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U.S. Marshals #2
One Kiss More
Rough, tough and by the book, he's most criminals' worst nightmare. Until the girl of his dreams is caught on the other side. . . Emma Ruiz knows her father is innocent. But that doesn't help her convince the law--not even smoking hot U.S. Marshal Landon McCabe. When McCabe bangs on her door demanding information about how her cancer-stricken father escaped from federal prison, she'll have to distract him somehow--it may as well be with a stolen kiss. Landon gets why Emma isn't saying all she knows. What he doesn't understand is why he's putting his reputation, his case, and his badge on the line for a gorgeous person of interest. Much as he'd love to, he can't let Emma play him. The stakes are higher than either of them can guess. The only way to survive is to trust their instincts. But their instincts want more than one kiss. . .
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2015
41 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Baxter
20 books159 followersMandy Baxter lives in rural Idaho. She’s a part-time pet wrangler, a full-time sun worshiper, and only goes out into the cold when coerced. She loves black clothes, pink appliances and thinks junk food should be a recognized food group. In the summer, she can be found sitting by the lake, enjoying the view from her dock.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 12, 2015
Rating~ 4 stars
ARC was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Emma Ruiz is the on print party girl, hanging out with her athlete friends at various clubs but the real Emma is a lonely girl who wants to find a way to prove her father is innocent and get him out of jail. Emma is also a computer wiz and makes unhackable security systems for many multinational companies.
Landon McCabe is the US Marshal, the Ruiz case was his first case as a rookie and he never forgot the 18 year old prankster Emma. Landon’s rich family disinherited him when he chose Law enforcement as his career. Landon never loses focus on his job unless it involves a certain black haired troublemaker. He is also very addicted to thrill seeking sports.
To my surprise, I really enjoyed this book. The blurb makes it sound like Emma is willing to seduce a US Marshal to stop him from finding her father, which is completely untrue.
Landon and Emma both had this instant connection and attraction to each other from the moment they met, six years ago. Emma though because of said attraction and Landon’s arresting her father treated him like an enemy and refused to cooperate because she knew her father was innocent. Now, her father has somehow escaped prison and Landon knows that Emma is hiding something. Emma is in deep trouble, she did some hacking with good intentions to prove her father’s innocence, which have now landed her in a lot of trouble. Emma doesn’t know whom to trust but she knows that she can’t trust the US Marshals since they were the reason her father ended up in prison the first time.
I really liked them together; their banter was funny and witty. They both know which buttons to push to make each other angry. Their passion was also scorching.
The suspense and the action part of the book was done well and kept in balanced with the romance which is always tricky in romantic suspense books.
Quibbles: Towards the end chapters I wanted a more stronger Emma, the feisty one we had at the start, though understandably she was afraid. I also wanted her to be more caring and understanding towards Landon since the guy pretty much put his life and his career on line for her. Another thing that maybe should have been taken down a notch was how when the kissed they completely forgot they were in a dangerous situation especially Landon which itself is dangerous and could have to serious consequences.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, the characters and the twisting plotlines. I’m looking forward to Damien’s book which releases in November. Happy Reading!
ARC was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Emma Ruiz is the on print party girl, hanging out with her athlete friends at various clubs but the real Emma is a lonely girl who wants to find a way to prove her father is innocent and get him out of jail. Emma is also a computer wiz and makes unhackable security systems for many multinational companies.
Landon McCabe is the US Marshal, the Ruiz case was his first case as a rookie and he never forgot the 18 year old prankster Emma. Landon’s rich family disinherited him when he chose Law enforcement as his career. Landon never loses focus on his job unless it involves a certain black haired troublemaker. He is also very addicted to thrill seeking sports.
To my surprise, I really enjoyed this book. The blurb makes it sound like Emma is willing to seduce a US Marshal to stop him from finding her father, which is completely untrue.
Landon and Emma both had this instant connection and attraction to each other from the moment they met, six years ago. Emma though because of said attraction and Landon’s arresting her father treated him like an enemy and refused to cooperate because she knew her father was innocent. Now, her father has somehow escaped prison and Landon knows that Emma is hiding something. Emma is in deep trouble, she did some hacking with good intentions to prove her father’s innocence, which have now landed her in a lot of trouble. Emma doesn’t know whom to trust but she knows that she can’t trust the US Marshals since they were the reason her father ended up in prison the first time.
I really liked them together; their banter was funny and witty. They both know which buttons to push to make each other angry. Their passion was also scorching.
The suspense and the action part of the book was done well and kept in balanced with the romance which is always tricky in romantic suspense books.
Quibbles: Towards the end chapters I wanted a more stronger Emma, the feisty one we had at the start, though understandably she was afraid. I also wanted her to be more caring and understanding towards Landon since the guy pretty much put his life and his career on line for her. Another thing that maybe should have been taken down a notch was how when the kissed they completely forgot they were in a dangerous situation especially Landon which itself is dangerous and could have to serious consequences.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, the characters and the twisting plotlines. I’m looking forward to Damien’s book which releases in November. Happy Reading!
March 2, 2015
In the second installment to the U.S. Marshals series, Mandy Baxter amps up the suspense plotline with an on the loose prison escapee and his daughter Emma Ruiz. Emma has lived a very Hollywood style life that includes parties and drinks on the town. She knows her father is innocent yet U.S. Marshal Landon McCabe must investigate himself. What he doesn’t realize upon taking on the job is that Emma becomes a big distraction he doesn’t need. Their hatred for each other is present on every page, but Baxter does an excellent job of underlining that with great sexual tension.
This book is more of what I expected from the series. A little more plot-driven with some suspense and action scenes that definitely make for a stronger book overall. But it also didn’t surprise me to find that I loved Landon’s character. He was the one I was most looking forward to and Baxter doesn’t disappoint! Her U.S. Marshals are smokin’!
Landon’s strong bond with Galen also added some great scenes to this book and a few laughs as well. The humor actually reminds me of something from a Julie James book and then it struck me about how similar these two series are. If you’re a fan of Julie James, then you must run and try Baxter’s books next! They’re a great balance between Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense.
*ARC provided by publisher
May 15, 2015
This book and I were not ment to be. From the first page I realized it's not gonna work for me, and as I continued to read the realization only seemed to set in more firmly.
Saddest thing is, I was excited after reading the blurb. I mean, a girl kisses a federal marshal to get herself out of questioning. Incredibly crazy stupid idea in real life, unless you wanna end up arrested, but in a fictional world where everything is possible - super exciting. I should've kept my imagination on a tight leash, at least where this book is concerned.
If you ask me to pinpoint what I didn't like, it would be hard because there are no major deal breakers, more like small things that kept piling on. For example, all they ever think about is how drop-dead-gorgeous and beautiful and hot the other one is and no one can function properly because they're minds are in a thick lust haze the second they lay eyes on each other. Everything with them revolves around their physical attraction. I'm serious. Landon can't interrogate Emma because all he thinks about are her breasts and her neck, and Emma counts his eyelashes and thinks he looks hot when he's angry.
I'm sooo over this.
Insta-lust was never cool, furthermore it has always been very lame.
Just putting it out there.
Secondly, was is it really necessary for us to know every designer item Landon wore to his mission, stalking down Emma in a shady club? So we can tell for sure he's loaded? Really? And then his whole speech how he doesn't like the silver spoon in his mouth he's born with, but his family is not supportive of his lifestyle because he wants to do the honorable thing and put the bad guys behind bars, all the while spending his trust fund on designer clothes and watches. (Am I the only one who notices the hypocrisy?)
It could've been so good. I imagined some hot make out session and then she'd go renegade on his ass, but he'd hunt her down followed by some fine making out, by when she'd tell him what the real deal is with her father and he'd help her save the day and they'd live happily ever after.
Too bad, but there you have it. The book's coming out late February, read and decide for yourself.
Thanks to Kensington Books for providing me with a copy via NetGalley.
Saddest thing is, I was excited after reading the blurb. I mean, a girl kisses a federal marshal to get herself out of questioning. Incredibly crazy stupid idea in real life, unless you wanna end up arrested, but in a fictional world where everything is possible - super exciting. I should've kept my imagination on a tight leash, at least where this book is concerned.
If you ask me to pinpoint what I didn't like, it would be hard because there are no major deal breakers, more like small things that kept piling on. For example, all they ever think about is how drop-dead-gorgeous and beautiful and hot the other one is and no one can function properly because they're minds are in a thick lust haze the second they lay eyes on each other. Everything with them revolves around their physical attraction. I'm serious. Landon can't interrogate Emma because all he thinks about are her breasts and her neck, and Emma counts his eyelashes and thinks he looks hot when he's angry.
I'm sooo over this.
Insta-lust was never cool, furthermore it has always been very lame.
Just putting it out there.
Secondly, was is it really necessary for us to know every designer item Landon wore to his mission, stalking down Emma in a shady club? So we can tell for sure he's loaded? Really? And then his whole speech how he doesn't like the silver spoon in his mouth he's born with, but his family is not supportive of his lifestyle because he wants to do the honorable thing and put the bad guys behind bars, all the while spending his trust fund on designer clothes and watches. (Am I the only one who notices the hypocrisy?)
It could've been so good. I imagined some hot make out session and then she'd go renegade on his ass, but he'd hunt her down followed by some fine making out, by when she'd tell him what the real deal is with her father and he'd help her save the day and they'd live happily ever after.
Too bad, but there you have it. The book's coming out late February, read and decide for yourself.
Thanks to Kensington Books for providing me with a copy via NetGalley.
February 21, 2015
Emma and Landon have been dancing around their attraction for years, ever since Landon arrested her father, a federal judge, for conspiracy. Then her father breaks out of prison and Landon’s trying to catch him, Emma has to do what a girl’s gotta do to distract him. Then, romance happens.
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-Men with big guns, yum: Law enforcement. Big protective alpha heroes riding to the rescue. Slightly nerdy but very hot woman. You had me at hello.
-Interesting premise: The mystery of what happened to Emma’s father, and who is involved was intriguing. The thought of two people who met each other while on opposite sides of a criminal case brought to mind shades of Out of Sight, and I was ready to ride along with them on this adventure. How would they overcome his job to arrest her father, and her need to protect her father? The possibilities for a good action/romance was strong.
-They’re hot: Add to this, Landon and Emma seem to be very attractive people. Landon’s blond/blue eyed, Emma’s dark hair/brown eyed, physically fit folks. It was all about their hotness and their burning hot desire to get into each other’s pants. Ms. Baxter really does a good job of bringing a reader into that intense sexual attraction and I’ll admit, I enjoyed their attraction alot in the beginning. Their first kiss was smoking, and the buildup was going along nicely. Between that and the impossibility of their situation, I wanted to see how it would all work out. And then...
-But not so bright: Considering the danger that one or both are in for the majority of this story, their inability to function without wanting to jump each other’s bones started to become less sexy and more eye-roll-y. I'm a fan of sexual tension and anticipation, but not when it is developed to the exclusion of all else, including logic or an emotional connection between the leads. To think that two allegedly smart people can't focus when they're being physically threatened because of their overwhelming physical attraction didn't make sense to me. I really started to lose interest when I realized the extent of Emma’s, shall we say, less than brilliant move to get herself into this mess in the first place. The lack of logic employed in that move, especially by someone who is supposed to be a hacker, great at uncovering things but unable to, oh I don’t know, do full research on the big bad she’s going after, really left me shaking my head instead of turning the page.
-Struggled with the lack of strong story: This had the potential to be a tight thriller, to see how the leads would outsmart everyone and resolve the case while struggling with their growing attraction. Unfortunately, when all the tension in the story is built upon the sexual, what could have been a good action thriller with strong romance, ended up being a bit cartoonish. There was a point in the story when I thought it could have turned into a love on the run type of scenario, but it really became just another excuse for more sexual tension. Landon’s reactions and willingness to dive into this mess seemed to be ruled more by his big gun than his (allegedly) big brain made me think he was a perfect match for Emma, but two dumb bunnies does not a good romance make.
The Bottom Line
The sexual chemistry between Emma and Landon is strong, at the expense of the actual story. But if you’re into all sexual tension and less on the action/thriller parts, it may work for you.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
-Men with big guns, yum: Law enforcement. Big protective alpha heroes riding to the rescue. Slightly nerdy but very hot woman. You had me at hello.
-Interesting premise: The mystery of what happened to Emma’s father, and who is involved was intriguing. The thought of two people who met each other while on opposite sides of a criminal case brought to mind shades of Out of Sight, and I was ready to ride along with them on this adventure. How would they overcome his job to arrest her father, and her need to protect her father? The possibilities for a good action/romance was strong.
-They’re hot: Add to this, Landon and Emma seem to be very attractive people. Landon’s blond/blue eyed, Emma’s dark hair/brown eyed, physically fit folks. It was all about their hotness and their burning hot desire to get into each other’s pants. Ms. Baxter really does a good job of bringing a reader into that intense sexual attraction and I’ll admit, I enjoyed their attraction alot in the beginning. Their first kiss was smoking, and the buildup was going along nicely. Between that and the impossibility of their situation, I wanted to see how it would all work out. And then...
-But not so bright: Considering the danger that one or both are in for the majority of this story, their inability to function without wanting to jump each other’s bones started to become less sexy and more eye-roll-y. I'm a fan of sexual tension and anticipation, but not when it is developed to the exclusion of all else, including logic or an emotional connection between the leads. To think that two allegedly smart people can't focus when they're being physically threatened because of their overwhelming physical attraction didn't make sense to me. I really started to lose interest when I realized the extent of Emma’s, shall we say, less than brilliant move to get herself into this mess in the first place. The lack of logic employed in that move, especially by someone who is supposed to be a hacker, great at uncovering things but unable to, oh I don’t know, do full research on the big bad she’s going after, really left me shaking my head instead of turning the page.
-Struggled with the lack of strong story: This had the potential to be a tight thriller, to see how the leads would outsmart everyone and resolve the case while struggling with their growing attraction. Unfortunately, when all the tension in the story is built upon the sexual, what could have been a good action thriller with strong romance, ended up being a bit cartoonish. There was a point in the story when I thought it could have turned into a love on the run type of scenario, but it really became just another excuse for more sexual tension. Landon’s reactions and willingness to dive into this mess seemed to be ruled more by his big gun than his (allegedly) big brain made me think he was a perfect match for Emma, but two dumb bunnies does not a good romance make.
The Bottom Line
The sexual chemistry between Emma and Landon is strong, at the expense of the actual story. But if you’re into all sexual tension and less on the action/thriller parts, it may work for you.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
March 18, 2015
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
Mandy Baxter continues to bring strong characters, clever plot lines and the right amount of heat and suspense in her U.S. Marshals series. And the sophomore novel, ONE KISS MORE is a welcomed edition.
In ONE KISS MORE we follow the lives of Emma and Landon. They first meet about six years ago when Landon was the rookie on the case that put Emma's father in prison. Over the six years Emma has been trying to prove that her father is innocent. She's gotten what she needs but at a high price.
Landon hasn't been able to get the sexy Emma out of his mind since first meeting her all those years ago. Now he is thrown back into her life while working a case to find her escaped father. Landon thought that Emma was lovely back then, she's downright breath-taking now.
ONE KISS MORE is full of suspense that surrounds Emma and Landon working together to find her father. It's also overflowing with sexual tension and fun banter.
"McCabe . . . I . . ." .... "I know this situation didn't turn out the way you wanted, but-"
"Landon."
Emma's brow furrowed. "What?"
He leaned in closer and Emma inhaled deeply taking his scent into her lungs. "My name. Is Landon. Not McCabe. Not Deputy. Landon. Say it."
Emma tried to swallow and found that her mouth had gone completely dry. The sensual undercurrent of his voice dizzied and addled her, made her excited and deliciously drunk all at the same time. "I . . ." ....
"Say it."
"Landon." ....
He put his mouth next to her ear, and Emma held her arms tight at her sides to keep from reaching out to touch him.
"Again."
"Landon."
After finishing, I need ONE MORE (see what I did there) book in the series. Luckily I won't have to wait too long for the next installment since the next one, ONE TOUCH MORE is slated to release in October.
Mandy Baxter continues to bring strong characters, clever plot lines and the right amount of heat and suspense in her U.S. Marshals series. And the sophomore novel, ONE KISS MORE is a welcomed edition.
