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Houston After Dark #1
Rough Lover
Romantic Suspense ~ New Adult ~ College ~ Age-Gap ~ Workplace ~ Boss's Daughter ~ Father's Client
He’s a rough relentless PI and when he finds out I’m his new trainee, I might end up tied to the bedpost.
Grant Harding is not a man who gives second chances. I can’t forget how he kissed me four years ago before he pushed me away.
I have one shot with him now on this job to prove I have what it takes to do PI work like him. One shot to hear the words that will bring me to my knees:
Good girl.
She wrangled her way onto my assignment and now she’ll get a taste of the man I really am.
Avery Clark was feisty at eighteen, at twenty-two she’s wild. And it’s satisfying to finally get her on her knees and hear her scream my name after wanting her for four long years.
But no matter how used and sore I make her in the dark at my club, on my desk, and in the locker room tied to a bench with my belt, I’m too old, rough, and broken for her. Not to mention my line of work is too dangerous for her to tag along.
Now she’s gone too far to prove herself, but she’s mine. And I protect what belongs to me.
Rough Lover (Previously Titled Relentless Cowboy) is part of the Houston After Dark series, but can be read as a standalone. No cheating. No cliffhanger. HEA Guaranteed.
He’s a rough relentless PI and when he finds out I’m his new trainee, I might end up tied to the bedpost.
Grant Harding is not a man who gives second chances. I can’t forget how he kissed me four years ago before he pushed me away.
I have one shot with him now on this job to prove I have what it takes to do PI work like him. One shot to hear the words that will bring me to my knees:
Good girl.
She wrangled her way onto my assignment and now she’ll get a taste of the man I really am.
Avery Clark was feisty at eighteen, at twenty-two she’s wild. And it’s satisfying to finally get her on her knees and hear her scream my name after wanting her for four long years.
But no matter how used and sore I make her in the dark at my club, on my desk, and in the locker room tied to a bench with my belt, I’m too old, rough, and broken for her. Not to mention my line of work is too dangerous for her to tag along.
Now she’s gone too far to prove herself, but she’s mine. And I protect what belongs to me.
Rough Lover (Previously Titled Relentless Cowboy) is part of the Houston After Dark series, but can be read as a standalone. No cheating. No cliffhanger. HEA Guaranteed.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2022
700 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Garland
52 books772 followersDeborah Garland is a top 45 Amazon Bestselling and a 4x Award-Winning author of emotional, funny, and steamy romances!
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.
She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.
She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.
Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.
New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 28, 2022
Do not judge a book by its cover! This cover is 🥵, this book is not!
This book was a slag. If I hadn’t picked it up as an ARC I would have bailed on it, but alas I persevered to write my honest review.
The story started off recapping from a previous book in a different series, so I was completely lost. The first few chapters were an information dump of other characters, storylines and past interactions between the two main characters of this book. It was exhausting to read and mostly unimportant and not pivotal to the plot of this story.
Next there were many plausibility issues, or plot holes if you will, that tripped me up. For example, Grant was very self conscious about his lack of police experience throughout the book, the reason given to us is that he had to take care of his younger sister so couldn’t attend college which is required in order to be a cop. First of all, it isn’t. You do not need a college degree to be a cop, not in Houston or any other major city in the US. So his whole whoa is me, I had to raise my sister and lost out was baseless.
Now let’s speak of his sexual issues. We are told countless times how his sexual ‘needs’ have to be satisfied at a sex club because he can’t do relationships. I have read many books where sex clubs played a role and never have I read or heard of a sex club like The Stable. It reads more like a brothel than a club. We are told of all the rich men who go here for anonymous sex, but who are they having sex with? What of the women who go here? Seems like they are hired help. He also goes to visit his sex club at like four in the afternoon, what sex club is open then? What kind of women are you going to meet at 4 on a week day? Seems slim pickings. Anyway the whole sex club was not believable in any way.
Now let’s talk about Avery, this spoiled little girl who’s daddy pays her bills, leases her cars, puts her up in luxury hotel suites and uses his influence to force Grant to hire her. This girl who laments that she is strong and capable and wants so badly for him (Grant)to take her seriously. When your Daddy gets you everything you want in life no one is going to take you seriously and treat you like an adult. I had no respect for this girl and didn’t get what Grant was so obsessed with about her.
Next the plot: there were about five different plots happening in this book, which was ambitious because about 90% of the story after they had sex was dedicated to them having sex. The suspense in the background was just noise and wasn’t very well developed. Spoiler alert: the bad guy in one suspense plot is caught because he butt dials Avery and she overhears him revealing his evil plan to his henchmen. I mean come on! Seriously? And for all these convoluted, complicated and meandering plots this book was incredibly boring. Like snooze fest, comatose inducingly boring.
Anyway I have spent entirely too much time reading, hating, being bored by and reviewing this terrible book. I haven’t even gone into the terrible writing style which had me rereading sentences because my mind couldn’t process them and people, I have a Masters degree in English literature.
All that to say, I do not recommend this book in any way. I will not be reading this author in future. Avoid.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was a slag. If I hadn’t picked it up as an ARC I would have bailed on it, but alas I persevered to write my honest review.
The story started off recapping from a previous book in a different series, so I was completely lost. The first few chapters were an information dump of other characters, storylines and past interactions between the two main characters of this book. It was exhausting to read and mostly unimportant and not pivotal to the plot of this story.
Next there were many plausibility issues, or plot holes if you will, that tripped me up. For example, Grant was very self conscious about his lack of police experience throughout the book, the reason given to us is that he had to take care of his younger sister so couldn’t attend college which is required in order to be a cop. First of all, it isn’t. You do not need a college degree to be a cop, not in Houston or any other major city in the US. So his whole whoa is me, I had to raise my sister and lost out was baseless.
Now let’s speak of his sexual issues. We are told countless times how his sexual ‘needs’ have to be satisfied at a sex club because he can’t do relationships. I have read many books where sex clubs played a role and never have I read or heard of a sex club like The Stable. It reads more like a brothel than a club. We are told of all the rich men who go here for anonymous sex, but who are they having sex with? What of the women who go here? Seems like they are hired help. He also goes to visit his sex club at like four in the afternoon, what sex club is open then? What kind of women are you going to meet at 4 on a week day? Seems slim pickings. Anyway the whole sex club was not believable in any way.
Now let’s talk about Avery, this spoiled little girl who’s daddy pays her bills, leases her cars, puts her up in luxury hotel suites and uses his influence to force Grant to hire her. This girl who laments that she is strong and capable and wants so badly for him (Grant)to take her seriously. When your Daddy gets you everything you want in life no one is going to take you seriously and treat you like an adult. I had no respect for this girl and didn’t get what Grant was so obsessed with about her.
Next the plot: there were about five different plots happening in this book, which was ambitious because about 90% of the story after they had sex was dedicated to them having sex. The suspense in the background was just noise and wasn’t very well developed. Spoiler alert: the bad guy in one suspense plot is caught because he butt dials Avery and she overhears him revealing his evil plan to his henchmen. I mean come on! Seriously? And for all these convoluted, complicated and meandering plots this book was incredibly boring. Like snooze fest, comatose inducingly boring.
Anyway I have spent entirely too much time reading, hating, being bored by and reviewing this terrible book. I haven’t even gone into the terrible writing style which had me rereading sentences because my mind couldn’t process them and people, I have a Masters degree in English literature.
All that to say, I do not recommend this book in any way. I will not be reading this author in future. Avoid.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2022
There was a lot I liked about this book. The premise was great. Avery was terrific as a strong, young woman who knew what she wanted. I liked Grant, too, as the older PI trying to do what was right. Great banter and relationships between Grant and his business partners which gave depth to the characters. Here's what I didn't like. This is book 1 in this series but it obviously feeds off of something from a previous book and that led to a rough start. Avery was clear in what she wanted, which was Grant, and Grant just couldn't see that she was an adult to make the decision. That was very tedious as it dragged on. Finally, it started with one suspense aspect, wrapped that up too quickly and then added in another suspense situation which wasn't necessary. Pick one and stay with it until the end. Plenty of steam and chemistry between Grant and Avery but this had a few too many issues to get 4 stars from me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2022
I think this book alpha really lives up
to the title, in all ways, he was just rough around the edges in general. It looks like these two were in a previous book, it refers to their past and how they met. I personally didn’t feel like I missed anything, because the author does a good job of filing you in on their past with references throughout the book. Grant’s a PI that saved Avery 4 years ago when she was 18. They have so much chemistry, but he resisted because of her age, then she kissed him, and went to college. In the four years she was gone, they did not keep in touch. Fast forward 4 years, and she is back and hoping to intern for Grant. I am never one to like time gaps, because a lot can happen in 4 years, you know what I mean. Grant keeps trying to resist her, but finally gives in all the way, or all of himself towards the end. When I say he was rough around the edges, he truly was. Did I understand it? I did, but still didn’t like it.
Explosive couple, that waited way too long to give in to their chemistry. But once they do…whew, no idea how he resisted so long. Good storyline, and suspense. An epilogue that will have you saying no, no…what the? Next book please.
Psst…shout out for the use of sumbitch…I flipping loved this. No idea why, just that I’m me, and that’s probably all I need to say.
to the title, in all ways, he was just rough around the edges in general. It looks like these two were in a previous book, it refers to their past and how they met. I personally didn’t feel like I missed anything, because the author does a good job of filing you in on their past with references throughout the book. Grant’s a PI that saved Avery 4 years ago when she was 18. They have so much chemistry, but he resisted because of her age, then she kissed him, and went to college. In the four years she was gone, they did not keep in touch. Fast forward 4 years, and she is back and hoping to intern for Grant. I am never one to like time gaps, because a lot can happen in 4 years, you know what I mean. Grant keeps trying to resist her, but finally gives in all the way, or all of himself towards the end. When I say he was rough around the edges, he truly was. Did I understand it? I did, but still didn’t like it.
Explosive couple, that waited way too long to give in to their chemistry. But once they do…whew, no idea how he resisted so long. Good storyline, and suspense. An epilogue that will have you saying no, no…what the? Next book please.
Psst…shout out for the use of sumbitch…I flipping loved this. No idea why, just that I’m me, and that’s probably all I need to say.
July 27, 2022
I am so mad y’all. I’m mad that I just discovered this series. I’m mad that I got this as an ARC so I’m going to have to wait extra long for the next one to come out. I’m mad that it took me so long to read because I couldn’t read it in public because of my facial expressions and thigh shuffle. Geeze.
Grant is a big ole Texas boy who had a rough childhood thanks to absolutely terrible parents. (TW abuse) Avery is a tough young woman determined to make it in the PI world. They met 4 years ago when Grant saved Avery. Sparks flew immediately, but Avery is 14 years younger than Grant: 18 to his 32. He resisted, and she kissed him and flew off to college. Four years fly by without seeing each other, and they are thrust together to work on an investigation at Avery’s Dad’s university. Grant’s PI business has a contract with the university and they need someone who can be planted on the cheerleading squad. They start working together and Grant keeps resisting the obvious connection. Grant thinks his tastes are too dark, and Avery is barely experienced. When Grant gives in, he gives in spectacularly. There is a lot of s3x after he gives in, and while it never gets very dark, you can see the pattern of him working her up to it. Just don’t be expecting anything hardcore. Lots of spice, and ended with a lead in into her next book.
Thanks to Deborah Garland for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Grant is a big ole Texas boy who had a rough childhood thanks to absolutely terrible parents. (TW abuse) Avery is a tough young woman determined to make it in the PI world. They met 4 years ago when Grant saved Avery. Sparks flew immediately, but Avery is 14 years younger than Grant: 18 to his 32. He resisted, and she kissed him and flew off to college. Four years fly by without seeing each other, and they are thrust together to work on an investigation at Avery’s Dad’s university. Grant’s PI business has a contract with the university and they need someone who can be planted on the cheerleading squad. They start working together and Grant keeps resisting the obvious connection. Grant thinks his tastes are too dark, and Avery is barely experienced. When Grant gives in, he gives in spectacularly. There is a lot of s3x after he gives in, and while it never gets very dark, you can see the pattern of him working her up to it. Just don’t be expecting anything hardcore. Lots of spice, and ended with a lead in into her next book.
Thanks to Deborah Garland for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2022
Holy scrap u really can keep me on my toes and wanting more. This was awesome. I can't wait to read more of grant and avery. I thinkNoah and callie rose are an item. Hmmm Zane not sure yet.
June 27, 2022
A great storyline to this hot erotic romance. Grant Harding tries like hell to ignore his attraction to the very young, very tabu, Avery Clark, and succeeds for four long years, until she comes back and wants to be his protégé.
The fireworks are about to begin, plus a plot that keeps you wanting to know who's threatening a college cheer team.
Let's not forget Avery's Daddy, who also happens to be a client of Grant's, and his friend.
All good at the end, but what a ride!
The fireworks are about to begin, plus a plot that keeps you wanting to know who's threatening a college cheer team.
Let's not forget Avery's Daddy, who also happens to be a client of Grant's, and his friend.
All good at the end, but what a ride!
August 9, 2022
Grant Harding is a talented P.I. who appears to want for nothing. Little does everyone know that he hasn’t been able to get his boss’ daughter out of his head for four long years. Avery Clark is beautiful, wild, and entirely too young for him, but he can’t help but crave her touch. When she becomes his new trainee at her father’s request, Grant is determined to keep his resolve. But the more time he spends with Avery, the more he feels all his control slipping away. Grant’s line of work is dangerous, and the last thing he wants is for Avery to get involved. Because now that he has her? He’s never letting her go.
Okay, so this book was really fun, and it was super interesting as well! Avery and Grant’s relationship was complicated, yes, but it was also wonderfully written. I was intrigued by this book from the blurb alone, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The blend of romance and drama, action and angst was extremely well done. I adored all the detective work involved, and the plot twists were *chef’s kiss* I also really enjoyed Grant’s inner turmoil as he struggled to decide whether or not pursuing Avery was worth risking everything.
Grant. He’s so strong, and has a kind heart underneath that gruff exterior of his. I think he enjoys his job, even when it’s dangerous. I also think he somehow convinced himself that he didn’t deserve Avery, even when it was clear she wanted him as badly as he wanted her. I was so proud of him when he finally realized his self worth and went after what he wanted. Avery. She’s so pretty and fun and free spirited, but that’s all part of her charm. I admire Avery because of how determined she is, how brave she seems to be even when facing serious danger. I loved her interactions with Grant, how she was able to get a ride out of him without even trying. All in all, I completely recommend!
Okay, so this book was really fun, and it was super interesting as well! Avery and Grant’s relationship was complicated, yes, but it was also wonderfully written. I was intrigued by this book from the blurb alone, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The blend of romance and drama, action and angst was extremely well done. I adored all the detective work involved, and the plot twists were *chef’s kiss* I also really enjoyed Grant’s inner turmoil as he struggled to decide whether or not pursuing Avery was worth risking everything.
Grant. He’s so strong, and has a kind heart underneath that gruff exterior of his. I think he enjoys his job, even when it’s dangerous. I also think he somehow convinced himself that he didn’t deserve Avery, even when it was clear she wanted him as badly as he wanted her. I was so proud of him when he finally realized his self worth and went after what he wanted. Avery. She’s so pretty and fun and free spirited, but that’s all part of her charm. I admire Avery because of how determined she is, how brave she seems to be even when facing serious danger. I loved her interactions with Grant, how she was able to get a ride out of him without even trying. All in all, I completely recommend!
July 27, 2022
Thank you @thesmuthood @deborahgarlandauthor for the arc I received, with that being said all opinions are my own and would be the same had I purchased the book!
Don’t get me wrong I strongly believe others could and would enjoy it more than I did, the plot and story line was very well done but I found it hard for me personally to read. Mainly because of the way it was formatted or written. It just bugged me, but I’m also very picky about how I like to read so it definitely is my fault. I did finish it and so it wasn’t terrible by any means just hard hard for me to finish. I’d definitely say for y’all to get it and read it, I’m sure other’s will enjoy it more!
Don’t get me wrong I strongly believe others could and would enjoy it more than I did, the plot and story line was very well done but I found it hard for me personally to read. Mainly because of the way it was formatted or written. It just bugged me, but I’m also very picky about how I like to read so it definitely is my fault. I did finish it and so it wasn’t terrible by any means just hard hard for me to finish. I’d definitely say for y’all to get it and read it, I’m sure other’s will enjoy it more!
June 1, 2022
This story was so easy to love. Grant had met Avery several years ago and she was too young for him. Several years later, he is working security at a college and she is assigned to work with him. The solve the problem, but then she goes back to LA to guard a singer. However there are problems with the security team out there and Grant goes out to see what is happening. I really liked the storyline and the characters. They were honest. The chemistry and sex between these two was off the charts hot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 7, 2022
I was so excited for this age-gap, boss’s daughter, second chance romantic suspense! Grant and Avery had this intense attraction when they met when she was eighteen and somehow Grant resisted. Now four years later, Avery is interning with Grant on his next job and things are bound to get explosive.
Grant and Avery’s relationship may have been forbidden for a number of reasons, but these two were perfect for each other! They danced around each other for a bit, but after Grant gave in things were spicy! I really wish I had read the prequel before reading this book as I think it would have helped in my enjoyment of the book.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grant and Avery’s relationship may have been forbidden for a number of reasons, but these two were perfect for each other! They danced around each other for a bit, but after Grant gave in things were spicy! I really wish I had read the prequel before reading this book as I think it would have helped in my enjoyment of the book.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 11, 2022
Grant Harding rescued Avery Clark when she was eighteen years old. Something about her was a siren’s song to Grant but he resisted Avery due to her age. Now Avery has graduated from college and she’s back in town. And it looks like she'll be interning with him on his next PI job where someone is threatening college cheerleaders.
This one veered a bit to far from an R-rated romance I might enjoy into the X territory. I’m also a little bored with the age-gap trope, so this wasn’t my favorite read. I realize, however, that it's my own prejudice and preferences influencing my opinion, so I didn’t feel it was fair to take too many stars off of my rating. If you’re a fan of this trope and erotic romance, I have no doubt you'll enjoy this one.
This one veered a bit to far from an R-rated romance I might enjoy into the X territory. I’m also a little bored with the age-gap trope, so this wasn’t my favorite read. I realize, however, that it's my own prejudice and preferences influencing my opinion, so I didn’t feel it was fair to take too many stars off of my rating. If you’re a fan of this trope and erotic romance, I have no doubt you'll enjoy this one.
October 31, 2022
I don’t even know where to begin. I contemplated several times DNFing and moving on but I’m stubborn. The entire thing felt stunted and awkward. The dialogue was cringe-worthy, the plot was simplistic and rushed, the spice was subpar, the climax was anti-climactic, the love story was okay and the forbidden romance didn’t seem all that forbidden. These were two adults that consented to be together so what she is your bosses daughter.
Overall I’m extremely disappointed with this one because I did want to like it because Grant had so much potential. In the end, Rough Lover was a true let down.
Overall I’m extremely disappointed with this one because I did want to like it because Grant had so much potential. In the end, Rough Lover was a true let down.
June 14, 2022
'Sweeter is the forbidden fruit, and forbidden fruit doesn't come any sweetly forbidden than this.' - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Deborah Garland for approaching me with an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and leave an honest review. It's much appreciated.
--------------------------------------------
It's been a hot minute since my last Deborah Garland read, and I'm happy to be diving back into her with two of my many favourite bookish things, steam and cowboys. I lucked out with this read that promised to offer one and a lot of the other, in spades.
Avery: He’s a rough relentless PI and when he finds out I’m his new trainee, I might end up tied to the bedpost.
First and foremost, let's talk tropes. Rover Lover offered a fair few of them, including:
✰Romantic Suspense
✰New Adult
✰College
✰Age-Gap
✰Workplace
✰Boss's Daughter
✰Father's Client
Don't be fooled by the 'college' trope, this isn't Gabriel's Inferno but instead our leading lady, Avery, is able to get a bit more up close and personal with our leading man, Grant. In ways a student could never get close to someone in a position of authority. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, these two will be working together--albeit against Grant's desire to keep Avery safe--, and with Avery's father's permission too. Here, the forbidden fruit just went up a level on the sweetness scale.
Grant Harding is not a man who gives second chances. I can’t forget how he kissed me four years ago before he pushed me away.
I have one shot with him now on this job to prove I have what it takes to do PI work like him. One shot to hear the words that will bring me to my knees: Good girl.
Despite a few other reviews here and there critiquing elements of this story such as the realism of where Grant used to spend some of his free time, his beliefs and the situation he and Avery were thrown in together, I actually found those things to be subject to Deborah's personal creative licence and touch. She wanted to write this story a certain way, tell their story a certain way, and yes while it won't be everyone's cup of tea, there's no need for senseless and harsh critique of an author who has put heart and soul into creating a novel for us to read. We all interpret and have our own individual levels of what is spicy, or how things should be, and for several readers--such as myself--were able to enjoy the way in which Deborah has chosen to write elements within this story, the characters and the world they live in.
Spoiler alert, Grant's former haunt is a club where members pay to go for sex. Nothing more, nothing less. We've seen this style of establishment in many forms and ways across several novels, and what was written here as 'The Stable', was how Deborah wanted to use this establishment to tell part of Grant's story and background. It's simply a place to go where only members can pay to have sex with another paying member, with anything extra also an option but is not a go-to requirement. The Stable was a place written with respect, dignity, consent and consideration. I cannot fault Deborah for including this and the scene in which took place here, me like! Me like very much. It'll be interesting to see what could potentially happen here in the future in another read in the series.
Now, Grant and Avery. It's always fun to discover a new main character couple, and Grant and Avery were a perfect fit for each other from the start. The age-gap element only made things better! Because despite Grant's years on Avery, she was wiser when it came to understanding and realising that they were meant to be. Grant, as a bookish male, of course took longer to realise that and when the two came together--pun intended--, yeehaw!
Would I have liked a little more spice between them rather than dancing around the element of their forbidden love? Sure. But that did not take away from the great introductory read to the series that Rough Lover was. Not one bit.
And that ending! It wasn't quite the dreaded cliffhanger that I detest, but boy did it leave me keen to read book two.
Fabulous job, Deborah. Roll on Hard Lover!
4 stars!
Thank you to Deborah Garland for approaching me with an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and leave an honest review. It's much appreciated.
--------------------------------------------
It's been a hot minute since my last Deborah Garland read, and I'm happy to be diving back into her with two of my many favourite bookish things, steam and cowboys. I lucked out with this read that promised to offer one and a lot of the other, in spades.
Avery: He’s a rough relentless PI and when he finds out I’m his new trainee, I might end up tied to the bedpost.
First and foremost, let's talk tropes. Rover Lover offered a fair few of them, including:
✰Romantic Suspense
✰New Adult
✰College
✰Age-Gap
✰Workplace
✰Boss's Daughter
✰Father's Client
Don't be fooled by the 'college' trope, this isn't Gabriel's Inferno but instead our leading lady, Avery, is able to get a bit more up close and personal with our leading man, Grant. In ways a student could never get close to someone in a position of authority. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, these two will be working together--albeit against Grant's desire to keep Avery safe--, and with Avery's father's permission too. Here, the forbidden fruit just went up a level on the sweetness scale.
Grant Harding is not a man who gives second chances. I can’t forget how he kissed me four years ago before he pushed me away.
I have one shot with him now on this job to prove I have what it takes to do PI work like him. One shot to hear the words that will bring me to my knees: Good girl.
Despite a few other reviews here and there critiquing elements of this story such as the realism of where Grant used to spend some of his free time, his beliefs and the situation he and Avery were thrown in together, I actually found those things to be subject to Deborah's personal creative licence and touch. She wanted to write this story a certain way, tell their story a certain way, and yes while it won't be everyone's cup of tea, there's no need for senseless and harsh critique of an author who has put heart and soul into creating a novel for us to read. We all interpret and have our own individual levels of what is spicy, or how things should be, and for several readers--such as myself--were able to enjoy the way in which Deborah has chosen to write elements within this story, the characters and the world they live in.
Spoiler alert, Grant's former haunt is a club where members pay to go for sex. Nothing more, nothing less. We've seen this style of establishment in many forms and ways across several novels, and what was written here as 'The Stable', was how Deborah wanted to use this establishment to tell part of Grant's story and background. It's simply a place to go where only members can pay to have sex with another paying member, with anything extra also an option but is not a go-to requirement. The Stable was a place written with respect, dignity, consent and consideration. I cannot fault Deborah for including this and the scene in which took place here, me like! Me like very much. It'll be interesting to see what could potentially happen here in the future in another read in the series.
Now, Grant and Avery. It's always fun to discover a new main character couple, and Grant and Avery were a perfect fit for each other from the start. The age-gap element only made things better! Because despite Grant's years on Avery, she was wiser when it came to understanding and realising that they were meant to be. Grant, as a bookish male, of course took longer to realise that and when the two came together--pun intended--, yeehaw!
Would I have liked a little more spice between them rather than dancing around the element of their forbidden love? Sure. But that did not take away from the great introductory read to the series that Rough Lover was. Not one bit.
And that ending! It wasn't quite the dreaded cliffhanger that I detest, but boy did it leave me keen to read book two.
Fabulous job, Deborah. Roll on Hard Lover!
4 stars!
June 14, 2022
This author has started an exciting new series which appears to be based from personal crimes against women at the University of Magnolia in Houston, Texas. Grant Harding a local PI just recently started his own company with silent partner Declan Wyatt from the last series. Wyatt-Harding Security Investigation was awarded that contract as the Elite Protective Force by the Head of Security, Landon Clark who, Grant had completed a job for four years prior, when he rescued Landon's daughter, Avery from a stalker. There was several years between Grant and Avery, but there was an instant attraction the moment they touched. Grant saw her out of town on her way to Arizona for college, but he never forgot the passionate kiss goodbye nor had he let another woman's lips touch his since. Avery's back for the summer and wanting to do an internship with Grant's organization to help her obtain the job in LA she wants. Avery was shocked of how much more handsome, he was now than before. She still wanted him, but did he still think he was to old for her? Grant and Avery are a very intense couple. They do their best to give each other space, but Grant was alpha male all the way. He knows she can take care of herself, but he still was not going to let anyone invade his territory. As partners and a couple, they were in sink enough to practically read each others minds. They were fully developed characters with well thought out supporters to complete the story, and they had an explosive chemistry together. Action, suspense and steamy scenes will keep you glued to your chair until you finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2022
OVERALL RATING – 5
RECOMMENDED: YES for lovers of age gap, slightly ‘lost’ Hero and steam
First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone and the first of a series. BUT, the hero was mentioned at the end of a separate series (Wild Hearts) and there is a prequel to this book that takes place 4 years earlier. It’s not necessary to read either but definitely helps increase reading enjoyment.
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was not new to me
BOOK:
- Cover adequately reflects the story
- Genre/troupe: contemporary romance
- 1st person POV
Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK)
• Writing Quality: 5 stars
• Story ingredient: 5 stars
• Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars
• Plot strength: 4 stars
• Steam Level 5 – open door and high on steam
Notes/Opinion (personal):
This is a steamy age gap story, that really doesn’t feel like an age gap. Avery is pretty mature for her age (even if Daddy still pays some of her bills) so this doesn’t ‘feel’ like an age gap. There was steam – al lot of steam – and an all around enjoyable story with a bit of mystery. I got all the steamy feels and a great HEA with a lead into the next book in the series.
RECOMMENDED: YES for lovers of age gap, slightly ‘lost’ Hero and steam
First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone and the first of a series. BUT, the hero was mentioned at the end of a separate series (Wild Hearts) and there is a prequel to this book that takes place 4 years earlier. It’s not necessary to read either but definitely helps increase reading enjoyment.
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was not new to me
BOOK:
- Cover adequately reflects the story
- Genre/troupe: contemporary romance
- 1st person POV
Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK)
• Writing Quality: 5 stars
• Story ingredient: 5 stars
• Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars
• Plot strength: 4 stars
• Steam Level 5 – open door and high on steam
Notes/Opinion (personal):
This is a steamy age gap story, that really doesn’t feel like an age gap. Avery is pretty mature for her age (even if Daddy still pays some of her bills) so this doesn’t ‘feel’ like an age gap. There was steam – al lot of steam – and an all around enjoyable story with a bit of mystery. I got all the steamy feels and a great HEA with a lead into the next book in the series.
June 15, 2022
Grant is a tough, rather growly and taciturn PI with a mile wide protective streak, especially for people he cares about. He met Avery when he was hired to find and stop her stalker years ago and has not been able to forget her since. At eighteen, Avery was wildly attracted to Grant and even made a play for him, but he turned her down. Now four years later, he has his own security and investigation firm and has been hired by her dad again to help clean up a university campus. Grant is asked to have Avery on his team as a trainee while they do some investigating on campus. Despite the age gap (12years), they are wildly attracted to each other and have sizzling chemistry together. Grant does his best to control his urge to stake his claim, to do what he thinks is right (she is so young and his client’s daughter after all), and to let her find someone more suitable for her, but she sure doesn’t make it easy. She is determined, smart, feisty and rather fearless. Working together churns everything up and though they may succumb to their desires, nothing is settled between them. Their story is a hot, steamy war of wills, with some danger and suspense added in for good measure. Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2022
Thank you to The Smuthood and Deborah Garland for this eARC. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Grant Harding is a PI, he's been in the industry for over a decade. He's now working for his own company and trying to prove himself on his first real contract with his old friend and now boss, Landon Clark. But not only is this man his friend and boss, he's also the father of the one who got away, the forbidden fruit, Avery Clark.
Now Grant is assigned a trainee as a favor to Landon, but what he doesn't expect is for it to be Avery. Where has she been this whole time? What is she doing training as a PI? She was 18 when they last saw each other and now she's 22 and wild. Grant tries to deny her, but now with her full attention on him, he's not letting her go anytime soon.
This was a pretty decenty, quick, and spicy read. However, it almost leans too far in to the spice and there's not a ton of story left in the background. It's constant again and again, back and forth, between Grant and Avery. I'm all for the $mu+ but this might have been just too aggressive.
Speaking of aggressive, Grant always talks about how dark and mysterious he is in the bedroom... Until you get to the bedroom and he's very.. on the vanilla side of dark.
The book is a good read, one I'd suggest, but it might not live up to your expectations if you read the description.
Grant Harding is a PI, he's been in the industry for over a decade. He's now working for his own company and trying to prove himself on his first real contract with his old friend and now boss, Landon Clark. But not only is this man his friend and boss, he's also the father of the one who got away, the forbidden fruit, Avery Clark.
Now Grant is assigned a trainee as a favor to Landon, but what he doesn't expect is for it to be Avery. Where has she been this whole time? What is she doing training as a PI? She was 18 when they last saw each other and now she's 22 and wild. Grant tries to deny her, but now with her full attention on him, he's not letting her go anytime soon.
This was a pretty decenty, quick, and spicy read. However, it almost leans too far in to the spice and there's not a ton of story left in the background. It's constant again and again, back and forth, between Grant and Avery. I'm all for the $mu+ but this might have been just too aggressive.
Speaking of aggressive, Grant always talks about how dark and mysterious he is in the bedroom... Until you get to the bedroom and he's very.. on the vanilla side of dark.
The book is a good read, one I'd suggest, but it might not live up to your expectations if you read the description.
October 25, 2023
Grant is such a teddy bear oooff! I mean yes he's rough around the edges and he's clearly an adult that has honor and holds himself to a certain standard.
He may have wanted Avery for a long long time but he really did hold himself back.
He's a little messed up inside but thats okay, it made him complex and paved way to a storyline where I FELT for him and respected him.
Avery is a strong badass and I really loved that she was portrayed as such. She knew she wanted him. She knew she loved him. And she knew she needed him to fight for her. I can respect that alot. Grant needed to realize that he was the one that needed to take that final step. Which he does in the end.
The start, as mystery filled as its made out to be, dragged and I really was just getting through it until the end, because damn did the end have amazing twists and turns.
I swear my favourite was when she told Grant to have his meltdown alone and she needed coffee because MOOOOD! Admiration aside, Grant worked alot of his issues in his head and he really needed his self esteem picked up. Work in progress though I guess.
I loved the HEA here. I really did.
He may have wanted Avery for a long long time but he really did hold himself back.
He's a little messed up inside but thats okay, it made him complex and paved way to a storyline where I FELT for him and respected him.
Avery is a strong badass and I really loved that she was portrayed as such. She knew she wanted him. She knew she loved him. And she knew she needed him to fight for her. I can respect that alot. Grant needed to realize that he was the one that needed to take that final step. Which he does in the end.
The start, as mystery filled as its made out to be, dragged and I really was just getting through it until the end, because damn did the end have amazing twists and turns.
I swear my favourite was when she told Grant to have his meltdown alone and she needed coffee because MOOOOD! Admiration aside, Grant worked alot of his issues in his head and he really needed his self esteem picked up. Work in progress though I guess.
I loved the HEA here. I really did.
June 3, 2022
Rough Lover~Houston After Dark #1 by Deborah Garland
An excellent start to a new series from Deborah. We met Grant Harding in a previous series and also Avery Clark in the prequel to this series~ Off Limits Cowboy.
We continue where Off Limits Cowboy ended, and it is worth the wait. This tremendous romantic suspense has "New Adult ~ College ~ Age-Gap ~ Workplace ~ Boss's Daughter ~ Father's Client" that had me gripped from the very beginning until the end-however there is another cliffhanger, so we will need to wait for the next book.
Rough Lover is extremely well written that draws the reader in from the start, I felt that I was also there, that's how good this book really is.
You will need to purchase this book to find out more, as I feel the book deserves more than my words.:)
Thank you, Deborah, for this amazing new series, I'm sure it will do well, and I will enjoy reading the rest of the series.
An excellent start to a new series from Deborah. We met Grant Harding in a previous series and also Avery Clark in the prequel to this series~ Off Limits Cowboy.
We continue where Off Limits Cowboy ended, and it is worth the wait. This tremendous romantic suspense has "New Adult ~ College ~ Age-Gap ~ Workplace ~ Boss's Daughter ~ Father's Client" that had me gripped from the very beginning until the end-however there is another cliffhanger, so we will need to wait for the next book.
Rough Lover is extremely well written that draws the reader in from the start, I felt that I was also there, that's how good this book really is.
You will need to purchase this book to find out more, as I feel the book deserves more than my words.:)
Thank you, Deborah, for this amazing new series, I'm sure it will do well, and I will enjoy reading the rest of the series.
June 11, 2022
A little more spice in a romance is always a good thing.
Grant and Avery’s story has that with a touch of suspense. These two are definitely on fire together and working together on a case together jumpstarts an attraction four years simmering.
I liked the book and the interactions between the MCs is funny and sexy at the same time as they build on a relationship of respect and communication and not just sexual. The side of danger and suspense lent a nice touch.
Felt like I missed something since the incident that introduced them to each wasn’t really addressed in this book but seems it was in another book. Though I like the hint of suspense I felt it was a little anticlimactic and solved a little too soon.
The intro at the end for the next has me anxiously waiting to see how that will go.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
Grant and Avery’s story has that with a touch of suspense. These two are definitely on fire together and working together on a case together jumpstarts an attraction four years simmering.
I liked the book and the interactions between the MCs is funny and sexy at the same time as they build on a relationship of respect and communication and not just sexual. The side of danger and suspense lent a nice touch.
Felt like I missed something since the incident that introduced them to each wasn’t really addressed in this book but seems it was in another book. Though I like the hint of suspense I felt it was a little anticlimactic and solved a little too soon.
The intro at the end for the next has me anxiously waiting to see how that will go.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
October 17, 2022
Grant & Avery Age-Gap, Second Chance
Grant has worked hard to start his own successful PI business with his 2 best friends. They are doing well and getting a name for themselves. Their current job is at the college working on a stalker case who is targeting the cheerleaders.
Avery has been away at college and has a job offer at a security firm in LA that she will start soon after graduation. She needs hands on experience and is hoping Grant will let her work with him and his team. She has been in love and lust with Grant since she was 18 years old. She can’t get him out of her thoughts and the way he’s acting around her she thinks he might feel the same way!
This book has action, adventure, secrets, lust, need, & lots of spicy love scenes. This cowboy is definitely going to rope you and steal your heart. Happy Reading!!
Grant has worked hard to start his own successful PI business with his 2 best friends. They are doing well and getting a name for themselves. Their current job is at the college working on a stalker case who is targeting the cheerleaders.
Avery has been away at college and has a job offer at a security firm in LA that she will start soon after graduation. She needs hands on experience and is hoping Grant will let her work with him and his team. She has been in love and lust with Grant since she was 18 years old. She can’t get him out of her thoughts and the way he’s acting around her she thinks he might feel the same way!
This book has action, adventure, secrets, lust, need, & lots of spicy love scenes. This cowboy is definitely going to rope you and steal your heart. Happy Reading!!
June 8, 2022
Grant has always felt some thing for Avery every since he saved her from a creep. Now she is back to learned how to be a bodyguard and see Grant. She has never got over Grant. She had been working L.A. as a bodyguard but to protect a celebrities: she need a letter of recommend and more hand on experience. So she become more experience going undercover as a cheerleader. She has to find out question about Grant and how to get him to love her. This has sex in it and but a lot more for you to read. As the story show how Avery grows as she become better in her field and her love for Grant. How she helps him get pass his pass and find love with her or not.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2022
This is the first book in the Houston After Dark series. This is definitely a little darker and hotter than the authors previous books, I love it! Grant and Avery's story pulled me in, I could not put it down. They are so hot together. Grant has spent the last four years trying to forget Avery, she's too young, too innocent for the likes of him. Nameless hookups are all a guy like him can handle, he's just to messed up for a relationship but when Avery comes back to town Grant finds it hard to keep things strictly business and his heart safe. She's leaving town as soon as she gets her field experience and recommendation. Will Grant let her walk away or convince her to stay?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2022
Avery and Grant's story was hot from beginning to end. Grant was apart of a mission with a previous PI firm that helped Avery when she was 18 and there was intense chemistry back then, but he never acted on it.
Fast forward to a few years later, he's got his own PI firm and he's working under Avery's dad as security on a local college campus when he's given a new task which includes partnering/training Avery.
Chemistry burns hot between them and neither is able to resist the pull. Hot spice scenes, some angst, some triggering violent scenes(not between mains), a shotgun wedding and more await.
This book ends with a HEA/HFN for the couple, but sets up for the second couple for book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fast forward to a few years later, he's got his own PI firm and he's working under Avery's dad as security on a local college campus when he's given a new task which includes partnering/training Avery.
Chemistry burns hot between them and neither is able to resist the pull. Hot spice scenes, some angst, some triggering violent scenes(not between mains), a shotgun wedding and more await.
This book ends with a HEA/HFN for the couple, but sets up for the second couple for book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2022
The first couple chapters are slow as we get caught up in the characters’ history and at first I wasn’t sure about the book but then it picked right up and I got sucked in. The book is the first in the series but appears to be a spin-off from another series written by the author. This is an age gap, boss’ daughter, PI romance. It does end with a bit of a cliffhanger but rest assured the main relationship in the book is sorted out by the end. There is lots of spicy content with praise. I do recommend the book and anyone who started it but maybe didn’t finish I recommend you picking it up because it gets so good.
Triggers include mention of drug dealing and prison, abuse but this not an overall theme, and threats
Triggers include mention of drug dealing and prison, abuse but this not an overall theme, and threats
August 6, 2022
I wish I knew about the prequel before I began reading the story because Grant and Avery’s story starts there 4 years ago. He worked to save her from a stalker.
She kissed him and walked out of his life for 4 years.
Now she’s back, a 22 year old who asks to be his trainee before leaving to LA for work for a singer.
He’s 34 now, running his own security firm and just hired by Avery’s father Landon. He can’t afford to blow a possibly multi-million dollar contract and the boss’ daughter is off limits.
The problem, they can’t keep their hands off each other. But they both know she still plans to leave.
Goodbyes are too painful but when no one hears from Avery and her dream job is actually a nightmare, Grant sets out to bring her home for good.
She kissed him and walked out of his life for 4 years.
Now she’s back, a 22 year old who asks to be his trainee before leaving to LA for work for a singer.
He’s 34 now, running his own security firm and just hired by Avery’s father Landon. He can’t afford to blow a possibly multi-million dollar contract and the boss’ daughter is off limits.
The problem, they can’t keep their hands off each other. But they both know she still plans to leave.
Goodbyes are too painful but when no one hears from Avery and her dream job is actually a nightmare, Grant sets out to bring her home for good.
June 10, 2022
Grant, the male lead, was the bodyguard for Avery, the female lead, four years ago. Whilst deeply attracted to her, she was only 18 and, he believed, much too young and vulnerable. Avery has used the time to build physical, mental, and emotional strength and resilience as well as undertake bodyguard/PI training. As they work together, that attraction becomes more intense…
This story is dual POV, well written, and an interesting, emotionally complex story. I enjoyed the character development and the relationship development it allowed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is dual POV, well written, and an interesting, emotionally complex story. I enjoyed the character development and the relationship development it allowed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2022
This is a story that you could easily lose track of time as you get lost in the story. Grant and Avery had meet when she was eighteen when he helped save her. Back then the connection was strong and in the chemistry was explosive, but Grant stayed away.
Avery is now twenty-two and she want to Intern for Grant. The pulls stronger than before, and Grant is doing his best to be professional, but he can only do what he can.
This is an amazing story with just the right amount of action, intensity and pull that keeps you on the edge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Avery is now twenty-two and she want to Intern for Grant. The pulls stronger than before, and Grant is doing his best to be professional, but he can only do what he can.
This is an amazing story with just the right amount of action, intensity and pull that keeps you on the edge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2022
I was kindly gifted this book by @thesmuthood and @deborahgarlandauthor as part of the Instagram book tour, in exchange for my honest opinion.
I smashed this book in two afternoons, it was a quick, spicy read I wish there had been more background info on how they knew each other, what happened to Avery etc. It felt as thought a couple of chapters has been left the eARC.
Avery I felt was a strong independent woman, who knows how to keep herself safe, and knows what she wanted from life. Grant was your typical older alpha male, who liked a rougher kind of loving (I felt it couldn’t have been kinkier). He also knows what he wants.
It defo lived up to its tropes - Hot older man wants his boss’s hot young daughter!
I had hoped there would have been more mystery/danger to the PI work that she was involved in, felt as though it happened all too quickly.
All in though, I did enjoy the book and am looking forward to reading about Cassie and Noah!
I smashed this book in two afternoons, it was a quick, spicy read I wish there had been more background info on how they knew each other, what happened to Avery etc. It felt as thought a couple of chapters has been left the eARC.
Avery I felt was a strong independent woman, who knows how to keep herself safe, and knows what she wanted from life. Grant was your typical older alpha male, who liked a rougher kind of loving (I felt it couldn’t have been kinkier). He also knows what he wants.
It defo lived up to its tropes - Hot older man wants his boss’s hot young daughter!
I had hoped there would have been more mystery/danger to the PI work that she was involved in, felt as though it happened all too quickly.
All in though, I did enjoy the book and am looking forward to reading about Cassie and Noah!
August 1, 2022
Grant is HOT!!!!!!
Rough Lover is book #1 in the Houston After Dark series. Its an age gap, workplace, bosses daughter, college romance.
Grant Harding is a PI and is working on a college campus to keep girls safe. His boss hired him after Grant saved his daughter, Avery, 4 years ago when she was 18. Grant and Avery shared a hot kiss, but that was all. But the attraction never went away no matter how hard Grant fought it.
When Avery comes back and is the new member of Grants team, Grant still fights his feelings. But, what's meant to be will always find a way!!
I loved this book! I love Avery and Grant, and the plot kept me guessing. I cant wait for more in this world!!!
Rough Lover is book #1 in the Houston After Dark series. Its an age gap, workplace, bosses daughter, college romance.
Grant Harding is a PI and is working on a college campus to keep girls safe. His boss hired him after Grant saved his daughter, Avery, 4 years ago when she was 18. Grant and Avery shared a hot kiss, but that was all. But the attraction never went away no matter how hard Grant fought it.
When Avery comes back and is the new member of Grants team, Grant still fights his feelings. But, what's meant to be will always find a way!!
I loved this book! I love Avery and Grant, and the plot kept me guessing. I cant wait for more in this world!!!
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