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Beaufort Billionaires #2
The Rule Breaker
“I trust you with my life.
Now I’m trusting you with my daughter.”
Those were my father’s words the day he ruined my life by assigning me a bodyguard.
So, I had a few hate notes left for me, and my car was vandalized. It’s not a big deal.
Not big enough to deserve him, anyway…
Denver Layne.
A brooding, ex-special forces, six foot something wall of muscle who acts like having fun is a federal offense.
He says he’s here to protect me.
I say he’s here to ruin my life.
The giant brute barely speaks, unless it’s to bark reminders about his sacred duty to keep me safe.
And he watches every man who comes near me like he’s plotting their slow and painful demise.
At this rate I won’t have a social life to return to.
I need to get rid of the overbearing hulk. Fast.
It shouldn’t be that hard.
Not as hard as the grumpy, infuriating brute himself, who pins me against a wall one day, breathing fire when I break one of his stupid rules.
My father thinks this is a good idea. But if I’m going to survive?
I’m going to break every single one of Denver’s rules.
And I’ll enjoy every second of it.
(Perfect for fans of forced proximity billionaire romance, with high stakes, steamy tension, with an older grumpy hero, and a strong, smart heroine who loves to tease him with snarky banter).
Now I’m trusting you with my daughter.”
Those were my father’s words the day he ruined my life by assigning me a bodyguard.
So, I had a few hate notes left for me, and my car was vandalized. It’s not a big deal.
Not big enough to deserve him, anyway…
Denver Layne.
A brooding, ex-special forces, six foot something wall of muscle who acts like having fun is a federal offense.
He says he’s here to protect me.
I say he’s here to ruin my life.
The giant brute barely speaks, unless it’s to bark reminders about his sacred duty to keep me safe.
And he watches every man who comes near me like he’s plotting their slow and painful demise.
At this rate I won’t have a social life to return to.
I need to get rid of the overbearing hulk. Fast.
It shouldn’t be that hard.
Not as hard as the grumpy, infuriating brute himself, who pins me against a wall one day, breathing fire when I break one of his stupid rules.
My father thinks this is a good idea. But if I’m going to survive?
I’m going to break every single one of Denver’s rules.
And I’ll enjoy every second of it.
(Perfect for fans of forced proximity billionaire romance, with high stakes, steamy tension, with an older grumpy hero, and a strong, smart heroine who loves to tease him with snarky banter).
12 pages, Audible Audio
Published July 17, 2025
842 people are currently reading
1055 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
July 19, 2025
I must say from the bottom of my heart…FUCK this book. If I had been reading the paperback copy I would have ripped this shit in half. I am absolutely ENRAGED!!!
Denver is Sinclair’s bodyguard. Sinclair is a ridiculous rich girl with a ridiculous dog and an idiotic attitude.
This book started off just being fine. It was just whatever. Sinclair was kind of annoying and overly naive for her character. Denver was obsessed with her for no conceivable reason. It was fine. I was disappointed because I literally read the first book because I wanted to read this one but whatever.
Then, THEN, Sinclair decides to pull some BULLSHIT right at the end. She decides “for his own good” (and with that I am rolling my eyes so hard that I’m going to make myself pass out) to pretend to cheat on Denver with the absolutely freaking SCUMMIEST guy of the whole book who she insists is a good guy and he’s NOT! She literally sets up Denver to find them in bed together. WTF?!?!? I hate this woman! I have never wanted someone to die more in my life. I would have rather had Denver end up alone than end up with this stupid asshole of a woman!
Oh, and supposedly, Denver knew all along that the scenario set up wasn’t real. No you didn’t buddy! We were in your POV when you found her in bed and not once did that cross your internal thoughts that we were literally shown.
Absolutely not! I have never been so tempted to throw my phone on the ground and stomp all over it!! I literally hate that I couldn’t DNF this book because this bullshit was right at the freaking end!!
Denver is Sinclair’s bodyguard. Sinclair is a ridiculous rich girl with a ridiculous dog and an idiotic attitude.
This book started off just being fine. It was just whatever. Sinclair was kind of annoying and overly naive for her character. Denver was obsessed with her for no conceivable reason. It was fine. I was disappointed because I literally read the first book because I wanted to read this one but whatever.
Then, THEN, Sinclair decides to pull some BULLSHIT right at the end. She decides “for his own good” (and with that I am rolling my eyes so hard that I’m going to make myself pass out) to pretend to cheat on Denver with the absolutely freaking SCUMMIEST guy of the whole book who she insists is a good guy and he’s NOT! She literally sets up Denver to find them in bed together. WTF?!?!? I hate this woman! I have never wanted someone to die more in my life. I would have rather had Denver end up alone than end up with this stupid asshole of a woman!
Oh, and supposedly, Denver knew all along that the scenario set up wasn’t real. No you didn’t buddy! We were in your POV when you found her in bed and not once did that cross your internal thoughts that we were literally shown.
Absolutely not! I have never been so tempted to throw my phone on the ground and stomp all over it!! I literally hate that I couldn’t DNF this book because this bullshit was right at the freaking end!!
July 11, 2025
I am really liking this series from Elle Nicoll. The Match Maker was my first read from her and I was very eager to dive right into the Beaufort Billionaire. This one takes on a bodyguard/charge situation and I was here for it.
Sinclair is a model and social light and the heir to a diamond fortune. She may seem a tiny bit spoiled but I truly felt like she had a heart of gold. With everyone except for Denver, her father's bodyguard who is now looking out for her after a security threat, related to her mother and brother's deaths. She gives him absolute hell, but Denver is good at his job and he won't put up for any nonsense.
Things come to a boiling point when Denver brings her to his secluded cabin hideaway to keep her extra safe for a bit. The tensions rise and we finally have a crack in both of their facades. Things get hot and heavy, confessions are made and they will never be the same.
Now it's just a matter of... how can they make this work? Are they too different? Is the divide too large? There truly is a great connection between them and the chemistry is off the charts but they both might be too self-sacrificing for their own good.
I liked these two a lot and Denver definitely had some very swoony moments. The 3rd act made me SO mad that I almost DNFd on the spot. Then the author won me back over after my quick judgement. I liked book 1 a smidge more but I am loving this series!
This was duet narrated by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr and I don't know if I've listened to them before this series. They were both SO compelling and I enjoyed them a lot. Though I do think that the English accent of the heroine from book 1 kinda disappeared in this one. lols!
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: Grief, PTSD, stalking, attempted dog-napping
*Thank you to Home Cooked Books and the author for an ALC of this title.*
Sinclair is a model and social light and the heir to a diamond fortune. She may seem a tiny bit spoiled but I truly felt like she had a heart of gold. With everyone except for Denver, her father's bodyguard who is now looking out for her after a security threat, related to her mother and brother's deaths. She gives him absolute hell, but Denver is good at his job and he won't put up for any nonsense.
Things come to a boiling point when Denver brings her to his secluded cabin hideaway to keep her extra safe for a bit. The tensions rise and we finally have a crack in both of their facades. Things get hot and heavy, confessions are made and they will never be the same.
Now it's just a matter of... how can they make this work? Are they too different? Is the divide too large? There truly is a great connection between them and the chemistry is off the charts but they both might be too self-sacrificing for their own good.
I liked these two a lot and Denver definitely had some very swoony moments. The 3rd act made me SO mad that I almost DNFd on the spot. Then the author won me back over after my quick judgement. I liked book 1 a smidge more but I am loving this series!
This was duet narrated by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr and I don't know if I've listened to them before this series. They were both SO compelling and I enjoyed them a lot. Though I do think that the English accent of the heroine from book 1 kinda disappeared in this one. lols!
4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale
CW: Grief, PTSD, stalking, attempted dog-napping
*Thank you to Home Cooked Books and the author for an ALC of this title.*
July 12, 2025
Sinclair and Denver we met in book one when I knew it was there story I knew it would be a great read, these two have chemistry the banter throughout this book had me chuckling.
Denver I loved from the first time we met his character, Sinclair her character I liked but she did frustrate me a little, can’t forget Monty🐶 he’s adorable
These two have had to deal with so much it broke me when listening to them relive it.
As ever Elle has written a fabulous book that you want keep turning those pages and feel hot under the collar with her steamy scenes 🔥🥵
if you love a bodyguard romance then is is a book for you.
For me it’s 4 🌟
Denver I loved from the first time we met his character, Sinclair her character I liked but she did frustrate me a little, can’t forget Monty🐶 he’s adorable
These two have had to deal with so much it broke me when listening to them relive it.
As ever Elle has written a fabulous book that you want keep turning those pages and feel hot under the collar with her steamy scenes 🔥🥵
if you love a bodyguard romance then is is a book for you.
For me it’s 4 🌟
July 3, 2025
GUUUUUUYYYYYSSSSS!!! If you have not read Elle Nicoll, you do not know what you are missing!!! This was my first book of hers, and I immediately went and added her whole collection to my TBR.
What I loved about the book:
1. The more and more I read of them, the more I really freaking love bodyguard romances! I especially loved that in this one, he fell first and hard for her so his yearning to keep her safe went beyond his paycheck. As two people suffering from grief, Denver saw something brilliant in Sinclair from the very beginning, yet had to fight his feelings because of the found family he had found with his employer (her father). I loved watching these two come to the “oh, f*ck it” moment and finally do something about their feelings!
2. Speaking of him falling for her first, he had multiple opportunities to gaze at her in lingerie given she was a model, but he didn’t like a true gentleman. In no way did he abuse his position of being around her often to gawk at her, even in situations where it would have been understandable (I mean, you’re supposed to look at models!). I found this very endearing and loved him for it.
3. I loved how much of a brat Sinclair was and that she went toe to toe with him, especially when he tried to do the whole “for her own good” bit at the cabin. My girl spun him on his ass so fast with that one and I loved every second before, during, and after reconciliation 😉
As someone who has had so many decisions made for her her entire life, I loved how sassy she was with her “Brute” and made sure he never underestimated her.
4. I loved how both of them have experienced a bone deep grief that connected them even more. Now let me explain, I never wish grief on anyone, but the way their shared griefs were able to connect them and make them feel not so alone in this big world, was truly wonderful given the terrible circumstances.
5. THIS THING WAS DELICIOUSLY SPICY!!! I’m not playing, Elle Nicoll writes spice soooooooo well! We got so many delicious scenes from sexy physical sparring that went “too far”, to chase scenes in the forest, to every instance they could put their hands on each other after that dam of lust broke. Came for the romance, stayed for the spice!!
6. I love this moving theme throughout the books of a mystery that still needs to be solved. While it can be read as a standalone (I can attest as someone who has not read book 1 in the series), it will be interesting to see it all come together in the end.
7. I need Sullivan’s story ASAP – he’s going to ruin me, I just know it.
Thank you to Elle Nicoll for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
4.25 stars!
What I loved about the book:
1. The more and more I read of them, the more I really freaking love bodyguard romances! I especially loved that in this one, he fell first and hard for her so his yearning to keep her safe went beyond his paycheck. As two people suffering from grief, Denver saw something brilliant in Sinclair from the very beginning, yet had to fight his feelings because of the found family he had found with his employer (her father). I loved watching these two come to the “oh, f*ck it” moment and finally do something about their feelings!
2. Speaking of him falling for her first, he had multiple opportunities to gaze at her in lingerie given she was a model, but he didn’t like a true gentleman. In no way did he abuse his position of being around her often to gawk at her, even in situations where it would have been understandable (I mean, you’re supposed to look at models!). I found this very endearing and loved him for it.
3. I loved how much of a brat Sinclair was and that she went toe to toe with him, especially when he tried to do the whole “for her own good” bit at the cabin. My girl spun him on his ass so fast with that one and I loved every second before, during, and after reconciliation 😉
As someone who has had so many decisions made for her her entire life, I loved how sassy she was with her “Brute” and made sure he never underestimated her.
4. I loved how both of them have experienced a bone deep grief that connected them even more. Now let me explain, I never wish grief on anyone, but the way their shared griefs were able to connect them and make them feel not so alone in this big world, was truly wonderful given the terrible circumstances.
5. THIS THING WAS DELICIOUSLY SPICY!!! I’m not playing, Elle Nicoll writes spice soooooooo well! We got so many delicious scenes from sexy physical sparring that went “too far”, to chase scenes in the forest, to every instance they could put their hands on each other after that dam of lust broke. Came for the romance, stayed for the spice!!
6. I love this moving theme throughout the books of a mystery that still needs to be solved. While it can be read as a standalone (I can attest as someone who has not read book 1 in the series), it will be interesting to see it all come together in the end.
7. I need Sullivan’s story ASAP – he’s going to ruin me, I just know it.
Thank you to Elle Nicoll for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
4.25 stars!
July 11, 2025
W O W ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Rule Breaker… what a book! Denver is just the best, he kept surprising me with the love and emotional intelligence he has for Sinclair Beaufort. Sinclair is such a character, a little spoilt, a little bratty rather hilarious at times but she just loves to see everyone around her happy including the infamous Monty, her dog.
Denver is the loyal, highly respected bodyguard to the head of the Beaufort family, Stirling, as the best and most trusted he is assigned to his daughter, the sparkly charismatic model Sinclair when she starts to be under threat from someone. Sinclair can’t stand Denver with all his broodiness but it’s there for a reason!
The storyline has it all…banter, humour, angst, passion and the roller coaster of emotions! I honestly can’t recommend this book enough but ideally start with book 1 in the Beaufort Billionaires series to understand the background storyline that is across the series.
The Rule Breaker… what a book! Denver is just the best, he kept surprising me with the love and emotional intelligence he has for Sinclair Beaufort. Sinclair is such a character, a little spoilt, a little bratty rather hilarious at times but she just loves to see everyone around her happy including the infamous Monty, her dog.
Denver is the loyal, highly respected bodyguard to the head of the Beaufort family, Stirling, as the best and most trusted he is assigned to his daughter, the sparkly charismatic model Sinclair when she starts to be under threat from someone. Sinclair can’t stand Denver with all his broodiness but it’s there for a reason!
The storyline has it all…banter, humour, angst, passion and the roller coaster of emotions! I honestly can’t recommend this book enough but ideally start with book 1 in the Beaufort Billionaires series to understand the background storyline that is across the series.
July 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶
🎧 duet
▪️bodyguard x billionaire heiress
▪️age gap
▪️grumpy x sunshine
▪️forced proximity
▪️he falls first
Princess & the Brute
Sinclair is the billionaire heiress and model/socialite. She’s dealing with the pain of losing her mom and brother. Denver is assigned as her bodyguard after she finds random notes, and her car is vandalized.
Rule Breaker is a sexy billionaire bodyguard romance. Sinclair is sassy and loves to push Denver's buttons. Denver is the regimented bodyguard who has a weakness for Sinclair. Denver attempts to teach her self-defense, but the forced proximity get the better of them 🥵
Excited to continue the series. I have my suspensions 🫣 on things to come.
Narrated in duet by Madison Mitts & Theodore Zephyr. After listening to the Matchmaker, I'm impressed with Madison being able to portray Sinclair after doing Hallie's accent.
Thanks to Home Cooked Books for ALC.
3 🌶
🎧 duet
▪️bodyguard x billionaire heiress
▪️age gap
▪️grumpy x sunshine
▪️forced proximity
▪️he falls first
Princess & the Brute
Sinclair is the billionaire heiress and model/socialite. She’s dealing with the pain of losing her mom and brother. Denver is assigned as her bodyguard after she finds random notes, and her car is vandalized.
Rule Breaker is a sexy billionaire bodyguard romance. Sinclair is sassy and loves to push Denver's buttons. Denver is the regimented bodyguard who has a weakness for Sinclair. Denver attempts to teach her self-defense, but the forced proximity get the better of them 🥵
Excited to continue the series. I have my suspensions 🫣 on things to come.
Narrated in duet by Madison Mitts & Theodore Zephyr. After listening to the Matchmaker, I'm impressed with Madison being able to portray Sinclair after doing Hallie's accent.
Thanks to Home Cooked Books for ALC.
July 29, 2025
What she did on him was unforgivable.
July 11, 2025
⭐️: 4/5
🌶️: 3.5/5
Denver is assigned to be Sinclair’s bodyguard when someone vandalizes her car and she is not the biggest fan of it. He’s been around the family for so long and all she’s known him to be is a brute. Sinclair is known to the world as a spoiled princess, but to Denver she’s just a princess, his princess. Sinclair learned to see a different side of Denver, a side she never took the time to see and notice and finds she’s been missing out on a wonderful person.
Denver is so caring and protecting. He’s always felt the need to protect Sinclair. The way he loves on her and makes sure she’s okay at all times made my heart melt. It was good to see him not so guarded. Sinclair will make you laugh, want to cry because you feel her pain and also make you mad. Because I’m still not over what she did lol. Although it was rooted in love I think there could have been other ways. She’s known to put everyone else’s needs in front of her own. They both love hard when they get let each other in. And you get to see a different side to them both.
🌶️: 3.5/5
Denver is assigned to be Sinclair’s bodyguard when someone vandalizes her car and she is not the biggest fan of it. He’s been around the family for so long and all she’s known him to be is a brute. Sinclair is known to the world as a spoiled princess, but to Denver she’s just a princess, his princess. Sinclair learned to see a different side of Denver, a side she never took the time to see and notice and finds she’s been missing out on a wonderful person.
Denver is so caring and protecting. He’s always felt the need to protect Sinclair. The way he loves on her and makes sure she’s okay at all times made my heart melt. It was good to see him not so guarded. Sinclair will make you laugh, want to cry because you feel her pain and also make you mad. Because I’m still not over what she did lol. Although it was rooted in love I think there could have been other ways. She’s known to put everyone else’s needs in front of her own. They both love hard when they get let each other in. And you get to see a different side to them both.
December 9, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Truly a gem of a book, I loved everything about it. The romance was fire, the plot was hella interesting, and the characters were top-notch. I loved the couple, their dynamic, and their story. (Most importantly, NOT MISCOMMUNICATION)
She was witty, smart, and snarky but fun as well. A broken doll hidden behind makeup and a sunshine-like personality
He was a typical stoic bodyguard in the best of ways, completely obsessed with her. Fiercely protected without being creepy. Just a big cuddly bear hidden behind a concrete wall.
Truly a gem of a book, I loved everything about it. The romance was fire, the plot was hella interesting, and the characters were top-notch. I loved the couple, their dynamic, and their story. (Most importantly, NOT MISCOMMUNICATION)
She was witty, smart, and snarky but fun as well. A broken doll hidden behind makeup and a sunshine-like personality
He was a typical stoic bodyguard in the best of ways, completely obsessed with her. Fiercely protected without being creepy. Just a big cuddly bear hidden behind a concrete wall.
July 9, 2025
I absolutely loved Sinclair and Denver’s story. I love that Denver is the silent brawny, beautiful type of man. This story had everything I wanted for Sinclair and the Beaufort family who have been through so much. I think Elle did such a lovely job addressing loss and grief for both Denver and Sinclair. I was really waiting for this book. It was definitely one of my favorites that Elle has written. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. And a special shout out to Monty the dog, he made the story even better ❤️
August 21, 2025
With Elle Nicoll's addicting MMcs and always likable FMCs, what's there not to love about Denver and Sinclair's story?
Denver was dangerously possessive and quietly pined over his boss' younger, bratty, daughter. But he was also so amazingly romantic and so sure of her. Sinclair had some good, one-way banter but he took it all in stride just to be near her. He was devastatingly in love with her.
The role-play element threw me off a little bit and I felt like it didn't fit into the story. Also, the conflict towards the end didn't make sense to me... BUT I still absolutely adored it.
Denver was dangerously possessive and quietly pined over his boss' younger, bratty, daughter. But he was also so amazingly romantic and so sure of her. Sinclair had some good, one-way banter but he took it all in stride just to be near her. He was devastatingly in love with her.
The role-play element threw me off a little bit and I felt like it didn't fit into the story. Also, the conflict towards the end didn't make sense to me... BUT I still absolutely adored it.
July 21, 2025
Had potential to be a 5 star but I just hated what she did even tho her reasons were like less than half a percent valid
August 3, 2025
I LOVED this book, I couldn’t put it down until I finished, which included falling asleep with kindle in hand.
Everything was just perfect, the plot, the characters, the spice! Just wow!
Sinclair is the heiress to Sterling Beaufort a billionaire of Beaufort Diamonds (his story is in book one, I recommend reading that first, but I think that Elle does a great job of also making this a interconnected stand alone.)
Sinclair has been receiving threats, and her car keeps getting damaged. Because of this Sterling makes Sinclair have a bodyguard 24/7, this is where the STUNNING Denver comes into play. He’s a grumpy hard edged man, whose focus is protecting Sinclair from any threat.
People think that Sinclair is a bratty model heiress, but they couldn’t be further from the truth, and you get to see the real Sinclair throughout this story as she really opens up and shows who she is underneath the glitz and glam.
The tension and banter between Denver and Sinclair is on point! I laughed, I cried, I felt everything for these two. This is definitely one of my top reads of 2025.
I can’t wait to read Sullivan’s story.
Everything was just perfect, the plot, the characters, the spice! Just wow!
Sinclair is the heiress to Sterling Beaufort a billionaire of Beaufort Diamonds (his story is in book one, I recommend reading that first, but I think that Elle does a great job of also making this a interconnected stand alone.)
Sinclair has been receiving threats, and her car keeps getting damaged. Because of this Sterling makes Sinclair have a bodyguard 24/7, this is where the STUNNING Denver comes into play. He’s a grumpy hard edged man, whose focus is protecting Sinclair from any threat.
People think that Sinclair is a bratty model heiress, but they couldn’t be further from the truth, and you get to see the real Sinclair throughout this story as she really opens up and shows who she is underneath the glitz and glam.
The tension and banter between Denver and Sinclair is on point! I laughed, I cried, I felt everything for these two. This is definitely one of my top reads of 2025.
I can’t wait to read Sullivan’s story.
July 17, 2025
🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧
This story was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me, and I loved it! The storyline was suspenseful and captivating and so were Sinclair & Denver as characters. They had depth and growth throughout the storyline as it unfolded, not just their romance, but them. I liked that not just the suspense of the story kept you guessing, but their romance journey did as well. I really enjoyed their passion as a couple and as individuals. Their romance journey was sexy, sassy and swoony all wrapped up in one!
🎧NARRATION: Just like in The Matchmaker, I can’t “comfortable” listening to Theodore Zephyr for a “length” of time, so I did take longer to listen to this audio than I normally do, but, he’s growing on me so #win! LOL Madison Mitts was delightful in her narration and really easy to listen to and get lost in her character.
This is only my second experience with Elle Nicoll, and I think we’re going to get along real well in the future. Her stories aren’t “cookie-cutter” stories, and I really love her style!
This story was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me, and I loved it! The storyline was suspenseful and captivating and so were Sinclair & Denver as characters. They had depth and growth throughout the storyline as it unfolded, not just their romance, but them. I liked that not just the suspense of the story kept you guessing, but their romance journey did as well. I really enjoyed their passion as a couple and as individuals. Their romance journey was sexy, sassy and swoony all wrapped up in one!
🎧NARRATION: Just like in The Matchmaker, I can’t “comfortable” listening to Theodore Zephyr for a “length” of time, so I did take longer to listen to this audio than I normally do, but, he’s growing on me so #win! LOL Madison Mitts was delightful in her narration and really easy to listen to and get lost in her character.
This is only my second experience with Elle Nicoll, and I think we’re going to get along real well in the future. Her stories aren’t “cookie-cutter” stories, and I really love her style!
July 9, 2025
4 Star Review The Rule Breaker (Beaufort Billionaires #2) by Elle Nicoll
Audio:
This is Sinclair and bodyguard Denver Layne’s story and was a well written and entertaining listen.
There were a number of twists and turns that had me wondering if they would get their happily ever after.
It was also at times an emotional story as both were suffering from grief.
The narration by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, romance and angst to their performances. The narrators did justice to the story and characters that the author created.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Audio:
This is Sinclair and bodyguard Denver Layne’s story and was a well written and entertaining listen.
There were a number of twists and turns that had me wondering if they would get their happily ever after.
It was also at times an emotional story as both were suffering from grief.
The narration by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, romance and angst to their performances. The narrators did justice to the story and characters that the author created.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 9, 2025
When reading Book 1 in this series, I really enjoyed Sinclair’s storyline and I was looking forward to seeing her get her HEA!
🤍Bodyguard romance
🤍Famous model FMC
🤍Forced proximity
🤍Banter and spice
When Sinclair finds herself needing a bodyguard for protection against some anonymous threats, her dad employees Denver. The one man that she has a gripe with. But the one man who she needs to put all of her trust in.
The banter between these two was great. I loved the back and forth. I also loved when Denver messed up throughout and immediately knew he needed to grovel. Those were some of my favorite parts of the book.
Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr are both new to me narrators and they blew this one out of the water. Theodore’s voice had me panting and Madison voiced a strong and independent Sinclair so well.
🤍Bodyguard romance
🤍Famous model FMC
🤍Forced proximity
🤍Banter and spice
When Sinclair finds herself needing a bodyguard for protection against some anonymous threats, her dad employees Denver. The one man that she has a gripe with. But the one man who she needs to put all of her trust in.
The banter between these two was great. I loved the back and forth. I also loved when Denver messed up throughout and immediately knew he needed to grovel. Those were some of my favorite parts of the book.
Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr are both new to me narrators and they blew this one out of the water. Theodore’s voice had me panting and Madison voiced a strong and independent Sinclair so well.
July 16, 2025
At first glance Sinclair may come across as flighty and unwilling to accept that she could be in danger. Instead, she is a woman who loves deeply and will do anything for those she cares about and that includes allowing her father to have Denver be her security deal 24/7 even though it is the last thing she wants.
Denver’s military background makes him the perfect choice to protect Sinclair and his loyalty to her family is undeniable. She challenges him at every opportunity but when some forced proximity is required to keep her safe it is not longer possible to deny the feelings and chemistry between them.
Damon is a passionate protector who will do anything for Sinclair while Sinclair loves fiercely which doesn’t always allow her to make the best choices, but they are exactly who the other needs in their life. Theodore Zephyr brings the swoon factor when it comes to Damon while Madison Mitts brings out the sass that is such a large part of her personality.
Denver’s military background makes him the perfect choice to protect Sinclair and his loyalty to her family is undeniable. She challenges him at every opportunity but when some forced proximity is required to keep her safe it is not longer possible to deny the feelings and chemistry between them.
Damon is a passionate protector who will do anything for Sinclair while Sinclair loves fiercely which doesn’t always allow her to make the best choices, but they are exactly who the other needs in their life. Theodore Zephyr brings the swoon factor when it comes to Damon while Madison Mitts brings out the sass that is such a large part of her personality.
July 18, 2025
It’s been a while since I’ve read or listened to a body guard romance. And I ate it up. It’s was an amazing read and i absolutely recommend it. The plot was thrilling and entertaining. It easy hooked me into the story. The narration is a duet which Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr did an amazing job.
July 9, 2025
What another great book in this series! @ellenicollauthor your words are literally amazing!
The way Denver cared for her, more than he should of and the way Sinclair pushed his buttons was so good to read.
Sinclair and Monty are everything!
The way Denver cared for her, more than he should of and the way Sinclair pushed his buttons was so good to read.
Sinclair and Monty are everything!
July 16, 2025
this was no twisted games but it was a pretty good bodyguard romance. definitely smash!
July 18, 2025
this was a little silly but so great at the same time
September 5, 2025
One word: Sinclair 😑
October 29, 2025
Oh man, this book absolutely did NOT stick the landing. Everything was going along fine enough. The hero was great, the sex was steamy, and there was a threat to the heroine that forced our couple to go to a safe house so their passion could finally combust. And there was some intrigue about the heroine's mother's and brother's deaths to investigate.
But then the ending hits and the heroine loses her mind and wrecks the romance, and it turns out the villain is completely lame and wasn't any kind of real threat at all. And there's no closure on that mother/brother death thing because this is a series novel and that's the over-arching plot that ties them all together so it's gotta be dragged out until the last book.
So, basically, nothing had a satisfying conclusion and that made me retroactively HATE just about everything in this book. The only reason I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 is because of the hero and the author's skill in portraying his "I absolutely can't live without you" obsession with the heroine.
But then the ending hits and the heroine loses her mind and wrecks the romance, and it turns out the villain is completely lame and wasn't any kind of real threat at all. And there's no closure on that mother/brother death thing because this is a series novel and that's the over-arching plot that ties them all together so it's gotta be dragged out until the last book.
So, basically, nothing had a satisfying conclusion and that made me retroactively HATE just about everything in this book. The only reason I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 is because of the hero and the author's skill in portraying his "I absolutely can't live without you" obsession with the heroine.
July 3, 2025
Holy guacamole!!! This book was the best!!! Elle Nicoll you have out done yourself! This was such a good book!! I loved every moment of it! The spice! The dirty talk! 🥵🥵🥵 I loved every moment of this book. I devoured it. The banter, the laughter. I cried my eyes out at the sad parts, I screamed at the happy parts! I LOVED IT!! The kick boxing but the sexy kick boxing!!! This book was written so well. The plot was captivating, special, amazing and kept me on my toes.
Denver.. holy shit! You’re the hottest body guard ever!! Your sexy! You’re down to earth! You protect your people especially Sinclair. The love you have for her was omg! I love your character and who you are! You drove her nuts but you still managed to love her.
Sinclair: you’re spunky, sweet and adorable. You’re fight to be be who you are made you extraordinary. You’re willing to stick up for yourself and take what you have coming to yourself makes you extra extraordinary as well. The obstacles you had to face throughout the book made you the person you are and made you strong and confident.
Listening to this audiobook was the best because I got to listen to my favorite two narrators that narrated it.Theo and Madi are the two best narrators for this book!
Denver.. holy shit! You’re the hottest body guard ever!! Your sexy! You’re down to earth! You protect your people especially Sinclair. The love you have for her was omg! I love your character and who you are! You drove her nuts but you still managed to love her.
Sinclair: you’re spunky, sweet and adorable. You’re fight to be be who you are made you extraordinary. You’re willing to stick up for yourself and take what you have coming to yourself makes you extra extraordinary as well. The obstacles you had to face throughout the book made you the person you are and made you strong and confident.
Listening to this audiobook was the best because I got to listen to my favorite two narrators that narrated it.Theo and Madi are the two best narrators for this book!
September 10, 2025
Oh, yeah your life is ruined because your father assigned you a bodyguard to protect you because you're being stalked and vandalized. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
And also, his properties caught fire 3 times, intentionally mind you and your mother and brother died and you still think everyone's overreacting??
Bitch please
I swear she acts like those high school brats who were never told no in their life, never learnt a lesson or how to take responsibility. The fuck is this stupid blonde on? And of course she had to be a model.
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
As if that isn't because of who her family is.
Should have gotten into acting since she's so dramatic all the time for no good reason. She would nail the rich bitch act down to a tee.
Her going to Denver and "forbidding" him from dating and doing nice things for other women is so pathetic. She's like a petulant child
"Oh, I don't like him. My life is ruined"
"Oh, you will do nice things for me and me only and in the meantime I'll also crowd your space and scare off any women that comes in contact with you."
She's more of a dog to Denver than Monty is to her 😆😆😆
Just screams insecure.
One thing I'll give her is the broken record of Denver "iT Is My jOb tO pRoteCt yoU"
Bla bla bla
Omg where is his off button? He absolutely overreacts and overprotects. Making a mountain out of a molehill every single time. That's suffocating. Give it a rest ffs.
I would get tired of that crap as well and lose him.
And what's with him cornering her every time? Slamming his hands against the wall or car or anything? That's a red flag babess
Why are you so mad all the time? And you're the one who's the best at protecting her?? You're the one who's causing harm. Punching stuff left and right 🫠🫠🫠
OMFG all that stupid drama for a stupid dog. Seriously? Dog-napping scene?
Her crying about every damn thing is more annoying than our boy Denver's speech about protection and responsibility.
Her brother died 2y ago - queue Niagara falls
She lost her necklace - queue tears and attacking other models.
They tried to take her dog - queue more tears.
Denver telling her not to be fucking stupid and end up dead - queue tears episode 3 season 4.
“Promise me you’ll protect him over me if you have to.”
For that crested dog????
🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
AND QUEUE MORE TEARSSSS
All she does is cry and become a crazy offensive bitch when someone hits on Denver 🥲
Pick a struggle pleaseee
And just so you know, you don't have to insult every single women on this book, to make yourself feel better. That's pathetic again Sinclair 😃
Theodora was right. She is unbearable and that worthless neckless that she was keeping around her neck for comfort with some rando's ashes.
It's ridiculous lmaoooo
Can't believe they have a whole ass enterprise of diamonds, but are this stupid.
Wtf
Put a fucking trigger warning on those "fight" scenes
Jesus
Thank fuck Denver wasn't getting "affected" by it. It would be fucking creepy if he did.
And of course our little stupid Sin girl got offended that he didn't get hard by it.
Bitch shut the fuck up.
On another note since Dixie wasn't Denver's daughter there was really no need for all that mystery. And why is Lizzie coming to stay at Denver's place and wear nothing but his t-shirt?? Mind you the t-shirt that Sinclair gifted him. She was there supposedly to visit her dead husband's grave, not parade around his best friend's house almost naked - with the little girl in tow. What a slut!
At this point I don't even want to hear about their grief. It's been so many years.
For the love of god, wrap it up.
Oh, wow
Hell nah
This automatically give it a 0.
Minus infinity if I could just for the abhorrent person that Sinclair is. At this point in the book I can't even stand her name. You're telling me that after Denver opened to you about everything and professed his love, you had the gall to cheat on him???? Are you on drugs??
I guess like mother like daughter. Cheap hookers hour 😀
All is fine and dandy then mf Brad is in your house and you're crying AGAINNNNNNN
Acting all secretive and not telling Denver anything. You even had the nerve to act flabbergasted and get all up his ass when he confronted Brad. You little hypocrite.
Throwing a party with everyone and her mothers, in her own apartment, with zero security. Getting shit faced drunk and going up to her room with Brad???? Half naked under the covers???? On the same bad where you fucked Denver??? Where you were sleeping safe and sound in his arms???? Every night????
And Zoey allowed all this to happen???? Her best friend??? Because she was having "a tough time"????? The sheer audacity.
Was jumping up and down Brad's pencil dick going to fix her??????? OMGGGG
You betrayed him in the worst way and you thought that would make him happy? You broke his heart telling him stupid details about your "intimacy" with Brad. You deserved to be slapped so hard in the face so your head could spin and get your mind back on track.
For what??? She did this for what????
SHE DID SO HE COULD GO INTO THE SUNSET WITH LIZZIE AND HER DAUGHTER??
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
BITCH THAT'S NOT HIS DAUGHTER AND HE OWES THEM NOTHING. HE HELPED THEM BECAUSE HE HAD A DUTY TO PROTECT HIS FRIEND AND HE FELT GUILTY FOR HIS DEATH. ALSO THEY WERE HAPPY IN LA. DENVER COULD STILL GO SEE THEM. WTFFF?? THEY WERE MOVING ON AND SO WAS DENVER.
HOW DELUSIONAL IS SHE???? TO "SACRIFICE" FOR NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING GAINED.
Girl sit the fuck down. The only time I would ever say to let the men in your life handle shit because you are useless.
HER ACTIONS WERE WORTHLESS AND THOUGHTLESS
SUCH A WEAK, PATHETIC GIRL
NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING JUSTIFIES THE HURT YOU CAUSED DENVER. THERE ISN'T A SINGLE FIBER IN HER BEING THAT DESERVED HIM OR HIS FORGIVENESS. I'M GLAD HE LEFT TO LA AND HE NEVER SHOULD'VE RETURNED TO HER. SINCLAIR HADN'T SUFFERED NOWHERE NEAR ENOUGH.
HE WAS READY TO GO TOE TO TOE WITH YOUR FATHER AND THE WORLD FOR YOU AND HOW DID YOU REPAY HIM????
NOT EVEN STERLING'S BILLIONS COULD MAKE THIS GIRL EVEN REMOTELY LIKABLE.
I was hoping that this stupid cunt died. At least then she would be reunited with her fucking cunty mother and stupid brother. That way maybe, MAYBE, there would be a paragraph in this book where she wasn't WHINING.
No one cares about the accident, I don't even know why this author is still circling it. There's no mystery or suspense or whatever.
"Oh, but Neil saw a man enter then leave"
"Oh, but there's no way a yacht caught fire like that"
"Oh, let's waste 2y and sooo much money into this to go nowhere"
"Let's keep mentioning the same thing on separate occasions for no good reason."
Why is it even there?? Stop reminding us if you're not giving closure. It's annoying.
They're dead. Let them be dead or elaborate.
There was buttfuck about it in these 2 books. What is Sullivan going to do on his? Probably fuck his way through Tate.
That's what the 1st and 2nd book on this series have been. A fuck fest with a small drop of plot.
Miserable plot. Such a let down.
Going all up to a crescendo then nothing.
Poof!
Thin air.
Disappointment.
When I die, I need this author to let me down one last time. She excels at that.
It would have been more interesting if it had the smallest of twists. Make Sinclair's "sacrifice" more worthy. Maybe actually protecting him, maybe saving his life, maybe Dixie actually being his daughter and it makes sense for her to want to reunite it with the mother.
Maybe one of the siblings was Neil's offspring. Maybe that bitch did more than cheat on Sterling. Maybe her own brother killed her. Maybe the lover or Sterling itself. Maybe the ashes of Sinclair's necklace aren't her brother's because he survived and there was someone else on that boat that died instead.
Why was this so dry???? There were endless possibilities.
And also, his properties caught fire 3 times, intentionally mind you and your mother and brother died and you still think everyone's overreacting??
Bitch please
I swear she acts like those high school brats who were never told no in their life, never learnt a lesson or how to take responsibility. The fuck is this stupid blonde on? And of course she had to be a model.
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
As if that isn't because of who her family is.
Should have gotten into acting since she's so dramatic all the time for no good reason. She would nail the rich bitch act down to a tee.
Her going to Denver and "forbidding" him from dating and doing nice things for other women is so pathetic. She's like a petulant child
"Oh, I don't like him. My life is ruined"
"Oh, you will do nice things for me and me only and in the meantime I'll also crowd your space and scare off any women that comes in contact with you."
She's more of a dog to Denver than Monty is to her 😆😆😆
Just screams insecure.
One thing I'll give her is the broken record of Denver "iT Is My jOb tO pRoteCt yoU"
Bla bla bla
Omg where is his off button? He absolutely overreacts and overprotects. Making a mountain out of a molehill every single time. That's suffocating. Give it a rest ffs.
I would get tired of that crap as well and lose him.
And what's with him cornering her every time? Slamming his hands against the wall or car or anything? That's a red flag babess
Why are you so mad all the time? And you're the one who's the best at protecting her?? You're the one who's causing harm. Punching stuff left and right 🫠🫠🫠
OMFG all that stupid drama for a stupid dog. Seriously? Dog-napping scene?
Her crying about every damn thing is more annoying than our boy Denver's speech about protection and responsibility.
Her brother died 2y ago - queue Niagara falls
She lost her necklace - queue tears and attacking other models.
They tried to take her dog - queue more tears.
Denver telling her not to be fucking stupid and end up dead - queue tears episode 3 season 4.
“Promise me you’ll protect him over me if you have to.”
For that crested dog????
🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
AND QUEUE MORE TEARSSSS
All she does is cry and become a crazy offensive bitch when someone hits on Denver 🥲
Pick a struggle pleaseee
And just so you know, you don't have to insult every single women on this book, to make yourself feel better. That's pathetic again Sinclair 😃
Theodora was right. She is unbearable and that worthless neckless that she was keeping around her neck for comfort with some rando's ashes.
It's ridiculous lmaoooo
Can't believe they have a whole ass enterprise of diamonds, but are this stupid.
Wtf
Put a fucking trigger warning on those "fight" scenes
Jesus
Thank fuck Denver wasn't getting "affected" by it. It would be fucking creepy if he did.
And of course our little stupid Sin girl got offended that he didn't get hard by it.
Bitch shut the fuck up.
On another note since Dixie wasn't Denver's daughter there was really no need for all that mystery. And why is Lizzie coming to stay at Denver's place and wear nothing but his t-shirt?? Mind you the t-shirt that Sinclair gifted him. She was there supposedly to visit her dead husband's grave, not parade around his best friend's house almost naked - with the little girl in tow. What a slut!
At this point I don't even want to hear about their grief. It's been so many years.
For the love of god, wrap it up.
Oh, wow
Hell nah
This automatically give it a 0.
Minus infinity if I could just for the abhorrent person that Sinclair is. At this point in the book I can't even stand her name. You're telling me that after Denver opened to you about everything and professed his love, you had the gall to cheat on him???? Are you on drugs??
I guess like mother like daughter. Cheap hookers hour 😀
All is fine and dandy then mf Brad is in your house and you're crying AGAINNNNNNN
Acting all secretive and not telling Denver anything. You even had the nerve to act flabbergasted and get all up his ass when he confronted Brad. You little hypocrite.
Throwing a party with everyone and her mothers, in her own apartment, with zero security. Getting shit faced drunk and going up to her room with Brad???? Half naked under the covers???? On the same bad where you fucked Denver??? Where you were sleeping safe and sound in his arms???? Every night????
And Zoey allowed all this to happen???? Her best friend??? Because she was having "a tough time"????? The sheer audacity.
Was jumping up and down Brad's pencil dick going to fix her??????? OMGGGG
You betrayed him in the worst way and you thought that would make him happy? You broke his heart telling him stupid details about your "intimacy" with Brad. You deserved to be slapped so hard in the face so your head could spin and get your mind back on track.
For what??? She did this for what????
SHE DID SO HE COULD GO INTO THE SUNSET WITH LIZZIE AND HER DAUGHTER??
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
BITCH THAT'S NOT HIS DAUGHTER AND HE OWES THEM NOTHING. HE HELPED THEM BECAUSE HE HAD A DUTY TO PROTECT HIS FRIEND AND HE FELT GUILTY FOR HIS DEATH. ALSO THEY WERE HAPPY IN LA. DENVER COULD STILL GO SEE THEM. WTFFF?? THEY WERE MOVING ON AND SO WAS DENVER.
HOW DELUSIONAL IS SHE???? TO "SACRIFICE" FOR NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING GAINED.
Girl sit the fuck down. The only time I would ever say to let the men in your life handle shit because you are useless.
HER ACTIONS WERE WORTHLESS AND THOUGHTLESS
SUCH A WEAK, PATHETIC GIRL
NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING JUSTIFIES THE HURT YOU CAUSED DENVER. THERE ISN'T A SINGLE FIBER IN HER BEING THAT DESERVED HIM OR HIS FORGIVENESS. I'M GLAD HE LEFT TO LA AND HE NEVER SHOULD'VE RETURNED TO HER. SINCLAIR HADN'T SUFFERED NOWHERE NEAR ENOUGH.
HE WAS READY TO GO TOE TO TOE WITH YOUR FATHER AND THE WORLD FOR YOU AND HOW DID YOU REPAY HIM????
NOT EVEN STERLING'S BILLIONS COULD MAKE THIS GIRL EVEN REMOTELY LIKABLE.
I was hoping that this stupid cunt died. At least then she would be reunited with her fucking cunty mother and stupid brother. That way maybe, MAYBE, there would be a paragraph in this book where she wasn't WHINING.
No one cares about the accident, I don't even know why this author is still circling it. There's no mystery or suspense or whatever.
"Oh, but Neil saw a man enter then leave"
"Oh, but there's no way a yacht caught fire like that"
"Oh, let's waste 2y and sooo much money into this to go nowhere"
"Let's keep mentioning the same thing on separate occasions for no good reason."
Why is it even there?? Stop reminding us if you're not giving closure. It's annoying.
They're dead. Let them be dead or elaborate.
There was buttfuck about it in these 2 books. What is Sullivan going to do on his? Probably fuck his way through Tate.
That's what the 1st and 2nd book on this series have been. A fuck fest with a small drop of plot.
Miserable plot. Such a let down.
Going all up to a crescendo then nothing.
Poof!
Thin air.
Disappointment.
When I die, I need this author to let me down one last time. She excels at that.
It would have been more interesting if it had the smallest of twists. Make Sinclair's "sacrifice" more worthy. Maybe actually protecting him, maybe saving his life, maybe Dixie actually being his daughter and it makes sense for her to want to reunite it with the mother.
Maybe one of the siblings was Neil's offspring. Maybe that bitch did more than cheat on Sterling. Maybe her own brother killed her. Maybe the lover or Sterling itself. Maybe the ashes of Sinclair's necklace aren't her brother's because he survived and there was someone else on that boat that died instead.
Why was this so dry???? There were endless possibilities.
July 30, 2025
dnf at 80% and dont even know how i got this far. it was just childish and overall not how adults would treat each other.
spice was there but again- cant enjoy that if nothing else is enjoyable and overall just cringe.
spice was there but again- cant enjoy that if nothing else is enjoyable and overall just cringe.
July 16, 2025
Rating: 💗💗💗 (rounded up)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.25
Tropes: billionaire / bodyguard romancre / she's a spoilt brat / grumpy x sunshine / heiress fmc / forced proximity / forbidden (he works for her dad) / age gap [23 x 33]
*Sigh*, another one bites the dust.
I've been looking forward to this book since Elle announced it, because the tropes are fire and also because I typically really enjoy Elle's books! Girl knows how to write billionaire well and alphas even better! Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me and left me beyond frustrated.
Firstly, this is the second in a series, and if you haven't read the first book I'd recommend it unless you're impartial to spoilers. It reads as a standalone but there's an overarching family mystery element that's introduced in the first book (and discussed in this one too, so you don't miss out in this respect) and it continues to develop in this story. Also, both MCs are introduced as side characters initially, so it may make a difference to your reading experience.
Otherwise, let's talk about the story.
The story was okay. The plot itself needed some further honing, and the pacing wasn't quite right. It was too slow initially and then so many elements wrapped up way too quickly. It was also far too long for the story told and needed to be around 100 pages shorter. Fortunately, these were all things I could happily overlook if the romance was right. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite right for me due to the FMC.
Please, for the love of god, let's stop writing characters like this, or, at the very least, provide some trigger warnings. They trigger me to no end and I can't do it anymore. No judgment if you enjoy reading about these types of women, but I simply don't.
I've also said this time and time again but a book boyfriend does not book make. It's not enough to have the swooniest guy around in a 440 page book. In a 150 novella? Sure thing. But in a 440 page book?! Absolutely not. I require more, including : a good story, good pacing, good writing and some good chemistry.
From the moment I started the book, Sinclair was absolutely insufferable. She was a f*cking grown toddler. The woman is 23 years old but might as well be 4 (and I would know, I have a four and six year olds at home). I really did consider DNFing initially, but with so many positive reviews, I figured that her character develops enough. Sadly, it did not and she remained an insufferable a**hole all throughout.
Her behaviour and general demeanour, to me, was not at all relatable, attractive or sexy. She was a spoiled brat and I couldn't understand why a man like Denver was attracted to her. A man who was super sexy, swoony and alpha. I really fail to see the attraction, because she was a grown child and who wants that in a partner?!
While she mellowed out a little as the book progressed, she never quite grew on me, but I could stomach her enough until the third act conflict.
Unfortunately, once we reached that point, you couldn't come back from that. I really considered DNFing at literally 360 pages in (and I don't EVER DNF let alone that late in the game). I couldn't stand her initially, but I persevered against my better judgment and this was the final nail in the coffin. I personally wouldn't forgive her and the fact that Denver not only forgives her, but is the one to initiate her even asking for forgiveness (when she should have been GROVELLING FOR DAYS) makes them both spineless doormats. []
Really, I just don't understand what he saw in her and how he could want to be with someone who behaves this way.
In summary : she was insufferable and Denver deserved better.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.25
Tropes: billionaire / bodyguard romancre / she's a spoilt brat / grumpy x sunshine / heiress fmc / forced proximity / forbidden (he works for her dad) / age gap [23 x 33]
*Sigh*, another one bites the dust.
I've been looking forward to this book since Elle announced it, because the tropes are fire and also because I typically really enjoy Elle's books! Girl knows how to write billionaire well and alphas even better! Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me and left me beyond frustrated.
Firstly, this is the second in a series, and if you haven't read the first book I'd recommend it unless you're impartial to spoilers. It reads as a standalone but there's an overarching family mystery element that's introduced in the first book (and discussed in this one too, so you don't miss out in this respect) and it continues to develop in this story. Also, both MCs are introduced as side characters initially, so it may make a difference to your reading experience.
Otherwise, let's talk about the story.
The story was okay. The plot itself needed some further honing, and the pacing wasn't quite right. It was too slow initially and then so many elements wrapped up way too quickly. It was also far too long for the story told and needed to be around 100 pages shorter. Fortunately, these were all things I could happily overlook if the romance was right. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite right for me due to the FMC.
Please, for the love of god, let's stop writing characters like this, or, at the very least, provide some trigger warnings. They trigger me to no end and I can't do it anymore. No judgment if you enjoy reading about these types of women, but I simply don't.
I've also said this time and time again but a book boyfriend does not book make. It's not enough to have the swooniest guy around in a 440 page book. In a 150 novella? Sure thing. But in a 440 page book?! Absolutely not. I require more, including : a good story, good pacing, good writing and some good chemistry.
From the moment I started the book, Sinclair was absolutely insufferable. She was a f*cking grown toddler. The woman is 23 years old but might as well be 4 (and I would know, I have a four and six year olds at home). I really did consider DNFing initially, but with so many positive reviews, I figured that her character develops enough. Sadly, it did not and she remained an insufferable a**hole all throughout.
Her behaviour and general demeanour, to me, was not at all relatable, attractive or sexy. She was a spoiled brat and I couldn't understand why a man like Denver was attracted to her. A man who was super sexy, swoony and alpha. I really fail to see the attraction, because she was a grown child and who wants that in a partner?!
While she mellowed out a little as the book progressed, she never quite grew on me, but I could stomach her enough until the third act conflict.
Unfortunately, once we reached that point, you couldn't come back from that. I really considered DNFing at literally 360 pages in (and I don't EVER DNF let alone that late in the game). I couldn't stand her initially, but I persevered against my better judgment and this was the final nail in the coffin. I personally wouldn't forgive her and the fact that Denver not only forgives her, but is the one to initiate her even asking for forgiveness (when she should have been GROVELLING FOR DAYS) makes them both spineless doormats. []
Really, I just don't understand what he saw in her and how he could want to be with someone who behaves this way.
In summary : she was insufferable and Denver deserved better.
July 9, 2025
What can I say? I’m absolutely obsessed with this series. No surprise it only took me hours to devour this book—I’ve been counting down the days for Sinclair’s story since the moment book one ended. And let me just say: as always, Elle Nicoll did not disappoint.
Honestly, why can’t fictional characters be real? Because Sinclair would 100% be my hype girl. She's that unforgettable.
We first met Sinclair in book one, and right away, she stood out—bubbly, sophisticated, and absolutely fearless. She doesn’t take crap from anyone, and that energy is on full display in book two. But the threats haven’t stopped. With danger lurking, her father calls in reinforcements: enter Denver Layne.
Denver is serious with a capital S. A former armed forces guy turned bodyguard, he’s stoic, professional, and fully focused on the mission. But that doesn’t stop him from catching major feelings for the woman he’s supposed to be protecting. And when these two are thrown together? Fireworks.
The chemistry between them? Off. The. Charts. The banter had me giggling, the tension had me sweating, and don’t even get me started on the steamy scenes. (Seriously, dress light. You’ll thank me later.)
And can we talk emotions for a second? I cried my eyes out—more than once. Elle knows how to hit those emotional beats just right, and she got me good.
Now let’s break this down, because:
So let me get this straight…
Sinclair gets stuck with a 6’ something, ex-special forces, built-like-a-Greek-god bodyguard with a permanent scowl and a bark that could scare a lion—and we’re supposed to feel bad for her? Girl, if you don’t want him, hand him over! 😏
Meet: Denver Layne. A human brick wall with exactly zero chill, a heart locked behind 20-foot emotional fences, and a soft spot he’s desperately trying to pretend doesn’t exist. He’s been hired to protect Sinclair after a string of threats and one totally-not-a-big-deal incident (according to her). But her dad? Total overreaction mode: “I trust you with my daughter” level drama.
And Sinclair? An icon. A menace. A queen. She’s not here to play damsel. She’s spicy, mouthy, and fully committed to making Denver lose his mind—one broken rule at a time. Every time he lays down a boundary, she practically tattoos it on her to-do list… just so she can cross it off. 💅
This book is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers masterclass.
The banter? Hilarious.
The tension? You could slice it with a knife.
That first real moment? Let’s just say—walls were touched, and boundaries were obliterated.
Elle Nicoll brings everything I crave in a romance: sass, spice, emotion, and swoon-worthy men who are just built different.
This one can be read as a standalone, but fair warning—you’ll immediately want to go back and read the rest. Elle is an automatic one-click for me now, and her men? Let’s be real… these aren’t book boyfriends. They’re book husbands. 💍🔥
Honestly, why can’t fictional characters be real? Because Sinclair would 100% be my hype girl. She's that unforgettable.
We first met Sinclair in book one, and right away, she stood out—bubbly, sophisticated, and absolutely fearless. She doesn’t take crap from anyone, and that energy is on full display in book two. But the threats haven’t stopped. With danger lurking, her father calls in reinforcements: enter Denver Layne.
Denver is serious with a capital S. A former armed forces guy turned bodyguard, he’s stoic, professional, and fully focused on the mission. But that doesn’t stop him from catching major feelings for the woman he’s supposed to be protecting. And when these two are thrown together? Fireworks.
The chemistry between them? Off. The. Charts. The banter had me giggling, the tension had me sweating, and don’t even get me started on the steamy scenes. (Seriously, dress light. You’ll thank me later.)
And can we talk emotions for a second? I cried my eyes out—more than once. Elle knows how to hit those emotional beats just right, and she got me good.
Now let’s break this down, because:
So let me get this straight…
Sinclair gets stuck with a 6’ something, ex-special forces, built-like-a-Greek-god bodyguard with a permanent scowl and a bark that could scare a lion—and we’re supposed to feel bad for her? Girl, if you don’t want him, hand him over! 😏
Meet: Denver Layne. A human brick wall with exactly zero chill, a heart locked behind 20-foot emotional fences, and a soft spot he’s desperately trying to pretend doesn’t exist. He’s been hired to protect Sinclair after a string of threats and one totally-not-a-big-deal incident (according to her). But her dad? Total overreaction mode: “I trust you with my daughter” level drama.
And Sinclair? An icon. A menace. A queen. She’s not here to play damsel. She’s spicy, mouthy, and fully committed to making Denver lose his mind—one broken rule at a time. Every time he lays down a boundary, she practically tattoos it on her to-do list… just so she can cross it off. 💅
This book is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers masterclass.
The banter? Hilarious.
The tension? You could slice it with a knife.
That first real moment? Let’s just say—walls were touched, and boundaries were obliterated.
Elle Nicoll brings everything I crave in a romance: sass, spice, emotion, and swoon-worthy men who are just built different.
This one can be read as a standalone, but fair warning—you’ll immediately want to go back and read the rest. Elle is an automatic one-click for me now, and her men? Let’s be real… these aren’t book boyfriends. They’re book husbands. 💍🔥
July 15, 2025
Sinclair Beaufort is a boisterous, gorgeous model and the heiress to a diamond dynasty. After suffering tragedy and loss, she has made it her mission to live life to the fullest and make something of herself for her family to be proud of. But with her family's business and legacy, and now her fame in the fashion and modeling industry, personal security is essential. It becomes even more so when someone continues to vandalize her car and private property and leave threatening notes for her to find. In an abundance of caution Sinclair's father, Sterling, decides to force a 24/7 personal bodyguard on her and will only trust his top man for the job, Denver, of protecting his daughter.
Out of all the men that work for her father Sinclair loathes Denver the most. The complete opposite of her and personally closed off, she can't stand the idea of the all-business, stoic Denver following her every move. Sinclair makes it her mission to drive Denver crazy with one antic after another, but she doesn't know that Denver is wildly attracted to Sinclair and in awe of who she is when she isn't being performative but just herself. Knowing that its impossible for anything to happen between them, Denver doesn't even entertain his deepest desires, but it does make him incredibly protective over her, especially when she is around other men who are blatantly attracted to her.
When things escalate and more threats are made, Denver and Sinclair leave the city and head to a cabin in a small town to keep her safe and provide her with defense lessons should she ever need them. But the more time they spend alone and out from the watchful eyes of everyone they know, these two fall into each other and as passionately as they fight and bicker, they love just as hard. Their chemistry is volatile and consumes the page!
Denver now has to choose where exactly his final loyalties lie, and when his own personal life take front and center stage in their budding relationship, it seems there are more obstacles for them to face than Sinclair had ever accounted for. Sinclair can come off as spoiled and obstinate, but she is a complicated soul, still healing from the tragedy she's faced and learning to truly let herself believe that she can be this broken and still willfully chosen by Denver is a hard pill for her to swallow - but he sees her for who she is past the facade and as much as she tries to sabotage, he continues to choose her through it all.
Theo and Madi are such a fun, dynamic, talented duo! I think I enjoyed these performances more than in book 1 and following them on social media is a hoot! You can tell they genuinely love what they do and work hard to build their craft and its unique to see them do it together.
Out of all the men that work for her father Sinclair loathes Denver the most. The complete opposite of her and personally closed off, she can't stand the idea of the all-business, stoic Denver following her every move. Sinclair makes it her mission to drive Denver crazy with one antic after another, but she doesn't know that Denver is wildly attracted to Sinclair and in awe of who she is when she isn't being performative but just herself. Knowing that its impossible for anything to happen between them, Denver doesn't even entertain his deepest desires, but it does make him incredibly protective over her, especially when she is around other men who are blatantly attracted to her.
When things escalate and more threats are made, Denver and Sinclair leave the city and head to a cabin in a small town to keep her safe and provide her with defense lessons should she ever need them. But the more time they spend alone and out from the watchful eyes of everyone they know, these two fall into each other and as passionately as they fight and bicker, they love just as hard. Their chemistry is volatile and consumes the page!
Denver now has to choose where exactly his final loyalties lie, and when his own personal life take front and center stage in their budding relationship, it seems there are more obstacles for them to face than Sinclair had ever accounted for. Sinclair can come off as spoiled and obstinate, but she is a complicated soul, still healing from the tragedy she's faced and learning to truly let herself believe that she can be this broken and still willfully chosen by Denver is a hard pill for her to swallow - but he sees her for who she is past the facade and as much as she tries to sabotage, he continues to choose her through it all.
Theo and Madi are such a fun, dynamic, talented duo! I think I enjoyed these performances more than in book 1 and following them on social media is a hoot! You can tell they genuinely love what they do and work hard to build their craft and its unique to see them do it together.
July 17, 2025
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Spice 🌶🌶
“I never knew being on your knees like you’re worshiping your client was part of a bodyguard’s description,” 😉🥵🔥
I’ve been counting down the days for Sinclair and Denver’s story, and it delivered in full. Elle Nicoll has absolutely outdone herself with this one. This is the second book in the Beaufort Billionaires series and somehow, she has managed to raise the bar even higher. It can be read as a standalone, but reading the series in order adds depth, context that makes it all the more satisfying.
Sinclair and Denver are absolute fire together. From the moment they were on the page, the tension was palpable. Every glance, every sarcastic remark, every simmering silence felt loaded with electricity. Sinclair is smart, selfless, and full of warmth, someone we instantly connected with back in book one, and now her story takes centre stage. It’s everything she deserved and more. And then there’s Denver, intensely protective, broody, physically built to break hearts and quietly obsessed with her from the start. He is the ultimate bodyguard fantasy brought to life. That fierce loyalty, that slow-burning devotion, the smouldering intensity behind every word and every look… he is absolutely unforgettable.
Elle’s ability to write chemistry that leaps off the page is unmatched. The banter between Sinclair and Denver is snappy, hilarious, and endlessly entertaining. The steamy scenes are deliciously filthy and perfectly placed. The infamous forest moment was so charged with tension it left me needing a breather before I could carry on.
The book delivers on every single trope we love. A billionaire heiress who’s far more complex than people realise. A rough-edged bodyguard with a heart of gold. The irresistible push-pull of a bratty FMC going toe-to-toe with a grumpy, alpha protector. There’s forced proximity, slow-burning desire, and one of the best “he falls first” dynamics I’ve read in a long time. The tension never lets up, and the emotional payoff is rich and satisfying.
Elle Nicoll’s writing continues to be a masterclass in romantic tension and emotional depth. The pacing is perfect, the plot is captivating, and the characters feel authentic in every scene. I couldn’t stop reading, and I didn’t want it to end. This book completely stole the spotlight for me. Out of all of Elle Nicoll’s stories, this one hit the hardest—in the best way.
Every scene had something special, from the intensity of their connection to the delicious tension simmering throughout. Elle has a gift for blending heat, heart, and high stakes, and this was a knockout. From the self defence training to the emotionally charged moments that took my breath away, this story delivered on every level.
Now bring on Daddy Sullivan. I’m ready. And I am already desperate for book 4. 🤣 Elle Nicoll’s world just keeps getting better.
Tropes
Billionaire Heiress
Bodyguard romance
Bratty FMC
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
overprotective mmc
He falls First
Tension, spicy
Spice 🌶🌶
“I never knew being on your knees like you’re worshiping your client was part of a bodyguard’s description,” 😉🥵🔥
I’ve been counting down the days for Sinclair and Denver’s story, and it delivered in full. Elle Nicoll has absolutely outdone herself with this one. This is the second book in the Beaufort Billionaires series and somehow, she has managed to raise the bar even higher. It can be read as a standalone, but reading the series in order adds depth, context that makes it all the more satisfying.
Sinclair and Denver are absolute fire together. From the moment they were on the page, the tension was palpable. Every glance, every sarcastic remark, every simmering silence felt loaded with electricity. Sinclair is smart, selfless, and full of warmth, someone we instantly connected with back in book one, and now her story takes centre stage. It’s everything she deserved and more. And then there’s Denver, intensely protective, broody, physically built to break hearts and quietly obsessed with her from the start. He is the ultimate bodyguard fantasy brought to life. That fierce loyalty, that slow-burning devotion, the smouldering intensity behind every word and every look… he is absolutely unforgettable.
Elle’s ability to write chemistry that leaps off the page is unmatched. The banter between Sinclair and Denver is snappy, hilarious, and endlessly entertaining. The steamy scenes are deliciously filthy and perfectly placed. The infamous forest moment was so charged with tension it left me needing a breather before I could carry on.
The book delivers on every single trope we love. A billionaire heiress who’s far more complex than people realise. A rough-edged bodyguard with a heart of gold. The irresistible push-pull of a bratty FMC going toe-to-toe with a grumpy, alpha protector. There’s forced proximity, slow-burning desire, and one of the best “he falls first” dynamics I’ve read in a long time. The tension never lets up, and the emotional payoff is rich and satisfying.
Elle Nicoll’s writing continues to be a masterclass in romantic tension and emotional depth. The pacing is perfect, the plot is captivating, and the characters feel authentic in every scene. I couldn’t stop reading, and I didn’t want it to end. This book completely stole the spotlight for me. Out of all of Elle Nicoll’s stories, this one hit the hardest—in the best way.
Every scene had something special, from the intensity of their connection to the delicious tension simmering throughout. Elle has a gift for blending heat, heart, and high stakes, and this was a knockout. From the self defence training to the emotionally charged moments that took my breath away, this story delivered on every level.
Now bring on Daddy Sullivan. I’m ready. And I am already desperate for book 4. 🤣 Elle Nicoll’s world just keeps getting better.
Tropes
Billionaire Heiress
Bodyguard romance
Bratty FMC
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
overprotective mmc
He falls First
Tension, spicy
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