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Private Protectors #2
Man Law
The sexy, suspense-filled second installment of the Private Protectors series features a tough-as-nails security consultant, his best friend’s widowed sister, and a terrorist determined to destroy them all.
Security consultant Vic Andrews fears nothing.
Except emotional entanglements.
He lives on the edge and by his own rules. Never mess with your best friend’s sister, for one. Especially when that sister is sweet and sexy goddess Gina Delgado.
Vic is strictly a “no strings attached” kind of guy, and a young widow with three kids is guaranteed to tie his heart in all sorts of knots. Too bad other parts of his anatomy aren’t as easily deterred.
Gina is no stranger to men like Vic. Men in love with their dangerous professions. Her firefighter husband may have been a hero, but his bravery is little comfort to Gina now. She refuses to face that kind of loss ever again.
Still, a girl has needs.
And Vic, with his military-hardened body and tender touch, is just the thing she needs to fulfill them. As long as they can keep things casual.
But getting involved with Vic puts Gina at the risk of more than heartbreak. When Vic becomes the target of a terrorist seeking revenge, no one around him is safe. With Gina and her family in a madman’s sights, Vic will break all the rules to keep her close… and keep them all alive.
Security consultant Vic Andrews fears nothing.
Except emotional entanglements.
He lives on the edge and by his own rules. Never mess with your best friend’s sister, for one. Especially when that sister is sweet and sexy goddess Gina Delgado.
Vic is strictly a “no strings attached” kind of guy, and a young widow with three kids is guaranteed to tie his heart in all sorts of knots. Too bad other parts of his anatomy aren’t as easily deterred.
Gina is no stranger to men like Vic. Men in love with their dangerous professions. Her firefighter husband may have been a hero, but his bravery is little comfort to Gina now. She refuses to face that kind of loss ever again.
Still, a girl has needs.
And Vic, with his military-hardened body and tender touch, is just the thing she needs to fulfill them. As long as they can keep things casual.
But getting involved with Vic puts Gina at the risk of more than heartbreak. When Vic becomes the target of a terrorist seeking revenge, no one around him is safe. With Gina and her family in a madman’s sights, Vic will break all the rules to keep her close… and keep them all alive.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2011
157 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Giordano
124 books866 followersAuthor also writes as Anne Dano
Adrienne Giordano is a USA Today bestselling author of over thirty romantic suspense and mystery novels. She is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Midwest with her ultimate supporter of a husband, sports-obsessed son and Elliot, a snuggle-happy rescue. Having grown up near the ocean, Adrienne enjoys paddleboarding, a nice float in a kayak and lounging on the beach with a good book.
For more information on Adrienne’s books, please visit www.AdrienneGiordano.com. Adrienne can also be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AdrienneGiord..., Twitter at http://twitter.com/AdriennGiordano and Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/AdrienneGior....
Adrienne Giordano is a USA Today bestselling author of over thirty romantic suspense and mystery novels. She is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Midwest with her ultimate supporter of a husband, sports-obsessed son and Elliot, a snuggle-happy rescue. Having grown up near the ocean, Adrienne enjoys paddleboarding, a nice float in a kayak and lounging on the beach with a good book.
For more information on Adrienne’s books, please visit www.AdrienneGiordano.com. Adrienne can also be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AdrienneGiord..., Twitter at http://twitter.com/AdriennGiordano and Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/AdrienneGior....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
November 24, 2014
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
As an operative for Taylor Securities and a former Army Ranger, Vic Andrews has seen and lived his share of dangerous assignments. In fact, it's been his identity until now...now that he's falling for his best friend and boss's sister, Gina Delgado. She's a widow with three children and as strong as her attraction is to Vic, Gina's not up for being with another man who's in a dangerous profession.
You can't help but fall for Vic who's every bit a man's man but has his tender side emerge front and center when he gets further involved with Gina and her children. I loved their quirky romance and her sense of humor. She doesn't take any mess from Vic, her children or her overprotective brother.
While the romance has more emphasis, the suspense around the threat to those close to Vic kept things exciting. When events reached a climax, it was impossible to put the book down until I reached the end of the story.
I really liked this story as it blended romance, suspense and humor expertly. The bond between the private protectors at Taylor Security was an added bonus and I'm ready for the next book in the series.
As an operative for Taylor Securities and a former Army Ranger, Vic Andrews has seen and lived his share of dangerous assignments. In fact, it's been his identity until now...now that he's falling for his best friend and boss's sister, Gina Delgado. She's a widow with three children and as strong as her attraction is to Vic, Gina's not up for being with another man who's in a dangerous profession.
You can't help but fall for Vic who's every bit a man's man but has his tender side emerge front and center when he gets further involved with Gina and her children. I loved their quirky romance and her sense of humor. She doesn't take any mess from Vic, her children or her overprotective brother.
While the romance has more emphasis, the suspense around the threat to those close to Vic kept things exciting. When events reached a climax, it was impossible to put the book down until I reached the end of the story.
I really liked this story as it blended romance, suspense and humor expertly. The bond between the private protectors at Taylor Security was an added bonus and I'm ready for the next book in the series.
July 6, 2011
Favorite Lines: “Okay. Think about where you’re taking me to dinner next week. I like anything. Particularly if you’ll be dessert.” (p. 76, e-galley)
Adrienne Giordano is a new to me debut author. She writes the contemporary action packed Private Protectors romance series for Carina Press. Man Law is the first book in the series.
I liked the tension in the story, but I kept getting hung up on the way the story was worded. Maybe I’m a simpleton but I feel like there are areas where I’m told how the characters feel instead of being shown. I don’t even know that is exactly what I mean but I’ve got a few examples and would appreciate hearing what y’all think.
"Vic dragged his tired ass into his office, set his coffee down and dropped into the desk chair. Why did Mondays always have to happen on Monday? Why couldn’t Friday happen on Monday? Jeez, he was worn thin, his brain whacking out on him. Friday on Monday? What the hell?"
And:
"Then came the normal grocery shopping, kids’ birthday parties, sports, blah, blah, blah. He’d finally dropped into bed at midnight but was so overtired sleep wouldn’t come."
And:
"Forty-five flippin’ minutes later Vic stomped through Gina’s back door. Traffic at eleven o’clock at night. Go figure some drunk would wrap his car around a pole when he wanted to get to Gina’s for a quick visit."
I didn’t invest in the story and was bored. I thought Gina was cool then she turned bitchy and clingy. I didn’t like the way she wanted Vic to be involved only to shut him down when he tried. Sure she was a strong woman learning to separate her personality from her role as mother and widow, but the doubt she felt toward the her new relationship showed itself in strange ways. She became a questioning nag.
I don’t want to bypass the good. I loved reading each man law at the top of every new chapter. I liked Vic, Michael and the other members of the protector team. I enjoyed Gina’s daughter, Lily. I was glad a romance book about a single mother looking for love involved child rearing issues. (Although it was kinda strange that the middle child didn’t get mentioned much.)
Don’t get me wrong. There is the emotional depth of the heroine learning to invest in a man after losing her teenage sweetheart. The issues involving a man with a dangerous living becoming part of a steady family unit are fully investigated. I just could not get into the story. I feel bad cause I know others are going to love it, but Man Law was just not for me.
A Just Deception will be released in September 2011 and Risking Trust will be released in November 2011.
Scooper Speaks
Adrienne Giordano is a new to me debut author. She writes the contemporary action packed Private Protectors romance series for Carina Press. Man Law is the first book in the series.
I liked the tension in the story, but I kept getting hung up on the way the story was worded. Maybe I’m a simpleton but I feel like there are areas where I’m told how the characters feel instead of being shown. I don’t even know that is exactly what I mean but I’ve got a few examples and would appreciate hearing what y’all think.
"Vic dragged his tired ass into his office, set his coffee down and dropped into the desk chair. Why did Mondays always have to happen on Monday? Why couldn’t Friday happen on Monday? Jeez, he was worn thin, his brain whacking out on him. Friday on Monday? What the hell?"
And:
"Then came the normal grocery shopping, kids’ birthday parties, sports, blah, blah, blah. He’d finally dropped into bed at midnight but was so overtired sleep wouldn’t come."
And:
"Forty-five flippin’ minutes later Vic stomped through Gina’s back door. Traffic at eleven o’clock at night. Go figure some drunk would wrap his car around a pole when he wanted to get to Gina’s for a quick visit."
I didn’t invest in the story and was bored. I thought Gina was cool then she turned bitchy and clingy. I didn’t like the way she wanted Vic to be involved only to shut him down when he tried. Sure she was a strong woman learning to separate her personality from her role as mother and widow, but the doubt she felt toward the her new relationship showed itself in strange ways. She became a questioning nag.
I don’t want to bypass the good. I loved reading each man law at the top of every new chapter. I liked Vic, Michael and the other members of the protector team. I enjoyed Gina’s daughter, Lily. I was glad a romance book about a single mother looking for love involved child rearing issues. (Although it was kinda strange that the middle child didn’t get mentioned much.)
Don’t get me wrong. There is the emotional depth of the heroine learning to invest in a man after losing her teenage sweetheart. The issues involving a man with a dangerous living becoming part of a steady family unit are fully investigated. I just could not get into the story. I feel bad cause I know others are going to love it, but Man Law was just not for me.
A Just Deception will be released in September 2011 and Risking Trust will be released in November 2011.
Scooper Speaks
July 14, 2011
I really enjoyed Man Law and will be reading more books in this series when they come out. I enjoyed the writing, it was snappy, the characters actually blurted out what they felt and I didn't mind the internal monologue.
Vic is a guy who is emotionally closed off, he loves his aunt, his cousin but can't voice it and it stems from his addict mother abandoning him, but he never feels the absence and is happy in his job at Taylor Security, he's a partner there and his best friend Michael handles the business side of things while he handles the jobs. He loves the adrenaline rush and for the past two years he's been trying hard to keep his hands of his best friend's sister, Gina, mother of three and a widow but whenever they are alone they end up having sex and not talking about it since Michael, considers them to be a bad idea, Gina has already lost a husband to a dangerous job(fire-fighter) and Vic lives for his job and the risk.
Vic receives news that his cover on his lost job has been blown and that guy maybe coming at him, immediately after that he runs into Gina, who thinks they should talk about the combustion that always seems to happen between them, they have a loud talk that the whole office seems to hear and I kind of cringed over the personal information they aired.
Gina has tried to do the best for her kids but she feels that she has lost herself being a mother and Vic makes her feel alive though she is not sure she wants something with him but danger throws them into proximity when threats are made against her daughter and they start a protection detail for her family. I enjoyed most of the characters, they fought, they made up and vented their frustrations easily. I also enjoyed Vic with the kids and the sister-in-law and the friends.
Despite not wanting to Gina falls for Vic and tells him instead of hiding it and even tells Vic that she knows how terrified he is of hearing her talk like that. Vic does open up but tragedy strikes(I so didn't like who died) and he became a little aloof but does Gina let him be like that no.
The book was a good read.
Rating 3.5
ARC provided by Netgalley
Vic is a guy who is emotionally closed off, he loves his aunt, his cousin but can't voice it and it stems from his addict mother abandoning him, but he never feels the absence and is happy in his job at Taylor Security, he's a partner there and his best friend Michael handles the business side of things while he handles the jobs. He loves the adrenaline rush and for the past two years he's been trying hard to keep his hands of his best friend's sister, Gina, mother of three and a widow but whenever they are alone they end up having sex and not talking about it since Michael, considers them to be a bad idea, Gina has already lost a husband to a dangerous job(fire-fighter) and Vic lives for his job and the risk.
Vic receives news that his cover on his lost job has been blown and that guy maybe coming at him, immediately after that he runs into Gina, who thinks they should talk about the combustion that always seems to happen between them, they have a loud talk that the whole office seems to hear and I kind of cringed over the personal information they aired.
Gina has tried to do the best for her kids but she feels that she has lost herself being a mother and Vic makes her feel alive though she is not sure she wants something with him but danger throws them into proximity when threats are made against her daughter and they start a protection detail for her family. I enjoyed most of the characters, they fought, they made up and vented their frustrations easily. I also enjoyed Vic with the kids and the sister-in-law and the friends.
Despite not wanting to Gina falls for Vic and tells him instead of hiding it and even tells Vic that she knows how terrified he is of hearing her talk like that. Vic does open up but tragedy strikes(I so didn't like who died) and he became a little aloof but does Gina let him be like that no.
The book was a good read.
Rating 3.5
ARC provided by Netgalley
June 28, 2011
Man Law by Adrienne Giordano is the debut novel of the Private Protectors series set to be released on the 4th of July by Carina Press. Lately Carina Press has published some very great books which in turn has introduced voracious readers such as myself to a number of fabulous and really talented authors for which I am forever grateful to Carina Press.
Man Law tells the story of the sexy Vic Andrews with his distracting goatee and his unwanted attraction towards his best friend Mike's younger sister Gina Delgado, a single mother with three kids, who has been a widow for the past four years. Vic is a man who lives by and follows only his Man laws and he screws that up royally when he has mind numbing sexual encounters with Gina in the basement of her house, at the beach and the next time in her kitchen. Though Vic and Gina both brush those off as brain farts, they both know that the underlying attraction that always ignites whenever they are together won't be brushed aside just that easily.
When one of Vics's assignments come back to haunt him and the target this time is Gina and her kids, Vic knows that he won't let anything happen to them as long as he is able to draw breathe from his body. To say that Vic has commitment issues and emotional garbage is to put things mildly. But Gina is determined that Vic decide once and for all whether what they have between them is worth exploring or walking away from. What Gina wouldn't back down from is that she won't say yes to a relationship with a man who puts his life constantly in danger, having once already gone through hell after the untimely death of her husband.
What made Man Law such an interesting story was because of the way the author brings in all the characters and let them do their thing. Lily, Gina's youngest is so adorable that you can't help but grin at her conversations with Vic who might think he is clueless when it comes to kids but does so very well in that department as well. Gina fights for what she wants and when it is Vic that she sets her sights on, she doesn't let him that easily off the hook when the last thing he wants to do is talk about how he feels.
The twenty four hour surveillance that Taylor Security pulls off on Gina's family certainly brings Vic that much closer for the first time in his life to saying yes to commitment, but for Vic that might not be what fate has in store for him when he leaves Gina to hunt down his enemy, knowing that without that final act of vengeance on his part, he would never be able to look himself in the mirror ever again.
I just flat-out loved Vic's sense of humor and the way his thoughts filter out to bring a smile to the reader's face even during the most charged moments in the story. The thing that drew me in the most was that every part of the story felt real from the humor to the teenage crabby issues to the passion and love that flares between Gina and Vic. And if I hadn't already been half in love with Vic by the end of the story, the last chapter would have convinced me to go all the way as I just simply adored the ending.
Filled to the brim with humor, sizzling sexual tension, romance with a love that grows on you, Man Law is a summer read not to be missed out on!
Recommended for those who love romantic suspense, adventure and romance in one setting.
