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High stakes chess competition has always been a man’s game—until Grace Ann Frasier topples some of the game’s greatest champions and turns the chess world on its ear. Her prowess at the game is matched only by her rivals’ desire to defeat her, or, worse, avenge their losses. When an international championship threatens Grace’s safety, a bevy of security experts are hired to look after her, but only one is her personal, close-duty bodyguard, courtesy of Ironclad Solutions, Inc.
Sam Knight knows nothing about chess, but he knows that Grace is working to achieve something important, and he vows to shelter her from those who mean her harm. In the course of his duties, he realizes there’s more going on than a simple chess match between rivals, and his fragile client is all too aware of the stakes. When she leans on him for emotional support, attraction battles with professionalism and Sam finds his self-discipline wavering. Soon the complexity of their relationship resembles a chess board, where one questionable move can ruin everything—or win a game that could resonate around the world.
Sam Knight knows nothing about chess, but he knows that Grace is working to achieve something important, and he vows to shelter her from those who mean her harm. In the course of his duties, he realizes there’s more going on than a simple chess match between rivals, and his fragile client is all too aware of the stakes. When she leans on him for emotional support, attraction battles with professionalism and Sam finds his self-discipline wavering. Soon the complexity of their relationship resembles a chess board, where one questionable move can ruin everything—or win a game that could resonate around the world.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2015
12 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Molly Joseph
8 books51 followersMolly Joseph is the “vanilla” counterpart of New York Times and USA Today bestselling BDSM romance author Annabel Joseph. Annabel and Molly both love to explore deep and complicated relationships on the pages of their books, except that Annabel’s couples have BDSM dynamics, and Molly’s couples don’t.
You can learn more about Annabel (and Molly) by visiting annabeljoseph.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to stay current on upcoming releases. You can also find Annabel/Molly on Facebook (Facebook.com/annabeljosephnovels), and Twitter (@annabeljoseph).
You can write to either Molly or Annabel at Annabeljosephnovels@gmail.com.
You can learn more about Annabel (and Molly) by visiting annabeljoseph.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to stay current on upcoming releases. You can also find Annabel/Molly on Facebook (Facebook.com/annabeljosephnovels), and Twitter (@annabeljoseph).
You can write to either Molly or Annabel at Annabeljosephnovels@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 22, 2015
4 -
Courage is grace under pressure.
Stars!
Pawn is the first book in the Ironclad Bodyguards Series, it is also the first book I have had the pleasure of reading from this author. With an intriguing synopsis and interesting characters I found myself absorbed in the world of professional chess playing, and well to say there is a lot of action going on underneath the board and it’s pieces would be an understatement.
”I feel afraid all the time.”
After being viciously attacked and beaten in Russia after beating a male competitor, Grace Ann Frasier, is forced by her step-father to accept ‘close-protection' in the form of Sam Knight, ex-Army, and long-serving bodyguard from Ironclad Solutions. As you would expect from a couple stuck in close quarters with each other in a snow drenched Helsinki for weeks on end, with sizzling chemistry and mutual attraction, the close becomes even closer the longer they spend together.
I really loved that this story moved away from the usual protector/protectee themes, while a lot of the storyline is similar to a few other books I have read in this genre, the subject matter it is focussed around is new, and fresh and as such it made Grace and Sam’s coming together and subsequent adventures pretty refreshing in its telling.
”I’m a jealous, possessive son of a bitch. Just warning you.”
The other thing I really liked is that this book wasn’t just about Grace, Sam had his own story going on too, and as the book progresses you see that both of them although extremely strong characters in their own rights are also extremely vulnerable as well, together they balanced each other out. Grace’s theatrics to Sam's calm and collected nature. Sam’s dominance and control in all things, to Graces carefree acceptance of certain things… Sex mainly, but you get what I mean!
Diva the second book in the series is due in April 2016, bit of a wait, but I am looking forward to seeing where the author take us next with this series.
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Pawn is the first book in the Ironclad Bodyguards Series, it is also the first book I have had the pleasure of reading from this author. With an intriguing synopsis and interesting characters I found myself absorbed in the world of professional chess playing, and well to say there is a lot of action going on underneath the board and it’s pieces would be an understatement.
”I feel afraid all the time.”
After being viciously attacked and beaten in Russia after beating a male competitor, Grace Ann Frasier, is forced by her step-father to accept ‘close-protection' in the form of Sam Knight, ex-Army, and long-serving bodyguard from Ironclad Solutions. As you would expect from a couple stuck in close quarters with each other in a snow drenched Helsinki for weeks on end, with sizzling chemistry and mutual attraction, the close becomes even closer the longer they spend together.
I really loved that this story moved away from the usual protector/protectee themes, while a lot of the storyline is similar to a few other books I have read in this genre, the subject matter it is focussed around is new, and fresh and as such it made Grace and Sam’s coming together and subsequent adventures pretty refreshing in its telling.
”I’m a jealous, possessive son of a bitch. Just warning you.”
The other thing I really liked is that this book wasn’t just about Grace, Sam had his own story going on too, and as the book progresses you see that both of them although extremely strong characters in their own rights are also extremely vulnerable as well, together they balanced each other out. Grace’s theatrics to Sam's calm and collected nature. Sam’s dominance and control in all things, to Graces carefree acceptance of certain things… Sex mainly, but you get what I mean!
Diva the second book in the series is due in April 2016, bit of a wait, but I am looking forward to seeing where the author take us next with this series.
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Want to read
August 3, 2022A CHESS ROMANCE????? I CAN FINALLY DIE IN PEACE
April 6, 2020
There were many things I liked about this book. Strong and smart heroine; strong and devoted hero; interesting insights into chess as a game and a philosophy; good and not too pleasing ending. I mean, there is a HEA, no worries, but I'm also happy with the way the chess championship was dealt with.
Again, Ms. Joseph (or her “vanilla” counterpart in this case) shines with her knowledge of the subject and it just makes me happy to read a well written story. I paused it for a while, but I'm really glad I decided to finish, because all in all, it was a very good one and I'm going to read more from the series.
Again, Ms. Joseph (or her “vanilla” counterpart in this case) shines with her knowledge of the subject and it just makes me happy to read a well written story. I paused it for a while, but I'm really glad I decided to finish, because all in all, it was a very good one and I'm going to read more from the series.
June 15, 2015
Paige's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I'm a huge Molly (Annabel ) Joseph fan and was excited to see her start a new series. Pawn is the beginning of her bodyguard series and while it's tough to keep track of new series this is one you don't want to miss.
Sam Knight is the bodyguard that has been hired to stay close to Grace Ann. He's a natural at his job. The military has honed his skills to become one of the best at Ironclad. Like the author, I too love bodyguards for what they represent. Their strength and protective nature make it easy to for their charges to feel safe and secure. He's also brave enough to swallow his pride for the women he loves.
How can you not love Grace. Sam says it best when he refers to her as adorable. Genius-level adorable, yet clueless. Her quirkiness is what I liked most about her as a character. There are times when her naivety reeks havoc on the world around her but these times only made me like her more.
Sam and Gracie are from totally different worlds but they are able to work with each other in creating a believable storyline that contained suspense, heartache and a sweet romance.It was a nail bitter until the end.
I'm a huge Molly (Annabel ) Joseph fan and was excited to see her start a new series. Pawn is the beginning of her bodyguard series and while it's tough to keep track of new series this is one you don't want to miss.
Sam Knight is the bodyguard that has been hired to stay close to Grace Ann. He's a natural at his job. The military has honed his skills to become one of the best at Ironclad. Like the author, I too love bodyguards for what they represent. Their strength and protective nature make it easy to for their charges to feel safe and secure. He's also brave enough to swallow his pride for the women he loves.
How can you not love Grace. Sam says it best when he refers to her as adorable. Genius-level adorable, yet clueless. Her quirkiness is what I liked most about her as a character. There are times when her naivety reeks havoc on the world around her but these times only made me like her more.
Sam and Gracie are from totally different worlds but they are able to work with each other in creating a believable storyline that contained suspense, heartache and a sweet romance.It was a nail bitter until the end.
June 15, 2015
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August 2, 2015
The review was first up on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
I received an eARC of the book via Novel Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
Did someone say Bodyguards?
Did someone say HOT bodyguards??
Sign me up baby!! ;)
I have to say the only (well the major reason) for requesting this ARC was that I really wanted a slice of the Hot Bodyguards virtually - since I ain't famous enough to warrant a real one :P
And I wasn't disappointed :D
"No wonder they're angry. She's the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing. an unassuming young woman whose smile says 'I love chess' and 'I am going to destroy' all at once."
This is the story of Grace Frasier - a Chess Prodigy fighting for domination in a world full of males. She has suffered a trauma, a trauma that has shaken her to the core. A trauma that no one, male or female should ever have to go through, all because she had the audacity to win against a male.
Yeah that actually pissed me off right of the bat and made me more amenable to like Grace (Yes, I see what you did there, you clever author!). Grace herself is an adorable little genius, who I just want to cuddle up with - and I rarely identify with female protagonists to be very honest. She is brilliant at Chess, she is strong, loyal and strategic in a way that made me so proud to be reading this book.
However, this story isn't just Grace's - it is also the story of Sam Knight - a half Arabic Bodyguard employed at Ironclad Bodyguards hired to protect Grace - because even if she is strong, she is still traumatised and she needs all the protection she can get!
Sam went into this job with quite a few assumptions, assumptions that Grace (well me) had a lot of fun seeing turn into dust!
"Those pieces were her companions.. Dearly loved, but they were nothing compared to the man who'd come to stand behind her. He was her universe, her soul and her heart."
Together these two were absolutely adorable and while the author did her best to show an explosive chemistry between these two - somehow that failed for me. While I adored their relationship - the slow progression from attraction to feelings to full blown love with loyalty and trust was heartwarming.
The plot as well - chess champion and a bodyguard? I had hoped that it wouldn't become a cliche and Thankfully it wasn't! This book kept at me until I just had to give up my sleep to complete and aren't those the best kind of books after all? <3
I received an eARC of the book via Novel Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
Did someone say Bodyguards?
Did someone say HOT bodyguards??
Sign me up baby!! ;)
I have to say the only (well the major reason) for requesting this ARC was that I really wanted a slice of the Hot Bodyguards virtually - since I ain't famous enough to warrant a real one :P
And I wasn't disappointed :D
"No wonder they're angry. She's the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing. an unassuming young woman whose smile says 'I love chess' and 'I am going to destroy' all at once."
This is the story of Grace Frasier - a Chess Prodigy fighting for domination in a world full of males. She has suffered a trauma, a trauma that has shaken her to the core. A trauma that no one, male or female should ever have to go through, all because she had the audacity to win against a male.
Yeah that actually pissed me off right of the bat and made me more amenable to like Grace (Yes, I see what you did there, you clever author!). Grace herself is an adorable little genius, who I just want to cuddle up with - and I rarely identify with female protagonists to be very honest. She is brilliant at Chess, she is strong, loyal and strategic in a way that made me so proud to be reading this book.
However, this story isn't just Grace's - it is also the story of Sam Knight - a half Arabic Bodyguard employed at Ironclad Bodyguards hired to protect Grace - because even if she is strong, she is still traumatised and she needs all the protection she can get!
Sam went into this job with quite a few assumptions, assumptions that Grace (well me) had a lot of fun seeing turn into dust!
"Those pieces were her companions.. Dearly loved, but they were nothing compared to the man who'd come to stand behind her. He was her universe, her soul and her heart."
Together these two were absolutely adorable and while the author did her best to show an explosive chemistry between these two - somehow that failed for me. While I adored their relationship - the slow progression from attraction to feelings to full blown love with loyalty and trust was heartwarming.
The plot as well - chess champion and a bodyguard? I had hoped that it wouldn't become a cliche and Thankfully it wasn't! This book kept at me until I just had to give up my sleep to complete and aren't those the best kind of books after all? <3
July 1, 2016
Two truly unique characters. I kinda giggled at first at the idea of an international chess celebrity needing a bodyguard, but that giggle didn't survive page three. I adore this start to a new contemporary romance series from Annabel Joseph's BDSM-free alter ego.
December 16, 2017
I'd waited a very long time to read this story. I had to be in a certain mind set to read this story because my genre of choice is dark without romance or mafia. Naturally this story does not fit either of those genres.
I absolutely LOVE this book! Sam and Grace are phenomenal characters that are made for each other. Sam is a gorgeous alpha bodyguard with Ironclad and Grace is quirky nerdy chess player soon to be the greatest chess player in the world! A woman holding this title is unheard of and a very big deal. A man's ego is their greatest downfall and Grace learns this as she defeats some of the greatest chess players throughout the world. As the two maneuver between keeping her safe and ignoring their feelings for each other, things turn quite nasty.
If you love a good suspense with a huge dose of alpha and dark romance, this story is for you!
Five stars!
I absolutely LOVE this book! Sam and Grace are phenomenal characters that are made for each other. Sam is a gorgeous alpha bodyguard with Ironclad and Grace is quirky nerdy chess player soon to be the greatest chess player in the world! A woman holding this title is unheard of and a very big deal. A man's ego is their greatest downfall and Grace learns this as she defeats some of the greatest chess players throughout the world. As the two maneuver between keeping her safe and ignoring their feelings for each other, things turn quite nasty.
If you love a good suspense with a huge dose of alpha and dark romance, this story is for you!
Five stars!
July 24, 2016
I loved the premise of this book. Chess genius needs a bodyguard because she is oversetting the misogynistic status quo of competitive chess. Sam makes a great hero, overwhelmed by Grace's combination of brilliance and vulnerability. Grace got on my nerves a little, over-reacting and being a bit of a princess. The author makes some great points about various social issues, but tends to move from making a point to preachy. Flaws aside, I did enjoy it and learned a lot about competitive chess.
June 10, 2015
If you are a fan of Annabel Joseph, brace yourself because she has an alter ego named Molly Joseph! And when I say alter ego, I mean that Molly Joseph is the contemporary writer in the brilliant mind of my favorite erotica writer Annabel Joseph. But don’t be worried about the contemporary genre because if you are a fan Annabel’s writing, than you will really enjoy Pawn by Molly Joseph. Annabel’s voice is still amazingly present, but Pawn is just written for the contemporary readers who might not can delve as far into the erotica side of Annabel’s writing. I was curious and a bit nervous going in because I was worried I would miss that BDSM/erotic element that I am so used to when I read an Annabel Joseph book, but I am here to tell you that I didn’t….at all…because everything I crave out an Annabel Joseph book is littered all over the pages of Pawn!
If you are an avid reader of Mrs. Joseph, the Ironclad Bodyguards will not be new to you. We have already met 2 bodyguards in previous series’ of hers and I love how she has expanded it and crossed over to her contemporary side. In Pawn, Sam is our bodyguard to the famous chess player Grace Ann. I loved his strong protective side. I loved how he was aware of everything going in Grace Ann’s world….it set up the perfect love story for the two of them. Sam also had a bit of secret, and when it was revealed my heart broke for they stereotypical racism he went through. Grace Ann was an amazing character. She was so innocent to the ways of the world due to isolation from being consumed with her chess game. She was an extremely intricate character yet still in the body of a young girl. Molly really wrote this young woman’s struggle being the top female chess player in the world extremely well….she had so much to prove and such a weight on her shoulders that at times, you really wonder if anybody at the top of their game goes these tremendous feelings of pressure.
I will have to admit here that I have never played chess. I really know nothing about it, but the actual chess part of this book was the hidden main character. It was what drove everyone in this story. I absolutely loved getting the background of this game and watching how Grace Ann prepared for the big match. As with any book Mrs. Joseph writes whether it is about the circus or the ballet or an odalisque, you come away with such a new knowledge of her subject she is writing about. It is what truly makes her an amazing writer to me. I was really riveted at times reading about Grace Ann and the preparations she went through to get to top of the chess world.
The secondary characters in this book brought along a lot of mystery and intrigue. It was so interesting watching them all navigate through a world that the sole focus on was getting Grace Ann to the top. Zeke, Grace Ann’s mentor, was simply amazing. Their relationship brought such joy to me when I was reading their interactions. Bonus points for fans of Waking Kiss, Liam is back! His role was a bit different as Sam’s boss, but it was great seeing him again.
I can’t wait to see where Mrs. Joseph is going with this series. I look forward to more of these sexy brooding bodyguards who can’t seem to stay away from the women they are hired to protect. On a side note, Pawn is my favorite cover of hers to date!! I love the suit and the sexy lips…he can guard me any day. :) Molly, you wrote and amazing story…Sam and Grace Ann are the perfect King and Queen in their chess board of life.
I received this ARC from the Author in exchange for an honest review!
If you are an avid reader of Mrs. Joseph, the Ironclad Bodyguards will not be new to you. We have already met 2 bodyguards in previous series’ of hers and I love how she has expanded it and crossed over to her contemporary side. In Pawn, Sam is our bodyguard to the famous chess player Grace Ann. I loved his strong protective side. I loved how he was aware of everything going in Grace Ann’s world….it set up the perfect love story for the two of them. Sam also had a bit of secret, and when it was revealed my heart broke for they stereotypical racism he went through. Grace Ann was an amazing character. She was so innocent to the ways of the world due to isolation from being consumed with her chess game. She was an extremely intricate character yet still in the body of a young girl. Molly really wrote this young woman’s struggle being the top female chess player in the world extremely well….she had so much to prove and such a weight on her shoulders that at times, you really wonder if anybody at the top of their game goes these tremendous feelings of pressure.
I will have to admit here that I have never played chess. I really know nothing about it, but the actual chess part of this book was the hidden main character. It was what drove everyone in this story. I absolutely loved getting the background of this game and watching how Grace Ann prepared for the big match. As with any book Mrs. Joseph writes whether it is about the circus or the ballet or an odalisque, you come away with such a new knowledge of her subject she is writing about. It is what truly makes her an amazing writer to me. I was really riveted at times reading about Grace Ann and the preparations she went through to get to top of the chess world.
The secondary characters in this book brought along a lot of mystery and intrigue. It was so interesting watching them all navigate through a world that the sole focus on was getting Grace Ann to the top. Zeke, Grace Ann’s mentor, was simply amazing. Their relationship brought such joy to me when I was reading their interactions. Bonus points for fans of Waking Kiss, Liam is back! His role was a bit different as Sam’s boss, but it was great seeing him again.
I can’t wait to see where Mrs. Joseph is going with this series. I look forward to more of these sexy brooding bodyguards who can’t seem to stay away from the women they are hired to protect. On a side note, Pawn is my favorite cover of hers to date!! I love the suit and the sexy lips…he can guard me any day. :) Molly, you wrote and amazing story…Sam and Grace Ann are the perfect King and Queen in their chess board of life.
I received this ARC from the Author in exchange for an honest review!
June 11, 2015
3 solid romantic hero stars. I enjoyed it.
November 20, 2015
WOW! Where do I start with this one.... I LOVED IT!
Pawn is the story of Sam (Salim) Knight - a hot, hunk of bodyguard assigned by Ironclad to guard Grace Ann Frasier, a Chess grandmaster who is in the finals of the Chess World Championships. She is the first female to ever reach this level and the games are being played in Dubai, a city in the UAE, and her opponent is an Arab man (can I say that? is that PC? the author uses the word in the book a lot so I used it but it still makes me feel weird... oh well, moving on).
Grace was playing a tournament in Russia when she was the victim of a horrible assault. Three men broke into her room and beat her as well as did other things that I wont mention. For this reason, the State Department has determined that she needs protection for this ultimate tournament. Sam is hired to protect her while she practices and travels. The story picks up here.
I wont give away any spoilers but this was one almighty good book. The character development was flawless. I loved who I was supposed to love (Grace, Sam, Zeke) and hated who I was supposed to hate (Fredrik.. you MFer). The author clearly accentuated all of Grace's quirks, her doubts and her fears. She seemed like a real person to me. She behaved as a real person would behave and not so much as a book character. Sam and the other characters were not as developed as she was but then it was her book and not theirs.
The storyline was also well developed and flowed along seamlessly. I was never tempted to skim or skip pages. Up until the very end I was left questioning exactly how the matches were going to conclude and how/if the relationship was going to end up.
This was my first book by Molly/Annabel Joseph but it certainly wont be my last. She is an exceptionally talented writer and I am looking forward to reading more of the Ironclad Bodyguards series.
Thank you Ms. Joseph and Novel Reviewers for the opportunity to read/review this book!
I give Pawn (Ironclad Bodyguards 1) 5*****wickedgoodstars -asw
Pawn is the story of Sam (Salim) Knight - a hot, hunk of bodyguard assigned by Ironclad to guard Grace Ann Frasier, a Chess grandmaster who is in the finals of the Chess World Championships. She is the first female to ever reach this level and the games are being played in Dubai, a city in the UAE, and her opponent is an Arab man (can I say that? is that PC? the author uses the word in the book a lot so I used it but it still makes me feel weird... oh well, moving on).
Grace was playing a tournament in Russia when she was the victim of a horrible assault. Three men broke into her room and beat her as well as did other things that I wont mention. For this reason, the State Department has determined that she needs protection for this ultimate tournament. Sam is hired to protect her while she practices and travels. The story picks up here.
I wont give away any spoilers but this was one almighty good book. The character development was flawless. I loved who I was supposed to love (Grace, Sam, Zeke) and hated who I was supposed to hate (Fredrik.. you MFer). The author clearly accentuated all of Grace's quirks, her doubts and her fears. She seemed like a real person to me. She behaved as a real person would behave and not so much as a book character. Sam and the other characters were not as developed as she was but then it was her book and not theirs.
The storyline was also well developed and flowed along seamlessly. I was never tempted to skim or skip pages. Up until the very end I was left questioning exactly how the matches were going to conclude and how/if the relationship was going to end up.
This was my first book by Molly/Annabel Joseph but it certainly wont be my last. She is an exceptionally talented writer and I am looking forward to reading more of the Ironclad Bodyguards series.
Thank you Ms. Joseph and Novel Reviewers for the opportunity to read/review this book!
I give Pawn (Ironclad Bodyguards 1) 5*****wickedgoodstars -asw
Currently reading
November 19, 2019This is the first review I leave on goodreads. I won’t rate the book as I haven’t finished it yet. I quite like it so far, but as an Arab and a Muslim -who doesn’t wear a headscarf btw- who lives in Dubai, I found the misrepresentation staggering. It kept ruining the book for me. If the author wished for that sort of storyline, she should have had the chess event happen in Saudi Arabia or Iran. They’re the only two countries in the region to support her narrative. No other country in the region would have given the heroine any grief at all. Even the Arab media is wrongly portrayed in the book. The whole thing was so frustrating and disappointing!
June 24, 2015
Grace is a Grand Master of Chess. Sam is her close bodyguard. Flickers of a fire start almost immediately. This was a fun read, especially for someone who loves the game of chess and caan imagine the intenisty involved. I've been at small chess tournaments and you could cut the tension with a knife, so I can only imagine this pressure cooker. I loved the depiction of Grace Ann under fire and how steady and solid Sam was. After Dubai became their mantra.. I loved old Zeke and was touched by his relationship with Gracie.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
March 31, 2016
Like a Candy Bar
This is a typical romance novel. The banter, the chase, the connection, the sex, the dilemma, the rescue, and the happily ever after. Reading these types of stories is just like eating a candy bar when I'm on a diet. They smell so sweet and taste so good. But after you've consumed it, you experience the guilt and the additional exercise to wipe it from your system. A guilty pleasure.
This is a typical romance novel. The banter, the chase, the connection, the sex, the dilemma, the rescue, and the happily ever after. Reading these types of stories is just like eating a candy bar when I'm on a diet. They smell so sweet and taste so good. But after you've consumed it, you experience the guilt and the additional exercise to wipe it from your system. A guilty pleasure.
July 4, 2015
3.5 Courage under Grace stars
This was so different from things I tend to read but Ive read and really enjoyed most of Ms. Joseph's work.
I definitely enjoyed reading about Grace and Sam.. I also now see Chess under a new light and have an entirely new understanding of the game as well as what it can mean to so many!
This was so different from things I tend to read but Ive read and really enjoyed most of Ms. Joseph's work.
I definitely enjoyed reading about Grace and Sam.. I also now see Chess under a new light and have an entirely new understanding of the game as well as what it can mean to so many!
June 12, 2015
I love it when everything connects- Ironclad is the security agency owned by Liam Wilder, from Annabel's BDSM Ballet series, and is the company Kyle goes to work for in her Comfort series. I know this will be a vanilla romance, (as opposed to the BDSM that she writes as Annabel Joseph) but I love the author so much I don't care. Can't wait.
June 12, 2015
Review coming soon.
August 21, 2024
DNF 64%. Didn’t really enjoy this despite really enjoying some of Annabel Joseph’s work. Also didn’t appreciate the misrepresentation of hijabi Muslim women as one myself !
January 17, 2018
I don't know how this book doesn't have a higher rating because I absolutely frigging LOVED EVERY WORD OF THIS BOOK.
I loved that the hero was sensitive and had a heart and FEELINGS and he had his own mini-plot type stuff going on and it wasn't just all about the heroine.
I loved loved the heroine, who had her own mixed bag of problems but not enough to make the situation overly angsty or annoyingly dark. I think that was due to the incredible writing of the author who balanced everything so well, I just 'can't even' right now. Amazing. Fantabulous.
It could also be because I'm listening to a lot of Prokofiev right now but I kinda doubt it
Amazing, just wow. This is one of the best romance novels I've read in a long, long time. I wish there was an epilogue but it really wasn't necessary since she wrote it so well you didn't need it, my hungry reader butt just wants more. But it's okay if there isn't since I know it's going to be a HEA for ever and ever and ever.
I loved that the hero was sensitive and had a heart and FEELINGS and he had his own mini-plot type stuff going on and it wasn't just all about the heroine.
I loved loved the heroine, who had her own mixed bag of problems but not enough to make the situation overly angsty or annoyingly dark. I think that was due to the incredible writing of the author who balanced everything so well, I just 'can't even' right now. Amazing. Fantabulous.
It could also be because I'm listening to a lot of Prokofiev right now but I kinda doubt it
Amazing, just wow. This is one of the best romance novels I've read in a long, long time. I wish there was an epilogue but it really wasn't necessary since she wrote it so well you didn't need it, my hungry reader butt just wants more. But it's okay if there isn't since I know it's going to be a HEA for ever and ever and ever.
March 20, 2019
What I love about Annabel Joseph's book (besides great writing and complex characters) is that they are so well researched and feel so real. If she writes about ballet, you get a feeling surely she had been a balerina for some good length of her life. Circus? Definitely insider knowledge level detail. Main character is a world famous cello player? We get a good glimpse into magic behind the curtains. In Pawn, the fascinating world of world level chess feels live. I was born in Soviet Union. I absolutely loved how real Zeke was. I could totally see this Russian jew, his sharp intellegence, and compassion that could only be inspired by long suffering. Casually thrown in Russian words were very accurate and appropriate.
It's amazing how Joseph can take an overused plot (bodyguard and his charge, for crying outload), and make it into absolutely unique beautiful story.
The Pawn is going to me ten-star bookshelf for sure! Totally loved it!
It's amazing how Joseph can take an overused plot (bodyguard and his charge, for crying outload), and make it into absolutely unique beautiful story.
The Pawn is going to me ten-star bookshelf for sure! Totally loved it!
May 12, 2020
4 suspenseful, well written, high tension, fast paced stars...
I was more in the mood for something with a plot, but not devoid of any sort of chemistry...If you catch my drift. This completely and utterly scratched that itch.
It had some character development, some sexual tension, a great premise, a little suspense, and everything in between. I especially appreciated reading a book that delved into (however lightly) some different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and some of the insecurity that can spring from it.
I have to take away a 1/2 a star for the short length, and another 1/2 for the...saccharine sweet conclusion (that just isn't my scene...and it doesn't take much to roll these cynical eyes).
If you enjoy an emotional tug of war with a dash of erotic suspense tossed in- it's time to get cooking because you'll really savor every bite of this dish.
I was more in the mood for something with a plot, but not devoid of any sort of chemistry...If you catch my drift. This completely and utterly scratched that itch.
It had some character development, some sexual tension, a great premise, a little suspense, and everything in between. I especially appreciated reading a book that delved into (however lightly) some different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and some of the insecurity that can spring from it.
I have to take away a 1/2 a star for the short length, and another 1/2 for the...saccharine sweet conclusion (that just isn't my scene...and it doesn't take much to roll these cynical eyes).
If you enjoy an emotional tug of war with a dash of erotic suspense tossed in- it's time to get cooking because you'll really savor every bite of this dish.
July 26, 2018
I found Molly Joseph after reading a few of the books she wrote under Annabelle Joseph. She's a terrific writer with great characters, so I've appreciated her bdsm books even though that's not really what I'm into when it comes to romances. Then I discovered that she writes vanilla romances under Molly Joseph. I'm a sucker for body guard romances, but a lot of them aren't so well written. This one is. It's got an a more original premise than most, with the heroine a young, top-rated chess player. I found it realistic and the relationship between the characters built nicely.
July 5, 2015
Loved it! Where Annabel leaves me squirming, Molly left we all warm and fuzzy! And Mem, I forgot about him and how much I looooove him and was all fan girl when he showed up!!!!!
Chess, how would have thunk it? As a setting for this sweet and sexy romance, it so worked. The fascination was best summed up, somewhere in the book by one of the supporting characters, how everyone who plays the game has a different approach but it is the same game. I really felt like Sam in the book, it was so fascinating but way out of my league
Sam, oh Sam, he was as perfect as perfect could be. Mostly scary, slightly bossy, completely in-tune and wonderfully attentive. He was also very closed about his feelings for Gracie until she opened that door. No clue, absolutely, no clue, but once he opened that door, all was lost
Grace was perfect, mostly introvert, but not completely so. She didn't know how to completely function in the real world, but she knew and recognized that fact. She felt deeply but had trouble processing her feelings and couldn't handle it when they overwhelmed her
Sam lets her be her, and does his best to fit in her world the way she needs him. He doesn't lose who he is, he stays true to himself, even though he is little lost there as well. He figures it out eventually, and when they both are comfortable and themselves, oh wow, they are perfect, and sweet, and gorgeous together!
Chess, how would have thunk it? As a setting for this sweet and sexy romance, it so worked. The fascination was best summed up, somewhere in the book by one of the supporting characters, how everyone who plays the game has a different approach but it is the same game. I really felt like Sam in the book, it was so fascinating but way out of my league
Sam, oh Sam, he was as perfect as perfect could be. Mostly scary, slightly bossy, completely in-tune and wonderfully attentive. He was also very closed about his feelings for Gracie until she opened that door. No clue, absolutely, no clue, but once he opened that door, all was lost
Grace was perfect, mostly introvert, but not completely so. She didn't know how to completely function in the real world, but she knew and recognized that fact. She felt deeply but had trouble processing her feelings and couldn't handle it when they overwhelmed her
Sam lets her be her, and does his best to fit in her world the way she needs him. He doesn't lose who he is, he stays true to himself, even though he is little lost there as well. He figures it out eventually, and when they both are comfortable and themselves, oh wow, they are perfect, and sweet, and gorgeous together!
July 28, 2015
Who knew chess could be so sexy? Grace is amazing, but Sam makes her more amazing. She makes him stronger and less cut and dry. Professionalism went out the window when they first saw each other, it just took them a few days of being around each other to realize it. I would want a bodyguard like Sam. His ability to calm her during a panic attack and talk to her as a person not just a client made him reasonable and seem more able to do his job. He was able to do more after their relationship started. It made him a better bodyguard I believe because he knew her quirks, triggers, and what to and what not to say to her. He fairly easily defused her attacks at the start. Grace's ptsd made her more relatable and seen more down to earth. Her experience was horrific and I am glad she was able to talk about it with Sam. I love her cockiness and determination even though she was scared out of her mind and questioned everything. I can't wait to read more of this series.
April 18, 2016
When I got this book, I knew it was about bodyguards, but with a name like Pawn and knowing what Annabel Joseph normally writes, this was not what I expected. True to her other books, it was great, though. I enjoyed seeing how in-depth the chess world is. We always see the poker tournaments on TV and such, but never really appreciate how much work they put into perfecting their craft. It was bittersweet the way they tried so hard to fight what was between them. She reminded me of a pre-teen, though. It seemed like everytime something didn't go her way, she was all woe is me, I don't like this game, I am gonna pick up my bat and ball and go home. And by the way, I think you are a jerk. It conflicted with the hard work and dedication she would have had to put in to get to the point she was at. Overall, it was a great book and I can't wait to read more about the boys over at Ironclad. Who will they protect next? I wanna know, don't you?
August 16, 2015
Grace is a Grandmaster chess champion in need of a personal bodyguard. Sam takes the job. Living in such close quarters, it doesn't take long for an attraction to develop between the two. Sam tries hard to keep his distance as professionalism is at stake.
A very intriguing romance, Pawn has depth. The details of the game of Chess are out there, not just background for the romance. This is my first book by Molly Joseph, it will not be my last. I am looking forward to reading more of the Ironclad Bodyguard books.
I received a copy of this book from Novel Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
A very intriguing romance, Pawn has depth. The details of the game of Chess are out there, not just background for the romance. This is my first book by Molly Joseph, it will not be my last. I am looking forward to reading more of the Ironclad Bodyguard books.
I received a copy of this book from Novel Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2015
Sam is hired to protect the next World Champion of Chess. Grace loves playing chess and the thought of a woman taking the title away has divided the world. It is a battle of the sexes as well as a battle of the U.S. vs the Middle East that might cost Grace her life to win. You felt Graces loneliness, connected with her passion for the game and understood her wickedly brilliant mind. Sam is her knight in shining armor and her only chance to survive the hate in the world focused on her.
December 7, 2015
Ok this had a lot of info about chess which I don't play. I wasn't sure if this would bore me but I love Annabel Joseph her other writing name so I took a chance. The chess wasn't boring and I liked the story over all. I would say a 3 .5 due to the middle part drama. Will definitely read next one! Also the Liam mentioned in this story as the boss is I think the one in the bdsm ballet duo by Annabel Joseph. Which sounds interesting.
July 2, 2015
Loved the chess aspect. A bodyguard hero, yes! Great story, international intrigue. The heroine was a sticking point for me. Young, innocent, naive about anything that's not chess. I was never comfortable with the character. The difference in maturity level between the two of them was hard for me to reconcile.
Did I mention the bodyguard?
I look forward to more bodyguards.
Did I mention the bodyguard?
I look forward to more bodyguards.
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