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Protector #1
Talk to Me
Emily Simon is a good listener. Maybe a little too good. As a professional counselor who's been unintentionally clocking hours after work with her advice-seeking friends, Emily decides it's time to hang up the counselor hat when she's out of the office and make something happen in her own life. She has just two rules: No men with emotional baggage and no risk takers.
Bryan “Mac” McAvoy is tormented by the death of a teenage boy, shot during a robbery gone wrong, and fellow police officer, Sean Simon, is convinced his sister Emily is just the person to help Mac get back his edge.
With his dangerous vocation and giant suitcase full of guilt, Emily vows to steer clear and guard her heart. But when she receives a death threat from a deranged client, she finds that Mac may be the only man who can guard her life.
Bryan “Mac” McAvoy is tormented by the death of a teenage boy, shot during a robbery gone wrong, and fellow police officer, Sean Simon, is convinced his sister Emily is just the person to help Mac get back his edge.
With his dangerous vocation and giant suitcase full of guilt, Emily vows to steer clear and guard her heart. But when she receives a death threat from a deranged client, she finds that Mac may be the only man who can guard her life.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2014
43 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Reid
4 books81 followersStephanie Reid writes contemporary romances with heart, humor, and a happily ever after. She holds a master’s degree in human development counseling and enjoys using counseling theories on her fictional characters (and from time to time her husband).
Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Stephanie now resides with her husband and their three children in central Illinois.
Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Stephanie now resides with her husband and their three children in central Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
October 19, 2015
2-2.5 stars. This book just did not work for me. To be specific, the story did not work. The book was well written, edited and had an appropriate arc. All of which I appreciate. But the relationship was so SLOW to develop. Well beyond 50% of the book is spent in denial about possibly liking each other, with her going on dates with losers she meets online. Neither of which she liked and only one of them kissed her.
Then they finally have sex, and she dumps him the next day (because he interferes with work). Now this only lasts the day, but not because she changed her mind. The circumstances changed. So now I don't like her anymore because she was really willing to give him up for work. ok - no wonder you are a 30 year old virgin (or however old you are).
But then something else happens, he hears something, jumps to conclusions and dumps her. So now I don't like him anymore! This lasts for WEEKS and then all is forgiven because he wants her back and is sorry. Excuse me?! Seriously? I hate this type of story. Hate that I am supposed to be ok with their HEA when they get back together on the last page of the book! I can see why so many people complained and the author added an epilogue. But guess what - the epilogue SUCKED!!!! So now I don't like either of them and am mad at the author.
I knew I was wasting my day reading this when by 40% there was zero romance, but I thought it was easier to finish this than pick a new book. Stupid, stupid mistake since I got that crappy ending.
Thank goodness for KU - at least I don't feel like I wasted my money on books that do not work for me.
Safety Gang (kind of nice to just hide the entire review and not have to insert those spoiler tags!)
After they met and were attracted to each other - neither wanted to get involved for their own reasons.
She went on two dates. One kissed her. She did not enjoy the dates or the kiss. Did not realize she was a virgin until she had sex with Hero.
Mac has been celibate for awhile (a year probably) because of a work shooting that has him messed up in the head. But before that he only did ONS because he does not want a relationship - ever. So no OW at all.
Then they finally have sex, and she dumps him the next day (because he interferes with work). Now this only lasts the day, but not because she changed her mind. The circumstances changed. So now I don't like her anymore because she was really willing to give him up for work. ok - no wonder you are a 30 year old virgin (or however old you are).
But then something else happens, he hears something, jumps to conclusions and dumps her. So now I don't like him anymore! This lasts for WEEKS and then all is forgiven because he wants her back and is sorry. Excuse me?! Seriously? I hate this type of story. Hate that I am supposed to be ok with their HEA when they get back together on the last page of the book! I can see why so many people complained and the author added an epilogue. But guess what - the epilogue SUCKED!!!! So now I don't like either of them and am mad at the author.
I knew I was wasting my day reading this when by 40% there was zero romance, but I thought it was easier to finish this than pick a new book. Stupid, stupid mistake since I got that crappy ending.
Thank goodness for KU - at least I don't feel like I wasted my money on books that do not work for me.
Safety Gang (kind of nice to just hide the entire review and not have to insert those spoiler tags!)
After they met and were attracted to each other - neither wanted to get involved for their own reasons.
She went on two dates. One kissed her. She did not enjoy the dates or the kiss. Did not realize she was a virgin until she had sex with Hero.
Mac has been celibate for awhile (a year probably) because of a work shooting that has him messed up in the head. But before that he only did ONS because he does not want a relationship - ever. So no OW at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2014
This is one of the best debut novels I've ever read. The author pulled me in and didn't let go until the last page. Her ability to bring together multiple storylines so seamlessly blew me away. With quick, witty dialogue and a real-life hero (who is a cop, rawr!), I hated to put this book down. I'm so glad it's the first in a series! More please, Stephanie Reid!
April 5, 2015
3.5 RATING- a pretty good story especially for a freebie. Wordy at times. I admit to skimming some of the monologues but enjoyed the overall story. Lower steam than I usually read. The book really needed an epilogue.
I would read this author again but another title wouldn't be at the top of my TBR list.
I would read this author again but another title wouldn't be at the top of my TBR list.
October 17, 2014
Bryan AKA Mac, a police officer, is a man fighting the demons of an incident that happened during a robbery where a teenage boy died. His partner seems to think that his sister Emily is what Mac needs to not only help him battle those demons for good but also to perhaps start a relationship.
Emily is a counselor who's always present not only for her patients, but for her family and friends as well. She lives a content life but something is definitely missing. When she decides to start looking for that something an incident occurs at her office that has Mac, the one guy she doesn't want to be close to due to his profession, come to her rescue.
Can these two souls pulling apart from each other find what they've been looking for when the join forces?
This is a great debut novel for this author, she has a way of getting the reader into the story from the very beginning. She has developed very interesting and intriguing characters to complement the storyline. I have to say that my heart went out to Mac when I found out what his backstory was with the robbery. I just don't know how this poor man was living day in and day out with so much guilt and regret.
It was heartwarming to see the way Emily got to Mac and how little by little she starting to heal his wounded soul, as well as the way Mac showed her how to leave fear behind of dating a cop behind.
The author kept the reader anticipating all the twist and turns within the story. All and all a great first book for this author. Looking forward to the second book of this series.
October 10, 2014
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Emily is a counsellor and her older brother, Sean, is a cop. Their parents died when Emily graduated high school, so she has commitment issues; she refuses to date a cop because not only will she have to fear for her brother, but she'll have to fear for her partner, too.
In comes Bryan "Mac" McAvoy, a fellow police officer and friend to Sean. Mac and Emily meet at Starbucks and are later introduced formally by Sean (who wants them to date). Problem is, Mac is troubled by his past, and an accident that took place awhile ago has him feeling unsure about himself. He won't let anyone get too close to him.... Or will he? In this exhilarating story, we experience the characters' ups and downs, fear, failures and triumphs, and joy and sadness.
This was an awesome read! I adored both the main characters, the plot was great, the setting was great, the friendship between Emily and her brother's wife was great, and Mac and Sean's brotherly love warmed my heart. I though Mac sounded like every woman's dream-man. He was protective, gentle, rough in a you-can-take-it-because-you're-strong way. Emily was strong-willed and independent, I really connected to her character. Everyone in the story was relatable. I loved the whole ordeal how Carl/Frank/Ted was crazy and out to get Emily. It made it eerie and the anticipation was high. Emily's relationship with her niece and nephews was adorable. I loved what little details we were told about Mac's mother, and the scene when we met her. The plot twists were surprising and they definitely kept me on my toes. The pace of the story was great, too. I loved this book! 5 fat stars!
Emily is a counsellor and her older brother, Sean, is a cop. Their parents died when Emily graduated high school, so she has commitment issues; she refuses to date a cop because not only will she have to fear for her brother, but she'll have to fear for her partner, too.
In comes Bryan "Mac" McAvoy, a fellow police officer and friend to Sean. Mac and Emily meet at Starbucks and are later introduced formally by Sean (who wants them to date). Problem is, Mac is troubled by his past, and an accident that took place awhile ago has him feeling unsure about himself. He won't let anyone get too close to him.... Or will he? In this exhilarating story, we experience the characters' ups and downs, fear, failures and triumphs, and joy and sadness.
This was an awesome read! I adored both the main characters, the plot was great, the setting was great, the friendship between Emily and her brother's wife was great, and Mac and Sean's brotherly love warmed my heart. I though Mac sounded like every woman's dream-man. He was protective, gentle, rough in a you-can-take-it-because-you're-strong way. Emily was strong-willed and independent, I really connected to her character. Everyone in the story was relatable. I loved the whole ordeal how Carl/Frank/Ted was crazy and out to get Emily. It made it eerie and the anticipation was high. Emily's relationship with her niece and nephews was adorable. I loved what little details we were told about Mac's mother, and the scene when we met her. The plot twists were surprising and they definitely kept me on my toes. The pace of the story was great, too. I loved this book! 5 fat stars!
June 24, 2014
I was so fortunate to beta read this gem awhile back. One of the things that impressed me the most was just how many layers there was to the story. There was romance, mystery, drama, and some very funny moments. And there were several twists that I didn't see coming. Amazing debut novel. Can't wait to read more of her work.
August 19, 2014
***Complimentary copy provided by author / publisher for an honest review***
Talk to Me by Stephanie Reid is a really sweet romantic read with just the right amount of angst thrown in. Emily Simon is asked by her brother to help his good friend and fellow cop, Bryan McAvoy (a.k.a Mac) who is still not dealing well even a year later after with an incident he was responsible for shooting and killing a young boy who was robbing a convenience store. In order to try to get them together, he invites both over to his house, trying to hook them up but both are against it even though there is instant chemistry between these two. Due to circumstances with both their jobs, they are constantly brought together in situations that keeps bringing them closer only deepening their attraction for each other. Emily, suffering from tragedy and losing loved ones very dear to her heart refuses to date cops for fear of losing someone else she would love. But when Emily’s life is threatened, Mac will do everything he can to protect her.
I really loved both of these characters, they were really well developed and fell instantly connected to them. Right from the beginning I couldn’t wait for these two to finally hookup but loved how the sexual tension and attraction really built up as the story progressed, too many times stories just feel too insta love and this so wasn’t the case with this book. It was a really great mix of sweet romance, sexy hotness with some really good suspenseful angst which kept me engaged from start to finish.
Overall a really great debut novel by this author, will definitely be adding her to my reading list and watch for upcoming titles. It was a really well written storyline and for being third person POV, which is something I am not a huge fan of and don’t normally enjoy, I must say I did enjoy reading this one and the POV was done well that allowed me to get connected to both characters.
February 16, 2016
It's been a while since I've discovered a new (to me) author I know, within the first few chapters, I'll end up reading whatever other books he/she has written.
I've already fallen for Ms. Reid's style and characterizations.
The main characters in this book are both tentative in their approach, because of their own hang-ups. Each has chosen to narrow their views on a future, for very understandable reasons. However, it would appear karma would like a say in that. There is so much connective tissue between the protagonists that despite each of their efforts, their paths continue to cross.
You'll find no childish emotional games, or adolescent antics in this book. Both Mac and Emily come across as mature adults, who simply struggle.
It's refreshing! And I'm about to dive into book two.
Highly recommended for those who can stand some mild heat and are not afraid of tackling some grown up issues.
There are only few whose books I don't think twice about one-clicking and Stephanie Reid has been decisively added to that short list.
I've already fallen for Ms. Reid's style and characterizations.
The main characters in this book are both tentative in their approach, because of their own hang-ups. Each has chosen to narrow their views on a future, for very understandable reasons. However, it would appear karma would like a say in that. There is so much connective tissue between the protagonists that despite each of their efforts, their paths continue to cross.
You'll find no childish emotional games, or adolescent antics in this book. Both Mac and Emily come across as mature adults, who simply struggle.
It's refreshing! And I'm about to dive into book two.
Highly recommended for those who can stand some mild heat and are not afraid of tackling some grown up issues.
There are only few whose books I don't think twice about one-clicking and Stephanie Reid has been decisively added to that short list.
June 18, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange an honest review.
First and foremost, I was blown away when I realized this was Stephanie Reid’s debut. I read at least 5 books a week and I kept reminding myself that this was her first published work. The writing style is phenomenal; the story flows nicely. There is romance, mystery, humour, great character development and a few unexpected twists.
I loved Mac and Emily. They were strong, level-headed characters. Even their reservations about their relationship and a possible HEA were credible. Mac, where do I begin? I would trade all the rich CEOs, MC members and even some of the cocky jock heroes I am constantly reading about, for a hot cop like Mac. I found it hard to put this book down, especially at 2am!
Looking forward to the next book in the series and learning about Sandra’s story.
First and foremost, I was blown away when I realized this was Stephanie Reid’s debut. I read at least 5 books a week and I kept reminding myself that this was her first published work. The writing style is phenomenal; the story flows nicely. There is romance, mystery, humour, great character development and a few unexpected twists.
I loved Mac and Emily. They were strong, level-headed characters. Even their reservations about their relationship and a possible HEA were credible. Mac, where do I begin? I would trade all the rich CEOs, MC members and even some of the cocky jock heroes I am constantly reading about, for a hot cop like Mac. I found it hard to put this book down, especially at 2am!
Looking forward to the next book in the series and learning about Sandra’s story.
October 15, 2015
This was a great read for me. Love the characters and the whole plot. I always care more ab the Hero's story and I rarely find a heroine that I like. It is so refreshing for me to read ab a female character that is strong and fights for what she wants. I hate the fake, forced drama where the heroine jumps to conclusions, doesn t let the hero talk or explain , bla, bla. There was no such dumbness here. Emily was a cool character, once she put her fears away she fought and didn t give up on her man. Mac was adorable and I just wanted to give him hugs all the time :))). Loved his apology at the end. Great fun read.
September 13, 2014
Talk to Me was a nice, sweet story. I found it enjoyable, although slow in some places. The writing was good and the characters likeable. I guess the reason I wouldn't rate it more than 3.5 stars is because I liked it but I didn't love it. I never felt as if I HAD to keep reading it. I hate to say that because it really was a well written book but Talk to Me just didn't grab me as much as I'd hoped.
As always, these are merely my opinions and not all readers will share them.
******I received this book in exchange for an honest review********
As always, these are merely my opinions and not all readers will share them.
******I received this book in exchange for an honest review********
March 2, 2015
Very well written with just a couple editing issues. This is a stand-alone story with no cliffhanger.
I really enjoyed this story about a cop and a therapist who are successful in their jobs but have some difficulty navigating relationships. Not only were the main characters believable, but the secondary characters were really well written and added depth to the story. The story was richly textured with humor, tragedy, and a little suspense, along with some heat.
Strongly recommended.
I really enjoyed this story about a cop and a therapist who are successful in their jobs but have some difficulty navigating relationships. Not only were the main characters believable, but the secondary characters were really well written and added depth to the story. The story was richly textured with humor, tragedy, and a little suspense, along with some heat.
Strongly recommended.
October 29, 2014
Emily listens to others all day long. Even her friends but she never has anyone to open up to. When her brother wants her to help Mac, she won't. However, there is a pull between these two. She tries to stay away. She has her own issues but things happen. These two are forced together and become fast friends and learn from each other. I enjoyed reading this one.
~Jade
~Jade
October 8, 2014
I loved this book from start to finish superb read made me want to read the next one loved mac and emily would recommend it as a brilliant book worth every star
June 30, 2015
A great debut! A friend recommended this book to me and I'm so glad she did! I loved Mac and Emily's story! Can't wait to check out the others!!
June 19, 2016
3.5 stars
A solid romance.
A solid romance.
December 11, 2018
Emily Simon is a pro at reading body language. Well, she would have to be in her line of work, which is counseling and therapy. One day, her brother rooks her into counseling a police officer friend with possible PTSD. Turns out he was the hottie she spotted at the coffee shop. Oh, boy!
To Emily’s refusal, her brother and sister-in-law, nonetheless, believe she’s the one that will get Mac to open up about what happened during the hostage situation. Not sure if you can do that by dating him, but Emily might consider giving it a try because he is a cutie. But she has this no-dating-a-cop rule because of her fear of losing people she loves (all started with her parents’ death in a car crash – she was driving).
Both have their issues and personal demons, and it was nice that they could lean on each other for comfort, peace, and solace. The whole purpose of “Talk to Me” was to open up about your feelings and just letting it out, rather than let it consume you.
Story was well-written and characters were endearing and lovable.
To Emily’s refusal, her brother and sister-in-law, nonetheless, believe she’s the one that will get Mac to open up about what happened during the hostage situation. Not sure if you can do that by dating him, but Emily might consider giving it a try because he is a cutie. But she has this no-dating-a-cop rule because of her fear of losing people she loves (all started with her parents’ death in a car crash – she was driving).
Both have their issues and personal demons, and it was nice that they could lean on each other for comfort, peace, and solace. The whole purpose of “Talk to Me” was to open up about your feelings and just letting it out, rather than let it consume you.
Story was well-written and characters were endearing and lovable.
March 31, 2019
Talk to me
I really liked this book. The writing style was different for me and took a little bit of time to get used to. Mac and Emily had great chemistry, even though it started off a little rough with her rule to not date cops. The mystery aspect was also a good curveball in the story. Solid 4 star read
I really liked this book. The writing style was different for me and took a little bit of time to get used to. Mac and Emily had great chemistry, even though it started off a little rough with her rule to not date cops. The mystery aspect was also a good curveball in the story. Solid 4 star read
January 21, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel. The storyline is really good, the characters are well-developed and Mac and Emily make for a great love match. I look forward to the next books in this series. Well done.
January 3, 2019
Wow
This book kept me sucked in. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. The characters were layered, each coming to grips with their pasts. I will definitely be continuing this series!
This book kept me sucked in. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. The characters were layered, each coming to grips with their pasts. I will definitely be continuing this series!
August 13, 2017
Loved this book! My first time reading this author and I will definitely read Book 2! Next on my Kindle! :)
July 7, 2014
4.5 stars. I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
There were a lot of things to like about this story and I'm looking forward to reading more from Stephanie Reid. Her style appeals to me and I wouldn't have guessed this was her first published novel if I didn't know it to be true. Certainly I've read more seasoned work that didn't come close to this level.
The high points for me? There were several twists that I thought helped make the story more powerful and more interesting. I won't give them away because I think that they're not completely obvious and not everyone likes spoilers. And the other high point for me was Mac. He was a great hero - one of my favorite types, a uniformed alpha with a big heart and a big sexual appetite. Did I mention he's hot? Or that the love scenes were fan-worthy? Like all great male leads, Mac boosted the story for me.
I think the Goodreads ratings should allow for half-stars, because I 'really liked it' is pretty spot on, but since this is her first novel, I think she deserved an extra half-star for the quality. However, it's hard for me to rate a book as 'it was amazing' (Goodreads terms) when that wasn't my feeling, and the review is supposed to be honest.
And as an aside, to those of you who get snarky about these things, yes, I rate my own books at 5 stars. If I don't feel they're that good, then why would you bother? I'm also intimately connected to my own characters, so I don't need someone else to make me fall in love with them. I'm already there. Anyone who reads my reviews knows that characters draw me to a story more than anything else. In this particular story, I was drawn to Mac but less so to Emily or the secondary characters, and that's a big part of why 'I liked it' versus 'it was amazing'.
I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to hear more from Stephanie. I predict great things in her future!
There were a lot of things to like about this story and I'm looking forward to reading more from Stephanie Reid. Her style appeals to me and I wouldn't have guessed this was her first published novel if I didn't know it to be true. Certainly I've read more seasoned work that didn't come close to this level.
The high points for me? There were several twists that I thought helped make the story more powerful and more interesting. I won't give them away because I think that they're not completely obvious and not everyone likes spoilers. And the other high point for me was Mac. He was a great hero - one of my favorite types, a uniformed alpha with a big heart and a big sexual appetite. Did I mention he's hot? Or that the love scenes were fan-worthy? Like all great male leads, Mac boosted the story for me.
I think the Goodreads ratings should allow for half-stars, because I 'really liked it' is pretty spot on, but since this is her first novel, I think she deserved an extra half-star for the quality. However, it's hard for me to rate a book as 'it was amazing' (Goodreads terms) when that wasn't my feeling, and the review is supposed to be honest.
And as an aside, to those of you who get snarky about these things, yes, I rate my own books at 5 stars. If I don't feel they're that good, then why would you bother? I'm also intimately connected to my own characters, so I don't need someone else to make me fall in love with them. I'm already there. Anyone who reads my reviews knows that characters draw me to a story more than anything else. In this particular story, I was drawn to Mac but less so to Emily or the secondary characters, and that's a big part of why 'I liked it' versus 'it was amazing'.
I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to hear more from Stephanie. I predict great things in her future!
September 29, 2014
*** 4.5 stars ***
If you are looking for a romantic novel with just enough angst thrown in to keep it from being too sickly sweet, then this story comes highly recommended. 'Talk to Me' is a remarkably clever book following main characters Emily and Mac it has all kinds of twists and turns, as both of them come to separate conclusions that a relationship should not be on the cards, however fate seems to conspire against their best laid plans.
It would be fair say that I like my romance to be on the dark side, and I anticipated that this book would make a pleasant lighter read since I had recently ploughed through some quite heavy stories. I received a complimentary copy of this in exchange for an honest review. I have to say 'Talk to Me' exceeded all expectations, it is a brilliant read and a real page turner, with lots of surprise developments in the plot that kept me guessing. I would promise myself 'just one more chapter...' and then keep reading onwards. The characters were really engaging and I was just too curious to discover what might happen next.
'Talk to Me' has everything I could ask for: great character development, realistic and interesting dialogue, ethical dilemmas, a mystery to solve, humour, pathos and an empathetic approach to the main and secondary characters as they juggled family, work, love, life and friendship. It is really well written, and the love scenes are worth waiting for I think you should buy this book. You can thank me later.
I will most definitely be adding Stephanie Reid to my stock of good writers and look forward to her next publication 'Trust in Me'.
If you are looking for a romantic novel with just enough angst thrown in to keep it from being too sickly sweet, then this story comes highly recommended. 'Talk to Me' is a remarkably clever book following main characters Emily and Mac it has all kinds of twists and turns, as both of them come to separate conclusions that a relationship should not be on the cards, however fate seems to conspire against their best laid plans.
It would be fair say that I like my romance to be on the dark side, and I anticipated that this book would make a pleasant lighter read since I had recently ploughed through some quite heavy stories. I received a complimentary copy of this in exchange for an honest review. I have to say 'Talk to Me' exceeded all expectations, it is a brilliant read and a real page turner, with lots of surprise developments in the plot that kept me guessing. I would promise myself 'just one more chapter...' and then keep reading onwards. The characters were really engaging and I was just too curious to discover what might happen next.
'Talk to Me' has everything I could ask for: great character development, realistic and interesting dialogue, ethical dilemmas, a mystery to solve, humour, pathos and an empathetic approach to the main and secondary characters as they juggled family, work, love, life and friendship. It is really well written, and the love scenes are worth waiting for I think you should buy this book. You can thank me later.
I will most definitely be adding Stephanie Reid to my stock of good writers and look forward to her next publication 'Trust in Me'.
June 24, 2015
A very well written story, didn't feel like a debut. It goes by the recipe for a good book:
Main character: lovable but with issues meets opposite sex handsome character (with issues). Reader knows they are made for each other, but the characters don't believe it. There is some dancing around the obvious until they finally come together. But of course, there has to be some misunderstanding and they think they are too good to be true for each other. But love concurs.
This sounds very banal, and probably would be, but the characters are lovable and believable written. Also, they are developed well enough. Every now and there I could have done with a little less repeated description (“does she/he really feel more for me?”).
But there was one thing I couldn't stand and nearly put me off continuing reading: when Emily cut Mac off because of her counselling conflict. This was irrational, ... At least, this misguidance didn't last long.
The story has many side storys and twists, sometimes too many, especially towards the end. I was alternately expecting the main characters' death to give it another twist. But saying this, it shows that even with all the typical ingredients I wasn't sure of the outcome – which is good in literature.
Over all, I enjoyed it. I will probably read another one in the series – but not immediately after this one...
Main character: lovable but with issues meets opposite sex handsome character (with issues). Reader knows they are made for each other, but the characters don't believe it. There is some dancing around the obvious until they finally come together. But of course, there has to be some misunderstanding and they think they are too good to be true for each other. But love concurs.
This sounds very banal, and probably would be, but the characters are lovable and believable written. Also, they are developed well enough. Every now and there I could have done with a little less repeated description (“does she/he really feel more for me?”).
But there was one thing I couldn't stand and nearly put me off continuing reading: when Emily cut Mac off because of her counselling conflict. This was irrational, ... At least, this misguidance didn't last long.
The story has many side storys and twists, sometimes too many, especially towards the end. I was alternately expecting the main characters' death to give it another twist. But saying this, it shows that even with all the typical ingredients I wasn't sure of the outcome – which is good in literature.
Over all, I enjoyed it. I will probably read another one in the series – but not immediately after this one...
September 6, 2014
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review from the author.
I loved this book! It was well written, paced nicely, and had just enough heat and mystery to keep me interested. It was a great read.
I really love Emily and Mac. They were great characters that I felt were relateable and believable. Emily's brother and some of the other secondary type characters are great. They add to the story with out over powering it.
Emily is a counselor who has closed herself off from the world after her parents are tragically killed in an accident. Mac is a workaholic who does not do relationships do to his rough childhood when his father was still in his life. Together there is heat, substance and a great connection.
Their emotions were easily felt as a reader and I felt for Emily during her rougher times. I liked that she was able to see reason when situations were not to her liking or safe for her.
Mac is a wonderful male lead. He is gruff but approachable, sensitive and humorous as well as described very handsomely. He's a great alpha type with out overdoing it. It made his behavior more realistic.
I look forward to book 2 and am glad that it focuses on other characters from this story. I am excited to see what is going on with them and how they all interconnect.
Great book!
I loved this book! It was well written, paced nicely, and had just enough heat and mystery to keep me interested. It was a great read.
I really love Emily and Mac. They were great characters that I felt were relateable and believable. Emily's brother and some of the other secondary type characters are great. They add to the story with out over powering it.
Emily is a counselor who has closed herself off from the world after her parents are tragically killed in an accident. Mac is a workaholic who does not do relationships do to his rough childhood when his father was still in his life. Together there is heat, substance and a great connection.
Their emotions were easily felt as a reader and I felt for Emily during her rougher times. I liked that she was able to see reason when situations were not to her liking or safe for her.
Mac is a wonderful male lead. He is gruff but approachable, sensitive and humorous as well as described very handsomely. He's a great alpha type with out overdoing it. It made his behavior more realistic.
I look forward to book 2 and am glad that it focuses on other characters from this story. I am excited to see what is going on with them and how they all interconnect.
Great book!
September 27, 2014
Talk To Me by Stephanie Reid is the first book in the Protector Series.
Emily Simon is a counsellor who has worked so hard she hasn’t had time to focus on her own life. She decides to try internet dating and has only 2 rules: no men with emotional baggage and no risk takers.
Her brother, Sean, is a cop and when his partner, Mac, is involved in a fatal shooting of a teenage boy he tries to get Emily to help him out by trying to set them up on a date. But with his emotional baggage and his dangerous job and the risks involved Emily refuses to do it but no matter how hard she tries she is somehow drawn to Mac.
When Emily’s office is trashed and a death threat is left on her wall Mac seems to be the only person that can help her but ill she in return be able to help him?
Overall, Talk To Me is a book filled with love, romance, humour, suspense, crime and danger. While it is probably more suited for female readers and could be considered “chick-lit” I’m readers of goof stories, male or female, will love it. it is very well written with a good flowing storyline and does leave you guessing to what is going to happen next with twists and turns.
Easy to read with characters that step out of the page. A story of how when 2 lonely closed off people let love into their lives by dropping their guard can change lives forever.
A very enjoyable read.
Emily Simon is a counsellor who has worked so hard she hasn’t had time to focus on her own life. She decides to try internet dating and has only 2 rules: no men with emotional baggage and no risk takers.
Her brother, Sean, is a cop and when his partner, Mac, is involved in a fatal shooting of a teenage boy he tries to get Emily to help him out by trying to set them up on a date. But with his emotional baggage and his dangerous job and the risks involved Emily refuses to do it but no matter how hard she tries she is somehow drawn to Mac.
When Emily’s office is trashed and a death threat is left on her wall Mac seems to be the only person that can help her but ill she in return be able to help him?
Overall, Talk To Me is a book filled with love, romance, humour, suspense, crime and danger. While it is probably more suited for female readers and could be considered “chick-lit” I’m readers of goof stories, male or female, will love it. it is very well written with a good flowing storyline and does leave you guessing to what is going to happen next with twists and turns.
Easy to read with characters that step out of the page. A story of how when 2 lonely closed off people let love into their lives by dropping their guard can change lives forever.
A very enjoyable read.
December 2, 2014
I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Bryan "Mac" McAvoy is a cop who can't forgive himself for shooting a teenager during a robbery. His best friend, Sean, is also a cop and is worried about him. Sean sets up a date between his sister, Emily, and Mac thinking that Emily can help him work through his demons since she is an experienced counselor. He also hopes they will connect and start to date.
I really liked this story with all it's twists and turns. I loved the surprises and that I never knew what would happen next. The character development was excellent so that the reader could easily relate to the people in this story. I enjoyed the way the secondary characters added to the story without taking anything away from the main characters. This book has something for everyone - romance, mystery, angst and even a few humorous moments.
I felt so sorry for Mac because he was having such a hard time dealing with the events of the robbery. He was clearly sorry for shooting the youth and felt guilty. It was so nice to see Emily start to think about herself for once instead of her clients and friends. I liked the way she slowly helped Mac accept the shooting events.
All in all, I really liked this story and the main characters. I highly recommend this book.
Bryan "Mac" McAvoy is a cop who can't forgive himself for shooting a teenager during a robbery. His best friend, Sean, is also a cop and is worried about him. Sean sets up a date between his sister, Emily, and Mac thinking that Emily can help him work through his demons since she is an experienced counselor. He also hopes they will connect and start to date.
I really liked this story with all it's twists and turns. I loved the surprises and that I never knew what would happen next. The character development was excellent so that the reader could easily relate to the people in this story. I enjoyed the way the secondary characters added to the story without taking anything away from the main characters. This book has something for everyone - romance, mystery, angst and even a few humorous moments.
I felt so sorry for Mac because he was having such a hard time dealing with the events of the robbery. He was clearly sorry for shooting the youth and felt guilty. It was so nice to see Emily start to think about herself for once instead of her clients and friends. I liked the way she slowly helped Mac accept the shooting events.
All in all, I really liked this story and the main characters. I highly recommend this book.
October 1, 2014
As far as books in this genre go,Talk To Me is quite well edited and written well for a first book.
This was a good read but not a compelling one.I am finding it difficult to pinpoint what exactly was the problem here because I liked the main characters who were fleshed out and were quite level headed for the most part,which is a rare quality to be found in the protagonists of contemporary romance stories.The plot was very good with elements of mystery,danger and romance,which itself should have kept one on the edge of one's seat.But despite the excellent characterization and an interesting storyline,this story somehow didn't evoke any kind of emotion in me while reading it.
The selling point of a romance is the emotional connection which the reader makes with the characters,the raw emotions whether they be happiness,sadness,angst,fear,frustration,love, lust or jealousy,should be potent enough to be felt and remain with the reader for quite sometime even after finishing the book.But my feelings for Emily and Bryan were lukewarm at best.
This is the first book in the Protector series and I hope the second book is better than this one.
Complementary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good read but not a compelling one.I am finding it difficult to pinpoint what exactly was the problem here because I liked the main characters who were fleshed out and were quite level headed for the most part,which is a rare quality to be found in the protagonists of contemporary romance stories.The plot was very good with elements of mystery,danger and romance,which itself should have kept one on the edge of one's seat.But despite the excellent characterization and an interesting storyline,this story somehow didn't evoke any kind of emotion in me while reading it.
The selling point of a romance is the emotional connection which the reader makes with the characters,the raw emotions whether they be happiness,sadness,angst,fear,frustration,love, lust or jealousy,should be potent enough to be felt and remain with the reader for quite sometime even after finishing the book.But my feelings for Emily and Bryan were lukewarm at best.
This is the first book in the Protector series and I hope the second book is better than this one.
Complementary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2014
~~I received this in exchange for an honest review~~
This is the first book that I have read by Stephanie. This book grabbed my attention from the blurb alone. In life you have to make some of the hardest decisions. As a cop, you have to make even harder ones. So as a cop, you make a decision, and you stick with that decision, then ask and ponder later. Until it eats at you. after a while, you start to lose your edge. Then your friends step in and meddle with your life. But some times, its the meddling that helps you out the most.
This book is a great love story. You basically have two broken souls that are either broken because of their actions, or because of the profession that they work in. I couldn't help but to fall in love with both of the main characters. Yes, they are a little stubborn, but they are true to what they want out of life. They want a career, and they want to just be happy.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. If it is as good as this book is, then I know that I will not be disappointed at all. The writing is fantastic. Stephanie sure knows how to write a good love story!
This is the first book that I have read by Stephanie. This book grabbed my attention from the blurb alone. In life you have to make some of the hardest decisions. As a cop, you have to make even harder ones. So as a cop, you make a decision, and you stick with that decision, then ask and ponder later. Until it eats at you. after a while, you start to lose your edge. Then your friends step in and meddle with your life. But some times, its the meddling that helps you out the most.
This book is a great love story. You basically have two broken souls that are either broken because of their actions, or because of the profession that they work in. I couldn't help but to fall in love with both of the main characters. Yes, they are a little stubborn, but they are true to what they want out of life. They want a career, and they want to just be happy.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. If it is as good as this book is, then I know that I will not be disappointed at all. The writing is fantastic. Stephanie sure knows how to write a good love story!
March 18, 2015
I liked this story because there is more then just romance going on!
Emily is a counselor and helps many people. Her brother thinks it’s a great idea to set her up with his best friend who is having some issues. Emily hates the idea and shoots it down. She meets this Mac and he is hot stuff. Lol And then Mac keeps showing up and saving her day. It gets harder and harder for her to not get her feeling involved.
One of her clients is using drugs and she tells him she will have to report it to social services because he is endangering his child. Her client then threats her and says he will kill her if she turns him in. Well she did anyway and he trashes her office. Then who comes to the rescue? Mac! Cause he is a police officer. Mac and Emily’s brother decide that Emily needs to stay at Mac’s apartment because it is unsafe until her client is found and in jail.
While he 3 day stay at Mac’s the sexual tension is flying high. And they sleep together.
Then she breaks up with him…due to a conflict of interest.
Then they get back to together.
Then Mac leaves her.
Then it ends happy.
So much happens it’s hard to right it all out. Just go read it :)
Emily is a counselor and helps many people. Her brother thinks it’s a great idea to set her up with his best friend who is having some issues. Emily hates the idea and shoots it down. She meets this Mac and he is hot stuff. Lol And then Mac keeps showing up and saving her day. It gets harder and harder for her to not get her feeling involved.
One of her clients is using drugs and she tells him she will have to report it to social services because he is endangering his child. Her client then threats her and says he will kill her if she turns him in. Well she did anyway and he trashes her office. Then who comes to the rescue? Mac! Cause he is a police officer. Mac and Emily’s brother decide that Emily needs to stay at Mac’s apartment because it is unsafe until her client is found and in jail.
While he 3 day stay at Mac’s the sexual tension is flying high. And they sleep together.
Then she breaks up with him…due to a conflict of interest.
Then they get back to together.
Then Mac leaves her.
Then it ends happy.
So much happens it’s hard to right it all out. Just go read it :)
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