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R.E.D. Operatives #1
Bourne to Love Emma
Alternate Cover edition for ASIN B016IQREOE
Jason Davies has been out of the SEALs for three years and is busier than ever working for a private security company that takes on missions the government can’t or won’t approve. He’s never been a believer in love at first sight, but that was before he met his new neighbor, Emma. He sets his sights on finding out more about her and discovers that she has a daughter. When a case he’s working overlaps with Emma’s past, his first priority is keeping her and her daughter safe. The more time he spends with them, the more he realizes his heart is already on the line.
Emma Parsons just got out of a marriage that ended…badly. The last thing she’s looking for is a new man, but she starts to wonder if she can just use her sexy neighbor to scratch her proverbial itch. Then her past comes calling and Jason risks everything to protect her and Mia. Emma soon discovers that her heart has been involved for far too long.
Will love truly find a way? What if neither of them is looking for it?
Bourne to Love Emma is a full-length, standalone novel of more than 71k words.
Author note: This book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only.
PPS: MacKenzie K. Paxton believes in true love, fidelity and Happily Ever After and these beliefs are apparent in her novels.
Jason Davies has been out of the SEALs for three years and is busier than ever working for a private security company that takes on missions the government can’t or won’t approve. He’s never been a believer in love at first sight, but that was before he met his new neighbor, Emma. He sets his sights on finding out more about her and discovers that she has a daughter. When a case he’s working overlaps with Emma’s past, his first priority is keeping her and her daughter safe. The more time he spends with them, the more he realizes his heart is already on the line.
Emma Parsons just got out of a marriage that ended…badly. The last thing she’s looking for is a new man, but she starts to wonder if she can just use her sexy neighbor to scratch her proverbial itch. Then her past comes calling and Jason risks everything to protect her and Mia. Emma soon discovers that her heart has been involved for far too long.
Will love truly find a way? What if neither of them is looking for it?
Bourne to Love Emma is a full-length, standalone novel of more than 71k words.
Author note: This book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only.
PPS: MacKenzie K. Paxton believes in true love, fidelity and Happily Ever After and these beliefs are apparent in her novels.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2015
6 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
MacKenzie K. Paxton
2 books24 followersMacKenzie K. Paxton has written stories for two decades but never had the dedication or determination to sit down and finish one until 2015.
The best advice given before settling in to write her first book was "write a book you would love to read." MacKenzie is fascinated with the men and women who protect and serve our country. Throw in some alpha males with protective instincts and the stories will practically write themselves!
The best advice given before settling in to write her first book was "write a book you would love to read." MacKenzie is fascinated with the men and women who protect and serve our country. Throw in some alpha males with protective instincts and the stories will practically write themselves!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 5, 2015
I adored this sweet story. Jason was perfect and I loved how their relationship started and how it grew. So many books out there are all about angst and I just felt this was perfect by not adding relationship angst and just having suspense outside which just strengthened the romance. Very hot scenes and lots of passion. Sweet and heartwarming scenes with big strong sexy Seal and precious little Mia. Jason was all in from early on and I loved it.
I will be stalking this author from here on out.
By far Jason is up there crowned as perfect hero for sure.
After reading this book I was worried about Heather and her seemingly oversexed facade. I was happily proven wrong in the sequel.
I edited this review to say that Heather and John were phenomenal and if you want some romance that keeps you on the edge of the seat in the sexiest way grab both of these books. I'm hooked on this author. #hooked
She's magical at putting romance back in love stories.
I will be stalking this author from here on out.
By far Jason is up there crowned as perfect hero for sure.
After reading this book I was worried about Heather and her seemingly oversexed facade. I was happily proven wrong in the sequel.
I edited this review to say that Heather and John were phenomenal and if you want some romance that keeps you on the edge of the seat in the sexiest way grab both of these books. I'm hooked on this author. #hooked
She's magical at putting romance back in love stories.
May 12, 2016
Book Facts: Bourne to Love Emma
Genre: Contemporary/Suspense Romance
Part of a Series/Installment: Series
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book 1-10:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
My thoughts: Basically this book put some of my favorite elements together. I typically do not like just straight contemporary romance as I feel that I enjoy a book more when outside forces push the couple together or apart. When a book revolves around just the couple usually someone does something stupid and then I go
Jason and Emma meet under one of the funniest Meet Cute scenes I have ever read. Honestly the book had me hooked at this one scene, it stood out, it was original and funny. I love the use of humor and the fact that she is such a mombie she doesn't even realize to be embarrassed.
Jason-
I could just write this whole review on him and be happy with myself. He doesn't want a relationship with a woman with a kid but he couldn't stay away!
Book boyfriend material
Alpha- Check
Hot- Check
Protective- Check
Smart- Check
Loyal- Check
[image error]
OOOK moving on
Emma was a little wishy washy for me. The fact that she didn't believe her ex would hurt her after he already did annoyed me but it wasn't against the grain of truth. Many would think the same thing so it was a personal annoyance. Luckily she had hotness on her doorstep to save her... MMMM Jason................
