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Men Out of Uniform #2
The Specialist
When you're this good, they call you The Specialist...
And Major Brian Payne is that good. Whether it's in battle or in the bedroom, there's nobody more "detail oriented." And that's the reason he's on this wild-goose chase, to find a priceless military antique--before the competition does. He's sure he can handle it...until he discovers the competition is smart, saucy Emma Langsford--a woman he'd definitely like to get his hands on....
Emma's years in the military have taught her Brian Payne is a legend. He's also way out of her league, regardless of how many fantasies he's inspired over the years. But Emma has a job to do--and she has to pull it off. So if The Specialist gets in her way, she'll just have to distract him....
And Major Brian Payne is that good. Whether it's in battle or in the bedroom, there's nobody more "detail oriented." And that's the reason he's on this wild-goose chase, to find a priceless military antique--before the competition does. He's sure he can handle it...until he discovers the competition is smart, saucy Emma Langsford--a woman he'd definitely like to get his hands on....
Emma's years in the military have taught her Brian Payne is a legend. He's also way out of her league, regardless of how many fantasies he's inspired over the years. But Emma has a job to do--and she has to pull it off. So if The Specialist gets in her way, she'll just have to distract him....
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 10, 2009
I loved this book!
Brian Payne aka former Major Payne - haha, pun intended - hadn't been nicknamed The Specialist for nothing: he excelled in everything he did and never failed on any mission assigned to him - even though he still felt guilty about that one mission where one of his Army buddies ended up dead, that hadn't been his fault. Emma Langsford was also a former military, who was known for being ruthless and successful in all her missions. When those two were pitted against each other in what could be called "a treasure hunt" for a pocketwatch that was supposedly owned by Robert E. Lee, sparks flew and I was in for one of the most enjoyable - and steamy - rides of my life. I just loved seeing them trying to outmaneuver each other in their search for the pocketwatch - that Emma was full of tricks, LOL - and it was especially funny to read Payne's inner thoughts chastising himself for being so "helpless" when it came to her. Poor guy, he had taken the fall and there was no going back. ;)
This was another great book by Ms. Nelson, thank you very much! She's just became the author I'll run to whenever I'm in the mood for a quick, hot and entertaining read.
Brian Payne aka former Major Payne - haha, pun intended - hadn't been nicknamed The Specialist for nothing: he excelled in everything he did and never failed on any mission assigned to him - even though he still felt guilty about that one mission where one of his Army buddies ended up dead, that hadn't been his fault. Emma Langsford was also a former military, who was known for being ruthless and successful in all her missions. When those two were pitted against each other in what could be called "a treasure hunt" for a pocketwatch that was supposedly owned by Robert E. Lee, sparks flew and I was in for one of the most enjoyable - and steamy - rides of my life. I just loved seeing them trying to outmaneuver each other in their search for the pocketwatch - that Emma was full of tricks, LOL - and it was especially funny to read Payne's inner thoughts chastising himself for being so "helpless" when it came to her. Poor guy, he had taken the fall and there was no going back. ;)
This was another great book by Ms. Nelson, thank you very much! She's just became the author I'll run to whenever I'm in the mood for a quick, hot and entertaining read.
September 7, 2012
GIFs ahead!
A dueling search for a pocket watch once owned by General Robert E. Lee brings Major Brian Payne, "The Specialist," and ex-Army hottie Emma Langsford together at a cozy Gettysburg Inn. Emma's in it for the money. Payne's in it because he owes a favor to the guy who got him out of the military. Both will stop at nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - short of sex, that is - to best the other in this battle of wits. Too bad Payne's got a gigantic Specialist in his pants that makes him vulnerable to Emma's hot body. Will this not-very-exciting search for a fictional piece of history bring these two together for good or tear them apart before they have a chance at more than a week of sexy sexytimes?
In the Beginning: An Illustration of the Plot
Anything you can do, I can do better. Bitch.
Emma is surprisingly not annoying in this story, so I enjoyed the first third of the book in which she bests Payne at every turn. I like a clever lady in my romance. Also, Emma isn't ashamed by the sexy feelings she's feeling for Payne. This is one slut who WON'T be shamed for having a fully operational sex drive. Good for her.
Payne is a big, fat bore with a gigantic dong. That's about all I have to say about him. For a guy named "The Specialist," he is very easily tricked by Emma. And even when he's supposed to be doing something CLEVER and TOTES MILITARY BADASS-LIKE, it's still kind of lame. Payne isn't particularly charming, nor is he an easily mockable asshat. He's just kind of bland. But since this is a Blaze, he can fuck a woman like a goddamn stallion with a magical ability to read the Kama Sutra. Sadly, I think that's supposed to be what makes Payne interesting.
So, I just trudged through the short number of pages of under-developed plot and thought, "I iz not interested."
I would have bailed like this kitteh, but the ebook is only, like, 130 pages. My pride would not allow me to stop.
While the Robert E. Lee pocket watch plot wasn't compelling in the slightest, I did get a few chuckles out of the sex. Perhaps this means I'm immature, but a raptor's gotta get her chuckles one way or another. So, now I bring to you three LOL-TEHSEX! quotes. Just keep in mind that these two rutting fools are supposed to be the hottest, most well-endowed people EVER.
Quote #1 - Emma's got a party going on ... DOWN THERE.
I wonder if they serve "hot joy juice" for breakfast at their quaint little Gettysburg inn, or if they have to pay extra to have it delivered to their room.
Quote #2 - Payne has quite a way with words.
What I wouldn't give for an appropriate gorilla GIF.
Quote #3 - Apparently, Payne has an actual firearm where his peen should be.
After I stopped laughing at this, I thought, "Eek! Pregnancy! STDs!" But no, young padawans. This is Harlequin BLAZE, not Harlequin Presents. Apparently, contraceptive malfunctions are treated with the same fairy tale inspired nothing bad will happen hand as multiple orgasms and the ability to fall in love with a complete stranger in less than a week.
Ah, only a Harlequin ...
A dueling search for a pocket watch once owned by General Robert E. Lee brings Major Brian Payne, "The Specialist," and ex-Army hottie Emma Langsford together at a cozy Gettysburg Inn. Emma's in it for the money. Payne's in it because he owes a favor to the guy who got him out of the military. Both will stop at nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - short of sex, that is - to best the other in this battle of wits. Too bad Payne's got a gigantic Specialist in his pants that makes him vulnerable to Emma's hot body. Will this not-very-exciting search for a fictional piece of history bring these two together for good or tear them apart before they have a chance at more than a week of sexy sexytimes?
In the Beginning: An Illustration of the Plot
Anything you can do, I can do better. Bitch.
Emma is surprisingly not annoying in this story, so I enjoyed the first third of the book in which she bests Payne at every turn. I like a clever lady in my romance. Also, Emma isn't ashamed by the sexy feelings she's feeling for Payne. This is one slut who WON'T be shamed for having a fully operational sex drive. Good for her.
Payne is a big, fat bore with a gigantic dong. That's about all I have to say about him. For a guy named "The Specialist," he is very easily tricked by Emma. And even when he's supposed to be doing something CLEVER and TOTES MILITARY BADASS-LIKE, it's still kind of lame. Payne isn't particularly charming, nor is he an easily mockable asshat. He's just kind of bland. But since this is a Blaze, he can fuck a woman like a goddamn stallion with a magical ability to read the Kama Sutra. Sadly, I think that's supposed to be what makes Payne interesting.
So, I just trudged through the short number of pages of under-developed plot and thought, "I iz not interested."
I would have bailed like this kitteh, but the ebook is only, like, 130 pages. My pride would not allow me to stop.
While the Robert E. Lee pocket watch plot wasn't compelling in the slightest, I did get a few chuckles out of the sex. Perhaps this means I'm immature, but a raptor's gotta get her chuckles one way or another. So, now I bring to you three LOL-TEHSEX! quotes. Just keep in mind that these two rutting fools are supposed to be the hottest, most well-endowed people EVER.
Quote #1 - Emma's got a party going on ... DOWN THERE.
Her feminine muscles clenched, coating her folds with hot joy juice ... (Page 81)
I wonder if they serve "hot joy juice" for breakfast at their quaint little Gettysburg inn, or if they have to pay extra to have it delivered to their room.
Quote #2 - Payne has quite a way with words.
She was still affected by him, much the same way he was by her, and he hadn't imagined or dreamed the wild, fantastic gorilla sex they'd just had. (Page 87)
What I wouldn't give for an appropriate gorilla GIF.
Quote #3 - Apparently, Payne has an actual firearm where his peen should be.
Her body suddenly went rigid and she clamped around him over and over again, triggering his own orgasm.
It blasted from his loins with enough force to blow the end out the condom, but at the moment he didn't give a damn. (Page 96)
After I stopped laughing at this, I thought, "Eek! Pregnancy! STDs!" But no, young padawans. This is Harlequin BLAZE, not Harlequin Presents. Apparently, contraceptive malfunctions are treated with the same fairy tale inspired nothing bad will happen hand as multiple orgasms and the ability to fall in love with a complete stranger in less than a week.
Ah, only a Harlequin ...
February 17, 2012
4 1/2 Stars! ~ Ex-Ranger Brian Payne earned his nickname The Specialist because he was very good in everything he did. And his detail oriented approach to command had made his men fully understand just what a Major Payne he could truly be. General Garrett has need for Payne’s well-honed abilities and has decided it’s time to call in his favour. Payne’s not pleased with his assignment but he’s never gone back on his word and it will be a relief to have this last hold over him finally lifted. It’s off to Gettysburg to find a legendary pocketwatch that supposedly was once owned by Robert E. Lee by way of inheritance from his father. General Garrett is an avid collector of all things Lee. Payne knows there’s more to this hunt, and when he deplanes at the airport he discovers exactly what more there is. After eight years in the military, Emma Langsford had been forced to resign her commission to help her mom with her ailing grandfather and then deal with the huge medical debts. She needed the money General Hastings was offering her to find Lee’s pocketwatch before his rival’s man found it. Seems the two General’s have made a bet and Emma’s ruthless reputation is being pitted against Payne’s sharp orderly mind. Only when Emma bumps into Payne, literally, Payne finds that this little bit of a woman packs a lot of fire, and he has to contend with the sparks. There’s a lot more to this hunt than may the best man or woman win!
Ms. Nelson’s sharp wit and wicked sense of humour come out marvelously in this book. Emma proves her resourcefulness time and again, much to Payne’s astonishment and admiration. When Payne discovers the reason why Emma needs to win, that achieving her dreams depends on the money she’ll earn; he quickly comes up with a plan where they both will win. The chemistry between these two scorches right off the pages. I laughed out loud during one scene where Emma proclaims “follow me again, and I’ll not only flatten your tires, I’ll climb up there and clobber you with them” And this produces a huge belly laugh from Payne, who at his 6’6” height towers over petite Emma’s 5’2” and he further, lifts her by her arms right off the floor and plants a toe curling kiss. This is one of those sexy fun reads that you’ll want to read again and again
Ms. Nelson’s sharp wit and wicked sense of humour come out marvelously in this book. Emma proves her resourcefulness time and again, much to Payne’s astonishment and admiration. When Payne discovers the reason why Emma needs to win, that achieving her dreams depends on the money she’ll earn; he quickly comes up with a plan where they both will win. The chemistry between these two scorches right off the pages. I laughed out loud during one scene where Emma proclaims “follow me again, and I’ll not only flatten your tires, I’ll climb up there and clobber you with them” And this produces a huge belly laugh from Payne, who at his 6’6” height towers over petite Emma’s 5’2” and he further, lifts her by her arms right off the floor and plants a toe curling kiss. This is one of those sexy fun reads that you’ll want to read again and again
May 16, 2026
Book 2 got me hooked from the start. Whew!
Book one took its time getting to the plot, but book two really pulled me in from the beginning. The storyline was much clearer and more engaging this time around, and I found myself far more invested in the characters and their development. The plot was evident early on, which made the book feel more exciting and easier to get into. I also enjoyed the chemistry, tension, and overall pacing much more in this installment. Definitely a very interesting read, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
Book one took its time getting to the plot, but book two really pulled me in from the beginning. The storyline was much clearer and more engaging this time around, and I found myself far more invested in the characters and their development. The plot was evident early on, which made the book feel more exciting and easier to get into. I also enjoyed the chemistry, tension, and overall pacing much more in this installment. Definitely a very interesting read, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
June 8, 2021
Hot & fabulous
Absolutely loved this story, Payne & Emma, & the whole shebang!!
Lost a star because, even though I’m British, I know that the GI Bill would pay for university - therefore Emma’s reason to be involved is a plot hole of epic proportions.
Still, ignore that & enjoy reading the book.
Absolutely loved this story, Payne & Emma, & the whole shebang!!
Lost a star because, even though I’m British, I know that the GI Bill would pay for university - therefore Emma’s reason to be involved is a plot hole of epic proportions.
Still, ignore that & enjoy reading the book.
June 10, 2018
I received this book in a 6 book bundle, and ended up reading them back to back! Each story was a fresh concept with great characters. Light, happy reading. I truly enjoyed each story. ... do yourself a favor and give this author a chance.
December 5, 2017
Wow
This series is so good! I am enjoying how well written they are. Awesome author who knows how to pull you into her books.
This series is so good! I am enjoying how well written they are. Awesome author who knows how to pull you into her books.
April 6, 2018
Major Perfect
Great book. The hunt for a pocket watch was a wonderful creation. I liked reading about the fact that neither of them were into love, but found it in the end.
Great book. The hunt for a pocket watch was a wonderful creation. I liked reading about the fact that neither of them were into love, but found it in the end.
May 9, 2018
Good
This is really good story with good strong characters .This is the second book in the series and I really recommend them to readers
This is really good story with good strong characters .This is the second book in the series and I really recommend them to readers
March 8, 2020
5+ Star's
I would recommend this book and series to adults that enjoy stories that are funny, steamy, and romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
I would recommend this book and series to adults that enjoy stories that are funny, steamy, and romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
December 30, 2017
Loved this book!!! I love all of the characters and can’t wait to see what happens next! Highly recommend this series!!
May 5, 2021
I can’t even give this one star- truly awful
May 22, 2011
(cut and paste the whole series)
i read the first book of this series - the player - and enjoyed it. so i made the error of reading the three books one after another (is there more then three in the series? beats me - i'm not going further).
this is one of those rare situations that reading one of a series as a standalone makes it far more enjoyable then reading the whole series. why? because.they're.exactly.the.same. i understand there should be ties between stories to hold them into a series. but this is crazy. its not so much a series as three books with only details - like names - changed between them. seriously.
SPOILERS
- hot, alpha, ex-ranger - check
- intelligent but unlucky in love heroine - check
- hero is totally relationship phobic and has a mantra to live by to ensure no one gets close - check
- usual misunderstanding that elongates the story for no purpose - check
- guilt over dead member of ranger team preventing hero from falling completely - check
- understanding heroine gets hero to "talk" about said guilt, thereby opening the emotional floodgates - check
- smarmy HEA - check
would i recommend? maybe. if you got them for free, or you read them super spread apart. long enough between them that you don't immediately know the entire story line after the second paragraph.
i read the first book of this series - the player - and enjoyed it. so i made the error of reading the three books one after another (is there more then three in the series? beats me - i'm not going further).
this is one of those rare situations that reading one of a series as a standalone makes it far more enjoyable then reading the whole series. why? because.they're.exactly.the.same. i understand there should be ties between stories to hold them into a series. but this is crazy. its not so much a series as three books with only details - like names - changed between them. seriously.
SPOILERS
- hot, alpha, ex-ranger - check
- intelligent but unlucky in love heroine - check
- hero is totally relationship phobic and has a mantra to live by to ensure no one gets close - check
- usual misunderstanding that elongates the story for no purpose - check
- guilt over dead member of ranger team preventing hero from falling completely - check
- understanding heroine gets hero to "talk" about said guilt, thereby opening the emotional floodgates - check
- smarmy HEA - check
would i recommend? maybe. if you got them for free, or you read them super spread apart. long enough between them that you don't immediately know the entire story line after the second paragraph.
March 9, 2012
This was a lot better than I thought it would be. I had initially been excited but that was dashed as the initial setup talked about the Confederacy and getting Lee memorabilia, just so not what I wanted to read about and almost a deal breaker. Luckily that ended after that initial setup and I really enjoyed the rest. Emma and Payne were great with Emma trying to constantly outsmart Payne and doing it most of the time.
This is a 3.5 stars for me but almost a full 4 stars. I'd change the beginning of the book to skip going into detail about the memorabilia and the history lesson since it ultimately has little to do with the book and instead supply some more background of the characters especially Payne and his possibly not just being successful now but coming from money and the screwed up relationships his parents have and how its shaped him. All in all, a good read and I'm looking forward to reading The Maverick, which apparently features a male version of Emma.
This is a 3.5 stars for me but almost a full 4 stars. I'd change the beginning of the book to skip going into detail about the memorabilia and the history lesson since it ultimately has little to do with the book and instead supply some more background of the characters especially Payne and his possibly not just being successful now but coming from money and the screwed up relationships his parents have and how its shaped him. All in all, a good read and I'm looking forward to reading The Maverick, which apparently features a male version of Emma.
June 24, 2009
A fun, quick read on the airplane between Dallas and LAX. Brian Payne is known as the Specialist, the person who can get anything done. He becomes a pawn in a wager between two generals in a race to discover the whereabouts of a missing pocket watch supposedly owned by Robert E. Lee's father. Payne's competition is Emma Langsford, who needs the prize money to get her family out of debt after the death of her father to cancer. The competition between the two as they scour the antique malls of Gettysburg made me smile many times, particularly the switch between the Hummer and the VW bug. The HEA ending was classic, combining the unknown and selfless exchange of a prized possession for the other person, with a Richard Gere-like, Officer and A Gentleman ending where Payne returns and rescues the damsel from the drudgery of her job to ride off into the sunset.
November 19, 2011
Barely two stars and it's only because Emma rocks. Payne is too much of a pain for me even care. Macho and bully. No matter how handsome he's not appealing at all. The story is one long cliché and doesn't really matter. Too bad Emma despite her violet eyes (I did say it was one long cliché) couldn't have a lead male character worthy of her.
February 23, 2013
Emma and Payne were great together. A strong heroine who matches the hero. Emma says that she's not ruthless but her first act when she decides to become ruthless, she wen a little too far with.
The misunderstanding worked really well and his words to Emma during that time were nicely written. There's a lot of inner thoughts or description, not as much dialogue. You can skip some of it.
The misunderstanding worked really well and his words to Emma during that time were nicely written. There's a lot of inner thoughts or description, not as much dialogue. You can skip some of it.
July 13, 2009
What a fun read! compelling characters, a fun plot, and good motivation through the whole book. ITs part of a series, but the other characters didn't leave me confused or wondering what it was about. I think I'll add the others in this series to my list.
December 27, 2010
Picked this one up because of the hottie on the cover!
Remember this being my first Rhonda Nelson and got me hooked onto her blazingly hot romances ^_^
Loved this one though I don't remember much about it now.
Remember this being my first Rhonda Nelson and got me hooked onto her blazingly hot romances ^_^
Loved this one though I don't remember much about it now.
December 29, 2011
3.5 stars, good quick read
February 10, 2013
Men out of uniform - Book 2
Kindle version
Kindle version
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews