A pretend relationship between a bodyguard and single mom turns all too real in the latest Bachelor Bodyguards romance Emilia Ecklund hears her child cry when he's smiling. She sees intruders where there are none. She's either losing her mind--or someone wants her to think she is. Desperate, she asks her brother's best friend, former Marine and Payne Protection Agency bodyguard Dane Sutton, to investigate. But the only way is for him to move into her home...and bed. Dane's secret mission: to pose as Emilia's boyfriend while watching every door and window like a hawk. He vows to keep things purely professional, but he's severely tempted as his feelings intensify. And as the threats escalate, the guarded loner has everything to lose.
Born one dark and stormy Halloween night, Lisa Childs was predestined to write suspense novels. She loves spinning dark and twisty stories that keep readers awake because they’re either too busy turning pages or too scared to sleep. Lisa Childs is the prolific author of more than seventy published novels. In addition to romantic suspense, she also writes women’s fiction, paranormal and contemporary romance.
Lisa loves to hear from readers who can contact her on Facebook or through her website.
This is one of my many favorite series - so glad they are continuing the series.
Last book left off with Dane falling a little bit more in love with Lars sister, Emilia! But he wasn't cut out for marriage and it would never work! Dane worked with Nikki and hard headed Lars, they had found Emilia and reunited her with her son, Blue.
This book opens up first with Emilia at her home, thinking she's gone crazy. Windows open, baby Blue crying except that he wasn't, things moved and phone calls made that she never placed. Little by little, the bad guy, or you can just call him "Moneybags M", goes from trying to make Emilia crazy so they can take her baby away since she's hearing/seeing things that no one would believe if she told them. They knew she wasn't a good mother
From the previous book: she was at one point unsure, sure she was scared, contacting an adoption attorney. (Think New Orleans, see Last Book "Nanny Bodyguard") Emilia wasn't sure she was going to make a good mother, but when she tried to break the appointment, the attorney made her feel guilty. Long story short. The attorney had try and sell Baby Blue to several different families, though only one would have ended up with the baby, but he had thought he might even keep the baby and Emilia, but first thing he had to wait for Emilia to have the baby and then get rid of Emilia. (You'll have to read the previous book to find out why he kept her alive, as I don't remember exactly why).
She was captured for over 3 months, then rescued. Her brother Lars had been living with Emilia while he continued seeing Nikki Payne. They fell in love, and Lars recently moved in with Nikki!
Enter Mom Payne, Penny Payne, and her wedding. Emilia is her assistant and is helping the older bride have the wedding of her dreams to the man she has come to love more than she ever thought! Nikki has been having to play go-between for Emilia and the caterers, the singer (tho that does work out to their advantage!) among all the things thatEmilia has screwed up on her moms wedding.
While the replacement singer was up singing, Lars asks his best friend, Dane, to keep an eye on her as he's planning to ask Nikki to marry him! (Bonus points for how Lars planned that one!)
Then trying to keep Lars and Nikki out of it, Dans fakes a relationship with Emilia; though things seem to turn into more than the both realized. With all this going on, she only feels safe when she's in his arms.
Between what's already going on, gang jumps, best friends knocking each other's light out, car accidents and Lars and Dane both ending up in the hospital. This book is full of adventure and surprises, kisses and even attempted kidnappings of Blue!
Again without giving to much more away, this is a great book, great story and great characters. I like that they gave into being willing to learn more about each other and even being romantic.
It was a bit steamy in the details. But with it happening just couple times, it wasn't too bad!
Next we're going to see Manny fall in love despite his claims. Hmm, maybe Cole's sister? Or someone he protects, and meets along the way? Who know, but we'll have to wait until January (17th)? 2018!!
Really happy they are continuing this series, sorts wished you heard a little bit more about the Payne family!
Maybe it's time to for a reread from the beginning while I wait for Manny story!!
Very good book, action-filled and intense from the start. Emilia is trying to get her life back together after being kidnapped and nearly losing her baby to an adoption ring. She has a good job helping Penny at the wedding chapel, and her brother is finally letting up a little on his overprotectiveness. Then strange things begin to happen. Emilia hears a baby crying while her son is fast asleep, windows that she knows she locked are left open, and she hears footsteps in her house. She starts to wonder if she's losing her grip on reality. Desperate for answers, she asks Dane for help.
