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Bella Rosa
This is the city.
Murder and violence is all in a day’s work for Lieutenant Vincent Girardi. But there is something about this murder that doesn’t add up. When a piece of paper with an address written on it is found at the crime scene, Vince believes that perhaps this victim wasn’t the intended target.
Dr. Rowan Delaney is biding her time. In less than a week she will give testimony that will rid her of a painful past once and for all, and grant her and her two children the freedom she has been seeking for years. When Lieutenant Vincent Girardi and his partner show up at her door to question her about the murdered woman across the street, and then suggest that she may have been the intended target, she refuses all help or protection, intending to fulfill her obligation in front of the Grand Jury without interference from anyone—including the handsome cop darkening her doorstep.
But the Lieutenant has other plans. He is convinced the pretty doctor was the intended victim, and he is determined to find out why, starting with Rowan’s absentee husband, head of a notorious drug cartel. Vince is determined to see the woman and her children safe; Rowan is determined to start her life over—after her testimony.
Can Vince protect her without his feelings for her getting in the way? And can Rowan accept his care, along with a heavy dose of hubris and alpha dominance, without losing herself in the process?
And will their growing love be enough to save them from the evil that will not take no for an answer?
** THIS BOOK IS A ROMANCE/SUSPENSE THAT CONTAINS VIOLENCE AND EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT WITHIN A LOVING RELATIONSHIP, INCLUDING DOMINATION AND THE NON-CONSENSUAL SPANKING OF AN ADULT FEMALE **
Murder and violence is all in a day’s work for Lieutenant Vincent Girardi. But there is something about this murder that doesn’t add up. When a piece of paper with an address written on it is found at the crime scene, Vince believes that perhaps this victim wasn’t the intended target.
Dr. Rowan Delaney is biding her time. In less than a week she will give testimony that will rid her of a painful past once and for all, and grant her and her two children the freedom she has been seeking for years. When Lieutenant Vincent Girardi and his partner show up at her door to question her about the murdered woman across the street, and then suggest that she may have been the intended target, she refuses all help or protection, intending to fulfill her obligation in front of the Grand Jury without interference from anyone—including the handsome cop darkening her doorstep.
But the Lieutenant has other plans. He is convinced the pretty doctor was the intended victim, and he is determined to find out why, starting with Rowan’s absentee husband, head of a notorious drug cartel. Vince is determined to see the woman and her children safe; Rowan is determined to start her life over—after her testimony.
Can Vince protect her without his feelings for her getting in the way? And can Rowan accept his care, along with a heavy dose of hubris and alpha dominance, without losing herself in the process?
And will their growing love be enough to save them from the evil that will not take no for an answer?
** THIS BOOK IS A ROMANCE/SUSPENSE THAT CONTAINS VIOLENCE AND EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT WITHIN A LOVING RELATIONSHIP, INCLUDING DOMINATION AND THE NON-CONSENSUAL SPANKING OF AN ADULT FEMALE **
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2013
7 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Jade Cary
12 books71 followersJade Cary writes romantic suspense with deep characters, emotional stakes, and stories that stay with readers long after the last page.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 11, 2021
4.5 stars.
I loved the plot in this story. It’s got twists and moments of shock. The pace is excellent. Vince Girardi is a badass alpha cop with a very twitchy palm. When he meets Doctor Rowan Delaney whilst investigating the murder of her innocent neighbour Alice, he’s drawn to the sophisticated, successful woman, but he still wants to give her a spank.
Plot ticks my box. Romance ticks my box. Characters, especially the kids, tick the box too.
Can’t say I loved the fact that Vince felt the need to dole out punishment to Rowan for her misdeeds - but that sort of thing doesn’t really float my boat, that said, it was consistent with his character.
The book was previously released with a different title and cover. I actually quite like the old title and cover.
Great fast paced, police drama with hot sex and spanking!
I loved the plot in this story. It’s got twists and moments of shock. The pace is excellent. Vince Girardi is a badass alpha cop with a very twitchy palm. When he meets Doctor Rowan Delaney whilst investigating the murder of her innocent neighbour Alice, he’s drawn to the sophisticated, successful woman, but he still wants to give her a spank.
Plot ticks my box. Romance ticks my box. Characters, especially the kids, tick the box too.
Can’t say I loved the fact that Vince felt the need to dole out punishment to Rowan for her misdeeds - but that sort of thing doesn’t really float my boat, that said, it was consistent with his character.
The book was previously released with a different title and cover. I actually quite like the old title and cover.
Great fast paced, police drama with hot sex and spanking!
May 28, 2013
Wow! I just finished Jade Cary's Bella Rosa- a suspense & spanking (S&S - it's a new genre! ) and it was a wild ride! I was sucked right in from the beginning and swept into the intrigue of Rowan, a smart and sexy surgeon, her drug cartel running ex-husband, an FBI agent out for personal vengeance, and Vince, the lieutenant who tries to keep our heroine safe.
The sexual tension between Rowan and Vince drives the pacing as much as the suspense thread, which is very well done. Vince is all alpha- bordering on macho, and the first spanking is non-consensual- Jade's favorite thing. I think non-consensual is hot, but I do get itchy with non-con in modern day settings. In this case, Rowan had just disobeyed Vince and taken a huge security risk, and the cop took her over his knee in anger. Jade is an incredible writer, so I had already fully identified with Rowan, and Jade made the situation about as real as it could be- Rowan's pride was stung by the spanking, and she was hurt and offended. She slinks into her room and starts packing her bag and I was cheering for her to leave. Of course, if she'd left, there would be no more book, and Vince wouldn't have had a chance to redeem himself, which he does, although it took me longer to forgive him than it took Rowan.
Jade doesn't write spanking fiction per se, it's more a suspense/romance that happens to have spanking in it. You don't get that feeling of the nod and the wink between author and spanko that says, "I'm writing this to turn you on." Rather, she offers a top notch main-stream feeling plot with a dominant male who happens to believe in spanking his woman. For me, it made the spankings more squirm-worthy, more embarrassing, as I empathized with the heroine and witnessed the characters having real-life discussions about whether they were acceptable. Still, it was clear that Rowan was turned on by Vince's dominance and the D/s sex they had together was smoking hot. There's a scene with a blow job and a crop that still has me drooling...
Ultimately, though, it was the development of the full-on suspense plot that had me hanging on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down until it was over, and not even caring whether I got off. Five stars for Bella Rosa!
ARC provided to Spanking Romance Reviews for an honest review. Review (c) www.spankingromance.com
The sexual tension between Rowan and Vince drives the pacing as much as the suspense thread, which is very well done. Vince is all alpha- bordering on macho, and the first spanking is non-consensual- Jade's favorite thing. I think non-consensual is hot, but I do get itchy with non-con in modern day settings. In this case, Rowan had just disobeyed Vince and taken a huge security risk, and the cop took her over his knee in anger. Jade is an incredible writer, so I had already fully identified with Rowan, and Jade made the situation about as real as it could be- Rowan's pride was stung by the spanking, and she was hurt and offended. She slinks into her room and starts packing her bag and I was cheering for her to leave. Of course, if she'd left, there would be no more book, and Vince wouldn't have had a chance to redeem himself, which he does, although it took me longer to forgive him than it took Rowan.
Jade doesn't write spanking fiction per se, it's more a suspense/romance that happens to have spanking in it. You don't get that feeling of the nod and the wink between author and spanko that says, "I'm writing this to turn you on." Rather, she offers a top notch main-stream feeling plot with a dominant male who happens to believe in spanking his woman. For me, it made the spankings more squirm-worthy, more embarrassing, as I empathized with the heroine and witnessed the characters having real-life discussions about whether they were acceptable. Still, it was clear that Rowan was turned on by Vince's dominance and the D/s sex they had together was smoking hot. There's a scene with a blow job and a crop that still has me drooling...
Ultimately, though, it was the development of the full-on suspense plot that had me hanging on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down until it was over, and not even caring whether I got off. Five stars for Bella Rosa!
ARC provided to Spanking Romance Reviews for an honest review. Review (c) www.spankingromance.com
August 9, 2021
Deep Waters is an amazing read. I love how I was kept on my toes throughout the entire read. You have so many questions when it surrounds Rowan and what she is not openly telling the police. Rowan is strong, stubborn, wicked smart and knows how to keep things close to her chest. Vincent is amazing at his job and is a protector like no other. You feel the chemistry and pull between Vince and Rowan. Their banter is amazing at pushing both their limits. I love the dom/sub relationship Vince and Rowan build the more time they are spending with each other. I love how protective Vince is of Rowan and tries to keep her and her kids safe from all danger that surrounds them. Your heart will just melt when it comes to Vince and how he is with Rowan's kids. I loved every moment of this one and was waiting on the edge of my seat as the danger increases around Rowan. I could not get enough of this one. You need to one click this one.
August 10, 2021
This book kept me engaged. The pacing is fast and the suspense and tension will have you on the edge. I really liked Vincent and found him quite hot and swoony. For me Rowen was just OK. She was strong and savvy but I found her hard to connect with and just off-putting. Overall though, I felt this was a good read. Of my own accord I'm posting a forthright review.
August 18, 2013
Thin plot, shallow characters. Even worse is the spanking thing. Consensual play is one thing, but when a man strikes a woman, hard, because he disapproves of her behaviour, that's not "hot." It's assault.
August 15, 2021
Wow!! This book left me speechless. Such a raw, suspenseful, seductive love
story rich in complexity and spirit. Despite my desire to savior it, I read it in one sitting. I was on an adrenaline high from start to finish with the many twists and
turns.
There is a fine line between love and hate, and this couple danced on that sharp edge. Rowan Delaney was resourceful and independent until life starts
to play a game of cat and mouse with her past. Now danger and Detective
Vince Girardi ends up on her door step. Talk about fireworks.Sparks fly in every
direction whenever these two are together. Vince’s no- nonsense take charge
attitude sent Ro into a spiral. She needed a keeper, and he was the right man
for the job. Vince had one hell of a time keeping Ro safe. His dominance took
took over in all its glory. Vince was the entire package. Protective, stern,
dominant, and kinky as hell. It took all his strength and his hard hand to keep Ro safe.
Rowan’s was a painful account of a real woman's battle with submitting.The
pivotal moment came when she stopped struggling with her submission to
Vince and owned it. Oh boy!! Vince was a force to be reckoned with. Intense
was his middle name. Rowan was a spitfire who could calm him and enrage
him equally. She was the one. The gift that he had been waiting for.
I have to say that this book will be marked as one of my must-reads of the year.
I felt when danger lurked, the emotional connection between Ro and Vince
was more explosive. Expect elements of danger, mystery,angst, BDSM, and punishments. The premise was unique, and the writing solid. This is one hell of a captivating story.
story rich in complexity and spirit. Despite my desire to savior it, I read it in one sitting. I was on an adrenaline high from start to finish with the many twists and
turns.
There is a fine line between love and hate, and this couple danced on that sharp edge. Rowan Delaney was resourceful and independent until life starts
to play a game of cat and mouse with her past. Now danger and Detective
Vince Girardi ends up on her door step. Talk about fireworks.Sparks fly in every
direction whenever these two are together. Vince’s no- nonsense take charge
attitude sent Ro into a spiral. She needed a keeper, and he was the right man
for the job. Vince had one hell of a time keeping Ro safe. His dominance took
took over in all its glory. Vince was the entire package. Protective, stern,
dominant, and kinky as hell. It took all his strength and his hard hand to keep Ro safe.
Rowan’s was a painful account of a real woman's battle with submitting.The
pivotal moment came when she stopped struggling with her submission to
Vince and owned it. Oh boy!! Vince was a force to be reckoned with. Intense
was his middle name. Rowan was a spitfire who could calm him and enrage
him equally. She was the one. The gift that he had been waiting for.
I have to say that this book will be marked as one of my must-reads of the year.
I felt when danger lurked, the emotional connection between Ro and Vince
was more explosive. Expect elements of danger, mystery,angst, BDSM, and punishments. The premise was unique, and the writing solid. This is one hell of a captivating story.
August 19, 2021
A great read, a suspenseful and dramatic storyline that has a few unexpected surprises. Rowan is a smart, professional and strong-willed woman who is protective of her two young children. She’s been through a lot due to her husband’s involvement with a Mexican cartel. She is scheduled to testify before the Grand Jury within the week when her neighbor is brutally murdered and she may have been the intended victim.
Police LT. Vince Girardi is a dominant male who sees Rowan and is equally immensely attracted to her and frustrated beyond belief by her actions. His is determined to see her safe on his terms.
These two have an intense chemistry, but Rowan and her two children are in danger. Unexpected events trigger intense reactions and the dynamics between Rowan and Vince keep evolving. Their relationship is volatile and passionate. Vince is determined to obtain Rowan’s submission to him for her safety and utilizes the threat of spankings. Rowan doesn’t backdown from the threat of spankings and continues to push Vince’s buttons and triggers Vince to follow through with his threat more than once.
My interest was quickly captured and never waned until the last word. I found the characters to be vividly depicted and interesting. Both Rowan and Vince have past baggage that trigger them to react in certain ways that don’t always work in their favor. The ongoing battle over superiority in their power battle definitely carried beyond their verbal sparring into some intensely steamy scenes.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Police LT. Vince Girardi is a dominant male who sees Rowan and is equally immensely attracted to her and frustrated beyond belief by her actions. His is determined to see her safe on his terms.
These two have an intense chemistry, but Rowan and her two children are in danger. Unexpected events trigger intense reactions and the dynamics between Rowan and Vince keep evolving. Their relationship is volatile and passionate. Vince is determined to obtain Rowan’s submission to him for her safety and utilizes the threat of spankings. Rowan doesn’t backdown from the threat of spankings and continues to push Vince’s buttons and triggers Vince to follow through with his threat more than once.
My interest was quickly captured and never waned until the last word. I found the characters to be vividly depicted and interesting. Both Rowan and Vince have past baggage that trigger them to react in certain ways that don’t always work in their favor. The ongoing battle over superiority in their power battle definitely carried beyond their verbal sparring into some intensely steamy scenes.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2021
I remember reading this fabulous book years ago when it was call Casa Rosa. I loved it then as I did now, in fact this is the third time I have read it because I had already reread it a year or so later. I love the way Jade Cary writes, her plots are never predictable but clever and engaging. The characters are always well rounded and far from perfect but likeable and in many ways impressive. This story was basically a thriller with kink but the emphasis was always on the plot. The interaction between Vince and Rowan was hot and raunchy but still beautifully written with great compassion and not in any way gratuitous. As a reader I was drawn to the two lovers’ and felt totally invested in their story. Vince is a no-nonsense police lieutenant investigating a murder and Rowan is the neighbour. Vince is a real take charge guy and always needs to be in control, but there are deep seated and solid reasons for his attitude, he is not just a Dom. Rowan is a feisty slightly spoilt but highly intelligent and capable doctor who is used to doing it all on her own. How will these two connect? Now read on, there are no spoilers here, if you haven’t read Casa Rosa, I envy you, you have a real treat, however even though I knew the ending this didn’t spoil my enormous enjoyment reading this book in fact it may have enhanced it because I was able to pickup on certain nuances missed on first reading because I was in such a hurry to see what would happen next. Thanks Jade for a super entertaining read.
August 18, 2021
Updated version of Bella Rosa that is still suspenseful and passionate as the original
I have a long term love of Jade Cary stories and jumped at what I thought was a new book by her in several years. I found that Deep Water is an updated version of Bella Rosa, which is the first book that addicted me to her in the first place.
She has done an awesome job of making the book more current, it was written almost 8 years ago and you don’t realize how much has changed in daily life. The cell phone, language, etc. The story remains the same, telling of a D/s relationship that develops during murder investigation that involves the lead Detective, Vince, and acclaimed hand surgeon and wife of a high level drug cartel, Rowan. It was suspenseful with several twists that keep you engaged.
I liked this story because of the older characters (they are not college or YA), the relationship type (D/S) and the passion expressed on both sides of the relationship. I did find story was not fluid, a bit disjointed. Not sure if this was due to some of the updates or not.
For the genre, this is one of the best stories I have read and would recommend the latest version.
I have a long term love of Jade Cary stories and jumped at what I thought was a new book by her in several years. I found that Deep Water is an updated version of Bella Rosa, which is the first book that addicted me to her in the first place.
She has done an awesome job of making the book more current, it was written almost 8 years ago and you don’t realize how much has changed in daily life. The cell phone, language, etc. The story remains the same, telling of a D/s relationship that develops during murder investigation that involves the lead Detective, Vince, and acclaimed hand surgeon and wife of a high level drug cartel, Rowan. It was suspenseful with several twists that keep you engaged.
I liked this story because of the older characters (they are not college or YA), the relationship type (D/S) and the passion expressed on both sides of the relationship. I did find story was not fluid, a bit disjointed. Not sure if this was due to some of the updates or not.
For the genre, this is one of the best stories I have read and would recommend the latest version.
August 19, 2021
This is Vincent and Rowen’s story. Vince is an alpha police Lieutenant who meets Rowan when he and his partner are investigating the murder of her neighbor, who may have been mistakenly killed when Rowan is the target. Rowan is due to testify before the grand jury shortly and is looking forward to being able to move on with her life with her two children. The chemistry between Vince and Rowan is undeniable, and I loved his interactions with her children. This is a good story which has twists, drama, danger, suspense, tension, witty banter, and leads to a steamy page turner. The only downside in my opinion only, is that I struggled to engage with the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
August 14, 2015
This is a brilliant novel!
It's a crime thriller mixed with romance. Slightly saucy in parts, but not overdone. It's hard to get a clear thread of romance, sex, and suspense woven alongside violence and crime in a thriller, but Cary does this exceptionally well.
I really enjoyed this book, and it had me on the edge of the seat. It's paced so that there is enough space to fill in the gaps with relevant description that leads you feeling as though you're there watching the scenes unfold amongst loved friends, hoping, they all come out- alive.
It's a crime thriller mixed with romance. Slightly saucy in parts, but not overdone. It's hard to get a clear thread of romance, sex, and suspense woven alongside violence and crime in a thriller, but Cary does this exceptionally well.
I really enjoyed this book, and it had me on the edge of the seat. It's paced so that there is enough space to fill in the gaps with relevant description that leads you feeling as though you're there watching the scenes unfold amongst loved friends, hoping, they all come out- alive.
August 10, 2021
Fast paced thriller. While I really enjoyed Vincent’s character, Rowan drove me crazy. Talk about self sabotaging! She had redeeming qualities in being a wonderful mom and doctor, but I disliked her attitude towards people trying to help her and her kids. I did enjoy the suspense and the rapid pace. This book definitely kept me on my toes. The spice was great, especially if you like a submissive/dominant relationship. All in all, this was sexy and suspenseful, perfect for a fun end of summer read.
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 15, 2021
This was a new to me author.
Unfortunately I struggled with this one.
The plot held promise, but for me the characters majorly let it down.
Every time I seemed to think we were finally getting to the good stuff/ the reason I picked up the book in the first place, one of the main characters would do something ridiculous that would ruin it/draw attention away from it.
If the plot had been given the time to shine this could of been a fantastic book (in my opinion).
I did love the kids though, and mostly enjoyed the last few chapters.
Unfortunately I struggled with this one.
The plot held promise, but for me the characters majorly let it down.
Every time I seemed to think we were finally getting to the good stuff/ the reason I picked up the book in the first place, one of the main characters would do something ridiculous that would ruin it/draw attention away from it.
If the plot had been given the time to shine this could of been a fantastic book (in my opinion).
I did love the kids though, and mostly enjoyed the last few chapters.
August 19, 2021
Vince had to protect the wife of a mobster before she testified. Rowan kept her secrets but was drawn to Vince as they spent time together. Rowan was a wonderful mother, doing what she thought was right for her children and herself. Vince tried so hard to not mix business with pleasure, but his heart won out. With danger all around, these two fought to find their way together. I enjoyed this story, though some parts dragged a little, and I would recommend it.
I received a copy of this story through Elle Wood Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Elle Wood Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
August 16, 2021
What a story. The author has crafted a tale of two individuals drawn together by coincidence and lead on a path of twists and turns. The story had some times where the pacing is slow, but overall this is a good story. There were times I wanted to shake both characters for their stubbornness. If you like steamy romance with alpha males, danger and mystery this is a good book for you.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2021
My first story from this author. The blurb pulled me in, I was intrigued enough to give it a go. I am so glad I did. The storyline pulled me in and kept me wanting more. I had so many questions. The twists and turns held enough suspense to keep my mind on edge while the banter between Vince and Rowan kept it just light enough. I don't see this being the last I read from this author. If you're looking for something new, give this one a go.
August 20, 2021
Wow! Talk about a page turner! I couldn’t put it down. The story of Rowan and Vince is intense. Both characters are extremely set in their individual ways, and neither of them have any idea of the danger heading rapidly toward them. When Rowan discovers that her neighbor was murdered in a vicious way, she was extremely nervous. Vince noticed right away. And so begins the tale. Absolutely fantastic! And just enough spice to make it even better.
July 8, 2013
It was an okay book, I finished reading it in 1 day. To me this has the Sins & Needles vibe to it then add a bit of domination and spanking.
The characters were also more mature, the protagonist Rowan is 39 and Vince the male lead is 46. I didn't like it as much as I was hoping tho. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story but hey that's just me.
The characters were also more mature, the protagonist Rowan is 39 and Vince the male lead is 46. I didn't like it as much as I was hoping tho. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story but hey that's just me.
August 17, 2021
Deep Water is a gripping read. There were unexpected twists and turns, surprises, suspense, danger, and I loved the attention to detail. I was enthralled from the beginning till the end. I loved the chemistry and banter between Vince and Rowan and I liked how Vince was so protective of Rowan and her children. A good read from beginning to end and one I recommend you read for yourself.
August 21, 2021
This story was great. Rowan needs protection and Vince is sent to do the job. The chemistry with these two is fantastic. Read this story in one sitting because I kept having to know what would happen next. Vince was also great with Ro’s kids which was great to see. Vince is so protective of her and wants her. She seems to push all his buttons in a good way. Great overall story and read
August 19, 2021
This was my first read from this author and I really enjoyed it. The murder mystery was really intriguing and then the twist with Rowan was something I did not see coming at all. That added a new dimension to the story.
April 18, 2013
Good book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews