Ready (Mercenary/Goddard Project, #3) (Mercenary Trilogy, #1)

by Lucy Monroe

book data

211 ratings, 3.98 average rating, 21 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		36%
4		33%
3		22%
2		5%
1		1%

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published

July 1st 2005 by Kensington

details

Trade Paperback, 304 pages

url

http://www.lucymonroe.com/AbouttheBooksR...

characters

Lise Barton, Joshua Watt

setting

United States

isbn

0758208642 (isbn13: 9780758208644)

description

Meet three sexy men who individually are Ready, Willing, and Able to go the distance-and together, are unstoppable.

Writer Lise Barton is used to comi

…more

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Romantic Suspense Full of Action

51 books | 27 voters

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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 307)

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Feb 25, 2008

Eastofoz rated it:

bookshelves: romantic-suspense

recommends it for: Lovers of steamy, steamy, page turning romantic suspense

This book will keep you reading all day! It’s an action packed page turner with some of the steamiest steam in romantic suspense —especially the “jungle scene”
**warning: bring large fan and read in the shade ;D

Joshua is a die-hard, bossy, borderline caveman mercenary who confuses all-consuming love for sex. Lise is a writer who is being stalked by a psycho and it just so happens that Josh the Mercenary is just the man she needs to fix Mr Bad Stalker’s wagon.
...more

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10 comments

Sep 24, 2008

Isis FG rated it:

(review of isbn 075820874X)

bookshelves: 2008, info--full, reviewed, romance--fiction, stars--4, z2008-july-dec

Read in October, 2008

recommended to Isis FG by: my GR friends

This was my first book by Lucy Monroe, and I have to say that I enjoyed it quite a bit! The type of story she writes reminds me a bit of Christina Skye...a sort of cross between contemporary romance, and romantic suspense - in another words a romance with a solid, mildly suspenseful storyline to go along with it. Monroe is a bit more sexually explicit than Skye, though. Which makes the sex scenes more interesting to read!

The first of this trilogy focuses on former soldier-turned m...more This was my first book by Lucy Monroe, and I have to say that I enjoyed it quite a bit! The type of story she writes reminds me a bit of Christina Skye...a sort of cross between contemporary romance, and romantic suspense - in another words a romance with a solid, mildly suspenseful storyline to go along with it. Monroe is a bit more sexually explicit than Skye, though. Which makes the sex scenes more interesting to read!

The first of this trilogy focuses on former soldier-turned mercenary Joshua Watt, and fiction writer Lise Barton (both characters have a familial connections to previous characters used by Monroe). Lise and Joshua previously shared a passionate kiss, but it unnerved Lise and she ran. Now she's in trouble - someone is stalking her but she doesn't tell her family. When she plans to skip Thanksgiving together, her sister-in-law sends Joshua to bring her home. And Joshua then finds out how much trouble Lise is in. He's infuriated that someone would dare try to hurt her and he's determined to find the bastard and teach him a lesson he won't soon forget. Of course, if he gets to talk his way into Lise's bed in the process...well, he certainly wouldn't say no! But some blazing hot sex is all he thinks he can give her. He's not a family kind of guy. At least, that's what he always thought...

This was a fun book to read. I wouldn't say it's a LOVED IT, 5-star read, but a definite solid 4 stars. The characters are fantastic. And not just the H/H Lise and Joshua. The secondary (and future primary) characters are great as well. Monroe whets your whistle more than enough to make you want to read more of the series. And the sex is super hot! I wouldn't particularly qualify is as erotic-romance stuff, but it's definitely more explicit than your average romance novel.

The plot was pretty good as well. It's not as developed and all-encompassing as a pure romantic suspense, but it's got enough meat to make the store more interesting and about more than just the romance between the H/H.

All around, just an enjoyable book to read. I liked pretty much everything about it. And once I finished, I couldn't wait to start on the second book of the series, "Willing."(less)

Like this review? yes (6 people liked it)

3 comments

Sep 12, 2008

Kim rated it:

bookshelves: 2008, extra-steamy, keeper, paranormal

Read in October, 2008

Wow! I needed a ciggarette after reading this one! I am hooked on this series and can't wait to get the other two. I couldn't put this one down. Joshua is a tough guy mercenary, and Lise is a sucessful novelist with a stalker. She's left town running scared because the stalker has threatened her family. Of course Joshua is the man for the job. As soon as they get together, sparks fly...

Like this review? yes (4 people liked it)

8 comments

Sep 12, 2008

Brenda (b) rated it:

(review of isbn 075820874X)

bookshelves: -2008-print-books-read, romance-contemporary

Read in September, 2008

Lucy Monroe is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading the other 2 in the series. The characters were great, even the secondaries. The stalker was what brought Lise & Joshua together and it was the back bone of the story, but the romance between them was the main focus. A perfect blend in my opinion.

Like this review? yes (3 people liked it)

2 comments

Oct 30, 2008

Ladiibbug rated it:

(review of isbn 075820874X)

Read in November, 2008

#1 Mercenary Trilogy - Romantic Suspense

I liked this! My first read of this author.

Joshua is a hunky, smart, capable mercenary acting as bodyguard to an author who is being stalked. I liked that Joshua shows a bit of a softer side to the "alpha hero" type -- I really liked that he called Lise "honey" and "sweetheart", and was "manly" and take-charge without being a jerk who wouldn't know a feeling if it bit him in the behind.
...more

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Feb 07, 2009

Cryna rated it:

bookshelves: lucy-monroe

Read in February, 2006

Sexy, Hot Read

READY is the first book in an Mercenary trilogy penned by Lucy. It is a terrific read.

Lise Barton, a writer who believes in giving women power, moves away from her family to protect them from a stalker. Joshua (Wolf) Watt, a former army ranger and mercenary stops on his way to the Thanksgiving weekend with his sister and Lise's brother, to bring Lise home for the holiday. He is convinced that he is the reason she won't go, because of the intense feeling...more

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Mar 07, 2009

Alathea rated it:

(review of isbn 075820874X)

bookshelves: bodyguard-military-merc-gov-cop, contemporary-romance, lucy-monroe, once-and-never-again, part-of-a-series, suspense-mystery-adventure-thriller

Owns a copy — Read in March, 2009

Thank God it's over!...That's what I though as I turned the last page of this novel.

Reading it was a truly tiring experience. It drained me, that's what it took so long. Usually I "consume" such suspense novels in an evening, this one took a lot longer.
I couldn't keep from comparing her to Shannon McKenna's Behind Closed Doors. The romance plot completely overtook the original suspense premise, until all that was left from that possible saving grace was sporadic and...more

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Jun 26, 2009

Sade Jasal rated it:

The beginning barely held my attention until the fun began (the action). The sequels follow the same storyline but faster, therefore making it predictable. This one grabbed my attention. It's also very heartwarming and not as action-packed in the adventure. I felt that the solving of the crime was so low-key it was crap. BUT the romance was so sweet and enduring, it makes you want to read the rest - which I did. The romance in all of her books follow the same lining: it's so sweet it's almost sa...more

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Nov 14, 2008

Marilyn rated it:

READY I believe is one of Lucy Monroe's best. It’s not just the story line or being such an enjoyable read, it was the characters Lise Barton and Joshua Watt's, two very strong, passionate and intriguing people. At first glance and meeting they were powerfully attracted and drawn to each other and as the reader will learn when they meet again under different circumstances their incredible journey teaches them that "loving someone shouldn't make you less than what you are, it should make y...more READY I believe is one of Lucy Monroe's best. It’s not just the story line or being such an enjoyable read, it was the characters Lise Barton and Joshua Watt's, two very strong, passionate and intriguing people. At first glance and meeting they were powerfully attracted and drawn to each other and as the reader will learn when they meet again under different circumstances their incredible journey teaches them that "loving someone shouldn't make you less than what you are, it should make you more".

Joshua Watts, a former Army Ranger, security expert and merc is on a mission to bring Lise home for a family holiday at his sister's request. Little do any of them realize that Lise is being stalked and has moved to Seattle in order to protect her family. From the moment of Josh's arrival and meeting with Lise, their journey begins full of suspense, intrigue and absolute passion.

Book Description:

They’re the good guys fighting the bad guys. They’ll get the job done—if the price is right and so is the cause. And what cause could be nobler than the heart’s desire? Rough and ready, tough and tender—when it comes to love and security, these hunks are definitely for hire...
As a writer, Lise Barton is used to coming up with wild scenarios for her characters, but the one that’s playing out for her right now is no fiction—it’s frighteningly real. Someone is stalking her, someone who knows where she lives and what she does. Someone who has even threatened her family—her brother, his wife, and their precious baby girl. Lise isn’t about to let someone hurt them, so she packs up and leaves Texas for the anonymity of Seattle. And then the threats start again…

Joshua Watt’s mission is simple: Go to Seattle and bring Lise home for Thanksgiving or he’ll never hear the end of it from his sister. It’s not like "Aunt Lise" to stay away from their adorable niece, and Joshua’s pretty sure he’s the reason for it. He’s spent months trying to forget the taste of her lips, the feel of her soft hair in his fingers. Yeah, okay, he wants her—badly—but family comes first. But the minute he sees the fear in Lise’s eyes, his survival instincts kick in. The former Army Ranger isn’t about to let some creep terrorize an innocent woman—not on his watch. He’s going to do what it takes to protect Lise and try to keep his personal feelings out of it. Because if there’s one thing he’s learned, it’s that sex and work don’t mix. Not ever. So far… --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

(less)

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Oct 30, 2008

Holly rated it:

bookshelves: lucy-monroe, romantic-suspense

Lise Barton is a writer of action suspense novels that stars kick butt heroines. She's being stalked and moving halfway across the country hasn't helped. When she declines to spend the holidays with her family in order to protect them, her brother in law Joshua Watts is concerned and comes to Seattle to investigate. When she tells him about her stalker, he takes over the investigation and moves in, determined to protect her. He also brings in his friends and fellow mercs, Nitro and Hotwire to he...more Lise Barton is a writer of action suspense novels that stars kick butt heroines. She's being stalked and moving halfway across the country hasn't helped. When she declines to spend the holidays with her family in order to protect them, her brother in law Joshua Watts is concerned and comes to Seattle to investigate. When she tells him about her stalker, he takes over the investigation and moves in, determined to protect her. He also brings in his friends and fellow mercs, Nitro and Hotwire to help discover the identity of her increasingly aggressive stalker and bring him to justice.

Ready starts off right away. There is hardly any introductions before the story is already rolling along. Joshua was the silent but deadly type of merc and he had a ruthless, unyielding quality that I thought was different. He rarely if ever discussed his past or his feelings but if pressed, he didn't lash out either. He's at peace with what he is, but he also appreciates his privacy. He was sexy and capable and direct. He was a man who knew what he wanted and he didn't waste time beating around the bush. Lise was much more uncertain. Her first marriage was a resounding failure only because there was no passion in it. Her ex husband wasn't a lout or a jerk, they just weren't in love. That lack of passion in her marriage made Lise think she just wasn't a passionate woman, until Joshua slides through her defenses and shows her differently. Their sex was hot, with a lot of descriptive oral scenes and just a touch of naughtiness that made it all the more fun. ;P

The plot of this story wasn't bad, but once Joshua, Nitro and Hotwire stepped into the picture, the stalker was nowhere near capable of taking them on. Since he was hopelessly out of his league, I didn't think for one second Lise was in trouble. I thought the stalker's rationale for his angry obsession was valid, albeit messed up, and it helped make the story more interesting. This wasn't very action packed, nor was it very thrilling, but it was fast paced. For a romantic suspense book I found it surprisingly soothing. The way Lucy Monroe wrote just worked for me. This wasn't great but it wasn't bad, either. I liked it and I'm looking forward to reading her next book, Willing.(less)

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Jul 12, 2008

Rhapsody rated it:

bookshelves: fiction, romance, romance-contemporary

Read in July, 2008

I just found this one boring, which is too bad because it started OK. It's the sort of plotline Lisa Marie Rice might've used, but she's just so much better than this other author. Lise is a writer who's being stalked. So as not to endanger her brother and his family, she moved away from TX to Seattle. Her stalker followed her there. When she cancels her Thanksgiving and Christams trips back to TX, her brother-in-law, with whom she nearly had a fling, shows up, thinking he's the reason. He...more

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Aug 21, 2009

Hillary Gale rated it:

bookshelves: contemporary, fiction, goddard-project, mercenaries, romance, series, stalkers

Read in August, 2009

My first Lucy Monroe book, and really - why did I wait so long?!?! The chemistry between Joshua and Lise is spot on, and the working relationship between the guys is more realistic than most stories I've come across. I have no idea if her technical material is correct (weapons, bombs, etc) but if it's not, she does a good job of faking it for the unknowledgeable.

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Jun 12, 2008

Sarah rated it:

bookshelves: reviewed, romance-suspense, traded

Read in October, 2008

This book was okay. Nothing original. It's my first read by Lucy Monroe and I've learned this author definitely lacks subtlety. She wants you to think her hero, Joshua, looks intimidating so she writes: "He looked intimidating." She wants you to think his blond mercenary friend also looks intimidating so she writes (and this is a direct quote from the book): "A man with blond hair and blue eyes, though looking every bit as imtimidating as Joshua ever did,". It comes across as...more

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Dec 19, 2007

Samantha rated it:

Read in November, 2006

I would highly recommend this book if you are into romantic thillers. I really got into and enjoyed these characters. I didn't like how it started out and was afraid that it was going to turn into a bad book but it turned around very quickly and stayed fast paced throughout. Yes it does have some sex scenes in it and if you aren't looking for that kind of book then you definitely need to pass on this book. They get rather steamy and explicit. I need to find the other two books in this series and...more

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Mar 16, 2008

July rated it:

bookshelves: home-library

Read in April, 2008

What a great book!! It is about Lise Barton who has a stalker after her. She has moved from Texas away from her family so she will not be a threat to them. Her sister-in-law thinks that she has done something to make Lise feel like she should be moving on and she feels guilty. It is Thanksgiving and she wants the whole family at home so she is hoping her brother can talk Lise into coming home.

So when Joshua Watt pay's a surprise visit on Lise he almost gets creamed by a fire place po...more

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Jan 07, 2010

Katie rated it:

bookshelves: contemporary-romance, romantic-suspense

Read in January, 2010

This was my first Lucy Monroe book. It was ok. Not quite Shannon McKenna but okay for the romantic suspense genre. It was pretty surface and not overly deep but a quick mindless read.

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Feb 17, 2010

Writerlibrarian rated it:

bookshelves: february-pile, read2010, romance

Read in February, 2010

More like 2 1/2 stars. Average action/romance, light on the action novel. Both lead characters are a bit under developed for my taste. Nothing extraordinary or even special.

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Dec 09, 2007

Kathrynn rated it:

bookshelves: 2007, hot, own, reviewed, romance-contemporary, series-mercenary_goddard_munroe

Read in January, 2007

This is book #1 in the Mercenary Trilogy, but the author started another called the Goddard Project Series and it has interaction(s) with the characters from the Mercenary Trilogy.

I enjoyed this entire series. Modern spy stuff with hot romance to boot! The books are large paperbacks, too. I think it is neat how she did the titles for this trilogy: Ready, Willing and Able.
Here's the series, so far.
1. Ready
2. Willing
3. and Able
4. Satisfaction Guarante...more

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Jan 18, 2009

Shawna rated it:

bookshelves: 2009-reads, contemporary-romance, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, hero-mix-of-alpha-beta, heroine-like-a-virgin, i-read-no-longer-own-sold-swapped, lucy-monroe, romantic-suspense--thrillers, series-mercenary-goddard-project

Read in January, 2009

3 ½ stars - Romantic Suspense

Ready is the first in Lucy Monroe's Mercenary Trilogy. It's a steamy romantic suspense featuring a sexy alpha male mercenary. At times, the dialogue between the hero and heroine seemed a tad bit sappy and corny and the romantic development a little contrived and unrealistic. However, it was spicy enough that I'll still read the rest of the books in the series.

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Jul 09, 2008

E rated it:

Read in May, 2008

recommended to E by: Library Most Read Shelves

This bood was a really quick read for me. I sat down one Friday and could not put it down until I was finished...which was pretty late into the night! I liked how quick the story read but I could have done without some of the sex scenes. I picked this book up at the local library so I did not know what I was getting into.

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