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Imogen Blair’s best friends are both engaged, and their joy makes her realise what’s missing from her own life. Or rather, who. With her future happiness at stake, Imogen comes up with a plan to land the guy of her dreams, pastry chef Jean-Luc Fortier. But you know what they say about the course of true love? It never runs smooth.
With Malachi Banks—special-ops commando turned reluctant sidekick—strong-armed into helping her, Imogen’s determined to win her man. But will the prize be worth it?
Lead is a standalone romantic thriller novel in the Blackwood Elements series - no cliffhanger!
With Malachi Banks—special-ops commando turned reluctant sidekick—strong-armed into helping her, Imogen’s determined to win her man. But will the prize be worth it?
Lead is a standalone romantic thriller novel in the Blackwood Elements series - no cliffhanger!
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2019
43 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Elise Noble
90 books735 followersElise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.
Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.
You can get find her current freebies HERE.
Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.
You can get find her current freebies HERE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 1, 2019
It is a bit shorter than other novels by Elise, but short is sweet! Now I cannot wait for Storm’s and Sin’s stories 😂
April 7, 2019
Lead is a sweet, funny and entertaining novel. In addition to the wonderful protagonists, the plot is filled with plenty of interesting and vivid characters that enrich the story, making every page of the narration a pleasant surprise.
The book is centered on Imogen’s and Malachi’s story. Both of them are resilient, smart and generous individuals. Their personas are so vividly depicted that the reader cannot avoid sympathizing with their thoughts and struggles. Their banter and interactions are mostly spirited and witty, interspersed with intense, emotional episodes.
Many other interesting characters can be found within the cast: Malachi’s handicapped friend, his crazy ex-girlfriend, Imogen’s disastrous dates, and even a surprisingly sweet and caring sexy actress.
Needless to say, many members of the Blackwood Security entourage play a role in the story, with Emmy and Black in the lead. Pale, the third member of Black’s and Nate’s former CIA Team, plays a key role in the story, and a new, highly skilled and lethal, all-female group is introduced.
Overall, Lead is a page-turning and very entertaining novel, which captivates and intrigues the reader with lively characters and witty dialogues leaving them longing to hear about new adventures and wondering what the old and new characters will be up to next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own.
The book is centered on Imogen’s and Malachi’s story. Both of them are resilient, smart and generous individuals. Their personas are so vividly depicted that the reader cannot avoid sympathizing with their thoughts and struggles. Their banter and interactions are mostly spirited and witty, interspersed with intense, emotional episodes.
Many other interesting characters can be found within the cast: Malachi’s handicapped friend, his crazy ex-girlfriend, Imogen’s disastrous dates, and even a surprisingly sweet and caring sexy actress.
Needless to say, many members of the Blackwood Security entourage play a role in the story, with Emmy and Black in the lead. Pale, the third member of Black’s and Nate’s former CIA Team, plays a key role in the story, and a new, highly skilled and lethal, all-female group is introduced.
Overall, Lead is a page-turning and very entertaining novel, which captivates and intrigues the reader with lively characters and witty dialogues leaving them longing to hear about new adventures and wondering what the old and new characters will be up to next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own.
April 5, 2019
Lead is the latest Blackwood Elements book but it can also be read as a stand-alone. All Imogen wants is her HEA with pastry chef Jean-Luc but in order for that to happen she has to get out of the 'friend zone'. Finding a fake boyfriend seems the perfect solution but that is easier said than done until she meets Malachi again. This book has everything you would expect from an Elise Noble book .. a fabulous, well written story, some of the favourite characters from previous Blackwood books, unexpected action and drama, some laugh out loud moments and a HEA. I loved this book and definitely recommend it.
May 27, 2020
Straight to the heart
Lead can be many things. A weight dragging you down or a solid anchor in a storm or an impenetrable protector. This novel in the Blackwood Elements series includes all of the above going through the past and present with Imogen and Malachi. A series of bad luck with dates leads Malachi to pretend to be her boyfriend and Imogen to be his pretend girlfriend. As in all the Blackwood books, nothing is ever simple and straightforward, so there is action, drama, adventure, humour and of course romance. I stayed up all night reading as I couldn't put it down. Fast-paced, never boring, happy, sad, funny, dark, adventurous, great characters - Lead has it all.
Highly recommended.
Lead can be many things. A weight dragging you down or a solid anchor in a storm or an impenetrable protector. This novel in the Blackwood Elements series includes all of the above going through the past and present with Imogen and Malachi. A series of bad luck with dates leads Malachi to pretend to be her boyfriend and Imogen to be his pretend girlfriend. As in all the Blackwood books, nothing is ever simple and straightforward, so there is action, drama, adventure, humour and of course romance. I stayed up all night reading as I couldn't put it down. Fast-paced, never boring, happy, sad, funny, dark, adventurous, great characters - Lead has it all.
Highly recommended.
September 30, 2019
Lead is packed with humour, friendship and really awkward dates as Imogen dreams of her perfect man - her boss, Jean Luc. After some truly disastrous dates, Emmy's friend Sofia arranges for Imogen to help Malachi from Blackwood Security, in return for Malachi helping make Imogen's dream man jealous. The subsequent snarky humour, mishaps, adventures, rescue and friendship see Imogen overcome her painful and difficult past, while growing in confidence. Plenty of the Blackwood family show up during the story, including Emmy and Black, and it's a great read.
April 1, 2019
Awesome
💚💚☘️☘️The First word I could not put down the book Even read it when my Hockey game was on and they needed to win this game to keep them in playoff contention. Elise thank you for your writing , the book keeps you on your seat Loved it Please keep writing and can’t wait for the next book📚📚😍😍
💚💚☘️☘️The First word I could not put down the book Even read it when my Hockey game was on and they needed to win this game to keep them in playoff contention. Elise thank you for your writing , the book keeps you on your seat Loved it Please keep writing and can’t wait for the next book📚📚😍😍
March 27, 2022
Another amazing book
What can I say, brilliant book great plot and there are so many laugh out loud lines from Imogen. The added bonus of Emmy and the gang. The books although individual all have the connections back to Blackwood.
I would recommend reading them in order and prepare yourself it’s a great journey
1 click now you will not be disappointed
What can I say, brilliant book great plot and there are so many laugh out loud lines from Imogen. The added bonus of Emmy and the gang. The books although individual all have the connections back to Blackwood.
I would recommend reading them in order and prepare yourself it’s a great journey
1 click now you will not be disappointed
June 20, 2022
Imogen's story is so cute
No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers although there is a kidnap and a bit of groping
As ever the characterisation is spot on, the plotline is engaging and the reading experience is superb.
There are a couple of sex scenes very lightly written, there is some swearing.
I have no problem recommending the book to fans of the genre
No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers although there is a kidnap and a bit of groping
As ever the characterisation is spot on, the plotline is engaging and the reading experience is superb.
There are a couple of sex scenes very lightly written, there is some swearing.
I have no problem recommending the book to fans of the genre
May 1, 2019
A sweet but very entertaining story by Elise ... A slightly different taste from what the author usually writes...but nothing less than an amazing read...quite an eventful story of love, action and friendship...
April 1, 2019
Amazing!
Elise does not disappoint. Imogene story is one of my favorites and I am looking forward to the next book!
Elise does not disappoint. Imogene story is one of my favorites and I am looking forward to the next book!
April 4, 2019
This is another great story.
I like that storm came back. Imogen is such a character.
It's very difficult to put down the book.
I would recommend this book.
I like that storm came back. Imogen is such a character.
It's very difficult to put down the book.
I would recommend this book.
April 26, 2019
Lead
A great story that made you feel yourself the fear, anxiety, and happiness thru out the book. Was a book you start and dont stop till the end.
A great story that made you feel yourself the fear, anxiety, and happiness thru out the book. Was a book you start and dont stop till the end.
August 20, 2019
Good
This is the sixth book in the series. There were so many parts that I wanted to shake Imogen and say....enough with the pastry chef, look who's standing in front of you.
This is the sixth book in the series. There were so many parts that I wanted to shake Imogen and say....enough with the pastry chef, look who's standing in front of you.
November 8, 2024
WOW!!
Absolutely amazing!! Life is full of choices, sometimes we make the wrong one but we always have the opportunity to change that. Finding the right family and friends helps…
Absolutely amazing!! Life is full of choices, sometimes we make the wrong one but we always have the opportunity to change that. Finding the right family and friends helps…
June 18, 2025
we don’t choose who we love!!
Great story !! Nice twists ! Happy to see such a good girl end up with what she deserves !
Great story !! Nice twists ! Happy to see such a good girl end up with what she deserves !
March 26, 2019
With each book we get in this series, either within the Blackwood team or the Elements, I’m always highly eager to read it. We met Imogen previously and hoped she’d get her own story. What we didn’t know was just how heartbreaking it would be. My heart literally hurt for her as she was recounting it to Malachi. As usual Ms Noble weaves an amazing tale which is set in the world of Blackwood. Albeit on the perimeter of their world. It’s nonetheless enthralling and compelling. My heart was in my mouth throughout some of the story and I couldn’t put it down. Mal’s story wasn’t easy either so it helped them both to know they could overcome their pasts and survive together. Great book. I literally cannot wait for the next book.
March 27, 2019
Lead (Blackwood Elements # 6) by Elise Noble.
Another lovely romance suspense story, this time it is Imogen and Malachi who are centre stage. Other characters from previous Blackwood stories make an appearance. This is a standalone book, but this reader would suggest you read the first 3 books in the Blackwood Security series, to get the most out of the comments that are made in the few chapters that Emmy turns up in. I had an enjoyable time reading this book and as always I look forward to reading the next book by Elise Noble.
Disclaimer "I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"
Another lovely romance suspense story, this time it is Imogen and Malachi who are centre stage. Other characters from previous Blackwood stories make an appearance. This is a standalone book, but this reader would suggest you read the first 3 books in the Blackwood Security series, to get the most out of the comments that are made in the few chapters that Emmy turns up in. I had an enjoyable time reading this book and as always I look forward to reading the next book by Elise Noble.
Disclaimer "I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"
April 6, 2019
I really enjoyed Imogen's story. She's totally into Jean-Luc but he doesn't see more in her than a friend. She wants to change that and searches for a date to join her at Jean-Luc's competition. Needless to say she's not very lucky.. in fact she gets everything from terrible dates to horrible ones. Her luck seems to change when she should accompany Malachi to a wedding in exchange for being her date. Little did she know what awaits her there... and Emmy simply rocks, especially with her non-ecisting drawing skills, lol.
Thanks for understanding that I needed more time to review this time ♡
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks for understanding that I needed more time to review this time ♡
I received an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
April 1, 2019
I walked into this book without having read the synopsis. I wanted to not know anything about the storyline beforehand, which I think made it all the more enjoyable. The characters were great, the plot twists were fabulous and I think this book builds onto Blackwood Security’s world beautifully. The themes in this book compared to Elise’s other books is quite a lot more emotional, which helped to emphasize the character arcs and the overall growth of the book. I loved this book, and will probably read it over and over!
April 2, 2019
After I finished reading Lead, I thought: Wow! That was a fun read. However, Lead is more than that. Elise creates characters through the use of humorous experiences, but she always develops them into real people. The characters are never one dimensional. In Lead, Imogen and Malachi’s pasts, pain, fears and desires allows Elise to tell a story of love and friendship.
Never disappointing the reader, Elise takes us on a ride with Imogen, Steph, Emmy, Malachi and other friends from Blackwood Security. It is worth the trip!
"I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"
Never disappointing the reader, Elise takes us on a ride with Imogen, Steph, Emmy, Malachi and other friends from Blackwood Security. It is worth the trip!
"I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"
March 26, 2019
You never know what is hidden behind someone's smile. Imogen was always the happy smiling one. But what dark secrets was she hiding with that smile? Which guy was the one to chase away the darkness and help her to truly smile?? Jean-Luc the chef or Malachi the hottie who was her pretend boyfriend??
As always Elise draws you into her stories you laugh, you cry and you feel their pain. Action and adventure with e the fine men of Blackwood Security.
As always Elise draws you into her stories you laugh, you cry and you feel their pain. Action and adventure with e the fine men of Blackwood Security.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2019
I have been excited to get Imogen’s story. I had a feeling she was more than meets the eye. Her story was wonderfully written as Elise’s others. And her man! Swoon!
I just can’t get enough of the men and women from Blackwood!
Merged review:
I have been excited to get Imogen’s story. I had a feeling she was more than meets the eye. Her story was wonderfully written as Elise’s others. And her man! Swoon!
I just can’t get enough of the men and women from Blackwood!
I just can’t get enough of the men and women from Blackwood!
Merged review:
I have been excited to get Imogen’s story. I had a feeling she was more than meets the eye. Her story was wonderfully written as Elise’s others. And her man! Swoon!
I just can’t get enough of the men and women from Blackwood!
March 29, 2019
Blackwood Security series definitely has my attention! Elise has continued to incorporate previous characters into Lead which deepens the story but you can read it by itself. Towards the end I wasn't sure Kyle was going to be taken care of, but kind of felt like it was an after thought. This was still a great read.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy free for my review.
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy free for my review.
March 28, 2019
This book is amazing!! I love the way all the characters just mesh and of course Emmy made an appearance which make gives this great book just a little something more. Imogene is kind,caring, beautiful and broken. Malachi is the man to put her back together.
March 30, 2019
When you think you'v read one of ELise Noble best work yet, she hooks you once more with a new story that leaves you wanting for more. Lead is yet another exciting and fun filled story with some of Blackwood characters and full of suspense with Imogen & Malachi love story of second chances.
April 2, 2019
Lead is very interesting you won't regret getting this book !
Elise has done a great job again with this one.
Elise has done a great job again with this one.
April 2, 2019
Lead is the 6th book in the Blackwood Elements Series by Elise Noble. The plot is very nice. This book is worth reading.
Read
April 19, 2019Just love this author you should always read her books
November 19, 2022
Elise Noble never fails to bring great characters and I Intrigue to every book. Imogene’s journey is so well told.
Read
April 2, 2019When Imogen Blair’s friends come up with a plan to land her the man of her dreams, pastry chef Jean-Luc Fortier, special ops commando Malachi Banks gets strong-armed into helping her. But you know what they say about the course of true love? It never runs smooth…
Lead is available to read now:
Amazon
iBooks
Kobo
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Lead is available to read now:
Amazon
iBooks
Kobo
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews