As the ruthless leader of an Irish Mob Syndicate, Leandra Donahue gets whatever she wants without question.
Right now, the object of her desire is one stubborn bodyguard who insists on keeping his boss at arm’s length.
An unfortunate incident sends the two on a cross country road trip where nothing goes according to plan. Can this passionate pair return to business as usual after lines are crossed, boundaries are broken, and hidden pasts revealed?
Author’s Note: This full length, stand alone novel contains steamy encounters between a man and woman with sizzling chemistry, no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed Happily Ever After.
I would first and foremost like to thank everyone for taking the time to give my stories a chance. My goal is to take you out of your world, and all the stresses that go along with everyday life, and bring you into my world of romance and fantasy. I have a special weakness for hot alpha males and the feisty heroines who love them. Above all else, I hope you get a laugh out of my books. I aim to incorporate as much comedy into my romance as is humanly possible. My professional biography is as follows (I’m not sure why it’s in the third person, evidently that’s the rule): Grace is happiest when reading, eating Portillos hot dogs, and patiently waiting for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.
Leandra Donahue is the leader of the Irish Mob Syndicate, and she is used to getting her way. That is until her bodyguard refuses to accept her advances.
While the premise of the story was good, I felt like they played up her being older than him angle too much. She came across as strong willed and determined to get her way. The chemistry was strong between the two characters.
After some conflict within her own organization, and an attempt on her life Leandra is forced to flee town with Samuel in tow. When a New York City mob queen meets small town life in Kansas, things get interesting. From dealing with judgmental people, and an overzealous pregnant ex-girlfriend, will Leandra and Samuel overcome the odds that are stacked against them.
I loved the characters, or at least a majority of them. There were a few secondary characters that had no redeeming qualities at all. The subplot about Samuel’s family seemed to drag out. I honestly wanted to slap his mama with the broom that she probably flies around town on. The witty banter was amazing.
This book was so good. The characters are all so great, whether you love them or hate them. I was literally laughing out loud over this book. The blurb sounded great when I read it, but the book exceeded all my expectations. I’d definitely recommend this book, and I’m hoping that we get Chrissie’s story ASAP!!
As I sit here trying to type up this review, I seem to be having a hard time trying to get my thoughts together. So lets go over the basics first: 1) I received this ARC in return for my HONEST option and a honest option you will get. 2) Grace is a fantastic author who not only likes to hear from her readers but totally takes into consideration any/all suggestions and feedback. (Believe me I have a thing about character last names and not only does she now have them but its a inside joke with us). 3) This book does have a HEA and leaves the characters open for additional stories.....YAY!!!
I guess now on to the review...
What happens when a Alpha Female meets a Alpha male? Total chaos is what you get. The constant power struggle between the two is strong and when neither one wants to back down, it sets us readers up for a epic ride. Now throw in the Mob, small town living and a few butt slaps and you have yourself the making of a great book.
Leandra Donahue didn't pick the life she lead. She was born into it. Running the Irish Mob (no thanks to her brother)in New York was a 24/7 job and there was always threats around the corner. With a possible mutiny in her crew, she knew she had to have the best protection money could buy and a down on his luck MMA fighter was her answer.
Samuel Kent had his own troubles and issues to deal with, being new to NYC was something he could handle, HELL participating in underground MMA fights was a walk in the park. Being recruited by Leandra was a whole different story. One minute he was living in a seedy motel, fighting and trying to save any penny he could get. To now being the right hand man and bodyguard to the deadliest woman in NYC. What was he thinking....Oh yeah the money. It was all for the money. Or was it?
When things go wrong in the Mob, things go wrong. Samuel soon realizes that Leandra get what she wants and doesn't care about the consequences. Well at least that what has them currently on the run and in hiding. Having a rival crew after you isn't something that is a everyday occurrence for the normal folks, but Leandra takes in in stride. She has a "bug out" bag with necessaries for survival and her trusty, sexy bodyguard by her side. Where will they go? What will they do? That decision is quickly made by Samuel and off to Kansas they went. You might be asking what is the world is in Kansas? Well that is what was going trough the mind of Leandra when they stopped off in a little town, pulled up to a quaint farmhouse and got to to meet her "In-Laws". What???? Yeah, can you imagine introduced to your bodyguards parents as their new "daughter in law"? With a ton of questions, Leandra tries her hardest to get her sexy bodyguard to open up but now that she sees what he comes from Samuel is even more guarded. She will get what she wants and Sam is in her sights, who cares what she will have to go through but he will be hers.
