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Iron Clad Security #1
Kiss Marry Kill
Five years ago they fell in love after one whirlwind summer. Now she's an internationally famous musician and he's officially out of the military, but when their worlds collide, can they keep things strictly professional? Sweet, thrilling, emotional, and sexy, fall in love with Megan and Jax in USA Today bestseller Sidney Halston's Kiss Marry Kill.
He's been chasing a memory . . .
It was just supposed to be a regular Thursday afternoon…and then he saw her. Sitting in seat L214, one seat over from his at the baseball game, right next to her douche of a soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend. An impromptu kiss for the kiss cam, and Jax knew his life would never be the same. Five years and a tour in Afghanistan later, Jax is back stateside running his own private security firm, Iron-Clad, with his best friend. He isn't the man he used to be... but Megan isn't the sexy and sweet, though sheltered, twenty-two-year-old he left behind, either. And she's in trouble.
...but now they're on the run.
Megan Cruz has made something of herself. She’s turned her dreams of pop stardom into a reality. But when a deadly stalker breaks into her home claiming to be her number-one fan, the only person she can turn to is the boy who got away. But Jax isn’t the same carefree charmer who stole her heart, then broke it when he joined the military. This man is seductive, hard, guarded. And he'll do anything to protect what's his.
He's been chasing a memory . . .
It was just supposed to be a regular Thursday afternoon…and then he saw her. Sitting in seat L214, one seat over from his at the baseball game, right next to her douche of a soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend. An impromptu kiss for the kiss cam, and Jax knew his life would never be the same. Five years and a tour in Afghanistan later, Jax is back stateside running his own private security firm, Iron-Clad, with his best friend. He isn't the man he used to be... but Megan isn't the sexy and sweet, though sheltered, twenty-two-year-old he left behind, either. And she's in trouble.
...but now they're on the run.
Megan Cruz has made something of herself. She’s turned her dreams of pop stardom into a reality. But when a deadly stalker breaks into her home claiming to be her number-one fan, the only person she can turn to is the boy who got away. But Jax isn’t the same carefree charmer who stole her heart, then broke it when he joined the military. This man is seductive, hard, guarded. And he'll do anything to protect what's his.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2017
44 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
Sidney Halston
23 books1,140 followersJeanette Escudero worked as an attorney before picking up a pen at thirty years old to write something other than legal briefs. Being published fulfilled a dream and gave her an outlet for her imaginative, romantic side. Writing as Sidney Halston, she is the USA Today bestselling author of the Panic series, the Worth the Fight series, the Iron-Clad Security novels, and the Seeing Red duet. In addition to writing and reading, Jeanette has a passion for travel and adventure. She and her family have been to the Galapagos Islands and have hiked Yellowstone, the Shenandoah mountains, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban parents, she currently lives in South Florida with her husband and her three children, in whom she’s instilled a love of nature and an appreciation for the planet. For more information visit www.sidneyhalston.com.
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March 24, 2017Review to come...
March 20, 2017
I don't read a lot of romantic suspense but have found myself attracted to them more and more. This story was definitely a credit to the genre. It starts with an adrenaline-pumping situation. But it also offers a little of the heartwarming vibe with a meet-cute at a baseball game. To round it out, it has plenty of sexy times with a hot, but overbearing alpha that wants to make sure our heroine is safe.
Jax and Megan have a history. The story of how they met and the subsequent time they spent together was very special. I am glad that they got their second chance because it was believable to me, despite their short acquaintance, that they were meant for more.
The plot was interesting and the story well written. I had a feeling about the twist early on, but it was still executed well. All in all, this was an enjoyable read.
Safety: No others after they get together. Others during their separation for both. These facts are mentioned but are not characters written into the story. No rape or physical abuse.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Jax and Megan have a history. The story of how they met and the subsequent time they spent together was very special. I am glad that they got their second chance because it was believable to me, despite their short acquaintance, that they were meant for more.
The plot was interesting and the story well written. I had a feeling about the twist early on, but it was still executed well. All in all, this was an enjoyable read.
Safety: No others after they get together. Others during their separation for both. These facts are mentioned but are not characters written into the story. No rape or physical abuse.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2017
NOW LIVE!
*Amazon*B&N*Kobo*
Read an excerpt and enter giveaway HERE.
Sidney Halston breaks into the world of Romantic Suspense with Kiss Marry Kill and she dominated this genre. The story follows Megan, a now famous singer, and Jax, war veteran and now security expert. The two had a whirlwind four day affair years ago, before Jax deployed but never spoke again. Until now when Jax heard Megan is in danger and knows he has to step in to help her. Old feelings come to the surface the second they see each other again, but there's someone out there that wants Megan dead and Jax needs to keep his focus on this unknown enemy, not the girl he wishes he never left.
This book was so much more than Romantic Suspense, it was sweet and sexy, and I just couldn't get enough once I started. I loved how there was so much involved in the story that had me captivated. The underlying mystery was always there, just waiting for me to solve it, but more than that, the romance between Jax and Megan was a huge part of this and I loved how well those two things worked together.
There are moments that go back in time to when Jax and Megan first met, but they aren't often so they don't get annoying or anything like that. Those moments really helped to see how different these characters were form when they were first discovering each other. We then got to see them discovering each other all over again in the present and i really liked that we could tell the differences in them, but still see that connection they shared in both the past and the present.
I, of course, won't say anything about the mystery that will give it away, but I will say to prepare yourself. This may be Ms. Halston's first Romantic Suspense but she did the mystery and suspense spectacularly well and you would think she's a seasoned RS author. I definitely recommend this book, and I would tell anyone I knew to read it, no matter what genres they like. The great thing about this story is that it's not just suspense, and it's not just a sexy romance, it's all of that!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
*Amazon*B&N*Kobo*
Read an excerpt and enter giveaway HERE.
Sidney Halston breaks into the world of Romantic Suspense with Kiss Marry Kill and she dominated this genre. The story follows Megan, a now famous singer, and Jax, war veteran and now security expert. The two had a whirlwind four day affair years ago, before Jax deployed but never spoke again. Until now when Jax heard Megan is in danger and knows he has to step in to help her. Old feelings come to the surface the second they see each other again, but there's someone out there that wants Megan dead and Jax needs to keep his focus on this unknown enemy, not the girl he wishes he never left.
This book was so much more than Romantic Suspense, it was sweet and sexy, and I just couldn't get enough once I started. I loved how there was so much involved in the story that had me captivated. The underlying mystery was always there, just waiting for me to solve it, but more than that, the romance between Jax and Megan was a huge part of this and I loved how well those two things worked together.
There are moments that go back in time to when Jax and Megan first met, but they aren't often so they don't get annoying or anything like that. Those moments really helped to see how different these characters were form when they were first discovering each other. We then got to see them discovering each other all over again in the present and i really liked that we could tell the differences in them, but still see that connection they shared in both the past and the present.
I, of course, won't say anything about the mystery that will give it away, but I will say to prepare yourself. This may be Ms. Halston's first Romantic Suspense but she did the mystery and suspense spectacularly well and you would think she's a seasoned RS author. I definitely recommend this book, and I would tell anyone I knew to read it, no matter what genres they like. The great thing about this story is that it's not just suspense, and it's not just a sexy romance, it's all of that!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2017
First let me say... after reading this book, Sidney Halston has found a new fan. It's me, of course! Who knew that after reading the blurb and being gifted an advance copy that I'd find a new author to add to my favourites list? I freaking love when that happens. Something about this book spoke to me and I'll definitely be delving into her other novels.
Five years ago, Jax was a soldier about to go on his second tour of duty and Megan was on the brink of starting law school. Both had huge responsibilities and burdens, but for four blissful days, they only had to focus on each other's happiness. Now Megan's a famous rock star who's being stalked by an overzealous fan and Jax, with the support of his security company, is just the man to offer her protection.
Through flashbacks to the glory days, we get to see how deep the connection between Jax and Megan really was and how their feelings for one another never died. I absolutely loved Jax and Megan; individually and as a couple. The author gave the perfect amount of attention to their character development and did an amazing job of working it into the plot. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, from both the suspense elements and the development of the couple's relationship. It's safe to say that this story offered not a dull moment and left me in no doubt of the love and utter "rightness" of Jax and Megan. I'm excited to see what happens next in this series!
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 3.5 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone - Book 1 of the Iron Clad Security series
Five years ago, Jax was a soldier about to go on his second tour of duty and Megan was on the brink of starting law school. Both had huge responsibilities and burdens, but for four blissful days, they only had to focus on each other's happiness. Now Megan's a famous rock star who's being stalked by an overzealous fan and Jax, with the support of his security company, is just the man to offer her protection.
Through flashbacks to the glory days, we get to see how deep the connection between Jax and Megan really was and how their feelings for one another never died. I absolutely loved Jax and Megan; individually and as a couple. The author gave the perfect amount of attention to their character development and did an amazing job of working it into the plot. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, from both the suspense elements and the development of the couple's relationship. It's safe to say that this story offered not a dull moment and left me in no doubt of the love and utter "rightness" of Jax and Megan. I'm excited to see what happens next in this series!
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 3.5 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone - Book 1 of the Iron Clad Security series
March 28, 2017
Happy book birthday!!
A suspenseful, sweet and sexy, second chance romance.
After their too short-lived but thrilling weekend together they fell in love but were supposed to have a clean break, they didn’t exchange numbers because he’d leave for another tour with the marines and she’d go off to start her law degree. They’d have the fond memory of that perfect bubble in time. Five years later Jax Irons is the proud owner of Iron-Clad Security Firm and while he frequently thought of Megan, he pictured her as a happily married lawyer with 2.5 kids not the super star musician who’s in a danger and needs his help. Can he find a way to save and keep her?
When Mega Cruz thought of him, she remembered the drop dead gorgeous stranger who kissed her at a baseball game because the kiss-cam had focused on her and her detestable boyfriend couldn’t be bothered. She remembered the carefree man who showed her how to live, enjoy life and gave her the nudge she needed to take a risk and live her dreams which turned into Grammy winning fame. But now she’s being stalked by a deranged fan and the only man she trusts to keep her safe is not the relaxed, happy-go-lucky guy she so often thought of. Can she help him remember the man he used to be while playing a deadly game of cat and mouse?
I need to make a confession. I did not look at the title, cover or blurb of this book. I just added it to my to-read list and hopped I could read it soon because it was by Sidney Halston, an author I discovered by chance a couple of years ago and who has unfailingly provided me with great reads ever since. She has now become an automatic one click author for me and I’m so glad I added Kiss Marry Kill to my list and just dove right in.
Halston captured my attention right from the start, setting a suspenseful mood to backdrop the sweet and sexy romance between Jax and Megan. Not only did they have to solve the mystery behind Megan’s stalker, they also have a deep connection and unresolved past, and an incredible amount of chemistry.
Through flashbacks, we get to know their past personas which are very different from their current personalities, their baseball kiss-cam meet-cute, and how those four incredible days together changed their lives. Even though the circumstances of their reunion aren’t great, I really enjoyed their sizzling hot chemistry, the way they got to rediscover each other with a back and forth made me laugh and smile, and how they learned to balance each other.
Although I first wanted to slap her silly for not making sure her house alarm was activated, Megan was a very likeable character as was Jax even though he had big emotional conflicts between wanting Megan and needing to protect her. I also liked getting to know Megan’s two band mates and Jax’ business partners. I can’t wait to read more about them.
Kiss Marry Kill is the kickoff book #1 and a great start to the Iron Clad Security series by Sidney Halston. It is a standalone suspenseful contemporary romance. Told from both points of view and has a happy ending.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2mP6x38
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
A suspenseful, sweet and sexy, second chance romance.
After their too short-lived but thrilling weekend together they fell in love but were supposed to have a clean break, they didn’t exchange numbers because he’d leave for another tour with the marines and she’d go off to start her law degree. They’d have the fond memory of that perfect bubble in time. Five years later Jax Irons is the proud owner of Iron-Clad Security Firm and while he frequently thought of Megan, he pictured her as a happily married lawyer with 2.5 kids not the super star musician who’s in a danger and needs his help. Can he find a way to save and keep her?
“Promise me, you’ll be happy”
When Mega Cruz thought of him, she remembered the drop dead gorgeous stranger who kissed her at a baseball game because the kiss-cam had focused on her and her detestable boyfriend couldn’t be bothered. She remembered the carefree man who showed her how to live, enjoy life and gave her the nudge she needed to take a risk and live her dreams which turned into Grammy winning fame. But now she’s being stalked by a deranged fan and the only man she trusts to keep her safe is not the relaxed, happy-go-lucky guy she so often thought of. Can she help him remember the man he used to be while playing a deadly game of cat and mouse?
I need to make a confession. I did not look at the title, cover or blurb of this book. I just added it to my to-read list and hopped I could read it soon because it was by Sidney Halston, an author I discovered by chance a couple of years ago and who has unfailingly provided me with great reads ever since. She has now become an automatic one click author for me and I’m so glad I added Kiss Marry Kill to my list and just dove right in.
Halston captured my attention right from the start, setting a suspenseful mood to backdrop the sweet and sexy romance between Jax and Megan. Not only did they have to solve the mystery behind Megan’s stalker, they also have a deep connection and unresolved past, and an incredible amount of chemistry.
Through flashbacks, we get to know their past personas which are very different from their current personalities, their baseball kiss-cam meet-cute, and how those four incredible days together changed their lives. Even though the circumstances of their reunion aren’t great, I really enjoyed their sizzling hot chemistry, the way they got to rediscover each other with a back and forth made me laugh and smile, and how they learned to balance each other.
Although I first wanted to slap her silly for not making sure her house alarm was activated, Megan was a very likeable character as was Jax even though he had big emotional conflicts between wanting Megan and needing to protect her. I also liked getting to know Megan’s two band mates and Jax’ business partners. I can’t wait to read more about them.
"I don't remember you being so caveman-ish."
"You have a terrible memory then."
Kiss Marry Kill is the kickoff book #1 and a great start to the Iron Clad Security series by Sidney Halston. It is a standalone suspenseful contemporary romance. Told from both points of view and has a happy ending.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2mP6x38
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
March 28, 2017
4 - "Keep her safe..." Stars!
Sydney Halston opens her new Iron-Clad Security series, with an enjoyable second-chance reconnection romance, with an added dash of stalker suspense thrown in to keep things moving along.
Its LIVE!
Amazon US - http://a.co/3krEw7x
Amazon UK - http://amzn.eu/0t5XoLP
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kiss-...
Megan Cruz and Jackson ‘Jax’ Irons, have come a long way in the five years since they last saw each other, one now a famous singer in girl-band TNT the other back in the US after two tours in the Military has left him scarred and bruised, both physically and mentally, now part owner in his own successful private security company.
"I have to put myself between you and any possible danger… It’s crazy but I can’t fucking help it…"
Not everyone is a fan of the past-flashback inclusions in a book, but I really liked that the author gave the reader the story of the four days they spent together in the odd chapter here and there, as the plot for the present day progressed through the book. It gave you a great insight into who they both were, and how they have both changed in the intervening years.
"I’m not a mission… I’m a person."
For me the main part of this story was the coming back together of Jax and Meg, and the way they worked through everything with each other, the five years they have been apart has made time for huge changes in both their lives, personalities and general outlook on things. Meg has become a stronger more confident woman, she’s not the shy undecided woman Jax spent time with. Whereas Jax has lost the easy-going charm and smiles that Meg had fallen in love with all those years ago, something she hopes that will re-emerge with the more time they spend together.
The bodyguard (essentially) and the pop-star at risk isn’t a new story-line, especially when you add in a crazed stalker, and a few expected twists, but I liked the writing style, the sexy-times once they got going were hot, and the introduction to the rest of the Iron-Clad team made me interested too read Annie Clad’s book Last First Kiss, which is due for release in August.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Sydney Halston opens her new Iron-Clad Security series, with an enjoyable second-chance reconnection romance, with an added dash of stalker suspense thrown in to keep things moving along.
Its LIVE!
Amazon US - http://a.co/3krEw7x
Amazon UK - http://amzn.eu/0t5XoLP
B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kiss-...
Megan Cruz and Jackson ‘Jax’ Irons, have come a long way in the five years since they last saw each other, one now a famous singer in girl-band TNT the other back in the US after two tours in the Military has left him scarred and bruised, both physically and mentally, now part owner in his own successful private security company.
"I have to put myself between you and any possible danger… It’s crazy but I can’t fucking help it…"
Not everyone is a fan of the past-flashback inclusions in a book, but I really liked that the author gave the reader the story of the four days they spent together in the odd chapter here and there, as the plot for the present day progressed through the book. It gave you a great insight into who they both were, and how they have both changed in the intervening years.
"I’m not a mission… I’m a person."
For me the main part of this story was the coming back together of Jax and Meg, and the way they worked through everything with each other, the five years they have been apart has made time for huge changes in both their lives, personalities and general outlook on things. Meg has become a stronger more confident woman, she’s not the shy undecided woman Jax spent time with. Whereas Jax has lost the easy-going charm and smiles that Meg had fallen in love with all those years ago, something she hopes that will re-emerge with the more time they spend together.
The bodyguard (essentially) and the pop-star at risk isn’t a new story-line, especially when you add in a crazed stalker, and a few expected twists, but I liked the writing style, the sexy-times once they got going were hot, and the introduction to the rest of the Iron-Clad team made me interested too read Annie Clad’s book Last First Kiss, which is due for release in August.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
April 13, 2017
This should have been the cover of this book:
Clear enough? No? This is like a bad Bolliwood movie!!! *sobs*
OK, shell I give free reins to my visuals?
How about this? Hhhooooottttt… not
Pleaseeeee…
The MCs have meet as Young Adults (by the way I should ALWAYS read the tags – this is another proof that YA/NA is N O T for me!!!!!!!!!!!), but after 4 days they part and never see each other for 5 years.
Meanwhile the girl:
Meanwhile the boy:
So she is assaulted by a stalker, he sees it on the news and runs to make sure she’s OK!
He didn’t know anything about her, even if she’s a major multi-awarded rock star! Man, where he’s been living these 5 years? South Pole? North Pole?
She lives on an artificial island where the security is tight because it’s were multi-billionaires live, but a random stalker enters without problem????
I’m looking at the myself in the mirror and cannot find written anywhere on my face IDIOT!!!
And they resume their relationship (in the book we’re took from past to present often…) and have tons of sex: in her house, in his house, in the cheap motel during a storm, in the by-the-hour motel with theme rooms…
… and all the while the stalker is chasing them…
Oh, my God, this story is bad… like really really REALLY bad….
Clear enough? No? This is like a bad Bolliwood movie!!! *sobs*
OK, shell I give free reins to my visuals?
How about this? Hhhooooottttt… not
Pleaseeeee…
The MCs have meet as Young Adults (by the way I should ALWAYS read the tags – this is another proof that YA/NA is N O T for me!!!!!!!!!!!), but after 4 days they part and never see each other for 5 years.
Meanwhile the girl:
Meanwhile the boy:
So she is assaulted by a stalker, he sees it on the news and runs to make sure she’s OK!
He didn’t know anything about her, even if she’s a major multi-awarded rock star! Man, where he’s been living these 5 years? South Pole? North Pole?
She lives on an artificial island where the security is tight because it’s were multi-billionaires live, but a random stalker enters without problem????
I’m looking at the myself in the mirror and cannot find written anywhere on my face IDIOT!!!
And they resume their relationship (in the book we’re took from past to present often…) and have tons of sex: in her house, in his house, in the cheap motel during a storm, in the by-the-hour motel with theme rooms…
… and all the while the stalker is chasing them…
Oh, my God, this story is bad… like really really REALLY bad….
March 29, 2017
I don’t really read a lot of romantic suspense but since this one sounded great and I like Sidney Halston’s writing I had to pick this one up. And I am so glad that I did.
The story was told in alternating points of view, shifting from present day to five years ago. And despite the suspense and drama the romance of the story was awesome.
Megan and Jax met completely by chance 5 years ago at a time that meant there was no future for them as a couple. But the off the charts chemistry between them resulted in a few days together making a heap of amazing memories and a few life changing decisions.
When life brings them back together the chemistry is still just as explosive and they relive the memories of their first meeting five years ago, while reconnecting and getting to know the new people they have become.
Of course the air of mystery and danger just adds to the whole thing and I was entirely engrossed in the story. I figured out pretty quickly who was behind it all but I think that was intended and it really didn’t affect the impact of the book. Especially since that just meant I was dying to find out if I was right and see how it was going to play out and how they were going to figure it out.
Both characters were easy to connect with and I really loved that they reacted so genuinely to everything that happened. I couldn’t be happier that Megan wasn’t a whiny little sook or play damsel in distress. And I loved that Jax was so protective and growly and full on alpha but when he over stepped he admitted it and apologised. It just made them feel so real not just as a couple but as people.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series after what I am assuming was the set up for it here.
Check out my reviews here
The story was told in alternating points of view, shifting from present day to five years ago. And despite the suspense and drama the romance of the story was awesome.
Megan and Jax met completely by chance 5 years ago at a time that meant there was no future for them as a couple. But the off the charts chemistry between them resulted in a few days together making a heap of amazing memories and a few life changing decisions.
When life brings them back together the chemistry is still just as explosive and they relive the memories of their first meeting five years ago, while reconnecting and getting to know the new people they have become.
Of course the air of mystery and danger just adds to the whole thing and I was entirely engrossed in the story. I figured out pretty quickly who was behind it all but I think that was intended and it really didn’t affect the impact of the book. Especially since that just meant I was dying to find out if I was right and see how it was going to play out and how they were going to figure it out.
Both characters were easy to connect with and I really loved that they reacted so genuinely to everything that happened. I couldn’t be happier that Megan wasn’t a whiny little sook or play damsel in distress. And I loved that Jax was so protective and growly and full on alpha but when he over stepped he admitted it and apologised. It just made them feel so real not just as a couple but as people.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series after what I am assuming was the set up for it here.
Check out my reviews here
April 15, 2017
2.5 Boring Stars
Jax is co-owner of Iron-Clad security. They do security works such as bodyguard, government ops, securing homes…
"Jax was a man of action and passion-fear rarely factored in. Jax was mostly a hothead who reacted first and apologized later."
One night when he was at a bar and was watching TV, he heard this news:
"Local celebrity Megan Cruz, lead singer of TNT, was assaulted in her home on Star Island about an hour ago. It is uncertain whether Cruz is hurt. Cruz has previously reported two incidents involving a stalker. It is unclear whether those two incidents are connected to this one. What is known, however, is that the perpetrator was able to escape through a window before being apprehended by the authorities."
Jax and Megan met each other five years ago and spent four days with each other and then they separated. He had a good influence in Megan’s life. After he heard that news, he goes to Megan’s home and promises to protect her. but he must be vigilant! He desperately afraid of distraction because:
"Distraction was his enemy. Last time he’d lost focus on a mission, most of his platoon was killed. Not wanting to ruin the effort and expense it had taken her to plan this for him."
This story is told in dual POV, third person and can be read as a standalone story.
I know, I know this book has a really good potential but I really struggled to finish it. I mean I read 70% of this book patiently but after that I just skipped a lot of pages. My issues: that flash backs! I really don’t mind flash backs (if they are not too much). In this one they weren’t too much BUT they weren’t necessary, AT ALL! This book was supposed to be Suspense/Thriller! But it wasn’t! Yeah it was just romantic. It was so boring for me. I expected high suspense levels but I just read about two persons who have been spending time with each other! I didn’t have any problem with characters, actually they were good but that lack of excitement… You know, this is my opinion so if you like this author’s books then you should read this one as well!
Jax is co-owner of Iron-Clad security. They do security works such as bodyguard, government ops, securing homes…
"Jax was a man of action and passion-fear rarely factored in. Jax was mostly a hothead who reacted first and apologized later."
One night when he was at a bar and was watching TV, he heard this news:
"Local celebrity Megan Cruz, lead singer of TNT, was assaulted in her home on Star Island about an hour ago. It is uncertain whether Cruz is hurt. Cruz has previously reported two incidents involving a stalker. It is unclear whether those two incidents are connected to this one. What is known, however, is that the perpetrator was able to escape through a window before being apprehended by the authorities."
Jax and Megan met each other five years ago and spent four days with each other and then they separated. He had a good influence in Megan’s life. After he heard that news, he goes to Megan’s home and promises to protect her. but he must be vigilant! He desperately afraid of distraction because:
"Distraction was his enemy. Last time he’d lost focus on a mission, most of his platoon was killed. Not wanting to ruin the effort and expense it had taken her to plan this for him."
This story is told in dual POV, third person and can be read as a standalone story.
I know, I know this book has a really good potential but I really struggled to finish it. I mean I read 70% of this book patiently but after that I just skipped a lot of pages. My issues: that flash backs! I really don’t mind flash backs (if they are not too much). In this one they weren’t too much BUT they weren’t necessary, AT ALL! This book was supposed to be Suspense/Thriller! But it wasn’t! Yeah it was just romantic. It was so boring for me. I expected high suspense levels but I just read about two persons who have been spending time with each other! I didn’t have any problem with characters, actually they were good but that lack of excitement… You know, this is my opinion so if you like this author’s books then you should read this one as well!
June 26, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I ended up really liking this book. I have had a copy of this book for over a year and I have to say that I am a little upset with myself for letting this one get lost in pile. I thought that this was a really well done romantic suspense that kept completely entertained. This was one of those books that was easy to spend hours with at a time. I am so glad that I finally decided to pick up this book.
I tend to love second chance romances so Jax and Megan's story was really appealing to me. This pair had a brief but life changing encounter five years ago. Both of their lives have changed dramatically since their time together and they have not even spoken since the last time they were together. During their years apart, Megan has become a music star and Jax is running a security firm after serving in the military. As soon as Jax hears that Megan might be in trouble, he goes straight to her to offer aid.
I really liked how this book was laid out. We learn about their history together slowly throughout the book and I really was just as interested in learning how they met as I was seeing them together in the present. It took a bit of time to learn about their initial meeting but it was worth the wait. Let's just say these two started off in a very unforgettable manner. The story set in the present is pretty exciting since Megan is in quite a bit of danger because of a stalker that may be turning violent.
I loved these two together. I think that they were great together in the past as well as in the present. They had so much chemistry with each other and seemed to be able to be what the other needed. There are few times when Jax oversteps his authority and Megan lets him know it right away. There are a few moments that I felt like Jax was acting a bit like an idiot but things end up working out.
The story was pretty exciting. I really did like the mystery of the stalker and was always waiting for the next big thing to happen. There were a few things that really came as complete surprises in this story but one aspect of the overall mystery was pretty easy to figure out. Even though I had a pretty good idea who the culprit might be, I still had a great time watching everything play out.
I thought that Dara Rosenberg did a great job with this book. I think that this is the first time that I have had a chance to listen to Ms. Rosenberg's narration and I was very impressed. She did a great job with all of the characters and was able to bring a lot of emotion to the story. I did find the narration to be a little slow at the normal speed but once I increased the speed to 1.25, I had no issues with the audio. I wouldn't hesitate to listen to this narrator again in the future.
I would recommend this book to others. I found this book to be a perfect blend of excitement, romance, and great characters. I couldn't help but root for Jax and Megan to safely find their way to a happily ever after together. This was the first book by Sidney Halston that I have had the chance to read and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and borrowed a copy of the audiobook from the library via Hoopla.
Initial Thoughts
I ended up really liking this book. Jax and Megan had a lot of great chemistry and I liked their story from the past just as much as their present. Jax did act like a fool from time to time in the present but Megan was able to deal with him quite nicely. I was able to guess the culprit long before they were revealed but I still had a really great time with the story. This was my first time listening to Dara Rosenberg and I thought she did a fantastic job with the story.
I ended up really liking this book. I have had a copy of this book for over a year and I have to say that I am a little upset with myself for letting this one get lost in pile. I thought that this was a really well done romantic suspense that kept completely entertained. This was one of those books that was easy to spend hours with at a time. I am so glad that I finally decided to pick up this book.
I tend to love second chance romances so Jax and Megan's story was really appealing to me. This pair had a brief but life changing encounter five years ago. Both of their lives have changed dramatically since their time together and they have not even spoken since the last time they were together. During their years apart, Megan has become a music star and Jax is running a security firm after serving in the military. As soon as Jax hears that Megan might be in trouble, he goes straight to her to offer aid.
I really liked how this book was laid out. We learn about their history together slowly throughout the book and I really was just as interested in learning how they met as I was seeing them together in the present. It took a bit of time to learn about their initial meeting but it was worth the wait. Let's just say these two started off in a very unforgettable manner. The story set in the present is pretty exciting since Megan is in quite a bit of danger because of a stalker that may be turning violent.
I loved these two together. I think that they were great together in the past as well as in the present. They had so much chemistry with each other and seemed to be able to be what the other needed. There are few times when Jax oversteps his authority and Megan lets him know it right away. There are a few moments that I felt like Jax was acting a bit like an idiot but things end up working out.
The story was pretty exciting. I really did like the mystery of the stalker and was always waiting for the next big thing to happen. There were a few things that really came as complete surprises in this story but one aspect of the overall mystery was pretty easy to figure out. Even though I had a pretty good idea who the culprit might be, I still had a great time watching everything play out.
I thought that Dara Rosenberg did a great job with this book. I think that this is the first time that I have had a chance to listen to Ms. Rosenberg's narration and I was very impressed. She did a great job with all of the characters and was able to bring a lot of emotion to the story. I did find the narration to be a little slow at the normal speed but once I increased the speed to 1.25, I had no issues with the audio. I wouldn't hesitate to listen to this narrator again in the future.
I would recommend this book to others. I found this book to be a perfect blend of excitement, romance, and great characters. I couldn't help but root for Jax and Megan to safely find their way to a happily ever after together. This was the first book by Sidney Halston that I have had the chance to read and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and borrowed a copy of the audiobook from the library via Hoopla.
Initial Thoughts
I ended up really liking this book. Jax and Megan had a lot of great chemistry and I liked their story from the past just as much as their present. Jax did act like a fool from time to time in the present but Megan was able to deal with him quite nicely. I was able to guess the culprit long before they were revealed but I still had a really great time with the story. This was my first time listening to Dara Rosenberg and I thought she did a fantastic job with the story.
March 28, 2017
4 stars
Kiss Marry Kill by Sidney Halston is the first book in the new series Iron Clad Security and I really enjoyed it.
The writing was well done, the drama/suspense was just enough to hold your interest throughout the book and the characters were likable, passionate and very relatable.
I really enjoyed watching Jax and Megan reconnect, they were both passionate people who loved hard and never forgot about the other after being apart for five years.
I liked how we get to see them as they were back when they first fell in love and how they've both grown and changed but the love between them is still strong.
They shared a strong connection and the chemistry between them was HOT!!
I love second chance love stories and author Sidney Halston has written a very entertaining and enjoyable read in Kiss Marry Kill.
What a great start to the Iron Clad Security series, looking forward to Last First Kiss coming later this year.
*Buy Links*
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Marry-Kil...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kiss-...
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/dk/book/kiss...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kiss...
*Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
Kiss Marry Kill by Sidney Halston is the first book in the new series Iron Clad Security and I really enjoyed it.
The writing was well done, the drama/suspense was just enough to hold your interest throughout the book and the characters were likable, passionate and very relatable.
I really enjoyed watching Jax and Megan reconnect, they were both passionate people who loved hard and never forgot about the other after being apart for five years.
I liked how we get to see them as they were back when they first fell in love and how they've both grown and changed but the love between them is still strong.
They shared a strong connection and the chemistry between them was HOT!!
I love second chance love stories and author Sidney Halston has written a very entertaining and enjoyable read in Kiss Marry Kill.
What a great start to the Iron Clad Security series, looking forward to Last First Kiss coming later this year.
*Buy Links*
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Marry-Kil...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kiss-...
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/dk/book/kiss...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kiss...
*Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
April 6, 2017
I wrote it. So yeah, I kinda like it!
Hope you all like it too
Hope you all like it too
April 2, 2017
Kiss Marry Kill is the first book in the Iron Clad Security Series by Sidney Halston.
5 years ago.
One weekend.
One love.
Now she's an internationally famous musician. And she's in danger.
He's back and running his own private security firm, Iron-Clad, with his best friend.
He never stopped thinking about her. And now that a deadly stalker breaks into her home claiming to be her number-one fan, he'll do anything to protect what's his.
I loved Pull Me Close so when I knew Sidney Halston was releasing a Romantic Suspense, I was game.
With each page I was waiting for Megan & Jax to stir something within me, and whilst there were some moments that I enjoyed their hot and cold game, it wasn't enough and I got a little bored.
I got that their journey back to one another was important, but what about the suspense? The thrilling moments when you can't stop biting your nails imagining what's going to happen next. Or if someone is going to die...
That's what I expect when reading a romantic suspense but unfortunately I didn't get it here. I'm not saying there wasn't any suspense, it's just that it wasn't enough for me. I felt like the author focused more on the second chance to love and left the suspense behind and for a romantic suspense lover like me that hurt.
Overall, it ended up being just an "okay" book for me. And don't you go thinking that because this one wasn't a winner for me I won't be reading the next one, because you're wrong. A kind of female bodyguard? Yeah, I'm pretty excited.
So I'd certainly say read and judge for yourself. The chances are I'm crazy and you'll disagree with me, LOL.
You can find me here: FB PAGE | INSTAGRAM
5 years ago.
One weekend.
One love.
Now she's an internationally famous musician. And she's in danger.
He's back and running his own private security firm, Iron-Clad, with his best friend.
He never stopped thinking about her. And now that a deadly stalker breaks into her home claiming to be her number-one fan, he'll do anything to protect what's his.
I loved Pull Me Close so when I knew Sidney Halston was releasing a Romantic Suspense, I was game.
With each page I was waiting for Megan & Jax to stir something within me, and whilst there were some moments that I enjoyed their hot and cold game, it wasn't enough and I got a little bored.
I got that their journey back to one another was important, but what about the suspense? The thrilling moments when you can't stop biting your nails imagining what's going to happen next. Or if someone is going to die...
That's what I expect when reading a romantic suspense but unfortunately I didn't get it here. I'm not saying there wasn't any suspense, it's just that it wasn't enough for me. I felt like the author focused more on the second chance to love and left the suspense behind and for a romantic suspense lover like me that hurt.
Overall, it ended up being just an "okay" book for me. And don't you go thinking that because this one wasn't a winner for me I won't be reading the next one, because you're wrong. A kind of female bodyguard? Yeah, I'm pretty excited.
So I'd certainly say read and judge for yourself. The chances are I'm crazy and you'll disagree with me, LOL.
You can find me here: FB PAGE | INSTAGRAM
March 22, 2017
4.5 stars!
I loved this book! A sweet, fun, chemistry-filled, emotional second-chance-romance with a mystery/suspense storyline, I was completely swept up in the love story and could not put it down.
Jax and Megan met five years ago at a baseball match. When the kisscam spotlighted her and her douchey boyfriend, he ignored her as usual and refused to look up from his phone long enough to kiss her, so the random stranger sitting on her other side laid one on her that sent the stadium into cheers, and changed the course of both of their lives. For four glorious days they never left each other’s sides – she needed fun and adventure in her life, he needed some order, and they gave each other that, falling for each other in a big way before Jax was deployed overseas and they made a clean break.
Jax has been honourably discharged from the Marines following a deadly ambush that left most of his team dead and him medically unfit for duty, and he now runs a security business with his best friend. When he sees Megan’s face on the news he learns that she is now a hugely successful pop star, and she’s just been the victim of a terrifying break-in. Not even thinking about it, he drops everything to run to her side.
Megan’s life has completely changed in the last five years. She is a passionate and hard-working singer, and she is living the life she never knew that she wanted. But the downside of that is the celebrity, and she has become the target of a stalker. After being terrified in her home, the last person she expected to see is Jax, but she is instantly calmed by him and clings to him for security. And with one look at Megan, Jax wants nothing more than to keep her safe, and he knows he is the one who makes her so.
Jax and Megan have never forgotten about each other. In the four days they had together they made a huge impact on each other’s lives, and they both recognise this second chance for what it is. The chemistry between them is absolutely electric, and neither of them hide the way they are feeling, and from that very first moment, I was right there with them. The UST is fantastic, and the sense of anticipation creates a level of intensity that had me madly flipping pages.
But Jax has demons from his past, and he still suffers guilt and loss over the fact that he wasn’t able to protect those he loved. He refuses to risk Megan, so he holds back knowing that his first priority has to be to protect her, and that means no distractions. But she is not one to be deterred.
I loved these two together! Absolutely loved them! They are great characters individually, their chemistry is amazing, and I could feel everything that they were feeling. But what I loved best was their openness and ease with each other. It’s been five years and they have things that they need to learn about each other, but they slip into a familiar intimacy from the very beginning. The story of their past is revealed in snippets throughout the book, and in the present the pacing is perfect as they reconnect. It’s not a wham-bam, straight into bed situation, they talk, they flirt, they laugh, and the sense of anticipation builds wonderfully as they move closer and closer to the inevitable. They don’t hold back on talking about what they’re feeling, and it creates a wonderful dynamic that I could not get enough of.
The romance is definitely the focus of the book but Megan is still in danger, and with the threats increasing in frequency and intensity, Jax needs to figure out how to balance his need to protect with his need for the woman he’s falling so quickly for – before it’s too late.
This is such a great read! It’s fast moving, keeping the story interesting while still giving us lots of detail. I love that we got to see so much of Jax and Megan together – flirting and having fun, talking about their pasts and opening up to each other, falling for each other, and of course the sexy time is sizzling ! I could feel everything, and I fell in love right alongside them *dreamy sigh*.
The mystery/suspense storyline adds a nice intensity, and it’s handled really well. It blends really nicely with the romance and there are twists and turns that keep you guessing. It’s not hard to figure out what’s going on, but there were still some surprises and I liked the way it all played out
There’s a great bunch of side characters that add a lot of the story, and given that this is the first in the Iron Clad Security series, there’s some great set ups for future books. It’s a really strong start, and I’m really excited to continue on with the series.
I loved it – 4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! A sweet, fun, chemistry-filled, emotional second-chance-romance with a mystery/suspense storyline, I was completely swept up in the love story and could not put it down.
Jax and Megan met five years ago at a baseball match. When the kisscam spotlighted her and her douchey boyfriend, he ignored her as usual and refused to look up from his phone long enough to kiss her, so the random stranger sitting on her other side laid one on her that sent the stadium into cheers, and changed the course of both of their lives. For four glorious days they never left each other’s sides – she needed fun and adventure in her life, he needed some order, and they gave each other that, falling for each other in a big way before Jax was deployed overseas and they made a clean break.
Jax has been honourably discharged from the Marines following a deadly ambush that left most of his team dead and him medically unfit for duty, and he now runs a security business with his best friend. When he sees Megan’s face on the news he learns that she is now a hugely successful pop star, and she’s just been the victim of a terrifying break-in. Not even thinking about it, he drops everything to run to her side.
“Hey you, remember me?”
Megan’s life has completely changed in the last five years. She is a passionate and hard-working singer, and she is living the life she never knew that she wanted. But the downside of that is the celebrity, and she has become the target of a stalker. After being terrified in her home, the last person she expected to see is Jax, but she is instantly calmed by him and clings to him for security. And with one look at Megan, Jax wants nothing more than to keep her safe, and he knows he is the one who makes her so.
“It’s gotta be me. I keep her safe.” He felt the vibration from his voice from deep in his chest. His decision was final. He wasn’t going to let anyone protect his woman. And yes, he might not ever admit it out loud, but she was his. She’d always been his, and after they parted ways, she would still be his. And there was no way in fucking hell he’d let anyone hurt what was his.
Jax and Megan have never forgotten about each other. In the four days they had together they made a huge impact on each other’s lives, and they both recognise this second chance for what it is. The chemistry between them is absolutely electric, and neither of them hide the way they are feeling, and from that very first moment, I was right there with them. The UST is fantastic, and the sense of anticipation creates a level of intensity that had me madly flipping pages.
If she thought he’d forgotten about the chemistry they had…she was out of her ever-loving mind. It wasn’t just a spark. It was a fire.
But Jax has demons from his past, and he still suffers guilt and loss over the fact that he wasn’t able to protect those he loved. He refuses to risk Megan, so he holds back knowing that his first priority has to be to protect her, and that means no distractions. But she is not one to be deterred.
“All these years, I’ve thought about the fun, free-spirited guy who showed me how to loosen up and live wild, and made me feel sexy and valued … Thinking about you took me back to the best time of my life. I understand you’re trying to protect me, but damn it, this isn’t you. Where’s the guy that turned my world upside down and caused me to forget all my worries with one kiss?”
“Things have changed, but not that much and not where it counts.”
I loved these two together! Absolutely loved them! They are great characters individually, their chemistry is amazing, and I could feel everything that they were feeling. But what I loved best was their openness and ease with each other. It’s been five years and they have things that they need to learn about each other, but they slip into a familiar intimacy from the very beginning. The story of their past is revealed in snippets throughout the book, and in the present the pacing is perfect as they reconnect. It’s not a wham-bam, straight into bed situation, they talk, they flirt, they laugh, and the sense of anticipation builds wonderfully as they move closer and closer to the inevitable. They don’t hold back on talking about what they’re feeling, and it creates a wonderful dynamic that I could not get enough of.
“This feels as good as I remember,” she said, pressing her cheek to his back.
“You like it before? You never said anything.”
“Are you kidding me? I’d just met you. What kinda girl says lovey-dovey shit like that on a first date? You would’ve run for the hills.”
He squeezed her knee and tilted his head back. “The same kind of girl who agrees to have lunch with a stranger and stays for four days and rocks my world so deeply I’ve done nothing but think about her for five years.”
The romance is definitely the focus of the book but Megan is still in danger, and with the threats increasing in frequency and intensity, Jax needs to figure out how to balance his need to protect with his need for the woman he’s falling so quickly for – before it’s too late.
This is such a great read! It’s fast moving, keeping the story interesting while still giving us lots of detail. I love that we got to see so much of Jax and Megan together – flirting and having fun, talking about their pasts and opening up to each other, falling for each other, and of course the sexy time is sizzling ! I could feel everything, and I fell in love right alongside them *dreamy sigh*.
The mystery/suspense storyline adds a nice intensity, and it’s handled really well. It blends really nicely with the romance and there are twists and turns that keep you guessing. It’s not hard to figure out what’s going on, but there were still some surprises and I liked the way it all played out
There’s a great bunch of side characters that add a lot of the story, and given that this is the first in the Iron Clad Security series, there’s some great set ups for future books. It’s a really strong start, and I’m really excited to continue on with the series.
I loved it – 4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2017
Megan Cruz is not at all like she was five years ago, now a headstrong singer for the famous band TNT, Jackson "Jax" Irons is shocked to see her on the news. When he left for war he thought he'd never see her again, even though he thought of her always, but when a stalker is reported to be after her he can't sit by and let it happen. Using his connections as one of the owners of Iron Clad Security, Jax steps in to save the day, only to be wrapped in the spell of Megan again.
Megan remembers Jax as the fun one, the guy who kissed her and made her feel alive in such a short period of time, but this new Jax is hardened and getting through to him seems impossible. Meg uses every chance she can to show him she wants more, but his PTSD and his desperate need to protect her keep getting in the way. The stalker doesn't seem to be letting up either and as things get worse Megan clings to Jax, unaware that even when things get better he may not still be there.
Kiss Marry Kill was a really interesting book, I took a bit of time to get into it, but once I got the story line I was hooked. More romance than suspense, Sidney Halston tells a multi-faceted story about two young people who found romance with one another and have the chance to try again after 5 years. Megan and Jackson are cute together, they have the chemistry you want all characters from books to have, but they also have recent pasts that have changed who they are. While they face the threat of Megan's stalker together, they also let the fire between them be rekindled, though they never put a name to it. I really liked Megan, she is determined and spunky, full of the fire that Jackson shared with her when they first met. Jackson is obviously handsome, incredibly caring, and scarred by the memories of the war. He broke my heart, several times, because it was obvious that he doesn't seem himself in the light that others do. Their connection brings out the best in him, but mentally he shuts it down repeatedly. It was so interesting to me that the nature of his career and his desire to protect Megan ultimately led to part of his downfall...as well as his turnaround to happily ever after.
Kiss Marry Kill is a new release that fans of suspenseful romances will not want to miss. It keep you on your toes as you read, but has all the heat of an erotic romance. Full of complex characters, descriptive situations, casual dialogue, and a second chance story line, Kiss Marry Kill is absolutely a novel I recommend to my fellow readers.
Megan remembers Jax as the fun one, the guy who kissed her and made her feel alive in such a short period of time, but this new Jax is hardened and getting through to him seems impossible. Meg uses every chance she can to show him she wants more, but his PTSD and his desperate need to protect her keep getting in the way. The stalker doesn't seem to be letting up either and as things get worse Megan clings to Jax, unaware that even when things get better he may not still be there.
Kiss Marry Kill was a really interesting book, I took a bit of time to get into it, but once I got the story line I was hooked. More romance than suspense, Sidney Halston tells a multi-faceted story about two young people who found romance with one another and have the chance to try again after 5 years. Megan and Jackson are cute together, they have the chemistry you want all characters from books to have, but they also have recent pasts that have changed who they are. While they face the threat of Megan's stalker together, they also let the fire between them be rekindled, though they never put a name to it. I really liked Megan, she is determined and spunky, full of the fire that Jackson shared with her when they first met. Jackson is obviously handsome, incredibly caring, and scarred by the memories of the war. He broke my heart, several times, because it was obvious that he doesn't seem himself in the light that others do. Their connection brings out the best in him, but mentally he shuts it down repeatedly. It was so interesting to me that the nature of his career and his desire to protect Megan ultimately led to part of his downfall...as well as his turnaround to happily ever after.
Kiss Marry Kill is a new release that fans of suspenseful romances will not want to miss. It keep you on your toes as you read, but has all the heat of an erotic romance. Full of complex characters, descriptive situations, casual dialogue, and a second chance story line, Kiss Marry Kill is absolutely a novel I recommend to my fellow readers.
March 27, 2017
3.5 Stars!
This is my first book by Sidney Halston and it's a great start to a series. A second chance romance between an ex-marine and rock star. They met 5 years prior, Jax about to ship out and Meghan on the verge of starting law school.
This story had lot of things going for it. They way the two met was cute. How they spent the next four days together before Jax shipped out. The impact he had on her in that short amount of time, gave her the courage to change her life the way she wanted. How after 5 years, just the thought of Meghan in danger has Jax crashing back into her life to protect her from a stalker.
Overall, a great story, great writing and interesting characters. I would have loved a bit more excitement to the suspense part of the story. This also had one of things I do not like in my romance books. Jax thoughts of Meghan were great, he was possessive and loved her long before he could admit it, but he didn't feel good enough for her so there was too much pushing away for my tastes. I really need the man to be a man and make things happen. When that doesn't happen, it takes some of my love of the relationship away. That's just a personal like and I'm sure most readers will love the back and forth with the characters.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
This is my first book by Sidney Halston and it's a great start to a series. A second chance romance between an ex-marine and rock star. They met 5 years prior, Jax about to ship out and Meghan on the verge of starting law school.
This story had lot of things going for it. They way the two met was cute. How they spent the next four days together before Jax shipped out. The impact he had on her in that short amount of time, gave her the courage to change her life the way she wanted. How after 5 years, just the thought of Meghan in danger has Jax crashing back into her life to protect her from a stalker.
Overall, a great story, great writing and interesting characters. I would have loved a bit more excitement to the suspense part of the story. This also had one of things I do not like in my romance books. Jax thoughts of Meghan were great, he was possessive and loved her long before he could admit it, but he didn't feel good enough for her so there was too much pushing away for my tastes. I really need the man to be a man and make things happen. When that doesn't happen, it takes some of my love of the relationship away. That's just a personal like and I'm sure most readers will love the back and forth with the characters.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
March 30, 2017
My initial reaction after reading the book: How have I not read any of Sidney Halston's books before? You'd think I was living under a rock or something! I CANNOT wait for the next book!!!
This book was a "WHO DONE IT" as its finest, from the first page to the last it kept me at the edge of my seat, who was after Megan and why were they trying to kill her? Right from the start we are engaged with Megan's stalker there was no slow build it was right there on page one, talk about a way to pull you into a story....WOW.
My full review can be found here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
This book was a "WHO DONE IT" as its finest, from the first page to the last it kept me at the edge of my seat, who was after Megan and why were they trying to kill her? Right from the start we are engaged with Megan's stalker there was no slow build it was right there on page one, talk about a way to pull you into a story....WOW.
My full review can be found here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
March 17, 2017
Megan and Jax unexpectedly meet at a baseball game while she's there with her boyfriend. I loved this whole scenario! It was great! And while Megan decides to ditch her boyfriend and hide from her family, her and Jax spend 4 amazing days together before he is deployed. (But they spend it having fun, no sex involved). This gave Megan the guts to stick up for herself and finally admit she didn't want to follow in her parent's footsteps as attorneys. She wanted to write music and perform, and that is exactly what she did while Jax is away. And she becomes famous while Jax does nothing to keep track of her, I think too afraid to know she may have been living a great life with someone else.
Five years later, Jax is back in the States running his own security firm, Iron-Clad. Megan is in trouble, and without thinking, he goes directly to her. His protectiveness was fierce!
I struggled somewhere in the middle, but then things really picked up, and the last 30% of this book was so good!
Sidney Halston sucked me in with her book, Pull Me Close, which I will NEVER forget and loved! Looking forward to future releases from her!
I was provided an ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
Five years later, Jax is back in the States running his own security firm, Iron-Clad. Megan is in trouble, and without thinking, he goes directly to her. His protectiveness was fierce!
I struggled somewhere in the middle, but then things really picked up, and the last 30% of this book was so good!
Sidney Halston sucked me in with her book, Pull Me Close, which I will NEVER forget and loved! Looking forward to future releases from her!
I was provided an ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
March 28, 2017
My Review:
Next to friends to lovers, second chance at love is my favorite trope in romance. This book features that trope...and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Five years before the book took place Megan and Jax had four days together. Those four days took place right before both their lives were about to change...so they accepted that that would be all the time they'd have together...no future.
And they stuck to that...until 5 years later when Jax sees Megan on the news because of her stalker. When they knew one another before, Jax was on his way to a deployment, Megan was about to embark into law school. Now Megan is a famous rock star and Jax owns a security firm. Of course, when he sees the problems she's having he has to run to her aid. This is his specialty now...and of course things embark from there.
I liked the book. The story is told via a series of present day and flashback scenes throughout the entire story. So, it's like reading two romances at the same time...featuring the same people. I have to admit, I love who they are today so much more than where they were back then...rightfully so, but I really love how those 4 days totally changed Megan's entire perspective on her world.
I love how totally over-protective Jax is about Megan. He's so alpha that he loses control of it sometimes. I also loved his team and Joey and how they will call him on it sometimes, too. I love that he works security. He knows exactly how to protect Megan with her rock star career. I also really loved that aspect of the story. The band and the whole musical aspect was great. I wasn't quite sure what to make of TNT and the remaining two members...especially as this is a romantic suspense, which has the reader questioning everyone's motives.
I admit, I"m a fan of Sidney Halston's writing and am especially excited about her new venture into writing romantic suspense. This was a great example and I hope she writes many more along this genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Next to friends to lovers, second chance at love is my favorite trope in romance. This book features that trope...and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Five years before the book took place Megan and Jax had four days together. Those four days took place right before both their lives were about to change...so they accepted that that would be all the time they'd have together...no future.
And they stuck to that...until 5 years later when Jax sees Megan on the news because of her stalker. When they knew one another before, Jax was on his way to a deployment, Megan was about to embark into law school. Now Megan is a famous rock star and Jax owns a security firm. Of course, when he sees the problems she's having he has to run to her aid. This is his specialty now...and of course things embark from there.
I liked the book. The story is told via a series of present day and flashback scenes throughout the entire story. So, it's like reading two romances at the same time...featuring the same people. I have to admit, I love who they are today so much more than where they were back then...rightfully so, but I really love how those 4 days totally changed Megan's entire perspective on her world.
I love how totally over-protective Jax is about Megan. He's so alpha that he loses control of it sometimes. I also loved his team and Joey and how they will call him on it sometimes, too. I love that he works security. He knows exactly how to protect Megan with her rock star career. I also really loved that aspect of the story. The band and the whole musical aspect was great. I wasn't quite sure what to make of TNT and the remaining two members...especially as this is a romantic suspense, which has the reader questioning everyone's motives.
I admit, I"m a fan of Sidney Halston's writing and am especially excited about her new venture into writing romantic suspense. This was a great example and I hope she writes many more along this genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
April 4, 2017
Off to a good start!
The book started out wonderfully, I was biting my nails by the second paragraph. Sadly those suspenseful moments were kind of missing as the story took off.
Jax and Meg were great characters, the chemistry was there, but I wasn't sure why they were dancing around something that was clearly inevitable.
Unfortunately I found myself a little bored every now and then, I expected something more action-packed and unpredictable, but still looking forward to the next books in the series.
The book started out wonderfully, I was biting my nails by the second paragraph. Sadly those suspenseful moments were kind of missing as the story took off.
Jax and Meg were great characters, the chemistry was there, but I wasn't sure why they were dancing around something that was clearly inevitable.
Unfortunately I found myself a little bored every now and then, I expected something more action-packed and unpredictable, but still looking forward to the next books in the series.
April 2, 2017
Sidney Halston has written a beautiful and sexy book that is centered into the world of Romantic Suspense with Kiss Marry Kill. She definitely “killed “it with this book. It is so rich with storyline and with characters; I didn’t want the book to end.
The story follows Megan who is a now famous singer, and Jax, war veteran and now security expert. They have a past together that was brief – a short affair that lasted 4 days and they haven’t seen or spoken to each other since Jax deployed 5 years before . Jax is now back in Megan’s world when he heard her life was in danger—that is when Jax knew he needed to come to Megan and offer aid- his type of aid.
Old feelings come rising up when they are in close contact and those feelings that was there in the past, are still there in the present. It’s a beautiful 2nd chance love story and you get to see how Megan never got over her love for Jax yet there is some reserve over how he left her. The plot was interesting and the sex scenes are so hot, I needed a cold drink to cool off. Jax is one hot alpha who never got over his feelings for Megan and he wasn’t going to let this chance slip thru his fingers again. Take one heartwarming romance, pulse pounding danger , a crazy stalker and those twists/turns makes this one hot and dangerous romance worth reading!!
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
The story follows Megan who is a now famous singer, and Jax, war veteran and now security expert. They have a past together that was brief – a short affair that lasted 4 days and they haven’t seen or spoken to each other since Jax deployed 5 years before . Jax is now back in Megan’s world when he heard her life was in danger—that is when Jax knew he needed to come to Megan and offer aid- his type of aid.
Old feelings come rising up when they are in close contact and those feelings that was there in the past, are still there in the present. It’s a beautiful 2nd chance love story and you get to see how Megan never got over her love for Jax yet there is some reserve over how he left her. The plot was interesting and the sex scenes are so hot, I needed a cold drink to cool off. Jax is one hot alpha who never got over his feelings for Megan and he wasn’t going to let this chance slip thru his fingers again. Take one heartwarming romance, pulse pounding danger , a crazy stalker and those twists/turns makes this one hot and dangerous romance worth reading!!
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
March 19, 2017
A chance encounter at a baseball game that leads to a weekend of passion has stayed with Jax for the last 5 years. The woman that haunts his memories is now a huge pop star and apparently has a stalker who's actions are escalating to deadly. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Jax and his security team jump in to help. Megan hasn't forgotten Jax either and she can't believe her good fortune when he comes to her aide after a nerve shattering incident with her stalker. Their reunion brings back all the old feelings and the attraction flares to life. Jax needs to stay focused though. It could mean life or death for Megan.
This is a great blend of romance and suspense with enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat while giving you the full story on their developing relationship. I thought he flashbacks to the past took away from the story a bit. While it was nice to know the whole story I don't think we needed quite so much of the past. Since that is really my only complaint about the book I will definitely be recommending this one to everyone.
This is a great blend of romance and suspense with enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat while giving you the full story on their developing relationship. I thought he flashbacks to the past took away from the story a bit. While it was nice to know the whole story I don't think we needed quite so much of the past. Since that is really my only complaint about the book I will definitely be recommending this one to everyone.
March 22, 2017
Kiss, Marry, Kill This was my first read by the author and I can say that I wasn't disappointed. Kiss, Marry, Kill was a roller coaster ride to the finish and it was worth the ride. This was a tale of missed opportunity, getting even and the author did well with the romantic and heartbreaking aspects of the book. The pairing of the two leading characters was well executed with Jax (male lead) the injured ex - Marine who is determined to keep the love he once lost safe and Megan (female lead) is determined not to let him go again. Kiss, Marry, Kill isn't the simple boy meets girl, comes to her rescue, have a brief wonderful time together and then fade into the background kind of story. It happily keeps the reader guessing about who the bad guy really is and how will the hero really save the day. The dynamic with all the characters is well put together and it is easy to see this series continuing with success.Thank you to author and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2017
First thing that draw me to the this book is that blurb. It definitely has the Bodyguard appeal but knowing Sidney Halston's style there it won't be. Right away there is that suspense/mystery vibe. I truly didn't know how that was going to end up. Then it keeps coming with the action, I really wanted to know more. Jax has his own private security firm after being back from his service and the timing is just right to meet the girl who is firmly still on his mind. That spark when they met years ago is still very much there.
In light of recent events that brought them back togther. It's quite obvious Jax still has torch for this girl and vice versa, his concern for her protective as ever. I imagine being a celebrity constantly surrounded by people can be invasive to one's privacy. Security is important, there will be times when it's tested. Megan I feel for her that kind of experience will definitely change you and I'm glad she has Jax. Megan is now older more experienced and not the shy and obedient girl. She's feisty when she wants to be she won't just let her old alpha friend run with things. She is that lovely girl though, vulnerable too. Jax maybe rougher around the edges but he has the know how in this situation and he can help. I like that direct no non sense approach he has, a bit over but shows he cares Now isn't a good time to start to rekindle things for them with everything happening, on top of being her being a client.
The flashback of memories between these two is full of affection, spontaneous and genuine feelings . That one moment that started it all in crowded baseball stadium. I love meet cutes like these, kiss cams with someone else creative and trendy. Megan is the light in the now darkened world Jax knows. I can feel the chemistry and tension. One gruff ex Marine softened by this lovely singer. With the threat now looming it could push back the budding . It's hard to deny the good feelings that linger.
Jax is a sweetheart and all protective underneath the demons that plague him. Also sharp and perceptive when it comes to Megan most of all. If he could he'd keep her in a bubble. Years may have changed them but that giddy feeling from before is still there. Their relationship is the forefront of this book. The suspense interspersed in between. I was able to guess a little bit one part but it was done pretty well to keep you guessing. It was exciting till the end. One thing, I felt the flashbacks although nice could've been condensed a little more to give way to the ongoing story. I wanted the reasoning a little more expounded but still worked out.
I enjoyed Sydney's previous book. Kiss Marry Kill is her foray into romantic suspense and she does a good job. It's steamy and sweet with the right amount of thrilling moments. I want to know the other TNT girls and the other members of ICS and looks like I will be getting that wish. A promising and good start to a series. I can't wait for the next.
*** ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review ***
In light of recent events that brought them back togther. It's quite obvious Jax still has torch for this girl and vice versa, his concern for her protective as ever. I imagine being a celebrity constantly surrounded by people can be invasive to one's privacy. Security is important, there will be times when it's tested. Megan I feel for her that kind of experience will definitely change you and I'm glad she has Jax. Megan is now older more experienced and not the shy and obedient girl. She's feisty when she wants to be she won't just let her old alpha friend run with things. She is that lovely girl though, vulnerable too. Jax maybe rougher around the edges but he has the know how in this situation and he can help. I like that direct no non sense approach he has, a bit over but shows he cares Now isn't a good time to start to rekindle things for them with everything happening, on top of being her being a client.
The flashback of memories between these two is full of affection, spontaneous and genuine feelings . That one moment that started it all in crowded baseball stadium. I love meet cutes like these, kiss cams with someone else creative and trendy. Megan is the light in the now darkened world Jax knows. I can feel the chemistry and tension. One gruff ex Marine softened by this lovely singer. With the threat now looming it could push back the budding . It's hard to deny the good feelings that linger.
Jax is a sweetheart and all protective underneath the demons that plague him. Also sharp and perceptive when it comes to Megan most of all. If he could he'd keep her in a bubble. Years may have changed them but that giddy feeling from before is still there. Their relationship is the forefront of this book. The suspense interspersed in between. I was able to guess a little bit one part but it was done pretty well to keep you guessing. It was exciting till the end. One thing, I felt the flashbacks although nice could've been condensed a little more to give way to the ongoing story. I wanted the reasoning a little more expounded but still worked out.
I enjoyed Sydney's previous book. Kiss Marry Kill is her foray into romantic suspense and she does a good job. It's steamy and sweet with the right amount of thrilling moments. I want to know the other TNT girls and the other members of ICS and looks like I will be getting that wish. A promising and good start to a series. I can't wait for the next.
*** ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review ***
March 24, 2017
***ARC Provided by NetGalley and Tasty Book Tours***
I ended up liking this story a lot, more than I thought I was going to, actually. And, I credit the author with this, as I usually really like Ms. Halston's writing and stories.
The idea of a celebrity who is being stalked falling for the bodyguard is, honestly, not new. It was freshened up, a little, by the second chance romance aspect. But, it was the way the second chance was handled, the slight difference in the way it played out years ago, that resulted in this one feeling more new and different than I was expecting.
Jax and Megan were both interesting and well written. I was able to engage with both of them, and to understand what they were thinking. This definitely matters in a second chance, as you need to be able to see why they made the decision to split and also why they were willing to make it work a second time, 5 years later.
I thought the resolution of the stalker thing was a little obvious, but not enough that it took away from the story, as that was really there to give Jax and Megan a reason to be together than for any real major suspense in their story.
I recommend this book overall and I am looking forward to the next ones in the series.
I ended up liking this story a lot, more than I thought I was going to, actually. And, I credit the author with this, as I usually really like Ms. Halston's writing and stories.
The idea of a celebrity who is being stalked falling for the bodyguard is, honestly, not new. It was freshened up, a little, by the second chance romance aspect. But, it was the way the second chance was handled, the slight difference in the way it played out years ago, that resulted in this one feeling more new and different than I was expecting.
Jax and Megan were both interesting and well written. I was able to engage with both of them, and to understand what they were thinking. This definitely matters in a second chance, as you need to be able to see why they made the decision to split and also why they were willing to make it work a second time, 5 years later.
I thought the resolution of the stalker thing was a little obvious, but not enough that it took away from the story, as that was really there to give Jax and Megan a reason to be together than for any real major suspense in their story.
I recommend this book overall and I am looking forward to the next ones in the series.
March 22, 2017
This was a really good story that could have been a really great story with about 50-75 pages of fluff less.
The couple of Jax a vet just short of a PTSD problem and Megan who has made it to rock stardom and they met for a few passionate days 5 years ago that changed their lives.
The book opens with a stalker breaking in which gets Jax involved back in her life after 5 years but now he runs a security company and is a bit over the top protective.
The story is good , the plot is good, keeps you guessing BUT a couple of things almost made me give this a 3 Star rating, it was close.
1. As I mentioned, about 50-75 pages of useless fluff but since I could scan it easy enough not a sucking chest wound.
2. The story had a flow to it that was pretty good until the sex started and then it was almost like another person started writing this near porn stuff and language. Really seemed out of place in this story with this writing. Maybe it was a Sex 101 class project but it was not done that well, not horribly bad but not a smooth writing transition IMHO
All things considered I still stuck with the book because I wanted to know the whodunnit and it had a bit of a twist also and I thought it was resolved very nicely.
Bottom Line: Would have liked to have seen this book trimmed down a few pages and the sex scenes done better (in a literary sense) but the mystery was good and I did scan several pages but the story was laid out well enough it was easy to do and I lost nothing in the process so 4 Stars mainly on the strength of the story itself.
The couple of Jax a vet just short of a PTSD problem and Megan who has made it to rock stardom and they met for a few passionate days 5 years ago that changed their lives.
The book opens with a stalker breaking in which gets Jax involved back in her life after 5 years but now he runs a security company and is a bit over the top protective.
The story is good , the plot is good, keeps you guessing BUT a couple of things almost made me give this a 3 Star rating, it was close.
1. As I mentioned, about 50-75 pages of useless fluff but since I could scan it easy enough not a sucking chest wound.
2. The story had a flow to it that was pretty good until the sex started and then it was almost like another person started writing this near porn stuff and language. Really seemed out of place in this story with this writing. Maybe it was a Sex 101 class project but it was not done that well, not horribly bad but not a smooth writing transition IMHO
All things considered I still stuck with the book because I wanted to know the whodunnit and it had a bit of a twist also and I thought it was resolved very nicely.
Bottom Line: Would have liked to have seen this book trimmed down a few pages and the sex scenes done better (in a literary sense) but the mystery was good and I did scan several pages but the story was laid out well enough it was easy to do and I lost nothing in the process so 4 Stars mainly on the strength of the story itself.
March 21, 2017
Kiss Marry Kill...the age old game to entertain the masses. Ok well, some know it by a similar name.
In this case, Kiss Marry Kill is a second chance romance. Who doesn't want to reconnect with the one who got away?!?! A hot Marine who upon sight makes your body want to climb him as a spider monkey would climb a tree?!? What are you rereading that stupid comment for- you know exactly what I mean!
Hot, gorgeous, and lickable comes riding back into your life on his motorcycle. Did I mention the whole military badassedness (totally a word)?!
Let's start over again. You seem to be confused.
Hot ex military man
The one who got away
rides a motorcycle
comes to save the day
If that isn't enough, there is something wrong with you. Read it anyway, you may learn that Jax can change you mind!
Oh! Or the whole broken hero thing!?! That might get you going...
Just know that Jax is all about one woman and he will do anything to keep her safe. sigh
Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
In this case, Kiss Marry Kill is a second chance romance. Who doesn't want to reconnect with the one who got away?!?! A hot Marine who upon sight makes your body want to climb him as a spider monkey would climb a tree?!? What are you rereading that stupid comment for- you know exactly what I mean!
Hot, gorgeous, and lickable comes riding back into your life on his motorcycle. Did I mention the whole military badassedness (totally a word)?!
Let's start over again. You seem to be confused.
Hot ex military man
The one who got away
rides a motorcycle
comes to save the day
If that isn't enough, there is something wrong with you. Read it anyway, you may learn that Jax can change you mind!
Oh! Or the whole broken hero thing!?! That might get you going...
Just know that Jax is all about one woman and he will do anything to keep her safe. sigh
Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
March 19, 2017
I loved the hell out of this story! It’s original, fast paced and super steamy!
Jax and Megan had an intense week together before going their separate ways. Jax over-seas to the military and Megan built a career as a singer in a popular pop band. The two parted ways thinking they’d never see one another again. Now, years later Jax has been discharged from the military and owns a successful security agency. Which is why when he hears the woman who he’s never forgotten is in trouble he swoops in to protect her. Megan’s gotten herself a crazy stalker and the only person who makes her feel safe is Jax. After spending time together they realize the spark from years before is still strong but Jax isn’t willing to risk Megan’s safety by getting distracted from his bodyguarding duties to start a relationship…
This is one of those books that you can’t put down once you start, the mystery and drama had me reading into the wee hours of the morning. I love all the characters, especially Jax’s security men – the author’s done a great job setting up what I can only expect is going to be a fantastic series. Looking forward to book #2!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Jax and Megan had an intense week together before going their separate ways. Jax over-seas to the military and Megan built a career as a singer in a popular pop band. The two parted ways thinking they’d never see one another again. Now, years later Jax has been discharged from the military and owns a successful security agency. Which is why when he hears the woman who he’s never forgotten is in trouble he swoops in to protect her. Megan’s gotten herself a crazy stalker and the only person who makes her feel safe is Jax. After spending time together they realize the spark from years before is still strong but Jax isn’t willing to risk Megan’s safety by getting distracted from his bodyguarding duties to start a relationship…
This is one of those books that you can’t put down once you start, the mystery and drama had me reading into the wee hours of the morning. I love all the characters, especially Jax’s security men – the author’s done a great job setting up what I can only expect is going to be a fantastic series. Looking forward to book #2!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
September 1, 2018
This was a very romantic and sexy book with a female rock star and an ex-military security guy. As people I really liked Megan; she was down-to-earth even though she was wealthy and a star. She had a horrible family who didn't support her. Yet she was able to be honest about her feelings and support Jax. Her family issues weren't really resolved.
Jax had lost his parents but had been very close to them. His issues with losing his team in war weren't exactly resolved either. I understand why he held back but he really needed to let others on his team help with the bodyguarding when he was distracted. He could be with her and just have additional bodyguards. I didn't like how he wasn't able to be honest with Megan about some things.
The stalker and mystery stuff was scary and partially predictable. It was a longish book, a romantic read, but not very realistic.
Jax had lost his parents but had been very close to them. His issues with losing his team in war weren't exactly resolved either. I understand why he held back but he really needed to let others on his team help with the bodyguarding when he was distracted. He could be with her and just have additional bodyguards. I didn't like how he wasn't able to be honest with Megan about some things.
The stalker and mystery stuff was scary and partially predictable. It was a longish book, a romantic read, but not very realistic.
October 28, 2019
Jax and Megan meet five years ago and had an adventureous and very hot weekend. Now it is current day, and they meet up again. Doesn't take long to fall back into their relationship. He keeps her safe from a crazy fan. He, of course, does something stupid and runs away. In the end, Megan forgives him and true love wins.
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