I need to tell my husband that if he wasn't fake he would be on my list..........
All drool aside. I know it sounds like I only liked the book for the male lead but it was also well written. The suspense portion was good and kept me immersed in the story.
Thank you Ms. Paxton for bringing us such an amazing book on your first time. I loved it and your sense of humor. Please keep it coming.
Overall Rating: 5
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
ReRead: Maybe
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
Genre: Contemporary/Suspense Romance
Part of a Series/Installment: Series
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book 1-10:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
My thoughts: Basically this book put some of my favorite elements together. I typically do not like just straight contemporary romance as I feel that I enjoy a book more when outside forces push the couple together or apart. When a book revolves around just the couple usually someone does something stupid and then I go
Jason and Emma meet under one of the funniest Meet Cute scenes I have ever read. Honestly the book had me hooked at this one scene, it stood out, it was original and funny. I love the use of humor and the fact that she is such a mombie she doesn't even realize to be embarrassed.
Jason-
I could just write this whole review on him and be happy with myself. He doesn't want a relationship with a woman with a kid but he couldn't stay away!
Book boyfriend material
Alpha- Check
Hot- Check
Protective- Check
Smart- Check
Loyal- Check
[image error]
OOOK moving on
Emma was a little wishy washy for me. The fact that she didn't believe her ex would hurt her after he already did annoyed me but it wasn't against the grain of truth. Many would think the same thing so it was a personal annoyance. Luckily she had hotness on her doorstep to save her... MMMM Jason................
I need to tell my husband that if he wasn't fake he would be on my list..........
All drool aside. I know it sounds like I only liked the book for the male lead but it was also well written. The suspense portion was good and kept me immersed in the story.
Thank you Ms. Paxton for bringing us such an amazing book on your first time. I loved it and your sense of humor. Please keep it coming.
Overall Rating: 5
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
ReRead: Maybe
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
November 15, 2015
3.5 stars
I know some of my GR friends will think I am crazy for this rating, but there were just some aspects that kept me from a higher rating.
Overall, this was a sweet (totally safe) book about a single mother falling in love with the guy next door. It was a slow build up (which is not something I prefer), but had a little suspense aspect to it as well.
Jason is a sweet Hero and Emma was pretty good too. Her little girl Mia seemed cute, but I think there were some missed opportunities for cute scenes with her and Jason.
I certainly feel good about recommending this to any of my GR friends looking for a sweet and easy romance. Fairly quick, but not too short.
So why not a higher rating?
There were a couple of things that bugged me, on a nit picking level. But since these feature some specifics about the story I will put a spoiler tag on them.
I know some of my GR friends will think I am crazy for this rating, but there were just some aspects that kept me from a higher rating.
Overall, this was a sweet (totally safe) book about a single mother falling in love with the guy next door. It was a slow build up (which is not something I prefer), but had a little suspense aspect to it as well.
Jason is a sweet Hero and Emma was pretty good too. Her little girl Mia seemed cute, but I think there were some missed opportunities for cute scenes with her and Jason.
I certainly feel good about recommending this to any of my GR friends looking for a sweet and easy romance. Fairly quick, but not too short.
So why not a higher rating?
There were a couple of things that bugged me, on a nit picking level. But since these feature some specifics about the story I will put a spoiler tag on them.
January 11, 2016
4.25 Stars
Review to come...
Review to come...
March 3, 2016
****So...Total stars 4.5 rounded up
Jason 5 AWESOME HERO Stars…
Emma 3 Could have been a little better stars..
Mia 5 Too-cute-for-words 2 Year Old Stars
This turned out to be a pretty good book for a debut novel. Jason was an awesome hero. He was possessive and protective not to mention HOT.
Jason is an ex-Navy SEAL. He works for John at Red-Stone. Emma is a divorced mother who works from home doing technical writing for companies. Mia is Emma’s two year old daughter from her previous marriage to a cheating bastard. Said cheating bastard now blames Emma for losing his job and money. He has set out to get revenge.
Jason and Emma meet when her “pink package” is delivered to Jason’s apartment instead. Jason thinks she is off limits because she has a kid. He quickly decides he is going to pursue her. He can’t get her out of his mind. Definitely instant attraction then it was pretty much insta-love just how I like it.
Emma’s ex, Dan, is trying to get to her. He thinks she is the reason he is in the trouble he is in. I found it totally unbelievable that a man who works in an office could out wit and hide from former military men, but hey, there had to be some drama right?
I definitely connected more with Jason than Emma. I don’t know why but there was just something about her I didn’t care for. She was a wonderful mother but she had moments where I thought “Are you really that naïve or stupid?” She wasn't TSTL in that she didn't intentionally put herself in harms way and she listened to Jason when he told her to do or not to do something. But, she had a hard time believing she was in danger from her ex-husband, that he would do anything to hurt her or Mia.
Jason was total perfection!
Emma’s friend, Heather who was totally obnoxious and loud mouth IMO is the next book. I will read it in hopes she comes across differently and I’m REALLY interested in John!!
Jason 5 AWESOME HERO Stars…
Emma 3 Could have been a little better stars..
Mia 5 Too-cute-for-words 2 Year Old Stars
This turned out to be a pretty good book for a debut novel. Jason was an awesome hero. He was possessive and protective not to mention HOT.
"I mentally thumped my chest and yelled because she is mine and she has been well and thoroughly claimed. Fuckin’ A."
Jason is an ex-Navy SEAL. He works for John at Red-Stone. Emma is a divorced mother who works from home doing technical writing for companies. Mia is Emma’s two year old daughter from her previous marriage to a cheating bastard. Said cheating bastard now blames Emma for losing his job and money. He has set out to get revenge.
Jason and Emma meet when her “pink package” is delivered to Jason’s apartment instead. Jason thinks she is off limits because she has a kid. He quickly decides he is going to pursue her. He can’t get her out of his mind. Definitely instant attraction then it was pretty much insta-love just how I like it.
”Every time was like the first time. The fire of her touch, the sizzle of the lust….”
”She is my happy place, my true North, the love of my life, the keeper of my heart… she IS my home.”
Emma’s ex, Dan, is trying to get to her. He thinks she is the reason he is in the trouble he is in. I found it totally unbelievable that a man who works in an office could out wit and hide from former military men, but hey, there had to be some drama right?
I definitely connected more with Jason than Emma. I don’t know why but there was just something about her I didn’t care for. She was a wonderful mother but she had moments where I thought “Are you really that naïve or stupid?” She wasn't TSTL in that she didn't intentionally put herself in harms way and she listened to Jason when he told her to do or not to do something. But, she had a hard time believing she was in danger from her ex-husband, that he would do anything to hurt her or Mia.
Jason was total perfection!
"I spent so many years in the darkness fighting the darkness itself. The thing is, when it’s so dark, you don’t even realize how dark it really is until there’s light. That’s you, Emma. You walked into my life and shined light into the darkness. The world is so much better in the light and I never want to go back to living in the dark.”
Emma’s friend, Heather who was totally obnoxious and loud mouth IMO is the next book. I will read it in hopes she comes across differently and I’m REALLY interested in John!!
July 19, 2016
I have to say that while this was a good book I still wasn't in love with it.
The story is about divorcee Emma Parsons and her daughter Mia. They live next door to hot guy Jason Davies. They are attracted to each other but Jason is gun shy but gets over that quickly and she is gun shy because of her past divorce. She ends up being in danger from her ex and Jason comes in to keep her safe.
I liked the characters but it was a really slow read for me. I kept putting it down so it didn't keep my full attention. The story wasn't bad either but again something kept me from being fully invested. One thing that felt odd for me was that I really didn't see them spend time truly talking but they feel for each other. I wish they was less about the other case involved and more with the couple. It felt too long at some points for me which made it slower. Also Again, it played into the fact that they I didn't get to really see them get to know each other like I would have preferred. So it left me giving this a 3 but had potential to me more
The story is about divorcee Emma Parsons and her daughter Mia. They live next door to hot guy Jason Davies. They are attracted to each other but Jason is gun shy but gets over that quickly and she is gun shy because of her past divorce. She ends up being in danger from her ex and Jason comes in to keep her safe.
I liked the characters but it was a really slow read for me. I kept putting it down so it didn't keep my full attention. The story wasn't bad either but again something kept me from being fully invested. One thing that felt odd for me was that I really didn't see them spend time truly talking but they feel for each other. I wish they was less about the other case involved and more with the couple. It felt too long at some points for me which made it slower. Also Again, it played into the fact that they I didn't get to really see them get to know each other like I would have preferred. So it left me giving this a 3 but had potential to me more
October 28, 2015
I really liked this book. It was sweet and none of the drama was about the H and h. Jason and Emma are neighbors and once they meet they are both attracted to each other. Their relationship moves quickly, but realistically. Jason was a strong, hunky military man and Emma was a petite single mom. Her daughter Mia was adorable and Jason was very sweet with her. The drama comes from a case Jason is working on and Emma's ex husband going cuckoo. The ex husband stuff was wrapped up nicely and for once we didn't get the typical h kidnapping! It had a great ending- I loved it!
March 3, 2016
3.5
Very sweet single parent romance. It was a bit cheesy at times but the suspense was good and the sex scenes were quick but hot. Loved Jason and his interactions with Mia. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Very sweet single parent romance. It was a bit cheesy at times but the suspense was good and the sex scenes were quick but hot. Loved Jason and his interactions with Mia. I look forward to reading more by this author.
July 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a little above "just ok" for me. I didn't quite understand the jump into the relationship. It seemed as though they were flirting then they were fully invested. I didn't get the development of feelings that I like to have, so I didn't fully get the connection. I have this issue often with suspenseful romances, and it might be because there is often so much other things going on that distract me. I also didn't feel connected to the characters as much as I like. Other than the ex issues, it was a pretty low-drama read.
Storyline: This is Emma and Jason's story. Emma has had a nasty divorce and lives with her 22 month old daughter, and works as a technical writer. She meets Jason when an embarrassing package gets delivered (and opened by accident) to his apartment next door. Jason is a (ex)SEAL and works at the RED Stone security firm in their building. They both feel a strong attraction right away, but both are hesitant to start anything. After some issues with her ex, they end up taking their relationship to the next level. The ex issues don't stop, and there is some major drama that goes down...but they get their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Emma and Jason's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I only skimmed some of the tactical stuff (which I've been doing a lot lately with suspenseful romances). I would probably call this instalove because I didn't fully understand the development of their feelings, and they seemed sudden to me.
H rating: 3 stars. Jason. I appreciated how he took care of Emma and Mia without batting an eye.
h rating: 3 stars. Emma. I appreciated how she was a good mom, and she took the hits from her ex and moved on to doing what she needed to for her daughter.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues necessary.
Heat level: Moderate. They had some sexy times, and some of them were hot while others were meh.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had some good closure with what I would call a HEA ending.
Worth the $?: I got it on my kindle unlimited subscription so definitely -- but I'd still say yes to the $0.99 on Amazon.
Overall Opinion: This was a little above "just ok" for me. I didn't quite understand the jump into the relationship. It seemed as though they were flirting then they were fully invested. I didn't get the development of feelings that I like to have, so I didn't fully get the connection. I have this issue often with suspenseful romances, and it might be because there is often so much other things going on that distract me. I also didn't feel connected to the characters as much as I like. Other than the ex issues, it was a pretty low-drama read.
Storyline: This is Emma and Jason's story. Emma has had a nasty divorce and lives with her 22 month old daughter, and works as a technical writer. She meets Jason when an embarrassing package gets delivered (and opened by accident) to his apartment next door. Jason is a (ex)SEAL and works at the RED Stone security firm in their building. They both feel a strong attraction right away, but both are hesitant to start anything. After some issues with her ex, they end up taking their relationship to the next level. The ex issues don't stop, and there is some major drama that goes down...but they get their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Emma and Jason's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I only skimmed some of the tactical stuff (which I've been doing a lot lately with suspenseful romances). I would probably call this instalove because I didn't fully understand the development of their feelings, and they seemed sudden to me.
H rating: 3 stars. Jason. I appreciated how he took care of Emma and Mia without batting an eye.
h rating: 3 stars. Emma. I appreciated how she was a good mom, and she took the hits from her ex and moved on to doing what she needed to for her daughter.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues necessary.
Heat level: Moderate. They had some sexy times, and some of them were hot while others were meh.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had some good closure with what I would call a HEA ending.
Worth the $?: I got it on my kindle unlimited subscription so definitely -- but I'd still say yes to the $0.99 on Amazon.
October 21, 2015
⭐️⭐️ 4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️
* Possible Spoilers *
♦️BOOK: #1 - Can be read as a standalone. Full length. Kindle loc: 4122
♦️HERO: Jason Davies, 37--Ex-Navy SEAL, now a hacker & operative for RED-Stone security company. He's strong, protective, sweet, sensitive, thoughtful, intelligent. 6'4", broad, muscular with dark hair cut close to his head, gray eyes.
♦️HEROINE: Emma Parsons, 30--Technical writer, single mother to two-year-old daughter, Mia. Recently divorced from her awful, cheating husband. She's a great mother, kind, caring but maybe a little bit naïve and fragile. Short, fit but curvy with dark blonde hair, blue eyes and freckles.
♦️PLOT: Jason & Emma meet when he opens a package accidentally delivered to his apartment containing Emma's new, bright pink vibrator. He soon realizes that they share a common bedroom wall and he can hear her using her new toy. The two run into each other several times and get to know one another. When Emma's crazy ex threatens her and her daughter, Jason and his friends come to the rescue.
♦️REVIEW: A really enjoyable sweet & sexy read with a little bit of humor, action, a great H and a very realistic two-year-old little girl. Looking forward to the next book about Emma's friend & Jason's boss.
♦️EDITING: no major problems found
♦️POV: dual alternating first person
♦️HEAT LEVEL: hot, 4/5 - a few steamy sexy scenes
♦️ENDING: HEA, Epilogue - a few months later, No major Cliffhanger
♦️OTHER STUFF: attempted rape, psycho ex-husband, No OW mentioned, unprotected sex
* Possible Spoilers *
♦️BOOK: #1 - Can be read as a standalone. Full length. Kindle loc: 4122
♦️HERO: Jason Davies, 37--Ex-Navy SEAL, now a hacker & operative for RED-Stone security company. He's strong, protective, sweet, sensitive, thoughtful, intelligent. 6'4", broad, muscular with dark hair cut close to his head, gray eyes.
♦️HEROINE: Emma Parsons, 30--Technical writer, single mother to two-year-old daughter, Mia. Recently divorced from her awful, cheating husband. She's a great mother, kind, caring but maybe a little bit naïve and fragile. Short, fit but curvy with dark blonde hair, blue eyes and freckles.
♦️PLOT: Jason & Emma meet when he opens a package accidentally delivered to his apartment containing Emma's new, bright pink vibrator. He soon realizes that they share a common bedroom wall and he can hear her using her new toy. The two run into each other several times and get to know one another. When Emma's crazy ex threatens her and her daughter, Jason and his friends come to the rescue.
♦️REVIEW: A really enjoyable sweet & sexy read with a little bit of humor, action, a great H and a very realistic two-year-old little girl. Looking forward to the next book about Emma's friend & Jason's boss.
♦️EDITING: no major problems found
♦️POV: dual alternating first person
♦️HEAT LEVEL: hot, 4/5 - a few steamy sexy scenes
♦️ENDING: HEA, Epilogue - a few months later, No major Cliffhanger
♦️OTHER STUFF: attempted rape, psycho ex-husband, No OW mentioned, unprotected sex
November 1, 2015
Over rating: 4 stars
Triggers:
Intimate pasts:
This book was super cute. I love love loved our little toddler. She was so sweet and her scenes were endearing, especially with our hero.
I loved that this book was drama free relationship wise and that our couple was solid.
Why not 5 stars? I really liked it, but didn't absolutely LOVE it. The book didn't have that POP for me, but it was still good and makes my favorites list because of that cute little toddler!!
Triggers:
Intimate pasts:
This book was super cute. I love love loved our little toddler. She was so sweet and her scenes were endearing, especially with our hero.
I loved that this book was drama free relationship wise and that our couple was solid.
Why not 5 stars? I really liked it, but didn't absolutely LOVE it. The book didn't have that POP for me, but it was still good and makes my favorites list because of that cute little toddler!!
October 31, 2015
3.5 RATING
Note: At the time this review was posted, this book was available to borrow through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program.
To see other books available to borrow through Kindle Unlimited or SCRIBD, check out the Subscription Addiction group
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November 3, 2015
Really liked this one! Hero was not a manwhore (a miracle), no OW drama. Her ex is a baddie, but that was about it in the OM drama. Nice light read.
October 30, 2015
I want to preface by saying that this is the author's first book, & that I'm impressed with the quality of writing as such.
Maybe Too Perfect?!?
She's the sugary sweet single mommy that's always doing the right thing & always a little vulnerable and 'girly' without being TSTL. She's a lady on the street and freak in the sheets. She cooks. She cleans. She's smart. She's a great mom.
He's the self-proclaimed bachelor due to his military-militant lifestyle. He's handsome, kind, thoughtful, patient, and honest.He changes diapers. He's a fixer, a doer. Smart. Protective. Yeah, he is basically a Prince Charming wrapped in a big alpha male bow.
Nothing wrong with the above.
But, for me, they are just a little too Ken and Barbie. It's Disney perfect with a fair dose of sweet sex scenes.
Again, great if that's what floats your love boat.
Plot Momentum
The plot is mostly romantic. Again, it's very sweet and very sugary. A lot of readers that like fairytale'esc stories will very much enjoy the romance here.
There's a stalker. It's believable, but a little too simplistic all the way around.
There's also a secondary plot of an mole within the company the mc and supporting male characters work at, and that plot is to be continued in future books: ie it's unresolved in this book.
There's entirely too much cooking, email reading, and mundane day-to-day stuff. It slows the pacing. However, I will say that the author did a good job including the child. I always hate it when there's a toddler in the story... Yet, the kid is miraculously never present lol. All the activities of daily living did get tedious to read through, though.
There are no triangles, cheating, wishy-washy pull and push in the romance, no conflicts that take miles because characters won't communicate, no TSTL moments, etc.. The author manages to avoid all the pitfalls that most newbie romance authors rely so heavily upon to advance, suspend plots. Bravo!
Bottom Line
I can't say anything technically bad about the book. It's fairly well written. The characters are likable. The plot is believable, albeit simplistic enough that it would be impossible for it not to be.
BUT, I PERSONALLY prefer a little more grit and action in a plot and my characters with a few flaws to make them human vs Disney. Even though not my taste, this is still a 3 Star read for readers that do prefer the sugary goo. I'll also say that when/if this author learns to put a little more punch in her plots and a little more grit within her characters, she could easily dish out some best sellers.
Maybe Too Perfect?!?
She's the sugary sweet single mommy that's always doing the right thing & always a little vulnerable and 'girly' without being TSTL. She's a lady on the street and freak in the sheets. She cooks. She cleans. She's smart. She's a great mom.
He's the self-proclaimed bachelor due to his military-militant lifestyle. He's handsome, kind, thoughtful, patient, and honest.He changes diapers. He's a fixer, a doer. Smart. Protective. Yeah, he is basically a Prince Charming wrapped in a big alpha male bow.
Nothing wrong with the above.
But, for me, they are just a little too Ken and Barbie. It's Disney perfect with a fair dose of sweet sex scenes.
Again, great if that's what floats your love boat.
Plot Momentum
The plot is mostly romantic. Again, it's very sweet and very sugary. A lot of readers that like fairytale'esc stories will very much enjoy the romance here.
There's a stalker. It's believable, but a little too simplistic all the way around.
There's also a secondary plot of an mole within the company the mc and supporting male characters work at, and that plot is to be continued in future books: ie it's unresolved in this book.
There's entirely too much cooking, email reading, and mundane day-to-day stuff. It slows the pacing. However, I will say that the author did a good job including the child. I always hate it when there's a toddler in the story... Yet, the kid is miraculously never present lol. All the activities of daily living did get tedious to read through, though.
There are no triangles, cheating, wishy-washy pull and push in the romance, no conflicts that take miles because characters won't communicate, no TSTL moments, etc.. The author manages to avoid all the pitfalls that most newbie romance authors rely so heavily upon to advance, suspend plots. Bravo!
Bottom Line
I can't say anything technically bad about the book. It's fairly well written. The characters are likable. The plot is believable, albeit simplistic enough that it would be impossible for it not to be.
BUT, I PERSONALLY prefer a little more grit and action in a plot and my characters with a few flaws to make them human vs Disney. Even though not my taste, this is still a 3 Star read for readers that do prefer the sugary goo. I'll also say that when/if this author learns to put a little more punch in her plots and a little more grit within her characters, she could easily dish out some best sellers.
January 13, 2016
I'm such a sucker for a story with a hot alpha male falling for a single mom with a baby!!
July 7, 2016
I really liked this book. It was a sweet easy read.
Jason is an ex-Navy seal with an impressive service record and is now working for R.E.D (Recon, Exploit, Destroy). He is also a hacker.
Emma is a technical writer and the single mother of a one year old named Mia. She is divorced from Dan, who is a horrid man.
They are neighbors and they meet in an awkward, but funny situation. After they meet he goes
back to his mission, which is bringing down a drug trafficker with other team members of R.E.D. and she goes back to her at home job and being a mom to Mia.
They think of each other often, (walls are super thin ;).
In their following run ins, you start to see what a sweet guy Jason is. He is hesitant for about a second because of the the little one, but he is so great with Mia. The relationship was kind of Insta-lovey, but I didn't mind it.
Suddenly Emma becomes the mission after something happened at an outing with her best friend Heather. She needs protection and of course Jason steps in.
Truly enjoyed it. No cheating, low angst, steamy sex scenes, no OW drama, there is OM drama, but that is because Dan is such a dirt bag.
Sweet epilogue
Jason is an ex-Navy seal with an impressive service record and is now working for R.E.D (Recon, Exploit, Destroy). He is also a hacker.
Emma is a technical writer and the single mother of a one year old named Mia. She is divorced from Dan, who is a horrid man.
They are neighbors and they meet in an awkward, but funny situation. After they meet he goes
back to his mission, which is bringing down a drug trafficker with other team members of R.E.D. and she goes back to her at home job and being a mom to Mia.
They think of each other often, (walls are super thin ;).
In their following run ins, you start to see what a sweet guy Jason is. He is hesitant for about a second because of the the little one, but he is so great with Mia. The relationship was kind of Insta-lovey, but I didn't mind it.
Suddenly Emma becomes the mission after something happened at an outing with her best friend Heather. She needs protection and of course Jason steps in.
Truly enjoyed it. No cheating, low angst, steamy sex scenes, no OW drama, there is OM drama, but that is because Dan is such a dirt bag.
Sweet epilogue
December 6, 2015
4.5* A really enjoyable story, I was hooked from the very beginning and could of happily read this story in one go and would of done if I hadn't needed to sleep.
The story itself was great to read, and had a real mixture of suspense, intrigue and romance. The main characters Jason (Nicknamed Bourne) and Emma were really likable as were the few other characters who worked for R.E.D and I am looking forward to reading more from this series in the future. Although I must confess to being a little confused that the second story features John and Heather (Who is Bourne's boss and Emma's best friend respectively) and who are very much a couple during this story. However I'm sure it will all make sense once I've finished there story. As for this one I would definitely recommend it to others, especially if you like a hot alpha male hero and a gutsy heroine or just a good romance with a big dose of intrigue and suspense. :-)
The story itself was great to read, and had a real mixture of suspense, intrigue and romance. The main characters Jason (Nicknamed Bourne) and Emma were really likable as were the few other characters who worked for R.E.D and I am looking forward to reading more from this series in the future. Although I must confess to being a little confused that the second story features John and Heather (Who is Bourne's boss and Emma's best friend respectively) and who are very much a couple during this story. However I'm sure it will all make sense once I've finished there story. As for this one I would definitely recommend it to others, especially if you like a hot alpha male hero and a gutsy heroine or just a good romance with a big dose of intrigue and suspense. :-)
February 8, 2016
This book sounded interesting, but it’s written from a 1st person POV, so that’s a minus in my eyes. Furthermore, it is written in present tense, which I don’t enjoy either.
But worst of all: the author often forgets she’s writing in present tense, so it’s a jumble of present and past tense, sometimes even in the same sentence. A horrible mess, which I couldn't finish.
But worst of all: the author often forgets she’s writing in present tense, so it’s a jumble of present and past tense, sometimes even in the same sentence. A horrible mess, which I couldn't finish.
November 1, 2015
This was just ok for me... had a bit of a hard time connecting with Jason and Emma. Didn't really feel the love between them and the writing was ok but I couldn't decide if the author wanted to go with first person present tense or not. Just a bit muddled. But other than that ok story.
April 2, 2018
It was okay
Everything was just okay. The romance was a slow progression. The plot had a slightly different twist to the stalker ex. The characters just didn't click with me. They weren't bad just blah.
Everything was just okay. The romance was a slow progression. The plot had a slightly different twist to the stalker ex. The characters just didn't click with me. They weren't bad just blah.
December 19, 2024
This was cute albeit boring but still good enough to read. Till one of the characters said ‘You can’t shoot people in the streets. This isn’t Baghdad or Qatar’. Excuse me??
June 6, 2016
My Review
FOUR STARS
What worked:
This book had me hooked right from the prologue. I already hated the scumbag of a husband who was asking for a divorce, and already felt a connection to Emma, the protagonist. In Chapter 1 and throughout the book, I was literally laughing out loud at the dialogue between Emma and her friend Heather. In fact, Heather was hilarious, and further on in the book, I thought she was kind of a bad ass. I was also hysterically laughing when Jason Davies was introduced to the story, bringing the "accidentally opened package" to Emma's door and knowing exactly what was in that box and knowing he had seen what was in it.
The overall premise of this story was really interesting to me, and I thought the details about R.E.D. were really intriguing as well. I quite literally could not put this book down and read the entire novel in a single Sunday.
What could use some work:
There were only a couple of things I thought could use some work on this book. The first thing is, it was a little bit distracting how the verb tense continuously changed between present and past tense, within the same paragraphs and even within the same sentences, throughout the book. I know that would be a tedious fix for a 71K word novel, but I think if that was done, this book would be a huge seller.
The other thing is, I would have liked to see something a little more concrete in the transition from the point when Emma and Jason went from being not together yet to suddenly being together. If there was maybe one more scene somewhere in between there to really define, THIS is the moment it changed and this is exactly what happened to push it from the former to the latter, I think it would really set this book apart.
I think if these two things were changed, this book would get a hands-down Five Star Review.
I also look forward to reading the next book, Fighting for Heather.
Synopsis:
Emma Parsons is a single mother of a feisty little two-year old, Mia. The father is no longer in the picture after an unexpected divorce a year prior to the current setting. Emma was able to pick up the pieces like a champ and move on without the selfish bastard who wasn't interested in having kids and made damn sure he didn't even have to support Emma or his child, financially or otherwise.
A year later, in true moving-on fashion, Emma has a new life, new apartment, a hilarious best friend/moral support, and a job that allows her to work from home most of the time to be with little Mia. A new man wasn't high on the priority list, but when the ridiculously hot guy in Apartment 6B comes knocking one day, that all begins to change.
To the outside world, Jason Davies is just an average I.T. guy who works out. A. LOT. In reality, he's been out of the Navy SEALs for three years and now works for a private security company that takes on missions the government can't or won't approve. In his line of work in the military, relationships just didn't work out in the long-term, and that thinking stuck with him until he met Emma.
Just when things start heating up between Jason and Emma, her past comes back to haunt her. Jason and his team at R.E.D. get pulled in to offer protection to Emma and Mia, and Jason won't rest until they are safe, but doing his job proves to be a little more difficult when his heart is involved.
FOUR STARS
What worked:
This book had me hooked right from the prologue. I already hated the scumbag of a husband who was asking for a divorce, and already felt a connection to Emma, the protagonist. In Chapter 1 and throughout the book, I was literally laughing out loud at the dialogue between Emma and her friend Heather. In fact, Heather was hilarious, and further on in the book, I thought she was kind of a bad ass. I was also hysterically laughing when Jason Davies was introduced to the story, bringing the "accidentally opened package" to Emma's door and knowing exactly what was in that box and knowing he had seen what was in it.
The overall premise of this story was really interesting to me, and I thought the details about R.E.D. were really intriguing as well. I quite literally could not put this book down and read the entire novel in a single Sunday.
What could use some work:
There were only a couple of things I thought could use some work on this book. The first thing is, it was a little bit distracting how the verb tense continuously changed between present and past tense, within the same paragraphs and even within the same sentences, throughout the book. I know that would be a tedious fix for a 71K word novel, but I think if that was done, this book would be a huge seller.
The other thing is, I would have liked to see something a little more concrete in the transition from the point when Emma and Jason went from being not together yet to suddenly being together. If there was maybe one more scene somewhere in between there to really define, THIS is the moment it changed and this is exactly what happened to push it from the former to the latter, I think it would really set this book apart.
I think if these two things were changed, this book would get a hands-down Five Star Review.
I also look forward to reading the next book, Fighting for Heather.
Synopsis:
Emma Parsons is a single mother of a feisty little two-year old, Mia. The father is no longer in the picture after an unexpected divorce a year prior to the current setting. Emma was able to pick up the pieces like a champ and move on without the selfish bastard who wasn't interested in having kids and made damn sure he didn't even have to support Emma or his child, financially or otherwise.
A year later, in true moving-on fashion, Emma has a new life, new apartment, a hilarious best friend/moral support, and a job that allows her to work from home most of the time to be with little Mia. A new man wasn't high on the priority list, but when the ridiculously hot guy in Apartment 6B comes knocking one day, that all begins to change.
To the outside world, Jason Davies is just an average I.T. guy who works out. A. LOT. In reality, he's been out of the Navy SEALs for three years and now works for a private security company that takes on missions the government can't or won't approve. In his line of work in the military, relationships just didn't work out in the long-term, and that thinking stuck with him until he met Emma.
Just when things start heating up between Jason and Emma, her past comes back to haunt her. Jason and his team at R.E.D. get pulled in to offer protection to Emma and Mia, and Jason won't rest until they are safe, but doing his job proves to be a little more difficult when his heart is involved.
December 28, 2015
I read a lot of romance books. A lot. And in the past, they have been a little formulaic. Kind of like "romance by numbers". So I try and read books that seem a little different from the run of the mill.
This appeared to me to be one of those books. And, as I read it, I was pleasantly surprised. This story has a decent plot, and a strong female lead. Additionally, there was the hot, ex military guy. All good so far.
The author created characters with a really intense and palpable connection between them, and although I was a little hesitant at the speed of the relationship (particularly given Emma's history), it wasn't so discordant with the tenor of the story as to be unrealistic.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing more from the author.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This appeared to me to be one of those books. And, as I read it, I was pleasantly surprised. This story has a decent plot, and a strong female lead. Additionally, there was the hot, ex military guy. All good so far.
The author created characters with a really intense and palpable connection between them, and although I was a little hesitant at the speed of the relationship (particularly given Emma's history), it wasn't so discordant with the tenor of the story as to be unrealistic.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing more from the author.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2016
My main issue with this book was the writing. The author mixed past tense and present tense. It got confusing and it just irritated my a lot. This is one of the BASICS in writing. Choose your time in which you want to write and then stay in that time. I know it's not always easy, but this has to be one of the minimum standards for writing a book. Or not?
And to tell you the truth, I wasn't really feeling Emma and Jason's relationship. There was no spark, no chemistry. Everything seemed a little bit superficial. And the drama with her Ex? That seemed a little bit far fetched. But that's just my opinion on the book.
And to tell you the truth, I wasn't really feeling Emma and Jason's relationship. There was no spark, no chemistry. Everything seemed a little bit superficial. And the drama with her Ex? That seemed a little bit far fetched. But that's just my opinion on the book.
November 28, 2015
FIVE STARS!
I don't usually take the time to write reviews and I most definitely don't give out 5 star ratings very often. I usually just rate them accordingly on Good Reads! This is the first book by this author and she has definitely found her calling in the Romance genre. Please right more! You will love this book! Try it today!
I don't usually take the time to write reviews and I most definitely don't give out 5 star ratings very often. I usually just rate them accordingly on Good Reads! This is the first book by this author and she has definitely found her calling in the Romance genre. Please right more! You will love this book! Try it today!
November 28, 2015
Great start to a new series.
It's a great debut book for Ms. Paxton. Really good story and characters that draw you in from the beginning and hold you until the end. The hot sex doesn't hurt either.
It's a great debut book for Ms. Paxton. Really good story and characters that draw you in from the beginning and hold you until the end. The hot sex doesn't hurt either.
November 9, 2015
A nice easy read with loveable characters, humour, super sweet romance and plenty of sexytime. I loved it and will be looking out for more.
December 14, 2015
Liked
I liked this story. I really liked the humanity in Jason, his feelings of not being worthy. Thank you I can't wait to start 2.
I liked this story. I really liked the humanity in Jason, his feelings of not being worthy. Thank you I can't wait to start 2.
Read
March 27, 2017DNF 59% It's not horrible, and I love the H. It just isn't enough to keep me going and the h keeps doing the dumbest things.
April 21, 2017
Hmmmp.. Numbness..is what i felt from the whole time reading this. If it weren't for the sweetness of the hero and heroine, cuteness of the baby, likeable characters and the ending, I would rate this lower. I didn't felt the strong pull from this book like it supposed to be full of intense action, adrenaline-rushing and nerve-wrecking scenes but naahh..
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