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McRae Bodyguards #1
Touch Her and Die
A grumpy Scottish bodyguard with an iced-over heart, and the sunshine woman who might just melt it.
Daisy
Phoneless, carless, and trapped by my relatives, I make a daring escape in just my fancy underwear. Right as a grouchy but gorgeous bodyguard arrives to rescue me.
Enemies pursue us on our West Coast road trip, so Ben whisks me away to a snowed-in cabin in Scotland. I start falling until I'm ready to let him guard my body in every way possible.
But breaking his rules could cost me everything—including him.
Ben
As a bodyguard, I have one rule: don't get attached. Yet Daisy's got me hooked. When I'm asked to protect her, I can't resist. She's warmth and kindness wrapped up in a curvy package, and I'm willing to cross any line to keep her safe.
Almost.
No matter how torn I am between duty and desire, there’s only one chance I can’t take.
For her, I’ll risk anything—except for my heart.
--
Touch Her and Die is the first in a brand new bodyguard series that brings steam, mystery, and adventure, plus a little revenge plot for our heroines. This is standalone romantic suspense with only-one-bed (twice) and a forbidden element.
Daisy
Phoneless, carless, and trapped by my relatives, I make a daring escape in just my fancy underwear. Right as a grouchy but gorgeous bodyguard arrives to rescue me.
Enemies pursue us on our West Coast road trip, so Ben whisks me away to a snowed-in cabin in Scotland. I start falling until I'm ready to let him guard my body in every way possible.
But breaking his rules could cost me everything—including him.
Ben
As a bodyguard, I have one rule: don't get attached. Yet Daisy's got me hooked. When I'm asked to protect her, I can't resist. She's warmth and kindness wrapped up in a curvy package, and I'm willing to cross any line to keep her safe.
Almost.
No matter how torn I am between duty and desire, there’s only one chance I can’t take.
For her, I’ll risk anything—except for my heart.
--
Touch Her and Die is the first in a brand new bodyguard series that brings steam, mystery, and adventure, plus a little revenge plot for our heroines. This is standalone romantic suspense with only-one-bed (twice) and a forbidden element.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2023
3200 people are currently reading
6126 people want to read
About the author
Jolie Vines
49 books2,736 followersJOLIE VINES is a romance novelist who lives in the South West of England with her husband and young son.
From an early age, Jolie lived in a fantasy world and is never happier than when plot dreaming. Jolie loves her heroes to be one-woman guys. Whether they are a huge Highlander, a touch starved earl, or a brooding pilot, they will adore their loved one until the end of time.
Her favourite pastime is wrecking emotions then making up for it by giving her characters deep and meaningful happy ever afters.
Want to contact Jolie? Drop her a line at jolie [at] jolievines.com, or find her in her Facebook Fall Hard reader group. She loves hearing from her readers.
Sign up to her newsletter to be the first to hear about new releases, giveaways, and promotions. https://www.jolievines.com/newsletter
From an early age, Jolie lived in a fantasy world and is never happier than when plot dreaming. Jolie loves her heroes to be one-woman guys. Whether they are a huge Highlander, a touch starved earl, or a brooding pilot, they will adore their loved one until the end of time.
Her favourite pastime is wrecking emotions then making up for it by giving her characters deep and meaningful happy ever afters.
Want to contact Jolie? Drop her a line at jolie [at] jolievines.com, or find her in her Facebook Fall Hard reader group. She loves hearing from her readers.
Sign up to her newsletter to be the first to hear about new releases, giveaways, and promotions. https://www.jolievines.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
July 14, 2023
Touch Her and Die is book one of the McRae Bodyguards series.
Age gap. Instalove. Grumpy Sunshine. Contemporary Romance. Standalone.
Ben is in charge of the McRae Bodyguard service based in Scotland. He’s a closed off grumpy man tasked with rescuing Daisy who’s located in the US. Daisy is phoneless, carless and climbing out a window when Ben finds her. They’re on the run from her relatives and a masked man who tries to abduct her. Where better to go for safety than Scotland?
I instantly fell in love with Daisy. She’s kind, thoughtful and an amazing friend. She’s sunshine in a bottle. Ben is the total opposite of her. Grumpy. Standoffish. Never lets anyone in. Of course she finds out why and opens him up. This has a few pretty steamy scenes. Daisy definitely takes charge in the bedroom and even a car. Touch Her and Die was full of mystery, angst and was very light and refreshing. Come and get lost in the Scottish Highlands.
Age gap. Instalove. Grumpy Sunshine. Contemporary Romance. Standalone.
Ben is in charge of the McRae Bodyguard service based in Scotland. He’s a closed off grumpy man tasked with rescuing Daisy who’s located in the US. Daisy is phoneless, carless and climbing out a window when Ben finds her. They’re on the run from her relatives and a masked man who tries to abduct her. Where better to go for safety than Scotland?
I instantly fell in love with Daisy. She’s kind, thoughtful and an amazing friend. She’s sunshine in a bottle. Ben is the total opposite of her. Grumpy. Standoffish. Never lets anyone in. Of course she finds out why and opens him up. This has a few pretty steamy scenes. Daisy definitely takes charge in the bedroom and even a car. Touch Her and Die was full of mystery, angst and was very light and refreshing. Come and get lost in the Scottish Highlands.
April 12, 2024
Audiobook production and voice actors 4.5⭐️
Story was enjoyable 3.5⭐️
Story was enjoyable 3.5⭐️
February 11, 2025
A broken bodyguard, a sweet romance
This was an enjoyable, globe-trotting romance that spans from Scotland to LA, then the PNW, before returning to the highlands. Hints of mafia machinations as well as celebrity connections.
I’m intrigued by the large cast of characters, some who clearly have origins in earlier books, others with stories yet to be told. But I was thoroughly delighted by the fact this book is 100% a standalone. I don’t feel like there were any spoilers should I wish to go back to any earlier books.
This was an enjoyable, globe-trotting romance that spans from Scotland to LA, then the PNW, before returning to the highlands. Hints of mafia machinations as well as celebrity connections.
I’m intrigued by the large cast of characters, some who clearly have origins in earlier books, others with stories yet to be told. But I was thoroughly delighted by the fact this book is 100% a standalone. I don’t feel like there were any spoilers should I wish to go back to any earlier books.
July 13, 2023
Ones again Jolie has done an amazing job!!! She gives us McRaes, a tiny glimpse of Sin and a brooding MC!
Ben gets me hooked from the beginning! It’s a fast pace in many ways but it’s lovely!
For the ones that have read and love the McRaes we will love what we get about them.
Even without the McRaes this is a story to read! Mafia hints and hot smex! Best of all?? It really is Touch her and you die!!
Ben gets me hooked from the beginning! It’s a fast pace in many ways but it’s lovely!
For the ones that have read and love the McRaes we will love what we get about them.
Even without the McRaes this is a story to read! Mafia hints and hot smex! Best of all?? It really is Touch her and you die!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
Jolie Vines could write a tv manual and I´d read it
Read
December 27, 2023I read this cause the title was funny but I was actually invested in the mystery…but then it never got solved… so
July 21, 2023
Love this author!!
Lets reiterate, I LOVE THIS AUTHOR! However I didn't love the story or the characters! You do get a small glimpse into her past characters that I adored! However, that wasn't enough for me to love this book. The drama just didn't intrigue me, the sexytimes were out shadowed by Bens hot and cold moments! I did like how Daisy was persistent about getting what she wanted which was Ben. I hate to do it but 2.5 stars.😞✌
Lets reiterate, I LOVE THIS AUTHOR! However I didn't love the story or the characters! You do get a small glimpse into her past characters that I adored! However, that wasn't enough for me to love this book. The drama just didn't intrigue me, the sexytimes were out shadowed by Bens hot and cold moments! I did like how Daisy was persistent about getting what she wanted which was Ben. I hate to do it but 2.5 stars.😞✌
September 18, 2025
Ben is a bodyguard. I love bodyguard romances. Especially when they fight it because of the job.
Ben and Daisy were so good together. The story was for the most part very good. I did have some questions left but I think book two will answer them. I also loved the mystery of Daisy’s family. The whole reason why she needed protection and why was very interesting. Or again, I like bodyguard stories! Haha. Either way I loved it and can’t wait to read the next one.
Ben and Daisy were so good together. The story was for the most part very good. I did have some questions left but I think book two will answer them. I also loved the mystery of Daisy’s family. The whole reason why she needed protection and why was very interesting. Or again, I like bodyguard stories! Haha. Either way I loved it and can’t wait to read the next one.
July 23, 2023
An Okay Story
I understand that this was a series starter, but there were just way too many characters (from previous books?) and they weighed the plot down a lot. Ben and Daisy were hard to like. I was tired of them both about halfway through the book, and only finished it out of curiosity to see how the author would wrap everything up. As it turned out, the ending was anticlimactic. I'm sorry that I spent time reading this book, and have no interest in continuing the series.
I understand that this was a series starter, but there were just way too many characters (from previous books?) and they weighed the plot down a lot. Ben and Daisy were hard to like. I was tired of them both about halfway through the book, and only finished it out of curiosity to see how the author would wrap everything up. As it turned out, the ending was anticlimactic. I'm sorry that I spent time reading this book, and have no interest in continuing the series.
January 22, 2024
3.5 - 4 disappointing stars..
I recently finished reading 'Touch her and die', and while I appreciate the author's effort, I must admit that I didn't find it as satisfying as I had hoped.
The story was good until 65% and then the plot and the pacing went downhill. The book title says touch her and die but there was no such ferocity or possessiveness. The title wasn't apt.
Also it felt like after the 65% mark the H didn't do anything except wallowing in his own misery/past relationships and he kept pushing everybody away. He could have taken a moment to sort out his feelings/thoughts.
I have no complaints about the h. She was so understanding and intelligent. And the best thing about her was she was so sure and confident about her decisions as well as Ben's. It took her less than a minute to figure out almost everything and I totally loved her.
The plot was the most disappointing part. I kept expecting some danger or but no, only assumptions were made. It felt incomplete. And then comes the epilogue... I look forward to epilogues in almost every book and I hate it when in the name of epilogue they write something else. I loved Ariel and Jackson but that didn't meant I wanted to read about them in Ben and Daisy's epilogue.
Of course, reading experiences can be subjective, and others might have a different perspective. I believe every book offers something to its readers, even if it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.
Btw it was my first bodyguard romance book and the experience was not so good..
I recently finished reading 'Touch her and die', and while I appreciate the author's effort, I must admit that I didn't find it as satisfying as I had hoped.
The story was good until 65% and then the plot and the pacing went downhill. The book title says touch her and die but there was no such ferocity or possessiveness. The title wasn't apt.
Also it felt like after the 65% mark the H didn't do anything except wallowing in his own misery/past relationships and he kept pushing everybody away. He could have taken a moment to sort out his feelings/thoughts.
I have no complaints about the h. She was so understanding and intelligent. And the best thing about her was she was so sure and confident about her decisions as well as Ben's. It took her less than a minute to figure out almost everything and I totally loved her.
The plot was the most disappointing part. I kept expecting some danger or but no, only assumptions were made. It felt incomplete. And then comes the epilogue... I look forward to epilogues in almost every book and I hate it when in the name of epilogue they write something else. I loved Ariel and Jackson but that didn't meant I wanted to read about them in Ben and Daisy's epilogue.
Of course, reading experiences can be subjective, and others might have a different perspective. I believe every book offers something to its readers, even if it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.
Btw it was my first bodyguard romance book and the experience was not so good..
August 26, 2023
This was an unrealistic couple. One person is fighting that hard against them as a couple then maybe it’s time to give this up. Also, the ending to the main issue why she was on the run felt incomplete. I did love seeing the characters from the previous books and series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
3.5 stars
This is cute. Wholesome, even, despite the heroine's mafia adjacent family. There are some lovely moments - the absolute legend that is Mrs Jessie rescuing our damsel in distress, Dougal the Third and Mr Campbell, the heroine's lack of judgement in tackling cleaning jobs for people in need and so on.
I have a few niggles - the phrase "they got pregnant" which pisses me off - women by far carry the largest part of childbearing and "they" or "we" minimises this - featured. The heroine's sweet and kind of naive outlook seemed improbable given the life she has had. And there was the occasional minor grammatical issue, e.g. "the motel could burn down around us and I wouldn't care" where it should be "could have burned... wouldn't have cared."
Still, a gentle and fun read and well worth a look. I liked the author's note at the end, encouraging readers to let her know what previous characters they'd like to revisit in a cameo. It's kind of nice to think about characters we connect with being out there, carrying on with their lives off page.
This is cute. Wholesome, even, despite the heroine's mafia adjacent family. There are some lovely moments - the absolute legend that is Mrs Jessie rescuing our damsel in distress, Dougal the Third and Mr Campbell, the heroine's lack of judgement in tackling cleaning jobs for people in need and so on.
I have a few niggles - the phrase "they got pregnant" which pisses me off - women by far carry the largest part of childbearing and "they" or "we" minimises this - featured. The heroine's sweet and kind of naive outlook seemed improbable given the life she has had. And there was the occasional minor grammatical issue, e.g. "the motel could burn down around us and I wouldn't care" where it should be "could have burned... wouldn't have cared."
Still, a gentle and fun read and well worth a look. I liked the author's note at the end, encouraging readers to let her know what previous characters they'd like to revisit in a cameo. It's kind of nice to think about characters we connect with being out there, carrying on with their lives off page.
July 16, 2023
Touch Her and Die is a captivating romance novel that takes readers back to the world of the Wild Scots and Wild Mountain Scots series. The story introduces Ben, a character previously seen in the background, who now takes centre stage. As Ben grapples with his past trauma and unresolved emotions, he finds it challenging to form a meaningful relationship with Daisy, the story's heroine. Jolie skillfully crafts grumpy yet endearing personalities for the main characters, resulting in a balanced and engaging narrative. While Daisy pursues her own journey of self-discovery and escapes her mafia-esque family, her tendency to overlook potential dangers becomes a source of mixed feelings for readers.
Additionally, some readers may find that Ben loses some of his alpha qualities as the book progresses. The ending is somewhat anticlimactic, but the inclusion of familiar and new characters adds depth to the story. Touch Her and Die successfully continues Jolie's interconnected worldbuilding and leaves readers eagerly anticipating future instalments in the McRae Bodyguards series. Overall, it is a captivating romance with emotional depth and a strong sense of familial connection.
Additionally, some readers may find that Ben loses some of his alpha qualities as the book progresses. The ending is somewhat anticlimactic, but the inclusion of familiar and new characters adds depth to the story. Touch Her and Die successfully continues Jolie's interconnected worldbuilding and leaves readers eagerly anticipating future instalments in the McRae Bodyguards series. Overall, it is a captivating romance with emotional depth and a strong sense of familial connection.
August 7, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Protector
Spice: 🥵 yes
Series: McRae Bodyguards, book 1
Thoughts - Hello Ben, if he was coming to my rescue I would gladly be a damsel In distress. I loved that Daisy MFC was confident as much as she just needed to keep moving forward. she had an idea of what she wanted from life and Ben MMC needed to do a lot of catching up, but thankfully he got there, yay HEA. Special mention to Valentine, how to I always become way to involved with side characters, but he is everything!! Jolie Vines never fails to write a story I don’t love so definitely read her other books and this one.
Plot - Ben is taking a break from bodyguarding, traveling to America to see his family and will quickly check on his friends BFF, who had suddenly stopped contacting her. What he didn’t expect is to become enamoured with the woman he finds escaping the house wearing only her underwear, especially as she’s the woman he’s meant to check on.
* Found family
* That spice 🌶️
* Strong MFC
* Bodyguard
* Curvy MFC
“What to do when he’s the biggest jerk?”
Isobel: How big?
Ariel: On a scale from keying his car to slamming his dick in a door, it’s up there.
Isobel: Tequila shots. Stat.”
Genre: Protector
Spice: 🥵 yes
Series: McRae Bodyguards, book 1
Thoughts - Hello Ben, if he was coming to my rescue I would gladly be a damsel In distress. I loved that Daisy MFC was confident as much as she just needed to keep moving forward. she had an idea of what she wanted from life and Ben MMC needed to do a lot of catching up, but thankfully he got there, yay HEA. Special mention to Valentine, how to I always become way to involved with side characters, but he is everything!! Jolie Vines never fails to write a story I don’t love so definitely read her other books and this one.
Plot - Ben is taking a break from bodyguarding, traveling to America to see his family and will quickly check on his friends BFF, who had suddenly stopped contacting her. What he didn’t expect is to become enamoured with the woman he finds escaping the house wearing only her underwear, especially as she’s the woman he’s meant to check on.
* Found family
* That spice 🌶️
* Strong MFC
* Bodyguard
* Curvy MFC
“What to do when he’s the biggest jerk?”
Isobel: How big?
Ariel: On a scale from keying his car to slamming his dick in a door, it’s up there.
Isobel: Tequila shots. Stat.”
July 1, 2023
Ok, so this is one hell of a book!! I am in love with the McRae Bodyguards!! I absolutely love how Jolie brings all her characters to life, and in this one, she did not disappoint!! The cameos in this one are spectacular!! All the suspense and heat had me on the edge of my seat!! I finished this one in 1 day!! I am addicted to this series already!! Ben Graham is totally swoon worthy!! Daisy Devereux is one kick ass heroine!! The chemistry between these two is off the charts!! I fell in love with Ben in the airport(that nearly broke my heart and put it back together) scene!! I don't want to give too much away, but Ben's mother, that was a hard one to read!! I absolutely love the mention of another one of my favorite authors and that book!! Jolie, you always make me want to live in these books!!! I can not wait for the next book to come out!!!
January 27, 2025
Jolie Vines is my new auto buy author.
This book is the perfect mix of gorgeous romance and intriguing story.
He is the most delicious tortured grump who adores her and falls hard fast…
She learns how to take what she wants after a life of sitting back and being the good girls for everyone else.
It’s spicey, sweet, fun but still quite gritty.
I’ve read both the body count series and Dark Island Scotts as well, this is the perfect softer romance within the same world.
I audiobooked it and it was a great duet performance!
This book is the perfect mix of gorgeous romance and intriguing story.
He is the most delicious tortured grump who adores her and falls hard fast…
She learns how to take what she wants after a life of sitting back and being the good girls for everyone else.
It’s spicey, sweet, fun but still quite gritty.
I’ve read both the body count series and Dark Island Scotts as well, this is the perfect softer romance within the same world.
I audiobooked it and it was a great duet performance!
July 9, 2023
Touch Her and Die by Jolie Vines is the First book in the McRae Bodyguards. This is the story of Ben and Daisy. Ben is a apart of Gordain's bodyguard business and has been tasked with finding Daisy and making sure she is okay. Daisy is Ariel's best friend and she had to leave her behind in the states. Daisy was asked to help the family but now is being isolated and she knows something isn't right. When she goes to escape she runs into Ben and they take off to get to safety but nothing goes easy. Sparks few between these two characters. I loved them and so happy that previous characters from other books where referenced in this one. Loved it and can't wait to read more from this author and series.
July 2, 2023
Too hot to touch but too steamy to resist! This new series starter delivers, as Jolie's books always do. Ben and Daisy are both fleeing pain and danger, but manage to find hope and healing in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty. This book is another winner, nearly impossible to put down!
July 22, 2023
Man, this book just checks so many boxes!
Bodyguard ✔️
Suspense ✔️
Sexy times ✔️
Cameos from previous stories ✔️
sexy Scottish accents ✔️
Does anyone need any other reasons to pick up this book? Mrs. Vines write an intense, sexy, fast paced story that I absolutely recommend!
Bodyguard ✔️
Suspense ✔️
Sexy times ✔️
Cameos from previous stories ✔️
sexy Scottish accents ✔️
Does anyone need any other reasons to pick up this book? Mrs. Vines write an intense, sexy, fast paced story that I absolutely recommend!
July 1, 2023
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥Love this series starter! Cannot think of anything better than a bodyguard with a brogue! Great romantic suspense with spice…lots of layers to each of the characters with cameos from characters in other series….great read! I couldn’t put it down!❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
July 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and loved getting to know Ben and Daisy. The title totally says it all.
August 14, 2025
We ( and the characters) are not here for the plot.
Nice little horny read
Nice little horny read
March 6, 2024
bom smut mas sofri
September 17, 2024
Spice was spicing. Story was cute.
March 10, 2024
back with the mcraes and the scottish boys 😻
July 18, 2023
I adored Ben and Daisy. But I also had mixed feelings about them. I loved how Daisy went after what she wanted in life and love. However, I think she drove me crazy because she never really put into an consideration how much danger she might be in. That was always an "I'll think about it later thought... let's focus on hot times with Ben first." Please don't get me wrong. I love a take charge woman but I love my growly alpha men more and as much as I loved Ben he started to lose some of that alpha as the book progressed. Also the ending kind of seemed anticlimactic to me.
Loved seeing a few of my favorites. Liked getting to know new possible couples. These two may not be up there on my favorite couples list but I can't deny my love for the McRae's and their surrounding family/friends.
*I received a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
Loved seeing a few of my favorites. Liked getting to know new possible couples. These two may not be up there on my favorite couples list but I can't deny my love for the McRae's and their surrounding family/friends.
*I received a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
July 16, 2023
What an opener to Jo’s new series!
Ben and Daisy are utter PERFECTION! I absolutely adore his grumpy soul and love Daisy confidence. The instant attraction, the battle of right and wrong, the danger, the angst all makes for an addictive, engaging and beautiful romance that hooks you from page 1!
Your teased with enough McRae cameos to keep your McRae loving heart beating and happy.
Plus love the little Easter eggs with certain books/audios making a cameo too xx
Ben and Daisy are utter PERFECTION! I absolutely adore his grumpy soul and love Daisy confidence. The instant attraction, the battle of right and wrong, the danger, the angst all makes for an addictive, engaging and beautiful romance that hooks you from page 1!
Your teased with enough McRae cameos to keep your McRae loving heart beating and happy.
Plus love the little Easter eggs with certain books/audios making a cameo too xx
October 14, 2023
Daisy, trapped in her aunt and uncles home decides to escape, in her fancy underwear where she runs into Ben, a bodyguard who has been sent by a mutual friend to check up on her.
August 10, 2024
For a book titled, "Touch Her and Die" I was expecting a lot more possessiveness from our MMC. It's not that he wasn't all alpha possessiveness, he just didn't give off "touch her and die" vibes. It was filled with a lot of drama that turned out to be not actually dramatic as thought to be when it came down to it. Our characters were a very emotionally stunted MMC and a very pushy and presumptuous FMC. I wasn't honestly an overly large fan of Daisy, the FMC. I didn't like how much she was pushing the MMC to come clean about his feelings nor the tactics she employed to get him to reveal things. Seemed more like a series of red flags to me. It's not that I didn't like this book, it was only just o.k., so I probably won't be reading more of this series.
What I did like about this book was the representation of a curvier FMC and how loved and appreciated Ben made her feel and she wasn't self conscious about her body. There was also a ton of smutty scenes in this book, and if I can appreciate anything about an author, it's their way around spice. They start pretty damn early on in the book, and continue throughout, even though both characters swear that they won't be doing anything with the other ever again. I would say it's a solid 3/5 spice wise.
21 pages in. That's how long it took for the MMC to be inexplicably turned on by a woman he's seeing for the first time. It's never happened to him! *GASP* She's the most gorgeous woman he's ever seen - talks about getting hard while watching her escape from a second story room. Fortunately he comes to his senses quickly and helps her, but for the love of God, the insta-lust was quick and brutal in this one. And they first hook up on page 51. The FMC isn't even really out of danger and they're gotten sidetracked with their physical connection. And he says "one and done" like that's a reasonable and not a douchebag reasoning for anything. *insert eye roll here* And what encouraged him to finally crack and hook up with her was her saying that she was 21 to her friends 19 years of age. So instead of 14 years older than the FMC, he's only 12 years older. That's still a lot damn older than another person, but because she's in her 20's it makes it less cringey and more socially acceptable?
Damn. Ben's family story and history is complicated and messy. I had to read through that section twice to make sure that I understood everything. Even though I'm not sure it will be 100% relevant later, I didn't want it to come up in the storyline later and not know what it was all about. It made me feel pretty badly for him honestly. He's been through a lot of shit and has a mess going on with his brother he hasn't been able to clear, and breaking his brother's heart really wasn't his fault at all but he carries the burden or guilt of that.
I like the side POV chapters interspersed giving us Ariel's perspective about her side quest romance. I generally don't like too many additions to the plot because it becomes overly complicated trying to keep everything straight. But having her POV and her budding romance was a light and airy addition, especially when everything else in the story had a more serious tone.
So ... Daisy is upset that Ben seems to be holding back his emotions or not owning up to them, so after a chat with Ariel, they decide the best course of action is to have a conversation about where things are with the two of them. Only, that's not really what Daisy does. She goes to his room, invades his personal space, and then starts to go to town on herself. Obviously he's interested, and he wants her to come while he watches. Daisy gives this speech about how she knows that he likes her and she wants him to admit it to her face, and won't come until he says how he's feeling and admits that he likes her. What the fuck? She can't actually believe that an admission by coercion truly has any merit. That's borderline sexual abuse. He's trying to remain within his professional boundaries and has said out loud his reasoning and whatnot. And because he appears jealous during a sparring session, Daisy decides that he doesn't mean what he says and needs to force him to own up to feelings, under the guise of having a conversation? That's a red flag, Daisy. Not a good look and it gave me mad ick. And then when she was finished, she gets up and walks out. No actual conversation had.
I absolutely do not understand this bullshit of Daisy being in charge of their sex life so it isn't Ben compromising his promise to not break his promise about sleeping with his client. Just because he doesn't touch her, doesn't initiate things and she doesn't stay in his room afterwards doesn't mean it isn't happening. He's still for sure breaking his rule and it isn't "smart" of her for coming up with this "plan." I mean, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a fucking pig. Just be adults and admit that you have feelings for one another and want to be more than you currently are. No machinations or planning going into it. Just be.
What in the hell was the point in Luna dragging them out to meet up with her face to face? She clearly didn't trust them and gave Daisy a huge secret away of hers; which would be really idiotic of her if she really thought Daisy was going to repeat what she saw back to anyone in her family. And she didn't really say anything of use or value to them to really make their trip worthwhile. It seemed to me not only a waste of the characters time, but also of the readers since the whole scene was pretty much pointless. I guess it gave way for Ben to check on Tabby and for that portion of the story to be uncovered, but I just don't feel like anything of value was added by these couple of chapters.
The book started off great, loved how both characters were introduced to us and their meet cute. It had a good amount of suspense and drama. The middle focused a lot on the main characters feelings for one another and I felt like we kind of went around in circles for a bit. There is also a lot of speculation regarding the reasoning behind Daisy's family wanting her back so badly that I feel could have been cleared up a lot quicker by having that phone call made to her aunt and uncle way sooner than she actually did. And the reasoning behind things was pretty basic and not at all that nefarious. The ending of the book was pretty damn anticlimactic. Daisy has been in hiding and being kept safe for practically no reason and things were tied up neatly with a bow way too easily. They admit feelings for one another and skip off into the sunset without a lot of information on that. The ending felt forced and way too quick.
Like I said, I didn't dislike this book, it was only just o.k. and I'm not overly impressed with it. I wouldn't not recommend it if asked, but it just wasn't the best out there. Meh.
What I did like about this book was the representation of a curvier FMC and how loved and appreciated Ben made her feel and she wasn't self conscious about her body. There was also a ton of smutty scenes in this book, and if I can appreciate anything about an author, it's their way around spice. They start pretty damn early on in the book, and continue throughout, even though both characters swear that they won't be doing anything with the other ever again. I would say it's a solid 3/5 spice wise.
21 pages in. That's how long it took for the MMC to be inexplicably turned on by a woman he's seeing for the first time. It's never happened to him! *GASP* She's the most gorgeous woman he's ever seen - talks about getting hard while watching her escape from a second story room. Fortunately he comes to his senses quickly and helps her, but for the love of God, the insta-lust was quick and brutal in this one. And they first hook up on page 51. The FMC isn't even really out of danger and they're gotten sidetracked with their physical connection. And he says "one and done" like that's a reasonable and not a douchebag reasoning for anything. *insert eye roll here* And what encouraged him to finally crack and hook up with her was her saying that she was 21 to her friends 19 years of age. So instead of 14 years older than the FMC, he's only 12 years older. That's still a lot damn older than another person, but because she's in her 20's it makes it less cringey and more socially acceptable?
Damn. Ben's family story and history is complicated and messy. I had to read through that section twice to make sure that I understood everything. Even though I'm not sure it will be 100% relevant later, I didn't want it to come up in the storyline later and not know what it was all about. It made me feel pretty badly for him honestly. He's been through a lot of shit and has a mess going on with his brother he hasn't been able to clear, and breaking his brother's heart really wasn't his fault at all but he carries the burden or guilt of that.
I like the side POV chapters interspersed giving us Ariel's perspective about her side quest romance. I generally don't like too many additions to the plot because it becomes overly complicated trying to keep everything straight. But having her POV and her budding romance was a light and airy addition, especially when everything else in the story had a more serious tone.
So ... Daisy is upset that Ben seems to be holding back his emotions or not owning up to them, so after a chat with Ariel, they decide the best course of action is to have a conversation about where things are with the two of them. Only, that's not really what Daisy does. She goes to his room, invades his personal space, and then starts to go to town on herself. Obviously he's interested, and he wants her to come while he watches. Daisy gives this speech about how she knows that he likes her and she wants him to admit it to her face, and won't come until he says how he's feeling and admits that he likes her. What the fuck? She can't actually believe that an admission by coercion truly has any merit. That's borderline sexual abuse. He's trying to remain within his professional boundaries and has said out loud his reasoning and whatnot. And because he appears jealous during a sparring session, Daisy decides that he doesn't mean what he says and needs to force him to own up to feelings, under the guise of having a conversation? That's a red flag, Daisy. Not a good look and it gave me mad ick. And then when she was finished, she gets up and walks out. No actual conversation had.
I absolutely do not understand this bullshit of Daisy being in charge of their sex life so it isn't Ben compromising his promise to not break his promise about sleeping with his client. Just because he doesn't touch her, doesn't initiate things and she doesn't stay in his room afterwards doesn't mean it isn't happening. He's still for sure breaking his rule and it isn't "smart" of her for coming up with this "plan." I mean, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a fucking pig. Just be adults and admit that you have feelings for one another and want to be more than you currently are. No machinations or planning going into it. Just be.
What in the hell was the point in Luna dragging them out to meet up with her face to face? She clearly didn't trust them and gave Daisy a huge secret away of hers; which would be really idiotic of her if she really thought Daisy was going to repeat what she saw back to anyone in her family. And she didn't really say anything of use or value to them to really make their trip worthwhile. It seemed to me not only a waste of the characters time, but also of the readers since the whole scene was pretty much pointless. I guess it gave way for Ben to check on Tabby and for that portion of the story to be uncovered, but I just don't feel like anything of value was added by these couple of chapters.
The book started off great, loved how both characters were introduced to us and their meet cute. It had a good amount of suspense and drama. The middle focused a lot on the main characters feelings for one another and I felt like we kind of went around in circles for a bit. There is also a lot of speculation regarding the reasoning behind Daisy's family wanting her back so badly that I feel could have been cleared up a lot quicker by having that phone call made to her aunt and uncle way sooner than she actually did. And the reasoning behind things was pretty basic and not at all that nefarious. The ending of the book was pretty damn anticlimactic. Daisy has been in hiding and being kept safe for practically no reason and things were tied up neatly with a bow way too easily. They admit feelings for one another and skip off into the sunset without a lot of information on that. The ending felt forced and way too quick.
Like I said, I didn't dislike this book, it was only just o.k. and I'm not overly impressed with it. I wouldn't not recommend it if asked, but it just wasn't the best out there. Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
Wow, what a book. I will read anything Jolie Vines writes at this point but I do think this is one of her best yet. It’s the perfect balance of romance, plot, fast paced action and character arcs.
The MMC Ben (have you seen the cover?!) is totally swoon worthy, loyal, strong and grumpy to a fault - but we love a totally grumpy closer off MMC that only melts for love interest.
Daisy is the perfect fit for Ben and a total kickass heroine in her own right. I love her confidence and her outlook on life, and her ability to rile Ben, haha. She’s also a smut loving audiobook queen.
The plot - no spoilers but there is a failed k!dn@pping to figure out - keeps you reading, I did not guess how it was going to turn out.
Also if you like spice, I think this is one of the spiciest books Jolie Vines has done in frequency of scenes. These two MCs really couldn’t keep their hands off each other, and in many different ways.
Also if you’re familiar with Jolie’s characters world then you’ll love all the cameos that pop up in this book. If this is your first book by Jolie then these won’t detract from the book but just FYI most side characters has their own books so you can read their stories!!
Loved it!
I was kindly sent an ARC copy of this book for an honest review but already had it marked in my diary to read on release.
The MMC Ben (have you seen the cover?!) is totally swoon worthy, loyal, strong and grumpy to a fault - but we love a totally grumpy closer off MMC that only melts for love interest.
Daisy is the perfect fit for Ben and a total kickass heroine in her own right. I love her confidence and her outlook on life, and her ability to rile Ben, haha. She’s also a smut loving audiobook queen.
The plot - no spoilers but there is a failed k!dn@pping to figure out - keeps you reading, I did not guess how it was going to turn out.
Also if you like spice, I think this is one of the spiciest books Jolie Vines has done in frequency of scenes. These two MCs really couldn’t keep their hands off each other, and in many different ways.
Also if you’re familiar with Jolie’s characters world then you’ll love all the cameos that pop up in this book. If this is your first book by Jolie then these won’t detract from the book but just FYI most side characters has their own books so you can read their stories!!
Loved it!
I was kindly sent an ARC copy of this book for an honest review but already had it marked in my diary to read on release.
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