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Men of Action #2

Desperate Measures

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WHEN DANGER ARRIVES, REAL MEN TAKE ACTION

Dakota (Dak) Navarro, wealthy entrepreneur, international playboy and jet-setter, arrives in Miami for the wedding of his friend, Andrew Logan. He is hoping to see Dr. Amelia Courson, the woman he met two years earlier at another wedding - that of his good friend and her brother, Stonewall Courson.

Dr. Amelia Courson is a doctor who feels that lately she is taking care of everyone but herself. She is long overdue for a vacation and wants to let go and get wild. She has heard about Dak's "love-them-and-leave-the", "no-strings-attached" attitude, and since she is not looking for love either, Amelia feels Dak is just what this doctor orders.

Dak is a man of action and is ready to whisk Amelia away on his private jet to an exotic location...for R, R and R - rest, relaxation and rolling between the sheets.

What Dak does not count on is keeping them both alive when danger comes knocking at their door.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2021

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About the author

Brenda Jackson

927 books3,643 followers
In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

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5 stars
445 (78%)
4 stars
90 (15%)
3 stars
24 (4%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
798 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2021
I didn't see this relationship coming!

Dax and Mellie is a couple I really did not envision although I wondered who would capture the heart of the beautiful high achieving wholly independent Amelia aka Mellie Courson! I am happy it was Dax an intelligent, billionaire playboy with a heart of gold but not trying to settle down ever! I guess I was not paying attention at Stonewall's and Joy's wedding or else I would have picked up on the attraction. There were erotic love scenes, danger and intrigue that faced this couple and one other couple in their immediate circle and yes Ms. Courson can definitely hold her own as can the fine as great aged wine Dax Navarro! I enjoyed watching how they reached the conclusions about each other while experiencing first an adventure together and after something life changing. If you have not gotten your copy of Desperate Measures, I recommend that you do so without delay. Trust me you will be very glad that you did. Another great novel Mrs. Jackson to be sure. I am looking forward to the next in this series and the series coming after it!!!!!!
Profile Image for January.
3,046 reviews128 followers
March 7, 2023
Desperate Measures by Brenda Jackson
Men of Action #2
Related series: The Grangers (The Protectors is a spinoff of The Grangers; The Protectors (Men of Action is a spinoff of The Protectors); The Defenders (The Defenders is a spinoff of Men in Action)
8h 58m narrated by Jaime Lincoln Smith, 328 pages

Genre: Romantic Suspense, African-American Fiction

Featuring: Multiple POVs, Multiple Locations, Bedroom Droughts, Friend's Sister Trope, Trust Issues, Affluence, Playboy, Sex-Detailed, Violence, Traveling

Rating as a movie: NC-17 for strong sexual content

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My thoughts: 📱0% Out the gate, I'm upset because this is a series, and no one has the first book; they were rereleased weeks apart in February. Luckily, they are connected in theme only.
📱16% 1:25:12 Ch. 5 - This book is connected to the last one and is a spinoff of a spinoff series and contains characters from them. The good news is it's romance, so couplings aren't spoilers.
📱57% 5:09:03 Ch. 17 - Of course, it wants to turn up the heat just as I'm getting sleepy. I was starting to question the lack of suspense, but I guess I'll find out tomorrow.
📱73% 6:33:52 Ch. 22 - I really thought something was about to pop off. It's good but not that deep. I'll finish it later.

This is a spinoff of The Protectors series. A lot of people from all 4 series were mentioned. The Defenders isn't out yet but was mentioned here and will center around Whitney. I enjoyed this book and now I feel like I need to read the others starting with The Grangers because I was lost at the social events when characters from those series had interactions with this cast. This story was good; there was a lot of action once you got past the teasers.

Recommend to others?: Yes. If you're looking for good romantic suspense, this story is near perfect.
93 reviews4 followers
April 1, 2023
I love this author and have listened to many of Ms. Jackson’s books. While I enjoyed the storyline in this book, the narration left a lot to be desired. Jamie Lincoln Smith instead of pulling me into the story, almost pushed me completely away. Had it not been because I’ve read other related series by Brenda Jackson, I may have truly put this one down! A narrator can make or break an audio book and this one caused me to do three stars! There was a little “flip of the script” that I didn’t see coming and I enjoyed the secondary relationship in the story. I can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series. I truly hope it’s not done by Jamie Lincoln Smith!
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,272 reviews
March 24, 2023
I was disappointed in this book after reading Entangled Pursuits. That book was interesting and held my attention.

This book was all about Dak and Amelia having a physical relationship. Once again, the playboy unwilling to make a commitment but changes his mind because of the woman he has to work for (with minimal effort) to get in his bed. Had I been reading the ebook, I would definitely had been skimming through most of it. The steamy scenes were tedious with their "deep drugging kisses", their "electric waves", and "mindless ecstasy".

The action in this book occurred so late in the book, I found it to be irrelevant. I was excited about reading/listening to this book after the first book. It fell short for me. The best part of the book was in one of the last chapters. The last chapter dragged on forever. It was irritating as I had to sit through Amelia jumping to conclusions. This took the book from 3 stars to 2.5. At least it had an epilogue.
129 reviews
September 23, 2021
Worth its weight in gold

I was like a little girl in front of the Christmas tree excited about opening this book! This the series started with a bang and the storyline kept it rolling. I throughly loved Mellie’s and Dak’s romance. Two strong characters welding their hearts together as one! Brenda well done!
215 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2021
Wonderful love story!

I just love Dak and Amelia story along with Sylvester and Peggy's. It was well written and detailed with a certain amount of suspense. It was nice revisiting Stonewall. Amelia"s grandmother was feisty. Dakota was definitely a playa with extending one week in his world but Amelia rocked his soul. I enjoyed the story and reading books by this author.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
6 reviews
October 19, 2021
Action and Romance

Always enjoy a B Jackson story, impossible to avoid love. I didn't expect the plot twist but it added to the plot. Some of the action was over the top but and had me taking but it is a quick read. Always love the epilogue to see whose next in the series. If you we you over the top action with romance then you won't be disappointed
Profile Image for Brenda Maxwell.
238 reviews9 followers
January 26, 2022
Just I Don't Know

Disappointed in an $11 book. Ms Brenda's books have gotten cookie cutter. I am all for a good love scene, but when the entire book is nothing but, just about, it is so disappointing. The characters are flat and so is the story. I will go back to my hiatus on this BJ's books.
380 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2021
Dak Navarro was a wealthy business man who was intrigued by Dr Amelia Courson. He had met at a wedding two years before and could not get her out of his mind. The timing was perfect for both of them. Mellie had put in to take 30 days off from the hospital she worked it. She was burnt out from working long hours. Dak decided to take a week to get to know her. He had not been able to get her out of his mind since he met her.

Mellie was much stronger than Dak realized. Dak sent her a note asking her to spend time with him. She surprised him by showing up in his Vermont home. Ultimately they went Bali. His friend Sylvester went with as a pilot and Peggy was the stewardness on his private plane.

Mellie looked like a person who was in the witness protection program who had put a sex trafficer behind bars. His son wanted to kill Mellie because he thought she was the person who did it. The things that followed, the refective windows where all but two of the would be assassins were killed was crazy. The next attempt was on his island in the Maldives. The army of drones taking out the bad guys and protecting the good guys was wild.

Ultimately Dak realized Mellie was his soul mate. He could not live without her. Great action packed, full of drama love story.
1,136 reviews8 followers
May 23, 2022
Desperate measures

I’ve had this book on my TBR list for a little while because lately Mrs. Jackson’s books haven’t been doing it for me like the contemporary indie authors. Mrs. Jackson was one of the first authors I read in black romance so I’ve always held her books in high regard but lately they haven’t been as intriguing as books like the Madaris series. I say all that to say that I did enjoy this book once the action started. Majority of the book was spent on Dak and Amelia having sex or leading up to that point and I was just bored but I was determined to finish. I never thought I was say a book had too much sex but to me the sex was filler in this book. Once the action started around 70% of completion I was all in and wanted to keep reading to see how Dak was going to protect Amelia and what would happen next. This was a very slow read for me. It took me about 3 days to read because it didn’t hold my attention whereas I usually finish a book of this length within a day or day and a half. I’m glad I was able to finish the book and while I’m looking forward to the next book in this series about Roland I am a little skeptical on if I will like it or if it will be a hard read for me as well.
821 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2021
Brenda Jackson has written another great story that is another spin-off of the Granger Series. Dak Navarro is a wealthy entrepreneur, playboy who is used to getting anything and anyone he wants. He has a reputation that is well known with his love and leave them, no strings attached arrangements. While attending the wedding of his friend Stonewall Courson Dak met Dr. Amelia Courson, who is Stonewall's sister. After two years Dak has been unable to stop thinking about Amelia.

Dr. Amelia Courson has been busy taking care of everyone and never taking anytime for herself. Now she has decided that she is long overdue for a vacation and decides she is ready to let go and get wild.
Even though she is aware of Dak's reputation she thinks he is exactly what she needs.

Both Dak and Amelia wants control of how things will work. Neither is prepared for the results.
213 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2021
Desperate Measured

This was a love story about Dakota and Amelia. They began as friends trying to fulfill a curiosity. Dam was a die heart bachelor determined to avoid relationships. Alexis was a dedicated doctor attracted at first sight. After spending a week and a half together on exotic islands they fell hard for each other then unexpected danger proved without a doubt Dakota couldn't function without the love of Amelia. Therefore the title desperate measures fit their situation. Great story.🙂
325 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2021
Love and Suspense

Dak and Amelia were attracted to one another from the time they met. It took two years for them to see each other again and it was on and popping from there. I appreciated how they really got to know one another during their time together and fell in love. Love the scenes with Raven in action and learning about the status of family and friends. Looking forward to Roland’s story next.
Profile Image for Andrena G..
101 reviews
March 27, 2022
Magic in the Clouds

Dr. Amelia Courson, a brilliant, beautiful physician, found her true love within the adventurous lifestyle of the dashing, handsome entrepreneur, Dakota Navarro. After escaping from a harrowing episode that nearly cost her life, Amelia wanted more than the brief interlude that Dak had offered, which made returning to her real life all the more painful. The ball was in Dak's court, however, and Amelia was patient enough to await its outcome.
19 reviews
March 3, 2023
The story is riveting. I love the series and the author. However, the narrator of the audiobook is absolutely horrible. The voice of Dak is fine, but voices of Mellie, Peggy, and Sil are offensive. Mellie is a educated and a doctor, but the voicing sounds like some uneducated woman who can barely talk. The voicing of Sil is also offensive as it sounds as if the person is cognitively impaired. How could they release this audiobook with this narration?!
737 reviews
September 24, 2021
WOW

This is the 2nd book in the series and it didn’t disappoint. The book was very well written with great characters and plot. It was a page turner and I couldn’t put it down. The twists and turns were fantastic. I loved both characters. Brenda Jackson done it again. Great epilogue.
8 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2021
Mrs. Jackson delivered as ALWAYS

I loved this book. There was the infatuation, love, mystery, action and steamy romance. I really enjoyed reading the development and backstory of the characters in these series.
Their emotional growth is on point with what a lot of people are dealing with in real life.
I’m patiently waiting for the next release!
Great Job.
1,278 reviews9 followers
October 14, 2021
Excellent read

Excellent read. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Dak and Amelia had chemistry from the first time they met at her brother’s wedding. Now, two years later, they meet again and are determined to explore a the possibilities. This book is filled with scenic locations, action and romance. It was great to catch up with the Granger’s family and friends.
Profile Image for Shun Harper.
60 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2021
Dak & Mellie

What can I say about this outstanding book. Trips to paradise, danger and love all rolled up into a steamy love story. The trip to Bali made me feel as if I was there experiencing the food,culture and danger. The high tech gadgets made the danger even move interesting. I look forward to the next installment and maybe a baby Dakota.
Profile Image for Steph B.
99 reviews
October 22, 2021
Fantastic book

Mrs. Jackson did it again and did not disappoint with this story. The relationship between Dak and Mellie was hot, caring, and strong.There was an instant chemistry , fantastic backgrounds, imaginative technology and a totally surprising danger. Couldn't stop reading . Add to that a second romance and you have a totally five star read. Recommend highly.
12 reviews
October 29, 2021
This riveting Entanglement

Amazing. Always wanted to join the mile high club. Looking at the stars on a private jet. The dr was a true badass. She kicked nuts. Lmao. Keep those stories coming. Can’t wait for Roland or Whitney. Those will be just as on the edge of your seat as all the Men series.
Profile Image for Vondetta Carter.
838 reviews8 followers
November 16, 2021
Never say never

Dak was a confirmed Batchelor who was living his best life one week at a time. Amelia(aka Mellie) is a successful doctor who likes her brother 's former charge. In this book Dak finally gets his week with Amelia but a blast from his past rears his ugly head. However a surprising turn makes Amelia the target. Dak finds that his life has forever changed.
34 reviews
December 19, 2021
Slow Build

This was a slow build to the love story of Dak & Mellie. Dak was a player. Mel had been burnt from a past relationship. If you’ve read some of Brenda’s other books you will recognize some familiar names. Intense love making, suspense, danger & technology will keep you intrigued.
1,036 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2021
With a twist

Dak thought he had his life all figured out but Amelia changed all of that. Mrs. Jackson you did it again. Loved the twist in the story. I enjoyed Syl and Peggy's side story too.
Profile Image for Michell Carr.
15 reviews
September 24, 2021
Tantalizing

You have done it again. Weaving word to enthrall the reader. I look forward to the next book in the series. Tell me how to preorder to show my dedication to you and your craft.
105 reviews
September 24, 2021
Mrs. Jackson's done it again . . .

I like how she blended love into action that was never expected. I recommend this to non believes. I choose the rating because it made me believe in love.😊
11 reviews
September 25, 2021
Ms. Jackson Does Not Disappoint ... Loved It

Excellent .... Page Turner, could not put it down ♥️👍. Brenda Jackson Always Delivers. Can't wait for the series to continue, but I will have to 😎. Thank You.
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,524 reviews12 followers
September 27, 2021
Excellent

This was an excellent read! Ms. Jackson has again spun a story that s a page turner filled with romance and excitement. Dark and Amelia fight their attraction for two years and eventually give in.
4 reviews
September 27, 2021
This book here, a must read

This book was the epitome of romance, action, and love on top. The book was written as Ms. Jackson's best yet for romance and excitement and heroism. This is a favorite for sure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews