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Locked & Loaded #1
The Manny
The Locked & Loaded Series is a spinoff of the Amazon Bestselling Sand & Fog Series. Each book is a standalone and can be read in any order.
I never understood when people said someday you would love someone enough to want it all. All? I didn’t even know what they meant by “all.” I’d spent most of my life in the military in the Special Forces and, since taking that career-ending bullet in Kandahar, as personal security for the most famous rock star on the planet.
My life worked for me.
I was living life full-throttle in every man’s dream—in the center of a sexual orgy that spanned the globe, without limits or judgment.
Why would any man want to change that?
But the minute I saw him, it all changed. I knew he was the one for me. The one the term all was invented for.
I never expected to fall so completely for a one-night stand. I thought this kind of love was something I was incapable of feeling, but there was no way to escape my desire for Leland since he was my employer.
I didn’t want a job guarding a child.
I didn’t want to fall in love with her father.
I did both.
I never understood when people said someday you would love someone enough to want it all. All? I didn’t even know what they meant by “all.” I’d spent most of my life in the military in the Special Forces and, since taking that career-ending bullet in Kandahar, as personal security for the most famous rock star on the planet.
My life worked for me.
I was living life full-throttle in every man’s dream—in the center of a sexual orgy that spanned the globe, without limits or judgment.
Why would any man want to change that?
But the minute I saw him, it all changed. I knew he was the one for me. The one the term all was invented for.
I never expected to fall so completely for a one-night stand. I thought this kind of love was something I was incapable of feeling, but there was no way to escape my desire for Leland since he was my employer.
I didn’t want a job guarding a child.
I didn’t want to fall in love with her father.
I did both.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2016
491 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Susan Ward
44 books491 followersAward-Winning author Susan Ward is a #1 bestselling author of Rock Star Romance and New Adult Fiction. Known for complex, gritty, and unpredictable emotional reads, to the delight of her readers she is always expanding her fictional universe.
She likes her romance books to be packed with exciting heroes who keep you guessing, and intelligent, complicated heroines who make them work to get them. Her stories are filled with twists you won't see coming, both laughter and tears, and her Happy Endings are never cookie-cutter, but always deliciously satisfying.
She lives in California with her husband and dog Lady. Her favorite things to do are writing an angsty HEA love story, drinking coffee, eating chocolate, having a good glass of wine, traveling, binge watching TV series once the episodes are fully released, and chatting with her readers.
For future releases, upcoming book signings, or to contact: Http://www.susanwardbooks.com
Or follow on Twitter @susaninlaguna
Or Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanwardboo...
Want to know the reading order of her books: www.susanwardbooks.com/parker-series1...
She likes her romance books to be packed with exciting heroes who keep you guessing, and intelligent, complicated heroines who make them work to get them. Her stories are filled with twists you won't see coming, both laughter and tears, and her Happy Endings are never cookie-cutter, but always deliciously satisfying.
She lives in California with her husband and dog Lady. Her favorite things to do are writing an angsty HEA love story, drinking coffee, eating chocolate, having a good glass of wine, traveling, binge watching TV series once the episodes are fully released, and chatting with her readers.
For future releases, upcoming book signings, or to contact: Http://www.susanwardbooks.com
Or follow on Twitter @susaninlaguna
Or Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanwardboo...
Want to know the reading order of her books: www.susanwardbooks.com/parker-series1...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 15, 2017
I tried with this one, but, wow, this story is on steroids.
The MCs don't meet until the halfway point. Most of the plot has naught to do with the relationship. The writing is choppy and frantic. The ending is "to be continued," not a cliffie per se but unsatisfying nevertheless.
If you're expecting cuteness based on the title, forget about it. Graham is a bodyguard, not a manny (although the manny thing is an ongoing joke). There's no real tenderness here, but Graham does become less of an asshole after he meets Leland.
I found myself skimming entire chapters and almost DNF. I'm putting this one in the Nope, Not for Me category.
The MCs don't meet until the halfway point. Most of the plot has naught to do with the relationship. The writing is choppy and frantic. The ending is "to be continued," not a cliffie per se but unsatisfying nevertheless.
If you're expecting cuteness based on the title, forget about it. Graham is a bodyguard, not a manny (although the manny thing is an ongoing joke). There's no real tenderness here, but Graham does become less of an asshole after he meets Leland.
I found myself skimming entire chapters and almost DNF. I'm putting this one in the Nope, Not for Me category.
