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CheckMate

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She doesn’t date married men.
He doesn’t date employees.

Billie Shayne has been hired by hundreds of suspicious wives to find out if their husbands are cheating. It’s never been a problem, until now. When she starts falling for her latest mark, she’s torn between what she knows is right, and what she wants ... him. Only problem is, he’s married.

Isn’t he?

Restauranteur Royce Montgomery is a confirmed bachelor. He’s been burned by love and doesn’t need a repeat. But when he meets his sexy new hostess, it’s impossible not to be tempted. And after he learns someone pretending to be his wife hired her, he has to decide ... is setting the record straight worth risking his heart?

Can mistaken matrimony lead to love?


* CheckMate is a sexy, slow burn, lighthearted, opposites attract standalone, with NO cheating and a guaranteed HEA. *

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2021

27 people are currently reading
102 people want to read

About the author

Angela Taylor

5 books215 followers
Angela writes steamy, frisky, fun contemporary romance that always includes humor, heat, and lots of snarky banter. Happily ever afters are a must!

When she’s not writing romance, she’s probably either reading in the “Bunny Estate” (aka his own bedroom) with her bunny, Tag, glued to the TV watching everything from Hallmark to The Amazing Race to John Wick, or going to the theater for a popcorn fix—er—to watch a movie. Oh, and let’s not forget drinking way too much Diet Coke! (Yes, she knows she has a problem. Don’t judge!)

Angela shares her rural home with three short, furry children, Remi, Ruby, and Starsky, and her husband, Dean, who is used to the dogs being mentioned first.


❤️Join her Facebook readers group: https://bit.ly/AngelaTaylorSteamSquad

❤️Sign up for her VIP newsletter: http://bit.ly/45jPkCZ

❤️Follow her on all things followable: �Linktr.ee/angelataylorauthor

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5 stars
35 (50%)
4 stars
14 (20%)
3 stars
11 (15%)
2 stars
7 (10%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Charissa Gracyk.
Author 40 books149 followers
November 2, 2021
Forbidden Fun!

This was such a fun forbidden office romance with a dash of everything that makes a great story. I enjoyed the opposites attract aspect, lighthearted banter between the Hero and heroine and, of course, all the sexual tension that kept me turning the pages well into the night. The attraction was strong between yummy Royce and undercover investigator Billie and I couldn't wait until they found their HEA! Now I can't wait for Angela Taylor's new series The Kiss Club!
Profile Image for Amanda M.
2,898 reviews16 followers
November 29, 2021
An amazing read featuring a private investigator that's hired to find out for wives if their husbands are cheating on them. How many ways can it get twisted? Then there is the possibility that the guy being investigated isn't actually married. Plus you can't forget to add in a dash of a forbidden office romance. All of this added up is what you'll get when you put Billie and Royce together. They are quite a fun pair and have so much chemistry. They start off as one thing but end up being so much more. They think they know each other but then bam something happens. You'll be captivated with their story from start to finish. All is not what it seems to be. Absolutely loved this book. The storyline was unique and different but oh so good. This is a must read. I couldn't get enough of this book.
Profile Image for S.P. Dawes.
Author 6 books64 followers
August 2, 2022
Fantastic

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was so unique and quite tongue in cheek at times. I loved how playful they were at times and how serious they could be at other times. Brought together under bizarre conditions, their attraction to each other is immediately apparent. But the conditions under which they met also prevents them from taking things further. So when everyone is finally on the same page, nothing is stopping them. The epilogue was absolutely beautiful. Wonderful fun and loving story.
Profile Image for Robin Ginther-Venneri.
1,029 reviews81 followers
November 5, 2021
Checkmate
by Angela Taylor


She doesn’t date married men. He doesn’t date employees.
Billie Shayne has been hired by hundreds of suspicious wives to find out if their husbands are cheating. It’s never been a problem, until now. When she starts falling for her latest mark, she’s torn between what she knows is right, and what she wants ... him. Only problem is, he’s married.
Isn’t he?

This was a steamy hot opposites attract forbidden romance. It was a fast paced and easy read. It had likable characters that you root for and anxiously wait for them to get together.

Romance
Profile Image for Melissa May.
336 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2021
Checkmate is a very entertaining romance!
Billie is a undercover investigator and she’s hired to see if Royce is cheating on his wife, only it turns out Royce isn’t married and someone is pretending to be his wife. I liked the plot, it’s original and well written. The banter between the characters is fun and the romance is hot!
I had a great time reading this and looking forward to read more books by the author.
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Susan Hutchinson.
Author 2 books18 followers
November 6, 2021
Great book!

She’s a P.I. who catches cheating husbands. He’s her latest target. Then again, maybe he’s a target of a different sort. The characters in this book are solid and well-defined, the plot believable, and there was enough of the angsty stuff to emotionally hook you without going over the top. What a great read!
Profile Image for Chey.
1,496 reviews50 followers
November 2, 2021
Billie is a woman hired to see if husband's are cheating on their wives. She's hired to do the same thing to Royce, but can't help falling for him. Problem for her is she thinks he's married. Problem for him? He's not and someone is pretending to be his wife.

I loved this story and the unique plot the author gave us. The story played out well and while you believe cheating will happen, it doesn't, which is one of the great twists in this book.

Billie and Royce are cute together, and their story starts in a very unconventional way. They make things work and their ending was satisfying.
Profile Image for Miss Andrews.
466 reviews16 followers
February 8, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by Angela Taylor but omg I can guarantee it won’t be the last.

This is without a doubt a wonderfully written story that enfolds you gently into its warmth and offers you the best kind of escape from the world.

I walked alongside Royce and Andi, feeling a firmly vested interest in their lives and their path to love.

This is a sweet romance filled with an abundance of emotions and depth. Enveloping myself into the magical world created by the talented Angela Taylor was a true honour.

Royce is such a swoonworthy, beautiful character. A total alpha protective male. A man made from every woman’s secret fantasy. He’s the epitome of all our hopes and dreams. He’s just perfect to me.
Watching him slowly fall for Billie, despite circumstances that knock them off course was so poignant and beautiful. A man who accepts his feelings and fights for what he wants despite the painful past he’s suffered.
A man who can show is vulnerable side is so endearing and dare I say hot as hades.

Billie is such a strong and independent character. She watched someone who should have treasured her every moment of her life, treat her and her mother with deception and disdain. It coloured the way she moved through life. Any really who can blame her. Who hasn’t experienced something that has altered or coloured the way we think or act. Angela Taylor portrayed this in a way that showed a true empathy and understanding, and with a depth that leaves your heart aching for Billie.
I was cheering her on as she slowly conquered her fears and enveloped herself in the love Royce son openly offered.

This is a truly beautiful story. It welcomes you with open arms, pulls up a chair for you and encourages you to stay awhile. These characters become your friends.

This story is heartwarming and full of fear and love. People say that love conquers all, and that’s exactly what Angela Taylor has given us. Utterly addictive and endearing. Full of depth.

Can’t recommend this book highly enough.
10 million star review
Profile Image for Miranda.
438 reviews6 followers
November 30, 2021
4.5 stars

Billie works for an investigative company that confirms if a spouse is cheating or not. Her latest assignment is Royce Montgomery, attractive high-end restaurant owner.
Not only is Royce a down to earth boss, but he is ridiculously handsome and easy to like.
The attraction between employer and employee is immediate but they both know it’s wrong for two completely different reasons.

I really enjoyed watching the relationship between these two grow and not just as two people attracted to one another, but they both did a lot of personal growth as well. These two complimented each other perfectly and even though they were opposites, they needed each other more than they knew.

Definitely a fun, unique, quick read. The blurb pulled me in and the story kept me hooked. I loved every minute of it.
Profile Image for Nancie Blume.
704 reviews14 followers
August 24, 2025
Royce and Billie

CheckMate by Angela Taylor is like a slow-cooked meal - it's a flirty slow burn romance that's worth the wait. I mean, who doesn't love a couple with baggage? Royce and Billie both have pasts that make them wary of trust, but they're able to heal together. And let me tell you, Royce is swoon-worthy and Billie is adorable. When they finally get together, it's like fireworks! As a seasoned romance reader, I've seen it all, but this book brought something fresh to the table. Billie's job as an investigator, hired by suspicious wives to catch cheating husbands, is already juicy, but things get complicated when she's assigned to investigate Royce. I love how the story unfolds, and there are some laugh-out-loud moments.There's drama, steamy times, and office romance - what's not to love? The writing flows smoothly, and I appreciate the original twist on the romance genre. If you're looking for a fun, entertaining read, I'd recommend this one.
Profile Image for Rebecca Labrador.
36 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2022
Full disclosure: I received a give-away e-book copy from author Angela Taylor. I state this up front because although I'm not a romance reader, I entered the give-away because Taylor is so much fun to follow on social media. I figured her book has to be a worthwhile read. And it is. Both main characters are likable, their romance is believable, the story stays focused on their growing relationship, and there are no unnecessary plot twists that can often derail the narrative. For me, it passes the "Three Bears" steaminess test--not too hot, not too cold, but just right. In the future, when I want a "clean palate" book to offset all of the angst and trauma I usually read, I will definitely pick up another Angela Taylor romance!
Profile Image for Nina F..
168 reviews
August 19, 2022
Honestly?

This was such an amazing book. I don't know if the author officially qualifies it as a rom com, but I just found it too funny not to be qualified as that.

Billie was a pistol. Seriously, there's just no better word to describe her. She was funny, had enough spunk to keep her character alive on page, and she was also super adorable, especially with the 'Rats!' comments. She cracked me up.

Now, Royce... Let me put it this way. He's dark, with bright eyes. He's a suit guy. He's always there to help.
He's simply yum. I know, this is becoming a very unprofessional review, but... He was YUM!

Their chemistry was off the charts, and I freaking loved their running inside jokes.

All in all, the book was super entertaining, and the author's humor shone through. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for slfeissner.
152 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2025
Such a Fun, Feel-Good Story!

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a fun, feel-good story. The characters were fantastic. Billie’s personality won me over from the start, and I loved Royce, once I realized what a good guy he really was.

I really love the originality of the plot. She’s a detective, supposedly hired by his wife to catch him cheating… with a twist! Such a great story! This book has it all—humor, heart, steam, and a little intrigue. It’s a definite five-star read for me!
Profile Image for Blye Donovan.
Author 11 books77 followers
January 27, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! It had that classic romance feel that made me fall in love instantly. The characters were so lovable and you can't help but pull for them. You know there's something fishy going on in the beginning, but it's exciting not knowing what that is! Then when you find out, you know it's going to blow up at some point. Which makes the tension so much greater! This book was super enjoyable and easy to read. It left me wanting more!
208 reviews
May 12, 2022
This was a fine, flirty romance. There were some moments that took me out of suspended disbelief. Wardrobe-related issues, mostly, kind of felt…off? If you don’t get hung up on that sort of thing, then you’re likely to enjoy this book much more! There are two definite spicy scenes as well as a few scenes with more tame tension and flirting.
Profile Image for Tammy - .
1,113 reviews142 followers
April 27, 2022
I read A LOT of romance and sometimes I feel like I've pretty much read it all before, but once in awhile a book will come along with a refreshing plot that I haven't read, and this is one of those books.

Billie is an investigator, hired by suspecting wives to prove that their husbands are cheating. When she's assigned to investigate Royce, she's surprised by her attraction to him since she knows that he's a married man. There is more to their situation than meets the eye though, and it was fun to see how their story played out.

There really are some funny moments in this book, including one laugh out loud scene that I will probably think of every single time that I go into a public bathroom. There are some steamy times too, plus there is a bit of drama which only adds to this office romance. The writing flows well, and I felt that this romance really does have an original twist.

If you're looking for a refreshing read that is fun and entertaining, then I'd recommend this one.
2,064 reviews8 followers
November 3, 2021
Billie is an investigator who is used to taking on an alternate persona when she goes undercover to determine if a husband is cheating. But on her current assignment, her boss has sent her in under her real name. Not ideal but she will deal with it. Royce is the uptight restauranteur who she is investigating. But as Billie and Royce interact with each other, she starts to have feelings for him. She doesn't know what to do since it has never happened to her before. There are many fun interactions between Billie and Royce that show the multiple facets of their personalities, definite sexual tension, and a surprise twist. This is a very enjoyable, lighthearted, forbidden romance.
Profile Image for Karen N Strauss.
326 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2024
Royce & Billie: This was more of a 3.5. It was cute with a great ending.
Profile Image for Natalie Murphy.
Author 11 books9 followers
January 7, 2022
My new favorite HEA!

I love the "opposite attracts" storyline. Royce and Billie gave all the feels. I can see me reading this story again when I need a pick me up.
Profile Image for That Brazilian.
129 reviews9 followers
December 24, 2021
CheckMate by Angela Taylor

This is Angela's second book and I loved it as much as I loved the first one. Angela has this way with male characters that are fun and lovable as well as female characters that are equally funny, but amazingly stubborn sometimes. This formula always ends in a funny banter, great chemistry and explosive love.

Billie Shayne is a Private Investigator hired by Royce Montgomery's "wife" to find out if he's cheating on her. Billie has a very strong work ethic and she won't let herself fall in love with a married man. Royce Montgomery is a proud bachelor. After being hurt by the woman he loved, he vowed to never marry or to let himself fall in the web of another woman in his life, until a hot hostess with love for mice and pizza shows up in front of him.

As usual, Angela did an amazing job with the pacing of this book. There was no rush to make them fall, she took her time making us acquainted to the characters and they with themselves. Billie has her own insecurities with relationship and marriage, so falling for an alleged married guy sends her into a whirlwind of doubt. At the same time, Royce just can't understand why Billie doesn't give in to the undeniable chemistry that they both feel. This tension builds in slowly but steady in a lovely way.

It was a very enjoyable read. The pacing, the chemistry, the characters, the banter and the flirtation... Everything is very entertaining and it's worth the read.

For more reviews, follow @thatbrazilianreader on Instagram.
Profile Image for SmuttyBooksNCoffee.
88 reviews
December 3, 2022
Billy Shayne is a detective. She is hired by married woman to see if their husband's would cheat on them. Usually it's a walk in the park for her, the husbands cheat and she gets paid. End of story.

Not with Royce Montgomery. He is Billie's new suspect and he changes the game. He's nothing like the other husbands. He's funny, sweet, charming, and is somewhat shy. Billie believes you should never fall for the cheating husband...but how can you resist with that sweet smile and those damn ties??

Review...
I honestly loved the book. Within the first chapter, you are hooked. You want to keep reading and find out what's going to happened. I will tell you it is a slow burn book. You learn A LOT about the main characters as well as other people in the book. I like what the writer did and I like how there were a lot of twist and turns in the book. I personally wanted a little more action and I kinda wanted the sex scenes sooner but when they came, I wasn't disappointed. I actually cried at the very last scene of the book with the dragonfly charm.

All in all I loved Angela Taylor did an amazing job writing this book. Can't wait to read her next book!
Profile Image for Marlena Hicks.
158 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2022
I've been on a RomCom binge. With the state of life, the world, etc, I just want to inhale all of the happy literary feels right now. This book was such a light and cute read! A perfect pick me up for my weary, drained soul. It had a little bit of everything I love about reading romance... a touch of serendipity, a slow burn with scorching chemistry, a unique trope, meddling supporting characters, laugh out loud shenanigan's, and a heart warming HEA. What more could you want?!? That being said, I'm looking forward to reading more from this author and meeting her at Shameless Book Con 2022 ❤
Profile Image for J.T. Brooks.
291 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2023
CheckMate by Angela Taylor is flirty slow burn romance. I loved how both Royce and Billie both had similar pasts that kept them from trusting others, but were able to learn to trust again together. Royce is so swoony and Billie is so cute. When these two finally get together, sparks fly! I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more Angela Taylor.
Profile Image for Tammy.
16 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2023
Angela Taylor was a new to me author. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more of her books.
Profile Image for Virginia.
9,263 reviews23 followers
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kay Brooks.
Author 17 books9 followers
June 23, 2024
Angela Taylor came through with her promise of a steamy, frisky, fun and flirty story. I was looking for an escape, a pick-me-up light read, and she delivered.
I enjoyed the banter and sexual tension between Billie Shayne and Royce Montgomery as they worked side by side in his restaurant. Billie is really a private investigator working undercover to prove Royce is having an affair only to fall in love with the suspect herself. The kicker is he’s not really married – the assignment is a matchmaking ploy.
I enjoy the written word and appreciate her style as she wove a story about two down-to-earth people who have been burned by love, have strong feelings about trust and experience realistic everyday situations on a humorous journey to finding love.
Angela has a wonderful way with words when describing the setting, the characters, their thoughts and actions. I felt like I was right there with them.
Looking forward to reading The Late Night Kiss.
110 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2023
The premise of this story is original and fun. Billie is a "decoy" for an agency that sends in women to see if the client's husband is cheating on them. This assignment gets complicated when she starts falling for the targeted "husband" Royce, and he catches feelings for her, too. The twist is that Billie was hired by his sister and her best friend in a matchmaking ploy. The misunderstandings, banter and revelations of the truth, make this story romantic, funny and leaves the reader with all the feels.
It is a story with heart, friendship, and love. It's the feeling you get watching your favorite 90's rom com.
Definitely in my library for a re-read!
Profile Image for Angela Taylor.
Author 5 books215 followers
Read
April 26, 2023
If you love slow-burn, opposites attract office romance with hardcore chemistry and lighthearted banter, CheckMate is for you! Check out this steamy standalone today!
Profile Image for Shari Jahn.
370 reviews10 followers
January 1, 2022
This is a fun matchmaker book!! I just loved the characters and the writing was very well done. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

Billie is a private detective for CheckMate an agency that catches cheating husbands. They help their clients find the proof they need to prove their husbands are cheating. Billie works for her mother’s old friend Mark. He is like an older brother to Billie. One of the things that Billie always does is to never use her real name on these jobs. On this job, Mark screwed up and told the client her real name. The reason she uses aliases is she likes to use a different name and personality for each situation. This assignment is a cheating husband who owns a restaurant. Billie is going to be the hostess for the restaurant because the current hostess is leaving on maternity leave. It is the perfect way to keep her eyes on the cheating owner.

Royce owns his own restaurant and he has been hurt by a woman and is not interested in any women! His matchmaking sister has been trying to set him up with women but he has been able to avoid any entanglements. I thoroughly enjoyed watching as this story unfolded.

This is a great read and I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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