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Unseen Enemy #5
Solid Muscle
Twelve years ago and in one fell swoop, Hunter Sullivan lost everything that meant anything to him. Since then, his life has been about work and detachment and keeping his distance. He had his chance at love and a good life, and he failed to protect it… that’s his punishment and that’s OK. Or it was OK – until he met Cordelia at work. Suddenly, no matter how many walls Sully throws up around his heart, she brings them down with a single shining, perfect smile.
Cordelia Patton has a tough life: she’s a single mother, her son is ill, she works full-time. But by far her biggest challenge still lies ahead of her. When her boss sends her and Hunter undercover as a married couple to bust a child kidnapping ring, she has to stomp down hard on her desire for the coldest, most distant and shut-down man she’s ever known. After all, Hunter’s made it clear that he has no interest in her…
Alone and depending solely on each other, Sully and Cordelia try to keep work and personal feelings separate. But when they break the kidnapping ring wide open and one criminal gets away, they’re both in danger – the kind of danger that may once again take away everything that Sully has come to love.
Cordelia Patton has a tough life: she’s a single mother, her son is ill, she works full-time. But by far her biggest challenge still lies ahead of her. When her boss sends her and Hunter undercover as a married couple to bust a child kidnapping ring, she has to stomp down hard on her desire for the coldest, most distant and shut-down man she’s ever known. After all, Hunter’s made it clear that he has no interest in her…
Alone and depending solely on each other, Sully and Cordelia try to keep work and personal feelings separate. But when they break the kidnapping ring wide open and one criminal gets away, they’re both in danger – the kind of danger that may once again take away everything that Sully has come to love.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2015
27 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Marysol James
36 books252 followersMarysol James was raised in a small town in Canada and is still a small-town girl at heart. She's a cancer survivor, cinnamon bun lover, and hardcore caffeine addict.
Marysol crosses genres in her writing, happily and enthusiastically. To date, she's published 30 steamy, sexy, slinky Contemporary Erotic Romances spread over five different series, including the Amazon and iBooks best selling 'Unseen Enemy', 'Dangerous Curves', and 'Road Devils MC' series. Her books incorporate action and adventure, suspense, military elements, and some surprising plot twists and turns.
Besides her romances, Marysol also writes crisp, clever, Contemporary Literature. It can be dark and provocative at times, and magical realism features heavily in her books. She loves moving between the worlds of magical realism and glorious romance, and she's grateful every day to be able to do both.
If you'd like to stay on top of her news, please visit her official author's website at www.marysoljames.com
Marysol crosses genres in her writing, happily and enthusiastically. To date, she's published 30 steamy, sexy, slinky Contemporary Erotic Romances spread over five different series, including the Amazon and iBooks best selling 'Unseen Enemy', 'Dangerous Curves', and 'Road Devils MC' series. Her books incorporate action and adventure, suspense, military elements, and some surprising plot twists and turns.
Besides her romances, Marysol also writes crisp, clever, Contemporary Literature. It can be dark and provocative at times, and magical realism features heavily in her books. She loves moving between the worlds of magical realism and glorious romance, and she's grateful every day to be able to do both.
If you'd like to stay on top of her news, please visit her official author's website at www.marysoljames.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 18, 2017
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Solid Muscle begins the way for this series to start following the bodyguards at Dallas' security firm. Sully and Cordelia had been undercover together as husband and wife in a previous book, but how close they got scared Sully and once the investigation was over he was backed away from her. Now we get to see these two back together again as fake husband and wife and this time Sully can't run from his feelings.
I found that these characters were very easy to like. They fell into a relationship without any angst or drama and I liked that they had such an easy and unquestionable relationship. As much as people are probably tired of hearing it from me, I do have to mention that there was again more scenes with past characters and their lives that I honestly wanted to just skip.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Solid Muscle begins the way for this series to start following the bodyguards at Dallas' security firm. Sully and Cordelia had been undercover together as husband and wife in a previous book, but how close they got scared Sully and once the investigation was over he was backed away from her. Now we get to see these two back together again as fake husband and wife and this time Sully can't run from his feelings.
I found that these characters were very easy to like. They fell into a relationship without any angst or drama and I liked that they had such an easy and unquestionable relationship. As much as people are probably tired of hearing it from me, I do have to mention that there was again more scenes with past characters and their lives that I honestly wanted to just skip.
