A grumpy bodyguard with a strict no-nonsense rule. A spirited heiress who just can't keep out of trouble.Ex-military bodyguard Ryder West thought he’d seen it all—until he’s tasked with his toughest assignment protecting Cora Valeur, the fiercely independent daughter of a tech billionaire. Cora’s free-spirited charm and boundless energy drive him to the edge, but when a shadowy enemy emerges, Ryder finds himself breaking his one unbreakable never fall for a client.
Cora Valeur has always lived life on her own terms, but as a series of chilling threats close in, she’s forced to accept protection—only to find herself inexplicably drawn to her stoic, maddeningly composed bodyguard. Sparks fly, and with every new danger, resisting Ryder becomes increasingly impossible.
For readers who love quick wit, smoldering tension, and the irresistible pull of opposites, this steamy bodyguard romance proves that sometimes the best defense is letting someone in.
One-click now to dive into a heart-pounding dance of love and danger!
I love a good forbidden romance especially with a bodyguard. Cora is strong and independent and does not want a bodyguard but her family makes her. They have an attraction to each other that they finally give in to.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Forbidden romance? Cute. Forbidden romantic suspence between a billionaire FMC (yes yes F!!) and her bodyguard? Yes please!!!! This book has everything. The FMC, Cora, is the most wonderfully chaotic character. She does not want a bodyguard and will do everything to get away from him (shes literally running away from him at some point in one of the funniest scenes of the book). The MMC, Ryder, is an exmilatry, all muscles huge ass man whos extremely not happy with his client that has not a care in the world for her own safety. Together they create the most beautiful love story filled with pining, angst and banter. And Oh my god the banter is the funniest hottest banter ive read in a while. Of course theres also a suspense plot line that adds a lot of depth to the characters, their fears and emotions and gets ryder all possessive and protective. I strongly recommend this book!!! Do mind though that it is a part of a series and while it can be read as a stand alone, the suspense plot starts in the previous books and ends on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cora is the third book in Winter's series, The Valeur Billionaires. This contemporary, bodyguard romance features Cora Valeur and Ryder West.
While not required, those who read the first two books will have a better understanding of the Valeur family dynamics, and will also recall having met Cora's boyfriend, Arlo. The Valeur children appear to be on the receiving end of mysterious threats. After Cora is mugged in an alley, her father hires a bodyguard to ensure her protection. Enter Ryder West from Storm Security. He almost loses the job before he even starts when he believes her to be in danger. Definitely an unforgettable moment!
Cora is a strong, smart, independent woman who prides herself on standing on her own two feet. While she shares the well-known last name as her father, she doesn't use it to her advantage. She also speaks her mind, and is not one to listen to others unless she agrees. Ryder, of course, struggles with this as his only goal is to keep her safe but she fights him every step. She quickly garners the nickname, Little Trouble.
One of my favourite lines in the book was: "I can handle challenges. It's hurricanes in heels I'm worried about."
Ryder endeavours to keep her safe as threats continue to be sent to his beautiful yet frustrating charge. The more time these two spend together leads them to realize they share an unmistakable attraction to one another. They try to resist, but eventually succumb and things get might spicy!
"Oh, Little Trouble, I'm going to devour you like you've never been devoured before."
In reading this book I forgot about the fourth Valeur child - Liam. I was expecting the author to finally expose the identity of the "big bad" and was dismayed when I reached the end and left hanging at the every edge of a cliff hanger! Grrr! (I say this with love!)
I don't know when we can expect the finale (I think!) to be released so I'll just try to distract myself while I wait impatiently to learn what comes next. In the meantime, I definitely recommend checking out this sizzling read.
I'll leave you with one more fun line because amidst the action and the passion, there were definitely a few chuckles: "Pancakes are for amateurs. Real bodyguards fuel up on bad guys and bullets."
Trigger Warning! Violence, off page assault and Open Door relationship between the MC's. After being mugged, when Cora gets out of the hospital her father hires her a bodyguard. Someone is out to ruin her family by any means necessary and her father isn't taking anymore chances. Ryder swore that he'd never do bodyguard work again. But the ex seal does this one as a favor for his friend. When he shows up at the door and gets no answer, he goes into protection mode. He's not ready for what he finds and neither is Cora! And that's the beginning of their guard, guardee, love, hate, love, passion, danger, secrets relationship. Their joined at the hip which at first she's not crazy about but, , , Ryder has a way about him that makes her not mind at all. His "Little Trouble", is a strong, fierce and hard working woman who's proud of the business she's built from the ground up. Everyday that goes by makes him admire her more and more. Someone is out to do Cora harm and they're getting closer and bolder! He knows there's something he's missing. But what? Mystery, secrets, danger and kidnapping. Can anything quell the love that they have for each other? While it doesn't end in a cliffhanger, it does set up for the next story in the series. I thought she was a little stubborn in not wanting security but hey, it would have been a short story if they would've gotten along in the beginning. As stated in the beginning of my review, there's violence and open door, very open door, relationship between the two MC's. If you find any of that offensive, this might not be the book for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well were to start I can't begin to say how brilliant this book is, it's book three in the series and with each book the story unfolds more. Although I suppose you could read as a standalone each book uncovers more of the under story that happened over twenty years ago. When Cora is mugged at gun point, she ends up with a bodyguard, which she certainly isn't happy about. Knowing her relationship is over only makes matters worse, but when he ran and left her at gun point it was the thing that made her admit it was going nowhere. Ryder is ex military and wants to be part of Zane's special team, so if taking protective duty of a spoilt rich woman was what he had to do so be it. Except the more time he spent with Cora she proved she was certainly more than a spoilt rich girl. This story just grips you and pulls you in the twists and turns are unbelievable. The way the story builds and escalates is easy to get drawn in trying to work out who or why this is happening. The bonds between the siblings certainly comes through as well as the chemistry between Cora and Ryder. The way Ryder calls her His Little Trouble is a perfect name for Cora. The way the story ends on a cliff hanger just leaves you wanting the next book now. The only thing I will stress is this is a steamy mystery romance so be prepared for a hot 🔥 story
4.5 stars for Cora and Ryder's story. **Possible spoilers**
Cora is the only girl in the Valeur family. She's an event/wedding planner and incredibly independent. Ryder is ex-Navy and hired as Cora's bodyguard to keep her safe.
Cora was supposed to hire security for herself and didn't. She was hurt in a mugging while with her chicken boyfriend, Arlo, so her father hired a bodyguard for her. In comes Ryder. Cora fights his tactics every step of the way until the messages start coming in. He gets tighter on his demands for her security as she becomes more frightened. Somewhere along the line they become attracted to each other. He fights it every step of the way and she doesn't see an issue. When he finally gives in more than sparks fly. But when they're caught can they both make it through the fire?
This book has it all--the drama, the mysteries (yes, more than one), the humor and the spice! I loved this story; how the MCs worked through their issues after they got together. Though the mysteries where present, they worked together so well. While Cora was a bit immature at the start she grew to be a great partner, firm in what she wanted and stood up for that. He stood strong as well. I'm loving how book by book we are slowly getting the whole picture piece by piece. I can't wait for Liam's story now!
Another enjoyable adventure in this series of romance for the Valeur siblings as well as an intriguing and mysterious background story. A nice mix of steamy romance, mystery and enjoyable ride to see what will happen next. Excitedly awaiting the next book which could be the last as we shall see what Liam and final sibling of the family's story will unfold. The characters are different as siblings can be and this time we get to discover more about Cora, her path to meeting her match and the banter between these two love birds is priceless. Cora is a strong, sassy, confident woman and yet has vulnerability and heart that draws you to want it to work out for her. Great to discover more of the unfolding mystery behind the Valeur family and a teaser with each book as another layer revealed and yet to unveiled complete. In meantime, enjoyable books getting to know each sibling a little more and await learning Liam's story next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cora book three in the series that follows a family of billionaire siblings and the love that comes unexpectedly into their lives is yet another entertaining read from author Karin Winter. The sister of Lucas and Logan who have had their own stories told in previous books is about to be forced into accepting protection by her family from an ex-military bodyguard, Ryder West after a series of threats against her life. For free spirited and independent Cora whose lived life on her own terms this is going to be difficult. Never mind the simmering tensions that begin developing between her and Ryder. This story is a fantastic contemporary romance with excellent writing, well crafted characters, suspense, family dynamics, intrigue, secrets, emotion, danger, and lots of passion. There is a third act edge of your seat nail biter that leads to an HFN, and I am hoping brother Liam’s story will be next in this overarching storyline I am loving!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 3 in Winter's The Valeur Billionaires series and each book thus far focuses on one of the Valeur siblings. I love the sibling dynamic between these characters. Also, each book is carrying a tone of danger and suspense that is escalating with each book. In Cora's journey she's forced to get a bodyguard after a near death mugging and now mysterious threats are being issued. I love the push and pull between Cora and her broody bodyguard Ryder and how hard he fights their mutual attraction. I also appreciate how he knew the consequences of his actions far more than Cora seemed to grasp and much earlier. Overall, this book was captivating and well written. Totally addictive and delivers the sweet and steam you would want in a good romance read along with some danger. The mystery of these threats continues, and Winter leaves us with a bit of a cliffy but I love it and can't wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely love this series. The storyline flows from one book to the next without any breaks or inconsistencies. The characters are well developed and grow as the series continues.
In this story you get to learn about Cora. There is a LOT of growth with her. She's transitioning from the baby sister into a woman of her own right. You've seen hints of the fire she holds within, and in this book you see her enter a whole new level.
When she gets a bodyguard, Ryder (against her wishes), she pushes him to his limits. He keeps her safe as she tries to unravel pieces of her life and make sense of events from the past. She's asking questions she was afraid to even think, let alone ask. As the book comes to a close some non answers become answers all on their own.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a story with depth, character development, and a continuous story with no plot holes or gaps.
This was the story of Cora and Ryder. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories of Logan and Lucas. I was excited for this book and I was not disappointed. I loved this book so much!
The story continues where Lucas ended. You are right back in from the first sentence. It was great to read from Cora's perspective, she has made different choices than her brothers and is living her life her way.
Karin Winter knows exactly how to strike the right chord and how to create a perfect combination between romance, spice and suspense. Again, everything was just right in this book. I was hooked from the first page. The plottwists in the book were good! The pacing and writing style was perfect. I saw the cliffhanger coming but I was extremely disappointed that the story didn't continue yet. I really need to know how it ends! I can't wait for Liam's story!
I loved this book! I was looking forward to Cora's book as she was the fun, flighty one of the family and I was expecting a good story. Instead I got a great book that was so much better than expected (and I was expecting alot)! The plot was fantastic, with the overarching mystery following on from the previous books. I loved the characters, obviously Cora but also Ryder. The growth they went through was fantastic.
My only complaint is the ending! It ends on a cliffhanger! How dare I have to wait until the next book! I almost took off 2 stars purely from spite but decided since I was so enthralled by the whole series so far that I would forgive Ms Winter and just hope the wait isn't too long.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Family dynamics The latest in the Valeur family saga. A dual POV format that follows the going’s of the daughter and the man hired to protect her. There is resistance, capitulation, and finally compliance. But excepting a situation doesn’t make it an easy adjustment. As with any good book the chocolates and roses don’t always appear. There is conflict. There is gunfire. There are zip ties. There are helicopters, not necessarily in that order. The whole family is of course around but only dad is caught golfing. Suffice it to say there are plenty of twists to keep you wishing for more. Here’s hoping for number 4.
This is Ryder and Cora's story and how they get to their happy ever after. He's her bodyguard but over time they become closer. She has just broken up with Arlo so is quite vulnerable but part of the reason is her attraction to Ryder.
The ongoing storyline of the family threats has more revelations but asks more questions than are answered.
A good read with good characters. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cora and Ryder are explosive as a couple and powerful separately. They are both fascinating personalities who explore a slow-burn that explodes. The underlying mystery that connects the series becomes more pronounced but still allows the book to be read alone. I enjoyed their adventures and especially the supporting characters who are so vivid and fascinating. Definitely more graphic and intense than the earlier books but well integrated into the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was prepared to slog through this book as I really enjoyed the first two in the series and was a little blasé about the blurb - it just didn’t capture my interest. However, the story that unfolds is so so so interesting! From the love-hate-passion-independence-Nordic style relationship, I was hooked. Yes, it’s a protector story but it really does feel fresh and surprises the reader more than once throughout the story. Great find!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cora is book three of the Valeur Billionaires series. This can be read as a stand alone, but there is an underlying story that starts with the first two books and it would be helpful to read those first. After a series of threats, Cora is forced to accept protection in the form of ex military bodyguard Ryder. Their chemistry is immediate and she definitely gives Ryder a run for his money as he tries to protect her. This is an excellent addition to the series and is recommended!
When Cora is mugged at gunpoint, her father insists she has a bodyguard for protection. Enter Ryder West who is not looking forward to babysitting a princess but sparks fly from day one and only intensify as more trouble comes her way.
Love this series! I recommend reading the other books in order as events continue from end of last book and lots of cameos.
I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.
Well that wasn't quite what i expected lol. Not a typical love story with plenty of sexy bits.... No it was a love story with lots of sexy bits interspersed with humour and violence. I can't wait to read part four of this series to finally find out who is the villain and why. So onwards and upwards (as they say) as I dive into the murky world of Liam. I wonder which lady will rock his world and who is the silent witness and why are they after the Valeur family
This book had very little plot. It's like she needed a book about Cora so she just threw in excessive sex and very little else. I do not recommend this book. At the heart of it Cora was spoiled and a daddy's girl who didn't really earn a living for herself. Would have been a better plot twist if she had given back everything that he had given her and lived on her own merit.
Hooked from the first page. I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint! The passion and steam was off the charts. I loved the pull between them and when they finally gave in it was explosive! This book had it all suspense, mystery and lots of steam! Highly recommend this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Who doesn't love a good bodyguard romance? Book 3 in the Valeur Billionaires series will give you everything that you want. Things heat up slowly but surely between Cora and Ryder. But when it finally heats up...You won't be disappointed.
The secondary plot between the books is still going strong and I have a ton of theories. I can't wait for the next installment.
Winter delivered a brilliant book, this is the third in the series and I loved seeing more from this world and family. It can be read as a standalone but much better read in order.
This story grips you from the start and pulls you in, the twists and turns are spot on and the chemistry between Cora and Ryder is fab and fiery.
A great read, I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Have enjoyed Cora in all the other books so I was excited for her story. Her brothers weren't in it as much as previous stories I thought. I loved Cora's story it was exciting. Left again with another piece to the family puzzle. Cannot wait to read what happens next!
Another entertaining book in this series, with a compelling mix of drama, intrigue, romance, and sizzle. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, well developed characters, wit and humor, and all the twists and turns. Engrossing from start to finish. Looking forward to Liam’s story!
Cora's story has threads which continue on from her brother's stories. When Ryder became Cora's bodyguard, falling for her wasn't part of the plan. A steamy read as part of this fab series I've enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great read by Karin Winter. Love her characters and wit. You'll laugh, cry and swoon. Try to guess what's coming, and you'll likely be wrong. But that just makes turning every page all the better.
I love this series! I think this was the best one yet! I loved it from the beginning until the end. Cora is a sweetheart, strong and smart with her heart in the right place. Ryder is her new bodyguard, ex military and a bit grumpy but very strong. Their chemistry is off the charts. I also loved the strong bond between all the siblings, a very touching moment when they all support Cora after the attack and hug her. I’m so curious the read the next one about Liam because I’m so curious to know what happened all those years ago.
I received a copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.