Eri Snow is an enigmatic loner, content to handle the (legal and not-so-legal) clients of Snow Securities—the company she inherited when her parents died—on her own while keeping her employees at arm’s length. When her new personal assistant starts, Eri reconsiders the single life, drawn in by her immediate and unusual attraction to the pretty, vulnerable woman.
Natalia Warner is not unhappy to spend long hours working at her new job. Not only is it a much-needed respite from her troubled home life, her handsome-as-hell (and clearly dangerous) boss, Eri, caught her attention from the moment they met. Spending long days staring at Eri Snow will definitely not be a hardship in any way for Natalia.
After a perilous incident at work forces Eri to take Natalia to her house to keep her safe, the two begin to grow closer, learning more about each other as passion explodes and danger looms. And now that Eri has tasted Natalia’s lips, she knows she’s never going to let her go—especially when there are forces that threaten both the connection they are building as well as their very lives.
In a world of secrets, danger, and immediate betrayal, Eri vows she will do whatever it takes to keep Natalia safe and happy—even if it is the last thing she ever does.
Natalia Warner is the personal assistant to Eri Snow at Snow Security. After a night involving intruders, Eri saves Natalia and insists she stay with her until she’s safe. As Eri works to protect Natalia from her ex and a mysterious admirer, pieces of Natalia’s past abuse begin to surface.
I appreciated that the plot's action started right in chapter one and immediately pulled me in. Unfortunately, Eri quickly gave me the ick with how overbearing she was in forming a relationship with Natalia. The dynamic between the two MCs felt underdeveloped, and the dialogue often felt forced, which made it hard to fully enjoy the story.
I was not expecting this. Unfortunately I purchased it and decided to keep pushing through. This was a weak attempt at Dom/Sub storyline. The dialogue was cringy. The beginning felt rushed.
The overall story here was great. I especially liked that Eri was the boss of a security company and had to actually get hands-on with the job from time to time. It was nice that when things start up with her PA, it’s not really a big deal, as opposed to bending over backward to avoid the appearance of impropriety and etc. I liked how things ultimately played out with Veronica, which wasn’t what I had expected earlier on.
It did have some debut type issues, which, fine. We’ll come back to those if they come up in future books. Some of the computer/hacking aspects were a bit fanciful. Beyond that, though, I was pretty surprised not to see this book described in the blurb as a dark romance and to have it not include any kind of content warnings when Eri just blew through being told explicitly “don’t” and “stop” multiple times in the same scene. That was a little beyond the pale — she didn’t even pause or take a breath. And then there was the whole thing with Natalia’s mom. I feel like content warnings were in order. Also, there’s only so many times you can describe a character as “butch” or “femme” in one book before I start to feel like you’re reducing their entire being to this one label.
All in all it was a good story, some execution issues, I’m still interested to see how future books go.
Natalia Warner is personal assistant to Eri Snow of Snow Security, whom works long days along with her assistant. A 'normal' evening is interrupted by gunshots, then Eri burst from her office, grabs Natalia and orders her to run.
They flee to Eri's home, where she explains the shooting was due to a business rival. Natalia doesn't buy that, but Eri insists she stay for her own safety.
(We find out Eri's ex, Veronica is behind the attack. A client with V's is jumping ship to Eri's company, and she staged the attack to warn her off.)
Some fairly creepy lack of asking on Eri's part. I suppose it's a dark romance, but kinda icky.
We also find out Nat's mom is abusive. Eri's solution: murder. Which, after we find out how badly Nat is scarred, im pretty much ok with that.
Dawn, Eri's second in command, betrays her and things rush to climax...
3.5 stars out if five. Not bad, but just not my thing.
Okay… if this is Lisa Caro’s first solo book, then wow — we’re in for a ride with her.
I didn’t even know morally grey butches could be this hot until Eri walked in. And sure, the whole protection-services-but-make-it-sexy trope isn’t new, but Lisa makes it feel fresh — like, “hey, maybe I do want to be rescued” kind of fresh.
The MCs? Quite well done. Their chemistry had me smiling like an idiot. And Natalie? That femme sass? Spot on. I live for a mouthy femme who knows exactly how to push buttons.
The pacing was tight, the scenes flowed, and there’s zero fluff. Just solid storytelling, a few perfectly recapped moments, and yes — some spice to keep you up past bedtime. 🤭
If you’re into fast-paced workplace romances with butch/femme energy that doesn’t try too hard but hits just right? This one’s totally your vibe.
Finding a butch that's also a security agent isn't that uncommon, but this particular butch is uncommon - and so is her femme. It's not billed as an enemies to lovers, and it's not exactly enemies, but they definitely start off with a big bang and not the fun kind, but they find each other when they need each other and their love is gorgeous. Some very good villain characters too, which always makes things more fun. Definitely worth a read.
Eri and Natalia have such good chemistry from day one and it only improves the longer they know each other. Eri, the protective butch, trying to look after Natalia, the femme who was determined she didn’t need or deserve love and protection. Thrown together out of necessity, growing together through desire. Join Eri and Natalia on their dangerous, very hot 🔥 journey into each others hearts.
This wonderful book is only what I expect from the pen of Ms Caro, take a shy downtrodden femme named Natalia add her boss the butch who crashes into Natalias World and takes her mind,body,,,and soul enter Ms Eri Snow. Natalia soon learns she can't live without Eri by her side. Without giving too much away if you love a good butch/Femme story with danger waiting round every corner and hot passions in the bedroom and the office then this book is truly for you!!!!! Enjoy
this book just fell pretty flat to me. it seemed like there was very little plot but still so much was happening…? it felt unnatural and rushed in some places and like i couldn’t enjoy the relationship between the MCs because it just felt forced. sometimes the relationship between them felt heteronormative and again just fell flat. i wish i enjoyed it more because i was super excited about it
This was a great solo debut! So much action and spice, and enough sweetness to keep me grinning like a fool. Eri is one hot butch who will do anything for her femme, and I hope one day there is an illustration of her character because I am invested in those tattoos!
I show enjoy this book I wasn't sure at 1st but once I got into it I couldn't put it down I was up late 2 nights trying to finish up Couldn't wait to see what happened I recommend this book
This was a great read very drama full. The love connection in this book was off the charts. Makes you want a love like that. The heartbreaks, the betrayals, the trust issues were something else. The sex unbelievable good and very vulnerable all at the same time. Ready to read the next book.
This is a butch/femme story that took me by surprise. Was not expecting a book with a guess who. It keep me reading till the end. Waiting to see what the next book is about
DNF I do not understand most reviewers of this story by Lisa Caro. To me the writing was extremely poor. The dialogue between the two MC's - boss and assistant - totally unnatural.
I liked the premise and characters, read a decent amount for the story but the writing isnt great, dialogue stiff and the lack of consent was making me uncomfortable
Lisa Caro's first solo release was absolutely fabulous. I loved the chemistry with both MCs. The subplot worked well within the story. The secondary characters were well developed and added to the story. The morally gray area of one MC was appreciated. The tenderness between the MCs was heartfelt. I look forward to more in the future from this author and am (im)patiently waiting for the rest of the series.