Definitely looking forward to the rest of the novels in the series.
Rating=4.25/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
Man Law tells the story of the sexy Vic Andrews with his distracting goatee and his unwanted attraction towards his best friend Mike's younger sister Gina Delgado, a single mother with three kids, who has been a widow for the past four years. Vic is a man who lives by and follows only his Man laws and he screws that up royally when he has mind numbing sexual encounters with Gina in the basement of her house, at the beach and the next time in her kitchen. Though Vic and Gina both brush those off as brain farts, they both know that the underlying attraction that always ignites whenever they are together won't be brushed aside just that easily.
When one of Vics's assignments come back to haunt him and the target this time is Gina and her kids, Vic knows that he won't let anything happen to them as long as he is able to draw breathe from his body. To say that Vic has commitment issues and emotional garbage is to put things mildly. But Gina is determined that Vic decide once and for all whether what they have between them is worth exploring or walking away from. What Gina wouldn't back down from is that she won't say yes to a relationship with a man who puts his life constantly in danger, having once already gone through hell after the untimely death of her husband.
What made Man Law such an interesting story was because of the way the author brings in all the characters and let them do their thing. Lily, Gina's youngest is so adorable that you can't help but grin at her conversations with Vic who might think he is clueless when it comes to kids but does so very well in that department as well. Gina fights for what she wants and when it is Vic that she sets her sights on, she doesn't let him that easily off the hook when the last thing he wants to do is talk about how he feels.
The twenty four hour surveillance that Taylor Security pulls off on Gina's family certainly brings Vic that much closer for the first time in his life to saying yes to commitment, but for Vic that might not be what fate has in store for him when he leaves Gina to hunt down his enemy, knowing that without that final act of vengeance on his part, he would never be able to look himself in the mirror ever again.
I just flat-out loved Vic's sense of humor and the way his thoughts filter out to bring a smile to the reader's face even during the most charged moments in the story. The thing that drew me in the most was that every part of the story felt real from the humor to the teenage crabby issues to the passion and love that flares between Gina and Vic. And if I hadn't already been half in love with Vic by the end of the story, the last chapter would have convinced me to go all the way as I just simply adored the ending.
Filled to the brim with humor, sizzling sexual tension, romance with a love that grows on you, Man Law is a summer read not to be missed out on!
Recommended for those who love romantic suspense, adventure and romance in one setting.
Definitely looking forward to the rest of the novels in the series.
Rating=4.25/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
June 14, 2011
Wow, what a fabulous book. I LOVED that most of the book came from Vic's point of view. So much fun. So suspenseful. So romantic! LOVED it! Full review to come!
This book releases JULY 4, 2011!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
My Review:
First things first...this is a wonderful book. I really, really like it. Vic is just... um, wonderfully yummy! He is a private security contractor with a highly dangerous job. He works for Michael, Gina's brother. Gina is a widow. Her husband was a firefighter who died in a building collapse 4 years ago, leaving her as a single mother to 3 kids. She also works at the security firm, but in the accounting department. As a result, Gina & Vic are friends both at work and in a lot of social settings, but for some reason (a bit of explosive chemistry maybe) every time they get in an environment with only the two of them, everything spontaneously combusts. BUT he lives a dangerous life and she needs to provide a stable home for her children and herself. They agree...it's just not a good mix. Then something from an op goes wrong and Vic is betrayed. Suddenly Gina and her kids are in the cross-hairs of one very bad terrorist.
Everything about this book was so good. It was super suspenseful with great action. I loved Vic and Gina. They provided such a great balance to each other. I loved Gina. She has had a rough time of it and simply concentrated her life for her kids. Now she is seeing that she needs something for her...and Vic may just fit that if they can work it all through.
I loved how all the guys in this book are more than a little leery of the women when they get emotional. They bond over it, but aren't afraid to throw one of the other guys of the group to the wolves if it means saving themselves. Even little 7 yo Lilly can send them running (Tiny & Lilly- sob- gorgeous, heartbreaking aspect to this story. I love how he connected with her.)
And, of course, we have to talk about Vic's Man Laws. Too funny. At the beginning of each chapter in the book is one of Vic's Man Laws. Things like:
*Never mess with your best friend's sister.
*Never get suckered into a chick flick.
*Never wonder if you should have thrown the asshole off the roof.
Then we proceed through the chapter and watch that Man Law fall by the wayside. Hehe.
Like I said, this was an absolutely fabulous read. The story is wonderful, but I think that one of the things that made it outstanding is that Adrienne Giordano wrote the book mainly from Vic's point of view and he is such a guy. His inner-monologue had me giggling throughout the entire book. I can't remember any romance novel that has done so much from the hero's point of view or done it so incredibly well. Bravo, Adrienne! I love what you have done here and cannot wait to read further installments (coming in Sept and Nov) to this wonderful series!!
This book releases JULY 4, 2011!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
My Review:
First things first...this is a wonderful book. I really, really like it. Vic is just... um, wonderfully yummy! He is a private security contractor with a highly dangerous job. He works for Michael, Gina's brother. Gina is a widow. Her husband was a firefighter who died in a building collapse 4 years ago, leaving her as a single mother to 3 kids. She also works at the security firm, but in the accounting department. As a result, Gina & Vic are friends both at work and in a lot of social settings, but for some reason (a bit of explosive chemistry maybe) every time they get in an environment with only the two of them, everything spontaneously combusts. BUT he lives a dangerous life and she needs to provide a stable home for her children and herself. They agree...it's just not a good mix. Then something from an op goes wrong and Vic is betrayed. Suddenly Gina and her kids are in the cross-hairs of one very bad terrorist.
Everything about this book was so good. It was super suspenseful with great action. I loved Vic and Gina. They provided such a great balance to each other. I loved Gina. She has had a rough time of it and simply concentrated her life for her kids. Now she is seeing that she needs something for her...and Vic may just fit that if they can work it all through.
I loved how all the guys in this book are more than a little leery of the women when they get emotional. They bond over it, but aren't afraid to throw one of the other guys of the group to the wolves if it means saving themselves. Even little 7 yo Lilly can send them running (Tiny & Lilly- sob- gorgeous, heartbreaking aspect to this story. I love how he connected with her.)
And, of course, we have to talk about Vic's Man Laws. Too funny. At the beginning of each chapter in the book is one of Vic's Man Laws. Things like:
*Never mess with your best friend's sister.
*Never get suckered into a chick flick.
*Never wonder if you should have thrown the asshole off the roof.
Then we proceed through the chapter and watch that Man Law fall by the wayside. Hehe.
Like I said, this was an absolutely fabulous read. The story is wonderful, but I think that one of the things that made it outstanding is that Adrienne Giordano wrote the book mainly from Vic's point of view and he is such a guy. His inner-monologue had me giggling throughout the entire book. I can't remember any romance novel that has done so much from the hero's point of view or done it so incredibly well. Bravo, Adrienne! I love what you have done here and cannot wait to read further installments (coming in Sept and Nov) to this wonderful series!!
August 24, 2011
See my full review here: http://secretsofabooklover.blogspot.c...
Hmm... this is turning out to be a tough one to review. For starters, I somewhat liked Gina. She is a widow with three kids and works for her brother. She is attracted to Vic, though shies away from any man who's job puts him at risk. She's tough on the front but is struggling with the death of her husband. Her kids are her life, now, and her oldest is protective of her.
But then we get to Vic. There's something about him that just rubbed me the wrong way. He almost seems too immature. Maybe I was basing my opinion of the protective alpha male on Lori Foster's Edge of Honor men (I read this shortly after I finished the first three of those books) but they just seemed so cool and collected. Vic came across like a dramatic teenager. If I read the words "kill me now" one more time, I was going to burn the book. Gina wants to talk about their relationship. Kill me now. Her son glares at him because he's protective of his mother. Kill me now. He needs to have a discussion with Gina's son. Kill me now. Gina wants to tell her how she feels. Kill. Me. Now. Ugh!
The story line had promise. The idea that Vic's job somehow compromises the security of the ones he loves has the makings for a good plot. I just felt like the personality of the characters took away from the story. I'm sure it's just a matter of preference, but I think that Vic's personality would have been better suited for a romantic comedy as opposed to romantic suspense. And I probably would have liked him better in that setting. In this book, he just annoyed me.
Hmm... this is turning out to be a tough one to review. For starters, I somewhat liked Gina. She is a widow with three kids and works for her brother. She is attracted to Vic, though shies away from any man who's job puts him at risk. She's tough on the front but is struggling with the death of her husband. Her kids are her life, now, and her oldest is protective of her.
But then we get to Vic. There's something about him that just rubbed me the wrong way. He almost seems too immature. Maybe I was basing my opinion of the protective alpha male on Lori Foster's Edge of Honor men (I read this shortly after I finished the first three of those books) but they just seemed so cool and collected. Vic came across like a dramatic teenager. If I read the words "kill me now" one more time, I was going to burn the book. Gina wants to talk about their relationship. Kill me now. Her son glares at him because he's protective of his mother. Kill me now. He needs to have a discussion with Gina's son. Kill me now. Gina wants to tell her how she feels. Kill. Me. Now. Ugh!
The story line had promise. The idea that Vic's job somehow compromises the security of the ones he loves has the makings for a good plot. I just felt like the personality of the characters took away from the story. I'm sure it's just a matter of preference, but I think that Vic's personality would have been better suited for a romantic comedy as opposed to romantic suspense. And I probably would have liked him better in that setting. In this book, he just annoyed me.
July 11, 2011
I will disclose first off that the author, Adrienne Giordano, is a friend of mine. That being said, if I didn't have something good to say about this book I wouldn't say it all - my Daddy raised me right.
This book is the debut of a series (thank God!) and it starts it off with a bang. The strength of this book is the voice of each character and the total immersion in their psyche. Vic is a "guy's guy" with a potty mouth, a swagger he can back up in any fight, and a libido that is only eclipsed by his ability to deliver in the bedroom . . . or the beach . . . or the kitchen counter . . . you get the picture. He needs a woman who can stand up to him and meet him nose-to-nose.
Gina is that woman. She is a widow with three kids who is slowly awakening from her grief-imposed slumber to figure who she is and whether her new life includes Vic. She gives it as good as she gets it and you'll admire her attitude and tenacity.
A funny, diverse and well-rounded cast of characters fills out this stellar story with a plot of terrorists and risking it all for those you love.
Above all - Adrienne's voice and ability to rip off snappy, smart dialogue with seemingly no effort made this a book I couldn't put down.
This book is the debut of a series (thank God!) and it starts it off with a bang. The strength of this book is the voice of each character and the total immersion in their psyche. Vic is a "guy's guy" with a potty mouth, a swagger he can back up in any fight, and a libido that is only eclipsed by his ability to deliver in the bedroom . . . or the beach . . . or the kitchen counter . . . you get the picture. He needs a woman who can stand up to him and meet him nose-to-nose.
Gina is that woman. She is a widow with three kids who is slowly awakening from her grief-imposed slumber to figure who she is and whether her new life includes Vic. She gives it as good as she gets it and you'll admire her attitude and tenacity.
A funny, diverse and well-rounded cast of characters fills out this stellar story with a plot of terrorists and risking it all for those you love.
Above all - Adrienne's voice and ability to rip off snappy, smart dialogue with seemingly no effort made this a book I couldn't put down.
June 6, 2011
Ex-special ops solider, Vic Andrews, takes on criminals and terrorists for a living and has schooled himself in shutting down his emotions. Nothing gets to him. Nobody gets to him. Except for Gina Delgado.
Widowed mother of three, Gina lost her husband to a fire three years ago and has been raising her kids and working hard to be Supermom ever since. Now she’s moving past her grief and opening up, especially to Vic. But Vic’s job is secretive and dangerous, and Gina knows she can’t handle losing someone else she loves.
The tension and romantic entanglement between Vic and Gina is honest and sexy. Vic’s job puts Gina and her kids in a terrorist’s line of fire and the suspense builds from beginning to end. The final showdown shocked me, but forced this couple to come to grips with their internal roadblocks and find a way to overcome them that was deeply satisfying. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Widowed mother of three, Gina lost her husband to a fire three years ago and has been raising her kids and working hard to be Supermom ever since. Now she’s moving past her grief and opening up, especially to Vic. But Vic’s job is secretive and dangerous, and Gina knows she can’t handle losing someone else she loves.
The tension and romantic entanglement between Vic and Gina is honest and sexy. Vic’s job puts Gina and her kids in a terrorist’s line of fire and the suspense builds from beginning to end. The final showdown shocked me, but forced this couple to come to grips with their internal roadblocks and find a way to overcome them that was deeply satisfying. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
August 2, 2012
Widower Gina Delgado deserves to have a stable life to raise her three children in. Even years later she has not found someone she connects with, except security consultant Vic Andrews who is best friends with her brother.
Vic has been warned repeatedly to stay away from Gina. His job is dangerous and she needs safe and secure, the problem is whenever they are together they can't keep from touching one another. After one blissful moment on the beach, Gina tells Vic he needs to decide if this is something he wants to pursue. Not able to make a decision, Vic is thrust into Gina's families lives when an enemy has decided to make them his next target.
I gave this a 3.99, I was a little confused by Gina at times because she would put her foot down and than change on a flip. Otherwise quickly paced and intriguing story. I liked Vic, he struggles with job vs love which he is really torn up about, once you understand his background you understand why.
Vic has been warned repeatedly to stay away from Gina. His job is dangerous and she needs safe and secure, the problem is whenever they are together they can't keep from touching one another. After one blissful moment on the beach, Gina tells Vic he needs to decide if this is something he wants to pursue. Not able to make a decision, Vic is thrust into Gina's families lives when an enemy has decided to make them his next target.
I gave this a 3.99, I was a little confused by Gina at times because she would put her foot down and than change on a flip. Otherwise quickly paced and intriguing story. I liked Vic, he struggles with job vs love which he is really torn up about, once you understand his background you understand why.
May 28, 2011
I had the privilege of reading Man Law in its infancy, and several times through the editing and polishing process. This is a GREAT story. It will be on my keeper shelf along with the rest of Ms. Giordano's books.
February 16, 2012
This was my first book by Adrienne Giordano as it was a Free Fridays selection on my Nook. I know you shouldn't judge a book by the cover, but I like to stay away from anything too "erotic" and prefer more "clean" romance. I am usually cautious with book covers as hot as this one. I was pleasantly surprised with this book.
I figured I would give it a go and I liked it a lot. I really liked Vic. He cracked me up a lot with his Man Laws but made me want to strangle him other times. I also cried during this book. I have children and hated what happened in parts of the book, but they really made the story. Gina is a strong woman and was great at expressing herself and letting Vic know what she expected of him and I really admired that.
The relationship that Vic had with his family was also nice to read about. He really learned a lot about all of his relationships through Gina. She pulled out the emotions he was not able to express before. Go Gina!
Overall I enjoyed the dynamics of Vic's relationships with Gina, his friends, and family in addition to the suspense in this book. The plot moved along well and I couldn't put it down. I wanted to see how Vic solved the problems and how things were going to turn out between he and Gina. I have re-read it a few times and I think I like it more each time. I liked this book so much the first time I read it I looked up other books by Adrienne Giordano and read those as well. I plan to continue to read Adrienne's books. I highly recommend this book!
I figured I would give it a go and I liked it a lot. I really liked Vic. He cracked me up a lot with his Man Laws but made me want to strangle him other times. I also cried during this book. I have children and hated what happened in parts of the book, but they really made the story. Gina is a strong woman and was great at expressing herself and letting Vic know what she expected of him and I really admired that.
The relationship that Vic had with his family was also nice to read about. He really learned a lot about all of his relationships through Gina. She pulled out the emotions he was not able to express before. Go Gina!
Overall I enjoyed the dynamics of Vic's relationships with Gina, his friends, and family in addition to the suspense in this book. The plot moved along well and I couldn't put it down. I wanted to see how Vic solved the problems and how things were going to turn out between he and Gina. I have re-read it a few times and I think I like it more each time. I liked this book so much the first time I read it I looked up other books by Adrienne Giordano and read those as well. I plan to continue to read Adrienne's books. I highly recommend this book!
January 11, 2020
This is another good book in this series. Hopefully you have read the first book in the series, if not please read. It is not required, but would help you know the characters better. Vic is Michael’s partner of the security firm and best friend. Gina is Michael’s sister and she lost her husband to a fire (he was a firefighter) four years ago. She has four children and Michael has tried to be there for her. Gina and Vic are attracted to each other. Of course there are problems. Gina doesn’t want another man that works in a dangerous job. She is lonely and has hooked up with Vic a couple times. Vic has his emotions locked away and doesn’t want emotions getting in the way of his work. He likes the job part where he goes overseas and does undercover work. He starts getting closer to Gina and her children which scares him. Vic went undercover and killed a terrorist’s brother. Now the brother wants to make Vic pay by targeting people he is close to. This book is so suspenseful with lots of action which I love. Gina’s youngest daughter is a sweetheart that I couldn’t help but love. There are also some sad things that happened that broke my heart. I wanted to rewrite a scene! I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
January 26, 2012
Vic is Gina's brother's bff. Gina is a widow of four years and her and Vic have had sex a few random times. Gina does not want to be a widow again and Vic is scared of emotions. Gina and her family are targeted by terrorists that are out to hurt Vic and Vic and Gina's brother's company of military people must save them.
This book was cute. The dialogue is corny and Gina is bipolar (always blowing up for no reason and then happy the next second). I doubt I will be rereading this book since I skipped so much of the typical military scenes. But I liked the premise and the kids were cute. Just was not a huge fan of the main characters.
This book was cute. The dialogue is corny and Gina is bipolar (always blowing up for no reason and then happy the next second). I doubt I will be rereading this book since I skipped so much of the typical military scenes. But I liked the premise and the kids were cute. Just was not a huge fan of the main characters.
January 24, 2020
Vic Andrews is a security consultant who is a cool operator. He keeps his emotions under strict control, but his work has taken an emotional toll. He protects himself by avoiding any personal entanglements. However, he has a chink in his armor. Gina Delgado is the sister of his best friend and his boss. Vic is falling for her, but their romance is headed for a major roadblock. Gina and her kids are being terrorized by a fanatic who wants to get revenge against Vic. Gina is a single mother. She lost her husband and is raising her three children alone. I admired her courage. Vic is a loner. He doesn't want to be responsible for anyone. I hated how he keeps his emotions buried. Romance is in the air when these two are together. I liked them. Opposites attract. They leap off the page with their sassy and sexy interaction. The story is fast paced with plenty of unexpected twists and shocking tragedy. I loved having Mike and Roxann involved. They are the perfect couple. Man Law kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted a HEA. I just wasn't sure if I would get it.
January 11, 2020
Kindle Copy for Review
Security consultant finds himself breaking his rules of never getting involved with his best friend’s sister, never get caught and never get attached. He was doing fine until he met his match. She was trouble and she came with children.
She was not looking for anything more than a physical relationship as she was not ready to lose another man. But when an assignment goes wrong and she and her kids become targets, it will be up to him to keep them safe and he realizes how much they mean to him as a family. Will it be too late for them to be a family?
Quaint suspense read.
Security consultant finds himself breaking his rules of never getting involved with his best friend’s sister, never get caught and never get attached. He was doing fine until he met his match. She was trouble and she came with children.
She was not looking for anything more than a physical relationship as she was not ready to lose another man. But when an assignment goes wrong and she and her kids become targets, it will be up to him to keep them safe and he realizes how much they mean to him as a family. Will it be too late for them to be a family?
Quaint suspense read.
February 2, 2020
I loved this romantic thriller with unforgettable characters you feel like you know and want to be their friends and a well-crafted action adventure that kept me glued to the book from the very beginning and I wasn't ready for it to end when I got to the last page. I loved the attraction and off-the-charts chemistry between security consultant Vic Andrews and his best friend's sister and single mother, Gina Delgado. I laughed, cried, sighed and loved every minute of "Man Law" and look forward to book three is this must-read series. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. I liked it so much, I purchased a copy to read again at a later time.
July 12, 2011
You can also read this review at Reflections on Reading Romance
My favorite man law? Number 18 – Never mess with a man’s grill. And no, that’s not a euphemism. A man’s appliances and gadgets are apparently hands off to buddies, and so is his sister, which causes a ton of problems in Adrienne Giordano’s Man Law. Men have a lot of unwritten rules that make little or no sense to women, and Vic Andrews, security consultant, seems to follow ALL these rules. I’m willing to bet good money that if he went to the movies with a buddy, they’d leave an empty seat between them, just so there are nooooo misunderstandings. Vic is definitely a tough guy, but he’s also funny, sweet, and endearing. Just don’t tell him that!
Adrienne Giordano’s debut novel, Man Law, is a romantic suspense, and it’s definitely a winner. My mother-in-law loves to read romantic suspense, and I can't wait to recommend it to her. The novel begins on a beach, with our hero Vic Andrews realizing that he’s in deep trouble, because he just hooked up with his best friend’s sister, Gina Delgado. Never mess with a man’s sister is one of these deeply entrenched man laws Vic follows, but this is the second time he and Gina have hooked up, and it’s starting to get complicated. Gina is a 35 year old widow of a deceased firefighter, so she knows all about the constant stress of worrying for her loved ones, plus she’s got 3 kids to raise without their father. The last thing she needs is to get involved with Vic, whose spent years working under dangerous conditions. To make matters worse, Vic has just learned that a terrorist is targeting him in retaliation for taking out his younger brother, which places Gina and her three kids in some serious danger. You’ll definitely be rooting for Vic and Gina, as they work through an emotional minefield while fighting off this terrorist’s vendetta.
There are so many things to love about this novel, but the characters really sold it for me, especially the male ones. This book reminded me a lot of what I enjoyed in Shannon Stacey’s Yours to Keep – the male characters sound like real guys, laughing at each other and giving their buds a hard time over women. The titular man laws make numerous appearances as we watch Vic Andrews, tough guy extraordinaire, go down for the count, and it’s fun to watch him break almost all of them when dealing with Gina. Never admit you’re wrong? – I’m pretty sure this one’s written in stone for guys, but Vic manages to break it and live to fight and love another day. It’s clear throughout the novel that Vic’s never had problems with the ladies, but his long-time friendship with Gina’s brother Mike means that he’s known her for a long time. He clearly respects Gina, but he also finds her smokin’ hot, and as a widowed mother of 3, that’s just what she needs! The scenes where Vic calls out Gina’s teenage son Matt and tells him that he’ll just have to deal with Vic’s presence in their lives are perfect, and make me wonder if Ms. Giordano has her own teenage son, because Matt is super cranky and sullen about his Mom’s new boyfriend.
Gina is one of the more likeable heroines I’ve read in a while. She’s 35, has 3 kids, and has been widowed for 4 years. She’s starting to realize that she’s buried Gina the woman in favor of Gina the mother, and I think a lot of women can relate to that. Her grief over her husband’s death is an important part of the story, because she has plenty of doubts about starting something with someone who, like her husband, makes a living in a dangerous profession. However, she’s clearly moving in a positive direction, and it’s a pleasure to see her take charge of her sexuality while dealing with kids and pressure from her loving family.
I found the pacing of the book to be just right. We learn about the threat to Vic and his loved ones almost immediately in the novel, and the tension is maintained throughout, but there are realistic breaks in the action to develop the relationship between the leads. There are some real nail-biting moments and one gut-wrenching one that I won’t spoil for you, but the intensity of the action is where it should be. The reactions of Vic and the other characters to the powerful events that take place come across as highly believable, and the suspense hanging over them all will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If I had to quibble about anything in the book, it would be that the last action sequence was almost anti-climatic because of the intensity of the sequence prior to it. That prior sequence packed a much more powerful emotional punch, and the last seemed to be almost an afterthought, although it did resolve everything nicely. Additionally, Gina’s second son Jake seemed almost superfluous at times, since Gina’s other two children are much more central to the plot and more clearly developed. I’m not sure that she needed to have three children in this novel, although we certainly get the sense of how harried she is as a single mother.
In short, I really enjoyed Ms. Giordano’s book and highly recommend it. This is the first in her Private Protectors series, with the second one (A Just Deception) coming out in September 2011. I’m hoping that her ebook sales will be strong enough to warrant a print release some time next year, as Man Law is a strong beginning to a new series.
I received this book for review from the publisher, Carina Press, through NetGalley.
My favorite man law? Number 18 – Never mess with a man’s grill. And no, that’s not a euphemism. A man’s appliances and gadgets are apparently hands off to buddies, and so is his sister, which causes a ton of problems in Adrienne Giordano’s Man Law. Men have a lot of unwritten rules that make little or no sense to women, and Vic Andrews, security consultant, seems to follow ALL these rules. I’m willing to bet good money that if he went to the movies with a buddy, they’d leave an empty seat between them, just so there are nooooo misunderstandings. Vic is definitely a tough guy, but he’s also funny, sweet, and endearing. Just don’t tell him that!
Adrienne Giordano’s debut novel, Man Law, is a romantic suspense, and it’s definitely a winner. My mother-in-law loves to read romantic suspense, and I can't wait to recommend it to her. The novel begins on a beach, with our hero Vic Andrews realizing that he’s in deep trouble, because he just hooked up with his best friend’s sister, Gina Delgado. Never mess with a man’s sister is one of these deeply entrenched man laws Vic follows, but this is the second time he and Gina have hooked up, and it’s starting to get complicated. Gina is a 35 year old widow of a deceased firefighter, so she knows all about the constant stress of worrying for her loved ones, plus she’s got 3 kids to raise without their father. The last thing she needs is to get involved with Vic, whose spent years working under dangerous conditions. To make matters worse, Vic has just learned that a terrorist is targeting him in retaliation for taking out his younger brother, which places Gina and her three kids in some serious danger. You’ll definitely be rooting for Vic and Gina, as they work through an emotional minefield while fighting off this terrorist’s vendetta.
There are so many things to love about this novel, but the characters really sold it for me, especially the male ones. This book reminded me a lot of what I enjoyed in Shannon Stacey’s Yours to Keep – the male characters sound like real guys, laughing at each other and giving their buds a hard time over women. The titular man laws make numerous appearances as we watch Vic Andrews, tough guy extraordinaire, go down for the count, and it’s fun to watch him break almost all of them when dealing with Gina. Never admit you’re wrong? – I’m pretty sure this one’s written in stone for guys, but Vic manages to break it and live to fight and love another day. It’s clear throughout the novel that Vic’s never had problems with the ladies, but his long-time friendship with Gina’s brother Mike means that he’s known her for a long time. He clearly respects Gina, but he also finds her smokin’ hot, and as a widowed mother of 3, that’s just what she needs! The scenes where Vic calls out Gina’s teenage son Matt and tells him that he’ll just have to deal with Vic’s presence in their lives are perfect, and make me wonder if Ms. Giordano has her own teenage son, because Matt is super cranky and sullen about his Mom’s new boyfriend.
Gina is one of the more likeable heroines I’ve read in a while. She’s 35, has 3 kids, and has been widowed for 4 years. She’s starting to realize that she’s buried Gina the woman in favor of Gina the mother, and I think a lot of women can relate to that. Her grief over her husband’s death is an important part of the story, because she has plenty of doubts about starting something with someone who, like her husband, makes a living in a dangerous profession. However, she’s clearly moving in a positive direction, and it’s a pleasure to see her take charge of her sexuality while dealing with kids and pressure from her loving family.
I found the pacing of the book to be just right. We learn about the threat to Vic and his loved ones almost immediately in the novel, and the tension is maintained throughout, but there are realistic breaks in the action to develop the relationship between the leads. There are some real nail-biting moments and one gut-wrenching one that I won’t spoil for you, but the intensity of the action is where it should be. The reactions of Vic and the other characters to the powerful events that take place come across as highly believable, and the suspense hanging over them all will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If I had to quibble about anything in the book, it would be that the last action sequence was almost anti-climatic because of the intensity of the sequence prior to it. That prior sequence packed a much more powerful emotional punch, and the last seemed to be almost an afterthought, although it did resolve everything nicely. Additionally, Gina’s second son Jake seemed almost superfluous at times, since Gina’s other two children are much more central to the plot and more clearly developed. I’m not sure that she needed to have three children in this novel, although we certainly get the sense of how harried she is as a single mother.
In short, I really enjoyed Ms. Giordano’s book and highly recommend it. This is the first in her Private Protectors series, with the second one (A Just Deception) coming out in September 2011. I’m hoping that her ebook sales will be strong enough to warrant a print release some time next year, as Man Law is a strong beginning to a new series.
I received this book for review from the publisher, Carina Press, through NetGalley.
October 19, 2020
Man Law
WOW!Another FANTASTIC story by Adrienne! There were a couple of scenes that I seemed to have read before but overall, this story was totally intense. Vic was basically a loner and had been pining after Mike's sister, Gina, for a while. Then it finally happened, they started working on their relationship. It doesn't help that a maniac shiek wanted to destroy Vic. Once the shiek is taken care of, Vic moves on to his next plan of getting Gina and her kids as his family. Apparently it succeeded. FANTASTIC job Adrienne! I would recommend this book.
WOW!Another FANTASTIC story by Adrienne! There were a couple of scenes that I seemed to have read before but overall, this story was totally intense. Vic was basically a loner and had been pining after Mike's sister, Gina, for a while. Then it finally happened, they started working on their relationship. It doesn't help that a maniac shiek wanted to destroy Vic. Once the shiek is taken care of, Vic moves on to his next plan of getting Gina and her kids as his family. Apparently it succeeded. FANTASTIC job Adrienne! I would recommend this book.
December 17, 2023
Four Stars
I liked that Vic and Gina started out as practically friends with benefits from the first book in this series, but start getting too close and emotionally invested. This left Vic with choices he kept avoiding for years. When the unthinkable happens, Vic and Gina have to make some hard decisions to see if their HEA is even possible. Characters from the first book are back, one in particular left me feeling very sad. I thought Gina's two other children, especially Matt should have been featured more in the aftermath of what happened with Lily.
I liked that Vic and Gina started out as practically friends with benefits from the first book in this series, but start getting too close and emotionally invested. This left Vic with choices he kept avoiding for years. When the unthinkable happens, Vic and Gina have to make some hard decisions to see if their HEA is even possible. Characters from the first book are back, one in particular left me feeling very sad. I thought Gina's two other children, especially Matt should have been featured more in the aftermath of what happened with Lily.
January 25, 2020
You just want to hug Vic. He has spent so many years closed off from his emotions and all of a sudden he lets them out with Gina. He doesn't know how to handle all of that. He has been such a machine for years. Now Gina wants him to stop doing the dirty work and stick around for her and the kids. When someone comes after them because of him, Vic will do anything to keep them safe. But as what cost?
February 4, 2020
Man Law goes for the heated attraction and the suspense action from the first pages. Vic and Gina were perfect push and pull to each other. I loved that while Gina was a mature woman, a mom with kids that had gone through loss and hardships, that she still had more to finding herself and her place, who she wanted to be. She brought out the better Vic. I enjoyed this suspense romance all the way to the end.
September 5, 2022
I absolutely loved Vic & Gina.
What's a guy to do when the woman you want is targeted by a terrorist who wants you to suffer before you die? You stick close to her and her kids, of course.
I loved how Gina would not back down, nor settle for anything less than what she knows she and her kids deserve. I love how Vic learned to open up his emotions.
This was a great read that I could not put down! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
What's a guy to do when the woman you want is targeted by a terrorist who wants you to suffer before you die? You stick close to her and her kids, of course.
I loved how Gina would not back down, nor settle for anything less than what she knows she and her kids deserve. I love how Vic learned to open up his emotions.
This was a great read that I could not put down! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
February 20, 2020
Riveting! Gripping! Sizzling!
Vic Andrews is an operative for Taylor Security.
He was a former Army Ranger. He works with his
best friend and partner, Michael Taylor who is an
expert in security. They run an elite, private, high
profile agency.
Gina Delgado is Michael’s sister. She is the widow
of a deceased firefighter with three children. She
and Vic have a Hugh attraction to each other but
Man Law number one is never mess with your best
friend’s sister.
When a terrorist sets his sites on revenge against
Vic, he uses Gina and her daughter as a way to get
to Vic. But will he’s viciousness, hatred and deceit
succeed??
Characters are colorful, dangerous, well trained,
intriguing and very well created.
Come along on this horrific journey that will
uncover a terrorist weapons site while trying to
save a kidnapped child. It is filled with thrills,
chills, twists, turns, intense romance, a fast paced
adventure.
This is book # 2 in the Private Protectors series. It
can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read Man Law. Thanks to the author
for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and my
own.
A very good read!!!
Vic Andrews is an operative for Taylor Security.
He was a former Army Ranger. He works with his
best friend and partner, Michael Taylor who is an
expert in security. They run an elite, private, high
profile agency.
Gina Delgado is Michael’s sister. She is the widow
of a deceased firefighter with three children. She
and Vic have a Hugh attraction to each other but
Man Law number one is never mess with your best
friend’s sister.
When a terrorist sets his sites on revenge against
Vic, he uses Gina and her daughter as a way to get
to Vic. But will he’s viciousness, hatred and deceit
succeed??
Characters are colorful, dangerous, well trained,
intriguing and very well created.
Come along on this horrific journey that will
uncover a terrorist weapons site while trying to
save a kidnapped child. It is filled with thrills,
chills, twists, turns, intense romance, a fast paced
adventure.
This is book # 2 in the Private Protectors series. It
can be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read Man Law. Thanks to the author
for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and my
own.
A very good read!!!
February 16, 2020
Man Law
(Private Protectors)
Adrienne Giordano
Never knew there were so many ‘man laws’, but what fun reading about them.
Vic’s attraction to Gina, his best friend’s sister, causes him a lot of trouble when a very bad man targets her daughter to get back at him.
Full of tension and suspense that grabs you and doesn’t let you go until you finish it.
A definite late night read.
(Private Protectors)
Adrienne Giordano
Never knew there were so many ‘man laws’, but what fun reading about them.
Vic’s attraction to Gina, his best friend’s sister, causes him a lot of trouble when a very bad man targets her daughter to get back at him.
Full of tension and suspense that grabs you and doesn’t let you go until you finish it.
A definite late night read.
March 19, 2021
Ok read. There were incidents that I didn't agree with, such as Vic never telling his aunt he loved her. I felt sorry for the things Lily went through, but she seemed to be recovering well. Gina's children received Vic into their lives easily which was good.
September 25, 2021
Four and a half stars
I liked this book better than the first. It had a little more “heat” and I liked the characters a little more. But siblings best friend romances are one of my favourites.
I liked this book better than the first. It had a little more “heat” and I liked the characters a little more. But siblings best friend romances are one of my favourites.
August 5, 2022
A nail biting roller coaster of suspense, crazy love and family.
February 27, 2021
I bought this book to reread. I love this lighter romantic suspense series. It introduced me to the wonderful Adrienne Giordano andis still one of my favorite romance novels. She does such a wonderful job of creating just right characters and building relationships that I can root for.
February 11, 2020
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 2/12/20.
Vic Andrews is still my book boyfriend.
Even when I wanted to throttle the guy, I absolutely loved him. His "man laws" at the beginning of each chapter were laugh-out-loud funny, especially since they gave you a clue as to what was going to happen that chapter (i.e., he'd end up breaking it--usually in a pretty spectacular fashion). Sadly, poor Vic had no such warning of what was to come. ;)
Vic's childhood was less than ideal, and it--or to be more specific, his perceptions of it--still affected how he was living his life as an adult. He saw himself as a loner, only truly trusting two people--his best friend and boss Micheal and his cousin Tiny. He stays as far away from relationships as he can get, and as soon as a woman even begins to think about those three little words in reference to him, he is out of there.
But he can't seem to get Gina Delgado, his best friend's little sister, out of his head--a clear violation of on of the biggest Man Laws out there--the sister rule. Their first encounter was obviously a moment of weakness--there was a blown washing machine hose, a nearly transparent white top and a lacy bra--clearly, it couldn't have been avoided. The second time? Blame it on the moonlight and an empty beach. But the time after that...? And the next time? And... you get the idea ;)
I really liked Gina's character too--she didn't take any crap from anyone, and had no trouble speaking her mind. A widow of four years, she always put her kids first but also wanted to do what was best for her. She liked Vic--really cared about him a lot, but if he wasn't going to be the stand up guy she and her kids deserved in their lives, then she was ready to move on. She needed to move on.
Watching Vic all but obliterate his Man Laws was so much fun ("Never get suckered into watching a chick flick"? Two words: Dirty Dancing--LOL!), and seeing him get close to not just Gina but her kids was fantastic. He's so far in before he even realizes it's happening, and there goes his "Never get attached" law...
I re-read this book (after originally listening to the audiobook 6 years ago while attempting to shovel out of what was then the latest winter nightmare--FIVE FEET of snow overnight, thankyouverymuch) while on he vacation of a lifetime during which it just. Kept. Raining. Having a book to look forward to while I couldn't get to the beach? Priceless. The dialogue was snappy, the characters fun, and the action entertaining. I'll definitely be reading more from this series, and soon! I'm so glad Ms Giordano is re-releasing it :)
My only issue--and this is totally a "me" thing here--is that Gina never gets over her I-can't-get-involved-with-another-guy-with-a-dangerous-job-because-he-could-die-on-me mindset. Until the end, it's Vic who has to change for her. Don't get me wrong, I think Vic was ready to make a change and he makes the right decision in the end. I completely understand her feelings here, but I was really hoping she'd manage to come to the realization that even if she'd ended up (God forbid!) with the accountant in the end, she could still lose him at any time and with no warning. Sure, she wouldn't spend her time while he was at his "nine to fiver" job worrying if he'd make it home okay, but the truth is that you never know any given day what's going to happen. So--I'd just have liked Gina to have made that connection.
But, hey--any day I reconnect with a book boyfriend is a good day, and if he can (mostly!) keep me distracted from the rain we've been having all. Vacation. Long? Even better!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
*****
Re-read early 2020 for re-release--held up to earlier opinion!
Originally reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books for 11/21/14.
Vic Andrews is still my book boyfriend.
Even when I wanted to throttle the guy, I absolutely loved him. His "man laws" at the beginning of each chapter were laugh-out-loud funny, especially since they gave you a clue as to what was going to happen that chapter (i.e., he'd end up breaking it--usually in a pretty spectacular fashion). Sadly, poor Vic had no such warning of what was to come. ;)
Vic's childhood was less than ideal, and it--or to be more specific, his perceptions of it--still affected how he was living his life as an adult. He saw himself as a loner, only truly trusting two people--his best friend and boss Micheal and his cousin Tiny. He stays as far away from relationships as he can get, and as soon as a woman even begins to think about those three little words in reference to him, he is out of there.
But he can't seem to get Gina Delgado, his best friend's little sister, out of his head--a clear violation of on of the biggest Man Laws out there--the sister rule. Their first encounter was obviously a moment of weakness--there was a blown washing machine hose, a nearly transparent white top and a lacy bra--clearly, it couldn't have been avoided. The second time? Blame it on the moonlight and an empty beach. But the time after that...? And the next time? And... you get the idea ;)
I really liked Gina's character too--she didn't take any crap from anyone, and had no trouble speaking her mind. A widow of four years, she always put her kids first but also wanted to do what was best for her. She liked Vic--really cared about him a lot, but if he wasn't going to be the stand up guy she and her kids deserved in their lives, then she was ready to move on. She needed to move on.
Watching Vic all but obliterate his Man Laws was so much fun ("Never get suckered into watching a chick flick"? Two words: Dirty Dancing--LOL!), and seeing him get close to not just Gina but her kids was fantastic. He's so far in before he even realizes it's happening, and there goes his "Never get attached" law...
I re-read this book (after originally listening to the audiobook 6 years ago while attempting to shovel out of what was then the latest winter nightmare--FIVE FEET of snow overnight, thankyouverymuch) while on he vacation of a lifetime during which it just. Kept. Raining. Having a book to look forward to while I couldn't get to the beach? Priceless. The dialogue was snappy, the characters fun, and the action entertaining. I'll definitely be reading more from this series, and soon! I'm so glad Ms Giordano is re-releasing it :)
My only issue--and this is totally a "me" thing here--is that Gina never gets over her I-can't-get-involved-with-another-guy-with-a-dangerous-job-because-he-could-die-on-me mindset. Until the end, it's Vic who has to change for her. Don't get me wrong, I think Vic was ready to make a change and he makes the right decision in the end. I completely understand her feelings here, but I was really hoping she'd manage to come to the realization that even if she'd ended up (God forbid!) with the accountant in the end, she could still lose him at any time and with no warning. Sure, she wouldn't spend her time while he was at his "nine to fiver" job worrying if he'd make it home okay, but the truth is that you never know any given day what's going to happen. So--I'd just have liked Gina to have made that connection.
But, hey--any day I reconnect with a book boyfriend is a good day, and if he can (mostly!) keep me distracted from the rain we've been having all. Vacation. Long? Even better!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
*****
Re-read early 2020 for re-release--held up to earlier opinion!
Originally reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books for 11/21/14.
July 8, 2015
Man Law by Adrienne Giordanor is the first book I’ve won on www.booktrib.com and also the first I’ve read from the Harlequin eBook arm Carina Press. It’s a romantic thriller, and though I read a lot of romance, thrillers are not my favorite category because they tend to be all flash and blunder with the romance occurring under such extreme stress that I find it unlikely the two main characters will stay together once things calm down.
This is not remotely true of Man Law. In a style reminiscent of Suzanne Brockmann, Giordanor offers a people-oriented tale about growing up and learning to accept your past while finding your future, with the backdrop of a life-threatening crisis. It’s quite sexual because Vic and Gina first recognize their lustful connection, but at the same time the book is about how Gina is coming to deal with the aftermath of her husband’s death and learning to accept she still has needs along with the risks of opening up. Meanwhile, Vic is suffering from a rough childhood that left him with the imperative to refuse any close bonds.
Now before you get the impression that this is an emo novel, the man laws themselves offer a level of comedy along with a hint of foreshadowing, especially as the book progresses. What starts with Vic explaining to Gina and having her brother (who is also his partner in their business of international black ops) back him up on things such as one man cannot touch another’s remote, become the headers for each chapter and touch on more complicated ideas about vulnerability and accepting who you really are.
Just as Mike is her brother, she also has three children and a sister-in-law, compared to Vic being raised by his aunt when his mother abandoned him. So the novel also looks at various forms a family can take, whether by birth or choice, and the consequences, positive or negative, of that fact.
And don’t forget that it was labeled a thriller from the start. Though Man Law focuses heavily on the relationships and personal growth of the characters, the tension is ramped up early on when a job Vic performed in the Middle East comes back to haunt him, threatening more than his own safety back at home, and putting everything at risk. However, even in this, the personal impact is not set by the wayside, because Vic is forced to take a close look at how he’s chosen to live his life, and whether he still wants to be that man.
This is not remotely true of Man Law. In a style reminiscent of Suzanne Brockmann, Giordanor offers a people-oriented tale about growing up and learning to accept your past while finding your future, with the backdrop of a life-threatening crisis. It’s quite sexual because Vic and Gina first recognize their lustful connection, but at the same time the book is about how Gina is coming to deal with the aftermath of her husband’s death and learning to accept she still has needs along with the risks of opening up. Meanwhile, Vic is suffering from a rough childhood that left him with the imperative to refuse any close bonds.
Now before you get the impression that this is an emo novel, the man laws themselves offer a level of comedy along with a hint of foreshadowing, especially as the book progresses. What starts with Vic explaining to Gina and having her brother (who is also his partner in their business of international black ops) back him up on things such as one man cannot touch another’s remote, become the headers for each chapter and touch on more complicated ideas about vulnerability and accepting who you really are.
Just as Mike is her brother, she also has three children and a sister-in-law, compared to Vic being raised by his aunt when his mother abandoned him. So the novel also looks at various forms a family can take, whether by birth or choice, and the consequences, positive or negative, of that fact.
And don’t forget that it was labeled a thriller from the start. Though Man Law focuses heavily on the relationships and personal growth of the characters, the tension is ramped up early on when a job Vic performed in the Middle East comes back to haunt him, threatening more than his own safety back at home, and putting everything at risk. However, even in this, the personal impact is not set by the wayside, because Vic is forced to take a close look at how he’s chosen to live his life, and whether he still wants to be that man.
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