An Illicit Pursuit

Pursuit #1

by Liv Bennett

Contemporary Romance -- Due to strong language and descriptive sex scenes, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

The PURSUIT Series will stir your heart and get your blood pumping as you follow the romantic adventures of Adam Garnett.

Being a relentless pursuer is in Adam Garnett's blood. His first obsession is the up-and-coming, beautiful country singer, Pat Stevens. The fact that she has a boyfriend whom she adores does nothing to Adam's plans to seduce her into his bed and eventually into his life. Alas, he doesn't know how destiny will teach him a lesson when he meets his best friend's beautiful girlfriend.

Pat Stevens has tried it all to become the famous and influential singer she's been dreaming of being since she was a little girl. Yet, nothing seems to be working for her toward that goal. As if her career struggle isn't disheartening enough, she has to deal with the strictly religious and proudly Jewish mother of her boyfriend.

Adam's provocative words and seducing moves are becoming hard to withstand. Damn if she doesn't find herself wanting him to try harder to win her heart. Will she be able to get passed her morality and give in to Adam's advances? And to which price?

When life presents her an unexpected surprise, she has to confront difficult choices between her boyfriend and the career she has always dreamed of.

Genres: Romance, Erotica, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Amazon

239 pages, ebook

First published September 5, 2013

About the author

I'm giving away the first 80 pages of Power 6!

The details are in my latest newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/57a0c996f665/power...

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was terrible. At first it almost seems like it will be a triangle between Adam, Pat, and Zach. Then Pat sacrifices her love for Zach for his own good, or so she thinks, and Adam is there. She makes some terrible decisions for what she thinks are the right reasons. She moves on and builds the life she wants with Adam. Adam pursued her whe she was with Zach which automatically dethrones him from being the awesome guy he's built into by the author. Adam goes from adoring and loving Pat to lusting after his friends girlfriend. For no reason!!! Then some of Pats secrets come out to explain some of her behavior and he just walks away!! As readers we get Pats POV for almost the entire book and then all of a sudden we are supposed to root for Adam to find his happiness? He basically pulled Pat away from Zach and then just dropped her when he found someone else younger and beautiful. The way this book played out made me sick. I always finish a series but I'm done after this book. Adam went from needing to find a woman to satisfy his needs to wanting a woman to settle down with (Pat did both of those things for him) to wanting his best friends girlfriend! He waked away from Pat when she needed his love and understanding the most. She overcame her demons to reach out to him to fix their relationship and walked away, hoping to get laid by someone else's girlfriend. He said several times in the book that he's not a cheater but being the person that is cheated with is just as bad. This author is off my to read list. I would hope that in the end Pat and Adam find their way back to each other but I can't stomach reading about Adam and Taylor and honestly don't think Adam deserves a happy ending since he's such a selfish douche.

[Sara Luck · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing actually got better throughout the book, however the story was mind numbingly stupid. I'm not sure who we were cheering for. First, it was Pat and Zach, and then Pat and Adam, then Jack and Taylor, then Adam and Taylor....I have no clue what the point of the whole book was. Stupidly, I read the beginning chapters of book two, And I think it may actually go somewhere, but I can't help thinking...and then what. Obviously Adam has no problem going after a taken girl. But then he has the ability to just walk away when a newer girl comes along. I mean...the whole reason he left Pat was because he could tell she still loved Zach....ummm, Taylor still loves Jack, so what's the difference? Ughh, weird book, with no point.

Also, just read the excerpts for the next few books in this series....ummmm, what about Pat? Sorry but this entire book was about Pat, and then at the end it switches to Adam, and now all of a sudden the entire series is about Adam and his pursuit of Taylor? No freaking sense.

[Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well talk about a cluster f@€% of emotions. The book starts with Adam...a seemingly regular hot blooded young man seeking the right woman to fulfil his every need. Hmmm so I'm thinking great alpha bad boy with an ego the size of the planet. But then he spots Pat and his undying pursuit of her introduces us to a totally different guy.

Pat is a up and coming singer seeking her shot at fame. Her long term boyfriend Zach comes across aloof and a little secretive through out the story. But when we meet his mother it all starts to gel together. Poor Pat is stuck between a rock and a hard place. She loves Zach whole heartedly - but with one final guilt trip from Zach's mum, Pat sets Zach free to live the life he was meant to.

Enter Adam...slowly presenting himself as an all round good guy and Pat slowly warms up to the idea that things happen for a reason...and Adam came in to her life at a time when she really needed him.

Now back to that cluster f@€%....here I was thinking HEA...insecure girl gets the good guy and his wonderful family....and the world is a beautiful place....WRONG! This is where everything gets turned upside down and inside out. Dark secrets are held in place. And success comes at a cost.

Bottom line is this book is not what it seems...it lulls you into a false sense of HEA security...and then BAM! The story totally shifts and moves in a very unexpected direction.

If you enjoy a good erotic adventure, a beautiful coming together of lost souls and ultimately tidal wave of angst...then you will love this book. Right now I need to see my therapist!!!!

A well written story that will play havoc with your heart and mind! Grab your copy now!!!!

[Laurel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to give a one-star review but this book suffers from a massive split personality disorder. I was okay with chapters being told in different points of view, but about 3/4 of the way into the story, the author decides to jump 4 years in time and completely changed the characters. Pat and Adam both suffered complete personality transplants and I ended up hating both of them. It appears that this author has no idea how to fulfill the promises she makes the reader in her set-up or else she decided to spin it into a series instead of just writing a coherent story.
The sad part is that this story had potential. The main character makes hard choices but instead of following through with the emotional fallout of that moment, the author continually jumps time. There are several smaller jumps before the big 4 year jump. The idea was interesting but the execution was severely lacking.
I'm really glad this was a free book because it would have been one of the rare times I'd be demanding my money back.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this book pisses me off!!!

What was the point??? To show that in the end, you'll end up with your true love, no matter what?? Cause let me tell you, that's not what I got from this book.

These characters were disgusting. I hated Pat. She had a good thing going with Zach. Regardless of whether or not there was a religious fanatic mother trying to keep them apart - Pat was a flake about her love for Zach. Even before all the crap leading to their breakup, she was wavering in her affections for him, already fantasizing about Adam. I did not like Pat.

As for Adam - I liked him. Really. I really liked Adam - until Taylor. What the fuck was that??? Who was she & where did she come from?? And if Pat didn't love Adam - what was she doing with him for 4 years??? Settling?

Ugh - this book pisses me off!!! 3 very low & hardly illicit Stars.

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars


I think the plot is good. It kept me wanting to read more. In the beginning it was a little slow, but it then started to pick up. This story is mostly in the view of Pat and Adam. Pat is trying to get her music career going and Adam noticed her right off. Both had other partners at the time. Pat tried to fight her attraction of Adam and well…Adam…Adam pursued Pat relentlessly.


You should get professional help if you want the job done well. I'm way better equipped for your needs



Pat tried to love Adam like she did Zach (the guy she had to leave because of their differences). Towards the end, it jumps several years, but I think it’s to catch up with “The Pursuit of Passion” (which I have yet to read…and I will be starting soon to see how the story ends).

My biggest issue with the book was the huge jumps of time towards the end, but like I said before, I think it’s to catch up to “The Pursuit of Passion”. I believe that this book should be read as a series so you can know the whole truth. I didn’t have the pleasure to read “The Pursuit of Passion” beforehand so I had a clean slate


I received an ARC from the author for my honest opinion.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read this year. The book was driven by Pat and Zac's story. Bennett set the platform for the upcoming books by interweaving,seriously dramatics events, allowing the reader the opportunity to explore so many facets of each of the characters both good and bad. Emotional decisions that were shocking, harsh and cruel occurred and it was quite engaging to follow and watch this little episode/span of time and how it all tied up in the end. Adam is delicious, just my favorite brand of sexy. I enjoyed his pursuit of Pat. Pat and Zach were an awesome couple so much teamwork and support of each other thru so many obstacles. This book was an exellent reminder of how ONE little lie can destroy and affect so many people and circumstances. Adam was always there when ya need him and she needed. We meet Jack, Adams bf, Taylor who holds a V-card, that's always a draw to watch and c how that's going to fall. Adam has a beautiful family Mom/Dad twin sisters and another sister and he is such an awesome brother. There is a lot of action and I eagerly inhaled it as fast as I could! Great book!

[Liz Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Pat and Adams story prior to him meeting Taylor and the outcome of Pat, Adam and Taylor's relationships. I loved the 1st book and wanted to read this because I was flying the flag for Adam and Taylor and hoped for a HEA. For me this book wasn't as gripping as I'd hoped and failed to be a page turner.

[Antrell Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! Liv Bennett is a superb writer. This series has twists and turns, ups and downs. Wow!!

[Julie Hilsabeck · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't waste your time.

Not an interesting story line - too much self involvement/focus by both main characters. So focused on their individual wants, no concern for the one they supposedly love.

[Nancy Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan of extra marital affiars

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was HOT GARBAGE!! I don't know how it held my interest for 72% of the book. Turns out Adam is a big douche and god only knows how Pat turns out. I mean this whole book should just be completely cut out of the series. He starts with Pat, then moves in on his best friends girl. And from the descriptions of the other books, they appear to be only about Taylor and Adam.

There's this whole four year time jump where we get no explanation or detail about what's been happening in Adam and Pat's life, except for a 2 minute quick description. Which pretty much explains that money has changed Pat, her ending her relationship with Zach and her abortion has changed her. She's not the same person. She has a horrible attitude and doesn't care about anyone but herself. She's in a relationship with Adam, and has sex, sex, sex all over the place, but she can't and won't orgasm, because the only person that could ever make her do that was Zach. And she broke his heart, and when he let her know that, she ran away crying like the selfish person she is. And let's not forget that she had an abortion three hours after finding out, because she can't possibly have a career in the music business with a child. Poor, pitiful Pat (sarcasm). Really, what did you think would happen having unprotected sex? I could go on all day about the ridiculous nonsense of this story. Save yourself time (and money, if you have to pay for this) and move on to something else.

[Jericho DeBerziac · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this is not my usual fare I’ve decided to expand my repertoire and pick up something that’s a little far reaching in my list of books to read this week so I thought I’d give this a try. I was surprised to find out that while I’m not a huge fan of this genre, this book moved along at a quick pace from chapter to chapter and the story was easy enough to follow. The Adam, Pat, Zach, Taylor, Jack drama leaves little to the imagination as the clothes hit the floor relatively early. As a style and a means to draw the reader in and titillate and tease until the final draw of the curtain the author weaves a tale with the seductive sway of a little T & A. Once the tails switch and the clothes bare everything the root of emotion is exposed for all to see. Then as passionate moments become a sprawling leap in years I was surprised that below the tawdry veneer of copious amounts of illicit pursuits, insurmountable odds, soring heights to the pinnacle of successes, and plunging to the valley of despair this book ended with two hearts overcoming tragedy to ultimately triumph when all else seemed lost. If adult material with a twist of fate set in the confines of Los Angeles is your kink, then look no further for your pursuit has ended and your entertainment has arrived.

[Jenell Diegor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t had the chance to read many romance books lately, but this one proved to be a great choice. The story revolves around Pat and Zach, high school sweethearts who love each other but found very different paths to adulthood. Pat wants to be a country music star while Zach has a more modest future in mind. But it’s not a real romance novel without a love triangle! And then comes Adam… Now Pat is torn between two men who each have unique qualities. However, Zach's mother made it easy for Pat to make a decision - but that also pushed her to make a terrible mistake, which she will regret for the rest of her life. The second half of the book was something I did not expect at all, but it all concludes with a happily-ever-after.

I was really into the book enough to finish it all in one sitting. It kept me guessing right until the end. I personally found Pat to be relatable and real, although it was clear she should have talked to Zach before taking a rush decision. I didn't see her really in love with Adam, although the attraction between them was unmistakable.

Overall, it was an enjoyable reading experience.

[Shena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review. I knew knew nothing about the characters in this book when I started reading. So let me just say I fell sooo in love with Adam...Pat, not so much. I know nothing about Taylor except what I read in this story, but I want to love her....we'll see. The only problem that I had with this book were the huge jumps in time toward the end of the book. I feel like I missed so much! Maybe after I read the first book in the series, I can make a more informed review. So my suggestion is not to read this as a stand alone book. I really hope the next book in the series is about Jack!!!

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was into this book until close to the end. The jump forward 4 years and the staggering differences in the characters then made me despise them and dislike the book overall. I don't even plan on reading any more of the series because I am so disgruntled by the ending of this one. Funny thing is, I read a description of the book beforehand, and until about halfway through the story, I kept looking for that 'best friend's girlfriend' to show up and change the plot. Having it happen practically in the last chapter left me feeling like the whole book was a sham.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!!!!
Hated it!!!!
Loved it!!!!
Hated it!!!!
Loved it!!!!
Hated it!!!!

This was hands down the most frustrating book I have ever read which in its own right makes it a fabulous read, torn between characters, never doing what they are supposed to, messing with my HEA's! If you can get me this angry at a book you have to be doing something right haha! Great read but be warned you will want to put it down more often than you want to turn the page because you keep getting hit with a fresh new heartache!

[AngelamReads · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this book less than one star...I would. Even with the editing issues, it had a fairly good start. But around halfway through, it jumps 4 years ahead, with major personality changes (that do not make sense at all). It's almost as if the author was trying to change the entire path of the book.

I actually did something I never do. I know, right? I read the synopsis for Book 2 and Book 3 before finishing Book 1. This prompted me to delete Book 1 without finishing it. Yes...it was that bad in my opinion.

[Michelle °O° · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has been a really bad reading week and continues on with this book. I am not ashamed to say I need my HEA. I don't care how cheesy it is I need it.

And I need to start assuming when the story has more than one book it will be about the same couple. WTF I would have never read this one if I had paid closer attention.

I should have learned my lesson after reading this the other day
ARGH... I am just so frustrated. :(

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW..That has got to be one of the best reads I have had in quiet a while. It was a roller coaster of a journey from start to finish, and the only reason I have given it 4 and a half stars is for my own selfishness, TBH, I would have preferred Liv Bennett to go into EVERY detail of Pat Stevens life instead of , first jumping 4 years then again 5 years, along in the story. Other than that, I can not urge all you lovely readers to get this book and get stuck in to reading it ASAP I am off right this minute to get the rest of the books in the serious :)

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little confusing

So this book was more about pat and Adam, rather than pat and zack. Even though zack is supposedly her deep love. You really don't get to know zack in this book (or really in book 1.5 quite frankly). It seems this series was originally intentionally to focus on Adam and later, Taylor. Which is ok. The book was pretty good. I'd give it a solid 3.5 starts. But it's really more about pat and a little about Adam. We never get zacks pov, which I think would have been hugely helpful and really added to the dynamic of the book.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really mixed feelings on this book. It was a cluster mess of emotions. Upon starting this story I was cheering for pat and Zach. Then we were introduced to Adam, and a whole mess of stuff happened. I didn't know who I was supposed to be rooting for. There was so much person hopping going on, I was a little overwhelmed. all in all, this was a good read, just wish it had been a little more something. what that something should be is elusive right now, but I think it should have had more of some things and less of others.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was a very good lesson of becareful of what you wish for. I mean she was waiting for something to happen and instead of fighting for it she let it go. I was heart broken by this story because it seemed that nothing was going good for her. I thought Pat was a very good and wonderful character because she felt through her flaws. We are all flawed and no matter what it should not interfere with our happiness.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is where it all begins, adam and his love for pat! Will do anything to have her, thinking he'll spead the rest of his life with her! And then taylor comes along and turns his world the completely opposite direction!

It's sad, heart warming, a love story! Nothings missed, everything you wanted answered at the end like what happened to them thw other characters everything all gets answered

its a must read!!!!

love liv bennett books!

[Lade · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book is horrible. Wow.

Whose team are we supposed to be on. I don't get it.
oh "I'm Pat and I love Zach but he made a pact to his father before his so I can't be with him because I'm not Jewish. Now I love Adam. Also, I had an eating disorder and an abortion.
"I'm Adam. I love Pat. but now I don't love Pat. I feel nothing for her. I'm now in love (or lust) with Taylor my best friend's girlfriend. I love my best friend, Jake, especially because he donated a part of his lung to my mother.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pat was hoping to be a singer. Zach her boyfriend of four years had to deal with his family not accepting Pat because she was not Jewish. Adam saw her and had to have her no matter what. He didn't care if she had a boyfriend. Were they all doomed to heartbreak? Would any of them find happiness and love either with each other or someone else?

[Danielle Calabrese · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars...this was a little bit better than okay for me. I thought the story was a little slow and then wham it's four years in the future and everyone has different personalities. The whole story was about Pat, but then there was no story resolution for her and the next three books aren't about her either...I am confused!

[Suz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this up to 3/4s in when we jumped ahead 4 years - it's almost like the last 1/4 was written by someone else. It became very cold and we didn't get to see the real start of Pat and Adams relationship. Disappointing - It's only getting 3 stars and one of those is for the texting bit between Adam and Pat which made me laugh out loud!! I'm not reading the series for more of the same!

[Lorrien · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yuck

I only got 3 percent into this book before I had to stop reading it. I absolutely can not stand that males attitude towards women. while I unfortunately know it is very typical of your average immature male, I really don't want to read about it in a main character in a book picked out for its lack of reality.

[Theresa Campbell]

Did not like this storyline

There were too many storylines in the same book. I didn't like the time gap and the jump to the future. I would have liked to see the original main characters wrapped up or had some kind of conclusion before jumping to other storylines.