Bodyguard. Billionaire. I don't do feelings. Until her.
Ex-Delta Force. CIA. I've killed enough people to be very good at keeping others alive. Twelve years ago the last woman I let in died because of me. I don't make that mistake again.
Then she opens the door at 2am—blonde hair messy, bare feet, ratty robe—and refuses to run. Stubborn. Reckless. A journalist who wrote the story no one else would touch. Now a cartel wants her dead. Seventy-two hours. Maybe less.
She should be afraid of me. She's not. I don't give her a choice. My safe house. One roof. No way out. She doesn't ask permission. Just walks through my walls like they were never there.
When I teach her to fight, I tell myself the contact is necessary. Hands on her hips. Her back against my chest.
I'm lying.
I kiss her like I've been starving. She kisses me back like she's not afraid of what I am. I tell myself I'll ruin her. She tells me it's too late. She's right. I take her like she's mine. Because she is.
But here's what keeps me up at night. When everything goes sideways, I know she'll trade her life for mine. And that's the one thing I can't protect her from.
✨Summary✨ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 HEA: Yes POV: Dual Tropes: Age Gap (31/45), Suspense, Damsel in Distress, Bodyguard, Military, Insta-love, Pregnancy, Forced Proximity
Sloan is a tenacious investigative journalist who has spent the last 18 months investigating the leader of one of the largest cartels. She has gotten too close and uncovered too much information, so now he is coming after her. Enter Garrett, an ex-special ops soldier and owner of a private security firm tasked with keeping her alive. He has vowed never to love because the people he cares about always seem to leave or get hurt, so protecting his heart has become second nature. As they spend weeks together in safe houses, neither of them can fight their growing attraction. Can Garrett keep Sloan safe, and can they both open themselves up to love?
I liked Sloan and Garrett together. I felt like they were a really good match for each other because, with the lives they lead and the people they are, not many others would understand them or accept them in the same way.
The pacing of the story worked well for me. The whole book was not nonstop action, and the main conflict was resolved at around 65%. After that, we get to see them navigate the next stage of their relationship, which I actually really liked. It made the HEA feel more authentic because we got more than just a quick glimpse of them together.
I will say the writing style was not my favorite, but that is purely personal preference. The staccato style can be harder for me to fully sink into because of the way my brain works. That said, I do think that style fits books with more action and characters who are more emotionally closed off, so I could see why it was used here.
I also noticed a few inconsistencies, but nothing major. They were just little things that made me pause for a second. I do tend to catch those kinds of details more than some readers probably would, so I do not think that will bother everyone.
Overall, I liked this book and enjoyed Sloan and Garrett’s story.
Garrett was hired to protect Sloane who has written up an article in the newspaper exposing Diego Molina’s operation including human trafficking. She’s had threats before but this one will be a threat Molina plans on fulfilling before the story is printed. No time is wasted in accelerating this story starting with chapter 1 & it continues on! Garrett’s professionalism doesn’t have a chance with Sloane & her firm stance in not letting Molina winning her battle to expose him & his illegal activities. Garrett & Sloane fall hopelessly in love with each other while hiding from the enemy. A page-turning acceleration of emotions wrapped into dangerous situations that will leave you as an emotional wreck. Keep the tissues handy! Determination of people who fight for their lives & fight for the true love they both feel in their hearts.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He's ex-CIA and she's the feisty journalist who has written the story that no one else would touch landing her in danger. Now he has her under his roof for protection but is the one guarding the client the real danger. Garrett was in this situation once before and it landed badly and being in close proximity with Sloane has him reliving his past but also falling for the woman now under his roof. Will he be able to guard the woman without losing his heart. This thrilling story had me all caught up in it from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book..........the plot, the characters, the tension concerning the cartel take down (whoever thought a love story would involve a cartel but it definitely adds to this story!), the coming together of a family - some involving family in the traditional sense and some involving people you love and are invested in their lives becoming family - beautiful how they come together and love and respect each other. Family is more than blood relations - it is who you choose to be a part of your family through life experiences.
Read the book - I know you will enjoy it as much as I did!!
This story grabs you by the throat and takes you on a wild ride from the opening scene. Garrett Cole, a man with survivor’s guilt, a protector, a killer and walls thick enough to keep people away. Sloane is a journalist, brave , determined and strong. They run from cartel killers, they learn to trust each other and gradually fall in love. This is well plotted, with strong supporting characters and a redemption arc that makes you root for their HEA. This is the first time I’ve read this author, but I will definitely be reading more of her work.
I jumped on reading this romance book for 3 reasons. First it is because it is written by Stephie and I absolutely love reading ALL of her books. Second reason is the cover and prologue. The cover is HOT and the prologue sounded intriguing to read. Third reason is because who doesn't love reading a romance book about a HOT silver fox like Garrett. Watch Out because this five-star book is going to add some heat to your day.
She is a reporter with a hit on her by the very cartel she is about to expose. He is the security expert hired by her editor to protect her. He lost someone once by getting too close. He won’t make that same mistake again….or will he? OMG this was such an intense, spicy romance filled with adrenaline and just the right mix of humor. Well done. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.
A story that when it breaks could cost her life. Going after the cartel is dangerous, but finding the truth is all that matters. Her boss hires a security team to keep her safe. Finding love wasn't the plan. Characters that are hot sexy and by the book. Fighting the bad guys that seem to be on their heels it makes no sense unless someone has betrayed them.
This book made me laugh, cry and other unbecoming feelings in an old person! The main characters are both strong personalities and you expect tension between them, you would be right. It takes a lot of things happening before they each divulge their deepest secrets and how they both lost someone who was their best friend. This is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last. Highly recommended
This is a story of two independent, stubborn, I don' deserve or need this people. They save each other while taking down a cartel. And learn; love just is! Not earned. And when you love someone, you choose to love that person everyday. I am a voracious reader. When I read a book more than once.....it is a very good book!
While the cover suggests a strong male lead…this books shows the true strength that comes from a BA lady who doesn’t back down and loves hard. Love the relationship between the two main characters and love that they see their HEA
I ate this book up! I loved it. I loved Garrett and Sloane together. The book had me hooked from the beginning. It started with the drama from the started and it kept going. Stephie Rose is such an amazing storyteller. I highly recommend this and all of her books!
Great characters, likable and complicated. Terrific story. The complete package. Enjoyed every page and highly recommend. Put this on your list immediately.
Very well written. Very entertaining and captivating. Great character development. Fast pace. Would highly recommend if you were looking for a quick read!