July 31, 2018
Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Manny-Locked...
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DNF at 24% because I couldn't take it anymore.
I was so SO bored, and we hadn't even met the REAL love interest, but we HAD met the douche that was what's-his-face... (I literally canot remember his name!)
I made it to 24% and then I checked Daniela's review, saying the MCs won't meet until around 50%! Forget that shit!
I am not interested in reading about what's-his-face's fantastic prowess as a lover with his ex, and all of the guys he cheated on said ex with AND some random dude, that what's-his-face, doesn't even like.
Also that sex lasted from around 18% to 23%, with me skimming most of it. That is WAAAAAY to long for a character that is not the love interest.
I am in a major slump though, so I could be totally off.
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DNF at 24% because I couldn't take it anymore.
I was so SO bored, and we hadn't even met the REAL love interest, but we HAD met the douche that was what's-his-face... (I literally canot remember his name!)
I made it to 24% and then I checked Daniela's review, saying the MCs won't meet until around 50%! Forget that shit!
I am not interested in reading about what's-his-face's fantastic prowess as a lover with his ex, and all of the guys he cheated on said ex with AND some random dude, that what's-his-face, doesn't even like.
Also that sex lasted from around 18% to 23%, with me skimming most of it. That is WAAAAAY to long for a character that is not the love interest.
I am in a major slump though, so I could be totally off.
June 20, 2017
I have no idea how I finished this. Probably cuz I was busy making a list of all the things that made these characters complete and utter ASSHOLES.
May 28, 2016
In The Manny, we get a story that couples an ex-military, now private security man-whore and a very successful single-father who is in need of a full-time live in guard for his young daughter as he makes his way to Mexico. But that isn’t where this story starts off, it takes a bit to get there.
So this was my first Susan Ward book and although I really did enjoy it, it was paced a little slow, we don’t really get to meet the second half of this romance until about half-way into the story and we get to experience the man-whoring of our lead, Graham. I am not opposed to coupling in books outside of the H/h (or in this case H/H), I think it is much easier to swallow in a m/m romance though because it’s just hot as fuck to read them go at it and you aren’t emotionally attaching yourself to one of them, feeling insecure over the guy having a life before he found your vagina.
But I really wanted to grab a hold of these two and have a whole book to come to a connection with them. With Graham, I liked him – but I wasn’t really sold 100% on him through the solo-get-to-know-you part of the book.
Overall, once these two got together I was a happy camper. But be ready, since it is a series that you won’t get their full story in one book, although there is not a cliffy – unless you read the tease of book two – then watch the fuck out, because you’ll want to know all the things, right this second!
Will I read book two? Yeah. Gotta know what is going to happen. I am leaving this one sort of in between a 3.5 and a 4 star rating. The story is solid, the characters were great and I want more – but I am just personally hung up a bit on the time it took to get Lee and Graham in the same room together to really start their story.
So this was my first Susan Ward book and although I really did enjoy it, it was paced a little slow, we don’t really get to meet the second half of this romance until about half-way into the story and we get to experience the man-whoring of our lead, Graham. I am not opposed to coupling in books outside of the H/h (or in this case H/H), I think it is much easier to swallow in a m/m romance though because it’s just hot as fuck to read them go at it and you aren’t emotionally attaching yourself to one of them, feeling insecure over the guy having a life before he found your vagina.
But I really wanted to grab a hold of these two and have a whole book to come to a connection with them. With Graham, I liked him – but I wasn’t really sold 100% on him through the solo-get-to-know-you part of the book.
Overall, once these two got together I was a happy camper. But be ready, since it is a series that you won’t get their full story in one book, although there is not a cliffy – unless you read the tease of book two – then watch the fuck out, because you’ll want to know all the things, right this second!
Will I read book two? Yeah. Gotta know what is going to happen. I am leaving this one sort of in between a 3.5 and a 4 star rating. The story is solid, the characters were great and I want more – but I am just personally hung up a bit on the time it took to get Lee and Graham in the same room together to really start their story.
April 18, 2016
Wow! Total waste of money. Not at all what it claims to be.... Unlikable characters... MCs don't even meet until well past the 50% .... And it's NOT A FULL BOOK!!! It's part of a story that is unbelievable and to be continued! Ugh!! Buyer Beware!
February 7, 2017
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
This one was difficult for me to decide on. I liked Graham. Even though his way of doing things and saying things are border line asshole sometimes. He was an interesting character...but...and here’s the thing that made it difficult.
The moment he meets Lee he turns in his bad ass card. Checks it at the door for the rest of the story I feel actually.
I know I’m going to get nailed for this but it’s how I felt. If he just ONCE maybe stood firm on his decisions with Lee, or even if he socked him one in the kitchen after finding out what happened, I would have felt different.
Maybe reading Absolution in conjunction with this didn’t help. Because Cole and Mace had a way of sorting each other out and getting it done with.
Maybe that’s why I felt that Graham was just giving to much here. I felt as if this highly trained soldier/body guard, let his hormones run his life decisions.
I did enjoy the story. I DID enjoy thing with Lee, mostly the hotel room part though, because Lee is in control when you keep thinking that Graham should actually dominate. I liked a whole lot of things about this story, there were just a whole lot I didn’t really “get” either.
I feel much better about the fact that there will be a book two though. It feels unfinished and up in the air at the moment. As if I can’t really get a read on Lee and decide if I crazy love him or just tolerate him.
This unfortunately makes me question the “love” aspect as well. I’ll read the next one, because there was enough “good” stuff in here to make me want to. But the verdict is still out...
Loved Patricia though. She brought a lot of giggles. And also, I'm wanting a story on Skylar and his gym hunk
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
This one was difficult for me to decide on. I liked Graham. Even though his way of doing things and saying things are border line asshole sometimes. He was an interesting character...but...and here’s the thing that made it difficult.
The moment he meets Lee he turns in his bad ass card. Checks it at the door for the rest of the story I feel actually.
I know I’m going to get nailed for this but it’s how I felt. If he just ONCE maybe stood firm on his decisions with Lee, or even if he socked him one in the kitchen after finding out what happened, I would have felt different.
Maybe reading Absolution in conjunction with this didn’t help. Because Cole and Mace had a way of sorting each other out and getting it done with.
Maybe that’s why I felt that Graham was just giving to much here. I felt as if this highly trained soldier/body guard, let his hormones run his life decisions.
I did enjoy the story. I DID enjoy thing with Lee, mostly the hotel room part though, because Lee is in control when you keep thinking that Graham should actually dominate. I liked a whole lot of things about this story, there were just a whole lot I didn’t really “get” either.
I feel much better about the fact that there will be a book two though. It feels unfinished and up in the air at the moment. As if I can’t really get a read on Lee and decide if I crazy love him or just tolerate him.
This unfortunately makes me question the “love” aspect as well. I’ll read the next one, because there was enough “good” stuff in here to make me want to. But the verdict is still out...
Loved Patricia though. She brought a lot of giggles. And also, I'm wanting a story on Skylar and his gym hunk
April 27, 2016
Oh the mother of all cliffhangers!!!
This book was gripping from the get go. It was highly entertaining and wonderfully written.
Graham has lived his life without any attachments and so far that has worked well. His job makes it hard to totally commit to one person which has never bothered him before. He suddenly finds himself single and unemployed and this puts things into perspective making Graham restless and with a sense of loneliness and foreboding he hasn't felt before.
A chance encounter with a gorgeous man brings Graham out of his funk and into the arms of Leland; the complete opposite of Graham, "Lee" has had the love of a husband and a daughter, but has also experience loss and betrayal.
Things suddenly aren't so serendipitous and both men will have a common goal. Leland seems to be able to express his feelings better than Graham who struggles with Trust and control and has to decide if going for what he craves is truly the path to happiness.
I was hooked from the very first page. There are so many unresolved things which I'm dying to get the answer to in the next instalment. Filled with twists, turns and plenty of MM steamy moments are what make this book a MUST READ!!
5 MANNYficent STARS!!! Isalovesbooks
This book was gripping from the get go. It was highly entertaining and wonderfully written.
Graham has lived his life without any attachments and so far that has worked well. His job makes it hard to totally commit to one person which has never bothered him before. He suddenly finds himself single and unemployed and this puts things into perspective making Graham restless and with a sense of loneliness and foreboding he hasn't felt before.
A chance encounter with a gorgeous man brings Graham out of his funk and into the arms of Leland; the complete opposite of Graham, "Lee" has had the love of a husband and a daughter, but has also experience loss and betrayal.
Things suddenly aren't so serendipitous and both men will have a common goal. Leland seems to be able to express his feelings better than Graham who struggles with Trust and control and has to decide if going for what he craves is truly the path to happiness.
I was hooked from the very first page. There are so many unresolved things which I'm dying to get the answer to in the next instalment. Filled with twists, turns and plenty of MM steamy moments are what make this book a MUST READ!!
5 MANNYficent STARS!!! Isalovesbooks
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July 31, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (7/31/2018)!💝
June 23, 2019
A DNF.. I had to check the blurb on who is supposed to be the main couple.. and I haven’t even reached that part.
April 14, 2017
I'm hooked!!!
Once I started this book I couldn't stop. My house is a mess and my family needs fed, but I'm off to read book 2!
Once I started this book I couldn't stop. My house is a mess and my family needs fed, but I'm off to read book 2!
June 30, 2016
I was really happy to get a Graham book.
I was actually pretty ticked off at Alan and Chrissie when they did not bring Graham on full time with them. It left in a bad rut. But it also made him grow up a bit.
Graham is this brute of a fellow. Hard military training, hard sex, disciplined in his job but not in his love life at all.
Being a pure alpha is tough when looking for love. And even though he acted as if he wasn't, I truly think he was. When he met Leland the sparks flew. Leland, also pure alpha, and Graham set off on a weekend love affair and then BAM! Life changes for Graham.
Watching Graham let down his guard and alpha-ness and fall in love was really great.
I cannot wait to read more of these two!
I was actually pretty ticked off at Alan and Chrissie when they did not bring Graham on full time with them. It left in a bad rut. But it also made him grow up a bit.
Graham is this brute of a fellow. Hard military training, hard sex, disciplined in his job but not in his love life at all.
Being a pure alpha is tough when looking for love. And even though he acted as if he wasn't, I truly think he was. When he met Leland the sparks flew. Leland, also pure alpha, and Graham set off on a weekend love affair and then BAM! Life changes for Graham.
Watching Graham let down his guard and alpha-ness and fall in love was really great.
I cannot wait to read more of these two!
February 17, 2016
Bodyguard Graham Carson is one of my favourite characters from The Girl of Sand and Fog, and here he gets his own spinoff series! Fresh off his tour with Alan Manzone and newly single, Graham has time on his hands and men on his mind. He has a history of loving and leaving them, but that all gets turned on its head when he meets Leland. I'm not sure I really like Leland, but his scenes with Graham are certainly hot and he challenges Graham in a number of ways. I also loved the humour of the story - Graham's mother is a riot. Love the cover, too.
July 19, 2016
Im stopping three chapters in cause not only am I already bored out of my fucking mind, the main character is a cheating douche with a gaint ego and I can in no way like him, he's an asshole thats, that so its really kinda just instantly stopped me from enjoying this book.
Read
April 18, 2016Oh boy... Every bad cliche you could think of. I can't even. It was just too much- 12 inches REALLY! :)
June 27, 2019
I liked this up until the 50% mark, which coincides with Graham meeting Leland. The first half would be 4 stars, the second half hardly merits 1 star.
I don't like Leland, for starters. He is arrogant, manipulative and doesnt respect other people's wants (ex. he repetitively calls Graham "babe" and invades his space after being asked repeatedly not to).
And then there is the fact that Graham's personality does a 180°. He goes from being this confident alpha dude, to being putty in Leland's hands, questions every little thing, and loses his backbone. His "rigid pride" is nowhere to be found in the second half of this book. Oh, and it turns out he is biphobic (The boyfriend-girlfriend comment was unsettling and needed further exploring since bisexuals were problematic in their own no-fly zone with me. and Therr was no way in hell I was the kind of guy who could put up with his lover liking to exercise his dick in a box from time to time.) and at least slightly misogynistic (Staying curled up on my side facing the wall away from him had seemed a little butt-hurt female drama to me [...]).
Graham's mother hates dogs and prefers guns, so obviously she can't be trusted. It's hard to like a manic, nosy, dog-hating mother.
There are editing issues, from missing words, to typos, to punctuation.
The book also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, one that I won't be hanging around for.
I don't like Leland, for starters. He is arrogant, manipulative and doesnt respect other people's wants (ex. he repetitively calls Graham "babe" and invades his space after being asked repeatedly not to).
And then there is the fact that Graham's personality does a 180°. He goes from being this confident alpha dude, to being putty in Leland's hands, questions every little thing, and loses his backbone. His "rigid pride" is nowhere to be found in the second half of this book. Oh, and it turns out he is biphobic (The boyfriend-girlfriend comment was unsettling and needed further exploring since bisexuals were problematic in their own no-fly zone with me. and Therr was no way in hell I was the kind of guy who could put up with his lover liking to exercise his dick in a box from time to time.) and at least slightly misogynistic (Staying curled up on my side facing the wall away from him had seemed a little butt-hurt female drama to me [...]).
Graham's mother hates dogs and prefers guns, so obviously she can't be trusted. It's hard to like a manic, nosy, dog-hating mother.
There are editing issues, from missing words, to typos, to punctuation.
The book also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, one that I won't be hanging around for.
August 31, 2017
2.5 stars
I was only to give this 2 stars because there were many things that annoyed me. But somewhere towards the end I decided to read the sequel and find out what happens to these idiots. So that must count for something. In my book that's half a star for making me want to read the follow up.
I was only to give this 2 stars because there were many things that annoyed me. But somewhere towards the end I decided to read the sequel and find out what happens to these idiots. So that must count for something. In my book that's half a star for making me want to read the follow up.
June 21, 2017
I gave up on it because I didn't like the main character.
April 23, 2016
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
⭐ ⭐ Provided in Exchange for an Honest Review ⭐ ⭐
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Another shirtless male. But, I love the composition and color choices... @Sara Eirew (Photographer) always produces outstanding work. Blurb was interesting enough to pull me in.
Looking Deeper:
First-person POV.
OMG, Graham was something completely unexpected! He's cocky, arrogant, and a player but hates cocky and arrogant men. And, he can't even grasp the concept of getting played! I eye-rolled so much at him that I wound up with a headache. I laughed out loud over Patty's efforts to make up for lost time and am adding another book - mention in THE MANNY - to my "must-read" list! Thanks for the recommend!
The plot STYLE was fairly uncommon in that while we are getting to know Graham, and a few of his conquests, it's not until approximately the halfway point that we finally meet Leland. Their chemistry is obviously magnetic and molten, but their compatibility seems just a bit off at times. There were just enough secondary characters to keep things fun and entertaining. Conversations were believable and most of the interaction felt realistic, although I did question a few things when there were better, more efficient ways to handle certain situations. One would think that the years in the service would have prompted Graham to want things handled "quick and clean". The plot is interesting, but a little one-dimensional at times. Ms. Ward's writing style is smooth, allowing the story to flow freely. There are some conflicts along the way, and not all of them are resolved. Predictability was not a big issue, however there was a minor presence. An implied HEA is provided at the end, but the story did trail off with a "... to be continued" notation at the end that was NOT specified prior to picking the book up. While I am NOT a fan of cliffhangers (loathe them, actually), I felt that enough of this story was given to satisfy the base requirements of a story. Their story is scheduled to continue in HIS MAN this summer.
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Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.7 ~ Stars: 4
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⭐ ⭐ Provided in Exchange for an Honest Review ⭐ ⭐
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Another shirtless male. But, I love the composition and color choices... @Sara Eirew (Photographer) always produces outstanding work. Blurb was interesting enough to pull me in.
Looking Deeper:
First-person POV.
OMG, Graham was something completely unexpected! He's cocky, arrogant, and a player but hates cocky and arrogant men. And, he can't even grasp the concept of getting played! I eye-rolled so much at him that I wound up with a headache. I laughed out loud over Patty's efforts to make up for lost time and am adding another book - mention in THE MANNY - to my "must-read" list! Thanks for the recommend!
The plot STYLE was fairly uncommon in that while we are getting to know Graham, and a few of his conquests, it's not until approximately the halfway point that we finally meet Leland. Their chemistry is obviously magnetic and molten, but their compatibility seems just a bit off at times. There were just enough secondary characters to keep things fun and entertaining. Conversations were believable and most of the interaction felt realistic, although I did question a few things when there were better, more efficient ways to handle certain situations. One would think that the years in the service would have prompted Graham to want things handled "quick and clean". The plot is interesting, but a little one-dimensional at times. Ms. Ward's writing style is smooth, allowing the story to flow freely. There are some conflicts along the way, and not all of them are resolved. Predictability was not a big issue, however there was a minor presence. An implied HEA is provided at the end, but the story did trail off with a "... to be continued" notation at the end that was NOT specified prior to picking the book up. While I am NOT a fan of cliffhangers (loathe them, actually), I felt that enough of this story was given to satisfy the base requirements of a story. Their story is scheduled to continue in HIS MAN this summer.
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Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.7 ~ Stars: 4
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April 29, 2016
I enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next step in Graham and Lee’s life together.
At first Graham and Lee both seem arrogant and tick you off. Graham is self serving and arrogant. He thinks he is a gift to all men everywhere. That he is irresistible and a douche. The way he was with Skyler was just wow. And his mom’s friend not cool. So when Lee did what he did and Graham got a taste of his own medicine I was over the moon. So deserved.
Lee was arrogant and controlled. He was also a little deceptive to me. He is very mysterious and makes you wonder what he is really doing in Mexico City. His ex was horrible and his daughter grows on you. You can see why she is upset and acting out.
When Graham and Lee meet, the treat is some hot sexy three days that will have you needing a cold one. We see Graham open up more than normal and see his walls going down and him falling. Than suddenly whoosh Lee is giving him the one and done speech.
Next Graham is Lee’s employee and we get to see Graham show anger and some control. He had a right to be mad. Lee finds it amusing. Graham stays because the little girl worms her way into his heart from the start.
From here on the story is on Graham battling his fears and his trust issue with Lee while falling in love. We see Graham trying to solve the question of who Lee is and why Mexico City. It’s great to see Graham go from arrogant and self serving to vulnerable and softee with the little girl.
The story is a interesting one and watching these two men struggle with their own fears and demons while falling in love is sweet in its own way. Graham doing his investigative work into Graham was fascinating and does get your rankles up. What is really going on? will there love prevail?
Don’t know but hope so. These two are great together. They are hot, sensual and sweet. They keep each other and their egos in check and love that little girl something sweet.
A hot sometimes aggravating with the egos book that is emotionally driven and leaves you wondering who Lee really is and will their love survive it.
At first Graham and Lee both seem arrogant and tick you off. Graham is self serving and arrogant. He thinks he is a gift to all men everywhere. That he is irresistible and a douche. The way he was with Skyler was just wow. And his mom’s friend not cool. So when Lee did what he did and Graham got a taste of his own medicine I was over the moon. So deserved.
Lee was arrogant and controlled. He was also a little deceptive to me. He is very mysterious and makes you wonder what he is really doing in Mexico City. His ex was horrible and his daughter grows on you. You can see why she is upset and acting out.
When Graham and Lee meet, the treat is some hot sexy three days that will have you needing a cold one. We see Graham open up more than normal and see his walls going down and him falling. Than suddenly whoosh Lee is giving him the one and done speech.
Next Graham is Lee’s employee and we get to see Graham show anger and some control. He had a right to be mad. Lee finds it amusing. Graham stays because the little girl worms her way into his heart from the start.
From here on the story is on Graham battling his fears and his trust issue with Lee while falling in love. We see Graham trying to solve the question of who Lee is and why Mexico City. It’s great to see Graham go from arrogant and self serving to vulnerable and softee with the little girl.
The story is a interesting one and watching these two men struggle with their own fears and demons while falling in love is sweet in its own way. Graham doing his investigative work into Graham was fascinating and does get your rankles up. What is really going on? will there love prevail?
Don’t know but hope so. These two are great together. They are hot, sensual and sweet. They keep each other and their egos in check and love that little girl something sweet.
A hot sometimes aggravating with the egos book that is emotionally driven and leaves you wondering who Lee really is and will their love survive it.
August 27, 2016
The Manny by Susan Ward, Reviewed by Kim Gray
This story was surprisingly a delight to read, and I feel I need to point out that this was my first M/M read and I went into this book without any expectations and an open mind. I found myself really liking Graham, he was such a cool guy, strong, very demanding yes, but he had a soft spot and kids was one of them, even though he wouldn’t admit that. I think if I knew him in person we would be friends, as in he would be the best guy to be my protector, and I would enjoy trying out new recipes on him. I really connected with him. Graham is such an Alpha male that knows what he wants and is confident enough with himself to take control when he needs to and let go when he cares to. I found myself smiling and at points having a little giggle and next I was fanning my face because the scene was so hot.
The story line, plot of this book was well written and put together, I wanted to keep reading because the story was very intriguing. For me it’s always more enjoyable if there is a realistic and mysterious story line that keeps me guessing and wanting to find out. This book did that for me.
When Graham meets the one, he is as well a very Dominant man and they click like a spark of lightening that neither want to ignore. What happens next is when I was hooked and kept reading to the end. I would go on more about how much I enjoyed this book but it’s difficult without giving too much away. (at least for me) I was gifted this book and so I wanted to leave an honest review. I’d give this book a 4 stars. Thanks for writing this book.
Kim Gray Loves Books
This story was surprisingly a delight to read, and I feel I need to point out that this was my first M/M read and I went into this book without any expectations and an open mind. I found myself really liking Graham, he was such a cool guy, strong, very demanding yes, but he had a soft spot and kids was one of them, even though he wouldn’t admit that. I think if I knew him in person we would be friends, as in he would be the best guy to be my protector, and I would enjoy trying out new recipes on him. I really connected with him. Graham is such an Alpha male that knows what he wants and is confident enough with himself to take control when he needs to and let go when he cares to. I found myself smiling and at points having a little giggle and next I was fanning my face because the scene was so hot.
The story line, plot of this book was well written and put together, I wanted to keep reading because the story was very intriguing. For me it’s always more enjoyable if there is a realistic and mysterious story line that keeps me guessing and wanting to find out. This book did that for me.
When Graham meets the one, he is as well a very Dominant man and they click like a spark of lightening that neither want to ignore. What happens next is when I was hooked and kept reading to the end. I would go on more about how much I enjoyed this book but it’s difficult without giving too much away. (at least for me) I was gifted this book and so I wanted to leave an honest review. I’d give this book a 4 stars. Thanks for writing this book.
Kim Gray Loves Books
August 30, 2016
Unexpected...Steamy....Infuriating
It's rare for me to give a 5 star rating for book in which I'm not entirely sure if I even like the main 2 characters. However, Susan Ward managed to surprise. Maybe it's an I love to hate them thing. Graham is a cocky love em and leave guy who meets his match in Leland. Graham is the more likable of the 2 mainly because his back story explains his present jerkness. Leland well the best I can describe is a charming manipulator. Their relationship is steamy and turbulent with plenty of drama. Both men have control issues and are pretty selfish yet somehow they fall in love. It spectacular writing to make me love characters that I hate. The drama is just enough for 1st book, some expected.... Some not. The teaser for next book has left me highly frustrated and eagerly anticipating it and even better/ more drama from Graham and Leland. This is a definite must read.
It's rare for me to give a 5 star rating for book in which I'm not entirely sure if I even like the main 2 characters. However, Susan Ward managed to surprise. Maybe it's an I love to hate them thing. Graham is a cocky love em and leave guy who meets his match in Leland. Graham is the more likable of the 2 mainly because his back story explains his present jerkness. Leland well the best I can describe is a charming manipulator. Their relationship is steamy and turbulent with plenty of drama. Both men have control issues and are pretty selfish yet somehow they fall in love. It spectacular writing to make me love characters that I hate. The drama is just enough for 1st book, some expected.... Some not. The teaser for next book has left me highly frustrated and eagerly anticipating it and even better/ more drama from Graham and Leland. This is a definite must read.
July 27, 2016
Graham has been body guard for Alan Manzone's family. He finds out that he is no longer needed after tour is done. He finds himself out of a job and single once again. He has a reputation of having one night stands and than leaving them not to be heard from again.
What happens when things are reversed. He is left feeling emotional and alone. He thought Leland could be the one but he walked away.
He gets a job offer to be a bodyguard for a little girl which he is unsure he wants but he needs to move on and get back to work. When he finds out he will be working for the man that ripped his heart out. He is torn on what to do, either run or take the job.
I enjoyed reading this story. I liked seeing Grahams vulnerable side. I loved the banter and chemistry between Graham and Leland. I look forward to the next book in this series and can't wait to read what happens next.
What happens when things are reversed. He is left feeling emotional and alone. He thought Leland could be the one but he walked away.
He gets a job offer to be a bodyguard for a little girl which he is unsure he wants but he needs to move on and get back to work. When he finds out he will be working for the man that ripped his heart out. He is torn on what to do, either run or take the job.
I enjoyed reading this story. I liked seeing Grahams vulnerable side. I loved the banter and chemistry between Graham and Leland. I look forward to the next book in this series and can't wait to read what happens next.
December 12, 2016
Wow!
Wow! I don't usually read m/m novels, but this one intrigued me and to say it was HOT is like announcing that the desert has sand. Graham has had a tough time since announcing that he's gay and it's taken a toll on his personal and professional lives. Meeting Leland was the best thing that could have happened for them both. Even though Leland didn't tell him he was the possible new boss he was waiting to hear from, things were hot between them and their connection and chemistry was amazing. The way he was afraid of letting go was understandable, but heartbreaking at the same time. Once he let go and let love in, things seemed to be better for them both. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Wow! I don't usually read m/m novels, but this one intrigued me and to say it was HOT is like announcing that the desert has sand. Graham has had a tough time since announcing that he's gay and it's taken a toll on his personal and professional lives. Meeting Leland was the best thing that could have happened for them both. Even though Leland didn't tell him he was the possible new boss he was waiting to hear from, things were hot between them and their connection and chemistry was amazing. The way he was afraid of letting go was understandable, but heartbreaking at the same time. Once he let go and let love in, things seemed to be better for them both. I can't wait to see what happens next.
April 22, 2016
Kudos to Susan Ward on her M/M Romance debut! Wow, I love how I've come to think of Alan Manzone's extended circle as a family of my own! This hot and steamy - and a lot of times funny - story involves one of Manzone's body guards, Graham, who I've met in previous books and a contract job he takes on which isn't the usual "rock star" circus.
Graham is a Manny to a precocious little girl, and what a surprise when he learns his recent "hook-up" is now his . . . employer!
Such an enjoyable read!
Graham is a Manny to a precocious little girl, and what a surprise when he learns his recent "hook-up" is now his . . . employer!
Such an enjoyable read!
April 27, 2016
I enjoyed reading what happened to Graham when Alan's tour ended. It's nice to know that even good looking gay guys can be a jerk in a relationship. It didn't bother him on how he treated hook-ups the next day. When it happens to him, it was karma coming back to get him. When I got to the end of this book, I was sad thinking that was the end of Graham's story. Then I was happy to find out that there will be more of him. The teaser for the next book really has piqued my interest and I can't wait for it to come out.
December 15, 2016
Manny is a Must Read!
Body guarding is what he does outside of the bedroom but when the sheets are turned down, there is some seriously hot action going on. I don't know how I found this book, but I am so glad I did. This is the first of two books but it is so worth the wait of the next one. These two are just discovering each other and trying to figure out how things are going to work. If you like extremely hot MM sex, then this book is for you!!
Body guarding is what he does outside of the bedroom but when the sheets are turned down, there is some seriously hot action going on. I don't know how I found this book, but I am so glad I did. This is the first of two books but it is so worth the wait of the next one. These two are just discovering each other and trying to figure out how things are going to work. If you like extremely hot MM sex, then this book is for you!!
March 23, 2017
The ending was the best part, and the cliffhanger wasn't really a cliffhanger, more like a to be continued. I skipped most of the book because it had nothing to do with the MC's as a couple. I don't care that Graham slept with other men, but come one!!! I kept wondering when he was going to meet Leland. Sheesh!! It took till around the 60% point before they meet.
This book was just all kinds of awkward for me. Not planning to read the next in the series.
This book was just all kinds of awkward for me. Not planning to read the next in the series.
January 13, 2018
Graham is casting his pearls before swine.
I really really do not like Leland. He's arrogant, cagey, convinced he knows best, and refuses to Include Graham in his life. His actions belittle Graham's training, talents and love. Graham is amazing. It's impossible not to fall in love with the big, burly "horse whisperer for children." He's the reason I gave this story 3 stars! He deserves a man of equal worth. I hope Leland comes to his senses and redeems himself in the sequel.
I really really do not like Leland. He's arrogant, cagey, convinced he knows best, and refuses to Include Graham in his life. His actions belittle Graham's training, talents and love. Graham is amazing. It's impossible not to fall in love with the big, burly "horse whisperer for children." He's the reason I gave this story 3 stars! He deserves a man of equal worth. I hope Leland comes to his senses and redeems himself in the sequel.
Read
May 5, 2017Overall book rating: 4. Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 4 Stars
MC1: Leland aka Lee
MC2: Graham
This was my firs Susan Ward book and I absolutely loved it. Graham was one complicated character and I loved that there were times I was supposed to hate him but it was done in such a manner that it intrigued me to read on to find out more about his guy.
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 4 Stars
MC1: Leland aka Lee
MC2: Graham
This was my firs Susan Ward book and I absolutely loved it. Graham was one complicated character and I loved that there were times I was supposed to hate him but it was done in such a manner that it intrigued me to read on to find out more about his guy.
February 20, 2016
Review to come.
Loved this one by Susan Ward.
Loved this one by Susan Ward.
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