Tempting the Bodyguard by J. Lynn

The last novel in the Gamble Brothers series. Overall, probably my favorite book of the three, but unfortunately that’s not saying too much.

What’s it About? 

Alana Gore is in danger. A take-no-prisoners publicist, her way with people has made her more than a few enemies over the years, but a creepy stalker is an entirely different matter. She needs a bodyguard, and the only man she can ask is not only ridiculously hot, but reputed to have taste for women that goes beyond adventurous. Chandler Gamble has one rule: don’t protect anyone you want to screw. But with Alana, he’s caught between his job and his increasingly hard libido. On one hand, Alana needs his help. On the other, Chandler wants nothing more than to take the hot volcano of a woman in hand. To make her writhe in pleasure, until she’s at his complete mercy. She needs protection. He needs satisfaction. And the moment the line is crossed, all hell will break loose.

First Impressions

Normally I’m a huge fan of anything in the Entangled Brazen collection, but there was something about this series that just didn’t do it for me. Each book in the series was just kind of “meh”. Sexy and generally entertaining, but the characters and story lines never truly wowed me. While I did find this to be the most enjoyable novel in the series, I think when all was said and done none of them are really a must read. However, you gotta give it to Alana, this woman is all about timing. When she first met Chandler in a previous novel it was to him opening the door wearing nothing but boxers. Since that time the two have thought of each other every now and again, mainly concerning what the other would look like naked. In this novel, Alana needs to employ Chandler’s security services, so she seeks him out in a sex club where he’s in the process of…well…let’s just say approaching a scantily clad woman from behind on a chaise. See what I mean? A woman of timing.

Doormen and Security Cameras

Alana is getting settled in Washington, DC after moving across the country from the West Coast. Surprisingly, in spite of such a long distance move she continues to receive stalker-like letters from a mystery someone. As the letters increase in their creepiness, and the writer promises they’ll meet in person soon, Alana realizes she has no choice but to seek out the services of a personal bodyguard. Luckily, she has just the man in mind.

Although Chandler often deals with higher level security issues, he simply can’t say no to the tough-as-nails publicist who helped his brother find his one true love. As he takes on the case, Chandler quickly notices the lack of security at Alana’s apartment in the form of a doorman, or even adequate security cameras. This raises his concern for the easy access a possible stalker would have in getting to her. This also raised my, “really?” hackles.

As a DC resident myself, I’m sorry but I have to question the likelihood of this. Alana has a great job that pays a lot. She owns a Lexus for goodness sake in a city where cars really aren’t necessary, and she also has no financial concerns about hiring Chandler’s private bodyguard services. I highly doubt the woman would live in a building with no doorman, or at least a front desk person. For the love of God my apartment building has a front desk check-in, and I’m confident in saying I don’t earn more money than Alana. No Lexus for me!! Now, in the grand scheme of things, does this truly matter? Not really. However, when a stalker does proceed to break in to Alana’s apartment, trashing it to hell before escaping into the night, I couldn’t help but think “really?”

A Dominant Man, A Stressed-Out Woman

After Alana’s apartment is ripped to shreds by her unknown stalker, there seems to be little choice for her but to temporarily move in with Chandler. Count down to sexy naked times in 3, 2, 1…commence. Somewhat known to Alana, Chandler’s sexual proclivities swing more to the d/s side of things. Minus a playroom of course. While Alana might not be up for everything he’s willing to offer her, she decides to take a chance on exploring her lustful feelings for Chandler.

The two make an agreement that they won’t have intercourse right away, but everything else is fair game. Here is where I had some slight issue with Chandler’s approach to their sexual relationship. While I was happy he didn’t push her for full on intercourse right away, the first thing they do is some oral while he ties her hands behind her back. Don’t get me wrong, totally hot scene, but I couldn’t help but feel it was rather ill-timed. Alana has basically moved in with him after all of her possessions were destroyed at the hands of a stalker who is sending her creepy notes, and has already smashed her car with a brick. Maybe don’t tie her up? She’s had a rough enough week as it is! Restricting her movement during sexy times probably isn’t a great step in the right direction mentally or emotionally.

The Cream of the Crop

Hands down Alana was the most captivating character and feature of this entire novel. Actually, strike that, of the entire series. In the previous novel she was presented as kind of a bitch. A heartless character who would do anything to get the job done, even if it meant basically blackmailing our female lead from book 2. In this final book however, we get to see another side to Alana’s character. Vulnerability.

We learn about her troubled past with absentee parents, and how she was raised by a loving grandmother who always pushed her to be strong. Alana reaches a breaking point when her home is vandalized by the stalker. This was her safe space, and she literally has no friend or family to go to for help. Chandler is her one last resort. In that moment, when she’s standing on his doorstep with her few possessions, we see that the harsh persona she’s previously showed us is all a ruse.

Series: Gamble Brothers, book 3.

Should you read it? If you’ve made it this far in the series I would say this is definitely a good one to end with. If you’re considering this series from the outset I personally think it’s one you can skip. There are a lot of other more exciting novels in the Entangled Brazen collection to choose from.

Smut Level: For a man who has a sex club membership I was pleasantly surprised he never frequented said establishment with Alana. They keep their sexplorations to his home.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. Entangled: Brazen. 262 Pages

Falling for the Enemy by Samanthe Beck

The author of this novel manages to make a gas station bathroom seem like one of the steamiest and most sensual of places to have sex. I don’t care what you say, that’s talent right there.

What’s it About?

Salon owner Virginia Boca has declared herself celibate…at least until she wins the election for mayor of Bluelick, Kentucky. No hot men. No sex. And her plan to play the good girl might have worked—if the mysterious, hard-bodied stranger she’s seen around town hadn’t pulled her from the street and saved her life. The least Ginny can do is offer her savior a free haircut. But when an innocent haircut turns into hours of wickedly hot sex, former Navy SEAL Shaun Buchanan knows his plan to keep a low profile is shot. Especially once Ginny finds out he’s the current mayor’s son. With her reputation and the election on the line, Ginny seems determined to keep their nightly sexcapades a secret, but Shaun’s not willing to stay in the shadows forever…

First Impressions

These two can’t keep their hands off each other!!! Their undeniable desire is most evident in the rather unique locales they find themselves in for sex. Basically, they don’t have the patience to wait for a bedroom. In addition to the gas station mentioned above, they also explore pretty much every available work surface in her hair salon, and go skinny dipping in a pond where anyone could walk by. The fact that they must keep their relationship a secret as Ginny is running for mayor, and Shaun is the son of her opponent, simply adds an extra sense of urgency and the forbidden to their coupling.

Beyond the Physical

In addition to their obvious physical attraction for one another, as well as Shaun’s proclivity to tie Ginny up during sex, they are also able to open up on an emotional level. That being said, they mainly reveal some important aspects about their pasts during just one deep conversation on her couch. I think perhaps one more scene of them connecting through talking in place of another unique sex locale could have really added to the overall story line. Although, damn that’s really a tough choice right there. Ok, maybe don’t take away a sex location, but a few more scenes of emotional connection would have been good.

Series: Private Pleasures, book 3.

Should you read it? Personally, I loved the secrecy behind their relationship, as well as the added drama of the mayoral debate. Ginny is definitely a sharp leading lady who can hold her own in any argument. Nothing like a little political scandal in the small town of Bluelick!!

Smut Level: These two really like to go at it on sinks. Think of the talent involved! Not only can he bend her into pretty much any position due to her flexibility, but she has the balance necessary to refrain from falling into the sink from such a precarious position.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. Entangled: Brazen. 220 Pages

Light Her Fire by Samanthe Beck

Holy hot fire chief!! He has a dirty little mouth to go along with his dirty imagination. And little Ms. Bluelick who is really happy to be the focus of his attentions.

What’s it About? 

Good girl Melody Merritt is ready to be bad. Fresh out of an unsatisfying ten-year engagement to the town golden boy, she’s determined to make up for lost time. And who better to burn her sterling reputation to the ground than Bluelick’s sinfully sexy new fire chief whose wicked gaze promises complete and utter domination? Yes, please. Corrupting the prim and proper Little Miss Bluelick is the most action Josh Bradley’s seen since he transferred from Cincinnati to fast-track his career. He won’t let anything or anyone—not even the delectable Melody Merritt—trap him in this Kentucky-fried Mayberry, but when their searing chemistry yields an unexpected result, he realizes he’s started a blaze that’s completely beyond his control…

First Impressions

Josh is looking for some action. He’s practically desperate for it. The town of Bluelick initially attracted him because he finally had the opportunity to become Chief of a fire department. He just didn’t realize that moving to such a small town would result in boring days with very little excitement. Basically, Josh has his dream job title, but without the perks of putting out blazes on a regular basis. Then you have Melody. She’s looking for some action herself after her 10 year long engagement just came to an end. We’ve got two beautiful people in a small town, out on the prowl with very little to do. Oh, how will they pass the time I wonder?

Let’s Get Creative

Melody is known as the good girl in town. She is Little Ms. Bluelick after all. And yes, that’s an official title. However, she is fully intent on throwing that good girl image out the window. These two might take a while to have actual intercourse, but they do pretty much everything else in between as Melody seeks to dirty things up. To top it all off, they get sexy in some rather interesting locations. From her office exam table to her front porch, the kitchen counter to the front seat of his truck. No matter the location one thing is guaranteed: Josh likes to throw her legs over his shoulders for maximum efficiency. Boom baby!!

Series: Private Pleasures, book 2. I’ll keep going with this series. They’re fun and sexy reads.

Should you read it? In addition to all the sexy times there is some drama thrown in on multiple fronts. We’ve got arson, a broken condom, Josh’s conviction to move to another town with more opportunity, and Melody’s insistence on keeping their relationship casual. Although everything does come together rather nicely in the end, I wasn’t thrilled with how it did. I couldn’t help but question if he was really ready to spend the rest of his life with Melody, or if he merely saw her as a means to an end. Overall though? Cute as hell.

Smut Level: When it comes to all the sex scenes, dirty talk and spankings, you are bound to burst into flames. Or at least…some of your undergarments will.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. Entangled: Brazen. 266 Pages.

“Consumed by You” by Lauren Blakely

A dirty talking fireman with six-pack abs and a puppy. Heaven help my ovaries.

What’s it About?

She’s playing with fire…Dog trainer Cara Bailey wants to find “the one,” but fantasizing about her sexy-as-hell client, firefighter Travis Jansen, is getting in the way. Her only option? Get the confirmed bachelor out of her system-in every position possible-so she can settle down with Mr. Right. Starting right now.

Travis doesn’t do relationships, so no matter how badly he wants the pretty little brunette, he keeps his distance. Until Cara goes and changes the game. She’ll fulfill all of his fantasies if he agrees to walk away when it’s over. But when the wildfire between them blazes out of control, it will consume everything-and everyone-in its path…

First Impressions

There are a large number of romance novels out there where our main characters agree to just have a short fling, and screw each other out of their systems. Nothing exactly new here. However, I must say this is the first book I’ve come across with an addendum to that verbal contract wherein they also agree to never have sex in an actual bed. Because…well that would just be too intimate. Imagine if one of them were to fall asleep afterwards and they’d actually have to like, spoon? Oh, the humanity!!

Thinking Outside the Box

Like with all other romance flings of this nature, their attempt at a short fling doesn’t exactly go as planned, but my God they certainly do get creative with their sex locales. I’ll certainly have to take note of a few of these for my “Saturday Sexcapades” posts. They get their grind on in the back of a club, the hood of a car, the kitchen counter (a classic), the back porch (exhibitionists are we?), and they certainly give her washing machine’s spin cycle a run for it’s money. If you and your significant other are looking to spice things up a bit, you could probably get some tips and tricks from this read!

Cheesy Sweetness

This book sort of reminded me of a good ole fashioned rom-com (albeit with a hell of a lot more sex involved), in that it has a delectably sweet, yet cheesy ending. Especially when it comes to their final declarations of love in the closing scene. Let’s just say the whole book leads up to a final Fireman’s Bachelor Charity Auction where Cara has trained Travis’ dog, Henry, to do a fancy trick, and Travis definitely uses the cute little pup to swoon Cara. Cheesy for sure, but it’s also making me want to look up where the closest Fireman’s Auction is to my current location.

Series: Fighting Fire, book 3. Can be read as a stand-alone.

Should you read it? Definitely a sweet read, but sexy as hell. Travis is a fireman and poker player, so he’s trained himself to survey every scenario, and avoid risks. Putting his heart on the line for Cara is a risk he doesn’t want to make, but he’s just too smitten with the lady to say no. And…did I mention a freakin’ dog is involved?!

Smut Level: Cara actually has to train the dog Henry not to bark when Travis spanks her during sex. Probably comes in between lessons for “sit” and “play dead”.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. Entangled: Brazen. 252 Pages.

 

Under the Covers by Rebecca Zanetti

The first book in this series was called Against the Wall. Which makes sense. They did it against the wall. This one is called Under the Covers, but I can’t say for sure that our lovebirds actually ever had sex under the covers. They do it on the porch, the dining room table, against his truck in the rain, etc. Not that I’m complaining or anything.

What’s it About? 

The small Montana town near the Kooskia reserve seemed like the perfect place for Juliet Montgomery to hide from her not-so-law-abiding family. But when her peace is shattered by a break-in and threatening phone calls, it’s clear someone back in New York knows where she is. It’s time to plan her getaway, and fast—but first, she needs to tie up a few loose ends. Namely, finding out exactly what the town’s sexy cowboy sheriff is hiding in his holster…

Sheriff Quinn Lodge has enough demons of his own to know when someone’s hiding something. Clearly, he needs to do a thorough investigation to uncover what’s beneath Juliet’s uptight, city-girl exterior—preferably one piece of clothing at a time. But when their chemistry goes from fizzy to full-on explosive, things start getting complicated. How can Juliet stay beneath the covers with Quinn, when doing so means blowing her cover?

First Impressions

This book was even steamier than the first one! As Sheriff, Quinn has a commanding presence, strong muscles, and isn’t afraid to give orders, both in and out of the bedroom. He also has a pair of handcuffs that he can use at a moment’s notice if he wanted to. The passion between Juliet and Quinn is literally bursting at the seams. Or maybe that’s just a special weapon that Quinn keeps hidden in his pants. That’s right, I made a penis joke.

Similarities and Differences

I love that we get to see some of the same characters from book one, including the kooky townsfolk who aren’t afraid to “interfere” in bringing our couple together. The concept of living in a small town where you know just about everybody can be such a charming concept at first, but this book shows you the comedic ramifications to that small town feel.

Although we are presented with many of the same characters from the first novel, the story line is very distinct. I really did enjoy this book, but I think I liked the dramatic aspect from the first book better. Call me crazy, but I felt it was more believable to have a possible golf course threaten the peace and serenity of this small town in book 1, rather than Juliet being on the run from her mob family in book 2.

Series: Maverick Montana, book 2. This is the kind of series where technically you don’t have to read them in order, but I think you’ll connect more with the characters if you do.

Should you read it? I’m finding myself mildly addicted to this series. And by “mildly addicted” of course I mean I’m considering reading this on my computer at work.

Smut Level: Quinn is a full on alpha male. He’s nothing but truthful when he tells Juliet that he’ll have her begging for it, and that she’ll like every minute of it. Heaven’s to Betsy!

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $2.99 Kindle Price. Entangled: Brazen. 218 Pages.

One Night of Scandal by Elle Kennedy

I didn’t think it was possible, but this book was even hotter than the first one!

What’s it About? 

Ex-fighter Reed Miller has been secretly lusting over his best friend’s girl for months, but he refuses to jeopardize a friendship over a woman—especially one who doesn’t like him all that much. Now that Darcy’s on the market again, it’s even more imperative to stick to his strict hands-off policy. But the sizzling attraction between them is too powerful to ignore, and once he’s had a taste of her…all bets are off.

Darcy Grant is tired of walking the straight and narrow path. She’s on the hunt for passion, and there’s no denying Reed is just the man to give it to her. Although she has no interest in dating a bad boy, and certainly not her ex’s best friend, it’s impossible not to melt beneath Reed’s skillful touch. Now it’s just a matter of setting a few ground rules—and hoping her rule-breaking, sweet-talking bad boy agrees to follow them. But if she lets Reed into her bed, does she stand a chance of keeping him out of her heart?

First Impressions

Reed has been pining after Darcy for months. When she’s finally on the market again after breaking up with one of his closest friends, he simply can’t resist indulging in every sexual fantasy with her that he’s had to repress for so long. This isn’t a very long book, but throughout the entire thing I don’t think Reed and Darcy managed to have sex once in an actual bed. Love it. They do it in the alcove of a club, a car, multiple times on a couch, and even the shed at a farmer’s market. That’s a creative one right there.

Something Missing

This book definitely had some unique sex locations, but the one thing that was missing was the sense of suspense that was present in the first book. I think a lot more intrigue could have been generated surrounding the unknown drug dealer at Reed’s club. Sure, there was some drama involved with that story line, but it just ended far too quickly.

A Bad Boy?

Darcy tries her hardest to keep whatever this is with Reed a simple fling. Her impression of him as a bad boy helps to keep her deeper emotions for him in check. That works fine and well until he starts to volunteer at her school, and she discovers that he’s involved with a Big Brother program. And not the dim-witted reality show on TV! I’m talking about being a mentor for children. Yeah, I can’t really blame Darcy for falling in love with Reed after uncovering that little morsel of information. I would have been a goner too. Hell, I am a goner, and he’s a fictional character!

Series: After Hours, book 2. Can’t wait for the next book!

Should you read it? If you want some clever sex locale ideas and a bad boy with a soft side, then yes. If you don’t want either of those…well why not?

Smut Level: Holy farmer’s market does Reed know how to talk dirty. And he follows through on every naughty promise.

Get it on Amazon: Click Here. $3.99 Kindle Price. Entangled: Brazen. 228 Pages.