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Tall, Dark & Deadly #1
Hot Secrets
HOT SECRETS has sex with a capital S for SEXY! ** HOT**There will be sex, there will be hot sex.
Just under 55k -- no excerpts included from other books
The Walker Brothers…
Tall, dark, and deadly, these three brothers run Walker security. Each brother is unique in his methods and skills, but all share key similarities. They are passionate about those they love, relentless when fighting for a cause they believe in, and all believe that no case is too hard, no danger too dark. Dedication is what they deliver, results are their reward.
Book 1 HOT SECRETS:
Royce Walker, a former FBI Agent, who’s opened a private security firm with his brothers, has always had the hots for the prim, proper Assistant District Attorney, but considered her hand’s off because of a family connection. However, when danger threatens Lauren, he isn’t willing to stand by and watch her get hurt. Now the passion for survival is only rivaled by the passion burning between them. And that passion, might just be the death of them both.
Just under 55k -- no excerpts included from other books
The Walker Brothers…
Tall, dark, and deadly, these three brothers run Walker security. Each brother is unique in his methods and skills, but all share key similarities. They are passionate about those they love, relentless when fighting for a cause they believe in, and all believe that no case is too hard, no danger too dark. Dedication is what they deliver, results are their reward.
Book 1 HOT SECRETS:
Royce Walker, a former FBI Agent, who’s opened a private security firm with his brothers, has always had the hots for the prim, proper Assistant District Attorney, but considered her hand’s off because of a family connection. However, when danger threatens Lauren, he isn’t willing to stand by and watch her get hurt. Now the passion for survival is only rivaled by the passion burning between them. And that passion, might just be the death of them both.
Paperback
First published January 23, 2012
1032 people are currently reading
12855 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Renee Jones
373 books14.6k followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 647 reviews
May 2, 2018
This book is everything that I don't like in M/F romance, heck, romance in general.
The long haired (yuck), giant of a man comes and saves the "strong" woman (who is described as strong but snivels and makes stupid choices and relies solely on the man) from her predicament. The female MC is brunette, so naturally she isn't as attractive as her blond BFF (??), and she is shy and sexually repressed. The two have insta-lust, "love" in a few days, they stop the bad guy, and then trot into the sunset.
I'm surprised Fabio isn't on the cover.
Now I don't mean to sound like such a jaded meany, but this book felt so dated, so old-school. I think that if you are reader who is just getting into romance that this might seem fresh, but for me it felt stale. The writing, technically, is pretty competent. The plot moves along nicely, and the author certainly seems like she knows what she's doing. However the content, *gah*, it killed me.
I'm wondering if this is a re-working or re-release of an older story because some details seemed a decade too old. For example, when they get a phone call and the MCs hear "street sounds" in the background, they tell each other that it sounds like the guy is calling from a pay phone. A PAY PHONE. Do they even have those anymore?? If I heard noises like someone was outside, I would say that it was a cell phone, of course! It was especially strange because the characters used cell phones throughout the story, and even said something like, "who has house phones any more."
Aside from a few very dated details, the story itself also felt tired. Honestly, I've read this plot or something similar 100 times before. It takes a lot more than this to keep me interested in a story.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I also bought this book free on Amazon to compare copies*
The long haired (yuck), giant of a man comes and saves the "strong" woman (who is described as strong but snivels and makes stupid choices and relies solely on the man) from her predicament. The female MC is brunette, so naturally she isn't as attractive as her blond BFF (??), and she is shy and sexually repressed. The two have insta-lust, "love" in a few days, they stop the bad guy, and then trot into the sunset.
I'm surprised Fabio isn't on the cover.
Now I don't mean to sound like such a jaded meany, but this book felt so dated, so old-school. I think that if you are reader who is just getting into romance that this might seem fresh, but for me it felt stale. The writing, technically, is pretty competent. The plot moves along nicely, and the author certainly seems like she knows what she's doing. However the content, *gah*, it killed me.
I'm wondering if this is a re-working or re-release of an older story because some details seemed a decade too old. For example, when they get a phone call and the MCs hear "street sounds" in the background, they tell each other that it sounds like the guy is calling from a pay phone. A PAY PHONE. Do they even have those anymore?? If I heard noises like someone was outside, I would say that it was a cell phone, of course! It was especially strange because the characters used cell phones throughout the story, and even said something like, "who has house phones any more."
Aside from a few very dated details, the story itself also felt tired. Honestly, I've read this plot or something similar 100 times before. It takes a lot more than this to keep me interested in a story.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I also bought this book free on Amazon to compare copies*
October 17, 2019
3.5 good-but-not-as-good-as-I-expected-it-to-be stars
After reading some of the Dirty Rich series, I was interested in the lives of the intel/security guys that the Hs used to keep their hs safe and dig up details on potential threats: Walker Security. The head of the group is Royce Walker, a former FBI agent who created the company to work alongside his brothers Blake and Luke who also have federal agency/specialized military backgrounds. Royce has been asked by a prominent Senator to whom he owes a favor to check into threats his daughter, Lauren, has been receiving.
Lauren is an ADA who has a very high success rate, and she is currently prosecuting a very controversial and high-profile case where she is seeking the death penalty, so receiving threats is just another day at the office... except even she has to admit the ones she has received more recently are a little more unsettling. When she encounters Royce, aka the man who stars in her naughty dreams, at her father's birthday event, they quickly hit it off. And when things start to move to the next level between the two of them, Royce has to decide if he should come clean about why he "accidentally bumped into her" in the first place or keep it to himself for fear that Lauren will push him away, which not only means that it will break his heart, but that she would be in danger without his protection. What will happen when Lauren finds out what Royce is hiding? Which of Lauren's enemies has it out for her and why? And since that person seems to be able to slip through every security measure Royce employs with ease, will he be able to keep the woman he has fallen head over heels in love with safe?
What I liked:
--- High level of suspense and anticipation of what might be thrown at these two next
--- Getting some insight into the Walker Security boys
--- Lauren was a very likeable and sympathetic character
--- Decent steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- The case Lauren was prosecuting seemed a little over the top - it was a woman who killed her husband bc he was abusing her - not a case that a DA would go for the death penalty on regardless of the circumstances of the murder, and especially not during an election year
--- Not as much steamy goodness as I expected based on the other books by this author I have read, so that was a bit of a letdown
--- When the bad guy was revealed,
Overall, a good read if you're curious about the Walker brothers, are good with a skimpy mystery in the plot, and like a little steam with your instalove :)
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5 (Walker brothers & h's bestie = 4/5; others 2/5)
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing triggering
Language --- some but not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
After reading some of the Dirty Rich series, I was interested in the lives of the intel/security guys that the Hs used to keep their hs safe and dig up details on potential threats: Walker Security. The head of the group is Royce Walker, a former FBI agent who created the company to work alongside his brothers Blake and Luke who also have federal agency/specialized military backgrounds. Royce has been asked by a prominent Senator to whom he owes a favor to check into threats his daughter, Lauren, has been receiving.
Lauren is an ADA who has a very high success rate, and she is currently prosecuting a very controversial and high-profile case where she is seeking the death penalty, so receiving threats is just another day at the office... except even she has to admit the ones she has received more recently are a little more unsettling. When she encounters Royce, aka the man who stars in her naughty dreams, at her father's birthday event, they quickly hit it off. And when things start to move to the next level between the two of them, Royce has to decide if he should come clean about why he "accidentally bumped into her" in the first place or keep it to himself for fear that Lauren will push him away, which not only means that it will break his heart, but that she would be in danger without his protection. What will happen when Lauren finds out what Royce is hiding? Which of Lauren's enemies has it out for her and why? And since that person seems to be able to slip through every security measure Royce employs with ease, will he be able to keep the woman he has fallen head over heels in love with safe?
What I liked:
--- High level of suspense and anticipation of what might be thrown at these two next
--- Getting some insight into the Walker Security boys
--- Lauren was a very likeable and sympathetic character
--- Decent steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- The case Lauren was prosecuting seemed a little over the top - it was a woman who killed her husband bc he was abusing her - not a case that a DA would go for the death penalty on regardless of the circumstances of the murder, and especially not during an election year
--- Not as much steamy goodness as I expected based on the other books by this author I have read, so that was a bit of a letdown
--- When the bad guy was revealed,
Overall, a good read if you're curious about the Walker brothers, are good with a skimpy mystery in the plot, and like a little steam with your instalove :)
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5 (Walker brothers & h's bestie = 4/5; others 2/5)
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing triggering
Language --- some but not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
consider-later
March 21, 2017
FREE on Amazon US today (3/20/2017)
Stand-alone book 1.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Tall-D...
BLURB:
Royce Walker, a former FBI Agent, who’s opened a private security firm with his brothers, has always had the hots for the prim, proper Assistant District Attorney, but considered her hand’s off because of a family connection. However, when danger threatens Lauren, he isn’t willing to stand by and watch her get hurt. Now the passion for survival is only rivaled by the passion burning between them. And that passion, might just be the death of them both.
