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Sentinel Protection #2
Embracing Temptation
Love is a curse.
Been there.
Done that.
Don’t want a repeat.
I keep myself closed off, leaving that part of me in the past along with my failed marriage.
Until him.
My employee and fellow bodyguard helps me discover a new side to myself I never knew existed. But as tempting as he is, I need to stay away. There is just too much at risk if I give in.
I try to keep him at arm's length, but he doesn’t give up easily and slowly works his way into my heart. The scary part is that the more time I spend with him, the more I want him.
Is he worth taking another chance on love, or am I destined to be alone?
Been there.
Done that.
Don’t want a repeat.
I keep myself closed off, leaving that part of me in the past along with my failed marriage.
Until him.
My employee and fellow bodyguard helps me discover a new side to myself I never knew existed. But as tempting as he is, I need to stay away. There is just too much at risk if I give in.
I try to keep him at arm's length, but he doesn’t give up easily and slowly works his way into my heart. The scary part is that the more time I spend with him, the more I want him.
Is he worth taking another chance on love, or am I destined to be alone?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2022
52 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Laura John
29 books495 followersHi i am Laura, a Canadian girl who loves to write romance. I write swoon worthy romances that will take you on emotional rollercoasters!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 14, 2022
This series just couldn't get any better at this rate, I absolutely fall in love each time I read one of Laura's books. I love age gap romances, and the way Terry is described was PERFECT. I loved their slow burn romance. Just the right amount of steam, drama, and of course a happy ending!
February 10, 2022
Received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was my first MM romance and it will forever hold a place in my heart.
I loved how they were so opposite and fit together perfectly and filled in each other’s missing pieces. Terry is grumpy and Maverick is sunshine happy. Age gap, hits of dominance.
Both had hesitation and were worried about ruining something before it even got started because they worked together. Well that didn’t last long!
Their first kiss was magical and then the rest of their firsts got spicier as they grew together. The chemistry felt between these two was beyond smoldering.
I loved Terry’s ma. Everyone should feel the acceptance and love this woman gave to her family. I wanted a hug from her.
From the beginning I always felt like something bad was going to happen to one of the characters. Honestly when it happened I was not prepared. Wow…
I really enjoyed this book and fully recommend!
This was my first MM romance and it will forever hold a place in my heart.
I loved how they were so opposite and fit together perfectly and filled in each other’s missing pieces. Terry is grumpy and Maverick is sunshine happy. Age gap, hits of dominance.
Both had hesitation and were worried about ruining something before it even got started because they worked together. Well that didn’t last long!
Their first kiss was magical and then the rest of their firsts got spicier as they grew together. The chemistry felt between these two was beyond smoldering.
I loved Terry’s ma. Everyone should feel the acceptance and love this woman gave to her family. I wanted a hug from her.
From the beginning I always felt like something bad was going to happen to one of the characters. Honestly when it happened I was not prepared. Wow…
I really enjoyed this book and fully recommend!
December 20, 2021
Full review to come.
February 9, 2022
Embracing Temptation is the second book in the Sentinel Protection series by Laura John, which follows the story of Terry and Maverick. Terry is the 50 year-old solemn and serious boss, jaded by his failed marriage and lack of connections. When he finds himself having both genuine feelings and physical attraction to a younger man in his company, he begins to question everything. Maverick is a 30 year-old bodyguard who uses flirting, jokes, and pushing Terry’s buttons to mask his own insecurities about his past and his ADHD. Can they accept each other for who they are, while also learning to accept themselves?
I found both of the main characters to be really likeable, and I wanted to hug them at different times. They were also quite funny together. When Terry’s brother gave him a term for his sexuality, demisexual, it was something I had only recently even heard, so it was interesting to get more of an explanation of it. As far as Maverick, I know people who suffer from ADHD as adults, so I appreciate how authentically that was handled. The relationship between Terry and Maverick is a classic opposites attract trope, but they balance each other out in a special way that no one else can. Terry has the patience to deal with Maverick’s “extra” moments, and Maverick has the personality to bring Terry out of his shell, so he doesn’t miss out on all that life has to offer. Through Terry, Maverick has the chance at having a family for the first time, and at the same time, Maverick could build an emotional bridge back to that family for Terry. While the relationship progressed pretty quickly, it was a joy to watch unfold. As usual, there was a big plot twist late in the book that nearly stopped my heart!😳 It was great to see Cara and Beau again, and I also enjoyed the scenes with Terry’s family. With Nick being mentioned a couple of times, I can’t help but wonder if he is next. I can’t wait to find out!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found both of the main characters to be really likeable, and I wanted to hug them at different times. They were also quite funny together. When Terry’s brother gave him a term for his sexuality, demisexual, it was something I had only recently even heard, so it was interesting to get more of an explanation of it. As far as Maverick, I know people who suffer from ADHD as adults, so I appreciate how authentically that was handled. The relationship between Terry and Maverick is a classic opposites attract trope, but they balance each other out in a special way that no one else can. Terry has the patience to deal with Maverick’s “extra” moments, and Maverick has the personality to bring Terry out of his shell, so he doesn’t miss out on all that life has to offer. Through Terry, Maverick has the chance at having a family for the first time, and at the same time, Maverick could build an emotional bridge back to that family for Terry. While the relationship progressed pretty quickly, it was a joy to watch unfold. As usual, there was a big plot twist late in the book that nearly stopped my heart!😳 It was great to see Cara and Beau again, and I also enjoyed the scenes with Terry’s family. With Nick being mentioned a couple of times, I can’t help but wonder if he is next. I can’t wait to find out!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2022
Hearing that I'm okay the way I am and that he accepts me that way makes me feel warm and bubbly all over. Like I might float away on a pink cloud.
4.5 Maple Leafs
Embracing Temptation by Laura John
Sentinel Protection / Book 2
Tropes... mm, bodyguard, workplace, age gap, friends-to-lovers, demi-awakening
Maverick has had a crush on Terry, his boss since they started working together as bodyguards. Maverick always thought Terry was straight so never acted on his feelings. So when Terry mentions he may not be as straight as he once thought, Maverick crush goes into overdrive.
I fell in love with Terry and Maverick right from the very beginning. Terry is growly and Maverick is talkative and outgoing. Even though they are total opposites, they are adorable and super steamy together. I love the banter and closeness between the characters in the Sentinel Protection series as it makes them feel like a family you want to join. I can not wait for more.
I highly recommend this book!
*advanced copy kindly provided and honestly reviewed on behalf of Canadian Girl Book Blog*
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4.5 Maple Leafs
Embracing Temptation by Laura John
Sentinel Protection / Book 2
Tropes... mm, bodyguard, workplace, age gap, friends-to-lovers, demi-awakening
Maverick has had a crush on Terry, his boss since they started working together as bodyguards. Maverick always thought Terry was straight so never acted on his feelings. So when Terry mentions he may not be as straight as he once thought, Maverick crush goes into overdrive.
I fell in love with Terry and Maverick right from the very beginning. Terry is growly and Maverick is talkative and outgoing. Even though they are total opposites, they are adorable and super steamy together. I love the banter and closeness between the characters in the Sentinel Protection series as it makes them feel like a family you want to join. I can not wait for more.
I highly recommend this book!
*advanced copy kindly provided and honestly reviewed on behalf of Canadian Girl Book Blog*
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February 10, 2022
I love how these books are always so much more than a simple romance. Terry is adjusting to the truth to who he’s falling for, while Maverick is trying to believe that he’s worthy of a good man and the love that he desperately wants. Add in all of the worries of a new relationship, the insecurities of painful pasts, and family who understands just what love truly is, and you’ve got a tale of love and acceptance and belonging and family that hits you straight in the feels.
Yes, we still have some danger. Heck yes, we’re going to have heat. And yes, we have some surprises from familiar favorites of recent past. But I love this story so much because communication is key in any relationship, and Terry and Maverick are proving to be experts at the communicating wants, needs, hopes, and dreams. To know that these two were able to find love in the best place possible just made me happy. And the fact that Terry’s family is exactly how they should be for both him and Maverick made this an extra winning read for me!
Yes, we still have some danger. Heck yes, we’re going to have heat. And yes, we have some surprises from familiar favorites of recent past. But I love this story so much because communication is key in any relationship, and Terry and Maverick are proving to be experts at the communicating wants, needs, hopes, and dreams. To know that these two were able to find love in the best place possible just made me happy. And the fact that Terry’s family is exactly how they should be for both him and Maverick made this an extra winning read for me!
February 15, 2022
Sometimes, when you take a chance, it all works out exactly as it should. That’s what happens when Terry is brave enough to examine his beliefs about himself and risk it all.
Maverick and Terry have been dancing around each other for years. Maverick’s crush on Terry is at epic proportions at this point. However, he feels like he doesn’t deserve happiness. Terry doesn’t really understand why he’s having these new feelings for Maverick. Not until an eye opening conversation with his brother, where he learns the word demisexual. Then it all falls into place.
I REALLY liked these two together. Maverick was beautifully light to Terry’s grump. Being neurodivergent, Maverick feels like no one will be able to truly understand and tolerate his. Terry feels like he’s too old and jaded to be with Maverick. They just fit so perfectly together. The balance, the consideration and the understanding between them was beautifully written.
This series has been getting better and better. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Maverick and Terry have been dancing around each other for years. Maverick’s crush on Terry is at epic proportions at this point. However, he feels like he doesn’t deserve happiness. Terry doesn’t really understand why he’s having these new feelings for Maverick. Not until an eye opening conversation with his brother, where he learns the word demisexual. Then it all falls into place.
I REALLY liked these two together. Maverick was beautifully light to Terry’s grump. Being neurodivergent, Maverick feels like no one will be able to truly understand and tolerate his. Terry feels like he’s too old and jaded to be with Maverick. They just fit so perfectly together. The balance, the consideration and the understanding between them was beautifully written.
This series has been getting better and better. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
March 5, 2022
First and foremost, I need to point out that cover. Is that hot or what?!
I fell absolutely head over heels for both Terry and Maverick. I started this in the morning before heading to work and finished it well before heading to bed. If not for work it would have been read in one sitting.
I loved how this book had no I love you, I hate you, we break up, we make up type situations. It was about two men discovering if what they feel could be real.
Terry at 50 is just learning that he may not be as straight as he thought. Maverick at 30 already knows what he likes in a partner and Terry fits it to a T but both are hesitant to ruin their working relationship.
I loved Terry's grumpy silence paired with Maverick's sunshiny chitter chatter. These two completely stole my heart.
I fell absolutely head over heels for both Terry and Maverick. I started this in the morning before heading to work and finished it well before heading to bed. If not for work it would have been read in one sitting.
I loved how this book had no I love you, I hate you, we break up, we make up type situations. It was about two men discovering if what they feel could be real.
Terry at 50 is just learning that he may not be as straight as he thought. Maverick at 30 already knows what he likes in a partner and Terry fits it to a T but both are hesitant to ruin their working relationship.
I loved Terry's grumpy silence paired with Maverick's sunshiny chitter chatter. These two completely stole my heart.
March 5, 2022
steamy friends to lovers m/m story
Oh my goodness did I love Terry and Maverick’s story! I love a good friends to lovers story and this one was emotional and very sweet.
Watching Terry’s personal growth as he grew into his own was admirable. The relationship growth Terry and Maverick went through in their journey made my heart swoon. This one had depth and it makes it so much more worth it in the end when they get their HEA.
As always I loved the Love in Sienna series character crumbs sprinkling throughout. Another job well done Laura!
Oh my goodness did I love Terry and Maverick’s story! I love a good friends to lovers story and this one was emotional and very sweet.
Watching Terry’s personal growth as he grew into his own was admirable. The relationship growth Terry and Maverick went through in their journey made my heart swoon. This one had depth and it makes it so much more worth it in the end when they get their HEA.
As always I loved the Love in Sienna series character crumbs sprinkling throughout. Another job well done Laura!
February 13, 2022
Oh my heart. This book got me! I just wanted to hug Terry and pinch Mavericks cheeks. An age gap m/m romance that taught me what more about ADHD brains and about what demisexual is. Having a daughter with severe ADHD only made me love Maverick more and give me a deeper understanding about my own kid! I would give this book 5 stars for this alone but it’s sooo much more. The banter is amazing. The family support heart melting. And there’s so much love and acceptance on the way you might be a puddle on the floor by the time you get to the end! Flawless righting with heart and a dab of heat makes this story one you just can’t put down!
February 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that Terry was this grumpy old man and Maverick was his sunshine counter part. I can't speak to how well the book deals with the LGBTQ+ representation because I am not a part of that community but Laura did do a really good job of relaying that struggles that come with having ADHD. I am also diagnosed with ADHD so a lot of the things that Maverick struggled with I really connected with and felt the struggle right a long with him. I love that in all of Laura's books she focuses on some mental health issue and she always does a really good job at making them understandable while still being sensitive to the issue.
March 3, 2022
I absolutely loved how easy this book was to read. I flew through the pages as I fell head over heels for Terry and Maverick.
I loved the grump and Sunshine combination. Maverick had me laughing out loud and Terry’s grumpy responses gave a little bit of a “dom” feel. Although these two seemed so different they fit together like puzzle pieces and man did it melt my heart. Their chemistry was also off the charts! I’m talking steamy, hot goodness that you can’t get enough of! I absolutely loved these two and I hope they pop up again in the next book.
I loved the grump and Sunshine combination. Maverick had me laughing out loud and Terry’s grumpy responses gave a little bit of a “dom” feel. Although these two seemed so different they fit together like puzzle pieces and man did it melt my heart. Their chemistry was also off the charts! I’m talking steamy, hot goodness that you can’t get enough of! I absolutely loved these two and I hope they pop up again in the next book.
March 1, 2022
This book does not disappoint. Maverick and Terry were so sweet together, that grumpy/sunshine dynamic worked so so well with them. Terry is looking at his personal life in a new light after feeling drawn to his much younger and very male colleague who he knows has been crushing on him for a while. Maverick and Terry both enter the relationship with insecurities (Mav with his ADHD and Terry with his age and newly discovered demi-sexuality) but they communicate as best they can and never hide their relationship. It was nice. And I loved this a whole lot. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.
February 12, 2022
I love it when authors write about “ ADHD”.
People tend to think that is just something we can control.
I felt like I was reading my own day to day life with his.
My favorite thing is when Maverick was talking a lot( I do the same)
Specially, the way he uses the alarms & forgets stuff.
These characters are amazingly likable.
The support they give each it’s extraordinary.
Thank you so much for this ARC, Laura.
People tend to think that is just something we can control.
I felt like I was reading my own day to day life with his.
My favorite thing is when Maverick was talking a lot( I do the same)
Specially, the way he uses the alarms & forgets stuff.
These characters are amazingly likable.
The support they give each it’s extraordinary.
Thank you so much for this ARC, Laura.
March 5, 2022
This is a story that will remind you it is ok and normal to still be discovering things about your self, no matter your age. This seriously sweet MM age-gap romance spoke to my heart. I love the way Terry and Maverick balance each other out in the best possible ways.
March 5, 2022
An age gap, MM romance that will have your mouth salivating and smiling like a fool. Maverick and Terry have amazing chemistry and I couldn't get enough of them.
March 30, 2022
This series has been my 1st all MM romance series, and I love it!!
Each book in this series so far have been AMAZING!! I love Laura John and I love her writing!!
Terry is the 50 year old boss that is always serious. He has a failed marriage under his belt, and that makes him feel horrible. Then, he meets Maverick and everything changes.
Maverick is 30 years old, works as a bodyguard and will flirt shamelessly. Maverick loves to push all of Terry's buttons. Maverick has some things in his past that haunt him, so he hides behind humor.
When Terry and Maverick are together, I was cracking up at some parts and others parts made me want to just hug them. They balance each other so well, they are perfect together. And the spice is *chefs kiss*.
Laura, I ADORE this series and you so very much!!!
Each book in this series so far have been AMAZING!! I love Laura John and I love her writing!!
Terry is the 50 year old boss that is always serious. He has a failed marriage under his belt, and that makes him feel horrible. Then, he meets Maverick and everything changes.
Maverick is 30 years old, works as a bodyguard and will flirt shamelessly. Maverick loves to push all of Terry's buttons. Maverick has some things in his past that haunt him, so he hides behind humor.
When Terry and Maverick are together, I was cracking up at some parts and others parts made me want to just hug them. They balance each other so well, they are perfect together. And the spice is *chefs kiss*.
Laura, I ADORE this series and you so very much!!!
April 6, 2022
This series could get any better. Amazing charters the story tell. I couldn’t put it down. I recommend this book 5/5. Embracing temptation is one of my favorite. I just love it
February 10, 2022
Terry and Maverick, coworkers, boss and employee, friends sort of, Terry the owner and boss of a bodyguard company has issues, is it a midlife crisis, Maverick a bodyguard with ADHD and issues of his own, knows what he wants and it's Terry, but he's not gay, can they be their yin to the yang for each other, self discovery leads to communication between them, a beautiful story full of family support and acceptance of family and friends, and love of a lifetime, I have voluntarily read and review this ARC, thank you for the privilege, Dana Zamora
February 14, 2022
I loved this story of love and discovery and look forward to what comes next in the series :)
February 20, 2022
When I learned that Terry would get his own book I did a happy dance. Strong, reliable, hard working Terry sticks with the plans because that is what keeps everyone safe. Watching his world get rocked in previous books in the aftermath of his divorce was hard to read. Embracing Temptation brings us into the secret world of Terry. It was an absolute pleasure to learn more about this attractive silver fox. Watching him discover who he is, facing his inner truths and embracing his own path was refreshing.
I loved the interactions with Terry and his crew, particularly his interactions with Maverick. The push and pull was delightful. Laura's writing brings you into the mind of the main characters. You hear their thoughts, feel their hopes, fears and joys. You cheer for them. You cry with them, you want to yell out when they do things wrong. I always finish these books with a new found appreciation for the characters. I am never disappointed with glimpses into the world created by Laura John. Such a good book.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the interactions with Terry and his crew, particularly his interactions with Maverick. The push and pull was delightful. Laura's writing brings you into the mind of the main characters. You hear their thoughts, feel their hopes, fears and joys. You cheer for them. You cry with them, you want to yell out when they do things wrong. I always finish these books with a new found appreciation for the characters. I am never disappointed with glimpses into the world created by Laura John. Such a good book.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2022
Another great read from Laura John! It was both funny and sweet throughout. Maverick’s character was the best!
I enjoyed the ‘opposites attract’ of this book with maverick’s playfulness being the perfect counterpart to Terry’s serious grumpiness.
I recommend this to anyone who’s looking for a MM romance!
I enjoyed the ‘opposites attract’ of this book with maverick’s playfulness being the perfect counterpart to Terry’s serious grumpiness.
I recommend this to anyone who’s looking for a MM romance!
March 14, 2022
As always it was an incredible experience. Her books are always amazing and hit the feels many times. Her topics can be hard to read sometimes but they are true and need to be talked about more. As always the characters are amazing and love getting to know more of the people we have seen in alot of the previous books. Now to wait for the next one.
February 14, 2022
Laura John has wowed me again. I really enjoyed reading “Embracing Temptation (Sentinel Protection book#2)” which is a MM romance. The characters are realistic while still entertaining despite going through some plot hardships.
February 24, 2022
Laura John has once again delivered another stellar book. From the moment you read the first page you will be hooked. Maverick and Terry's story didn't disappoint.
March 9, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
Terry is a much older man one that Maverick, and me, has fantasize about. But him being his boss and straight that’s all Maverick thought he’ll ever have. His fantasies for a man he’s been crushing on for a while now.
This is what I like about this author. She has me thinking the story is gonna go one way and then 💥…. it goes another…. I knew we were getting a HEA but still my heart was racing for them…. and I kept glancing at the percent left in the story and just thinking ‘Oh fecking h*e*l*l don’t let it be a cliffhanger!!’. 🤣🤣🤣
And am I the only one who wants a spin-off or a little Novella for Gavin and Leo?!!! 🥰
Terry is a much older man one that Maverick, and me, has fantasize about. But him being his boss and straight that’s all Maverick thought he’ll ever have. His fantasies for a man he’s been crushing on for a while now.
This is what I like about this author. She has me thinking the story is gonna go one way and then 💥…. it goes another…. I knew we were getting a HEA but still my heart was racing for them…. and I kept glancing at the percent left in the story and just thinking ‘Oh fecking h*e*l*l don’t let it be a cliffhanger!!’. 🤣🤣🤣
And am I the only one who wants a spin-off or a little Novella for Gavin and Leo?!!! 🥰
March 11, 2022
Loved, loved, loved Maverick and Terry together, they just fit. The story had a sweetness to it, some humor and sexiness. Their chemistry was amazing! Loved the grumpy vs sunshine, one of my favorite troupes! Overall, a really great read! The story was really well written and kept me engaged, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
March 30, 2022
This book is amazing it's actually one of my favorite series it is an absolute must read can't wait for more from this author Laura John
February 23, 2022
This is the second book in a series and I absolutely loved it, it's even better than the first one. This was a wonderful age gap story about someone who discovers who he is and what he wants. This was a great storyline and wonderfully written with great characters.
March 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I love all of Laura’s books. She always uses real life situations. You can always relate to her books. Terry is in his 50’s and single. Maverick is in his 30’s. He is also single. He works for Terry. They both are bodyguards for Cara and her husband Beau. Who both are famous singers. Maverick likes to push Terrys buttons. He also has a crush on Terry. Terry starts to have feelings for Maverick as well. He’s just not sure about acting on them because they work together. Terry has to work through his feelings. They finally get together. Everyone is happy for them. While on the job Maverick gets hurt. Terry wants him to move in with him. They get their happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews