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To prove her love and save her man, she has to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Infatuation: A Little Military Harmless Romance

Francis McKade is a man in lust. He’s had a crush on his best friend’s little sister for years but he has never acted on it. Besides that fact that she’s Malachi’s sister, he’s a Seal and he learned his lesson with his ex-fiancé. Women do not like being left alone for long months at a time. Still, at a wedding in Hawaii anything can happen—and does. Unfortunately, after the best night of his life, he and Mal are called away to one of their most dangerous missions.

Shannon is blown over by Kade. She’s always had a crush on him and after their night together, it starts to feel a little like love. But, after the mission, Kade never calls or writes and she starts to wonder if it was all a dream. Until one night, her brother Mal drags him into her bar and grill and Shannon gets the shock of her life.

Kade isn’t the man Shannon knew in Hawaii, or even the last few years. Losing a friend and being injured changes a man, especially one who had never felt so vulnerable. He still can’t shake the terror that keeps him up at night. Worse, he is realizing that the career he loves just might be over.

Shannon is still mad, but she can’t help but hurt for the man she loves. He is darker, a bit more dangerous, but beneath that, he is the Kade she's known for so many years. When he pushes her to her limits in the bedroom, Shannon refuses to back down. One way or another, this military man is going to learn there is no walking away from love—not while she still has breath in her body.

Warning: This book contains two infatuated lovers, some drunken dancing, a hard-headed military man, a determined woman, some old friends, and a little taste of New Orleans. As always, ice water is suggested while reading. It might be the first military Harmless book, but the only thing that has changed is how hot our hero looks in his uniform—not to mention out of it.

112 pages, ebook

First published November 14, 2011

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1377 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Schroeder

212 books1,660 followers
USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews131 followers
Want to read
July 20, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/20/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Cecilia.
607 reviews59 followers
April 18, 2012
I love the set up of the guy who has the crush and doesn't speak to the girl, and I loved the price of this book, but I couldn't love much else. The author's voice was most confident during the sex scenes, although a few less "come when I tell you to's" would have been appreciated. The sex tended toward BDSM lite, with some tying up and gravelly voiced commands and light smacks, some toys. The rest tended to be kind of heavy-handed. Characters generally were kind of idealized – everyone’s amiable, and the men are all hot. There is some conflict that emerges when the hero comes back from a mission with some PTSD. And that stuff probably would have been a highlight (in that it would add some layers to character and plot), except for one really annoying aspect of the book, and that is the bizarre fixation on constantly referring to the hero as a Seal (sic). Even in the middle of a big fight, the heroine says to the hero: “That’s not the problem, though, is it, you stupid Seal?” and few lines later, it’s “I’m willing to love you, give you all my love, but you are being such a thickheaded Seal, you can’t accept that.” A few pages later, his commander says “Can you assure me you are going to behave like Seals from now on?” and a few paragraphs later, his friend says “we’re men, and worse, we’re Seals.” It is surreal, how often the various characters refer to it (and disturbing when the heroine keeps referring to it the first time in bed – like it’s some kind of sex trophy for her to bed a ‘Seal’). Not only that, the one fight and a couple people yelling at the hero are pretty much all it apparently takes for him to get over it. The story has potential, but the execution lacks all subtlety.
Profile Image for MBR.
1,381 reviews365 followers
December 16, 2011
This is a score sheet review. For the full review please visit MBR's Realm of Romance

Score Sheet Review Summary:

I liked the overall premise of the story. The hot military hero Francis McKade with that hint of Australian accent is enough enticement for me, not to mention the hot cover this novella totes. I liked the aspect of how infatuated Kade and Shannon were with each other, right from the very beginning of the story. I loved the heat and sensuality aspect of the story at the beginning and loved the way Kade and Shannon seduced each other after the wedding reception which acts as the “medium” that propels these two together.

What made me disappointed was the fact that the blurb hints at Kade undergoing torture, and I know that an ordeal such as that wouldn’t be easy as a cake to get over from. But I felt that Kade getting over his nightmares that continued to haunt him throughout the story until the very end was a bit rushed over. I wanted to see both Shannon and Kade work together and independently for him to overcome such a devastating ordeal on his life.

And there was this bit about how Kade’s previous relationship had showed him that marriage wasn’t for military men with them being gone away for so long. There was no exploration of this aspect of Kade’s character which didn’t round up his character all that well.

But with all those little things that disappointed me, the 1st book in the series “A Little Harmless Military Romance” turned out to be a good read with some great stuff about it that made me push its overall score into the great range. And since I loved the author’s Grace Under Pressure so much, I know that Melissa Schroeder is an author who definitely knows a thing or two when it comes to delivering a good erotic romance for the fans of the genre.

For fans of military heroes & for fans of erotic contemporary novellas delving into BDSM, this one’s for you.

Rating=4/5
Profile Image for Catherine.
1,611 reviews271 followers
December 21, 2018
Meh. I could see what the author was trying to go for here, I am just not convinced that she was entirely successful. Also, I wasn't a fan of the grand gesture scene at the end; I don't think anything was resolved enough for Shannon to and therefore her token resistance felt hollow. And that epilogue? Lame.

Wah wah.

On to the next (but not the next in this series).
Profile Image for Lady Heather .
1,312 reviews772 followers
March 30, 2015

3 Stars!

I liked the writing, characters, and story.

This was a nice, short read.

This book was HOT!

I really liked Shannon's character. She was strong, sassy, determined, loyal, compassionate, and loving.

Kade was a good, strong, proud lead.

Profile Image for Maggie.
287 reviews18 followers
December 6, 2013
Awwww....
I love grand gestures. ; )
Kade is a sweetheart in uniform, love him!
Profile Image for Sassafrass.
3,204 reviews103 followers
December 1, 2011
INFATUATION, the first book in the new spin off to the Harmless series was absolutely fantastic! With a smokin’ hot Navy SEAL hero, a strong and sassy heroine, some very inventive sex, and a super sweet love story, INFATUATION is sure to be loved by the Little Harmless Addicts and newbies to the series’ alike.

Shannon Dupree has been lusting after her brother Malachi’s best friend Kade for a long time, but he’s been hands off. So, when the opportunity for her to make her move on him arises at her sister’s wedding in Hawaii, she takes the bull by the horns. Their one night of exquisite passion is interrupted by his duty however, and Shannon loses track of him for four months.

Francis McKade can’t believe that his buddy’s sister is coming on to him, making his many naughty dreams of her come true. But after he leaves on a mission that goes terribly wrong, he comes back a changed man.

No longer the man that Shannon knew previously, Kade is sure that he can’t be the man for her. But Shannon sees the man that he was lurking beneath the surface. And she’s going to prove that she’s just the woman that he needs.

I’m going to start right off the bat by saying that I LOVE the Harmless series, so of course I could not wait for INFATUATION: A Little Harmless Military Romance to come out. I am happy to say that the type of story that I’ve come to expect with Melissa Schroeder’s writing is in full force here.

Kade is such a great hero. Hot, dominant, and patriotic: how can you get any better than that? He goes through some trauma in the book, and it was hard to see his personality change after his time away. But, the hard times were worth it in the end, and it was wonderful to see the return of his sexy side.

Shannon was the epitome of my favorite kind of heroine. She was strong, sassy, confident, and not afraid to go after what she wanted. Being the youngest sister in the Dupree family could not have been easy for her, but she was able to hold her own.

Besides the great characters, INFATUATION has a great story with some true to life situations, extremely steamy love scenes, and we are treated to visits from quite a few members of the Harmless gang. The best part was that there are even more new characters that are going to be a part of this new series. I absolutely devoured this book, and was sad to see it end.

I think that INFATUATION is the beginning of something great, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next!
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
November 15, 2011
I admit I am a Harmless Addict, the Harmless series never gets old, and now that we have the first book of the spin-off series, Infatuation (A Little Harmless Military Romance #1) I am super excited!!!!

Shannon has had a crush on Kade, her brother Mal's SEAL team member and best friend, for years, but Kade has never acted like he saw her as more than his best friends little sister. Kade has been crushing/lusting after Shannon but he will not act on it, ONE because she is his best friend's sister, TWO because being a SEAL wife is not easy.

Shannon and Kade are both in Hawaii for Shannon's brother Chris' wedding to Cynthia. The feelings are there but both are ignoring them..dun, dun, dun....in comes the ever mischievous May and Shannon's sister Jocelyn, they both encourage Shannon to go after Kade for a wedding fling.

Shannon decides to go after her SEAL and they end up having some hot smexin and realize their feelings are strong for each other. Kade gets called away for a mission telling Shannon he will be in touch with her. After four months of not hearing from Kade, he shows up at her restaurant with her brother Mal and their SEAL team mate Deke, all three men are recovering from their latest mission.

Shannon is hurt but doesn't want to show weakness in front of Kade. Kade is determined to stay away from Shannon even though it's breaking his heart. He is not the same man he was in Hawaii due to his PTSD feels he is not worthy of Shannon. In steps Deke, flirting with Shannon and when Kade sees it his DOM comes out to play, and boy is it sexy!! GOOD GAWD when he growls.....yep panty melting ;-)


To see my complete review and how to enter for a chance to win a Kindle Fire follow this link
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
Profile Image for Ollie.
205 reviews22 followers
February 19, 2012
Francis McKade has always had a crush on his friend's sister Shannon for the past 5 years, but never acted on it because you "don't date your best friend's sister." Even though she has had boyfriends Francis can't help himself from feeling jealous.

Shannon has always had a crush on Kade and no one has every really come close to making her feel so hot and bothered as Kades. Who could resist a tall, blond, blue-eyed SEAL with a penetrating look and a body that any woman would love to be held against her.

At the wedding of a friend Shannon decides to make her move when she see Kade is there and what happens next is some hot, passionate loving that is mind-blowing for the both of them.

Unfortunately they don't have much time together as Kade has to leave for another mission but when he comes back he is not the same man and has changed. Injured and trying to recover Kade has shut himself down completely from everyone and his emotions. Being a SEAL is his life and has always defined him but now he has so much doubt. He feels incomplete and avoids having a relationship with Shannon feeling that he is not good enough for her anymore.

Shannon wants to build on what they started and tries to awaken within him the passion and make him see that he is still the same. Shannon knows he is trying to fight off his demons but in the process it is keeping them apart.

Kade gives in to the passion but is unable to give into the emotional aspects that Shannon needs from him as well. What results in the end is Kade's struggle to come to the realization that life isn't so clearly defined and sometimes you have to take a chance with matters of the heart.

Warning this book contains light bondage and the use of toys which will get you hot and bothered. I love this series and plan on catching up with the rest of the books.

4 Stars
Profile Image for Chris.
199 reviews6 followers
November 14, 2011
Well apparently I have very poor impulse control when it comes to Melissa's books. I've been a serious fangirl since I read "The Accidental Countess" and "A Little Harmless Sex" and am a proud member of Melissa's Harmless Addict's facebook group. So when the call came out to receive a copy and review Melissa's latest "Infatuation: A Little Harmlesss Military Romance" my hand went right up "ME, ME, ME!". When I got the email and attachment from Melissa's assistant this morning I was unable to resist opening for a little peek. Three hours later I've finished and I have a desk full of projects that I've let go in order to meet Kade and Shannon. I was NOT disappointed!


Francis McKade is a Seal on the same team of Malachi Dupree (last seen in A Little Harmless Submission). He's always had a crush on Malachi's sister Shannon, but one of the 10 commandments of male friendship is Thou Shall Not Shtup Thy Friend's Sister (dammit). Finally at Chris and Cynthia's (A Little Harmless Pleasure) wedding, Shannon issues an invitation that Kade can't refuse. After one hot night Kade is called back to duty and Shannon settles in to await him. That mission goes bad and Kade is left a shell of the man he used to be and decides that he can't have Shannon now.

UMMM is there nothing hotter than a military man? Of course my personal preference seems to be Marines due to the apalling lack of Seals in my area :). Kade is the perfect tortured hero. He's generally self aware but he's got things mixed up in his head since his last mission. Shannon is a great heroine at times snarky and sweet. The smexy scenes (as per usual with Melissa's books) are SMOKING HOT and the romance is awesome.

There's a reason Melissa's books are an autobuy for me.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books739 followers
November 23, 2011
My Review:
I really enjoyed this first book in Melissa Schroeder's A Little Harmless: Military series. This first book features Kade & Shannon. Kade is an active duty SEAL who serves with Shannon's brother Mal. Kade & Shannon have had an attraction to each other that they finally act on at the wedding of their friends (Chris & Cynthia from ALHPleasure #2.) Immediately Kade is called away on a mission that goes badly for the entire team and Shannon doesn't hear from him again for 4 months until her brother Mal brings him home for a week of relaxation and recuperation.


This is a powerful book. Kade already felt like a relationship with Shannon was a bad idea when they first hooked up. He's best friend with her brother Mal (brother's tend not to look too kindly upon their friends hooking up with their sisters.) He also has an ex-wife in his history which proved to him that SEAL's and relationships simply don't mix well. But then the team has a mission go bad and he is dealing with PTSD and a bum leg and KNOWS that he is a bad idea for Shannon.


I loved Shannon. Her father was military and with her brothers, she knows how to deal with the effects of PTSD and the everyday stresses that military men deal with. She doesn't push Kade. She simply accepts him with all his flaws and all, but she doesn't let him walk on her either. She stands up to him when she needs to and I was ready to applaud her for that. This girl is STRONG!


It's a great story and a great start to this new series. I am so excited that Melissa is writing these military books and I can guarantee you that I will always be right there ready to buy them as soon as they release!
Profile Image for Sally.
303 reviews
November 14, 2011
Infatuation is the first novella of A Little Harmless Military Romance series, which is a spin off from the much loved A Little Harmless series. The story starts with the wedding of Chris Dupree and Cynthia Myers, who got together many books ago in A Little Harmless Pleasure. This is where we are introduced to Shannon Dupree and Francis McKade aka Kade. They have been friends ever since Shannon's brother Mal, brought Kade home to spend some time with their family in New Orleans and both Shannon and Kade have always wished for more than just friendship but never acted on it. As the story unravels we see Shannon and Kade try to finally overcome their fears and show each other how they really feel. However, being a Navy Seal, Kade is always going to go on missions for months on end and when he and Mal come back from a mission that goes wrong Kade is pulled into a deep emotional pit which changes his outlook on life forever.

This novella has everything you would expect from a Mel Schroeder story, a sexy Dom, an independent female who learns to submit in the bedroom and lots of banter from sexy males, only this time the males are super sexy Navy Seals.

I instantly liked the main characters, Kade and Shannon, and although this was a very quick read, there was enough substance to keep me reading, so much so that I could not put my Kindle down until I had finished the story. It is evident that there are other Seals who have a story to tell and I'm looking forward to reading more of this series in the future.
Profile Image for Theodora Taylor.
Author 241 books2,280 followers
March 21, 2012
Description: After a night of intense passion, Navy Seal, Francis Kade, promises to stay in touch with Shannon, the sister of one of his best friends. But a mission-gone-terribly-awry damages him both physically and emotionally. Can Shannon help him heal?

The Good: I’m a big fan of the wounded soldier trope, and Shannon was awesome. She was warm and caring without allowing herself to become a complete doormat. Personality-wise she was everything that Kade needed. Also, that cover is awesome.

The Bad: Though, I understand that BDSM is a theme in this series, in this book’s case, the sex just doesn’t match the couple. Ms. Schroeder fails to connect for the reader why a soldier with PTSD would be interested in dominating. So though the sex was really hot, it did not read like the sex this particular couple would be having, given their backgrounds. In the end, INFATUATION is an otherwise sexy story, bogged down by its theme. Also, the hero’s psychological arc wasn’t fully resolved, and I was left questioning whether Kade would be “all right.”

The Naughty: Steamy. Light BDSM. Toys.

Editing issues: One typo found

Publisher: Indie

Length: 36,226 words (Smashwords approximate)

Final Grade: B-

Happy Reading,
Theodora from irbookreviews.com
Profile Image for Donna.
4,129 reviews58 followers
November 15, 2011
This is a spin-off of Melissa Schroeder’s A Little Harmless series. I went into this thinking it was going to be just like the A Little Harmless series only with soldiers and sailors etc. I was both right and wrong. This story was sweet and spicy. It has all the heat of the A Little Harmless series but with a bit more romance and the understanding of what it is like to be involved with a military man that can only come from experience.

A definite must read for Melissa Schroeder fans.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
978 reviews
November 16, 2011
The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 was because it was so short. For being so short, Melissa Schroeder did a good job of developing her characters and the story. The sex was hot, and it fit nicely into the story.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,416 reviews90 followers
June 2, 2023
An ok story. Lots of sexual content. A very erotic story. Enjoyed it. 3☆
Profile Image for Laurie Gyd.
1,963 reviews9 followers
September 30, 2019
Hot romance

She didn’t think she would ever get used to the way he spoke to her. He might be a quiet one, but when those words flowed over her, they took hold of her heart and would not let go.
Profile Image for Shell.
30 reviews18 followers
November 15, 2011
Shannon Dupree thought that the wedding in Hawaii would be just another vacation until the sexy Seal Francis McKade walked in with her brother Malachi. The one man that could take her breath away with just a look. The only problem was that was all that he had ever done but that was about to change. Having Kade hold her in his arms was something that filled her fantasies but giving him the go ahead for some no obligations wedding sex was possibly the only chance she had at being with him and she was going to take whatever she could get.

Francis McKade was once again looking across the room at the most sexiest woman he had ever met. It was too bad that she was his best friends baby sister and totally hands off for him. Doing the two step with her at the wedding made him make a decision that would change his life. Spending the night with Shannon was magical especially when she showed him that she was more than a little bit submissive when he let her taste a bit of his dominant side. Something that he had hoped to explore further before getting the call that he and Mal had to ship out right away, the call that would change his life forever.

Shannon is done with waiting to hear from Kade. She knew that he and Mal had gone into a bad situation but they were back, they were alive and she knew her texts and emails were getting through but his continued silence proved that the connection she thought they had shared was nothing more than her own fantasy. Kade couldn’t say no when Mal asked him to take their week off and come with him to New Orleans, he needed to see her despite knowing that he could never be what she needed. Could never be the man he was before. Scarred from his mission, Kade still could not stay away from the feisty bar-owner but he is not the same man and his desires and needs are much harder and darker than they were before and he could not allow his pain to hurt the woman he wanted more than anything. Shannon needs to lick her wounds, returning to Hawaii and her family where she can only hope to get over the hurt but when a man in uniform steps back into her life she must make a decision whether to take a chance on following her heart and the man she loves.

I devoured this little piece of sinful erotic deliciousness. Kade is dark, dangerous and scarred. The mission he returned from changing him forever. Shannon is made of awesome. Not another skinny, flat chested heroine….. her voluptuousness not only is sexy and desirable by Kade but it made her more real to me (being a larger sized woman myself). I loved her spunk, her humor and her passion to go for what she wants and to try new things in the bedroom. I am quite enamored with the Harmless books that I have read so far and need to find the time to fill my ereader with more of them.
Profile Image for Jody.
2,089 reviews60 followers
November 27, 2011
Ms. Schroeder has done it again! She's created a story that perfectly balances steamy sexual interludes with the harsh affects of war on our loved ones. The hero and heroine of this story have to work hard to reach their HEA, especially the hero who has to learn to open up about his feelings. Their journey is a hard one but well worth the emotional pain they experience along the way.

Francis "Kade" McKade has loved Malachi's little sister, Shannon, for years. After a wedding in Hawaii he finally makes his move and they share a night of passion that both of them realize is anything but casual. The next morning he's called away on a mission that goes horribly awry and returns to Shannon a changed man. Kade no longer feels happiness, he's a man haunted by injury and death with a leftover physical impairment as a constant reminder. He's realized that life is fleeting and can end at any moment and it's caused him to close himself off from feelings for fear of loss. I was sad to see him so closed off from the world with nightmares haunting him nightly. The author realistically shows Kade's depression and the subtle emotional issues of his two friends who return with him. Ms. Schroeder shows that war really is hell in the eyes of our returning heroes.

Shannon, with her outgoing manners and speech, is just what Kade needs. She too has loved him forever and has no intention of letting him go once they finally connect. She forces him to confront his demons and makes the ultimate sacrifice of her love to help him heal completely. His final romantic act is one that makes your heart ache and would make Richard Gere jealous.

The sexual interludes between Shannon and Kade are hot and perfectly spaced throughout the story. There's a light touch of BDSM to these scenes that adds a nice bit of heat and excitement to their times together. They were a great match for each other and complimented one another beautifully.

Also enjoyable in this story were two secondary characters, Shannon's brother Malachi and their older military buddy Deke. Both of these men have their own demons that the reader just catches a glimpse of. Deke's pining for a lost love while Malachi has commitment issues. These men are strong, sexy, and full of charm and I look forward to them getting their own stories.

This story had me enthralled from beginning to end. With sexy yet angst-ridden men and a strong and likable heroine, I was drawn into this world that Ms. Schroeder created. I hated to reach the end but look forward to the future and will be counting down the days until Deke's story is released.
Profile Image for katrina.
993 reviews70 followers
November 21, 2011
This is the first book I have ever read of Melissa's and I will be surely delving into more of her hot reads. ** waggles eyebrows ** certainly a read for a cold winters night!!

Melissa has woven a heartfelt yet sexy read into this new series. It was only a short read, but don’t let this deter you from delving in ... Its filled with rich characters, characters I completely enjoyed, and a great storyline that progresses well from beginning to end. A female character in which I enjoyed reading about, Shannon was strong, independent and also quiet assertive I love a woman with grunt and who knows what she wants. But also when the time is right knows how to take what she is given ** wink wink **

Kade is a Seal, has been infatuated with Shannon for years, and one night all his dreams have come true. !! Shannon pops on her big girl panties and decides it’s time to put herself on the line!!

A night filled with hot passion, lust and infatuation is let loose and Shannon is left feeling starry eyed and sated... However Kade is called away on a mission and everything she thought they shared almost nonexistent. ! Kade returns 4 months later a different man, cold, withdrawn and very much alone. But will he let Shannon in to heal his wounds and let her into his heart and life ?

Ok.... I must say I read this story till 3am in the morning, what was meant to be a read to put me to sleep it did the absolute opposite!! When Melissa says grab that glass of water - have one ready.

This read contains slight traces of BDSM - erotic and sexual moments - Passion and enough Chemistry between the characters to send your reader into a frenzy at how fast you read!! I’m sure I had steam wafting off my pages lol...

A great storyline fluenly flowing from one chapter to the next explaining - The life of a Seals wife; girlfriend - telling us off the turmoil and heartaches from both points of view... I honestly can’t imagine how hard it must be for either of them but Melissa has put forth great descriptions within this storyline. Vivid descriptions throughout ** wink wink ** so if your after something hot , sexy and tantalizing, that will not only scorch your eyelashes but make your toes curl then this read is for you !

A great array of supporting characters, which I hope to see more of in the upcoming books, smoking hot scenes , passion, heartfelt moments and overall a recommended read for all !!
Profile Image for MaggieReadsRom.
956 reviews117 followers
November 23, 2011
4,5 stars!

Memorable Scenes:
- the one (first) night in Hawaii > It was so hot it melted my brain cells
- the scene with the scarves > the action with that one scarf... OMG! *fans self*


INFATUATION is the first book of Melissa Schroeder’s I’ve read for review and the third one in total. I read her first two Harmless books way back when I didn’t even fathom reviewing the romance novels I was reading. So when this book was offered for review I grabbed it with both hands!

And I do not regret the grabbing! With a heroine (Shannon Dupree) who is strong, capable and positively a woman whom any man would want standing in his corner and a Navy Seal hero (Francis ‘Kade’ McKade) who is sexy, quiet and commanding Melissa Schroeder gave me an awesome read.

Melissa Schroeder knows how to crank up the heat in the love scenes. The start of the book set the tone and it didn't let down till the very last page and word. The added subtle hint of BDSM just made it all the more interesting. When sex scenes in a book give me goose-bumps I know I have a scorcher in hand.

And next to the burn-the-pages heat there was so much more to INFATUATION. Starting with the small, subtle military plot of a mission gone FUBAR and the consequences of that to the members of the team. But there was also great characterization and a cast of secondary characters that were intriguing to say the least.

Schroeder has a writing style that I took a liking to from the very first page. She combines heat and emotions with humor, great characters and fabulous dialogues, making this book fast-paced and character-driven. Reading INFATUATION makes me want to go back and start the Harmless series again from the start and review them all.

INFATUATION is an awesome contemporary, erotic and military romance that was such a joy to read, I finished it in 24 hrs while having to work. It was sizzling hot and emotional. The two things I always seek in the erotic romances I read.
Profile Image for Leagh.
134 reviews19 followers
November 28, 2011
Kade aka Francis McKade, is a seal who has had a crush on his best friend's sister for many years. But if he has learned one thing, it is that your friend's little sisters are off limits. That is until, a Hawaiian wedding has brought them together. Shannon has had a crush on the big, strong, military friend of of her brother's for a long time. Whenever he so much as looks at her she melts on the spot. She sees heat in his eyes but he has never acted so she decided to take matters into her own hands. One night in a Hawaiian hotel room will change their lives forever, oh so they thing, until Kade is called away on one of his most dangerous missions yet. After loosing all contact for 4 months, Kade returns, and is not the same man he was when he left. Now it is up to Shannon to put the peices of her lover back together again.

This story is an excellent addition to the Harmless world. Kade is...sexy...to say the least. He is alpha, dominant, tortured, and also very sweet. He is loyal to the core and will protect those he loves with his dying breath. I absolutely loved him and truly felt sorry for him. Shannon is no softy either, she is confident, powerful, and will not let anyone tell her what to do. She was the perfect heroine for Kade. She did not let him sulk and forced him to face his demons and heal.

The plot was amazing and flowed very well. You got to see characters from the past and also got to see some secondary characters that we have met in the past. Even thought this is a separate series the story rang true to the other Harmless books and is connected very well while still being held separate. I loved how you could almost feel the emotion while reading. The chemistry between the characters was explosive and you will not be disappointed with the sex. It is burning up the sheets HOT! I cannot wait for future installments in this amazing and exciting world that Melissa has built for us.

Kudos to you Melissa for another great story!
Profile Image for Bells.
114 reviews149 followers
December 2, 2011
After I stopped staring at the cover of the book, because I like it a lot, I finally got to reading it and was instantly sucked into the storyline of Infatuation. Another bonus of the book was reading about a hot NavySEAL! Kade's feelings towards Shannon is at a boiling point after seeing her at a wedding that they both attend. He's a man of few words but Shannon is able to see the fire in his eyes when he looks at her. Taking a chance pays off for her when she invites him to her hotel room and they share a scorching night together before he has to leave for duty. They have had a connection for years and it's difficult for Shannon to understand why Kade doesn't contact her for months while he is away. When he does return he is a changed man and there is obvious tension between the two of them. She feels as if their night together meant nothing to him while he is a harder, edgier. The change brings out another side to him that Shannon never knew about. He wants to be in control in the bedroom, and she likes it. The light BDSM scenes between the two of them were hot and it's a good thing for Kade because Shannon can see some of his old self again. Their emotions for one another are up and down throughout the book and it added to the tension between the two them.

This is the 1st book of Melissa Schroeder's that I have read and I found her writing to be enjoyable. The storyline flowed easily for me and I found myself enjoying the storyline and characters right from the start. The characters all care for each other deeply and this was evident in a scene with Kade and Shannon's mother. There's nothing like being around those that truly know what's best for you and I'm happy that Kade was surrounded by so much love because that is exactly what he needed. I'm looking forward to learning more about the characters in the future releases in this series.
Profile Image for Daisy Girl.
12 reviews
December 4, 2011
Melissa Schroeder has put a slightly different spin on the Harmless series with the military connection. This, the first in the series has all the good stuff in it that you get from the Harmless books; hunky hero, hot heroine, juicy sex scenes, a little bondage fun, and a story that keeps you interested.

Kade is a SEAL. He’s friends and team member of Malachi Dupree. He’s also had a crush on Mal’s sister Shannon for years. When Kade meets up with Shannon at her brother Chris wedding, Shannon decides to take a chance with him and invites him to her room after the wedding reception. Both get a little more than they bargained for. Their feelings for one another come out and both are left wanting more when Kade is called out on a military mission early the next morning. Unfortunately, the mission goes bad, very bad, and Kade is left injured, both physically and emotionally and dealing with post traumatic stress disorder. When Kade and Shannon meet up again, the man Shannon knew at the wedding is gone and a harder man is behind the cold eyes. Will Shannon be able to bring out the old Kade again or will his demons continue to haunt him?

I really love reading the Harmless series and Infatuation did not disappoint me. I got into the story nicely, enjoyed the appearance of other characters from previous books in the Harmless series and the sex scenes were just right; not over the top and not too bland. Shannon is a strong and self assured female who’s not afraid to go after what she wants with out being pushy. Kade dealing with the PTSD was something different for me in a good way. Most books I read with military men are the ‘large and in charge, got it together’ kind of men. Kade with the issues brought on by the mission-gone-wrong showed his vulnerable side and had me liking him more for it.
Profile Image for Heather in FL.
2,063 reviews
December 25, 2011
What chemistry between Shannon and Kade! I kind of like the genre of "best friend's sister is off limits but I just can't help myself". :-) And I also find it cute when said sister has no clue of the man's infatuation. She's just as infatuated, but has no clue that he's even interested a little bit. At her sister's wedding in Hawaii, after her sister and May (from the Harmless series) tell her about Kade's interest, she takes a chance and basically offers herself to him. Just as she's about to give up on him, he responds to her invitation. Enthusiastically. And multiple times. :-) And then, being a Seal, he's called away early the next day. Something goes very wrong on that mission, and four months later, after Kade has broken off communications with Shannon because he thinks he's broken and not good enough for her, Shannon's brother brings Kade and another wounded team mate, Chief, to New Orleans for a visit. As much as Kade wants to let Shannon go, he can't. And ultimately he realizes that without her, he's nothing. So it ends with an HEA, but there's a lot of will they/won't they that tugs at your heart in the meantime. Great story.
Profile Image for Gail.
136 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2011
Melissa Schroeder's 'Infatuation' is yet another outstanding story in the Harmless series. This book is smoldering!

Francis McKade, is a handsome, hot Navy Seal. He has it bad for his best friend's baby sister, Shannon. Shannon Dupree is a bar owner in New Orleans. Shannon is strong and direct, she has no problem going after what she wants.
Shannon has feelings for Kade, but never thought that he noticed her. So at her brother's wedding in Hawaii , after talking to sister and friend, she decides to go after what she wants. Kade is having a tough time resisting Shannon, but when she approaches him with an invite to her room, his resistance is worn thin. Shannon and Kade connect, but then a mission drags Kade away and when the mission goes awry, he's hurt and needs to heal physically and mentally.

This is a must read in the Harmless series and not to be missed. This story travels to Hawaii and New Orleans with a stubborn man, and a determined women. This story will stay in your heart long after you finish the last line.

Profile Image for Daune Mc.
34 reviews
November 21, 2011
Heat, Heat & more
The love story of Shannon Dupree & Frances McKade but everyone calls him Kade. There is some serious Heat from the two of them! People be prepared to have buckets of ice at your side.Besides that I like that Shannon is a curvy woman. She is a woman who knows what she wants. And speaks her mind you don't have to wonder, this is until it comes to Kade.With him she is a little shy with her feelings about him. But once she sets her mind to something there is no stopping her, she wants Kade with everything in her. So at her brother's Chris's wedding in Hawaii she makes her move and let's Kade know she wants him. Of course Kade wants her too. And the Heat begins. You are so going to enjoy reading this story.
Profile Image for TinaMarie.
3,513 reviews38 followers
November 16, 2011
Francis McKade is one hot Seal and Shannon Dupree is just the woman to keep him on his toes and to love him enough to help him recover from a mission gone bad… if he’ll let her.

These two start heating up the sheets after a family wedding in Hawaii, then McKade is called away on a mission. These two are reunited in New Orleans when her brother brings him back to Shannon in hopes that she can help him recover from a mission that went bad.

Melissa Schroeder brings these two to life with amazing realism, hot locations and some hot steamy loving, with some light BDSM. A great read I high recommend to all!
Profile Image for Farmers Wife.
112 reviews
November 26, 2011
I absolutely flew through this story and loved it! I think this is one of my favorites written by Melissa Schroeder. I can't wait until her next novel is out in her Military series! Hot, steamy, and blood pumping good! Kade and Shannon are perfect together! If you know anything about Melissa's writing you know I'm underselling the s-e-x-y in this book!

I don't want to spoil it here, so...

This one goes for review on my blog!

And, thanks to Brandy Walker and to Melissa Schroeder for the opportunity to read this!!
Profile Image for Sheri.
266 reviews43 followers
November 30, 2011
Melissa Schroeder branches out from her wildly popular Harmless series with Infatuation: A Little Harmless Military Romance. Infatuation is a delicious joy ride of sexiness. Shannon Dupree and Francis McKade are the perfect heroine and hero to start of this new series. Kade is a sexy Seal and embodies everything a woman could want in a man while Shannon is the one woman who can handle him. I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series; if you love Ms. Schroeder’s Harmless series then you’ll love her Military Romances.
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