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When bodyguard Ryan Harris finds an intruder in his apartment, he’s shocked to realize it’s his former stepsister, Isabel Rodriguez. Naked. In his shower. Estranged from his father, he’s only met Isabel a few times, but he’s seen enough to be distracted and unnerved by how gorgeous she is wet and two feet away from him. And did he mention naked? But Isabel insists her name is Julia. It’s either a con or a case of amnesia. Either way, he can’t lay a hand on his stepsister… or can he? The rules have never stopped him before and they’re not about to now.

Isabel doesn’t know how she got into her stepbrother Ryan’s apartment, or that they’re related. She only knows that she feels safe with him. Not to mention very sexy given the way he looks at her. Determined to be underneath that rock solid body, she can’t seem to keep her clothes on around him, even when he tries to resist. When Ryan gives in to the sexual tension between them, there will be no forgetting this steamy night of passion.

No one knows why she’s lost her memory, but she can ignore the uncomfortable reality when she’s protected by Ryan and his hot-blooded strength. But when her memories come crashing back in, will the waves drown out stepbrother Ryan’s deepening feelings for her?

For fans of hot alpha heroes, bestselling author Erin McCarthy introduces her new series, SOUTH BEACH BODYGUARDS. In a city synonymous with sexy, the hot men of Miami Security will always protect your back with very personal one-on-one attention…

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First published January 5, 2016

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About the author

Erin McCarthy

215 books4,826 followers
USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written over a hundred novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.

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5 stars
147 (19%)
4 stars
178 (23%)
3 stars
263 (34%)
2 stars
112 (14%)
1 star
60 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Gisbelle.
770 reviews255 followers
February 9, 2016
I have read so many of Erin McCarthy books and this one is literally the worst. I couldn't stand the characters, especially Isabel. Even the sluttiest girl ever wouldn't just strip naked every 5 minutes just to make a guy to get nasty with her. Seriously, has she ever heard of self-respect? I so want to kick her in the hooha.

The whole stepbrother thing was a huge turnoff. I know some people like this forbidden love feeling, but wouldn't go all the way to incest because it is just too much, so stepsiblings come into play. I'm sick of that. There are way too to many stepbrother romance lately and I have read a few of them, and still find each one sucks. This one is no exception.

The story made no sense and it didn't get even close to interesting. The entire alter ego thing was ridiculous.

I probably won't read the sequel.

To me personally, this book was a huge disappointment. I'm not even sure I'll read the sequel.
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,612 reviews109 followers
December 19, 2016
HNRY - Not for me.

Heroine takes off clothes within 5 minutes. I hate when the heroine chases the hero. I just did not get the connection.

May work for you, but it did not work for me.

I expected better from Erin McCarthy.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,257 reviews161 followers
December 23, 2016
Ok, it's official: I'm too old for this New Adult stuff. The next time I consider reading one of these, someone please stop me. Even if I go "but this is one of my favorite authors, I used to love her books! Plus, it's free!". I am clearly not the target audience for this and should really learn to avoid these books. If you like your romance angst-ridden, overladen with reflection upon reflection of feelings, glances, and everything else, this is your book. If -like me- however, you are easily annoyed by people who internalize their youthful angst and are easily irritated by both people agonizing over every little single thing, you might not enjoy this very much...

Aside from the angst-ridden, agonizing inner monologues this didn't work for me starting with the premise: The heroine is attacked and found bleeding from a head wound in her own place. Her stepdad ships her off to his son's place so he can keep an eye on her (for those of you worrying about the whole stepsister thing: she was 21 when her mom married his dad, and the marriage was over pretty shortly after; they never lived in the same house or anything). Heroine is unable to remember anything about how she got her concussion, but doesn't really worry (and really, given the stupid stuff she DOES obsess over, this made no sense to me) because the guy she's been crushing on since she met him is taking care of her! Yay... Anyway. So in her disoriented and concussed state. she decides now would be the perfect time to get rid of that pesky virginity and strip naked. When he refuses to have sex with her, the first bout of whining self pity ensues because clearly, he just doesn't want her. I should've stopped reading then and there. But, I figured, this is Erin McCarthy, maybe things get better when they finally get together. True to her style, that was pretty steamy, but not enough to keep me interested.

I finally gave up at around 90% because I just couldn't take any more angst. And now I'm going to re-read one of Erin's older books to remind myself why I used to love her books.
Profile Image for Ambrosia.
512 reviews14 followers
December 18, 2016
Not a fan of books where the h chases the H for the entire book. There isn't enough balance. This H was a real jerk - some of the things he did (or didn't do) were really cold - and yet, there's no groveling or massive display of jealousy. Just the h having to put herself on the line again.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
September 3, 2017
I normally really like this author, but this one didn't work for me. I didn't like Ryan, thought he was an ass. I wasn't sure what to think of Isabel, but thought it odd that she thought she was Julia. How is it that the hospital let her go home when she was in this condition??? It annoyed me how Isabel/Julia was a sexpot, when before she was shy and reserved. It made me wonder if she was playing, taking advantage of the situation to do what she wanted with Ryan. Sadly I didn't care enough to keep reading, in the end this one wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Sharon Mariampillai.
2,266 reviews94 followers
March 30, 2017
This was a good read. The main characters were okay. I thought Ryan was a real jerk sometimes. Also, Isabel kept chasing the hero the whole entire book. It was not that interesting. Also, I thought that the mystery plot was not that important. Hence, it did not keep me that interested. The book dragged a bit and got boring at some parts. The ending was good. Overall, an okay read.
Profile Image for Lyka.
99 reviews6 followers
January 9, 2018
From one unfinished book to another. -_-

I don't know whether to laugh or to be annoyed. That is some kind of First Chapter.

The heroine is ridiculous!!! Having amnesia is not EVEN an excuse. SMH
Profile Image for buzy_reading.
2,658 reviews58 followers
July 24, 2017
Burn was about a bodyguard who worked for his dads security company and was assigned to watch after his stepsister Isabel. It's been eighteen months since they last seen each other, but Ryan remembers how beautiful she was. Ryan remembered Isabel as a young and shy timid young girl.

This was an extremely sexual story with every conversation about sex. The dialogue and characters were one-dimensional. Sex was the only connecting factor for these two being together.

Ryan's character was an uneducated guy, not good looking, tall, and bull headed. He enjoyed women but not the commitment. He met Isabel maybe three times during the duration of his fathers marriage to Kim.
Ryan and Isabel thought they had each other all figured out when the reality was quite different. Having only interacted with each other three times I'm not sure how these two managed to judge the other based upon the few words they shared.
They seemed juvenile in their inexperience at creating a relationship.
Isabel's character was a whiny baby getting pissed off when Ryan refused to have sex with her. She worried about unnecessary things.

The story took place in Miami, Florida where Latinas walked along the beach half naked and spoke Spanish. Men like his father Mickey dealt with drugs, weapons, and strip clubs.
Ryan was the alpha-male with bulging muscles and an ugly mug. Isabel was the shy, timid, and innocent girl with an inner sexy beast waiting to be let loose. Both characters wanted Isabel protected. Ryan could protect her and Isabel wanted his protection.
These alpha male story's are mostly about inflating the ego of both characters who were at first insecure about their feelings. Then the push and pull begins and feelings get announced, but restrictions get placed. Then the begging begins and before you know it they are crossing the invisible line.
True Believer series will always be my favorite books by Erin. I'm not a fan of these alpha male stories. They lack the emotional connection I crave. Burn was a short easy read between a bodyguard and his stepsister.
Profile Image for Kathy Davie.
4,876 reviews738 followers
February 10, 2017
First in the South Beach Bodyguards romance series and revolving around the bodyguards of Miami Security. The couple focus is on Isabel Rodriguez and Ryan Harris.

My Take
It's the trope of both characters attracted to each other, but neither knowing it. Each, of course, has their own reasons for believing it cannot be…he doesn't deserve her…she's not good enoughYadda, yadda, yadda. with a lot of whining on both sides.

Burn is using first-person dual point-of-view, which was fine. It didn't make it any more believable. The chatter is all about the attraction with almost nothing about the reason why Isabel ended up at Ryan's. The trouble she's in. And the "trouble" is just stupid.

In a weird way, I was getting tons of mixed signals. Supposedly Isabel has amnesia, but its not very obvious after the initial start. Supposedly she's a virgin, but Isabel sure ain't actin' like one. McCarthy doesn't work this at all. It's more as if this was one of McCarthy's early books, before she got the hang of writing. We learn almost nothing about the "supporting" characters.

In fact, I thought I was in high school with this. It's all tell, tell, tell…full of tropes, no depth, no character development, no real drama or tension. Just…just…just don't go there. Do not pass GO. Do not pick up Burn. It's a waste of time.

The Story
When bodyguard Ryan Harris finds an intruder in his apartment, he’s shocked to realize it’s his former stepsister, Isabel Rodriguez. Naked. In his shower. Estranged from his father, he’s only met Isabel a few times, but he’s seen enough to be distracted and unnerved by how gorgeous she is…wet and two feet away from him. And did he mention naked?

But Isabel insists her name is Julia. It’s either a con or a case of amnesia. Either way, he can’t lay a hand on his stepsister… or can he? The rules have never stopped him before, and they’re not about to now.

The Characters
Isabel Rodriguez is Ryan's stepsister; the one with amnesia. Julia is her drunk name. Kim is Isabel's mother who had been briefly married to Mickey. Buster is Isabel's white fluffy dog. Brandy is her best friend; her drunk name is Mary Kate .

Ryan Harris is a bodyguard with Miami Security, one of his dad's less shady companies. Mickey Harris is his wealthy father.

Wester, Jax, Kellen, and Alejandro are more bodyguards employed with Miami Security and friends with Ryan. Romeo was Kellen's cousin.

Juan Carlos is Isabel's current boyfriend.

Katie is either Ryan's first or he was her first. I can't tell.

The Cover and Title
The cover is a black-and-white photograph of a naked Ryan lying on top of a black-bra-clad Isabel, kissing. The author's name is in blocky black at the top with the title at the bottom in a vivid purple, parts of various letters charging off.

The title is what Ryan and Isabel do, Burn in silence. Gawd, I wish…
Profile Image for Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads).
710 reviews200 followers
March 23, 2017
At A Glance
Just barely tolerable.
The Good
I gotta admit, Isabel randomly ending up naked at Ryan's, her stepbrother (they barely even know each other so it's not icky or anything), apartment was interesting at first. I mean, it's fun, flirty, and scandalous! Isabel was a lot more fun as Julia, her drunk/amnesia persona. No inhibition and hilariously forward. Reading about Ryan's struggle not to pound her on every surface was a riot.

The author had me reading until the end to see how Isabel ended up with amnesia. I like a good mystery.
The Bad
The whole premise of the book just wasn't good enough for me. It all felt surface. The reason Isabel ended up at Ryan's apartment was just fucking stupid!

The pacing was slow for the most part. I wanted some real progress.

Isabel chased Ryan the whole time which sucked. It made me feel embarrassed for Isabel and annoyed with Ryan because he was a jerk about the whole thing. Talk about making a girl feel unwanted.

My biggest problem is that there was no depth in Burn. The character's were one dimensional and the world had no realness to it.
The Snuggly
The sex was good. Nothing amazing but hot enough to get my engine rev. :)
Final Thoughts
I love Erin McCarthy but this is her worst work. I only finished this book because I was genuinely interested to see the mystery unravel. But the rest was pretty bad. Not recommended.

Quotes
“I knew that by this time tomorrow, I was going to be eternally grateful for falling down the stairs and knocking myself unconscious. Smartest dumbest thing I'd ever done.”  


 This review was originally posted on Bad Bird Reads
Profile Image for evilqueen21.
326 reviews35 followers
January 29, 2016
Burn the first in the new South Beach Bodyguard series by Erin McCarthy opens up with quite the hook- Ryan comes home from work and to an intruder in his home- his step-sister, Isabel fully NEKKID taking a shower! To reassure those weary on the typical step-sibling trope. This is NOT the case with Burn. Ryan & Isabel did not grow up together, they have only met briefly prior to the happenings in the book and both of their parents (who are on the somewhat shady side) were married & separated in a quick fiasco they threw upon their unsuspecting children. With that being cleared up Burn's opening was fully entertaining and quickly grabbed my attention hence the great hook! The rest of the story delivers an easy, yet somewhat slow-paced but fun read of smoking hot Ryan stepping up to unravel the mystery surrounding Isabel's amnesia- was it from a fall down the stairs or was it a planned attack? Ryan is determined to learn the truth and keep Isabel safe. In turn having a smexy alpha male going all possessive & protective on you how can one blame Isabel when lust & want ensues?! Erin delightfully carries the reader along in the slow build-up of their relationship and introducing easily like-able side characters along the way to set up for future books to come. All in all I enjoyed Burn and am looking forward to the next in line!



*I received an ARC of BURN in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Trayce.
39 reviews
January 28, 2016
Wow! What a way to start a new series. Erin McCarthy never disappoints!! Filled with romance, intrigue, and loads of sexy hawt alpha, how could you go wrong?? Burn is the first book in the new SOUTH BEACH BODYGUARDS series and I can't wait to see what happens next!! The book can be read as a stand-alone, but where's the fun in that?? Just think of all those yummy bodyguards to come . . .

Although other's have already mention the step-sibling issue, I'd like to reiterate: Ryan and Isabel's parents were married for a Hollywood minute (totally stole that from another reviewer), they never lived under the same roof, and only met a few times before she showed up naked in his shower (and as entrances go that one pretty well tops the list). So this is a non-issue really.

My one complaint: the pacing of the story felt off at times. Though is was still a quick fun read, it seemed a bit sluggish in places then a bit rushed. I know this sometimes happens with the first novel in a series when the author is concerned with world building and setting up for the stories that follow, but I felt the book needed to either be longer or the character's needed less issues LOL.

However, this is still a book I would definitely recommend. Any fan of Erin's previous books is sure to enjoy this one as well.
Profile Image for Nikki.
248 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2016
A great start to a new series!! Ryan works for his dad in the security business and if it wasn't for that, Ryan wouldn't even talk to his dad. Ryan comes home from work one day to find his stepsister, Isabel, using his shower, calling herself Julia. Isabel was found unconscious with a head injury and taken to Ryan for protection until Ryan's dad could figure out if she is in danger from some of his less than legal business dealings or not. Isabel has always been quiet and reserved, she has also been nursing a year long crush on Ryan, the knock to the head has helped make her bold and opens Ryan's eyes to look at her in a more sexual manner. Ryan and Isabel try to come to terms with their suddenly changing relationship and deepening feelings for each other while also dealing with the danger that seems to surround Isabel. There was a lot of emotional angst in this book, Ryan is dealing with abandonment issues and the fact that his dad is a jerk and while Isabel is almost too sheltered, she still understood what was going though Ryan's head most the time. I can't wait to see what happens next!!
147 reviews
December 16, 2016
Dumb

The whole premise of this book is dumb, the dialog is dumb. I gave it 2 stars only for the effort the author put into the book. I read a lot, this book is for high schoolers not serious readers. I read until 43% hoping it would get better...it didn't.
Profile Image for Nalla Reads.
462 reviews25 followers
January 30, 2016
*Note: this review was given in exchange for an ARC of "Burn" by Erin McCarthy*

The South Beach bodyguards are here...and Florida has never been hotter! With a perfect blend of innocent Isabel and stoic, sexy Ryan, "Burn" brings a whole new trio to the Erin McCarthy world. Isabel's mysterious attack mixed with her lingering attraction to Ryan read for one adorably steamy read. Can't wait to read Wester's and Alejandro's stories!
Profile Image for Whit.
3,643 reviews51 followers
April 27, 2016
Very disappointing! Isabel is a 21 year old virgin who falls in love with her bodyguard/former step-brother. She also doesn't seem to have a problem taking off her clothes in front of whatever man happens to be in the room or delivering pizza, or whatever. Ryan can't seem to figure out exactly what is going on with her, but he knows love is not in his future. Should he walk away or do the job he was hired to do?
Profile Image for Kim.
701 reviews10 followers
December 14, 2016
I received this book free from Amazon and I am voluntarily writing a review. Not much of a plot to cement this book together about step siblings that are attracted to each other, He works for his fathers security company as a body guard and she is a veterinary student that was attacked and obtained a head injury.
Profile Image for Alexis.
250 reviews68 followers
February 1, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! Erin had me hooked from page one! The characters were amazing and the story line just sucks you in! This is a must read!!
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,006 reviews40 followers
December 14, 2016
Guilty Pleasure

I was in the mood for some sappy romance with a hint of sexual tension and this was exactly that! It was a great easy read.
Profile Image for Jeanie Robinson.
145 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2016
Wasn't my cup of tea, unfortunately I felt no connection towards the characters and found Isabel to be a little annoying!
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,111 reviews28 followers
September 16, 2019
I'm a big fan of Erin McCarthy but not a fan of New-Adult. I won this book in a giveaway that Erin did and I thought "I will give it a chance since it's by a great author"! No, Nope, Nada...won't fall for it again! This book was disappointing and not the normal for Erin.

Ryan Harris, a Bodyguard and once a step-brother to Isabel Rodriguez comes home to find an intruder using his shower. Said intruder is his former step-sister and she's been conked on the head and is using her "bar" name of Julia. Isabel is usually shy and quiet, Julia is the complete opposite and likes to be naked and keeps taking off her clothes in front of Ryan.
Isabel has always had a crush on Ryan and wants him to take her virginity. Ryan has commitment issues since his mother abandoned him. Ryan admittedly is attracted to her but knows he can't lay his hands on her, on the other hand he doesn't want some other dudes hands on her either.
They give into their attraction. He leaves her 15 minutes after the deed is done. She runs home, is attacked and Ryan comes running to the rescue. After some time has passed he decides maybe he can do the relationship thing...
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,956 reviews128 followers
July 6, 2017
Ryan Harris at 24 has never been or wanted to be in a committed relationship.

Isabel Rodriguez at 21 is still waiting for her former stepbrother to notice she has grown up as he is the object of sexual fantasies that have been running riot in her brain.

This is a novella length book so for me it was rather choppy here and there but as Ryan slowly realizes how much he has grown to care for Isabel and she admits to herself that Lust has turned into Love some of the rough edges in the story no longer matter so much.

Not the best book by the author but not a complete disaster either as it has its moments.
Profile Image for Latte.
449 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2017
I really think a 2 is generous. I've read other series by this author. This didn't cut it.

Have you ever heard the right words come out of someone's mouth but you just don't buy it? That's about 2/3 of the beginning of this book. To be honest, I had to put it down. Read 2 other books then decided to try and get thru the rest of this. The characters felt weak and angsty. And there's no real storyline pulling you in.

So... I read it for you so you don't have to.
You're welcome.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2017
My 1st read of this author, and no it will not be the last ... I love Erin's writing style and there were so many moments I spent laughing and wondering why Ryan took so long to get the ball rolling. Isabel either ... but I made the story and good long run. Must read, quick one for me, I love humor ... so many humorous moments. If you have read any books by Erin ... what would you recommend ... please let me know. thx! ( ;
Profile Image for Kim.
2,157 reviews62 followers
July 25, 2017
In all honesty this story felt like it went on forever and it wasn't very long. I also didn't really connect with these characters at all. Ryan has issues stemming from his mother's abandonment and won't get close to anyone. Yet he suddenly loves Isabel after sleeping with her once? And Isabel claims to love him before they even sleep together, though she admits they've spent practically no time together.

This story felt like a case of the magic vagina/ magic penis.
Profile Image for Amber Daniels.
Author 3 books28 followers
June 15, 2018
I liked the book but it was to get into it. It's nothing really wrong with the book and the author did a good job. characters were good and well written. I just think I'm not much of a bodyguard type person. I have read many books by this author and I highly recommend them all. This particular book just wasn't my cup of tea so to speak.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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