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Fighting Connollys #1
In Kelly's Corner
After a stalker breaks into her home, internet entrepreneur Bee Langston decides Kelly Connolly is the only man who can help her-but seeking help from the former Marine isn't easy, especially after she made a spectacular fool of herself trying to kiss the sinfully sexy bodyguard. When Kelly spots Bee weaving her way through the Houston nightspot where he's working security, all those feelings he's desperately tried to deny for his best friend's sister come flooding to the surface. He'll do anything to keep her safe, even if it means getting up close and personal with the one woman he simply can't have. Soon, Bee's stalker isn't his only problem. His gambling addict father is tangled in a mess of debts to two of Houston's toughest loan sharks. With the family gym on the line, there's only one way for Kelly to make everything right. He agrees to fight for the Albanian mob in an underground bare-knuckle fighting tournament. But winning the tournament and saving his family's legacy comes at a high price-one that just might cost Bee her life.
276 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2013
443 people are currently reading
3619 people want to read
About the author
Roxie Rivera
71 books2,804 followersWhen I’m not chasing after my wild preschooler, I like to write super sexy romances and scorching hot erotica. I live in Texas with a husband who could easily snag a job as an extra on History Channel’s new Viking series, a sweet but rowdy three-year-old with Tetralogy of Fallot, and Bosley, our Great Dane with major mommy issues.
I also have another dirty-book writing alter ego, Lolita Lopez, who writes deliciously steamy tales for Ellora’s Cave, Forever Yours/Grand Central, Mischief/Harper Collins UK, Siren Publishing and Cleis Press.
I also have another dirty-book writing alter ego, Lolita Lopez, who writes deliciously steamy tales for Ellora’s Cave, Forever Yours/Grand Central, Mischief/Harper Collins UK, Siren Publishing and Cleis Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
March 8, 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author and it was "okay", but nothing spectacular for me. I listened to the Audible version and some of the voices the narrator made for other characters were really bad. It's possible that I might have liked this one more if I had read the Kindle version instead of listening to the audiobook, but no guarantee.
Bee has been in love with Kelly for years. The best friend of her older brother, Kelly was always off-limits, but that didn't stop her from fantasizing about him. When she finally gets the nerve to kiss him one New Year's Eve, it is awkward and creates a rift between the two.
When Bee finds herself the object of a stalker's obsession, she reaches out to Kelly. He's the only person she trusts to keep her safe. Despite everything, she still knows she can count on him.
Kelly has spent years feeling guilty for his attraction to his best friend's kid sister. That guilt has only grown since his best friend's death. Kelly made a promise to look out for Bee and keep her safe. He can only imagine the betrayal his friend would feel if he knew exactly what he wanted to do to his sexy little sister.
Out of the Marine Corps and now working as a security consultant, Kelly drops everything to protect Bee when she approaches him with her situation. He'd do anything to keep her safe. Using every resource at his disposal, he arranges for Bee to have top-notch security around the clock.
In no time, Kelly decides that he's spent enough time denying what he wants. He is ready to act on his attraction to Bee and make her his for good. Soon, the two are getting up close and personal.
Meanwhile, Kelly is faced with a threat to his own safety. His father's gambling problem has jeopardized everything that Kelly and his brothers have worked for. He'll have to fight in the illegal cage fights in order to pay off his father's loan sharks. It's a no-win situation for Kelly and he only hopes he will make it out alive.
The language was a little flowery and over the top for me, especially during the sex scenes. I literally laughed out loud at some parts. Having the story narrated only seemed to magnify the ridiculousness.
Overall, it was an alright read. I've read better and I've read far worse. It isn't one that will make a lasting impression on me. It is an okay choice when you're looking for an easy read that isn't too emotionally taxing.
Bee has been in love with Kelly for years. The best friend of her older brother, Kelly was always off-limits, but that didn't stop her from fantasizing about him. When she finally gets the nerve to kiss him one New Year's Eve, it is awkward and creates a rift between the two.
When Bee finds herself the object of a stalker's obsession, she reaches out to Kelly. He's the only person she trusts to keep her safe. Despite everything, she still knows she can count on him.
Kelly has spent years feeling guilty for his attraction to his best friend's kid sister. That guilt has only grown since his best friend's death. Kelly made a promise to look out for Bee and keep her safe. He can only imagine the betrayal his friend would feel if he knew exactly what he wanted to do to his sexy little sister.
Out of the Marine Corps and now working as a security consultant, Kelly drops everything to protect Bee when she approaches him with her situation. He'd do anything to keep her safe. Using every resource at his disposal, he arranges for Bee to have top-notch security around the clock.
In no time, Kelly decides that he's spent enough time denying what he wants. He is ready to act on his attraction to Bee and make her his for good. Soon, the two are getting up close and personal.
Meanwhile, Kelly is faced with a threat to his own safety. His father's gambling problem has jeopardized everything that Kelly and his brothers have worked for. He'll have to fight in the illegal cage fights in order to pay off his father's loan sharks. It's a no-win situation for Kelly and he only hopes he will make it out alive.
The language was a little flowery and over the top for me, especially during the sex scenes. I literally laughed out loud at some parts. Having the story narrated only seemed to magnify the ridiculousness.
Overall, it was an alright read. I've read better and I've read far worse. It isn't one that will make a lasting impression on me. It is an okay choice when you're looking for an easy read that isn't too emotionally taxing.
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December 31, 2022
R A T I N G: 3.5/4 stars to In Kelly's Corner ★ ★ ★ ★
"If there's one thing I know better than anyone on this earth, Kelly, it's that secrets kill beautiful things. Don't let secrets kill the thing you two are trying to build before it's even had a chance to draw a full breath."
Bee Langston, tech wizard and a rising name as a prospering web developer can’t shrug off the stream of paranoia that has been hunting her in recent weeks. Her growing profile and company has made her a target and she’s certain of the irrefutable outcome that she’s being stalked. A young success, but still youthfully tender in a lot of ways, you can see that in the ways Bee struggles in enforcing a certain dominating profile in the business world. And of course, her kind heart doesn’t bode well for the role of aggressor.
Ex-marine and best friend to Bee’s older, Kelly Connolly has since worked for The Lone Star Group as a private investigator. An ill-timed kiss forced a barrier between Kelly and Bee’s old friendship, a barrier that breaks when the seriousness of a threat lands very close by and Kelly sees it as his mission to keep her safe.
In Kelly’s Corner is a high-speed, well-written sports/military/my brother’s best friend romantic suspense - yes, there’s a lot going on and you won’t complain! Various threads feed into this story of romance and suspense. Plot-wise it’s very busy which made this a very interesting read. I was never once bored or waiting for the final page to grace my screen. It was absorbing, page-turning and highly entertaining.
Though In Kelly’s Corner is first in the Fighting Connollys series, it’s one of those books that stands proudly enough as a fully functional standalone despite this series existing in the same universe as Rivera’s Russian Protector series - which I’ve not read, admittedly. If Rivera’s books all read like this one, I’d suitably recommend branching out and trying each one. A great read! 100% worth a read and worth investing in.
I wouldn’t be misled by the front cover because this book isn’t actually about fighting, nor is Kelly a professional fighter. As a part of the faceted plot, it’s an underground event he has to take part in. There are several threads of conflict and suspense that keep this story moving headlong, that keep it alive. The side characters make for some very compelling reading, but be aware that there are a LOT of them so many names are thrown around. With all the various plot conflicts and characters it’s fair to say that a reader might feel limb-pulled in different directions by names and plot points, but personally I loved it because it set a swift, bustling pace.
I love the approach to physical/sexual intimacy in this book. It was affectionate and highlights the main couple’s chemistry perfectly without the over-gratification of voracious gluttony. Not that I mind, but many romance reads have an unforgiving, devil-may-care attitude toward those types of bodily intimacies, to run hot with sexual material, to throw sexual exploits left, right and midpoint and usually it serves as filler, a reason to exploit and to prove how amazing time between the sheets can be can be (Not always reliable or realistic). Sex isn’t used pointlessly as a tool or a crutch in this story and I loved that Bee and Kelly took things at their own pace. It was refreshing.
In terms of objections, the big ones were, firstly, the abrupt closure of the story without a real sense of closure for the couple, including the 8-weeks-later epilgoue. You know the testament of a good story when you don’t want It to end, and I didn’t, but the issue with this one was the neglect of a better ending. The story had the potential to close up effectively by making reference to and exacting a better clean-up job, but it didn’t. Just a bit too rushed. The second one being Kelly’s major error toward the end of the book, because firstly, it felt like an unrealistic effort to separate the couple, secondly Kelly and the other bodyguards protecting Bee are real-life agents and ex-servicemen who have years of combined and acquired skills to piece puzzles and read situations (the least of their skills, considering) yet they readily believed Bee was lying through a bunch of a guesswork without further investigation and without considering her safety. Let’s not forget that Bee and Kelly have a long history and he’s characterised by his protective streak throughout the book so it felt contrived. His manly pride was also a very big obstruction.
But I have to give this ending points for not falling into the baby/marriage resolution cliche. The couple in this book are really sensible in taking their time with each other in their new relationship. I can’t say the same for a lot of romances out there.
Loan sharks, crime bosses, debts, deals, blackmail, bargains and secrets sharpens the fringes of a story that’s bound inherently by probing delicate love. You’ll get a touch of everything with this one.The larger workings of the story such as the threats, drama and action nicely frame the intermittent, intimate connections between Bee and Kelly. Fast-paced with blending ties of a faceted storyline and compellingly characterised connections and relationships.
As far a romantic suspense goes, this is a winner. Readers, I highly recommend!
Trigger Warning: Mentions alcoholism/gambling addictions child abuse. Also mentions a previous battle with cancer. A few descriptive sex scenes, some swearing (Not copious amounts) and attempted rape/assault/harassment.
------------------------------------------
Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @VicariousHearts
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
--------------------------------------
"If there's one thing I know better than anyone on this earth, Kelly, it's that secrets kill beautiful things. Don't let secrets kill the thing you two are trying to build before it's even had a chance to draw a full breath."
Bee Langston, tech wizard and a rising name as a prospering web developer can’t shrug off the stream of paranoia that has been hunting her in recent weeks. Her growing profile and company has made her a target and she’s certain of the irrefutable outcome that she’s being stalked. A young success, but still youthfully tender in a lot of ways, you can see that in the ways Bee struggles in enforcing a certain dominating profile in the business world. And of course, her kind heart doesn’t bode well for the role of aggressor.
Ex-marine and best friend to Bee’s older, Kelly Connolly has since worked for The Lone Star Group as a private investigator. An ill-timed kiss forced a barrier between Kelly and Bee’s old friendship, a barrier that breaks when the seriousness of a threat lands very close by and Kelly sees it as his mission to keep her safe.
In Kelly’s Corner is a high-speed, well-written sports/military/my brother’s best friend romantic suspense - yes, there’s a lot going on and you won’t complain! Various threads feed into this story of romance and suspense. Plot-wise it’s very busy which made this a very interesting read. I was never once bored or waiting for the final page to grace my screen. It was absorbing, page-turning and highly entertaining.
Though In Kelly’s Corner is first in the Fighting Connollys series, it’s one of those books that stands proudly enough as a fully functional standalone despite this series existing in the same universe as Rivera’s Russian Protector series - which I’ve not read, admittedly. If Rivera’s books all read like this one, I’d suitably recommend branching out and trying each one. A great read! 100% worth a read and worth investing in.
I wouldn’t be misled by the front cover because this book isn’t actually about fighting, nor is Kelly a professional fighter. As a part of the faceted plot, it’s an underground event he has to take part in. There are several threads of conflict and suspense that keep this story moving headlong, that keep it alive. The side characters make for some very compelling reading, but be aware that there are a LOT of them so many names are thrown around. With all the various plot conflicts and characters it’s fair to say that a reader might feel limb-pulled in different directions by names and plot points, but personally I loved it because it set a swift, bustling pace.
I love the approach to physical/sexual intimacy in this book. It was affectionate and highlights the main couple’s chemistry perfectly without the over-gratification of voracious gluttony. Not that I mind, but many romance reads have an unforgiving, devil-may-care attitude toward those types of bodily intimacies, to run hot with sexual material, to throw sexual exploits left, right and midpoint and usually it serves as filler, a reason to exploit and to prove how amazing time between the sheets can be can be (Not always reliable or realistic). Sex isn’t used pointlessly as a tool or a crutch in this story and I loved that Bee and Kelly took things at their own pace. It was refreshing.
In terms of objections, the big ones were, firstly, the abrupt closure of the story without a real sense of closure for the couple, including the 8-weeks-later epilgoue. You know the testament of a good story when you don’t want It to end, and I didn’t, but the issue with this one was the neglect of a better ending. The story had the potential to close up effectively by making reference to and exacting a better clean-up job, but it didn’t. Just a bit too rushed. The second one being Kelly’s major error toward the end of the book, because firstly, it felt like an unrealistic effort to separate the couple, secondly Kelly and the other bodyguards protecting Bee are real-life agents and ex-servicemen who have years of combined and acquired skills to piece puzzles and read situations (the least of their skills, considering) yet they readily believed Bee was lying through a bunch of a guesswork without further investigation and without considering her safety. Let’s not forget that Bee and Kelly have a long history and he’s characterised by his protective streak throughout the book so it felt contrived. His manly pride was also a very big obstruction.
But I have to give this ending points for not falling into the baby/marriage resolution cliche. The couple in this book are really sensible in taking their time with each other in their new relationship. I can’t say the same for a lot of romances out there.
Loan sharks, crime bosses, debts, deals, blackmail, bargains and secrets sharpens the fringes of a story that’s bound inherently by probing delicate love. You’ll get a touch of everything with this one.The larger workings of the story such as the threats, drama and action nicely frame the intermittent, intimate connections between Bee and Kelly. Fast-paced with blending ties of a faceted storyline and compellingly characterised connections and relationships.
As far a romantic suspense goes, this is a winner. Readers, I highly recommend!
Trigger Warning: Mentions alcoholism/gambling addictions child abuse. Also mentions a previous battle with cancer. A few descriptive sex scenes, some swearing (Not copious amounts) and attempted rape/assault/harassment.
------------------------------------------
Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @VicariousHearts
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
--------------------------------------
November 9, 2013
Really enjoyed this one. What's not to love...
* Hot cover
* Hot blurb
* Bad ass male
* Fighter
* Good plot
But apart from that I was hooked and enjoyed reading it :)
Looking forward to Jack's story which is released in Dec 2013 so not long now In Jack's Arms
* Hot cover
* Hot blurb
* Bad ass male
* Fighter
* Good plot
The only thing which I didn't like was one incident which happened at about 85% and I was literally wanting to get in the fighting ring and punch Kelly's lights out myself! Grrrrrr! Which I thought was sorted out all too easily which seemed rather false to me.
But apart from that I was hooked and enjoyed reading it :)
Looking forward to Jack's story which is released in Dec 2013 so not long now In Jack's Arms
dnf
May 22, 2019DNF @ 6%
You have a stalker who is calling you and hanging up without saying anything, and leaving you pics of his dick. Do you call the cops? Not if you're Bea. Do you at least get some nanny cams installed in your home, car, office, bike, wherever this stalker has left pics for you so you can catch him on camera, especially since you're supposedly a tech genius with tons of money? Nope! That would be ridiculous!
You have a stalker who broke into your locked home and left you a present. Do you NOW call the cops? Nope! What are they going to do? At least she ran out of there instead of snooping, so she's got at least a smidgeon of sense.
Bro, if a woman has full use of both her legs, is conscious and can understand human speech, you don't pick her up and manhandle her over the security rail. You ask her politely to go backstage and escort her there. But she's your dead best friend's hot little sister who you're denying yourself a relationship with for stupid reasons even though she's into you (probably also for stupid reasons) so why pass up an opportunity to feel her up even though she's there asking for protection from her stalker. I guess this is the part where us woman folk are supposed to swoon and drool all over Kelly's big muscular arms. I rolled my eyes and deleted the book from my Kindle.
These people are dumb.
Add the juvenile writing and the constant info-dumping, and there's nothing here to inspire me to read further.
You have a stalker who is calling you and hanging up without saying anything, and leaving you pics of his dick. Do you call the cops? Not if you're Bea. Do you at least get some nanny cams installed in your home, car, office, bike, wherever this stalker has left pics for you so you can catch him on camera, especially since you're supposedly a tech genius with tons of money? Nope! That would be ridiculous!
You have a stalker who broke into your locked home and left you a present. Do you NOW call the cops? Nope! What are they going to do? At least she ran out of there instead of snooping, so she's got at least a smidgeon of sense.
Bro, if a woman has full use of both her legs, is conscious and can understand human speech, you don't pick her up and manhandle her over the security rail. You ask her politely to go backstage and escort her there. But she's your dead best friend's hot little sister who you're denying yourself a relationship with for stupid reasons even though she's into you (probably also for stupid reasons) so why pass up an opportunity to feel her up even though she's there asking for protection from her stalker. I guess this is the part where us woman folk are supposed to swoon and drool all over Kelly's big muscular arms. I rolled my eyes and deleted the book from my Kindle.
These people are dumb.
Add the juvenile writing and the constant info-dumping, and there's nothing here to inspire me to read further.
no-dnf-zzz-avoid
July 22, 2016DNF. H is a jerk and h is a dumbo for wanting him!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2014
FREE on Amazon right now!
This book was so much better than I thought it would be. I was prepared for a fanfiction/the crappy side of independent publishing novel and got so much more than my little jaded been disappointed too many times heart was expecting.
The storyline of Bee dealing with two stalkers and Kelly wanting to protect her while training for fights to work off his father's debt was engaging and fast moving. There are a ton of side characters that are completely compelling; I must know about them! It does distract from the main storyline and make the reader feel pulled in a million different ways, especially since this is a pretty short read. I feel like there could have been some George R.R. Martin book length numbers with all these characters. (I'm aware there is a Russian Protector series where a lot of these characters get their story. Bet your sweet ass I'm slapping down the green to read it as fast as I can)
A slight complaint with the ending and very contrived, didn't feel natural of Kelly and Bee's bodyguards thinking she made up the whole obsessed-penis-pictureing-up-and-down-the-block stalker. Really? Over protective Kelly, who has known Bee for YEARS, just decides that she is a manipulative liar face and leaves her completely alone? Not buying it.
Other than that, quick, intriguing, magnetic side characters, good solid reading.
Excuse me while I go get my Russian on....
This book was so much better than I thought it would be. I was prepared for a fanfiction/the crappy side of independent publishing novel and got so much more than my little jaded been disappointed too many times heart was expecting.
The storyline of Bee dealing with two stalkers and Kelly wanting to protect her while training for fights to work off his father's debt was engaging and fast moving. There are a ton of side characters that are completely compelling; I must know about them! It does distract from the main storyline and make the reader feel pulled in a million different ways, especially since this is a pretty short read. I feel like there could have been some George R.R. Martin book length numbers with all these characters. (I'm aware there is a Russian Protector series where a lot of these characters get their story. Bet your sweet ass I'm slapping down the green to read it as fast as I can)
A slight complaint with the ending and very contrived, didn't feel natural of Kelly and Bee's bodyguards thinking she made up the whole obsessed-penis-pictureing-up-and-down-the-block stalker. Really? Over protective Kelly, who has known Bee for YEARS, just decides that she is a manipulative liar face and leaves her completely alone? Not buying it.
Other than that, quick, intriguing, magnetic side characters, good solid reading.
Excuse me while I go get my Russian on....
November 13, 2013
Look at that cover... What do you think?
Let me tell you what I thought!
No I didn't read the blurb I was hypnotized by this cover! I expected ring and boxing, blood, sex, rough sex, violence, alpha guy... all that from the cover :D
I had high expectations so the joke is on me :)
I finished it because I rushed myself to finish it!
There was a story, actually a very promising story that in my case didn't deliver. A hero that you have a feeling is alpha but 90% of the time doesn't behave like that at all so it got me confused.
The heroine.. Hmm.... Actually nothing to say here because she made no impression on me at all so let's just wrap this up with:
Could have been better.
Let me tell you what I thought!
No I didn't read the blurb I was hypnotized by this cover! I expected ring and boxing, blood, sex, rough sex, violence, alpha guy... all that from the cover :D
I had high expectations so the joke is on me :)
I finished it because I rushed myself to finish it!
There was a story, actually a very promising story that in my case didn't deliver. A hero that you have a feeling is alpha but 90% of the time doesn't behave like that at all so it got me confused.
The heroine.. Hmm.... Actually nothing to say here because she made no impression on me at all so let's just wrap this up with:
Could have been better.
October 19, 2014
So I liked this. I didn't love it though!
The Connolly Brothers...fabulous! Not a bad thing to say about that. Kelly Connolly is HOT! Military tough and protective and "all in" when it comes to his woman. Beatrice "Bee" is not my cup of tea...idk she just didn't really do it for me lol! She was super smart...With no common sense. Also this virginal girl was quite aggressive when it came to wanting Kelly!
I just thought that this would have more fighting to it...but it was full of stuff! Lots of techno geek talk, stalkers, loan shark action, blackmail, Russian mob issues, underground fighting, and an old fashioned love story..kinda hard to keep up in just 200 some pages!
The Connolly Brothers...fabulous! Not a bad thing to say about that. Kelly Connolly is HOT! Military tough and protective and "all in" when it comes to his woman. Beatrice "Bee" is not my cup of tea...idk she just didn't really do it for me lol! She was super smart...With no common sense. Also this virginal girl was quite aggressive when it came to wanting Kelly!
I just thought that this would have more fighting to it...but it was full of stuff! Lots of techno geek talk, stalkers, loan shark action, blackmail, Russian mob issues, underground fighting, and an old fashioned love story..kinda hard to keep up in just 200 some pages!
December 21, 2014
3.5 - 4 STARS
I listened to this book as opposed to reading it, and as the woman who narrated it sounded like she was 5 when she did the h's voice, i feel it may have impacted my rating. So i will say it was ok and the storyline was good, but would definately not recommend the narrated version. I loved the Russain protector series and i both listened and read them, this is a spin off from them. PLEASE NOTE. Read the russian protector series first would be my advice as it contains quite a few spoilers from that series.
I listened to this book as opposed to reading it, and as the woman who narrated it sounded like she was 5 when she did the h's voice, i feel it may have impacted my rating. So i will say it was ok and the storyline was good, but would definately not recommend the narrated version. I loved the Russain protector series and i both listened and read them, this is a spin off from them. PLEASE NOTE. Read the russian protector series first would be my advice as it contains quite a few spoilers from that series.
August 4, 2018
The end seemed a bit rushed. I wish that Bea made Kelly grovel a little bit more after what he did. All in all good book and good story. I can't wait to read about Jack.
September 29, 2013
OMFG!!!!! This book was basically wet-panty-inducing!!! I LOVED Kelly SO DAMN MUCH... the man was an A1, FIRST CLASS ALPHA STUD of the Security/MMA persuasion and I would be THE FIRST to worship at his altar!!! 
Can't wait for Jack's story which should be out in December and then Finn's story after that!!!
Can't wait for Jack's story which should be out in December and then Finn's story after that!!!
consider-later
August 4, 2014
FREE today on Amazon US (8/4/2014).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F...
February 5, 2014
I liked the plot but the hero and heroine both made really dumb mistakes. Over the top dumb.
Heroine has a stalker and decides to protect the hero she needs to meet the stalker alone and take care of him once and for all. It was ridiculous.
Hero has his pride and decides the way to dig his father out of his gambling debts is to fight in an underground no rules tournament. Even though the heroine has the money (she's rich) to pay off the debt and offers to set up a payment plan if he insists on paying her back. No, he needs to show her what a man he is.
I liked the idea of the hero being her brother's best friend and him fighting his feelings for her because of it. Sadly, the book did not live up to that potential.
I cannot stand reading about characters that made obviously dumb decisions. I am going to read the next book with the hero's brother. Maybe he is smarter.
Heroine has a stalker and decides to protect the hero she needs to meet the stalker alone and take care of him once and for all. It was ridiculous.
Hero has his pride and decides the way to dig his father out of his gambling debts is to fight in an underground no rules tournament. Even though the heroine has the money (she's rich) to pay off the debt and offers to set up a payment plan if he insists on paying her back. No, he needs to show her what a man he is.
I liked the idea of the hero being her brother's best friend and him fighting his feelings for her because of it. Sadly, the book did not live up to that potential.
I cannot stand reading about characters that made obviously dumb decisions. I am going to read the next book with the hero's brother. Maybe he is smarter.
September 10, 2016
3.5 stars
What do you do when you're at a meeting and a little bored and have no wi-fi? You find a book on your phone you haven't read.
Good story. Great sex. Nasty stalker to catch (the bodyguards sure took too long to figure it out unlike me). Plus two more hot brothers to get HEAs.
Now I really need to find time to go back and finish reading Ms. Rivera's Her Russian Protector series cause they all make appearances in this book.
What do you do when you're at a meeting and a little bored and have no wi-fi? You find a book on your phone you haven't read.
Good story. Great sex. Nasty stalker to catch (the bodyguards sure took too long to figure it out unlike me). Plus two more hot brothers to get HEAs.
Now I really need to find time to go back and finish reading Ms. Rivera's Her Russian Protector series cause they all make appearances in this book.
May 29, 2024
Read- Jan 28 - 4 Stars
Re Read- April 13 - 4 Stars
Re Read- April 13 - 4 Stars
May 22, 2018
Roxie Rivera is a new to me author and I didn't do my homework properly. Chose this book because the blurb sounded interesting and once I started reading I realized it was a spinoff from another series. So I was a lost little duck, not knowing who certain characters were and their connection with each other. That being said, this book about Kelly and Bee was packed with action. Kelly works private security and his best friend's little sister comes to him when she realizes she's been stalked. Kelly has been doing an admirable job avoiding Bee, because bro code and all that jazz. Bee, a tech entrepreneur, has had a thing for Kelly for years. They grow closer when Kelly takes on the role of her protector. Underlying it all was issues that Kelly had in his family and his quest to save and protect them.
Not a bad start to a series and I will come back once I've read the original series.
Not a bad start to a series and I will come back once I've read the original series.
October 14, 2016
4 stars
This was a very good story. I really liked both Bee and Kelly and their story was good...mostly what I expected but with an unexpected twist or 2 that kept things interesting.
Bee is a computer programing genius. She's still in college but already is worth millions and has a prospering tech company that's developing social media programs that are doing well. Bee's parents both died as well as her brother and she doesn't have any other family. Her brother's best friend, Kelly, is the man she's loved since she was young but since he shot her down when she kissed him last New Years eve it appears to Bee that he's not interested.
Kelly is an ex-Marine that currently works for a private security company. He has 3 brothers he loves and a drunk, gambling father that causes Kelly and his brother more trouble than anything else. Kelly fell in love with Bee when she was 18 yrs old but thought her brother disapproved of his feelings for Bee and after his death, Kelly didn't feel right going after Bee.
When the story begins, Bee is going home after a late night and finds someone has been in her apartment and left her a package. She's been getting weird texts and pictures left for her and seeing someone has been in her place freaks her the hell out. Bee leaves immediately and finds Kelly for help. Kelly has been avoiding Bee since their kiss and he feels bad about it but if he doesn't stay away from Bee, Kelly fears he'll lose his head and give in to his feelings for her. When Bee tracks him down and tells him about her stalker his protective urges go into overdrive and he immediately takes control of the situation. Kelly arranges for some guards on her 24/7 through the security company he works for and keeps her with him until the guards are in place. Unfortunately, this means that Bee is with Kelly when he gets a call about issue with his father and brothers. When Kelly and Bee go to find out the issue, they find that Kelly's dad has accumulated gambling debts...huge ones that are way more than Kelly and his brothers can get together in the timeframe given. Bee offers the money but Kelly won't accept it and ends up agreeing to fight in an underground MMA tourney in exchange for the debt being paid off.
Once he knows that Bee's in danger Kelly pretty much stops avoiding his feelings for her, the danger to her making him realize that he was being an idiot. Bee has dated a bit but she's still rather innocent so they take things relatively (considering their situation) slowly to give Bee a few days to ease into things with Kelly. While they're starting to explore their new relationship, Bee has some issues with her stalker and soon finds that she has more issues than just a stalker and she has to deal with a blackmailer and her company's social media program (think facebook) being hacked. Bee and Kelly juggle the issues they encounter pretty well but that doesn't mean there isn't any angst. An unexpected plot twist has Kelly making a bad move and it bring some drama and some danger to Bee. Thankfully they get past these issues and come together in the end for a sweet HEA.
I enjoyed this story very much. I liked Bee and thought she made a good heroine. She did make a couple of decisions towards the end that I thought were a bit stupid but people make mistakes so it was believable (and not overly annoying). Kelly was a good hero. He had a bout of relationship dumbassedness but realized it and made things right so I was happy with how things turned out. Overall the story was very good and I enjoyed it. I'm planning to read the next book in the series. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up. :)
10/14/16- This was a reread (via the audio version) before I continue with the rest of the series. I have to admit that the second time around, Kelly's idiocy about Bee wasn't as easy to forgive in the end. If I had to rerate it, I would have probably rated it at 3.5-4 stars though so overall, I still liked the story. :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did an alright job but I wasn't too hot on her voice for Bee. It wasn't too bad and didn't ruin the book or anything but I would recommend that if you're considering trying the audio, go to Audible.com and listen to the 5 minute sample of the audio to see how it works for you.
This was a very good story. I really liked both Bee and Kelly and their story was good...mostly what I expected but with an unexpected twist or 2 that kept things interesting.
Bee is a computer programing genius. She's still in college but already is worth millions and has a prospering tech company that's developing social media programs that are doing well. Bee's parents both died as well as her brother and she doesn't have any other family. Her brother's best friend, Kelly, is the man she's loved since she was young but since he shot her down when she kissed him last New Years eve it appears to Bee that he's not interested.
Kelly is an ex-Marine that currently works for a private security company. He has 3 brothers he loves and a drunk, gambling father that causes Kelly and his brother more trouble than anything else. Kelly fell in love with Bee when she was 18 yrs old but thought her brother disapproved of his feelings for Bee and after his death, Kelly didn't feel right going after Bee.
When the story begins, Bee is going home after a late night and finds someone has been in her apartment and left her a package. She's been getting weird texts and pictures left for her and seeing someone has been in her place freaks her the hell out. Bee leaves immediately and finds Kelly for help. Kelly has been avoiding Bee since their kiss and he feels bad about it but if he doesn't stay away from Bee, Kelly fears he'll lose his head and give in to his feelings for her. When Bee tracks him down and tells him about her stalker his protective urges go into overdrive and he immediately takes control of the situation. Kelly arranges for some guards on her 24/7 through the security company he works for and keeps her with him until the guards are in place. Unfortunately, this means that Bee is with Kelly when he gets a call about issue with his father and brothers. When Kelly and Bee go to find out the issue, they find that Kelly's dad has accumulated gambling debts...huge ones that are way more than Kelly and his brothers can get together in the timeframe given. Bee offers the money but Kelly won't accept it and ends up agreeing to fight in an underground MMA tourney in exchange for the debt being paid off.
Once he knows that Bee's in danger Kelly pretty much stops avoiding his feelings for her, the danger to her making him realize that he was being an idiot. Bee has dated a bit but she's still rather innocent so they take things relatively (considering their situation) slowly to give Bee a few days to ease into things with Kelly. While they're starting to explore their new relationship, Bee has some issues with her stalker and soon finds that she has more issues than just a stalker and she has to deal with a blackmailer and her company's social media program (think facebook) being hacked. Bee and Kelly juggle the issues they encounter pretty well but that doesn't mean there isn't any angst. An unexpected plot twist has Kelly making a bad move and it bring some drama and some danger to Bee. Thankfully they get past these issues and come together in the end for a sweet HEA.
I enjoyed this story very much. I liked Bee and thought she made a good heroine. She did make a couple of decisions towards the end that I thought were a bit stupid but people make mistakes so it was believable (and not overly annoying). Kelly was a good hero. He had a bout of relationship dumbassedness but realized it and made things right so I was happy with how things turned out. Overall the story was very good and I enjoyed it. I'm planning to read the next book in the series. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up. :)
10/14/16- This was a reread (via the audio version) before I continue with the rest of the series. I have to admit that the second time around, Kelly's idiocy about Bee wasn't as easy to forgive in the end. If I had to rerate it, I would have probably rated it at 3.5-4 stars though so overall, I still liked the story. :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did an alright job but I wasn't too hot on her voice for Bee. It wasn't too bad and didn't ruin the book or anything but I would recommend that if you're considering trying the audio, go to Audible.com and listen to the 5 minute sample of the audio to see how it works for you.
August 5, 2018
2.5 stars
In Kelly's Corner is Book 1 of Roxie Rivera’s series, The Fighting Connolly’s, which is a spin-off of Her Russian Protector. I didn’t know of the connection since it was not mentioned in the book description.
I found this book to be very similar in flavor to Ivan. The characters are just not credible. The reader must be willing to completely suspend reality to accept the stupid reason that supposedly keeps the h and H apart. (She is the baby sister of my dead war buddy, so I can’t have her or it would dishoner his memory!). What a load of B.S. If anything, their common love for Jeb gave them motive to consider one-another family and to take care of each other.
I just couldn’t connect with Bee, the 23-year-old tech genius millionaire heroine. She was about as realistic as the rich Russians, Dimitri and Yuri, who are both very high powered business men but who are always able to drop everything to help Bee or Kelly. Also, Bee makes a deal with a dangerous loan shark with no downside. Yes, that would all happen.
If you loved the Her Russian Protector series, you will probably love The Fighting Connollys because it is more of the same with a lot of the same characters.
I was not a fan of the first series, so I am going to pass on the rest of this one, too.
Free 01-04-15 (Romantic Suspense)
http://www.amazon.com/In-Kellys-Corne...
In Kelly's Corner is Book 1 of Roxie Rivera’s series, The Fighting Connolly’s, which is a spin-off of Her Russian Protector. I didn’t know of the connection since it was not mentioned in the book description.
I found this book to be very similar in flavor to Ivan. The characters are just not credible. The reader must be willing to completely suspend reality to accept the stupid reason that supposedly keeps the h and H apart. (She is the baby sister of my dead war buddy, so I can’t have her or it would dishoner his memory!). What a load of B.S. If anything, their common love for Jeb gave them motive to consider one-another family and to take care of each other.
I just couldn’t connect with Bee, the 23-year-old tech genius millionaire heroine. She was about as realistic as the rich Russians, Dimitri and Yuri, who are both very high powered business men but who are always able to drop everything to help Bee or Kelly. Also, Bee makes a deal with a dangerous loan shark with no downside. Yes, that would all happen.
If you loved the Her Russian Protector series, you will probably love The Fighting Connollys because it is more of the same with a lot of the same characters.
I was not a fan of the first series, so I am going to pass on the rest of this one, too.
Free 01-04-15 (Romantic Suspense)
http://www.amazon.com/In-Kellys-Corne...
August 4, 2014
3.5 Stars!
First things first, i really enjoyed this book more than i expected!, i guess that's the beauty of books, you never know what's hidden for you!.
The meaning that i received from this story, The decisions sometimes we make , it's best for all those who are involved. That's what kelly thought to bury his love to his best friends sister.
Beatrice Langston(Bee),is an internet entrepreneur. One night she find herself being stalked, and if anyone could protect her from unknown menace is Kelly Connolly.
Kelly Connolly, a former Marine , worked in private security. Find himself in a place that there is no escape from it. His gambling addict father, who is tangled in a mess of debts, and their family's business on line. Kelly only knows one way to give back the debts . he agrees to fight for the albanian mob in an underground fighting tournament.
Bee, since high schools she has feelings for kelly. on New Year's eve , she attempted to kiss him. but kelly could not betray his best friend.
All that changes when Bee comes for help.
'Because he would be protecting the woman he had loved since he was twenty-four years old.'
First things first, i really enjoyed this book more than i expected!, i guess that's the beauty of books, you never know what's hidden for you!.
The meaning that i received from this story, The decisions sometimes we make , it's best for all those who are involved. That's what kelly thought to bury his love to his best friends sister.
Beatrice Langston(Bee),is an internet entrepreneur. One night she find herself being stalked, and if anyone could protect her from unknown menace is Kelly Connolly.
Kelly Connolly, a former Marine , worked in private security. Find himself in a place that there is no escape from it. His gambling addict father, who is tangled in a mess of debts, and their family's business on line. Kelly only knows one way to give back the debts . he agrees to fight for the albanian mob in an underground fighting tournament.
Bee, since high schools she has feelings for kelly. on New Year's eve , she attempted to kiss him. but kelly could not betray his best friend.
All that changes when Bee comes for help.
'Because he would be protecting the woman he had loved since he was twenty-four years old.'
September 19, 2018
3.5 rounded up
Good writing, great characters, so-so sex. Crazy 'misunderstanding.' Loved the h.
Good writing, great characters, so-so sex. Crazy 'misunderstanding.' Loved the h.
May 3, 2022
3.75⭐
July 11, 2023
It wasn't bad at all, it just didn't particularly blow me away.
Love me some overprotective military men but I also feel that this didn't need the third act break up. The fighting sub plot fit in so well that there was no real reason for it except emotional turmoil.
I've read a few of the Russian Protector books so it was fun seeing Dimtri (my fave) and a few of the others playing important roles. Nice crossover appeal.
Absolutely pinpointed the villain from their very first appearance.
I really like how Roxie writes and I equally enjoyed the first person point of view and the third person point of view.
Love me some overprotective military men but I also feel that this didn't need the third act break up. The fighting sub plot fit in so well that there was no real reason for it except emotional turmoil.
I've read a few of the Russian Protector books so it was fun seeing Dimtri (my fave) and a few of the others playing important roles. Nice crossover appeal.
Absolutely pinpointed the villain from their very first appearance.
I really like how Roxie writes and I equally enjoyed the first person point of view and the third person point of view.
March 17, 2015
Bee Langston knows that Kelly Connolly has been avoiding her after a kiss at New Years was met with rejection. Kelly had been her brothers best friend before he died and as much as she felt humiliated about the rebuff, she needed his help, she seems to have attracted a stalker.
Kelly has his own set of troubles with a father whose gambling problems have put he and his brothers on the brink of losing everything they worked so hard for. Now he has to protect Bee, it isn't like it is a problem but his feelings for her are quickly surfacing and he is not sure if he is worthy of her.
This is an extension of Her Russian Protectors series, I thought it was quite a bit different from the other books I have read from Roxie Rivera. Kelly is a hardened man and Bee is a bit innocent and oblivious. There was a surprising twist that I had not expected, well worth picking up.
Kelly has his own set of troubles with a father whose gambling problems have put he and his brothers on the brink of losing everything they worked so hard for. Now he has to protect Bee, it isn't like it is a problem but his feelings for her are quickly surfacing and he is not sure if he is worthy of her.
This is an extension of Her Russian Protectors series, I thought it was quite a bit different from the other books I have read from Roxie Rivera. Kelly is a hardened man and Bee is a bit innocent and oblivious. There was a surprising twist that I had not expected, well worth picking up.
August 29, 2014
This book had alot going on. Judging from the cover and the title I thought it would be about, you know, fighting. But unfortunately there wasn't a whole lot of that. There was stalking, blackmailing, family secrets, gambling debts and a romance that I found hard to get into. Kelly is a sexy fighter turned bodyguard turned fighter again. Bee is a young, naive genius who becomes a tech millionaire with the hottest website. She is also Kelly's deceased best friends's baby sister and should be completely off limits. The book does have an HEA after a stupid misunderstanding that almost gets several people killed. I just was not feeling this one but I will probably read the next book in the series.
February 5, 2017
Another geeky, brilliant, and rich hacker-heroine is protected by an ex-military turned bodyguard hero. It seems to be a trend. The relationship between Kelly (the hero) and Bee (heroine) is well-developed and believable. The steamy bits are every bit as hot as I have come to expect from Ms. Rivera. Big pluses in the overall plot: Kelly needs as much rescuing Bee; and Bee doesn't make it on her own, she has a successful, experience and ruthless businessman as an investor and mentor. Regrettably, the story is marred by bad math - it breaks the fourth wall for me every time - and elements of the suspense subplot that moved into bad melodrama. I good read - I didn't have any trouble finishing - but not on par with Ms. Rivera's 'Her Russian Protector' series.
February 12, 2014
An unbalanced story, more villains, less romance.
There were too many villains in this story and too many characters to begin with. I liked both Kelly and Bee but did not love them. Their romance was secondary to all the rest of the goings on in this story, and for a while I was trying to remember why I was reading this book in the first place. Not the worst story in this series but definitely not a good one either.
There were too many villains in this story and too many characters to begin with. I liked both Kelly and Bee but did not love them. Their romance was secondary to all the rest of the goings on in this story, and for a while I was trying to remember why I was reading this book in the first place. Not the worst story in this series but definitely not a good one either.
August 20, 2015
Re-read via audible. Actually liked the book a little better this time, but Kelly really pissed me off. (No cheating) I was glad Bea did not make it totally easy on him, yet I still did not feel he suffered enough. Safe read.
Prior comments:
3.5 stars I liked Kelly ok. But I did not really like Bea. She kind of ruined it for me. The female characters are getting worse in this series....
Prior comments:
3.5 stars I liked Kelly ok. But I did not really like Bea. She kind of ruined it for me. The female characters are getting worse in this series....
December 23, 2013
LOVED this book!!! Bee was such a great heroine and I LOVED her and Kelly as a couple. I'm hooked on this series and cannot wait for Finn and Jack's books!!!
June 24, 2016
Another great book by Roxie Rivera! However, I definitely would read this after reading Nikolai by Roxie Rivera; it's not necessary, but it does drawn in characters from her other books.
October 18, 2019
DNF 50%
This book simply wasn't for me. I actually did like how it started and the dynamics between our two main characters as well as the dual POVs. What I DISLIKED right from the start is - this is NOT in fact the first book in series, try something like the 6th. The name dropping in this one was HORRENDOUS. I'm not sure I'll exaggerate close to 30 names I have NO idea who they are (besides 90% of them having Russian names). That's when I realized this is a "spin off" (a very BADLY done, it's NOT separate AT ALL) to Roxie's "Her Russian Protector" series and I can tell you now I'm NOT going to read it. This book made me think of how frustrated I was with J.R.R Martin "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.. but while his books where frustrating they weren't as predictable and cliche as this one.
I'm mad and it shows through my writing. I'm sorry. This is actually not a bad book AT ALL. I'm just frustrated there are TONS of details, characters and prior interactions I don't know / understand. Truth being said, even in series I read and enjoy I'm not always good with SO many details, characters and connections. For a series like this I would need to start at the REAL first book and read them one after the other or I'll be - as I am now - totally lost. I KNOW many people adore a universe like this one where they feel they know everybody like their best friends but I'm genuinely HORRIBLE at these things.. Which is why I was SO frustrated.
While I enjoyed the interaction between Kelly Connolly and Beatrice "Bee" Langston, even with them the cheesiness was a bit OTT. I feel like I could predict their even move. Kelly being the tough guy, fighting (figuratively and physically) to protect his family. Honor above all. A true brute with no prior education (except for being a capable Marine). Bee being the sweet naive (virgin) genius, making BILLIONS before she even turned 23.
When Bee finds she has a stalker she runs to Kelly, her brother's best friend who also works for a security company (very OTT, all operatives ex military / special forces or/and of Russian heritage - a theme in this one for sure). Naturally she actually has TWO stalkers and naturally right at the time Kelly's family is dealing with TWO mob families whom his father own a HUGE sum of money due to gambling. The plot naturally thickens with secrets, lies and more blackmail and truthfully after 50% I was OVER IT.
Generally speaking I liked the idea of this one, it was well written but it was extremely cliche in every aspect and WAY too over the top for my liking. Goodbye Connollys seems like we won't be seeing each other in the future.. That being said that's MY opinion, yours might be totally different and just so you'll know, this book is offered for free through all platforms so if you want to give it a try...
More Reviews HERE
This book simply wasn't for me. I actually did like how it started and the dynamics between our two main characters as well as the dual POVs. What I DISLIKED right from the start is - this is NOT in fact the first book in series, try something like the 6th. The name dropping in this one was HORRENDOUS. I'm not sure I'll exaggerate close to 30 names I have NO idea who they are (besides 90% of them having Russian names). That's when I realized this is a "spin off" (a very BADLY done, it's NOT separate AT ALL) to Roxie's "Her Russian Protector" series and I can tell you now I'm NOT going to read it. This book made me think of how frustrated I was with J.R.R Martin "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.. but while his books where frustrating they weren't as predictable and cliche as this one.
I'm mad and it shows through my writing. I'm sorry. This is actually not a bad book AT ALL. I'm just frustrated there are TONS of details, characters and prior interactions I don't know / understand. Truth being said, even in series I read and enjoy I'm not always good with SO many details, characters and connections. For a series like this I would need to start at the REAL first book and read them one after the other or I'll be - as I am now - totally lost. I KNOW many people adore a universe like this one where they feel they know everybody like their best friends but I'm genuinely HORRIBLE at these things.. Which is why I was SO frustrated.
While I enjoyed the interaction between Kelly Connolly and Beatrice "Bee" Langston, even with them the cheesiness was a bit OTT. I feel like I could predict their even move. Kelly being the tough guy, fighting (figuratively and physically) to protect his family. Honor above all. A true brute with no prior education (except for being a capable Marine). Bee being the sweet naive (virgin) genius, making BILLIONS before she even turned 23.
When Bee finds she has a stalker she runs to Kelly, her brother's best friend who also works for a security company (very OTT, all operatives ex military / special forces or/and of Russian heritage - a theme in this one for sure). Naturally she actually has TWO stalkers and naturally right at the time Kelly's family is dealing with TWO mob families whom his father own a HUGE sum of money due to gambling. The plot naturally thickens with secrets, lies and more blackmail and truthfully after 50% I was OVER IT.
Generally speaking I liked the idea of this one, it was well written but it was extremely cliche in every aspect and WAY too over the top for my liking. Goodbye Connollys seems like we won't be seeing each other in the future.. That being said that's MY opinion, yours might be totally different and just so you'll know, this book is offered for free through all platforms so if you want to give it a try...
More Reviews HERE
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