, which are a lot better. Such as the "Something" series.
My reviews of the other books in this series:
Without Apology (Without, #1)
Without Regret (Without, #2)
March 8, 2025
Avery Newhall was called to her father’s office in downtown Houston under the impression they would be having lunch together. She was rather excited. Ever since her mom had died almost ten years ago, she and her brother Trevor, who lived in Dallas with his girlfriend Anna, were the only two who remembered their mom every year and grieved her. However, when she got to his office, her father wouldn’t or couldn’t look her in the eye. Instead, she was hit with the question, “Did you make a sex tape with your ex?”
He was not happy at all. You see, her father was running for the mayor of Houston and had an image to maintain, which meant so did they. Her first thought was, How could a woman who’d only been with one guy in her twenty-two years possibly have a sex tape when it was never even good sex? She stood there, observing the unnatural pink tinge on her father’s face, in shock that he could think she would do that. He was, after all, the man who’d outsourced the birds-and-the-bees talk to Avery’s nanny when she turned thirteen.
More bluntly, he asked, “Avery. Did you make a sex tape with Edward?” He had that tone. The kind she’d remembered from when she was a kid, when your parent thought you’d done something wrong and was waiting for you to confess. The problem here was she had done nothing wrong for her to confess. “Of course not.” He didn’t appear to hear her. “My PR team is working with a crisis specialist to craft the best response to this, but unfortunately, it’s already starting to hit the Internet.” I knew my ex was sh-tty.
After all, he’d cheated on me with my so-called best friend. But had he gone so far as to record our sex life—without my consent? Had there even been something worth recording? Not from my viewpoint. Besides, we’d broken up months ago. So why was this coming out now? And how had he managed to sneak in a camera without me being aware? “How do you know it’s me? “Can I see the video?” “Why? It wasn’t enough that you participate; now you—what? Want to relive the experience?” he snapped. His sharp tone hit her hard.
Ever since her mother had died ten years ago, he’d buried himself in work, making his attention, not to mention his affection, tough to obtain. But he’d never spoken harshly to her. “Keep a low profile. Do not, under any circumstances, contact Edward. And don’t make any statements to the press or anyone else. We’ll produce one for you.” “Do I get to see the statement first?” “For what? You are what? Twenty-two years old. Is crisis management suddenly your strong point?” Condescending much? Her dad was a piece of work for most of the book.
Anyway, Mason Butler arrives recommended by her brother. Trevor talks to her father about her protection, not her. Let’s just say they didn't hit it off. He pegged her as a princess. She pegged him as an a-hole, but they both pegged each other as hot!
He was not happy at all. You see, her father was running for the mayor of Houston and had an image to maintain, which meant so did they. Her first thought was, How could a woman who’d only been with one guy in her twenty-two years possibly have a sex tape when it was never even good sex? She stood there, observing the unnatural pink tinge on her father’s face, in shock that he could think she would do that. He was, after all, the man who’d outsourced the birds-and-the-bees talk to Avery’s nanny when she turned thirteen.
More bluntly, he asked, “Avery. Did you make a sex tape with Edward?” He had that tone. The kind she’d remembered from when she was a kid, when your parent thought you’d done something wrong and was waiting for you to confess. The problem here was she had done nothing wrong for her to confess. “Of course not.” He didn’t appear to hear her. “My PR team is working with a crisis specialist to craft the best response to this, but unfortunately, it’s already starting to hit the Internet.” I knew my ex was sh-tty.
After all, he’d cheated on me with my so-called best friend. But had he gone so far as to record our sex life—without my consent? Had there even been something worth recording? Not from my viewpoint. Besides, we’d broken up months ago. So why was this coming out now? And how had he managed to sneak in a camera without me being aware? “How do you know it’s me? “Can I see the video?” “Why? It wasn’t enough that you participate; now you—what? Want to relive the experience?” he snapped. His sharp tone hit her hard.
Ever since her mother had died ten years ago, he’d buried himself in work, making his attention, not to mention his affection, tough to obtain. But he’d never spoken harshly to her. “Keep a low profile. Do not, under any circumstances, contact Edward. And don’t make any statements to the press or anyone else. We’ll produce one for you.” “Do I get to see the statement first?” “For what? You are what? Twenty-two years old. Is crisis management suddenly your strong point?” Condescending much? Her dad was a piece of work for most of the book.
Anyway, Mason Butler arrives recommended by her brother. Trevor talks to her father about her protection, not her. Let’s just say they didn't hit it off. He pegged her as a princess. She pegged him as an a-hole, but they both pegged each other as hot!
October 23, 2018
*I received an ARC of this book free from the author.*
Everything went downhill after Avery broke up with her 'perfect' boyfriend. He leaked a video of him having sex, supposedly with her, although it wasn't. She knew the truth, but no one would believe her. Her dad acts embarrassed, her friends basically tell her to enjoy the limelight, and her new bodyguard thinks he guarding some kind of party princess. She just wants it all to go away. Well...maybe not her bodyguard.
"He was sex on an angry stick."
