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Dangerous Beauty #1

Dangerous Beauty

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A beautiful fugitive. A hot bodyguard. A high-stakes game of temptation.

For Nasir, former Special Ops military man and bodyguard, his new job seems like an easy-money gig: trail a Russian mobster’s runaway wife in Mexico, enjoy the sun, observe, and report. Just one rule: don’t get too close. But it’s all Naz can do not to watch the alluring dancer’s every move. A closer look is irresistible—especially when she’s in trouble.

Evalina escaped to the island getaway to live an untraceable life—as far away from the past as she can get. But Eva can’t ignore the dark, muscled stud who rescues her from a drug gang. He says he’s an ex-cop on vacation. When providence throws them together time and again, Eva thinks it’s all a beautiful coincidence. Now she’s giving in to a strange new sensation: trust.

But Naz has a mission to accomplish and a secret to keep. Eva has her share of secrets, too. And as the heat flares between them, Naz knows that trust could become the most dangerous impulse of all.

268 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2019

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8888 people want to read

About the author

J.T. Geissinger

42 books24.4k followers
J.T. Geissinger is a New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of thirty-five novels and novellas. Ranging from funny, feisty romcoms to intense erotic thrillers, her books have sold over twenty million copies and been translated into more than two dozen languages.

She is a three-time nominee in both contemporary and paranormal romance for the RITA® Award, the highest distinction in romance fiction from the Romance Writers of America®. She is also a recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and the HOLT Medallion for Best Erotic Romance.

Newsletter ➡️ http://bit.ly/1IbgZZI
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5 stars
4,709 (41%)
4 stars
4,071 (35%)
3 stars
2,069 (18%)
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443 (3%)
1 star
129 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 857 reviews
Profile Image for Nilufer Ozmekik.
3,118 reviews60.6k followers
August 16, 2021
Hell no, I thought it was a stand-alone novel but I found out it is the first book of trilogy! And second book comes on August! And that ending with cliffhanger really broke my heart into pieces!
JTG is the one of the smartest, talented writers with quirky but also witty sense of humor and gifted storytelling skills!
I loved both Naz and Eva!
But mostly I’m so happy to see Tabby and Connor again( still reading their story and so far they’ve my favorite JTG couple)
It will be torment to wait for four and half months. I think pre ordering and finishing rest of the Wicked series will solve my frustration right now!
It’s highly recommended, fast paced, entertaining, breathtaking suspense romance!
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,028 reviews25.3k followers
March 18, 2019
Dangerous Beauty is book one in the brand new series, Dangerous Beauty by J.T. Geissinger! THIS BOOK!!!!! This is one of those times in my life, both with this book and the one I previously read, that I can’t believe how lucky we are to get to read these books! To get to absorb these words! In full disclosure, “I DIDN’T KNOW!!!” I didn’t know that this was a cliff hanger! Would it have made a difference? NO! Because it is that amazing! The problem was that I finished the final sentence at bedtime last night and was left in shock! SHOCK I TELL YOU!!! It took some deep breathing to get myself to settle down to go to bed.

Where have I been? When did this transformation happen!?

Nasir (Naz) is ex military, ex body guard, brand new private investigator. His first assignment is just to watch a very rich man’s wife who has run away from him. She is living on the island of Cozumel and all Naz has to do is take pictures and report back to the client once a week via skype. He can’t deny that the subject is beautiful and he becomes more and more entranced with her every day that he watches her. But he keeps his distance, until she gets herself into trouble and he has to step in to save her. The chemistry between them is instant and strong. But she’s the subject. He’ll stay away, only that is easier said than done.



Evalina (Eva) Ivanova meticulously planned every detail of her escape. She took every precaution. But she’s so tired of being alone. When Naz comes into her life, she’s instantly wary. But she can’t deny the immediate connection she feels to him. The next time she runs into him, the feeling is even stronger. She can’t get him off her mind. Can she trust him with her secrets? From the horrendous life she ran from? Can she trust “him?”

woman shopping at street market in cozamel - Google Search

“If I didn’t have bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.”

As Eva and Naz spend more time together, the bond grows stronger as does the guilt Naz is feeling regarding the true nature of his reason for being there. Eva is falling for Naz and slowly begins to tell her story, baring it all to him. She knows Naz is hiding something big but she thought by divulging her past, it might help him to reveal his. But it only seems to upset him further, making matters worse.



These two!!! They were so good together. Their constant banter and teasing was adorable. I spent a good portion of the time reading about them smiling from ear to ear! Their growing relationship was a very slow burn but in the best of ways possible. I loved them both so much. Eva was so very strong! And Naz was just everything.

“She moves like a poem and smiles like a sphinx, and draws eyes to her like moths to a flame. Because beauty will be noticed.”

/ A R Y A / pinterest: @riddhisinghal6

As secrets are discovered, though, everything changes, as does the intensity of the book! The danger they are facing is real. You will meet evil in its truest form! I really don’t want to say much more other than you don’t want to miss this book. I don’t know that I’ve ever felt so intensely for two people. This is my fifth book by this author and every one is so unique. But this book…..Just read it! As for the next book, Eva and Naz’s story will continue with Dangerous Desires. It can’t get here fast enough!

“Anything for you.”

For more about this book and so many more, come and join me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...

Profile Image for KAS.
317 reviews3,116 followers
April 20, 2019

Hmmmm ... I have come to the conclusion I do not enjoy ‘listening’ to this type of romance. Romances with descriptive sex scenes to be precise.

I went into this 100% blind, only knowing how much I loved “Midnight Valentine,” and completely unaware this book ends with a huge cliffhanger :(

Did I enjoy as much as “Midnight Valentine?” No, but I certainly enjoyed the suspense and intrigue of this storyline.

Told in dual POV’s, always a big plus for me personally, the audiobook is narrated with both a male and female, which should please a lot of listeners.

Will have to wait until August to see what happens next. Should be interesting, and plan on ‘reading’ book two!
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,548 reviews1,725 followers
December 14, 2019
Eva and Naz are two adorable characters and I loved them. Although sometimes their humor felt a bit exaggerated, they were still a very sweet couple.

Eva was kept by a Russian mafia leader, Dimitri, for 7 years and she was both raped and abused. She had to be hospitalized many times due to the sick man’s punishments on her. The man used Eva’s sick mother as leverage. Eva tried escaping a few times but they were unsuccessful attempts. Finally, she manages to jump off their yacht and swim to the shore and she has been free and living on an island for 3 months. That’s where she meets Naz. (short for Nasir).

Eva doesn’t know that Naz is hired by Dimitri to follow her every move and report to him. Naz thinks that Eva is Dimitri’s wife, who ran away from the man who loves her so much. The more they interact, the more Naz falls for her but he feels guilty at first. Later, he understands how Dimitri lied to him and pities the critical situation Eva is in. Finally, Naz decides to call off the job and protect Eva from Dimitri, of course with the help of Connor and Tabby (hero/heroine of the book Wicked Sexy.)

Book 1 is all about how Naz and Eva meet, how they develop feelings, how strong their connection is and the way they learn to trust one another. The book unfortunately ends in a frustrating and sad cliffhanger.




Book 1 is full of fun banter and sad moments; it is both fun and emotional. The characters are lovely. And this book was a very promising start to a series and I had initially rated Book 1 with 5 stars. However, things start to go downhill in the 2nd book and Book 3 is a disaster, a sh*tshow.

Therefore, having finished reading all 3 books and looking at the big picture, I now changed my rating for Book 1 from 5 to 4 stars now. Here is my rating for all of them:

BOOK 1:
4 stars

BOOK 2:
3 stars

BOOK 3:
2 stars


I wish Ms. Geissinger hadn’t ruined her amazing start and continued to write it in the direction it started. Naz was going to be Eva’s hero, who was going to save her from the evil man. That was the promise of Book 1.

What really happens is:

1. In Book 2, Ms Geissenger introduces a bad boy, Killian, who first beats our heroine violently but later falls for her. Despite being a woman-beater, he is portrayed as someone redeemable because he thought she was Dimitri’s wife who was loyal to him and his dirty dealings.

Whatever the reason, if a man beats a woman, he can’t be redeemed. And Ms. Geissinger does everything possible for the readers to admire Killian and by doing so, she causes Killian to overshadow the main hero of the series, Naz. That was stupid!



And Killian kisses Eva twice, making it clear how much he wants her but Eva loves Naz so he can’t steal Eva from Naz; however, he steals two kisses.



Personally, if he hadn’t beaten Eva violently and if he hadn’t tried to steal Eva from Naz, I would definitely find Killian charming because he is indeed charming in many ways. We see it towards the end of Book 2 and in Book 3. But I can never forgive and love a man who beats a woman; therefore, this character who dominates Book 2 and 3 has just been an annoyance for me.

And I am really sick of writers trying to make us forgive the cheaters and the beaters – what’s wrong with them?



2. The promise of Book 1 was that Naz was going to save Eva from Dimitri, by killing him and provide a safe and happy life for her. However, in Book 2 and 3 he gets injured twice, stays in bed, doing nothing. NOTHING! Ms. Geissenger introduces such a hard ass man in Book 1 and then puts him into bed in the other two books. Also, the genius Tabby and the powerful Connor cannot do anything to save Eva from Dimitri. They all fail. Ms Geissinger reduces all these heroes and heroines to the level of incompetent idiots.

3. Whose star shines? Of course, Killian’s. Why? I have no idea.

It feels as if Ms Geissinger wanted to kill her own hero Naz’s masculinity, not letting him succeed in anything. Poor guy cried all along Book 3, thinking he failed Eva because he couldn’t protect her and Dimitri stole her again. I will never understand why Ms Geissinger reduced Naz to an incompetent whining hero, but it was a knife to one’s own heart – a commit suicide act.



4. In Book 3, which is 190 pages, the hero Naz and heroine Eva are separated for 168 pages. They are only together in the last 20 pages or so. WTF?!

description


Book 3 is all about how the sick bastard Dimitri tortures and punishes Eva, how Naz has to stay in bed due to his injuries and how Killian takes action. There are other people involved that help Eva’s rescue.

I hated the way Dimitri was killed. It was like a joke. It is not by Naz, not by Eva so I couldn’t feel the satisfaction of revenge. It is just a meaningless and short death for such a monster.

5. And the most stupid of all, amongst all these terrible happenings, the hero and heroine are not careful about birth control and of course, Eva gets pregnant. Yayyyyy – that was the missing stupidity in the book and now we have it all.



Last word:

Now, if I need to summarize it all, Book 1 is awesome and very promising. If all books were as good, the series would be 5-star worthy for me. But the sh*t-show that starts in Book 2 and gets worse in Book 3 reduced the value of the series to a great extent for me.



SOME QUOTES FROM THE SERIES:

As you will see from the quotes, the quality of writing is perfect. Ms. Geissinger makes you feel. I just didn’t like everything she made me feel this time.

Book 1:

NAZ & EVA

“It’s strange that turned me on, right?”
“What, me being angry?”
“No. You being protective.”
He inhales deeply, then lets it all out in a gust. “It’s how men are supposed to be. Unfortunately, a lot of them don’t know the difference between protective and possessive, which is why you have so many assholes in the world.”

***

“Why is your heart hammering, Naz?”
“Because you’re crack and I’m an addict.”

***

This woman is a miracle. My miracle. The reason I wandered alone for so long. Life leads you right where you’re meant to go, if only you let it.


Here is a promise by Naz from Book 1:

I take Eva’s hand across the table and squeeze it. When she blinks up at me, I say, “I fucking hate that I can’t make that better for you, but I swear with God as my witness that if anyone— anyone —ever hurts you again, or tries to hurt you, or even fucking thinks about hurting you, I’ll kill him. And I don’t mean figuratively. I will literally end his life , with my bare hands if necessary. Do you understand?”
Her eyes fill with water. After a moment, she says in a shaky voice, “I must be very sick, because I think that’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”


* Of course, Ms. Geissinger doesn’t let kim keep his promise :(

Book 2.

Killian. Who are you?
I touch the fading bruise on my cheek, thinking of all his contradictions. How the same man who could so ruthlessly beat me could also go out of his way to save my life. How he could kill Raphael in cold blood without batting an eye but so carefully administer my medication.
(EVA)

***

I love her so much in this moment, everything I was before is incinerated. I came into this room one man, but I know I’ll emerge from it another, a baptism of love so hot it’s a fire that scorches me to the bone and leaves whatever I was before a smoking pile of ashes to be blown away by the wind.
I’m in love. I’m so fucking in love. If I lose her, it will end me.
(NAZ)

***

When he said that, I didn’t bother pointing out that Killian isn’t his competition because it would have fallen on deaf ears. When all the chest beating starts, men devolve to an earlier species and lose the power of logical thinking. If, at the meeting, the two of them drop their pants and a measuring tape makes an appearance, I won’t be surprised.
(EVA)

***

“You know, this little crush of yours on my woman is gonna be a big problem between us.”
He fires back with a smug, “It shouldn’t be, unless you’re insecure about her feelings for you. Are you insecure, Naz?”


Now the worst book in the trilogy:

Book 3.

KILLIAN & NAZ

I sit up, gritting my teeth against the wave of pain that wants to take me down. “Skip it, Doc. Just staple up my holes and gimme the meds. We’re working against the clock.”
When he throws his hands in the air and turns to Killian for help, Killian simply gazes at me. “Fine with me. If you die, I’ll happily step in and take care of Eva for you.”
I stare at him for a moment, at his square jaw and perfect nose, then lie back down. “Okay, Doc. Do your thing.”

***

I’m still lying on the cot, all my holes stitched, now hooked up to IV antibiotics, watching Killian gear up and get ready to go to the last location of Eva’s GPS, and feeling like an absolute failure of a man because he’s going in my place. My woman. My responsibility. Period.

***


This is how Killian is praised - even by NAZ:

Apparently Killian is part of an unnamed underground network focused on keeping checks and balances on the really bad guys who do really bad things. In other words, he’s an antihero. A term a little too cool for my liking, especially considering the bastard looks like every teenage girl’s perfect bad-boy fantasy. Ugh.

***


EVA

I keep telling myself I’ve suffered far worse things, but with every new male guard, houseboy, and cook who wanders past the drawing room as I’m being measured in the nude, my shame grows. Along with it grows my fury. Naz would never have allowed something like this. He’d die to protect my honor. If another man dared to look at me undressed, he’d make sure it would be a long time before he could look at anything else again. But of course this isn’t love. This is ownership. This is a show of power, so that everyone knows I’m a piece of property. Dimitri’s toy to do with as he likes.

***

Without speaking another word, Dimitri grabs me by the scruff of the neck and forces me to bend over the counter, shoving my face against the marble. When he kicks my legs apart, I squeeze my eyes shut and bite back a sob. It isn’t penetration he has in mind, however. It’s punishment. And this whipping makes the one in the cellar look like child’s play. The blows rain down on my bare skin with unleashed savagery, each accompanied by a snarl. I jump and scream with every bite of the whip. My screams grow louder as my flesh burns, the pain so huge it has its own atmosphere, its own temperature, its own weight. I can do nothing but submit and endure, though it’s beyond enduring, a white-hot center of misery that extinguishes everything else. After one particularly brutal volley of slashes to my upper thighs, I’m sure I’ll pass out from the agony.

***


KILLIAN & EVA

“Oh my God,” I say loudly, glaring at him. “Naz was right. You really are the most irritating man on earth.”
He waves a hand in the air. “Don’t be silly. I’m amazing.” Then he steps closer, so we’re almost chest to chest. “Now. My kiss.”
When I don’t move, he taps his rough cheek. “C’mon. Just a little one here, then I’ll tell you who I am.”
I lift my brows. “You will?” He nods, leaning closer.
“Yes. Cross my heart.” He turns his face to the side, waiting for me to kiss his cheek.
I huff out a breath. A peck on the cheek seems like a small price to pay for information, so I decide to do it. But of course, Killian being Killian, things don’t go as planned. As soon as I rise on tiptoe and my lips are centimeters from his skin, he takes my face in his big rough hands and presses our mouths together. He kisses me softly, almost tenderly, cradling my face like a lover would. But he doesn’t attempt to push his tongue past my lips, and he breaks away quickly. He smiles down at me as I shake my head and sigh.
“You lied.”
“I’m a spy. It’s a big part of the job description.”


Well, I admire Ms. Geissinger's beautiful writing but as in this trilogy, I don't always like where she leads the story and this trilogy was one of them.
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,590 reviews3,954 followers
February 28, 2019
4

When I signed up for this one, I had absolutely no idea it was gonna end in a cliffhanger. Because if there is one thing I cannot stand...It's cliffy's. They annoy the hell out of me and test every single ounce of my patience. So imagine my surprise when I found out ...

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor cliffhanger gif

Now I may hate cliffhangers but thankfully I didn't feel the same way about this book. It was actually pretty great !! I might even forgive that cliffy....maybe.

Now I have another confession to make. I am not familiar with the Bad Habit series (please don't throw fruit at me)... I did, however, know Connor and Tabby from the Wicked Games series, and I still love them just as much as I did when I read their book. It was great catching up with them.

This book was a lot of fun. Naz is on an undercover assignment keeping an eye on Eva. he was never supposed to get close...but what can you do, shit happens 9f01372377900d9203bc4efe48eb1659The back and forth banter between these two was awesome. Eva is definitely my kind of heroine !!

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor go girl gif

But Naz was not supposed to fall for his job....and they both carry some big secrets with them....

I can't wait to read the next book in this series... let's hope time flies !!!

arc

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Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,379 reviews896 followers
March 27, 2019
Oh my gosh! I loved this book! Despite that ending, or maybe because of it.

Naz has been hired to keep an eye on a rich man’s spoiled wife but when she gets herself into some trouble, he has to step in. Within no time at all he realizes she isn’t everything the client described her to be. And before he knows it, he’s crossing boundaries he warned himself to stay away from. And Eva is eagerly waiting for him on the other side.

He inhales deeply, then lets it all out in a gust. “It’s how men are supposed to be. Unfortuntaely, a lot of them don’t know the difference between protective and possessive, which is why you have so many a$$holes in the world.”
I close my eyes and sit very still, basking in that statement. And in him, this beautiful man who is single-handedly redefining the word MASCULINE for me.


description


Eva has some deep, dark secrets. Secrets that will break your heart. But she’s living her life now, enjoying every day for what it’s worth even as she keeps one eye over her shoulder. When Naz enters into her life, she’s reluctant to share anything about herself. When they keep running into each other she slowly opens herself up.

I love how she wears her heart on her sleeve and doesn’t pretend to be tough.
She isn’t tough. She’s strong, but not tough. She’s obviously capable and independent and whip smart, but she’s also vulnerable. Sweet. Soft.


This couple were so freaking cute and fun and sexy and just perfect! I absolutely loved their banter and back and forth insults that were light hearted and hilarious. Naz knew just how to defuse any moment that became too heavy with Eva and I loved him for his sensitivity.

description


This book has a relatively low angst despite what each couple are dealing with. The pace is fast and so engaging that I hated each time I had to close the book to deal with real life. With a slow burn, the steam was still extreme and there is never a doubt as to the chemistry between Eva and Naz.

description

I knew going in it was going to be a cliffhanger and while I hate them, I could tell this couple need more than just one book to do what needs to be done. But the worse thing about a cliffy, is the waiting…sigh.

Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,313 reviews13.7k followers
March 17, 2019
4 STARS

I’m under a spell. She’s cast a spell on me with her sweet smile and her even sweeter mouth, and I’m done for.


From the very first page, the story of Naz and Evalina had absolutely captivated me. A woman on the run and the man sent to Cozumel, Mexico to keep an eye on her for her mobster husband. A dangerous attraction and a love that can cost them everything, this slow burn romance kept me riveted to the pages.

The very second Eva appeared on the pages, I was fascinated with her. This is a woman that has clearly been to hell, and she has no desire to go back.
Survival is simply the art of suffering gracefully when we’re up against forces out of our control. I lost my fear of dying because I expected it every minute of every day. Tomorrows only exist in our minds.

This is a woman that lived through her worst nightmare and has the scars to show for it. On the run for her life, she's come to Cozumel to live a life under the radar. But then an alluring stranger saves her life and there's just something about him that she can't stop thinking about.
Why is your heart hammering, Naz?” “Because you’re crack and I’m an addict.”

Naz is all alpha with a heart of gold. This is a man that puts his life on the line for a living, but now he's supposed to have an easy assignment; keep an eye on a mobster's errant run away wife. But nothing is what it seems, and it doesn't take long for Naz to realize that his assignment is not at all what he thought. And he'll stop at nothing to protect the woman that he couldn't help but fall for, even if it costs him everything.

As much as I love a grumpy alpha that fights his feelings with everything he's got, Naz's easy affection and fierce protectiveness of Eva made my heart melt. I loved the way that he was with her. This is a man that doesn't try to go after a woman while holding on to his secrets, and I really liked that about him. He wanted to be with Eva without the pretense of who they thought the other was, and there's a lot of secrets to unearth between the two of them.
After a moment of shock, I manage, “What are we doing?”
“Badasses like to spoon before a nap, sweetheart.” He presses a soft kiss to the nape of my neck.
“Oh. I wasn’t aware.”

I loved the delicious slow burn between Eva and him. The chemistry was downright incendiary, so by the time they finally give into it, I thought I would explode myself.

There are some subject matters in this book that may be a bit of a trigger for some, so just go in knowing that it does run on the slightly darker side with Eva's past. The woman is a fighter, though. I loved the way she protects Naz in her own right. There's this core of strength to her that you can't help but respect. This is not a woman that runs from her demons, but she faces them head on.

There's plenty of action along the way and a cameo from my favorite duo Connor and Tabby, from Wicked Sexy. I will never have enough of these two.

Dangerous Beauty is the first book in a trilogy and I'm downright salivating for book two. I adore all things JT Geissinger, and she managed to deliver yet another heart pounding, suspenseful and sizzling read that will keep readers glued to the pages from begging to end.

ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Tracy  C.
541 reviews38 followers
March 21, 2019
I have been anxiously waiting for this book since I read the bridge story, Hot as Sin. And I was not disappointed. Eva and Naz are freaking amazing. Naz (AKA Barney for the Bad Habits series) is bad a$$ special ops guy that is doing his best to do the right thing. Eva is sassy and guileless, despite her past, and everything Naz needs. I loved their ridiculous banter. Their chemistry is off the charts and make for an absolutely steamy read. I did not know that this would end on a cliffy, but I did not care.
One book would not have done this story justice and Geissinger's witting is absolutely worth the wait.
Profile Image for h o l l i s .
2,723 reviews2,306 followers
March 10, 2019
So it is absolutely my fault for assuming that 'book one' in the Dangerous Beauty series just meant another group of novels tied together, but not connected, like Geissinger's Slow Burn series. I'm here to tell you that it a totally wrong assumption and this is very much a same-couple-over-multiple-books series. So, brace yourself for what that might mean..

With that bit cleared up, I'm now more disappointed by the total quick-tumble-int0-feelings dive we took. It's not quite insta-pot-love but neither is it an eight-hour-crock-pot-simmer-build. Though it still sorta manages a slow burn? Confused? Sorry.

Anyway, I'm starting to wonder if the two books that made me a fan of the author might be the exceptions and not the rule because I wasn't really into this. I quite loved the heroine but everything else? It's very extra drama on the back story, the hero is fond of dumb jokes and unfortunately the heroine thinks he's adorable and the stupid jokes never quit (seriously, it becomes their thing and I cringed through it). Honestly the author does this bodyguard-and-subject trope fairly well, she addresses certain things that other stories in this vein do not, but at the same time it's not.. great? It's far from terrible but I was pretty unmoved. But it was a nice palate cleanser from my last read and I will read on because #completionist and also because I want Eva to get herself some revenge. Get it, girl.

2.5 stars


** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
Profile Image for Carol.
1,387 reviews262 followers
March 2, 2019
4 stars. *****major cliffhanger alert*****
This starts off with such a sexy, island romance sort of vibe to it, even if Naz is on an undercover assignment to keep tabs on Eva for her supposed husband (that turns out to be totally untrue) . I am really loving it here.

Then the story proceeds to get progressively more suspenseful and even a little dark- it is intriguing and the chemistry is electric! Loving it even more have to say.

So many secrets and intrigue. As the intensity ramps up and the story unfolds I am so glued to my kindle and then "what the hell" happened, it is over. Much cursing and one major cliffhanger later all I can hope is that the next installment of this duet??? will be very soon....
I really cannot wait!!!!!



ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Not a standalone.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,001 reviews798 followers
March 26, 2019
Gah!!! That ending is a killer! This is a three part series and yes, it ends on a huge cliffhanger but it's so worth it! I will be pouncing on book 2 when it comes out because book one was intense and left me wanting so much more.

Before things got really serious, we get to see Naz and Eva get to know each other in a way that I loved. They bantered back and forth and threw friendly insults at each other that had me laughing out loud. The creativity in their insults were hilarious.

Eva was refreshing because she wasn't shy about asking for what she wanted. You learn she has a horrible past she is running from and she's decided it was time to take her life back. Instead of cowering, she committed to really live. That wreaked havoc on Naz because he was suppose to just keep an eye on her at a distance.

If you've read the Bad Habits series, you will know that Naz is Barney, Nico's bodyguard. He has moved on and hired on by Connor and Tabby's security firm. Connor and Tabby are from the Wicked Games series and are in this book quite a bit. Their parts really added to my overall enjoyment of this book.

I'm going to leave it here cause I hate to spoil anything. I loved Naz and Eva and will be anxiously waiting for book 2.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,512 reviews86 followers
December 22, 2018
ARC received for review

Another great book by Ms. Geissinger. This is a stand alone, but Connor and Tabby from Wicked Sexy make lots of appearances since they're Naz's boss. And Naz you might remember from the Bad Habit series as Barney.

Naz is a protector even when he just has Eva under surveillance as part of his job. When they finally meet is already halfway in love with her. Drama and bad guys ensue, and she finds out the whole story. Everything's going good and the BAM...&*%$#@$^# cliffy.....
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,554 reviews82 followers
April 3, 2019
***3,75 "Anything for you!!!" stars***



"There's a price to pay for everything in this world. Nothing is free except the grace of God."

This was definitely a good start to a new series by J.T. Geissinger's pen!!! And with a hero that we had seen from time to time somewhere else...
If you had read the Bad Habit series, your eyes have catched Nasir somewhere...
And of course Connor and his wife, Tabby had their own book in another series...
But this is a different story and i would stick on this one!!!



"As every saint and sinner knows, forbidden fruit is always the most tempting."

Well, Nasir had been assigned to watch Evaline by her husband, Dimitri, a mafia man...
His job is to watch every move of Dimitri's runaway wife and to report every single detail back on him...
Eva is finally free after seven years full of abuse and degradation... Before some months, she managed to runaway from "him" and his ugly ways and now, she is somewhere in Mexico living a simple, but full life...
But she's never stopping look behind her shoulder!!!



"Dimitri. My dark overlord. I still can't believe I finally escaped."

At some point, Nasir and Eva's paths are colliding and something is shifting between them...
But the things that are standing between those two are too many...
First of all, Nasir is, in a way, her stalker... And secondly, Eva had her whole life at stake...
So, is there a chance for those two??? Especially, when they are having a major enemy breathing down their neck???
What will happen when everything will fall apart???

"Life is short, Naz, and full of pain. When I die, I don't want to have any regrets. And not telling you how much I like you would definitely be a regret." {Evaline}



"I can't lie to myself. I'm in serious danger of doing anything she asks me, consequences be damned." {Nasir}

Well, i enjoyed this book... It was a good story, with a rich background!!!
Eva was a survivor and she was sooo strong and a very determined woman...
Nasir was a protector by nature and when feelings are getting in the way, he can do everything for the other, especially Eva...
So what made me hestitate to love it even more???
I think that the feelings felt too much, too soon!!! And that i didn't enjoy the teasing between them very much!!!
Overall, it was a good book and I'm curious for the next chapter of this story...



"I wish I had the right words to tell you all the ways you've saved me. I used to think death meant freedom, but now I knowall you really need to be free is someone who believes in you so much you finally believe in yourself."

***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
Profile Image for TJ ☾.
833 reviews1,897 followers
March 24, 2021
The one time JT Geissinger writes a trilogy around 1 couple and I dislike the H... why me 🙄😭 He's not awful or anything. I just think his jokes are cringey and he's lowkey bad at his job. At least Eva is amazing tho. She's funny and direct and I love that she's terrible at small talk and still has faith in the human race even after being exposed to such cruelty. I just wish she had found a guy who was in her own leagueeee
Profile Image for Kristina .
1,051 reviews925 followers
did-not-finish
November 11, 2022
DNF. Not rating this. Nothing to do with the book. I just can’t commit to a book with a cliff hanger and two additional books to read to complete the story for one couple. Wouldn’t have started if I had known. Maybe will go back to it when I have a better attention span.
Profile Image for Chelsea .
637 reviews99 followers
March 25, 2019
5 Stars!!!


Available on March 26,2019

Pre-order your copy now!

Amazon - https://amzn.to/2TO5YVC

“A person can endure almost anything if it’s to protect someone they love. Far more than they could ever endure for their own sake.”


I didn't expect this book to be this good but it is.

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To be honest, my initial reaction after getting approved is

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Not because I wasn't expecting this to be a great read, but because it ends in a cliffy and I don't normally read books when I have to wait that long for the next installment since my memory is pretty bad.

However, I would like to say thank you to Ms. Geissinger that her main characters in this story weren't plenty so I only have to write a short detail on my personal note to serve as my reference while waiting for the next book.

I'm so glad that I enjoyed this despite ending in a cliffhanger, because the story line was great, characters were strong and the . To sum it up, this book was a real page turner because everything was laid out perfectly.

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I ended up having a huge smile on my face for my first great read this year . This was actually my first book from this author and it certainly won't be my last.

If you don't mind having to wait for the next two books of this series, I highly recommend this.

description

This book is the first installment of a three part book and should be read in order.


ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Lien.
296 reviews242 followers
April 14, 2021
Part I: Review

2.5 I-don't-seem-to-have-any-luck-with-this-author Stars

BUT

I take full responsibility for not liking this particular book. What I mean is that I should have known from the blurb that this wouldn't be a read I'd enjoy.

For me, this book was insta-love at its finest... which I'm NOT a fan of. The obstacle/taboo element was there but the attraction between them was so instant, in both body and mind, that I just couldn't feel it. I like to have more friction between the characters, and because there was none in this book, I was pretty indifferent about Eva and Naz.

In the end, it all boils down to personal preference. I do think this is a great book/series for people who have no problem with insta-like/love and are fans of romantic suspense. It just wasn't MY thing.

Part II: Book talk, best to be read after finishing the book (SPOILERS!)

Profile Image for Christine B.
554 reviews102 followers
October 13, 2021
When a powerful man wife disappears he sends the best of the best to find and follow her. As weeks goes by of reporting her every move back to him with pictures and all she done, things start to change. When special ops need to intervene because wife get into trouble with a local gang what does he do? You say don't get involve, that would be too easy and wrong to leave Eva to be raped and who knows what else so Naz steps in and save this beauty alluring woman. Why did he do that, his cover is blown...Maybe A bond is formed because now he is Eva's hero, but what Eva don't know is Naz has a big secret and now he must lie to keep her and Eva secret is even bigger. How will Naz & Eva build a new found friendship while they both fight the attraction the have for one another and keep the secret that would tear them apart.
Profile Image for My Pink Fairytales.
682 reviews78 followers
February 12, 2019
Have I mentioned before how much i love J.T. Geissinger? No? Well, she’s the love of my book-loving life. 😄 I did a little happy dance once I found her new book on Netgalley and another one after I was granted the ARC.

This is the beginning of yet another amazing series! Dangerous Beauty is book one and unfortunately for our poor hearts it ends in a major cliffhanger. I don’t know how i’ll survive the wait. 😔

Read the blurb and you’ll see it’s indeed really dangerous and beautiful because of a Russian ballerina and a former Special Ops military Superior Man (inside joke) and bodyguard. Top that with an explosive chemistry, wicked banter, humorous dialogues and there you have it. A book you really, really, I MEAN YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO READ!

She glances over and catches me staring. “What?”

“I was just thinking how hideous you are,” I say solemnly. “It’s tragic, really. Must be awful, walking around with that face, scaring children. I feel sorry for you. Is there a charity I could contribute to in your name? The Quasimodo Society? The Elephant Man Foundation? I feel moved to help.”

She blinks, the picture of innocence. “That’s so strange! I was just thinking the same thing about you!”

“Excuse me, but I’m extraordinarily handsome. Just ask me.”

She’s laughing again, which is becoming one of my favorite things. “You’re demented.”

“I think you mean dashing.”

“More like disfigured. You’re frighteningly large. Do you suffer from gigantism?”

A grin spreads slowly across my face. “Only in certain areas, sweetheart.”



J.T. Geissinger’s female characters are always unbelievable smart, independent, strong women and Eva here is no exception. She’s also refreshingly honest. I was curious about Naz aka Barney, aka Nasir, since many books ago. He was Nico’s bodyguard (the Bad Habit series Sweet as Sin) and now he’s working for Connor and Tabby from Wicked Sexy. Naz is as alpha as one man can get, truly protective, a little misterious, loving, funny, romantic, amazing and an absolute book-boyfriend. Their relationship builds quite slowly, but you’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole time, because the plot is suspenseful and since it’s impossible not to notice Naz & Eva’s chemistry, you’ll know for sure there will be something like a nuke once they’ll be together. I felt two billion butterflies at their first kiss. ☺️

Even if i cursed like a sailor at that ending, knowing this author and loving her so much, i’m positive it’s worth waiting for the second book. Plus, Naz is a character too complex and his and Eva’s story is too dangerously beautiful to be told in just one part.

Huge thanks to that person responsible for granting me this ARC! I’m forever grateful to you. Please write my name down and send me the next one too, ok? 😂 Too much?

”ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”
Profile Image for Katerina.
799 reviews321 followers
July 17, 2019
Disclaimer: I really really wanted to like it, and I am definitely in the minority consensus. Maybe it’s because I’m a cynic or jaded reader, or maybe because once I heard that he was Arab, I had my optic lenses on x50, but I found the heroine incredibly... silly? And I couldn’t come back from it.

So let’s get on WID IT.

She is on the run from an abusive ex. Has a whole new identity. Ready to disappear at the drop of a hat. Increased home security she spent thousands on.

Yet upon connecting with a stranger. Yes, the very same “stranger” acting as a mole to find her, hired by her ex... It just struck me as completely guileless as to why she would tell her intimate life story to him... never mind that he already knew all the details.

Her physical and emotion connection with a man doesn’t warrant trust especially when he hasn’t done anything to earn it... When you don’t even have his phone number and have bumped into him a total of three times in an area where he isn’t even a local. Why she would tell him her real name? Show him where she lives? Blurt out her very obvious attraction (which I love because it’s so straightforward but not in the context of her dangerous predicament)... I mean has she learnt no survival skills? Where are her wits? I would’ve preferred the lies quite frankly.

He clearly isn’t paying her the same curtesy, she gets vague pieces of information; “I have a military background, I’m a cop in between jobs, have a dead wife...”

Also, side note, I don’t like my H/h having dead exes, or being married both of which are present in the hero. I’m an OTP kind of girl, and whilst having previous partners is okay in my choice of reads, a lovey dovey marriage with a dead wife gets me running not that it creates drama or is barely mentioned. But that’s something I personally should’ve checked because I know how I am. 🏃‍♀️🤘

Furthermore, just to add to this rant/probably annoying review. I’m part Lebanese (half Arab). So I’m in no way a spokesman, but I think I’m warranted on speaking about my feelings on this. Calling him “exotic”. Miss me with that bullshit. I was once called that, and I’m just like 😶🤨”Exotic” in relation to what? To her.. European ancestry... I mean. Having fair skin? I just... don’t understand. This author has done this before in another book of hers and it really gets under my skin because it’s lousy writing. The whole world is made up of tribes, cultures, ethnicities, nationalities. Why is he being fetishised, is he an animal of which he’s an exotic rare breed just because he has darker features and Mediterranean toned skin? Just because he doesn’t fit into a Western standard of beauty?

What’s worse is that the h is meant to be so educated, well versed. She knows all these fanciful words. Even her assumption that he’s Arab and missing an Arab accent. How deluded can you get? There is a difference between ethnic makeup and nationality. Why does it shock you that a man of Arab ancestry speaks in an American accent (he was born and brought up in America!) more so why wouldn’t he understand Arabic if he’s American, it’s his parent language, and his ethnic background? Same way she is Russian and Eastern European. I just think it shows pure stupidity of stereotypes bred into people.

And one last thing I picked up on is that this hero is meant to be very well experienced in his job. And if a psychopath has hired you to seek out his most prized possession how can you make the asinine assumption that you are the ONLY person he has hired. I would hire a minimum of four people unrelated, on separate payrolls if I was a paranoid man with leverage on each of them if they stray. Of course someone would notice you have fallen in love after the contact you’re making with the subject. Basically, my biggest problem for this book was that the puzzle pieces of the story didn’t match the intellect level of the people supposedly in it.

Not to mention, I found their roles and the dialogue quite cringey, which is not the mainstream opinion of this book so please don’t take my review at face value.
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
March 25, 2019
“Yᴏᴜ ᴛᴀᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴡᴏᴍᴀɴ, ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ sᴛᴀʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴀ ᴡᴀʀ. Yᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴀᴛ, ʀɪɢʜᴛ?”

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 is part one of a three part series by J.T. Geissinger and I couldn’t be more HOOKED! It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Geissinger’s work, and when I immersed myself into Nasir and Evalina’s story, I knew it was going to be a sexy, emotional, and breath-catching ride. With this being just the beginning, I loved how even though this was sexy and suspenseful, there was plenty of comedic relief between our main characters, Naz and Eva. They traded sarcastic and flirtatious barbs like they were going out of style, but I absolutely LOVED it! Since this is only part one, it does end in a heart-pumping cliffhanger, but it just got me even more excited for the next part! I adored the hero and heroine, as well as, the secondary characters in this story, and I can't wait to see what adventure Geissinger brings us on next! I’m ecstatic to continue the journey to Naz and Eva’s happily ever after!

🅖🅡🅐🅑 🅘🅣 🅗🅔🅡🅔
Kindle → https://amzn.to/2Ublezc
Audible → https://amzn.to/2UaiTEA
Paperback → https://amzn.to/2CF7N0e

ARC Tag
Profile Image for TJ *Book Twins Reviews*.
1,183 reviews2,604 followers
August 31, 2019
And now I’m hooked!!!

Eva and Nasir have me hooked! Their chemistry is explosive and jumps right off the page! I was absolutely consumed. I went in blind and was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the overall plot and storyline. And that ending is WOW!

The author does such a fantastic job keeping the readers engaged and looking forward to more!

Here’s what I loved:
Despite Eva’s history she’s very open, trusting, and giving to Nasir. She is smart, sweet, and so full of life. I hurt for her! She’s such an amazing character.

Nasir’s description had me salivating. He sounds sexy!! Like fanfreakingtastic! His dedication to those he loves is very endearing.

I loved the humor and banter between them. It really supported the progression of their relationship. I was impressed by the humor and banter.

The writing and storyline are fabulous. Overall, this is a solid and definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,710 reviews1,038 followers
June 16, 2019
DNF

The first chapters of this book takes me to this fantasy holiday gateway and a stranger handsome mysterious man saves me from street tug. Then starts the banter. Sexy delicuous banter.

However i dont get the sexy of the banter toward 20% of the book. I can not feel the chemistry with the characters. Nothing works.

2 stars
Profile Image for Anna's Herding Cats.
1,274 reviews319 followers
March 27, 2019
3.5 stars, 3 heat

***THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE STORY-- it's part 1 (of 3) of their story and ends with a cliffhanger of sorts. So, that's obnoxious.***



Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2U0Wk64

I have been dying for Nasir's story since meeting him in the previous series. Like stalk the author tweeting I need his story dying. lol So I was pretty excited to jump into Dangerous Beauty.

The Gist: Sometimes your first gig at a new job is easy. Watch a girl. That's all you've got to do. No problem! Sometimes...it turns out you fall for the girl and the Russian mob is involved. Yeah, life's about to get real complicated real fast.

Nasir's a big bruiser of a guy with a soft heart and many dark secrets lurking below the surface. Fierce, protective, funny and gentle. He's one you want on your side. And Eva. Whew. The girl is full of strength. She's a survivor and doesn't shy away from doing what needs to be done. She's pretty amazing.

Their romance was entertaining as all get out. They have a seriously different dynamic than I've ever seen with a couple. They tease and give each other hell but it's so dang silly and ridiculous and funny watching them try to outdo each other's snarky put downs. Things do eventually steam up, too.

So, yeah, why a 3.5 and not a 4 is because it's only a partial story and I loathe those. Yeah. This is a cliffhanger. Their full story is told over 3 books. Yall. Grrrr There's nothing on the book, the Amazon blurb or the review request blurb about that. On Goodreads there's a tiny note at the bottom of the blurb that gives the warning but that to me is not enough. I'm still a bit ticked. What's there is good but it's in no way shape or form a complete story on any front (romance or thriller).

Overall, though, Dangerous Beauty was a solid read. I liked the characters, I liked the set up with the drama and the quirky interesting romance between them. I just didn't appreciate the surprise non ending.
845 reviews14 followers
March 3, 2019
I love JT's writing and I especially love that she writes different genres -- not always doing the same thing over and over. This is my kind of read! She hit all the marks for me -- suspense, mystery, intrigue, sexy alpha hero and strong, brave heroine. And a real page turner from the getgo! Holy smokes, I couldn't put it down and now I'm counting the days until we get the second book in this series to see what the heck happens! I loved Naz (much better name than Barney -- Naz suits him perfectly) and Eva is his perfect match and together they certainly start a flame. The chemistry between these two is off the charts -- I loved everything about this book and can't wait to read the continuing story of Naz and Eva! I would definitely recommend this book if you like contemporary romance with a mysterious twist. 5+ stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
Profile Image for Amber’s reading.
539 reviews117 followers
January 4, 2020
I had a really hard time getting into this book and was very bored. The writing is decent, but the story and character development lacked. There was nothing that made this unique in the romantic suspense genre.

JT Geissinger has written a couple of my favorites. I absolutely loved Midnight Valentine. It was super emotional and a very powerful story. I also loved Melt For You, which was enemies to lovers/opposites attract. I wish she would do more stories like those.
Profile Image for Treena.
1,343 reviews83 followers
February 27, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Arrg! It can't end there!!!! Dammit.

So so soo good. I was pulled in from the get go and couldn't stop reading. The snark, banter, and heat between Naz and Eva? Gah. Love it. I want more.

The only reason this is 4-stars and not 5-stars is bec the story ends on a bloody cliffhanger. I hate and love it. LOL.

Profile Image for AvidReader.
1,473 reviews331 followers
October 19, 2020
3.75 stars⭐️.

As usual brilliantly written but it didn’t blew my mind like all other books of this author.
What I love most in this author’s books are witty, funny dialogues but in this book (for me) it fell flat. I

liked the plot, incredibly strong heroine and honorable hero. Villian was one clever fella.
Safe and recommended.
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