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The Paladin League #1
Wicked Obsession
Blue-blooded woman
As an ambassador’s daughter, Langley Canfield has lived all over the world, but she’s never fit in—not abroad and not at home. She thought she found a man who loved her for who she is, but when it becomes obvious that she’s the only one with deep feelings, Langley breaks up with him and heads across the country for a friend’s wedding.
Blue-collar guy
Special Forces Sergeant Ryder Pienkowski knew that he’d never be able to hold on to Langley Canfield, that she was completely out of his league, but it still stuns him when she ends things between them. He’s trying to get her out of his head when her father arrives and tells Ryder there’s a death threat directed at her. Without hesitation, Ryder hops on a plane and flies out to protect Langley. She might not want him anymore, but he’s not letting anyone hurt her.
As an ambassador’s daughter, Langley Canfield has lived all over the world, but she’s never fit in—not abroad and not at home. She thought she found a man who loved her for who she is, but when it becomes obvious that she’s the only one with deep feelings, Langley breaks up with him and heads across the country for a friend’s wedding.
Blue-collar guy
Special Forces Sergeant Ryder Pienkowski knew that he’d never be able to hold on to Langley Canfield, that she was completely out of his league, but it still stuns him when she ends things between them. He’s trying to get her out of his head when her father arrives and tells Ryder there’s a death threat directed at her. Without hesitation, Ryder hops on a plane and flies out to protect Langley. She might not want him anymore, but he’s not letting anyone hurt her.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2019
About the author
Patti O'Shea
36 books116 followersNationally bestselling author Patti O'Shea has won numerous awards for her writing and been nominated for many more. Her books have appeared on the Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks, and Borders bestseller lists and have earned starred reviews in prestigious publications such as Booklist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 13, 2020
They were so different to each other and they wanted different things. She wanted more from him and she dumped him with a very heavy heart, even though he was all she wanted. He could not understand why she dumped him but when he learns someone wants her dead, he had to do something. Could this be his second chance? If it was he was going to take it while keeping her safe
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.
April 12, 2022
She dumped him!
Ryder could not believe what had just happened but Langley told him they were finished. Hours later he was summoned to be informed there was a death threat against the woman he loved. Can he and his friends fly across the country in time to save he or will he loose her forever?
Ryder could not believe what had just happened but Langley told him they were finished. Hours later he was summoned to be informed there was a death threat against the woman he loved. Can he and his friends fly across the country in time to save he or will he loose her forever?
February 10, 2022
Tepid.
Special Forces guy in love with an heiress can't get past her money or status and constantly suffering from foot-in-mouth syndrome. Said heiress is in love with knuckle-head special forces guy who can't commit. Not much action or romance.
Special Forces guy in love with an heiress can't get past her money or status and constantly suffering from foot-in-mouth syndrome. Said heiress is in love with knuckle-head special forces guy who can't commit. Not much action or romance.
January 26, 2019
Blue-blooded woman meets Blue-collar guy - Princess wins!
I've waited a long time for a new O'Shea book and I was not disappointed.
Langley has dated Ryder for a year and all this time he has avoided introducing her to his friends or meeting hers. The last straw comes when she invites him to her best friend's wedding and he declines. She's had enough and calls their relationship off. He's stunned; he loves her but doesn't think he's good enough for her.
This couple shares a history. He rescued her from a rebel group in a South American country where her father was stationed as ambassador. He's a special forces sergeant; she's a trust-fund girl. Still, he was so attracted to her that he managed to ask her out and she accepted. Their relationship has been hampered by lack of communication on both their parts.
Even after breaking up, when a threat to her safety comes up, Ryder immediately calls on his buddies to ride to the rescue. But Langley is not a passive princes; she's more of an action type.
Ms. O'Shea does a great job of developing Langley beyond the usual stereotypes. She's strong in a believable way. She has her flaws but overall is an admirable heroine. Ryder is a good foil to her. He doesn't underestimate her. He's determined to protect her but never stifles her.
This story is action-packed and the romance was well done. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend!
I've waited a long time for a new O'Shea book and I was not disappointed.
Langley has dated Ryder for a year and all this time he has avoided introducing her to his friends or meeting hers. The last straw comes when she invites him to her best friend's wedding and he declines. She's had enough and calls their relationship off. He's stunned; he loves her but doesn't think he's good enough for her.
This couple shares a history. He rescued her from a rebel group in a South American country where her father was stationed as ambassador. He's a special forces sergeant; she's a trust-fund girl. Still, he was so attracted to her that he managed to ask her out and she accepted. Their relationship has been hampered by lack of communication on both their parts.
Even after breaking up, when a threat to her safety comes up, Ryder immediately calls on his buddies to ride to the rescue. But Langley is not a passive princes; she's more of an action type.
Ms. O'Shea does a great job of developing Langley beyond the usual stereotypes. She's strong in a believable way. She has her flaws but overall is an admirable heroine. Ryder is a good foil to her. He doesn't underestimate her. He's determined to protect her but never stifles her.
This story is action-packed and the romance was well done. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommend!
September 3, 2024
The couple: Ryder and Langley
Romance trope: romantic suspense
Series: The Paladin League
Length: 334 pages
Plot: Langley is the daughter of an ambassador, and as such, Ryder doesn't feel like he is worthy of her. Even though they've been together for a year, Langley doesn't know how Ryder feels about her. He hasn't introduced her to any of his family or friends and he won't hang around Langley's friends. So she breaks up with him since it's obvious that he's not interested in anything deeper. But then a threat against her turns into action and her father sends Ryder to protect her. The threat turns into something even more and Ryder knows he wants to rekindle their romance - but how can he convince her he's all in?
Commentary: Well, they broke up three times, each time for the same reason. This guy couldn't get a clue. He actually thought she was mad because he didn't show interest in her charity? And each time she broke up with him, his response was "oh yeah? sounds like a great idea!" His emotional regulation was at a pretty low level, no matter how good of a soldier he was. And the resolution, the reason she was in danger, was pretty thin, plot-wise. I did not find either character appealing, to be honest.
Next book in the series: Wicked Intention
Romance trope: romantic suspense
Series: The Paladin League
Length: 334 pages
Plot: Langley is the daughter of an ambassador, and as such, Ryder doesn't feel like he is worthy of her. Even though they've been together for a year, Langley doesn't know how Ryder feels about her. He hasn't introduced her to any of his family or friends and he won't hang around Langley's friends. So she breaks up with him since it's obvious that he's not interested in anything deeper. But then a threat against her turns into action and her father sends Ryder to protect her. The threat turns into something even more and Ryder knows he wants to rekindle their romance - but how can he convince her he's all in?
Commentary: Well, they broke up three times, each time for the same reason. This guy couldn't get a clue. He actually thought she was mad because he didn't show interest in her charity? And each time she broke up with him, his response was "oh yeah? sounds like a great idea!" His emotional regulation was at a pretty low level, no matter how good of a soldier he was. And the resolution, the reason she was in danger, was pretty thin, plot-wise. I did not find either character appealing, to be honest.
Next book in the series: Wicked Intention
November 13, 2023
Excellent
Langley is the daughter of an ambassador and has traveled all over the world. When she gets kidnapped in Puerto Jardin, a special forces team rescues her. Ryder was on the team that rescued her and after they get back he asks her out.
Now a little over a year later, Langley is going to San Diego to her best friends wedding. Ryder turns down the invitation to go and other things Langley has asked him to do. Langley breaks up with him before getting on the plane.
Langley's father asks Ryder and a couple of teammates to go protect her because he has gotten threats against her. When Ryder gets there they find out Langley and her friend have been kidnapped. Once she's located and retrieved, they go to a safe house. They are leaving and a sniper shoots at them. They go to another safe house but it's been found too. Ryder knows it's one of the teammates with him that's disclosed their location. Can he win back Langley and keep her safe?
Fast paced action and suspense. A little sexy. Two people who have trouble communicating. Will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Langley is the daughter of an ambassador and has traveled all over the world. When she gets kidnapped in Puerto Jardin, a special forces team rescues her. Ryder was on the team that rescued her and after they get back he asks her out.
Now a little over a year later, Langley is going to San Diego to her best friends wedding. Ryder turns down the invitation to go and other things Langley has asked him to do. Langley breaks up with him before getting on the plane.
Langley's father asks Ryder and a couple of teammates to go protect her because he has gotten threats against her. When Ryder gets there they find out Langley and her friend have been kidnapped. Once she's located and retrieved, they go to a safe house. They are leaving and a sniper shoots at them. They go to another safe house but it's been found too. Ryder knows it's one of the teammates with him that's disclosed their location. Can he win back Langley and keep her safe?
Fast paced action and suspense. A little sexy. Two people who have trouble communicating. Will keep you on the edge of your seat.
March 25, 2019
Langley Canfield is the daughter of an ambassador and has had a very cosmopolitan upbringing, while Ryder Pienkowski is a blue collar kind of guy, a Special Forces sergeant who met Langley when his team rescued her from a kidnapping. Somehow they just clicked and have been dating until Langley decides their relationship is going nowhere and ends things. Of course Ryder has been holding back because he thinks he isn’t good enough for her, basically one big misunderstanding for them both. When there is a threat against Langley, her father convinces Ryder and three of his Special Forces friends to go protect her, unofficially. Things become more dangerous than expected, but Ryder is determined to protect the woman he loves at any cost, and through the experience realizes she has more grit and backbone than he ever realized, despite coming from a wealthy and privileged family, and that he’s been the problem all along. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more in this series.
January 31, 2019
I love when a read a romance it is full of twist, turns, suspense and mystery. This one is exceptionally done. I was hooked in the beginning and never looked back. Edge of you seat, heart pounding scenes will keep you turning the pages as fast as possible and to top it all off you get a love story. It is like the cherry on top of your mystery sundae. I really loved these characters. I found both Langley and Ryder to be engaging and I easily invested my heart and emotions in their relationship. There were a couple of times that I wanted to yell at them to stop hiding behind their emotional fears and communicate.
I really liked this one. I am a first time reader of this author and I can promise you it will not be the last. Fully entertained, sad when it ended because I wanted more. I can't wait to read more books in this series. Worth it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked this one. I am a first time reader of this author and I can promise you it will not be the last. Fully entertained, sad when it ended because I wanted more. I can't wait to read more books in this series. Worth it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2022
Wicked Obsession is pretty much non stop action and will certainly capture and hold your interest from the first page to the last. If ever there were two mismatched people they're Langley Canfield and Ryder Pienkowski. She's the daughter of a wealthy U.S. Ambassador who's lived all 9ver the world. He's the son of a mid west blue collar family. She graduated magna cum laude from college. He dropped out of college in his freshman year. She's been taught to not show a lot of emotions, definitely not bring attention to herself and always be polite. His family is loud, boisterous and rambunctious. Hence she's so far out of his league that she is almost in another galaxy. He's rescued her once but will go to the ends of the earth to do it again. It takes an extremely dangerous mission where Langley's life is imperiled more than 9nce for Ryder to finally realize that despite their differences they're meant to be together.
February 8, 2021
Wicked Obsession
Wicked Obsession is good story I loved the characters Langley and Ryder. The storyline flowed from beginning to end. The action was fast pace with great banter between the characters.
The reason I didn't give it five stars is because at times it felt as the backstory to how Langley, Ryder and his crew meet her was missing. The author mentions certain parts but I felt like we needed that full story. I wish the author did their story in two parts, one how they meet and then lead up to their HEA. Langley and Ryder first appeared in Trish McCallan's Future Under Fire and Langley intrigued me, so I had to read her story. It seemed that most of this storyline started with their backstory. It would of be nice to get their beginning and not start them right in the middle. Happy Reading!!
Wicked Obsession is good story I loved the characters Langley and Ryder. The storyline flowed from beginning to end. The action was fast pace with great banter between the characters.
The reason I didn't give it five stars is because at times it felt as the backstory to how Langley, Ryder and his crew meet her was missing. The author mentions certain parts but I felt like we needed that full story. I wish the author did their story in two parts, one how they meet and then lead up to their HEA. Langley and Ryder first appeared in Trish McCallan's Future Under Fire and Langley intrigued me, so I had to read her story. It seemed that most of this storyline started with their backstory. It would of be nice to get their beginning and not start them right in the middle. Happy Reading!!
January 25, 2019
This was my first read by Patti O'Shea and I was very impressed and eager to read more. Ryder and Langley were combustible together. Langley is the daughter of an Ambassador and Ryder is Special Forces. After a lack of real communication on both parts, Langley breaks off their relationship. Langley believes Ryder doesn't have real feelings for her and Ryder thinks she is too good for him. After she goes to her best friend's wedding, Langley ends up the target of a kidnapping. Once her father alerts Ryder to the threat, he doesn't hesitate to jump on a plane with the determination to rescue Langley. There is nothing he won't do to protect her. Awesome read and I look forward to more!
September 27, 2025
Didn't really address their main issue
They don't communicate the same way and instead, it was made into a money thing. He doesn't understand or like her shutting down and she hates conflict. She'll never bring up an issue between them. She waited a year for him to invite her into his life or take part in hers. They met and fell in love under extreme circumstances. They won't last after he gets out. She can ignore the problem when he's gone but, day-to-day the fact that he assumes things about her constantly despite evidence to the contrary will get old. I'll be honest the fact that she put up with him not caring or brushing her off for a year when she tried to bring him into her life is just sad. He's not worth the effort.
They don't communicate the same way and instead, it was made into a money thing. He doesn't understand or like her shutting down and she hates conflict. She'll never bring up an issue between them. She waited a year for him to invite her into his life or take part in hers. They met and fell in love under extreme circumstances. They won't last after he gets out. She can ignore the problem when he's gone but, day-to-day the fact that he assumes things about her constantly despite evidence to the contrary will get old. I'll be honest the fact that she put up with him not caring or brushing her off for a year when she tried to bring him into her life is just sad. He's not worth the effort.
January 23, 2019
This is an action packed story that has me on the edge of my seat. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down. Langley and Ryder are perfect together but they are the worst communicators. This brings a series of misunderstandings that puts their relationship to the test. Add to that a kidnapping and a traitor and we are in for a wild ride. I loved reading their story and I definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series.
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 23, 2019
When you have a hero with a chip on his shoulder a mile high that he isn't good enough for the female main character you just know that there is going to be drama and there are drama a plenty in this fun Read
Ryder is invited by Langley to her friends wedding along with various other things but he always refuses so she thinks he thinks of her as just a booty call hat she doesn't understand is that he is embarrassed by his humble beginnings But when danger threatens her Ryder will do all in his power to keep her safe proving his love for once and forever
Ryder is invited by Langley to her friends wedding along with various other things but he always refuses so she thinks he thinks of her as just a booty call hat she doesn't understand is that he is embarrassed by his humble beginnings But when danger threatens her Ryder will do all in his power to keep her safe proving his love for once and forever
February 17, 2021
What a nice surprise!
Downloaded this book on a whim because one of the characters was in another book I read. Thoroughly enjoyed this book! In face, I couldn’t put it down and had my phone out offscreen when I was supposed to be in a work zoom. Very well plotted with lots of twists and turns. Even at the end I wasn’t quite sure how it was going to work out. And I adored these characters. There was a very genuine conflict between them that they had to work out, and it wasn’t just worked out between the sheets. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
Downloaded this book on a whim because one of the characters was in another book I read. Thoroughly enjoyed this book! In face, I couldn’t put it down and had my phone out offscreen when I was supposed to be in a work zoom. Very well plotted with lots of twists and turns. Even at the end I wasn’t quite sure how it was going to work out. And I adored these characters. There was a very genuine conflict between them that they had to work out, and it wasn’t just worked out between the sheets. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
March 2, 2019
3.5 stars
So these two spent far too much time arguing with themselves in their heads that it lost me. I get they have communication issues and commitment issues...But lord have mercy i just good lord. I liked that they made up in the end. The HEA was nice i enjoyed that. But I don't know this book just wasn't enough for me. I'm sorry. I wanted to really really like it but I couldn't. I hope that others find this and enjoy the heck outta it.
So these two spent far too much time arguing with themselves in their heads that it lost me. I get they have communication issues and commitment issues...But lord have mercy i just good lord. I liked that they made up in the end. The HEA was nice i enjoyed that. But I don't know this book just wasn't enough for me. I'm sorry. I wanted to really really like it but I couldn't. I hope that others find this and enjoy the heck outta it.
September 6, 2021
This book was pretty mediocre for me. The timeline seemed really rushed for what the plot was, everything happened very quickly and it made the chemistry between the characters suffer. There was no time to build it so it felt very generic and a little forced. I'll probably give the second book a try, but if it's like this one then I doubt I'll continue the series.
This wasn't a bad book, it just didn't stand out at all for me.
This wasn't a bad book, it just didn't stand out at all for me.
October 29, 2022
An interesting plotline!
Langley and Ryder are an unlikely couple, and it's a struggle to figure it out! A lot of angst (some of which seems legitimate), lots of danger and steamy romance!
Wicked Obsession is the first in a series and I think it will really be good!
While the story was awkward and confusing at times, it was an exciting page turner that will keep you reading until the harrowing conclusion!
Langley and Ryder are an unlikely couple, and it's a struggle to figure it out! A lot of angst (some of which seems legitimate), lots of danger and steamy romance!
Wicked Obsession is the first in a series and I think it will really be good!
While the story was awkward and confusing at times, it was an exciting page turner that will keep you reading until the harrowing conclusion!
January 22, 2019
this book wasa good hot read. I loved how Ryder put langley needs above his own in both her life and in the bedroom. This is one of the more down to earth believable second chance romances that I have read in a while
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 25, 2019
i just adored Langley and Ryder. this has some angst, a lot of miscommunication/no communication...def a second chance love with an hea. but wow, these two may need to learn how to talk to each other. it would have solved some of their issues. but a great fun read, well written, would def recommend.
February 23, 2019
Langley and Ryder.....if they can get over their own issues, they might just stand a chance. Langley leaves believing Ryder doesn't have feelings for her. He doesn't understand why she broke things off. Now her dad comes to Ryder saying someone is out to get Langley. Can he save her? Can they actually communicate and resolve their problems?
June 19, 2019
This couple won't last long
It's hard to like a book when you think the H is a jerk and Ryder was a jerk. He is right, Langley can do much better, even at the very end. Lots of action but just ok story.
FYI, book ends at 92%
This is the first book I've read by this author. I'm not interested in her other books categories so it might be my last.
It's hard to like a book when you think the H is a jerk and Ryder was a jerk. He is right, Langley can do much better, even at the very end. Lots of action but just ok story.
FYI, book ends at 92%
This is the first book I've read by this author. I'm not interested in her other books categories so it might be my last.
Read
October 30, 2022DNF. Same story as Hostage Under File https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... but told from the angle of a different character. Sarah's best friend is the heroine in this book.
I read a few chapters but everything was being regurgitated and verbatim. Since I'd already read Hostage Under Fire this really held no interest to me.
I read a few chapters but everything was being regurgitated and verbatim. Since I'd already read Hostage Under Fire this really held no interest to me.
August 2, 2024
Mmc has decided he's not worthy of Fmc because she comes from money. Then spends the entire rest of the book saving her life. Nothing special.
Quite annoying how the book starts when they've already been fwb for a year so you don't see any of the relationship progression, just told about it after the fact.
Quite annoying how the book starts when they've already been fwb for a year so you don't see any of the relationship progression, just told about it after the fact.
September 20, 2020
Love this Author’s Work
PaladinLeague1;4.5 ⭐️
Start of a trilogy with tie-in to Trish McCallan. Langley and Ryder have to fight their way back to each other; and it’s not just with bullets flying.
PaladinLeague1;4.5 ⭐️
Start of a trilogy with tie-in to Trish McCallan. Langley and Ryder have to fight their way back to each other; and it’s not just with bullets flying.
June 8, 2023
Great story
This book has a lot of danger,action, suspence and a little romance,keeps you turning the page to read what happens next until the very end, looking forward to reading more books from this author
This book has a lot of danger,action, suspence and a little romance,keeps you turning the page to read what happens next until the very end, looking forward to reading more books from this author
November 27, 2023
Wicked Obsession
This is a very good story without excessive language and too much sex. This story revolves around their relationship along with danger and misunderstanding. I liked it enough to want to read the 2nd book in the series
This is a very good story without excessive language and too much sex. This story revolves around their relationship along with danger and misunderstanding. I liked it enough to want to read the 2nd book in the series
October 22, 2024
Great black ops thriller
This story kept you on your toes until the end. So much action and drama and intrigue. It was also a great love story. Glad for the happy ever after ending. Great read!
This story kept you on your toes until the end. So much action and drama and intrigue. It was also a great love story. Glad for the happy ever after ending. Great read!
January 23, 2019
This book was gripping, well written & the chemistry between the characters sizzled throughout this wonderful read.
Well done Patti. I look forward to more!
Well done Patti. I look forward to more!
September 1, 2020
Review of Wicked Obsession
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. Patti is a new author for me.
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. Patti is a new author for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews