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Plain Jane #1
Plain Jane and the Hit Man
A LOVE STORY WITH A BODY COUNT
Trained by the best in the business, Emmet Streeter is nobody's babysitter, until his mentor's secret daughter needs a bodyguard. She's everything he doesn't want: mouthy, obstinate, temperamental, and untouchable. So why can't he keep his hands off her?
The unwanted daughter of a hitman, Bailey Monroe has kept a low profile until Emmet barges into her life. He's a killer sent to protect her from one of their own. A carbon copy of the father she hates, Bailey shouldn't trust him, shouldn't sleep with him, and definitely shouldn't fall for his cold eyes, hard face, and deadly aim.
In order to save herself, Bailey must follow Emmet into the jaws of hell to save a father who never loved her from a madman determined on killing them all.
Trained by the best in the business, Emmet Streeter is nobody's babysitter, until his mentor's secret daughter needs a bodyguard. She's everything he doesn't want: mouthy, obstinate, temperamental, and untouchable. So why can't he keep his hands off her?
The unwanted daughter of a hitman, Bailey Monroe has kept a low profile until Emmet barges into her life. He's a killer sent to protect her from one of their own. A carbon copy of the father she hates, Bailey shouldn't trust him, shouldn't sleep with him, and definitely shouldn't fall for his cold eyes, hard face, and deadly aim.
In order to save herself, Bailey must follow Emmet into the jaws of hell to save a father who never loved her from a madman determined on killing them all.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
239 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Tmonique Stephens
32 books335 followersPassion changes everything, especially for the characters Tmonique writes about in her Descendants of Ra, UnHallowed, and Plain Jane series. Flawed characters who reflect the emotional baggage we all carry interests her the most. She writes complicated stories for complicated people.
Her favorite paranormal authors are JR Ward, Gena Showalter, and Kresley Cole. Her favorite contemporary authors are Natasha Knight, Theodora Taylor, and Nancy Haviland. She also enjoys Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Preston & Child.
Check out her Descendants of Ra series. Eternity, Everlasting, Evermore, Encore, and Forever, are the first five novels available now. The first four novels in her UnHallowed series—Only The Fallen, Only One I Want, Only You, and Only One I’ll Have are available now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 1, 2026
Plain Jane and the Hitman by Tmonique Stephens
Contemporary diverse romance.
Emmet Streeter can’t believe he’s playing bodyguard to Bailey Monroe, but he really didn’t have a choice. Of course, that body is awfully fine and it seems he can’t resist her.
Bailey doesn’t want anything to do with a man just like her father. What’s a girl to do when he puts himself in front of her, willing to protect and kill for her?
Action filled romance with lots of steamy interludes as well as point, shoot and kill time. More than one kidnapping, more than one argument and way more than one dead body.
Fast and hot.
Contemporary diverse romance.
Emmet Streeter can’t believe he’s playing bodyguard to Bailey Monroe, but he really didn’t have a choice. Of course, that body is awfully fine and it seems he can’t resist her.
Bailey doesn’t want anything to do with a man just like her father. What’s a girl to do when he puts himself in front of her, willing to protect and kill for her?
Action filled romance with lots of steamy interludes as well as point, shoot and kill time. More than one kidnapping, more than one argument and way more than one dead body.
Fast and hot.
Want to read
February 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/20/2020)! 🎁
January 6, 2019
Bailey has lived her life with the knowledge that her father didn’t care for her – or so she thought. All of a sudden she finds herself kidnapped from a relaxing Jamaican vacation by her father’s protege’ – who is adamant that her father cares about her life and is willing to do whatever necessary to protect her. She doesn’t know what to believe : years of experience with her father popping in and out of her life at random moments, or the very stubborn and very dominant man who has been tasked with keeping her safe, by the very man who cast her aside?
I have never previously read anything by author Tmonique Stephens but when I read the description of this book I knew it was something that would be able to catch my interest. This book has plenty of suspense and explosive action to keep even the most distracting minds focused on the story. The relationship between Emmet and Bailey is an almost instant connection but there is plenty for them to work through together before it becomes more than just a roll in the hay. Watching (or reading I guess) the Hero & heroine work through trust and commitment issues together will tug at your heartstrings; seeing them work together to keep each other alive in multiple life or death situations will make your adrenaline race. This book is listed at 247 pages on Goodreads so it may seem like a quick read, but it is a book that you can really delve into and have plenty of time to enjoy the punches that are packed into the pages. At the end of the book the author hints at more of Emmet & Bailey’s story – and I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with. Overall – I give it 4.5 stars & I think it’s an excellent book to start the year with on the blog.
**4.5 Stars - I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I have never previously read anything by author Tmonique Stephens but when I read the description of this book I knew it was something that would be able to catch my interest. This book has plenty of suspense and explosive action to keep even the most distracting minds focused on the story. The relationship between Emmet and Bailey is an almost instant connection but there is plenty for them to work through together before it becomes more than just a roll in the hay. Watching (or reading I guess) the Hero & heroine work through trust and commitment issues together will tug at your heartstrings; seeing them work together to keep each other alive in multiple life or death situations will make your adrenaline race. This book is listed at 247 pages on Goodreads so it may seem like a quick read, but it is a book that you can really delve into and have plenty of time to enjoy the punches that are packed into the pages. At the end of the book the author hints at more of Emmet & Bailey’s story – and I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with. Overall – I give it 4.5 stars & I think it’s an excellent book to start the year with on the blog.
**4.5 Stars - I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
January 7, 2019
Why 5 stars when I couldn't finish it? Because the reason why for me was personal, nothing at all to do with this excellent book.
Based on the title & book description I thought the heroine Bailey was a plain jane regular woman who happened to be the daughter of a hitman. Come to find out she's beautiful in a slender athlethic way & has been HIGHLY trained in martial arts & other methods of self protection & beyond capable in those methods: not a bad thing but NOT what I was expecting/hoping for in selecting this book to read.
I made it to 30% but I just wasn't in the frame of mind for a kick butt heroine right now, so I stopped.
HOWEVER, that being said, I DO plan on finishing this excellent book WHEN 'I AM in that frame of mind.
The writing (IMO) was excellent, I loved the author's writing style & way with words, I felt the build up of the 3 main characters: Emmett, Bailey & her father & Emmett's mentor: Hank, to be superb. I WANTED to know more about Hank, I was enthralled by Emmett & in a different frame of mind I really would have liked Bailey. I wanted to follow their story & find out about their past, present & futures (hopefully as a HEA together). The action was intense & brutal, the secondary characters as well as sites were perfect, enough to picture them without taking over or 'padding' the book. And the plot was wonderfully suspenseful, ramping up the reader's (at least mine) tensions flawlessly.
So, even at 30% I do feel confident in recommending this book for those who like their characters HOT &/or ICY COLD, the action INTENSE & brutal & the plot & writing excellent, gripping & tense.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Based on the title & book description I thought the heroine Bailey was a plain jane regular woman who happened to be the daughter of a hitman. Come to find out she's beautiful in a slender athlethic way & has been HIGHLY trained in martial arts & other methods of self protection & beyond capable in those methods: not a bad thing but NOT what I was expecting/hoping for in selecting this book to read.
I made it to 30% but I just wasn't in the frame of mind for a kick butt heroine right now, so I stopped.
HOWEVER, that being said, I DO plan on finishing this excellent book WHEN 'I AM in that frame of mind.
The writing (IMO) was excellent, I loved the author's writing style & way with words, I felt the build up of the 3 main characters: Emmett, Bailey & her father & Emmett's mentor: Hank, to be superb. I WANTED to know more about Hank, I was enthralled by Emmett & in a different frame of mind I really would have liked Bailey. I wanted to follow their story & find out about their past, present & futures (hopefully as a HEA together). The action was intense & brutal, the secondary characters as well as sites were perfect, enough to picture them without taking over or 'padding' the book. And the plot was wonderfully suspenseful, ramping up the reader's (at least mine) tensions flawlessly.
So, even at 30% I do feel confident in recommending this book for those who like their characters HOT &/or ICY COLD, the action INTENSE & brutal & the plot & writing excellent, gripping & tense.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2022
The first book in the series brings strong characters in Bailey and Emmet. The author weaves a romantic suspense filled with drama and action. She adds in all the steam along with some humor and kept me glued to the pages with all the twists and turns along the way. Adding in the supporting characters who help to bring the story around. It's well written with descriptive scenes and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
July 1, 2025
This was an interesting read. It took me a couple of chapters to get into the book but I did enjoy it.
Emmet is sent by Bailey’s absent father to protect her. Their relationship gets off to an interesting start. I don’t want to give away too much. One of my favorite things about this book is that Bailey is no damsel in distress. She can hold her own. Emmet sees this and accepts and appreciates this quality.
This was my first virtual voice audiobook. It was different and took some time to get used to it but once I did it was fine.
Emmet is sent by Bailey’s absent father to protect her. Their relationship gets off to an interesting start. I don’t want to give away too much. One of my favorite things about this book is that Bailey is no damsel in distress. She can hold her own. Emmet sees this and accepts and appreciates this quality.
This was my first virtual voice audiobook. It was different and took some time to get used to it but once I did it was fine.
May 3, 2021
I fell in love with Emmet in the first chapter. I absolutely love a man trained in the field that can kill with skill. Bailey is definitely no plain Jane, that girl is a badass and is everything I love in a female character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2025
The first book in the series
New to me author
Contemporary romance
Strong characters and a very interesting read
Looking forward to reading the rest of series
New to me author
Contemporary romance
Strong characters and a very interesting read
Looking forward to reading the rest of series
September 21, 2024
Plain Jane and the Hitman
I haven't read this author before so I went in completely blind and not knowing what to expect. This book was action packed and a very enjoyable read. I liked all the side characters who I assume already have their own books as there are quite a few books in this series.
I really want to know how Bailey & Emmett's story ends due to the epilogue, so I may skip a few books to get back to their story.
I haven't read this author before so I went in completely blind and not knowing what to expect. This book was action packed and a very enjoyable read. I liked all the side characters who I assume already have their own books as there are quite a few books in this series.
I really want to know how Bailey & Emmett's story ends due to the epilogue, so I may skip a few books to get back to their story.
June 24, 2025
"Plain Jane and the Hit Man" is book one in the series "Plain Jane" by Tmonique Stephens. I have one word for this book, and it is fantastic. I couldn't quite read it fast enough. I was in it for the action and the pace of the book. I have never read anything by this author before, but I can definitely say that I will be reading more in this series and more by this author. The descriptions in this book were amazing, and I couldn't help but fall in love with Bailey, Emmet, and Hank. My favorite scene was the hospital scene.
January 12, 2019
Not enough stars to rate this one!
Holy hand grenades, Batman! Tmonique Stephens scores all aces with Plain Jane and the Hitman. "Plain Jane" is anything but - she's a cute little bit of a thing, a woman of independent means and an independent mind, brass ovaries, and mad skills in martial arts and munitions. Emmet the hitman doesn't know this. His black ops boss/mentor and de facto dad since age 12 has beef with a professional competitor, and has assigned Emmet to safeguard his estranged daughter, "Plain Jane" herself. This ain't your run-of -the-mill "sexy sweet girl melts the hard-hearted hitman" romance. No-no-no - "Plain Jane" ain't melting nothing - she blows him outta the water! You will love the Bond-overtones, the Mission Impossible crash-and-burn, the hitman who takes one straight to the heart, and above all, you'll love "Plain Jane," the badass big-heart who saves the day, and her all her hit-men. This one rates a bazillion stars (minus one for some sloppy editing) and belongs on the bookshelf of every woman over the age of consent. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an enthusiastic, independent, and uncompensated review.
Holy hand grenades, Batman! Tmonique Stephens scores all aces with Plain Jane and the Hitman. "Plain Jane" is anything but - she's a cute little bit of a thing, a woman of independent means and an independent mind, brass ovaries, and mad skills in martial arts and munitions. Emmet the hitman doesn't know this. His black ops boss/mentor and de facto dad since age 12 has beef with a professional competitor, and has assigned Emmet to safeguard his estranged daughter, "Plain Jane" herself. This ain't your run-of -the-mill "sexy sweet girl melts the hard-hearted hitman" romance. No-no-no - "Plain Jane" ain't melting nothing - she blows him outta the water! You will love the Bond-overtones, the Mission Impossible crash-and-burn, the hitman who takes one straight to the heart, and above all, you'll love "Plain Jane," the badass big-heart who saves the day, and her all her hit-men. This one rates a bazillion stars (minus one for some sloppy editing) and belongs on the bookshelf of every woman over the age of consent. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an enthusiastic, independent, and uncompensated review.
February 1, 2019
She may not like her father, but he taught her how to take care of herself. Paired with a bodyguard assassin, she is kicking butt and taking names.
This is a wonderful blend of hard rocking action and romance. There is an instant connection between our hero and heroine, so we know where that is going, but it doesn't get in the way of the action to follow.
The story was very well written and included plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. The characters are also well developed and have a sense of realism to them that makes the story easy to read. I found this one to be a page turner and I am hoping to see more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is a wonderful blend of hard rocking action and romance. There is an instant connection between our hero and heroine, so we know where that is going, but it doesn't get in the way of the action to follow.
The story was very well written and included plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. The characters are also well developed and have a sense of realism to them that makes the story easy to read. I found this one to be a page turner and I am hoping to see more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
December 16, 2018
This was a gripping story with plenty of action surrounding a steamy romance.
Emmet was raised by Hank and trained to follow into his footsteps as a hitman. He’s shocked to discover Hank has a daughter he has kept secret when Hank gives him the job of protecting her from people out of his team that have gone rouge. Emmet and Bailey end up hiding out in a house in Switzerland together. There’s plenty of steamy scenes when they give in to temptation and lots of drama when the bad guys catch up to them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emmet was raised by Hank and trained to follow into his footsteps as a hitman. He’s shocked to discover Hank has a daughter he has kept secret when Hank gives him the job of protecting her from people out of his team that have gone rouge. Emmet and Bailey end up hiding out in a house in Switzerland together. There’s plenty of steamy scenes when they give in to temptation and lots of drama when the bad guys catch up to them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2019
I enjoyed this story with its mix of romance and action. I found this story fun and refreshing. I recommend this as a great read for action romance lovers. I always find it so much more fun to read a romance that has action and suspense in it as it helps to hold your attention better in my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2019
Great read with a little of everything.
I'm not sure calling our little heroin,a plain Jane is fair. Maybe she isn't a a bombshell but she sure caught more than a few heads and most who meet her didn't forget her. The book is action filled and not a predictable outcome in it.
I would hate to call it a love story but,it had it moments.
I'm not sure calling our little heroin,a plain Jane is fair. Maybe she isn't a a bombshell but she sure caught more than a few heads and most who meet her didn't forget her. The book is action filled and not a predictable outcome in it.
I would hate to call it a love story but,it had it moments.
January 11, 2019
Hit Me Baby, One More Time!!!!
Loved this book!!! The title should have been "G.I. JANE and The Hitman!!!" Although it came out slowly, Bailey (who initially needed saving from LOTS of bad guys because of her super, secret but absent dad) stepped up and kicked butt! Throw in hot Emmett and you've got yourself a smokin' story!
Loved this book!!! The title should have been "G.I. JANE and The Hitman!!!" Although it came out slowly, Bailey (who initially needed saving from LOTS of bad guys because of her super, secret but absent dad) stepped up and kicked butt! Throw in hot Emmett and you've got yourself a smokin' story!
May 31, 2019
I found this to be a superb storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and on edge throughout the whole book!
Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well.
The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting.
Add in drama and steamy passion and you have a good read.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great characters that will keep your interest extremely well.
The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting.
Add in drama and steamy passion and you have a good read.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2019
She is an unwanted daughter of a hitman so she keeps her head down until.He arrives in her life. He is just like her father and he has been sent to protect her while trying to keep her father alive. How will they do it? Will.She fall for him? Follow them to.see
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2019
A great read!
The title intrigued me to read Plain Jane and the Hitman. One reason was the woman in the lead, was not some drop dead gorgeous vixen. Instead, Bailey was a so-called rich girl with get by looks. Money for her anything and Amy man. The odd couple theme of Bailey and Emmet never slowed down. I enjoyed this book a great deal and can't wait for the sequel
The title intrigued me to read Plain Jane and the Hitman. One reason was the woman in the lead, was not some drop dead gorgeous vixen. Instead, Bailey was a so-called rich girl with get by looks. Money for her anything and Amy man. The odd couple theme of Bailey and Emmet never slowed down. I enjoyed this book a great deal and can't wait for the sequel
December 28, 2018
Emmet just doesn't understand his woman, "women got upset over the strangest things." Emmet is not a shy man when stating things, “damn, I just sprang wood,” said rather matter-of-factly." I liked this book, I loved Emmet.
January 4, 2019
Amazing
I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. Emmet is the epitome of tough, but Bailey is strong and a perfect match. I’m looking forward to find out what happens next.
I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. Emmet is the epitome of tough, but Bailey is strong and a perfect match. I’m looking forward to find out what happens next.
January 6, 2019
I enjoyed this story with its' mix of romance and action. I found this story fun and refreshing. I recommend this as a great read for action romance lovers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2019
I received a free copy of this book however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
I loved this! It grabbed me from the first page, kept me til the last and enthralled me in between. Well worth your time to read it.
I loved this! It grabbed me from the first page, kept me til the last and enthralled me in between. Well worth your time to read it.
May 8, 2019
I just finished Plane Jane and loved it! I liked the female character, tough and sensitive. Tmonique has a witty way of writing that connected with me. Funny and suspenseful. I can't wait for the 2nd book in the series.
July 14, 2020
What a surprise this book and author turned out to be! I really enjoyed it. The writing was great, the characters were interesting, the h was strong and resourceful, the story was fast paced ... everything I love in a romantic suspense. This author is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!
March 15, 2019
Wow!
I did not expect what happens in this story. It was a fast and exciting story with wonderful characters. I highly recommend this book!
I did not expect what happens in this story. It was a fast and exciting story with wonderful characters. I highly recommend this book!
August 8, 2020
A must read! This story was all about a big bad hitman alpha who is really good, falls in love and saves the girl. I loved this story and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
May 15, 2021
I felt like this book took me longer than 4 days to read it. I was enjoying it and then I just put it down and didn’t really read it for a few days.
I honestly don’t understand why this book is titled Plain Jane or why this series is considered the Plain Jane series. Bailey was anything but a Plain Jane. Her father is a killer/hitman. They have a super complicated relationship and you find things out about her mother towards the end or the person you thought was her mother.
I enjoyed her character though and was glad to see that she was a badass woman who could handle herself if necessary.
Emmett was a pretty cool character also. He felt that Hank was more of a father figure than anyone so that made things a little awkward when Emmett and Bailey started sleeping together.
I really liked the chemistry between these two and how well they worked together. I am a bit annoyed though that this one kinda finished on a cliffhanger and you don’t get to see certain things for another book or two. Unfortunately these don’t seem like they can be read as a stand-alone so you have to read about Julius Morgan which is the 3rd book before you can get the finished story about Bailey and Emmett.
I honestly don’t understand why this book is titled Plain Jane or why this series is considered the Plain Jane series. Bailey was anything but a Plain Jane. Her father is a killer/hitman. They have a super complicated relationship and you find things out about her mother towards the end or the person you thought was her mother.
I enjoyed her character though and was glad to see that she was a badass woman who could handle herself if necessary.
Emmett was a pretty cool character also. He felt that Hank was more of a father figure than anyone so that made things a little awkward when Emmett and Bailey started sleeping together.
I really liked the chemistry between these two and how well they worked together. I am a bit annoyed though that this one kinda finished on a cliffhanger and you don’t get to see certain things for another book or two. Unfortunately these don’t seem like they can be read as a stand-alone so you have to read about Julius Morgan which is the 3rd book before you can get the finished story about Bailey and Emmett.
January 16, 2019
Not so Plain Jane in my opinion, however the novel was good. Bailey gets taken off of her vacation by Emmett, a man who has turned up on the behest of an absent assassin father. A father she rarely sees and one who has told no one in his business that he has a kid, so surprise is both Emmett and Bailey when he comes knocking.
As far as Bailey goes, she was an interesting character, one who was strong, knew her mind and had a bit of daddy issues, but who wouldn't. She gets with the program fairly quickly and scratches the itch with Emmet as she begins to know him. Emmett on the other hand was stunned by the fact his mentor had a child, even more stunned when he realizes she was very capable and a bit like her dad.
With shadowy organisations on the hunt to get Hank( the dad), by way of his daughter, we meet a series of characters that are interesting and very handy with weapons. A solid four stars from me.
As far as Bailey goes, she was an interesting character, one who was strong, knew her mind and had a bit of daddy issues, but who wouldn't. She gets with the program fairly quickly and scratches the itch with Emmet as she begins to know him. Emmett on the other hand was stunned by the fact his mentor had a child, even more stunned when he realizes she was very capable and a bit like her dad.
With shadowy organisations on the hunt to get Hank( the dad), by way of his daughter, we meet a series of characters that are interesting and very handy with weapons. A solid four stars from me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews