I made a deal with the devil. Now he’s here to collect.
After nearly being sold as a sex slave, I struggle to manage the painful wreckage of my life. But when my past comes back to haunt me, my enemies are prepared to retaliate. This time, they won’t rest until I’m dead.
With no other option, I’m forced into hiding. Surrounded by security, I find myself in a precarious position. All bodyguards are forbidden. But the moment I lay eyes on the mysterious and sexy Vaughn Reddington, all bets are off. I’m supposed to keep him at arm’s length, but that proves difficult when he saves my life. Suddenly, temptation never looks more inviting.
As the danger escalates, our bond grows deeper. In a split second, my world is shattered, and everything is ripped away from me, including Vaughn. Is our relationship strong enough to survive the devastation?
Love & Seduction is a dark and angsty standalone in the Love & Ruin series. If you like forbidden love and edge-of-your-seat suspense, then one-click J.A. Owenby’s nail-biting novel.
International bestselling author J.A. Owenby grew up in a small backwoods town in Arkansas, where she learned how to swear like a sailor and spot water moccasins skimming across the lake. She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety-mile-an-hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean.
Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and cat, Chloe (who frequently encourages her to drink). She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow.
J.A. Owenby writes new adult and romantic thriller novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark.
Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.
Get ready to be sucked into the love and ruin world once more with this breathtaking, enthralling, captivating, steamy, beautiful forbidden love story.
Note this can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series. I'd personally say to get the full effect I'd recommend reading the series (or at least Love and Corruption before this) but it works as a stand alone if that's not your jam.
Claire is a smart, strong, beautiful woman who is trying to recover from the previous year... when circumstances take a turn and make her run to her sister, Sutton. However, this also means running to her Brother in Law Pierce and his security firm including the gorgeous Vaughn.
Vaughn who Claire has harboured feelings for since Sutton and Pierce's wedding... Vaughn her sisters best friend... Vaughn who Sutton has informed her is off limits...
Claire and Vaughn try their damdest to stay away from each other to respect Pierce and Sutton's wishes... but Sparks start to fly when Vaughn comes to Claire's assistance and they are forced to spend more time together.
Together with their friends (and family) Claire and Vaughn suddenly can't focus on their forbidden romance...as something more sinister re-emerges.
Something that will keep you on the edge of your seat... something dark, harsh, life altering and scary.
As the story unfolds the reader realises everything is not as it seems. There are hidden messages in every chapter and the romance only adds to the plot line.
This tale has amazing friendship, strong family ties, fabulous protective alphas, swoon worthy moments and attempts to break certain stereotypes along the way. Put time to one side this is one book you will not want to put down once you start...
Another fantastic book in the Love & Ruin series! Once again sensitive subjects are dealt with, with class and respect. I just love Vaughn as Claire's leading man. Another man who helps a bent but not broken girl find her soul again. Such a beautiful story! The storyline is unpredictable and there are twists that you don't see coming. Definitely going on my re-read list!
Vaughn and Claire were not supposed to fall in love. They both are trying to fight the feelings they have for one another but when something happens to Claire and Vaughn can no longer deny his feelings he puts it all on the line. Telling Claire his feelings and finding out they want to see where this goes. Now to break the news to Sutton and Pierce is another story all together.
Danger is still lurking and Claire is terrified all he time. She has tons of PTSD but with her new friends Gemma and Mac and and good therapist she is dealing with all the events. Now they need to put these guys away and this away the key but with the Dark Circle still see no one is safe. Claire's life is almost ended on multiple occasions and everyone is trying to keep her as safe as possible before her testimony.
Vaughn is sweet and loving with Claire. I think the author rushed tins in the relationship because someone who has been threw her trauma would not be looking for sex right now but I understand its a little erotica too. Claire's reactions to her trauma make sense and the fact that her character is always scared. Same with Gemma's and the fact that Gemma's character helps her with dealing with the events makes sense as well.
absolutely loved this book it definitely didn't disapoint brilliant and I would recommend these books to anyone. I started with Gemma and hendrix and now I'm hooked.looking forward to reading more of J A owenbys work.
Love & Seduction, A Forbidden Love Suspenseful Standalone Romance – Love & Ruin Novel (The Love & Ruin Series Book 7) by J. A. Owenby
Claire Forrester has lived in fear ever since she was rescued from being held by a sex trafficking ring by her sister Sutton and her husband Pierce months ago. Now a new threat has put her on the defense and she is getting out of town and moving in with her sister and brother-in-law. With their protection and hopefully the protection of the men who work for Pierce she should be safe, right? If she could only muster the courage to tell her sister the truth, then yes, but she can’t so she crosses her fingers.
Vaughn Reddington has been tasked with protecting her, but their first time out in an environment that should have been safe failed. Now he will be watching her full time, while trying to fight off the attraction he has had toward her since they first met.
Claire wants normality, but her secrets will always prevent that. Vaughn wants Claire but what will it cost him to protect her from the demons that haunt her past and threaten her future?
Again, J. A. Owenby has given her readers a quick moving, blockbuster story of criminals who make their money off human lives. She has yet again with great care and concern touched on an issue that runs rampant in today’s world and again puts it in the spotlight.
Virtually the entire cast of the Love and Ruin series are included in parts of this story. Along with their personas we get to see their growth as people as well.
This book will make you laugh, cry and tear your hair out, while you are working your way to the ending. No doubt about it, Owenby has written another 5 star story about humanity, it’s good, it’s not so good and the terrible ugly that exists in some.
Grabs you from the beginning into this steamy, captivating forbidden love story. Which can be read as a stand-a-lone or as part of the Love & Corruption series (highly recommend). But it works on its own.
Claire who is recovering from a crazy and traumatic last year comes to live with Sutton and her husband Pierce for added protection. While there she is told the bodyguards are off limits. Including, Vaughn, who Claire still has feelings for since they first met.
Vaughn comes to Claire’s rescue and then thru unforeseen circumstances they end up spending a lot of time alone. Feeling can only be denied for so long.
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat, with the ups and downs and all the drama that unfolds. Owenby weaves a story that builds and keeps you wanting more, with twist and turns, romance and friendship.
This is definitely going on my reread pile. Five star read all the way. Ready for the next one.
This is an extremely intense story - an intense and suspenseful plot that keeps you breathless waiting for what happens next. An intense romance between two people who have experienced enough to know when they meet their other half. Intense emotions between friends and family because these characters we’ve come to know in previous books just don’t have surface level feelings, they love their friends and family with deep emotions. It is so good to see Sutton, Pierce, Gemma, Mac, Claire, Vaughn, Zayne and a few others again!
The writing is crisp and keeps the Tory loving, conveying both emotions of the characters as well as the action in the storyline. The plot deals with the emotional result of a heartbreaking theme - sex trafficking, since Claire was rescued months earlier by Pierce and Sutton in Love & Corruption Westwood Security Bodyguard Book 1. Claire is still in danger and calls her older sister for help. Vaughn is assigned to be one of her bodyguards by Pierce and told she is off-limits. When Claire is attacked and nearly killed, Vaughn’s protective instincts are triggered and he can’t hide or stop his feelings for Claire.
I did receive an ARC from the author, however, I am leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Wow! I have been waiting for this book and it did not disappoint! So incredible! I was sucked in and it didn't let go until the end. It is now my most favorite book of J.A. Owenby. Vaughn shows how everyone deserves to be loved unconditionally. No one is perfect but their love story is. J.A. Owenby gives me an escape from the crazy world we all live in. I have a book hangover and I might not be able to read for a few days after this book. But it was so worth it and I would read it again and again. I dont have the words to describe how amazing it was. I can't wait to read what she puts out next!
Awesome read! If you’re looking for a page turner you definitely don’t want to miss out on this read. Such a sweet love story of Claire & Vaughn, with lots of twist and turns. I give this book 5+ stars!
JA Owenby does it again! This book is one of the best of the series. Claire has been through so much and is trying to get her life back in order, however, her kidnapper and the Dark Circle Society have other plans for her.
Vaughn has seen her at her worst, but felt an instant attraction and kept tabs on her after her rescue. Once Claire has to run and hide at her sisters, Vaughn is assigned to be her bodygaurd.
Their mutual attraction and their HONESTY with each other about their pasts, and where their future could lead is heartfelt and inspiring.
Forces are set to destroy Claire for the information she knows, and they are in for the fight of their lives. Don't won't to give any spoilers, so you will have to read it to believe it.
I did a voluntary review of Love and Seduction. I didn't think it was possible but this book seriously blew me away! It pulled me in from the first page. Just seeing how Claire and Vaughn came together! This is the ultimate best book I have read in a while. I highly recommend this!
Once again, you're hooked from the first few pages. I got attached to the characters with ease and felt every emotion, that's just how J A Owenby writes. Just when you have an idea of what's going to happen, along comes a twist and has you guessing again. Brilliant forbidden love story with a happy ending and justice served. Can't wait for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The latest installment of the Love & Ruin series. I think this story might have the most suspense out of any of the stories- and maybe a new hottest couple! This book deals with serious topics in a sensitive way, and I felt ALL of the feelings reading it!
Omg love and seduction has me at the edge of my sit with anger, laughter and sadness. I am so ready for this whole group of people to have a normal life. Such a great book with so many ups and downs.
Kept me on edge from start to finish, Vaughn....swoon worthy! A man like him is hard to come across, ladies if you find him, hang on tight! The Love & Ruin series is amazing and Love & Seduction definitely does not disappoint, such a roller coaster of events and emotions. I look forward to Zayne’s story!!
This book literally pulled me in from the very beginning. Love & Seduction is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and your emotions all over the place. One minute I was laughing the next I was crying, sometimes ugly crying. The love between Claire and Vaughn is something that everyone should experience. To know that no matter what happens in your life there is someone out there that is perfect for you and doesn't care what your past was, is amazing. And man, Vaughn can wine and dine me anytime. ;)
WOW!! I have been on an emotional roller-coaster, my heart has been broken and put back together again multiple times. Ever wanted a Knight in shining armour Vaughn is that guy, the one you'd take home to your family. If you've ever wanted to fist pump at a story line this is fist pump worthy. Jennifer has done it again.
A forbidden relationship. He is romantic, loving, protective, and hot. She is deserving, damaged, caring, and strong. Fall in love with Vaughn, Claire, and their love story. The book is a swoon worthy page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is plenty of romance to make your heart flutter, and suspense to keep you guessing. J.A. Owenby does not disappoint.
Vaughn...o my Vaughn. I'm so glad that Vaughn got his own story, because he and Zayne are two of my favorites! This story takes place one year after Claire is rescued. Claire is struggling with life. She barely leaves the house and is afraid of everything. One night, she gets warned by someone in the MC that they're coming after her. The next day, Claire leaves for Spokane to live with Sutton and Pierce...and Vaughn. Claire made a big pass at Vaughn, which he turned down. Now, Claire has to face Vaughn after the embarrassing turn down. She is still really attracted to him, and that attraction hasn't lessened with time and distance. Vaughn feels it to. He does everything he can to stay away from Claire, knowing he doesn't want to go against Pierce's wishes that they stay clear of Claire. But, after an almost attack on Claire, Vaughn is shaken and doesn't want to stay away anymore. Life is to short to deny your feelings, and their chemistry fills the room. Claire's past and the society come back to haunt them, and someone is trying really hard to get to Claire. Until the danger passes, Claire and Vaughn decide to hide their relationship from Pierce and Sutton until the danger passes. But the danger finally closes in and tragedy strikes. Claire has to fight for her life to live the life she deserves and help put the demons chasing them behind bars for forever.
I love Claire. She's so sweet, but super strong. She's lived a hard life and gone through things that she isn't proud of. She just wants to be happy, and she deserves that happiness. As things start to come together, it all begins to fall apart, and Claire doesn't know how to hold on. Vaughn is probably my favorite hero. He loves Claire so much, he's willing to tell his friends who are basically his family that she is it and he'll leave his friends to be with her. Swoon worthy! Thankfully everyone else can see how much they love each other, and it doesn't take long for everyone to get on board with the love. They both just want happiness and find it with each other, overcoming horrific situations together .
I've said this with other stories in this series, but I think this is my favorite! Claire and Vaughn's chemistry comes off the page, and they fight for what they want. Highly recommend this series!
Claire is strong and smart, and needs to leave town now. Her past is running into her present, and she's in danger again. She heads to Spokane to stay with her sister, Sutton and her husband, Pierce. Vaughn is Claire's sister's best friend, and an integral part of Sutton and Pierce's security business. He and Claire have feelings for each other. They both know that the other one is off limits. And they try to respect that rule - they really do. But as they try to navigate a secretive relationship, all of them have to deal with her past. I read this book as a standalone, but was able to understand it with no problems. But it makes me want to go back to read the earlier books now. The story grabbed me from the very beginning, and never let go. There were so many twists in the plot, so many surprises in the story, as well as a truly heartwarming romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
oh.my.GOODNESS. boy, do I love me a strong, smart, sexy, sensitive man - Vaughn is all of the above! He's protective, honest, vulnerable and caring... everything that Claire needs. Claire has every reason to be anxious, traumatized and scared of her own shadow, but she proves to be made of sterner stuff and willing to go beyond her comfort zone for the safety of others. Seeing the development of these two, individually and together, was heartwarming (and steamy as well!) There was plenty of humor and intrigue to keep the pages turning, and the inclusion of characters from connected stories always makes me happy. I absolutely recommend this love story (as well as those of the connected characters - these are relationships that you don't want to miss!!) and can't wait to see what J.A. Owenby has in store for us next!!
J.A. Owenby has done it again. This book can definitely stand alone, but you really should go back and read them ALL of books in The Love and Ruin series because they are AMAZING!! A rollercoaster of emotions that make you feel what the characters feel. Claire has gone through so much and doesn't understand her worth. She is battling so many demons. Vaughn and Claire are perfect!! Vaughn helps Claire on her journey to recovery and never leaves her side. Vaughn knows when he needs to be by Claire's side, but also knows when she needs to do things on her own. These books help you realize there is still light in the darkness and that you aren't alone in your journey.
This was a great story. I couldn't put it down. Love & Seduction had a strong well written plot that was packed with many emotions. J.A. Owenby did a wonderful job on the book. Vaughn and Claire were strong characters, they had to be with everything they've been through, they were fighters, especially Claire. Nothing about Claire and Vaughn's journey was easy, it was a rollercoaster, they had many ups and downs and obstacles but the connection between them was strong, they were drawn to one another. They made a strong pair, they completed one another. I enjoyed this book, it was a great story. I'd recommend reading it. Thank you, J.A. Owenby. Wonderful work :) 5 Stars!
Although this is book seven in the Love and Corruption Series, it may be read as a stand-alone. Claire, recently saved from human traffickers, and Vaughn, a bodyguard, are extremely complex characters and these descriptions are only scratching the surface. If you have read this series, there are some very familiar characters. This read as a whole, was filled with many twists and unexpected turns. It’s very difficult to put it down. Great read!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a good story as a stand alone romance with lots of suspense and some action and drama as well. And let's not forget some really sexy scenes! I have a feeling this book would be much more enjoyable if you had more invested in the series as a whole, but as this is my first book in the series i still managed to really enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one sucks you in from the very beginning! The road Vaughn and Claire had to travel(once they finally gave in and stopped fighting their feelings) to get their HEA had its share of twists, turns and bumps. Together with the help of friends, family and Betty White :), they were able to bring down the bad guys to hopefully move on from their painful pasts. Looking forward to more from this amazing author!
Another fantastic story to add to the series. I absolutely loved this book. The action is fast paced. The characters have an awesome chemistry. The danger is palpable as is her unfortunate PTSD. The realism of her emotions is captivating and heartbreaking. The author engaged me in this story from the very beginning. I was sad to finish because I fell in love with these characters.
This is book was so mesmerizing that I couldn’t put it down. Claire & Vaughn are so hot! Love, romance, suspense...this book has it all and more! I can’t wait to read more from this author! Definitely a five ⭐️ star book!
Sexy, gritty, and full of gasp out loud twists, Love & Seduction is JA Owenby's best work to date. There were lots of gif reactions and shouty caps in a message with a friend about this book. You can't help but love Claire and Vaughn and want the best for them!