First Exposure

Aegis #0.5

by Elisabeth Naughton

A film that could make her career…

America’s sweetheart, Avery Scott, is up for the biggest role of her life, one with Oscar potential. When her girl-next-door fame prevents Avery from doing the in-depth research for the sensual role herself, her assistant insists on traveling to an exclusive couples resort to handle the job. But when her friend goes missing, Avery’s focus shifts from landing the role of a lifetime to finding out what happened on the sultry Caribbean island.

A weekend that will change her life…

Avery contacts Aegis Securities and hires one of their elite operatives to accompany her to the resort. She just doesn’t expect to get former undercover FBI agent Cade Blackwell—the man who ripped out her teenage heart twelve years before. Avery’s a good actress. With a little work and a convincing disguise, she’s confident she can fool the staff at the resort. The question is…can she fool Cade? Because one weekend at the sexiest resort in the world with the only man she’s ever loved will expose her to more than just a kinky new lifestyle. It’ll expose her to numerous wicked firsts that will test every ounce of her self-control. And if she’s not careful, she could lose her heart—and her life—in the process.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Novella, Suspense, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—award winning author Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Elisabeth now writes full-time.

Though primarily known for her romantic suspense work, Elisabeth has penned over thirty books and continues to write in multiple genres, including paranormal romance and contemporary romance. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have earned several award nominations, including three prestigious RITA® nominations from Romance Writers of America. In 2017, REPRESSED, the first book in her Deadly Secrets series, won the RITA® for best romantic suspense.

Elisabeth's work has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as being filled with "deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action, and scorchingly hot passion.” Kirkus calls her "a writer talented enough at weaving a yarn to get her readers ensnared in it.” When not dreaming up new stories, Elisabeth can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home, wrangling two cats, or chasing after one very rambunctious Dalmatian.

Learn more about Elisabeth and her books at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.

Reviews

[Saly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 stars
Twelve years after he broke her heart and annulled their marriage, Hollywood actress runs into Cade when she approaches Aegis security to help find her missing friend. Her friend went to an adult resort to research a role for her and Cade and Avery go undercover to find her. A lot of sexy moments and ensue and past secrets and regrets come out. I found this novella entertaining.

[Mojca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Avery Scott's assistant went on a research trip to an exotic swinger's resort in the Caribbean...and promptly disappeared. After three weeks, Avery is ready to find out what happened to Melody and go look for her, but she needs a cover. She needs the second half of a couple. And who better to ask than a top-notch security firm with excellent references.

But her plan doesn't seem to be working that well, since she's paired with Mr. Dark and Dangerous, a man eerily similar to the love of her life...Who turns out to be the love of her life, the man who's broken her heart twelve years ago. Now, she has two choices while looking for her assistant. Either keep Cade at a safe distance and protect what's left of her heart, or finally get closure...by getting Cade (in the sack).


I got the third book in the series as a freebie from Netgalley, so I had to read the rest of the series first (I'm just made that way).

It started great. A young actress determined to find out what happened to her assistant/friend, but knowing she's out of her depths, so she hires a security agency to help her out, only to end up paired with the man she's been pining after for almost half her life.
And this is where her issues started. And boy, did she have issues. I had no idea if it was self-esteem, self-preservation, naiveté, innocence, stubbornness...or everything meshed into one, the girl was all over the place. The guy luckily didn't have as many issues, for a former rebel, he was the saner of the two, but for a highly-skilled operative (former military and FBI, current security expert), he didn't seem to be able to use his upper head. Which is great when you're alone with the one you love and there's nothing keeping you back or nothing else keeping you occupied, but seemed a bit out of place during a mission that involved missing people and potential drug-trafficking.

Also, thinking with his lower head prevented him from seeing evidence of Avery having had her drink spiked (hello, the morning after amnesia clearly spelled roofie, but maybe that was just me). And don't get me started on a couple of TSTL moments on the heroine's part. Okay, I understand you're not skilled in subterfuge, but you don't rush away in a snit (no matter what the discussion was about or what memories it has provoked) alone, into the same bar where you've drunk the night before (and blanked out later, and lost all memories of the night), heading straight for a drink, and spilling the beans on the phone for everybody around you to hear. WTF?!

Yes, it started great, but quickly lost the pace (it really dragged in some places), the hero and heroine had some very stupid moments, the suspense didn't deliver, and everything was resolved too quickly (it worked for the issues between the h/H, but the suspense part needed some extra pages).

I'm looking forward to the full-length books.

[Riverina Romantics · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Elisabeth Naughton read.
I really enjoyed it. Great heat. Great writing style.
I will definitely be reading more of her work.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two-haiku review:

Her friend is missing
Security guy to help
But she loved him once

I liked characters
A bit too short for much depth
Nice series intro

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did enjoy a few scenes and was slowly coming around to liking the book...until the last two chapters. Then it completely dumped all over what the rest of the book stood for. After that, there was no coming back from it and no redemption for Cade's character. Two things bothered me with Avery that I could easily get over, her reckless behavior particularly with speaking out loud giving herself away or jumping the gun instead of using her head. Then there's the fact that she claims to be this great actress and although in the beginning she proved herself right, the rest of the story she's an open book and can't keep focused on the job at hand. This disappointed me because I expected her to play him and keep her heart guarded well from the one who broke it and she let me down.

Cade however, he was just ten kinds of messed up and didn't deserve her. He abandons her 12 years prior to the book and jumps all over her case as a client forcing himself onto the job and initially treating her like dirt when he has no right to be pissy with her when HE left her. Seeing him try to manipulate his way back into her good graces left me with a bad taste in my mouth when he would play ping pong with how he treated her hot and cold. Once she really softened up with him though I forced myself to let it go and enjoy the rest of the book and it worked for me...until those last two chapters ruined everything up until that point. After him claiming to have never stopped loving her, how he promised he wouldn't let her go again as if that's supposed to make her feel special, only to find out through a simple picture... the f*cking jerk spent so much time regretting letting her go and feeling so sorry for himself that he messed around with one of his friend's sister, got her pregnant, and MARRIED her!!! Avery gave up everything for him and ran away to get married to be happy with him and he abandons her, sends her annulment papers, and never gives her an explanation all for her own good so she could live comfortably instead of trusting she wouldn't turn into a bitter, cold, resenting wife. He married her, left her alone pregnant, abandoned her and went off to play house with someone else, granted it was recent, but the point is he was a weak coward in a mans body who should have fought for what he wanted. Her daughter is dead and now she gets to play mommy to a son who isn't hers and a reminder of what she lost. I don't see how she could accept that so easily and not be hurt by it but on top of that giving up everything she's worked for AGAIN for HIM so she could be with an inconsiderate jack*ss and be a mother to someone else's kid. Sorry, but that still makes me furious that I wasted my time on this. I feel cheated and hope I never remember this book again over time.

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book

Since I have totally fallen for the men and women of Aegis Security, I thought I might want to go back and check out some of the novellas, that started things off. First Exposure is actually the second novella in the series and Elisabeth Naughton does not skimp. And awesome series demands awesome novellas.

Avery Scot has the opportunity of a lifetime or at least of her career. While she is deemed "America's Sweetheart" she finally has a chance to bust out of that image and do a film that could literally make or break her. Only while doing research, her assistant went missing and Avery is unsure what to do. No one believes her. So she heads to Aegis Security and discovers way more than a lost friend. It seems the only man who ever broke her heart will be her partner in this investigation. An investigation where they will have to go undercover at a swingers club.. Is Avery that good of an actress? Is anyone?

Cade Blackwell, did the right thing. Or at least he thought he did. He walked away from the woman he loved, left her to return to her life and maybe make something of herself. What he didn't realize was that he walked away from his heart and nothing would ever really be the same. Now he has a chance to either end it finally or rebuild what they had. Either way this is way more than just a job.

Swingers Club in the Caribbean no less, guess Club Med got bored.. Avery and Cade are a mix and match couple if ever there was one. They have chemistry up the whoo ha but Ms. Naughton does not rely on sex. Pretty funny cuz she could have but nope. She works the emotions in and tears down walls. This is an intense little novella and emotions really do run high. Had I not already been in love with this series, I would have certainly been engaged by this book. It was well worth going back to the beginning and reading it now.

Give yourself a treat and read this book.

Shauni

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery´s assistant disappears when she´s on a research mission on a swingers resort, and Avery contacts Aegis Security for help with the investigation. What she never expected was her old childhood sweetheart and first love being a part of their crew.
Cade never forgot Avery and now here´s his chance to reconnect.
Smutty fluff, hurt feelings, instant chemistry and suspense.
Can´t wait for the next book in this series.
Awesome short story that ticked off all my boxes.

Read this as a part of the Wicked Firsts Anthology.

[Luli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too much sex bordering on erotica. Second chance romance. The author relayed on melodrama to give us some not-sex-related feelings. I liked the MC´s.

At Wicked Firsts anthology.

[Rachel-RN · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*
Avery and Cade's history is heartbreaking. They are able to move past it and focus on the future. The chemistry was hot. The disappointment? Avery behaved numerous times like an idiot. She also repeatedly broke character. For someone who is such a good actress, that was unexpected and unwelcome.

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elisabeth Naughton has my interest in Aegis operatives piqued! What an introduction to specialty resorts and rediscovering a relationship from their youth. A lot happened in this novella and I am eager to discover more.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one!!

[Diana Ricketts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a second chance romance; it's one of my favorite book themes. The characters were enjoyable and the reader could feel the emotions they felt for each other. The story line of finding her missing friend was interesting and it had a slow build that resulted in Avery being in danger herself. A good portion of the book was focused on rebuilding Avery and Cade's relationship, which was necessary after what they had been through. Finding out why they split 12 years earlier was sad, but reading Avery' s side of the story was heartbreaking. It was even more heartbreaking when Cade revealed his past. Reading both of their emotions during this scene made it all the more devastating. I like Cade a lot, but I was mad at him as well. I got his reasons for staying away but it still made me hurt for Avery....It was a good book. Very heart felt and I'm glad they were able to work through the past together and form a future.

[Janet D. Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First exposure

Cade and Avery knew each other since high school but he left her behind and never looked back. Twelve years later they are face to face because Avery needs help finding her friend. Low and behold Cade is the one the boss puts on the line to help her find her friend . Can they let the past go to do just that? Chemistry is off the charts but old hurts come to light and truths come out and shock to their core. But can love overcome or push them away?

[★¸. • * ° *Jillie* ° *•.¸☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick fun read. A solid 3.5 stars from me. I usually stay away from books about hollywood or has the H/H that is a hollywood star.

#FavoriteAutoBuyAuthor #turnthatpage #paperbackbooks

You can find me over on Facebook at My Open Book at the Dragonfly. Come over and say hello.

[Idil · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so bad on so many levels. This installment, these characters, especially this hero is such a huge disappointment after the main books. In a nutshell, Cade is a jerk, Avery is stupid. End of story.

[☘KathyD☘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice teaser for a new series. It was fast-paced and sexy. I look forward to getting to meet more of the Aegis team.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a short book not a sure🙃

[Zoey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5★

[Viviana Izzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella in the Aegis Series, "First Exposure" kicks off the series in a good way. Elisabeth Naughton definitely knows how to write an Alpha male!

Ava and Cade see each other for the first time in 12 years and truly a lifetime. Both had thought they had moved on, however the chemistry is still there and soon find out that moving on is the least they had done.

Ava is on a mission to find her friend and she knows she needs Cade to ensure they both make it out alive. Diving head first into a world she knows nothing about she thinks she has everything under control. Far from it! Cade still has an affect on her, one that could compromise them both.

Cade walked away from Ava in order to ensure she had the opportunity to a real good life. While he has kept tabs on her during the 12 years, he did move on with his life. Well, he thought he had.

Old passions ignite and truths come out, in a dangerous environment that can lead to tragedy.

I really liked "First Exposure" and I'm looking forward to the new Aegis Series. I do wish that Ava would have put more of a fight when it came down to finding out Cade's secret. Yes, there's a secret and you'll have to read the book to find out what it is. While I understand that the circumstances of their current situation could have put somethings in perspective, I think that any woman would have reacted a bit more with emotion. Then again, it's a story and a well written one! Again, this is a great start to a new series that I'm looking forward to reading!!

This and other reviews available at Viviana, Enchantress of Books

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd novella about the Aegis Security team. When Avery Scott’s, who is a movie star, assistant goes missing after she went to a adult only resort on a fact finding mission for a part for Avery, she enlist the help of Aegis Security to try and help her find out what happened to her. What Avery didn’t count on was the man being assigned to go with her undercover would be her childhood love, Cade Blackwell, she hasn’t seen in more than 12 years. He’s broke more than her heart when he left her all those years ago and she’s never quite recovered. You could feel the chemistry coming from these two from their first meeting and even though Avery fought it being on an island surrounded by sex in all forms made it impossible to not give in. In their search for her assistant, Cade realizes that something far worse than they thought is going on and Avery is already on their radar. I really liked both of these characters and the story had equal parts of suspense, sexy loving and angst.

[Rene Lewis Mahood · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Exposure is Excellent.  This is the first book in Elisabeth Naughton's new Aegis Security series.  Avery hires Aegis to help her find a missing friend.  What she doesn't realize at the time is that Cade, her ex from 12 years prior works for them and he gets himself assigned to her case.  There is a lot of history and chemistry between Avery and Cade and they each have a secret.  This book is filled with everything a reader could ask for, mystery, suspense, hot sex, laughter, and tears.  When the secrets are revealed it was heart breaking.  Some secrets and the pain they cause can be too big to get past.  You will need to read the book to find out if Avery and Cade are able to put the past behind them long enough to work together to attempt to find Avery's friend and whether they can forgive each other.  

[Kelly at · Rating 5 out of 5]

NUMBER OF STARS: 4
REVIEW:
This was a fun yet gut wrenching story. But that being said this is a novella so my review will be short and sweet and that I am looking forward to the first full length in the Aegis Security series.
Avery & Cade have a past. It might not have been glamorous. But the secrets that each are keeping from each other maybe too much to handle. But they will both have to learn to work together in order to make it off the island alive. Will they be able to put the past behind them long enough?
You will have to pick up a copy of First Exposure to find out.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery is a prominent Hollywood actress whose assistant has gone missing researching an assignment at a sex resort. Avery hires a security agency to help her locate her assistant and the agent assigned to be her “pretend” husband on the trip is none other than Cade, her first love. Avery and Cade have a lot of past and secrets to work through. Avery’s anger at Cade is much easier to understand when she confronts him with an event in their shared past. Parts of this story were heart wrenching but it was worth it to discover whether they could let go of the past and find a future together. This story is also available in the Wicked Firsts anthology.

[Sparkymom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the series

Though this was pretty short, it read like a full length novel without rushing anything. Even though this is listed as the first Aegis story, I actually read 2 of the full length novels first. I knew I would like this story based on how much I enjoyed the other books. This story is set in a resort for swingers. Cade and Avery have an antagonistic history, but end up staying at the resort undercover. While I definitely wouldn't classify this as erotica, it was certainly very steamy with some background sexual activity which was much freakier than what the main couple engage in. Plenty of suspense and a bit of action make this story interesting and exciting.

[Avey Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rate of 4.5 stars --- A very good start to what looks like a great adventure series with a very good storyline; look forward to reading about other members of this security agency, the entire group from the big boss to the others that work for the agency, all sound very competent and very sexy and unquestionably Cade’s character certainly fits that description. Avery’s character also had just the right amount of sass, level-headiness and vulnerability, all put together with just the right amount of mystery and sexual chemistry definitely made this story a very enjoyable read.

[Djg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in Wicked Firsts anthology

First Exposure by Elisabeth Naughton
Famous Actress wants to find her assistant who disappeared while researching at a Private Resort for sexually adventurous couples. She hires Aegis Security agency to help her and is paired with Cade Blackwell who just happed to be her first love. Some things were implausible like her not recognizing him at first and the suspense plot was flimsy but the sexual tension was great and the love scenes scorching.
The characters were likable if not fully developed but it was an enjoyable read.

[Ashley N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I like the security agency romantic suspense trope, and while I think this would have been better as a full-length story, the novella worked for me. The characters have a secret history that complicates their already dangerous mission. Their chemistry was strong, especially highlighted by all the sexual tone around them. Plot was predictable in the suspense aspect, but there were some nice twists in the characterizations. I would read more from this author.

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually I find Novella's either too short, too rushed or I just don't get into the story enough before its over, leaving it kinda boring. However, this, was the perfect Novella! Little bit of everything, humour, chemistry, suspense, heat.. it was all there. I can't wait to read more from this series!

[MsChris1161 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent well-written story. The chemistry between Cade Blackwell and Avery Scott is explosive. Sexy, intense, sensual, and most of all emotional. You don't doubt from their first reaction to seeing each other again that the bond between them is as strong as it ever was. *5 stars.