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Intimate Strangers
School teacher and advocate of abused children Hannah Cassidy invades a private retreat in the N. Nevada wilderness. Ignoring posted No Trespassing signs and the property's angry owner, she dismisses his threats and demands that he reveal her missing brother's location.
Nicholas Benteen, ex-mercenary and former CIA covert operative, assumes she is yet another adversary intent on exacting lethal revenge for his past deeds.
He will fight to the death to protect the sanctuary he has created for himself and those from his past he has vowed to safeguard. Even as Hannah penetrates Nicholas's isolation and melts the ice that encases his weary heart, she is seduced by the sensual, battle scarred veteran and the dark secrets of his past.
Nicholas Benteen, ex-mercenary and former CIA covert operative, assumes she is yet another adversary intent on exacting lethal revenge for his past deeds.
He will fight to the death to protect the sanctuary he has created for himself and those from his past he has vowed to safeguard. Even as Hannah penetrates Nicholas's isolation and melts the ice that encases his weary heart, she is seduced by the sensual, battle scarred veteran and the dark secrets of his past.
154 pages, Nook
First published August 1, 2011
231 people are currently reading
1918 people want to read
About the author
Laura Taylor
85 books119 followersLAURA TAYLOR is an award-winning romance writer with over a million books in print. More than a half million digital editions of her books have already been downloaded by eBook readers.
She is the recipient of numerous awards for her writing, including 6 Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement, Reviewer's Choice, and Career Achievement Awards, 2 MAGGIE AWARDS from GRW/RWA, 2 Golden Heart Finalist Awards (RWA), an RWA RITA Finalist Award, and a Golden Rose Award from the Gold Coast Chapter of RWA.
Laura is also a highly regarded editorial consultant, a popular Workshop Leader at writers' conferences in the U.S., a permanent faculty member of SCWC, a member of International Thriller Writers (ITW), and one of the Original 25 Founding Members (and a member of the Board of Directors) of Novelists, Inc.
She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology from California State University, Long Beach, and she currently resides in Southern California.
She is the recipient of numerous awards for her writing, including 6 Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement, Reviewer's Choice, and Career Achievement Awards, 2 MAGGIE AWARDS from GRW/RWA, 2 Golden Heart Finalist Awards (RWA), an RWA RITA Finalist Award, and a Golden Rose Award from the Gold Coast Chapter of RWA.
Laura is also a highly regarded editorial consultant, a popular Workshop Leader at writers' conferences in the U.S., a permanent faculty member of SCWC, a member of International Thriller Writers (ITW), and one of the Original 25 Founding Members (and a member of the Board of Directors) of Novelists, Inc.
She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology from California State University, Long Beach, and she currently resides in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
September 22, 2015
***Warning: This is more of a rant than a review***
***Warning: Major spoilers as I am basically paraphrasing the entire book... sarcastically of course.***
Okay, so what we have here is a story that had massive potential (as I am a fan of romantic suspense), but it was too damn fluffy for it's own good thereby causing the end result to be one big disappointing fluffy mess.
"Plot" (for lack of better term...):
Nicholas Benteen is a gorgeous, war-weary, paranoid, specially-trained black-ops mercenary, billionaire, famous author, fine arts enthusiast, hermit... I know I'm forgetting something here... OH! and he's *ahem* well endowed. I think that about covers it.
Moving on.
He left the life of governmental murder-for-hire behind him and now resides in a BIG ASS MANSION that would likely give Bill Gates a run for his money (ha! Did you see what I did there? Cause they're both filthy rich! Get it? No? Never Mind...) located in the picturesque mountains of northern Nevada where he basically just hides out -lest people from his past catch up with him and try to murder him!- and cranks out books that sadly would probably make it to the New York Times Best Seller list. Oh, and every now and then he pulls out a walkie-talkie and checks in with his fellow on-the-lam former comrades-in-arms. Cause, like the Lost Boys, apparently they have ALL taken up hiding in these particular mountains. (It would have been so much cooler if there was a tree house!)
Anyway, because he's afraid people are going to try to kill him and he is technically in hiding he goes all out with security by posting Do Not Trespass signs all around his mountain and has hooked up a security camera system to monitor his front porch and the inside of his house. *Pause for laughter at the absurdity of his Diet Coke methods of security*
Enter Hannah Cassidy.
Hannah is a gorgeous, 5'3", 110 lb, big boobed, grade school teacher, child advocate, do-gooder, best daughter/sister in the world, slightly virginal/innocent, stubborn, *yawn* crusader who apparently needs to be snatched up by the CIA as she Oh No She Didn't! had the audacity to ignore the blatantly obvious No Trespassing signs and actually drives up to the front of this man's house. Whom she knows about through letters from her brother, Sean, who went AWOL several years back. In these letters he apparently told Hannah all about his good buddy Nicholas.
Later when Nick asks her how she found him she basically tells him she Googled his ass... and then I both laughed and rolled my eyes simultaneously at the ridiculousness of it when his inner monologue is actually in awe over how smart and perceptive this woman is cause apparently he thought he was un-find-able.
Hannah, speaking through the front door intercom, demands to speak to Nicholas as she is trying desperately to find her brother. Nick refuses to talk to her or let her into his house because hello! He's in hiding and she is screwing everything up! (But he is instantly drawn to this petite woman who could possibly pose a threat to him. I don't blame him. Years of self-induced solitary confinement is bound to bring forth the dry-spell from hell! Naturally he is going to be lusting after anything with a vigina.) So this chick juts out her chin (oh dear god, there was much chin jutting in this one!) and goes to sleep in her van.
Nighttime rolls around and Nicholas is a bit miffed by this hot woman who is basically camped out in his front yard so he decides to scare her into leaving. How does he do that? By pouncing on her while she is asleep and shoving his rock hard manhood onto her pelvis and holding a knife to her throat.
But...
She's not afraid of this stranger pinning her down and all but raping her because... there's something... kind... in his eyes...
Excuse me while I vomit!
Okay, so even with a knife at her throat and a dick to her groin, she refuses to leave so he feels bad and throws her over his shoulder and forces her to sleep in his super comfy guest bedroom. He then runs back to his room and watches her on one of his kinky security monitors and waits for her to leave the room. So he can again pounce on her. Well when that inevitably happens (she got hungry during the night!) she once again finds herself being pounced on by this neanderthal. Damn him and his kind eyes though because now she is really turned on!
Finally we are given some cliched explanation as to why Hannah is Desperately Seeking Sean (these are the jokes folks!) and it goes something like this; Our mother is having surgery and could diiiiiieeeeeee!! Her last request is to see her son again!
Well, Nick says Sorry, no can do. (cause he is so darn paranoid that secretly he believes Hannah is an assassin sent there to kill him and Sean.) But Hannah refuses to accept this so she just chillaxes with Nick in his spacial mansion for 5 days enjoying the lovely mountain view until the tension (whatever, he spends the whole time in his office while she devours books written by her favorite author... Shh! He's the author!!) gets to be too much for them both so they do the naughty.
By day sex... heh, sorry, I meant day 6! Nick smartens up and decides to Google her ass and finds out that she is who she says she is. (He is like the WORST spy EVER!) Now in their hearts they are in love with each other, but can't let the other one know how they truly feel so instead of expressing their emotions they proceed to bump monkeys.
Fiiiinnnnaaallllllyyyy... he caves and tells her the deal with her brother. He is basically suffering from PTSD and can't deal with people. *blink* That's.It?!
Knowing that she really should get home to her poor dying mother, she just can't seem to leave Nick's humble love nest so she stays a few extra days and writes a note to her brother. I imagine it went something like this;
Hey Seany, it's your little sis. Yeah so I'm over here at this BIG ASS MANSION shackin up with your friend/mentor Nick. It would be really nice to see you and all since I came all this way to find your sorry ass. PS. Mom might be dead soon so... yeah, sooner would be better than later. Peace out! Hannah
Naturally this heart-felt letter is enough to coax Sean out (Even though Sean has been so emotionally and mentally damaged that up to this point he has refused to see anyone ever for years!) But just enough to touch her chin (seriously) before he runs into one of Nick's super awesome guest bedrooms and cranks up some Beethoven over the mad-awesome stereo system. (No lie!)
Hannah then shrugs her shoulders and hops on one of Nick's private jets and heads back home in time for Mama Cass (short for Cassidy, ha!) to have her surgery and make a *gasp* shocking recovery. Then Nick decides he loves Hannah so he flies out to see her a week later at the hospital and then he gives a shitty proposal and there was much rejoicing...because that was the end of the friggin book!!!
The End.
Usually in books like this I am always hoping for a genre switch midway though where the creepy guy pulls out a weapon and murders the Too Stupid To Live female. However, in this one, I wanted Hannah to end up being the assassin that Nick had spent years fearing and avoiding. I would have LOVED it if she killed his stupid ass. It would have served him right! And would have, in my opinion, justified my spending actual time to read this rubbish. I dare say it would have put a smile on my face.
Oh well. It was what it was. Honestly, I will say that this would have probably been more enjoyable if it weren't classified as Romantic Suspense. I was looking for the suspense and it was no where to be found. Had I gone into it as a straight up romance (or whatever) I don't think I would have been as harsh as I was. It was a quick and easy read. It managed to hold my attention enough to want to finish it. I just really really REALLY wished that there was SOME sort of danger/suspense at some point in the book. But there wasn't. There weren't even any good secrets to be revealed. It was just cheesy fluff. If that's your thing, I say go for it. It wasn't the worst book ever and if nothing else, it was free and fun to laugh at. So there ya go.
***Warning: Major spoilers as I am basically paraphrasing the entire book... sarcastically of course.***
Okay, so what we have here is a story that had massive potential (as I am a fan of romantic suspense), but it was too damn fluffy for it's own good thereby causing the end result to be one big disappointing fluffy mess.
"Plot" (for lack of better term...):
Nicholas Benteen is a gorgeous, war-weary, paranoid, specially-trained black-ops mercenary, billionaire, famous author, fine arts enthusiast, hermit... I know I'm forgetting something here... OH! and he's *ahem* well endowed. I think that about covers it.
Moving on.
He left the life of governmental murder-for-hire behind him and now resides in a BIG ASS MANSION that would likely give Bill Gates a run for his money (ha! Did you see what I did there? Cause they're both filthy rich! Get it? No? Never Mind...) located in the picturesque mountains of northern Nevada where he basically just hides out -lest people from his past catch up with him and try to murder him!- and cranks out books that sadly would probably make it to the New York Times Best Seller list. Oh, and every now and then he pulls out a walkie-talkie and checks in with his fellow on-the-lam former comrades-in-arms. Cause, like the Lost Boys, apparently they have ALL taken up hiding in these particular mountains. (It would have been so much cooler if there was a tree house!)
Anyway, because he's afraid people are going to try to kill him and he is technically in hiding he goes all out with security by posting Do Not Trespass signs all around his mountain and has hooked up a security camera system to monitor his front porch and the inside of his house. *Pause for laughter at the absurdity of his Diet Coke methods of security*
Enter Hannah Cassidy.
Hannah is a gorgeous, 5'3", 110 lb, big boobed, grade school teacher, child advocate, do-gooder, best daughter/sister in the world, slightly virginal/innocent, stubborn, *yawn* crusader who apparently needs to be snatched up by the CIA as she Oh No She Didn't! had the audacity to ignore the blatantly obvious No Trespassing signs and actually drives up to the front of this man's house. Whom she knows about through letters from her brother, Sean, who went AWOL several years back. In these letters he apparently told Hannah all about his good buddy Nicholas.
Later when Nick asks her how she found him she basically tells him she Googled his ass... and then I both laughed and rolled my eyes simultaneously at the ridiculousness of it when his inner monologue is actually in awe over how smart and perceptive this woman is cause apparently he thought he was un-find-able.
Hannah, speaking through the front door intercom, demands to speak to Nicholas as she is trying desperately to find her brother. Nick refuses to talk to her or let her into his house because hello! He's in hiding and she is screwing everything up! (But he is instantly drawn to this petite woman who could possibly pose a threat to him. I don't blame him. Years of self-induced solitary confinement is bound to bring forth the dry-spell from hell! Naturally he is going to be lusting after anything with a vigina.) So this chick juts out her chin (oh dear god, there was much chin jutting in this one!) and goes to sleep in her van.
Nighttime rolls around and Nicholas is a bit miffed by this hot woman who is basically camped out in his front yard so he decides to scare her into leaving. How does he do that? By pouncing on her while she is asleep and shoving his rock hard manhood onto her pelvis and holding a knife to her throat.
But...
She's not afraid of this stranger pinning her down and all but raping her because... there's something... kind... in his eyes...
Excuse me while I vomit!
Okay, so even with a knife at her throat and a dick to her groin, she refuses to leave so he feels bad and throws her over his shoulder and forces her to sleep in his super comfy guest bedroom. He then runs back to his room and watches her on one of his kinky security monitors and waits for her to leave the room. So he can again pounce on her. Well when that inevitably happens (she got hungry during the night!) she once again finds herself being pounced on by this neanderthal. Damn him and his kind eyes though because now she is really turned on!
Finally we are given some cliched explanation as to why Hannah is Desperately Seeking Sean (these are the jokes folks!) and it goes something like this; Our mother is having surgery and could diiiiiieeeeeee!! Her last request is to see her son again!
Well, Nick says Sorry, no can do. (cause he is so darn paranoid that secretly he believes Hannah is an assassin sent there to kill him and Sean.) But Hannah refuses to accept this so she just chillaxes with Nick in his spacial mansion for 5 days enjoying the lovely mountain view until the tension (whatever, he spends the whole time in his office while she devours books written by her favorite author... Shh! He's the author!!) gets to be too much for them both so they do the naughty.
By day sex... heh, sorry, I meant day 6! Nick smartens up and decides to Google her ass and finds out that she is who she says she is. (He is like the WORST spy EVER!) Now in their hearts they are in love with each other, but can't let the other one know how they truly feel so instead of expressing their emotions they proceed to bump monkeys.
Fiiiinnnnaaallllllyyyy... he caves and tells her the deal with her brother. He is basically suffering from PTSD and can't deal with people. *blink* That's.It?!
Knowing that she really should get home to her poor dying mother, she just can't seem to leave Nick's humble love nest so she stays a few extra days and writes a note to her brother. I imagine it went something like this;
Hey Seany, it's your little sis. Yeah so I'm over here at this BIG ASS MANSION shackin up with your friend/mentor Nick. It would be really nice to see you and all since I came all this way to find your sorry ass. PS. Mom might be dead soon so... yeah, sooner would be better than later. Peace out! Hannah
Naturally this heart-felt letter is enough to coax Sean out (Even though Sean has been so emotionally and mentally damaged that up to this point he has refused to see anyone ever for years!) But just enough to touch her chin (seriously) before he runs into one of Nick's super awesome guest bedrooms and cranks up some Beethoven over the mad-awesome stereo system. (No lie!)
Hannah then shrugs her shoulders and hops on one of Nick's private jets and heads back home in time for Mama Cass (short for Cassidy, ha!) to have her surgery and make a *gasp* shocking recovery. Then Nick decides he loves Hannah so he flies out to see her a week later at the hospital and then he gives a shitty proposal and there was much rejoicing...because that was the end of the friggin book!!!
The End.
Usually in books like this I am always hoping for a genre switch midway though where the creepy guy pulls out a weapon and murders the Too Stupid To Live female. However, in this one, I wanted Hannah to end up being the assassin that Nick had spent years fearing and avoiding. I would have LOVED it if she killed his stupid ass. It would have served him right! And would have, in my opinion, justified my spending actual time to read this rubbish. I dare say it would have put a smile on my face.
Oh well. It was what it was. Honestly, I will say that this would have probably been more enjoyable if it weren't classified as Romantic Suspense. I was looking for the suspense and it was no where to be found. Had I gone into it as a straight up romance (or whatever) I don't think I would have been as harsh as I was. It was a quick and easy read. It managed to hold my attention enough to want to finish it. I just really really REALLY wished that there was SOME sort of danger/suspense at some point in the book. But there wasn't. There weren't even any good secrets to be revealed. It was just cheesy fluff. If that's your thing, I say go for it. It wasn't the worst book ever and if nothing else, it was free and fun to laugh at. So there ya go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2011
Nicholas Benteen is an ex-mercenary who now lives alone in a remote part of Northern Nevada in a secluded location. Nicholas has designed his home himself to be an isolated retreat; it is filled with security devices to protect his privacy. He also owns tens of thousands of acres of land that he has created a safe haven not only for himself but for the people who worked and helped him from his past and he has vowed to keep them safe and protect them. Nicholas sees this as his penance for dispensing death to those who prayed on the weak and vulnerable across the globe. Nicholas is worried that those people could come back and hurt or kill him and the people he is trying to protect.
Hannah Cassidy is a first grade teacher who has driven half-way across the country from St Louis Missouri to speak to Nicholas to ask for his help to locate her missing older brother Sean. She knows that Nicholas has a connection with her brother through him being mentioned in some of Sean’s letters. She needs to find Sean so that he can come home and see his serious ill mother because this may be her last chance to see Sean.
Nicholas is reluctant to help Hannah; he does not trust her, he thinks she is another adversary intent on exacting lethal revenge for his past deeds. Nicholas goes as far to at first intimidate Hannah to make her go away, but Hannah is stubborn and persistent for him to tell her where Sean is. Despite their differences there is a strong chemistry between Nicholas and Hannah and how will Nicholas handle been torn between his loyalty to protect Sean and the obligation he feels towards Hannah? Why has Sean avoided all contact with his family for so many years?
Suspense, romance and an erotic book for the eyes of adults only. WARNING this book contains some very HOT steamy sensual and fantastically well written sexy scenes. So once again watch you are not reading in a public place to spare your blushes!!! It is a book well worth reading if you are into romantic and erotic books, but I can see it been enjoyed by a much wider reader due to its well written suspense storyline with a tough guy hero who is some what different to so many of the other heroes usually found in this genre. I give this book TOP MARKS for a brilliant read. Written by Laura Taylor, who is an award winning author.
Hannah Cassidy is a first grade teacher who has driven half-way across the country from St Louis Missouri to speak to Nicholas to ask for his help to locate her missing older brother Sean. She knows that Nicholas has a connection with her brother through him being mentioned in some of Sean’s letters. She needs to find Sean so that he can come home and see his serious ill mother because this may be her last chance to see Sean.
Nicholas is reluctant to help Hannah; he does not trust her, he thinks she is another adversary intent on exacting lethal revenge for his past deeds. Nicholas goes as far to at first intimidate Hannah to make her go away, but Hannah is stubborn and persistent for him to tell her where Sean is. Despite their differences there is a strong chemistry between Nicholas and Hannah and how will Nicholas handle been torn between his loyalty to protect Sean and the obligation he feels towards Hannah? Why has Sean avoided all contact with his family for so many years?
Suspense, romance and an erotic book for the eyes of adults only. WARNING this book contains some very HOT steamy sensual and fantastically well written sexy scenes. So once again watch you are not reading in a public place to spare your blushes!!! It is a book well worth reading if you are into romantic and erotic books, but I can see it been enjoyed by a much wider reader due to its well written suspense storyline with a tough guy hero who is some what different to so many of the other heroes usually found in this genre. I give this book TOP MARKS for a brilliant read. Written by Laura Taylor, who is an award winning author.
April 9, 2012
A few weekends ago I downloaded INTIMATE STRANGERS by Laura Taylor to my Kindle and began an unforgettable journey of two strangers who feel like anything but. The instant chemistry and connection between Hannah and Nicholas, no matter how much they fought it, was intriguing (and even familiar). Taylor drew this out with just the right amount of tact and patience.
Hannah and Nicholas's storyline developed in a parallel to their intense feelings for one another, something only a talented author can accomplish. Taylor has the gift of the pen, use of language, and character development. As I read, I felt as though I was given a look into the lives of real people struggling with big issues. Her presentation of character history is just enough without delving into their past, allowing the story to stay in the moment.
When I finished INTIMATE STRANGERS, I immediately downloaded FALLEN ANGEL and braced myself for another fabulous ride!
Heather Hummel
Author, WHISPERS FROM THE HEART and WRITE FROM THE HEART
Hannah and Nicholas's storyline developed in a parallel to their intense feelings for one another, something only a talented author can accomplish. Taylor has the gift of the pen, use of language, and character development. As I read, I felt as though I was given a look into the lives of real people struggling with big issues. Her presentation of character history is just enough without delving into their past, allowing the story to stay in the moment.
When I finished INTIMATE STRANGERS, I immediately downloaded FALLEN ANGEL and braced myself for another fabulous ride!
Heather Hummel
Author, WHISPERS FROM THE HEART and WRITE FROM THE HEART
May 15, 2013
I hate to admit it, but I related more to the male character in this book. Hurt and betrayed one time too many to allow himself to trust, Nicholas was suspicious when Hannah wandered into his life.
Did I mention that Nicholas had a dark past and built himself a fortress in the woods? Some might consider him paranoid, but he prefers to just consider himself cautious. Suddenly a stubborn, petite woman with a shapely hour glass figure arrives at his door and he finds himself aroused just looking at her.
Hannah is fairly inexperienced with men and finds herself confronted by an adonis... tall, sculpted hard body, low deep voice that makes a girl weak at the knees, and exudes animal magnetism. Plus he's got the whole bad boy thing going on.
It doesn't take long before they give in to the electrical charge that passes between them. The scenes depicting their carnal desires were more graphic than I am used to and I could probably have read this book in the dark, the words illuminated by the glow of the blush of my cheeks.
I'm not a big fan of romance novels and am starting to wonder if I should stop reviewing them. I do it primarily because they are popular and many people do enjoy them and want to hear about them. But I really doubt that I do romance books much justice. The writing was good, with very few editing errors. The characters were believable and very likable. There was no guy gets girl, guy loses girl, girl hates guy because of a misunderstanding ... on and on, kind of plot.
I guess I have just gotten too cynical in my old age to be much of a rommantic. Instead of finishing a book and envisioning the characters living happily ever after, I give them less than 12 months before her constant chattering, which he teases her about, will be driving him nuts. She will realize that she knows practically nothing about him. And the spark of chemistry that they had enjoyed at the beginning really is just lust after all.
If you enjoy romances that border on erotica, you will probably really enjoy this book.
Did I mention that Nicholas had a dark past and built himself a fortress in the woods? Some might consider him paranoid, but he prefers to just consider himself cautious. Suddenly a stubborn, petite woman with a shapely hour glass figure arrives at his door and he finds himself aroused just looking at her.
Hannah is fairly inexperienced with men and finds herself confronted by an adonis... tall, sculpted hard body, low deep voice that makes a girl weak at the knees, and exudes animal magnetism. Plus he's got the whole bad boy thing going on.
It doesn't take long before they give in to the electrical charge that passes between them. The scenes depicting their carnal desires were more graphic than I am used to and I could probably have read this book in the dark, the words illuminated by the glow of the blush of my cheeks.
I'm not a big fan of romance novels and am starting to wonder if I should stop reviewing them. I do it primarily because they are popular and many people do enjoy them and want to hear about them. But I really doubt that I do romance books much justice. The writing was good, with very few editing errors. The characters were believable and very likable. There was no guy gets girl, guy loses girl, girl hates guy because of a misunderstanding ... on and on, kind of plot.
I guess I have just gotten too cynical in my old age to be much of a rommantic. Instead of finishing a book and envisioning the characters living happily ever after, I give them less than 12 months before her constant chattering, which he teases her about, will be driving him nuts. She will realize that she knows practically nothing about him. And the spark of chemistry that they had enjoyed at the beginning really is just lust after all.
If you enjoy romances that border on erotica, you will probably really enjoy this book.
March 18, 2012
3.95 Stars
This book was exactly what I expected it to be. An emotional Beauty and the Beast Story. (Emotional Beast that is.)
Nicholas is ex-mercenary with a price on his head....living secluded on his own 10k acre ranch in the outback of Nevada. Lives a lonely life watching over his shoulder and shunning the public. He lives in shame of his previous life (army sharp shooter turned sanctioned assassin turned private for hire assassin.)
He is also the key to Hannah finding her older brother, Sean, who lived the same dangerous life as Nicholas
Sean has not contacted his family in years. They have no idea where he is. Hannah and Sean's mother is very ill and asking to see Sean. Hannah sets her mind to find him and bring him home and follows leads and clues right to Nicholas's compound where she forces her way into his life and heart while trying to obtain information about her brother.
I am a sucker for any story where someone needs forgiveness and redemption. Nicholas feels he is beyond the care or attention of other human beings. He lives with shame of how he led his life every waking hour and finds it difficult to understand Hannah's caring for him. It is hard to forgive anyone and often forgiving one's self is the most difficult thing of all. Sometimes it takes another person who accepts and loves us for what we are, warts and all, to show us that we deserve to let things go and be happy in the NOW.
Nice feel good story with a HEA.
This book was exactly what I expected it to be. An emotional Beauty and the Beast Story. (Emotional Beast that is.)
Nicholas is ex-mercenary with a price on his head....living secluded on his own 10k acre ranch in the outback of Nevada. Lives a lonely life watching over his shoulder and shunning the public. He lives in shame of his previous life (army sharp shooter turned sanctioned assassin turned private for hire assassin.)
He is also the key to Hannah finding her older brother, Sean, who lived the same dangerous life as Nicholas
Sean has not contacted his family in years. They have no idea where he is. Hannah and Sean's mother is very ill and asking to see Sean. Hannah sets her mind to find him and bring him home and follows leads and clues right to Nicholas's compound where she forces her way into his life and heart while trying to obtain information about her brother.
I am a sucker for any story where someone needs forgiveness and redemption. Nicholas feels he is beyond the care or attention of other human beings. He lives with shame of how he led his life every waking hour and finds it difficult to understand Hannah's caring for him. It is hard to forgive anyone and often forgiving one's self is the most difficult thing of all. Sometimes it takes another person who accepts and loves us for what we are, warts and all, to show us that we deserve to let things go and be happy in the NOW.
Nice feel good story with a HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2012
The premise that Nicholas Benteen is holed up on his considerable acres and protecting his former associates (including Hannah's brother who hasn't contacted the family for 15 years)and himself from assassination is interesting and deviates from the usual run of fare in mystery/romance plots. I congratulate the author, because it is extremely difficult to find a different angle for this genre.
Laura Taylor has created great sympathy for her hero - a battle-scarred and grieving former mercenary - and a complementary career for her normal heroine, Hannah. Not only has Ms Taylor given her heroine warmth to counteract the hero's cold shell, Hannah carries no dreadful angst from her past- alcoholism, guilt, addictive personality - with which many authors inflict their main characters. She is shown as a very practical teacher of abused children and as such is able to recognise the symptons of grief and shame which are slowly ruining Nicholas Benteen's life.
The romance is charming, the sex hot but not offensive. The ending is satisfactory for the lovers, but what is interesting about this novel is that the other main strand is given hope, but not a chocolate box ending.
I don't want to give a spoiler, so I shall just say - this novel is tightly written and well worth reading for its unique slant.
Laura Taylor has created great sympathy for her hero - a battle-scarred and grieving former mercenary - and a complementary career for her normal heroine, Hannah. Not only has Ms Taylor given her heroine warmth to counteract the hero's cold shell, Hannah carries no dreadful angst from her past- alcoholism, guilt, addictive personality - with which many authors inflict their main characters. She is shown as a very practical teacher of abused children and as such is able to recognise the symptons of grief and shame which are slowly ruining Nicholas Benteen's life.
The romance is charming, the sex hot but not offensive. The ending is satisfactory for the lovers, but what is interesting about this novel is that the other main strand is given hope, but not a chocolate box ending.
I don't want to give a spoiler, so I shall just say - this novel is tightly written and well worth reading for its unique slant.
April 12, 2022
This romantic suspense story started out great, with some wonderful interaction between Hannah and Nicholas, but it kind of fizzled. Don't get me wrong--the sex scenes were hot and the characters were great, but the story didn't really go anywhere. The first scenes, with Hannah trying to get into Nicholas's strongly-secured home, were amusing and suspenseful, with an undertone of sexual tension. But as their relationship developed, the mystery surrounding him and her brother faded away and wasn't really replaced with anything particularly satisfying. It all turned out to be typical romance with an alpha male and a happily-ever-after that didn't really seem believable. The turnabout was too quick, as though the climax had been reached and the author just wanted to finish things off quickly. Definitely great potential that just didn't come together for me. I liked it but was left feeling less than satisfied.
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March 4, 2012I'm not going to give this one a star rating. Too many disconnects early in the story for me, but others may not notice and may like it. I think the story would be good. I just can't abide emotions that seem outside the characterization the author is trying to develop. When it doesn't make sense, or I think the characters acting "out of character", I have issues.
So, no rating on this one. I did not finish it. Just bothered me too much in the first 5 chapters or so and wasn't in the story at that point, questioning the behavior too much.
I wouldn't recommend, but like I mentioned, I tend to dissect my stories a bit much. Some don't have the same issue and may like it just fine.
Hope you like it...
So, no rating on this one. I did not finish it. Just bothered me too much in the first 5 chapters or so and wasn't in the story at that point, questioning the behavior too much.
I wouldn't recommend, but like I mentioned, I tend to dissect my stories a bit much. Some don't have the same issue and may like it just fine.
Hope you like it...
February 26, 2012
This Amazon freebie was an extraordinary read full of intrigue and romance. A new-to-me author, Laura Taylor weaves a tale of love, hope and joy in this captivating and intense romantic suspense. Quality writing on every front. The only complaint I have with this book is that the ending seemed rushed. I was left with too many questions even though the H/H did get a nice happily ever after.
January 5, 2012
Generic "misunderstood but really secretly a nice tough guy" redeemed by the hardheaded woman who is attracted to his misogyny.
April 21, 2012
I didn't actually see the original publication date until after I finished it. Had I done so, it would have probably made more sense to me as I was reading it. There are so many things in this book would probably not be considered a good thing had it been written in this day and age. There is an instance where the lead male character (Nicholas) tries to scare the main female character (Hannah) by climbing into her van while she is sleeping and holding a knife on her while he holds her down and presses his erection hard against her. I have read enough books (from way back when) to know that was acceptable back when this was written but I can't quite grasp this not being considered an almost sexual assault even though it was only meant to instill fear. Scaring her is one thing but the fact that she was turned on by it? By being awakened from a dead sleep with a scary man pressing his erection down on her? And holding a knife on her? Nah. Don't see it. Granted, he had no intention of raping her... just scaring her but she didn't know this and still got aroused?
I seriously almost stopped reading after the first couple of chapters because of what is mentioned above. Nicholas is anal about his privacy. Paranoid is too mild of a word to describe him. He owns tens of thousands of acres in Nevada (we know this because it is said many times in the book) and he has a huge mansion built right dab in the middle of it. He is a former mercenary who has built this private refuge because of threats on his life in the past and on the lives of other former mercenaries who he has moved onto his property, also for protection. Hannah is a school teacher and child advocate who has driven hundreds of miles to Nicholas' home in hopes of finding her brother who the family has not had contact with in many, many years. Her mother is soon to undergo heart surgery and wants to see her son (Sean) in the event she dies during (or after) the surgery.
So Hannah totally ignores tons of No Trespassing signs and drives to the front door of Nicholas' home. She beats on the door for over 30 minutes before Nicholas finally gets around to speaking to her through the intercom at the front door. Also note that he has been watching her from the time she got out of her van and there is an internal dialogue where he goes on about how turned on he is by this total stranger who dared violate his privacy. It sounded to me like... okay Nicholas hasn't had sex in years and he's due. I don't think it would have mattered what female was at his door.
Anyway.
So Nicholas refuses to allow Hannah inside his home so she goes to sleep in the back of her van. This is when Nicholas does his he-man impersonation and does what I mentioned above. After a little bit of that, he allows this total stranger to come into his home and to stay in his guest room.
I know it may not seem like it, but I actually DID like the story. It's a bit of stretch from what I normally read these days. But there are some things that annoyed me, aside from what I've already stated.
Hannah shows up looking for her brother who has apparently been suffering from a severe case of PTSD and has had zero contact with his family for years and years. While there were letters sent back and forth up to a few years ago, Hannah has not seen her brother in 15 years. It took forever for Hannah to finally tell Nicholas WHY she was so adamant about finding her brother.
Nicholas is obviously very tech-savvy. But yet a little school teacher was able to find him with only a few days of investigation. On Google, no less. And it takes 5 days to get a thorough background check on someone? I'm referring to Nicholas getting the info on Hannah this time. He built this huge fortress with every kind of electronic and security device you could imagine but he has to wait on a FAX to get info about the woman who showed up unannounced at his door? A fax???
Nicholas was a real jerk for the first half of the book. Hannah was described as being hard headed and stubborn but she came across as a helpless female in more ways than one.
They had sex so many times and there is no mention at all about birth control.
Now to what I DID like about the book and why it gets 4 stars instead of less.
Once I got beyond the "Nicholas is a jerk" part it turned into a very sweet love story. Nicholas made a point in telling Hannah that he could not make her any promises or declarations even though she told him over and over that she loved him. I guess about midway is when the book really started getting good for me.
Hannah finally gets to see Sean and that was very sweet. Then she is called back home because her mother's surgery will be happening earlier than originally planned. The scene where Nicholas has to leave Hannah on the plane was very touching. When he shows up at the hospital at the end, I got teary eyed.
While the ending was a bit rushed (by my standards) it DID end well. A very sweet love story.
I am sure I will read the next one in the series but there won't be a rush to do so at this time. It is centered on a character that was only mentioned in passing in this one so I'm not invested in her character as I would be if I read that the next story is Sean's. I hate to see the end of Sean and I believe that there should be more about him in general.
Overall, a good story. The characters even redeemed themselves to me at the end.
I seriously almost stopped reading after the first couple of chapters because of what is mentioned above. Nicholas is anal about his privacy. Paranoid is too mild of a word to describe him. He owns tens of thousands of acres in Nevada (we know this because it is said many times in the book) and he has a huge mansion built right dab in the middle of it. He is a former mercenary who has built this private refuge because of threats on his life in the past and on the lives of other former mercenaries who he has moved onto his property, also for protection. Hannah is a school teacher and child advocate who has driven hundreds of miles to Nicholas' home in hopes of finding her brother who the family has not had contact with in many, many years. Her mother is soon to undergo heart surgery and wants to see her son (Sean) in the event she dies during (or after) the surgery.
So Hannah totally ignores tons of No Trespassing signs and drives to the front door of Nicholas' home. She beats on the door for over 30 minutes before Nicholas finally gets around to speaking to her through the intercom at the front door. Also note that he has been watching her from the time she got out of her van and there is an internal dialogue where he goes on about how turned on he is by this total stranger who dared violate his privacy. It sounded to me like... okay Nicholas hasn't had sex in years and he's due. I don't think it would have mattered what female was at his door.
Anyway.
So Nicholas refuses to allow Hannah inside his home so she goes to sleep in the back of her van. This is when Nicholas does his he-man impersonation and does what I mentioned above. After a little bit of that, he allows this total stranger to come into his home and to stay in his guest room.
I know it may not seem like it, but I actually DID like the story. It's a bit of stretch from what I normally read these days. But there are some things that annoyed me, aside from what I've already stated.
Hannah shows up looking for her brother who has apparently been suffering from a severe case of PTSD and has had zero contact with his family for years and years. While there were letters sent back and forth up to a few years ago, Hannah has not seen her brother in 15 years. It took forever for Hannah to finally tell Nicholas WHY she was so adamant about finding her brother.
Nicholas is obviously very tech-savvy. But yet a little school teacher was able to find him with only a few days of investigation. On Google, no less. And it takes 5 days to get a thorough background check on someone? I'm referring to Nicholas getting the info on Hannah this time. He built this huge fortress with every kind of electronic and security device you could imagine but he has to wait on a FAX to get info about the woman who showed up unannounced at his door? A fax???
Nicholas was a real jerk for the first half of the book. Hannah was described as being hard headed and stubborn but she came across as a helpless female in more ways than one.
They had sex so many times and there is no mention at all about birth control.
Now to what I DID like about the book and why it gets 4 stars instead of less.
Once I got beyond the "Nicholas is a jerk" part it turned into a very sweet love story. Nicholas made a point in telling Hannah that he could not make her any promises or declarations even though she told him over and over that she loved him. I guess about midway is when the book really started getting good for me.
Hannah finally gets to see Sean and that was very sweet. Then she is called back home because her mother's surgery will be happening earlier than originally planned. The scene where Nicholas has to leave Hannah on the plane was very touching. When he shows up at the hospital at the end, I got teary eyed.
While the ending was a bit rushed (by my standards) it DID end well. A very sweet love story.
I am sure I will read the next one in the series but there won't be a rush to do so at this time. It is centered on a character that was only mentioned in passing in this one so I'm not invested in her character as I would be if I read that the next story is Sean's. I hate to see the end of Sean and I believe that there should be more about him in general.
Overall, a good story. The characters even redeemed themselves to me at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2012
I picked up this book because Nicholas Benteen is an ex-mercenary who has carved out a private retreat on tens of thousands of Nevada property to protect himself and his friends. I have a hard time resisting a bad boy, and Nicholas didn't disappoint.
With the arrival of Hannah Cassidy on his doorstep, we see Nicholas in action as the gruff mercenary who shuns society and nearly all contact with the world outside his retreat. He doesn't trust anyone seeking him out because he and his friends have been targets of assassins over the five years they have settled down.
Hannah is simply a young woman looking for her long lost brother. She's a school teacher and an advocate for abused children, she couldn't appear less threatening. Yet, it is that innocence that both attracts Nicholas and repels him. In his world, no one can be that innocent.
As the book continues we see the inner strength of both characters. We find the steel that drives Hannah to reach out to all those around her and heal their hurts. We understand the compassion and loyalty Nicholas has for his friends. While their desire for each other grows, they both understand that what drives them as individuals is what is standing in their way.
I loved the pace of the book as we watched Hannah upset the comfortable cocoon that Nicholas built for himself. My only frustration with the entire book was that the ending seemed to come at light speed. I'd of much rather had the final chapter broken up into at least two or three more to expand the ending as thoroughly as we eased into the beginning.
With the arrival of Hannah Cassidy on his doorstep, we see Nicholas in action as the gruff mercenary who shuns society and nearly all contact with the world outside his retreat. He doesn't trust anyone seeking him out because he and his friends have been targets of assassins over the five years they have settled down.
Hannah is simply a young woman looking for her long lost brother. She's a school teacher and an advocate for abused children, she couldn't appear less threatening. Yet, it is that innocence that both attracts Nicholas and repels him. In his world, no one can be that innocent.
As the book continues we see the inner strength of both characters. We find the steel that drives Hannah to reach out to all those around her and heal their hurts. We understand the compassion and loyalty Nicholas has for his friends. While their desire for each other grows, they both understand that what drives them as individuals is what is standing in their way.
I loved the pace of the book as we watched Hannah upset the comfortable cocoon that Nicholas built for himself. My only frustration with the entire book was that the ending seemed to come at light speed. I'd of much rather had the final chapter broken up into at least two or three more to expand the ending as thoroughly as we eased into the beginning.
October 13, 2012
It's been a while since I read a book without werewolves, vampires, or supernatural beings.
I wasn't sure if I could read anything "normal" anymore.
This book put me straight.
I loved it. Nicholas was a wounded soul (still a big soft spot of mine) his ice cold exterior hid a soul tormented, and a heart yearning for love.
It drew me in, and kept me there till I finished.
I had wondered it the author had written anything on Sean (a secondary character) and had hoped she could do a series in the souls living on nicholas' hideaway retreat.
It was a free read I will read again and again.
I wasn't sure if I could read anything "normal" anymore.
This book put me straight.
I loved it. Nicholas was a wounded soul (still a big soft spot of mine) his ice cold exterior hid a soul tormented, and a heart yearning for love.
It drew me in, and kept me there till I finished.
I had wondered it the author had written anything on Sean (a secondary character) and had hoped she could do a series in the souls living on nicholas' hideaway retreat.
It was a free read I will read again and again.
October 15, 2012
From the way the story starts, I have to say that I was expecting something so much more than I got. Laura Taylor is clearly a talented writer (hence 2 stars instead of 1), but unfortunately the storyline was bland and cliched. When it came to the more adult scenes, there was far too much of the "I-will-I-won't" toing and froing to keep me interested, and then when the characters did finally succumb to each others charms, the sex was too overly described.
If you're looking for a quick read (I read this in one day) then it's okay.
If you're looking for a quick read (I read this in one day) then it's okay.
February 10, 2012
Hannah Cassidy goes looking for her brother ,her mother is ill and wishes to see her son who has not been seen in 15 years.Hannah goes to Navada asking the brooding Nicholas Breeden for help.He tries to get her to leave.She won't.Things get steamy after they are snowed in from a snow storm.
Who can't keep there hands off who.There is a battle of emoiton and frantic need brewing.Does she find her brother and what else does she find.Read the story.
Who can't keep there hands off who.There is a battle of emoiton and frantic need brewing.Does she find her brother and what else does she find.Read the story.
July 8, 2014
I have never been a fan of sex filled romance stories and if I would have known this was going to be that way I wouldn't have even started reading it. The basic story line of a sister looking for her brother and seeking out someone she knew was his friend was good. The reclusive friend in a lonely secluded spot, mysterious background and antagonistic demeanor were all good aspects. The sex stuff just ruined it for me.
Disappointed.
Disappointed.
August 8, 2013
The Heroin in this story tresspasses on the Hero's land looking for information on her brother. The Hero becomes very attracted to her. Laura Taylor is a new author to me and this was my first book by this author. I loved the story. Just the right blend of strong story, ALPHA male, incredible love story. Will buy other books by this author and if you should decide to read Intimate Strangers you will not be disappointed.
October 14, 2012
What A great story. Very Believable. A Re reader Book . Very True To Form of the Mental Conditions, PTSD. But didn't harp on them. This Book would make a Great Movie!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book touches me soo deeply . It is a keeper and always a reread when I need that Positive Feeling that only a few books can give me
This book touches me soo deeply . It is a keeper and always a reread when I need that Positive Feeling that only a few books can give me
June 10, 2012
Fantastic book and hated that it had to end. I loved the relationship and how hardships were battled. Loved the ending. Was a great, easy reading, all round feel-good love story with added depth.
June 9, 2020
Still a good read after all these years.
Though this is quite a few years old I still enjoy reading it even with the harlequin feel. Innocent woman, tough alpha male.
I owned this book and quite a few others by this author in paperback form many years ago but lost them in a house move.
Was pleased to find them available in eBook. What a joy, love rereading these interlinked stories.
Love Nicholas and even though he sometimes came across as cold, he wasn’t. He was just hardened by the extreme life he had led.
I loved the whole premise of a safe place for these special skills people who have been used and abused by the govt.
Hannah was a tough-softie with a great outlook on life, but she has not been shaped by her past.
I thoroughly loved when Sean touched her face, so sweet, and it was good that Hannah understood enough to not put pressure on him.
The ending with Nick leaving his self-isolation/protection is totally enjoyable.
I notice there is a longer version of this book but I am unable to find it.
Though this is quite a few years old I still enjoy reading it even with the harlequin feel. Innocent woman, tough alpha male.
I owned this book and quite a few others by this author in paperback form many years ago but lost them in a house move.
Was pleased to find them available in eBook. What a joy, love rereading these interlinked stories.
Love Nicholas and even though he sometimes came across as cold, he wasn’t. He was just hardened by the extreme life he had led.
I loved the whole premise of a safe place for these special skills people who have been used and abused by the govt.
Hannah was a tough-softie with a great outlook on life, but she has not been shaped by her past.
I thoroughly loved when Sean touched her face, so sweet, and it was good that Hannah understood enough to not put pressure on him.
The ending with Nick leaving his self-isolation/protection is totally enjoyable.
I notice there is a longer version of this book but I am unable to find it.
December 26, 2018
Nicholas Benteen never expected to become Intimate Strangers with his best-friend's little sister Hannah Cassidy when she arrived at the doorstep of his retreat style retirement home.
Hannah is on a mission to find her older brother, Sean and Nick is just as determined to protect his reclusive friend that struggles with PTSD, one of the worst cases and the only relief is for Sean to be left to his solitude.
The romance that develops between the compassionate Hannah, who is used to working with abused children and the hardened ex-soldier needs her understanding, acceptance and support to heal and find a normal life again.
The characters show the damage done to those that fight the hard battles to keep us safe is portrayed with reality and kindness in Intimate Strangers.
Hannah is on a mission to find her older brother, Sean and Nick is just as determined to protect his reclusive friend that struggles with PTSD, one of the worst cases and the only relief is for Sean to be left to his solitude.
The romance that develops between the compassionate Hannah, who is used to working with abused children and the hardened ex-soldier needs her understanding, acceptance and support to heal and find a normal life again.
The characters show the damage done to those that fight the hard battles to keep us safe is portrayed with reality and kindness in Intimate Strangers.
June 26, 2019
A keeper!
I have been reading suspense and criminal books for a long time. Needed a fresh light book, and found in my collection Intimate Strangers and read a couple of pages and I couldn't put it down. Read it in a day! It was a awesome story of love, hope, determination and love😊💓💓
I have been reading suspense and criminal books for a long time. Needed a fresh light book, and found in my collection Intimate Strangers and read a couple of pages and I couldn't put it down. Read it in a day! It was a awesome story of love, hope, determination and love😊💓💓
February 19, 2021
Quite the Romance
Two dedicatedly independent individuals finally meet after long tortuous paths. Their personal histories get in the way of closeness but somehow , bit by bit, they move closer. It’s steamy and beautiful.
Two dedicatedly independent individuals finally meet after long tortuous paths. Their personal histories get in the way of closeness but somehow , bit by bit, they move closer. It’s steamy and beautiful.
July 6, 2021
SO INTENSE!
I couldn't stop reading! I felt my heart race with anticipation, hoping that Nicholas would accept the unexpected passion that intruded upon his perfectly lonely world....
I couldn't stop reading! I felt my heart race with anticipation, hoping that Nicholas would accept the unexpected passion that intruded upon his perfectly lonely world....
November 1, 2021
Great Read
Could not put this book down. The details drew me in and the emotions kept me hooked. Fascinating story of a woman looking for her brother and finding an unexpected ally in the search.
Could not put this book down. The details drew me in and the emotions kept me hooked. Fascinating story of a woman looking for her brother and finding an unexpected ally in the search.
October 28, 2017
This book is an easy read.
But it’s your typical story, no twists or surprises. Don’t expect to put it down and hurry to pick it back up.
But it’s your typical story, no twists or surprises. Don’t expect to put it down and hurry to pick it back up.
January 9, 2018
More like a 3.5. Quick read but wish it had less romance and more suspense.
July 25, 2018
Brilliant
Loved it, made me cry, but simply a great read. Give it a try you will enjoy this book. Great author look forward to reading other book of hers.
Loved it, made me cry, but simply a great read. Give it a try you will enjoy this book. Great author look forward to reading other book of hers.
November 25, 2018
Good love story
Good emotional story about love and change. Not really a lot of action, mostly an in your head type book about overcoming your past
Good emotional story about love and change. Not really a lot of action, mostly an in your head type book about overcoming your past
January 2, 2019
Hannah and Nic’a story will drawn you and keep you captive as you are introduced to them snd Nic’s wounded warriors. You will fall in love and cheer for everyone of them, you are introduced too.
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