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Pulse

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USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke delivers a spicy, age gap, grumpy sunshine, workplace romance in the first book in the brand new Landry Security series.

Troy Castelli acts like it’s my fault that we’re cooped up together in a room with one bed overlooking the ocean. I didn’t ask for a stalker to break into my house and then send me a threatening email detailing my demise. And I sure as heck didn’t request that my boss send Troy and his uber elite bodyguard skills to accompany me out of town—although I’m not mad about it.

A paid tropical vacation with a grumpy, gray-eyed bad boy in a suit isn’t exactly a burden.

But it is a giant test of my willpower.

Troy’s alpha protector tendencies drive me wild. His arrogant smirk gets under my skin. But it’s his not-so-innocent touches, heated looks and touch-her-and-die vibes that are the final strike that ignite our explosive chemistry.

The longer we’re together, the more his broody exterior slips, and I get a glimpse of the real man beneath the sculpted muscles. I’m determined not only to unearth his mysterious past but also to make him realize what we have is more than just a fling in paradise.

That is, unless my stalker gets me first.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2024

1120 people are currently reading
3767 people want to read

About the author

Adriana Locke

98 books15.9k followers
Adriana Locke is a USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author with a knack for writing swoony, unforgettable contemporary romances. At nineteen, she traded her small-town roots for big-city life, only to realize her heart beats for quiet mornings and cozy chaos. These days, she’s living her happily-ever-after in Ohio with Mr. Locke—her high school sweetheart—four lively sons, and two hilariously hyper Jack Russell terriers.

When she’s not penning love stories that will leave you laughing and sighing, Adriana is battling the epic quest of missing silverware, “gardening” (a.k.a. chatting with her plants), or leaving her grocery list on the counter as she heads to the store. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let her books whisk you away to a world of heartwarming romance and irresistible heroes.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 862 reviews
Profile Image for Paige.
352 reviews2,182 followers
May 20, 2024
"I shelved my entire life and came here to protect a woman. But she's not just a woman I work with. She's brilliant and hardworking and one of the sweetest people I've ever met, even though she somehow weaponises that sometimes. She's a bit of a pain in the ass, but I find myself looking forward to dealing with her every day. She's strong and fearless and wildly, ridiculously beautiful."


You'll like this book if you enjoy:

✔️ bodyguard trope
✔️ workplace/office romance
✔️ grumpy x sunshine
✔️ touch her and die
✔️ one bed
✔️ age gap (she's 26, he's 37)
✔️ open door spice
✔️ no third act (YAY!)
✔️ quick read under 250 pages

Pulse follows Troy Castelli, a bodyguard and his assistant, Dahlia. When I read "A paid tropical vacation with a grumpy, gray-eyed bad boy in a suit" I immediately had to read this. Bodyguard romances are one of my favourite tropes and it isn't seen enough in the romance genre. I was interested to see how the bodyguard/workplace element would play out and I wasn't disappointed with the direction this took - the FMC becomes in danger due to unknown reasons and Troy whisks her away to protect her while they try and uncover the source of the threat.

Keeping in mind this is a very short read, it meant that everything escalated at a fast pace. Tory and Dahlia have known and worked together for two years prior to the start of this book, however, from a readers perspective, their romance was largely insta-love. The story could have benefited from some flashback scenes or more inner monologue on how they felt towards each other. This had the potential to have some Harvey x Donna will they/won't they moments that would have helped building some angst but the page constraint prevented this. That said, locking two people up in a holiday house that have been lusting over each other for two years, definitely produced some steamy moments.

If you go into this expecting a quick, fluffy read with a suspenseful twist you should find some enjoyment in it if you don't take it too seriously. I prefer more of a slow burn with angst and this didn't deliver on that front. That said, the spicy scenes were good - I just didn't buy how one chapter he told her he wasn't good for her as he couldn't settle down to the next chapter after they've slept together, he tells her they are dating and it's full steam ahead from there.

I didn't love the ending, I thought it was cliche and rushed. I did suspect the culprit but I didn't foresee the full extent of the reveal so the suspense element was an added bonus.

Overall, this book had some good moments and I did enjoy it, I just didn't love it. I will be looking forward to reading some of Adriana Locke's other work.

This is the first instalment in the Landry Security and is now available on Kindle Unlimited.

Many thanks to the author and Valentine PR for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katie Beasley.
694 reviews87 followers
May 16, 2024
Something I enjoy about Adriana's books is that they are fast reads for me. I get hooked within the first few chapters and things just keep flowing. Not that I don't mind some filler, but it's nice when you find yourself focusing on only one book (especially as a mood reader). Anyways this one followed that same pattern for me. I read it in two sittings. There was just enough angst but not too much where it felt dragged out. I liked these characters. I liked the grumpy to sunshine and how sunshiney Dahlia was. I liked how after fighting this attraction for so long they just couldn't anymore. While it did seem fast in the book, I had to remind myself they have been dancing around each other for two years!

Troy is a by the books man. He focuses solely on his job which he really enjoys. He ESPECIALLY loves the fact that he gets to interact with Dahlia, his assistant, on an almost daily basis. He likes making her mad so that she reacts to him. He thinks she is beautiful but knows that he can never cross that line with her. At the same time, he finds himself thinking he would do anything for her. Even if that means taking a vacation when that is the one thing he has been avoiding for forever. Idle time is not fun for Troy. It's when he finds himself thinking about the hard things and what him and his brother endured early on. This vacation might be different though because it's with Dahlia. He has to remind himself though why they are on vacation. It's because Dahlia has received a threatening email. Someone is after her. And Troy makes a vow that he won't let anything happen to her. Except for him of course because how can he resist her now that they are sharing a bed in paradise where they are not a boss and his employee but rather two people who are acknowledging what they have felt for each other. But at the end of the day Troy keeps wondering who could be doing this to her...and why?

Dahlia thinks Troy is hot and so much more. She has been fantasizing about him for years but knows the type of man he is. Meaning he won't cross that line with her. They have always kept things platonic and not gone into personal things but man do they know how to flirt. After realizing someone has broken into her house and sent her creepy pics via email, she is on a "vacation" with the one man she hasn't been able to stop thinking about. The same man who looks at her unlike any man has while also having his walls up. Of course they can't fight it anymore so Dahlia throws caution to the wind and makes the first move and MAN does she not regret that. Now they are spending their time getting to know more about each other while also trying to figure out the mystery of who is doing this to her and why?

I liked the added element of suspense in this one. Adriana did a good job of keeping me guessing. Not only did I like Troy and Dahlia but I liked Lincoln and Ford. Now I want to go back and read their books! I am looking forward to whoever is next in this series- maybe Troy's brother Travis? I would recommend this one if you are looking for something short with some spice and an HEA.

Thank you to Valentine PR and Adriana for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Kealyn.
554 reviews121 followers
May 18, 2024
Pulse by Adriana Locke

4/5 stars

Pulse is a fun, exciting and romantic novel by Adriana Locke. It's a fast paced book that keeps you captivated all the way through. 

Troy works at Landry Security and is close friends with the bosses of that company. I love the bond he has with both Lincoln and Ford. 
Troy loves flirting and teasing his assistant Dahlia. And Dahlia loves flirting back. They both tell themselves it is just for fun and they want to keep the line between boss and employee separated. But their friendship and banter flies off the page.

But things change quickly when Dahlia realizes someone is stalking her. She gets an email with photos of herself from the last few weeks. Even one of herself in her own shower.
She confesses to Troy what happens. And Troy, Ford and Lincoln instantly go into protective mode. Lincoln and Ford will find out who is stalking her. And Troy and Dahlia go on a vacation and get away from their home town. They get into a gorgeous place that has high tech security installed. The place is getting renovated and there is only one bed available. And that is what kickstarts the story.

They try to figure out who is stalking her. They have a few options. But they cannot deny their feelings for one another anymore and I just love their love. 
They are so cute and wonderful together. And I love how protective Troy is. 

Dahlia's best neighbour Burt is the best character in this book. I just love that man with my entire being. How fierce, loyal and strong he is. I love his personality and he carries himself throughout the story. He made me smile in every scene he was in. 

4 big stars from me for this wonderful story! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Ashley &#x1f4da;.
123 reviews34 followers
Read
May 11, 2024
Rating and review to come.

Let's just say this whole relationship went from flirty coworkers to madly in love and engaged in a weeks time.

........
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jess - Reader of Books.
1,022 reviews72 followers
May 12, 2024
Pulse by Adriana Locke 💞
Landry Security, Book 1
Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
245 pages
🗓️ May 13th

🏝️ romantic suspense
💞 bodyguard romance
🏝️ workplace romance
💞 forced proximity
🏝️ no third act breakup
💞 grumpy x sunshine

📌 “I’ll be whatever you want me to be as long as it means you’re mine.”

This much is true… we were all waiting for Troy’s book. This is also very much a fact: I need to go back and read the Landry Family series more than I need anything else.

Troy is the reason I love bodyguard romances. Broody, all business until he is not, looks great in a suit. Troy was also everything I loved in an office romance with all the banter, the “I dislike everything you do but also keep coming back” vibe, and the supportive attitude when he notices something is wrong. And oh how he notices before anybody else *swoon*

On the other hand, Dahlia is everything I love… well, in any FMC. She’s adorable but sassy, strong but not afraid of being vulnerable. Reacts to incredible stressful situations with m*rbid humor because we’re just weird like that. And above all… she knows how to drive our MMC completely insane 😜

The chemistry between these two was a living thing and I was as desperate as they were for someone to give in 👀
Profile Image for Madison Rusnell.
348 reviews10 followers
May 12, 2024
5⭐️
3🌶️

He's supposed to protect her, not fall in love with her. 

Troy Castelli acts like it's my fault that we're cooped up together in a room with one bed overlooking the ocean. I didn't ask for a stalker to break into my house and then send me a threatening email detailing my demise. And I sure as heck didn't request that my boss send Troy and his uber elite bodyguard skills to accompany me out of town-although I'm not mad about it. A paid tropical vacation with a grumpy, gray-eyed bad boy in a suit isn't exactly a burden. But it is a giant test of my willpower. The longer we're together, the more his broody exterior slips, and I get a glimpse of the real man beneath the sculpted muscles. I'm determined not only to unearth his mysterious past but also to make him realize what we have is more than just a fling in paradise. That is, unless my stalker gets me first.
 
New favourite Adriana Heroine?? Absolutely!! I freaking loved Dahlia, she's so witty and upbeat. And Troy? 😍😍 Then put them together??? Their banter is so good and their chemistry is off the charts, I loved these two. This book was highly anticipated by me, Adriana is one of my favourite romance authors, and it did not disappoint. If you like a steamy romantic suspense, then look no further than this!

Pulse comes out May 13th so make sure you preorder it today!
Profile Image for Mariana.
1,113 reviews190 followers
March 1, 2025
Descobri uma nova autora para romance? Podem ter a certeza que sim! Finalmente li algo da Adriana Lock e sim...fiquei mega fã 😍

Uma escrita bonita, cuidada e bem estruturada. Uma história que apesar de curta, tem os elementos todos necessários para um romance arrebatador - o clima entre os protagonistas é notório e o próprio desenvolvimento da ação e da personalidade de cada um deles é espetacular.

Amei o romance, ser age gap foi logo ponto assente para arrebatar o meu coração. Amei as interações deles e a progressão de tudo, a profundidade dos sentimentos deles é linda...adorei entender as emoções de cada um.

O próprio mistério da ação é muito interessante e cativa...não adivinhei logo a verdade mas adorei cada momento da intriga.

O Troy e a Dahlia são maravilhosos e deram-me tudo o que queria ❤️ fiquei louca com estes dois!!!
Profile Image for Cokiereads.
704 reviews37 followers
May 14, 2024
We've been waiting for Troy's story! At least, I know I have.

Troy is a kickbutt bodyguard. He's by the book. An alpha guy (not to be confused with an alphahole). He's a gentleman. Around everyone except for his coworker, Dahlia. She can push his buttons more than anyone. Honestly, I think he enjoys it.

Troy's been working really hard for a long time. And the higher-ups give him a choice. Return to protecting the pop princess or vacation.

Dahlia, it seems, has attracted the attention of a stalker. When she doesn't go immediately to Troy with her dilemma, whew.

So now Troy's ready to pick vacation. With Dahlia. And it's not at the Holiday Inn either. It's a tropical vacation. Beautiful. With one bed.

But Troy's not one to smirk his duty. He's going to protect Dahila. Even if he's giving off some serious, not innocent vibes.

It was smoking! And a mystery. We get clues, of course, so read carefully..
Profile Image for s  a  r  a  h  ♡.
273 reviews156 followers
May 14, 2024
• romantic suspense
• bodyguard romance
• forced proximity
• no third act break
• grumpy/sunshine


I absolutely ate up this book, loved it. I fell in love with Troy from the start. And dahlia was just a perfect female with so much sass and attitude. There was zero fault with this book. Thank you for allowing me to get an advanced copy of it
Profile Image for Daniela Bastos.
169 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2025
Adorei, a química do Troy e da dahlia 🥰🥰 foi muito bom de se ler. 😍😍 Só foi pena ser um livro pequeno, gostava de ver mais deles 😉
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,086 reviews105 followers
May 21, 2024
Pulse is a fast-paced, quick read. I was pulled in quickly and enjoyed the characters and their stories. Troy is not a stranger if you have read the Landry Series. He is a by-the-book bodyguard, and Dahlia can push his buttons.

Dahlia is Troy’s assistant, we find out she has a threat. She has also had a thing for Troy for a while now. But as he takes her away to protect her, will the vacation break down the walls the two have put up?

I liked the suspense and cameos from friends in the past. I am looking forward to more of Landry Security in the future.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for ᥫ᭡..
403 reviews35 followers
June 28, 2024
Bodyguard, grumpy x sunshine, age gap, one bed, workplace romance

This Book had so much potential
The story line was good but it was really rushed and would have been so much better if it was more slow burn
Profile Image for Melissa, Book Boyfriend and Husband Make Three.
1,254 reviews108 followers
May 10, 2024
“If you’ve followed the Landry family series, you’re likely anticipating Troy’s story with bated breath. It’s finally arrived, and I recommend you dive in when you have uninterrupted free time—perhaps declare it a ‘Troy Day’ and do whatever it takes to avoid all forms of adulting until you’ve savored every word. I chose option two: #NoRegrets

If you’ve followed the Landry family series, you’re likely anticipating Troy’s story with bated breath. It’s finally arrived, and I recommend you dive in when you have uninterrupted free time—perhaps declare it a ‘Troy Day’ and do whatever it takes to avoid all forms of adulting until you’ve savored every word. I chose option two. #NoRegrets”

From the first few words, it felt as though no time had passed since I last visited the Landry family. Troy may not share their last name, but he has long been an integral member of the clan—not only because of the time he spent overseas with Ford. He’s always been at the forefront, ensuring the safety of anyone connected to the family. He’s the one you want in your corner; his unwavering loyalty means he can’t be anywhere else. So what happens when the woman who ignites an unparalleled fire within him—the woman he’s taken painstaking measures to avoid thinking about personally—is in danger? He won’t let anyone else protect her. The brooding coworker turned bodyguard has met his match in this sassy ray of sunshine, and she’s about to set his world ablaze… in more ways than one.

Dahlia is the perfect blend of sweet and sassy. Her one-liners and sarcasm were on point, making it easy to feel as though she was someone in my life. Her friendship with her neighbor made my heart melt. She could have been angry at the world, and it would have been 100% understandable considering the events that had taken place, yet she was genuinely a happy person. She didn’t want to let the bad consume her life; she chose to be happy. As someone who has lost both parents and was diagnosed with several rare diseases that have no cure, who chooses love and laughter over bitterness every day, she was someone I could relate to on many levels.

Troy is all alpha, grumpy, and protective, with a smirk that makes ladies weak. He started stealing my heart years ago, and getting to know more of the man we’ve all seen on the sidelines of some major events in others’ lives made it worth the wait. I loved getting more of this character that has been such a huge part of so many other stories that I’ve loved. He carried such a strong presence in the Landry family series because we all knew that he has always been a hero, but this time he was the hero, and he got the girl.

Troy and Dahlia’s chemistry was palpable from the start, and the moment it’s just the two of them, it becomes an all-consuming inferno. It was as though they had been falling in love since the moment they met. Troy kept his emotions guarded, they worked together, and the million other reasons they used to justify it, none of that mattered because simply being around one another was enough to fuel the chemistry between them. They were complete opposites who pushed each other’s buttons, and it was my favorite form of literary foreplay.

Within the first paragraph, I was immersed in the Landry world as though no time had passed. Clever banter and exceptionally entertaining dialogue set the stage for what was to come in this brand new, very anticipated series. I can’t say I’ve ever read such a perfect first paragraph in a book before. A touch of nostalgia for long-time readers, and hints of intrigue for new readers to dive into the Landry Family series as soon as they finish Pulse.

Troy Castelli is a staple of Landry Security, and I can’t imagine a more impeccable kickoff to this brand new series. For those who love grumpy/sunshine, bodyguard, forced proximity, and office romances, you don’t want to miss Troy and Dahlia’s road to HEA. A bewitching combination of searing chemistry, a protective hero, a sassy heroine, engaging dialogue, feels, and spice.
Profile Image for Ashley .
554 reviews69 followers
May 15, 2024
The story we’ve been waiting for… Troy Castelli!

Troy is a bodyguard! We’ve seen him in multiple books of Adriana’s. His boss, Ford Landry, gives him a choice on his next assignment: continue working with a pop princess or take a much needed vacation.

Troy didn’t want the vacation until he finds out his assistant, his beautiful assistant that he’s been hiding his attraction to, has a stalker. Now they’re both on a paid tropical vacation until the stalker is found. Here’s the kicker: there is only one bed.

Troy is a major alpha protector. As soon as he finds out Dahlia has a stalker, he is in major protective mode. Dahlia is the epitome of sunshine. I think she may be my new favorite FMC. She is so witty and her one liners are spot on. I love how she just finally lays it all out and tells Troy how she feels and that she knows he feels the same way. When they finally give in to their attraction, it’s fireworks! The suspense just adds something extra to it that keeps you wondering what is going to happen.

I loved Dahlia’s relationship with her “best neighbor” Burt. It was literally the sweetest. If you’re looking for a fast paced romance with explosive chemistry and great characters, this is the one for you!


🩵Workplace romance
🩵Grumpy/sunshine
🩵Age gap
🩵Forced proximity
🩵One bed
🩵No 3rd act breakup
🩵Suspense

Thank you Adriana Locke & Valentine PR for this ARC. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily).
1,574 reviews114 followers
June 14, 2024
Troy and Dahlia’s story was full of so many sweet and spicy moments, along with some oh so suspenseful ones!

🩷Age gap
🩷Workplace romance
🩷Forced proximity
🩷One bed
🩷Protective hero

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔💔

When Dahlia finds herself in a position where she needs to escape her current life, Troy takes it upon himself to take her away and protect her from the evils in her life.

But the two of them being stuck together could show me to be even more dangerous for their hearts. Both of them have feelings for each other and now they are able to act out those feelings, even though they thought they were forbidden all these years. As the suspense gets stronger, their feelings for each other follow along the same path.

But what happens when they go back to reality? Will they be able to forget their time together, or will they both want more?

Connor Brown and CJ Bloom did a great job voicing Troy and Dahlia. I have never listened to Connor before, but I absolutely enjoyed him as an alpha, possessive, and protective bodyguard. I can’t wait to listen to more books that he narrates. And as always, CJ was great as Dahlia!
Profile Image for Amy Reierson.
1,350 reviews18 followers
May 29, 2024
Hello Troy! Grumpy bodyguard extraordinaire, he doesn't mess around when it comes to doing his job or with anything.
Meet Dahlia, a ball of sunshine just waiting to either drive Troy mad
or find the side of him he keeps so well hidden.
This all needs to happen while Dahlia's stalker is still on the loose keeping this book exciting and clipping along at a fun pace.
So dive in to see if Dahlia discovers Troy's secrets, or if Troy can stop her stalker before there is nothing left for either of them to discover.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️.
655 reviews146 followers
June 11, 2024
Pulse by Adriana Locke is a grumpy-sunshine, coworkers-to-lovers (bodyguard x assistant) contemporary romance. The story overall was a fast-paced read, and will work well for readers that love quick reads with a feeling of insta-love that get right to the spice.

Because the feeling of insta-love isn't something I like that much, this book didn't work well for me. To be fair, the characters knew each other for two years, but because that's off-page, the reader doesn’t get to see any of that, causing the romantic connection in the book felt quite instantaneous. I think some added flashbacks might have helped me feel like there was more tension. The lack of back stories in this book for the characters also had me feeling like something was missing. I did end up skimming a good part of this book to get to the end.

I love other stories by Adriana, but this one wasn't my favorite of hers.

Thank you Adriana and Valentine PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Joana.
368 reviews24 followers
February 8, 2025
Adorei 😍

É leve, fofo, engraçado e com um toque de mistério que tornou tudo ainda melhor.

Adorei a escrita da autora. A história é muito fluída e lê-se mesmo bem.

O Troy é perfeito! E a Dahlia é uma lufada de ar fresco, sabe o que quer e não tem medo nem vergonha de o dizer.

As personagens secundárias também são engraçadas e o Travis? Eu preciso do livro dele para ontem!
Profile Image for Judy Portelles.
501 reviews56 followers
June 4, 2024
3.5⭐️
This is a grumpy bodyguard / sunshine assistant romance. Troy and Dahlia are cute together this was a sweet, fun read. CJ Bloom and Connor Brown did amazing in the audio.

Tropes:
✔️Age Gap
✔️Grumpy/ Sunshine
✔️Office Romance
✔️Forced Proximity + one bed
✔️Security hero
✔️Romantic Suspense
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,481 reviews56 followers
May 13, 2024
Troy and Dahlia have been dancing around each other for a few years now. But crossing the line was never an option, especially for Troy. His life has not been an easy one and he's convinced that he couldn't love her the way she deserves.

Dahlia's knows he's her dream guy. She sees behind his impregnable wall and knows he's special. When danger comes knocking on her door, he jumps and whisks her away before anything bad could happen to her. Spending time on a secluded island gives them a chance to explore the passion and connection they both feel. And when danger finds them, Troy will stop at nothing to make sure she's safe and his to love forever.

Profile Image for ❤️ Nanda ❤️.
781 reviews421 followers
June 5, 2024
I've been making my way through Mrs Locke backlist for awhile now, and it was just last week that I've met the Landry family.
I mean... Ford was very much present in the last couple of books that I've read, so I needed their love story too 😂.

This new series is very interconnected with the Landry family, considering that it's their family business.

Troy was a fixture along their series, and I love to finally have his happy ending too.
Troy and Dahlia have a two years work relationship inside Landry securities. She's his personal assistant and he lives for his job. There's a few interactions between them that you can catch some attraction, but it's when her life is in danger, that his alpha protector side comes to play.
Throw in some forced proximity, just one bed and a vacation, and things progressed beautifully!

This book is a fast read with good banter, a little mystery stalker and great characters. Even though I feel like I'm still missing some background.

I hope to see more of their happily ever after in the next books.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,190 reviews219 followers
July 27, 2024
5 Star Review Pulse (Landry Security #1) by Adriana Locke
 
Audio Review:
 
I was excited when I heard that Adriana Locke had a new series releasing and if Pulse is anything to go by then she is off to a flying start.

From the first chapter I was drawn into the story that Adriana Locke wove which is bodyguard Troy Castelli and Dahlia’s story.

This was a fast paced romantic suspense story that drew me in and kept me invested from the start. 

The narration by Connor Brown and CJ Bloom brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, suspense and danger to their performances.

The journey they embarked on was not without its complications with a stalker threatening Dahlia’s life. Will Troy be able to keep her safe or will all be lost? One click and find out.






Profile Image for Amanda.
647 reviews27 followers
May 13, 2024
Troy & Dahlia
ARC Review
*friend /coworker
*age gap (10 years)
*forced proximity / one bed
*protective cinnamon roll hero
*steamy romantic suspense

Troy Castelli works with Landry Security and is ex-military with a troublesome childhood. He is a protector first and foremost and he's worked with Dahlia for years. They have flirty chemistry and the best banter between them. Troy finds comfort in being a workhorse and does not take days off. When Dahlia finds herself in harms way, it is Troy who steps in. They take time off together so she can be out of harms way and he can protect her. Off to paradise they go. With one bed.

Troy comes from a $hit childhood and feels unworthy of love. He's not sure he can give or receive it. While on forced vacation in paradise he is able to work through some of his insecurities and we can feel his vulnerability. I wanted to reach into the pages and give Troy a hug, especially when he gave a heartfelt apology to Dahlia after he felt as if he yelled at her. Dahlia is a strong lead female and she can handle so much more than people give her credit for.

Filled with suspense, banter, flirting, on page explosive chemistry. This story has the best of all the worlds with cameo appearances from other books as well. Guaranteed to make you smile and want more.

My only real criticism, and reason for 4 stars, is that it felt somewhat rushed at times. It was a touch on the shorter side of novels (245 pgs) and really could have been a bit longer and more developed. I was disappointed how quickly some scenes just started and then flew by. It didn't have the usual build I love to get from this favorite author. I question if it was a deadline issue and a pressure to finish and if this is why dates were moved back and ARCs sent only days before release. Still a great book, but not Addy's usual squeal out loud, can't get enough work.

I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaving a review voluntarily. Many thanks to publisher, author, and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read and review early.

Release date: May 13, 2024
Profile Image for Maddi Wood.
175 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2024
A pretty good book, even if there were some parts that I didn't *love*

I couldn't really be upset with the writing or the plot, but the timeline was so fast. As I've said before, insta-love isn't my jam. The beginning of the book started off really strong: workplace banter, some mystery, and obviously secret attraction. But it moved wayyy too quick once Delilah and Troy went away. The spice was spicing, don't get me wrong, but even though we see their pasts and understand some of their issues, I still feel like I was missing some kind of, I don't know, angst? SUE ME!

We're told countless times that the two have known and worked together for years, and I would have loved it if the book even started when they first met and how they earned each others trust. The book just seemed to start too late in their story. I would have also loved to have seen their relationship going further, and maybe even a little bit more time in the office with some more "banter" in their new roles.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it was actually a quick read once I was able to sit down and get through it! With a little tweaking, it easily could have been 5 stars, and with a little bit more length and backstory it could get a solid 4, but I'm giving this a 3.5 rounded up!
Profile Image for kelseareads.
388 reviews31 followers
May 13, 2024
This was such a fun read! Troy is a bodyguard at Landry Security. He has been interested in his assistant Dahlia since they started working together, but he has not pursued Dahlia because he has not wanted to cross any professional boundaries. After Dahlia’s house is broken into by an unknown stalker, Troy and Dahlia end up hiding out at one of the Landry’s remote houses while the investigation is ongoing. Troy must try to resist Dahlia while spending 24/7 together in a house with only one bed.

This book is a spin-off of the Landry family series. I have not read it but now I am excited to go back and read about Lincoln and Ford Landry. Troy also appeared in This Much Is True, so I was very excited to get his story. I absolutely love Troy and I really enjoyed learning more about his past. Dahlia is so sweet and relatable, and I loved how protective Troy was of her. This was such a great, easy read and I am excited to get the next book in the series.

Tropes:
▫️Workplace relationship
▫️Grumpy x Sunshine
▫️Protective MMC
▫️Age gap
▫️Forced proximity

Thank you to Valentine PR and Adriana Locke for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Casey Velasquez.
408 reviews25 followers
May 14, 2024
4 ⭐️
2 🔥
Office Romance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Age Gap
Suspense
Stalker
Forced Proximity
Only One Bed
Security/Body Guard MMC
She’s His Assistant
No Third Act Breakup
We met Troy in This Much is True (well, I did), in Adriana’s Marshall Family Series! He’s the grumpy body guard that helps Laina runaway from her wedding, and then continues on her security detail. But he’s had enough of celebrities and their fandoms. Dahlia is the his sunshine assistant, and their interactions have become some of his favorite moments in his daily life. They have never crossed the line & kept it professional & platonic, but have been harboring an attraction to one another for the last two years they’ve worked together. But with a little forced proximity while they are hiding from a stalker and possible death, do they cross that line. Their relationship is hot & steamy, but also so sweet!!

Thank you Adriana Locke & Valentine PR for the ARC!
Profile Image for Catie.
289 reviews23 followers
May 13, 2024
4.75 stars!


I have a love/hate relationship with Adriana’s stories. I HATE that they aren’t longer because I just love them so much! But for real, they’re such easy and entertaining reads!

This made me laugh and swoon and tear up and anxious trying to get to the plot twist.

Troy Castelli and Dahlia Lovelace work together at Landry Securities and have danced around their attraction to each other for the last two years. Their text and in office banter is HILARIOUS! I love how sassy Dahlia “Doll” is.

When Dahlia ends up with a stalker, Troy takes her away while the rest of Landry Securities work to find who’s behind it. And of course there’s only ONE BED! When they finally act on their attraction it is SO HOT!

If you’re looking for a fast read that’s got great characters, fun story and brings the heat, this is it!

Thank you to Adriana and Valentine PR for the early eARC copy!
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