After the military Mason decided to open his own security company, but while starting it up his best friend aka Avery's brother asked him to watch her until all the publicity died down and he couldn't exactly tell him no. He would rather be doing anything else than guarding some rich princess that spent all day shopping and hanging with her friends, but he had a debt to repay.
"Are you wet for me, princess?"
Slowly Avery learned that none of her friends were actually friends. Her dad was always gone campaigning and all she had was the sulky bodyguard to keep her company.
"You going to take me over your knee and spank me?"
I love watching how they progressed from not caring to even talk to one another to Avery waking Mason with a water gun, to him taking her out of town (for her safety of course). That cabin was about as rustic as it could get and yet he made it perfect for her.
"I'm not as big of a prima donna as you seem to think I am. Although if there's a spider, all bets are off. You can call me whatever you wish so long as you kill it for me."
Without Judgment has the perfect balance of sweet and sexy, with some humor mixed in. Watching their relationship develop and watching the ups and downs of a father/daughter relationship were heartwarming. But don't think it's all mush. There's a lot of chemistry between these two and when they finally give into all that heat the pages explode with their desires.
Everything went downhill after Avery broke up with her 'perfect' boyfriend. He leaked a video of him having sex, supposedly with her, although it wasn't. She knew the truth, but no one would believe her. Her dad acts embarrassed, her friends basically tell her to enjoy the limelight, and her new bodyguard thinks he guarding some kind of party princess. She just wants it all to go away. Well...maybe not her bodyguard.
"He was sex on an angry stick."
After the military Mason decided to open his own security company, but while starting it up his best friend aka Avery's brother asked him to watch her until all the publicity died down and he couldn't exactly tell him no. He would rather be doing anything else than guarding some rich princess that spent all day shopping and hanging with her friends, but he had a debt to repay.
"Are you wet for me, princess?"
Slowly Avery learned that none of her friends were actually friends. Her dad was always gone campaigning and all she had was the sulky bodyguard to keep her company.
"You going to take me over your knee and spank me?"
I love watching how they progressed from not caring to even talk to one another to Avery waking Mason with a water gun, to him taking her out of town (for her safety of course). That cabin was about as rustic as it could get and yet he made it perfect for her.
"I'm not as big of a prima donna as you seem to think I am. Although if there's a spider, all bets are off. You can call me whatever you wish so long as you kill it for me."
Without Judgment has the perfect balance of sweet and sexy, with some humor mixed in. Watching their relationship develop and watching the ups and downs of a father/daughter relationship were heartwarming. But don't think it's all mush. There's a lot of chemistry between these two and when they finally give into all that heat the pages explode with their desires.
March 7, 2021
I didn't know how to feel about this book. I was hooked from the start but didn't fully connect with the characters until half-way through. Not to say that I didn't enjoy the story up until that point, I definitely did, it was more about the characters themselves. I absolutely adored Avery though; she was so underestimated and everyone around her treated her like something to control. When she started standing up for herself and taking her life back into her hands, I cheered, I whooped and I read on wanting to know where she'd end up.
I had trouble connecting with Mason. He was hot, protective and you could see him struggling with his feelings, but I just feel like he kept making the same mistakes without learning anything from them. I did feel for him with his past issues but he definitely treated Avery unfairly.
Nonetheless, like I said it was around the half-way mark that I started to connect. And despite not appreciating how he dealt with his feelings, I really wanted Mason and Avery to end up together and to do so, I wanted him to get over himself. That's the point my opinion changed, because I liked that he took the steps to better himself before trying to win her back.
The storyline was interesting and I really felt for Avery. This is something that happens in the real world and seeing how she handled it was beautiful. She didn't want revenge, she just wanted the truth. It's a real power to the independent woman story. Although being a romance, I felt it was as much about Avery learning to love and appreciate herself as it was her relationship with Mason. The character development and growth is done beautifully, especially because you see it for the secondary characters like Avery's father as well as the main characters. Aubrey has a beautiful style of writing and I've just downloaded Miss Understanding, the book we get a spoiler for at the end of the book. I can't wait to get started!
I had trouble connecting with Mason. He was hot, protective and you could see him struggling with his feelings, but I just feel like he kept making the same mistakes without learning anything from them. I did feel for him with his past issues but he definitely treated Avery unfairly.
Nonetheless, like I said it was around the half-way mark that I started to connect. And despite not appreciating how he dealt with his feelings, I really wanted Mason and Avery to end up together and to do so, I wanted him to get over himself. That's the point my opinion changed, because I liked that he took the steps to better himself before trying to win her back.
The storyline was interesting and I really felt for Avery. This is something that happens in the real world and seeing how she handled it was beautiful. She didn't want revenge, she just wanted the truth. It's a real power to the independent woman story. Although being a romance, I felt it was as much about Avery learning to love and appreciate herself as it was her relationship with Mason. The character development and growth is done beautifully, especially because you see it for the secondary characters like Avery's father as well as the main characters. Aubrey has a beautiful style of writing and I've just downloaded Miss Understanding, the book we get a spoiler for at the end of the book. I can't wait to get started!
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