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Safe and Secure #1
Saving Sharlee
He craved her trust, obedience, and submission in a relationship he knew would never be equal.
Sharlee Armstrong had carefully crafted a safe existence in the shadows of life, trading information for a high price. But when she meets Jacquard Reynaud, she realizes it might be time to take a risk. He’s handsome, alluring, and powerful-and Sharlee can’t help but be attracted to him, but leaving the safety of her cocoon could be dangerous. Even deadly.
From his first glimpse of her, Jac knows Sharlee must be his-but he also understands getting involved with him could put her in harm’s way. Hers is a world of dark exchanges and silent deals, his is a world of pretense and intrigue. Even though they resist the deep attraction they both feel, they work together to forge a working relationship, but it isn’t enough. It won’t ever be enough. Despite her protests, and his resistance, he finally takes her in hand for her own safety.
Her good name, livelihood, and very life are at risk if she remains with him, but despite his fears, he doesn’t have it in him to let her go…for the sake of both their safety. But as they both grow closer to each other, will either of them ever truly be safe?
Sharlee Armstrong had carefully crafted a safe existence in the shadows of life, trading information for a high price. But when she meets Jacquard Reynaud, she realizes it might be time to take a risk. He’s handsome, alluring, and powerful-and Sharlee can’t help but be attracted to him, but leaving the safety of her cocoon could be dangerous. Even deadly.
From his first glimpse of her, Jac knows Sharlee must be his-but he also understands getting involved with him could put her in harm’s way. Hers is a world of dark exchanges and silent deals, his is a world of pretense and intrigue. Even though they resist the deep attraction they both feel, they work together to forge a working relationship, but it isn’t enough. It won’t ever be enough. Despite her protests, and his resistance, he finally takes her in hand for her own safety.
Her good name, livelihood, and very life are at risk if she remains with him, but despite his fears, he doesn’t have it in him to let her go…for the sake of both their safety. But as they both grow closer to each other, will either of them ever truly be safe?
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2023
75 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Bailey
105 books265 followersUSA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and Historical Romances. I'm a proud Texan living it up in Alaska's beauty who loves to write both sweet and spicy romances.
My heroes and heroines can be found in this time or another, modern or historic, professionals or not. All include a little naughtiness, sternness, seriousness, a taste of suspense and a HEA.
I have always loved writing about sassy ladies and have done it for fun but never thought I could do it for other's enjoyment. It's my dream job and I hope I never come back to the real world.
My heroes and heroines can be found in this time or another, modern or historic, professionals or not. All include a little naughtiness, sternness, seriousness, a taste of suspense and a HEA.
I have always loved writing about sassy ladies and have done it for fun but never thought I could do it for other's enjoyment. It's my dream job and I hope I never come back to the real world.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 2, 2018
Saving Sharlee is a romantic suspense with DD elements.
When Charlotte (Sharlee) was hired at Reynaud and Associates to be the primary computer techie for their security firm, she had no idea she'd become part of their family. As in all the men would become like overprotective big brothers, constantly worried about her safety. All the men but her boss, Jacquard Reynaud (Jac), who would become the love of her life. That is, if she could get him to give into the attraction they both felt for each other.
While I appreciated the premise of Saving Sharlee, the execution was a bit subpar for my tastes. I never felt the connection between Sharlee and Jac to be that strong. It was told to me, but I didn't feel it and didn't believe it. And then there was the fact that Sharlee pulled so many bratty TSTL moves that I don't blame Jac for taking her in hand and spanking her more than once. In fact, he should have done it far more often than he actually did. I like that she was super independent and stood up for herself, but there's a line between independence and stupidity, and she stepped over that line constantly.
For a story about a dominating disciplinarian alpha, the heat wasn't that explicit or as often as I was expecting, as I wanted. And some of the wording was a bit cheesy and awkward during their scenes, so I was left further unsatisfied with their story. All in all, I just didn't get what I was expecting out of Saving Sharlee. It wasn't hot enough. The connection wasn't strong enough. About the only thing that did deliver completely was the mystery. The mystery itself was a good one. And the secondary characters were interesting, interesting enough that I'm hoping they each get their own stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Charlotte (Sharlee) was hired at Reynaud and Associates to be the primary computer techie for their security firm, she had no idea she'd become part of their family. As in all the men would become like overprotective big brothers, constantly worried about her safety. All the men but her boss, Jacquard Reynaud (Jac), who would become the love of her life. That is, if she could get him to give into the attraction they both felt for each other.
While I appreciated the premise of Saving Sharlee, the execution was a bit subpar for my tastes. I never felt the connection between Sharlee and Jac to be that strong. It was told to me, but I didn't feel it and didn't believe it. And then there was the fact that Sharlee pulled so many bratty TSTL moves that I don't blame Jac for taking her in hand and spanking her more than once. In fact, he should have done it far more often than he actually did. I like that she was super independent and stood up for herself, but there's a line between independence and stupidity, and she stepped over that line constantly.
For a story about a dominating disciplinarian alpha, the heat wasn't that explicit or as often as I was expecting, as I wanted. And some of the wording was a bit cheesy and awkward during their scenes, so I was left further unsatisfied with their story. All in all, I just didn't get what I was expecting out of Saving Sharlee. It wasn't hot enough. The connection wasn't strong enough. About the only thing that did deliver completely was the mystery. The mystery itself was a good one. And the secondary characters were interesting, interesting enough that I'm hoping they each get their own stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2018
THEY WERE PROTECTIVE, POSSESSIVE, AND FIERCE
What a great start to a new series with mystery, suspense, danger, espionage, secrets, angst, and then throw in a romance. Enter the world of high-tech security and protection of Reynaud and Associates, where their team is made up of men with military training. And then adding, Charlotte Armstrong to the team, a woman who can perform magic with a keyboard, will add spice to this tale.
The plot will have Jac Reynard courting Shalee Armstrong to join his security team because of her skills, and while she has been doing well with her independent work, the offer is lucrative, especially since she can still do other private jobs on the side.
The story will take place over several years, and it will detail some of the contracts and issues that team will face. Being the only female on the team will have its challenges, especially when Sharlee has a thing for her boss, Jac. When she makes some irresponsible decisions that could lead to her being harmed, Jac will take it upon himself to discipline her. These two have feelings for each other, but keep that information hidden. There is an underlying chemistry that neither one is willing to allow the other to know about, but in due time, it will come to the surface.
“He needed a soft and cuddly lover mixed with a fiery hot sex kitten. He needed her trust, obedience, submission: a woman that understood life with him would never be fifty-fifty. A valuable partner, yes, more important than he was in their relationship, yes, on the pedestal that he would put her on, absolutely, but never equal.”
Several things have the team on alert, especially after Sharlee is nearly arrested along with an old acquaintance, Kyle, from her hometown that she was dating. Then when her apartment is broken into, Jac refuses to allow her to stay and she will acquiesce to his demands, and it will be the turning point for them. Who is after her? What do they want? Is this because of some of her side contracts? The game of cat and mouse has become dangerous, and it is more than just surveillance and computer work. Is Sharlee’s life in danger?
The relationship is slow to progress with Jac and Sharlee avoiding their feelings, but when it does, he is even more protective of her. The entire team takes her safety as a top issue, especially when it becomes clear she is a target. While Jac punishes her with spankings, he always gives her the option of accepting his dominance, and it is never forced.
“You need this baby. You’ve been worried, scared, angry, tired, frustrated, and about half a dozen other things these last weeks. It’s made you sullen, grumpy, and downright hard to live with. You need me to fix things. Lean over, honey. You’ll feel better.”
The story has many spanking scenes, which are consensual, even by dubious consent, and the power exchange is always with love and concern. As they develop a DD relationship, it is at first in a non-sexual relationship, but later will change to a full-time D/s relationship with mild sex scenes.
What a great start to a new series with mystery, suspense, danger, espionage, secrets, angst, and then throw in a romance. Enter the world of high-tech security and protection of Reynaud and Associates, where their team is made up of men with military training. And then adding, Charlotte Armstrong to the team, a woman who can perform magic with a keyboard, will add spice to this tale.
The plot will have Jac Reynard courting Shalee Armstrong to join his security team because of her skills, and while she has been doing well with her independent work, the offer is lucrative, especially since she can still do other private jobs on the side.
The story will take place over several years, and it will detail some of the contracts and issues that team will face. Being the only female on the team will have its challenges, especially when Sharlee has a thing for her boss, Jac. When she makes some irresponsible decisions that could lead to her being harmed, Jac will take it upon himself to discipline her. These two have feelings for each other, but keep that information hidden. There is an underlying chemistry that neither one is willing to allow the other to know about, but in due time, it will come to the surface.
“He needed a soft and cuddly lover mixed with a fiery hot sex kitten. He needed her trust, obedience, submission: a woman that understood life with him would never be fifty-fifty. A valuable partner, yes, more important than he was in their relationship, yes, on the pedestal that he would put her on, absolutely, but never equal.”
Several things have the team on alert, especially after Sharlee is nearly arrested along with an old acquaintance, Kyle, from her hometown that she was dating. Then when her apartment is broken into, Jac refuses to allow her to stay and she will acquiesce to his demands, and it will be the turning point for them. Who is after her? What do they want? Is this because of some of her side contracts? The game of cat and mouse has become dangerous, and it is more than just surveillance and computer work. Is Sharlee’s life in danger?
The relationship is slow to progress with Jac and Sharlee avoiding their feelings, but when it does, he is even more protective of her. The entire team takes her safety as a top issue, especially when it becomes clear she is a target. While Jac punishes her with spankings, he always gives her the option of accepting his dominance, and it is never forced.
“You need this baby. You’ve been worried, scared, angry, tired, frustrated, and about half a dozen other things these last weeks. It’s made you sullen, grumpy, and downright hard to live with. You need me to fix things. Lean over, honey. You’ll feel better.”
The story has many spanking scenes, which are consensual, even by dubious consent, and the power exchange is always with love and concern. As they develop a DD relationship, it is at first in a non-sexual relationship, but later will change to a full-time D/s relationship with mild sex scenes.
May 1, 2018
Saving Sharlee By:Alyssa BaileyHe's Bringing Her Outta The Shadows & Into The Light...
Her life is anonymous, hidden behind computer screens & silent contracts where she's removed from everyone & everything...
Basically, she has no life! At least NOT until she walked into his door for a job interview she's intrigued by, one she's actually planning on declining, & her world's turned upside down...
Suddenly, her carefully crafted & controlled world is thrown topsy turvy, & she's surrounded by Dominating Males who insist on controlling certain aspects of her life... Only when things go awry, she finds the consequences rather titillating!
He lives for CONTROL; only his new computer specialist is testing Every Last Once of that legendary control, & he's ready to SNAP! He's already dispensed consequences that both of them enjoyed WAY TO MUCH; it's only a matter of time before she's warming his bed... Permanently!!
This compilation contains BDSM elements, & is intended for readers over 18; if that's not your type of reading genre, please don't tip your toes into this book because you won't enjoy it. Plus, leaving an unfavorable review, because it's not your cup of tea, is unfair to the author. That said, you've been warned to expect KINK & that's what you'll get here.
I was granted an ARC of Alyssa Bailey's "Saving Sharlee" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
May 17, 2018
Charlotte "Sharlee" Armstrong is a highly skilled information broker. She has just been recruited by Reynaud & Associates. A security firm made up of a team of ex military headed by Jacquard "Jac" Reynaud. While she loves her new job, she has to contended with no only her very alpha boss, who she is crushing on, but his six equally alpha associates who have taken on a big brother roll in her life.
While Charlotte is a tech wizard she sometimes lacks in common sense and has a bit of a stubborn streak that gets her into trouble. Her boss Jac, has no problem executing some domestic discipline in reprimand, for her bratty behavior, with his six associates full support.
Jac and Charlotte are attracted to each other, but a lot stands in their way. He is 8 years older and dominant and enjoys a specific life style. He is her boss. She is in experienced. Sharlee responses nicely to her punishments, making Jac, consider that their might be a chance for them.
After a relationship with a old friend from high school goes bad for Sharlee. She makes her decision and decides to pursue Jac, with the silent approval of the 6. Jac has not intentions of turning her away. Her stubbornness and his dominance and need to keep her safe make for a rocky relationship. When she becomes a target. All bets are off.
A fun fast paced and steamy story, featuring spanking for punishment and pleasure. Jac and Sharlee were a fun couple. Hope the other 6 men get a story.vI received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Will be adding this book to my wish list.
While Charlotte is a tech wizard she sometimes lacks in common sense and has a bit of a stubborn streak that gets her into trouble. Her boss Jac, has no problem executing some domestic discipline in reprimand, for her bratty behavior, with his six associates full support.
Jac and Charlotte are attracted to each other, but a lot stands in their way. He is 8 years older and dominant and enjoys a specific life style. He is her boss. She is in experienced. Sharlee responses nicely to her punishments, making Jac, consider that their might be a chance for them.
After a relationship with a old friend from high school goes bad for Sharlee. She makes her decision and decides to pursue Jac, with the silent approval of the 6. Jac has not intentions of turning her away. Her stubbornness and his dominance and need to keep her safe make for a rocky relationship. When she becomes a target. All bets are off.
A fun fast paced and steamy story, featuring spanking for punishment and pleasure. Jac and Sharlee were a fun couple. Hope the other 6 men get a story.vI received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Will be adding this book to my wish list.
March 1, 2022
Very enjoyable book
Good characters, romance, action and romance. Kept me going to the end. I have read several books by Alyssa Bailey and they were all very entertaining. Recommend her for a fun and romantic read.
Good characters, romance, action and romance. Kept me going to the end. I have read several books by Alyssa Bailey and they were all very entertaining. Recommend her for a fun and romantic read.
April 27, 2018
Saving Sharlee is the first book in the Safe and Secure Series. Jac runs an information and security business with some of his closest friends, but they need a cyber presence. Sharlee knows all about the cyber world, often taking her own contracts, but she joins Jac’s team of dominant and protective men. Not only does she need to learn what it means to be part of a team, but she also wants to explore her desire with Jac, her boss. When she becomes targeted, it’s up to Jac, Sharlee, and the rest of the team to find out what’s going on and who’s behind the attacks before Sharlee gets hurt, and the men will do anything to protect her!
While this book had a bit of a slow burn romance, there was a lot of components of the problem as well as a lot of character development. Sharlee was independent and wanting to prove her worth, but she also got herself into trouble, often. Jac was all dominant alpha, but I really enjoyed how protective he felt towards Sharlee and I loved how he showed his care, often with his firm hand. There were times in the book where I felt some of the details about their jobs were a little vague, but it all came full circle by the end and most was explained pretty well. I loved getting to know some of the guys in the group as well, and look forward to their books! This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Bailey, but will definitely read more!
While this book had a bit of a slow burn romance, there was a lot of components of the problem as well as a lot of character development. Sharlee was independent and wanting to prove her worth, but she also got herself into trouble, often. Jac was all dominant alpha, but I really enjoyed how protective he felt towards Sharlee and I loved how he showed his care, often with his firm hand. There were times in the book where I felt some of the details about their jobs were a little vague, but it all came full circle by the end and most was explained pretty well. I loved getting to know some of the guys in the group as well, and look forward to their books! This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Bailey, but will definitely read more!
May 2, 2018
Sharlee is a brilliant computer wiz who decides, after working independently for a while, to join an elite security company headed by Jac. The firm is full of dominant men. While some women are employed in support positions, Sharlee is the only female on the team of main players. She butts heads with the guys over her safety, especially Jac. The firm gets involved with a very complicated scheme and soon realize that someone is after Sharlee. Every instinct has the guys wanting to lock up Sharlee somewhere safe, but she is essential in solving the mystery. Meanwhile, she and Jac are getting closer and they are trying to find a way to have a relationship and work together while he is her boss. The fact that she constantly disregards his direction drives Jac crazy. I enjoyed this story and the cast of characters involved. It was a longer story with an original plot. The romance was steamy and spicy. The only thing that I took issue with, was some of the kind of dumb things Sharlee did that put her at risk. She seemed too smart to repeat the same mistakes. Still, it's a very good, original story.
April 29, 2018
Saving Sharlee is a wonderful start to this new series. Sharlee and Jac dance around each other and their feelings for quite a while, but the chemistry starts right from the beginning. The storyline is filled with action and mystery that kept me reading from start to finish. The characters are developed and likeable. Sharlee seems to find trouble at every turn but this group of strong alpha males will protect her at all costs. However, Jac has a special way of getting her to behave when his hand meets her bottom for plenty of spankings along the way. I loved getting to know the other members of the team and can't wait to read about their stories. Alyssa Bailey always has a way of writing a hit with her books and I loved this one! I highly recommend this great start to a wonderful new series! I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book.
April 27, 2018
Charlotte, who always preferred to work alone, takes on a job with Reynaud & Associates. She has to learn to work with a team and she also learns that the men of the team will protect her at any costs, which means there will be consequences for certain actions. Sharlee is also very attracted to Jac and she wonders if he feels the same.
Saving Sharlee is the first book of the Safe and Secure series. Though it took a very long time before Jac and Sharlee succumbed to their desires, the story held my interest. There is action, mystery and very likeable characters. I found the rest of the team members, Garrett, Monroe, Mark, and Kaden very interesting as well and look forward when they will find their happy end.
Saving Sharlee is the first book of the Safe and Secure series. Though it took a very long time before Jac and Sharlee succumbed to their desires, the story held my interest. There is action, mystery and very likeable characters. I found the rest of the team members, Garrett, Monroe, Mark, and Kaden very interesting as well and look forward when they will find their happy end.
May 8, 2018
A first in series, this was a good read. Sharlee has joined Jac's team from her hidden world in Cyber. A series of events show that while Sharleee is headstrong and independent, the guys on her team want to keep her protected. None more so than her boss, and when a few bad decisions gets her over his lap again and again , jacquard quickly decides to lay his cards on the table and his palm on her butt. a fun entertaining and engaging read, with a few mysteries thrown in and a bit of sexy times for all involved. Good secondary characters of whom i am looking forward to reading about in the next books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. When Charlotte takes a new job with Jacquard Reynaud and his group, she is no longer working from home and is suddenly surrounded by a gorgeous group of alpha males. They all want to protect her, but the only one she wants smacking her bottom is Jac. He backs away every time they get close, but Charlotte has a habit of jumping in so backing away gets harder and harder. I can't wait to read more in the series. Hand, paddle, slight anal play.
April 28, 2018
Sharalee is a loner, but she joins up with an all male group for her work. This would be fine, but she is attracted to her boss and what’s she supposed to do with that? The men in her group are very protective of her, and she is not sure how to take that. What I really enjoyed about this is that it took place over a long period of time, which lends a realistic feel to it. Realistic despite the mystery and intrigue in the book. 5 stars.
June 24, 2018
This was a good start to a new series. The characters were likeable and the action side was enough to keep the story interesting. I liked the slow building of romance between Jac and Sharlee, and I hope the author revisits with them in future books. The author left a lot room for additional books with all the other men of Reynaud and Associates. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 30, 2018
A very good start to this new series and a very good read. Book offers an entertaining story and also engaging characters. Sharlee and Jac have good chemistry and you could easily feel the simmering attraction between them. With drama, danger, mystery and suspense added to the slow burning romance, you have a very enjoyable read. This is my honest, voluntary review.
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May 4, 2018This was a great new series! Poor Sharlee had no idea what she was getting herself into when she went to work for Jac and the all male team. She is a fiercely independent person who did not want anyone telling her want to do. Now she is attracted to her boss and surrounded with men who are highly protective of her and watch her every move.
Can she adjust?
Can she adjust?
February 3, 2020
Sex,suspense and spankings❣️
Love this book full of so many twists and turns. Charlotte worked for Jac and his security team. Charlotte had feeling for Jac after her took her over his knee for her carelessness. Jac had feelings for Charlotte from first meeting her. Wonderful book Five star book❤️❤️
Love this book full of so many twists and turns. Charlotte worked for Jac and his security team. Charlotte had feeling for Jac after her took her over his knee for her carelessness. Jac had feelings for Charlotte from first meeting her. Wonderful book Five star book❤️❤️
May 2, 2018
A well-written book that kept my interest until the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2022
Hard read
I really liked the story but it was disjointed. This caused me to have to reread things, which got a little old. I think that if it was edited it would be much better.
I really liked the story but it was disjointed. This caused me to have to reread things, which got a little old. I think that if it was edited it would be much better.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews