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Pursuit #2

The Pursuit of Passion

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Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00EZ5N6Z2.

The PURSUIT Series will stir your heart and get your blood pumping, as you follow the romantic adventures of Adam Garnett.

Adam Garnett has been known for his utterly good looks, brilliance at closing multimillion-dollar business deals, and failed attempts at seducing his boss, Taylor Doheny: The beautiful widow of Adam's best friend.

Three years after her husband's death, Taylor Doheny is still determined to keep her heart locked away from men, particularly the ultimate flirt and notorious womanizer named Adam Garnett.

She had better take care; his ravishing words, sweet promises, and provocative gestures are threatening to break through her defenses and irrevocably get under her skin.

When Adam risks his life to rescue her during a vicious assault, Taylor can't find it in her to ignore his broiling desire and obsessive lust for her. Will she be able to leave the past behind and open up her heart to Adam, despite the real danger of having her already fragile emotions crushed?

Romantic Suspense--Due to strong language and descriptive sex scenes, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. *96.000 words or about 400 print pages.*

474 pages, ebook

First published September 5, 2013

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1418 people want to read

About the author

Liv Bennett

39 books293 followers
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5 stars
107 (22%)
4 stars
150 (31%)
3 stars
135 (28%)
2 stars
45 (9%)
1 star
32 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Liz Lawson.
729 reviews29 followers
September 16, 2013
Emotional story of Adam and his unrelenting love for his friend Jacks' wife Taylor. Adam is with his girlfriend Pat when Jack introduces him to his girlfriend Taylor and Adam is besotted with her and loves her from afar. When Jack is tragically killed in a car accident Adam steps in to protect Taylor. Taylor grieves for Jack for three years and ignores Adams flirting and pleas for dates. Adam will not give up. Adam is a hot alpha male and Inevitably Taylor relents and the seduction in the bedroom is electric; but then she pushes Adam away again through guilt. I felt so sorry for Adam, he truly loves Taylor. Taylor is emotionally drained and wants to let go of Jack but can't. Can Adam persuade Taylor to take a chance? The mystery and outcomes are surprising to say the least. A good erotic read for me with mystery and intrigue. Looking forward to reading Illicit Pursuit in the near future.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews895 followers
July 20, 2014
Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Taylor can't get past the death of her husband. Sure she functions, but she hasn't moved on or let go. She hasn't been able to find her desire or passion to live the life she was spared when the accident happened. Adam was her husband's best friend and the man that stepped up to help his company so she could keep his legacy alive. He is also the man that has been asking her out for countless dates without a single yes.

When Taylor finds herself facing her own death, a bit of her guard comes down. Adam is able to wiggle his way in just enough to catch her attention. And although Adam appears to be a playboy, there is far more to him than Taylor ever expected.

Taylor and Adam continue to battle throughout this romance and with the ghost of her husband. Adam is not wanting to back down from his pursuit, he knows deep down that if she would only give in, she could move on. But life throws some crazy their way and being pushed to the edge might just force them to finally push them together.



Although I enjoyed the idea of the story, there were parts of this that just did not pull me in enough. I wanted to feel so much suffering for Taylor and what she was going through, but just missed that connection in the story to her to really get to that point.

There was potential and ultimately slightly more positives than negatives for me - but it was one of those middle of the road reads that never grabbed me and forced me to pay attention.

That, being said. Not every person reads the same story. There was enough there that I would give the next in the series a shot because of the potential that I did find.
Profile Image for Ashley.
172 reviews24 followers
September 7, 2013
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from the author for my honest review. I must say that this is one of the best I have read in quite a while!

First, I thought this book was unique, at least different from what I have read in the past. This wasn't just a romance novel. Bennett threw in so much suspense that at times I was on the edge of my seat. Throughout the entire book I could really feel what Taylor was going through. From being heartbroken with the loss of Jack and her fear during the attacks, Bennett made Taylor seem like a real person.

Again, the suspense was excellent. I don't want to say to much, but I did not see that coming! I cannot wait to read book #2!
Profile Image for Alisha.
42 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2013
4 Stars!

“You bewitched me since the first day we met”

Those words were true when it came to Adam loving Taylor. Taylor was married to his best friend, Jack, but an unfortunate accident happened, leaving Taylor behind…alone. Or so she thinks. Adam fell in love with Taylor from the first day he laid eyes on her. He stood by her for three long years after her husband died. Adam wants more than just the friendship they seem to have. He won’t stop pursing her until he has her.

"I want you, Taylor. I’ve never wanted another woman like I want you, and I’m ready to take it as slowly as you want to”

One day, something happens that has Taylor questioning if there is something more to Adam. Will she be able to survive without Adam constantly in her life? If she moves on, is she cheating on her love from her late husband, Jack?

"You save me, your passion and your love. Now, I need you to do it again.”

This book contains a little bit of suspense, with a big dose of passion and romance. I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt like Adam’s character was a bit pushy at times, but it seems that Taylor both needed it and liked it. Taylor was a broken woman at the beginning of the book. Towards the end, you can see the difference that her character grew. She was getting stronger and coming out of her shell. The split point of views between Taylor and Adam allowed you to get to know the characters well and what they were thinking.

If you want to read more about what happened between Adam and Pat, the next book in the series is An Illicit Pursuit. At the end of the book, it gives a glimpse of the future of Adam, Taylor, Pat and Zach.

I was provided an ARC for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jo.
106 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2013
I was offered the ARC by the author for a review.

WOW! I do not know Liv Bennett from previous books and had no expectations for this book. The tag line for this story should be "Expect the unexpected!" 'cause that's what this book is all about.

I really enjoyed that each chapter was from the view of either Adam or Taylor. You can never guess what events will happen next. Each time you think the author is going left, she swirves to a definite right. It kept me wanting to read more and the pace of the story goes by quickly. At one point, I realised that this might not be a HEA (happy ever after) story and oh dear... I wasn't expecting that either. The author simply keeps you on your toes.

It was a great story about overcoming loss and not in the easiest of ways. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised by a story that was out of what I am used to reading. Thank you Liv, for sharing your book with me, it was a story that I have truely enjoyed. :) Can't wait to read the prequel to this story in An Illicit Pursuit.
Profile Image for Kylee.
185 reviews4 followers
September 14, 2013
When I read this book, the "pursuit of passion" is definitely there. And so is a woman striving to regain her independence. Taylor has many past stressors that cause her to be more cautious and held back when it comes to her day to day life in the present...even her love life. She is so shut off to men but yet strives to break out of this slump and surprise the reader (and Adam) with her "wild and crazy and HOT" desires. Many times while reading this book I wanted to reach in and shake Taylor to wake her from this dream she continues to live in her past and accept what is now in her future!! Adam is amazing...so caring and DETERMINED to get what he wants! And his determination carries on into the bedroom, or closet, or couch, or office and he aims to please ;)! I love how Adam never gave up for his desire to finally have the woman he wants and I love how Taylor overcomes many obstacles to finally be happy again. Mind blowing ending that wraps up many events throughout the book!!! Great steamy read!
ARC received from the author for honest review!
Profile Image for Janey.
1,319 reviews
September 9, 2013
Taylor has been floating through life since her beloved Jack was killed in a car accident 3 years ago; a car she was also travelling in. She now runs Jack's construction company successfully, but remains detached from life in general.

Adam Garnett was Jack's best friend, and has spent the last 3 years looking out for Taylor, to the extent of becoming very close to her. He works part time for the construction company, having been Taylor's tower of strength during the initial period following Jack's death. He has been ruthlessly flirtatious with Taylor, and has attempted to get her on a date many times recently.

The story is told from the H & h POV, which helps to maximise the storytelling. I enjoyed the story initially; it was emotional, steamy and suspenseful. But about two thirds of the way through, Adam started to become whiney & I'm afraid he lost me from his fan base.

I finished the story, which seemed to just end, but I was left feeling a bit meh....
Profile Image for iloveladyporn.
1,280 reviews83 followers
November 3, 2013
My feelings for Taylor are all over the map- First I felt sorry for her then I decided I didn't like her very much and at the ending I was loving her. Adam oh Adam I loved him from the get go and loved him even more throughout the book. His feelings for Taylor are off the charts crazy. At first they don't seem so bad but as their long history unfolds it's clear he's been suffering for a long time. There is danger lurking and at first it seems a just random but as events go on we find out about an evil plot.
Great Ending but I'm glad there will be another book coming soon "The Everlasting Pursuit" because I want more of Taylor & Adam.
Profile Image for Barrie Mac.
1,704 reviews170 followers
September 14, 2013
The sex scenes in this book were hot, Hot, HOT! Taylor lost her husband a few years ago and just can't let go of him; she can't love or be with anyone else without feeling guilt. Her husband's best friend, Adam, has had a crush on Taylor ever since he met her with his best friend. Now that his best friend has died and it's been a few years, he wants her...bad. Taylor keeps going back and forth between guilt and wanting to be with Adam but it didn't flow well. At the end she has a crying fit and then suddenly decides she wants Adam for good...it just wasn't smooth...it felt odd and choppy.
Profile Image for Carolyn Valdez.
501 reviews12 followers
September 12, 2013
I really loved this book. When I first started reading, I thought it was a romance, but the more I read the more it seemed to have some suspense to it. This suspense had me trying to turn pages faster and faster. Now I have to wait for her next book and I bet it is going to be just as good as this one is.
Profile Image for Kathleen Peña.
179 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2013
OMG what can I say about this book! Liv you did it again! I found myself yelling at Adam numerous times over his lack of better judgement. He just doesn't know when to back off or when to push. Taylor annoyed me a little. I get it your husband died but it's been 3 years, move on! The twists in the plot totally kept me on my toes and I had a ton of late nights staying up reading.
1,068 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2020
Taylor is a Wreck

*****Spoilers*****

I think this one would have been much better if Taylor wasn't as annoying and suspicious of Adam for no reason. She constantly doubts him and his motives and actions, so much so I couldn't understand. He was incredibly persistent which is the only reason they lasted as long as they did. Taylor was emotionless and was really unlikeable for most of the book. The best thing was Adam's devotion. Who doesn't want a partner that gone for them?

The sister, Valerie coming in with her psychotic nonsense though I wasn't surprised she came after Taylor. Taylor was a bad friend to Valerie I thought and I couldn't understand why Bree liked Taylor so much or anyone else since her personality was sparse and unemotional.
Profile Image for Nadine in NY Jones.
3,162 reviews275 followers
September 29, 2014
This is an Amazon freebie for Kindle. Of course, even with the freebies, you spend time on them, so I try to only get books that will be reasonably entertaining. This one got good reviews.

Already in the prologue I'm experiencing DangerWillRobinson vibes ... we learn that the heroine is "numbed to her core" by an accident. But okay, one trite phrase does not an entire book ruin. I soldier on ...

And in the first chapter, serious danger presents itself: we are told that a room is decorated "simply but tastily." Yes, that's right, "simply but tastily." It's tastily decorated. Tastily. Perhaps they used a Tastykake theme, or maybe the upholstery and curtains are made from edible panties. It's hard to say.

Two pages later, and the nattily dressed hotel assistant (dressed in a green skirt suit with blonde hair in a bun because these details are important dammit) arrives to show our heroine to the "Magnolia Suit." Perhaps our heroine is inspecting a new outfit? No, of course not! she's headed to a suite of rooms!!! And someone - SOMEONE - involved in this book has a seriously poor command of the English language. (Not just a typo, either, because the word is repeated. Oddly enough, a few more pages in, and "suite" is spelled correctly.)

*

This. Is. So. Bad.

Dialogue is wooden. First person alternating POV is wooden. I flat out dislike both main characters. And then at the 53% mark, we learn that Taylor, who has been mooning over her dead husband for years, only knew him for one year.. And then a few pages later we learn she blames herself for his death because . . . SHE INSISTED HE BUY A USED CAR. Well. Holy shit. That's lame.

Then at the 63% point we learn this is all predestined by god. Holy shit. I hate this book.

And then. AND THEN ... Holy dysfunctional relationship, a Batman! They are awful to each other. That's not healthy love, it's obsessive and manipulative.

Oddly, the sex scenes are pretty hot. I recommend you read this as porn rather than a story.
Profile Image for Alisha.
42 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2013
4 Stars!

"You bewitched me since the first day we met"


Those words were true when it came to Adam loving Taylor. Taylor was married to his best friend, Jack, but an unfortunate accident happened, leaving Taylor behind...alone. Or so she thinks. Adam fell in love with Taylor from the first day he laid eyes on her. He stood by her for three long years after her husband died. Adam wants more than just the friendship they seem to have. He won't stop pursing her until he has her.

"I want you, Taylor. I've never wanted another woman like I want you, and I'm ready to take it as slowly as you want to"

One day, something happens that has Taylor questioning if there is something more to Adam. Will she be able to survive without Adam constantly in her life? If she moves on, is she cheating on her love from her late husband, Jack?

"You saved me, your passion and your love. Now, I need you to do it again."

This book contains a little bit of suspense, with a big dose of passion and romance. I really enjoyed reading this book. I felt like Adam's character was a bit pushy at times, but it seems that Taylor both needed it and liked it. Taylor was a broken woman at the beginning of the book. Towards the end, you can see the difference that her character grew. She was getting stronger and coming out of her shell. The split point of views between Taylor and Adam allowed you to get to know the characters well and what they were thinking.

If you want to read more about what happened between Adam and Pat, read "An Illicit Pursuit" in the series is . At the end of the book, it gives a glimpse of the future of Adam, Taylor, Pat and Zach.

I was provided an ARC for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kirstie.
264 reviews20 followers
October 2, 2013
***IMPORTANT*** To truly appreciate this book read "Illicit Pursuit" first.

After reading the prequel I was left emotional and angry and little respect for Adam. The ending of Illicit Pursuit(IP) was a little vague and I was soooo frustrated. I really struggled with the idea of reading The Pursuit of Passion as I was feeling quite indifferent toward Taylor and Adam.

But...I slowly started reading and got to know Taylor a bit better. The misconception that she was instrumental in the way IP ended slowly faded and I realised that she could not be held responsible. Adam on the other hand...WELL!

It took me quite a way in to the story to open my mind a little to him. Quite a few answers came to light, making IP a little more understandable.

Taylor tries her damnedest to be true to herself and what she believes. She struggles through out the story warring between her conscience and her desires. Adam's actions almost border on the verge of badgering poor Taylor. Adam really gets so caught up in his passion and desire for Taylor that he often does not consider just how over bearing he is.

This book isn't just about Adam and Taylor...poor Taylor has an enemy who is out to destroy her. It is during these attacks that Adam becomes super protective and poor Taylor feels smothered. And just when Taylor start's opening to the possibility of happily ever after, her enemy strikes again...and again.

This story is far from finished. While The Pursuit of Passion has set some light on a few things, Ms Bennett definitely has so much more to tell. Don't be swayed by the unexpected events in either book. Read them with an open mind and Trust that Ms Bennett has her readers best interest at heart...she has a story to tell and it's unique to anything I have read so far!
Profile Image for Jessica White.
68 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2015
After rolling my eyes several times at this book I just finally gave up. The characters are contrived, forced and overall fake. Taylor was only with her husband for a year before he was killed and suddenly he was the best thing since sliced bread. I get the pain is overwhelming but you can't tell me that in that year they didn't fight and he was perfect 24/7. I mean he didn't even share with her that he donated part of a lung, come on. I get that the author was trying to make him selfless but it was a major surgery, he should've told her that. Adam's constant need to be with her is creepy, border stalking. He is constantly stating that he loves her but yet he is only in love with her looks, never really took the time to get to know her. I couldn't even finish this book after the video message on her phone I just gave up. This story would have potential but only if there were some major character overhauls
15 reviews
December 18, 2013
Not exactly sure how this book has an average review above 4. It's actually a good story, however the execution is severely lacking. It's very poorly written. I wanted to finish reading because I was actually curious about how the story would end (sign of a good plot?) But I have to say, I was cringing the whole way. It's almost like no one proofed this before it was published. Or it was originally written in another language and poorly translated to English. It is better than the first book in the series, and honestly I only read it because at the end of the first book, there was an except to this one. I wouldn't have bothered to look into the second book in the series unless that was included in the first.
Profile Image for Erin.
34 reviews
July 24, 2014
I really enjoyed reading about Taylor and Adam's journey. I let this sit in my Kindle Library for a while, but I'm glad that I finally read it. Taylor, a widow is running her ex-husband's (Jack) construction company with Adam, Jack's best friend. Adam has been in love with Taylor for many years. Taylor finally sees him and the start a relationship. There are surprises from Jack's past that threaten to destroy Taylor. Adam steps in and helps her fight off the attempts. Taylor and Adam participate in some really STEAMY sex, and Taylor finally admits that she loves Adam. Their story continues in the second book.
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,630 reviews39 followers
October 30, 2015
A VERY STRAINED & STRANGE ROMANCE BETWEEN A MAN IN LOVE WITH HIS BFF’s WIDOW HIS LOVE FOR TAYLOR IS UNBELIEVABLY DEEP, MORE LIKE BEING TOTALLY OBCESSED WITH HER. BOTH CHARACTERS ARE SORTA CREEPY IN THEIR BEHAVIOR, SHE WITH HER DEAD HUSBAND AND HE WITH HER. VERY PREDICTABLE I KNEW WHO THE BADDIE WAS AT 10% LOTS OF SEX SCENES THIS IS NOT A STAND-ALONE SERIES. I DON’T THINK I’LL BE READING ANYMORE OF THESE. ;>
813 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2014
Adam risks his life to rescue Taylor. Now he is on the mend. But an event occurs and Taylor is once again threatened but now it is blackmail. After the money is paid they think everything is back to normal. But another threat they do not even see coming is about to hit them. Will it tear them apart or bring they closer together?
Profile Image for Shay.
515 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2014
I really didn't like the relationship between Adam and Taylor. It seemed like obsession rather than love. Plus, repeated spelling errors drove me crazy. It is dessert, two s's for the food. Not desert, unless you like eating sand. And outrages for outrageous? Seriously? A simple book editor could have really helped.
Profile Image for Carmen.
625 reviews18 followers
June 28, 2015
Both Taylor Doheny and Adam Garnett have a lot of charisma, and I also like the way Taylor narrates. I would have liked to have read a lot more about the company Taylor runs. I definitely didn't see the ending coming, but I did have a horrible feeling about Bree when she stepped into Adam's home to 'visit' Taylor.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,603 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2013
oh dear, I am not having a good book w/e. Another book I just couldn't get into!!! seriously!!!?? elt as though the beginning was half way through the book. Wanted to throttle the heroine. he hero would have been so much better off with Pat!! felt sorry for her!!!
Wouldn't recommend, not sexy!!!
Profile Image for Shena.
97 reviews46 followers
October 21, 2013
LOVED IT!!!!!

I fell so in love with these characters and found myself rooting for them through the whole book! The surprise reveal of the villain took me completely by surprise! Definitely a good read!
7 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2014
I loved this, all of liv Bennett books she never leaves you wondering, she always answers you questions and wonders, of how he gets the girl what happens next!

I love the love story mixed with wild scenes but yet a dark side slowly and unpredictably creeping it!

Profile Image for Holly Bargo.
Author 42 books145 followers
May 14, 2014
Meh.

Depressing and depressed, selfabsorbed heroine. Unrealistic hero, too good to be true. Silly dramatics. By the time I decided not to waste any more time on the book, I was 70% of the way through it.
4 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2015
Look Out 50 Shades!

I'm hooked!
I love how easy it was to connect to the characters. I feel like I've known them forever. Looking forward to reading everything I can get my hands on by Liv Bennett.
Profile Image for Danni.
1,125 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2014
Book 2. This was a little more unrealistic. But had the mystery angle added to the... Passion.
Profile Image for Janelle.
170 reviews
January 8, 2014
Better than the first book by far, had a little action in the storyline which made it more interesting too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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