The Bad Decision Legacy: A Romantic Suspense

The Men of Machismo #1

by Morgan Kay

The Men of Machismo series revolves around nine friends who worked together in a male revue. Each book follows the life of a different former dancer seven years later. The Bad Decision Legacy is Will and Tonya’s story. Tonya’s psychotic ex is stalking her. Not the best time to meet men, still her best friend begs her to show up for blind date dinner. Her plan includes the meet and greet, then heading home. Of course, she never expected a man who sent every hormone in her body into high alert. Will looks like her next bad decision. Will’s work as a divorce lawyer included discouraging embittered women from ramming their soon to be exes with the car or setting fire to their husband’s latest girlfriend. No wonder he fell hard for Tonya. The first woman he met with no agenda, well almost none. It’s obvious Tonya is knee deep in trouble, but refuses to ask for help. Instead of running the other way, he contemplates dashing into the tornado she refers to as her life. With any luck, he might survive.

Genres: Suspense

ebook

Published May 12, 2016

About the author

Morgan K Wyatt writes steamy romances with a side of laughter under the name of Morgan Kay. The wisecracking heroines and hunky heroes are similar to the ones in her mainstream novels, but in the Steamy Interludes series, the bedroom door is left open. Blind Date, short novella, made it to number 3 on Amazon Super Short Romances Reads. Puppy Love made it number 1 on humorous erotic Amazon list. Morgan is an award winning and Amazon best seller author.

Reviews

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bad Decision Legacy by Morgan Kay is book one of The Men of Machismo series. The stories follow the lives of nine male revue dancers. This is Will and Tonya’s story.

Her vindictive ex is making Tonya’s job security, even more insecure. The last thing she needs in her life is another man, but that doesn’t stop her best friend, Lynne, from trying to fix her up with a lawyer. The handsome barrister has her attention, but he’s the last thing she needs in her already chaotic life.

Will’s not the type to take no for an answer and is well aware Tonya has secrets. He can deal with it since he has a few of his own. Besides, Tonya is the first woman in a long time who’s captured his mind and heart.

This romantic suspense ratchets up the tension immediately. The reader shares the romantic tension of falling for a man who is more than he appears to be and Tonya’s terror when she realizes her ex may not be entirely sane.

This was an intriguing read because it had likeable, real people characters. No too perfect people exist in this tale. Along with the suspense and steam, there are several laugh aloud instances. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon and evening. Both romantic comedy and suspense fans should enjoy The Bad Decision Legacy.

[Lauren :) (Romance Novel Giveaways) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wild ride!

I liked reading Tonya and Will because they were a little awkward with each other in an endearing way.

Tonya seemed to have a streak of clumsiness and bad luck, though not all of it was her fault; she had creepy Clint to thank for some of it.

Clint's tendency to cause catastrophic situations for Tonya kept the story interesting because, well, I never knew what to expect!

Will was a little shy, and maybe a little jaded about love given his line of work. But he knew who he liked, and it was definitely Tonya! His patience and care of her was absolutely adorable.

All in all, this was an intense read with a relentless villain, and one heck of an ending!

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Tonya Smiley hasn't had the best of luck with men, and should definitely be considering making a 'no dating' rule for herself. But when a friend asks her for a favor, she can't help but say yes, especially when she'll get an excellent free meal out of it. However, she never expected to feel an instant attraction to the man she's supposed to be providing a wonderful distraction for.

As a divorce lawyer, Will Robinson has seen the worst of women. His job has made him very cynical towards the opposite sex, and definitely makes it hard for him to find a decent woman to have a relationship with. However, the moment he meets Tonya, he realizes she's unlike any woman he's ever met. For one thing, she's genuine. Except for the fact that she's hiding something, and when he learns the truth, he finds he'll do anything to help her.

Although at the start of this book, I struggled to get into it, I've got to admit that once the hero and heroine met I was absolutely hooked. Really, this first book of the Men of Machismo series has launched a delightful start to it for Ms. Kay, as it encompasses a heroine that needs someone on her side to fight off a stalker, and a hero that needs to find the good in women.

The dialogue was pretty intense due to the main characters back stories, and everything the heroine suffers at the hands of her stalker. Yet, there were also some light-hearted moments that made me smile, especially since the heroine tended to ask questions of the hero that no-one but her seemed game enough to enquire about.

I really liked both characters, as well as the secondary ones. The heroine's friends are good to her, and I couldn't understand why she would hide such a huge secret from them when she needed all the support she could get. However, in saying that, Tonya is strong, brave, and even though she finds it hard to trust, I liked that she decided to let her guard down with Will. He proved trustworthy, and it was good that he could read her like an open book. Then again, it wouldn't have taken a genius to figure out what she was hiding. Her emotions and reactions as well as her dialogue revealed that she was a victim of a stalker to the hero quite easily.

While with Will, Tonya is a breath of fresh air from the women he deals with in his job as a divorce lawyer. He has a definite cynicism for love and marriage after all he's witnessed in his job, yet I liked that Tonya managed to change his opinion. The fact that she's so genuine really catches him by surprise because he's not used to seeing it from the women he usually deals with. However, what I liked most about the hero was how protective he is of Tonya. He's only just met her, but he's willing to do everything in his power to keep her safe.

Overall, I liked this book where the romance was nicely-detailed and definitely revealed the strong chemistry these two had from the moment they met. This story ended nicely with how Will cares for Tonya after all that she's been through. However, in saying that, I thought what happened with her ex was a bit anticlimactic. Why did her stalker ex have to die the way he did? I would recommend The Bad Decision Legacy, if you enjoy romantic suspense.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonya didn't always have the best choice in men. One moment, when she felt unloved, she fell for Clint. She tried everything to be what he was searching for in a woman only to be dumped by him when someone better came along. Tonya is living a very boring life. She lives alone with her dog Sebastian and has had the same job for ages. The company where Tonya works is cutting back so she could very well end up being fired. When her best friend invites her over for diner, her husband is a chef at a restaurant, Tonya doesn't hesitate and accepts the invitation.

Clint has a tendency to get bored really fast and after dating few other women after Tonya he decided to go back to the one who had the least demands. He's a private investigator and knows everything about harassment. The fact that he also knows his way on the computer isn't a big plus for Tonya. Clint has been stalking Tonya and the fact that she isn't responding makes him crazy. How far is he willing to go to get back what he wants?

Will is a divorce lawyer. He usually represents bitter and spiteful women who want to squeeze as much as possible out of their soon to be ex-husbands. It turns out that his job isn't really something that draws in women, so he has been out of the dating scene for quite some time. When he meets Tonya at a friend's house he is fascinated by her. She is honest and she isn't afraid to ask him tough questions. He feels attracted to her from the very first moment. When Will finds out that Tonya is stalked by her ex he does everything in his power to keep her safe.

The readers of The Bad Decision Legacy will learn that even when the circumstances for starting a new relationship aren't always right love will look past that. I could imagine Tonya falling in love with Will, he is smart, successful, gorgeous and he also knows sexy dance moves. How can a woman pass when being presented with all that hotness? He is also caring and kind, he's really the nicest man out there. Tonya is such a sweetheart as well. She tries to see the good in people and she works hard. She also cares about her dog very much.

This story was a real treat. I loved the way Morgan Kay writes and how she gives her characters depth. Will and Tonya are made for each other and even though they may have made some bad decisions in the past they are now ready to make the best choice ever. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, although I do think you want to keep on reading after finishing The Bad Decision Legacy.

[John Presler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Tonya has some major problems. She is terrified of losing a mundane, mind-numbing job. She is terrified of dating for fear of being disappointed yet again. She is terrified that her much-loved car you have will break down. She is also terrified that she won’t be able to make her house payment! These are the everyday concerns for Tonya Smiley. To make matters worse, she is terrified to ask for help for fear it will make her appear weak!

Tonya works hard. More often than not, she gets to work early and leaves late, frequently being the last person to leave at night! The company she works for is laying people off and she is afraid of losing her job. She doesn’t want to search for another job because she might be turned down…sound familiar? This is a young woman who has had no one to rely on for help for a very long time. In addition to all of this, she has an ex boy-friend who wants her back and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen!

Luckily, Tonya has some very wonderful friends in Lynne and her husband, Mark! Lynne and Mark understand that Tonya is lonely and they want to help put an end to the situation by introducing her to Will Robinson, their good friend and an attorney.

From the beginning, Tonya is impressed with his honesty and gentle approach to helping her. Unlike the men she has previously dated, he isn’t trying to tell her how to live, what to think and how to act!

But is he willing to stay around or is he looking to “get lucky” and disappear? Is she willing to take the chance that he may be genuinely interested in her? In her mind, she is nothing special, or is she?

The chapters start out long, however, the characters are well written and the story is believable. In many ways, it reflects real life.

[Niki Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is going to be an interesting series. The fact that the lead male character once shook his tush is only mentioned at the end of the story and does not play an important role. However, given that this was once the profession it is interesting to see what the tush shaking was used to pay for. Will is an interesting character, he does not come off as a big buff bad boy but rather good looking man with a good head on his shoulders. Tonya is made out as some kind of flake, not having a steady boyfriend and having bad taste in men. I liked that Will could see the real Tonya and made an effort to understand her not criticize her. Tonya also could see behind the suit and tie to the wonderful man Will was inside and out. This was more a damsel in distress story with Will being the Knight in shining Armour. He swooped in,knew what to do and how to do it. I thought it was a good story but it was a little winded. By that I mean there was lots of drawn out storyline that I thought could have been shortened and still do the job. I will admit that I skipped some pages just to get to what was going on. I also thought the ending was rushed and anticlimactic. We were left hanging on what happened to the bad guy and it was casually entered into the commentary as if someone just remembered about him. The stalker was a big part of the plot in this story and at the end he seemed like an after thought. I think this should have been more detailed, intense, exciting or something as I did not feel it had the right closure leaving the story missing a major detail and feeling unfinished. Because of this I would rate as 3.5 stars however I do look forward to seeing what the author has planned for book 2.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited for this book after reading the blurb, the concept was different and intriguing. Once I started reading the book, I realized it wasn't what I was expecting. The writing was good and the story was interesting, but I felt like the blurb didn't really give the reader a true sense of the story. I was expecting more focus on the male revue and the relationships of the men, but really it's only hit on twice throughout the story and then a little more information is given at the end when you meet the dancer that will be the hero of the next book.

I honestly didn't care for Tonya, I couldn't connect with her at all. I think there was a little too much focus on how she just had to keep her job, and how she couldn't trust anyone, when the reader is never given the information as to WHY she felt that way. It was just hard to like her when I felt like she was doing stupid things all the time and making stupid decisions.

I did like Will's character, although at times he seemed a little jaded. He was protective and occasionally alpha which I enjoyed. I liked that the reader did get some history to Will, at least in regards to how he became a divorce lawyer, even if we didn't get much background as his time as a dancer.

The suspense angle was well written and although I knew something was going to happen, the I didn't see the events coming.

Overall, the story was enjoyable, just not exactly what I was expecting.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from this author. This is the first book in the series about a group of men who were in a Male Revue, one summer, many years ago. Tonya's only moral support right now is her dog and friend Lynn. She is worried about losing a job she hates because of cutbacks, if her car will even start in the morning, keeping ahead of bills AND an ex-boyfriend stalker, Clint. Clint is a PI and even though he dumped her, he has become obsessed with getting her back. Lynn invites Tonya over for dinner (prepared by her gourmet chef husband, Marc) and to meet Marc's friend, Will, a divorce lawyer. Will spent a summer dancing in a male revue, to earn money for school, which really doesn't have much to do with the story, but is a connection to the ones that will follow. While Tonya comes mostly for the meal, she and Will hit it off and he quickly realizes that she is being stalked. Aside from being gorgeous, he is also a really nice guy and sticks around to make sure she is safe. Clint first threatens to get her fired and then the threats escalate. Lot's of suspense and steamy romance. Eagerly looking forward to book 2.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense was in your face. The tension was filling the pages with each turn. The intensity of the fear pouring off the pages in regards to Tonya and her realization that her ex- will stop at nothing to get what he wants. The intense attraction. The magnetic pull of desire and lust. The curtain of hidden secrets, past deed, current dealing. All these things lend to the roar of a ride that culminates in a intensely climatic ending.

There are some things you feel you just have to know. Then there are things that are better left alone never to be touched again, if ever. Tonya learns this and more. He ex wants her. Her best friend send her on a blind date. Her blind date desires her.

The tension, suspense, action, drama all unfolds with much to be rewarded if the end is accomplished alive and intact. You may even laugh a time or two. maybe a little too loud before you get to the end.
**This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.**

[Behind Closed Doors Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amount of sex - 4 / 5
How explicit - 3.5 / 5
Romance - 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4.5 / 5

The Bad Decision Legacy is a suspenseful and steamy novel from author Morgan Kay.  This book tells the story of Will and Tonya who were both invited to dinner by their best friends, who just happens to be married. Will is a divorce attorney and has pretty much heard and seen it all. Tonya is nervous about trusting another man as she is currently being stalked by her ex.

The dinner was pretty comical since both are a bit jaded and didn’t show their best side. The funny thing is, the chemistry between Will and Tonya worked. The story was full of drama, suspense, with many steamy scenes. BTW, the part about Will being a male revue dancer didn't really come up until the very end. I expected it to be a bigger part of the story, but it wasn't. The storyline was gripping, and I only wish it were longer.

I adore this novel and can’t wait for the next book!

 Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy

[Will Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having received this book in exchange for an honest review, let me begin by saying that this author knows how to develop believable characters, even if the main female character that is delivering the narrative first-person is a bit of a ditz and sometimes hard to relate to. Her counterpart makes up for her shortcomings with an intelligent take on what's happening. Between the two of them they compliment each other very well. The story line is a unique spin on a familiar scenario of new boyfriend defending damsel in distress from old boyfriend which flows steadily from one exciting moment to the next. If there is anything negative to say about this story it would have to be the dreadful editing. There were way too many hiccups from comma misuse to tense shifts and misused words to typos. A cleanup of the editing would make this story flow much smoother and possibly raise it to a 5 star book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Men of Machismo. Tonya's best friend begs her to come to dinner to meet a friend of her husband. Tonya did not want to be set up on a blind date, but she did go. Will is a divorce lawyer and he sees it all.

I loved this story line. I don't think I have read a book where the heroine had a stalker. Tonya has been receiving threats from her ex. She thinks that Will is her next bad decision, but is she correct on that? Could Will be the kind of guy she should be dating?

Have you ever been set up on a blind date? I was over 22 years ago and I married him. I look forward to reading this series, The Men of Machismo.

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tonya is receiving threatening emails and texts from her ex and she is stuck in a dead-end job, with the threat of redundancy hanging over her head. When her best friend asks her to show up 'unexpectedly' for dinner one evening, she doesn't see any harm in it. Upon arrival she meets Will, a divorce lawyer. With the help of a little bit of alcohol, Tonya asks him questions that normally people wouldn't. There is an instant attraction that quickly escalates. Will isn't stupid and knows that Tonya is in trouble and resolves to do all he can to help.

This is a fast-paced and thrilling romance/suspense that will keep you gripped as the story unravels and you find out just why Tonya is being stalked after all this time. Definitely recommended and looking forward to the next in the series.

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love romance when it has 'real' characters and a believable story. Tonya faces decisions about her past relationship that many women face, even when their friends may not agree with them. Will is now a lawyer, although his previous job history is a bit different, but it has all helped him become the man he is. This story isn't all boy meets girl, they fall in love, and live happily ever after; this is so much more. While there is romance and heat, there is suspense, friendship, love, and every now and then a little something to make you chuckle. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting read that has everything you need for a great read!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book of the series and I want the next one. Tonya’s job security is now on the line because of her vengeful ex Clint who wants her back even though he dumped her for someone else. He is now stalking her by e-mails Clint is a private investigator and knows how to use the system to get what he wants and he wants Tonya back. She meets Will a divorce lawyer at a friends house and they find they have an attraction for each other, Tonya is honest with Will and tells him everything about Clint and what he is doing to her now.Can Will keep Tonya safe from Clint will they get a happy ending? I was gifted a copy for an honest review barwatts@telus.net

[Epiphany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is going to be a very interesting series to follow. As the book description says “The Men of Machismo series revolves around nine friends who worked together in a male revue. Each book follows the life of a different former dancer seven years later. The Bad Decision Legacy is Will and Tonya’s story.” Almost “Magic Mike” with plots and twist and hero’s. Will the main male character in this book, Will be able to save Tonya? I found the characters to be well written, likeable and believable. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.
Our Blog was given this book in Exchange for an honest review.

[Jara Beaubien · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I wondered, the start was slow and yet funny. The more pages I flipped through I found myself totally fascinated by this Story.
Tonya story wove through a stalker a new boyfriend, who honestly would be any girl's dream.
At the times the story made me laugh and at times it had me on the edge of my seat.
Seeing her grow and begin to live was great, even managing to escape her stalker. Great story plot and well written, kept me on the edge of my seat till the last page...

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I can't wait to read more of this series. You will love reading about Will and Tonya's story. Tonya's psychotic ex is stalking her, but is too proud to ask for help. Will is a divorce lawyer who wants to be her hero.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Bad choices in men, some intrigue. It is a very exciting book and keeps you on the edge of your seat and glued to the book until you finish. A must buy. I recommend it. I was given an ARC in exchange for and honest review