The Man was given an assignment- to take care of Shanice Olleh. However, he never expected to find a child or the woman he sent to handle, be so attractive. Making a call which could end his career or his life, he forever alters Shanice's life after one blind date. Shanice Olleh agrees to a blind date with her boss's friend, but the evening shifts when a hired hit man takes an interest in his mark. Welcome back to Venture, Georgia with this dark romance, and loving a bad guy, being so good.
Olivia is a USA Today Best Selling, Emma Award and multiple award-winning author who loves a good laugh coupled with some steam, mixed in with a man and woman finding their way past the words of "I love you." An author of contemporary romances, she writes heartwarming stories of blossoming relationships filled with heart and humor. The Technicians, The Blakemore Files, and the Modern Mail Order Brides, are one clicks for thousands of readers.
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
I enjoyed this book. As the saying goes, everybody needs love and that holds true for Mann. Just because he is a hit man doesn't mean he doesn't deserve the love and affection one gets from their family.
Shanice is hiding out in a small town, escaped from her abusive ex for five years now. She has a precocious four year old boy named Rocky from the relationship. Thank goodness her ex doesn't know where she is or does he?
Mann is hired to get rid of her, but as soon as he sees her, all bets are off. Mann is drawn to her in ways he has never felt. So much so that he disables a blind date of hers in order to take his place, meet her and get to know her better. Boy does he get to know her, inside and out! Mann is a machine in bed and Shanice is the happy recipient of his abilities.
Things go from there as she discovers who Mann really is and he decides that he would rather have her as his wife than to fulfill his contract.
I love the interaction between Mann and Rocky. It is like they are actually father and son. The natural way they bond and the live and care Mann shows the little boy is something special.
Rocky is a good son who protects his mom at all cost. His little self is karate kicking and pulling knives on people. I almost fell out of my chair when Rocky and Shanice beat up Mann's auntie for giving her that crazy haircut. That is a proud moment. Lol
I want more of this story and hope that Mrs. Gaines will write more about Gabriel. I need to know his story!
I wondered how Olivia was going to resolve the issue of Mann completing his contract and how Shanice was going to get past finding out and accepting Mann's occupation. This is actually a nice humor-filled small town feel-good story. I loved this story and Rocky's feistiness. I just wanted this story to be longer. I would love to catch up with these characters again and I think/know that Gabriel has a story to tell and I look forward to reading it.
To be honest I had a completely different picture in my head of Nate Mann because I read the Neary brothers’ books first. I’m glad a finally got to read his story. Ms.Gains always gives me quirky characters and tons of humor. This story was no different. Look forward to the next technician’s story.
This is the first book I've ever read by Olivia Gaines and I really ENJOYED this suspenseful LOL funny romance. Shanice was a beautiful and intelligent woman who was unfortunately forced to live a dull life in a small town with her little boy (the only JOY in her life). Man or Nathaniel was a contract killer and lived a lonely solitaire life, but he was searching for something MORE. And when he saw, Shanice he knew exactly what he wanted and cunningly made plans to have it. What will become of Shanice, Rocky and Nathaniel in the end?! This was an entertaining read, even though it had quite a few typos, I'm still looking forward to the next book in this series.
This story holds your attention from the first page until the end. A lovable, irresistible h/h, colorful characters that have you laughing out loud. Along with amusing antics, unexpected love, justice and retribution for betrayal makes for a good read. An interesting plot and sizzling heat ends this book with a HEA.
Those were the words that won over Mann's heart that saved Shanice's life. Nathaniel Mann lived a solitary lonely life as a hitman. He was not happy and needed a change in his life. What was supposed to be a hit turned into an HEA for both he and Shanice, whose life paralleled his own childhood life. Shanice was running for her life away from a controlling selfish married man she unknowingly got involved with. Mann remembered how his mother had to do the same thing to keep him safe from his crazy father as well. The only difference was that Sheriff Christopher Mann made their life safer. Nathaniel wanted to do the same for Shanice and her son Rocky. He's fallen in love with both of them and was ready to be a loving father and husband for his ready made family.
Olivia Gaines has such a way with words. She tells a story that has the reader feeling like they are right in the scene with the characters. She easily rolls drama in with much needed humor. Her comic relief is so real, it relieves the tension that the reader may have reading her drama. I just love it. Great job Olivia, as always!
Shanice was a lovely and smart woman that lived a very humdrum life in a small town with her little boy. Her boss convinced her to go on a blind date and that's when this story gets really interesting.
Man was a contract killer and lived a solitary life that was uneventful and unfulfilling. He had rules about the contracts he took and it kept his world balanced. That is until this new contract was sent his way.
A few years ago Shanice got involved with the wrong man and paid a high price for it. She was able to get away from him but had to remain hidden. Until he found her and sent a certain Man to permanently deal with her.
Man took one look at Shanice and justice changed. After their blind date, nothing would be the same for either one of them.
An awesome story with some typos but still a great read. I would recommend this story for anyone with a love of suspense, romance, and bad guys finding that there is still goodness in them.
This book had me weak... when Rocky (who is 5) pulled the butter knife, he is as using trying to cut some chicken and ran to help his mama who was getting ready to jack-up Nate's Aunt cause she jacked up their looks (and trust me she did jack them up) I lost it, I almost pee'd my pants I was crying so hard. This book was laugh out loud funny! This book was very entertaining.. I hope there is a book coming out soon about Gabriel and his brother, even though we didn't meet the brother, I just know both of these books will have me in tears. Great job, I haven't laugh so hard at one of your books since Holden. Thanks!!!!
A Very Good and Sensual Interracial Romance Thriller
Blind Date (Venture, Georgia Book 3) is very good and sensual interracial romance thriller that earned a rating of five stars. I enjoyed reading this book about a hitman who falls in love with his mark and the hilarious obstacles that he have to go through to keep the woman he loves and her son safe. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading very good interracial romantic thrillers. They will thoroughly enjoy ready this book because it is laugh out loud funny.
I really liked the book. I read The Company and anytime I can get a more in-depth look at the characters I take it. With that being said this was a good read. I wish it had been longer but I wasn't disappointed. I recommend this book. Mann, in spite of his profession was so likable. He and Shanice just fit. She needed love and so did he. They fit, even though that should have not been the case. I look forward to reading Arch Angels story. I hope its a bwwm with a HEA.
I don't know what I expected going into this book but I'm happy with the out come. A detour from all the other blind date stories I've come across so far. Mr. Rodgers was the right balance of sexy and crazy that made this work. Sharon was not annoying or overly dramatic which made her extremely likeable to me. Keep up the great work Olivia and I'll be here for the journey.
Another hit for Ms. Gaines! What a blind date. I liked that we went back to Ventura if only for a moment. This book kept my interest from beginning to the end. I definitely recommend this book for Olivia Gaines fans and those who have not read her work before.
I really enjoyed this book. I kept missing out on getting it free. When it was available for purchase I jumped on it. Shanice/Sharon, Nate/Man and Rocky/Benji were some strong, funny characters. They had me laughing out loud in public. I had to re-read it once the Neary bros. books were advertised. Great story Olivia!👏👏😊
What in the world did I just read? How is this a love story? Seriously your man's 9 to 5 is a professional hitman? He murders people for a living and that's okay because he is providing for you. I'm done.
Ive never been disappointed reading this author and I’m so excited to read another! Suspense, sexy, funny and a love seeking Alpha! Who didn’t know what was missing until Shanice! So good!
Upon entering the bookstore and reading what Man was thinking I had a hunch he would fall for the young woman he was sent to take out of this world. So he used his expertise to get close to her and after a good date that ended in what read like mind numbing sex they both fell in love. So Man devised a plan to save Shanice's life and have her for himself plus he learned she had a child. The child changed the game totally for Man and after carrying out his plan to save Shanice he took them to Gabriel who facilitated a new life for them. By the way Gabriel in North to Alaska is the same Gabriel from Buckeye and the Babe! These events must have occurred before Gabriel saved the woman he ended up marrying! Again a very good story that had me laughing, sitting on the edge of my seat (figuratively) from the first sentence until the last.
This novel spends a long time telling readers everything. The names of the characters changed back and forth. At first the assassin was known as The Man, then Man, and then Mann. At some point we find out his real name is Nathaniel.
They go from meeting, to the bedroom, and in love in seconds. There’s nothing on the page to explain the feelings between them. The attempt at humor fell flat. Some drama was unnecessarily thrown into the story. The time skip to five years later was jarring and left too much unanswered. Then what assassin uses such obvious methods of executing his victims? The man knew something about drugs and poisons but picked methods that would leave the police on his trail.
It wasn’t a dark romance, and it wasn’t really much of a romance. It follows the trend of putting as much sex onto the page as possible with little to no plot or story around it for readers.
Blind Date is the first book I’ve read by Olivia Gaines. It was a quick and enjoyable book to read. The Man was hired to kill Shanice but he didn’t know she had a kid when he took the job. He will do a lot of things but not kill kids or leave them orphans.
This was an interesting story of the hitman falling in love with his target. Shanice finally accepted that she didn’t have much choice but to go with him. It really wasn’t much of a hardship for her as she had the hots for him before she found out what he did for a living. I am one of those readers who can pretty easily accept things in romantic fiction that I wouldn’t in real life. The Man was a very caring person even if his occupation might indicate otherwise.
I love it . I came off from reading the Neary series and finally got to meet the pair who helped Zeke and Tameka settle. And I am glad they became friends with the Nearys. Tameka found a friend in her, someone who shared the same pain Tameka went through her life. And rocky, goodness, that child is a blessing from god. He is one helluva cute kid. The bond he held with Nate is beyond words. Overall, i just wished the book was longer as i loved reading each moment in their lives. I cant wait to read on the other books in the series.
Oh, My! How good was this story!! I know I’m behind on reading this, but it was worth the wait for me!! This was a page-turner from the beginning throughout the end!! And that precocious little Rocky had me laughing tears! But the kicker was the scene with Aunt Amelia! I was like Nathaniel…hadn’t laughed that much in such awhile!!
Man and Shanice were good for each other despite the reasons they even came together!! I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!! Kudos, Olivia!! 💜
The names were changed to save the innocent. You'll see what I mean if you read this book.
This was a good read. It fits right in with the mail order bride series. I'm not sure which should be read first. But either way, you'll recognize the characters/names.
I'm not going to tell you the story, but I'll suggest you read this book if you like Olivia's work.
I love Abigail Gaines’ writing. I wish l could give more than 5 stars as it’s that good.Characters are well developed and with humour. I could actually imagine Sugar Bear as l know someone like her. So realistic. The humour keeps one interested and enjoying the book. I read blind date as l came across Mann in On a rainy night. Now l am moving to Arch Angel and the Isaiah. Keep up the amazing work Ms Gaines. I plan to re-read as many of your books as the humour alone and plot keeps me intrigued.
I read about these characters much later on in her books Modern Bride series and am just now reading their introductory… backwards but no matter, both series are really good! Her stories suck you in and hold you with just enough character personality, Storyline, lusty loveliness and no needless drama! Most with HEA’s… my favorite kind of reading! Thank you Olivia Gaines!
This was a quick read with a lot of wait a minute moments and errors. Things like her last name completely changing halfway through the story to the point where I’m going back to make sure I’m not missing something lol. Other than that I enjoyed reading Shanice and Nathaniel story and will continue on with the series. Love Olivia Gaines books and the humor she incorporate in her stories.
Theodora Taylor is the author with heart ❤. Olivia Gaines is the author with a praying soul!
I think it's going to take some time for me to get over this book or this couple!! Romantic comedy at its best!! BUT it was some parts that made me cry.
Wowwwwww....I didn't want it to end. Shaneice was a bit naive, but loving. Nathaniel was absolutely scrumptious. I wanted to see Rocky have his birthday party. I wanted his mom to meet his wife. I wanted to see the first baby. I wanted her to let Hester know that she was safe. All in all, the read was fabulous
This book was great, because it have needed backstory to another of the Author's book, "Rainy Night in Georgia." Loved Shanice and Mann as a couple. I also loved the fact that Shanice was a survivor and wasn't a punk. Little Rocky is a trip and is a lucky little guy. Loved this book.
Another Best Seller for this author! Nathaniel and Shaniece , is a couple who proved that blind dates can happen and become a true to life great thing meant to be! This story you will enjoy, I read it in one day! Plenty of action between the two and from the beginning their lives was destined to happen! Everything led and ended in perfect sync! Hot!
Oliver Gaines is a master storyteller This is the third book I have read in the series and have loved each one Shanice thought she had a good guy but realized he was a monster too late Man enters her life and everything chances Very fast paced and exciting read Getting ready to read book 2 with the same expectation of a turn pager fast paced exciting read
I really enjoyed reading this book! Rocky was funny as heck and that mouth of his when he felt someone was trying to hurt his mama! Hilarious! I am glad things turned out the way they did! I felt that Mann and Shaniece had hottt chemistry! Mann was there to definitely take care of her and to keep her and Rocky safe! Definitely a book that I recommend!