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Sam Bahlson doesn’t know what the hell is going on. The FBI storms his workplace, takes him into custody, and then tells him he’s the target of a notorious hitman. Since he’s pretty low maintenance and doesn’t take a lot of risks, he finds it hard to believe. Yet when Agent Jude Cheney whisks him off to protective custody, it’s bullet a grazing chase to the finish line.

When Sam discovers that Jude’s hot for him, he’s determined to make protective custody as enjoyable as possible. The bad guys keep coming, and so does Jude. Will they nab the man behind the hit in time, or is Sam’s life going to end at gun point?

70 pages, ebook

First published August 24, 2011

2 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Mia Watts

54 books249 followers
I SUCK at remembering to log in and approve friends. I'm so sorry I've made some of you wait. Please forgive my apparent chill, I swear it's not intended. Come hug me!

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5 stars
38 (15%)
4 stars
89 (35%)
3 stars
94 (37%)
2 stars
20 (8%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Bubbles  Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions .
1,314 reviews279 followers
September 9, 2011
I love Mia Watts and I wish I could give this five stars but I can’t. I almost gave it five after her “about me” section. It’s fucking funny.

Only four stars because of the numerous editing mistakes and name changes. It seems like I always was being pulled out of the story because the wrong word was used or a word was left out. Also the names were sometimes changed and it made it confusing also the characters were called by first and last names and it changed between the two a lot so it was sometimes a challenge to remember who was who

Other than this is a cute funny story that was very enjoyable
701 reviews6 followers
October 21, 2011
3.75 stars.

The one thing I count on in a Mia Watts book is banter between the two main characters and Balls and Chain delivers beautifully. The story starts as Sam Bahlson is confronted by the FBI at his workplace telling him his life is in danger and he’s taken into protective custody by the very hot, big and built FBI agent Jude Cheney (yes, expect a lot of Vice President tie-in jokes). Now Sam is no fragile flower and he pushes Jude at every turn, even when the bad guys are chasing them. With 70 fun-filled pages, expect the two men to bicker, flirt and elude the baddies.

As with the first book in this series, She’s Got Balls, the characters of Jude and Sam are not cardboard cut-outs from a romance thriller. I loved Sam and how he challenged Jude at every turn. And Jude, despite his burly stature – I imagined Vin Diesel in my head – gives as good as he gets. Since one of my all-time favorite television shows was Moonlighting – I loved Dave and Maddie’s arguments – Mia Watts’ dialogue sometimes reminds me of that show. (A good thing in my eyes). While the thriller part of the novel wasn’t in the league of a Jason Bourne movie, it did hold me interest, but in actuality, it was the passion between Jude and Sam that kept me reading.

My only niggle was the ending. Without giving out spoilers, I felt it was tied up in a neat little bow, and while I love my HEAs, the end of Balls and Chain seemed too pat and sweet. However, despite that issue, I really enjoyed the book and eagerly look forward to book three in the series, The Policeman’s Balls.

Reviews by Jessewave
Profile Image for Heather C.
1,480 reviews222 followers
March 31, 2012
It didn't like this one anywhere near as much as the first one. It wasn't as funny, sexy, or interesting. Actually it was kinda dull and boring. Not really sure why I'm giving this 3 stars instead of 2. I guess because it was a short escape.
Profile Image for Jess.
1,210 reviews39 followers
October 1, 2011
funny parts, extremely hot sex & super sweet ending!

I enjoyed myself.
Profile Image for ElaineY.
2,445 reviews68 followers
November 2, 2011
I enjoyed this more than the first installment of the Handcuffs and Lace series. Btw, why is there "Lace" in the title? All 3 books are MM and while there's nothing to stop the boys from wearing lace, none of them do.

Anyway, Balls & Chain was a speedy read yet had more substance than I was expecting of a fluff romance. Due, no doubt, to the Sam's personality and his sniping at Jude who, to my surprise, handles Sam perfectly. I was expecting Jude to be annoyingly silent and immovable and perhaps he was but Sam knew exactly how to break that barrier down.

Again, the action sequence was lightweight but at least there weren't any implausible situations and while the reason for Sam having to go into safe custody was neatly wrapped up, I didn't mind at all. I was reading this for the romance, wanted some suspense/action in keeping with the MC's job as an FBI agent and Ms Watts delivered nicely here.

I'm onto the 3rd and final installment - The Policeman's Balls.
Profile Image for Krummi í klettagjá.
278 reviews13 followers
July 11, 2016
Hemm. Humm. What to say about this book...
Honestly, I loved the characters. the were very cute and extremely compatible.
However, the rest of the book was just agonisingly unrealistic.
The FBI just kidnaps him and he gets no info whatsoever? I'm pretty sure that's illegal, but hey it's the USA, who knows?
Secondly, he's THAT important that they use a helicopter to transport him? Seriously??? Do you even know how much a helicopter ride costs? Not to mention how conspicuous it is.

Much like the last book I read by this author, this book was amazing as porn. A good 3.9 stars. However, as a book, I'm giving it a generous 2.4 star rating.
Profile Image for L-D.
1,478 reviews64 followers
October 23, 2012
About 3.5 stars

Sam Bahlson is taken into protective custody by the FBI and Agent Jude Cheney is assigned to his case. When he discovers he has been inadvertently involved in some shady dealings by delivering some unknown packages, he has to go on the run when a hit is taken out on him.

This was a cute story and I liked Sam and Jude's characters. It was a fun read for the length and I thought the interaction between the characters was humorous.
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,148 reviews1,063 followers
June 3, 2013
A Mia Watts WIN! She got everything right for me in this one. Hot sex, hot FBI agent, hot protective custody subject, great story, even a kick ass epilogue. She is my hit or miss queen, but it is out of the ballpark here! RECOMMENDED!
Profile Image for Tina.
979 reviews17 followers
October 13, 2011
4.5 stars

Mia out did herself with the novella. In one short story she has managed to include, two hot men, drama, smokin' hot sex scenes, romantic scenes all tide up with a wicked twist of humor. Looking forward to more books.
Profile Image for Anke.
2,505 reviews97 followers
December 23, 2011
Couldn't really get into the story, had to read the first chapter at least twice. For further info, have a look at Bubbles ... Dane's review.
Profile Image for Da'ad.
1,889 reviews61 followers
May 8, 2012
Meh. Probably the only M/M book of Mia Watt's that I found boring. I mean, not bad, but it felt rushed, even for a short story.
Profile Image for Christine.
701 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2012
Fast read with likable characters and a pretty predictable plot so 3 stars.
Profile Image for Lidia.
2,619 reviews29 followers
June 2, 2013
Like other books of series writed by Mia Watts , this is a cute story , short but full of good sentiments and intense emotions.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,711 reviews
June 12, 2017
Another fluffy scoop of sexy fun. Just pure escapism. The details were just a bit more realistic than book one. I just needed a brain break and this worked fine!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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