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To Serve and Seduce #2
Tempted by the Badge
Proving her innocence…at all costs
Ex-Chicago cop Mingus Black is used to liars. So why does the P.I. believe a teacher who insists she’s being framed? Joanna Barnes is totally convincing…in more ways than one.
The chemistry between Mingus and Joanna becomes perilously potent, but until he can find out who framed her for a heinous crime, everything they love hangs in the balance.
Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2019
94 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Fletcher Mello
129 books202 followersFor Deborah Fletcher Mello, writing is as necessary as breathing and she firmly believes that if she could not write she would cease to exist. Her first novel, TAKE ME TO HEART, earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam nomination for Best New Author. In 2005 she received Book of the Year and Favorite Heroine nominations for her novel THE RIGHT SIDE OF LOVE. In 2008, Deborah won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award for Best Series Romance for her ninth novel, TAME A WILD STALLION.
A true renaissance woman, Deborah's many career paths have included working as a retail buyer and size model for a national women's clothing chain, a finance manager for a well-known beverage organization, a sales manager for an infamous candy company, a telecommunications administrator and corporate trainer for a hotel-owning company, an art gallery director for a world-renowned artist, and an administrative consultant for multiple organizations throughout the United States. Deborah is also a licensed real estate broker and general building contractor.
Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah maintains base camp in North Carolina but considers home to be wherever the moment moves her.
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December 14, 2020
Where you can find me:
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•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
March 7, 2019
I thoroughly enjoy reading romantic suspense and this is another great example of the genre! The fact that it involves a teacher, Joanna Barnes, protesting her innocence despite lots of evidence to the contrary made it even better for me. I found it so easy to relate to Joanna and was so glad her best friend’s brother, Mingus Black, also believed her and sought to help prove her innocent. It is an intricate plot with plenty of red herrings and surprises.
The main characters are well developed and their romance potent but this doesn’t detract from a range of superbly portrayed secondary characters, too. The Blacks are such a great, loving family and Mingus is somewhat of a rule breaker, never doing things quite as the others would anticipate but they still all love and support each other no matter what. It is a story full of intrigue, misdirection and love, a real page turner to keep you on the edge of your seat wondering how they can prove Joanna’s innocence!
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
The main characters are well developed and their romance potent but this doesn’t detract from a range of superbly portrayed secondary characters, too. The Blacks are such a great, loving family and Mingus is somewhat of a rule breaker, never doing things quite as the others would anticipate but they still all love and support each other no matter what. It is a story full of intrigue, misdirection and love, a real page turner to keep you on the edge of your seat wondering how they can prove Joanna’s innocence!
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
December 15, 2020
Deborah Fletcher Mello is an autobuy author for me, so when I saw “backlist” as my prompt, I went searching in my box o’ Harlequins. This book isn’t too far down the backlist, having come out in 2019, but since I’m already a little bit behind on this romantic suspense series, I pulled out Tempted by the Badge. The first book in this series, Seduced by the Badge, was a winner for me, but this book was a little harder for me to assess.
On the positive side, the author takes on a very disturbing topic and handles it in a way that underscored its gravity. Dedicated teacher Joanna Barnes stands accused of having an affair with a student in her high school. As one would expect, she immediately loses her position at school and finds herself dealing with the conditions of her bond. The workings of the criminal justice system aren’t particularly glamorized here; Joanna really is facing many people’s worst nightmare.
The one thing she does have going for her is her friendship with one of the daughters in the Black family. The Blacks are a prominent family in Chicago law enforcement circles, with detectives, lawyers and even a judge among their ranks. Because of this connection, Joanna has access to a capable criminal defense attorney and Mingus Black, a former policeman turned private investigator, is working on her case to try to prove her innocence.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text here: https://allaboutromance.com/august-20...
On the positive side, the author takes on a very disturbing topic and handles it in a way that underscored its gravity. Dedicated teacher Joanna Barnes stands accused of having an affair with a student in her high school. As one would expect, she immediately loses her position at school and finds herself dealing with the conditions of her bond. The workings of the criminal justice system aren’t particularly glamorized here; Joanna really is facing many people’s worst nightmare.
The one thing she does have going for her is her friendship with one of the daughters in the Black family. The Blacks are a prominent family in Chicago law enforcement circles, with detectives, lawyers and even a judge among their ranks. Because of this connection, Joanna has access to a capable criminal defense attorney and Mingus Black, a former policeman turned private investigator, is working on her case to try to prove her innocence.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text here: https://allaboutromance.com/august-20...
March 5, 2019
From Net galley for a book tour. This is book second in a series. This one featuring Mingus Black and Joann. A hot book with great characters and family dynamics a true pleasure to read. Looking forward to reading the next book.
January 30, 2022
Mingus is a former police office turned private investigator. He comes from a large, influential Chicago family. Joanna is a high school teacher. She returned to her high school to continue her teaching career. Mingus and Joanna meet when Joanna is falsely accused of sleeping with one of her students.
I think this dealt with serious subject matter well and it showed what goes one for someone accused of a crime. Who would want to frame Joanna? What is going on? That is for Mingus to find out and he uses his background and connections to great advantage.
I thought both characters were well done and I really liked both. They quickly realize how well they mesh together. I did think this was more of a mystery than a suspense. The middle did drag a bit before it picked back up.
Of note, I did see a few typos (it's set in Chicago, but there is a mention of Joanna needing to do "...what the State of Michigan has ordered you to do.")
I think this dealt with serious subject matter well and it showed what goes one for someone accused of a crime. Who would want to frame Joanna? What is going on? That is for Mingus to find out and he uses his background and connections to great advantage.
I thought both characters were well done and I really liked both. They quickly realize how well they mesh together. I did think this was more of a mystery than a suspense. The middle did drag a bit before it picked back up.
Of note, I did see a few typos (it's set in Chicago, but there is a mention of Joanna needing to do "...what the State of Michigan has ordered you to do.")
April 4, 2019
Tempted by the Badge by Deborah Fletcher Mello is the second book in the To Serve and Seduce miniseries. I read it as a standalone and didn’t have issues keeping track of the story. Overall, I enjoyed this romantic suspense that really caught my attention in the first half. However, the second half lagged a bit for me and I thought the resolution seemed a little too tidy.
Beloved high school history teacher Joanna Barnes stands accused of a horrible crime. One of her students is accusing her of having a sexual relationship with him and claims to have evidence to back it up. Joanna is blindsided–she knows she’s innocent, but even she admits that the supposed evidence appears pretty damning. She turns to her good friend Simone for help, who enlists the help of Simone’s brother, former cop turned private investigator, Mingus Black.
[Sidebar: I really cannot stand the name Mingus. Later in the book, I realized that all of the Black family siblings are named after jazz and blues musicians (Armstrong, Simone, Ellington). But wow, I just could not get on board with the name Mingus.]
As a cop, Mingus didn’t necessarily follow all the rules to the letter, which is why he turned to private investigation. That being said, he’s a man of honor and integrity. So when he meets Joanna and believes in her innocence, he’ll stop at nothing to help clear her name.
The plot is really interesting and something that’s unfortunately plausible, in this age of social media and digital access. The story also touches on the sensationalist aspects of the news and tabloid culture. I found these commentaries to be the strongest parts of the book. As for the romance, it happens rather quickly and doesn’t develop very fully. I would have been fine with a Happy for Now at the end, instead of what felt like an accelerated relationship. Also, there are moments when Joanna behaves extremely irresponsibly (despite the fact that she’s innocent) and I’m not convinced that she would have gotten off so easily in the real world.
As a whole, though, I did enjoy this suspenseful story that addresses timely issues with a diverse cast of characters. I’ll be checking out this author’s other books in the future.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.
Beloved high school history teacher Joanna Barnes stands accused of a horrible crime. One of her students is accusing her of having a sexual relationship with him and claims to have evidence to back it up. Joanna is blindsided–she knows she’s innocent, but even she admits that the supposed evidence appears pretty damning. She turns to her good friend Simone for help, who enlists the help of Simone’s brother, former cop turned private investigator, Mingus Black.
[Sidebar: I really cannot stand the name Mingus. Later in the book, I realized that all of the Black family siblings are named after jazz and blues musicians (Armstrong, Simone, Ellington). But wow, I just could not get on board with the name Mingus.]
As a cop, Mingus didn’t necessarily follow all the rules to the letter, which is why he turned to private investigation. That being said, he’s a man of honor and integrity. So when he meets Joanna and believes in her innocence, he’ll stop at nothing to help clear her name.
The plot is really interesting and something that’s unfortunately plausible, in this age of social media and digital access. The story also touches on the sensationalist aspects of the news and tabloid culture. I found these commentaries to be the strongest parts of the book. As for the romance, it happens rather quickly and doesn’t develop very fully. I would have been fine with a Happy for Now at the end, instead of what felt like an accelerated relationship. Also, there are moments when Joanna behaves extremely irresponsibly (despite the fact that she’s innocent) and I’m not convinced that she would have gotten off so easily in the real world.
As a whole, though, I did enjoy this suspenseful story that addresses timely issues with a diverse cast of characters. I’ll be checking out this author’s other books in the future.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.
April 28, 2023
I don't know what it is about Harlequin book covers. Even if the models fashions are more modern, the covers still seem antiquated to me. But I digress.
I thought it was interesting that people kept pushing how Mingus did not follow rules and had a problem with authority. It was made to sound like he frequently broke the law. I didn't see him break the law. He might have bent it or pushed to the edges of legality, but he didn't break it.
I also didn't understand why IA wanted to investigate Parker. What did he do? Did I miss something?
I thought Mingus and Joanna's romance took a back seat to the story of her allegedly crime and the intrigue behind it. Also, when they asked her if she had any enemies, the answer to that question was obvious. Joanna seemed to be more than a bit naive to me. I know people have different life experiences, but I couldn't see how she could be as trusting as she appeared.
I grew up in Chicago. When you have to get out there and make your way around the city every day, you don't have the luxury of being that trusting. Not for most women of color. Also the whole "State of Michigan" comment threw me off for a minute.
I did think how the story of the accusation, the money, and the corruption were tied together was intriguing. One thing that bothered me about the book was the situation with Mingus and his mother. It didn't come close to being resolved, or even started in this book. There was no indication that it would be continued next. I can only make an assumption it will be included at some point in the future.
This was a good story. The romance didn't do much for me, but I enjoyed the mystery and suspense.
I thought it was interesting that people kept pushing how Mingus did not follow rules and had a problem with authority. It was made to sound like he frequently broke the law. I didn't see him break the law. He might have bent it or pushed to the edges of legality, but he didn't break it.
I also didn't understand why IA wanted to investigate Parker. What did he do? Did I miss something?
I thought Mingus and Joanna's romance took a back seat to the story of her allegedly crime and the intrigue behind it. Also, when they asked her if she had any enemies, the answer to that question was obvious. Joanna seemed to be more than a bit naive to me. I know people have different life experiences, but I couldn't see how she could be as trusting as she appeared.
I grew up in Chicago. When you have to get out there and make your way around the city every day, you don't have the luxury of being that trusting. Not for most women of color. Also the whole "State of Michigan" comment threw me off for a minute.
I did think how the story of the accusation, the money, and the corruption were tied together was intriguing. One thing that bothered me about the book was the situation with Mingus and his mother. It didn't come close to being resolved, or even started in this book. There was no indication that it would be continued next. I can only make an assumption it will be included at some point in the future.
This was a good story. The romance didn't do much for me, but I enjoyed the mystery and suspense.
March 27, 2019
"Tempted by the Badge" is an engaging romantic suspense. Joanna is a teacher at a high school in Chicago, who is hearing rumors that a teacher is about to get arrested for having an affair with a student. She is completely shocked when it turns out to be her, considering she would never cross that line. Luckily, Mingus, a private investigator, believes her and is willing to work her case. As he tracks down the evidence and gets to the truth of the matter, the case is even bigger than expected.
The mystery of the book is intense and paced very well to keep the pages turning. I'm generally not a fan of stories that have false police reports based on sexual assault- mainly because such a thing is very rare and the presence in books and such make it seem more prevalent than it is, casting doubt on actual victims. If I push that concern aside, the suspense and mystery of the case keeps the book moving quickly and engagingly.
In terms of the romance (between Joanna and Mingus), this was really strong and has a good build, though sped up by circumstances. It's hard to imagine what you would do when faced with such false accusations and evidence, but Joanna handles it all with a lot of grace. This is a solid romantic suspense, and I would definitely be curious to read more from this series.
Please note that I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The mystery of the book is intense and paced very well to keep the pages turning. I'm generally not a fan of stories that have false police reports based on sexual assault- mainly because such a thing is very rare and the presence in books and such make it seem more prevalent than it is, casting doubt on actual victims. If I push that concern aside, the suspense and mystery of the case keeps the book moving quickly and engagingly.
In terms of the romance (between Joanna and Mingus), this was really strong and has a good build, though sped up by circumstances. It's hard to imagine what you would do when faced with such false accusations and evidence, but Joanna handles it all with a lot of grace. This is a solid romantic suspense, and I would definitely be curious to read more from this series.
Please note that I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
April 11, 2019
Follow the money and you can find the culprit!
In this Chicago high school we have a young beautiful high achieving teacher Joanna who was loved by most of the students, teachers and administrators alike. There was however one teacher who hated Joanna and was greedy for riches! So said devious teacher and a lazy but intelligent male student falsely accused Joanna of sexually abusing the male student. It helps to have friends in high places! In this case the highly affluent Black family (the family's last name is Black) came to the rescue. Let's see mama Black is a judge, daddy Black is police commissioner, several brothers are police officers, the sisters and one brother are attorneys and our hero Mingus Black is a private investigator and former police officer. It is Mingus whose investigation ferrets out that the sex abuse claim was a well plotted scheme to get rich quick by giving the board another reason to close the school and sell the land to an investment group. Sadly one person in this failed plan lost his young life, another of the plotters lost his life too and the other three had to get prepared to spend a long time in jail! Joanna and Mingus on the other hand grew to love each other, began a relationship and if all goes well, pretty soon they would be tying the knot vowing to love each other until death do them part!!!!!! I enjoyed this story.
In this Chicago high school we have a young beautiful high achieving teacher Joanna who was loved by most of the students, teachers and administrators alike. There was however one teacher who hated Joanna and was greedy for riches! So said devious teacher and a lazy but intelligent male student falsely accused Joanna of sexually abusing the male student. It helps to have friends in high places! In this case the highly affluent Black family (the family's last name is Black) came to the rescue. Let's see mama Black is a judge, daddy Black is police commissioner, several brothers are police officers, the sisters and one brother are attorneys and our hero Mingus Black is a private investigator and former police officer. It is Mingus whose investigation ferrets out that the sex abuse claim was a well plotted scheme to get rich quick by giving the board another reason to close the school and sell the land to an investment group. Sadly one person in this failed plan lost his young life, another of the plotters lost his life too and the other three had to get prepared to spend a long time in jail! Joanna and Mingus on the other hand grew to love each other, began a relationship and if all goes well, pretty soon they would be tying the knot vowing to love each other until death do them part!!!!!! I enjoyed this story.
January 4, 2023
📚Book Review📚
Book:Tempted by the Badge
Author: Deborah Fletcher Mello
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Spice Level: 🌶️
Pub Date: February 7, 2019
Trigger Warning: child abuse
Former Chicago cop turned PI Mingus Black is used to liars. So why does he believe teacher Joanna Barnes is being framed? Mingus is not the type to settle down but when the chemistry between him Joanna is off the charts he starts to rethink that. But until he can fined out who framed her for a hideous crime, her whole life hangs in the balance.
This is the second book in Deborah’s To Serve and Seduce series that revolves around a large and influential Chicago family. I in my typical fashion discovered this series by finding of one of the books out of order and now I’m slowly making my way through them. I throughly enjoy the Black Family dynamic. That each book revolves around one of the siblings with the other characters intertwined which are some of my favorite type of reads. That they can be read out of order and you’re not missing too much, but they all tie in together. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for me.
This is my first read of 2023! I’ve set a high goal this year to read 100 books. Last year I did manage 106 which is the largest I’ve ever read in a year, I rather impressed myself and made this years goal a bit ambitious! Here’s to reading in 2023!🥂
Book:Tempted by the Badge
Author: Deborah Fletcher Mello
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Spice Level: 🌶️
Pub Date: February 7, 2019
Trigger Warning: child abuse
Former Chicago cop turned PI Mingus Black is used to liars. So why does he believe teacher Joanna Barnes is being framed? Mingus is not the type to settle down but when the chemistry between him Joanna is off the charts he starts to rethink that. But until he can fined out who framed her for a hideous crime, her whole life hangs in the balance.
This is the second book in Deborah’s To Serve and Seduce series that revolves around a large and influential Chicago family. I in my typical fashion discovered this series by finding of one of the books out of order and now I’m slowly making my way through them. I throughly enjoy the Black Family dynamic. That each book revolves around one of the siblings with the other characters intertwined which are some of my favorite type of reads. That they can be read out of order and you’re not missing too much, but they all tie in together. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for me.
This is my first read of 2023! I’ve set a high goal this year to read 100 books. Last year I did manage 106 which is the largest I’ve ever read in a year, I rather impressed myself and made this years goal a bit ambitious! Here’s to reading in 2023!🥂
March 15, 2019
Strong characters, a compelling plot and just enough mystery to nab my attention and keep it throughout! The powerful Black family is once again center stage with the second book in the To Serve and Seduce series. When Simone’s best friend finds herself in need of some help, Simone calls out the big guns of her brothers the lawyer, PI and cop. Lots of mystery, sexy seduction and close knit family time. Really loved this story!
Former cop, turned PI Mingus Black is used to seeing the unsavory side of the world, but when his sister calls him in for help when her best friend finds herself being set-up to take the fall for something she would never do, he’s not sure what to make of the intriguing woman.
Teacher Joanna Barnes finds herself under attack and being vilified to the world before she can even catch her breath. She would never have done the things they are accusing her of, but someone has gone to a lot of trouble to make it look like she did. Who … and why? Will Mingus be able to clear her name before her entire career is down the drain? And the instant connection they had to each other is a dangerous game to be playing at this point in time … dare they take a chance on each other?
Former cop, turned PI Mingus Black is used to seeing the unsavory side of the world, but when his sister calls him in for help when her best friend finds herself being set-up to take the fall for something she would never do, he’s not sure what to make of the intriguing woman.
Teacher Joanna Barnes finds herself under attack and being vilified to the world before she can even catch her breath. She would never have done the things they are accusing her of, but someone has gone to a lot of trouble to make it look like she did. Who … and why? Will Mingus be able to clear her name before her entire career is down the drain? And the instant connection they had to each other is a dangerous game to be playing at this point in time … dare they take a chance on each other?
August 27, 2019
What do you do when someone is trying to destroy your life? You fight back. That’s what Joanna Barnes has to do in order to figure out who is trying to ruin her.
Enter Mingus Black, of the Chicago Blacks, the family full of law enforcement officials. Mingus is doing a favor for his brother and sister, who is Joanna’s best friend, to work this case. But what he doesn’t expect is the heat that flows between him and Joanna when they first meet.
This book had me all in my feelings. I was ready to choke out some folks and knock some sense into others. The characters are very well rounded. You can feel the emotions that take place through out this book.
Mingus and Joanna have to work through their own trust issues while attempting to fight the attraction they have for one another. Even the secondary characters have some interesting lives that lead you to wonder what’s next with them.
Enjoying this series and I’m excited about the next book in the series. Wondering if we will find out who Mama Black wants Mingus to find for her.
Enter Mingus Black, of the Chicago Blacks, the family full of law enforcement officials. Mingus is doing a favor for his brother and sister, who is Joanna’s best friend, to work this case. But what he doesn’t expect is the heat that flows between him and Joanna when they first meet.
This book had me all in my feelings. I was ready to choke out some folks and knock some sense into others. The characters are very well rounded. You can feel the emotions that take place through out this book.
Mingus and Joanna have to work through their own trust issues while attempting to fight the attraction they have for one another. Even the secondary characters have some interesting lives that lead you to wonder what’s next with them.
Enjoying this series and I’m excited about the next book in the series. Wondering if we will find out who Mama Black wants Mingus to find for her.
October 5, 2019
Rating 4.5
REVIEW:
This is the second installment of the “To Serve and Seduce “series and I have to say that I so enjoyed this book from beginning to end. This story had everything from charm, drama and suspense. Mingus is a guy that walk to the beat of his drum. Mingus Black is a former Chicago cop turn Private Investigator. Joanna Barnes is a high school teacher who come from a long line of educators, so it was only naturally that she wanted to be in the education field. Joanna has been accused of a crime and she needs a lawyer and the first person that comes to mind is Simone Black. Although Simone couldn’t help her she called her brothers.
This book will keep you turning the pages until you have reach the last page. If you are looking for a book with chemistry, drama, twist and turn, and suspense, then Mrs. Mello deliver that and more. You will not be disappointed.
Smooches
LL Brown
REVIEW:
This is the second installment of the “To Serve and Seduce “series and I have to say that I so enjoyed this book from beginning to end. This story had everything from charm, drama and suspense. Mingus is a guy that walk to the beat of his drum. Mingus Black is a former Chicago cop turn Private Investigator. Joanna Barnes is a high school teacher who come from a long line of educators, so it was only naturally that she wanted to be in the education field. Joanna has been accused of a crime and she needs a lawyer and the first person that comes to mind is Simone Black. Although Simone couldn’t help her she called her brothers.
This book will keep you turning the pages until you have reach the last page. If you are looking for a book with chemistry, drama, twist and turn, and suspense, then Mrs. Mello deliver that and more. You will not be disappointed.
Smooches
LL Brown
March 23, 2019
Proving her innocence…at all costs. Former Chicago cop Mingus Black is used to liars. So why does the (Private Investigator) believe a (teacher) who insists she’s innocent? Joanna Barnes is totally convincing…in more ways than one. The chemistry between Mingus and Joanna becomes perilously potent, but until he can find out who framed her for a heinous crime, everything they love hangs in the balance. She’s accused of sex with a student David Locklear and he has pictures sent from her phone, showing her tattoo on the thigh. It appears an old rival felt she would be the perfect scapegoat to her husband’s criminal plans for the land the school is sitting on.
Biased opinion...school teacher, so vested interested!
Biased opinion...school teacher, so vested interested!
June 9, 2020
This is my first time reading a book by Ms. Mello and I’m one happy reader. The story was filled with intrigue that kept me engaged while evoking rage, sorrow, and the need to see justice administered.
Mingus is a pure alpha who knows how to get things done. Only he likes to do it his way, a little outside the rules. Unorthodox, but effective.
I felt bad for Joanna and what she was going though. Ms. Mello made the woman suffer, but she stayed strong and sure throughout. Although Joanna made a move that had me shouting at her, I could understand why she did it.
Mingus and Joanna shared an intense chemistry. With their differing personalities, they balanced each other.
Mingus is a pure alpha who knows how to get things done. Only he likes to do it his way, a little outside the rules. Unorthodox, but effective.
I felt bad for Joanna and what she was going though. Ms. Mello made the woman suffer, but she stayed strong and sure throughout. Although Joanna made a move that had me shouting at her, I could understand why she did it.
Mingus and Joanna shared an intense chemistry. With their differing personalities, they balanced each other.
March 12, 2019
Intrigue with a bit of spice.
The title alone got me started while reading this novel. I was tempted each time that I opened my kindle to finish the read. But as with all of Deborah's books I find myself savoring them so that they don't end to soon. But alas temptation got the best of my when the light bulb went of in Mingus's head, I couldn't close my kindle after that. I gave Tempted by The Badge five stars because as always Ms. Fletcher-Mello brought it as usual. I can't wait for the release of the next book in this series.
The title alone got me started while reading this novel. I was tempted each time that I opened my kindle to finish the read. But as with all of Deborah's books I find myself savoring them so that they don't end to soon. But alas temptation got the best of my when the light bulb went of in Mingus's head, I couldn't close my kindle after that. I gave Tempted by The Badge five stars because as always Ms. Fletcher-Mello brought it as usual. I can't wait for the release of the next book in this series.
April 16, 2019
The Badge That Saved a Teacher
Tempted by the Badge was selected by one of my book clubs. I had actually forgotten to read it until the day of my discussion. Best two hours I've ever spent! Deborah Fletcher Mello kept me spellbound, with characters that were well defined, chemistry between Joanna and Mingus that sizzled off the pages, and a plot that left me nearly breathless at its conclusion!! Great book, second in a series. Going back to read the first book, and anxiously awaiting the third one!!
Tempted by the Badge was selected by one of my book clubs. I had actually forgotten to read it until the day of my discussion. Best two hours I've ever spent! Deborah Fletcher Mello kept me spellbound, with characters that were well defined, chemistry between Joanna and Mingus that sizzled off the pages, and a plot that left me nearly breathless at its conclusion!! Great book, second in a series. Going back to read the first book, and anxiously awaiting the third one!!
June 14, 2019
This is the the first book I've read by Deborah Fletcher Mello and I really enjoyed it. It is very suspenseful and romantic at the same time. It keeps you on the edge of your seat seat for the whole book.
Mingus Black is the only one that believes Joanna is innocent. She is accused of a very bad crime and suspended from her teaching job and just doesn't k ow what to do with herself or her problem. The Mingus steps in to help and all the lies around her accusers start to unravel.
I loved this book and recommend it. By Kristina
Mingus Black is the only one that believes Joanna is innocent. She is accused of a very bad crime and suspended from her teaching job and just doesn't k ow what to do with herself or her problem. The Mingus steps in to help and all the lies around her accusers start to unravel.
I loved this book and recommend it. By Kristina
March 4, 2020
This book is well written and fascinating to read. Mingus Black is a neat character to read about. For his family teaches you about loyalty. Joanna Barnes is another neat character. For her its her students that matter and her honesty. Its a well written story that has great action and mystery. When you find out who is behind things it will surprise you. There is great romance in this story and its definitely worth reading. There is some sad parts to this story. I will be looking for more of her books. J
March 2, 2019
Deep Dynamics
Book two of the To Serve and Seduce is spellbinding, held my attention from start to finish. Hatred, secrets, and special relationship tugging on the heart. Laughter, tears, sadness, and love lead to what next. Magnus and Joanna are deep and dynamic together or apart. Enjoyed seeing Danni, Armstrong as well as other members of the Black family.
#Cillasbookmaniacs
Book two of the To Serve and Seduce is spellbinding, held my attention from start to finish. Hatred, secrets, and special relationship tugging on the heart. Laughter, tears, sadness, and love lead to what next. Magnus and Joanna are deep and dynamic together or apart. Enjoyed seeing Danni, Armstrong as well as other members of the Black family.
#Cillasbookmaniacs
March 5, 2019
This was an incredibly fast-paced book that kept me hooked and in suspense from beginning to end. The storyline was realistic, ripped right from the news in almost any city, any day. And the main characters, private investigator Mingus Black and high school history teacher Joanna Barnes, are believable to the point of me talking to them. Kudos to author Deborah Fletcher Mello for another great read.
#CillasBookmaniacs
#CillasBookmaniacs
March 16, 2019
Tempted for sure
Girl I will hold his badge any day. The series is heating up to epic levels now. Mingus Black had my attention with the cover. A decorated teacher accused of having a fling with her student, Joanna Barnes was devastated. Her dear friend was a member of the Black family of police detectives, lawyers , the chief of police, and a PI. Mingus was the PI called to investigate and clear Joanna's name. The story had many turns that lead in the direction of love.
Girl I will hold his badge any day. The series is heating up to epic levels now. Mingus Black had my attention with the cover. A decorated teacher accused of having a fling with her student, Joanna Barnes was devastated. Her dear friend was a member of the Black family of police detectives, lawyers , the chief of police, and a PI. Mingus was the PI called to investigate and clear Joanna's name. The story had many turns that lead in the direction of love.
April 11, 2019
Soul Satisfying Suspense
Wow! Tempted by the Badge was an awesome romantic suspense. Characters like Mingus and Joanna burst from each page with their totally opposite personalities. The family dynamics and love from the Blacks were on point. I thoroughly enjoyed the chivalry of Mingus while still trying to prove Joanna's innocence beyond a shadow of doubt. I read the book in two days. Deborah Mello's villains are even well developed characters. READ IT! 5 🌟
Wow! Tempted by the Badge was an awesome romantic suspense. Characters like Mingus and Joanna burst from each page with their totally opposite personalities. The family dynamics and love from the Blacks were on point. I thoroughly enjoyed the chivalry of Mingus while still trying to prove Joanna's innocence beyond a shadow of doubt. I read the book in two days. Deborah Mello's villains are even well developed characters. READ IT! 5 🌟
July 6, 2019
Deborah Fletcher Mello is a new-to-me author. This is the first time I’ve read one of her books. Did I enjoy Tempted by the Badge? Yes. Yes. Yes! This is the second book in a new series and it hooked me from the start. Tempted by the Badge is a tautly woven, intense thriller. I gravitated towards Mingus and Joanna, obsessed to see how their story pans. In the end? I devoured every word, satisfied with that breath-taking ending! Recommended? Yes!
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
March 2, 2019
This book was so incredibly good! Mingus and Joanna were a couple I could get behind. Ms. Mello wrote Mingus so well I was in his head, or was he in mine?
Either way, the suspense and intrigue kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loooooved it. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I think you will as well.
Either way, the suspense and intrigue kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loooooved it. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I think you will as well.
March 9, 2019
Serve and Seduce
I really enjoyed this book, it kept me guessing all the way to the way to the end. Never knowing who to suspect then bam it wasn't who I thought. Excellent, exciting and definitely attention. Very nice Mrs.Deborah Mello can't wait to see what going on with the mother and who the next family member is in October kudos.
I really enjoyed this book, it kept me guessing all the way to the way to the end. Never knowing who to suspect then bam it wasn't who I thought. Excellent, exciting and definitely attention. Very nice Mrs.Deborah Mello can't wait to see what going on with the mother and who the next family member is in October kudos.
March 15, 2019
Tempted by the Badge is the first book from this series and this author that I have read, and I must say I loved it! Meeting the members of the Black family and how they work together was wonderful to read. I enjoyed following Mingus and Joanna's story, and look forward to reading more from this series.
March 17, 2019
Tempted by the Badge is the first book from this series and this author that I have read, and I must say I loved it! Meeting the members of the Black family and how they work together was wonderful to read. I enjoyed following Mingus and Joanna's story, and look forward to reading more from this series.
March 14, 2021
Engrossing Read With Sympathetic Heroine
Accessed of having sex with a student, high school teacher,Kendall must depend on PI, Mingus to prove her innocent. Skirting the edge of the law, the sexy, competent Mingus is successful and they fall in love. Good characterization, sex scenes not overdone, and lots of family dynamics.
Accessed of having sex with a student, high school teacher,Kendall must depend on PI, Mingus to prove her innocent. Skirting the edge of the law, the sexy, competent Mingus is successful and they fall in love. Good characterization, sex scenes not overdone, and lots of family dynamics.
March 2, 2019
Great continuation
OMG..she did it again..to be able to weave a story of love.. betrayal and loss so effectively is simply amazing...this author has never disappointed me...I now have to patiently wait for more...simply put...Good Read!!!
OMG..she did it again..to be able to weave a story of love.. betrayal and loss so effectively is simply amazing...this author has never disappointed me...I now have to patiently wait for more...simply put...Good Read!!!
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