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Red Rock #1
Red Rock Rises
A fiery former undercover agent, as tough as she is beautiful.
Fiercely independent, she is the Rock. Few see the vulnerable woman beneath.
No one messes with Red Rock until she meets the handsome Police Chief.
Fiercely independent, she is the Rock. Few see the vulnerable woman beneath.
No one messes with Red Rock until she meets the handsome Police Chief.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2013
17 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Lee
142 books245 followersTaylor Lee is a Best-Selling Author of sexy, romantic suspense stories.
From steamy to sizzling to scorching, Taylor's books introduce hot gals and even hotter guys taking on the evils of the world. As the dangers rage, their passions flare!
From steamy to sizzling to scorching, Taylor's books introduce hot gals and even hotter guys taking on the evils of the world. As the dangers rage, their passions flare!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 31, 2016
Taylor Lee creates an intriguing premise for this book and the series. A female Army major, Jesse O’Connell, retires to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to start her own private security firm. Since her last decade in the military has been served as an undercover black ops field agent, she has the requisite skill set for that type of business. Throw in a secondary plot where her ex-husband is determined to gain sole custody of their teenaged son, and you have the potential for a thrilling action adventure with plenty of emotional overtones.
And “potential” is all you have in this first entry of the Red Rock series. The execution of that story arc has more holes in it than the proverbial Swiss cheese.
It has often been said that the best lies are always grounded in truth, and a work of fiction, by definition, is a glorified “lie.” What makes a fictional novel work is the “truth” embedded into the story. The emotions, the actions, and the reactions of the characters all have to ring true, as must the social, legal and political environments surrounding those characters. And writing that underlying “truth” takes research.
Apparently, Taylor Lee did absolutely no research into the workings of private security firms, gun registration laws, child custody laws, or police and court procedures. Or, if she did, she chose to ignore those “truths” in hopes of making more potent and dramatic scenes.
For example we find our heroine, her client and his other bodyguard inside a police interview room carrying at least 7 guns and knives between them. Our heroine’s son is arrested on a felony, and in less than 8 hours is sentenced to probation, all without Miranda, a defense attorney, a prosecuting attorney or a judge. Our heroine is found to have no concealed gun permit for her business and is also given probation without benefit of attorney or judge. And the heroine’s ex-husband moves their child across state lines without permission, which is a Federal offense, but is not charged.
Now, ignoring a point of fact here or there is usually defended as “artistic license.” However, rewriting some of the most prominent points of the legal code for the sake of portraying emotional angst or producing dramatic physical action is another thing altogether. And, on a petty point, there is absolutely no excuse for misidentifying Ford multiple times as the manufacturer of the Police Chief’s Tundra pickup.
Whether these are mistakes or deliberate oversights, the result is the same. Since all these incidents happen in the first 25% of the book, it really makes you want to cut your losses and DNF the entry. But since I have known more than a few authors to get a rough start to a novel but smooth it out to a really enjoyable read later in the work, I persisted.
What my persistence led me to was multiple editing errors and page after page of character angst and anger. It also led to lengthy scenes of gratuitous and crude erotica that the author was trying to advertise as sexy romantic suspense.
Now while I am no prude, I really didn’t see anything sexy or romantic in the scenes where our hero is verbally vulgar and obscene. I saw nothing sexy and romantic in the restaurant-and-panties scene (you’ll recognize it when you read it). And I certainly saw no redeeming romantic value when our hero – the Chief of Police, no less – puts pictures of their sexual acts on his telephone. Those scenes just came across as ethically and legally offensive and left me feeling slimy.
Fortunately, I received this book at no cost.
And “potential” is all you have in this first entry of the Red Rock series. The execution of that story arc has more holes in it than the proverbial Swiss cheese.
It has often been said that the best lies are always grounded in truth, and a work of fiction, by definition, is a glorified “lie.” What makes a fictional novel work is the “truth” embedded into the story. The emotions, the actions, and the reactions of the characters all have to ring true, as must the social, legal and political environments surrounding those characters. And writing that underlying “truth” takes research.
Apparently, Taylor Lee did absolutely no research into the workings of private security firms, gun registration laws, child custody laws, or police and court procedures. Or, if she did, she chose to ignore those “truths” in hopes of making more potent and dramatic scenes.
For example we find our heroine, her client and his other bodyguard inside a police interview room carrying at least 7 guns and knives between them. Our heroine’s son is arrested on a felony, and in less than 8 hours is sentenced to probation, all without Miranda, a defense attorney, a prosecuting attorney or a judge. Our heroine is found to have no concealed gun permit for her business and is also given probation without benefit of attorney or judge. And the heroine’s ex-husband moves their child across state lines without permission, which is a Federal offense, but is not charged.
Now, ignoring a point of fact here or there is usually defended as “artistic license.” However, rewriting some of the most prominent points of the legal code for the sake of portraying emotional angst or producing dramatic physical action is another thing altogether. And, on a petty point, there is absolutely no excuse for misidentifying Ford multiple times as the manufacturer of the Police Chief’s Tundra pickup.
Whether these are mistakes or deliberate oversights, the result is the same. Since all these incidents happen in the first 25% of the book, it really makes you want to cut your losses and DNF the entry. But since I have known more than a few authors to get a rough start to a novel but smooth it out to a really enjoyable read later in the work, I persisted.
What my persistence led me to was multiple editing errors and page after page of character angst and anger. It also led to lengthy scenes of gratuitous and crude erotica that the author was trying to advertise as sexy romantic suspense.
Now while I am no prude, I really didn’t see anything sexy or romantic in the scenes where our hero is verbally vulgar and obscene. I saw nothing sexy and romantic in the restaurant-and-panties scene (you’ll recognize it when you read it). And I certainly saw no redeeming romantic value when our hero – the Chief of Police, no less – puts pictures of their sexual acts on his telephone. Those scenes just came across as ethically and legally offensive and left me feeling slimy.
Fortunately, I received this book at no cost.
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August 15, 2018
I loved this story!!
This is the first book of the series. Dameon is prior military, currently police chief. Jesse is prior military, starting over in the protection business. Together they are combustible and I am routing for them. This is a must read, get your copy today.
This is the first book of the series. Dameon is prior military, currently police chief. Jesse is prior military, starting over in the protection business. Together they are combustible and I am routing for them. This is a must read, get your copy today.
July 25, 2013
This was great sexy, suspenseful romance with women who can hold their own against the bad guys and the sexy alpha males who fall in love with them.
Red Rock" is the nickname for Special Ops Agent, Major Jesse O'Donnell given to her by her male Army peers. A highly decorated, tough-as-nails red head, who was at the top of her career, until an unfortunate incident forces her to leave the military. Then you have Police Chief, Dameon (Code name Wolf) a very strong, yet very compassionate, intelligent, sexy by the book alpha.
They are perfect for each other.Family, friendship,helping teens in need , it has it all to make this story pop.
The author does a brilliant job with character development and drawing you into Jesse and Dameon lives, and their hearts. A vicious custody fight and an attempt on Jesse's life will send you on an intense ride. The push and pull between Jesse and Dameon will have you laughing and falling in love. Their separation will crush your heart. The ending will have you begging for more.
If you love the military special ops/Police angle - You won't be disappointed with this book.
Red Rock" is the nickname for Special Ops Agent, Major Jesse O'Donnell given to her by her male Army peers. A highly decorated, tough-as-nails red head, who was at the top of her career, until an unfortunate incident forces her to leave the military. Then you have Police Chief, Dameon (Code name Wolf) a very strong, yet very compassionate, intelligent, sexy by the book alpha.
They are perfect for each other.Family, friendship,helping teens in need , it has it all to make this story pop.
The author does a brilliant job with character development and drawing you into Jesse and Dameon lives, and their hearts. A vicious custody fight and an attempt on Jesse's life will send you on an intense ride. The push and pull between Jesse and Dameon will have you laughing and falling in love. Their separation will crush your heart. The ending will have you begging for more.
If you love the military special ops/Police angle - You won't be disappointed with this book.
July 13, 2014
Red Rock Rises (The Red Rock Series, Book 1) by Taylor Lee
Nanee's Review:
Love these characters. Especially Jesse wow! She's a kick ass bad ass, sweet, shy and vulnerable women who always relied on herself. Wolf is tough as nails, bad ass, sexy as hell (swoon) and so amazing in every sense, I loved the basketball and what Wolf does for his community. These two characters are so hot together, scorchingly hot. Love Trey too, he's a awesome kid, shy and sweet and loves his mom. I wanted to slap "the Dr"..lol..This story was amazingly written, action packed, sexy as hell, WTF moments and holy shit moments are everywhere. Wow! Loved this story from start to finish, can't wait to read more by this author.This story has it all, love, sadness, kick ass moments and happiness. Oh yeh and I loved Sean too, I think he did the best he could with Jesse and they both obviously love each other, I think she's a kick butt mom.. I want more..lol..My Favorite in this box set...5 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
April 30, 2015
If you are looking for an action packed romance with a very hot alpha male and an equally hot alpha female, then read Red Rock Rises. Jesse O'Donnell, an ex-Army Special Ops Ranger and Major is retired, living with her son in a new town and starting a new business as a bodyguard. Dameon Macarios, aka as Wolf or Chief is the Chief of Police that see her and appreciates her accomplishments but also see the woman under the independent, tough and sexy ex-Ranger.
The actions starts with bullets flying and continues through arrests, her son getting into trouble, break-ins, threats, nasty court battles until Jesse comes to her senses. Red Rock Rises is action packed, full of action where the good guys come out on top and the romance is as hot as the action; it really sizzles and is explosive to match the personalities of the two main characters, Red Rock & the Wolf.
The actions starts with bullets flying and continues through arrests, her son getting into trouble, break-ins, threats, nasty court battles until Jesse comes to her senses. Red Rock Rises is action packed, full of action where the good guys come out on top and the romance is as hot as the action; it really sizzles and is explosive to match the personalities of the two main characters, Red Rock & the Wolf.
July 14, 2014
Another new series for me to follow! I zoomed through this one in less than a day. It was full of action and suspense, mystery and a really hot romance!
I really loved Jesse. She's a very strong woman but also has feelings and shows them. At some points she could be very emotional but it was understandable with all that she's been through. She left the Army to try and get her son and facing past demons.
Dameon or Wolf as he is known is definitely swoon worthy material. Very alpha male. He's just all together a great guy. I loved the tension and chemistry between him and Jesse. I couldn't wait for them to get their HEA.I liked how they built their relationship. It was very much a slow burn.
This was very well written. I really felt for the characters. It was a great story and start to the series.
I really loved Jesse. She's a very strong woman but also has feelings and shows them. At some points she could be very emotional but it was understandable with all that she's been through. She left the Army to try and get her son and facing past demons.
Dameon or Wolf as he is known is definitely swoon worthy material. Very alpha male. He's just all together a great guy. I loved the tension and chemistry between him and Jesse. I couldn't wait for them to get their HEA.I liked how they built their relationship. It was very much a slow burn.
This was very well written. I really felt for the characters. It was a great story and start to the series.
November 18, 2013
This book has it all
What a wonderful surprised! I loved this read. It has all the elements for an incredible series. A badass heroine. Fast paced suspenful plot. Sexy alpha male. And lots of passion!!! Even the side characters were strong. Impressive read! I look forward to checking out more of Taylor Lee's work.
My only complaint (which has nothing to do with the actual book, only the way it's being sold) is that I paid $.99 for this book and decided since I enjoyed it so much that I would go ahead and get book 2. Which I paid $2.99 for. Then this morning, I see the entire series (even the book not yet released) are available on Amazon for $3.99 TOTAL. I may see about getting a refund for the first 2 and just buy the series. Not sure how all that works.
What a wonderful surprised! I loved this read. It has all the elements for an incredible series. A badass heroine. Fast paced suspenful plot. Sexy alpha male. And lots of passion!!! Even the side characters were strong. Impressive read! I look forward to checking out more of Taylor Lee's work.
My only complaint (which has nothing to do with the actual book, only the way it's being sold) is that I paid $.99 for this book and decided since I enjoyed it so much that I would go ahead and get book 2. Which I paid $2.99 for. Then this morning, I see the entire series (even the book not yet released) are available on Amazon for $3.99 TOTAL. I may see about getting a refund for the first 2 and just buy the series. Not sure how all that works.
July 25, 2013
When Jessie leaves the army she starts a new business in a new town so that she can spend more time with her son. Her introduction to the local police chief could not have been worse. Her client is connected with the local mafia. Add in a vindictive ex husband who is determind to take her son from her.The only person she can trust is herself.
This is hot romance strictly for adults. The first book of what I know will be an exciting series. There is a prequel to introduce you to exactly how tough Jessie is, but you can enjoy this on it's own.
This is hot romance strictly for adults. The first book of what I know will be an exciting series. There is a prequel to introduce you to exactly how tough Jessie is, but you can enjoy this on it's own.
July 27, 2013
I was a little disappointed with this book. I have read several by this author and have loved them but this one just didn't fit right. It was a great story line and I enjoyed that part a lot. The part that turned me off and had me skimming most pages was the dirty talk, it seemed a little cheesy at points. I know it was fiction and I know most work of fiction is not meant to be real like, but this was just to over-the-top for sexual talk. I like Taylor Lee as an author and maybe when the second book comes out in the series it will be toned down and blend better.
August 6, 2013
Red Rock is the perfect code name for Jesse. She had to deal with so much during her service, then she has to deal with more crap that had her leave the service, yet she survived it all. Daemon lived through some hell of his own, including hell that Jesse gave him! This was a book that I had to read from start to finish in one setting, it just dragged me in. I will be going to Taylor's website and signing up for her newsletter so I can be sure to get red rock book 2 because the excerpt has me on pins and needles already!
December 27, 2013
There was absolutely too much crying in this book. For someone that was supposed to be such a badass she cried too much for me. I mean really too much crying. I understand that she was a woman but the crying was over the top.... But besides that this was a pretty solid book. Good explosive characters (when she wasn't crying), great chemistry and good action. I do think that the plot line at the end could have been better as it was pretty anticlimactic compared to other parts of the story but it did accomplish it's purpose and got Jesse and Dameon together. 3 solid stars...
November 25, 2013
Really enjoyable suspenseful contemporary romance, a great page turner, if you like a full on alpha make, who says what he thinks, takes what he wants, this is the BBF for you!, Dameon is it, I found him a bit to arrogant, but hey he's an alpha, what do you expect!, Jesse was a brilliant character so strong but so vulnerable and full of pride much to her detriment, Dameon is perfect to show her how to trust again, great story which leads onto more books in the series.enjoy!
March 13, 2014
a teen caught in a custody battle acts out. the concerned mother is confused about her feelings for the chief of police who sorts out her son's mess. further intrigue when her military record is used to provide she was a prostitute instead of the sexual lire in a special ops team on missions for national security...she, after a lifetime of betrayals, finally learns to trust, fall in love and clear her name plus avoid assassination ...
September 1, 2015
Red Hot Rises is a love story. An ex-special ops officer is fighting for custody of her son, working hard to start a private protection agency and the local chief of police starts helping her by putting her under arrest. The action continues as he tries to make it up to her in this exciting love story.
January 7, 2015
3.5 stars. This was a good read with truly interesting characters. It was not at all what I expected, in a good way. The dialogue was a miss for me though. Any time things turned sexy, the dialogue seemed more like an author's perspective than true to the characters. I'm intrigued enough to check out the series.
April 17, 2014
Sexy, feisty, independent woman gets seriously sexually wooed by a hot Police Chief who takes no prisoners and refuses to let her slip from his grasp. sex scenes at its finest. sleepless nights guaranteed!
July 26, 2013
Kinda boring but got good in the end
September 13, 2013
Another hit from Taylor Lee....need to hurry up with the next installment
October 18, 2013
I'm bored with this. 20% in, and I feel NOTHING for either character. Think this is a DNF, and I'll move on to something I can't put down! What a disappointment
February 9, 2014
I love all of Taylor Lee's books. If I want to get away from stress etc. I reach for her books and slip away into Neverland.
Tama
Tama
July 20, 2016
Great blend of suspense, action, and emotionally charged sexy romance with a hint of family drama mixed in -- all the makings of a perfectly entertaining book!
February 10, 2014
Not too bad for a freebie.
April 12, 2014
A good suspenseful, action packed romance that had me turning pages just to see what happens next. The characters are strong, yet had a vulnerable side to them.
July 10, 2014
One of the best books I have read all year - exceptional find - please read - you'll love it
July 14, 2014
Love this kick-ass heroine. I immediately downloaded the entire collection after reading book 1.
August 11, 2014
Interesting but not very suspenseful. and I don't get it how a woman who spent 10 years on special operations in Iraq and Afghanistan can be so shy, anxious and insecure.
August 8, 2014
New author. Good book. Sex stuff took one star off.
April 9, 2015
Loved this series. This series was my introduction to Taylor Lee books. Love how she writes about strong women and the even stronger men in their lives that appreciate them for their strength.
January 10, 2017
This is the 2nd book I read by Taylor Lee. I liked the hot & steamy scenes & some of the dialog was funny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews