Protecting His Best Friend's Sister was originally published as Duty Bound. It has since been expanded, revised, and re-edited.
The only woman I want is the one I can never have.
Harper. My best friend's sister. I've wanted her since I was eighteen, but she's always been off-limits. Now I'm home after years in the Marines, and nothing has changed--except everything has. Her brother is dead, and she's on a hopeless quest for answers about his death.
And I want her just as much as ever.
Someone is trying to kill her now, and she won't let me keep her safe. I have to protect her anyway, even if she doesn't trust me, even if she hates me for it. A man protects what's precious to him, whether or not he can ever claim her for his own.
Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Normally when I DNF a book I don't rate it, but I read more than 50% of Duty Bound and Harper has to be the most TSTL (Too Stubborn/Stupid To Live) woman I've read in a long time, so I'm giving this 2 stars - 2 because I like Levi, even though he put up with the way Harper treated him. But "like" is all the emotion I can muster up for him.
Maybe it's just my mood, but right now I have no patience for Harper's level of immaturity and selfishness.
And other things just didn't ring true to me. The way I'd expect people to act, react, feel... I just couldn't get invested in this story on any level.
That said, the series sounds promising and I hope future books are better but, as I said, I don't have the patience for this right now.
This is book 2 in my Goodreads Challenge of reading 50 Kindle Freebie books in 2016. All books read for this challenge were free at the time of 'purchase.'
I’m really short and really blond, and there’s nothing I can do about either of those things. But because I bear an unfortunate resemblance to Tinker Bell, I’ve always had to put up with being patronized, underestimated, or not taken seriously.
My Review:
I had a difficult time appreciating the character of Harper, as she was prickly, defensive, argumentative, and obnoxiously stubborn to the point of arrogance. But she also mourning the loss of her brother and had always been passionate about her causes. In trying to understand her brother’s death, Harper had been ruffling some feathers and as a reporter, trying to dig up a more of the story. She finds herself having a harder and harder time blowing off a threatening letter and denying she had a problem once other events start to occur that were more difficult to ignore. Her brother’s best friend, Levi, who had followed him into the military, felt an obligation to watch over her and keep her safe while attempting to ignore his long-held attraction for the obstinate and fiercely independent firecracker. But he was used to seeing what needs to be done then barking orders and having them followed - oops. Of course, the sparks fly but given their undeniable chemistry – sizzling sensual scenes ensue between the verbal sparring and intrigue.
I am writing this review after having completed the series and I am still not into Harper. I thought that maybe I would warm up to her and end up liking her, but I still don't. My dislike for her is very strong. The only thing she did in this book is hate Levi and been stubborn as a mule. Someone was trying to kill her and she was refusing to believe it making Levi's life harder than it should have been. And I honestly don't understand why there was so much hate between those two. One of the first things Harper said to Levi was "I wish it was you" at her brother's funeral. He might have stood her up for prom but he didn't deserve so much hate. After all it was Gavin's fault he wasn't there. I would recommend to skip this book and read the second book as the first one in the series. It will be much better. Harper is the most annoying and unlikable heroine I have read in a long time.
Only You è un libro pieno di sentimenti, le autrici hanno fatto traspirare in ogni pagina l'anima dei personaggi e la loro storia. Il libro inizia con un evento tragico. Gavin e Levi sono amici da sempre e Harper, la sorellina di Gavin, fin da piccola li insegue sempre per sentirsi grande. Crescendo, i tre hanno preso strade diverse, Gavin e Levi si sono arruolati e Harper è diventata una giornalista. Il libro inizia con il funerale di Gavin. Levi è tornato vivo e il fratello di Harper è morto. L'inizio è stato molto duro, le autrici hanno fatto trasparire in ogni pagina il dolore della perdita e la rabbia. Rabbia perché è morto un ragazzo con una vita davanti, rabbia perché magari si poteva evitare. Harper è arrabbiata soprattutto con Levi, perché lui è tornato e Gavin no. Harper e Levi, nel corso della loro vita prima dell'arruolamento di Levi, hanno avuto un trascorso finito bruscamente. Il libro si alterna dal presente al passato, dandoci una visione del rapporto di Harper e Levi piccoli e sempre più grandicelli. Levi è un soldato, un amico e ancor prima di tutto ciò un uomo. Fin da ragazzino si è accorto della bellezza di Harper e nonostante abbia cercato in tutti i modi di allontanarsi, ora, senza Gavin, non riesce a fare a meno di appigliarsi a lei facendo rinascere quei sentimenti sopiti da tempo. Lui è un personaggio molto profondo, mi sono subito sentita in sintonia con i suoi pensieri, è protettivo e dolce ma allo stesso tempo distante e freddo. Harper è una donna a dir poco tosta. Minuta, bionda e con una parlantina velenosa ha sempre fatto di tutto per cavarsela da sola e non far trapelare quando ha bisogno di qualcuno. All'inizio devo dire che non si è presentata benissimo ma non potevo aspettarmi di meglio, suo fratello è appena morto e il suo mondo è stravolto. Harper non si dà pace, vuole scoprire a tutti i costi cos'è successo, ma qualcuno vuole tenerglielo nascosto. A volte non sapere è meglio che vivere soffrendo per la verità. Più volte non vorrà Levi vicino, fin quando una minaccia più grande di loro vuole Harper. Qualcuno cerca di ucciderla. Only You è un libro pieno di colpi di scena, scritto in modo impeccabile. Le scene divertenti si alternano a scene piene di dolore o passione…
Normally I love Noelle Adams stories, just love them. But this heroine, Harper, was such an absolute BITCH, she absolutely ruined any positive feelings towards this story.