The Walker Brothers… Tall, dark, and deadly, these three brothers run Walker security. Each brother is unique in his methods and skills, but all share key similarities. They are passionate about those they love, relentless when fighting for a cause they believe in, and all believe that no case is too hard, no danger too dark. Dedication is what they deliver, results are their reward.
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 600 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Want to read
September 3, 2024
This year is the 12-Year Anniversary of the first time I published in my Tall, Dark, and Deadly series (or as some of you may know it: Walker Security).
That means Special Edition Hardbacks of the first three books—the original three Walker Brothers: Hot Secrets (Royce), Dangerous Secrets (Luke), and Beneath the Secrets (Blake) are coming! These special editions will have foiled covers, sprayed and metallic edges, gorgeous endpapers, and amazing chapter layouts!
I can't share what other very exciting swag will be included, but just know I painstakingly picked out some gorgeous swag (and character artwork!) that I cannot wait to share!
FOLLOW THE KICSKTARTER HERE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
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AND *DRUMROLL, PLEASEEEEE* This Kickstarter is going to include ADAM'S STORY!Yes, I am finally writing Adam's standalone story, Adam's Temptation, and it will be available exclusively via this Kickstarter! It will have two covers that will be shared later on in the campaign, but I already have this story outlined, and this man will absolutely be getting as epic of a story as he deserves!
*SNEAK PEEK* I'm so excited that I want to go ahead and show you some of the interiors and give you a chapter preview of each of the original books! Grab your interior preview pages here:
Hot Secrets: https://BookHip.com/QVHHHPR
Dangerous Secrets: https://BookHip.com/QVFMATP
Beneath the Secrets: https://BookHip.com/NVJRQCF
So what can you do now? First and foremost, be sure you're following the Kickstarter. And secondly, be sure you're keeping an eye out for any emails from me or Kickstarter about the launch coming in September!
FOLLOW THE KICSKTARTER HERE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
xoxo,
Lisa Renee Jones
April 26, 2016
OMG I loved the story it is a thrilling, fast-paced, suspense-filled ride in which Royce and Lauren try to find out who her stalker is with the help of the Royce's brothers Luke and Blake.
The romance was scorching too and Royce is a bossy alpha which I loved. With so many suspects, can Lauren trust anyone?
This is my first time reading Lisa Renee Jones and she has me hooked I am going straight on to Dangerous Secrets Luke and Julie's story.
Copy received from NetGalley for an honest review
The romance was scorching too and Royce is a bossy alpha which I loved. With so many suspects, can Lauren trust anyone?
This is my first time reading Lisa Renee Jones and she has me hooked I am going straight on to Dangerous Secrets Luke and Julie's story.
Copy received from NetGalley for an honest review
May 13, 2017
Predictable
Writing: There were moments that were really good, like the beginning, my goodness was I hooked! However, I found Lisa Renee Jones' writing style weird at times. Example-
Royce was narrating and speaking to his brother on the phone. In that same paragraph it was narrated that his brother was looking at his computer screen. If Royce is narrating and on the phone with his brother, how can he narrate that his brother was looking at the computer screen?
Characters: Royce and Lauren were okay. I didn’t feel invested or attached to them though. The angst between the characters (the secret) was not substantial. It seemed petty and the level of anger from Lauren unwarranted.
Storyline: The beginning definitely grabbed my attention. Lisa did not begin with a long boring narrative, she jumped right in with the characters and some great action!
The rest of the story was predictable. I figured out the stalker and who was involved early. Also, Lisa created this build up, but once it reached the climax it fell short. Everything happened quickly; a couple of paragraphs and it was over. I had to re-read it a couple of times to grasp that it was over.
Intimacy Scenes: There was one scene that was very STEAMY!
Overall: The book had potential. It started out really good, but then it veered off track.
Writing: There were moments that were really good, like the beginning, my goodness was I hooked! However, I found Lisa Renee Jones' writing style weird at times. Example-
Royce was narrating and speaking to his brother on the phone. In that same paragraph it was narrated that his brother was looking at his computer screen. If Royce is narrating and on the phone with his brother, how can he narrate that his brother was looking at the computer screen?
Characters: Royce and Lauren were okay. I didn’t feel invested or attached to them though. The angst between the characters (the secret) was not substantial. It seemed petty and the level of anger from Lauren unwarranted.
Storyline: The beginning definitely grabbed my attention. Lisa did not begin with a long boring narrative, she jumped right in with the characters and some great action!
The rest of the story was predictable. I figured out the stalker and who was involved early. Also, Lisa created this build up, but once it reached the climax it fell short. Everything happened quickly; a couple of paragraphs and it was over. I had to re-read it a couple of times to grasp that it was over.
Intimacy Scenes: There was one scene that was very STEAMY!
Overall: The book had potential. It started out really good, but then it veered off track.
September 8, 2012
3.5 Stars...
The perfect "plug & play" / "just add water" romance book.
Sure, I've read this storyline before. Sure, it was predictable. Sure, it was generic. But, I mean all those descriptions in the best way possible. I'm not going to get stuck thinking about what this book "means" and trying to find a life-changing message. I'll walk away from reading this having been entertained and having enjoyed myself. That's enough...and it's what Lisa Renee Jones does so well...
I really liked both the characters: Royce (I think I'm going to really like reading the entire Walker Security series!) and Lauren (always a pleasure reading a strong female lead who isn't annoying!). Enjoyed their chemistry and commitment to one another. And the suspense aspect was entertaining as well.
If you're looking for quick read, just enough suspense, just enough steam, w/ characters who are just likable enough, this is your book.
(PS - almost subtracted my standard .5 star for leading-man-in-ponytail, but decided not to this time. :) ...Royce might just be able to pull it off...) :)
February 8, 2012
Royce Walker is a whole lot of sexy. He has skills that make him perfect for protecting the innocent or those in danger. He gets asked to look into some threats to a senator's daughter and out of obligation agrees to see what he can find out. He finds himself with Lauren Reynolds the beautiful Assistant DA at her father the senator's birthday party. Not long after that he already finds himself providing her with protection. Lauren is one tough chick though and it takes a lot to rattle her. As the story progresses more and more the threats get that much more serious. Royce enlists his brothers Luke and Blake to help him try to figure out what's going on. All the while keeping the secret from Lauren that he is there for protection while in fact he is also in love with her. This is fast paced story. Filled with action, suspense and thrills. You get to meet all 3 of the Walker brothers and let me tell you they all come across as hot and sexy and capable. Try to guess who the bad guy is. I had several thoughts to who it might be but never could nail down who was behind the threats to Lauren. This is one of those read in one sitting books that i love. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars for Hot Secrets by Lisa Renee Jones.
February 10, 2018
I started this whole series after reading the walker security series so kind of backwards but I'm in love with these boys.
Want to read
April 11, 2013Hot Secrets in another awesome read by author Lisa Renee Jones. If you have not read a book by this author you are in for a treat as she writes sizzling hot stories.
Lauren Reynolds is a tough assistant DA. Lauren spends most of her time working or attending media or charity events arranged by her father Senator Reynolds. Her father hopes to groom her to follow in his footsteps someday. Lauren's stepmother loves the glamour, and expects Lauren to be the doting daughter from this political family. However, Lauren believes in her job and prosecutes criminals to the fullest degree much to her family's dismay. While attending her father's birthday party, Lauren's friend Julie suggests she needs to take some time for herself and maybe engage in a little sexual interlude. Julie introduces Lauren to Royce Walker. Lauren feels instant attraction to this man.
Royce Walker and his two brothers recently opened up a new security firm. Royce realizes this job with the Senator may be just what they need to get their business off the ground. When he is introduced to the Senator's daughter, he figures she's just a spoiled little rich girl. One dance is all it takes for the fire to sizzle between Royce and Lauren. They are both grown adults and decide sex with no strings attached is the way to calm this fire.
It doesn't take long for Royce to realize there is much more to Lauren then he originally thought. He realizes she is in danger, rather it be a political reason against her father or related to her job, Royce knows her life is threatened.
This book will keep you up until the wee hours of the morning because once you start it I guarantee you will not be able to put it down. It will keep you turning page after page with an exciting ending that will keep you guessing until the final pages. I look forward to the next book in this series. Hot sizzling sex, suspense and action - what more could you want to keep you entertained for hours. Read this book, and you will agree.
Lauren Reynolds is a tough assistant DA. Lauren spends most of her time working or attending media or charity events arranged by her father Senator Reynolds. Her father hopes to groom her to follow in his footsteps someday. Lauren's stepmother loves the glamour, and expects Lauren to be the doting daughter from this political family. However, Lauren believes in her job and prosecutes criminals to the fullest degree much to her family's dismay. While attending her father's birthday party, Lauren's friend Julie suggests she needs to take some time for herself and maybe engage in a little sexual interlude. Julie introduces Lauren to Royce Walker. Lauren feels instant attraction to this man.
Royce Walker and his two brothers recently opened up a new security firm. Royce realizes this job with the Senator may be just what they need to get their business off the ground. When he is introduced to the Senator's daughter, he figures she's just a spoiled little rich girl. One dance is all it takes for the fire to sizzle between Royce and Lauren. They are both grown adults and decide sex with no strings attached is the way to calm this fire.
It doesn't take long for Royce to realize there is much more to Lauren then he originally thought. He realizes she is in danger, rather it be a political reason against her father or related to her job, Royce knows her life is threatened.
This book will keep you up until the wee hours of the morning because once you start it I guarantee you will not be able to put it down. It will keep you turning page after page with an exciting ending that will keep you guessing until the final pages. I look forward to the next book in this series. Hot sizzling sex, suspense and action - what more could you want to keep you entertained for hours. Read this book, and you will agree.
May 23, 2014
Hot Secrets by Lisa Renee Jones
Book 1 Tall Dark & Deadly Series
Hot Secrets is the first in the tall, dark, and deadly series and is my first read from author Lisa Renee Jones. I enjoyed this sweet, hot, steamy romantic suspense novel. Lauren is an Assistant District Attorney and is known to work cases that are dangerous. She is tough as nails and keeps pushing even when there is known danger.
Royce Walker has always been attracted to Lauren and takes the opportunity to become more involved with her when he finds out she may be in danger. He is a former badass FBI Agent and has opened a private security firm with his brothers. When the brothers are together their antics are funny and endearing.
There is an insta-connection with this couple that happens pretty quick in the story and it builds from there. Royce pretty much takes over with wanting and trying to protect Lauren from harm. The villain in the story is creepy and it was surprising was a little surprising to me at the end. Overall, I enjoyed reading this one and will check out the next books in the series. I want to read more about the brothers.
One of my complaints is that sometimes Lauren came across as slightly dense, I mean how many red flags do you need to figure out that maybe something is not right.
ARC provided thru Netgalley, author Lisa Renee Jones
Book 1 Tall Dark & Deadly Series
Hot Secrets is the first in the tall, dark, and deadly series and is my first read from author Lisa Renee Jones. I enjoyed this sweet, hot, steamy romantic suspense novel. Lauren is an Assistant District Attorney and is known to work cases that are dangerous. She is tough as nails and keeps pushing even when there is known danger.
Royce Walker has always been attracted to Lauren and takes the opportunity to become more involved with her when he finds out she may be in danger. He is a former badass FBI Agent and has opened a private security firm with his brothers. When the brothers are together their antics are funny and endearing.
There is an insta-connection with this couple that happens pretty quick in the story and it builds from there. Royce pretty much takes over with wanting and trying to protect Lauren from harm. The villain in the story is creepy and it was surprising was a little surprising to me at the end. Overall, I enjoyed reading this one and will check out the next books in the series. I want to read more about the brothers.
One of my complaints is that sometimes Lauren came across as slightly dense, I mean how many red flags do you need to figure out that maybe something is not right.
ARC provided thru Netgalley, author Lisa Renee Jones
October 31, 2014
It's probably me, but I find myself getting a bit bored with crazy stalker stories. A stalking sub plot can add a bit of much needed drama to a romance, something that KA does really well, but when it's the main plot, as it was in this, it leaves me feeling a bit...meh about the book. I would've preferred to read more of their time together when they weren't fretting about what the evil stalker was gonna do next.
I wasn't really feeling the chemistry between them either - the insta lust/love happened too fast to be plausible. I'm beginning to learn that a mysterious 'spark' when the m/c' s touch for the first time is usually a sure sign of a book I won't enjoy.
I bought the box set, but I don't think I'll read the rest of the Walker bros stories for now, they're just not doing it for me.
I wasn't really feeling the chemistry between them either - the insta lust/love happened too fast to be plausible. I'm beginning to learn that a mysterious 'spark' when the m/c' s touch for the first time is usually a sure sign of a book I won't enjoy.
I bought the box set, but I don't think I'll read the rest of the Walker bros stories for now, they're just not doing it for me.
May 27, 2013
The first book in Lisa Renee Jones' Tall, Dark and Deadly series. Assistant District Attorney Lauren Reynolds is getting ready for a big case and is getting threats. Royce Walker steps up to the plate to protect her. But Lauren doesn't know that her father asked Royce to protect her.
A hot and steamy little number. It was a decent entertaining read but not fleshed out enough to really enjoy it.
A hot and steamy little number. It was a decent entertaining read but not fleshed out enough to really enjoy it.
October 14, 2012
Wow! I suspected that the stalker was the person it turned out to be but was surprised with his partner. I liked the alpha male and the story kept me interested throughout.
July 23, 2022
Hot secrets is book #1 of the Tall, Dark & Deadly series by Lisa Renee Jones. It's a standalone bodyguard romance, told from both points of view with a HEA.
Genre: Contemporary romance.
Tropes:
➵bodyguard
➵big city
➵romantic suspense
The story was entertaining if not a bit predictable. I'm not sure if it was the narration but I just couldn't connect with the couple.
By the numbers quick review:
★ World building: 💌💌💌
★ Character development: 👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 3.4
Genre: Contemporary romance.
Tropes:
➵bodyguard
➵big city
➵romantic suspense
The story was entertaining if not a bit predictable. I'm not sure if it was the narration but I just couldn't connect with the couple.
By the numbers quick review:
★ World building: 💌💌💌
★ Character development: 👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 3.4
February 17, 2018
Hot, steamy, intriguing romantic suspense.
Royce Walker has the perfect job when it counts. He is allowed to use his job as the reason for protecting his long time obsession, Lauren Reynolds. She is the Assistant DA and has a boat load of trouble heading her way. But Royce maybe the one thing that no one expected to have her back (and front). The fireworks just bloom from there. Take the ride and enjoy as the climax rides its high and all the way to completion.
Jones has brought me another hot romance to get the blood flowing.
Eric Michael put that extra need in the way he voiced the story. A connection to the characters was forged with the words but bonded with his rich timber and smooth diction.
Royce Walker has the perfect job when it counts. He is allowed to use his job as the reason for protecting his long time obsession, Lauren Reynolds. She is the Assistant DA and has a boat load of trouble heading her way. But Royce maybe the one thing that no one expected to have her back (and front). The fireworks just bloom from there. Take the ride and enjoy as the climax rides its high and all the way to completion.
Jones has brought me another hot romance to get the blood flowing.
Eric Michael put that extra need in the way he voiced the story. A connection to the characters was forged with the words but bonded with his rich timber and smooth diction.
May 6, 2018
This was my first book by this author. Not impressed. This is not my idea of a strong female character. I wanted to slap her a lot. And the instant love where she had her head resting on his chest in the first 10 mins of meeting him. Really?
June 29, 2021
Been awhile since I have read anything by Lisa Renee Jones...
And I liked this one, it has a broody alpha, demanding and protective and sexy...so yeah, what's NOT to like...hahahah
anyway, I did like it BUT it wasn't the WOW effect that got through me... *wink*
And I liked this one, it has a broody alpha, demanding and protective and sexy...so yeah, what's NOT to like...hahahah
anyway, I did like it BUT it wasn't the WOW effect that got through me... *wink*
November 30, 2012
Lisa Renee Jones is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Her stories are hot and suspenseful! The men are hot and the heroines are strong without being bitchy!
Lauren works high profile murder cases at the District Attorney’s Office. Royce is an ex-FBI agent who checks into threats made to Lauren as a favor to her dad. When they get thrown together, things get hot between the sheets!
I really liked Royce. He’s a hot alpha male who takes charge of situations and is a little bit (a lot) bossy. When called on his bossiness, he was willing to try to not be so bossy. Since it’s just his nature to be bossy, it never lasted long. Lauren is a strong professional woman who needs a little protecting. She was vulnerable without being wimpy and clingy. Even though she had been hurt before, she was still willing to take a chance on Royce.
Royce and Lauren were both great characters. They were strong and made mistakes. But they were also willing to put their feeling out there for the other person. I wasn’t banging my head in frustration at them. In fact, I was rooting for them and cheering them on.
The suspense in the book was awesome. The threats could have been coming from any number of people and while some people were definite front-runners, it was not easy to figure out. In fact, I was surprised by who was the guilty party.
This is a great beginning to the series and I look forward to reading the next ones!
May 21, 2014
Three solid stars for Hot Secrets by Lisa Renee Jones
The publisher kindly provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Lisa Renee Jones and I did enjoy it. Hot Secrets is about Lauren, an ADA and daughter to a state senator, who is just about to start on a death penalty case involving an alleged abused woman who is accused of murdering her husband. Her father in hopes of keeping her safe, asks Royce Walker to look into her case. Royce, who operates Walker Security (along with his 2 brothers) accepts the senator's offer due to the fact the senator had saved his father's life when they had been in Vietnam together. Royce is very taken with Lauren but realizes that his assignment may ruin any chance he may have had at having her. Threats to Lauren increase and Walker Security steps up to provide protection and investigate who the possible culprit could be.
The publisher kindly provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Lisa Renee Jones and I did enjoy it. Hot Secrets is about Lauren, an ADA and daughter to a state senator, who is just about to start on a death penalty case involving an alleged abused woman who is accused of murdering her husband. Her father in hopes of keeping her safe, asks Royce Walker to look into her case. Royce, who operates Walker Security (along with his 2 brothers) accepts the senator's offer due to the fact the senator had saved his father's life when they had been in Vietnam together. Royce is very taken with Lauren but realizes that his assignment may ruin any chance he may have had at having her. Threats to Lauren increase and Walker Security steps up to provide protection and investigate who the possible culprit could be.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. It just felt a little rushed to the point where the drama and suspense got somewhat lost. There was so much made of the dilemma Royce faced with not telling Lauren about the business arrangement with her father but the reveal and resolution was fast- it wasn't drawn out long enough in my opinion. Same goes for the person responsible for sending the threatening calls and packages- the character(s) involved didn't get enough time on the page to really feel like a complete and fleshed out character.
I did enjoy reading Hot Secrets and will add the rest of the series to my TBR.
May 1, 2014
3.5 Stars- Lisa Renee Jones is very talented and I have been very lucky to read several of her books to date. Each one I seem to love more than the next. I love a good mystery thriller with lots of steam. Lauren is an attorney, who is smart and tough and working her own way through life and trying to separate herself from her father's shadow. Her stepmother is the true wicked stepmother with her love for being a trophy wife, but Lauren knows the deal and accepts it at face value.
Lauren can't help but notice the ever present Royce Walker as he plays security at an event she is at for her father's birthday. When Royce and Lauren get on the dance floor their attraction is immediate and ever present. Lauren has more to offer than pretty looks and Royce is amazed and dazzled by her.
These two sure do steam up the pages but when Royce finds out that Lauren's life is in danger he vows to protect her. I really enjoyed the plot turns and twists and even got a nice little surprise throughout. The story does seem rushed though and I was a little taken back by that as this author has never seemed rushed to me before. Regardless, a nice read and I would recommend it and plan to read the rest in the series.
*The review was done in exchange for an ARC through Netgalley from Lisa Renee Jones- Thank you!*
Lauren can't help but notice the ever present Royce Walker as he plays security at an event she is at for her father's birthday. When Royce and Lauren get on the dance floor their attraction is immediate and ever present. Lauren has more to offer than pretty looks and Royce is amazed and dazzled by her.
These two sure do steam up the pages but when Royce finds out that Lauren's life is in danger he vows to protect her. I really enjoyed the plot turns and twists and even got a nice little surprise throughout. The story does seem rushed though and I was a little taken back by that as this author has never seemed rushed to me before. Regardless, a nice read and I would recommend it and plan to read the rest in the series.
*The review was done in exchange for an ARC through Netgalley from Lisa Renee Jones- Thank you!*
July 1, 2020
3.5 звезди
Книгата е доста подходяща за четене през летния сезон. Освен богата на "горещи тайни", книгата е богата и на "горещи страсти", което е нормално за един любовен роман, нали :)
Добрата новина е, че освен любовна история, в книгата има и сюжетна линия с нотка на трилър и това беше причината да продължавам да чета. Химия между Ройс и Лорън безспорно имаше в изобилие, просто нещата ми се случваха твърде бързо, дори и при всичкият адреналин породен от преследването на заплашителен и отмъстителен убиец.
Нещото, което ми допадна много бяха диалозите между главните герои, които бяха доста свежи всъщност. Има един стереотипен арсенал от фрази и цели изречения, които авторите на любовни романи много обичат да сеят наляво-надясно заливайки ни с тонове празни и сладникави приказки, които нормалните хора просто не изричат... никога! Е, тук дори и да е имало такива, бяха сведени до минимум или поне поднесени по такъв начин, че да не се набиват твърде много на очи.
Книгата е доста подходяща за четене през летния сезон. Освен богата на "горещи тайни", книгата е богата и на "горещи страсти", което е нормално за един любовен роман, нали :)
Добрата новина е, че освен любовна история, в книгата има и сюжетна линия с нотка на трилър и това беше причината да продължавам да чета. Химия между Ройс и Лорън безспорно имаше в изобилие, просто нещата ми се случваха твърде бързо, дори и при всичкият адреналин породен от преследването на заплашителен и отмъстителен убиец.
Нещото, което ми допадна много бяха диалозите между главните герои, които бяха доста свежи всъщност. Има един стереотипен арсенал от фрази и цели изречения, които авторите на любовни романи много обичат да сеят наляво-надясно заливайки ни с тонове празни и сладникави приказки, които нормалните хора просто не изричат... никога! Е, тук дори и да е имало такива, бяха сведени до минимум или поне поднесени по такъв начин, че да не се набиват твърде много на очи.
August 12, 2013
Premise: gun-shy DA falls for hot alpha security advisor, but there's a secret between them.
The Good
I'm a sucker for law enforcement/attorney romances, so I enjoyed the premise. There were some hot moments between the H/h.
The Not-So-Good
The execution left something to be desired. Too much telling, not enough showing. I didn't believe the instant attraction, much less the declarations of "no one's ever made me feel/do/say things like this" that both characters made to each other.
The Bottom Line
It wasn't horrible but it wasn't great. Full disclosure - this book suffered from the fact that I just finished the audiobook for Something About You by Julie James. That book had a similar premise with a much better execution.
The Good
I'm a sucker for law enforcement/attorney romances, so I enjoyed the premise. There were some hot moments between the H/h.
The Not-So-Good
The execution left something to be desired. Too much telling, not enough showing. I didn't believe the instant attraction, much less the declarations of "no one's ever made me feel/do/say things like this" that both characters made to each other.
The Bottom Line
It wasn't horrible but it wasn't great. Full disclosure - this book suffered from the fact that I just finished the audiobook for Something About You by Julie James. That book had a similar premise with a much better execution.
May 13, 2014
3.75 Stars~ Royce and Lauren were all about chemistry in this well done romantic suspense. Royce is one of my fave hero types. I call it Alpha/Bossy but with lots of training potential;) I got a kick out of Lauren teaching him to ask, not tell. Also, when he would catch himself rephrasing things to keep from making her mad. I enjoyed the banter and the emotional warmth of the couple. They were hot together and fit well. I thought the wrap up at the end was very rushed/abrupt. The epilogue was a nice attempt at a save, though. I would read more of this author/series. A solid romantic suspense read.
August 5, 2016
Well the book wasn't that bad, but the development of the actions was too fast, they fell in love too fast and everything was just too banal and tawdry. It was 'love from first sight', definitely.
It was going to be better if there were a little more descriptions of... everything. Don't know, like i said, the book was nice, but i expected something more of it.
It was going to be better if there were a little more descriptions of... everything. Don't know, like i said, the book was nice, but i expected something more of it.
October 13, 2012
This book was decent. Definitely worth the free price tag. I've read other things by this author and enjoyed them. This book kind of reminded me of a condensed version of a Sandra Brown book. Overall it was okay for the price.
March 26, 2016
In my opinion, the pace of the book was just too fast. Usually I don't mind Insta- love (I'm a sucker for romance and hea) but this time around, it just didn't do it for me.
August 2, 2017
*4- Stars*
I enjoyed this, but there were a few discrepancies that bothered me - enough to pull me back into the story and look it up to make sure I wasn't going crazy. I also think it lacked because of the length - too easy to fall, too easy to forgive, too easy to resolve - that sort of thing. I still enjoyed it and am curious about the brothers too.
I listened to the audio and the narrator, Eric Michael Summerer, did a good job. Most of the time I really enjoyed it, but there were some spots where the timing was off and he sounded a little stilted. Not bad and I would listen to him again.
I enjoyed this, but there were a few discrepancies that bothered me - enough to pull me back into the story and look it up to make sure I wasn't going crazy. I also think it lacked because of the length - too easy to fall, too easy to forgive, too easy to resolve - that sort of thing. I still enjoyed it and am curious about the brothers too.
I listened to the audio and the narrator, Eric Michael Summerer, did a good job. Most of the time I really enjoyed it, but there were some spots where the timing was off and he sounded a little stilted. Not bad and I would listen to him again.
March 10, 2024
EDIT: i decided to round down and now it’s not 2.5 it’s just 2 after thinking about it.
2.5 rounded up. I read this for Kelly and Rachel and while I don’t regret it, I’m also not happy about it😂 there were a lot of cringey phrases and scenes. Royce had to be the dumbest security specialist alive. Like she’s getting all these calls to her house phone and package deliveries and her window was open and you still stay there? And then you’re surprised when there’s cameras and listening devices? Come on. Also I hate when me where a ponytail at the nape of their neck. Idk maybe I should round down to two.
2.5 rounded up. I read this for Kelly and Rachel and while I don’t regret it, I’m also not happy about it😂 there were a lot of cringey phrases and scenes. Royce had to be the dumbest security specialist alive. Like she’s getting all these calls to her house phone and package deliveries and her window was open and you still stay there? And then you’re surprised when there’s cameras and listening devices? Come on. Also I hate when me where a ponytail at the nape of their neck. Idk maybe I should round down to two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2017
Pretty predictable romance - an easy MF read
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