Declan MacKenzie has loved the same woman for as long as he can remember, but after a mission early on in his career turns deadly, he realizes he can never have a wife or family and keep them safe. So he watches her marry another man. Sophia Huxley is involved in a nightmare. Her late husband has been labeled a traitor and he's made her the fall guy. There's no one she can call to prove her innocence. Except the man who broke her heart. MacKenzie Security Series Reading #1 - Cade #2 - Shadows and Silk #3 - Secrets and Satin #4 - Sins and Scarlet Lace #5 - Sizzle #6 - Crave #7 - Scorch
Liliana Hart spent five years teaching music in the public education system. She molded America’s youth, busted kids for smoking pot in the restrooms, and broke up illicit affairs behind the stage on a regular basis. (Liliana’s Addison Holmes Mystery Series, about a small town teacher who gets into a whole lot of trouble, is somewhat autobiographical, but she won’t confess to which parts).
Liliana began reading romance novels with all her new found free time, and when she ran out of things to read, she decided to write her own novels. The result was a 150,000 word thriller—a dazzling adventure—where the heroine was a thirty-year-old virgin assassin (Yes, you read that right). She couldn’t imagine why people weren’t knocking down her door to read it, but she persevered and began writing a second book. She finally got the hang of things, and eventually learned that losing one’s virginity wasn’t all that romantic after all. All of her books involve some kind of suspense (she just can't help herself), laughter, and a lot of steamy sex.
Since the failure of her first attempt, Liliana’s books have won awards such as: The Daphne Du Maurier, The Suzannah, The Linda Howard Award of Excellence, The Maggie, and many others. Her affiliations include Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Liliana loves to cook, and is addicted to reading, Internet Boggle, kickboxing, and Bones. She lives in a big, rambling house in Texas with a couple of cats to keep her company. She loves to get emails from readers.
Would have given it more stars if the plot hadn't turned to an extreme of unbelievable! You have almost every new age gadget, man power, solid and secured compound trying to protect one woman and trick evil man into coming to that compound and what do you do.................. You let said woman leave compound to go to the grocery store!!!!!!! With blessing of her man and to top it all off, she went with only ONE bodyguard. Cannot come up with enough imagination for that one. Love the series and will continue to read. This is the first in this series to throw me for a loop. The rest was good, but this will be the one section that stands out most in my mind for the book.
Mackenzie 's what a family!!! Bad ass awesome characters, suspense, romance and family. What more could you need in a romantic suspense novel? Steam you say?! Well yes, these books have it as well! But the story is the real prize here. Lilliana Hart is a master story teller!
Sophia had been a virgin two years before she met Declan when they’d started dating, but she was the best kind of lover—generous and curious in equal measure—willing to try anything until sometimes he felt like she was teaching him. As he leaves for a week, they profess their love for each other.
Four Days Later… Sophia is packing boxes to move in with Declan. She had a year of school left before she got her degree, not to mention her parents were both very traditional and wouldn’t be happy about her decision to live in sin. Which was why they would keep thinking she was living in her dorm room until the semester ended.
He should have known, the longer he worked within the covert ranks of the CIA the more his name was brandished by the men who would pay to see him dead. He’d always be hunted. Which meant anyone tied to him would become hunted as well. He would gladly sacrifice his life for his country, but not Sophia’s. He loved her too much as the thought of what he had to do ripped his heart out of his chest. But it was the only way because they would never stop hunting him.
Whilst on a mission, he’s seriously injured, during her bedside vigil, he casts her aside for her protection.
Eight years later...
She’d married a man with a deep-sated hatred for Declan using her as a trophy, after raping her on their wedding night and hurting her until she retaliated by threatening him with a weapon and ultimately divorcing him. Later they discover he was instrumental in selling out names of operatives and financially benefitted.
Brought in for questioning, she has lost her credibility, her home and her job. Now, the people her husband hid the money from, wants their money.
Kane sold Declan’s meeting with a group of SEALs for money and using Sophia’s bank to hide the funds.
The Mackenzie brothers, sister and cousins all have a stake in their ancestral land to maintain their safety.
Forces are now after her, as millions of dollars are unaccounted for with Kane’s demise. “You were supposed to die in that Black Hawk explosion by the way, but I almost think it worked out better. I’d look at that scar on your face every day and have to turn away to keep from laughing at the realization that I did that.” “And then I was smart enough to steal your bitch and give her my name. Yes, he resurrected from the dead. Even the dead rejected him.
On first impressions Sophia was assertive with an ingrained sense of self-preservation which quickly diminished as a lack of willpower, until the focus shifted to sex.
We witness interplay amongst old and new family members adding to this story as reinforcements arrive to their rescue - Max and Jade Devlin, Cal Colter, Archer Ryan, Brant Scott and Gabe Brennan.
She’s been with two men, one that dismissed her from his life and the other by force. Declan has had many sexual encounters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have read all of the previous Mackenzie books and Sins and Scarlet Lace does not disappoint! First off, I am such a sucker for a second chance romance. Declan and Sophia had every opportunity for a happily ever after, but Declan could not justify putting Sophia’s life in danger because of his job. What Declan did not know was that by sacrificing their happily ever after and pushing Sophia into the arms of another man, he would change them both irreparably.
To me Declan is, or was, one of the more anguished characters in the Mackenzie series. I could tell that his heart was broken before I even knew about Sophia. But, in Sins and Scarlet Lace we see so much more of him, and his demons. Despite what Sophia had to go through, I think it actually made her a stronger person, and a woman more able handle Declan’s past, and future. I feel that neither one of them were ready, as a couple, in the past to take on the kind of commitment and strength it takes to be a part of Declan’s lifestyle. The time apart and the journey they went through ended up making them an invincible couple.
Now that Sophia is taking the fall for her ex-husband’s traitorous activities, Declan is stepping up and taking care of what was always his. Declan may be all gung-ho about jumping back into their love-fest, but Sophia has some reservations. She has just escaped one damaging relationship, can she risk her heart and soul so quickly with what might be another one? Sophia definitely struggles with herself in this book. For some time her heart and her mind are at war on what is best for her. Eventually, her heart wins out. While in the midst of a battle between life and death, Sophia and Declan reignite their passion. I loved the chemistry between these two; you can tell that they never really stopped loving one another. And of course the sex is HOT!
Ms. Hart has this uncanny ability to create a story and characters that her readers fall in love with. I have not read a book of hers that I did not absolutely LOVE. With Declan and Sophia I felt such a deeper connection, their emotions seemed magnified because of their past history. I really cannot say enough fabulous things about Sins and Scarlet Lace, and the Mackenzie series in general. If you are looking for a book with equal parts steam and suspense, you've found it!
MacKenzie Hit No. Nine! This is book #9 in the series, be sure to read them in order! The title of this review reminds me of the song Love Potion No. 9 by The Searchers. The MacKenzie's sure don't seem to need any love potions to get their women. I've never met a one of them, but all 9 have been so distracting to me, I get engrossed in the book and totally miss what is going on around me! Loved this book as much as the others. We finally got to learn more about Declan and his past and why he was so against love. The love of his life was married, happily - he thought, to one of his team members. And now a little about the story...
This book starts off HOT HOT HOT!! But then Declan's mission is shot down and he decides to push Sophia away. He loves her too much and doesn't want any harm to come to her. Unfortunately she ends up in a loveless marriage to a hateful traitor. He tries to pin everything on her and after she has lost everything Declan comes sneaking in the middle of the night to save the day. But will Sophia trust him? He broke her heart 10 years ago. She has lost almost everything, can she risk losing her heart again? When her home and all possessions in it are burnt to the ground she has no option but to go with Declan. Find out how he convinces her to trust him, I'll give you a hint - it starts with him only using his mouth and later requires him to be handcuffed!
Favorite passage: "I'm sure my heart should be all a-flutter over the caveman routine, but you're going to have to beat your chest and swing your dick around some other time."
Can't wait for book #10, hoping it will be Shane's story. I'm wondering if he will run into the hostage they rescued in a previous book, I think #8... If you haven't tried the MacKenzie series by Liliana Hart, be sure to start with book 1, Dane - currently free on Amazon! Dane Amazon Link
If you are into hot romance with some suspense, look no further. Liliana does an awesome job. This is book 9 in this series and it is the best one yet. The first few where short novellas but she has made the last 4 full on novels. She does not disappoint with this one. I love the MacKenzie family and it is good to catch up with all of them in this one. The book centers around Declan who, if you have read the series should have already grown to love. He pushes away the love of his life because he feels like he is protecting her. He has pushed her into the arms of a crazy man. Sophia loves Declan with all her heart, but to free her mind of him she marries the wrong man who is Declan's best friend Kane. Kane has betrayed everyone and Sophia takes the fall. She has been set-up and has the key to millions of dollars and it is up to Declan to protect her. The plot has a twist that I did not see happening until a few sentences before it was revealed. The chemistry between Declan and Sophia is HOT!! I just love Declan's character. He is all alpha but it is so hard to resist him. I highly recommend you rush out and read this. If you have not read any of the others read those as well. Liliana does a great job of adding the suspense with all of the hot sex mixed in. Declan is definitely on my book boyfriend list.
I was waiting for Declan's story for a while now and now I finally read it :) He intrigued me from the start and book after book I was attracted to him even more. He's such a strong character, a good leader for all his friends and colleagues and at the same time, such a sensitive soul. At the end of book 8 I was shoked to see that Sophia was a terrorist and he had to go after her. The only woman he ever loved. I was a little bit scared :P Imagining a lot of things. But when I started reading the book I saw I had nothing to worry about. Love is stroger than anything! And when you love, you forgive. And they found their way again, together... That's all that matters. But now I'm dying to read about Shane. I like him a lot, he's so funny and has that sex appeal that makes you wonder ... what will he be like? And he has such a tragic accident at the end of this book and I don't know how he will get over it. He will be devastated. But maybe with the love of a good woman, he will move on and be happy again.
Been waiting for Declan!!! And I was not disappointed :) I loved Sophia and Declan and their story. The beginning of it was just plain heartbreaking- how Declan pushed Sophia away, straight into Kane Huxley's arms. That no good sonofa....
Loved how Declan was determined to have Sophia love and trust him again and I loved how he took her back to his family, to Surrender in order to protect her.
I love this whole series and i was so glad that Ms. Hart moved this series out of novellas and into full length novels. I pretty much inhaled this series in a couple of days. I cannot WAIT for Shane's story!!
I'm going to make this review a quick one. Sins and Scarlet Lace was pretty good but it seemed incredibly short and I also didn't feel as connected to this couple as I did with the previous ones. Declan was the typical delicious hero I have came to expect and love from Liliana Hart so that's a big plus. And finally, I am biting my nails for Shane's story after the events that happened.
3.75 stars. Sorry Declan. I cannot find any redeeming qualities in you and frankly you just don't seem repentant enough for forgiveness. I admire Sophie for all she went through. But I just don't see how she gets over 10 years of hell and takes him back. Did not check on her once?! And serious sucks at his job that he had the wool pulled over his eyes for years. And it got people killed. One of the few times I did not want a HEA
Finally we see Dec get a HEA! Love all the Mackenzie men and reading the background to his and Sophia's story was a great part of the story. Great action, hot scenes and a HEA makes This a great read.
I just hope we don't have to wait too long for Shane! Kill Shot next on the list...
I believe this is my favorite so far .. I am so glad we finally got to read about Declan. this book is a non stop action .. I read this in one day .. I hope the next one is Shane !!!!!!
This is book four in the MacKenzie Security Novel!
Meet the ghost like, silent mover Declan MacKenzie. Declan has always loved the same woman for as long as he can ever remember. After a mission early on in his career turns deadly, which causes him to be hospitalised for a while, Dec realises that he can never have a wife or family and attempt keep them safe. So Dec watches the woman he loves marry another man. A Man he thought was a friend and what Dec and his other team thought was a trusted colleague Kane Huxley.
The ever lovely and gullible Sophia Huxley. Sophia is deeply involved in a nightmare. Her late husband Kane has been labelled a traitor and he's made Sophia the fall guy. There's no one else that Sophia can call on to help and prove her innocence. Well there is one man and he's the only man she ever loved and he's the man who broke her heart Declan.
Will Sophia with the help of Dec and his team clear her name and be finally clear of Kane. Will Dec give Sophia the space she needs to see if they can find their happily ever after again??
Liliana Hart's books are so amazing, i love it how she writes 5* books
Sins and Scarlet Lace Declan MacKenzie and Sophia Huxley 4.5/5 Stars
Sins and Scarlet Lace is the eighth novel of The MacKenzie Family series / fourth of MacKenzie Security series by Liliana Hart.
Favorite Quotes “You loved me once, Sophia. And no matter what I told you then, I loved you too. That never changed, and I hated myself for having to hurt you. But I thought it would keep you alive. You can try to tell yourself you hate me, and God knows I have a lot to answer for, but you know what we had was never a lie.”-Declan
“I love you.. More than I could ever say with just words.”-Declan
“I have, yes. I've decided home is wherever you are.”-Sophia
As I got further into this book, I started noticing how similar it is to Maya Banks’ KGI series, which probably explains why I liked it so much. But after I made that connection I couldn’t help but start to compare the Mackenzie’s to the Kelly’s, not in any type of bad way, but now I just want to know what would happen if they met each other!
Declan was always a bit mysterious to me, so I was excited when I found out that Sins and Scarlet Lace was his book. His story was an emotional roller coaster, full of excitement, action, and heartbreak.
The supposed male heroes in this series leave a lot to be desired. Sophia deserved so much better than what she went through and who she ended up with. Being raped by her husband made her sexually repressed but Declan can and will get her sorted out sexually. The fact Declan has the cheek to beat his chest and say mine, as he is the cause of her nightmare, is a joke. Terrible what happens to Shane but how none of this family have been killed or worse seeing as they all have risky professions, is amazing. Read in the box set through Kindle Unlimited.
Declan finds himself being hated by the one woman he has loved forever. He left her to protect her, now she is being investigated as a terrorist to the US. How had life gotten so complicated. She is being hunted and Declan will never anything harm her and he won't let her go this time. Intense story that keeps you on edge till the end. The narrator was good. Deep voice that brings the MacKenzie men to life.
OH!! I loved Declan and Sophia's story! Action/adventure, spicy heat, and family loyalty fill every page. Declan is all swoony protective and bossy and Sophia is a pleasant mix of tough and soft.
I'm slowly pickin' and choosing my way through the MacKenzie family books and keep finding myself swept away into their world with each book I pick up.
I love this series. When book series has so many stories sometimes the ideas don't feel as fresh, Liliana Hart is able to bypass that and every story seems unique. Sins and Scarlet Lace tells a story of second chances and forgiveness as well as building on the strong family ties and dynamic of the Mackenzies.
I do not like to read books with extreme sexual content. I my opinion this book was way to racy for me. this was a book a had added to my kindle some time ago. popped up as unread. I deleted from my kindle. not my cup of tea. I do like adventures but not with this much sex. I am an English mystery kind of gal.
My least favourite so far. Always liked Dec, but Sophia wasn’t likable/believable at all and the way she kept threatening all the agents with a gun was ridiculous. As with all the others, the special agent stuff isn’t for me, but I’ll finish the series as I do like the Mackenzie characters.
It was good to see Dec and Soph finally get their happily ever after, after so many years. Not everyone gets a second chance, but they conquered heartbreak and a psycho determined to keep them from each other. Can't wait to read about Shane and his recovery.
This series just gets better and better! I loved this book even though parts were hard to read and had the eyes teary. This is definitely one you don't want to miss!
A decision made in love many years ago has haunted Dec. He finally rights that bad decision after many consequences. Did not see the ending coming at the expense of Shane’s future.
Eh. I liked it better than others mainly because I liked Sophie and felt for her. I actually thought she deserved better than Dec, but, whatever.
Also, is anyone else having a really hard time with a timeline in this book? I'm getting like, SO confused as to when all of this stuff has happened...