In ONE KISS MORE we follow the lives of Emma and Landon. They first meet about six years ago when Landon was the rookie on the case that put Emma's father in prison. Over the six years Emma has been trying to prove that her father is innocent. She's gotten what she needs but at a high price.
Landon hasn't been able to get the sexy Emma out of his mind since first meeting her all those years ago. Now he is thrown back into her life while working a case to find her escaped father. Landon thought that Emma was lovely back then, she's downright breath-taking now.
ONE KISS MORE is full of suspense that surrounds Emma and Landon working together to find her father. It's also overflowing with sexual tension and fun banter.
"McCabe . . . I . . ." .... "I know this situation didn't turn out the way you wanted, but-"
"Landon."
Emma's brow furrowed. "What?"
He leaned in closer and Emma inhaled deeply taking his scent into her lungs. "My name. Is Landon. Not McCabe. Not Deputy. Landon. Say it."
Emma tried to swallow and found that her mouth had gone completely dry. The sensual undercurrent of his voice dizzied and addled her, made her excited and deliciously drunk all at the same time. "I . . ." ....
"Say it."
"Landon." ....
He put his mouth next to her ear, and Emma held her arms tight at her sides to keep from reaching out to touch him.
"Again."
"Landon."
After finishing, I need ONE MORE (see what I did there) book in the series. Luckily I won't have to wait too long for the next installment since the next one, ONE TOUCH MORE is slated to release in October.
Review originally posted at RomanceatRandom.com
February 10, 2015
2.5 stars
I enjoyed the first book very much, thus I decided to read the sequel. I liked Landon from the first book too, so I wondered about the woman that seemed to get under his skin. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as impressed. It lacked the kind of sassy banter that I enjoyed from the first book. The banter made up for the flimsy plot there, which kept me quite entertained.
My issue with this second book was that I felt Landon and Emma’s relationship was superficial and focused mainly on their physical attraction. How gorgeous he is/she is, you know? It lacked the depth insight of their character. So Landon comes from money – his family had wealth, privilege, and high-society clout and his trust fund was enough to set him for the rest of his life — but he wanted to do the honorable thing by being a U.S. Marshall, not just follow in his family’s path, but at the same time, he always wears designers clothes? He dislikes his family’s lifestyle but he enjoys his monthly stipend? What is that? Isn’t that a little hypocritical of him?
Emma is also described as very smart, that she is “a general computer-geek-gun-for-hire” and “one of the top programmers of her field”, but I didn’t get that vibe from her. In fact, I kept thinking that she was making some stupid decisions – especially related to how she handled the problem with her father and the bad guys. I was getting tired with her way of thinking, that she couldn’t trust McCabe because he was the one arresting her father. Well, honey, if you want people to believe that your father is innocent, you need to provide significant evidence! And you need to TALK to them and not just SAY that your father is innocent.
The bad guys were also a bit cartoonish – like they needed to use Spanish terms every time they opened their mouth? It was too much … not enough layers for the bad guys either. Hey, I like good guys, but I need convincing bad guys as well, those who don’t feel two-dimensional.
So it was kind of MEH read for me, and definitely not memorable – at this moment, I don’t know if I will jump immediately for the next book in the series.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I enjoyed the first book very much, thus I decided to read the sequel. I liked Landon from the first book too, so I wondered about the woman that seemed to get under his skin. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as impressed. It lacked the kind of sassy banter that I enjoyed from the first book. The banter made up for the flimsy plot there, which kept me quite entertained.
My issue with this second book was that I felt Landon and Emma’s relationship was superficial and focused mainly on their physical attraction. How gorgeous he is/she is, you know? It lacked the depth insight of their character. So Landon comes from money – his family had wealth, privilege, and high-society clout and his trust fund was enough to set him for the rest of his life — but he wanted to do the honorable thing by being a U.S. Marshall, not just follow in his family’s path, but at the same time, he always wears designers clothes? He dislikes his family’s lifestyle but he enjoys his monthly stipend? What is that? Isn’t that a little hypocritical of him?
Emma is also described as very smart, that she is “a general computer-geek-gun-for-hire” and “one of the top programmers of her field”, but I didn’t get that vibe from her. In fact, I kept thinking that she was making some stupid decisions – especially related to how she handled the problem with her father and the bad guys. I was getting tired with her way of thinking, that she couldn’t trust McCabe because he was the one arresting her father. Well, honey, if you want people to believe that your father is innocent, you need to provide significant evidence! And you need to TALK to them and not just SAY that your father is innocent.
The bad guys were also a bit cartoonish – like they needed to use Spanish terms every time they opened their mouth? It was too much … not enough layers for the bad guys either. Hey, I like good guys, but I need convincing bad guys as well, those who don’t feel two-dimensional.
So it was kind of MEH read for me, and definitely not memorable – at this moment, I don’t know if I will jump immediately for the next book in the series.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
February 25, 2015
We met U.S. Marshal Landon McCabe in the first book, One Night More, when he gave his best friend a hard time for falling in love with an assignment. It was delicious watching him interact with Emma Ruiz. I have a feeling he won't be teasing his buddy much longer, in fact I think he is about to feel the heat.
Emma and Landon have a shared history of sorts. Her father was arrested and convicted of taking bribes. Emma has always proclaimed her father’s innocents despite his confession. Landon met Emma, then eighteen, during the investigation and subsequent arrest. When her father escapes, Landon is sure Emma knows where he is hiding. Now twenty-four, she is confident, snarky and playing a deadly game. These two together was hilarious, and hot. She gets under his skin even as he tried to get her to open up.
Emma is playing a high stake game and if she wants to survive, she is going to need to trust Landon. She is a strong heroine and I loved how she manages to keep her cool except for maybe when she is around Landon. The case quickly gets complicated and I loved the intense action, incredible sexual tension and watching Landon come undone.
Baxter managed to keep me on edge and I found myself invested in the characters. I love that these two had a prior connection allowing the romantic aspect to feel genuine. Landon is clever and a little cocky and he uses his wits in this case. The case was interesting, bringing in other federal agencies with twists and turns that kept me flipping the pages. Baxter did a wonderful job of balance both the case and romantic aspect.
Copy provided by publisher, full review on the blog. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Emma and Landon have a shared history of sorts. Her father was arrested and convicted of taking bribes. Emma has always proclaimed her father’s innocents despite his confession. Landon met Emma, then eighteen, during the investigation and subsequent arrest. When her father escapes, Landon is sure Emma knows where he is hiding. Now twenty-four, she is confident, snarky and playing a deadly game. These two together was hilarious, and hot. She gets under his skin even as he tried to get her to open up.
Emma is playing a high stake game and if she wants to survive, she is going to need to trust Landon. She is a strong heroine and I loved how she manages to keep her cool except for maybe when she is around Landon. The case quickly gets complicated and I loved the intense action, incredible sexual tension and watching Landon come undone.
Baxter managed to keep me on edge and I found myself invested in the characters. I love that these two had a prior connection allowing the romantic aspect to feel genuine. Landon is clever and a little cocky and he uses his wits in this case. The case was interesting, bringing in other federal agencies with twists and turns that kept me flipping the pages. Baxter did a wonderful job of balance both the case and romantic aspect.
Copy provided by publisher, full review on the blog. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
February 20, 2015
This book has it all - mystery, suspense, a little humor, and some serious sexual tension. Landon is the US Marshall that got Emma's dad put away 6 years ago. Now, Emma's dad has escaped from prison and Landon shows up at Emma's door to find out what she knows. The only problem is, Landon can't seem to stay focused with Emma around. Emma and Landon have fantastic chemistry and the sexual tension between these two was smoking hot. The suspense in this book was really good, I honestly didn't know what was going to happen and how things could work out. This is the second book in this series but can be read as a standalone. I really enjoy this authors writing and can't wait for the next book in this series. Highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a sexy, suspenseful romance.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
January 9, 2015
LOVED Landon's story and I can't wait for Damian's story next!!!!!
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Kensington Books*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Kensington Books*
January 11, 2015
One Kiss More by Mandy Baxter is the second book in the U. S. Marshals series and oh how I loved it! I devoured it one day! There is something to be said for a sexy man who looks like a god and has the badge it back it all up. The first thing I noticed in this book was the banter. It honestly had some funny moments that I loved. The other was how fast paced it was. One moment I was starting the book the next moment it was over.
U.S. Marshal Landon McCabe and Emma Ruiz not only have a history, since he is the one six years ago to arrest her father, but they have an attraction like no other. They are seriously combustible in wanting each other but trying to hide it is a challenge. I loved how these two were together. The wanting, jealously, and the emotions they went through made this more than an exciting story. You can tell from the moment when Landon goes to see her for the first time in years that there is something brewing and it is only a matter of time before it all comes out.
Baxter wrote two characters who fit together perfectly. This story didn’t have a dull moment in the action and the romance department. It was well written and enjoyable from the beginning to the very end. It’s true what they say sometimes the absence makes the heart grow fonder and in this enjoyable story it was true.
Finally when these two are locked in the hotel room it gets hot and heavy quick! Landon can’t wait to get his hands all over the woman who can tie him up in knots and the same goes with Emma. I really did love these two together, so far they are my favorite couple I have read about this year.
“It’s the badge, isn’t it? He teased. The ladies love the badge.”
“It might be about the badge. A little,” she said against his mouth. “Now about that shower…”
This book can be read as a standalone but I would suggest starting from the first book. Who can get enough of sexy bad ass U. S. Marshals? Not me that Is for sure. I can’t wait for the next book and we are so lucky to meet him in this book. Happy reading!
U.S. Marshal Landon McCabe and Emma Ruiz not only have a history, since he is the one six years ago to arrest her father, but they have an attraction like no other. They are seriously combustible in wanting each other but trying to hide it is a challenge. I loved how these two were together. The wanting, jealously, and the emotions they went through made this more than an exciting story. You can tell from the moment when Landon goes to see her for the first time in years that there is something brewing and it is only a matter of time before it all comes out.
Baxter wrote two characters who fit together perfectly. This story didn’t have a dull moment in the action and the romance department. It was well written and enjoyable from the beginning to the very end. It’s true what they say sometimes the absence makes the heart grow fonder and in this enjoyable story it was true.
Finally when these two are locked in the hotel room it gets hot and heavy quick! Landon can’t wait to get his hands all over the woman who can tie him up in knots and the same goes with Emma. I really did love these two together, so far they are my favorite couple I have read about this year.
“It’s the badge, isn’t it? He teased. The ladies love the badge.”
“It might be about the badge. A little,” she said against his mouth. “Now about that shower…”
This book can be read as a standalone but I would suggest starting from the first book. Who can get enough of sexy bad ass U. S. Marshals? Not me that Is for sure. I can’t wait for the next book and we are so lucky to meet him in this book. Happy reading!
April 19, 2015
I'm a little torn. I don't usually read romantic suspense, but I was hooked from the first pages and I wanted to know more. The author does a great job in keeping the reader on the edge of the seat all the time, and I really liked the tension and the angst. I also liked the strong chemistry between the two characters and the banter too. Sometimes their constant bickering was amusing.
It's not exactly the usual star-in-your-eyes romance or insta-love and I liked it that, before they open up their hearts and say I love you, they have to work for it and even risk their lives in the process.
I didn't particularly like the constant use of colorful language throughout the book, but since the characters are either cops or thugs, it was fitting. However, what totally turned me off was the amount of sex in the middle of the story, when the angst level is reaching the highest peak. When McCabe and Emma finally decide to stop worrying about the consequences and act on their mutual attraction, there's basically a whole chapter describing in very graphic detail how they spent the time in McCabe's motel room. Honestly, I felt it was a little too much and at that point of the story, when Emma's life was basically on the line, it took away a little of the tension that the author had so carefully built. I'm sorry to say I got annoyed at all their antics, and I could've done without the graphic descriptions. But that's just my personal opinion, so if you don't mind steamy scenes, you will definitely enjoy this book, because it has a gripping plot and the author's writing is definitely good: the characters are relatable and the dialogues feel real.
You don't have to have read the previous book in order to enjoy this one, as the characters from book one are only briefly mentioned (as the hero is McCabe's colleague), but I am curious to know Galen and Harper's story so I will probably read book one.
***I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
It's not exactly the usual star-in-your-eyes romance or insta-love and I liked it that, before they open up their hearts and say I love you, they have to work for it and even risk their lives in the process.
I didn't particularly like the constant use of colorful language throughout the book, but since the characters are either cops or thugs, it was fitting. However, what totally turned me off was the amount of sex in the middle of the story, when the angst level is reaching the highest peak. When McCabe and Emma finally decide to stop worrying about the consequences and act on their mutual attraction, there's basically a whole chapter describing in very graphic detail how they spent the time in McCabe's motel room. Honestly, I felt it was a little too much and at that point of the story, when Emma's life was basically on the line, it took away a little of the tension that the author had so carefully built. I'm sorry to say I got annoyed at all their antics, and I could've done without the graphic descriptions. But that's just my personal opinion, so if you don't mind steamy scenes, you will definitely enjoy this book, because it has a gripping plot and the author's writing is definitely good: the characters are relatable and the dialogues feel real.
You don't have to have read the previous book in order to enjoy this one, as the characters from book one are only briefly mentioned (as the hero is McCabe's colleague), but I am curious to know Galen and Harper's story so I will probably read book one.
***I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
March 15, 2015
And again, I'm rueing the lack of fulfilled potential of this story because it could have been a tighter, heart-pounding thriller with just that sizzling dose of passion and romance. The characters' ability to function under the sexual tension would have been truly fun to read about but...unfortunately, the constant blowing hot-and-cold simply signalled a lack of emotional maturity that was quite a turn-off by the time I got halfway into the story.
It's admittedly hard to write a heroine who is plucky and determined without falling past the line into stupidity and petulant stubbornness. Emma Ruiz...sort of fits the profile. Ish.
Especially when it comes to light that a lot of the mess she finds herself in is pretty much her own doing despite her doing so with the best of intentions. I can definitely admire her loyalty to her father and the created facade of the party girl vs. the real Emma but somehow I couldn't really connect with her, or even Landon and their attraction to each other - which is apparently so overwhelming and debilitating that it's miraculously interpreted as love by the time the sex rolls around because of their shared history which I'd been led to think was simply attraction and nothing really much more.
It's admittedly hard to write a heroine who is plucky and determined without falling past the line into stupidity and petulant stubbornness. Emma Ruiz...sort of fits the profile. Ish.
Especially when it comes to light that a lot of the mess she finds herself in is pretty much her own doing despite her doing so with the best of intentions. I can definitely admire her loyalty to her father and the created facade of the party girl vs. the real Emma but somehow I couldn't really connect with her, or even Landon and their attraction to each other - which is apparently so overwhelming and debilitating that it's miraculously interpreted as love by the time the sex rolls around because of their shared history which I'd been led to think was simply attraction and nothing really much more.
June 11, 2015
This was a really clever and unique romance story. I mean where else but a fictional book would you find a US Marshall trying to be distracted by the daughter of the guy the US Marshall is trying to catch up to after he breaks out of prison. BUT WAIT, not only does she TRY and distract him, but yeah, it kinda worked. LMAO! How could anyone not want to read that?!?!
OK, so Emma (said daughter) and Landon (US Marshall) have known each other since Landon put her father behind bars. She has done her damnedest to prove his innocence, and it hasn't been an easy time. In the years since, Landon hasn't been able to put sexy Emma out of his mind. And now they are thrown together once again. And the six years between meets have been REAL good to Emma (lol) ... she's gone from sexy to breath-taking! Their attraction is so electric. It jumps off the pages and it makes this suspenseful read a lot more interesting to read! Ms Baxter did an excellent job of balancing the suspense portion of the book with the romance part and also intertwining them. Overall a SOLID SEXY 4 star read for me!
ARC provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
OK, so Emma (said daughter) and Landon (US Marshall) have known each other since Landon put her father behind bars. She has done her damnedest to prove his innocence, and it hasn't been an easy time. In the years since, Landon hasn't been able to put sexy Emma out of his mind. And now they are thrown together once again. And the six years between meets have been REAL good to Emma (lol) ... she's gone from sexy to breath-taking! Their attraction is so electric. It jumps off the pages and it makes this suspenseful read a lot more interesting to read! Ms Baxter did an excellent job of balancing the suspense portion of the book with the romance part and also intertwining them. Overall a SOLID SEXY 4 star read for me!
ARC provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
May 20, 2016
I loved the first and third book in this series and while I liked the second it just wasn't as good for me as the other two. The story had a lot of potential and I really liked Landon's character from the previous book. However, the thing that over shadowed this entire book was the fact that both characters were so "overwhelmed" by their physical attraction for each other that they couldn't concentrate on anything else when they were together (like say their jobs, or the dangerous situation they were in). I just didn't buy Landon being so overwhelmed that he let years of training go and became this over the top jealous Alpha idiot. My problem with Emma was that she was portrayed as a really smart woman and yet she got herself into a terrible situation by making some really stupid decisions and I couldn't believe that she could manage to hack into a criminal's accounts but didn't bother to find out more about him and then she basically threw it in his face and didn't realize how dangerous that would be?
Still I enjoy this series and I'm looking forward to the 4th book and hope that it is more like the 1st and 3rd books.
Still I enjoy this series and I'm looking forward to the 4th book and hope that it is more like the 1st and 3rd books.
January 9, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! The characters were and the plot had a great suspense angle. Definitely a must read!
Landon McCabe is a US Marshall who is back on a case that he closed six years ago. A crooked judge has escaped, and Landon needs to bring him back in. The only problem is that this means he has to see the judges hot daughter again. He has never forgotten Emma Ruiz, and how difficult she is. Of all the Marshall's they had to send Landon McCabe. Still as good looking as ever, but he is the man that wants to bring her father back to prison. Emma has gotten herself in to a sticky situation by doing some computer hacking to find the truth about the people who framed her father. With no one to trust, she goes it alone. Landon senses that there is something that Emma is hiding. When she is shot at, Landon forces her to tell the truth. In a race against time, these two former enemies need to work together to bring down a man that is truly evil.
Landon McCabe is a US Marshall who is back on a case that he closed six years ago. A crooked judge has escaped, and Landon needs to bring him back in. The only problem is that this means he has to see the judges hot daughter again. He has never forgotten Emma Ruiz, and how difficult she is. Of all the Marshall's they had to send Landon McCabe. Still as good looking as ever, but he is the man that wants to bring her father back to prison. Emma has gotten herself in to a sticky situation by doing some computer hacking to find the truth about the people who framed her father. With no one to trust, she goes it alone. Landon senses that there is something that Emma is hiding. When she is shot at, Landon forces her to tell the truth. In a race against time, these two former enemies need to work together to bring down a man that is truly evil.
November 11, 2015
U.S. Marshall Landon McCabe has his eye on Emma Ruiz hoping she will lead him to her father who recently escaped from prison. Complicating matters is his growing lust for her and it is interfering with his objectivity regarding this case. Emma,a smart, spoiled stubborn socialite, attempts to stay ahead of the law while helping her father. She feels the same attraction for Landon which also complicates matters for her. This book is sexy, funny at times. The banter between the two is my favorite part. This is light fun reading. Nothing intense. I am enjoying this series and look forward to the next book.
August 17, 2021
Interesting, sleeping with the enemy? I don't think so. It is a story to stand up to fight for ur love, father n daughter, friendship n guy n woman love.
Maybe it is something that we may not believe, a woman has excellent it skill to be a hacker, she should go to any law enforcement to as their it guy, maybe Abby in ncis, Garcia in criminal minds.....
Emma is free to go.
Landon, a crazy guy that loves cliff dive, I m sure he is certified. Happy to know he kept his promise n did it well.
Good to read.
Maybe it is something that we may not believe, a woman has excellent it skill to be a hacker, she should go to any law enforcement to as their it guy, maybe Abby in ncis, Garcia in criminal minds.....
Emma is free to go.
Landon, a crazy guy that loves cliff dive, I m sure he is certified. Happy to know he kept his promise n did it well.
Good to read.
February 16, 2015
Loved this one!! Such a fun read filled with snarky banter and plot twists throughout. As an US Marshall Landon McCabe acting on his attraction Emma Ruiz is a bad idea. Considering he helped send her father to prison and he's currently chasing the recently escaped father makes it an even worse idea. But some things can't be contained. These two go on a wild adventure that will keep you turning page after page in this book. It is definitely one I recommend to everyone.
November 15, 2017
Reviewed by Angela
Book provided by Netgalley
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
One Kiss More is full of everything I look for in a book. Nonstop action, an amazing story line and unbelievable sexual chemistry.
In One Kiss More we are told an amazing story from the point of view of the two main characters. Landon McCabe and Emma Ruiz. Landon is the US Marshal that arrested Emma’s father 6 years ago. An action that Emma has never forgiven him for and one that Landon can’t shake from him mind. Not because of the case but because of Emma.
The story is an amazing read. It had me from page one. The fluency of the plot and the dialog between the characters makes them come to life from the start, and seeing them evolve just brought them that much more into reality. There is an unbelievable draw between Landon and Emma but it is one that neither of them are willing to admit to themselves or each other.
One of the things that I enjoy the most about the Landon character is that even though he is the typical Alpha male at the start of the book as you get to learn more about him he isn’t the typical male, and that is why the relationship that grows between him and Emma is one that works because they compliment each other beyond all belief.
Because of the clarity of the story and the amazing realness to the characters I give One Kiss More a Rose that Rules all rating. I am looking forward to the next book in the series with bated breath.
Favorite Quote: “You think you can sit here and put your head on my shoulder after you played me like that? Jesus, Emma, you went to him. Put your arms around him. I should have known better than to trust you. I don’t want you to touch me again. Ever. Don’t even look at me. I can’t stand the sight of you for another second.”
Book provided by Netgalley
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
One Kiss More is full of everything I look for in a book. Nonstop action, an amazing story line and unbelievable sexual chemistry.
In One Kiss More we are told an amazing story from the point of view of the two main characters. Landon McCabe and Emma Ruiz. Landon is the US Marshal that arrested Emma’s father 6 years ago. An action that Emma has never forgiven him for and one that Landon can’t shake from him mind. Not because of the case but because of Emma.
The story is an amazing read. It had me from page one. The fluency of the plot and the dialog between the characters makes them come to life from the start, and seeing them evolve just brought them that much more into reality. There is an unbelievable draw between Landon and Emma but it is one that neither of them are willing to admit to themselves or each other.
One of the things that I enjoy the most about the Landon character is that even though he is the typical Alpha male at the start of the book as you get to learn more about him he isn’t the typical male, and that is why the relationship that grows between him and Emma is one that works because they compliment each other beyond all belief.
Because of the clarity of the story and the amazing realness to the characters I give One Kiss More a Rose that Rules all rating. I am looking forward to the next book in the series with bated breath.
Favorite Quote: “You think you can sit here and put your head on my shoulder after you played me like that? Jesus, Emma, you went to him. Put your arms around him. I should have known better than to trust you. I don’t want you to touch me again. Ever. Don’t even look at me. I can’t stand the sight of you for another second.”
August 9, 2017
Book 2 in a new series with a new author. Emma and Landon were great characters full of spunk and attitude and I loved it. Another wonderful story with some suspense, little action, lots of attitude and some humor. Looking forward to the next book.
December 9, 2017
A very annoying book to read.
November 6, 2019
Not for me
For some reason, this book reads like a old PI movie. When I’m reading that’s the voice in my head and it’s annoying. I just can’t get into it.
For some reason, this book reads like a old PI movie. When I’m reading that’s the voice in my head and it’s annoying. I just can’t get into it.
romantic-suspense
November 13, 202120
Read
September 17, 2023Dnf @ 38%
February 24, 2015
Landon McCabe is a U.S. Marshal who enjoys excitement, risks, and adrenaline. He’s not particularly happy with his latest assignment, babysitting Emma Ruiz, the socialite daughter of federal Judge Javier Ruiz who was arrested and put into custody of government six years ago because of extortion and bribes for verdicts. Landon recalls the hard-core party girl, who liked to pull pranks on Landon and his team all those years ago. But he also remembers his attraction to the beautiful woman and realizes that his attraction hasn’t diminish over the past six years. Now that the cancer-ridden Javier has escaped federal custody, Emma is the government’s only link to finding the man.
Although tied to the preceding U.S. Marshals book, One Kiss More is an enjoyable standalone story. The author does a great job bringing readers into the story by developing a detailed history around and between Landon and Emma. Ms. Baxter peels apart their stories, giving readers one layer at a time until all of the pieces fit together. Emma is a fabulous character; a joyful balance of brains, wit, and beauty. While she may not have anticipated the danger she brought upon herself in her actions to prove her father innocent, she has a big heart and strong nature that makes her such a likable lead.
Due to the nature of their relationship - Landon a government officer and Emma a potential witness and/or suspect - the couple spends a LOT of time longing for one another in secret. While there are a few sizzling moments when Landon actually makes a move on Emma, for the majority of the book, the only action occurs during long, lustful inner monologues. While this added tremendous sexual tension to the story, it started to irritate and frustrate me after a while. A similar situation happened in the first book, One Night More, I had hoped the second book would kick up the chemistry a notch. Unfortunately, their first, full-on sexual encounter doesn’t occur until nearly two-thirds of the book is finished.
However, it’s not just a matter of sex, but more the fact that Landon is so hot and cold with his emotions as he struggles to deal with his attraction to Emma. If the couple would have just talk things out instead of hiding behind their respective rolls, I would have been much happier. It also bothered me that Landon continually takes pride in his “professionalism,” yet cannot concentrate around Emma because he is so attracted to her.
While the pair did share some amazing chemistry, I was more interested in Emma’s role in the much larger and dangerous situation surrounding her father. Every time I thought that I had figured it out, the author tossed another twist into the plot line. The action was intense and well-suited for the genre. I found that by the time Landon and Emma got together, I was more interested in the suspense storyline than sex scenes.
Overall, I enjoyed One Kiss More. The plot around Emma and her father was exciting, with just the right amount of suspense and action. However, as a romance, I found the story a bit lacking. I did not like how it took Emma and Landon until the 65% mark to begin to work on their relationship. While the book is full of longing and sexual tension, since they don't talk about how they feel, they don't actually develop a relationship, and I found this frustrating. I’m hoping that the author strikes a better balance between the romance and action in the next U.S. Marshals book, One Touch More, due out in November.
My Rating: B- Liked It, but I had a few small issues
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Although tied to the preceding U.S. Marshals book, One Kiss More is an enjoyable standalone story. The author does a great job bringing readers into the story by developing a detailed history around and between Landon and Emma. Ms. Baxter peels apart their stories, giving readers one layer at a time until all of the pieces fit together. Emma is a fabulous character; a joyful balance of brains, wit, and beauty. While she may not have anticipated the danger she brought upon herself in her actions to prove her father innocent, she has a big heart and strong nature that makes her such a likable lead.
Due to the nature of their relationship - Landon a government officer and Emma a potential witness and/or suspect - the couple spends a LOT of time longing for one another in secret. While there are a few sizzling moments when Landon actually makes a move on Emma, for the majority of the book, the only action occurs during long, lustful inner monologues. While this added tremendous sexual tension to the story, it started to irritate and frustrate me after a while. A similar situation happened in the first book, One Night More, I had hoped the second book would kick up the chemistry a notch. Unfortunately, their first, full-on sexual encounter doesn’t occur until nearly two-thirds of the book is finished.
However, it’s not just a matter of sex, but more the fact that Landon is so hot and cold with his emotions as he struggles to deal with his attraction to Emma. If the couple would have just talk things out instead of hiding behind their respective rolls, I would have been much happier. It also bothered me that Landon continually takes pride in his “professionalism,” yet cannot concentrate around Emma because he is so attracted to her.
While the pair did share some amazing chemistry, I was more interested in Emma’s role in the much larger and dangerous situation surrounding her father. Every time I thought that I had figured it out, the author tossed another twist into the plot line. The action was intense and well-suited for the genre. I found that by the time Landon and Emma got together, I was more interested in the suspense storyline than sex scenes.
Overall, I enjoyed One Kiss More. The plot around Emma and her father was exciting, with just the right amount of suspense and action. However, as a romance, I found the story a bit lacking. I did not like how it took Emma and Landon until the 65% mark to begin to work on their relationship. While the book is full of longing and sexual tension, since they don't talk about how they feel, they don't actually develop a relationship, and I found this frustrating. I’m hoping that the author strikes a better balance between the romance and action in the next U.S. Marshals book, One Touch More, due out in November.
My Rating: B- Liked It, but I had a few small issues
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by NetGalley
March 4, 2015
A great addition to this fast paced series. I enjoyed this suspense filled story with a hot hero and engaging heroine.
Landon McCabe is a deputy US Marshall who has come back to town for a case he thought he closed six years ago. He arrested a crooked judge Javier Ruiz, who is now missing from prison. He must investigate and question Emma, the daughter who is angry and refuses to help.
Emma Ruiz remembers Landon as the US Marshall who arrested her father, who she believes is innocent. She refuses to cooperate with Landon but not for the reason most think, she knows more that she lets on and her actions have lead to the circumstances she faces now. She is in over her head and is not sure what to do, yet it is only after she is shot at that she lets Landon in on her problems. Unfortunately other agencies are now involved and they are making more enemies than friends.
A romantic suspense that is nonstop action from beginning to end. I enjoyed this second book and look forward to more in this series of hot US Marshalls and the strong women they meet.
Emma is a perfect heroine for Landon, she is intelligent, sexy and stands up to him in every way. She only wants to help her father, an innocent man who is in prison for a crime she knows he lied about. Unfortunately she goes about it in the wrong way and is in deep trouble. You can feel the tension and regret when she talks and although she puts up a brave front, she is trembling and scared inside. Landon and Emma have an interesting relationship, there is some history from six years ago and they both try to deny the attraction that has never gone away, but it heats up when they are together.
Landon is an amazing hero, he believes he did the right thing six years ago, putting a confessed criminal away but the more he is around Emma and hears her side of the story, the more he believes something just does not add up. I love the two together, the banter back and forth between them is both humorous and sexy as they have some definite chemistry and the scenes sizzle when they are alone. The only issue I have is that the author portrays Emma as this extremely intelligent computer whiz, but the decisions she makes cause a lot of dangerous problems.
The pace of the story is fast and only heats up more as they get closer to the truth, and when they are about to jeopardize the case, his job and her father’s life, another agency steps in to take over and the race is on. Secondary characters play huge roles, I enjoyed seeing Galen and Harper again and I also like Jeremy who was always at the wrong place at the wrong time, he is a great friend to Emma. I enjoyed the ending as we see that Emma is still as stubborn as always and like seeing Damien who will be featured in the next book, another sexy US Marshall. I recommend this to those that enjoy a wonderful romance with danger and suspense to keep you turning the pages until the end. This is the second book in the series however it is easily a standalone as the author keeps the reader well informed.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
Landon McCabe is a deputy US Marshall who has come back to town for a case he thought he closed six years ago. He arrested a crooked judge Javier Ruiz, who is now missing from prison. He must investigate and question Emma, the daughter who is angry and refuses to help.
Emma Ruiz remembers Landon as the US Marshall who arrested her father, who she believes is innocent. She refuses to cooperate with Landon but not for the reason most think, she knows more that she lets on and her actions have lead to the circumstances she faces now. She is in over her head and is not sure what to do, yet it is only after she is shot at that she lets Landon in on her problems. Unfortunately other agencies are now involved and they are making more enemies than friends.
A romantic suspense that is nonstop action from beginning to end. I enjoyed this second book and look forward to more in this series of hot US Marshalls and the strong women they meet.
Emma is a perfect heroine for Landon, she is intelligent, sexy and stands up to him in every way. She only wants to help her father, an innocent man who is in prison for a crime she knows he lied about. Unfortunately she goes about it in the wrong way and is in deep trouble. You can feel the tension and regret when she talks and although she puts up a brave front, she is trembling and scared inside. Landon and Emma have an interesting relationship, there is some history from six years ago and they both try to deny the attraction that has never gone away, but it heats up when they are together.
Landon is an amazing hero, he believes he did the right thing six years ago, putting a confessed criminal away but the more he is around Emma and hears her side of the story, the more he believes something just does not add up. I love the two together, the banter back and forth between them is both humorous and sexy as they have some definite chemistry and the scenes sizzle when they are alone. The only issue I have is that the author portrays Emma as this extremely intelligent computer whiz, but the decisions she makes cause a lot of dangerous problems.
The pace of the story is fast and only heats up more as they get closer to the truth, and when they are about to jeopardize the case, his job and her father’s life, another agency steps in to take over and the race is on. Secondary characters play huge roles, I enjoyed seeing Galen and Harper again and I also like Jeremy who was always at the wrong place at the wrong time, he is a great friend to Emma. I enjoyed the ending as we see that Emma is still as stubborn as always and like seeing Damien who will be featured in the next book, another sexy US Marshall. I recommend this to those that enjoy a wonderful romance with danger and suspense to keep you turning the pages until the end. This is the second book in the series however it is easily a standalone as the author keeps the reader well informed.
Review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
May 12, 2018
This was a nice read but nothing spectacular. The story was good and it played out very well as I expected from this author. There were no boring filler chapters that contribute nothing to the story which was a plus. Both characters were likable, although Landon was kind of a douche in the beginning, it didn’t take long for me to warm up to him. He’s naturally cocky but not so much to he point where he’s completely disrespectful and annoying that it’s a turnoff. He was just the right amount. Emma was a nice surprise, she was very confident on the outside and quick witted which I loved because very few heroines are, that I’ve read at least. What I mean by that is that she doesn’t get embarrassed and make a fool of herself. She’s able to think fast on her feet in her actions but also deal comebacks right back at someone and catch them off guard. I love that in a heroine.
The actual romance between these two didn’t really get my heart strings pulling. It was very tame, because both of their characters came off as confident bosses in their own right. They’re the same person, just different genders and while sometimes it can work, this just didn’t, for them or me in that matter. I felt like the plot took center stage and the romance was put on the back burner for them. Everything happened so fast that it just went from one scene to the next to advance the plot and keep that momentum going, which is good for books that want to focus on the action. But at the same time, it took away precious time that could have been used to build their friendship and relationship, to solidify the bond that holds these two together that no one else can break, enough time for them to realize that they were in love and embrace it.
We got a lot of sex and humorous moments between them but I wanted to see their walls taken down and more serious talks that didn’t have to do with their job/problem but about them together. They didn’t really get that. It was all sexual tension, throwing insults at each other, turning serious matters into a joke and left unresolved, and a ton of introvert monologues of how they really felt but refused to voice to the other. These things mattered a lot to me and took away from the book. I would have really appreciated more time for them to talk things out and not base their whole idea of love on hot sex and how compatible they are physically and/or sexually.
It’s not a bad book at all and both characters were great but it needed more focus on just the two of them together and their feelings to balance out the troubles they faced. Overall, it was enjoyable to read and I hope that the next book will be more like the first in the series. I won’t read this one again however, and that’s just because I feel like there wasn’t enough romance for me personally. It is a nice addition to the series though and I plan on reading the rest in hopes that I hit another jackpot by this author.
The actual romance between these two didn’t really get my heart strings pulling. It was very tame, because both of their characters came off as confident bosses in their own right. They’re the same person, just different genders and while sometimes it can work, this just didn’t, for them or me in that matter. I felt like the plot took center stage and the romance was put on the back burner for them. Everything happened so fast that it just went from one scene to the next to advance the plot and keep that momentum going, which is good for books that want to focus on the action. But at the same time, it took away precious time that could have been used to build their friendship and relationship, to solidify the bond that holds these two together that no one else can break, enough time for them to realize that they were in love and embrace it.
We got a lot of sex and humorous moments between them but I wanted to see their walls taken down and more serious talks that didn’t have to do with their job/problem but about them together. They didn’t really get that. It was all sexual tension, throwing insults at each other, turning serious matters into a joke and left unresolved, and a ton of introvert monologues of how they really felt but refused to voice to the other. These things mattered a lot to me and took away from the book. I would have really appreciated more time for them to talk things out and not base their whole idea of love on hot sex and how compatible they are physically and/or sexually.
It’s not a bad book at all and both characters were great but it needed more focus on just the two of them together and their feelings to balance out the troubles they faced. Overall, it was enjoyable to read and I hope that the next book will be more like the first in the series. I won’t read this one again however, and that’s just because I feel like there wasn’t enough romance for me personally. It is a nice addition to the series though and I plan on reading the rest in hopes that I hit another jackpot by this author.
February 17, 2015
***3.5 out of 5 stars***
I was lucky enough to get a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I really enjoyed the first book in Ms. Baxter's US Marshals series and was excited to read the newest book.
Emma Ruiz is such a fun character in my opinion. She has done everything possible to prove that her father is innocent, and now must face the consequences of her actions. Landon McCabe is the man that put Emma's father behind bars 6 years ago. I have to say I loved that even when Emma was angry with Landon, she was still attracted to him, just as he was attracted to her.
There was major chemistry between Emma and Landon from the beginning of this story. I have to say I loved that Emma usually called Landon McCabe and in my mind it came across as pretty snarky. There was much inner dialogue from both Emma and Landon about how inappropriate it would be for them to be together.
I loved the sexual tension between Emma and Landon, but really wish they could have acted upon their desires a bit earlier in the story. Their first kiss was smoking hot and I loved that Emma was the instigator. “Without thinking, Emma pressed her body tight against his chest and put her lips to his. It seemed the best way to silence his persistent questions, and she knew of no better way to throw a man off track. Dios mio! Her brain went fuzzy as his mouth moved over hers, his lips firm and demanding. She hadn’t expected him to answer to her kiss, but holy crap, he wasn’t holding anything back. He shifted his weight against her, pushing her flush against the wall. His free hand wound around the back of his neck, his mouth parted, and his tongue flicked out at her bottom lip. Talk about the mother of all backfires.” Kindle loc 504
There were a couple of smoking hot make out scenes between them as the story progressed, but we didn't actually get to see them get together until the book was at about 65%. Ms. Baxter more than delivered with their first love scene, but I hated we had to wait that long for them to act.
The case of Emma's father and how he came to admit to a crime he didn't commit was very well done in my opinion. The reader knew Emma was smart and worked with computers, so I loved that she was also a major hacker who went above and beyond to trap the men responsible for the crimes. I honestly didn't see the twist coming as to who was behind the crime or why. Of course she did get herself and eventually Landon in some pretty hot water, but it only made the story more interesting.
I enjoyed One Kiss More and felt like it was a good addition to the US Marshals series. I do feel like the end was once again wrapped up pretty quickly. I also wish the hero and heroine were able to be together a bit sooner in the story. That being said, I feel like the story was enjoyable and solid overall.
I was lucky enough to get a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I really enjoyed the first book in Ms. Baxter's US Marshals series and was excited to read the newest book.
Emma Ruiz is such a fun character in my opinion. She has done everything possible to prove that her father is innocent, and now must face the consequences of her actions. Landon McCabe is the man that put Emma's father behind bars 6 years ago. I have to say I loved that even when Emma was angry with Landon, she was still attracted to him, just as he was attracted to her.
There was major chemistry between Emma and Landon from the beginning of this story. I have to say I loved that Emma usually called Landon McCabe and in my mind it came across as pretty snarky. There was much inner dialogue from both Emma and Landon about how inappropriate it would be for them to be together.
I loved the sexual tension between Emma and Landon, but really wish they could have acted upon their desires a bit earlier in the story. Their first kiss was smoking hot and I loved that Emma was the instigator. “Without thinking, Emma pressed her body tight against his chest and put her lips to his. It seemed the best way to silence his persistent questions, and she knew of no better way to throw a man off track. Dios mio! Her brain went fuzzy as his mouth moved over hers, his lips firm and demanding. She hadn’t expected him to answer to her kiss, but holy crap, he wasn’t holding anything back. He shifted his weight against her, pushing her flush against the wall. His free hand wound around the back of his neck, his mouth parted, and his tongue flicked out at her bottom lip. Talk about the mother of all backfires.” Kindle loc 504
There were a couple of smoking hot make out scenes between them as the story progressed, but we didn't actually get to see them get together until the book was at about 65%. Ms. Baxter more than delivered with their first love scene, but I hated we had to wait that long for them to act.
The case of Emma's father and how he came to admit to a crime he didn't commit was very well done in my opinion. The reader knew Emma was smart and worked with computers, so I loved that she was also a major hacker who went above and beyond to trap the men responsible for the crimes. I honestly didn't see the twist coming as to who was behind the crime or why. Of course she did get herself and eventually Landon in some pretty hot water, but it only made the story more interesting.
I enjoyed One Kiss More and felt like it was a good addition to the US Marshals series. I do feel like the end was once again wrapped up pretty quickly. I also wish the hero and heroine were able to be together a bit sooner in the story. That being said, I feel like the story was enjoyable and solid overall.
February 16, 2015
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley from the author/publisher for an honest review. The hero was briefly in the first book, but I don't feel like you need to read that story to understand this one. Galen (hero from the first book) is in/out of this one (mostly on the phone) to support/advise Landon as he's working up in Seattle on a case. The story is told in alternating points of view between Emma/Landon.
I was really into the story at the beginning. It's a suspense with a romance angle that was keeping me interested as to what really was behind Emma's father going to prison and where he was now (kidnapped vs. escaped). Emma was a complex heroine. She puts on this image for the press (famous sort of like a Paris Hilton for no real reason) as a party girl, but is actually completely different. She's a computer coder/hacker who loves sports. I liked the real her compared to the sex pot image she portrays publicly. She's known Landon since she was 18 when her father was being investigated and knows how to play the game with the police.
About midway I realized I was putting the book down and finding myself doing other things more and more. I did perk up a bit with the introduction of Damien. But there was something about the back/forth between the heroine/hero that seemed to stay in a rut for longer than I wanted. Their characters weren't connecting with each other besides a physical attraction and they also weren't connecting with me due to the slow pace. When they finally do get to the hanky panky part it goes on for pages and pages.
There's a line in the book that I can't get out of my head. It was a wait... what??? First, the story is a suspense/action thriller and the characters aren't witty/humorous/quirky. It's straightforward. In this particular scene, the characters are hot and heavy about to play tiddly winks and Landon thinks "he was dying to play. Little toddlers hopped up on sugar and waiting in line at Chuck E. Cheese had nothing on his eagerness." Umm. Since I don't have children, maybe this has a different meaning? To double check, I read this to my husband and he stared at me and finally asked what the hell I was reading. Since the copy I read is an ARC, maybe this has been removed?
Since I did like the first book in the series and I'm excited about the character for the next book (coming out around November 2015), I'm in no way giving up on this author and her writing. In fact, I read "Rocked by the Billionaire" a few months ago and absolutely loved it. Plus I tagged it as a favorite (go one-click that one!). I encourage you to read the book for yourself and make your own judgment since everyone takes away something personally from each story.
I was really into the story at the beginning. It's a suspense with a romance angle that was keeping me interested as to what really was behind Emma's father going to prison and where he was now (kidnapped vs. escaped). Emma was a complex heroine. She puts on this image for the press (famous sort of like a Paris Hilton for no real reason) as a party girl, but is actually completely different. She's a computer coder/hacker who loves sports. I liked the real her compared to the sex pot image she portrays publicly. She's known Landon since she was 18 when her father was being investigated and knows how to play the game with the police.
About midway I realized I was putting the book down and finding myself doing other things more and more. I did perk up a bit with the introduction of Damien. But there was something about the back/forth between the heroine/hero that seemed to stay in a rut for longer than I wanted. Their characters weren't connecting with each other besides a physical attraction and they also weren't connecting with me due to the slow pace. When they finally do get to the hanky panky part it goes on for pages and pages.
There's a line in the book that I can't get out of my head. It was a wait... what??? First, the story is a suspense/action thriller and the characters aren't witty/humorous/quirky. It's straightforward. In this particular scene, the characters are hot and heavy about to play tiddly winks and Landon thinks "he was dying to play. Little toddlers hopped up on sugar and waiting in line at Chuck E. Cheese had nothing on his eagerness." Umm. Since I don't have children, maybe this has a different meaning? To double check, I read this to my husband and he stared at me and finally asked what the hell I was reading. Since the copy I read is an ARC, maybe this has been removed?
Since I did like the first book in the series and I'm excited about the character for the next book (coming out around November 2015), I'm in no way giving up on this author and her writing. In fact, I read "Rocked by the Billionaire" a few months ago and absolutely loved it. Plus I tagged it as a favorite (go one-click that one!). I encourage you to read the book for yourself and make your own judgment since everyone takes away something personally from each story.
February 13, 2015
Mon avis en Français
My English review
Oh Mandy Baxter / Amanda Bonilla is a writer that I especially love and am always on the lookout for the release of her books. So when I had the opportunity to read this second novel, I did not hesitate for long and I threw myself on it. I really enjoyed the first volume although a little something has bothered me a little bit but I admit that this time, I was completely swept away by the story and the characters.
Emma is a young woman whose father escaped from prison, or it is in any case what the authorities think. Landon, the person who takes care of the case is determined to understand what happened, especially when we know that the father of the young woman is very ill. However, this survey is not easy and this is due to the fact that our two characters feel an attraction for one another since their first meeting during the arrest of the father years ago. But here it is, seeing her again does not help, but not at all !!! And while Landon investigates and begins to understand what’s going on, he realizes that there may be more than what he thought. And Emma who thought that she could handle the situation alone, realizes that eventually everything quickly escapes her hand without any possibility to do a thing.
I’ll try not to say too much, which is a difficult thing elsewhere. When the novel begins, we’re a bit lost because we do not know why the father of the young woman was in jail. It’s not easy to understand the situation in which Emma evolves and I loved the fact that the author tells us things little by little, hooking us to the story so we don’t want to put it down before the end. Oh yes, because I did not expect such a plot, it was a big one and it was very nice to discover everything. So yes, I was completely swept away by the whole thing and I was curious to see the next actions of the characters. Emma and Landon will really have many things to do and I enjoyed getting to know their history and to see that eventually they manage to support the other during the events.
It was a very good novel difficult to put down as I said. The author reserves us some very good surprises and if you’re looking for a good romance full of suspense and action, do not hesitate, go for it! It was a great find and I am now very curious to discover the third volume and to find a new story and a new couple. Also, did I forget to mention that we also hear a little bit about Galen, the character of the first volume? Yes, he is here! Another good point for this book, which delighted me.
My English review
Oh Mandy Baxter / Amanda Bonilla is a writer that I especially love and am always on the lookout for the release of her books. So when I had the opportunity to read this second novel, I did not hesitate for long and I threw myself on it. I really enjoyed the first volume although a little something has bothered me a little bit but I admit that this time, I was completely swept away by the story and the characters.
Emma is a young woman whose father escaped from prison, or it is in any case what the authorities think. Landon, the person who takes care of the case is determined to understand what happened, especially when we know that the father of the young woman is very ill. However, this survey is not easy and this is due to the fact that our two characters feel an attraction for one another since their first meeting during the arrest of the father years ago. But here it is, seeing her again does not help, but not at all !!! And while Landon investigates and begins to understand what’s going on, he realizes that there may be more than what he thought. And Emma who thought that she could handle the situation alone, realizes that eventually everything quickly escapes her hand without any possibility to do a thing.
I’ll try not to say too much, which is a difficult thing elsewhere. When the novel begins, we’re a bit lost because we do not know why the father of the young woman was in jail. It’s not easy to understand the situation in which Emma evolves and I loved the fact that the author tells us things little by little, hooking us to the story so we don’t want to put it down before the end. Oh yes, because I did not expect such a plot, it was a big one and it was very nice to discover everything. So yes, I was completely swept away by the whole thing and I was curious to see the next actions of the characters. Emma and Landon will really have many things to do and I enjoyed getting to know their history and to see that eventually they manage to support the other during the events.
It was a very good novel difficult to put down as I said. The author reserves us some very good surprises and if you’re looking for a good romance full of suspense and action, do not hesitate, go for it! It was a great find and I am now very curious to discover the third volume and to find a new story and a new couple. Also, did I forget to mention that we also hear a little bit about Galen, the character of the first volume? Yes, he is here! Another good point for this book, which delighted me.
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