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Hardy Brothers Security #1
Deadly Intentions
Are second chances worth the risk? Is a childhood crush something that can ever be fully realized? James Hardy has everything he has ever wanted in life. Almost. After years spent in the military, he has opened his own security business and employed both of his younger brothers in a world he not only embraces, but enjoys. He likes the adventure. He likes the excitement. He certainly isn't looking for anything more -- until she walks through his door and changes everything. Mandy Avery has harbored a crush on James Hardy for as long as she can remember -- and her memory stretches far. She goes to the Hardy brothers out of necessity, but as soon as she sees James she realizes that old feelings aren't so easily shoved to the side. James wants to keep her safe. No, he needs to keep her safe -- even though he isn't exactly sure why. Someone is trying to hurt her, and that's not something he can tolerate. She's grown into the type of woman he's drawn to, though, despite his own rule that dating clients is forbidden. Mandy wants to find out who is threatening her, but being around James is more than she can bear. Something in her very being is propelling her into his arms -- even though she knows her heart is at risk with every kiss. James eventually gives in -- and immediately regrets his rash actions. Unfortunately for him, it's too late. He's not willing to give her up -- and he's more than ready to die for her if that's what it takes to keep her safe. She's unsure of their future, but Mandy can't fight his pull. She's lost -- even before he's ready for her to find him. When things come to head, will James be able to save the only woman he's ever really cared about? And will Mandy have enough faith to believe that what he's offering is real?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2014
407 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 6, 2016
I liked this one. It was sweet, and I really liked the brothers. Not over the top angsty, but the pushing away by the hero went on a bit to long. Especially when the reason was pretty stupid to begin with.
Overall though I enjoyed it and will continue on with the series.
Side Note: "Mandy sucked one of his balls into her mouth, relishing the MUSTY smell of him"
I REALLY REALLY hope the author meant "MUSKY" cause ain't nothing sexy about musty grandma smelling mothballs. No one's balls should ever smell musty...like ever! *lol*
Overall though I enjoyed it and will continue on with the series.
Side Note: "Mandy sucked one of his balls into her mouth, relishing the MUSTY smell of him"
I REALLY REALLY hope the author meant "MUSKY" cause ain't nothing sexy about musty grandma smelling mothballs. No one's balls should ever smell musty...like ever! *lol*
February 6, 2016
3.25 stars
I like romantic suspense. This one was a bit heavier on the romance (no complaints here) and the suspense was pretty obvious.
I liked that the MCs spent a lot of time together. Granted they were having sex a lot of that time, but not all of it. I thought there was good balance.
I do not classify this as a second chance or friends to lovers. Heroine was hero's sisters BFF in grade school. He was older. So when he was a senior, she was still in middle school. She had a crush on him that he thought was cute, but he had zero romantic feelings towards her. Of course! That would have been GROSS! He had a bitchy gf in high school that was mean to heroine. He defended heroine. No big deal. Neither pined for each other. Both dated, no virgins (heroine was actually quite confident sexually) and I would not classify him as a manwhore. Just a commitment phobe.
He goes into the military, they all lose touch and get on with their lives.
Happen to meet up 11 years later. He is immediately attracted to her. But fights it for whoever stupid reason I still cannot figure out. But it really does not last that long. He pulls one bone head move after they sleep together, but it is rectified within a day. She makes him grovel a bit. He feels really, really bad. I was ok with it afterwards. Plus he is totally solid form that day forward. That is what made their relationship enjoyable to read. No relationship dramas!
Their inner musing before they get together were a little odd, but nothing bad. Just sort of overtly sexual when I was not sensing that much chemistry at that point. I cannot really describe it adequately.
For the most part his brothers were funny and I look forward to their books.
Overall I would call this an easy read, free in KU, some suspense and lots of steam.
Safety gang safe.
I like romantic suspense. This one was a bit heavier on the romance (no complaints here) and the suspense was pretty obvious.
I liked that the MCs spent a lot of time together. Granted they were having sex a lot of that time, but not all of it. I thought there was good balance.
