Passion: A Single Dad Small Town Romance

Damaged #2

by Bella Winters

I am a single dad with needs.
I am also a DEA agent with a huge attitude and a very big…gun.
Four bullets into my body and I am reminded that my little girl needs her dad.
I gotta keep her safe, even if that means leaving this place and getting into my little hometown.
And while we are recovering from the stress of big city, Jenny happens to me.
Jenny, the girl I babysat.
Jenny, the skinny innocent girl that has turned into a voluptuous beauty.
Jenny, whose gorgeous eyes melt my heart…and soul.
And then, I realize Jenny needs my protection too.
I’ll destroy everything in my path to claim her, mark her as mine.

Yes, this DEA agent will do all it takes to keep the two women in his life safe, and happy.
May be, this could turn into our happily ever after.
Who knows?

Genres: Romance

444 pages, Paperback

Published December 27, 2017

Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
A really good story , tense in parts and steamy in others .

The reason for the low star count :

The grammar and wrong words or mistakes was pretty high,
especially in the first half of the book.

The flow of the book was not smooth, and it felt disjointed in parts, the connection between the two main characters was not strong and I felt would not be at the living together , introduce the daughter stage .

Would a DEA agent allow a woman possibly mixed in drug dealing to be near his daughter.


Apart from these problems the story is good and had so much potential , if you can get past this and just read and except it for what it is , but it .

[Chele · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out really good except it was all over at the 20% mark. The rest of the book contains other stories by the author. It also needs to be re-edited. Too many mistakes, especially for a short story. My first book by this author. So disappointing.

[RCK *don’t be all, like, uncool*]

Stopped at around 12%. Descriptive sex scene of heroine with om.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Truth be told, I did not like Kelly one bit. I don't like books where children act and talk to their elders in a disrespectful manner. Kelly was a brat and it was not cute nor amusing to see here verbally barrage her dad. Especially cussing, running off in a car, just an all around brat. Why Alex wasn't more firm with the girl, I don't know? But it really detracted from the book for me in a major way. Those kind of kids are not cute in romances. They're not! Jenni? dumb, sleeping with one man who may or may not be her boyfriend without protection. Sleeps with Alex, same thing no protection. One minute, she's scared of Garth, tough with Alex and hot and cold. The sheriff, weak and in collusion with criminals. Between all of that muck, I didn't feel there was any time for a real emotional connection between Jenni and Alex. I didn't feel it all. I voluntarily read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Dita · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

It's a fast-paced sweet romance read with hot single dad, I'm a sucker for single dad, so I was excited to read this.
It's started with a good vibe which is good, but then everything went downhill.
From the brat kid to go down on memory lane that got me want to slap all the characters, and those frustrating moments that got me questioning why they did what they did.
This book has plenty hotness and drama though, although it's not my fav I still enjoyed it.

As for characters, Alex and Jenny are sweet couple, I wished there's more about their feelings towards each other, I don't feel their love, it's like they're so hung up with the past.

If you love single dad romance, you might like this one.

*I voluntarily received a review copy of this book

[Puna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have gotten a better rating if it wasn’t for Jennie, the h. She slept with a drug dealer who was the rich bully of the town. Supposedly she was 30 but acted like a freshman girl who was sneaking out with the bad boy senior.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEA Agent Alex is forced into a nice long vacation due to getting shot. It was like he has a death wish. So his boss made him take vacation. So Alex takes his daughter and decides to go back to his hometown Kent and stay with his father.

But once back in Kent he starts to notice that Kent has changed a lot and not all the changes are good. When an old high school acquaintance shows up looking for his dad, he senses trouble. The DEA in him tells him that to look into things.

Jenni is dating the wrong guy. Garth. Her father disapproves. But when Alex comes back to town, she starts rethinking her relationship. When Alex gets in a fight with the wrong guy, things take a turn for the worst. Can Alex and Jenni make it out alive? Or will Garth kill them all?

This book was pretty good. It flowed smoothly up until the end. Then it seemed to rush through the rest. I felt that the ending could have had a lot more action and depth to it. But overall it was a great book. The characters were interesting and entertaining. The plot of the story was built up nicely but did rush to the finish line.

I enjoyed the story and it's characters. I loved the concept of the storyline. I am sure you will too. So if you are looking for a hot little number for a quick read then this book is for you.

*ARC provided by Bella Winters

[Yohana Tellez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracias al grupo editorial romance por cederme el libro ejemplar, esta historia me gustó, está llena de acción y amor, conocemos a Alex un agente de la Dea que vuelve con su hija a su pueblo a pasar vacaciones con su padre, pero hay volverá a reencontrarse con Jenni y no podrán ocultar la química que sienten, además Alex se verá atrapado en resolver varios problemas del pueblo que dado su cargo no puede dejar pasar.

Brújula de Libros

[Adriana Ruiz Colon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libro cedido por grupo Romance Editorial.
Esta es una historia del genero romance erótico un genero muy común en la actualidad donde cuenta la historia de Alex y Jenni.

Alex es un hombre con una vida muy difícil gracias a su trabajo donde tiene que lidiar con muchos peligros, no le importa arriesgas su vida para cumplir con sus objetivos, mas bien pienso que quiere mantener su mente muy ocupada para no lidiar con la realidad donde es un padre soltero que le toca criar a su hija que ya se encuentra en la pubertad y tiene su mismo carácter fuerte y testaruda.

Jenni es una chica muy sencilla e inocente que se ha convertido en una belleza de mujer trata en ocaciones de ser muy fuerte pero se deja manipular muy fácilmente por un hombre que es una piedra en el camino para cualquier persona solo la utiliza a su conveniencia.

Esta historia la escritora a logrado plasmar ciertas situaciones o condiciones de avaricia, codicia y poder entre varios personajes que solo buscan tener mas supremacía e influencia sin importar como lo logren a partir de esto la historia se va desarrollando mas entretenida con mas fuerza y forma donde despierta todos los sentidos de Alex por saber que esta sucediendo en su querido pueblo ya que se siente y se observa un ambiente totalmente diferente al que el recuerda, ahora su pueblo se a convertido en un engaño donde personas muy malas y peligrosas se quieren aprovechar de el para llenarlo de drogas, inseguridad,abusos y secretos y mas, la escritora con todo esta situación logra transmitir, muchos sentimientos como el momento que Alex ya tiene todo perdido por la impotencia, la influencia de ciertas personas incompetentes que solo quieren sacar una buena tajada por decirlo así de todo lo que esta sucediendo a parece una nueva esperanza para su pueblo ya que el no se dará por vencido hasta hacer que todas esas personas salgan de su pueblo y vuelva la tranquilidad y la paz logrando todo gracias a su incondicional amistad y también surgiendo en todo esto un amor que crece con el paso de los días logrando que se descubran muchos secretos y misterios que hacen que la historia muy ligera de leer.

Esta historia me gusto muchísimo esta narrada desde el punto de vista de los dos personajes lo cual te da mucha información y sabes los pensares de cada uno sin ser repetitivo, cada persona va teniendo una muy buena evolución a lo largo de la historia como lo es Alex y Jenni ambos se complementan para ser mejores personas y cambiar sus viejos hábitos por otro lado tenemos a Kelly la hija de Alex es una niña que se hace querer mucho ya la irán conociendo a lo largo de la historia también otro personaje secundario que no soportaras sera Garth y sus amigos que solo son un fastidio y sin olvidarnos del abuelo Samuel ame a ese señor todos ellos hacen que la historia sea super entretenida con sus ocurrencias, ambiciones y entre otras cosas mas que se van desarrollando.

Super recomiendo la historia.

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

bella Winters has given us a real treat with this love story that is so good that it is one that I will want to read again. Alex is a DEA Agent and he's been shot in the line of duty. This makes him sit up and evaluate his life. He is a widower since his wife died of cancer some years ago leaving him with Kelly, their only child, to bring up. Kelly is now 12 years old and he knows that his ;life cannot carry on as before because he has to think of her. So the two of them head back to Connecticut where he grew up to stay with his dad. Whilst out and about he meets Jenni whom he used to babysit as a youngster. She used to be a gawky little girl but she's all grown up in the most delightful way. In fact, she iis stunning with curves in all the right places and a rare natural beauty. When they meet it is surprising that no one sees the passion leaping between them as it's like nothing she has ever felt before and one that he never thought he's feel again since his wife died. As they spend more time in each other's company the passion builds until they 'give in' to it and then - well get your fans at the ready for STEAM HEAT! There are times that I laughed out loud and others when I needed a hankie but it is all well wrapped up in a fantastic storyline with some surprises. You'll see how much like her Dad is Kelly and what Alex will do to protect his dad and the two women in his life. Can he protect them all and get the bad guys locked up in time? With witty dialogue, terrific characters like Alex's Dad and Jenni's dad who thinks she has poor taste in men at the age of 30 years old. To find out you need to get this book whilst it has superb bonus materials in it and enjoy!! I certainly enjoyed reading this book very much and am looking forward to Bella's next romantic adventure! I got this book via KU..
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED

[Rachel Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I think it balanced the romance, action and mystery well enough. ‘Passion’ is a deliciously fun & naughty book. The characters are well developed and the story is well written.

Alex is a DEA agent and a widower raising his daughter Kelly on his own who has recently been shot on duty. He's put on a forced vacation post-hospital stay and he decides to take Kelly and himself up to visit his dad the very cool Samuel, in his small hometown in Connecticut.
While regrouping he is reacquainted with Jenni, the girl who never left town he used to babysit.

Jenni is the manager of her father's diner, at least by day. At night, she's a ghostwriter of erotica. She had only just moved out of home even though she’s 30 and worst she's in an on again, off again involvement with the local bad boy, Garth. When Alex and Kelly come into town and shake things up. Sparks are flying between Alex and Jenni instantaneously.

Unlike other reviewers, I particularly enjoyed the 12-year-old daughter Kelly and her mannerisms and phone obsession. As a Mum of 4 kids at that age or close to it, I know it well and felt it was very realistic. (Even if others found her precocious)... I think she added significantly to the book's storyline.

The fact that the once sleepy town is not so sleepy & quiet anymore is not lost on Alex. It's bringing in bad blood that nobody wants. Alex can’t help his DEA instincts so he is in the thick of it in no time.

The ending happened quickly, but overall the flow and pace were good. You'll be swiping the pages as I was to find out what happens next, for both Alex and Jenni, as well as the troubles in the town. It’s a good read that has a whole lot more than passion...
I am a verified purchaser in Louisiana

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is a DEA agent and a single father. He was injured during an assignment and decided to take his daughter to visit his father while he was recovering. When he got into his hometown he couldn't help but notice a lot of changes and wondered what was going on while he was away. When Alex, his father and his daughter were out one night the come across Jennie broken down and offer her help and to go have dinner with them. Jennie has been messing around with Garth a known bad element in town but when she sees Alex again it gives her the nudge she needs to end things with Garth. Alex has seen some of the drug activity going on in town and can't believe the sheriff isn't doing anything. Alex is attracted to Jennie and his surprised when even his daughter likes her. Things heat up between them and he thinks he just might have found someone to have in his life since his wife had died. When one the men involved in the drugs beats up on his father Alex steps in to try and take care of the problem. Alex gets a surprise when he discovers that Jennie was involved with Garth and he doesn't think he can trust her. However with everyone in town afraid it falls on him to deal with the bad people. Can Alex take care of the bad guys and get his woman?

This was a great story with amazing characters. The chemistry between Alex and Jennie sizzles with each scene.If you haven't read anything by this author then I recommend you grab this book you definitely won't regret the purchase. This is a must read in my opinion.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Shelly Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story,,,

This story is about Alex Logan, a DEA agent and widowed, single parent to 12 year old Kelly, who, like typical teenagers, can't think that dad knows best,,, Alex and his partner in the DEA, Raul were out on a stake out, saw what was going down, didn't call for back-up as there is a mole somewhere,,, it went down very bad and Alex was shot 4 times,,,, puttering around the house was irritating him and he was kicked out of the precinct until further notice, so, he went back home, to his roots, and his father, Samuel,,,,,and Kelly was anxious to see her grandpa,,,,,

Jenni Beale was the daughter of Hank, whom owned a diner and she was helping run the diner and she was in this "relationship" with a guy named Garth,,, it was what it was, neither of them was really into it,,, Jenni knows Sam Logan as one of her regular customers, as well as her father's long time friend, and Alex babysat her once upon a time,,,, and knowing Alex was coming into town, made her remember him, but when she saw him again,,, wow,,,, and someone who Kelly actually wanted to be around,,, this was a big plus,,,

Ok,,, I gave you a little bit of the story,,,, I'd advice you go out and grab this book,,, it's a good read, and the story pulls you in and doesn't let go,,, there is action, adventure, laws being broken, and of course,,,, some very steamy sections,,,

I got this book to do a volunteer review,,,,,

[Becky Dodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

After getting shot at work, Alex is a DEA agent, Alex is forced to take time off to recover. He decides to drive up to Connecticut with his 12 yr old daughter Kelly for a visit with his father. It's a long drive from Miami and he and Kelly are getting on each other's nerves! When he arrives to his hometown he begins to see that the town has changed and not for the better. Guys from school are still as shady as ever but now they're dealing in illegal stuff and dragging people he cares about into it. Jenni is pleasantly surprised by how hot Alex has gotten since she last saw him years ago when he babysat her. Alex and Jenni feel a zing of electricity whenever they're around each other but Alex isn't planning on staying in town long and Jenni is mixed up with one of the shady guys in town. When threats are made towards his father, Alex goes into cop mode and does some digging and he isn't happy with what he finds! With Jenni, Kelly and his dad's lives in jeopardy, will Alex be able to protect them all? When he learns Jenni's secrets, will he forgive the woman he's grown to love or turn his back on her for her betrayal? I liked this book, steamy hotness, suspense and drama!

[R.K. Tejaswi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Logan, DEA agent, single father for a 12 years old daughter, he takes a work break after getting 4 bullets in his body and forced by his higher officials to take some time to heal, so he leaves for Connecticut, to his hometown. Jenni Wright, an erotica ghostwriter who helps her dad in his diner and has a boyfriend, Garth Liston, who running illegal business with Heath Collins. When Jenni's car gets repaired on the road and Logans give her a lift till garage and offer for a dinner with them, she feels sexually attracted towards Alex and gets reminded of her childhood crush on him. Same while, for Alex it is been only his job and daughter for 10years after his wife's died by cancer, he feels sexually attracted to Jenni, too, and get reminded of the days he used to babysit her. When Alex makes himself against the illegal business of Grath and co, he have to do everything to save his father, daughter and Jenni to find his happily ever after. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of Passion by Bella Winters, I enjoyed the book it is a complete action packed steamy romance

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

He never expected her to be all grown up in all the right places

Passion is a story about all sorts of different passions, including the sensual and sexual kind of course. Alex is a DEA agent who is a single father to one daughter, Kelly. When Ales is shot during an operation they go back home to visit his father he crosses paths with Jenni. She is a young woman that as a child he babysat. But now she is all grown up and beautiful. However she has a thing for the bad boy as evidenced with her relationship with Garth. This bad boy is up to more than just a little no good and it is going to take one OTT, possessive, protective and passionate Alpha to save Jenni from herself. Along the way she falls for him, as he really is the perfect blend of good boy with a bad boys body and attitude. Alex sees Jenni differently now that she is all grown up and before you know it he falls for her in a big way. Then add in the quirky, feisty and funny Kelly into the mix and it is a real fun read.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Kristy Dean-Veen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this book in another book by the Author. The story was well written with a lot of details. I like the authors writing style and would read other books by her.
Overview. Alex and his daughter Kelly were heading to Kent Connecticut his home town when he was a kid. Alex was hurt on the job as a DEA officer. When he gets to town he noticed how much is changing and not all was good. He meets up with Jenni. Jenni was a few years younger than Alex but they knew each other. Alex and Kelly liked Jenni right away and she was one of Sams favorite kids (Sam is Alex’s dad). They go on a date only to be interrupted by some now shady people (Garth and Heath grew up with Alex). Alex finds out the town is trying to buy his land and deal drugs and more. The DEA in Alex has him pulling string to stop the town from going bad. But how will he balance his new life and his old life. Will he and Jenni become more.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Alex and Jenny. Two people who knew each other in the past but now due to circumstances have been brought back together again. Alex wonders if he can not only protect the women in his life but also if he can keep Jenny for all time or will it all blow up in his face before he gets that chance? Jenny wonders will they man she knew in the past actually can become the man of her future or will she loose her chance before she even gets one?

This is an amazing story that will have you hooked from the first word to he very end. There are so many things I want to tell you about this book but don't want to ruin it for any other readers. I will say I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the awesome story of Alex and Jenni and how it all began. Alex is still having a tough time after the death of his wife unfortunately he doesn't have time to grieve with having a 3 year old daughter to raise by himself. Fast forward 10 years Alex is a DEA Agent on leave after being severely hurt on the job and decides to go back to his home town where his dad ( Samuel ) still lives. When Jenni's car breaks down in the middle of the road it's Samuel and Alex who come along and help her get her car to the garage. Here is where things start heating up there is definitely a steamy chemistry between Alex and Jenni so I will leave you now and hope you will purchase this riveting book you won't want to miss out on.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories with strong women, but being tough does not mean going blindly into situations that you can't win. That just makes the woman stupid. Jenni knows Garth is involved in something illegal, but justifies being with him as hot sex with a bad boy. She sees the relationship differently when she meets Alex. He is the perfect blend of OTT, alpha cop and a dad that makes mistakes, but is doing his best. I loved Alex's crazy, snarky family and Kelly is definitely my kind of kid. The suspense and build up was good, but Jenni had too many smh moments in the beginning for me to appreciate her character.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily received and read an ARC copy for review. Overall, this was a quick read that contained a sweet story essentially about finding love and inner peace. I loved the prologue to this book and the way it starts this story. Not your typical romance lead in. I thought the main characters Alex and Jenni were a tad cliche but nonetheless they did have chemistry. More detail about their feelings for each other could have made the story flow a little better. However, I adored Alex's realistic and relatable relationship with his daughter. Would recommend for anyone who enjoys suspenseful romances with HEA's.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is a single father to a daughter since his wife died from cancer years ago. He is also a DEA agent and gets shot four times on an assignment. He takes his daughter and goes to his hometown where his father is to heal from his wounds. He runs into Jenni, a girl he use to babysit but she’s all grown up now and has she changed. He hasn’t felt any attraction to anyone since his wife died but now he does to Jenni. The more he sees her the more he feels, but what does she think since he’s older? They have to figure out what’s going on and there are a few problems to overcome before the ending. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Shaz Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bysharon hurst.on December 26, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Jennifer works In a diner in her hometown her father is a good friend of one Samuel Logan. He's not very keen on her choices in men she has made over the years. Alex Logan is a DEA who is now a single father after his wife passed away to cancer. He is shot while on duty, and then forced to take time off to recover. He decides to go to his dad's and take his daughter to see her grandfather who is Samuel Logan. He sees Jennifer. Wow what a book, romantic, sexy, oh and I had tears. Loved it

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex a DEA agent returns to his small home town for the rest of his recovery with his 12 year old daughter Kelly to stay with his father where there is danger lurking in every corner and he is going to get to the bottom of it after meeting Jenni a girl he used to babysit catches his full attention.This was full of loads of action with lots of laughs and heartache with steamy moments.I loved all the characters exspecially 12 year old Kelly who was a sassy thing and such a strong little girl and this book cannot be put down once started highly recommend.I voluntarily read a readers copy if this book

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun small town romance, with big city excitement... single dad and DEA agent Alex Logan heads back to small town Connecticut after being shot in a drugs raid. Jenni is still a small town girl managing her dad’s dinner, but ends up caught up in the troubles between her on/off almost boyfriend Garth and Alex... as all is not as quiet and simple as it used to be in this small town.
An interesting read, with plenty of intrigue, and could have made for a really great longer novel... but it isn’t really a complaint to say I wish there was more to read of this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Mel Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella Winters has written a a great story that I can se myself reading again and again, the romance story of Alex and Jenni.
Alex is a DEA agent who gets shot in the line of duty, who goes home to Kent to recover with his twelve year old daughter Kelly. While there he bumps into Jenni who he used to babysit for many years ago. But what shocks Alex most is how much has changed in his home town, things are not being run right and there are drugs being dealt so the DEA agent in Alex won’t turn a blind eye to it and that scares Jenni. When things take a turn for the worse can Alex help make the town what it used to be and can he keep Jenni by his side cause she seems to settle him.

[Sharon Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passion: A Single Dad Small Town... By Bella Winters 5 Stars

Exciting, grabs your attention from the get go and keeps you engrossed

Alex's character, the DEA agent/single father, is someone who surprizes you, melts your heart and makes one feel safe yet you would think he's on a suicide mission. Sigh.
He's 100% alpha male too when it comes to protecting his child and his own heart.

Jenni's character changes as the story goes on, but inside she truly a good person, even if she starts out with the wrong people.

Great Read and So Much More.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book by it's author.
Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog

[Meghann Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passion is the perfect name for this latest book from Bella Winters. Alex is passionate about his daughter, the law and soon about Jenni. These two are combustible together and the danger and mystery surrounding their small town makes this a must read! I could not put this one down, fabulous book! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Hero, Alex = 5/5
Heroine, Jenni = 5/5
Chemistry = 5/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 4/5
Mystery = 3/5
Action =  3/5
Darkness = 2/5
Humor = 2/5
POV = dual
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this author = yes

[Ronel Olver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story line was good but a bit predictable - DEA agent moves to small town, uncovers a criminal events and dug dealers. Lots of suspense and action. The characters were good, the only one I liked was Samuel and Alex. I found Kelly a bit rude and bratty and Jenny needs to mature herself. I did not feel the connection between Alex and Jenny. To be honest I thought a for a DEA agent Alex was a terrible father, who would let the girlfriend of a drug dealer near their kid, especially since Jenny knew what Garth did for a living.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margarette Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good storyline, lots of action and the love scenes are steamy

This is Jenni, and Alex's hard fought love story, Alex is a Drug Enforcement Agent that takes to many chances because he lost his first love to Cancer ten years ago, after being shot during a drug bust his supervisor forces him into taking a leave of absence to recover and his partner reminds him he has a daughter still in need of a parent, so he goes home, and gets reacquainted with Jenni, and finds out his town is not what it used to be, there are drugs being sold on the streets, and the Sheriff is not doing anything about them so Alex takes on the dealer and pushers to clean up the town.