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Blackbridge Security #9
Cease Fire
Making something off-limits will always make that thing more appealing.
Jules Warren, my sister’s best friend, was no different.
She has been the leading lady in every fantasy I’ve had since I was a teenager.
There was no way I was turning her down when she invited me to her room.
Those fantasies? They had nothing on the real thing.
I was given the weekend to make my dreams come true.
The ramifications, however, will last a lifetime.
Keeping a secret is one thing.
Living with the lies is impossible.
Jules Warren, my sister’s best friend, was no different.
She has been the leading lady in every fantasy I’ve had since I was a teenager.
There was no way I was turning her down when she invited me to her room.
Those fantasies? They had nothing on the real thing.
I was given the weekend to make my dreams come true.
The ramifications, however, will last a lifetime.
Keeping a secret is one thing.
Living with the lies is impossible.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 7, 2022
216 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Marie James
103 books2,918 followersMarie James is a mother of two boys and wife of 17 years. She's spent most of her life lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Her passions include reading everything under the sun and sewing, although she doesn't get to sew much these days!.
Writing has always been a passion and she's enjoying every step of the journey!
Writing has always been a passion and she's enjoying every step of the journey!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
April 16, 2022
(Audio) Let me be clear, I ADORE this series. And I ADORE Jacob Morgan. And for many readers, I think this would be a 4-star book. For me, not so much.
Jacob and Callie Dalton were excellent in their narration. They gave a 4-star performance. It was great to see the characters from previous books. The sub plot/teasers for Brooks’ story we’re a major highlight.
So why the 2-star rating? It was was female main character that killed this book for me. I powered through because of my affection for the series. But it was hard. She was damn near irredeemable. She was SO STUPID. And not in a cute “oops I handled that poorly” kinda way. In a “Im afraid to lose people so I’m a deceptive, manipulative asshat” kinda way. I wanted to strangle her. For almost the entire book. I read romance for the strong women. This gal was a wet blanket laid over a doormat. And what’s worse, the writing didn’t even create a solid thread between her past trauma and current fears that held her back, despite an effort to do so. It was more apples/oranges than apples/apples. It made her stupid choices even less understandable. And while all worked out in the end, as expected, this book and the couple never hit a crescendo for me.
It’s also notable that the book is 100% the relationship story between the MCs. The work & cases of Blackbridge Security are barely background noise. What has - until now - been a great romantic suspense series came to a screeching halt. It delivered zero suspense and was shaky on the romance. It won’t stop me for going back to the book I accidentally skipped before this or reading Brooks’ book when it’s released. The rest of the series is SO GOOD, that this bad apple won’t spoil the bunch for me. I’m not mad; I’m just disappointed.
Jacob and Callie Dalton were excellent in their narration. They gave a 4-star performance. It was great to see the characters from previous books. The sub plot/teasers for Brooks’ story we’re a major highlight.
So why the 2-star rating? It was was female main character that killed this book for me. I powered through because of my affection for the series. But it was hard. She was damn near irredeemable. She was SO STUPID. And not in a cute “oops I handled that poorly” kinda way. In a “Im afraid to lose people so I’m a deceptive, manipulative asshat” kinda way. I wanted to strangle her. For almost the entire book. I read romance for the strong women. This gal was a wet blanket laid over a doormat. And what’s worse, the writing didn’t even create a solid thread between her past trauma and current fears that held her back, despite an effort to do so. It was more apples/oranges than apples/apples. It made her stupid choices even less understandable. And while all worked out in the end, as expected, this book and the couple never hit a crescendo for me.
It’s also notable that the book is 100% the relationship story between the MCs. The work & cases of Blackbridge Security are barely background noise. What has - until now - been a great romantic suspense series came to a screeching halt. It delivered zero suspense and was shaky on the romance. It won’t stop me for going back to the book I accidentally skipped before this or reading Brooks’ book when it’s released. The rest of the series is SO GOOD, that this bad apple won’t spoil the bunch for me. I’m not mad; I’m just disappointed.
April 7, 2022
I have been really enjoying each of the Men's stories of the Blackbridge Security Team and since most of them overlap I have been looking forward to Kit's story since we had a whopper of a preview of what was to come in Finn's story, and I have to say that this one went beyond anything I had imagined.
If a character has ever brought out the Brooklyn Girl in me it’s Jules Warren, I wanted to bitch slap her through most of the book. Kit Riggs on the other hand would have me hopelessly devoted to him. I LOVED KIT! I can't say that enough about him, he may seem tough on the outside with all of his tattoos and the sheer size of him but he's a warm pile of goo on the inside when it comes to his family and friends, but when it comes to Jules he just looses all sense of everything.
The book synopsis basically tells you that Kit finally gets to spend the weekend with the girl he's been crushing on since he was a teenager and well, she winds up pregnant. But there is sooooo much more to that, so much more! And I think that is why I had such a hard time liking Jules. But I still loved this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone that enjoys Steamy Contemporary Romances, New Adult Romances, Siblings Best Friend Romances, or Surprise Pregnancy Romances.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewCF
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
If a character has ever brought out the Brooklyn Girl in me it’s Jules Warren, I wanted to bitch slap her through most of the book. Kit Riggs on the other hand would have me hopelessly devoted to him. I LOVED KIT! I can't say that enough about him, he may seem tough on the outside with all of his tattoos and the sheer size of him but he's a warm pile of goo on the inside when it comes to his family and friends, but when it comes to Jules he just looses all sense of everything.
The book synopsis basically tells you that Kit finally gets to spend the weekend with the girl he's been crushing on since he was a teenager and well, she winds up pregnant. But there is sooooo much more to that, so much more! And I think that is why I had such a hard time liking Jules. But I still loved this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone that enjoys Steamy Contemporary Romances, New Adult Romances, Siblings Best Friend Romances, or Surprise Pregnancy Romances.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewCF
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
March 15, 2023
DNF @ 45%. The female lead is just unbearable.
June 18, 2022
What happens when your long life crush plays you? Kit was supposed to be hands off due to being Beth's little brother but Jules has other plans. Can Kit still love Jules? Their story is one of a kind. I did like that it was Jules being the "bad guy". Cease Fire has a lot of oh's and ah's. I can't wait for the next book!
April 7, 2022
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Universal
Kit has had a crush on his sister's best friend, Jules, for what seems like forever now. She's off limits, though, thanks to his sister declaring ages ago that her brothers never date her friend. He thought he might have a chance after an encounter awhile ago, but she rejected him, cutting him to the quick, and he's stayed away since. But now they're thrown together at a wedding and she's suddenly offering him everything he's ever wanted - herself. So what if it's just a weekend of fun, he'll take whatever he can get of her. But will he really be able to walk away from her afterward? And what about when he finds out her real motivation for offering up this weekend of fun? Will he ever forgive her?
I haven't hated a female character as much as I hate Jules, in a long, long time! She's a selfish, lying, manipulative b word who never redeemed herself in my eyes. Kit forgave her and loved her, though, so she only gets a pass because of him. It's too bad he wasn't paired with an amazing woman his equal because I loved him. He's sweet, so so delicious and surprisingly bossy in the bedroom, and the most forgiving, swoon worthy guy, ever! The story itself is great - intense chemistry, the best kind of hero, and of course the whole Blackbridge crew along for the ride offering laughs and support, so I can safely give this 4 stars even if I absolutely despise Jules, the rest more than make up for all her shortcomings.
ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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May 16, 2024
I save one star ratings for books I find problematic and this book is one of the most problematic I've read in a long while.
25% in thoughts: I HATE Jules. She's a terrible, selfish human.
Final thoughts: I love Kit but couldn't enjoy this book at all because Jules is literally my most hated FMC of all time. The fact that she could have told Kit she wanted a baby and he would have done it but decided to trick him into it angers me. But what's worse than that, you ask? She decided that she wanted her best friend's brother to father her baby but didn't want her best friend to know ... so she blackmails his in-the-closet bi/gay best friend into saying he slept with her the same weekend she slept with the MMC and that he's the father. AND THEN she admits that she's a horrible person but does nothing to change.
The cherry on top of this (because I'm not going to write a huge rant and get myself pissed again)? The best friend says that she knew the whole time and that she was fine with Jules getting with her brother. AND then he gets yelled at by his whole family because he's hurt that she tricked him into getting her pregnant. We find out that his mom is also horrible because she did the same exact thing to his father since she was poor and wanted a rich husband. I usually love Marie James, but I HATED this book to the point that I was live ranting to my best friend while listening to it. There were so many times I wanted to DNF it but was afraid to just in case there were clues about the next book in it - which it sounds like there are.
25% in thoughts: I HATE Jules. She's a terrible, selfish human.
Final thoughts: I love Kit but couldn't enjoy this book at all because Jules is literally my most hated FMC of all time. The fact that she could have told Kit she wanted a baby and he would have done it but decided to trick him into it angers me. But what's worse than that, you ask? She decided that she wanted her best friend's brother to father her baby but didn't want her best friend to know ... so she blackmails his in-the-closet bi/gay best friend into saying he slept with her the same weekend she slept with the MMC and that he's the father. AND THEN she admits that she's a horrible person but does nothing to change.
The cherry on top of this (because I'm not going to write a huge rant and get myself pissed again)? The best friend says that she knew the whole time and that she was fine with Jules getting with her brother. AND then he gets yelled at by his whole family because he's hurt that she tricked him into getting her pregnant. We find out that his mom is also horrible because she did the same exact thing to his father since she was poor and wanted a rich husband. I usually love Marie James, but I HATED this book to the point that I was live ranting to my best friend while listening to it. There were so many times I wanted to DNF it but was afraid to just in case there were clues about the next book in it - which it sounds like there are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2022
3.85/4 ⭐️
Cease Fire caught my attention from finding out there was a particular trope within the book, one of which I am a sucker for. Making me know it was going to be a MUST READ for me, despite never having read any of the previous books from Blackbridge Security series by Marie James.
While the narrative had the main elements to give the story substance; angst, drama, romantic suspense, mystery and being emotionally charged given the emotional turmoil.
Overall providing for a good storyline that flowed through swimmingly, developing along as the narrative progressed forward.
It kept me reading on, wanting to see what would take place between Kit and Jules. How their journey would fare, given the rocky road they ultimately ended up travelling.
Once things for sure, it was a bumpy AF road, especially from the complications thrown in.
While that made for a pretty serious and super emotional trek. The pain and heartache that was endured all through making for one deeply intense plot.
However despite that, Marie still showcased times here and there of lightheartedness with the entertaining moments that brought laughter. Mostly when Kit was at the office with his coworkers/friends and the parrot.
Despite the forbidden element when it came to Kit and Jules being together. It didn’t stop the chemistry they shared from being established.
The quote (below) from the book stated perfectly of what the two were like together when in each other’s presence.
“They were fire together, absolute passion, burning hot. Their chemistry being undeniably off the charts.”
Any time they were together it went from 1-100 in the blink of an eye. Never being able to fight the feelings of their desire, constantly getting it on whenever they were in each other's presence. Unable to keep their hands to themselves, no matter how hard they tried to fight it.
They were irresistible to each other bringing one another to a high with either getting down and dirty or being passionate with the amorous lust they couldn’t contain.
While the story on a whole was great to read, unfortunately it didn’t stop me from having issues.
One of which came in the form of Jules. My hatred for her was unreal!
While it was sort of understandable why she did what she did, it didn’t make me hate her any less. Wanting and needing to slap and beat the heck out of her!
She had to be the MOST self-centred, manipulative, selfish, deceptive, horrible lying b*tch of a person to ever exist. Always putting her own selfish needs before others, even at the expense of others pain. Making sure it was her way or the highway, no other third option about it.
It should be noted, while Jules may have managed to redeem herself the tiniest bit in my eyes by the end. That still didn’t stop me from still disliking her a majority of the time, even at the end she never fully won me over.
Her inappropriate behaviour and actions were just absolutely too much for me to like her. Especially since her character never really truly grew up, since she got off scot-free given the HEA she had. Despite being undeserving of it, as she didn’t really learn from her mistakes. Instead bypassing them because others allowed it, since it was from the hands of others that she actually came forward.
In all honesty she deserved to be all ALONE by the end!
My other issue was Kit’s friends and family for what they did and said when it came to the situation. Plus the way they were with Kit, when they had no right to be made me MAD AF!
However despite all that said, with Cease Fire being my first read by new to me author Marie James. It was still a good read, since Marie managed to win me over as a reader by the end.
Safe to say despite my issues, Kit saved it for me!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cease Fire caught my attention from finding out there was a particular trope within the book, one of which I am a sucker for. Making me know it was going to be a MUST READ for me, despite never having read any of the previous books from Blackbridge Security series by Marie James.
While the narrative had the main elements to give the story substance; angst, drama, romantic suspense, mystery and being emotionally charged given the emotional turmoil.
Overall providing for a good storyline that flowed through swimmingly, developing along as the narrative progressed forward.
It kept me reading on, wanting to see what would take place between Kit and Jules. How their journey would fare, given the rocky road they ultimately ended up travelling.
Once things for sure, it was a bumpy AF road, especially from the complications thrown in.
While that made for a pretty serious and super emotional trek. The pain and heartache that was endured all through making for one deeply intense plot.
However despite that, Marie still showcased times here and there of lightheartedness with the entertaining moments that brought laughter. Mostly when Kit was at the office with his coworkers/friends and the parrot.
Despite the forbidden element when it came to Kit and Jules being together. It didn’t stop the chemistry they shared from being established.
The quote (below) from the book stated perfectly of what the two were like together when in each other’s presence.
“They were fire together, absolute passion, burning hot. Their chemistry being undeniably off the charts.”
Any time they were together it went from 1-100 in the blink of an eye. Never being able to fight the feelings of their desire, constantly getting it on whenever they were in each other's presence. Unable to keep their hands to themselves, no matter how hard they tried to fight it.
They were irresistible to each other bringing one another to a high with either getting down and dirty or being passionate with the amorous lust they couldn’t contain.
While the story on a whole was great to read, unfortunately it didn’t stop me from having issues.
One of which came in the form of Jules. My hatred for her was unreal!
While it was sort of understandable why she did what she did, it didn’t make me hate her any less. Wanting and needing to slap and beat the heck out of her!
She had to be the MOST self-centred, manipulative, selfish, deceptive, horrible lying b*tch of a person to ever exist. Always putting her own selfish needs before others, even at the expense of others pain. Making sure it was her way or the highway, no other third option about it.
It should be noted, while Jules may have managed to redeem herself the tiniest bit in my eyes by the end. That still didn’t stop me from still disliking her a majority of the time, even at the end she never fully won me over.
Her inappropriate behaviour and actions were just absolutely too much for me to like her. Especially since her character never really truly grew up, since she got off scot-free given the HEA she had. Despite being undeserving of it, as she didn’t really learn from her mistakes. Instead bypassing them because others allowed it, since it was from the hands of others that she actually came forward.
In all honesty she deserved to be all ALONE by the end!
My other issue was Kit’s friends and family for what they did and said when it came to the situation. Plus the way they were with Kit, when they had no right to be made me MAD AF!
However despite all that said, with Cease Fire being my first read by new to me author Marie James. It was still a good read, since Marie managed to win me over as a reader by the end.
Safe to say despite my issues, Kit saved it for me!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2022
Loved this one! Loved Kit already, so we were hoping he would be the next to fall amongst these hot and sexy men, at Blackbridge Security.
They way the story left off on the previous book and started a new here, our heart was already breaking for Kit as it seemed he would not be getting that happily ever after with his dream girl after all.
We loved Kit for his patience and kindness, and he knew when to push and retreat when it came to Jules, but, it was looking more and more like the man needed to be the Alpha outside the bedroom as well as within it. My heart broke for Kit, it seemed the man never caught a break or even had a chance to claim is woman before it was already over.
Oh, Jules, where to start with you, we really wanted to call you a shellfish bitc* for the choices you made perhaps you were just misguided, and your ill-conceived plan not thoroughly thought out because deep down you are a good people, and we hated seeing you as a villain in this story. You are playing with fire, girl, hope you don't get burned. Desperate times call for desperate measures and all that jazz, just hoping she is strong enough to deal with the consequences when all is said and done.
The story was full of complications betrayals and lies and deceit and heartbreak but, there was also fire and flame and searing chemistry amongst its characters. Fan worthy sex scenes that were hotter the hel*!
We understood Jules misgivings when it came to Kit and her best friend but, her poor decisions were going to effect multiple lives, and we felt like saying just put, your big girl pants on and tell the truth before it's too late to latch on to that happily ever after you so secretly crave.
We felt Jules and Kit were perfect for one another as they already had friendship and love and chemistry and years of friendship behind them, it was just Jules irrational fears holding them back for what they could be.
Overall, this story is filled with all the messy bits called life. This is the kind of story where love is tested! We have to say that we were rooting for Kit all the way, so hoping he could make his lifelong crush his once and for all. Kit deserved to be happy. We loved this emotional tale that goes straight to the heart of the reader. Puff Daddy as always you never fail to make us laugh. The cast of characters is just awesome! We can't wait for the next adventure to begin!
They way the story left off on the previous book and started a new here, our heart was already breaking for Kit as it seemed he would not be getting that happily ever after with his dream girl after all.
We loved Kit for his patience and kindness, and he knew when to push and retreat when it came to Jules, but, it was looking more and more like the man needed to be the Alpha outside the bedroom as well as within it. My heart broke for Kit, it seemed the man never caught a break or even had a chance to claim is woman before it was already over.
Oh, Jules, where to start with you, we really wanted to call you a shellfish bitc* for the choices you made perhaps you were just misguided, and your ill-conceived plan not thoroughly thought out because deep down you are a good people, and we hated seeing you as a villain in this story. You are playing with fire, girl, hope you don't get burned. Desperate times call for desperate measures and all that jazz, just hoping she is strong enough to deal with the consequences when all is said and done.
The story was full of complications betrayals and lies and deceit and heartbreak but, there was also fire and flame and searing chemistry amongst its characters. Fan worthy sex scenes that were hotter the hel*!
We understood Jules misgivings when it came to Kit and her best friend but, her poor decisions were going to effect multiple lives, and we felt like saying just put, your big girl pants on and tell the truth before it's too late to latch on to that happily ever after you so secretly crave.
We felt Jules and Kit were perfect for one another as they already had friendship and love and chemistry and years of friendship behind them, it was just Jules irrational fears holding them back for what they could be.
Overall, this story is filled with all the messy bits called life. This is the kind of story where love is tested! We have to say that we were rooting for Kit all the way, so hoping he could make his lifelong crush his once and for all. Kit deserved to be happy. We loved this emotional tale that goes straight to the heart of the reader. Puff Daddy as always you never fail to make us laugh. The cast of characters is just awesome! We can't wait for the next adventure to begin!
April 7, 2022
3.75 stars--CEASE FIRE is the ninth instalment in Marie James’ contemporary, adult BLACKBRIDGE SECURITY erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Blackbridge Security. This is thirty two year old Christopher ‘Kit’ Riggs, and thirty five year old Jules Warren’s story line. CEASE FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jules and Kit) CEASE FIRE follows the friends to lovers, best friend’s brother relationship between thirty two year old Christopher ‘Kit’ Riggs, and thirty five year old Jules Warren. It’s the weekend of Kit Riggs’ sister’s wedding and all Kit can think about is his sister’s best friend Jules Warren. Jules has starred in Kit’s dream and fantasies for as long as he can remember and the weekend of the wedding all of his fantasies are about to come true but a return to reality meant keeping their weekend affair a secret, a secret Jules is hoping to keep for a very long time. What ensues is the building relationship between Kit and Jules, and the potential fall-out as Jules’ secrets take on a life of their own, secrets that are about to push our hero out of her life.
Jules Warren has lusted and loved her best friend’s brother since they were teens but Jules feared losing her best friend if she crossed an invisible line between friendships and love. All of the Riggs’ brothers were off limits but Jules wanted what she could not have. Kit Riggs has lusted after his sister’s best friend for as long as he can remember but one heart breaking moment sent Kit into a spiral, a spiral that lasted for close to eight years.
The relationship between Kit and Jules is a best friend’s younger brother, friends to lovers relationship between two people who had been warned to stay clear of one another. Years earlier Kit’s sister laid down the law ensuring none of her brothers attempted a relationship with her best friend Jules but Kit knew that Jules would always be the woman he loved, regardless of the heart breaking realization that Jules didn’t want him, in return. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.
All of the Blackbridge Security team return as secondary and supporting characters including Brooks, Wren, Deacon, Quinten, Ignacio, Flynn, Jude, Gaige and Finn. We are introduced to Kit’s family: sister Beth, and brothers Jason, Anders and Gannon as well as their parent Marjorie and Walter.
CEASE FIRE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and acceptance, forgiveness and love but a story that deviates from the suspense aspect as it solely focuses on the relationship between our story line couple. There is no outside conflict; no dangerous suspense, and no threats to anyone’s safety or life. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are colorful and charismatic..but saying that..I had a difficult time accepting Jules Warren-her duplicity, her lies, her actions and her attitude-she was not a very likeable character. She only cared about herself, and in doing so, emotionally hurt several people in the process. I struggled to enjoy the overall story line-I struggled to find anything redeeming about our story line heroine.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jules and Kit) CEASE FIRE follows the friends to lovers, best friend’s brother relationship between thirty two year old Christopher ‘Kit’ Riggs, and thirty five year old Jules Warren. It’s the weekend of Kit Riggs’ sister’s wedding and all Kit can think about is his sister’s best friend Jules Warren. Jules has starred in Kit’s dream and fantasies for as long as he can remember and the weekend of the wedding all of his fantasies are about to come true but a return to reality meant keeping their weekend affair a secret, a secret Jules is hoping to keep for a very long time. What ensues is the building relationship between Kit and Jules, and the potential fall-out as Jules’ secrets take on a life of their own, secrets that are about to push our hero out of her life.
Jules Warren has lusted and loved her best friend’s brother since they were teens but Jules feared losing her best friend if she crossed an invisible line between friendships and love. All of the Riggs’ brothers were off limits but Jules wanted what she could not have. Kit Riggs has lusted after his sister’s best friend for as long as he can remember but one heart breaking moment sent Kit into a spiral, a spiral that lasted for close to eight years.
The relationship between Kit and Jules is a best friend’s younger brother, friends to lovers relationship between two people who had been warned to stay clear of one another. Years earlier Kit’s sister laid down the law ensuring none of her brothers attempted a relationship with her best friend Jules but Kit knew that Jules would always be the woman he loved, regardless of the heart breaking realization that Jules didn’t want him, in return. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.
All of the Blackbridge Security team return as secondary and supporting characters including Brooks, Wren, Deacon, Quinten, Ignacio, Flynn, Jude, Gaige and Finn. We are introduced to Kit’s family: sister Beth, and brothers Jason, Anders and Gannon as well as their parent Marjorie and Walter.
CEASE FIRE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and acceptance, forgiveness and love but a story that deviates from the suspense aspect as it solely focuses on the relationship between our story line couple. There is no outside conflict; no dangerous suspense, and no threats to anyone’s safety or life. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are colorful and charismatic..but saying that..I had a difficult time accepting Jules Warren-her duplicity, her lies, her actions and her attitude-she was not a very likeable character. She only cared about herself, and in doing so, emotionally hurt several people in the process. I struggled to enjoy the overall story line-I struggled to find anything redeeming about our story line heroine.
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 8, 2022
Kit has had a thing for his sister's best friend, Jules, since he was teenager. He knows that it will probably never come to anything, and yet, he can't get past it either. His sister is getting married, and finally he gets to live his dream of actually lighting the sheets up with Jules, and it was hot but when the wedding time is over, she goes off on her merry way. She ends up pregnant, and things really take a chaotic turn as I went from loving her to really finding myself frustrated with her actions. See, Kit is a good guy, but Jules isn't going to risk losing her best friend by actually letting him get involved no matter that it's not right & I could seriously feel his pain about this so I got pretty pissed off. Luckily, there's my favorite bird, Puff Daddy, to make me laugh so hard despite the pain I felt on Kit's behalf. Plus, there's so much more to the story that I'm not going to reveal but trust me when I say I absolutely lost my sh*t LOL! Marie James is one of my very favorite authors so I'll NEVER NOT ONCE love her stories at the end of the day since she's just brilliant! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 3, 2022
As usual, Marie James produces a highly readable novel, and who better to read about, than the team at Blackbridge Security.
I've discovered, that I'm driven by characters. How they act, what they say, what they are like with other people.
I've also discovered that I don't get Jules. She's not nearly good enough for Kit. She's a selfish blowhard and uses people to her own skewed ends...the way she behaves is abominable!
However, Kit loves her and will do anything for her. He can see beyond the selfish acts to the heart of her issues and adores her because of them, not despite them.
Even although Kit went to great lengths to explain her behaviour it didn't redeem her in my eyes. Maybe, just maybe, she'll make up for being a complete a$$hole when we eventually get Brooks' story. I sure hope so.
Despite all of this, the men of Blackbridge Security set my wizened old heart aflutter and Kit is no different. He gets 5 stars, she gets 3 so we'll average it out at a respectable 4 star read for me.
I've discovered, that I'm driven by characters. How they act, what they say, what they are like with other people.
I've also discovered that I don't get Jules. She's not nearly good enough for Kit. She's a selfish blowhard and uses people to her own skewed ends...the way she behaves is abominable!
However, Kit loves her and will do anything for her. He can see beyond the selfish acts to the heart of her issues and adores her because of them, not despite them.
Even although Kit went to great lengths to explain her behaviour it didn't redeem her in my eyes. Maybe, just maybe, she'll make up for being a complete a$$hole when we eventually get Brooks' story. I sure hope so.
Despite all of this, the men of Blackbridge Security set my wizened old heart aflutter and Kit is no different. He gets 5 stars, she gets 3 so we'll average it out at a respectable 4 star read for me.
June 9, 2022
Jules was flawed, to put it mildly, but her being like 'I need unconditional love, so I'm going to have a child and the child will love me' was the part that had me teetering on the edge of not finishing the book. I was yelling at her as I was reading for at least half of this. (figuratively yelling at her, literally muttering under my breath about terrible life choices) I really wish Jules had gone to therapy to deal with things, like at least one sentence in the improbably happy ending hinting that it was happening off-page.
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December 11, 2021
4½ stars, subject to change. Full review to come.
April 17, 2022
I wanted to rate it higher but both female characters were wholly unlikable
March 17, 2024
She's so annoying 😑 🙄 And he has the patience of a saint!! Everything but the female lead was good about this book. She frustrated me. 😖
Who gets knocked up on purpose selfishly and tells him someone else knocked her up??! She does!
He's insanely in love with her.
**Sneak Pregnancy
**Guy younger and falls first
**Lies and diciet
Hoopla listen 🎶
Who gets knocked up on purpose selfishly and tells him someone else knocked her up??! She does!
He's insanely in love with her.
**Sneak Pregnancy
**Guy younger and falls first
**Lies and diciet
Hoopla listen 🎶
June 9, 2025
I've been enjoying the series (very formulaic, but I digress) until this book. The MFC is utter trash and ruined anything good that may have been in this book. I was so close to DNFing this book but I've already come this far in the series I trudged on.
April 7, 2022
Check out our full post for CEASE FIRE on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Friends-to-Lovers
This book is in a series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Kit's story is one that we've seen bits and pieces of before. Kit has held a torch for his sister's best friend since he was a teenager. However, he knows that his sister put rules on her friends to not date the brothers. Now that Kit is in a kick-butt profession and has a family he loves, along with friends he would lay his life down for, when his sister finally finds happiness, he doesn't begrudge her, but he really does still love Jules. He can't help who he loves.
Jules has been part of Beth's family forever. When her mom died, she took solace in Kit's arms but knew that they could never be since Beth – her best friend and Kit's sister – had made her promise not to date her brothers. However, Jules knows that she wants to have a baby. She's been talking with Beth about it. Now, to just pull the trigger. When Beth gets married, Jules sees a perfect opportunity to finally find her happy ever after. But what she ends up getting is a mess of her own making.
As Kit and Jules navigate their newfound relationship, family and friends will have to navigate with them. This is a friends-to-lovers romance that is messy, just like life.
Love might conquer all, but it's not without its speed bumps. Does love make everything worth it? Can Kit and Jules truly ever be happy together?
I can't wait for the next one!
Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Kit has been in love with Jules, his sister's BFF, since he was a teenager. If you look at his face when she is around, you can tell how he feels about her. Kit is the kind of guy any girl would be happy to have, he is sweet, kind, protective, and sexy as all get out.
Jules has been a part of Kit's family forever. She has been friends with his sister since grade school. She became closer when her mother died many years ago. So it was nothing to see Jules at family dinners on Sundays.
I found it easy to fall for Kit, he was fun, loving, and easy going. As with all of the men at Black Bridge Security. But I didn't like Jules very much, her ideas and ways of going about it were wrong and hurtful. It seems to me she was not trying to hurt anyone but in turn, she ended up hurting the ones who mattered most.
I loved the story overall, just not the way Jules went about it. In the end, it does end well for everyone. And we got a small glimpse of Puff Daddy the foul mouth bird, gotta love that bird.
I love this series and can't wait for the next one, which is Brook's story.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
April 8, 2022
So, when you write a review, are you reviewing the author's skill or how much you liked the book? It is really hard to split the two.
Jules commits the worst betrayal I have ever read by a FMC. And possibly by any MC. Her reasons for her actions were worse than the actions themselves. She was an extremely selfish person. Everything that drove her was not wanting to lose her best friend. It is also very hard to not give away a huge spoiler. I will give one tiny thing away. At one point, she is saying that she doesn't know what she'll do if they ever find out her deepest secret. I wondered if it was something outside of her current situation. It was not. I wondered if there was some deeper thing that drove her but there wasn't. Mostly, I was relieved at that but, at the same time, I was hoping there could be something deeper that made it less selfish.
Jules commits this betrayal and then expects people to lie about it so her best friend won't hate her. So, why did she just not do this thing to begin with? That isn't even addressed.
In other books, women do what she did and they are the women who are not worthy of the perfect book boyfriend, which Kit really was. He was wonderful. Jules was not worthy. In fact, I would even call her behavior psycho. Although, in other books, they do this for other reasons.
Flipping the coin, the author did the job of drawing me in. I couldn't put the book down wondering how long it would be before the entire story came out in the open. Kit had been in love with her since high school. He didn't consider it as being in love but had been drawn to her even though she broke his teenage heart. She is three years older than him. Even when he was still a teen, she used him.
I understand the heart wanting what the heart wants and if that person is your ride or die you may have to find a way to forgive them. However, I don't understand how his family treats it as if it was no big deal.
So, Wow. What that wow means to you might be different. Quite honestly, I'm a bit disappointed Ms. James would give Kit a life partner with such a major character flaw. She short changed Kit.
It is definitely a different story. I will re-read this series but I will skip this one when I do.
Jules commits the worst betrayal I have ever read by a FMC. And possibly by any MC. Her reasons for her actions were worse than the actions themselves. She was an extremely selfish person. Everything that drove her was not wanting to lose her best friend. It is also very hard to not give away a huge spoiler. I will give one tiny thing away. At one point, she is saying that she doesn't know what she'll do if they ever find out her deepest secret. I wondered if it was something outside of her current situation. It was not. I wondered if there was some deeper thing that drove her but there wasn't. Mostly, I was relieved at that but, at the same time, I was hoping there could be something deeper that made it less selfish.
Jules commits this betrayal and then expects people to lie about it so her best friend won't hate her. So, why did she just not do this thing to begin with? That isn't even addressed.
In other books, women do what she did and they are the women who are not worthy of the perfect book boyfriend, which Kit really was. He was wonderful. Jules was not worthy. In fact, I would even call her behavior psycho. Although, in other books, they do this for other reasons.
Flipping the coin, the author did the job of drawing me in. I couldn't put the book down wondering how long it would be before the entire story came out in the open. Kit had been in love with her since high school. He didn't consider it as being in love but had been drawn to her even though she broke his teenage heart. She is three years older than him. Even when he was still a teen, she used him.
I understand the heart wanting what the heart wants and if that person is your ride or die you may have to find a way to forgive them. However, I don't understand how his family treats it as if it was no big deal.
So, Wow. What that wow means to you might be different. Quite honestly, I'm a bit disappointed Ms. James would give Kit a life partner with such a major character flaw. She short changed Kit.
It is definitely a different story. I will re-read this series but I will skip this one when I do.
May 22, 2025
Honestly the series has been good thus far. This one was awful for me. The FMCs behavior throughout the ENTIRE book was just awful. She was so horrible to the MMC and the fact that they end up with an HEA at the end is absolutely astounding to me.
April 7, 2022
This is the ninth installment of the series but can read as a standalone. I like that the brotherhood that these men have is so strong and protective. Kit needs to call on his friends and they don't hesitate to be there for him. Kit and Jules are full of many ups and downs, angst and heartbreak but the chemistry sizzles off the pages.
Kit Riggs had his dream job, a wonderful group of friends, a fabulous big family but as of late his mind has been wandering to hopes of finding something more. Watching his team find more happiness as they are slowly pairing off has sparked some wants within. His big problem is the one person he has loved for years is off limits. His sisters best friend, they once had a great connection and Kit broke it by trying to push for more many years ago. He has tried to find someone else but nobody seems to compare.
Jules is so happy for her bestie who has found her true love and is getting married, but she is worried that she is slowly going to be left behind. Since her mothers passing all those years ago she has relied on Beth and her family. She has decided that she wants to have a baby but with no perspective partner that might be difficult. There are ways but that is costly, and she has another idea. Fingers crossed this doesn't backfire on her because life could get very lonely very fast.
Will Jules get everything she was looking for with this baby? Will lies be forgiven or will they be too much too bear? Will Kit be the next Blackbridge guy off the single list?
Biting my nails waiting for the next book.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Kit Riggs had his dream job, a wonderful group of friends, a fabulous big family but as of late his mind has been wandering to hopes of finding something more. Watching his team find more happiness as they are slowly pairing off has sparked some wants within. His big problem is the one person he has loved for years is off limits. His sisters best friend, they once had a great connection and Kit broke it by trying to push for more many years ago. He has tried to find someone else but nobody seems to compare.
Jules is so happy for her bestie who has found her true love and is getting married, but she is worried that she is slowly going to be left behind. Since her mothers passing all those years ago she has relied on Beth and her family. She has decided that she wants to have a baby but with no perspective partner that might be difficult. There are ways but that is costly, and she has another idea. Fingers crossed this doesn't backfire on her because life could get very lonely very fast.
Will Jules get everything she was looking for with this baby? Will lies be forgiven or will they be too much too bear? Will Kit be the next Blackbridge guy off the single list?
Biting my nails waiting for the next book.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
March 22, 2024
I almost DNF'd this and it was purely because of the FMC. Maybe it's because I'm PMSing so I'm feeling things more, but truly found her character to be irredeemable. Her behavior and actions were appalling and her only regrets seemed to be because of the consequences SHE experienced, rather than the emotional turmoil she put people she claimed to care about in.
The rest of the review is a spoiler & a rant.
To be honest, none of the books in this series has been particularly great or anything I'd recommend to others. Some have been entertaining, some have been a bit poignant, but this one was just straight garbage.
The rest of the review is a spoiler & a rant.
To be honest, none of the books in this series has been particularly great or anything I'd recommend to others. Some have been entertaining, some have been a bit poignant, but this one was just straight garbage.
April 1, 2022
Cease Fire (Blackbridge Security #9) by Marie James
4 stars
M/F Friends to lovers
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This book is in a series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Kit's story is one that we've seen bits and pieces of before. Kit has held a torch for his sister's best friend since he was a teenager. However, he knows that his sister put rules on her friends to not date the brothers. Now that Kit is in a kick butt profession and has a family he loves, along with friends he would lay his life down for, when his sister finally finds happiness, he doesn't begrudge her, but he really does still love Jules. He can't help who he loves.
Jules has been part of Beth's family forever. When her mom died, she took solace in Kit's arms but knew that they could never be since Beth, her best friend and Kit's sister had made her promise not to date the brothers. However, Jules knows that she wants to have a baby. She's been talking with Beth about it. Now, to just pull the trigger. When Beth gets married, Jules sees a perfect opportunity to finally find her happy ever after. But, what she ends up getting is a mess of her own making.
As Kit and Jules navigate their newfound relationship, family and friends will have to navigate with them. This is a friends to lovers romance that is messy, just like life.
Love might conquer all, but it's not without it's speed bumps. Does love makes everything worth it? Can Kit and Jules truly ever be happy together?
I can't wait for the next one!
4 stars
M/F Friends to lovers
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This book is in a series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Kit's story is one that we've seen bits and pieces of before. Kit has held a torch for his sister's best friend since he was a teenager. However, he knows that his sister put rules on her friends to not date the brothers. Now that Kit is in a kick butt profession and has a family he loves, along with friends he would lay his life down for, when his sister finally finds happiness, he doesn't begrudge her, but he really does still love Jules. He can't help who he loves.
Jules has been part of Beth's family forever. When her mom died, she took solace in Kit's arms but knew that they could never be since Beth, her best friend and Kit's sister had made her promise not to date the brothers. However, Jules knows that she wants to have a baby. She's been talking with Beth about it. Now, to just pull the trigger. When Beth gets married, Jules sees a perfect opportunity to finally find her happy ever after. But, what she ends up getting is a mess of her own making.
As Kit and Jules navigate their newfound relationship, family and friends will have to navigate with them. This is a friends to lovers romance that is messy, just like life.
Love might conquer all, but it's not without it's speed bumps. Does love makes everything worth it? Can Kit and Jules truly ever be happy together?
I can't wait for the next one!
June 3, 2022
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Kit has been in love with Jules, his sister's BFF since he was a teenager. If you look at his face when she is around you can tell how he feels about her. Kit is the kind of guy any girl would be happy to have, he is sweet, kind, protective, and sexy as all get out.
Jules has been a part of Kit's family forever. She has been friends with his sister since grade school. She became closer when her mother died many years ago. So it was nothing to see Jules at family dinners on Sundays.
I found it easy to fall for Kit, he was fun, loving, and easy-going. As with all of those men at Black Bridge Security. But I didn't like Jules very much, her ideas and ways of going about it were wrong and hurtful. It seems to me she was not trying to hurt anyone but in turn, she ended up hurting the ones that mattered most.
I loved the story overall just not the way Jules went about it. In the end, it does end well for everyone. And we got a small glimpse of Puff Daddy the foul mouth bird, gotta love that bird.
I love this series and can't wait for the next one which is Brook's story.
Kit has been in love with Jules, his sister's BFF since he was a teenager. If you look at his face when she is around you can tell how he feels about her. Kit is the kind of guy any girl would be happy to have, he is sweet, kind, protective, and sexy as all get out.
Jules has been a part of Kit's family forever. She has been friends with his sister since grade school. She became closer when her mother died many years ago. So it was nothing to see Jules at family dinners on Sundays.
I found it easy to fall for Kit, he was fun, loving, and easy-going. As with all of those men at Black Bridge Security. But I didn't like Jules very much, her ideas and ways of going about it were wrong and hurtful. It seems to me she was not trying to hurt anyone but in turn, she ended up hurting the ones that mattered most.
I loved the story overall just not the way Jules went about it. In the end, it does end well for everyone. And we got a small glimpse of Puff Daddy the foul mouth bird, gotta love that bird.
I love this series and can't wait for the next one which is Brook's story.
April 6, 2022
Boy what lives these Blackbridge Security men live. Not only is their work living and dangerous at times, so are their private lives. Once again Ms. James has given us an outstanding storyline that broke my heart yet mending it so very well. All the main characters of the series were on hand, including Puddy Daddy, the fowl mouth talking bird, with his hilarious bits of humor at the craziest of times.
This is Kit’s story and boy does it ever pack a wallop. Kit has been in love with his sister's best friend, Jules, since he was in high school. Of course being said best friend, makes Jules off limits to Kit. He tried to go there once in college, but got turned down. So for the years following Kit has suffered in silence. But at his sister’s wedding, the unthinkable happens and Jules invites Kit up to her room. The connection between these two is electrifying and their weekend together was unforgettable. But the complications that follow lead to a pack of lies and betrayal, not to mention one amazing book that this reader devoured in one sitting.
I won’t lie, Lordy I wanted to hate Jules for all the pain and heartache she caused. But as much as I wanted to hate her, I loved Kit. Their road is a bumpy one with so many speed bumps. But it’s a journey that I highly recommend reading. You won’t be sorry.
2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars and bring on book 10 because I have a feeling it’s going to be a humdinger of a read
This is Kit’s story and boy does it ever pack a wallop. Kit has been in love with his sister's best friend, Jules, since he was in high school. Of course being said best friend, makes Jules off limits to Kit. He tried to go there once in college, but got turned down. So for the years following Kit has suffered in silence. But at his sister’s wedding, the unthinkable happens and Jules invites Kit up to her room. The connection between these two is electrifying and their weekend together was unforgettable. But the complications that follow lead to a pack of lies and betrayal, not to mention one amazing book that this reader devoured in one sitting.
I won’t lie, Lordy I wanted to hate Jules for all the pain and heartache she caused. But as much as I wanted to hate her, I loved Kit. Their road is a bumpy one with so many speed bumps. But it’s a journey that I highly recommend reading. You won’t be sorry.
2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars and bring on book 10 because I have a feeling it’s going to be a humdinger of a read
March 30, 2022
Cease Fire was the story I had been anxiously waiting for and this book did not disappoint. However in saying that I struggled to like Jules character for such a good portion of the book. Her selfishness took me by surprise and I wasn't sure I would get past my anger towards her and her actions. Kit was a man that had suffered due to his love for her since he was a teenager and at times I think the heartbreak he had lived with for so long had his mind reeling. These two were like a bushfire with their chemistry anytime they were near each other, it was a complete raging inferno and it scorched your fingertips as you turned the pages. These two had something in common and it was the desperation for love, however that was their downfall. Their story was about growing up in a way, confronting their real feelings and understanding what they were both willing to do to have that love. It was emotional and at times had your heart aching for both of them. A story filled with so much passion, love and angst that you are held within the pages unable to put it down. P.S. Jules does redeem herself to me and I couldn't help but love her in the end.
March 28, 2022
Oh my - this book.. I just dont have words... well I do.. but.. man this book put me thru the wringer.. I was just so angry at Jules for the longest time.. why she did what she did.. then lie about it.. but my heart also broke for her... the fear and the helplessness she must have felt... And Kit... where oh were do I start with that masterpiece of a man.. with as hurt, angary and upset as he was.. he has a heart of gold and he just knew he was not going to let the one thing that meant the world to him just go away..
And we can not forget those Blackbridge brothers and that ever loving foul mouthed bird that is Puff Daddy.. This book will pull at those heartstrings.. you will probably want to throw that kindle, and want to consume a full bottle of whine while reading.. (not saying I did or did not do this..LOL)
Amazing job as always Marie!! I can not wait to read more from these men.
And we can not forget those Blackbridge brothers and that ever loving foul mouthed bird that is Puff Daddy.. This book will pull at those heartstrings.. you will probably want to throw that kindle, and want to consume a full bottle of whine while reading.. (not saying I did or did not do this..LOL)
Amazing job as always Marie!! I can not wait to read more from these men.
April 8, 2022
If only Jules' character was better, this would've been a 5⭐️ read for me. Or maybe if she realise she did Kit and Brooks wrong earlier than she did, even halfway towards the book would've been fine. But nope. Until the very end, I don't think she's deserving of Kit, who has been hopelessly in love with her for years. And to break his friendship with his best friend, Brooks, who did nothing to her. She completely just used him. She's so damn selfish, she didn't just hurt one but two innocent people. I think this is the first time ever that I really hate the main character and there's no way of redeeming that.
And Kit. My heart aches for him. I loved him with all my heart. I don't know how he does it, to be patient with someone like Jules and still love her. I don't think even think she grovel enough for what she put him through. And for that, I loved him even more.
I can't wait for Brooks' story next though. We got a lot of teasers of his story in this one. I'm excited for it.
And Kit. My heart aches for him. I loved him with all my heart. I don't know how he does it, to be patient with someone like Jules and still love her. I don't think even think she grovel enough for what she put him through. And for that, I loved him even more.
I can't wait for Brooks' story next though. We got a lot of teasers of his story in this one. I'm excited for it.
March 31, 2022
4.5 Star review of Cease Fire (Blackbridge Security #7) by Marie James
I have found myself gravitating more and more to romantic suspense stories lately and Cease Fire was a good example of the genre. It was a well written, entertaining story that ticked the boxes for me and is Jules and Kit’s story and what a story it was.
I had a bit of a hard time connecting to Jules, I wasn’t impressed by her behaviour and didn’t like some of the things that she did. However as I got further into the story I could understand why she was the way she was and why she did some things.
Kit has had feelings for his sister’s best friend Jules for ages but after she rejected him he joined the military. There were a number of secrets and twists and turns in this story and I found myself going through a range of emotions. What will happen when secretes are revealed?
I have found myself gravitating more and more to romantic suspense stories lately and Cease Fire was a good example of the genre. It was a well written, entertaining story that ticked the boxes for me and is Jules and Kit’s story and what a story it was.
I had a bit of a hard time connecting to Jules, I wasn’t impressed by her behaviour and didn’t like some of the things that she did. However as I got further into the story I could understand why she was the way she was and why she did some things.
Kit has had feelings for his sister’s best friend Jules for ages but after she rejected him he joined the military. There were a number of secrets and twists and turns in this story and I found myself going through a range of emotions. What will happen when secretes are revealed?
April 12, 2022
3.5 Stars
Cease Fire is the ninth title in the Blackbridge Security series and features Jules and Kit.
Kit has had a long-standing love for his older sister’s best friend, and their story oozes with angst, drama, and emotion, but also has touches of humor.
Kit is loyal, loving, tattooed, patient, kind, protective and sexy. He’s a big-hearted hero who will do anything for those he cares for most.
I struggled to connect with Jules’ character. She’s dishonest throughout this title, and too manipulative and selfish for my liking, even though I could understand she was affected by trauma from her past.
Despite the fact that their relationship is full of complications and betrayals, their chemistry and connection is undeniable, and their love scenes are incredibly steamy.
Not my favorite of the series, but still an enjoyable read.
Cease Fire is the ninth title in the Blackbridge Security series and features Jules and Kit.
Kit has had a long-standing love for his older sister’s best friend, and their story oozes with angst, drama, and emotion, but also has touches of humor.
Kit is loyal, loving, tattooed, patient, kind, protective and sexy. He’s a big-hearted hero who will do anything for those he cares for most.
I struggled to connect with Jules’ character. She’s dishonest throughout this title, and too manipulative and selfish for my liking, even though I could understand she was affected by trauma from her past.
Despite the fact that their relationship is full of complications and betrayals, their chemistry and connection is undeniable, and their love scenes are incredibly steamy.
Not my favorite of the series, but still an enjoyable read.
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