I do not classify this as a second chance or friends to lovers. Heroine was hero's sisters BFF in grade school. He was older. So when he was a senior, she was still in middle school. She had a crush on him that he thought was cute, but he had zero romantic feelings towards her. Of course! That would have been GROSS! He had a bitchy gf in high school that was mean to heroine. He defended heroine. No big deal. Neither pined for each other. Both dated, no virgins (heroine was actually quite confident sexually) and I would not classify him as a manwhore. Just a commitment phobe.
He goes into the military, they all lose touch and get on with their lives.
Happen to meet up 11 years later. He is immediately attracted to her. But fights it for whoever stupid reason I still cannot figure out. But it really does not last that long. He pulls one bone head move after they sleep together, but it is rectified within a day. She makes him grovel a bit. He feels really, really bad. I was ok with it afterwards. Plus he is totally solid form that day forward. That is what made their relationship enjoyable to read. No relationship dramas!
Their inner musing before they get together were a little odd, but nothing bad. Just sort of overtly sexual when I was not sensing that much chemistry at that point. I cannot really describe it adequately.
For the most part his brothers were funny and I look forward to their books.
Overall I would call this an easy read, free in KU, some suspense and lots of steam.
Safety gang safe.
October 31, 2015
I was trying to find a book like Midnight Man by Lisa Marie Rice. Sadly, Deadly Intentions was nothing like it. The hero of this book owns a security company with his brothers. The heroine had a huge crush on him in high school (He was her best friend's brother) Fast forward a bunch of years and she thinks someone is trying to kill her. She goes to the hero for help and then there's some other woman drama and then...
the hero runs out of her apartment the night they "do it" and sends his brother to watch over her instead. What a jerk.
I stopped reading at that point. I don't like mean heroes. And running out on a woman the night after you slept with her is mean.
the hero runs out of her apartment the night they "do it" and sends his brother to watch over her instead. What a jerk.
I stopped reading at that point. I don't like mean heroes. And running out on a woman the night after you slept with her is mean.
March 23, 2015
Great characters. The bros were funny as hell. Male MC was hawt. Feisty female MC. Good banter and a few laughs. Pacing was good. Writing had some minor errors and glitches, but nothing cringe worthy.
The worst part was the secondary mystery plot... Who is trying to kill her & why? It was way too dense. It didn't have any oompha, and the climax wasn't very "ooh" at all.
The worst part was the secondary mystery plot... Who is trying to kill her & why? It was way too dense. It didn't have any oompha, and the climax wasn't very "ooh" at all.
Want to read
October 6, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/20/2021)! 🎁
May 9, 2016
Rating 3.5 stars
February 11, 2020
James and Mandy's story
As a court clerk Mandy Avery doesn't have a high risk job, but she's frightened when leaving work late and someone tries to run her down in their car. The cops aren't exactly listening, dismissing her story and treating her like an attention seeking drama queen.
On edge Mandy goes to her best friend Ally Hardy. Ally suggests she go see her brothers who on returning from various military posts have started their own security company.
As Mandy reconnects with the Hardy men uncomfortable memories of her middle school crush on a senior James surface.
For James it's not easy either, he's not wanting to get involved with anyone, but something about Mandy is drawing him in. Now they are adults they can do as they please, their age difference no longer an issue.. but can they let go, admit their feelings and trust each other, all while trying to figure out who has it in for Mandy?
I'm not sure.. I can't really decide if I am just disappointed there's no paranormal activity or if it's just because it's a new series and I am missing my favourite characters but I didn't enjoy this as much as other novels LHH has written. Maybe it's just because it's introducing a whole new world.. and a little more.. er.. direct than previous novels!!
As a court clerk Mandy Avery doesn't have a high risk job, but she's frightened when leaving work late and someone tries to run her down in their car. The cops aren't exactly listening, dismissing her story and treating her like an attention seeking drama queen.
On edge Mandy goes to her best friend Ally Hardy. Ally suggests she go see her brothers who on returning from various military posts have started their own security company.
As Mandy reconnects with the Hardy men uncomfortable memories of her middle school crush on a senior James surface.
For James it's not easy either, he's not wanting to get involved with anyone, but something about Mandy is drawing him in. Now they are adults they can do as they please, their age difference no longer an issue.. but can they let go, admit their feelings and trust each other, all while trying to figure out who has it in for Mandy?
I'm not sure.. I can't really decide if I am just disappointed there's no paranormal activity or if it's just because it's a new series and I am missing my favourite characters but I didn't enjoy this as much as other novels LHH has written. Maybe it's just because it's introducing a whole new world.. and a little more.. er.. direct than previous novels!!
November 9, 2023
Excellent Start!
Mandy has had a huge crush on James since she was in middle school and he was in high school.
Now she's all grown up, and needs his help.
It seems that someone is watching her. Then someone tries to run her down in the parking lot of the courthouse.
She has just reconnected with her best friend, who just happens to be James little sister. Ally suggests she contact James for help.
He runs a security business with his two brothers, and Ally is sure he will want to protect her.
He is shaken when he sees Mandy again, and he soon wants nothing more than to take her to his bed.
He's not looking for a girlfriend though, and she's not the type for a one night stand.
The story has a couple of twists I didn't see coming, and was a compelling read.
Note:
Graphic sex
Adult situations
Some language may offensive
This is a complete story with a happy ending, but some characters and situations are continued in the next book.
I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series!
Mandy has had a huge crush on James since she was in middle school and he was in high school.
Now she's all grown up, and needs his help.
It seems that someone is watching her. Then someone tries to run her down in the parking lot of the courthouse.
She has just reconnected with her best friend, who just happens to be James little sister. Ally suggests she contact James for help.
He runs a security business with his two brothers, and Ally is sure he will want to protect her.
He is shaken when he sees Mandy again, and he soon wants nothing more than to take her to his bed.
He's not looking for a girlfriend though, and she's not the type for a one night stand.
The story has a couple of twists I didn't see coming, and was a compelling read.
Note:
Graphic sex
Adult situations
Some language may offensive
This is a complete story with a happy ending, but some characters and situations are continued in the next book.
I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series!
July 26, 2024
Mandy Avery has harbored a crush on James Hardy since elementary school. Too bad he's four years older and her best friend's brother. But, when she finds her life in jeopardy, he's the only one she can trust to figure out the situation. They complement each other in many ways. For example, she's mild and calculating, while he's bold and rash.
This Mystery Romance is fascinating. This story exemplifies the same basic principles as many others. However, this tale holds its own style and details. For example, the inescapable breakup happens long before the culprit is identified. The story, instead, focuses on rebuilding trust after the makeup and through the undesirable situations that follow. The end is sweet.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
This Mystery Romance is fascinating. This story exemplifies the same basic principles as many others. However, this tale holds its own style and details. For example, the inescapable breakup happens long before the culprit is identified. The story, instead, focuses on rebuilding trust after the makeup and through the undesirable situations that follow. The end is sweet.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
May 28, 2018
Interesting
It was nice to finally see some variety in this author's repertoire. Was it mind blowing? No. Was it entertaining? Yes. It was a quick read and the guilty party, though easily figured out, led to a fun conclusion. I
These Hardy boys are not Frank and Joe. This series is meant for mature audiences.
Need to check with a new editor.
It was nice to finally see some variety in this author's repertoire. Was it mind blowing? No. Was it entertaining? Yes. It was a quick read and the guilty party, though easily figured out, led to a fun conclusion. I
These Hardy boys are not Frank and Joe. This series is meant for mature audiences.
Need to check with a new editor.
January 11, 2022
I liked the book but I expected a bit more since I read a lot of books from the same author and found this one a bit less … everything. But since it s a first book in the series and I don’t know the characters very well yet, I will read the second one, too. It was a good book in general, but I expected a bit more.
December 1, 2024
The couple: James and Mandy
Romance trope: best friend's brother
Series: Hardy Brothers Security
Length: 236 pages
Plot: Mandy had a huge crush on her best friend's brother for the longest time, but he only saw her as his sister's friend, nothing else, and then he left to join the military. Now that she's all grown up, she needs some help. She thinks someone is following and watching her, so her friend directs her toward her brothers' new security company. James is willing to help her, for more than one reason. Mandy is all grown up and he doesn't see her as only the friend of his little sister anymore. But she really does need help; someone out there is targeting her, and they need to find out who and why as soon as possible in order to keep Mandy safe.
Commentary: Good introduction to these character. But when I looked at the page for the series, there were 24 books total, all about the same four couples! That's a lot. It takes a special couple for me to want to read that much about them (think Eve and Roark from the In Death series) - I don't think this is at that level for me - these characters are still on the cusp of new adult (which just isn't my personal favorite). It was okay romantic suspense, and I appreciate the diversion.
Next book in the series: Deadly Intuition
Romance trope: best friend's brother
Series: Hardy Brothers Security
Length: 236 pages
Plot: Mandy had a huge crush on her best friend's brother for the longest time, but he only saw her as his sister's friend, nothing else, and then he left to join the military. Now that she's all grown up, she needs some help. She thinks someone is following and watching her, so her friend directs her toward her brothers' new security company. James is willing to help her, for more than one reason. Mandy is all grown up and he doesn't see her as only the friend of his little sister anymore. But she really does need help; someone out there is targeting her, and they need to find out who and why as soon as possible in order to keep Mandy safe.
Commentary: Good introduction to these character. But when I looked at the page for the series, there were 24 books total, all about the same four couples! That's a lot. It takes a special couple for me to want to read that much about them (think Eve and Roark from the In Death series) - I don't think this is at that level for me - these characters are still on the cusp of new adult (which just isn't my personal favorite). It was okay romantic suspense, and I appreciate the diversion.
Next book in the series: Deadly Intuition
July 28, 2022
Disappointed in this series...
All the rest of your books are romantic and fun. This one is just too steamy and x-rated for my taste. I'll skip the rest of the Hardy Brothers series. Too bad, I've finished all your other books and wanted more.
All the rest of your books are romantic and fun. This one is just too steamy and x-rated for my taste. I'll skip the rest of the Hardy Brothers series. Too bad, I've finished all your other books and wanted more.
January 1, 2024
Good read
Not what I expected from this author. I was thinking paranormal. She is definitely versatile. There is loads of hot sex and foreplay, some humor, mystery, loads of angst, and some romance. Very entertaining.
Not what I expected from this author. I was thinking paranormal. She is definitely versatile. There is loads of hot sex and foreplay, some humor, mystery, loads of angst, and some romance. Very entertaining.
July 20, 2017
Interesting
Interesting read. Action, mystery, romance something for everyone. A few more sex scenes than I usually like but they were well done.
Interesting read. Action, mystery, romance something for everyone. A few more sex scenes than I usually like but they were well done.
April 2, 2018
Okay read
Potential to be better but was an okay read. Took a while to get to plot and then the romance was bitty. Eventually settled into it.
Potential to be better but was an okay read. Took a while to get to plot and then the romance was bitty. Eventually settled into it.
October 10, 2018
A little too much in the romance category for my liking. I like a little romance with my mystery, and this was mostly romance with a touch of mystery.
June 21, 2021
Love this book.
I love this book so much. Lily has such talent writing. I am so glad that I found these books.
I love this book so much. Lily has such talent writing. I am so glad that I found these books.
December 13, 2021
I quick mindless read. The sex scenes were ridiculous and the plot was weak but an OK book for what it was.
June 16, 2023
This series is different then the other’s I’ve read. I liked this one, on to book 2.
February 15, 2024
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
April 28, 2024
Hot
It was very different from what I was expecting. I am less into all the overt sex and yet I will read the series. Nice little twists though. Kept me interested.
It was very different from what I was expecting. I am less into all the overt sex and yet I will read the series. Nice little twists though. Kept me interested.
January 7, 2025
No Imagination
Really do you have to be so gross with all the sex? How about a little imagination? If it wasn't for the gross sex all the time the book would be good.
Really do you have to be so gross with all the sex? How about a little imagination? If it wasn't for the gross sex all the time the book would be good.
June 28, 2025
A very good romance that is a few years in the making. Great characters great story. very well written.
Read
November 14, 2025DNF. Hannah is just to lame. I don’t know how she would survive in the real world.
November 28, 2016
Deadly Intentions is the first book in the Hardy Brothers Security series by author Lily Harper Hart.
-----------------------------
Amazon Description: Are second chances worth the risk?
Is a childhood crush something that can ever be fully realized?
James Hardy has everything he has ever wanted in life. Almost. After years spent in the military, he has opened his own security business and employed both of his younger brothers in a world he not only embraces, but enjoys. He likes the adventure. He likes the excitement. He certainly isn’t looking for anything more — until she walks through his door and changes everything.
Mandy Avery has harbored a crush on James Hardy for as long as she can remember — and her memory stretches far. She goes to the Hardy brothers out of necessity, but as soon as she sees James she realizes that old feelings aren’t so easily shoved to the side.
James wants to keep her safe. No, he needs to keep her safe — even though he isn’t exactly sure why. Someone is trying to hurt her, and that’s not something he can tolerate. She’s grown into the type of woman he’s drawn to, though, despite his own rule that dating clients is forbidden.
Mandy wants to find out who is threatening her, but being around James is more than she can bear. Something in her very being is propelling her into his arms — even though she knows her heart is at risk with every kiss.
James eventually gives in — and immediately regrets his rash actions. Unfortunately for him, it’s too late. He’s not willing to give her up — and he’s more than ready to die for her if that’s what it takes to keep her safe.
She’s unsure of their future, but Mandy can’t fight his pull. She’s lost — even before he’s ready for her to find him.
When things come to head, will James be able to save the only woman he’s ever really cared about? And will Mandy have enough faith to believe that what he’s offering is real?
-------------------------------------
James Hardy became a Marine right out of high school. He served a few years before leaving and starting a security company with his brothers Grady and Finn. One of the people that comes in for help is their little sister’s best friend, Mandy Avery. James hasn’t seen Mandy since he left.
Now she needs their help. She felt like she was being watched. And then someone tries to run her over twice in the courthouse parking lot. Someone broke into her home and went through papers in her office. Someone is out to get her. The police don’t believe her. They think she’s just making it up for attention.
James takes the case and gives her the “friends/family” discount, which is free. He starts crashing at her place to make sure she’s safe since her apartment is a break-in waiting to happen. When he sees the outline of someone standing on her patio during a rainstorm, he decides to move her into his place until the perp is caught.
--------------------------------------
I liked this book. Mandy is definitely my favorite character. She is sassy and real. She has no overt sense of the world owing her anything. She doesn’t want to be a bother to the brothers but does feel she’s in danger. Man, does she lay into James a few times and it is funny to read what she’s saying.
I read this book in a couple sittings. I wanted to read it straight through in one but alas, tiredness won out. There’s action, adventure and intrigue in this book. The person I suspected of everything is NOT who it ended up being and it really shocked me when I found out who it really was causing all the issues!
I like the author’s writing style. There were a couple small punctuation errors but other than that, her book was perfect in editing/grammar. Everyone who’s read my reviews before knows that editing/grammar/punctuation are a huge thing to me as a bad editor can lead your book downhill. That is not the case with this book and I was glad. I have several of the next books in the series and I can’t wait to sit down and read them as well.
------------------------------
Started: 11/25/16
Finished: 11/26/16
Purchased: 12/27/2014
Purchase Price: Free
-----------------------------
Amazon Description: Are second chances worth the risk?
Is a childhood crush something that can ever be fully realized?
James Hardy has everything he has ever wanted in life. Almost. After years spent in the military, he has opened his own security business and employed both of his younger brothers in a world he not only embraces, but enjoys. He likes the adventure. He likes the excitement. He certainly isn’t looking for anything more — until she walks through his door and changes everything.
Mandy Avery has harbored a crush on James Hardy for as long as she can remember — and her memory stretches far. She goes to the Hardy brothers out of necessity, but as soon as she sees James she realizes that old feelings aren’t so easily shoved to the side.
James wants to keep her safe. No, he needs to keep her safe — even though he isn’t exactly sure why. Someone is trying to hurt her, and that’s not something he can tolerate. She’s grown into the type of woman he’s drawn to, though, despite his own rule that dating clients is forbidden.
Mandy wants to find out who is threatening her, but being around James is more than she can bear. Something in her very being is propelling her into his arms — even though she knows her heart is at risk with every kiss.
James eventually gives in — and immediately regrets his rash actions. Unfortunately for him, it’s too late. He’s not willing to give her up — and he’s more than ready to die for her if that’s what it takes to keep her safe.
She’s unsure of their future, but Mandy can’t fight his pull. She’s lost — even before he’s ready for her to find him.
When things come to head, will James be able to save the only woman he’s ever really cared about? And will Mandy have enough faith to believe that what he’s offering is real?
-------------------------------------
James Hardy became a Marine right out of high school. He served a few years before leaving and starting a security company with his brothers Grady and Finn. One of the people that comes in for help is their little sister’s best friend, Mandy Avery. James hasn’t seen Mandy since he left.
Now she needs their help. She felt like she was being watched. And then someone tries to run her over twice in the courthouse parking lot. Someone broke into her home and went through papers in her office. Someone is out to get her. The police don’t believe her. They think she’s just making it up for attention.
James takes the case and gives her the “friends/family” discount, which is free. He starts crashing at her place to make sure she’s safe since her apartment is a break-in waiting to happen. When he sees the outline of someone standing on her patio during a rainstorm, he decides to move her into his place until the perp is caught.
--------------------------------------
I liked this book. Mandy is definitely my favorite character. She is sassy and real. She has no overt sense of the world owing her anything. She doesn’t want to be a bother to the brothers but does feel she’s in danger. Man, does she lay into James a few times and it is funny to read what she’s saying.
I read this book in a couple sittings. I wanted to read it straight through in one but alas, tiredness won out. There’s action, adventure and intrigue in this book. The person I suspected of everything is NOT who it ended up being and it really shocked me when I found out who it really was causing all the issues!
I like the author’s writing style. There were a couple small punctuation errors but other than that, her book was perfect in editing/grammar. Everyone who’s read my reviews before knows that editing/grammar/punctuation are a huge thing to me as a bad editor can lead your book downhill. That is not the case with this book and I was glad. I have several of the next books in the series and I can’t wait to sit down and read them as well.
------------------------------
Started: 11/25/16
Finished: 11/26/16
Purchased: 12/27/2014
Purchase Price: Free
March 12, 2017
Good fun read
Good fun, a bit if light relief on a winter's day. If you like a bit of adventure with your romance its for you.
Good fun, a bit if light relief on a winter's day. If you like a bit of adventure with your romance its for you.
September 25, 2016
Good read.
I have read all of this authors other series. I love her writing style. Overall, this book is different from her others -- but not in a bad way. I enjoy that there is some resolution while leaving it open to other books. Nicely written and well developed story.
I have read all of this authors other series. I love her writing style. Overall, this book is different from her others -- but not in a bad way. I enjoy that there is some resolution while leaving it open to other books. Nicely written and well developed story.
November 19, 2018
Deadly Intentions begins when Mandy runs into her old best friend from a child. She tells her she needs some help because she thinks she is in danger. So, her friend tells her to go to her brothers' security firm. When she was young Mandy had a crush on her friend's brother James. But he was older then her, and didn't see her that way. Now, though she's not a little girl, and James isn't at all sure what he should do with that. While he's trying to help, he's also trying to figure out what he feels for her, and he can't seem to stay away from her either.
This story was okay. It was a pretty interesting fast paced read. I felt it was good till you got toward the end, then it got a little bit boring. Other then that the plot was interesting, and the characters were all very interesting as well. Even when they made a few stupid choices, it still turned out fairly well. I really did enjoy it.
This story was okay. It was a pretty interesting fast paced read. I felt it was good till you got toward the end, then it got a little bit boring. Other then that the plot was interesting, and the characters were all very interesting as well. Even when they made a few stupid choices, it still turned out fairly well. I really did enjoy it.
February 14, 2017
It was an interesting story. I liked the h - she was independent without being feisty. She was strong and smart. She had loved H when they were at school, and he was uncomfortable at first, because she had been so young, but I liked that once he admitted it to himself, he was so protective of her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews