Single mother Rachel has enough on her plate with two rambunctious twin boys to raise. Still mourning her husband, she isn’t looking for romance—until Chance, a strikingly handsome ex-FBI agent, shows up at her door.
While it’s clear Rachel knows nothing about his case involving a kidnapped baby, it’s also obvious she’s in over her head with her own little ones. Chance steps in to help, and suddenly all the chaos of her life seems to disappear. Chance is caring, hot, and he has a calming way about him that soothes her soul—and fires up her desire. But love? She’s not sure she’s ready for that…
No two ways about it… Chance is enthralled by Rachel. She’s everything he’s ever wanted in a woman. Smart, strong, and beautiful—more than enough to get him imagining what it would be like to be in her life permanently. Unfortunately, Rachel doesn’t seem nearly as interested in him as he is in her.
When he was an FBI agent, Chance always got the results he wanted. But now that he has found the perfect woman, can he convince her that he is what she wants?
New to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’
Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!
Chance is a wonderfully talented man who is working on trying to find someone. Rachel is a wonderful woman who has not had the best life in love. Their story touched my heart with a sweetness and caring of the characters with a hint of spiciness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rachel is drowning, the kids outnumber her, household appliances terrorise her and the dirty house mocks her. She is totally overwhelmed and still grieving the loss of her husband, the last thing she needs is a man swooping in to 'rescue' her. I really like that even when she is tearful and lost she doesn't give in, she may stumble and even fall to her knees, but she doesn't give up, she gets back up and continues fighting. Chance may not be looking for love but he knows the moment he sees Rachel that she is different, he feels protective in away he never has and never thought he would want. I like that he is confident and supportive without being condescending or taking over, he pushes when she needs it but sits back and let's her make decisions when she is strong enough to. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
The Denver Men series gets better with each book. Leslie North has done an incredible job with keeping the series in line and progressing marvelously. Loved this story about Chance and Rachael and the 5 month old twins. Chance is definitely a keeper. Ready for book 4 and the end of Marco.
This is a well written, fast paced story with strong characters in Chance and Rachel. It's a short story with perfectly painted scene, moves quickly and smoothly and is a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Leslie North's FBI Agent's Reluctant Lover is a heartwarming tale of love and rediscovery, featuring a single mother, Rachel, and a dashing ex-FBI agent, Chance. The novel balances romance and suspense as Chance becomes entangled in Rachel's life while working on a kidnapped baby case that started in book one of the series.
North excels at creating a touching story with relatable characters, allowing readers to sympathize with Rachel, a widowed single mother trying to raise her twin boys. Chance's charm and kindness shine through as he offers help to Rachel, allowing their connection to develop. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable, and the emotions they experience throughout the story are genuinely conveyed.
However, there are aspects of the novel that could be improved. Rachel's character tends to be overly trusting, particularly considering her past experiences and the fact that she has two young children to protect. This aspect of her personality contradicts her otherwise strong and resilient character. Additionally, the relationship between Rachel and Chance develops rapidly, making it difficult for the reader to believe in the depth and sincerity of their connection fully. Additionally, this is the third book in the Denver Men series, and if you haven't read the previous books, you may feel like you missed some of the story.
Despite these criticisms, FBI Agent's Reluctant Lover remains enjoyable, with a captivating plot and well-drawn characters. The novel's blend of romance and suspense keeps the reader engaged, and the emotional journey of both protagonists adds depth to the story. This book is recommended for fans of romantic suspense. However, readers may find some aspects of the story less than satisfying. FBI Agent's Reluctant Lover earns a solid 3 stars out of 5. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars Like the first two books in the Denver Men series, this short story moves quickly. Rachel is a grieving widow with twin boys whose only support is her sister Chelsea. She felt guilty that Chelsea had put her life on hold to help her, so she encouraged her to go after a dream job. When Chelsea left for that job, Rachel's life was left in chaos, and she was barely coping. Then Chance, a handsome ex-FBI agent and now PI, comes looking for her sister and immediately takes charge of helping her. It's a bit rushed and requires a bit of suspension of belief because what mom lets a strange man around her children that easily.
Chance finds himself drawn to Rachel and hesitant to form a commitment with her because getting involved with her is a ready-made family. Rachel is also drawn to Chase and hesitant because she does not want to get involved with another man who has a dangerous job because she does not want to risk losing someone else in her life. Chance and Rachel had some challenges ahead of them because of the hangups they had about relationships, and it took some time to overcome them, but they got their HEA.
This was a quick romantic read with a bit less suspense and action than the previous book with their siblings, Chelsea and Seth. I enjoyed the story and loved how quick the read was, and other than the speed with which Chance crashes into Rachel's life, I liked the development of their romance.
I received a free copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After Maria did some sleuthing, she told Chance Jacobsen, Seth’s brother, who freelanced for them about Chelsea’s sister, Rachel. They realized that Chelsea had been hired by Marco Bresi to be a nurse for young baby Faith, the child of Bresi’s enemy Trent and his wife Brianna. Seth and Shawn owned Marshall Jacobsen Investigations or MJI. Rachel has baby twins. After some more research, Chance decides to go speak with the sister to see if she had any info on her sister’s whereabouts.
Poor Rachel is at her wit’s end with her rowdy twin boy babies. When Chance arrives, she is wrecked, as is the house. Chance immediately begins to help her with caring for the boys who are teething and crying. The boys are Tony and David and they are adorable…
Poor Rachel is still grieving for her husband as well. She shouldn’t have told Chelsea that she was ok to be along- but then Chelsea wouldn’t have been chosen for Faith. See previous book. This whole series is just awesome reads. Chance saves Rachel from a few disasters and he is very interested in her. I just love Chance. He is so sweet, he can cook and he is good with the boys and can tell them apart! We also get to see Shawn actually interact with his wife Janet (Trent’s HR lady). I thought she was awesome in the first book- well. Wooo.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this read, I read it in one go! I could relate to Rachel, being hesitant about falling in love again and I loved Chance, he was so ferocious and he could take care of her children and he could cook! I really liked this third book in this “Denver Men” series. Single mother Rachel has enough on her plate with two rambunctious twin boys to raise. Still mourning her husband, she isn’t looking for romance—until Chance, a strikingly handsome ex-FBI agent, shows up at her door.
While it’s clear Rachel knows nothing about his case involving a kidnapped baby, it’s also obvious she’s in over her head with her own little ones. Chance steps in to help, and suddenly all the chaos of her life seems to disappear. Chance is caring, hot, and he has a calming way about him that soothes her soul—and fires up her desire. But love? She’s not sure she’s ready for that…
No two ways about it… Chance is enthralled by Rachel. She’s everything he’s ever wanted in a woman. Smart, strong, and beautiful—more than enough to get him imagining what it would be like to be in her life permanently. Unfortunately, Rachel doesn’t seem nearly as interested in him as he is in her.
When he was an FBI agent, Chance always got the results he wanted. But now that he has found the perfect woman, can he convince her that he is what she wants?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 3 in Leslie North's "Denver Men" series. This is another very short story that moves very fast. Rachel's husband was killed in Afghanistan leaving her with twin baby boys with no support except for her sister Chelsea, Rachel felt guilty and so encouraged Chelsea to go after her dream job but this left Rachel's life in chaos, she wasn't coping. Enter a ruggedly handsome ex FBI agent and now PI looking for her sister. Chance could see the state that Rachel was in and promptly took over (this I found a bit hard to swallow, which fiercely protective mum, no matter what a state she was in, would allow a stranger into her home and straight away handle her children ?) This story unfolds with Chance determined to help Rachel but not wanting a commitment, especially a commitment with a ready made family and Rachel not wanting to get involved with another man with a dangerous job, she couldn't risk losing someone else from her life. Rachel and Chance had a rocky road in front of them but they travel it quickly, they are obviously attracted to one another from the start If you like a very quick romantic read then this could be the book for you but if you like more depth to your stories perhaps not..........short but sweet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This third book in the series, is more like a continuation of book 2. If like me, you have not read it, you might feel you’re missing important information. At least, that was the case with me. The story centers on two characters whose siblings were the main characters of book two. Chance Jacobsen, former FBI agent, works as a consultant in his brother’s security and is determined to find out if the sister of the woman who saved his brother’s life, was involved in a kidnapping. He never expected to be enchanted by widow and mom of twins, Rachel. From the moment he meets her, the attraction is evident, but Rachel lost her military husband and has no interest in getting involved with another man that puts his life on the line. The plot felt more like “spending two months in the lives of these individuals”. Sweet but not much more. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Chance is actually a FORMER FBI agent! He was such a kind person when he walked up and found poor Rachel struggling with the responsibility of her twins on a bad day! He was great with the boys and with her and it wasn't surprising that he was able to win her over. Everything was going well and I was expecting some final bit of excitement or danger when I was only at about 80% but instead I got a kind of an unexpected, sudden ending of the book before an epilogue to introduce what I guess will be the next book in the series that takes up with the security company persuing the original kidnapper that was talked about at the beginning of this book. I'm hoping there will be more about Chance and Rachel in the upcoming books. And I am going back and getting books 1 and 2 in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rachel has told her sister to go, live her life, that she is fine! However, she isn’t fine she is struggling to survive with her twin baby boys now that her husband is dead. Chance arrives at her door looking for her sister, Chelsea, he steps in to help with the boys. At first, she resists, but the chance tto have a hot shower is too much to resist. Chance isn’t looking to settle down, but he is unable to resist the boys and is being dragged in by them. This is a lovely story: Chance is such a great guy and although Rachel thinks he will soon stop coming round, she can’t help but be attracted to this wonderful man. This is a sweet romance with no fighting or angst, it is just about them and the boys, the characters from the previous books have a small role in this story, but it was great to hear how they are all doing. I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
Rachel is a single mother of twin boys. Her husband was killed in Afghanistan while in the military before the boys were born. Rachel has decided that she is not willing to risk her heart on a man with a dangerous job. Chance is a former FBI agent but now freelances for his brothers security company. He meets Rachel when her sister helps his brother find a kidnapped baby. While she's gone, Chance helps Rachel with the twins. Rachel starts falling for Chance but pushes him away. But Chance does not give up easily and even though he never expected to have a ready made family, he finds himself wanting this family. He just has to convince Rachel.
Good story. Short. Sexy. The only thing is that I felt like I was dropped in the middle of the story. It's best to read the first one first.
I really liked this story, the third in the series. It was compassionate, sensitive and heart warming. Chance is an ex FBI agent who is now employed as a PI, he needs answers and his quest takes him to the door of Rachel, who is a single mum trying to raise 2 boys after her husband was tragically taken from her life. Right from the start Chance is more than happy to help her out in anyway he can, he becomes indispensable to her and has such an impression on her that this can end in only one way. I loved how he introduced her into his circle of friends and the friendly banter that ensued. A lovely story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chance was trying to locate Chelsea to help look for Trent's baby. Seth was on it but he was tryng to help. He went to see Rachel (who was Chelsea's sister) but she didn't know either where she was. Rachel was a widow with two cute 8 month old twin boys who were a handful. He scooped in to help and was wildly attracted to her. They were both relieved when Trent's baby was found and they worked on their relationship. She was afraid to get hurt again, but she finally realized anyone could get hurt anywhere. A good sequel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chance visits Rachel because he is trying to find out information about her sister who was accidentally involved in a kidnapping. He finds a young widow struggling with eight month old twins after their father was killed in action. He can't help himself helping her manage to get her life under control. He is attracted to her on sight but will he be able to convince her to take a chance with him?
I love how Chance was prepared to help with very young children.
This book is part of a series but it can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book for a review. All thoughts are my own to share.
2.5 Stars
The writing was great and very easy to follow however sometimes it felt like there was something the reader was supposed to know but we hadn't be told anything so it was confusing at times too.
The romance just wasn't believable for me and things progressed way too quick, I understand this is a sort of novella but still they moved very quickly, especially with children involved, I like my romances a little more realistic. .
FBI Agent's Reluctant Lover By Leslie North Main Characters: Chance and Rachel I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author. 4 out of 5 stars This is Book Three of the Denver Men series. Chance is an ex-FBI agent and is now working as a security consultant with his brother Seth. I missed reading the first two books in the series. I really liked this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cute and simple 3.5 It's a good, simple and cute romance like its characters, Rachel and Chance. The story has less twists and action than the previous two parts as it centers on the seduction and attraction that develops between them, as Rachel is a widow, with two children, and is not ready to start a relationship with someone who lives in the action. It's good but a little too simple for my taste, especially in view of the previous parts. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Wonderful romance with excellent characters that are entertaining. Rachel’s husband died in the military overseas and she is alone with identical twin boys. Chance comes by her house to ask her if she knew where her sister was. He’s a PI looking for a kidnapped newborn. He immediately feels an attraction but she’s so overwhelmed. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading future books by Ms North.
This is the 3rd book in the Denver Men Series. It goes smoothly continuing the storyline from the first books. Can be read alone though without reading the first books and still be enjoyable. Fast paced book with strong characters. look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens.
Life has run her down. Death of a husband in war. Twin baby boys. Enter a gorgeous ex-FBI agent. So gorgeous. A helping hand. Pampered. Getting closer. Chelsea still looking after Seth. Chance looking after Rachel. Closer and closer. Exhausting little boys. And love.
This was a good book overall but unfortunately it was too short for me I wanted more... Though the thought of a man like Chance knocking on my door would totally make my day lol....
It is safe to say that I am obsessed with Leslie North's Denver Men series. This book, FBI Agent's Reluctant Lover, is the third book in the series. While each book focuses on a different couple, there is an overarching plot that makes me encourage readers to do this series in order. Trust me, if you like hot protective lovers, strong women who aren't damsels in distress and sweet romance, you will be pulled into this series.
This is where I need to explain myself. I had told myself yesterday that I wasn't going to commit to a book which I needed to write a review for, because I have upcoming hand surgery and my parents imminent arrival to help me through surgery and recovery. I figure I should rest my hands as much as possible. Then I got an email notification that Leslie North had put her third book in the Denver Men series up for review and I had no choice. I downloaded it straightaway - literally within a minute of getting the notification - and then spent the next two hours devouring the book. I have been looking forward to Chance and Rachel's book!
I have zero regrets.
We met Chance Jacobsen, ex-FBI and now security consultant, and Rachel Swanson, a widowed mother of twin boys. They are also the elder sibling of the main characters from book 2 - Seth and Chelsea. The book picks up the overall plot of the series, after Trent and Brianna (from book 1) newborn daughter has been rescued from her deranged kidnapper by Seth, and by extension Chelsea as well. Chance was enchanted by Rachel, and the twin boys Mark and Tony, from the outset. And while Rachel's sister is helping nurse his injured brother, Chance figures that it's only fair that he helps Rachel where her sister normally would. With their siblings getting all loved up, there is plenty of opportunity for Chance to spend time with Rachel, David and Tony.
Rachel is afraid of loss, especially when the man she is developing feelings for is in an occupation that can have him shot or worse. She had already gone through that trauma with her husband, who had been in the military and deployed at the time of his death.
However, Chance is ready to slowly chip away at the armor she has built around herself. He doesn't see it straight away, but he is immediately ready to open his heart to romance with Rachel. The man is like a male Mary Poppins, honestly, and that's enough to get him through the door, but the rest will take some hard work to prove that love is worth the risk. He has some similar demons to Rachel, but he faced his a long time ago, so he comes across as a wise, Yoda-type, especially when he needs to make Rachel understand.
Both Chance and Rachel are wonderful characters. They were both easy to relate to. But I also enjoyed how their story tied in with the overarching plot of the Denver Men series.
Now my dilemma is that I need to read book 4 (surgery, smurgery, right?), I can't wait to meet Jake and his mysterious Italian lady.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
FBI Agent's Reluctant Lover is Book Three of the Denver Men series by Leslie North. Two things to note: First, this book is not a standalone story and continues the storyline from CEO's Pregnant Lover and The Seal's Virgin Lover. Second, these books are reprints and were initially released in 2014
Book one establishes the arc, with Marco Bresi attempting to avenge his daughter's death by kidnapping Trent and Brianna Caldwell's newborn baby girl. Books two and three happen simultaneously, with Seth Jacobsen following a lead on the location that the baby may have been taken to, and Chance Jacobsen following a lead on a nurse that they believe was hired to care for the child.
When Chance shows up at Rachael's door, with an outlandish story about her sister Chelsea and a kidnapped baby, she unceremoniously boots him out of her home. She's at her wit's end after dealing with her teething 8 month old twins and doesn't have time or patience for nonsense, even if it is delivered by a sexy stranger. It isn't until Chance shows up again, bringing news that her sister is not only safe but has helped save his brother's life, that she begins to take him seriously. When she see how wonderful and caring he is with her boys, she decides he just might be a man to love.
The story is cute and the main characters are more likeable than in the first two books, however it a serious flaw - the reader has to seriously suspend all belief in order to accept the story as it unfolds. That a man shows up, states her sister may be a part of a kidnapping, and Rachael kicks him out without asking questions isn't likely to happen. Neither is allowing him to come into her house, handle her babies, cook a meal, and start making decisions before she has even seen his ID. It is just so oddly unbelievable how much leeway Chance is given before Rachael even has confirmation from her sister that Chance is who he says he is and that his story is true.
Additionally, the story was written nearly ten years ago but feels even more dated, like reading old-school Harlequin romances. In some ways that actually works in the story's favor as it makes swiftness with their love story happens, as well as Rachael's helpless dependence, seem a bit more plausible. Not believable just more in keeping with that old Harlequin style.
The series continues with book four closing out the arc so you'll have to wait to see how things end with Marco and Trent.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
FBI Agent's Reluctant Lover (Denver Men #3) by Leslie North Publisher: Relay Publishing Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance Published: May 4, 2023 Finished 5/9/23
FBI Agent's Reluctant Lover is the third book in the Denver Men series by Leslie North. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery or as part of the series.
The characters were fascinating, with awesome chemistry, and were well developed. The romance was smokin'!
This book is a quick read that I could not put down! I can't wait to read the next book! I definitely recommend checking out this book! I loved the action in the book! The suspense was awesome, and the storyline was so engaging!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
To me, this book was ok but not much more than that, 2.5 stars.
Chance, a former FBI agent now working in a private security company, is looking for Chelsea and the missing baby from the previous books but finds her sister Rachel and two very cute toddlers instead. Instant attraction and the obvious damsel in distress make sure Chase stays around to help. Rachel, on the other hand, recently lost her military husband and is at her wit's ends taking care of the twins when Chase swoops in as a dashing knight in shining armor. Despite the mutual attraction, Rachel is scared of guys in "dangerous" jobs, and Chase didn't see himself settling down anytime soon. How will this end?
Usually, a romance novel has a bunch of sexual chemistry, a conflict/major issue that either keeps the couple apart or breaks them up, then the problem is solved, they make up, and happy ever after. In this story, the chemistry is lukewarm, there is no real conflict (the minor issue that exists is solved by a very reasonable talking-to and some inner thinking), no big events, and we almost skip straight to the happy part.
The story reads as a straight line, with no ups, no downs. A bit boring, to be honest. I've never read such a simple love story; instant attraction, some dates, moving, and happily ever after. Every possible issue already has a solution! Often there is too much drama in romance novels, but this one could use a few drops more. Then again, just because it isn't my cup of tea doesn't mean someone else won't enjoy it.
The toddlers are super cute, probably the best part of the book. Since the story is quite short, there isn't really time to develop depth in the main characters. For a male lead in a romance, Chance is unusually kind, reasonable, and level-headed. He has a bit of a hero complex and is not scared of dirty diapers! Rachel has abandonment issues because of her husband and parents. It only takes one conversation, though, for this to be more or less fixed.
I hadn't read the previous two books and regretted that in the beginning, I felt I was missing some important info. But after a few chapters, you get the main gist of things, so it wasn't really an issue. Even though this book didn't impress me much, I will read the last one just to see how this ends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Denver Men series continues with FBI Agent’s Reluctant Lover, an intense yet funny, and even charming story of two unlikely people finding that perfect spark between them… and a set of twins who can often be a bit overwhelming to their mom. While this story does have its own HEA for this couple, it is part of a series with a series-long arc. I’d strongly suggest reading this series in order if at all possible, not only for background but to get the “entire” story of this series.
Chance and Rachel’s story is full of steam, yes, but it’s also full of watching two people fall in love under unusual circumstances. It’s not every day that a woman finds herself overwhelmed by her teething twin boys, the house a wreck, and a handsome stranger ready to step in to help (once he realizes she had no part in the baby kidnapping he’s investigating). And it’s not every day that a confirmed bachelor wants to entertain babies, brighten up a mother’s life a bit, and perhaps understand, finally, what this forever kind of love really is. Frankly, they shouldn’t have worked so perfectly together… but they did, and the result is a charming, funny, steamy romance with touches of danger in the background. I had fun with this one. Adorable one minute, and sizzling with passion the next. What’s not to enjoy about that?
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*