Seriously, 90% of this story, this little shrew Harper was bent out of shape getting offended by anything and everything the hero said or did (which was trying to protect her from an unknown enemy). She was on a mission to prove to the world that she was an independent woman that did not appreciate assistance from anyone, how dare they! The story would go on and on about how the hero was always trying to be in control, and too bossy, etc. I personally did not read him that way. I read him as a character that was protective and trying to help out a girl that was TSTL. She literally had no regard to her safety whatsoever. I didn't find fault with the hero at all, except question why exactly he was attracted to such a raging bitch.
There were editing errors as well (missing words like the/a/an which is a bit irritating because it momentarily stops your flow of reading.
I discovered Samantha Chase years back through a random giveaway, and ever since I've been eyeing her books and hoping to be able to jump back into them. Lucky me found one free on iBooks and I was jumping for joy! What a day!! I had the chance to sit down and read this while I was waiting about one day AND I AM SO HAPPY. This writer and her co-writer are FABULOUS.
Anywho, onto the real content. You get the point that I love chasing down books by authors I've loved before. It's kind of obvious at that point! Loyalty to my fave authors and series is a must. Good content = great reading!
I will say, the characters in this book weren't super likeable to me. Harper and I are not on the same page, but I did like reading all about her story. It's basically a guilty pleasure read for me. I didn't agree with a large majority of the decisions or sometimes creepy vibe, yet I still needed to finish this book. I was so enchanted and sunk into the book without a doubt. It was hard to break away from my little binge read. So here we are... Me enjoying a book that really doesn't vibe with me...
Harper's brother died, and now she realizes she may be falling for his best friend. Typical trope - army brother, long lost friend, protect the girl, romantic pasts questioned - the good stuff. It's the HEA type romance I needed, even if it felt cheesy and done before. But that's what I wanted, so that's what I got! There's definitely sad parts - Gavin dying and the grief after that is heartbreaking. Everyone has dealt with some loss, and you can feel that the authors have dealt with that through their spectacular writing.
Levi and Harper's relationship feels real enough. I did think it felt kind of stalker-ish off the bat, but that's just how the writing made it feel for that first chapter. The ages didn't seem to match up, but eventually you figure out the age difference isn't that big (it's just the poor wording). Protective man + Best Friend's Sister = trope of the year for me apparently.
Overall, it was a fun little read! It packs the romance, gets a bit R rated and will meet the needs of those trope lovers.
This was exactly what I was looking for. I was in the mood for a book with a military hero, so when I saw this in my list of books to read I skipped others that were supposed to come first to read it.
The book starts out with a heart breaking scene of Gavin's funeral. I could feel the heartbreak of Levi, Sebastian, Declan, and Cole. And don't even get me started on the grief of Harper and her family. But Gavin's death left his friends at loose ends. It completely changed their lives and forced them onto a new road that they weren't sure how to navigate.
One of the things I loved about this book is the fact that the four guys had a hard time adjusting to being back in civilian life. Because the reality is, not everybody immediately adjusts to being home and out of the military. And all four guys went back to their families and home towns, and all of them were dealing with familial and town's expectations for them. And they all ended up trying to find their way, building new, non-military lives. And that does finally come together for them at the end of the book. Levi has an idea for them and they all agree it's something they want to make a go at. But until that point, they were just existing.
I really liked Levi. He was such a good guy. I really enjoyed his POV because he was pragmatic and down to earth and logical. But he was also protective and beyond attracted to Harper...and that brings me to my issue...Harper. I did like her but she also drove me crazy. I felt like there were times where she was stuck in TSTL syndrome. And it was directly related to her ego when dealing with Levi. It didn't matter how logical he was or how right he was, if he said the sky was blue she would disagree just because he said it. And there were times that she drove me crazy. I like strong heroines, but I also like it , nay, love it, when they're also smart. And I felt like her intelligence went on vacation when she was arguing with Levi just because.
But aside from Harper's attitude issues, I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to see Levi's friends and their books.
Despite excellent performances by Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden, the character of Harper was just too much. Her name was very fitting - Harpy! There's hard to get along and stubborn, then there's unreasonable and operating with blinders despite the advice of others. I got about 2 hours in and gave up; that character was just ridiculous.
In realtà 2 stelle e 1/2 CLICCA SULL'IMMAGINE PER LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA: Le trame di questa serie mi hanno subito intrigato. I protagonisti dei libri che via via andremo a leggere sono degli ex Marines nonchè amici: Levi, Sebastian, Declan e Cole. Purtroppo, benchè le premesse ci fossero tutte, le mie aspettative sono state deluse. Il primo ex marine che incontreremo è Levi: ha appena perso il suo migliore amico, Gavin Murphy, durante una missione. Torna nella sua piccola città natale per il funerale per cercare di recuperare la sua vita ormai definitivamente cambiata. Sono passati anni da quando ha visto l'ultima volta la sorellina di Gavin, Harper, e non riesce a credere che bella donna sia diventata. Già prima di arruolarsi aveva notato la bella Harper, ma aveva desistito dall'avvicinarsi, per non rovinare il suo rapporto con Gavin. E poi a che scopo creare uno scompiglio del genere quando a breve sarebbe partito? Harper ora è una giornalista in gamba e lavora per il giornale locale, è determinata a indagare sulla morte di suo fratello che trova strana e pensa sia stata parte di una cospirazione. Devo ammettere di non aver avuto simpatia per lei sin da subito. E' un personaggio molto particolare, con Harper il significato della parola indipendenza raggiunge nuovi livelli. Lei deve assolutamente risolvere i problemi che la riguardano senza appoggiarsi a nessuno e questo la fa risultare spesso una persona ottusa. Io adoro le donne indipendenti ma il troppo stroppia. Un'eroina che ho trovato di un'immaturità incredibile. Lei è dispettosa; il suo atteggiamento è egoista è sconveniente; le sue esplosioni emotive più indicate a un adolescente viziata che a una donna di 28 anni. Con la sua vita in pericolo Levi, da buon maschio alfa, sente la necessità di proteggerla, tanto più che prova ancora una fortissima attrazione nei suoi confronti. Come sorella del suo migliore amico, Harper, era sempre stata off limits, ma il cuore spesso vuole ciò che non può avere e non conosce ragioni. Ciò che ne scaturisce è un'amicizia tempestosa tra Levi e Harper e la continua lotta di Levi per tenere al sicuro la donna che costantemente ignora le minacce alla sua vita. Ho davvero faticato a vedere la connessione tra Levi e Harper. Avevano una sorta di rapporto di amore/odio, ma non del tipo gradevole, che ci intriga ma piuttosto irritante. La storia mi è parsa abbastanza superficiale. Forse le mie aspettative erano troppo alte, possibile. Ma dopo un inizio promettente, la mancanza di profondità nei personaggi e la mancanza di empatia verso di loro mi ha spiazzato. Ho sperato che la parte suspense avrebbe sopperito al problema, purtroppo anche qui sbagliavo, perché anche questa risulta ridicola e poco credibile. Harper come abbiamo detto, dunque, inizia a scavare in questioni di burocrazia governativa e presto viene presa di mira. Non mi dilungherò affatto sulla persona che scopriremo essere lo stalker, in quanto il profilo tracciato è talmente blando e buttato lì da lasciare davvero stupiti del fatto che ci possa essere stata propinata una spiegazione di questo tipo. Ma la cosa più assurda è che lei alla fine abbandona le sue indagini. Quello che era uno dei punti cardine della trama, viene mollato lì senza fornirci una spiegazione. Semplicemente lei si arrende dopo aver parlato con qualcuno al Pentagono che le conferma che è stato commesso un errore, questa cosa che naturalmente svelano a lei ma che a noi non viene chiarita la fa desistere dal continuare. Ero talmente confusa che ho dovuto rileggere quella parte più volte pensando di essermi persa qualche pezzo fondamentale. No, mi dispiace ma non ci sto. Non si può scrivere un libro così. Durante il racconto ci vengono presentati in più di un'occasione i marines amici di Levi, che saranno i protagonisti dei prossimi romanzi e che si uniranno a lui per aprire un'agenzia di sicurezza.
Buon pomeriggio, readers. Oggi voglio parlarvi di “Only You” di Samatha Chase e Noelle Adams, edito Newton Compton editori. Parto dal presupposto che appena ho visto la collaborazione di queste due autrici non ho pensato ad altro che al volerlo leggere. La trama mi ha coinvolta da subito, tanto da chiedere alla casa editrice l'anteprima. Levi è tornato a casa dai marines per il funerale del suo migliore amico, Gavin, che ha visto morire in missione con lui. Quando torna la sua vita non è più la stessa, solo una cosa sembra rimasta immutata: la sua attrazione per Harper, la sorellina di Gavin. Deve rimanere lontana da lei per rispetto del suo migliore amico, ma quando lei inizia ad indagare sulla morte del fratello e si ritrova in pericolo, non può lasciarla sola. Riuscirà a proteggerla tenendo i sentimenti fuori? "Esisteva infatti una linea molto sottile tra il tenerla d’occhio per il suo bene e il guardarla per il mio piacere. Quanto poteva essere contorta la mia mente?" Levi non è contento di tornare a casa, specialmente per un evento così spiacevole. Quando rivede Harper viene investito dalla stessa attrazione che aveva per lei quando era adolescente. Deve solo cercare di rimanere lontano da lei, purtroppo però Harper inizia a ricevere minacce che attentano alla sua vita. Nonostante debba starle lontano, non può fare a meno di proteggerla. Ho trovato questo personaggio pieno di potenziale, ma poco sviluppato. Un marines, sentimenti repressi e sexy... Capite dove voglio arrivare? Avremmo potuto avere un'esplosione tra le pagine e invece a malapena sono riuscita ad affezionarmi a questo personaggio. Ho sperato fino alla fine che il personaggio si aprisse al lettore, invece sembrava sempre più chiuso. Il che va bene all'inizio, ma volevo innamorarmi di Levi, volevo che mi lasciasse senza fiato. Harper è una giornalista e nonostante sia cresciuta riceve ancora le attenzioni di Levi. Non vanno molto d'accordo perché lei è costantemente dispotica. Essendo piccolina e bionda, per farsi rispettare tende a farsi valere sempre. Purtroppo il limite tra il farsi valere come donna ed essere infantile è breve e lei riesce a superarlo. Non riuscivo a capire i sentimenti che provava Levi per lei. Lui è un uomo che ne ha viste di tutti i colori a causa del suo lavoro e si ritrova a gestire una bambina capricciosa. Mi piacerebbe soffermarmi sul pericolo che vive Harper, ma vi assicuro che viene risolto in un modo così ambiguo che non ci credevo. Ho avuto l'impressione che era un problema da risolvere e hanno creato un personaggio a caso per farlo. In libri come questi, nella maggior parte delle volte, il colpevole è colui che non ti saresti mai immaginato, ma che il lettore conosce bene. Non lo si infila alla fine giusto per dare la colpa a qualcuno, si perde il gusto. Se avessero scritto che il colpevole era il maggiordomo sarebbe stato uguale. Non vorrei essere stata troppo cattiva, ma mi aspettavo davvero tanto che sono rimasta molto delusa. Mancavano parti che andavano approfondite e altre inutili che si prolungano. Perfino la soluzione alle indagini per la morte di Gavin sono superficiali. Chiedo scusa se questa recensione vi abbia scoraggiato dal leggere questo libro, ma sapete che penso che ognuno debba farsi una propria opinione. Non preoccupatevi perché tornerò presto a parlarvi di un libro che mi catturerà davvero. Buona lettura. 2
This was a very light read and kind of amusing. The story is very hard/deep in romance mystery or drama and can be read in one sitting and it doesn't go very deep in its character's lives. I had a fun time reading this short story bit I am not so hooked to continue reading the series.
In realtà 2 stelle e 1/2 CLICCA SULL'IMMAGINE PER LEGGERE LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA: Le trame di questa serie mi hanno subito intrigato. I protagonisti dei libri che via via andremo a leggere sono degli ex Marines nonchè amici: Levi, Sebastian, Declan e Cole. Purtroppo, benchè le premesse ci fossero tutte, le mie aspettative sono state deluse. Il primo ex marine che incontreremo è Levi: ha appena perso il suo migliore amico, Gavin Murphy, durante una missione. Torna nella sua piccola città natale per il funerale per cercare di recuperare la sua vita ormai definitivamente cambiata. Sono passati anni da quando ha visto l'ultima volta la sorellina di Gavin, Harper, e non riesce a credere che bella donna sia diventata. Già prima di arruolarsi aveva notato la bella Harper, ma aveva desistito dall'avvicinarsi, per non rovinare il suo rapporto con Gavin. E poi a che scopo creare uno scompiglio del genere quando a breve sarebbe partito? Harper ora è una giornalista in gamba e lavora per il giornale locale, è determinata a indagare sulla morte di suo fratello che trova strana e pensa sia stata parte di una cospirazione. Devo ammettere di non aver avuto simpatia per lei sin da subito. E' un personaggio molto particolare, con Harper il significato della parola indipendenza raggiunge nuovi livelli. Lei deve assolutamente risolvere i problemi che la riguardano senza appoggiarsi a nessuno e questo la fa risultare spesso una persona ottusa. Io adoro le donne indipendenti ma il troppo stroppia. Un'eroina che ho trovato di un'immaturità incredibile. Lei è dispettosa; il suo atteggiamento è egoista è sconveniente; le sue esplosioni emotive più indicate a un adolescente viziata che a una donna di 28 anni. Con la sua vita in pericolo Levi, da buon maschio alfa, sente la necessità di proteggerla, tanto più che prova ancora una fortissima attrazione nei suoi confronti. Come sorella del suo migliore amico, Harper, era sempre stata off limits, ma il cuore spesso vuole ciò che non può avere e non conosce ragioni. Ciò che ne scaturisce è un'amicizia tempestosa tra Levi e Harper e la continua lotta di Levi per tenere al sicuro la donna che costantemente ignora le minacce alla sua vita. Ho davvero faticato a vedere la connessione tra Levi e Harper. Avevano una sorta di rapporto di amore/odio, ma non del tipo gradevole, che ci intriga ma piuttosto irritante. La storia mi è parsa abbastanza superficiale. Forse le mie aspettative erano troppo alte, possibile. Ma dopo un inizio promettente, la mancanza di profondità nei personaggi e la mancanza di empatia verso di loro mi ha spiazzato. Ho sperato che la parte suspense avrebbe sopperito al problema, purtroppo anche qui sbagliavo, perché anche questa risulta ridicola e poco credibile. Harper come abbiamo detto, dunque, inizia a scavare in questioni di burocrazia governativa e presto viene presa di mira. Non mi dilungherò affatto sulla persona che scopriremo essere lo stalker, in quanto il profilo tracciato è talmente blando e buttato lì da lasciare davvero stupiti del fatto che ci possa essere stata propinata una spiegazione di questo tipo. Ma la cosa più assurda è che lei alla fine abbandona le sue indagini. Quello che era uno dei punti cardine della trama, viene mollato lì senza fornirci una spiegazione. Semplicemente lei si arrende dopo aver parlato con qualcuno al Pentagono che le conferma che è stato commesso un errore, questa cosa che naturalmente svelano a lei ma che a noi non viene chiarita la fa desistere dal continuare. Ero talmente confusa che ho dovuto rileggere quella parte più volte pensando di essermi persa qualche pezzo fondamentale. No, mi dispiace ma non ci sto. Non si può scrivere un libro così. Durante il racconto ci vengono presentati in più di un'occasione i marines amici di Levi, che saranno i protagonisti dei prossimi romanzi e che si uniranno a lui per aprire un'agenzia di sicurezza.
I am already familiar with Noelle Adams work but i wanted to check her with Samantha Chase collaboration at the same time!
The cover is just gorgeous! The series is about a group of friends who retired from the military and we follow their love lives back home and how they cope returning back to everyday life and of course finding love!
The first book is about Levi and Harper story. Harper lost her brother Gavin who was also friends with Levi and the rest of the group of guys (that we will meet later on).Harper had a really big problem dealing with her brother death,she works as a journalist and she is doing anything at her power to found out the possible conspiracy behind her brother death. Levi is having a hard time as well. He is convicted he is responsible for his friend death,he is not enjoying working again with his dad since it was never his dream job plus his attraction for Harper.
I did enjoy it for the most part. Those two was meant to be together even that they both made things even more complicated and hard that it suppose to be. Of course they is history between them which explains in a way the non stop arguments between them!
Harper was annoying for a big part not because she was insisting keep trying to find for answers (after all we all do crazy and beyond things when we lose a close family member) even that she knew already but because she was way too much stubborn to admit things. Levi on the other hand was the nice guy,the down to earth person and so in love with Harper at the same time. I did enjoy his POV much more to be honest.
I did enjoy overall the book for the most parts and looking forward for the next books of the series
Angsty, suspenseful, best friend’s sister romance mixed with a military theme
Protecting His Best Friend's Sister is an angsty best friend’s sister romance mixed with a military theme. It’s an easy to read romantic suspense that has a mix of emotions from attraction, angst, drama, and love with a strong underlying sense of honour causing all sorts of mishaps as pasts are faced up to in this standalone read that sets up a new series.
Told from dual perspective, Levi and Harper have an attraction that has been simmering along for years, despite the distance between them. As these two fiery people find their lives entwining again, fireworks erupt in both good and bad ways between them as their love/hate relationship faces new challenges. If I’m one hundred per cent honest Levi and Harper, Harper more so, are sort of a little hit and miss at times with their stubborn attitudes being off-putting but that may just be me (obviously not enough to put me off or anything and you couldn’t deny the chemistry and growing attraction between them).
The book flowed well and was paced steadily but never dragged out. There was a clear solid plot and had a few surprising twists and turns. Whilst Harper and Levi’s story is summed up for a HEA, not all storylines appear to be fully finished, obviously for other books in this series. However, like I say, this can be read as a standalone for Levi and Harper.
Overall, Protecting His Best Friend's Sister is well written and will appeal to those who like a best friend’s sister romance mixed with a military suspenseful theme.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Noelle Adams is one of my favorite escape artists, lol. But I wanted to escape the heroine of this story from the first time she opened her fictional mouth. I think? she was still mad that the hero stood her up for prom, but telling him she wished he was dead instead of her brother was a bit...uh...deranged? Over something that happened in high school; I mean, kids they were! Yoda, says. Who gets hung up on high school shenanigans? I don't think those are spoilers and if they are, don't read any of the other reviews bc there's not a lot of Harper love going on. A lot of 4 star ratings are abounding but Harper is taking a pounding even in those. See how I wrote that? I'm a poet. ;p
Anyway, there's obviously more to this book, but TSTL and mean characters always ruin my reading enjoyment, especially when they're the heroine. Those type of actions aren't indicative of strength, just a bad person or lazy characterization. And I know that Adams isn't a lazy writer. If I don't identify with the female lead, the book is usually a lost cause unless there is a growth arc that I can get behind. I didn't get that here.
I don't know how this dual author thing works or if maybe Samantha Chase is Noelle Adams but it didn't work for me and I chose not to read anymore from this duo, so maybe the rest of the series is good. But I didn't want to ruin my escape experiences with Adams, so not taking a chance.
He lost his best friend in the line of duty. Now Levi has come home, a little out of sync with the world, grieving, feeling survivor’s guilt and discovering that Gavin’s little sister is all grown up. He will do anything to keep Harper safe as she barrels headlong into uncovering what really happened to her older brother. His biggest problem after the fact that Harper resents his “protection?” He wants her…
DUTY BOUND by Samantha Chase and Noelle Adams has that magic premise, girl follows boy around as children, boy must honor the bro code, “never mess with your best friends sister,” and they grow up to form a love / hate relationship with the ghost of the brother always right there, just out of sight.
My problem, and this is me, is that Harper, the vertically challenged beauty made up for her “shortcoming” with a larger than life, hardnose attitude. I found very little to like about her and was totally mystified at Levi’s attraction to being attacked for caring. Could be the way he went about it, but still, Harper was too much.
That said, the sex is steamy, but this one just didn’t make me believe in love.
Series: The Protectors - Book 1 Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Available from: Amazon For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
ARC generously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Levi has made it back from hell. He planned to spend his life in the military, then after bomb explosion he is sent back home, without his best friend who was killed. Levi feels like it is his fault that Gavin is dead. At Gavin's funeral, Harper, Gavin's sister, let's Levi know exactly how she feels about him. Levi doesn't let Harpers attitude stop him, he is determined to be her protector, especially when it looks like there is someone out to get her.
Harper is out to uncover the real story about what happen to her brother, no matter who she ticks off. The last thing she wants is Levi to follow her around treating her like a responsibility. It isn't long before Harper realizes Levi might be right and she might have someone after her but she refuses to give up. However the more time Harper and Levi spend together the more they realize their feelings for each other are not like siblings but something much hotter. Soon Harper finds herself in Levi's arms and likes how they fit. However, nothing comes easily for Harper and a relationship with Levi falls into that category.
I have to say that I found this book to be okay. I liked Levi but his story just seemed kind of incomplete and I will admit Harper got on my nerves some but she wasn't that bad. There just wasn't anything new or earth shattering about their story. It was sweet and it does have a HEA ending with no cliffy so that was something. However it just seems to be lacking that extra something that makes you not want to put it down.
The premise of this book was great, but I found the story itself to be a little bit of a letdown. It felt entirely surface to me, there was no depth. Maybe I built my expectations up too high after Salvation.
Levi is a former marine, that lost his best friend, Gavin, in the line of duty. He's returned to his small hometown for the funeral and to try and salvage some type of life. It's been years since he has seen Gavin's little sister, Harper, and he can't believe what a beautiful woman she's become. Harper is determined to investigate her brother's death and Levi wants to be there to protect her after she starts receiving death threats. She can't stand Levi and refuses to let him try and control her.
I really struggled with the connection between Levi and Harper. They had a sort of love/hate relationship, but it just didn't play out well to me. I was also confused that Harper just dropped her investigation. That was one of the main plot points in the story and after finding out something, we aren't told what it is, she just gives up. At this point, I'm not sure if I would read the next book in the series.
*Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Levi is back home from the marines after an injury he sustained which happened at the same time his lost his comrade and best friend Gavin.
Gavin was killed while on a mission and now Levi feels the need to take up the mantel as protector for Gavin's younger sister Harper. (Who he's secretly had the hots for since they were teenagers.)
The story starts off at Gavin's funeral, and Harper is not to happy to see Levi. She even goes so far as to say she wished it was him that was dead.
Harper is a journalist for the local paper and is lucking for answers surrounding her brothers "accident" and has not been getting any satisfying answers. On top of that she is being harassed. Does it have something to do with the story, or does someone else just hate her?
In steps Gavin.
For someone who has known Harper most of her life, you would think that he would find better ways to get her to let him help her, that don't result with her being pissed off.
I like alpha's as well as the next girl, but I like them smart. If it wasn't for the back story that came from Levi's pov, I may not have liked this story at all, since I would have spent most of the book wondering why he was so enamored with Harper. She spent most of the time in the present being pissed at him, that if it wasn't for their shared history he would come off as a glutton for punishment.
** I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads. **
This was a quick read for me. I am a sucker for a military man book, doesn't matter the branch, I'll read it. I am pretty sure this is the first book I have read that has dual authors, I don't know if I am a fan of that or just had a hard time connecting with the main character, Harper. For me I did enjoy the plot but there was something missing. Whether it was with Harper's character or the chemistry between Harper and Levi, or other character development but something seemed to be missing. Harper from page one she was constantly rude, stubborn, didn't want help from anyone, especially Levi. She never seemed to let go of that attitude throughout the book.
I did connect with Levi. The torture of his past, the loss of his friend, the need to keep Harper safe. His character was easy to like and fall into.
I look forward to reading Honor Bound, hopefully the unanswered questions I have will be answered.
3.5 stars, it's good and just this close to be my favorite.
I was expecting for more thrill and I actually got it. It's not as thick as Linda Howard's book, but overall I enjoyed it. I love Levi but I wish he's more.. Jerk toward Harper. Haha, I just love a Hero who loves tormenting the heroine. Samantha Chase and Noelle Adams's writing is blending together and I find myself loving it. It's good!
I actually finish this book in one day, but I got caught up and couldn't leave a review. Look forward to read the next installment of this series.
I just couldn't finish it. Why is she so full of hate and angry all the time? If the author thought she was trying to be cute and feisty she failed. She was nothing but a nasty witch.
Recensione della Queen – Only You di Samantha Chase & Noelle Adams contemporary romance/romantic suspense uscito il 13 marzo grazie alla Newton Compton.
Smeraldi questa di cui vi parlo oggi è la storia tra Levi e la sorella del suo migliore amico, Harper Murphy. Durante una missione, il marine Gavin Murphy rimane ucciso e sua sorella Harper è convinta che dietro alla sua morte ci sia molto di più di quello emerso dagli atti governativi. Decide quindi di indagare per scoprire cosa si nasconde dietro questo alone di mistero che cela la scomparsa di suo fratello. Inizia a scavare troppo a fondo e in luoghi che non le competono e viene presa di mira da qualcuno che le lancia seri avvertimenti affinché lei smetta di indagare. Ma Harper è caparbia e in più è una giornalista, è nel suo dna inseguire una notizia, e non vuole darsi per vinta perché suo fratello le manca troppo e deve riuscire a svelare questo mistero per potergli finalmente dire addio.
Levi torna a casa distrutto emotivamente, ha perso in battaglia il suo migliore amico e non riesce a fare pace con i sensi di colpa per essere vivo.
Avevamo combattuto in prima linea e ora eravamo tornati. Feriti. Emotivamente a pezzi. Sconfitti.
Fin da bambino ha frequentato la casa dei Murphy ed è sempre stato attratto da questa piccola fatina dalle forme prorompenti e la lingua lunga. Adesso che è in pericolo cerca di proteggerla, e fa di tutto perché lei smetta di indagare mettendo a rischio la sua vita.
Esisteva infatti una linea molto sottile tra il tenerla d’occhio per il suo bene e il guardarla per il mio piacere. Quanto poteva essere contorta la mia mente?
Proprio come da adolescenti, Harper è off limits e una volta superato quel confine sottile tra amore e amicizia non si può tornare indietro, ma si sa il cuore desidera sempre ciò che non può ottenere.
Dodici anni prima Levi ha distrutto inconsapevolmente il cuore di Harper e lei non ha mai dimenticato, e da allora, l’astio nei suoi confronti cresce ogni giorno che passa. Riusciranno a darsi una seconda possibilità?
Ma non potevo mettermi con uno come Levi. Rappresentava tutto quello che non volevo in un uomo. E lui non poteva volere una come me– a parte per un’avventura di una notte.
Questo romanzo dovrebbe essere incentrato sulle seconde possibilità che la vita ci concede, ma a mio modesto avviso, la storia è piatta e senza un fondamento. Ci sono due protagonisti non molto delineati, da una parte Harper la sorellina sempre tra i piedi di questi due amici, che a causa della sua lingua lunga e il vantare di essere una donna troppo indipendente, non riesce a costruire un legame con nessuno. Levi invece è un amico fidato, sempre pronto ad aiutare il prossimo, e innamorato della sorella di Gavin, che perde la vita in battaglia. I sensi di colpa lo rendono insicuro e l’unico modo che conosce per proteggere Harper è risultare prevaricante per quasi tutto il romanzo. Harper dal canto suo è una persona snervante, la rabbia per la morte del fratello e il risentimento che ha covato negli anni, la portano a trattare Levi come un fastidio da cui vuole liberarsi. E’ una donna immatura che non sa cosa vuole, egoista e molto viziata, e tratta gli altri con sufficienza perché il suo bisogno di essere indipendente la fa risultare aggressiva. Levi è l’unico personaggio con cui sono entrata un po’ in empatia, ma ripeto è una storia senza arte ne parte, si svolge tutto con una semplicità disarmante non consona agli argomenti trattati. Spero che gli altri personaggi della serie, e cioè il gruppo di migliori amici e marine con cui Levi è stato in missione, siano più interessanti dei protagonisti di questa storia.
Il libro non ha soddisfatto le mie aspettative, fino a metà è lento e non ci sono eventi di particolare rilievo, nel finale si riprende quel tanto da dare le 3 stelle, ma nel complesso questa lettura mi ha annoiata.
Very emotional. Levi didn't know how much it could hurt until he looked into his best friends sisters eyes. She was more beautiful then he remembered. But she wanted nothing to do with him. She put herself in harms way when she went on digging about things that were classified. He couldn't blame her. It was until things got dicey that he couldn't sit by, and do nothing. He would do anything to protect his best friends sister. At any cost. That went for his other brothers. They were a team.
Harper couldn't comprehend why Levi and all of her brothers team were home. It hurt so much. She finally realized what he was doing. She didn't like it one bit. But when she it came down to the moment she needed him he was there.
So good. I read prior as this version was revised. Previous title Duty Bound.. Like the new title better...
Protecting His Best Friend's Sister (The Protectors) by Samantha Chase & Noelle Adams Protecting His Best Friend's Sister is tragic, suspenseful and emotional romance. Harper and Levi's love story is one of pain, regret and danger. History has not been kind to their hearts, but perhaps grief could give them a second chance. Between her suspicions and his feelings of guilt, shared grief over a fallen loved one is the one commonality they share. Or that either will admit to. Can love for her brother and his friend save them? Or will her quest for answers prove her undoing? The first person narrative, the intense attraction along with the thrill of danger all combine to deliver a poignant, romantic and turbulent second chance story.
Highly emotional, swoon worthy sexy, and just plain fun to read! Harper and Levi are just perfect for each other. Now if they can get over the past and deal with the present, only good things will be in their future!
Levi has had a thing for Harper since she was 16 years old but his best friend was Gavin, Harper's brother, and Gavin told him to back off. So Levi did trusting that his friend would smooth things over with Harper. Now years later Levi is back after a stint in the Marines but Gavin wasn't so lucky. Harper my be openly hostile to Levi but when he learns that she's in danger he's determined to protect her whether she wants him to or not.
This is one for the must read list. I highly recommend it.