Jess Maulier's estranged father was more than the quiet professor of linguistics he appeared to be – she is shocked to discover he was also an operative for a covert group that rescues hostages. Before he died he left Jess a vital clue to a rescue. Unfortunately, it's in the form of a children's story, and she has no idea what it means. Though she resents the close professional and personal relationship the handsome and dangerous Tyler Donovan had with her absentee father, she turns to him for help.
But Tyler doesn't know how to interpret the story, either. An attempt to decipher it takes them to Egypt, where danger ignites sparks between them. Tyler can't get involved, though—Professor Shikovski advised him never to risk emotional attachments—and Jess tempts him more than could ever be safe. No matter how enticing she is, he has to maintain his distance to preserve his focus. But only mutual trust can save them from encroaching danger.
3.5 - "A man like me has no business loving a woman like you." Stars.
No Rules is the first book I have read by Starr Ambrose, and I really enjoyed it. It is also the first book in the Omega Group Series and I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the team get their stories.
This book focuses on Tyler Donovan and Jess Maulier, and it was an absolute rip-roaring adventure for the pair of them right from the opening pages. You are given the background of the rest of the Omega team as well as its founding in this book, which sets up future books for other team members nicely.
”Danger can be exciting. Maybe what you need is a little danger in your life, Jess.”
Tyler Donovan ticked all my boxes, in that he was sexy, protective and steely on the outside, but inside there was something a whole lot softer and sweeter. Jess and her OTT, judgements of her father, him and the rest of the Omega team as well as the wealth of problems she was carrying around due to the influence of mentally unstable mother, could have become annoying if I am honest. But she was balanced out nicely by Tyler’s blunt, to-the-point honesty. I loved that he called her out on her irrational fears and made her rethink the wrong impressions she had held for her father for years, by showing her even after his death the honourable man that he was.
Everything that marked him as different from men she usually dated seemed to be a major turn-on.
This book was reminded me of an Indiana Jones film, lots of action, with a little bit of romance thrown in, and some double crossing and subterfuge just to keep you guessing until the end. It was easy uncomplicated reading, well written, paced and with great plot and character development.
I am looking forward to seeing where Starr is going to take the rest of the Omega team and what further adventures they are going have along the way.
ARC provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
This was a pleasant surprise. Timid frightened anxious Jess is thrust into a world of drama, danger, private jets and Tyler Donovon. Jess goes on a journey to discover she is resilient and resourceful. Add to that discovering long lost tombs in Eygpt, betrayal, and great sex. So yeah, if you are looking for a fun, intriguing book with a high character arc, this is the book to download.
***ARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing in exchange for honest review
No Rules is an action packed romance novel that got me thrilled to the bone.
It centers on Jess Maulier, the daughter of a recently murdered professor - or so she thinks he is. Her father is actually the founder of Omega group that rescues hostages. She's suddenly pulled into his world of action by Tyler Donovan, a member of the Omega Group along with the rest of the team members who strongly believe she has the clues to a current rescue mission and also to keep her safe.
Jess is the type of girl that's a real sweetheart. In fact, she's an award winning author of children's books. But like every person, she's also a damaged individual. She's a paranoid freak, terrified, and had been depressed about her father's betrayal to the her when she was a young teen. Thus, her anger towards her father was something she carried even up to the day he was buried. But when her life was suddenly threatened, it was up to Tyler Donovan to step up and keep her safe.
Contradictory to Jess's good girl personality, Tyler's dangerous, hard-edged and has a very domineering aura. He's the type of guy every girls mom asks their daughters to stay away from. Add up the fact that he's a field agent and definitely lives a life filled with violence and adrenaline.
The plot is highly entertaining and very thrilling. Not only is it action packed, but it also oozes with mysteries. It's also highlighted the culture in Egypt, and being in a religiously Islamic country. Since I've never been to the country, I was intrigued by the way the country was defined, there were parts where I was in awe, and there were also parts when I felt a slight sense of terror, especially at the mention of tombs and pyramids. This book is just a big mystery waiting to be solved. But I was fascinated by how much research the author has made in order to make a story that has its right amount of history, culture and romance. It's like a very intense Scooby Doo episode! (God, I loved that show)
Although the book may seem quite discriminating, especially in highlighting the violence and terrorism happening in Middle Eastern countries, it is justified as the story progresses.
Another thing to like about this story is the progression in the characters most especially Jess.
At the beginning, Jess was a paranoid freak, terrified of trying new things and didn't trust easily. But she definitely has a thing for bad boys. Teehee. As the story progresses, she becomes very open to things, even at times her fear overrules, but she tries to overcome things for the sake of the safety of the hostages. And not only that, she had actually been a history freak in the first place, which had only been repressed because of her mother's doing. For me, Jess's character is definitely a female hero. She may not be physically able, unlike the badass female heroes that can do a triple somersault and fire a gun on bullseye without looking, but she was able to progress mentally and emotionally and that, for me, is very important.
Now, here comes the bad news. I may have almost jumped out of my seat when reading this book, but when I got to the ending, I was slightly disappointed. What happened after all the action? I had so many questions that weren't even answered at the end of the book. Why was her father killed? What was the exact motive behind her father's death and the kidnapping? Why did the kidnapper do it?
I can't explain the disappointment I felt when I read through the ending. Sure, they did get together in the end, but I wanted to know more about the action that occurred.
I can't wait to read the next book to the Omega Group series, I'm crossing my fingers for Avery's book.
Do not start this book if you've got anywhere to be or chores to do, because once you dive into the fast-paced treasure hunt/covert ops story and its amazing characters, you will not want to put the book down for any reason.
When children's author Jess Maulier's estranged father dies suddenly and leaves her millions, she's shocked. Even more surprising is the strangely compelling man who was the only other beneficiary in her father's will. Tyler Donovan claims to be a student of the late professor, but after all but kidnapping Jess and taking her to a group of people she's never met, she quickly learns everything she thought she knew about her father was wrong.
Tyler knows that the shock of finding out that her father was the founder of the Omega Group, an elite covert special ops group that rescues hostages, is too much for her, but the team knows that Wally gave Jess the clues they need to find two grad students who've been taken and held hostage in Egypt.
Jess is afraid of...everything. With a schizophrenic mother and a father who abandoned her at a formative age, Jess is unable to deal with situations that take her out of her comfort zone. Like meeting a group of special operatives who claim she holds the key to locating hostages. In Egypt. And they need her to go there. Immediately. It's enough to make a sane woman pop some Xanax!
Inexplicably drawn to the terribly dangerous Tyler, the two of them partner up to figure out the clues left to her by her dad, racing through the streets of Luxor and the deserts of the Valley of the Kings while they attempt to find the missing students...managing their growing attraction and hoping it doesn't get them killed.
HOLE-LEE crap this book is AWESOME! NO RULES is the debut book in The Omega Group series featuring a series of covert operatives tasked with rescuing hostages. I was immediately captivated by the incredible storyline, which started off with a bang and didn't let up until the very last page. The way that Ms. Ambrose created this thread of danger, deception and intrigue was just so fabulous that I couldn't put my e-reader down for hours.
I think everyone knows someone like Jess, who has so many issues and fears that it makes them scared of doing just about anything outside of their comfort zone. She's got some serious daddy issues, but her willingness to reach back into her childhood memories to try and figure out the solution to the riddles he left her just touched me a lot. She is forced to remember the good times with him while trying to reconcile the fact that what she thought she knew wasn't even close to the truth.
Tyler was a kick-ass character, too. He's like a steamroller in Jess' life, forcing her to face her fears and to step outside of her little box for the greater good. His dangerous and deadly "wolfish" persona was the complete opposite of the timid "bunny" personality of Jess, but the two of them together made for a seriously combustible atmosphere.
The plot of NO RULES was tightly woven and featured a high level of tension, but also a lot of humor and fun. With riddles and red herrings thrown out everywhere, this treasure hunt story was a real treasure to me, and the incredibly hot sex didn't disappoint either. When Tyler tried to dissuade Jess' budding interest in him by pushing her up against a dresser and playing tonsil hockey, I cracked up at the inner monologue of both of them. I really just loved every single thing about NO RULES, and I'm already jonesin' to pick up the next book in The Omega Group series.
Welcome to the world of Starr Ambrose, complex, creative and just a little insane. Just where a reader would love to be.
What happens when the father you adored leaves? After promises of staying in tough, promising that he will always love you, then he leaves you with a truly dysfunctional mother? After years of therapy and neglect and dealing with said crazed mom Jess Maulier is pretty much over her father. Until he dies.. then once again her world is ripped open. It seems her father didn't leave her, exactly. It seems he did love her but said crazed mom kept him away.. But wait there's more.. Her college professor father lead a secret life as head of one of the most secret agencies. An agency that took the dangerous jobs and made sure no one was ever left in enemy hands. And if that's not enough to deal with it seems that said agency thinks she, simple, ordinary Jess Maulier, writer of children's books, knows something. *Shakes head* and they sent super gorgeous and oh so dangerous Tyler Donovan to figure it out.
Tyler Donovan had the relationship with Jess' father that she dreamed of. So close that they were almost father and son. When he is sent to gather any information on a job in progress he meets Jess Maulier and simply falls for her. Except he refuses to acknowledge it. Relationships are bad for a man who craves danger and adventure. And if he was going to fall for a woman it certainly wouldn't be his mentor's daughter.. Men, they think they know it all.
Jess held the missing piece inside her head but she has no clue what it is or how to decipher it. And yet little things keep tickling her memory making her believe that it's possible. Of course leaving her comfort zone is also playing with her head.. oh and that super sexy Tyler Donovan.. Distractions delight within the story.
While this was a good book with plenty of action and mystery.. trips to the great pyramids amidst danger and desire. It often seemed bit predictable. Although, the true villain does remain a mystery until the very end.
The main problem I found was the lack of for lack of a better word, closure. We never quite understand why? Sure greed always comes into play but one hopes that there is something more. And I felt that the story constantly implied that. So what happens? A rather good story fizzles at the end.. Bummer because it really was a good story. But that fizzle brings it from a four star to a three star review.
Nevertheless, it's a book worth your time..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of No Rules, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on August 4, 2014
Jess Maulier is a child book writer with Daddy issues, just to discover that her Dad died and left his inheritance to her. The inheritance include a hottie name Tyler Donovan, who said he's part of Omega Group, a covert group that focus to save hostage from terrorist or radical group when government failed to save them. Donovan know that Walter, Jess's Dad had murdered because of what he discovered back to Egypt. He believe that Walter give some clue, in the form of child tales to Jess and want her to help Omega. Of course Jess resist at first. But, when she finally make connection from her Dad's tale and a clue to something valuable in Egypt, she agree to go to the Land of the Pharaohs, while manage to resist her attraction to Donovan.
I LOVE EGYPT! Maybe, this was start back when I watch the Mummy, or when I read Agatha Christie book that have Egypt culture, but I always fascinated with the Egyptian myth and the pharaohs who once ruled the land of the Gods. That's why I request this book, and well, even I need some days to finish this one, I'm so happy to discover a new romantic suspense series to read for. I like both Jess and Donovan. Imho, they are work both as for couple and individual, especially Jess. Her development from timid and agoraphobic, plus have sex issues to a confident woman, both in and out bedroom is believable. Donovan actually is a romantic suspense hero archetype, but I like that even he's a badass, he respect Jess, even at start he frighten her.
The suspense and the mystery that surround Donovan's mission is well written and I enjoy some insight into Egypt history, especially about Ramesses dynasty. There were some questions that left unsaid, and I'm intrigued to know why one of Omega Group that Donovan once considered as the mole inside them act like mole, and yes, it's never answered. The secondary characters also have some big roles and I believe that the next book of Omega Group will feature one of them.
No Rules is the first book of new series by Starr Ambrose, also my first foray into her works. Read this rekindle my love for romantic suspense and remind me why this genre is one of my favorite. Suspense, adventure and hero to die for plus a heroine that come out from her "damsel in distress" shell make No Rules an enjoyable read.
Jess's estranged father has died and when she goes back for his funeral she finds there was more to the man than she knew. She always thought he had walked away and left her with no worries. Now she finds he was in charge of helping rescue people from dangerous places. He was on a mission when he died. Now the Omega group believes he left the clues to what he was working with her. All she knows is the children's tales he told her for a her writing career. Tyler has to help her figure out the clues left behind. They have to travel to Egypt to try and figure out what they clues may be. Peoples lives depend on Jess figuring it out. As they are working close to each other they realize they can't stay apart. Tyler is nothing like the guys she is used to and Tyler can't afford to e attached to anyone in his line of work. The heart can't be stopped but their lives may be as someone doesn't want them getting to close to figuring out the clues.
Tyler is a closed off kind of man. He is dark, dangerous and will make your mouth water. He tries his best to keep from getting attached to anyone. Jess has had big problems in her past. She has issues from her childhood and has to work through them. She is used to quiet men who never push her buttons. She is a very smart woman who has an adventures side she is just realizing.
No only did I enjoyed the characters in this book I loved the background and plot. You get to visit Egypt and the author does a great job describing the places. It made me wish I could go and see these tombs myself and just the history when you think about it will wow you. Jess and Tyler are total opposites yet they seem to be perfect for each other. I love their connection. The sparks fly constantly between them. Besides the romance and heat of these two the plot keeps you guessing and on your toes. I kept trying to figure things out but couldn't do it and the author does a great job with twist and turns. This is the first book in the series and after finishing it I can not wait to read more in it. As fascinating as this one was I am eagerly waiting to see who the next one is about and where it will take me.
I so do enjoy getting in on the first book in a series instead of stumbling on one that looks good half way through then playing catch up. With that being said and this being the first one anxiously dive right in plus hunk on cover helped with the decision too. This is also the first time reading this author for me. Special groups that have dangerous agendas just thrill me to pieces as this one contains that very thing. You meet the characters Jess and Tyler through a reading of a will that starts this all off. Surprise for her was that they are waiting for someone else being she is the only child of her late father's. Once this gets the ball rolling you soon find out there is more to her father than she believes and some of it is due to the fact that they have not seen each other for a very long time except for the pop in just before his death which put her in some hot water with danger. Tyler belongs to a group her father founded with someone else and they need what he told her to help locate some missing people who are in danger and need rescued with everything being said in code she will be the key to helping this group. A growing attraction starts between the two with both being stubborn trying to ignore or fight it off but thank goodness the heart knows what the heart wants with some things not so easily fought. She learns plenty also about her father that she did not know with also some facts that come to light not truthfully told with a different version by her mother. Trust will also be the key with travel and danger at there door will this be enough to see them through, solving all the riddles with hearts and lives in tact. Oh I must not forget the big bang in here either toward the end of betrayal from an unlikely corner that will knock your socks off. Most thrilling read not to be missed especially if danger and love are something you fancy to read. Received a arc for a honest review.
Wow, words aren't enough to describe how much I heart this book. But at least let me try. This is the second time I have read the word rule on the book cover and by all my standards No Rules by Starr Ambrose definitely hit a spot in my heart. First the characters, Jesso or Jessie, she thinks she fears eveything and she goes by rules from her day to day activities to her lovelife, nothing in her life screams adventure and sexy and hot that is until she met Tyler Donnovan, friend and colleague of her dad.
He is sexy as hell and dangerous and she wants him in all the right places. These two characters will work their way from being just your average person to the two person who will endear themselves to you. Jessie's dad who died before the beginning of the story also found a way to melt my heart for proving to be a great and proud dad of Jess even if he wasn't able to show it.The setting of the story also engaged me more.
For a brief part, there's Chicago and Michigan then Egypt and boy was it the adventure of a lifetime or what? Everything fell so perfectly into place. I quickly felt like I was in on their mission and each scene I was able to see clearly in my mind. The curves, spins and details just helped this book achieve an A status on my list. And reading this book can bring a lot of inspiration whether it is about love, friendship, teamwork and even betrayal.
There are some things we can learn from it. At least that is how I see it. But above all these things, the most attractive part of the story is that it is hot as hell. The characters, the place, the situations, everything. They are all hot and I am sure most of you if not all will love it.
It was the Egyptian setting that caught my eye with this book as well as the military aspect. I love ancient Egypt and anything to do with the culture so I was excited to read this book as I don't see it used very often. For me, the author did a great job with it being worked into the story. She captured the pace and chaotic nature of the country brilliantly, and the historical aspects were interesting to read about also. It was definitely an original setting.
I really enjoyed No Rules. There was plenty going on and I think I prefer freelance organisations with ex-military men rather than actual military guys. Omega was interesting and developed well. I found them a believable organisation and I enjoyed that the book was focused more around them and their job than the romance. The action was brilliant and I found them all to be believable characters who were strong and wholeheartedly believed in what they were doing.
I will admit that I figured everything out (clues and traitor) very early into the book because of my knowledge of the culture and history so the clues were kind of obvious and I was waiting for the characters to figure everything out. However,that didn't stop me enjoying the story. The book was well paced, had plenty of description and kept me interesting the whole way through.
Overall, No Rules was a great read. I may have liked a little more development in the romance but it still kept me glued to the pages right up until the end. I would definitely recommend.
2.5* I'm going against the grain with this rating/review...but this is only my opinion.
When Jess' father passes away, she and Donovan are suddenly thrown together in a frantic search to find some hostages. Together, with the help of team Omega, they must solve a puzzle to find the location where the hostages are being held. Jess has the key to solving the puzzle, she just doesn't know it yet. Too bad the bad guys do and they're out to silence her. The book starts off with some action and ends with more action. What happens in between, I can barely recall just two days after finishing it. This wasn't a terrible book, it just wasn't memorable for me. When I look back on No Rules, I'll remember the history lesson that Starr Ambrose gave me - which was interesting - I just won't recall much else. This story takes place in Egypt and we learn a lot about its history, and I mean a lot. To a point where I kept hoping there would be more romance to balance it out. I just didn't feel it, from Jess and Donovan's feelings for one another - all things considered from how they meet and her background, to how quickly Jess's personailty changed after years of emotional trauma. I also never experienced any real danger that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Everything worked out too easily for my taste.
Despite my disinterest in putting No Rules on my "keeper" shelf, I would give Starr Ambrose another try. Her writing style was easy and had a nice flow.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review No Rules by Starr Ambrose
I received an e-arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
What’s not to love about No Rules by Starr Ambrose? Ambrose has created a thrilling romantic suspense novel with well-developed characters and a fast paced plot.
No Rules is the first book of the Omega Group series. The Omega Group was a secret organization that Wally, Jess’ father had been a member of. The purpose of the group was to rescue hostages. It didn't take long for the problems to be presented or for the thrills to begin. Wally was dead and the only key to finding the hostages was—unknown by her—left with Jess. As such the Omega Group needed her help deciphering the code. It seemed like their challenge was like finding a needle in a haystack and led to tension within the group as they raced against time. There were some intense dramatic moments between Avery, one of the Omega team members, and Jess. Although Avery broached some difficult topics, it appeared to be an accurate depiction of how sometimes people downplay other people’s pain. Their search for clues spanned across countries from the US to Egypt. I’ve never been to Egypt so I can’t say for sure that it was an accurate depiction of the people, but I did love how bits of Egyptian history were incorporated into the story. It led to a thrilling yet dangerous quest with no clear end in sight. Read More
Jess has been living her life in fear. You name it she fears it. Then all of a sudden she is pulled into a life she has never known and introduced to a father she hasn't seen in 15 years. She thought that her father had left her and her mother and never wanted to keep in touch. She finds out from the Omega group that she was completely wrong. in addition to finding out things about her murdered father, she assists the Omega group in finding some college students being held hostage in Egypt. Her father had sought her out days before he was killed to tell her a story about a wolf and a rabbit. Now she has to make sence of this story in relation to the kidnapped college students. Jess then meets and falls for Tyler Donovan who is a leader in the Omega team she is helping.
This was a great book. Couldn't hardly put it down. Jess and Tyler go through a lot and still manage to find each other. I recommend this book if you are looking for romance and mystery.
I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.
Jess Maulier fears any changes to her safe life. When her estranged father dies, her world changes. He was not who he appeared to be, Walter Shikovski worked for a secret agency. What had he discovered that resulted in his murder? Tyler Donovan, his associate, is determined to find out what she knows. Now the two of them are working together to find the people who did this and finish Wally's last mission along with the rest of the Omega Group. No Rules is a suspenseful action packed story that pulled me in from the first page. Jess is an amazing character. Her growth as a person made this book very special. Watching Jess and Donovan's relationship change from adversaries to lovers was very sensual experience. The exotic and historic setting added to the suspense as well as the romance. The secondary characters were powerful and commanding. I definitely want to know more about them. The story was well plotted and Starr Ambrose's many twists and turns kept me in the dark as to the criminal behind the treachery. I was completely blown away by the ending. What a great book!
What an intense fast paced action book! This had everything, love, humor, sarcasm, kick-a$$ characters, mystery, betrayal, and hot loving. Tyler Donovan is a great strong male character that was truly mouthwatering. He was fierce, protective and gentle towards Jess. Jess was a caterpillar who finally bloomed into a beautiful butterfly. It was such a great transformation to read when she faced her fears and drew from Tyler's strength. She had to deal with so many emotions and grief at the same time as going on the adventure of a lifetime.
It was a great story that captured my attention all the way to the end. Even had some interesting history to with it. I do hope the other Omega team members get their own story. Avery was my fave of the team and to see a man fall in love with her would be great to read.
No Rules is the first book in the Omega Group Series and spends some time filling you in on all the members and how it came to be.
This one is all about Tyler and Jess. Tyler is super sexy and strong while Jess is a bit of a mess understandably so with the lasting effects of her mentally unstable mom. Thank goodness they balance each other out though.
This is a gripping story with a whole lot of action and some romance to boot. I so enjoyed their story and can't wait to read the following books in the series.
I really enjoyed this book. I have to admit I was skeptical at first, because the Egyptian setting isn't something I would normally look for in a story - I'm more of a "secluded beach" or "cabin in the mountains" kind of girl! - but I am so glad I began reading anyway. Starr's writing completely drew me into the setting right away, and the twist and turns in the story kept me reading well into the night. I would highly recommend it to any fans of romantic suspense - you won't be disappointed!
'No Rules' plunges straight into an Indiana Jones-like adventure and right in the territory of Ancient Egypt and tomb-looting, with the necessary several 'X marks the spot' moments. I definitely liked Starr Ambrose's very creative take on romantic suspense/adventure and although I thought the romantic development between Donovan and Jess wasn't quite too developed against the non-stop action, I'm already intrigued to see how the author will continue with this series.
This is a romance book but with a lot of intrigue and action and exotic locations. Tyler is the hot alpha guy with a strong protective streak and smexy cheek stubble you want to touch through the pages of this book. A fun read. I want myself a Tyler, silly rabbit.(you have to read the book for that last comment to make sense.)