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The Ortiz Family #2
The Family Business
A green beret and cautious office admin go undercover to catch a pop-star's stalker.
Promotion should be rewarded, but Joaquin Ortiz has learned that as he climbs the ranks, he only moves farther away from the adrenaline-pumping, frontline missions he loves. So when his brother-in-law requests his help, Joaquin jumps at the chance to go undercover in the civilian world for a little excitement.
Dana Blake, office administrator for her brother Clark's security firm, has spent the last fifteen years playing it safe. Her purposefully uneventful life is thrown off the rails when Clark informs her that she will pose as their new contractor’s assistant. The special forces soldier is the epitome of everything Dana avoids—bold, big, and dangerous.
Dana doesn’t know if she fears the undercover fieldwork more, or the stress she’s putting on her heart by spending so much time with her heroic, gorgeous—temporary—colleague. Because the more she gets to know her partner, the higher the stakes grow for their client’s safety, her personal happiness, and the reputation of her family’s business.
The Family Business is a clean, closed-door romance with plenty of fun and a little danger. This is book 2 of The Ortiz Family series, but can be read as a standalone.
Promotion should be rewarded, but Joaquin Ortiz has learned that as he climbs the ranks, he only moves farther away from the adrenaline-pumping, frontline missions he loves. So when his brother-in-law requests his help, Joaquin jumps at the chance to go undercover in the civilian world for a little excitement.
Dana Blake, office administrator for her brother Clark's security firm, has spent the last fifteen years playing it safe. Her purposefully uneventful life is thrown off the rails when Clark informs her that she will pose as their new contractor’s assistant. The special forces soldier is the epitome of everything Dana avoids—bold, big, and dangerous.
Dana doesn’t know if she fears the undercover fieldwork more, or the stress she’s putting on her heart by spending so much time with her heroic, gorgeous—temporary—colleague. Because the more she gets to know her partner, the higher the stakes grow for their client’s safety, her personal happiness, and the reputation of her family’s business.
The Family Business is a clean, closed-door romance with plenty of fun and a little danger. This is book 2 of The Ortiz Family series, but can be read as a standalone.
- GenresContemporary
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2024
4 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Blue Huxley
11 books22 followersBlue Huxley is the cheesier (yet personally dairy-free) half of Blue Jade Books, a writing collaboration with Jade Behr. They write contemporary AND historical romances. (Their books are clean/closed door: they don't contain swearing or explicit sexual details.)
Follow them on Instagram: @bluejadebooks; Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluejadebooks;
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/bluehuxley/
Join Blue Jade News to keep in touch with Blue + Jade and receive new release notifications: https://bluejadebooks.com/newsletter/
Follow them on Instagram: @bluejadebooks; Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluejadebooks;
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/bluehuxley/
Join Blue Jade News to keep in touch with Blue + Jade and receive new release notifications: https://bluejadebooks.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 13, 2024
I can admit that I hadn't read anything by Blue Huxley and Jade Behr before picking up "The Family Business". I chose this book out of curiosity, and I was in luck! This story was such a joy, and I actually finished it in only about three days (even staying up until midnight one night reading it 😆). The book is a fun, light read with just enough suspense to make it exciting!
The funny, relatable characters, witty banter, and engaging plot were so fun to read about. I especially loved the aspect of the family dynamics, and it was so sweet to see these characters' softer sides contrasted with an action-packed plot. I was rooting for Joaquin and Dana from the first page, and it was amazing to see their relationship grow as well, without the usual Hallmark-type cliched plot. All of the relationships between the characters were so sweet, from Ellie and Carmen's friendship, Dana's dynamic with the guys at the security firm she works for, Clark and Ana's marriage, and Dana's relationship with her family, especially her nieces and nephews. There were lots of different dynamics between characters, which made the story even more hilarious and fun. The characters were human, each having their own strengths as well as weaknesses and flaws. And the plot twists kept me guessing the whole time!
Another little thing in the book that made reading it more enjoyable was the clever chapter titles; these were funny and entertaining for the reader! One aspect I especially want to point out is the cohesiveness of the two authors of the book. It can be difficult for two different people to create a unified story, but Huxley and Behr accomplished this amazingly, so kudos to them!
In conclusion, you should absolutely read this book if you're looking for a fun, but suspenseful escape. It's sweet without being sappy, and full of action and thrills without being overly violent. The humor is effective without being crude, and the book is completely clean! Totally recommend to Blue Jade books fans, or newcomers like me! I was very impressed with and thoroughly enjoyed my first read from these authors and will definitely be coming back for more!
The funny, relatable characters, witty banter, and engaging plot were so fun to read about. I especially loved the aspect of the family dynamics, and it was so sweet to see these characters' softer sides contrasted with an action-packed plot. I was rooting for Joaquin and Dana from the first page, and it was amazing to see their relationship grow as well, without the usual Hallmark-type cliched plot. All of the relationships between the characters were so sweet, from Ellie and Carmen's friendship, Dana's dynamic with the guys at the security firm she works for, Clark and Ana's marriage, and Dana's relationship with her family, especially her nieces and nephews. There were lots of different dynamics between characters, which made the story even more hilarious and fun. The characters were human, each having their own strengths as well as weaknesses and flaws. And the plot twists kept me guessing the whole time!
Another little thing in the book that made reading it more enjoyable was the clever chapter titles; these were funny and entertaining for the reader! One aspect I especially want to point out is the cohesiveness of the two authors of the book. It can be difficult for two different people to create a unified story, but Huxley and Behr accomplished this amazingly, so kudos to them!
In conclusion, you should absolutely read this book if you're looking for a fun, but suspenseful escape. It's sweet without being sappy, and full of action and thrills without being overly violent. The humor is effective without being crude, and the book is completely clean! Totally recommend to Blue Jade books fans, or newcomers like me! I was very impressed with and thoroughly enjoyed my first read from these authors and will definitely be coming back for more!
September 17, 2024
I prefer reading series, simply for the joy of developing “relationship” with characters, and “Family Business” was a delightful Book Two in that regard. The story kept pulling me back in pursuit of the elusive answer to the classic “whodunnit?” I had my own suspects in mind, and I was wrong! Love a good twist in a mystery. The telltale sign of a truly enjoyable read is my deflation and disappointment when discovering the next book in the series is not yet released.
August 14, 2024
Cute, sweet, action packed, slow burn that will have you kicking your feet! The pacing and the banter were perfectly on point and I read this book so quickly. Now I can’t wait for Carmen and Beast’s story!
Summary: While at a family wedding, Green Beret, Joaquin Ortiz is offered a temporary position with Clark Blake’s security firm. However, the position isn’t just as a bodyguard - he would be fake marrying the superstar Ellie Glass, while the firm deals with a nasty stalker situation.
To make matters more interesting, Clark’s buttoned-up sister Dana will be assisting with the charade as well. Transitioning from firm office manager to security back up as “Joaquin’s PA.” This should be nothing but business, except that there seem to be some sparks flying between her and Joaquin…
IMPORTANT NOTE: I highly recommend you read The Family Recipe first. Even though The Family Business is a stand alone, there are several overlapping characters and plot points that will carry more weight if you have already read the first book.
Summary: While at a family wedding, Green Beret, Joaquin Ortiz is offered a temporary position with Clark Blake’s security firm. However, the position isn’t just as a bodyguard - he would be fake marrying the superstar Ellie Glass, while the firm deals with a nasty stalker situation.
To make matters more interesting, Clark’s buttoned-up sister Dana will be assisting with the charade as well. Transitioning from firm office manager to security back up as “Joaquin’s PA.” This should be nothing but business, except that there seem to be some sparks flying between her and Joaquin…
IMPORTANT NOTE: I highly recommend you read The Family Recipe first. Even though The Family Business is a stand alone, there are several overlapping characters and plot points that will carry more weight if you have already read the first book.
August 14, 2024
Dana and Joaquin meet at her brother and his sister's celebration of their marriage, they are attracted to each other but she's not having any of it. Then Clark, her brother and head of Safety First Security, and her boss, decided that she was needed in the field, acting undercover as Joaquin's assistant, while he's undercover as Ellie, the singer who has a stalker, husband!!! Trouble is hiding their feelings for each other when he's supposed to be happily married.
A great, amusing, romantic suspense second story from Blue Jade
A great, amusing, romantic suspense second story from Blue Jade
August 18, 2024
Sweet fun romance. Love the twists and turns in this series. Easy read for a fun getaway story. Looking forward to book 3.
August 12, 2024
Best if read in order. Characters overlap between the books. This books main couple is the siblings of the main characters in book one. She's supposed to be the office manager but is pulled in undercover to help protect a client. He's the fake husband of the client and bodyguard. How does their families react to the relationship confusion? What happens when the clients stalker gets too close?
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
August 17, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 2 in The Ortiz Family Series and could be read as a standalone but I recommend reading The Family Recipe as well since characters and events continue in this story. The book's blurb gives you a good idea of what to expect. The Family Business is told through third person dual pov and is a great opposites attract romance.
CW: stalking and pg-13 level violence
Spice: kisses that don't get too heated
As a green beret, Joaquin is used to adventure. Though going undercover to catch a pop star's stalker is different from the type of missions he would normally take, there is a promise of a thrill that leaves him agreeing to take it on - and being able to spend extra time with Dana certainly helps. As opposed to Joaquin, Dana likes a simple and quiet life. Yet, the more they spend together, the more difficult it becomes for each of them to ignore that they both want something different from how they've been living. I liked that Joaquin was able to see past what Dana was saying and challenged her to be an even better version of herself. Likewise, I like that she inspired him to be honest with himself. I liked how they had a playful banter and how their friendship developed into something more. Aside from their relationship, I enjoyed the slight mystery and action part of the story. Of course I also liked the relationships that each had with their respective families, though I'll admit with so many names it wasn't as easy to keep track of who was who. Overall, this was a great follow-up to the first book of the series and I can't wait to read more.
CW: stalking and pg-13 level violence
Spice: kisses that don't get too heated
As a green beret, Joaquin is used to adventure. Though going undercover to catch a pop star's stalker is different from the type of missions he would normally take, there is a promise of a thrill that leaves him agreeing to take it on - and being able to spend extra time with Dana certainly helps. As opposed to Joaquin, Dana likes a simple and quiet life. Yet, the more they spend together, the more difficult it becomes for each of them to ignore that they both want something different from how they've been living. I liked that Joaquin was able to see past what Dana was saying and challenged her to be an even better version of herself. Likewise, I like that she inspired him to be honest with himself. I liked how they had a playful banter and how their friendship developed into something more. Aside from their relationship, I enjoyed the slight mystery and action part of the story. Of course I also liked the relationships that each had with their respective families, though I'll admit with so many names it wasn't as easy to keep track of who was who. Overall, this was a great follow-up to the first book of the series and I can't wait to read more.
August 27, 2024
This was a great follow up to the first book in the series. I’m excited for more. There was romance, family, fun, danger, and suspense. The characters were wonderful, and the story was very engaging. I loved the family interactions. There was some really fun banter. The romance had excellent development and gradual build-up. It was a slow burn, complicated by the limitations of the circumstances. The suspense aspect of the story was compelling and, building off elements from the first book, wove throughout the story as a main focus without overshadowing the burgeoning romance or the entertaining family relationships. Joaquin took his leave from the army to assist his new brother-in-law with a personal security job for celebrity Ellie. This had him taking on the role of fake husband to Ellie, and working closely with Dana, his brother-in-law‘s sister. Dana’s life had made her risk-averse. This was challenged both by the job and Joaquin. In more ways than one. After all, is there my risk greater than falling in love? There are elements included in this story that involve stalking, threats, violence, traumatic injury, parental abandonment, death, grief, and references to military experiences. This is the second book in the series and there is a lot of character carryover so the best reader experience would be to read the books in order, but I think that it could be read and still enjoyed as a standalone, if desired. This is a closed door romance with mild innuendo and no harsh language
August 16, 2024
*Excited squeal!* Yep, that was me when getting my ARC for The Family Business by Blue Huxley and Jade Behr. *Satisfied sigh* and that was me when I finished reading it (a few minutes ago, if you must know 😉).
For real, people, this duo writes the best sibling dynamics (loved getting to know all the Blakes), swoony romance, and fun banter!! Throw in a green beret (Joaquin Ortiz) and an office manager for a security firm (Dana Blake), and you have a delicious mix of bodyguard romance with a side of suspense and undercover action, while at the same time revisiting beloved characters from the previous book (The Family Recipe)! I mean, we all fell in love with Clark and Ana, but we also get to catch up on superstar singer Ellie Glass, so go ahead and pick up your copy because you know you want to know what they're all up to now. 🤗 Just be sure to clear your schedule because you won't want to put this one down (but do we ever when it's a book written by them? 💕) ~ 5 stars and completely recommended! Can't wait for Carmen's book!! 😍😘
For real, people, this duo writes the best sibling dynamics (loved getting to know all the Blakes), swoony romance, and fun banter!! Throw in a green beret (Joaquin Ortiz) and an office manager for a security firm (Dana Blake), and you have a delicious mix of bodyguard romance with a side of suspense and undercover action, while at the same time revisiting beloved characters from the previous book (The Family Recipe)! I mean, we all fell in love with Clark and Ana, but we also get to catch up on superstar singer Ellie Glass, so go ahead and pick up your copy because you know you want to know what they're all up to now. 🤗 Just be sure to clear your schedule because you won't want to put this one down (but do we ever when it's a book written by them? 💕) ~ 5 stars and completely recommended! Can't wait for Carmen's book!! 😍😘
February 1, 2025
A much more solid effort than the first book in the series. Having only two POVs helped, and the majority was from just one POV (I'd guess it was close to a 70/30 split), which also helped it feel tighter and more consistent. But the characters felt more their own people here, and the plot felt more tightly woven, and everything on the whole felt more satisfactory. The character decisions, the stakes, and the payoffs felt genuine, not plot-contrived, and both the plot and the relationship were well paced. Essentially, the issues I had with the first book did not appear in this one, and I was really happy with it. Seeing cameos or further development of the characters from the previous book was fun, too, and I appreciated the different perspectives on them from these fresh eyes. I also liked how threads from the previous book were woven through this one, minor or near-invisible things from before taking on significance and proving themselves to have been deftly foreshadowed.
3.5 stars rounded up for enjoyment
3.5 stars rounded up for enjoyment
August 26, 2024
Dana and Joaquin. Where do I begin? I absolutely fell in love with them. I really enjoyed everything about this book. I enjoyed all the characters. Especially the mystery in it as well. I laughed at the shooting scene. I thought it was really cute!(: I am excited for book 3 for when it comes out! Ah this is by far my favorite series they’ve written so far(; go give it a read if you like clean romance and a little mystery.
Overall I give this a book 5 stars!(: once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down.
Blue and Jade do amazing with how they write their books. (: I absolutely enjoy reading their stuff. And I would have finished sooner if I didn’t end up with Covid ):
Overall I give this a book 5 stars!(: once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down.
Blue and Jade do amazing with how they write their books. (: I absolutely enjoy reading their stuff. And I would have finished sooner if I didn’t end up with Covid ):
September 2, 2024
It was really fun to see characters from the first book again!
Plus you get a bit more action than the first book. I loved the Downton Abbey romance in the last one but this is more contemporary suspense. I liked the writing more in this one, felt easier to follow.
@bluejadebooks did a great job making this book funny and cute, with a few good life reminders thrown in for good measure.
Content:
Style - Dual POV, Contemporary Romance (Forced Proximity)
Intimacy - Moderate (makeouts, flirting, touchy people)
Language - Mild (3 times)
Violence - Mild (stalker threats, shots)
Potential Triggers - accident, surgeries, threats on life/ stalker
Plus you get a bit more action than the first book. I loved the Downton Abbey romance in the last one but this is more contemporary suspense. I liked the writing more in this one, felt easier to follow.
@bluejadebooks did a great job making this book funny and cute, with a few good life reminders thrown in for good measure.
Content:
Style - Dual POV, Contemporary Romance (Forced Proximity)
Intimacy - Moderate (makeouts, flirting, touchy people)
Language - Mild (3 times)
Violence - Mild (stalker threats, shots)
Potential Triggers - accident, surgeries, threats on life/ stalker
August 18, 2024
A Special Forces soldier who rides a motorcycle? Yes, please! Dana and Joaquin are so fun together and really do encourage each other to be better. I love the twist Huxley and Behr gave to the marriage of convenience trope, and I especially loved that Dana, not Joaquin got to be the hero! Another stellar book from Huxley and Behr!
January 19, 2025
Excellent contemporary secular romance. Low relationship drama, but with some high stakes action. While elements of the plot might be a bit fantastic, the characters themselves are mature, respectful, and very likable.
Though it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with The Family Recipe to really appreciate all the characters.
Though it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with The Family Recipe to really appreciate all the characters.
August 19, 2024
The things I liked about the book are the funny banter, the family dynamics and its good and clean! I thought there were so many characters that it got a bit overwhelming and I thought it slowed the story down and was a bit too slow for my taste. I think its a good story however!
September 1, 2024
Funny dialogue
Yes there's good giggles in the dialogue, but all the characters sound the same. The story is hard to follow with no colourful descriptions for the scene setting dimension, falling flat for me.
Yes there's good giggles in the dialogue, but all the characters sound the same. The story is hard to follow with no colourful descriptions for the scene setting dimension, falling flat for me.
August 15, 2024
This book just wasn’t for me. Sorry.
September 6, 2024
Blue Huxley and Jade Behr are new to me, but GOODNESS they know how to write a riveting story. I promptly went out and borrowed more on KU because I couldn't get enough of their style.
November 3, 2024
This story reminded me of how much I love the Ortiz and Blake families and how much I missed being in their world!
Joaquin Ortiz is happy that his sister Ana has found love and is married to a good man, Clark Blake. While enjoying family gathering celebrating their union, Joaquin meets Clark’s intriguing and beautiful sister, Dana, who also happens to have those stunning glacier blue eyes that he can’t stop thinking about. When a unique job is offered to Joaquin, who is former Green Beret, to help protect the pop star Ellie Glass from an unknown stalker, he says yes. And Dana is roped into working as his personal assistant. Together they work to uncover the stalker harassing their friend and soon discover that the stalker might be after more than just Ellie as well.
This story has all the humor, banter, romance, tender, and heart wrenching moments that I know I will get when reading any of Blue Jade’s books. It was the perfect amount of suspense, romance, and family fun. I highly recommend book 2 in The Ortiz Family Series and I am seriously stoked for book 3!
P.S. I see what you did there with those stars on the cover!
Romantic Content: Closed Door, Mild Attraction and Kisses, Mild Innuendos
TW: Stalker (Does Appear in Near Ending Scene), Death Threats, Anxiety, Trauma, Past References to Accidents, Motorcycle Accident
Joaquin Ortiz is happy that his sister Ana has found love and is married to a good man, Clark Blake. While enjoying family gathering celebrating their union, Joaquin meets Clark’s intriguing and beautiful sister, Dana, who also happens to have those stunning glacier blue eyes that he can’t stop thinking about. When a unique job is offered to Joaquin, who is former Green Beret, to help protect the pop star Ellie Glass from an unknown stalker, he says yes. And Dana is roped into working as his personal assistant. Together they work to uncover the stalker harassing their friend and soon discover that the stalker might be after more than just Ellie as well.
This story has all the humor, banter, romance, tender, and heart wrenching moments that I know I will get when reading any of Blue Jade’s books. It was the perfect amount of suspense, romance, and family fun. I highly recommend book 2 in The Ortiz Family Series and I am seriously stoked for book 3!
P.S. I see what you did there with those stars on the cover!
Romantic Content: Closed Door, Mild Attraction and Kisses, Mild Innuendos
TW: Stalker (Does Appear in Near Ending Scene), Death Threats, Anxiety, Trauma, Past References to Accidents, Motorcycle Accident
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews