Loose Ends

Magnolia #1

by Taylor Dawn

Ava Greenwood never dreamed she'd be standing at the bus station in Chicago running away from the counterfeit life she'd thought was perfect. On a whim backed by fear, Ava chooses Biloxi Mississippi. Now, the sweet hairstylist must assume a new identity and hope her old life doesn’t catch up with her.
Luke Daughtry has been sent to track Ava down. He has one mission…find the petite blonde and make sure she doesn’t leave the Magnolia State…alive. Everything changes when sparks fly between the two and Luke has doubts about the job he’s been paid to do.
Follow Ava and Luke as they scorch the south and tie up loose ends, in this sweltering romantic suspense from International Bestselling Author, Taylor Dawn.

Genres: Romance

Paperback

Published February 9, 2016

About the author

International Bestselling Author Taylor Dawn (formerly writing as C.D. Taylor) began writing as an item to check off her bucket list. She resides in the southernmost part of Illinois, right on the mighty Mississippi river. She enjoys the quiet country life with her husband, son and the many farm animals that make up the rest of the family. Deciding that farm life was just a little too mundane, Taylor began writing erotica and fantasy to liven things up, so far so good. Before starting her writing career, Taylor entered the field of cosmetology. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found sitting around a table making people laugh. She has always wanted to be a standup comic. She loves pulling practical jokes, dresses up in a costume every Halloween and believes that dancing is the key to a happy life (even if you aren't a good dancer). She believes that life shouldn't be taken too seriously, we will never get out alive anyway. More than anything, she is a kid at heart, she doesn't believe in bedtimes, eating everything on her plate, or having ice cream only for dessert. Her favorite quote is by Dr. Seuss..."Why fit in, when you were born to stand out."

Reviews

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/2/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Ava Greenwood never dreamed she'd be standing at the bus station in Chicago running away from the counterfeit life she'd thought was perfect. On a whim backed by fear, Ava chooses Biloxi Mississippi. Now, the sweet hairstylist must assume a new identity and hope her old life doesn’t catch up with her.
Luke Daughtry has been sent to track Ava down. He has one mission…find the petite blonde and make sure she doesn’t leave the Magnolia State…alive. Everything changes when sparks fly between the two and Luke has doubts about the job he’s been paid to do.
Follow Ava and Luke as they scorch the south and tie up loose ends, in this sweltering romantic suspense from International Bestselling Author, Taylor Dawn.

[Linda Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me guessing right from the start. When Ava decided to just take a few things and leave everything including her cell phone and go to to bus station you have to wonder why. She is hiding something from someone but you don't really know what or why. Fast forward two years and Ava has a nice little salon in Biloxi Mississippi, a friend named Brandi and a few regular customers . She bought herself a cute little beach house that she has to fix up and she is pretty comfortable in her life. Well one day a man walks in her salon for a haircut and she can't help but be attracted to him.
Luke knows he has a job to do but Ava sparks something in him he has never felt before, her feistiness and her bravery has him rethinking the job he has set out to do. Well Luke can't help himself and he asks her out on a date which turns into a lot more than the date. Luke is torn between what he has to do and what he wants to do which is to take Ava as far away from all this as he can.
What is the secret that Ava is hiding, and can she tell Luke or even her friend Brandi about it? Luke is torn between the woman he is beginning to love and the job he was hired to do. This book has danger, sex and romance and I would highly recommend it, in fact I am hoping to read more of her writing.

[Codi Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steam Level-Scorching
Romance- HEA
Violence- Medium
Language-Medium

Loose Ends kicks off with Ava on the run from her Mobster Ex-Boyfriend and picks up two years later with her hiding out in Biloxi, Mississippi. When a sexy new contractor walks into her salon, it is lust at first sight, but the way he runs hot or cold makes her think he may have something to hide. As these two fight their feelings for each other, they agree to a no-strings-attached relationship...but as the danger rises and their secrets are revealed, they find the love they've been looking for in each other.

This book had fantastic dialogue, an alpha hero, a sassy heroine and funny supportive characters. If you like steamy, romantic reads with a slice of suspense, then this is a great book to warm up with this winter.

*I received an advanced review copy for an honest review. This book releases Feb. 9th 2016*

[Annamaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Amazing Stars! Ava is rushing around in her hurry to leave and go somewhere new to start over but we are unsure why. Then we fast forward two years and find Ava in Mississippi set up in her own salon, but she is still always looking over her shoulder. One day a new client comes in named Luke and they have an instant attraction towards one another. Luke was sent there to do a job but the more he gets to know Ava the harder it is to do the job. Will Luke do his job and will Ava reveal her secret? This book had me needing to know what will happened next, I was unable to put it down. The author writes a well written story full of suspense, romance, and danger. This is the first book in the Magnolia Series and I am looking forward to the next one! Highly recommend It!

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5

[Karen Shortridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this for my honest review. This book kept me guessing right from the start, Ava is rushing to pack a few things and leave everything including her cell phone and go to a bus station....... you are already on edge wondering why. You are then forwarded two years and Ava has a nice little salon in Biloxi Mississippi, a friend named Brandi and a few regular customers, still closed off and looking over her shoulder. Then Luke walks in to her salon and the banter as well as chemistry starts, Luke knows he has a job to do but Ava sparks something in him he has never felt before, her feistiness and her bravery has him rethinking the job he has set out to do. What is the secret that Ava is hiding and who is Luke working for the bad guys or good guys......This book has danger, sex and romance and I would highly recommend it, I am looking forward to read more.

[Tianna Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are kept guessing all through this book. You know there are many secrets and lies but it takes til near the end before everything becomes clear. I read the action parts with adrenaline pumping through my system, with the sad parts breaking my heart. I'm so glad there wasn't a cliffhanger I'm not sure I could've handled that. Ava and Luke burned up the pages during their sex scenes. There was no doubting their chemistry. When Cole shows up the tension gets kicked up a notch, I can only hope this is a series and he will be the next focus. And Brandi, she was a great supporting character that I wouldn't mind hearing more about. Overall a great book with action and plenty of heat. One favorite quote ""His mouth was pure magic wrapped in sin""

[Renalda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix a mysterious man with a woman who's on the run from something? A page turning book that will have you hanging on until the very last word. This book drew me in and wouldn't let go. Even thought I lost sleep, I really didn't mind because this book was well worth the dark circles under my eyes. Loose Ends has suspense, mystery, romance, intrigue and hot sex that will make you beg for more. Taylor Dawns writing style was the best I've read in a while for an indie author
All I can say is...bring on more books please! I highly recommend this book!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It is an on the edge of your seat, not sure what is going to happen next book. I seriously could not put it down and was constantly saying, "Holy cow" through the whole book. The sweet parts are sweet and the steamy parts are steamy mixed with suspense and intrigue. 5 star read!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a dirty talking alpha and Luke surely did not disappoint. His beard, scruff, no nonsense alpha just turned me on.
Ava is on the run from her previous life. She ends up in Biloxi Mississippi trying to piece together everything and start over a new life. Two years later, she has a salon and thinks that she can finally settle down when in walks Luke daughtry.

Their attraction and chemistry is instantaneous. Ava thinks that Luke is just a regular ole southern guy. Little does she know that Luke has been hired by men from her past to take her out. And so begins the game. Ava has to watch out for her own safety and Luke has a job to see to or rather someone to kill.
Although this book seems to have some elements of suspense, I was not at all surprised by the turn of events. I actually anticipated a lot of the stuffs before it actually happened. I had an inkling that Cole and Luke were FBI. Also I knew ava was running from a past abusive bf. So I figured out a lot of the clues.
I really love the smoldering attraction between Luke and ava. Their sexcapades kept me going. I would have loved a little more secondary characters though. There was only Luke, ava, Cole and brandi throughout this book. No other relatives. I wish there were other characters.
However I really enjoyed it.

[Stacy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I take so long to start reading Taylor’s books!!!! So hot!! And suspense!!

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is new to me. I was drawn into the book from the beginning. Couldn't put it down until i was done. Taylor did an awesome job with creating the characters. The chemistry between Ava and Luke was sizzling and HOT! This is quick, easy, and fast paced story. I can not wait until I can read another book from Taylor Dawn. Love the storyline of this book. It's a MUST READ!! I highly recommend this book. Keep up the awesome work Taylor! I'm looking forward to read the rest of this series.

review by Chantelle

[Stephanie Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SuperNova Sexy Stars

Ava and Luke's story is the first book in the Magnolia Series. Each Book can all be read as a standalone(I read Book3 first and backtracked from there.) Its clear from the beginning that Ava is on the run from something. The author keeps us in suspense as to who/what. Ava is a sweet girl, if a little clueless. She is in danger, but she isn't acting like she is in danger. She's a little flighty, and not just because she is on the run. When she was leaving to start a new life, she didn't have a destination in mind and chance has her picking Biloxi, Mississippi. Luke's town.
Luke Daughtry has a challenge on his hands keeping Ava safe(from herself and him.) I love the descriptions in the book, especially when the two first meet, "Her eyes raked over his physique, her mouth drying up like a Miniature Mojave Desert with each dose of eye-f****** she managed to shell out." Then he opens his mouth. LOL. After this, Ava's thoughts about Luke are violent and hilariously funny.
Luke is a dead sexy and dangerous man, who is in town under false pretenses. He' has a job to do. This story is complex, and the character's are well written; it's easy to feel their emotions. The passion in this book is out of this world hot(SuperNova) and well written. This is true of every book in the series, every single one is a five panty read. Keep several pairs handy or just go commando.
All in all, this is a sexy, suspenseful, fast paced romance that I recommend.
Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by A. BookHooker

[Amy Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a fast-paced, romance that's got some mystery and suspense as well as lots of steamy sex, then look no further than Loose Ends. This was my first book by Taylor Dawn and it definitely won't be my last.

It took awhile for Ava's character to grow on me, and I feel that was because the reader knew she had ran from something, but we weren't informed what it really was until bits and pieces started coming together at the end. Then, after discovering what is was, I was sort of shocked that she'd lived the last two years so carefree and thoughtless. For someone who'd started all over again in a new place and discovering the reason why, she did very little to change herself or to remain low-key. When Luke entered the picture, Ava, in my opinion, should've played harder to get. I think she gave in too easily right off the bat.

As for Luke, he was, hands-down, a hunk. Given the role he had to play, I think he was persistent and knew exactly what buttons to press where Ava was concerned. I wasn't fond of Cole, Luke's so-called cousin, when he was first introduced, and thought even less of him when he got with Ava's friend so quickly. But, by the end, he sort of redeemed himself as all the loose ends were revealed.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and one that I'll definitely recommend.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Taylor Dawn, and I have to say I loved it!

I loved that it kept me guessing the whole way through. I thought at the beginning that I would know exactly how the storyline would go, so I was pleasantly surprised to read so many unexpected twists and turns.

Ava packs and up and runs away from her entire life in Chicago to start over and escape her mobster ex-boyfriend. Luke is sent to track her down with orders to kill her. However, when he lays eyes on the gorgeous woman he’s suppose to take out, he questions his obligations.

Ava is brave, feisty and beautiful. Luke is mysterious, sexy and alpha. The chemistry between the two is off the charts hot.

The author did an amazing job of portraying the emotions to the reader. During the sweet moments, I swooned. During the steamy moments, my breathing picked up a notch. And in the mysterious scenes, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens.

This book has it all, and is one that will be HIGHLY recommended by me!

[Shannon Mcfarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loose Ends is the first book in the Magnolia Series. In this book we meet Ava, who is running from some pretty bad people. Ava settles in Biloxi, Mississippi and thinks that she must may be safe after not feeling chased after two years. While at her job, Ava meets the gruff, yet handsome Luke. Instant attraction. Ava is hesitant to start something with Luke, as she hasn't been with a man for over two years, but something about Luke is just telling her to let her guard down.

However, Luke isn't what he seems. Luke isn't in Biloxi by accident. Luke has been keeping secrets. Really big secrets. Will the attraction between Ava and Luke and the feelings that they have for each other be enough to overcome their pasts?

Loose Ends was a good read that had a bit of a slow dramatic build. The climax of the book was a little less than stellar. However, the build of Ava and Luke's relationship made up for it in spades. All of the characters were great and added a layer of dimension to the whole story. I can't wait to see what the Magnolia Series brings next.

[Confessions_of_a_Serial_Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three years ago Avalyn went on the lam. She packed a handful of belongings and bought a bus ticket to anywhere but Chicago to escape her nefarious ex. Anywhere turned in Biloxi, Mississippi where she started over as Ava the local hairdresser.

Luke is an enigma posing as a contractor when he comes into Ava's shop. After a short time, the two fall into a rather reluctant relationship, but its started off as a ruse. Luke is playing both sides of the fence. The readers spend a good amount of time trying to figure out what exactly Luke is up to. Is he a good guy? Is he a bad guy? Who does he actually work for?

When Ava borrows herself into Luke's heart and finally trusts him with the truth, good or bad he will go to the ends of the earth to keep what he never knew he wanted.

This is my confession: LOOSE ENDS was the first book I have read by Taylor Dawn and I seriously enjoyed it. I look forward for more titles by this author.

[CDBW · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Crazy Ass Stars!!!!!

I enjoyed reading this. It did start out a bit slow for me and left me quite confused at times. As the story progressed, that quickly changed and I was sucked in. I did have a slight problem keeping up with all the convos with Luke and his burner phones. I had to go back and read those parts again a few times to keep track of what he's telling who and when. Once the story unfolds and things slide into place, it all becomes clear.
Luke and his filthy mouth is defo going on my BBF list. Some of the things he says are panty melters.
This is my first Taylor Dawn read and most defo will not be my last. Looking forward to reading more from her.

[Amanda Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Taylor Dawn has created something that I can't put down! It kept you on your toes and guessing throughout the story and had enough heat to singe my eyelashes! TD tells the story of Ava, a young beautician on the run from her past, she steps on a bus to anywhere but here and keeps a pretty low profile until one sultry Luke Daughtry waltzes into her life. Little does she know that he is actually there to keep an eye on her, but, by who?? Well you will have to read to find out. This book took me on turns and actually surprised me with a few twists in the end! A great read and if this is any indication of how the series will be, I can't wait to enjoy the rest!

[Kimberly Vanderbloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I have to say it is official I have a book hangover. This book had me guessing from the start. It is so full of twists and turns that I think I have whiplash. It's writing is flawless and the characters are developed. It was a good change from the fantasy I have been reading lately. It was my type of romance book which has some romance and a ton of suspense. I can't wait to read the rest of the series because I was hooked by page 1. I look forward to reading more from this author because she has yet to disappoint me.

[Sharon Obelenus Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author's books!! This one is action packed and STEAMY!! Someone wants Ava dead, but who will be the one to do the job?

Ava loves Chicago, but after witnessing something she has to disappear and fast!! For 2 years she stays hidden in Biloxi, that is until Luke walks into her salon's door. The chemistry is there immediately.

Luke has a job to do. After finding and meeting Ava, his orders are to keep an eye on her...GLADLY..he would like to keep more than a eye on her!

Both have secrets, but after acting on the attraction, its going to get harder to keep them.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has romance and suspense and keeps you guessing. This book draws you in until the end. The chemistry between Ava and Luke is hot and steamy! Ava leaves changing her identity and is on the run. Luke is sent to find Ava, little did he expect to find this strong sassy woman. Luke is attracted to Ava. Can he finish the job he was sent to do? Taylor did an amazing job and look forward to reading more of her work. This story will not disappoint. Received copy for honest review

[Tifinie Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Taylor Dawn that I have had the pleasure and I mean pleasure of reading. She had me at the prologue. As I progressed through the book in my reading Ms Dawn drew me in further. Not only is this a love story it is also full of suspense. Not knowing until the end who was really the good guy and who was the bad guy kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved this book and highly recommend this read.

[Zeia Jameson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor Dawn's story of Ava and Luke is so twisty that you are going to want to throw something across the room and scream, "shut the front door!". You do not want to miss out on this book! I also have to say that Ms. Dawn made me blush from time to time and that is a hard feat to accomplish. Luke knows what he wants and demands it. There is a lot of steam in these pages. This is a must-read-right-now kind of book! Go get it!

[Epiphany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Taylor Dawn that I have had the pleasure and I mean pleasure of reading. She had me at the prologue. As I progressed through the book in my reading Ms Dawn drew me in further. Not only is this a love story it is also full of suspense. Not knowing until the end who was really the good guy and who was the bad guy kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved this book and highly recommend this read. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Great story I received this book for a honest review I can honestly say I loved it. I dont want to say what this book is about to give it away.But it is a must read . I have rad other books from this reader and all her books great. 5 Stars

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

this book was a mix up of few good scenes and loopholes. It could have been better, maybe the author would improvise with her next in the series. Definitely good writing , so i still completed it. But not good enough to feel.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

This was a new author for me. I enjoyed this book. Lots of detail and full of drama and intrigue. I really didn't suss out the identity of Luke until quite a way into the book. Will definitely read the next book.

[J.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!

Reviewed by Nerdy, Dirty & Flirty. Review to come.

[Elaine Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAMAZING!!!
I couldn't put it down, I left work early for this book because it is that good!!!!! Love the story line, the characters are awesome and OMG Luke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[I.Heart.Romance]

DNF @ 44%

• h does some dumb stuff, says some stupid things
• Uneventful & Boring