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CSA Case Files #5
Internal Temptation
An unexpected love…
Ethan Chambers is a devoted bachelor working for the Crest Security Agency team. After watching love make casualties of most of his team members, he vows not to fall victim to the same fate. That all changes when his best friend finagles her way into his dreams. Now, he can’t look at Taryn without thinking of her beneath him.
A mission in peril…
Taryn Sisal’s life has become complicated with a capital C. Her newly discovered half-sister has been murdered, and now Taryn is the target of the same merciless killer. She is grateful that her best friend, Ethan Chambers, is by her side — until he decides to change the rules with a passionate kiss she cannot forget.
A dangerous passion…
On the trail of finally apprehending the team’s target, Taryn must also confront the mounting desire between her and Ethan. His resolve for their newfound relationship chips away at her crumbling defenses, but old fears are her nemesis. Are they willing to risk their friendship for a chance at something more — or will the decision be taken out of their hands by a bullet with her name engraved on its full metal jacket?
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable (anal play, strong BDSM theme and elements, violence). Not intended for those under the age of 18.
Series
Crest Security Agency (CSA) is run by Gavin Crest, a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He has personally selected his own former military team members, both men and women, to configure a seamless Special Operations Capable (SOC) unit. Working together on investigations, domestically and abroad, each team member will find their niche in life and love. Follow along as Kennedy Layne conveys each of their stories as they work together on investigations that lead them down perilous paths of passion, intrigue and suspense...
Ethan Chambers is a devoted bachelor working for the Crest Security Agency team. After watching love make casualties of most of his team members, he vows not to fall victim to the same fate. That all changes when his best friend finagles her way into his dreams. Now, he can’t look at Taryn without thinking of her beneath him.
A mission in peril…
Taryn Sisal’s life has become complicated with a capital C. Her newly discovered half-sister has been murdered, and now Taryn is the target of the same merciless killer. She is grateful that her best friend, Ethan Chambers, is by her side — until he decides to change the rules with a passionate kiss she cannot forget.
A dangerous passion…
On the trail of finally apprehending the team’s target, Taryn must also confront the mounting desire between her and Ethan. His resolve for their newfound relationship chips away at her crumbling defenses, but old fears are her nemesis. Are they willing to risk their friendship for a chance at something more — or will the decision be taken out of their hands by a bullet with her name engraved on its full metal jacket?
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable (anal play, strong BDSM theme and elements, violence). Not intended for those under the age of 18.
Series
Crest Security Agency (CSA) is run by Gavin Crest, a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He has personally selected his own former military team members, both men and women, to configure a seamless Special Operations Capable (SOC) unit. Working together on investigations, domestically and abroad, each team member will find their niche in life and love. Follow along as Kennedy Layne conveys each of their stories as they work together on investigations that lead them down perilous paths of passion, intrigue and suspense...
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
39 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
152 books636 followersKennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 15, 2025
Finished Reading December 5, 2015
4.5 Star's
Much better than #3 & #4.
More action, suspense & surprising twists to the story.
Still has a problem with repetition. And I would have liked for the various action sections to be more intense.
That said, I enjoyed this one very much. Its a good series with the potential to be a great series.
Purchased from Amazon November 11, 2015
4.5 Star's
Much better than #3 & #4.
More action, suspense & surprising twists to the story.
Still has a problem with repetition. And I would have liked for the various action sections to be more intense.
That said, I enjoyed this one very much. Its a good series with the potential to be a great series.
Purchased from Amazon November 11, 2015
September 26, 2017
Felt like I was watching a movie!!
I'm almost sad that I only have two books left in the series. This series is awesome and the author writes so explanatory and vividly that you feel as if you are watching a movie instead of reading. I like the way each of the characters have their own story lines and how they appear in each other story. I love the comrardery that each member and their significant other has for each other and the respect among each other as well. I'm curious though to see how it will work with two members of the team being involved because they constantly risk their lives for the craft. This series makes me want to give some of her other work a try!!!
I'm almost sad that I only have two books left in the series. This series is awesome and the author writes so explanatory and vividly that you feel as if you are watching a movie instead of reading. I like the way each of the characters have their own story lines and how they appear in each other story. I love the comrardery that each member and their significant other has for each other and the respect among each other as well. I'm curious though to see how it will work with two members of the team being involved because they constantly risk their lives for the craft. This series makes me want to give some of her other work a try!!!
June 25, 2022
Three * for the over sex dialog in the story which I though distracting.
The plot was good so will give a 4. Having two plots, the secrets
that was in Taryns family come to light.
The romance of friends to more came into play with Ethan were he wanted more. Overall a good series
The plot was good so will give a 4. Having two plots, the secrets
that was in Taryns family come to light.
The romance of friends to more came into play with Ethan were he wanted more. Overall a good series
September 29, 2014
Kennedy Layne just isn't an author that you read "fast". You have to absorb her words. If you don't, you won't get the same emotional attachment to her characters and what makes them tic. And they soooo tic.
Ethan is a CSA Agent. Taryn works for the agency also, has a head on her shoulders, and has a best friend in Ethan. But all that changes with a phone call from the Agency nemesis, Ryland. With the mystery surrounding this evil man, and the story behind Yvette blossoming, this book just gets more tense by the minute. (That's where it needed to be, imho.)
Lots of intrigue, lots of K.L. erotic romance, and a sprinkle of violence & past abuse, makes this book an answer to past questions and opens up more for the series to continue. Well. Done. Story.
Ethan is a CSA Agent. Taryn works for the agency also, has a head on her shoulders, and has a best friend in Ethan. But all that changes with a phone call from the Agency nemesis, Ryland. With the mystery surrounding this evil man, and the story behind Yvette blossoming, this book just gets more tense by the minute. (That's where it needed to be, imho.)
Lots of intrigue, lots of K.L. erotic romance, and a sprinkle of violence & past abuse, makes this book an answer to past questions and opens up more for the series to continue. Well. Done. Story.
October 9, 2018
Ethan and Taryn started as team members that grew into a very strong friendship. The every growing danger of when Ryland will strike sends the duo on a road trip. One day the switch flips for Ethan and he realizes he's in love with Taryn. Will they survive to see her realize her feelings for him? And will they be able to keep their professional lives separate from their personal lives. Give this a read to find out.
September 1, 2020
Another great book
This was a great story with some of the characters that we have met in all the books. There’s a separate story in the prologue and epilogue that’s unfolding and it is getting very excitingly suspenseful. This is a nice love story of friends to lovers and it is steamy with BDSM and erotic scenes.
This was a great story with some of the characters that we have met in all the books. There’s a separate story in the prologue and epilogue that’s unfolding and it is getting very excitingly suspenseful. This is a nice love story of friends to lovers and it is steamy with BDSM and erotic scenes.
January 26, 2016
I do like this series.
The main characters work in a private investigative agency where everybody has a military background. They battle a cunning enemy that puts all of them at risk since the first book. Each book goes further in a hunt to capture him and has a plot that mixes the pursuit and focus on one of the agents. Of course, besides the thriller/suspense there's a hot and nice romance with a touch of male domination and female sassiness, which means BDSM and/or an erotic touch.
This is one of my favorites because it has two agents that get into a journey from friendship to love. Even though we read romance books knowing that it's possible (almost probable) that love will happen immediately just for the plot's sake, I still prefer a little bit more of realism. Yes, gorgeous men and women, perfect lovers, sexual satisfaction all the time plus spies and assassins in every corner wouldn't be a definition of realism. But a relationship that's developed instead of being instantaneous is.
The main characters work in a private investigative agency where everybody has a military background. They battle a cunning enemy that puts all of them at risk since the first book. Each book goes further in a hunt to capture him and has a plot that mixes the pursuit and focus on one of the agents. Of course, besides the thriller/suspense there's a hot and nice romance with a touch of male domination and female sassiness, which means BDSM and/or an erotic touch.
This is one of my favorites because it has two agents that get into a journey from friendship to love. Even though we read romance books knowing that it's possible (almost probable) that love will happen immediately just for the plot's sake, I still prefer a little bit more of realism. Yes, gorgeous men and women, perfect lovers, sexual satisfaction all the time plus spies and assassins in every corner wouldn't be a definition of realism. But a relationship that's developed instead of being instantaneous is.
June 12, 2015
Favorite
This was probably my favorite book in this series. I loved that Taryn and Ethan had already been friends for a while. They tried to keep it at just friends, but Ethan especially knew they were meant for more. Their exploration of their feelings caused tension with the CSA team as well, but Ethan knew what he wanted, and no tension was going to stop him, nor were Taryn's doubts.
The team is still chasing after Ryland, and he makes his connection to Taryn even more personal. The story had some great romance, a lot of action, and perfect chemistry. As with all the books in this series, BDSM in mild forms is a large part of the story. It is not a personal preference of mine, but it was less bothersome the way it was presented with this couple than in the other books.
This was probably my favorite book in this series. I loved that Taryn and Ethan had already been friends for a while. They tried to keep it at just friends, but Ethan especially knew they were meant for more. Their exploration of their feelings caused tension with the CSA team as well, but Ethan knew what he wanted, and no tension was going to stop him, nor were Taryn's doubts.
The team is still chasing after Ryland, and he makes his connection to Taryn even more personal. The story had some great romance, a lot of action, and perfect chemistry. As with all the books in this series, BDSM in mild forms is a large part of the story. It is not a personal preference of mine, but it was less bothersome the way it was presented with this couple than in the other books.
October 8, 2014
Kennedy Layne knows how to mix passion, love, danger, and tension and come out with the perfect formula. Another sexy, nail biting story of CSA agents, this time with Ethan and Taryn front and center. I loved the change in relationship dynamics between Ethan and Taryn, who have been best friends for years. That is, until Ethan realizes there is more to his feelings than friendship. Then there's the ever mounting tension and danger in regards to the assassin, Ryland, and his mysterious connection to Taryn. The book ends, not so much on a cliffhanger, but with the knowledge that a relationship, that everyone who has read this series knew was bound to progress, will be put to the ultimate test. I highly recommend this series! You won't be disappointed.
January 30, 2015
Excellent mixture of suspense and yum!
When I discovered these books and Kennedy Payne, I couldn't believe my luck. This one is no different bin it's enjoyability.
Taryn and Ethan have been friends and partners forever which is why Ethan will not allow Taryn to deal with this new development with Ryland and her family. Can they deal with their feelings or will it destroy what they have forever...ruining their connection, jobs, who they are together?
The spanking is perfectly marvelous. The sensuality, the dealing of the plot, artistic, and the agonizingly achy sex...Hot!
I love this series an am desperate for the next as each member gets what's coming to them one book at a time.
When I discovered these books and Kennedy Payne, I couldn't believe my luck. This one is no different bin it's enjoyability.
Taryn and Ethan have been friends and partners forever which is why Ethan will not allow Taryn to deal with this new development with Ryland and her family. Can they deal with their feelings or will it destroy what they have forever...ruining their connection, jobs, who they are together?
The spanking is perfectly marvelous. The sensuality, the dealing of the plot, artistic, and the agonizingly achy sex...Hot!
I love this series an am desperate for the next as each member gets what's coming to them one book at a time.
June 30, 2015
And it just keeps getting better! Another stormer of a read -- move over fifty shades or garbage, this series is what's it's all about!
I freaking loved Taryn, my type of lead female! She's fiesty, stubborn and intelligent all wrapped up! Ethan *dreamy sighs* it was great to meet the popcorn muncher properly. He's sexy, caring and just ungh!
The BDSM threads get better and are different with each book.
The Ryland thread ... I DID NOT see coming! Well done! Brilliant.
A few spelling errors but that's my only gripe.
I freaking loved Taryn, my type of lead female! She's fiesty, stubborn and intelligent all wrapped up! Ethan *dreamy sighs* it was great to meet the popcorn muncher properly. He's sexy, caring and just ungh!
The BDSM threads get better and are different with each book.
The Ryland thread ... I DID NOT see coming! Well done! Brilliant.
A few spelling errors but that's my only gripe.
October 4, 2015
Internal Temptation (CSA Case Files 5)
Taryan and Ethan always had a love,hate,very close partner relationship.When Ethan suggested they take everything to the next level what could she do.Taryan's life was in jeopardy by someone named Ryland.There were so many family secrets being revealed that Taryan couldn't keep up with them.It seemed like this Ryland was always a step ahead of them.She found out that she had a half sister and that she had been murdered.There are a lot of things that come out,read this book and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Taryan and Ethan always had a love,hate,very close partner relationship.When Ethan suggested they take everything to the next level what could she do.Taryan's life was in jeopardy by someone named Ryland.There were so many family secrets being revealed that Taryan couldn't keep up with them.It seemed like this Ryland was always a step ahead of them.She found out that she had a half sister and that she had been murdered.There are a lot of things that come out,read this book and you will be pleasantly surprised.
September 30, 2014
Well gaaaa...Ok sister, you better get to writing. Just finished #5 and I can't take it. Why did I know this would end in a cliff hanger. I was afraid that Jessie was going to be Crest's daughter or something. Please tell me when #6 is due out. I went through the first five in 3 days. Need more CSA, much much more!
November 14, 2014
Great addition to the CSA CASE FILES series!!!This is Ethan and Taryn"s romantic journey!!!! Lots of suspense and many emotions!!! Must Read and well written with great characters that reappearing throughout the series!!!
February 19, 2016
Yep these books just keep getting better and better. I loved Taryn and Ethan's story. The best one so far. The truth has finally been revealed about who Ryland is and his connection to Taryn. No spoilers lol. Just a fantastic story. Finally I get to go on to Crest and Jessie.
March 16, 2015
I really loved this book, The writing and stories have just got better and better and I can't wait to find out what happens next.
September 29, 2014
Another great addition to the CSA series. Ethan and Taryn take being best friends to another level. Fighting the bad guys and dealing with family issues can't stop destiny.
September 30, 2014
Love this series and all the guys. Really want Crest book
October 2, 2014
Another really good installment in the CSA Case Files series. I am so ready for Gavin and Jessie's story.
November 28, 2014
5 stars isn't enough! I love this series! Each book gets better and better! I can't wait for book 6!
February 26, 2015
It's an okay storyline mixed in with BDSM sex. Not something everyone would want to read.
April 27, 2016
It's about time Gavin decides he has feeling for Jessie. Great read!!
July 21, 2016
This had to be the best book in the series so far
August 9, 2015
Great series, had to read all of them.will be reading more by this author.
January 11, 2019
Intense,sad
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews