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Phoenix, Ltd #1
Unwritten Rules
Things aren’t going Madelyn Li’s way. Her bodyguard agency is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, her grandmother keeps hatching plots to marry her off, and someone is trying to kill her latest client. All she wants is to safely escort thriller writer and former CIA agent Carter Devlin on his cross country book tour and collect her check, but two obstacles stand in her way: a shadowy assailant and her growing attraction to her dashing client.
Carter Devlin has agreed to accept the beautiful and determined Ms. Li as a bodyguard primarily to appease his publisher. After all, who would want to kill a beat-up, retired ex-spy on a book tour? But when the attacks turn deadly, he soon learns there’s more to Madelyn than a pretty face and tempting body. Will the spark become a flame before a killer snuffs it out?
Carter Devlin has agreed to accept the beautiful and determined Ms. Li as a bodyguard primarily to appease his publisher. After all, who would want to kill a beat-up, retired ex-spy on a book tour? But when the attacks turn deadly, he soon learns there’s more to Madelyn than a pretty face and tempting body. Will the spark become a flame before a killer snuffs it out?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2013
219 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Alison Henderson
15 books72 followersI grew up in Kansas City on the edge of the prairie. Like any good pioneer, I’ve always been intrigued by new places and experiences. I went off to New York to study art history at Vassar College, and by the time I was twenty-one I had traveled the world from Japan to Tunisia. Little did I know I was collecting material for future stories!
Unlike many writers, I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to write, but I’ve always been an avid reader and eventually decided to try my hand at writing the kind of stories I loved. I was quickly hooked on the creative process.
I recently retired after a long career in business and moved with my husband to the glorious Central Coast region of California. If we ever get homesick for the Midwest, we can hop on a plane and visit our daughter in Chicago.
Unlike many writers, I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to write, but I’ve always been an avid reader and eventually decided to try my hand at writing the kind of stories I loved. I was quickly hooked on the creative process.
I recently retired after a long career in business and moved with my husband to the glorious Central Coast region of California. If we ever get homesick for the Midwest, we can hop on a plane and visit our daughter in Chicago.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 12, 2021
I’ve read this series out of order, but no worry. They stand on their own just fine. I’m just sorry I waited so long to read this one. The premise is unique—a petite female body guard protecting a CIA agent turned author. At times, it seems he should be protecting her, but you can’t sell her short. He’s into her before she finally feels the attraction. There is plenty of suspense and a growing romance to keep you reading.
February 15, 2014
Ms. Henderson builds up dramatic suspense along with mountains of romantic insecurity!
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
May 17, 2020
Been trying to find a new author to read to pass this downtime and came across Alison. This book was the thrill and story line I needed for a great read. I liked that it was a romance but not all in your face with to many details. Great balance of mystery and romance.
January 8, 2020
I had not read anything by this author, but the story sounded interesting so I borrowed it through my Kindle Unlimited. I enjoyed the story and the characters and look forward to the next book in the series. Madelyn Li, former FBI Agent, now owns Phoenix Ltd., a personal protection agency. She is hired to protect Carter Devlin, former CIA Agent, during his upcoming book tour. His publisher has received threats that become more serious as the tour begins. Carter doesn’t hide his attraction to Madelyn, while she is all business. Can she remain immune to his advances while trying to save his life? A fun and engaging story with humor and action. (by paytonpuppy)
February 12, 2018
Henderson/unwritten rules
This is the first time I've read a book from this author, it was very well written, full of intrigue and mystery from start to finish. If you like a good mystery with some thriller and a young woman who use to be FBI, opening up her own security firm, then add ex CIA, name Carter, who turned writer. His agent seemed to think he needs a bodyguard, because of threats, you've got a good story. I could not put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
This is the first time I've read a book from this author, it was very well written, full of intrigue and mystery from start to finish. If you like a good mystery with some thriller and a young woman who use to be FBI, opening up her own security firm, then add ex CIA, name Carter, who turned writer. His agent seemed to think he needs a bodyguard, because of threats, you've got a good story. I could not put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
February 3, 2018
Fabulous!
Cleverly written and fast paced, this is definitely a keeper. Looking forward to the next story in the series. Henderson is brilliant.
Cleverly written and fast paced, this is definitely a keeper. Looking forward to the next story in the series. Henderson is brilliant.
October 15, 2013
When private security agent Madelyn Li accepts the task of protecting her sexy neighbor, Carter Devlin on his book tour, she expects the biggest challenge to be babysitting his ego. But in Alison Henderson’s Unwritten Rules, Madelyn gets more than she bargained for. Someone is out to kill the former CIA operative who is now her client. As they travel across the country promoting Carter’s spy thriller, the stakes escalate making Madelyn wonder if her interest in protecting her client’s body is more professional or personal.
Henderson knows how to ramp up the tension. The last fifty pages left my heart pounding – no spoilers here, but because I’d grown to care for the characters over the course of the book, I was worried for them and had to know how Madelyn and Carter resolved their situation. Henderson is a top notch writer and I admire how she incorporated the novel’s many settings (Chicago, Washington DC, A Texas Ranch & Coastal California) into the action in a way reminiscent of the Jason Bourne series. The humor in Unwritten Rules both surprised and pleased me. I loved the witty banter and moments of levity. Henderson has a keen ear for dialogue. This may have been the first book I read by Alison Henderson, but it won’t be the last.
I received an ARC of Unwritten Rules from the author in exchange for an honest review and I'm so glad I did.
Henderson knows how to ramp up the tension. The last fifty pages left my heart pounding – no spoilers here, but because I’d grown to care for the characters over the course of the book, I was worried for them and had to know how Madelyn and Carter resolved their situation. Henderson is a top notch writer and I admire how she incorporated the novel’s many settings (Chicago, Washington DC, A Texas Ranch & Coastal California) into the action in a way reminiscent of the Jason Bourne series. The humor in Unwritten Rules both surprised and pleased me. I loved the witty banter and moments of levity. Henderson has a keen ear for dialogue. This may have been the first book I read by Alison Henderson, but it won’t be the last.
I received an ARC of Unwritten Rules from the author in exchange for an honest review and I'm so glad I did.
November 11, 2013
Madelyn Li is ex-FBI, present security agent, mostly a good granddaughter, and on the lookout for trouble 24/7. So when Carter Devlin walks into her office all the bells of trouble times twenty go off for her. He may be just a writer now but his secretative CIA past is something you never let go of. His agent is hiring Madelyn to protect Carter from someone who believes Carter’s latest book is going to uncover something even Carter is unaware exists.
As the book tour goes along there are multiple attempts to warn Carter off and thankfully Madelyn is at the top of her game to keep him from harm. While Carter and his agent are wining and dining with the elite in political world Madelyn makes sure nothing is going to interfere with his staying alive. But the warning shots become more aggressive and Carter tries very hard to figure out what it is he knows that someone is so afraid he will reveal.
As Carter and Madelyn move from city to city the tension between them escalates into a less than formal client and employee relationship. Carter is charming and very romantic but Madelyn is not sold entirely on his motives. Madelyn wants to believe that maybe this time she has landed a real love but before she can explore that there are lives in danger and a mystery to solve.
Another fast paced, keeping reading, and stay on your toes adventure from Alison Henderson
As the book tour goes along there are multiple attempts to warn Carter off and thankfully Madelyn is at the top of her game to keep him from harm. While Carter and his agent are wining and dining with the elite in political world Madelyn makes sure nothing is going to interfere with his staying alive. But the warning shots become more aggressive and Carter tries very hard to figure out what it is he knows that someone is so afraid he will reveal.
As Carter and Madelyn move from city to city the tension between them escalates into a less than formal client and employee relationship. Carter is charming and very romantic but Madelyn is not sold entirely on his motives. Madelyn wants to believe that maybe this time she has landed a real love but before she can explore that there are lives in danger and a mystery to solve.
Another fast paced, keeping reading, and stay on your toes adventure from Alison Henderson
January 24, 2014
Once I started, I couldn't put this book down! Carter is receiving threats so Madelyn is hired as his bodyguard for his book tour. Carter isn't concerned about the threats and can take care of himself, but he is fascinated by Madelyn and wants to get to know her better. As the threats increase in severity, Madelyn and Carter grow closer trying to figure out who is behind the threats and why.
Carter and Madelyn were both strong characters, and I loved the dynamic between them. Each carried their own weight and were a perfect match for each other. This book kept me hooked and I was sad when it was over. I hope this author continues in the contemporary romance genre!
Carter and Madelyn were both strong characters, and I loved the dynamic between them. Each carried their own weight and were a perfect match for each other. This book kept me hooked and I was sad when it was over. I hope this author continues in the contemporary romance genre!
September 1, 2013
I was very impressed with this book. It's a smooth, fast paced story full of action. The characters are different, realistic and entertaining. The author does an excellent job of portraying multiple settings and keeps the suspense moving as the reader travels across the country with the characters. A terrific read!
December 17, 2013
Great book! I could'nt put it down! The story is fast paced and thrilling. Also, this book is the proof that you don't need to have a sex scene every two pages to make an excellent romance.
This book was a freebie on Amazon and I liked really much, so I bought 3 other books from Alison Henderson.
:)
This book was a freebie on Amazon and I liked really much, so I bought 3 other books from Alison Henderson.
:)
September 23, 2016
Cookbook cuuttee!!!! Loved it!!
There was action, angst, comedy, love, and some good ole fighting/life and death situations. The characters I loved. They were both strong, intelligent individuals who just work together. There love is to cuuttee!!!! Loved this book!!!!
There was action, angst, comedy, love, and some good ole fighting/life and death situations. The characters I loved. They were both strong, intelligent individuals who just work together. There love is to cuuttee!!!! Loved this book!!!!
December 12, 2013
Excellent story! PI ends up protecting an author, who turns out to be her neighbor, on book tour, but someone's trying to kill him! Who could it be and why?
July 15, 2014
Great story. Lots of suspense. Love the match-making grandma.
September 26, 2023
4.3 Stars.
I like the plot and the main couple, but I think Madelyn is too much uptight, she should let herself be more free. About Carter, I know that he cared a lot about Selima, but she was his lover or just a friend and worked in the same field? He thought he lost one side of him after he lose her but it was the survival guilty or more than that, and he got back his side after he met Madelyn. What kind of side? The love or the love to livve the life?
He certainly went after Madelyn, he knew he was very attracted to her and want a relationship with her, but it was always annoying when you just realized the extent of the feelings after you almost lost her. But the significance of her in his life in that time showed that he loved her, but later when the villains caught his mother and grandmother, it's like they are the only two most important persons in his life, he clearly stated this in his mind, what about Madelyn, is she not so important to be among them? It seems to diminish his love for Madelyn or his not that great either. Another thing that bothered me, as a woman in love, after they got back, he lived across her hall and didn't even bother to show up even for half hour in 5 days? Sorry, I would be pissed off and would not forgive him so easily after that half statement about his feelings. He sure can survive without seeing her.
And the villains are too stupid, if they stayed quiet nothing would have happened to them and maybe they could reach their goal, although the woman was a crazy nut.
I like the plot and the main couple, but I think Madelyn is too much uptight, she should let herself be more free. About Carter, I know that he cared a lot about Selima, but she was his lover or just a friend and worked in the same field? He thought he lost one side of him after he lose her but it was the survival guilty or more than that, and he got back his side after he met Madelyn. What kind of side? The love or the love to livve the life?
He certainly went after Madelyn, he knew he was very attracted to her and want a relationship with her, but it was always annoying when you just realized the extent of the feelings after you almost lost her. But the significance of her in his life in that time showed that he loved her, but later when the villains caught his mother and grandmother, it's like they are the only two most important persons in his life, he clearly stated this in his mind, what about Madelyn, is she not so important to be among them? It seems to diminish his love for Madelyn or his not that great either. Another thing that bothered me, as a woman in love, after they got back, he lived across her hall and didn't even bother to show up even for half hour in 5 days? Sorry, I would be pissed off and would not forgive him so easily after that half statement about his feelings. He sure can survive without seeing her.
And the villains are too stupid, if they stayed quiet nothing would have happened to them and maybe they could reach their goal, although the woman was a crazy nut.
December 26, 2017
Thrilling Whodunnit!
An intriguing plot to a new series. Madelyn Li, former FBI agent, currently owner of a bodyguard agency, is hired to provide protection to Carter Devil, ex-CIA spy turned writer. As Devlin & Li traipse around the country on a 1 month book tour, they find themselves constantly on the edge as they dodge one attack after another. As Li tries desperately to keep her charge safe, sparks fly between them. It was a fun read full of suspense & a satisfying conclusion!
An intriguing plot to a new series. Madelyn Li, former FBI agent, currently owner of a bodyguard agency, is hired to provide protection to Carter Devil, ex-CIA spy turned writer. As Devlin & Li traipse around the country on a 1 month book tour, they find themselves constantly on the edge as they dodge one attack after another. As Li tries desperately to keep her charge safe, sparks fly between them. It was a fun read full of suspense & a satisfying conclusion!
March 3, 2023
unwritten rules by Alison Henderson
The cover drew my attention and the first few pages had me captivated. I always enjoy finding a new less known author, especially when they are as talented as Ms.Henderson. The story is light hearted and makes reading fun and interesting. It’s a novel with sex and mystery and Ms.Henderson didn’t need expletives to fill her pages. I hope her next books won’t disappoint me.
Reviewed by Heide Katros, Winter Haven News, Florida
The cover drew my attention and the first few pages had me captivated. I always enjoy finding a new less known author, especially when they are as talented as Ms.Henderson. The story is light hearted and makes reading fun and interesting. It’s a novel with sex and mystery and Ms.Henderson didn’t need expletives to fill her pages. I hope her next books won’t disappoint me.
Reviewed by Heide Katros, Winter Haven News, Florida
April 23, 2018
If you are a looking for a light romance, this will probably do it for you. As a romantic suspense novel, I don't think it ever really came together. The plot never seemed believable. The female protagonist becomes romantically involved with her client, no conflict of interest there, and my favorite character was the publicist, not the leads.
September 20, 2018
I found this to be an enjoyable read that was just plain fun! The grandmothers were just adorable and the Herman made you smile with his enthusiasm. If this were a movie I would class it a romantic comedy as the bad guys were sort of like the Keystone Cops. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
July 9, 2018
Poor research
While the story itself is okay, there are too many things wrong with the believability of the characters. Next time maybe someone should proofread who works in a law enforcement field.
While the story itself is okay, there are too many things wrong with the believability of the characters. Next time maybe someone should proofread who works in a law enforcement field.
October 8, 2018
Delightful
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. This was my first time read a book from this author, and I loved everything about this book. Great plot, interesting characters and funny dialogue. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. This was my first time read a book from this author, and I loved everything about this book. Great plot, interesting characters and funny dialogue. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
February 20, 2020
Fun and lighthearted
Enjoyable series. The day will go quickly when you are reading or listening to this series. I find myself smiling while reading.
Enjoyable series. The day will go quickly when you are reading or listening to this series. I find myself smiling while reading.
May 18, 2020
Not a cliffhanger
May 19, 2021
Surprisingly Good Read
I enjoy reading new authors and this book doesn’t disappoint. Great characters with a believable story. A quick fun read.
I enjoy reading new authors and this book doesn’t disappoint. Great characters with a believable story. A quick fun read.
August 22, 2014
Finally a romance book without all the "TMI" in the bedroom! I figured out who the bad guy pretty early but it was still good. 3.5 to 4 stars
November 29, 2013
More of a 3.5, but I am skimpy on my stars! Would enjoy another novel with these characters.
Read
December 6, 2018ok book kept me guessing for a while.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews