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Bounty
Abby Williams has got it made: First a new job as magazine editor in London, and now a trip to an exotic island to review a five-star resort with poolside service. Unfortunately, on day two of her vacation, Abby finds herself bound and stuffed into a burlap bag and dragged across two continents. And worse than that? Her hottie abductor has got her distracted. Maybe escape is overrated.
Iain Brodie is a muscle-bound mercenary. He just helped a despotic dictator take over an island. He's also Abby's kidnapper, and he has his own problems. Framed for a murder he didn't commit and a boss who’s out to get him, he has to face facts: Early retirement is out of the question and Abby Williams looks damned good in a burlap bag.
Elise Sax delivers another hilarious page-turner, filled with adventure, murder, mayhem, and love. BOUNTY is a sexy, wild ride.
Iain Brodie is a muscle-bound mercenary. He just helped a despotic dictator take over an island. He's also Abby's kidnapper, and he has his own problems. Framed for a murder he didn't commit and a boss who’s out to get him, he has to face facts: Early retirement is out of the question and Abby Williams looks damned good in a burlap bag.
Elise Sax delivers another hilarious page-turner, filled with adventure, murder, mayhem, and love. BOUNTY is a sexy, wild ride.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2013
315 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Elise Sax
86 books911 followersElise Sax worked as a journalist for fifteen years, mostly in Paris, France. She took a detour from journalism and became a private investigator before trying her hand at writing fiction. She lives in Southern California with her two sons. An Affair to Dismember is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
October 17, 2020
Journalist Abby Williams has it made. Her new job with London's High Life magazine is sending her to a tropical island to report on a luxury hotel. She'll spend her days by the pool, drinking daiquiris, eating five-star meals, and soaking up the sun on the magazine's dime. Or maybe she'll just be kidnapped, transported to Chechnya, and sold off as a bride to a geriatric psychopath. So much for that dream assignment.
Iain Brodie is only interested in two things -- the money he'll get for delivering Abby to Chechnya, and getting her to shut up. He's got bigger problems, like being framed for a high-profile murder he didn't commit and keeping alert while his former comrades turn against him. But while any other woman in Abby's situation would turn into an emotional mess, she challenges his every move and keeps him guessing. And she looks damned good, even when she's been through hell.
Abby does more than take things in stride. She's not about to just lie down and accept this crazy fate; she's going to figure out an escape, even if it means running through a forest minefield with the sexy as sin man who kidnapped her in the first place.
Drunk men in kilts who set themselves on fire and persistent South African stalkers are no match for her, though, especially when she falls head over heels for her mercenary kidnapper, a man who can't talk her into staying safe while he tries to figure out who's behind the attempts on his life. What follows is an insane adventure, filled with mishaps, mysteries, double-crossing, and some sexy times with her gorgeous kidnapper.
OMG, Love love LOVE this book! I've already read it three times now, and I'm going back for more. It's that good! This might just be the craziest story I've ever read, and I loved every hilarious second of it, from Abby's insane escape attempts to the best character EVER, her mother. Abby's nutty observations and refusal to be meek made for some truly laugh-out-loud moments, and Iain is beyond swoon-worthy. I can't wrap my head around how a story can straddle ridiculous hilarity and erotic hotness all at once, but Bounty certainly does that. Unfortunately, my word power is too limited to explain the incredible awesomeness of this book, so you'll just have to take my word for it. If you like your romance with a heaping side of adventure and a big daub of fun, Bounty is a keeper. And I'm off to get my hands on everything else Elise Sax has ever written.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Iain Brodie is only interested in two things -- the money he'll get for delivering Abby to Chechnya, and getting her to shut up. He's got bigger problems, like being framed for a high-profile murder he didn't commit and keeping alert while his former comrades turn against him. But while any other woman in Abby's situation would turn into an emotional mess, she challenges his every move and keeps him guessing. And she looks damned good, even when she's been through hell.
Abby does more than take things in stride. She's not about to just lie down and accept this crazy fate; she's going to figure out an escape, even if it means running through a forest minefield with the sexy as sin man who kidnapped her in the first place.
I leapt into midair and landed on him, wrapping my limbs around his waist, holding on for dear life.
"I will not go on the plane. I will crush you with the power of my limbs," I announced. What was I saying? I was going crazy and powerless to stop myself. "Now take me home, or I will be forced to do you harm," I continued, my voice doing its best Darth Vadar impression.
Drunk men in kilts who set themselves on fire and persistent South African stalkers are no match for her, though, especially when she falls head over heels for her mercenary kidnapper, a man who can't talk her into staying safe while he tries to figure out who's behind the attempts on his life. What follows is an insane adventure, filled with mishaps, mysteries, double-crossing, and some sexy times with her gorgeous kidnapper.
OMG, Love love LOVE this book! I've already read it three times now, and I'm going back for more. It's that good! This might just be the craziest story I've ever read, and I loved every hilarious second of it, from Abby's insane escape attempts to the best character EVER, her mother. Abby's nutty observations and refusal to be meek made for some truly laugh-out-loud moments, and Iain is beyond swoon-worthy. I can't wrap my head around how a story can straddle ridiculous hilarity and erotic hotness all at once, but Bounty certainly does that. Unfortunately, my word power is too limited to explain the incredible awesomeness of this book, so you'll just have to take my word for it. If you like your romance with a heaping side of adventure and a big daub of fun, Bounty is a keeper. And I'm off to get my hands on everything else Elise Sax has ever written.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2014
Bounty reminded me of the classic adventure movies of the 1980′s, like Romancing the Stone or Indiana Jones. It’s full of adventure, suspense, action, romance (with enjoyable doses of sexual tension), and humour. Bounty does all of these things well but it is the humour that hooked me and wouldn’t let go. Of all the (many) first chapters I have read throughout my bibliophile life, Chapter One of Bounty is one of the most funny and memorable: “A is for…” (I won’t ruin it for you, you’ll just have to read it).
Abby is a likeable leading lady. She’s feisty and vivacious, which is essential to a good romantic adventure novel–but most of all she’s funny. She’s the classic open her mouth and think later type, talking her way out of dangerous situations. Contrasted against the impenetrable, strong silent type, Brody, they make for a very intriguing pair.
There is more to like about this story than romance and the characters. The plot is well thought out, taking us from Africa, to Eastern Europe, England and New York, never letting go once it has you in its grip. Most of all this book is fun. Perfect ‘escape from reality’ fiction guaranteed to leave you with a big smile on your face.
*I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Abby is a likeable leading lady. She’s feisty and vivacious, which is essential to a good romantic adventure novel–but most of all she’s funny. She’s the classic open her mouth and think later type, talking her way out of dangerous situations. Contrasted against the impenetrable, strong silent type, Brody, they make for a very intriguing pair.
There is more to like about this story than romance and the characters. The plot is well thought out, taking us from Africa, to Eastern Europe, England and New York, never letting go once it has you in its grip. Most of all this book is fun. Perfect ‘escape from reality’ fiction guaranteed to leave you with a big smile on your face.
*I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
February 9, 2014
Elise Sax really knows how to make me laugh! Great story and I'm hoping she'll make more in this series! A fun read from start to finish.
June 1, 2014
Согласна с отзывом, мол, роман похож на приключенческие фильмы 80-х.
Лично мне вспомнился "Роман с камнем". Только вместо писательницы - журналистка, а на заднем фоне Африка, Лондон, Чечня (божечки мои) и вообще быстро сменяющиеся декорации. Герои ехали, летели, плыли, бежали, нападали, отбивались и т.д. и т.п.
Политический переворот на отдельно взятом острове и чеченский быт, с его кланами и свадебными традициями, показаны очень утрированно. Да в романе вообще все утрированно! И герои, и злодеи.
Героиня в стрессовых ситуациях начинает трещать без умолку, а герой весь из себя такой наемник прям наемник))
С первых строк понимаешь, что относиться к происходящему серьезно не стоит. Так что отключаешь мозг - и вперед. Я поржал))
Пы.сы. И в кои-то веки русские оказались ни при чем, хоть их и подозревали)))))))))))))
Лично мне вспомнился "Роман с камнем". Только вместо писательницы - журналистка, а на заднем фоне Африка, Лондон, Чечня (божечки мои) и вообще быстро сменяющиеся декорации. Герои ехали, летели, плыли, бежали, нападали, отбивались и т.д. и т.п.
Политический переворот на отдельно взятом острове и чеченский быт, с его кланами и свадебными традициями, показаны очень утрированно. Да в романе вообще все утрированно! И герои, и злодеи.
Героиня в стрессовых ситуациях начинает трещать без умолку, а герой весь из себя такой наемник прям наемник))
С первых строк понимаешь, что относиться к происходящему серьезно не стоит. Так что отключаешь мозг - и вперед. Я поржал))
Пы.сы. И в кои-то веки русские оказались ни при чем, хоть их и подозревали)))))))))))))
December 31, 2013
This novel has all the elements I love in a story. Everything from nail biting danger to laugh out loud moments-and of course some steamy romance. It’s a zany adventure of kidnapping and mystery that leads all over the world and back again. I found the plot to be just the right amount of “over the top” to be amusing but not ridiculous. The heroine is thrown into outrageous and dangerous situations, yet proves to be surprisingly competent despite her naiveté (as well as being slightly prone to hysterics). And to top things off the hero is tall, dark, handsome and dangerous. Who could resist? Well done Ms. Sax!
June 10, 2019
This book isn’t what I was expecting based on the cover. But I was pleasantly surprised by how great it was. I would label this romantic suspense although I couldn’t categorize Iain as book boyfriend material. Too much of a loose cannon.
Basic premise: Abby takes a new job as a feature reporter in London leaving her normal cop journalism beat and finds herself in hot water… and not the hot water of the new hotel she is supposed to write a feature on. This is literal hot water. She is a bit of a ditz and walks blindly into things without thinking. So I am not surprised this entire situation fell into her life.
Iain Brody is not a good man. He was a British SIS agent turned mercenary. He assists in kidnapping Abby. It’s not his idea but he is the follow through guy. They say Abby is going to be the new wife of a dictator and Iain is going to deliver her to him. This is making Iain’s boss a crap ton of money. Then when Iain doesn’t follow the rules exactly he is framed for a murder. I wanted to like him as a leading man but I couldn’t. He didn’t deserve it. I did want him to ultimately get his SIS job back because everyone deserves to have a fragment of life they can love. I wanted him to change. Be a better man. Something. He does come to Abby’s rescue again and again but that didn’t seem to bring any more light to his character for me. Once bad, always bad, I guess.
This was indeed a wild ride. If it wasn’t one thing it was another. Crazy cocaine selling senators, a dominatrix masquerading as Abby’s assistant and a crew of misfits make up this well thought out adventure novel. What a roller coaster this was. Not what I expected but great none the less.
I purchased this book with my own money.
Basic premise: Abby takes a new job as a feature reporter in London leaving her normal cop journalism beat and finds herself in hot water… and not the hot water of the new hotel she is supposed to write a feature on. This is literal hot water. She is a bit of a ditz and walks blindly into things without thinking. So I am not surprised this entire situation fell into her life.
Iain Brody is not a good man. He was a British SIS agent turned mercenary. He assists in kidnapping Abby. It’s not his idea but he is the follow through guy. They say Abby is going to be the new wife of a dictator and Iain is going to deliver her to him. This is making Iain’s boss a crap ton of money. Then when Iain doesn’t follow the rules exactly he is framed for a murder. I wanted to like him as a leading man but I couldn’t. He didn’t deserve it. I did want him to ultimately get his SIS job back because everyone deserves to have a fragment of life they can love. I wanted him to change. Be a better man. Something. He does come to Abby’s rescue again and again but that didn’t seem to bring any more light to his character for me. Once bad, always bad, I guess.
This was indeed a wild ride. If it wasn’t one thing it was another. Crazy cocaine selling senators, a dominatrix masquerading as Abby’s assistant and a crew of misfits make up this well thought out adventure novel. What a roller coaster this was. Not what I expected but great none the less.
I purchased this book with my own money.
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February 3, 202102/03/21 currently free in Love and Danger: TEN Book Boxed Set
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September 22, 2020
Best kidnapping turned romance I've ever read. Funny, sexy, and action-packed!
January 15, 2014
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Kidnapping, murder, a global game of hide and seek, a twisted plot for power and control, mercenaries, dirty politicians, it’s all there in Bounty by Elise Sax. There is also an unlikely heroine, who gets entangled in this nefarious web, will she survive? Has she fallen for her kidnapper? Sounds rather deep, dark and menacing, doesn’t it? Not to worry, I think I laughed as much as I gripped the edge of my seat, wait, I actually laughed much more than not!
Elise Sax has taken the perfect International crime thriller and turned it into one of the most over-the-top, there-is-NO-way-that-just-happened, scenarios that is pure reading pleasure and entertainment. Sure, people are tortured and killed, sure the heroine basically runs around nearly clueless, a little naïve, but her heart is in the right place and her mental dialogue is laugh-out-loud hysterical at times! The hero, of course is handsome, hot and the silent and deadly powerful, type, the kind of man that could choke the life out of one man while disemboweling another without breaking a sweat. Abbie is a non-stop talker, especially when she’s nervous, and her verbal ramblings are often almost as priceless as her mental ramblings. She is no typical heroine, sure she is pretty, feisty and all that, but, just how put together and sexy can a woman be who has to wear heavy socks and tennis shoes for medical reasons??? The villains are truly evil, diabolical and so much smarter than Abbie, and yet, she is able to lead them on a merry goose chase around the globe. Abbie and Iain are off the charts hot as they dance around their attraction, loved it!
Has Elise Sax built an amazing world, filled in each scene, drawn in enough twists to make your head spin? Oh yes, and she did it all with a great pace and an awesome sense of humor! Ms. Sax may have stretched believability to the limits and beyond, but she is spot on entertaining!
I received a review copy as part of Elise Sax's BOUNTY Book Blast & Giveaway at Tome Tender January 13 - February 8, 2014 in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: December 16, 2013
Publisher: Elise Sax
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance/Intrigue/Humor
Number of Pages: 335
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Kidnapping, murder, a global game of hide and seek, a twisted plot for power and control, mercenaries, dirty politicians, it’s all there in Bounty by Elise Sax. There is also an unlikely heroine, who gets entangled in this nefarious web, will she survive? Has she fallen for her kidnapper? Sounds rather deep, dark and menacing, doesn’t it? Not to worry, I think I laughed as much as I gripped the edge of my seat, wait, I actually laughed much more than not!
Elise Sax has taken the perfect International crime thriller and turned it into one of the most over-the-top, there-is-NO-way-that-just-happened, scenarios that is pure reading pleasure and entertainment. Sure, people are tortured and killed, sure the heroine basically runs around nearly clueless, a little naïve, but her heart is in the right place and her mental dialogue is laugh-out-loud hysterical at times! The hero, of course is handsome, hot and the silent and deadly powerful, type, the kind of man that could choke the life out of one man while disemboweling another without breaking a sweat. Abbie is a non-stop talker, especially when she’s nervous, and her verbal ramblings are often almost as priceless as her mental ramblings. She is no typical heroine, sure she is pretty, feisty and all that, but, just how put together and sexy can a woman be who has to wear heavy socks and tennis shoes for medical reasons??? The villains are truly evil, diabolical and so much smarter than Abbie, and yet, she is able to lead them on a merry goose chase around the globe. Abbie and Iain are off the charts hot as they dance around their attraction, loved it!
Has Elise Sax built an amazing world, filled in each scene, drawn in enough twists to make your head spin? Oh yes, and she did it all with a great pace and an awesome sense of humor! Ms. Sax may have stretched believability to the limits and beyond, but she is spot on entertaining!
I received a review copy as part of Elise Sax's BOUNTY Book Blast & Giveaway at Tome Tender January 13 - February 8, 2014 in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: December 16, 2013
Publisher: Elise Sax
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance/Intrigue/Humor
Number of Pages: 335
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
December 20, 2013
This is a rollicking fun romantic suspense. Strong alpha male meets quirky girl reporter. Love and laughter is not in the playbook but somehow they end up there. Another fantastic read from Elise Sax
December 21, 2013
Loved it!
November 6, 2020
Loved it!
Such an insiteful mystery with a ton of comedy thrown in! Loved the characters, and plot! Try it, you won’t be disappointed!
Such an insiteful mystery with a ton of comedy thrown in! Loved the characters, and plot! Try it, you won’t be disappointed!
February 14, 2014
“I also wanted to kill Brodie for putting me in this mess, for making me become attached to him when he was obviously the wrong guy. Men with disemboweling experience were not in the Mr. Right category. I was sure I read that somewhere, maybe Cosmo or Marie Claire.”—Abby
Abby goes from (1) a dead-end job and her crazy new-age mother to (2) an amazing new job in London to (3) her first magazine assignment in a hotel in a country just taken over in a coup by mercenaries to (4) getting kidnapped by a mercenary that screams incoming Stokholm’s Syndrome to (5) getting engaged to a murderous, psychotic dictator old enough to be her great, great grandfather to (6) getting kidnapped again by an armsdealer and his dominatrix-wannabee girlfriend who is great in the kitchen to (7) trying to stop a political conspiracy while (8) trying to protect her kinda boyfriend. Worst. Week. Ever…
“I wouldn’t have to protect you so much if you didn’t get yourself into so much trouble.”—Brodie
Wow. This is one of those books where you read it, and you’re just like “What did I just read?” There were so many spots where I couldn’t believe the author put what she did in and there were many, many spots where I burst out laughing. This is such a random book that is funny although you feel a little bit guilty for finding it funny! From the very start with the prologue, I could tell I was going to like Abby and the author’s outrageous humor.
It’s hard to describe the humor, but I guess in a way you can call most of it frat humor with some slapstick. It’s not that it’s filled with jokes that are funny although there are funny jokes, but the dialogue and situations are almost like a parody of all the action/spy movies out there with some romance tossed in for fun. You have villains that are so out there and evil and don’t mind people knowing about it. You have unkillable heroes that can be shot point-black and still be gorgeous and attract all the nurses. You have heartless, power-hungry dictators that kill subordinates for fun but don’t realize that our heroine is making fun of them.
Ah, speaking of heroines… Abby is like a spoiled rich girl who wasn’t ever rich or spoiled, but she learned to grow up early taking care of her mother’s craziness although she’s extremely naive and gullible, and she’s gorgeous and attracts everyone she shouldn’t be attracting although she does spend a lot of time in the book covered in dirt, poo, vomit, fungus, or other miscellaneous gross stuff. Let’s just say Abby is a whole lot of contradictions, but she does have a fun character voice and a compassionate heart. For some reason, I imagine Katherine Heigl playing her character in a movie!
As for heroes… um, Brodie is so not typical hero material. In fact, he’s pretty much a bad guy at the start, especially with how he treats Abby—and that’s when he has a crush on her! While this doesn’t seem very romantic—Brodie really isn’t—but when push comes to shove (err…kidnapping turns into rescue), Brodie is there when she needs him. Kinda.
This book is all sorts of crazy, and I could not put it down! I found it hilarious and over-the-top—the perfect book to read if looking for something with fluff and fun and nothing too serious. Although there is romance, it’s pretty low-medium heat with quick sex scenes that weren’t much to comment on. The ending was pretty abrupt, and I wish there was more to it. On the other hand, the final show-down was sooo great! Overall, this was a 4.5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Abby goes from (1) a dead-end job and her crazy new-age mother to (2) an amazing new job in London to (3) her first magazine assignment in a hotel in a country just taken over in a coup by mercenaries to (4) getting kidnapped by a mercenary that screams incoming Stokholm’s Syndrome to (5) getting engaged to a murderous, psychotic dictator old enough to be her great, great grandfather to (6) getting kidnapped again by an armsdealer and his dominatrix-wannabee girlfriend who is great in the kitchen to (7) trying to stop a political conspiracy while (8) trying to protect her kinda boyfriend. Worst. Week. Ever…
“I wouldn’t have to protect you so much if you didn’t get yourself into so much trouble.”—Brodie
Wow. This is one of those books where you read it, and you’re just like “What did I just read?” There were so many spots where I couldn’t believe the author put what she did in and there were many, many spots where I burst out laughing. This is such a random book that is funny although you feel a little bit guilty for finding it funny! From the very start with the prologue, I could tell I was going to like Abby and the author’s outrageous humor.
It’s hard to describe the humor, but I guess in a way you can call most of it frat humor with some slapstick. It’s not that it’s filled with jokes that are funny although there are funny jokes, but the dialogue and situations are almost like a parody of all the action/spy movies out there with some romance tossed in for fun. You have villains that are so out there and evil and don’t mind people knowing about it. You have unkillable heroes that can be shot point-black and still be gorgeous and attract all the nurses. You have heartless, power-hungry dictators that kill subordinates for fun but don’t realize that our heroine is making fun of them.
Ah, speaking of heroines… Abby is like a spoiled rich girl who wasn’t ever rich or spoiled, but she learned to grow up early taking care of her mother’s craziness although she’s extremely naive and gullible, and she’s gorgeous and attracts everyone she shouldn’t be attracting although she does spend a lot of time in the book covered in dirt, poo, vomit, fungus, or other miscellaneous gross stuff. Let’s just say Abby is a whole lot of contradictions, but she does have a fun character voice and a compassionate heart. For some reason, I imagine Katherine Heigl playing her character in a movie!
As for heroes… um, Brodie is so not typical hero material. In fact, he’s pretty much a bad guy at the start, especially with how he treats Abby—and that’s when he has a crush on her! While this doesn’t seem very romantic—Brodie really isn’t—but when push comes to shove (err…kidnapping turns into rescue), Brodie is there when she needs him. Kinda.
This book is all sorts of crazy, and I could not put it down! I found it hilarious and over-the-top—the perfect book to read if looking for something with fluff and fun and nothing too serious. Although there is romance, it’s pretty low-medium heat with quick sex scenes that weren’t much to comment on. The ending was pretty abrupt, and I wish there was more to it. On the other hand, the final show-down was sooo great! Overall, this was a 4.5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
March 21, 2015
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm not a huge fan of romance, but the blurb for "Bounty" was written so cheekily that I decided to give this one a go. The moment I met Abby Williams and her fungus-ridden feet, it was love at first sight. Abby is the perfect combination of spoiled, sassy, indignant, and freakin' adorable. And don't get me started on Iain Brodie. Holy bejeezus. Pairing the long-suffering, stoic, formidable Brodie with a pissed-off "princess" hostage was sheer genius. The dynamic of their personalities made for some hilarious encounters and a truckload of hot chemistry.
What I wish was different; Given that Abby's kidnapping is the main plot point featured on the blurb, I was disappointed when it accounted for only a small portion of the book. Really, this book is more about the protagonist trying to unravel a huge unscrupulous scheme by some political homicidal whack jobs than a kidnapping. There were some parts of the book that felt like too much background and politics, and I would find myself drifting a little (luckily Abby would choose that moment to say something or do something hilarious to snap me back into the story). Also, I did reach a certain point in the novel where it felt like the villains were too invulnerable, and far too many people were trying to kill Abby. It got to be a bit overwhelming and unbelievable, and thus underwhelming (like, "Oh great, yet another person trying to cut Abby/burn Abby/whatever). On the other hand, the unrealistic nature of these larger than life villains was part of the comedy and fun, so I'd say to each reader his own.
What I loved: Everything I said above, plus the fact that, unlike your typical romance novel, this protagonist is flawed. Yes, Abby is very pretty, but she also drools when she sleeps, throws up, smells bad when she hasn't showered, loves fattening foods (and tends to eat a lot of them), has one of the worst cases of athlete's foot probably in recorded history, and so on. She's a character you'll roll your eyes at but simultaneously adore.
The humor in this book is awesome. Some scenes are heavy and disturbing (i.e. references to torture, a scene describing the vicious killing of a character's pets, a scene of a man burning alive, etc.), but the narrator's internal monologue offers comic relief in all the right places, which I think does a good job of keeping readers from internalizing the horror too much.
Oh yeah, I also love the fact that this is NOT a trashy romance. I think I counted three or four sex scenes total, and they steered away from cliches while still being exciting/stimulating. I'm definitely not a prude, but I like a book that has a story beyond the characters wanting to get in each other's pants, and this one does (though both Abby and Brodie DO very much want to get in each other's pants).
Overall, a fun, delightful read!
What I wish was different; Given that Abby's kidnapping is the main plot point featured on the blurb, I was disappointed when it accounted for only a small portion of the book. Really, this book is more about the protagonist trying to unravel a huge unscrupulous scheme by some political homicidal whack jobs than a kidnapping. There were some parts of the book that felt like too much background and politics, and I would find myself drifting a little (luckily Abby would choose that moment to say something or do something hilarious to snap me back into the story). Also, I did reach a certain point in the novel where it felt like the villains were too invulnerable, and far too many people were trying to kill Abby. It got to be a bit overwhelming and unbelievable, and thus underwhelming (like, "Oh great, yet another person trying to cut Abby/burn Abby/whatever). On the other hand, the unrealistic nature of these larger than life villains was part of the comedy and fun, so I'd say to each reader his own.
What I loved: Everything I said above, plus the fact that, unlike your typical romance novel, this protagonist is flawed. Yes, Abby is very pretty, but she also drools when she sleeps, throws up, smells bad when she hasn't showered, loves fattening foods (and tends to eat a lot of them), has one of the worst cases of athlete's foot probably in recorded history, and so on. She's a character you'll roll your eyes at but simultaneously adore.
The humor in this book is awesome. Some scenes are heavy and disturbing (i.e. references to torture, a scene describing the vicious killing of a character's pets, a scene of a man burning alive, etc.), but the narrator's internal monologue offers comic relief in all the right places, which I think does a good job of keeping readers from internalizing the horror too much.
Oh yeah, I also love the fact that this is NOT a trashy romance. I think I counted three or four sex scenes total, and they steered away from cliches while still being exciting/stimulating. I'm definitely not a prude, but I like a book that has a story beyond the characters wanting to get in each other's pants, and this one does (though both Abby and Brodie DO very much want to get in each other's pants).
Overall, a fun, delightful read!
August 25, 2016
Original Post: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
Have your Parents Ever Thrown you for a Loop? BOUNTY by Elise Sax
Galley provided for review by author/publisher via Bewitching Book Tours. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted
International Intrigue meets down to earth laughs and designer clothes!
This madcap romp is about a woman who doesn’t seem to take herself very seriously, but who is actually bright, funny, and apparently a looker. Abby reminds me of Reese Witherspoon’s character, Elle, in LEGALLY BLONDE. Elle never seemed to take herself seriously until she got somewhere that required it. But where Elle’s background was privileged, Abby’s isn’t. She was raised by her hippie mother in a variety of communes; so she might be a bit influenced by status and symbols of wealth.
Sax’s voice here is light, maybe with the tone of “chick-lit.” Its strength lies in how she contrasts danger with incongruous thoughts and behavior: The dangerous and the ridiculous. But, she inserts enough seriousness to avoid farce. It makes for a very entertaining read, where the outcome is never certain although the foreshadowing is a little obvious, so the story’s direction is apparent.
There are several male characters: Brodie, the love interest, is the strong, silent and occasionally violent soldier of fortune. It’s Abby’s innocence, and possibly her smokin’ self that gets him. Being strong and silent, we don’t learn much about him. The other guys are even more sketchily drawn except for one creepy guy.
Mostly we learn about him and everyone else through Abby, who is the narrator. Often this bugs me, but Abby’s rather odd naivete is sort of charming. The only other female characters of any import are both a little psychotic but on opposite sides of the conflict. Abby’s mother is the biggest surprise. It’s a major plot point and offers the most unexpected part of the story.
Have your parents ever totally surprised you?
I have to confess that I didn’t always grasp the international intrigue aspects of the story; I often don’t get that type of plot. The villains are Austin-Powers-ish, Early-Bond sociopaths.
The relationship development and hook-ups are amusing and steamy. There are some good comic moments there.
In short, the book is worth the read and lots of fun. It gets my Recommended Read rating.
Have your Parents Ever Thrown you for a Loop? BOUNTY by Elise Sax
Galley provided for review by author/publisher via Bewitching Book Tours. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted
International Intrigue meets down to earth laughs and designer clothes!
This madcap romp is about a woman who doesn’t seem to take herself very seriously, but who is actually bright, funny, and apparently a looker. Abby reminds me of Reese Witherspoon’s character, Elle, in LEGALLY BLONDE. Elle never seemed to take herself seriously until she got somewhere that required it. But where Elle’s background was privileged, Abby’s isn’t. She was raised by her hippie mother in a variety of communes; so she might be a bit influenced by status and symbols of wealth.
Sax’s voice here is light, maybe with the tone of “chick-lit.” Its strength lies in how she contrasts danger with incongruous thoughts and behavior: The dangerous and the ridiculous. But, she inserts enough seriousness to avoid farce. It makes for a very entertaining read, where the outcome is never certain although the foreshadowing is a little obvious, so the story’s direction is apparent.
There are several male characters: Brodie, the love interest, is the strong, silent and occasionally violent soldier of fortune. It’s Abby’s innocence, and possibly her smokin’ self that gets him. Being strong and silent, we don’t learn much about him. The other guys are even more sketchily drawn except for one creepy guy.
Mostly we learn about him and everyone else through Abby, who is the narrator. Often this bugs me, but Abby’s rather odd naivete is sort of charming. The only other female characters of any import are both a little psychotic but on opposite sides of the conflict. Abby’s mother is the biggest surprise. It’s a major plot point and offers the most unexpected part of the story.
Have your parents ever totally surprised you?
I have to confess that I didn’t always grasp the international intrigue aspects of the story; I often don’t get that type of plot. The villains are Austin-Powers-ish, Early-Bond sociopaths.
The relationship development and hook-ups are amusing and steamy. There are some good comic moments there.
In short, the book is worth the read and lots of fun. It gets my Recommended Read rating.
February 6, 2014
OMG, WOW this book is AWESOME. If you were to look up anti-hero in the dictionary there would be a picture of Iain Brodie there. Holy cow, Iain Brody, my new fantasy man, “. . . with a face and body that looked like it was chiseled” mmm mmm, “. . . my eyes were drawn to his mouth and I felt my uterus contract.”
Abigail Williams is a journalist working in New York writing about crime. She desperately needs a change so when an old college friend offers her a job in London working for a magazine, Abby jumps at it. Little does she know just what she has jumped into! This book is full of mystery, suspense, action, steamy sex and lots of humor!
Iain Brody was an amazing military man in England but he gave that up to become a mercenary and boy is he good at it. He’s a mountain of muscle, over six feet tall and never shows his emotions, “I’m not exactly a man of words.” He has a new mission maybe his last but he has no idea how this mission will change the course of his life. People who are supposed to be friends, family and colleagues are not all what they seem to be. Will Iain be able to save himself, his best friend Jake Logan (a GQ type of handsome man) and Abigale? Who’s not in danger in this book?
“What’s a little fungus in the scheme of things?”
Elisa Sax is an amazing author. This book drew me in and held on tight. I read it in less than one day and it’s over three hundred pages. This book isn’t just an erotic romance (although there are some really good sex scenes in it) it has a wide range of action, Who done it? Can they survive? What are the motives? and Oh my, I didn’t see that one coming moments. It’s a shmorgishborg of excitement and plot shockers. The banter between the two main characters is humorous and had me laughing until I choked. “I don’t like the look in your eye, Princess. It’s a new look and to be perfectly honest, it’s got me frightened.” Abby’s inner monologue is almost a character in itself. She is insecure and weighs and measures almost every move she makes (except for the one’s she should). “I might be able to escape, but not before shooting myself in the foot or worse.” I HIGHLY recommend this book as a great read! I so do hope that the next book, Swap, answers a couple of question left hanging from this book, that aside I give Bounty 5++ Stars and 3 hands down the pants!
“Iain Brody, insecure and jealous. Who woulda thunk it?”
Abigail Williams is a journalist working in New York writing about crime. She desperately needs a change so when an old college friend offers her a job in London working for a magazine, Abby jumps at it. Little does she know just what she has jumped into! This book is full of mystery, suspense, action, steamy sex and lots of humor!
Iain Brody was an amazing military man in England but he gave that up to become a mercenary and boy is he good at it. He’s a mountain of muscle, over six feet tall and never shows his emotions, “I’m not exactly a man of words.” He has a new mission maybe his last but he has no idea how this mission will change the course of his life. People who are supposed to be friends, family and colleagues are not all what they seem to be. Will Iain be able to save himself, his best friend Jake Logan (a GQ type of handsome man) and Abigale? Who’s not in danger in this book?
“What’s a little fungus in the scheme of things?”
Elisa Sax is an amazing author. This book drew me in and held on tight. I read it in less than one day and it’s over three hundred pages. This book isn’t just an erotic romance (although there are some really good sex scenes in it) it has a wide range of action, Who done it? Can they survive? What are the motives? and Oh my, I didn’t see that one coming moments. It’s a shmorgishborg of excitement and plot shockers. The banter between the two main characters is humorous and had me laughing until I choked. “I don’t like the look in your eye, Princess. It’s a new look and to be perfectly honest, it’s got me frightened.” Abby’s inner monologue is almost a character in itself. She is insecure and weighs and measures almost every move she makes (except for the one’s she should). “I might be able to escape, but not before shooting myself in the foot or worse.” I HIGHLY recommend this book as a great read! I so do hope that the next book, Swap, answers a couple of question left hanging from this book, that aside I give Bounty 5++ Stars and 3 hands down the pants!
“Iain Brody, insecure and jealous. Who woulda thunk it?”
January 30, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Take a good look at the cover...okay now pry your eyes away from that sculpted torso. See the mischievous smirk on the woman's face? That's what my face looked like for the majority of this novel. Take an unlikely plot, add in a sexy kidnapper, toss in a woman with an inanely quirky personality, and you have Bounty.
Abby is one of the funniest characters I've had the pleasure of reading about recently. The way she reacts to life-threatening situations is utterly hilarious. The first few times it happened, I was shocked, but pretty soon it simply became 'Oh that's just Abby for you'. Normally in a kidnapping one would worry about the victim. But with Abby as the victim, I couldn't help but worry about Iain.
One might also think that a kidnapping would be the main event in any story. Well, it's just the opening event of hilarity in this one. I can see how some people might be put off by Abby and her attraction to the man who kidnapped her (quite roughly, I might add). Muscle-bound Iain is about as alpha-male as they come. He's all about his secrets, even where Abby's concerned. If the pair weren't so damned funny together, this review wouldn't be overly positive.
Hands down, the humor is what makes this story. Ridiculous scenarios, implausible feats, unbelievable reactions, and laugh-out-loud dialogue make this novel an enjoyable read. With all the insanity in this book, Abby and Iain having a chance together makes perfect sense. Besides, I learned a great cure for athlete's foot should the need ever arise and should I have access to a goat...
Take a good look at the cover...okay now pry your eyes away from that sculpted torso. See the mischievous smirk on the woman's face? That's what my face looked like for the majority of this novel. Take an unlikely plot, add in a sexy kidnapper, toss in a woman with an inanely quirky personality, and you have Bounty.
Abby is one of the funniest characters I've had the pleasure of reading about recently. The way she reacts to life-threatening situations is utterly hilarious. The first few times it happened, I was shocked, but pretty soon it simply became 'Oh that's just Abby for you'. Normally in a kidnapping one would worry about the victim. But with Abby as the victim, I couldn't help but worry about Iain.
One might also think that a kidnapping would be the main event in any story. Well, it's just the opening event of hilarity in this one. I can see how some people might be put off by Abby and her attraction to the man who kidnapped her (quite roughly, I might add). Muscle-bound Iain is about as alpha-male as they come. He's all about his secrets, even where Abby's concerned. If the pair weren't so damned funny together, this review wouldn't be overly positive.
Hands down, the humor is what makes this story. Ridiculous scenarios, implausible feats, unbelievable reactions, and laugh-out-loud dialogue make this novel an enjoyable read. With all the insanity in this book, Abby and Iain having a chance together makes perfect sense. Besides, I learned a great cure for athlete's foot should the need ever arise and should I have access to a goat...
February 14, 2018
Not as funny as I expected!
Enough action to keep you interested. My biggest complaint...the h, who's supposed to be fairly intelligent, often makes stupid decisions that get her into more trouble. You'd think she would be more sceptical and suspicious of things considering she's a journalist. Other than that she's likeable in a ditzy kind of way. The H, other than the initial kidnapping, is your typical brooding alpha hero and quite likeable. His attitude towards the h gets better and better as the story progresses and there's humor in that! Wish they would have provided more info about her father than just the blurb at the end...don't know why he was even mentioned if they weren't going to go into more detail...wasn't necessary...we already new her unknown Father was a Chechen (from Cechnya). I only rated this a 3 star because, as I said, some of it was just a little too unbelievable (things that happen and decisions she made, etc) but really it was hard to put down because There was so much action...couldn't wait to find out how she got out of a situation or what she'd get into next.
Enough action to keep you interested. My biggest complaint...the h, who's supposed to be fairly intelligent, often makes stupid decisions that get her into more trouble. You'd think she would be more sceptical and suspicious of things considering she's a journalist. Other than that she's likeable in a ditzy kind of way. The H, other than the initial kidnapping, is your typical brooding alpha hero and quite likeable. His attitude towards the h gets better and better as the story progresses and there's humor in that! Wish they would have provided more info about her father than just the blurb at the end...don't know why he was even mentioned if they weren't going to go into more detail...wasn't necessary...we already new her unknown Father was a Chechen (from Cechnya). I only rated this a 3 star because, as I said, some of it was just a little too unbelievable (things that happen and decisions she made, etc) but really it was hard to put down because There was so much action...couldn't wait to find out how she got out of a situation or what she'd get into next.
December 16, 2014
I loved the comedy. I loved the way Abby thought and spoke, just funny. How she coped with the situations she found herself in was just so readable and amusing. The whole kidnapping situation just worked for me. Iain Brodie was sex on a stick and alpha and his reactions to Abby were just great. The perfect foil. He was mysterious and low key but so sexy. They didn't scream and shout at each other, there was that lovely tension between them that some authors are just good at. The sex scenes were hot. Logan was a great additional character. I am so glad Abby had chances to be tough in this story and not just the screaming sidekick female.
It had a nice James Bond-like story, with some interesting twists. Just a surprisingly sexy and fun read, I would definitely read more about these characters if Abby got Iain into any more scrapes due to her journalism maybe? hint hint.
It had a nice James Bond-like story, with some interesting twists. Just a surprisingly sexy and fun read, I would definitely read more about these characters if Abby got Iain into any more scrapes due to her journalism maybe? hint hint.
January 27, 2014
Bounty by Elise Sax is by far one of the funnier books I've read in a long time. Not that the storyline is so hilarious, it's more a comedy of errors, but the narrative and attitude of Abbie Williams is priceless. Throw in kidnapping, murder and a hot mercenary and the plot is complete.
Iain Brodie is trouble (and the hot mercenary). He just kidnapped Abbie but his boss is out to get him and now he can't decide what to do with her, all he knows is that she looks good.
A read that will definitely make you laugh out loud at Abbie's inner monologue!
Iain Brodie is trouble (and the hot mercenary). He just kidnapped Abbie but his boss is out to get him and now he can't decide what to do with her, all he knows is that she looks good.
A read that will definitely make you laugh out loud at Abbie's inner monologue!
December 15, 2014
I'll start by saying that the only reason I read this was because of this reading list on BookLikes: http://booklikes.com/apps/reading-lis...
3.75 stars.
I was going to give it a 3.5 rating until that last 10% or so when we meet Abby's mum. She's crazy but it was fun reading so I bumped it up a little.
I'll admit it was a bit of a crazy story but it was written in such a way that I didn't want to put it down. Abby came across as a little nutty, but fun young woman while Brodie was this tough, brooding mercenary. It seemed unlikely that anything would happen but boy did it.
Reading their relationship happen was quite fun but I have to admit some of the story just seemed a little unreal.
Nevertheless I liked it.
3.75 stars.
I was going to give it a 3.5 rating until that last 10% or so when we meet Abby's mum. She's crazy but it was fun reading so I bumped it up a little.
I'll admit it was a bit of a crazy story but it was written in such a way that I didn't want to put it down. Abby came across as a little nutty, but fun young woman while Brodie was this tough, brooding mercenary. It seemed unlikely that anything would happen but boy did it.
Reading their relationship happen was quite fun but I have to admit some of the story just seemed a little unreal.
Nevertheless I liked it.
September 2, 2014
RUN DON'T WALK TO READ THIS BOOK!!! The premise alone sounded intriguing, but I was shocked how funny it was as well. Abby is adorable and other than the extreme athlete's foot (the first time I've ever read that in a romance and the ultimate cure is shocking but hilarious) and horrible situation where she was being sold into marriage - I want to be this girl! Witty dialogue, great story line, likable characters, smexy men - it's got it all. So many times I snapped my Kindle shut and stared at my husband. I feel like he read the book with me as I read out loud so many lines.
I'm anxious to dig into the author's back catalog and read more by her.
I'm anxious to dig into the author's back catalog and read more by her.
January 9, 2014
I loved, loved, loved this book - I couldn't put it down! It has everything - romance, suspense, quirky characters, mayhem, twists & turns, some big & funny surprises, & made me laugh out loud - a lot. I was thoroughly entertained, & am hoping there will be a sequel. I have read Elise Sax's Matchmaker series books, & Bounty was every bit as fun to read as they were. My only complaint is waiting for another one...
August 26, 2014
This book wasn't really what I was expecting. The heroine is funny, at times, but not enough to get a stitch in my side. I also could have used WAY more sexy times with Brodie. Just not my cup of tea, but good writing. 3 stars
February 12, 2018
Good not great
I don't know if it was just me but I had trouble focusing throughout this book. Frequently I would read through a page or two and have no idea how the plot jumped and the erratic thought process that was happening with the main character.
I don't know if it was just me but I had trouble focusing throughout this book. Frequently I would read through a page or two and have no idea how the plot jumped and the erratic thought process that was happening with the main character.
February 12, 2018
Not for me. I think the author was trying to go for wacky and witty but to me it was just ridiculous. Humour is of course subjective but in this case the author and I have very different ideas about what defines humour.
August 30, 2014
I enjoyed this book it had a little bit if everything I wouldn't even know where to start. I had a love hate relationship with Brodie. The twists and turns took you all over the place.
January 31, 2021
Sax does it again! Better than James Bond and funnier than a Melissa McCarthy movie. Crazy personalities, sexy banter, kidnapping, bombs and politicians. It was exciting and wonderful.
January 2, 2014
loved Iain! and jake.... write jakes books please! !
September 1, 2020
Bottom line, I really struggle with the kidnapping trope in romance. A Brodie POV could have helped this. As it is, we really get no inkling that he is attracted to her or that he has any reservations about what he is doing to her until much too late in the story. And let's face it, his is pretty mean, rude and cruel for the first portion of this book. The heroine continuously acknowledging or fearing that she has Stockholm Syndrome does not make it less Stockholm Syndrome.
I also didn't feel like the banter was very good. It didn't make me laugh or endear me to any of the characters. I went into this book familiar with the author, fully aware that she likes to make fun of romance tropes and often has the girl fall for the less charming of 2 attractive men. She doesn't take her romance seriously, and she doesn't want you to, either. I hoped that would be enough to make me enjoy a trope that I generally hate, but it didn't. It just wasn't funny and over the top quite enough to make it feel satirical.
I also didn't feel like the banter was very good. It didn't make me laugh or endear me to any of the characters. I went into this book familiar with the author, fully aware that she likes to make fun of romance tropes and often has the girl fall for the less charming of 2 attractive men. She doesn't take her romance seriously, and she doesn't want you to, either. I hoped that would be enough to make me enjoy a trope that I generally hate, but it didn't. It just wasn't funny and over the top quite enough to make it feel satirical.
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