Why did he bring her here? Now she sees what he comes from? She is all name brand and high society and he is just a Wal-Mart Special? Those are the thoughts that keep running in Samuel head. Yes he is attracted to her. He wouldn't be human if he wasn't. But they could never be, she was his boss for God's sake. She took what she could get and then after she was done, she through it away. She would do it with him if she had the chance. But Kansas was the stupidest idea he could have come up with. Yes, she would be safe at his parents farms, but then she would have to see their wrath and he didn't know what to do. And to top it all off he blurted out Leandra being his wife....what was he thinking.
While Leandra and Samuel sped time in Kansas they grow closer but then things are placed in their path and true feeling are divulged. Can Leandra get her man or will the walls Samuel build up around himself keep her out forever?
This book is freaking fantastic. Let me start off by saying that I am a avid reader. Before giving birth, I use to gobble up books at a alarming rate. But since the baby I had to take a break. However when one of my favorite authors comes calling, I jump.
Here are the things I love about this book: 1- Leandra isn't a whinny baby. For once we have a strong female that totally takes no stuff (I so want to curse but Amazon and their rules) and gets what and who she wants. 2-Samuel is just what every girl wants in a partner/protector. He is family orientated (almost to a fault- just read the story and you will find out what I am talking about), knows how to be broody and somehow manages not to take everything Leandra has to say with stride. 3- This story has a location, hahaha. Multiple ones. We go on a journey with these characters across state lines that bring not only our characters but the readers into different worlds. 4-The supporting characters are well written. From Sam's sister and best friend to Leandra's coke-head brother, we readers can get a vivid picture of the people behind our hero heroine. 5-The twist and turns that this books takes you on is spectacular. I found this book to be unpredictable (most of the time, it did end with a HEA)and took us readers on a emotional roller-coaster ride (and we didn't throw up either.....inside book joke).
Here is what I didn't like: 1-Ellie May.......no one like a hussy. Especially a pregnant one. 2-The Kents....every book needs a villian. Even in the form of parents. 3-NO FOOD SEX SCENE.......Damn you Grace.
In all seriousness I now have a book hang-over and I am wanting more of this crazy group. Total 5+ star read.
P.S.: In my mind I keep picturing Tom Hardy in This Means War as my Samuel.........Swoon
Leandra Donahue is the acting head of the Irish Mob operation in NYC and Samuel Kent is her bodyguard. Leandra knew from the beginning that Samuel was someone special in her life, but Samuel was determined to keep Leandra at arm’s length. As the tensions mount between the two on a personal level, things are also heating up for Leandra professionally, and Samuel needs to keep his boss safe, even if it means exposing his secrets.
As Leandra is learning about Samuel’s past, he is learning the person who is his boss. They are beginning to see each other beneath the bravado and tough exterior. When they spend one night of romance under the stars, one night when they can be just Sam and Lee, who knew camping could be so HOT!?!
The beginning of this is raw and gritty and may put off some, but the life style of the Irish Mob isn’t pretty, so you shouldn’t expect pretty behavior, but I promise you will find this to be a remarkable read. This is a love story full of emotions, humor which will make you laugh, heartwarming moments and moments of heartache, drama, romance, and hot, steamy passion. The characters are well-developed, and the narrative keeps you engaged from beginning to end as it builds toward a touching conclusion. I highly recommend this story, and I hope to see more from this storyline.
I have always loved Grace's books and I am going to sound like a broken record but she has done it again! What a lovely book! A very strong yet sensible female lead. A woman mob boss is very rarely seen in books so that is a pleasant surprise. Strong, bossy women are always portrayed bitchy or venomous but Leandra isn't that type. Is she bitchy....yes...is she venomous..hello..mob boss..so yeah. But there is a certain charm to her. An unapologetic power display and sensibility that shows her intelligence and maturity. Now let's talk about our hero. An equally strong, mature and alpha hero. The chemistry between them is sizzling and panty melting. The entire credit goes to Grace for portraying them so aptly and showcasing their relationship and chemistry wonderfully to the readers. Her characters hilarious and engaging like always. Her writing and story telling capabilities increases book by book. This book's each chapter is engaging and fast paced. After writing so many words I am going surmise the book by saying...Unputdownable, engaging, hilarious and entirely lovely!
I will be honest. I wasn't too sure at first about the oversexed Leandra and her antics to get reserved and all business Sam's attention. But when everything goes upside down and they have to leave town for an emergency road trip, we learn a lot more about these two characters. We also learn a lot about Sam's family, his cunty ex girlfriend who wants him back and where he grew up. Sidenote: his naive sister is a gem who idolizes Leandra and that whole storyline is so fun!!!
Inevitably the two grow closer far from their usual reality, but neither know if or how this will translate when they get back to the inevitable real world.
Eventually, Leandra needs to bring her badass back home and clean up a mess and kick major ass and sort out her feelings and intentions with Sam.
It is a wild ride with lots of action mafia wise and between the sheets. Lots of laughs and great characters. All of this intertwined into a book that is hard to put down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If you haven’t read a book by Grace Risata, you really need to. From her bold characters, to her humor and depth, and the excitement each story brings, I absolutely love her style. I feel like it took a few chapters for this one to really find its groove, but once it did, it was a force. I couldn’t put it down. Risata hits us with an incredible female lead; incredibly strong and capable, yet compassionate and kind. Then she gives us the intriguing Samuel who was closed off, secretive, loyal, and conflicted. Both were engaging and ever-evolving. Not only was I captivated by them as individuals but their chemistry was palpable, I couldn’t get enough of them. I absolutely loved the contrast in settings and that regardless of their differences, the action never stops. The pace never wavers nor does the adventure. As usual, Risata gives us fantastic side characters. I loved them and hope we get more of them in the future. I’m excited to see what she delivers next!
Leandra Donahue is a dangerous and ruthless boss of the Irish mob syndicate. It's her way or the highway. She always gets what she wants.
Lee spots Sam in a fighting cage and she is determined to persuade him to become her new bodyguard. The chemistry between the two is off the charts but Sam will not give in to Lee's advances. He guards her as well as his secrets.
When Lee upsets the Italian mafia things start spiraling downwards and her life is on the line. Lee and Sam have to disappear and decide to take an adventurous road trip which leads to exposing Sam's secrets. The road trip is comical. Queen of the mob meets the Clampets.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm ready to dive into more of her books. The story pulls you in and you feel as though you are there with the characters. Great story and flawless characters.
This book was a fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed following these characters lives and the fun packed story they were a part of.
There was some real interesting people in this book some I really hated and wanted to throttle and dispose of in a really painful and brutal manner, and some I loved and really, really want more of, I can not wait to see the next instalment and follow what happens for a certain tourist in the big city.
It was nice to have a few familiar faces pop up from other books by grace it makes me want to do a reread of some earlier books and catch up on a couple of books I have yet to read
I have not been disappointed yet by anything I have read by this author, she has a fabulous mind for stories and characters and how to weave a beautiful captivating and believable tale.
Grace has done it again with another great read. A strong female character who knows what she wants and that includes her sexy bodyguard. Unfortunately, this stubborn male becomes the one thing that she doesn’t get easily. An unexpected road trip for the two leads to surprising revelations, exciting bar fights, stubborn family members and clingy ex-girlfriends.
What I love about Grace’s books is that once you start one, you can’t put it down. Her stories draw you in with interesting plots, characters and humor enticing you to keep reading to see how the adventure ends.
Grace Risatas book are never a disappointment and this one was no exception. It's funny, sexy, exciting and steamy!!. The story just flows and the more you read, the more you want!!. I just love feisty females and Leanndra is a force to be recommend with. When Sam started to work for her I knew sparks would fly and their chemistry was off the charts. The road trip was hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. It brought out a lot of fun, lust, anger, heartache and a bitch of an ex girlfriend !!. An amazing story not to be missed!!
Leandra is a woman in a man's world. As as the boss of an Irish mob syndicate, she's learned how let her bark be just as deadly as her bite and she rules with an iron fist. But even she needs a little backup, so she hires Sam as her bodyguard. He's up for the challenge of keeping her safe, but she's a firecracker that doesn't take kindly to being told what to do. He's a cockblocker, a rule maker, and it drives her crazy that she can't have him.
Sam has a job to do and won't let his attraction to his boss mess things up. But he also has a few secrets under his belt that refuse to be hidden, even though he just wants to move on. A deadly game begins, and the urge to give in to Leandra becomes stronger than ever.
Risata has this ability to really build a world, set up the heat, and give you all the romance without having to fluff things out. The tension between Sam and "Lee" is so thick, you could cut it with a knife, not that you'd want to. The back and forth is what makes it a great read. I find that banter really makes or breaks a book for me, and This author never disappoints.
Are you sick of cliffhangers? This book has zero, just a small tidbit of a book yet to come. But there are no shortages of happily ever after on the Grace Risata Amazon page, even if some are a little unorthodox. It's also fun to have the woman be the powerful one calling all the shots instead of a man. So if you like dirty jokes, steamy scenes, and some humor that will make you laugh and blush at the same time, one click Chasing the Bodyguard now.
This book was a unique twist on the typical mobster style, here we have a female mob boss. A kick ass, take names, crushing on her body guard mob boss named Leandra. Taking over the family business for her father Leandra is one tough character but when someone tries to take over she must hide out in order to flush out her enemy. Samuel is the kick ass, don't mix business with pleasure bodyguard that is in charge of keeping Leandra safe. But when these two hide out in Samuel hometown, feelings might just be to hard to resist. Sparks fly in the hot mob romance. A book full of humor, great characters and some crazy antics. Definitely worth a read, you wont be able to put it down. I can't wait for the next installment in the new series.
This book was a thrill ride from beginning to end. It was a joy to see how things would play out between Leandra and Samuel. Leandra being the head of a criminal empire, and Samuel being her employe didn't make things easy for them. Also them both alpha types was intriguing to see who came out on top. I was sad to see their story end it was so fun to read, but I was happy at the little bonus we were given. If you want in on the truly brilliance of this story and that little bonus. You'll have to get the book to see for yourself.
Another EPIC READ from Grace Risata! What I love about Grace Risata's books is the humour, it's crazy at times, the romance is swoon worthy, our ladies are gutsy women and the heroes? Well, they are just perfect. SO. Leandra drove me crazy at the start with her bestie, Angie. I actually wasn't that keen on them! The characters were so well written that I felt them too much! But once we started to hear about Samuel, oh boy, did things change! As Leandra and Samuel's road trip began, I ended up LOVING Leandra and wishing I knew someone like her. Her loyalty and seeing the good while preparing for the worst, was legendary! Her attempts to entice Sam were hysterical at times. And Samuel? Now there was a MAN! One with secrets. Who kept his own council. But who always looked out for the ladies in his life. And who really knew how to be a hero! I really didn't want their story to end!
I can’t get enough of Grace’s stories!!! Funny, action packed, steamy and all around great reads. The characters feel real and take you right in with the story. Some you want one of your own and others you want to smack upside the head and forget about. Sam and Leandra are hot and so made for each other. Chrissie, bless her heart, is the sweetest thing, but the parents...come on, really?!?!?! Don’t pass up this great story!!
Grace Risata gives us another cast of characters who are larger-than-life, and living on the edge of danger, excitement, fun, violence, & crime - with a great love story thrown in to round it all out! Leandra & Samuel both have a lot to deal with, in business & in family relationships. There is a deep attraction between them, but Samuel is determined to keep their relationship professional, with no extra benefits. What develops is so much more, but there are obstacles before any HEA can occur. Just the right amount of crazy, crude, LOL actions & language. Highly recommended! Make sure to read the Acknowledgements after the story, where Grace tells of a challenge she put on her Facebook page for readers to give her sentences to describe a photo. From there she created a story, which was expanded into this book. It's a fun glimpse into her creative process...
This book surprised me. I really wanted to read this book because I've never read a book where the female was the one in a powerful position. I didn't know if I would like it, but I wanted to give it a try. Like I said, I was surprised. I really liked it. Even though so parts bothered me, I still really enjoyed it. It was definitely a refresher to read a strong very powerful woman, living and running a mans world.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Leandra is not a typically a character I relate to but I grew to love her anyways. Lots of smalls twists to keep things interesting and of course a very sweet HEA. Im excited for the next book!
did everyone read the same book as me, all the great reviews tricked me. firstly, she was supposed to be this bad ass mob boss but she let everyone insult her and walk all over her, especially Samuel. Samuel was hot and cold every other scene and when he was cold he was cruel and he was cold more than he was hot. Samuel was so focused on the money, he cared so much that she makes more money than him. he rejected her proposal only to get enough money-by betting all his money on one fight- so he can buy her a ring and propose to her himself (not a very smart decision). why not just accept her proposal and they could've been happy together without all the extra drama. or why not just not reject her and be mean to her after they spent the night together, IT MADE NO SENSE. Also he was horrible to his sister, constantly leaving her with emotionally abusive parents who try to keep their children submissive and obedient to them. and he never wanted to say goodbye to her when he left, whats up with that. i was confused and annoyed; their personalities didn't appeal to me, i really didn't like anything about Samuel's character. the only character i liked was grizzly and he was barely in the book. she constantly spoke about how tough she was but her only show of 'strength' was when she was threatening the pregnant character, every other time someone insulted her she just took it. idk its late and this book annoyed me lol k rant over, not the book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Grace Risata just keeps on delivering fabulous stories and Chasing the Bodyguard was another in her ever growing stable of awesome.
Irish Mob Syndicate boss, Leandra Donahue has taken over the reigns of the family business, but her distractingly hot bodyguard just won’t take a not so subtle hint. Leandra wants Samuel not to just guard her body but to plunder and possess it.....
Samuel hides his attraction to his boss with his stoic demeanour but when a threat is made against Leandra’s life, Samuel takes drastic measures to guarantee her safety while trying to resist every smokin hot urge in himself.
Grace Risata has created a wonderful cast of characters, some you can love more than others but a fantastic premise for 5gis story, with a strong and feisty woman at the head of a mob syndicate. Love it..... such a unique storyline and now I desperately want to read Chrissie’s story.
I like Grace's books, there's always wit and fab banter. I hadn't realised this was going to start with the hilarious short story that she put together when asked in her group to throw random phrases at her based on a picture so that was interesting to see it then turned into a full length novel. I didn't warm to Leandra straight away and I must admit it took me a little while to get into the book but after about 30% ish I was definitely invested in the story and wanted to see what happened between this feisty mob boss and her bodyguard. I loved the warm side of her that was shown when she met Samuel's younger sister albeit she didn't soften her punches !! But I found that refreshing too ! And I loved how Chrissie looked up to Leandra as the big sister she never had. This 'will they won't they' storyline with sizzling chemistry is well worth a read !
I went in blind with this book, all I new was the name of the book, Chasing the Bodyguard. I got excited when I started to read, a female leader of a mob? Hell yeah!
Aaaaand that's were my excitement stopped... Leandra is supposed to be this strong heroine, but in reality she's just loud and temperamental. Let's everyone walk all over her and talk her down. Even Samuel, the bodyguard, she has the host for! He's the worst of them all. Even with his own family...
I liked the premise of the plot. But not the author's execution of it. Sorry, not my cup of tea!
This is the first book I have read by Grace Risata and I LOVED it. Leandra and Samuel go on a cross country road trip to avoid the coming mob war while she figures out who is betraying her. Samuel takes her to his parents Kansas farm and introduces her as "his wife". His parents hate her and his sister likes her. There they learn who they really are deep down inside. Witty banter, funny, raw and heart breaking. Not to be missed.
“That cocksucker had the nerve to ask me for five hundred bucks because he gets paid to do the wild thing.” “Okay, Tone Loc. I thought it was fifty dollars to make you holler?” “Inflation is a bitch, Ang. Grace chyba zostanie moją autorką number one :D Świetnie kreuje bohaterki