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Dark Matter Security #1
Stranger
Cole-
I’m not a good man. I’m a killer. I take care of business and I don’t blink an eye when I do so. But they seem to be convinced that I’m the right man for this job. They say I’m the only one who can protect her, to save her from the abusive life she lives. I will do it. But when all is said and done, who will save her from me?
Lillie-
I’m trapped. Trapped in a marriage to a man I don’t recognize anymore. I have no one to turn to and nowhere to go. When a mysterious stranger approaches me, offering me the freedom I’m so desperate for, I jump at the opportunity to escape the hell I live in now. But did I just run from one danger into the arms of another?
I’m not a good man. I’m a killer. I take care of business and I don’t blink an eye when I do so. But they seem to be convinced that I’m the right man for this job. They say I’m the only one who can protect her, to save her from the abusive life she lives. I will do it. But when all is said and done, who will save her from me?
Lillie-
I’m trapped. Trapped in a marriage to a man I don’t recognize anymore. I have no one to turn to and nowhere to go. When a mysterious stranger approaches me, offering me the freedom I’m so desperate for, I jump at the opportunity to escape the hell I live in now. But did I just run from one danger into the arms of another?
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2021
27 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Grice
20 books478 followersMy name is Jenni and I love to write! For as long as I can remember, I have loved creating my own little world and telling stories. I always find myself growing attached to these fictional characters to the point that they feel like my family.
I’ve been married to my amazing husband for over eight years and we have two gorgeous daughters and one incredibly handsome, rambunctious little boy. I grew up with five brothers and a sister, so quiet has never been anything I’m used to. Though, I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing I prefer more than spending time with my family, then ending the evening with a good glass of wine and an even better book.
I’ve been married to my amazing husband for over eight years and we have two gorgeous daughters and one incredibly handsome, rambunctious little boy. I grew up with five brothers and a sister, so quiet has never been anything I’m used to. Though, I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing I prefer more than spending time with my family, then ending the evening with a good glass of wine and an even better book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 1, 2021
JJ Grice is a new-to-me author and this book opens the series with enough world building that I can see a future for the men of Dark Matter Security. It has grey themes but nothing overly dark, for me at least. I mean come on you know my dark scale 🤣🙈
🔥 H is an ex-military private security operative
🔥 h is covertly rescued from an abusive marriage
🔥 obviously a cheating undertone, yet I found it 10000% justified
🤬 the OM (h husband) is a mob lawyer
🤬 the OM uses BDSM & spousal rape to keep his woman in line *insert angry eye roll*
😢 touches on grief and loss for the h
Overall I liked Lillie. She was an innocently sweet bookworm groomed to assume the mantle as the wife of Ian Mansfield, whom she met at 16yo immediately following the death of her parents. She was grieving and at a highly impressionable age. She’s not inquisitive and is too trusting. Lillie was never given a chance to be her own person, making her his perfectly moldable doll. Fast forward eight years and things at home were atrocious. Lillie was isolated from society, lived on a set schedule, and monitored like a child. She was beaten under the guise of BDSM and raped nightly. She was her husbands living, breathing sex toy. Ian truly was a man you can passionately hate.
And yet I still found myself surprisingly seeing the hero Cole as a questionable character. We first meet him when he’s watching Lillie, doing a PI type thing. When he started to become infatuated with her he moved into stalker territory and I was so excited!! Then he started fantasizing about teaching Lillie the right way to enjoy pain and my interest was further piqued. But when he started lying and admitting in his monologues that he knows he lied, I got pissed 🤬 I mean COME ON, own your shit and be a damn man about it. Or make me believe the lies were for her benefit and necessary. Don’t be shifty and a liar. But it’s the whole ex-girlfriend from the past thing that really set me off. This dude is not a good guy. He’s a morally questionable snake. And that’s saying a lot for a stalker-assassin. I was so disappointed with him. I really wanted to like him.
And together, Cole and Lillie took all of three days to jump in bed. Again…it happens. Sex is a fun stress reliever but a woman who’s been abused and raped for years? To still have zero reservations? Needed to suspend belief for that one big time!! I would have bought it had there been a mild breakdown immediately following a mind blowing orgasm. Because come on, the emotions are high and regret can sink in during those moments. But nothing like that happened, sadly. And I didn’t see enough development to have the two characters reach the ending they did. It seemed forced and rushed. I would have been much happier with a cliffhanger HFN ending for Cole and Lillie and a future HEA further down the line in the series. While not ideal for other readers, I’m all about characters living their best lives across an authors books.
The future of the series was looking so promising. All throughout this book I was excited for more from Gunner and Jax. It’s never mentioned that they are a couple but it’s heavily implied. Then the ball was dropped and it looks like the next book will be for a character with minimal page time. He’s mentioned in the book but I have zero connection to his character and zero interest in his future. But since I seriously hate reading out of order and am dying for more updates on Jax, I’ll be anxiously awaiting the book in the series
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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🔥 H is an ex-military private security operative
🔥 h is covertly rescued from an abusive marriage
🔥 obviously a cheating undertone, yet I found it 10000% justified
🤬 the OM (h husband) is a mob lawyer
🤬 the OM uses BDSM & spousal rape to keep his woman in line *insert angry eye roll*
😢 touches on grief and loss for the h
Overall I liked Lillie. She was an innocently sweet bookworm groomed to assume the mantle as the wife of Ian Mansfield, whom she met at 16yo immediately following the death of her parents. She was grieving and at a highly impressionable age. She’s not inquisitive and is too trusting. Lillie was never given a chance to be her own person, making her his perfectly moldable doll. Fast forward eight years and things at home were atrocious. Lillie was isolated from society, lived on a set schedule, and monitored like a child. She was beaten under the guise of BDSM and raped nightly. She was her husbands living, breathing sex toy. Ian truly was a man you can passionately hate.
And yet I still found myself surprisingly seeing the hero Cole as a questionable character. We first meet him when he’s watching Lillie, doing a PI type thing. When he started to become infatuated with her he moved into stalker territory and I was so excited!! Then he started fantasizing about teaching Lillie the right way to enjoy pain and my interest was further piqued. But when he started lying and admitting in his monologues that he knows he lied, I got pissed 🤬 I mean COME ON, own your shit and be a damn man about it. Or make me believe the lies were for her benefit and necessary. Don’t be shifty and a liar. But it’s the whole ex-girlfriend from the past thing that really set me off. This dude is not a good guy. He’s a morally questionable snake. And that’s saying a lot for a stalker-assassin. I was so disappointed with him. I really wanted to like him.
And together, Cole and Lillie took all of three days to jump in bed. Again…it happens. Sex is a fun stress reliever but a woman who’s been abused and raped for years? To still have zero reservations? Needed to suspend belief for that one big time!! I would have bought it had there been a mild breakdown immediately following a mind blowing orgasm. Because come on, the emotions are high and regret can sink in during those moments. But nothing like that happened, sadly. And I didn’t see enough development to have the two characters reach the ending they did. It seemed forced and rushed. I would have been much happier with a cliffhanger HFN ending for Cole and Lillie and a future HEA further down the line in the series. While not ideal for other readers, I’m all about characters living their best lives across an authors books.
The future of the series was looking so promising. All throughout this book I was excited for more from Gunner and Jax. It’s never mentioned that they are a couple but it’s heavily implied. Then the ball was dropped and it looks like the next book will be for a character with minimal page time. He’s mentioned in the book but I have zero connection to his character and zero interest in his future. But since I seriously hate reading out of order and am dying for more updates on Jax, I’ll be anxiously awaiting the book in the series
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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October 30, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down! From the beginning I was hooked. I normally never finish a book in just a few hours, but I did with this beauty. Lillie and Cole have both been thru a lot in their lives. Lillie lost her parents and the man who stepped in to take care of her. She’s married to a once seemingly nice man, now he treats her like crap. Cole has a lot of skeletons in his closet, and he is sent on a mission to take Lillie away from her crappy husband. The connection from the time Lillie and Cole meets in my opinion is one for the record books. They seem to fight their obvious connection for a while. Wait to you see what happens. Cole knows he needs to keep Lillie safe, but can he. Will Lillie’s husband find her and destroy her forever or will she be able to be rid of him and have a happy life? I couldn’t believe what happened when they got to headquarters. What a turn of events! Something you don’t want to miss. This book will definitely have you on the edge of your seat wanting to keep reading.
March 30, 2022
Okay I really liked this one. But the end made me want to smack someone and I felt like the love story was kind of rushed. The time line was also kind of confusing.
October 22, 2021
This book was great I could not put it down and had to finish it in one sitting. Lilly is a strong FMC and she went through some ish and still managed to come out on top. Cole *swoon* Cole is literally everything you want in a hero. This man is a boss!! This book was action packed, full of spice. The secondary character are fantastic and I am really hoping we get each of their stories as well.
March 24, 2023
"You're not a stranger........you're my savior."
This is my introduction to J.J. Grice's work and I have to say this story really pulled me in. I couldn't put it down (other than while working). I needed answers and knew the only way to get them was to just keep reading.
Lillie has lost everyone (her parents and guardian, Wyatt) except her husband, Ian. Turns out he isn't even remotely close to being the person she thought he was and the last five years of her life have been a nightmare. She wants to get away from him but knows there is no way she can successfully do so. Then one day while in the coffee shop she loves to frequent a stranger approaches her and tells her he can do just that....get her away from Ian. It leaves her wondering if going with him will be simply trading one stranger in her life for another.
Cole has been observing Lillie for months. Learning her routine so that when the time comes he can get her safely away from Ian. She doesn't know him and he is fearful she will not believe that he is there to protect her and save her from her nightmare. He is successful in convincing her and so begins their journey back to the very person who wanted her rescued from the monster she is married to. Little did either one of them know the extent of the pull they have towards each other. Now it isn't only important they get from Washington to North Carolina safely but Cole trying to keep from crossing that line...which he fails at!
The chemistry between these two was so intense and beautiful at the same time. I was guessing my entire way through this book wondering who Cole was working for. I had my ideas and I ended up being correct and when it was revealed who sent for her my heart was so happy...especially for Lillie. She is a warrior, a survivor and a protector all wrapped up in one little package. Though this story is on the darker side of romance it is complete with an HEA which is always a plus with me. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the Dark Matters series. ***I received and advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review.***
This is my introduction to J.J. Grice's work and I have to say this story really pulled me in. I couldn't put it down (other than while working). I needed answers and knew the only way to get them was to just keep reading.
Lillie has lost everyone (her parents and guardian, Wyatt) except her husband, Ian. Turns out he isn't even remotely close to being the person she thought he was and the last five years of her life have been a nightmare. She wants to get away from him but knows there is no way she can successfully do so. Then one day while in the coffee shop she loves to frequent a stranger approaches her and tells her he can do just that....get her away from Ian. It leaves her wondering if going with him will be simply trading one stranger in her life for another.
Cole has been observing Lillie for months. Learning her routine so that when the time comes he can get her safely away from Ian. She doesn't know him and he is fearful she will not believe that he is there to protect her and save her from her nightmare. He is successful in convincing her and so begins their journey back to the very person who wanted her rescued from the monster she is married to. Little did either one of them know the extent of the pull they have towards each other. Now it isn't only important they get from Washington to North Carolina safely but Cole trying to keep from crossing that line...which he fails at!
The chemistry between these two was so intense and beautiful at the same time. I was guessing my entire way through this book wondering who Cole was working for. I had my ideas and I ended up being correct and when it was revealed who sent for her my heart was so happy...especially for Lillie. She is a warrior, a survivor and a protector all wrapped up in one little package. Though this story is on the darker side of romance it is complete with an HEA which is always a plus with me. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the Dark Matters series. ***I received and advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review.***
November 1, 2021
☆☆☆☆
Stranger was a great thrill ride. This was my first book by this author. It’s the first time I’ve even heard the name, JJ Grice. It certainly won’t be the last book I read by them either.
This was romantic suspense with all of the bells and whistles I love in suspense. It is about Cole and Lillie. When Lillie was too young to know better and after just loosing her parents, she meets Ian. He begins grooming her to be his perfect submissive mate. He seemed like a kind and loving man only to become a monster as the years passed. He is abusive in every way. Lillie's life is a nightmare where she is essentially raped every night. Despite what she has been put through, she is admirably strong. Then she meets Cole who says he can help her get free from her husband. Cole is another morally questionable character but I still loved him. Can she trust him? Can he get her to safety before her husband finds them? Can he show her what real pleasure and real love feels like?
This book was magnetic and I was easily addicted from page one to the last. My adrenaline pumped while I followed along on their journey. I wish that we got a little more character development and growth with the main characters but overall, I did enjoy the journey and do recommend it to anyone that loves romantic suspense. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Stranger was a great thrill ride. This was my first book by this author. It’s the first time I’ve even heard the name, JJ Grice. It certainly won’t be the last book I read by them either.
This was romantic suspense with all of the bells and whistles I love in suspense. It is about Cole and Lillie. When Lillie was too young to know better and after just loosing her parents, she meets Ian. He begins grooming her to be his perfect submissive mate. He seemed like a kind and loving man only to become a monster as the years passed. He is abusive in every way. Lillie's life is a nightmare where she is essentially raped every night. Despite what she has been put through, she is admirably strong. Then she meets Cole who says he can help her get free from her husband. Cole is another morally questionable character but I still loved him. Can she trust him? Can he get her to safety before her husband finds them? Can he show her what real pleasure and real love feels like?
This book was magnetic and I was easily addicted from page one to the last. My adrenaline pumped while I followed along on their journey. I wish that we got a little more character development and growth with the main characters but overall, I did enjoy the journey and do recommend it to anyone that loves romantic suspense. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
October 28, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down! From the beginning I was hooked. I normally never finish a book in just a few hours, but I did with this beauty. Lillie and Cole have both been thru a lot in their lives. Lillie lost her parents and the man who stepped in to take care of her. She’s married to a once seemingly nice man, now he treats her like crap. Cole has a lot of skeletons in his closet, and he is sent on a mission to take Lillie away from her crappy husband. The connection from the time Lillie and Cole meets in my opinion is one for the record books. They seem to fight their obvious connection for a while. Wait to you see what happens. Cole knows he needs to keep Lillie safe, but can he. Will Lillie’s husband find her and destroy her forever or will she be able to be rid of him and have a happy life? I couldn’t believe what happened when they got to headquarters. What a turn of events! Something you don’t want to miss. This book will definitely have you on the edge of your seat wanting to keep reading.
October 31, 2021
This story was dark, intriguing, and an enticing introduction to this new to me author!
Lillie's story will have your heart beating quickly for her. You hope that killer Cole, will protect her from her less than stellar husband.
But, who exactly is Cole?
Why was he sent to take Lillie away from Ian?
Has she escaped one, to be replaced by another?
Will Lillie's light, take Cole out of his dark?
Grice has earned a new fan! Can't wait to check out the backlist!
Lillie's story will have your heart beating quickly for her. You hope that killer Cole, will protect her from her less than stellar husband.
But, who exactly is Cole?
Why was he sent to take Lillie away from Ian?
Has she escaped one, to be replaced by another?
Will Lillie's light, take Cole out of his dark?
Grice has earned a new fan! Can't wait to check out the backlist!
October 31, 2021
I loved JJ Grice's Maine Stay series. So far I love the first book in this series even more. I can tell the author writes from the heart in both of these series.
Lillie is trapped in an abusive marriage after losing everyone she held dear to her. Cole is the stranger that turns into her savior. Cole is a bad man but he may find redemption in loving Lillie.
A Must Read!
Lillie is trapped in an abusive marriage after losing everyone she held dear to her. Cole is the stranger that turns into her savior. Cole is a bad man but he may find redemption in loving Lillie.
A Must Read!
October 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It really kept me on the edge of my seat and I did not want to put my book down. I'll looking forward to her next book.
January 15, 2023
so many twists and turns it’s gripping
Lillie is married to Ian who abuses her physically and mentally for years. A stranger walks up to her and tells her he will help her. Her husband goes away on a trip and she leaves with Cole. This starts then traveling by car to go to a safe place. Lillie and Cole are attracted to each other, but Ian will not give her up and will come after her. Great characters and storyline Highly Recommended Amazing book. Love Cole and Lillie and the supporting characters were amazing. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last
Lillie is married to Ian who abuses her physically and mentally for years. A stranger walks up to her and tells her he will help her. Her husband goes away on a trip and she leaves with Cole. This starts then traveling by car to go to a safe place. Lillie and Cole are attracted to each other, but Ian will not give her up and will come after her. Great characters and storyline Highly Recommended Amazing book. Love Cole and Lillie and the supporting characters were amazing. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last
October 18, 2021
*I received a ARC for my honest review*
Wow! This style of book is new for J.J. Grice, I know she's nervous about the release of this book, but she has no reason to be!
This book has it all! A broken girl who's heart got shattered when her 'dad' died, she put all her trust in her husband, and he turned out to be a stranger. A man showed up to protect her, and he helped her escape. He knew from the first moment he saw her, that she was it for him. And he made sure her, and everyone knew it. Her husband was tracking her down, and he will do whatever it takes to protect, and turns out so will she! The surprise twist with who she met threw me a for a curveball and I wasn't expecting that!
I already love this book. I'm so glad it's going to be a series! I'm ready for book 2!
Wow! This style of book is new for J.J. Grice, I know she's nervous about the release of this book, but she has no reason to be!
This book has it all! A broken girl who's heart got shattered when her 'dad' died, she put all her trust in her husband, and he turned out to be a stranger. A man showed up to protect her, and he helped her escape. He knew from the first moment he saw her, that she was it for him. And he made sure her, and everyone knew it. Her husband was tracking her down, and he will do whatever it takes to protect, and turns out so will she! The surprise twist with who she met threw me a for a curveball and I wasn't expecting that!
I already love this book. I'm so glad it's going to be a series! I'm ready for book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2021
Wow! What a great start to a new series series. I can’t wait for book. If you love romantic suspense with action this book is definitely for you..
This is my first book by the author and I’m already planning to continue reading more books. Absolutely can’t wait for book 2!!
This is my first book by the author and I’m already planning to continue reading more books. Absolutely can’t wait for book 2!!
September 30, 2021
Holy moley...I was so hooked from beginning to end!
***No Spoilers***
I could not put it down! I don't want to give too much away, but Lilly is a she boss for all that she has to endure just to survive another day and to come out the other side and there's no other way to call it, but Cole is definitely her knight in shining armor. I'm a picky af book reader so if you like suspense, action and some steamy romance, I guarantee this is one story you don't wanna pass up! I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
Stranger is book 1 of the Dark Matter Security series and should be read in order.
***No Spoilers***
I could not put it down! I don't want to give too much away, but Lilly is a she boss for all that she has to endure just to survive another day and to come out the other side and there's no other way to call it, but Cole is definitely her knight in shining armor. I'm a picky af book reader so if you like suspense, action and some steamy romance, I guarantee this is one story you don't wanna pass up! I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
Stranger is book 1 of the Dark Matter Security series and should be read in order.
November 17, 2021
Excellent Read!!
This new to me author hits it out of the part with Stanger. Talk about a little bit of everything crammed into a book! While it's a heavy topic and slightly dark, J.J. Grice does a nice job at steering more towards the romance.
He isn't a good man on the outside, but on the inside he's one of the best. Especially at what he does. Cole has been through hell and back and now helps others in precarious situations, which is how he finds Lillie. Living the worst life possible, Lillie needs help and unbeknownst to her, that is exactly what Cole is there to do.
The story starts off sad and then it makes you see red learning all that this woman has endured in her young life. I didn't care who saved her, as long as somebody finally gave her a freaking break. Cole was perfect for the job and that's what she was...a job.
Of course in these situations the line starts to blur and the job becomes something more. Much more and I wasn't sure Cole was the right guy for that. To save her sure, but at some points it seemed like she was finding herself in the same situations as before, with different meaning I suppose. If I had one hang up about the book it was that. Lillie leaving something bad for something that could have been better.
Stranger is well written and reads like an action movie. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and while the storyline was predictable, it was quite the ride to the end. This is a great start to the Dark Matter Security series and I'm hoping as they go along, the books are interconnected so we can check in with previous characters.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
This new to me author hits it out of the part with Stanger. Talk about a little bit of everything crammed into a book! While it's a heavy topic and slightly dark, J.J. Grice does a nice job at steering more towards the romance.
He isn't a good man on the outside, but on the inside he's one of the best. Especially at what he does. Cole has been through hell and back and now helps others in precarious situations, which is how he finds Lillie. Living the worst life possible, Lillie needs help and unbeknownst to her, that is exactly what Cole is there to do.
The story starts off sad and then it makes you see red learning all that this woman has endured in her young life. I didn't care who saved her, as long as somebody finally gave her a freaking break. Cole was perfect for the job and that's what she was...a job.
Of course in these situations the line starts to blur and the job becomes something more. Much more and I wasn't sure Cole was the right guy for that. To save her sure, but at some points it seemed like she was finding herself in the same situations as before, with different meaning I suppose. If I had one hang up about the book it was that. Lillie leaving something bad for something that could have been better.
Stranger is well written and reads like an action movie. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and while the storyline was predictable, it was quite the ride to the end. This is a great start to the Dark Matter Security series and I'm hoping as they go along, the books are interconnected so we can check in with previous characters.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
November 9, 2021
Not sure what boulder I've been hiding under since Stranger is my first read for J.J. Grice but holy crap! Talk about a dark and twisted and keeping me hanging.
From the start I was rooting for Lillie. My heart ached for this young woman who had been through so much that was beyond her control. For as much pain as she had been living in, when presented with the chance to make a change, she took it. Enter Cole. The man behind the moves put into place to get her out.
I enjoyed seeing the broody, protective bear soften a bit as he fell for his charge. But the danger was never far. And as things escalated and Lillie's life was put in the balance it was all he could do to keep his wits and her safe.
Stranger was intense but it also packed a bit of an emotional punch that I wasn't expecting. Was one of the twists predictable, yes. Did it take away from the impact? Nope. And, I found myself wanting more of the connection between the two leading characters. That being said, Lillie and Cole's forced proximity romance was impassioned and wild. I am ready to see what is in store for the Dark Matter Security family next!
From the start I was rooting for Lillie. My heart ached for this young woman who had been through so much that was beyond her control. For as much pain as she had been living in, when presented with the chance to make a change, she took it. Enter Cole. The man behind the moves put into place to get her out.
I enjoyed seeing the broody, protective bear soften a bit as he fell for his charge. But the danger was never far. And as things escalated and Lillie's life was put in the balance it was all he could do to keep his wits and her safe.
Stranger was intense but it also packed a bit of an emotional punch that I wasn't expecting. Was one of the twists predictable, yes. Did it take away from the impact? Nope. And, I found myself wanting more of the connection between the two leading characters. That being said, Lillie and Cole's forced proximity romance was impassioned and wild. I am ready to see what is in store for the Dark Matter Security family next!
November 15, 2021
I'm absolutely a girl all about the dark & twisty, and lawd knows that Stranger has it in spades, but for it to be 100% perfect in my eyes, I need to warm up to the hero at some point, which I did not here. Lillie got married too young when she was vulnerable after losing everyone in hter life so she ended up with an evil husband who had finally shown his true colors in the past 5 years. He is absuive in every sense of the word, with rape, beatings, and emotional of course but she doesn't feel like she can get away with him. Cole is tasked on getting her out so he did his whole PI work at first until he started becoming a stalker (and I'm not even upset about that to be honest) and finally gets her out. I guess my issue became when he kept lying to her & he knew he was doing it, and I didn't see him develop into a slightly better man. Obviously the twists are coming in hot, and the sexy times (albeit happened too quickly with her past) are hot so it was close to perfect & I know that I'm continueing on with the series. Please don't go by my opinion though, just decide for yourselves by hitting those one click buttons as I HGIHLY RECOMMEND!
October 28, 2021
This is a new author to me, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. Cole is ex-military and is now working as a private security operative, while Lillie has lost all those close to her, and she is married to a ruthless man who is nothing like the person she though he was. Lillie desperately wants to escape from her abusive life, but knows she cannot do it on her own, so when she is approached in a coffee shop by a stranger offering her the chance to escape, has she jumped from the frying pan into the fire. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, and filled with emotions, danger, suspense, loss, undeniable chemistry, and is a steamy all-consuming page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author and I recommend this story.
July 4, 2022
I’m loving my romance reads at the moment! Dark/fantasy/paranormal: I’m loving it all. The Stranger follows Lillie and her escape from one hell of a bad marriage after her guardian was killed in an “accident”.
Cole is the one hired to save her and close proximity makes it all that much harder for him to mask his attraction to her.
It was a good read. The action was intense and the romance was steamy. I enjoyed watching Ian get what he deserved at the hands of the wife he tried to destroy. My heart was in my throat and I thought for a moment that Cole wouldn’t survive!
Needless to say this book definitely put me through the motions!
I do wish that there was more to Lillie and Cole’s story but hopefully the next one will at least feature them.
Cole is the one hired to save her and close proximity makes it all that much harder for him to mask his attraction to her.
It was a good read. The action was intense and the romance was steamy. I enjoyed watching Ian get what he deserved at the hands of the wife he tried to destroy. My heart was in my throat and I thought for a moment that Cole wouldn’t survive!
Needless to say this book definitely put me through the motions!
I do wish that there was more to Lillie and Cole’s story but hopefully the next one will at least feature them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2021
This was a new to me author and one I'll definitely be reading more from in the future, including the next book in the series.
Took me a bit to get in as the prologue will definitely confuse, but reading further you'll understand.
This book will send on a rollercoaster of emotions with no safety bar and my heart definitely feels like it's been through the wringer. The main characters definitely had their moments but they more than made up for it by the final chapter, and what they went through before finding each other will have you in awe of their strength.
Looking forward to finding out what that last page was about.
Took me a bit to get in as the prologue will definitely confuse, but reading further you'll understand.
This book will send on a rollercoaster of emotions with no safety bar and my heart definitely feels like it's been through the wringer. The main characters definitely had their moments but they more than made up for it by the final chapter, and what they went through before finding each other will have you in awe of their strength.
Looking forward to finding out what that last page was about.
November 10, 2021
This was an absolutely fantastic read from a new arthur that I definitely can't wait to read more from. This is the start of a new series as it's Bk1 and mercy was it intense as the 2 mc's Cole and Lillie try to stay one step of her psychotic husband. Man that husband was a piece of work. I cant wait to read the next, because I'm hooked.
March 11, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5:
The book was very fast paced. I wished we could’ve seen them secretly getting to know each other before the extraction happened. Trigger warnings! What Lillie went through was horrible and I liked how she was able to get her revenge at the end. I do wish we could’ve gotten an epilogue of them, something more meaningful than how it ended.
The book was very fast paced. I wished we could’ve seen them secretly getting to know each other before the extraction happened. Trigger warnings! What Lillie went through was horrible and I liked how she was able to get her revenge at the end. I do wish we could’ve gotten an epilogue of them, something more meaningful than how it ended.
March 31, 2022
So good!
This is my first JJ Grice read, and it won't be my last! I've already purchased every book of hers. Stranger pulled me in from page one and never let go of my heart. I cared for these characters in a way I haven't in a while and I can't wait to see what happens with them all next!
This is my first JJ Grice read, and it won't be my last! I've already purchased every book of hers. Stranger pulled me in from page one and never let go of my heart. I cared for these characters in a way I haven't in a while and I can't wait to see what happens with them all next!
July 17, 2022
Ready to read more by JJ Grice
This is the first book I've read by JJ Grice but it won't be the last! Just the right amount of suspense and romance in Cole and Lillie's
story. I like the characters introduced in this book so I'm now going to read the second book in the Dark Matter series.
This is the first book I've read by JJ Grice but it won't be the last! Just the right amount of suspense and romance in Cole and Lillie's
story. I like the characters introduced in this book so I'm now going to read the second book in the Dark Matter series.
April 19, 2023
amazing suspense
Great read. I was instantly hooked and loved the writing style. You feel completely immersed in the story and I loved how the darker elements didn’t feel gratuitous. Not a perfect love story but full of love and hot passion 🥵 . Strong TW apply for dv (not done by the mmc) such a strong start to this series.
Great read. I was instantly hooked and loved the writing style. You feel completely immersed in the story and I loved how the darker elements didn’t feel gratuitous. Not a perfect love story but full of love and hot passion 🥵 . Strong TW apply for dv (not done by the mmc) such a strong start to this series.
May 13, 2022
Explosive
Wow this book was fantastic, a bit dark with loads of action. Lillie is in abusive relationship and Cole is tasked with getting her out safely. Road trips, mafia and shoot outs ensue.
Wow this book was fantastic, a bit dark with loads of action. Lillie is in abusive relationship and Cole is tasked with getting her out safely. Road trips, mafia and shoot outs ensue.
January 14, 2023
Cole and Lillie
I love the story line full of love spicy and action. You read this book as if you were watching a good movie in your head. Cole and Lillies instalove was so good to read. Definitely recommend ❤️
I love the story line full of love spicy and action. You read this book as if you were watching a good movie in your head. Cole and Lillies instalove was so good to read. Definitely recommend ❤️
January 17, 2023
Loved this! This is a new to me author and I'm glad I read it! I loved all of it. the military men, the mob, the danger...the only thing that was kinda ehhh was how fast they said I love you. Other than that I loved the story! I'll be reading the rest of the series!
February 25, 2023
Married a stranger
Lily has had one heck of a life. I could not get enough of the drama that faced this poor woman. The 2nd chance she is gonna have is epic. I highly recommend this story and look forward to seeing what happens next with this team.
Lily has had one heck of a life. I could not get enough of the drama that faced this poor woman. The 2nd chance she is gonna have is epic. I highly recommend this story and look forward to seeing what happens next with this team.
March 5, 2023
Ohhh what a good story! Cole and Lillie go on one wild ride! I couldn't put this story down ! Strangers become lovers ! So many twist and turns and spice!!! This is my first jj Grice book and it certainly won't be my last!! Easy 5 stars
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