Dane is her brother's best friend and also a former Marine. His past has convinced him that he isn't cut out for love and family, and all the new relationships around him have him a little freaked out. That he is drawn to Emilia bothers him even more because she's his best friend's sister and that's against the rules. But he can't say no when she comes to him for help.
I loved the development of the relationship between Emilia and Dane. Though he tried to deny it to himself, he was drawn to Emilia before he even met her, because of how much Lars talked about her. I loved how he sensed that there was something going on with her even before she asked for his help. Emilia was also drawn to him and he was the first one she thought of when she was so frightened. Dane's idea for moving in and pretending that they had a relationship set him up for having to face his feelings. I really liked the way that Dane believed in Emilia and didn't give in to the doubts that others raised. Dane's faith in her also gave Emilia the strength to stand up against the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. Emilia's feelings for Dane also grew quickly. I loved seeing her get between him and Lars when they were macho idiots. She was also just as protective of him as he was of her. I ached for her at the end, when she was certain that Dane didn't want her. The ending was sweet, as Dane exposed his vulnerability in his talk to the baby. I loved seeing both Emilia and Dane let go of their pasts and embrace their future.
The suspense of the story was fantastic. The attempts to make Emilia think she was crazy were really creepy and gave me goosebumps. As the attempts turned physical, I was glued to the pages waiting to see what would happen next. The brief glimpses into the mind of the attacker increased the intensity as it became obvious that nothing would make him give up on his goal. The final confrontation was a real nail-biter as Emilia put herself in danger to save Dane and bring the threat to an end. The culprit was not who I expected and I loved that it was Emilia who figured it out.
I loved the relationships that were highlighted in the book. The love that Emilia and her brother Lars had for each other was never in doubt, nor was Emilia's frustration with his attitude toward her. It was great to see her finally get through to him, with some pretty amusing confrontations. I also loved seeing more of Lars and Nikki and her attempts to rein him in regarding Emilia and Dane. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Manny and can't wait to read his story. I have a feeling that he's going to fall hard as well.
Single Mom's Bodyguard by Lisa Childs. Emilia Ecklund and her baby were kidnapped. Someone is trying to take her baby. The Payne Protection Agency recursed them. Someone is still trying to get the baby. They play tricks on her to make her look like she is going crazy. Bodyguard Dane Sutton from the Payne Protection Agency helps her figure out what is going on. He moves in with Emilia and her baby. They let people think they are dating. There is chemistry between them. Dane figures out the bad people are playing tricks on Emilia. Dane is kidnapped. They want the baby in exchange for Dane. Romance, Suspense, Caring. A very good read.
People were sense of humor are just greattttt.... I loved Dane being the tough guy with one liners here and there.And Lars being a hypocrite. NIKKI CATCHING THAT ....NICK AND PARKER BEING NICK AND PARKER..... ABSOLUTE DELIGHT..I LOVE HOW I KNOW EVERY CHARACTER... THANK YOU LISA CHILDS FOR THIS WEB OF YOURS
The writing within itself was good, but I didn't like the story much. Obviously this book is within a continuing series, as the first few chapters kept referring to events that had happened previously. Also there were several points of view from side characters that were quite distracting, as well as lots of internal narration. Not for me, sorry. I'll try more by this author though.
this was a good read especially if you like the series Payne Protection by Lisa Childs. it keeps you reading by trying to figure out who was left to be the guilty party.
The sex was not necessary for the story. People don't fall into bed that fast. Lots of action and danger. More than was believable but I couldn't put it down
Just finished chapter 10 and I can’t go any farther. Immature bodyguards fighting each other? Not professional at all for being in the business. 1 star
"Childs creates an action-packed, tension-filled plot filled with high-stakes conflict and risky situations set in the security world of Payne Protection Services. Dane’s tough, sexy ex-military persona will melt your heart. The heated passion between him and the courageous yet vulnerable Emilia will keep readers turning the pages. Childs’ latest is a truly exciting read" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
This is a surprisingly good read! From the title and cover, it looks like it would be a cheesy book full of tropes but the suspense part was incredibly spooky - seeing the heroine slowly start to buy into her own insanity thanks to the gaslighting was haunting. There was a bit too much self-flagellation on the men’s part (her brother and her romantic partner) but still really good!