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The Donnellys #2
Defensive Heart
Uptown girl, tattooed bad boy. Think you know which one is wild? You’d be wrong.
The Donnellys, Book 2
Greenwich Village is home to successful artist Jimmy Donnelly, and the world is his playground. A broken heart in college left him with zero interest in being tied down. But when he meets a sexy, quick-witted Manhattan attorney, he reconsiders his bad boy ways.
Sonja Martin’s life is filled with work, an ex-husband who refuses to stay gone, and a teenage daughter who won’t follow the rules. Jimmy, with his myriad of tattoos and piercings, looks more like one of her clients than a potential lover. But when every argument between them feels more like foreplay, she can’t seem to stay out of his bed.
The heat burns through whatever defenses Sonja thought she had. And Jimmy finds his every fantasy fulfilled—and exceeded—by a woman whose fire burns as bright as her fiercely guarded vulnerability.
But his case for breaking her out of her self-imposed mold might just be dismissed. And he’ll lose the best thing he’s ever found.
Warning: This book might piss you off. But if I’ve done my job, while you’re busy being pissed off, you’ll also fall in love with the hero and the heroine. May contain: A pompous, misogynistic ex-husband. A rebellious teenager. A ton of sex. Adventurous sex. Make-up sex. Desperate-OMG-GET-YOUR-CLOTHES-OFF sex… Did I mention there’s a lot of sex?
The Donnellys, Book 2
Greenwich Village is home to successful artist Jimmy Donnelly, and the world is his playground. A broken heart in college left him with zero interest in being tied down. But when he meets a sexy, quick-witted Manhattan attorney, he reconsiders his bad boy ways.
Sonja Martin’s life is filled with work, an ex-husband who refuses to stay gone, and a teenage daughter who won’t follow the rules. Jimmy, with his myriad of tattoos and piercings, looks more like one of her clients than a potential lover. But when every argument between them feels more like foreplay, she can’t seem to stay out of his bed.
The heat burns through whatever defenses Sonja thought she had. And Jimmy finds his every fantasy fulfilled—and exceeded—by a woman whose fire burns as bright as her fiercely guarded vulnerability.
But his case for breaking her out of her self-imposed mold might just be dismissed. And he’ll lose the best thing he’s ever found.
Warning: This book might piss you off. But if I’ve done my job, while you’re busy being pissed off, you’ll also fall in love with the hero and the heroine. May contain: A pompous, misogynistic ex-husband. A rebellious teenager. A ton of sex. Adventurous sex. Make-up sex. Desperate-OMG-GET-YOUR-CLOTHES-OFF sex… Did I mention there’s a lot of sex?
322 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
2 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy F. Shaw
20 books753 followersGet in bed (and read) with your favorite redhead!
Dorothy F. Shaw lives in Arizona, where the weather is hot, and the sunsets are always beautiful. She’s a self-proclaimed sex scene snob and is proud of it. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing.
With her ever-open heart, bright red hair, and many colorful tattoos, she truly lives and loves in Technicolor!
Dorothy welcomes emails at: dorothyfshaw@gmail.com
Facebook.com/authordorothyfshaw
Bluesky: @dorothyfshaw.bsky.social
Instagram: AuthorDorothyFShaw
TikTok: @AuthorDorothyFShaw
Sign up for her newsletter: bit.ly/DFSeNews
www.dorothyfshaw.com
Dorothy F. Shaw lives in Arizona, where the weather is hot, and the sunsets are always beautiful. She’s a self-proclaimed sex scene snob and is proud of it. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing.
With her ever-open heart, bright red hair, and many colorful tattoos, she truly lives and loves in Technicolor!
Dorothy welcomes emails at: dorothyfshaw@gmail.com
Facebook.com/authordorothyfshaw
Bluesky: @dorothyfshaw.bsky.social
Instagram: AuthorDorothyFShaw
TikTok: @AuthorDorothyFShaw
Sign up for her newsletter: bit.ly/DFSeNews
www.dorothyfshaw.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 21, 2015
3.5 Fire and ice. stars
Sonja is a forty-one year old divorced power attorney, who lives and breaths her work and her temperamental fifteen year old daughter. She's written off men, especially since the last man she ever let in her bed still thinks he owns every piece of her life... too bad for her she can't easily write him off, seeing as he is the father of her child. But that all changed when a man with bedroom eyes, dimples and a wicked smile threatened to make her panties drop ... of course she would never admit to it, putting her best "bitch" forward, she's determined to push him away not reel him in.
James was a little put off by the ice queen role, but as soon as he got a glimpse of the fire that burned beneath he knew he would do whatever it took to get her. So what if he is eleven years her junior, age is nothing but a number and Sonja's sexy stern demeanor sets him off something fierce. Successful in his life, he lives his life loud and full of color, he is the complete opposite of her ex, but he is ready to battle out all the excuses she has and more.
James made himself a constant in her life, tempting her at every turn...it's gotten to the point of him being more than a constant distracting temptation, one she knows if she doesn't control soon; she might go on the attack. For her it was just one night but him it was the start of forever, their chemistry is off the charts surprising each other by giving something that they never knew they needed; the need to control and the need to be controlled.
He became her drug, one she needed and he was more than happy to supply. But when her control slips and her worlds come crashing together will she let him in enough to open her heart or will today be the day when all they have is not enough.
Defensive Heart is an erotic tale of a battle between wanting and needing, giving and receiving. Sonja was fire and ice, the "her" she was with James is the Sonja that I was able to respect, while the Sonja with her ex not so much. I kept going back and forth between liking her and being annoyed with her. There was a scene in the beginning that threatened my desire to continue on, I was so upset, but then I was reminded at how awesome James is and continued on, he was undeniably sweet and sexy, a lethal combination for sure. They were each others second chance at love and a happy life.
Their story was erotically frustrating, which doesn't make much sense but I enjoyed all the goods and but found myself frustrated with the bad. But regardless of that I did find myself enjoying it, it's says a lot when a book gets you to react, to feel like if you scream loud enough it can change the course of the book. I'd recommend this for those who can withstand communication / commitment issues, appreciate a female with a dirty mouth and love a man who can make your filthiest fantasies come to life.
ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
She was his sunshine. Mo chroí. She was his heart.
Sonja is a forty-one year old divorced power attorney, who lives and breaths her work and her temperamental fifteen year old daughter. She's written off men, especially since the last man she ever let in her bed still thinks he owns every piece of her life... too bad for her she can't easily write him off, seeing as he is the father of her child. But that all changed when a man with bedroom eyes, dimples and a wicked smile threatened to make her panties drop ... of course she would never admit to it, putting her best "bitch" forward, she's determined to push him away not reel him in.
“I’m not fighting with you.”
“Yeah, you are. All good, Sonja. It’s our version of foreplay.” He smirked and held out his hand to her.
“You’re twisted.”
“Maybe a little.”
James was a little put off by the ice queen role, but as soon as he got a glimpse of the fire that burned beneath he knew he would do whatever it took to get her. So what if he is eleven years her junior, age is nothing but a number and Sonja's sexy stern demeanor sets him off something fierce. Successful in his life, he lives his life loud and full of color, he is the complete opposite of her ex, but he is ready to battle out all the excuses she has and more.
“I know I’m not what you want, but I can be if you let me try. Will you let me try?”
James made himself a constant in her life, tempting her at every turn...it's gotten to the point of him being more than a constant distracting temptation, one she knows if she doesn't control soon; she might go on the attack. For her it was just one night but him it was the start of forever, their chemistry is off the charts surprising each other by giving something that they never knew they needed; the need to control and the need to be controlled.
“More. Tell me more, mo chroí.”
“I want it now. Give it to me, but nice and slow. I want to feel every inch of your length as you stretch my cunt.”
He became her drug, one she needed and he was more than happy to supply. But when her control slips and her worlds come crashing together will she let him in enough to open her heart or will today be the day when all they have is not enough.
Defensive Heart is an erotic tale of a battle between wanting and needing, giving and receiving. Sonja was fire and ice, the "her" she was with James is the Sonja that I was able to respect, while the Sonja with her ex not so much. I kept going back and forth between liking her and being annoyed with her. There was a scene in the beginning that threatened my desire to continue on, I was so upset, but then I was reminded at how awesome James is and continued on, he was undeniably sweet and sexy, a lethal combination for sure. They were each others second chance at love and a happy life.
Their story was erotically frustrating, which doesn't make much sense but I enjoyed all the goods and but found myself frustrated with the bad. But regardless of that I did find myself enjoying it, it's says a lot when a book gets you to react, to feel like if you scream loud enough it can change the course of the book. I'd recommend this for those who can withstand communication / commitment issues, appreciate a female with a dirty mouth and love a man who can make your filthiest fantasies come to life.
ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
October 12, 2015
I struggled to get past my dislike of the heroine.
***2.5 Stars***
Poor Defensive Heart didn't have much of a chance from the start. If you don't like the characters you're reading about, it's an uphill battle. I just didn't like or understand the heroine Sonja. She is a divorced 41 year old woman with a 15 year old daughter and a job as a defense lawyer. It seems from the start that her daughter plays second fiddle to her career...strike one.
She's at a bar in Vegas and meets James, who is her complete opposite. She's straight and he's tattooed and pierced. She acts judgemental and rude towards him, but he somehow finds that attractive...what the??? He tries to get her to go out with him, but she declines. Before he leaves, he talks her into giving him her business card and plans to try to hook up when they both get home...coincidentally living close by each other.
James leaves the bar with his brother who he came with, but can't get Sonja out of his head (for the half hour they're apart). He tries unsuccessfully to hook up with another chick but sends her on her way when he realises that he's not feeling in the mood...strike two.
Weeks later he eventually tracks her down and talks her into dating him. Still not really understanding why he's so desperate for her. Sure she's pretty, but he's 11 years younger, successful and good looking. He could have anyone.
Sonja's brain fart at 21% was her strike three. I'm not going to give specifics, but it put the final nail in her coffin. Her home situation with Casey her daughter and Thomas her ex, was wrong on so many counts.
The writing was good and the first part kept me entertained and sucked me in. The sex scenes were SMOKING hot between the couple. Unfortunately, I felt that even after they'd fought a million battles to find their happiness...it was just good sex between them. Not an enduring love. I just didn't believe in their HEA.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
***2.5 Stars***
Poor Defensive Heart didn't have much of a chance from the start. If you don't like the characters you're reading about, it's an uphill battle. I just didn't like or understand the heroine Sonja. She is a divorced 41 year old woman with a 15 year old daughter and a job as a defense lawyer. It seems from the start that her daughter plays second fiddle to her career...strike one.
She's at a bar in Vegas and meets James, who is her complete opposite. She's straight and he's tattooed and pierced. She acts judgemental and rude towards him, but he somehow finds that attractive...what the??? He tries to get her to go out with him, but she declines. Before he leaves, he talks her into giving him her business card and plans to try to hook up when they both get home...coincidentally living close by each other.
James leaves the bar with his brother who he came with, but can't get Sonja out of his head (for the half hour they're apart). He tries unsuccessfully to hook up with another chick but sends her on her way when he realises that he's not feeling in the mood...strike two.
Weeks later he eventually tracks her down and talks her into dating him. Still not really understanding why he's so desperate for her. Sure she's pretty, but he's 11 years younger, successful and good looking. He could have anyone.
Sonja's brain fart at 21% was her strike three. I'm not going to give specifics, but it put the final nail in her coffin. Her home situation with Casey her daughter and Thomas her ex, was wrong on so many counts.
The writing was good and the first part kept me entertained and sucked me in. The sex scenes were SMOKING hot between the couple. Unfortunately, I felt that even after they'd fought a million battles to find their happiness...it was just good sex between them. Not an enduring love. I just didn't believe in their HEA.
I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2015
Sonja Martin is a forty-one year old attorney who has a fifteen year old wild and crazy daughter and an ex husband that she just can't get rid of. When she meets James Donnelly at a bar all she can think is how much he isn't her type. He's eleven years her junior, tatted up, and a bit of a free spirit. Completely opposite of her. But maybe it's time the uptight attorney take a walk on the wild side.
I tried really hard but I just couldn't get into this one. Sonja made it hard for me to like her because she was too straight laced and her character seemed stiff and just not enjoyable. The dialogue between her and James felt forced and didn't flow well for me. There was a lot of Sonja's family issues involved in the story also and it just got annoying to deal with and her daughter's drama was frustrating.
I didn't really feel anything towards James' character, he was okay but nothing special. The one plus was that the sex between James and Sonja was off the charts sexy. When they were together it was like they were completely different and i actually liked those parts.
Overall, the story fell short for me but it had a lot of potential. I think I didn't enjoy it just because of my own issues so if you're a fan of an older woman letting her hair down for once and letting loose with a sexy younger guy, then give this book a try.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
I tried really hard but I just couldn't get into this one. Sonja made it hard for me to like her because she was too straight laced and her character seemed stiff and just not enjoyable. The dialogue between her and James felt forced and didn't flow well for me. There was a lot of Sonja's family issues involved in the story also and it just got annoying to deal with and her daughter's drama was frustrating.
I didn't really feel anything towards James' character, he was okay but nothing special. The one plus was that the sex between James and Sonja was off the charts sexy. When they were together it was like they were completely different and i actually liked those parts.
Overall, the story fell short for me but it had a lot of potential. I think I didn't enjoy it just because of my own issues so if you're a fan of an older woman letting her hair down for once and letting loose with a sexy younger guy, then give this book a try.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2015
Ah, Defensive Heart is Jimmy's (James) book and I was quite pleased with it so it gets a 4.5 hot, determined, and loyal stars from me. We meet James and Sonja in the first book. James is Ryan's brother that lives in Manhattan while Sonja is the hot woman James meets at a club in Vegas. The two are very different as far as looks, upbringing, and personalities go but that doesn't stop them from having outrageous chemistry.
James is the tattooed bad boy who makes his living by creating mostly industrial art pieces. He does well for himself and lives in Greenwhich Village. He is clever, down-to-earth, persistent, loyal, tender, and a whole lot of passionate male. He's hot and he's well aware that he's attractive but he isn't obnoxiously cocky. I have loved James since the first meeting in Ryan's story and this story only further magnified that love.
Sonja couldn't be more different than James if she tried. Sonja is uptight, a work-a-haulic, a single mother, and quite a few years older than James. She tends to shut down people and be very standoffish. She struggles to connect with her daughter since her ex-husband is an overly indulgent father with no structure, no rules, and the idea that he still has a place in Sonja's bed.
James and Sonja burn up the sheets, after Sonja finally gives in, but struggle to have a real relationship. Sonja doesn't think she can have a real relationship with James but can't stop from allowing him to own her body and induce multiple orgasms. For much of the book James is the one fighting to have a real chance while Sonja is running away from the possibility and it pissed me the hell off. It was one of those things where you think, "Wow, a guy finally is willing to fight for what he loves and this idiot is running from him, a good guy!" Overall, the story was hot, almost sinful, and moved well while allowing the story and characters to take shape. Who doesn't love three dimensional characters?
James is the tattooed bad boy who makes his living by creating mostly industrial art pieces. He does well for himself and lives in Greenwhich Village. He is clever, down-to-earth, persistent, loyal, tender, and a whole lot of passionate male. He's hot and he's well aware that he's attractive but he isn't obnoxiously cocky. I have loved James since the first meeting in Ryan's story and this story only further magnified that love.
Sonja couldn't be more different than James if she tried. Sonja is uptight, a work-a-haulic, a single mother, and quite a few years older than James. She tends to shut down people and be very standoffish. She struggles to connect with her daughter since her ex-husband is an overly indulgent father with no structure, no rules, and the idea that he still has a place in Sonja's bed.
James and Sonja burn up the sheets, after Sonja finally gives in, but struggle to have a real relationship. Sonja doesn't think she can have a real relationship with James but can't stop from allowing him to own her body and induce multiple orgasms. For much of the book James is the one fighting to have a real chance while Sonja is running away from the possibility and it pissed me the hell off. It was one of those things where you think, "Wow, a guy finally is willing to fight for what he loves and this idiot is running from him, a good guy!" Overall, the story was hot, almost sinful, and moved well while allowing the story and characters to take shape. Who doesn't love three dimensional characters?
February 7, 2016
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Copy received in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 2nd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 2
★Review★
I did not enjoy this one as much as the first book.
Again, as with book one, a lot of back and forth, but here it felt like it was too too much. Given how cold the heroine could be, how much she argued and pushed the hero away, it just felt like he would have given up before getting to the point of being in love and not able to live without her.
The entire situation with her ex, allowing him to stay in her house when he visits, and sleep in her bed....even if they do not actually sleep together just made her seem weak. And we did not really get enough of her history, other than snippets to actually make her understandable. He ex was awful, truly horrible, yet given she spends the entire book pushing James away and arguing with him and telling him no, that she just meekly did as her ex wanted, did not fit with the character of her we had for the majority of the time in the book.
I did like the hero, he was great, but in all honestly, it felt like he was too good for the heroine, and she just hurt him again and again.
And she comes to the realisation, far too late in the book for me, that she has been wrong in pushing him away, so it felt like we got no reward as a reader, to see them happy, after all the angst and arguing and hurt to get to that point.
Also felt a bit cheated out of her actually finally telling her ex where to go.
However I do appreciate that the author can write such different characters and they are not just carbon copies of previous couples in the series. And I will be reading book 3.
Copy received in exchange for an honest review
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 2nd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 2
★Review★
I did not enjoy this one as much as the first book.
Again, as with book one, a lot of back and forth, but here it felt like it was too too much. Given how cold the heroine could be, how much she argued and pushed the hero away, it just felt like he would have given up before getting to the point of being in love and not able to live without her.
The entire situation with her ex, allowing him to stay in her house when he visits, and sleep in her bed....even if they do not actually sleep together just made her seem weak. And we did not really get enough of her history, other than snippets to actually make her understandable. He ex was awful, truly horrible, yet given she spends the entire book pushing James away and arguing with him and telling him no, that she just meekly did as her ex wanted, did not fit with the character of her we had for the majority of the time in the book.
I did like the hero, he was great, but in all honestly, it felt like he was too good for the heroine, and she just hurt him again and again.
And she comes to the realisation, far too late in the book for me, that she has been wrong in pushing him away, so it felt like we got no reward as a reader, to see them happy, after all the angst and arguing and hurt to get to that point.
Also felt a bit cheated out of her actually finally telling her ex where to go.
However I do appreciate that the author can write such different characters and they are not just carbon copies of previous couples in the series. And I will be reading book 3.
August 17, 2015
Oh man, I don't even know where to start with this book. I found this little gem on NetGalley so I requested it. Having never read anything by Dorothy Shaw before, I was not sure what to expect. But hell, when you describe the book as sex, sex and more sex....why wouldn't you request it, right?
This book is about the sexy as hell James (Jimmy) Donnelly and Sonja-the-lawyer. Sonja is a 41 year old, wealthy, Manhattan based attorney who owns her own law firm. James is an artist, who lives in the village. These two meet up in a club in Vegas, flirt (and I loved this scene at the club) but don't hook up....
Once back home, James basically stalks her which I was totally ok with, because, did I mention, he was sexy as hell?
Sonja wants him, but she's too damn hard headed thinking she's too old, they have nothing in common, blah blah blah. But there is no denying the chemistry between these two is OFF.THE.CHARTS!
I mean, holy smokes can Dorothy Shaw write a freaking awesome sex scene....
In the background, Sonja is a divorced mother to a wanna be rebellious 15 year old. The relationship she has with her ex husband, is not normal, and that almost ends what she and James have. Because really, who wants to put up with a woman who tells you you cannot come around when he is in town because not only does he stay at your home, he sleeps in your bed? Thank God she was smart enough to pull her head out of her butt tho, and realize what she wanted and fought for it.
My only complaint is that this book ended. Like, I NEED more James Donnelly!
This book is about the sexy as hell James (Jimmy) Donnelly and Sonja-the-lawyer. Sonja is a 41 year old, wealthy, Manhattan based attorney who owns her own law firm. James is an artist, who lives in the village. These two meet up in a club in Vegas, flirt (and I loved this scene at the club) but don't hook up....
Once back home, James basically stalks her which I was totally ok with, because, did I mention, he was sexy as hell?
Sonja wants him, but she's too damn hard headed thinking she's too old, they have nothing in common, blah blah blah. But there is no denying the chemistry between these two is OFF.THE.CHARTS!
I mean, holy smokes can Dorothy Shaw write a freaking awesome sex scene....
In the background, Sonja is a divorced mother to a wanna be rebellious 15 year old. The relationship she has with her ex husband, is not normal, and that almost ends what she and James have. Because really, who wants to put up with a woman who tells you you cannot come around when he is in town because not only does he stay at your home, he sleeps in your bed? Thank God she was smart enough to pull her head out of her butt tho, and realize what she wanted and fought for it.
My only complaint is that this book ended. Like, I NEED more James Donnelly!
September 6, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for a Wicked Reads~~
I have stopped everything to slope off and read this very addictive story. And as I haven't yet read the first in the series, I know just what I will be doing as soon as I get a chance!
For a whole host of reasons, this book worked for me - and even though I thought that I would get in the pages and slap them both more than a couple of times, I was absolutely hooked. I loved both the lead characters and could understand just where Sonja was in her head, with so many expectations from her upbringing. That she turned so uninhibited was fabulous, and that it scared her, was brilliantly described. James's calmness was amazing - although as one of nine children ... perhaps that is not so unexpected. The story-line works, with threads that run through and tie in well.
I highly recommend this to you - just make sure you stock up and set aside time to indulge!
I have stopped everything to slope off and read this very addictive story. And as I haven't yet read the first in the series, I know just what I will be doing as soon as I get a chance!
For a whole host of reasons, this book worked for me - and even though I thought that I would get in the pages and slap them both more than a couple of times, I was absolutely hooked. I loved both the lead characters and could understand just where Sonja was in her head, with so many expectations from her upbringing. That she turned so uninhibited was fabulous, and that it scared her, was brilliantly described. James's calmness was amazing - although as one of nine children ... perhaps that is not so unexpected. The story-line works, with threads that run through and tie in well.
I highly recommend this to you - just make sure you stock up and set aside time to indulge!
March 21, 2016
As much as I enjoyed Unworthy Heart, I liked Defensive Heart even more. It’s probably the whole “bad boy with a heart of gold” angle, but I loved Jimmy Donnelly. While I didn’t love watching Sonja stomp on his heart over and over, I was able to forgive her because I understood where she was coming from and as the author revealed more and more about Sonja’s past over the course of the book, her behavior made more sense. Fortunately, by the end of the book, I no longer wanted to throttle Sonja’s daughter either – ground her well into adulthood, yes; throttle her, not after she gave her mother the talking to she needed.
This installment overlaps slightly with book one as it shows Ryan and Jimmy’s trip to Vegas, which is where Jimmy meets Sonja. While the two rub each other the wrong way when they first meet, within minutes of pushing one another’s buttons, Jimmy finds himself attracted to Sonja’s frosty demeanor and fiery attitude – her fire and ice. Fortunately for Jimmy, Sonja is not only visiting Vegas at the same time he is, she also lives in New York and not too far from him. When he finally returns to New York and calls her to set up a date, Sonja feels as though too much time has passed and she’s firmly shut the door on her moment of insanity – there’s an 11-year age difference, for goodness sakes! (That’s her assessment, not mine by the way.) So Jimmy sets out to woo her and show her that he’s worth the risk. As one of ten siblings, Jimmy has a rather persistent nature and finally wears her down. He soon learns that getting Sonja to agree to a date is a very minor victory, but he’s determined to show her that there’s more between them than sexual chemistry. And they have some freaking hot sexual chemistry. Good grief! Their dynamic in bed, the piercings, and the dirty talk insured that Sonja wasn’t the only one squirming. But when Jimmy pushes for more, Sonja has to face her real fears and decide where her priorities lay at home and at work.
I really loved watching Jimmy and Sonja together. When Sonja managed to relax and just enjoy her time with Jimmy, they were both sweet and seriously hot together. I loathed the relationship Sonja had with her ex-husband and was really appalled at what she allowed him to do. Even though she didn’t realize it at the time and fought against it until she no longer could, Jimmy coming into her life was exactly what she needed. Jimmy helped her find her way back to herself and gave her the courage to stand up to her ex and call him out for his behavior. I hated that she ended up hurting Jimmy so completely before she stood up to her ex. But I was glad that she recognized that it was up to her to repair their relationship and that she needed to win Jimmy back. I also liked the relationship that Jimmy and Sonja’s daughter developed. Other than Sonja breaking his heart, the only other thing I really didn’t like about the book was the ex-husband – he was a…I don’t have a word I can use to describe him accurately (at least not one I can use in a review). Defensive Heart was an excellent addition to The Donnellys series and I’m looking forward to reading Shattered Heart soon for the next Donnelly sibling’s story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
This installment overlaps slightly with book one as it shows Ryan and Jimmy’s trip to Vegas, which is where Jimmy meets Sonja. While the two rub each other the wrong way when they first meet, within minutes of pushing one another’s buttons, Jimmy finds himself attracted to Sonja’s frosty demeanor and fiery attitude – her fire and ice. Fortunately for Jimmy, Sonja is not only visiting Vegas at the same time he is, she also lives in New York and not too far from him. When he finally returns to New York and calls her to set up a date, Sonja feels as though too much time has passed and she’s firmly shut the door on her moment of insanity – there’s an 11-year age difference, for goodness sakes! (That’s her assessment, not mine by the way.) So Jimmy sets out to woo her and show her that he’s worth the risk. As one of ten siblings, Jimmy has a rather persistent nature and finally wears her down. He soon learns that getting Sonja to agree to a date is a very minor victory, but he’s determined to show her that there’s more between them than sexual chemistry. And they have some freaking hot sexual chemistry. Good grief! Their dynamic in bed, the piercings, and the dirty talk insured that Sonja wasn’t the only one squirming. But when Jimmy pushes for more, Sonja has to face her real fears and decide where her priorities lay at home and at work.
I really loved watching Jimmy and Sonja together. When Sonja managed to relax and just enjoy her time with Jimmy, they were both sweet and seriously hot together. I loathed the relationship Sonja had with her ex-husband and was really appalled at what she allowed him to do. Even though she didn’t realize it at the time and fought against it until she no longer could, Jimmy coming into her life was exactly what she needed. Jimmy helped her find her way back to herself and gave her the courage to stand up to her ex and call him out for his behavior. I hated that she ended up hurting Jimmy so completely before she stood up to her ex. But I was glad that she recognized that it was up to her to repair their relationship and that she needed to win Jimmy back. I also liked the relationship that Jimmy and Sonja’s daughter developed. Other than Sonja breaking his heart, the only other thing I really didn’t like about the book was the ex-husband – he was a…I don’t have a word I can use to describe him accurately (at least not one I can use in a review). Defensive Heart was an excellent addition to The Donnellys series and I’m looking forward to reading Shattered Heart soon for the next Donnelly sibling’s story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
September 26, 2015
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Content: M/F, Oral Sex
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Scorching
Reviewer: Marchelle
Date: September 8, 2015
Ok so after reading the first book in this series, I was seriously hooked on Jimmy and hoping the second book would be his story. Lucky for me, Miss Shaw did not disappoint. This book totally exceeded my expectations (and they were pretty high to begin with).
Jimmy is tattoed, pierced and an artist. He is pretty much the trifecta of a hot, bad boy. The thing is, he’s not really a bad boy. He’s sweet and just plain adorable, but only with Sonja. He enjoys getting her worked up in all the best physical ways, but isn’t afraid to push her emotional buttons as well. She’s cold to him, without really wanting to be. It just makes him work that much harder to crack her ice.
Sonja is a criminal lawyer who works too much. She wants to let Jimmy in but continues to find ways to convince herself it won’t work - he’s too young, he’s too demanding, she’s not looking for a relationship, etc. Her teenage daughter is a handful. Her rebellious nature creates problems between Sonja and her ex-husband, who incidentally is a real piece of work. All of these things, in Sonja’s mind, are reasons she cannot allow Jimmy to be anything more than a bed buddy.
There are so many amazing parts to this story. I love that Jimmy never really gives up on her. No matter how much she pushes him away, he keeps coming back with a new way to break through her wall. He is determined to be a part of her life. I love how he relates to her daughter and quickly becomes someone she feels comfortable and safe with. What woman doesn’t want a guy as sexy as Jimmy who treats her daughter like something precious to be cared for and protected? Major swoon-worthy! Every time Sonja pushed him away, I found myself wanting to yell in frustration.
This book grabbed me and sucked me right in. I stayed up most of the night reading and reluctantly put it down to go to work. Still, I found every chance I could to continue reading it while I was there. While this book stands on its own, if you haven’t read the first book in the series, you should. Ryan’s story was great and there are several glimpses of Jimmy that made me crave more of him. There is no hint in this book of which Donnelly we’ll meet next, but I have no doubt it will be amazing. Until then I will read Jimmy’s story again and try to be patient.
March 30, 2016
Defensive Heart (The Donnellys, #2) by Dorothy F. Shaw follows on from where James & Sonia met in Las Vegas in "Unworthy Heart". Like Ryan & Miaya in the first book, Jimmy & Sonia are very different - actually they're almost diametrically opposed. He's a successful industrial artist living in Greenwich Village, with artfully messy hair, well worn jeans & boots with several tattoos & a hard, muscled body from working - in other words Jimmy, in his prime, is definitely HOT and most of all single, after a rough breakup when he was in college. Even though this was around 12 years ago, he's kept a closed lid on his feelings ever since! Sonia, an attractive 41 year old, is a lawyer with her own firm, (inherited from her father) lives in upscale Manhattan, is beautifully groomed, wears designer clothes & the very best shoes. She always wears her hair up, is divorced with a 15 year old daughter, Casey. Even though she's divorced, whenever he ex-husband comes to the city to see Casey, he stays in the family home (also inherited from Sonia's father) & shares Sonia's bed. Sometimes he shares Sonia, as well. James/Jimmy and Sonia share an amazing chemistry, to such an extent that Sonia likens her need for him to an addiction. When she's with him, alone, she can't help herself & he feels the same. But because they are so different, they spend much of the time bickering, snapping at each other , goading each other - he call it "foreplay." Sonia only wants a casual relationship & works very hard at keeping James out of her life; he's a distraction that she won't allow to interfere with her strictly managed life. But Sonia didn't take into account Jimmy's side of the equation: he wants more & he's determined to succeed;
This book was a harrowing read to the extent that I absolutely loathed Sonia & felt disgusted at the way Sonia behaved towards him. James endured her disregard for his feelings & even when it all came to a head, he was the one who kept on giving. It's true that "the heart wants what the heart wants " but Jimmy suffered for his love of Sonia while she toyed with him, very deliberately. Shaw is a talented writer, no doubt; Sonia is the antithesis of James. Even though I felt so negatively about Sonia, it never occurred to me to stop reading the book. The authors warning at the end of the synopsis is well placed, except while I fell in love with Jimmy there was no way I could feel the same about Sonia so I can only give this story 4 stars. Jimmy was an absolute 10, but Sonia, she just had no redeeming features, in my humble opinion.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
This book was a harrowing read to the extent that I absolutely loathed Sonia & felt disgusted at the way Sonia behaved towards him. James endured her disregard for his feelings & even when it all came to a head, he was the one who kept on giving. It's true that "the heart wants what the heart wants " but Jimmy suffered for his love of Sonia while she toyed with him, very deliberately. Shaw is a talented writer, no doubt; Sonia is the antithesis of James. Even though I felt so negatively about Sonia, it never occurred to me to stop reading the book. The authors warning at the end of the synopsis is well placed, except while I fell in love with Jimmy there was no way I could feel the same about Sonia so I can only give this story 4 stars. Jimmy was an absolute 10, but Sonia, she just had no redeeming features, in my humble opinion.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
September 15, 2015
5 stars
I fell in love with this series from book one. While each book can be read as a standalone, I would strongly suggest you enjoy the whole series as characters from prior books will make an appearance as they did in this one.
Sonja Martin, a successful lawyer, single mother, still dealing with her ex and looking at life thinking being alone might not be such a bad plan. Jimmy Donnelly, younger than Sonja, free spirited, life is on a silver platter and artist wants to find that missing piece in his life and he thinks he has finally found it………Sonja.
There are so many reasons why this relationship won’t work. How can she bring this tattooed younger man into the house to meet her rebellious teenage daughter and let’s not even discuss what will happen when the over bearing, self-righteous ex-husband gets a look at her new life. Jimmy isn’t concerned at all. The sex is HOT, I mean on fire HOT, he knows it won’t be easy but what really is in life? He can see this working, he can see himself as a step dad to her daughter and he has no problem letting the ex-husband know he is an ex for a reason.
So can you see the calamity that is waiting for you to dive in and enjoy? I really found myself emotionally invested with this book. Who hasn’t felt like Sonja when your heart says one thing and your head says another, while society is screaming yet another version of how to live your life. You can’t tell me you haven’t at some point in your life wished you had been confronted with a Jimmy who will offer you his love, protection, kindness and a chance to just be free and live life as you were meant to live. While everything didn’t go as I had hoped in the book, I was pleased with the ending and can say that I enjoyed the time I spent with these characters, even when I was emotionally exhausted from screaming at a few of them on multiple occasions. Grab your copy and buckle up for the ride. Dorothy Shaw doesn’t do anything half way.
I fell in love with this series from book one. While each book can be read as a standalone, I would strongly suggest you enjoy the whole series as characters from prior books will make an appearance as they did in this one.
Sonja Martin, a successful lawyer, single mother, still dealing with her ex and looking at life thinking being alone might not be such a bad plan. Jimmy Donnelly, younger than Sonja, free spirited, life is on a silver platter and artist wants to find that missing piece in his life and he thinks he has finally found it………Sonja.
There are so many reasons why this relationship won’t work. How can she bring this tattooed younger man into the house to meet her rebellious teenage daughter and let’s not even discuss what will happen when the over bearing, self-righteous ex-husband gets a look at her new life. Jimmy isn’t concerned at all. The sex is HOT, I mean on fire HOT, he knows it won’t be easy but what really is in life? He can see this working, he can see himself as a step dad to her daughter and he has no problem letting the ex-husband know he is an ex for a reason.
So can you see the calamity that is waiting for you to dive in and enjoy? I really found myself emotionally invested with this book. Who hasn’t felt like Sonja when your heart says one thing and your head says another, while society is screaming yet another version of how to live your life. You can’t tell me you haven’t at some point in your life wished you had been confronted with a Jimmy who will offer you his love, protection, kindness and a chance to just be free and live life as you were meant to live. While everything didn’t go as I had hoped in the book, I was pleased with the ending and can say that I enjoyed the time I spent with these characters, even when I was emotionally exhausted from screaming at a few of them on multiple occasions. Grab your copy and buckle up for the ride. Dorothy Shaw doesn’t do anything half way.
February 2, 2016
Star Rating: 4.5
Sonja Martin is the definition of workaholic. She’s in her forties and a powerful divorce attorney with a fifteen year old daughter that gives her attitude and a ex-husband that doesn’t seems to take a hike. When she gets a brief encounter with James Donnelly at a bar she can’t help but believe he isn’t her type which makes having a one night stand even better. She’s letting her hair down for once, but she’s about to find out that Jimmy isn’t about to let this firecracker go so easily.
Jimmy Donnelly is as free spirited as you could find, but once he gets a taste of Sonja he can’t seem to let her go. He doesn’t care that she’s old than him and he’s about to prove that age is all but a number. This good boy is about to play dirty for a woman who sets a fire in him.
“Defensive Heart” was a good book, but didn’t pull me in as much as the first story. I didn’t care for Sonja because she seemed to be sweet, then rude the next while comparing Jimmy basically to her ex. Not all men are the same, but for Sonja it seems like she kept some sort of score which bugged me. I understand that she has a difficult job with being a single mother, but I wish that she gave Jimmy the benefit of the doubt.
I really liked Jimmy’s character because even though he seemed carefree he was a strong hero and a man that knew exactly what he wanted. Just because he was fourteen years younger than Sonja doesn’t mean that he didn’t know anything. Not only did he work his way into the leading females heart, but also in mine. I think his brother better move over because I’m finding that I love Jimmy even more. (haha).
Overall the story was well written and the characters (even the Sonja) was relatable.
~Review on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
**ARC for an Honest Review**
Sonja Martin is the definition of workaholic. She’s in her forties and a powerful divorce attorney with a fifteen year old daughter that gives her attitude and a ex-husband that doesn’t seems to take a hike. When she gets a brief encounter with James Donnelly at a bar she can’t help but believe he isn’t her type which makes having a one night stand even better. She’s letting her hair down for once, but she’s about to find out that Jimmy isn’t about to let this firecracker go so easily.
Jimmy Donnelly is as free spirited as you could find, but once he gets a taste of Sonja he can’t seem to let her go. He doesn’t care that she’s old than him and he’s about to prove that age is all but a number. This good boy is about to play dirty for a woman who sets a fire in him.
“Defensive Heart” was a good book, but didn’t pull me in as much as the first story. I didn’t care for Sonja because she seemed to be sweet, then rude the next while comparing Jimmy basically to her ex. Not all men are the same, but for Sonja it seems like she kept some sort of score which bugged me. I understand that she has a difficult job with being a single mother, but I wish that she gave Jimmy the benefit of the doubt.
I really liked Jimmy’s character because even though he seemed carefree he was a strong hero and a man that knew exactly what he wanted. Just because he was fourteen years younger than Sonja doesn’t mean that he didn’t know anything. Not only did he work his way into the leading females heart, but also in mine. I think his brother better move over because I’m finding that I love Jimmy even more. (haha).
Overall the story was well written and the characters (even the Sonja) was relatable.
~Review on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
**ARC for an Honest Review**
June 2, 2016
Defensive Heart by Dorothy Shaw – well let’s have a chat. Overall it is a well written text, and doesn’t have those annoying grammatical typos that seem to be prevalent and get past editing staff these days. There are two protagonists (my English teachers would love me!), and several antagonists (daughter, ex-husband) in the story. Tattooed and sexy 30-something bad-boy meets stickup her aXX 40-something reserved corporate woman. As if that’s not complicated enough there’s her daughter, her ex-husband, and of course her personal baggage that she wears like an impenetrable shroud. Can our delicious bad-boy remove her stick impediment? Well I won’t say, but you’ll enjoy every minute of his attempts to woo her to the “dark side”, and you’ll be frustrated by her inability to broaden her point of view and let LOVE come into her life. Go Team Donnelly!! Ms. Shaw skillfully pulls you into the lives of these fully developed characters; you probably have an example of every one of them in your lives. Of course there’s lot of opportunities for sexual hyperbole, and Ms. Shaw takes those opportunities fully in hand (smirk). I usually read historical or paranormal romance novels so this novel is quite different for me, but it’s an engaging and sometimes frustrating (oh that stick!) novel that I enjoyed reading. Now I need to back track to book number one! Enjoy!
I received my copy of this book from the author for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
I received my copy of this book from the author for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
August 31, 2015
4 star
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Unworthy Heart (The Donnellys, #1)
This is Sonja and Jimmy’s story. Sonja and Jimmy are complete opposites. She is older, an attorney and has a teenage daughter. He is younger, with piercings and tattoos, and could pass for one of her clients. But the chemistry between them is off the charts. The more he pushes her the more she pushes back. Can she really date someone like him? Will it ever work? He is determined to have her even if it means a little stalking on his part. If she can get her ex to go away she might be able to try and develop a relationship with Jimmy. Can Jimmy get her to open her heart to him? Will they be able to overcome the outside issues?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Unworthy Heart (The Donnellys, #1)
This is Sonja and Jimmy’s story. Sonja and Jimmy are complete opposites. She is older, an attorney and has a teenage daughter. He is younger, with piercings and tattoos, and could pass for one of her clients. But the chemistry between them is off the charts. The more he pushes her the more she pushes back. Can she really date someone like him? Will it ever work? He is determined to have her even if it means a little stalking on his part. If she can get her ex to go away she might be able to try and develop a relationship with Jimmy. Can Jimmy get her to open her heart to him? Will they be able to overcome the outside issues?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
December 10, 2016
I appreciate a strong alpha and a guarded woman but the power she gave her deceased father and ex-husband was off putting. The hurdles and road blocks she tossed up had me rolling my eyes and almost skipping ahead (didn't but wanted to). I loved the light bulb moment when mom and daughter figured out the smoke screen wasn't needed. Give this book a whirl if you can stomach her waffling between expectations and happiness.
September 25, 2017
Defensive Heart
Loved James and Sonja story from the fighting forplay, Sonja's mixed up feelings and age difference to the very hot sex scenes and everything in between I couldn't put it down.
Loved James and Sonja story from the fighting forplay, Sonja's mixed up feelings and age difference to the very hot sex scenes and everything in between I couldn't put it down.
September 7, 2015
3.5 Stars. Review can be found at http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-def...
October 3, 2019
You might want to stop at a quarter of the way in. Don’t stop. It does get resolved. The heroine isn’t perfect. But who wants to read about perfect people anyway? This book started out as a 3, dropped to a one, and landed at a 4. Who knew?
February 19, 2023
The female leads got progressively weak in the series. 3.5 stars.
December 3, 2015
Let me begin by reading you the warning that comes within this book:
“This book might piss you off. But if I’ve done my job, while you’re busy being pissed off, you’ll also fall in love with the hero and heroine. May contain: A pompous, misogynistic ex-husband. A rebellious teenager. A ton of sex. Adventurous sex. Make up sex. Desperate- OMG-CLOTHES-OFF-sex. Did I mention there’s a lot of sex?”
After reading this in the beginning, those of you whom like books like this, are all reading licking your lips. Don’t even deny it. Especially those of us, whom know Dorothy Shaw.
And for those who don’t personally know Dorothy, once you read any of her work, let me tell you what. If you haven’t ever learned that when you read her work- that you too will get horny, well than… it’s just too late.
Now, as I read this book, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Jimmy Donnelly all over again. His masculine body all tattooed and pierced, and so built up and sexy. He is your typical bad boy type, the one that everyone sits there and wants and longs for.
Now as for Sonja Martin, she is a Manhattan Attorney with a fifteen year old that is a rebel who just wants to make a name for herself so to speak. Sonja also has this ex-husband that just doesn’t want to stay out of the picture, not that he can- because they have a child together. But he wants to be more of a nuisance than anything.
So Sonja has basically written off men, but when she meets Jimmy, she sees the bad boy in him, and you know how opposites attract?! You see her as the good girl, him as the bad boy. Therefore opposites make for the perfect couple. Now mind you, yeah she wants to resist, but who can resist that for so long? Temptation does win over eventually.
This is a very erotic dreamy story. I love the fact that it touches on commitment issues and the fact that opposites can attract. I also love the fact that there is a teen involved and family issues. Something people need to see and realize, and the that Dorothy wrote everything so on point was excellent. You don’t very often see people putting opposites together, because they think, “Oh this won’t work.”
But it does, and more often, relationships are based on trial and error. And putting exes in here and family issues was also very spot on, for people to see and read real life issues, makes readers want more, and feel more involved.
I truly enjoyed this book, and give it five stars. As usual Dorothy makes you wet, and gives you a real life perspective. Definitely worth the read, and truly enjoyable.
“This book might piss you off. But if I’ve done my job, while you’re busy being pissed off, you’ll also fall in love with the hero and heroine. May contain: A pompous, misogynistic ex-husband. A rebellious teenager. A ton of sex. Adventurous sex. Make up sex. Desperate- OMG-CLOTHES-OFF-sex. Did I mention there’s a lot of sex?”
After reading this in the beginning, those of you whom like books like this, are all reading licking your lips. Don’t even deny it. Especially those of us, whom know Dorothy Shaw.
And for those who don’t personally know Dorothy, once you read any of her work, let me tell you what. If you haven’t ever learned that when you read her work- that you too will get horny, well than… it’s just too late.
Now, as I read this book, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Jimmy Donnelly all over again. His masculine body all tattooed and pierced, and so built up and sexy. He is your typical bad boy type, the one that everyone sits there and wants and longs for.
Now as for Sonja Martin, she is a Manhattan Attorney with a fifteen year old that is a rebel who just wants to make a name for herself so to speak. Sonja also has this ex-husband that just doesn’t want to stay out of the picture, not that he can- because they have a child together. But he wants to be more of a nuisance than anything.
So Sonja has basically written off men, but when she meets Jimmy, she sees the bad boy in him, and you know how opposites attract?! You see her as the good girl, him as the bad boy. Therefore opposites make for the perfect couple. Now mind you, yeah she wants to resist, but who can resist that for so long? Temptation does win over eventually.
This is a very erotic dreamy story. I love the fact that it touches on commitment issues and the fact that opposites can attract. I also love the fact that there is a teen involved and family issues. Something people need to see and realize, and the that Dorothy wrote everything so on point was excellent. You don’t very often see people putting opposites together, because they think, “Oh this won’t work.”
But it does, and more often, relationships are based on trial and error. And putting exes in here and family issues was also very spot on, for people to see and read real life issues, makes readers want more, and feel more involved.
I truly enjoyed this book, and give it five stars. As usual Dorothy makes you wet, and gives you a real life perspective. Definitely worth the read, and truly enjoyable.
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