Duke

Bad Boys of Willow Valley #3

by Shannyn Leah

Duke Falkner is a no-nonsense bodyguard—a job he takes very seriously. So seriously, in fact, he’s never taken a vacation or enjoyed a moment in his own life. He uses his strict lifestyle as repentance for a childhood moment that stole away every member of his family. Although a moment he was not responsible for, a moment he has been unable to shake.

Sage Ellis has just had her life torn apart in similar fashion. Her estranged rock-n-roll father has just been killed and her mother has been shot right in her front of her. Before she knows it, she’s being swept away to a remote location to be protected by a bodyguard she’d hoped never to see again.

As Duke and Sage are brought together again, they replay their tortured past and a relationship that ended before it began. But as they work to figure out who is after Sage and her family, their feelings slowly start to once again reveal themselves and Duke begins to let go of his past. Will he hang on to his bad boy ways, or release his tight fist on his past for a relaxed future with Sage?

Bad Boys of Willow Valley

DAX, book #1
STONE, book #2
DUKE, book #3

COMING SOON
REED
HAWK

Genres: Contemporary Romance

250 pages, ebook

Published February 5, 2019

About the author

Choose Your Own Romance & 3 FREE books

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

USA TODAY Bestselling romance author Shannyn Leah loves olives, lip gloss and reading (and writing) romance novels.

Currently you'll find her lost in her writing cave as she's co-writing an 8-book YA Fantasy series with her nine-year-old nephew, C.S. Cowell. They are launching a Kickstarter May 3rd, 2022 where you can purchase their eBooks, paperbacks, RARE hardcovers, and Imperium-themed swag!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

Her love of words started at an early age and soon grew until, during her teenage years, she’d started writing her own novels. When her mom pushed to finally publish some of the stories, she quickly amassed a collection of romance series.

In 2018, she joined romance author Kelly Moore and together, they co-wrote the first season of The CRD series.

Alongside Connie Dave, Brea Viragh, and Nikki Lynn Barrett, Shannyn is one of the four founder's of a Cinnamon Bay Romance. Readers can immerse themselves in love stories based in a small-town book world centered around a Matchmaker Trio and mythical love spice. You never know what the Trio of Trouble will do next.

Shannyn is a Sponsorship Event Co-Ordinator with Ignite Your Soul Book Signing in London Ontario where not only local authors, but authors from all around the world gather for a fantastic greet and meet, pictures, and building friendships.

When she's not writing books into the early hours of the morning, Shannyn can be found antiquing with her two favorite people, her momma and sister, in their picturesque London, Ontario hometown.

Shannyn would love to get to know her readers as you get to know her (just don’t send her any carrots!)

To be notified when new books, exclusive excerpts and contests are released, join her mailing list here: http://www.shannynleah.com/contact.php

For extras, check out Shannyn’s webpage here: www.shannynleah.com 

If you enjoy Shannyn’s books, please join her Facebook page here to share the love: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shanny... 

And if you would like to contact Shannyn directly, email her at Shannynleah@gmail.com

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannyn Leah knows how to light the fire of romance as two people are forced into a less than happy reunion when Duke becomes the no-nonsense bodyguard in order to keep Sage safe and alive. Neither has known much happiness and the happiness they found briefly has left them both wary and guarded.

Duke is determined to keep Sage safe, no matter what it costs his heart. Can Sage keep her heart from being shattered again by the one man she never wanted to see again?

Hang on for humor, heart and heat as Shannyn Leah brings DUKE to life with smoldering emotions. Searing looks and a craving between two people that borders on a love/hate relationship!

Sexy, sassy and even prickly at times, this read is filled with the passion only great writing can breathe life into! I love Shannyn Leah’s keen sense of romance, humor and her ability to create chaos of the heart for two people meant for each other! Besides, who could resist a Bad Boy!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Shannyn Leah!

Series: Bad Boys of Willow Valley - Book 3

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke and Sage parted in a bad way. Sage went down a path of destruction and Duke went on with a life of loneliness focusing on his bodyguard skills. Sage pulls herself out of the muck and she and her mother are doing well. That is until Sage's father is killed and someone shots her mother. Duke comes back in the picture to keep them safe. But keeping his and Sage's hearts safe are another thing. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[yorkshirebooknerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

So after I read Stone’s book (book 2 in the series), I was really hoping book 3 would be about Hawk. Instead we have Duke’s story which actually turned out to be what I wanted.

Up until this point Duke was just Bowie’s bodyguard but in this book we get to see the man behind the suit - and what a man he is!

Now that Bowie is happily married to Stone, she no longer requires a bodyguard and that means Duke suddenly finds himself retired and on vacation. It isn’t long however before his next job comes along in the form of his ex-lover, Sage.
Unfortunately things didn’t end well between them and Sage still hasn’t forgotten that fact. She would rather be as far away from Duke as possible regardless of the fact that her life is in danger. Despite the way things ended there is undeniable sexual tension between them - can they both fight their attraction or will their unexpected reunion force them to face their true feelings?

Another fast paced story from Shannyn Leah. What she does really well is create leading men that are everything you’d hoped for; strong, loyal, passionate and hot! Duke is all of those things and more. This book gives a real insight into what made him choose his profession and why he ended things with Sage. His back story was heartbreaking to read.

My main criticism of this book is that nothing really happens with the whole death threat, Sage’s life’s is danger plot line. After the initially action, the story concentrates fully on the relationship between Duke and Sage and their respective pasts. It’s not until the end of the book that this is raised again and is resolved fairly easily. It seems like the only reason this plot line is there is to push the two lead characters together. There is an unexpected twist at the end though that I didn’t see coming and I really liked.

All in all it was a good read and I’m glad we got to see Duke’s history as I really like his character but this one wasn’t as good as the first two in my opinion - 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author for providing a copy. All opinions are my own and provided willingly.

[Pamela Lunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this book! Duke has always been on alert, never really relaxed long enough for fun. When he gets called to protect the one woman he has always loved and never forgotten, well things begin to change. Sage just lost the father she never really had a relationship with, then her mom gets shot right in front of her. Then the one man who hurt her and could never forget is the man to protect her. This book has so much to offer. It is a must read. Some laughter, some mystery, many truths come out as well as so much love! I love this series and love Shannyn Leah's writing style. Her books just keep getting better and better.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though Duke doesn't work for Bowie now he has no idea to shake being a protector so when the Mum of a past love he walked away from contacts him needing help for her and her daughter Sage he jumps at it. Sage is fantastically feisty and bitter towards not only Duke but Bowie so having to be helped by him and be around Bowie is not a good idea. It is great to get to know Duke after meeting him in Stone (book 2) and his tragic past so you get why he protects people. There is plenty of sexual tension, frustration and secrets revealed that made this a great read and can not wait to see who the next book is about ... maybe Hawk?

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is another winner by Shannyn Leah. It is everything that a great novel should be. It is full of excitement from Duke and Sage's past to even more excitement in their newly found present. There are twists and turns that you don't see coming, much sadness caused by circumstance, and even more happiness that comes with the discovery of truth. Amid the sadness and stress also comes comedy and fun. Friend to enemies, to newly discovered friends again, Sage and Bowie bring a laugh or two, and what a great idea, a paint filled water balloon fight. This story brings two angst filled people together and they each find truth and freedom that comes from coming to grips with the past and present and learning that everything isn't always what it seems. Book three in this series come out ahead of book one and two, I can't wait to hear more from Willow Valley to catch up with the gang.

[Kim Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A great story on second chances. Plenty of twist and turns through out. Great chemistry between characters. Loved how they worked through their personal demons to find their hea.
I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Duke is amazing. Duke has had a rough life. He witnessed something no ten year old should. His life is now to protect people. Sage was a job before that went bad. Her life is now on the line again and her mother called in the only one she trust. Will he relive his past or can he protect her at all cost, even his heart.

[Amanda Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good and I enjoyed reading it. It was not what I expected going into it. Which is great because it's rare that a book can actually surprise me anymore. In the beginning Duke is very closed off and Sage is very rebellious which makes for a very awkward reunion. I really like the dynamic between Duke and Sage and how they are both so different yet at the core they are the same. I love having that bit of Stone and Bowie come into this story. Another great book in the Bad Boys of Willow Valley series and I cannot wait for more.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!! Great read with some good twists and lots of fun between the characters!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this arc for an honest review.

So I liked the book but truthfully, I enjoyed the few two better. Duke: strong, silent and broody finds himself on vacation now that Bowie no longer requires a bodyguard now that she's happily married. He does receive a phone call from the mother of an ex, Sage, who requires protection. Obviously, Sage fights this and they didn't end well. I didn't really connect with her character. I found her at times to be an ungrateful brat to be honest. The threat to her could have been played up a bit more. It just seem to wrap up quickly.
Interesting twist at the end though which I did not see coming and made it possible for Duke to have closure and open him up more.

Good read, but like I said. I liked the first two better. Anxiously awaiting Hawks book!

[Misty Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannyn Leah definitely did not disappoint with Duke, her latest in the Bad Boys of Willow Valley Series. Each book in the series could technically be a stand alone but really who wouldn't want to meet Willow Valley's hot bad boys??

[Lozzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great read! It was interesting, intriguing and an enjoyable read! I loved Duke from the previous novels and I was so excited to get his book. Absolutely Loved It! couldn't get enough!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke has been a bodyguard for various people. He’s determined no one will get hurt on his watch. He’s super alert at all times & has no personal life. Which made it a surprise when he had a fling with Sage even though it ended soon after it started. Now he’s taking a break before deciding his next job. Or he was until he got a phone call.

Sage didn’t feel anything when her father was killed. He’d walked out of her life years earlier. She didn’t believe her mother about them being in danger until her mother was shot. She was instantly whisked away from the scene to protect her. Did her mother survive? No way was she going to let him guard her!!

This was more of a second chance at love for Sage & Duke than a mystery. They figured out who to look out for pretty quickly. Sage managed to get Duke to open up about his childhood & that seemed to calm him & open her up to the idea of a relationship. The arrogance & attitude of each of them made them a perfect pair. They were each strong enough that they would have walked over anyone else they were partnered with. The surprise ending was a good touch & really tied up the last of the loose ends.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. The series is call "Bad Boys of Willow Valley" but every time I read one of the books in this series including this one. I am reminded of the Tim McGraw song, "Real Good Man." He says, "Girl they need to understand. Just who I am. I may be a real bad boy, but baby I'm a real good man." This should be called, "Bad Boys but Good Men of Willow Valley." Duke is one of those bad boys but read good men. He tries to protect his heart; but he cares. That is made plain when he watches this woman in the bar that has turned down several men who have approached her and one of them is particularly angry about it. Duke is watching the situation he recognizes the danger that is boiling beneath the surface. And sure enough he goes out and sees the man beginning to accost the woman and he steps in to protect the woman. This is the first hint of the type of man he is. However due to a tragedy as a young boy he guards his heart. He considers himself responsible for what happened. He has fallen in love with Sage; but ran from her. She doesn't understand why and is angry with him. However due to the murder of her Father, her Mother has hired Duke to protect her due to the danger she is in. Both he and Sage try to protect their hearts from the other; but the attraction and love they have for one another is just to strong to ignore. Also a first in this book is a Lowchen breed of dog. It makes me wonder if the author has a Lowchen. I enjoyed visiting the old characters from the other books in the series again. The storyline was very good. And, I felt the book ended well. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

You really need to read this book. This has twists and turns all through the book with some surprises. Duke is a a handsome, strong, and complicated man. He and Sage have history, but it was when they both were in a bad place. Now he is hired as Sage’s body guard. I hated that Duke felt guilty about what happened when he was ten years old. It affected him so much that he didn’t feel like he deserved love. I would love to have a body guard like Dax. I was proud of how Sage has turned her life around. I was glad to see that her and her ex best friend Bowie were thrown together again so they could try and patch up their differences. There are some real surprises that I was glad to see happen. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

[Lisa Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Bad Boy series. I loved this book as much as the others. A story of 2nd chances. Duke and Sage had a fling and a fallout. Now her mom contacts Duke to protect them. Sage father was murdered. Her mother was shot trying to get Safe. Once Duke and Sage reconnect, you can feel the sparks of hatred. Both had a rough life. Sage over came her troubled past, Dukes still plagued him.
You could feel the heat and intensity with these 2 characters. Once they.let.the past go, it was written in the stars. I loved Sage's technique on letting go.
Another must read. I love.the feeling of being right in this story.

[Tonya Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok i keep saying this is my favorite so im just going to say anything shannyn writes is my favorite she captures the characters so you can picture every detail of the rock hard men. Duke is a protective and loving man but has a secret that he hasnt let go. In the end the true surprise comes out..my favorite author because she has laughter, teasing serious and very sexy men. Lol

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book, Duke and Sage are perfect for each other, they both have painful pasts and ghost but together they fight to get the happy ending. Will recommend this book for sure! Perfect read to bring in the new year

[Zoe Jones-Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke is not just a bodyguard, he’s the man who broke Sage when he walked away from her the first time. Now things have changed, her dad has been murdered, her mum has been shot and she is in danger. With Duke now protecting Sage, its only a matter of time before their old feelings resurface. Will the demons of their pasts prevent them from having a future together? The story is gripping and suspenseful, with twists you wouldn’t see coming. I found this a heartbreaking story of courage, acceptance and life.

[Debra Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC. The more I read about Duke the more in love with his character I am. Duke had always loved Sage. Their love story is wonderful. Love it being filled with romance and suspense. A must read book. I can't wait to read more about the characters.

[Brandi Sartin lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Sage and Duke. A little bit suspenseful because you want to know what happened to Dean. And then when they go to the fight. I also liked that we got to visit with Stone and Bowie too!

[Lori Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke is hot. He’s a tuff one to crack. Takes the right person to put a wrinkle in his tuff guy exterior. Can he get the girl? Does he want to?? Does she want him? All those questions and more are answered so pick up the book!!!

[Ola Adamska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke and Sage knew each other in The past. But it had not ended on Good terms. Now thanks to some bad things Duke is protecting Sage. The attraction will be palpable and their own demons will be put off The leash when it came to their lives and hidden truths will be unrevealed!
Some of them made me cry out loud almost when I was going to work! Great work of The author!

[Tracy Flick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutley loved Duke amd Sage. They have a history and parted on a bad note. So when Sage's mother contacts Duke to protect Sage. Old memories, feelings and hurts resurface when they are together. They both have demons to deal with but their chemistry is too much to resist. What a wonderful addition to this series. I love the Bad Boys of Willow Valley.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke is a good second chance story. I enjoyed it!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage and Duke have a rocky past and both of them are keeping guilty secrets. Sage is not at all pleased that her mother hired Duke to protect her and all her teenage brattishness comes to the fore. Being faced with Sage once again, Duke discovers that his past keeps confronting him but when he takes the bull by the horns, he finds that all is not what he thought. I loved Duke's strong persona and although it took time to warm up to Sage, she eventually emerges from behind her facade to become the woman Duke needs. I enjoyed meeting up with the characters from Willow Valley once again as well as the some of the newer ladies with their wicked wit and charm. There is a fair amount of suspense in this novel that keeps the reader immersed in the plot. This story is the third in the Bad Boys of Willow Valley series, and although characters from previous novels appear in this one too, it is nevertheless a standalone with an unexpected ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Cathy Tremblay · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It hadn’t started like a fairy tale and it ended like a horror story”
He loved her, left her and resented her. Now, it’s a different story. Sage was deeply hurt by the hot sexy bodyguard that made her nights and filled her heart but when in need, will the damage heart be able to swallow the pain and get helped? He won’t mix business with pleasure. He needs to focus on the job and not his feelings. I was getting annoyed and wanted to know what the big secret about his past was and when I found out I was speechless; I never would have guessed what it was. He’s haunted by his past and she wants to help him free himself from pain and past demons but, can she get past the hurt and help Duke live his life for once?
I really like this third bad boy of Willow Valley book and I’m looking forward to the next one!

[Kara Coens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke has been a personal bodyguard for what seems like a lifetime. When he finally gets time for himself he's pulled into watching over the one woman he hoped to never see again, Sage. Sage is living her life and has moved on from her reckless past and the man who hurt her. The last thing she wants is to be thrown into his care and swept out to the middle of nowhere. I loved the chemistry between Duke and Sage, You could feel the hurt from the past and the longing and passion of the here and now. This story was amazing!!

[Jean Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke is a bodyguard and gets a call from a friend that her daughter Sage needs protecting. Sage, a past lover, that he left and he's not sure he can be around her but there's no way he's not going to protect her.
Sage doesn't think she needs protecting just because her dad was killed, but when she's standing in her apartment and her mom gets shot, she thinks maybe she might need someone, just not Duke.

Of course, Sage doesn't get what she wants and while she fights Duke non-stop she can't deny their past. It won't be easy for them but you'll love reading about their ride. A great read!