April 6, 2015
4.5 stars
Loved this one, more so because for a change we get a totally kickass heroine, who even though had serious problems in her life still took a chance on Hunter and even when he pushed her away she kept on keeping on. Cordelia is just the bizz and by far the best heroine MJ has written. Hunter got on my wick a bit with the old push and pull but once he pulled his head out of his ass he won me over, once we got he back story I knew where he was coming from.
MJ gave us another good suspense plot, and it was bloody awesome to see the girl get the baddie, even though she was shot. Yep, Cordelia is a total badass heroine.
One last thing, MJ gave Cordelia and Hunter their HEA, instead of the usual HFN's. Loved this.
Loved this one, more so because for a change we get a totally kickass heroine, who even though had serious problems in her life still took a chance on Hunter and even when he pushed her away she kept on keeping on. Cordelia is just the bizz and by far the best heroine MJ has written. Hunter got on my wick a bit with the old push and pull but once he pulled his head out of his ass he won me over, once we got he back story I knew where he was coming from.
MJ gave us another good suspense plot, and it was bloody awesome to see the girl get the baddie, even though she was shot. Yep, Cordelia is a total badass heroine.
One last thing, MJ gave Cordelia and Hunter their HEA, instead of the usual HFN's. Loved this.
April 5, 2015
Thank God for strong women, is all I have to say. They can (and do) save the world. Cordelia's the kind of woman I want to go for drinks with. Loved her and Sully together, loved teh story and I loved the sexy times. So. Hot.
October 5, 2015
4.5 SULLY-ACIOUS STARS!
Loved this series, fast paced, romantic, suspense filled, sexy, short stories. Cordielia and Sully's turbulent relationship gets told and its a good one.
Loved this series, fast paced, romantic, suspense filled, sexy, short stories. Cordielia and Sully's turbulent relationship gets told and its a good one.
July 12, 2015
4.5 stars. I really liked Cordelia when she was a supporting character in a previous book in this series. She's moved up in her job from clerical to working active cases. She has a natural gift of reading people's body language and interpreting their (real) thoughts. She's good at catching lies, faking, etc. Sully and Cordelia worked on a case in a previous book. (book 4) to catch a bad guy. The outcome of that gets revealed in this book. All of the previous characters show up in supporting roles in Solid Muscle.
Solid muscle is, I guess, named for Hunter Sullivan (Sully). A big hunky good looking stoic man. Cordelia is very patient with him. She knows that there's a reason why he's holding back his feelings. Cordelia's has had a rough time herself: The terrible cruel ex and her ill son. Cordelia's ex is entirely out of the picture in this book.
She's been working hard to provide for her son and also working at the same security agency as Sully.
Sully and Cordelia are assigned to a case that is very different than the normal observe and support role.
I loved their chemistry and their feeling came out gradually and then --wow. The build up was terrific. I loved how and when they said those magic words. All of their relationship was building while they were on their case.
There were a couple of misplaced words and I had some nagging questions:
Where did they get all that money for the case that they were working?
and
Cordelia's son's diagnosis was very serious and from first hand experience, I know that a mom wouldn't be able to have long absences out of town and the medical treatment and surgery can't wait like it did in this story.
Cordelia's son Sean wasn't in the story very much. The main focus was on Sully and Cordelia.
Great ending and it including updates on several characters: Liv & Dallas, Emma & Dean, Beth(Kat) & Jim, Jenny & Chris...
and OMG, Selena had a scene (a very short chapter) that teases Book 6 Solid Steel I didn't see THAT coming! I'm going be reading book 6 too!
Solid muscle is, I guess, named for Hunter Sullivan (Sully). A big hunky good looking stoic man. Cordelia is very patient with him. She knows that there's a reason why he's holding back his feelings. Cordelia's has had a rough time herself: The terrible cruel ex and her ill son. Cordelia's ex is entirely out of the picture in this book.
She's been working hard to provide for her son and also working at the same security agency as Sully.
Sully and Cordelia are assigned to a case that is very different than the normal observe and support role.
I loved their chemistry and their feeling came out gradually and then --wow. The build up was terrific. I loved how and when they said those magic words. All of their relationship was building while they were on their case.
There were a couple of misplaced words and I had some nagging questions:
Where did they get all that money for the case that they were working?
and
Cordelia's son's diagnosis was very serious and from first hand experience, I know that a mom wouldn't be able to have long absences out of town and the medical treatment and surgery can't wait like it did in this story.
Cordelia's son Sean wasn't in the story very much. The main focus was on Sully and Cordelia.
Great ending and it including updates on several characters: Liv & Dallas, Emma & Dean, Beth(Kat) & Jim, Jenny & Chris...
and OMG, Selena had a scene (a very short chapter) that teases Book 6 Solid Steel I didn't see THAT coming! I'm going be reading book 6 too!
October 8, 2015
Not bad really but something was missing. Cordelia was nice, mature and capable. Hunter was sexy and adored her. But....it was just kind of flat.
The author clearly states that these stories are connected and you need to read them in order but then she gives all the backstory anyway.
Everyone is nice and likable and (yawn) zzzzz......
Even the love scenes felt flat although all the dirty talk and description was there, I just wasn't feeling it.
I have to admit, it stretched credibility that the mother of a child with a brain tumor (even though he was doing well) would go off on two undercover assignments and be gone for a week or two . Everything was just too pat about the story and I was feeling like I wanted it to end. I guess I'm just running out of gas with this series. I'm going to read the next one and I think it's the last .
So, go for it if you've read and enjoyed up to this point especially if you got it free or cheap.
The author clearly states that these stories are connected and you need to read them in order but then she gives all the backstory anyway.
Everyone is nice and likable and (yawn) zzzzz......
Even the love scenes felt flat although all the dirty talk and description was there, I just wasn't feeling it.
I have to admit, it stretched credibility that the mother of a child with a brain tumor (even though he was doing well) would go off on two undercover assignments and be gone for a week or two . Everything was just too pat about the story and I was feeling like I wanted it to end. I guess I'm just running out of gas with this series. I'm going to read the next one and I think it's the last .
So, go for it if you've read and enjoyed up to this point especially if you got it free or cheap.
October 18, 2015
Good story. I wished the author would have elaborated on a few things. I was also curious how she could travel as frequent as she did with a child at home that have a brain tumor. Hunter's story broke my heart. I am glad he found someone to love.
November 30, 2015
babynapping ring....undercover agents..vengeful criminals seeking revenge...
October 10, 2016
I wanted and was expecting more..
It felt lacking in the end.
It felt lacking in the end.
April 10, 2019
i quite enjoyed the first few in this series and the last one made me curious about this one. it was fine, nothing amazing, maybe i read them all too quick and kind of burned out. i enjoyed it, but nothing really stood out. i would read more from this author but i am not 100% i will continue this particular series. i don't know. undecided. she does a great job of making you curious about the next book so i probably will :)
August 17, 2015
Very entertaining
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the last one in this series. It's probably the only book from this series I REALLY wish was longer. Besides the great suspense, I thought it was a nice change that it was not a "sure thing" the H and h were going to be a couple from the beginning of the book, and I thought there was a really nice buildup to the romance. Normally, I would have expected a big grovel from the H due to his actions to the h in the beginning of the book. However, the author did a good job explaining how the h can "read people", and can actually get a true sense of his remorse without him having to say a lot. A couple of reasons I wished it was longer--the "I love you's" came pretty quick, also, she has a son who is very ill--that whole part seemed to get pushed WAY aside. I felt it would have been more important to her character as as a caring mother if this was expanded upon. The only real "issue" I had with this book is something that happens within all these stories, but never bothered me before. We have the characters from the previous books popping up like usual, but it seems very disjointed to me. These new characters were not part of the original 8, and it is almost like a new series should have been started since this couple doesn't seem to belong or be as close with the first group. Also, there is a lead in to the next book (which actually looks very good), but again, feels out of place within this book's plot. These aspects just didn't flow well within the story for me.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the last one in this series. It's probably the only book from this series I REALLY wish was longer. Besides the great suspense, I thought it was a nice change that it was not a "sure thing" the H and h were going to be a couple from the beginning of the book, and I thought there was a really nice buildup to the romance. Normally, I would have expected a big grovel from the H due to his actions to the h in the beginning of the book. However, the author did a good job explaining how the h can "read people", and can actually get a true sense of his remorse without him having to say a lot. A couple of reasons I wished it was longer--the "I love you's" came pretty quick, also, she has a son who is very ill--that whole part seemed to get pushed WAY aside. I felt it would have been more important to her character as as a caring mother if this was expanded upon. The only real "issue" I had with this book is something that happens within all these stories, but never bothered me before. We have the characters from the previous books popping up like usual, but it seems very disjointed to me. These new characters were not part of the original 8, and it is almost like a new series should have been started since this couple doesn't seem to belong or be as close with the first group. Also, there is a lead in to the next book (which actually looks very good), but again, feels out of place within this book's plot. These aspects just didn't flow well within the story for me.
April 3, 2015
Wow. My heart has just been through the wringer.
I liked that this one was much more about the hero's healing and overcoming a troubling backstory. Cordelia has her crap, but she handles it so much better and she actually (gasp) helps the man move on. Not usual in romance novels, to say the least.
I also loved that Hunter and Cordelia got a clear HEA - Marysol's books can sometimes give a HJFN and although you know it's all going to work out, you sometimes have to wait for the next book to really 'see' it. This time? It's right there. Yah!
Finally, I loved catching up with the UE crew and seeing how they're all doing. In a nutshell: well. Really well.
And I have to just add that I loved how Marysol resolved Kat/Beth's issue from the last book. I saw many reviews where people complained that she'd left it dnagling, but I had faith that she'd tie it all up. She did of course - but I see now why she wanted the resolution in Sully's book. It all makes sense now and it makes me so sure that Marysol writes her books with a plan in her head. She drops hints all over the place and she really seems to be in control of her own characters and plots.
I liked that this one was much more about the hero's healing and overcoming a troubling backstory. Cordelia has her crap, but she handles it so much better and she actually (gasp) helps the man move on. Not usual in romance novels, to say the least.
I also loved that Hunter and Cordelia got a clear HEA - Marysol's books can sometimes give a HJFN and although you know it's all going to work out, you sometimes have to wait for the next book to really 'see' it. This time? It's right there. Yah!
Finally, I loved catching up with the UE crew and seeing how they're all doing. In a nutshell: well. Really well.
And I have to just add that I loved how Marysol resolved Kat/Beth's issue from the last book. I saw many reviews where people complained that she'd left it dnagling, but I had faith that she'd tie it all up. She did of course - but I see now why she wanted the resolution in Sully's book. It all makes sense now and it makes me so sure that Marysol writes her books with a plan in her head. She drops hints all over the place and she really seems to be in control of her own characters and plots.
April 5, 2015
Hands-down the most kick-ass heroine yet and none of Marysol's women have been anything close to being a pushover.
But Cordelia is smart as hell, she's raising a great kid, she's strong and sassy and when Hunter reveals himself as damaged and hurting, she steps up. She doesn't sulk ('why doesn't the sexy man want to sleep with me?'), she doesn't make him feel bad or shift blame or use guilt or feminine wiles. No, she just states her case clear and clean and heads off to bed, inviting him to join her if he feels that he can. I mean - I just - she's - my God, she just calls it.
And? She takes care of the bad guy herself. While seriously injured. Ass. Kicking. Woman.
Loved it. Loved Cordelia, loved vulnerable-but-dirty-talking Hunter, loved them together.
But Cordelia is smart as hell, she's raising a great kid, she's strong and sassy and when Hunter reveals himself as damaged and hurting, she steps up. She doesn't sulk ('why doesn't the sexy man want to sleep with me?'), she doesn't make him feel bad or shift blame or use guilt or feminine wiles. No, she just states her case clear and clean and heads off to bed, inviting him to join her if he feels that he can. I mean - I just - she's - my God, she just calls it.
And? She takes care of the bad guy herself. While seriously injured. Ass. Kicking. Woman.
Loved it. Loved Cordelia, loved vulnerable-but-dirty-talking Hunter, loved them together.
April 11, 2016
Ok soooo
I kinda have to repair my review on her last book, yeah the ending felt unfinished, but the finished in the first chapter or 2 on the next book. But I wouldn't consider these books cliff hangers, more like, such as this book it starts at the end of the last book, ends it right, then goes into the next story. I'm not sure I really like that, especially if I were paying for these books. There's no reason these endings can't just end in the book it's suppose to...However, I love the stories and the authors way of writing. These stories have it all, hot alpha, strong women, strong story lines and Hit sex
I kinda have to repair my review on her last book, yeah the ending felt unfinished, but the finished in the first chapter or 2 on the next book. But I wouldn't consider these books cliff hangers, more like, such as this book it starts at the end of the last book, ends it right, then goes into the next story. I'm not sure I really like that, especially if I were paying for these books. There's no reason these endings can't just end in the book it's suppose to...However, I love the stories and the authors way of writing. These stories have it all, hot alpha, strong women, strong story lines and Hit sex
April 20, 2016
This book grabbed me right from the start and stayed with me even after the last word was over. I knew Sully and Cordelia's story was going to be difficult to read after his horrific past and her very difficult present, but then add their current assignment on top of that and well.......you get a very emotionally captivating story. I knew this would be one of my favorites of this series and I absolutely love it! It has suspense, danger, causes lots of emotions, and has twists that you'll never see coming. The characters and storyline are awesome and you'll feel as though you're right beside them through it all.
I definitely recommend this book and this great series!
I definitely recommend this book and this great series!
October 15, 2015
I take back what I said about book4, and now deem this the worst book of the series by far. I think this was a snoozefest. Cordelia had no connection to the other group of characters, which made this very boring, and made me uninterested. Hunter is hot and all, and the few scenes with them undercover were exciting, but without the bond to the rest of the group, it seemed like the author was just trying to find someone else to write about and extend the series. *yawn*
April 17, 2016
This is about Cordelia and Hunter Sullivan. They're put on a horrific undercover case involving child kidnapping. It seemingly takes forever for this case to get underway... and the case comes secondary to the romance here. C and H are hot together; she's a cool chick, smart and kinda badass. And Hunter just has a heart of gold.
Olivia's wedding finally arrives, and we learn the sex of Emma's baby.
There's a nice HEA for C and H.
Olivia's wedding finally arrives, and we learn the sex of Emma's baby.
There's a nice HEA for C and H.
July 23, 2015
Sully and Cordelia were just great! I liked each character individually, which made it even better when they finally got together. While there was a bit of suspense in this book, I felt there could have been more action. I also wasn't crazy about the scenes about the other characters. It made a bit more sense in other books, but in this it just seemed a little forced.
October 21, 2015
5 stars
Well this one is my favourite so far, I really loved Cordelia she was one hell of a heroine, I absolutely loved her. I loved Hunter too and once you find out what happened in his past you fully get why he pulled back from Cordelia. Mind once he was in HE.WAS.IN. I really enjoyed the ending in this one too it was very sweet.
Well this one is my favourite so far, I really loved Cordelia she was one hell of a heroine, I absolutely loved her. I loved Hunter too and once you find out what happened in his past you fully get why he pulled back from Cordelia. Mind once he was in HE.WAS.IN. I really enjoyed the ending in this one too it was very sweet.
March 2, 2016
Oh damn it. the first 4 books in this series were so good. This one fell a little flat for me. I think part of that being we deviated from the original cast of characters that I had come to love. Also, the relationship was just missing something for me. Still a quick, entertaining read if you are looking for something easy.
April 14, 2015
Loved knowing more about all the characters in this series and loved knowing more about cordelia and sully. It seemed a little short in this one and story wrapped up quick but still great writing and chemistry.
April 12, 2015
Consistently good series
Strong likeable flawed characters, good storytelling, romantic, erotic and action-packed. I like that the characters are scarred and come with baggage. It makes the romance richer.
Strong likeable flawed characters, good storytelling, romantic, erotic and action-packed. I like that the characters are scarred and come with baggage. It makes the romance richer.
April 9, 2015
Another great story
Another great couple to read about and see them finally grow together. I have enjoyed reading about all of these couples and that each one is involved with each other one way or another. Can't wait to read the next one.
Another great couple to read about and see them finally grow together. I have enjoyed reading about all of these couples and that each one is involved with each other one way or another. Can't wait to read the next one.
May 3, 2015
I haven't read a book by this author before so that means that this is the first I've read in the series, however, it was easy to read as a stand alone. Loved the chemistry between the characters and the end was so sweet.
March 24, 2016
This a was a sweet, throw in a bit of tension. Loads of the steamy stuff good little read. Nice catch up with the other characters in the series too. Loved Hunter and Cordelia as a couple, sound absolutely gorgeous together, they both brought the light back in each others lives, beautiful.
February 1, 2017
For the first time in reading this series, I cannot give the book 5 stars. It was good and I enjoyed it but the author didn't find a way to connect the two lead characters as she has done in others in this series. The emotional connect just wasn't there for me until the end.
April 3, 2015
3.5 stars
April 12, 2015
I loved this book! I've liked all of them, but this one was really, really good. I can't wait for Selena's book. I think she will have a very interesting story.
May 16, 2015
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews