What the Lady Wants

Boulder Bodyguards #1

by Nika Rhone

All she’s ever wanted is him.

Brennan Doyle is the most infuriating man ever born. Once her bodyguard, now head of her father’s security, his constant hot-and-cold signals are driving her crazy. Does he want her, or doesn’t he? She’s got one last chance to find out and she’s going to take it, even if it means risking what’s left of her heart in the process.

All he wants is to keep her safe.

Thea Fordham is the most tempting, off-limits woman he knows. She’s got brains, looks, and a heart bigger than the Colorado Rockies. She’s also too young, too rich, and his boss’s daughter. Oh, and she has a stalker. He has no choice but to stick close to keep her safe, no matter the strain on his already weakening resolve.

Someone wants them both to fail.

Danger prowls the streets of Boulder, and it has Thea dead in its sights. Can Doyle win the race to save her, or will obsession triumph over true love?

What the Lady Wants is a stand-alone forbidden love romance with an alpha hero afraid to commit and a sassy heroine not afraid to lay it all on the line. Guaranteed HEA and no cliffhangers.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2023

About the author

Nika Rhone spent her childhood wearing out library cards as she read her way through the extraordinary worlds far beyond her small hometown on Long Island, NY. By her teens, her imagination was taking her places all on its own, forcing her to learn how to type (badly) so she could get all the stories down on paper. After a long love affair with science fiction and fantasy, she finally discovered romance, fell head-over-heels, and now spends her days crafting happily-ever-afters for the characters who still tell their stories faster (and better) than she can type them.

Reviews

[Amy ~ Love At 1st Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a good bodyguard story? Visions of Tom Berenger or Kevin Costner come to mind. Spending time in close proximity to a hunky man who’ll risk his life to protect yours. Handling tough situations and lots of personal contact but struggling to remain detached and not give in to his biggest temptation- you. That delicious right/wrong dilemma. Nika Rhone’s What The Lady Wants delivers all that in spades! Lots of danger and pent-up passion just bursting at the seams will keep you up all night reading this one.

Cynthia Fordham (Thea) had wanted Brennan Doyle since she was 18 years old. He’d been part of her father’s security since she was a kid. At first it had been a kind of hero worship thing, but as she grew up, so had her feelings for Doyle. But he seemed to only see her as a kid sister. Unrequited love at 18 was hard. So Thea had spent her college years trying to squash her feelings for him. But 4 years hadn’t changed her feelings at all. Now she was home and ready to make Doyle notice that she wasn’t a kid any more. With the help of her friends, she started ‘Operation Shake-Up’- making Doyle take notice of the woman she’d become.
Doyle noticed alright. Truth be told, he’d noticed for some time. His body seemed to be in a constant state of semi-arousal when Thea was around. He felt guilty looking at her and imagining all the things he’d like to do. There were so many reasons he should stay away. She was 12 years younger than him. An innocent. She was the boss’s daughter. They were worlds apart. She was rich while he had to work. He needed to be professional and keep his head. Especially now. Thea didn’t know it but she had a stalker. Her father didn’t want her to know about the letters they’d intercepted. Twisted, threatening letters. Doyle disagreed with keeping the threat hidden from Thea, but if he told her, he’d lose his job. And if he lost his job, he couldn’t keep her safe.
Staying focused and reining in his attraction was easier said than done. So far, he’d kept Thea firmly in the little box marked ‘off limits’ but as the threat escalates, Doyle could lose the best thing in his life before he even realizes it.

I was blown away by this story and riveted from beginning to end. Thea and Doyle were delicious. Thea was an innocent but she was ready to take risks for what she wanted. Though young and an heiress, she was wise for her years and level headed. Doyle was strong with a protective instinct. He tried to keep the bodyguard code and not get involved with the client, but he’d only been holding off the inevitable. And when the inevitable did happen- WOW! Talk about steam!
Not only was there lots of steam but lots of suspense too. Usually I can figure out ‘who done it’ pretty early in a story. But Ms. Rhone kept me guessing till the very end. She reveals her twisting plot slowly, with stakes high and the end in doubt. She really has a talent for ratcheting up the tension and keeping the reader turning the pages.
The secondary characters were wonderful too and added a lot of humor to the story. Thea and her friends Lillian and Amelia, dubbed the Royal Court, were hysterical. Each was so different but they were perfect friends for one another. Oh to have friends like that to plot with! Their side stories were very intriguing. I’m hoping to read more of them soon. Especially Amelia. I am dying to see her put her manipulative mother in her place.
This story had it all. Danger, sexual tension, witty dialogue, romance and LOTS of steam. If you want to indulge your bodyguard fantasies, this is just the book for you! I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 I wanted more from this stars.

The overview and the age difference really got me because I love when stories show that it isn't about age but about the people together that is important. Thea and Brennan were amusing both together and separate because of their full personalities. Thea struggles with independence since she comes from a wealthy family, has a controlling father and is an only child. She's known Brennan for years and he's been her father's chief of security for what could feel like forever to a young twenty something year old.

Brennan struggles with accepting that Thea has grown up and that he's more than a little attracted to her. He knows he should stay away because of everything including their age gap and the fact that he's employed by her father. It doesn't help much as Thea does all she can to get to him and get under his skin. I found myself smiling at the fact that he was well aware of what he wanted but kept trying to talk himself out of it, even when his own brother was telling him how much of an idiot he was being.

Overall, I wanted something more from the story. I felt just "eh" about it when it ended. I wasn't emotionally pulled in which has happened for a few books now. It might be me but I think it is more specifically me not falling in love with the book's layout. It happens and I don't blame the author as there will be those that rave about this book, but I'm just not one of them.

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Pamela Burford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful romantic suspense novel! I'm eager to read more by this wonderful new talent.

[Hannah C · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars
Okay ya I had fun

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for an intriguing romantic suspense story to read during this past weekend's blizzard, and I didn't have to look far, What the Lady Wants by author Nika Rhone was the perfect book to snuggle with under the blankets.

Twenty-two year old heiress Cynthia "Thea" Fordham is determined to become independent of her family's wealth, and move forward in her life as an interior designer. But a threat made against her family has Thea being protected by Brennan Doyle, the sexy ex-Marine and family security head. Thea has an unrequited love for Doyle, and she is determined to show him that she isn't that little teenage girl anymore. Doyle has noticed the lovely girl that he was in charge of protecting, but he has always made sure to keep his feelings in check and consider Thea off-limits. Can Thea show Doyle that she is a desirable woman who wants him ... and can Doyle give into his desire for Thea ... even when danger lurks around the corner?

What a Lady Wants is an enjoyable romantic suspense story set in Boulder, Colorado, that follows the slow building romance of Thea and Doyle. Author Nika Rhone draws the reader into the story with a wonderful mixture of romance and suspense that easily keeps them turning the pages. I couldn't help but enjoy watching as Thea and Doyle's heiress/bodyguard relationship blossoms into a sweet romance mixed in with an undeniable electric connection, chemistry, and spicy desire for one another. Then when you add in the element of suspense that was interwoven into the story, the excitement and anticipation simply keeps the reader wanting to find out who is behind the threat, and can Doyle's protection be enough to keep him and Thea alive.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Thea's friendship with fellow wealthy young ladies, Amelia Westlake and Lillian Beaumont. This trio of friends form what Doyle calls "The Royal Court": Lillian is known as the Queen or Queen Bea, the one who leads them on outrageous stunts; Amelia is known as the Princess, the one born with a silver spoon in her mouth and a dragon for a mother; and Thea is known as the Lady, the one with the calming influence and the voice of reason. I really enjoyed the quirky interactions and witty banter of this trio of friends, they have each other's back, and provided another enjoyable layer to the story.

What the Lady Wants is the first book in the Boulder Bodyguards Series. I can't wait to read Amelia's story in the next installment in the series!

If you like a fast paced and action packed romantic suspense story, then look no further, What the Lady Wants is the book for you!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Jolyse Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic debut romance by Nika Rhone! To be honest, I’d hesitated to take on a full-length novel at this busy time of year, but I’m so glad I agreed to read the ARC of this novel in return for my 100% honest feedback.
So here’s my reaction to WHAT THE LADY WANTS (without spoilers).
Ever see The Bodyguard movie? You know, the one with Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. Yeah, well, this book reminded me of that storyline in a really good way. I loved that movie. Emotional. Hot. Mysterious. Modern. I was hooked on bodyguard Brennan Doyle just like Thea, and he didn’t disappoint. Not once.
Sure, the guy was a bit slow on the uptake, but that made it all the more fun when Thea had to work at getting his attention. She needed to show him she wasn’t the fifteen year-old kid she’d been when he first started working for her father’s security force. And boy did he notice. Still, Doyle was uber cool, professional, and masculine.
Thea came from a hardworking-made-it-rich family and she had a decent head on her shoulders, great friends, and spunky independence. Basically, she’s the kind of woman I’d enjoy hanging out with and talking about real stuff, not just the weather or shopping. At the start of the story, she’s at a bit of a crossroads, working her way into her career and attempting to make a move in her personal life. She has to give it one more try with Doyle, the guy she’s been crazy about for years, or she’ll have regrets.
I also enjoyed the political backdrop of the book, and the friendship dynamics at play. It all struck me as believable.
The suspense element in the romance was a nice bonus to the romance—the author kept me guessing who the stalker was until almost the very end--but it didn’t outshine the couple’s romantic journey. Speaking of Thea and Doyle’s romance, once they got together, the sex scenes were hot, but not gratuitous, and fit their personalities perfectly. I loved the humor and honesty mixed in with the undeniable chemistry. I really felt the respect they had for each other, and it was great to see them earn their HEA.
I give this debut novel 5 SHINY STARS because there are few books that I consider reading more than once, and this is one of them. I guess I’m a sucker for mysterious contemporary romances, sexy/unattainable bodyguards, and spunky rich heroines.
If you like fast-paced, smart, and sexy, WHAT THE LADY WANTS is a great choice. I can’t wait for the next in the series!

[Vania Nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three friends make up The Royal Court: The Queen Bee (Lillian), The Princess (Amelia) and The Lady (Thea). They are different and complement each other.
The first one, The Lady, Cynthia Fordham, or Thea, was 22 years old and was recently graduated from College. For four years she has been away from home and thought that during this time her heart would forget her love for a certain bodyguard. But when she returned to Boulder, Colorado, she realized she was still in love.
Brennan Doyle, a former Marine, was Fordham family bodyguard since Thea was 13 years old. When she was 18, he realized that she had a crush on him, but then she traveled to California to study. During this time he was promoted to family security chief and had plans to open his own security firm, but something held him in Boulder. Thea back home a beautiful woman, but for Doyle she was off-limits. But someone forgot to tell Thea about it, and now, Doyle would have to make an enormous effort not to get entangled by the woman who fascinated him every day .

The heiress and the bodyguard. It would be a cliche plot, but it's absolutely lovely.
The pace of the story is great, engaging. The friends are strong characters, although Amelia seems a frightened little doll being manipulated by her mother and her future mother-in-law. There are funny; exciting and breathtaking scenes. The ending has all the action and mystery that make the story even better.
Definitely a book that I recommend to every reader in love with a novel with a pinch of fairy tales, but in which the heroine decides herself for her own future.

[Janna ♥ I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com

What The Lady wants was a cute take on the whole bodyguard theme. While I can’t honestly say that it was anything so very different that I could say it stands out more than others, what I can say is that I thought it was sweet, funny, suspenseful at times, sexy and a book I enjoyed reading one afternoon. I really enjoyed the “Royal Court” and the way they conspired to get Doyle to see Thea as more than an assignment, but as a woman. I must say the poor guy may have seemed unaffected but if Thea had only knew how crazy she made him I think she would have laughed at his pain a little. I hope to God that in the future books one of the girl’s mothers, I will call her the fire breathing bitch, gets put in her place either by someone whooping her ass or verbally cutting her down. I won’t want to ruin it by saying who I am referring to but once you read the book you will quickly figure it out for yourself.

I am looking forward to not only seeing what trouble these three will come up with for their next unexpected victim, I mean bodyguard. I think that this is an author we need to keep our eye on because I have a feeling her books are only going to get better and better.

[P Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from Net gallery for an honest review. This book was amazing and kept me hooked until the very end. Thea is attracted to Doyle, the head of her security. He had turned down her advances 4 years ago and she's on a mission to get him to notice her. Thea, Marie and Lill are so funny and the lengths they go to, to help Thea to reach her objective was astounding. These 3 friends and the sources they consult had me laughing out loud. Doyle, head of security, is attracted to Thea but won't give into his feelings: he refuses to see her as a grown woman and not a child. The mischievous ploy concocted by Thea, Marie and Lil to allure Doyle into Thea's 'sweatshop' was hysterical. Thea has also attracted a stalker: but I have to admit, my initial guess to the identity of the stalker was wrong, bearing in mind, I did suspect several people. This was a brilliant book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm definitely going to be looking out for other titles from this author. This is the first book I've read from this author and I wasn't disappointed. Would definitely recommend this book.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Austin had pointed out, though, for some reason—and he wasn’t willing to admit that
reason had anything to do with Thea—he’d never found quite the right time to actually get the
ball rolling.
Once he did, though, money would be tight, regardless of the wealth of his clients. All
new businesses operated in the red for at least the first year, if not longer. He’d have to find a
place to live, too. His draw from the business would probably end up being less than he currently
was making once he factored in living expenses that were now part of his more than generous salary package, so that would mean a one-bedroom or even a studio. Even if Thea found a job
with a decent salary, he couldn’t expect her to carry the brunt of the household expenses. He’d
have to…
Whoa! He took a huge mental leap backward. Austin was right again. He was getting way
ahead of himself here. He hadn’t even kissed Thea. Why was he worrying about marriage?

[Hilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is my first read by author Nika Rhone. I have read a few storylines about the bodyguard and the assignment but this story was different. There were a vast array of emotions, drama, heartache, suspense, and laughter throughout the book.
Thea and (Brennan) Doyle’s relationship is on that was forbidden, not only because she was his job but because there was 12 years age difference. Once Thea became a woman she decided to act on her feelings for Doyle. The twists and turns it takes to get Doyle to recognize Thea are hilarious and once they finally get together their chemistry jumps off the pages. I loved how Thea and Doyle communicated honestly and at times I found myself laughing out loud.
I recommend this intriguing read as it is not like all of the other Bodyguard storylines.

[Lissette Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. First, it took almost 60 percent of the book before the two main love interest got together. Before that, we are reading on how Thea is trying to get Doyle's attention. I felt like I was reading a teen book. It wasn't bad and some parts were funny but I wanted them to get together a lot sooner. The other characters in the book are good and I enjoyed the friendship she has with the other two girls. We really don't get too much info on Doyle's past. When they finally do get together, it is very good and the final scene is well written. As a first book she did a good job keeping my interest. I think she will grow better in time.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I loved the Royal Court. All three ladies are sassy, funny, and adorable. This story was Thea's and how she longed for that one man all her teenage and adult life. She knew deep down that they belonged together but Brennan was too focused on his job to realize it. It was so much fun watch Thea and her friends work at making him see her as a woman. Also wanting to know who the stalker was kept me turning pages. Nika Rhone's writing was full of humor, tension, and made the characters come to life for me. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this story.

[LA Bard · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘What The Lady Wants’ by Nika Rhone made for a quick and enjoyable read. It’s a romantic suspense with a perfect blend of both. I was immediately drawn into the story by the main characters; their connection was electric, even though one of them was ignorant of the fact. As far as the secondary characters go, they were witty and friends I could see myself hanging around with. And the way the suspense was carefully woven into the story, made it seem realistic and kept me guessing until the end. Nika Rhone is a new author that I’ll definitely be adding to my TBR list.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christ Doyle has no game, like none what so ever, “it wasn’t really a date,” Doyle went on, stumbling through his words totally unaware at what havoc they were wreaking on Thea’s heart. “I mean, it was a date, but it wasn’t really a date date. It was a… a friends date.” I enjoyed this book I really liked Doyle even though he had too much-needed control where Thea was concerned but I loved watching him succumb to her.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the fact that we got both past and present. There was a lot of information and you began to understand where both Thea and Doyle were coming from as characters and their motives.

I liked the emotion the author was able to evoke. I liked the stand up man that Doyle was, even though Thea didn't understand his motivations.

I liked their progression once their relationship started to change and they were honest with themselves and each other.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun romantic read that had plenty of drama and heartache as well. It will lead you through a barrage of emotions. I loved that the characters both had to overcome things that had happened to them and their journey's led them closer together and stronger as a couple. There was a great combination of present and past and I liked the fact that the characters had a deeper connection from the past.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an independent review.
A romantic, suspense novel which delivers plenty of romance and action. . Well written, great characters, some steamy scenes. The developing relationship between Doyle and Thea is slow burning but very credible. Really enjoyed this and would definitely read the next book in the series.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and sexy (and well-written) take on the bodyguard trope. While readers will take comfort in the foreseeable and satisfying outcome, What the Lady Wants also holds a few unexpected twists.

I look forward to reading more by this new author.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

**Reviewed for Nerdy, Dirty & Flirty**

[Deborah Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic novel!

I was drawn in immediately. Nika Rhone delivers a clear plot with juicy conflicts and takes you on a roller coaster ride. Each main characters' introspections are chock full of emotion and the way the characters want each other so badly had me rooting for them. But there were boundaries and Rhone let her characters dance close enough to feel the intensity but pulls back to make you want more. The heat level is smoldering and complelety appropriate for the characters' situations. I did not feel denied at all. 

There are great secondary characters who richly layer the story without stealing the scenes. As a romantic suspense, the 'who's gonna do it' is delivered masterfully and kept me guessing right up to the end. And Rhone holds nothing back to bring this amazing novel to a satisfying conclusion. 

I'm so glad this is part of a series and can't wait for Book 2!

[Sara Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you overlook most of the below antics during the first 60% of the book, it was decent.

Using childish antics and jealousy to make someone notice you is ridiculous.
I love him and want him to notice me, so Im going to skank myself up and make him jealous by partying, flirting, and hanging with other guys. I'll even hint at dating his employees. **eyeroll**
If I tell him we are going nude on a beach, he is sure to respect and notice me....**again eyeroll**
Your friends give terrible advice.

GROW UP AND USE YOUR BIG GIRL VOICE AND TELL HIM.

On top of that....Lets let the woman with a stalker go to clubs and bars to dance and flirt with tons of strange men....Brilliant idea....

[Linda Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Thea & Doyle! Throw in a stalker, some great friends, a hunky security chief, a crazy mother of a friend, and watch the sparks fly! Proves that age gaps don’t matter & love matters. Steamy scenes? Yes. Not over the top though. (I enjoyed everything except not knowing about how Amelia & Charles end up—I’m hoping Amelia walks away!!)

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Debra Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it!

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable romance. Kind of felt like a cross between a teen romance and an adult romance - the three friends plotting to get Doyle to notice Thea was hilarious. All three of them have their own issues, and while this book focuses on Thea, I hope the other two get their moment to shine, too. Especially Mellie.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Cami Hensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Thea and Doyle come off as real people in this story. I think that they are genuine and the things they have been through really make them relatable to a reader.

My favorite thing about this book is that it was uplifting and one surprise after another. It really kept me on my toes and captivated by the story.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received and ARC copy from Netgalley.

What The Lady wants by Nika Rhone was a good story. While it wasn't different from many other books with the bodyguard theme, I found the book to be very entertaining and filled with witty dialogue and cute scenes.

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an honest review thanks to Netgalley. I liked parts of this book, but the subject matter has been done hundreds of times before, I just couldn't find anything that stood out and caught me while reading. I liked it well enough, but it wasn't different enough for me to love.