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The Billionaires #4
Star Crossed
A.J. Hoyt is as cynical as she is badass, a former cop turned bodyguard. A lifetime of hard knocks taught her not to trust—a handy trait in her line of work. Given the right motivation, she knows anyone will betray their near and dear. Rather than let them betray her, A.J. keeps her shields nailed up.
On the surface, Luke Channing’s life seems charmed. He’s a Hollywood action hero whose looks inspire fantasies. Known for being easygoing and kind to fans, his latest film made him a billionaire producer. Problem is his high profile has attracted a dangerous admirer.
Threats like the one Luke faces aren’t new. A.J. saved his life once already. Now he doesn’t trust anyone but her to guard him. With a deadly enemy lurking in the shadows, this star-crossed pair better pray A.J.’s skills are sharp!
On the surface, Luke Channing’s life seems charmed. He’s a Hollywood action hero whose looks inspire fantasies. Known for being easygoing and kind to fans, his latest film made him a billionaire producer. Problem is his high profile has attracted a dangerous admirer.
Threats like the one Luke faces aren’t new. A.J. saved his life once already. Now he doesn’t trust anyone but her to guard him. With a deadly enemy lurking in the shadows, this star-crossed pair better pray A.J.’s skills are sharp!
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2016
28 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Emma Holly
93 books1,270 followersI'm a USA Today bestselling author who LOVES the hot stuff, both to read and to write. My favorite obsessions are all things coffee, almost everything on HGTV, and dreaming up new stories.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 6, 2024
Sultry, suspense and star-crossed! I read the blurb and I thought, I have to read this to see what Ms. Holly does to crank up the sexual tension.
A.J. Hoyt is woman who is strong and will take no crap from anyone. She's been kicked down before but it didn't put her down. She came back up fighting and still finding a way to do what she loves. She may no longer have a badge in law enforcement, but she can still work a case better than others. She has the connections and she knows how to pay attention to the details to find clues that others miss. Moving on from her law enforcement days, she now works in the private sector for a security company run by her father. When her latest assignment takes her back to a lover she had to let go, it may be her chance to find love again.
Ms. Holly delivers another sexy erotic story about two tough characters. Both A.J. and Luke are stubborn and used to getting their way. Their chemistry is blazing hot and everyone around them is impacted by their sexual tension. The sex is, as always, fabulous with erotic scenes designed to raise the body temperature of the reader.
What I liked about this book is that it is more than just an erotic sex fest. Ms. Holly develops her characters. The motivations and back story build a solid picture of both A.J. and Luke. Their past is what makes them who they are today. Their maturity through past experiences are shown as they handle problems and communicate with each other without whining or drama. Sure, it is probably not recommended to sleep with the client, but that is what makes this story naughtily illicit. Dancing this fine line is appealing and generates a feeling of wicked fun. Ms. Holly gives a mischievous wink as she invites the reader into her world of blurring the lines and enjoying life with passion and intensity.
This erotic romance is recommended for readers who like lovers reunited at the right time.
June 26, 2016
When you pick up a book by Ms. Holly, you know you're in for something crazy hot!
A.J. Hoyt has always wanted to be a police detective. Even as a kid, that's all she ever wanted. As an adult, her burgeoning career has been cut short by the good ole' boys club, but just as she's mourning her loss, she has a chance run in with up and coming model Luke Channing, and the pair wind up in bed. After unceremoniously dismissing him in the morning, the two don't have another encounter until 5 years later, when Luke is a huge movie star and producer. Someone's out to get him, and the only person he wants guarding his body is now-bodyguard A.J. Time has done nothing to dilute the heat between them, and when the planets finally align for these two star crossed lovers, they'll experience their very own version of the Big Bang.
STAR CROSSED is book 4 in The Billionaires series by one of my favorite authors, and I loved it just as much as I adore all of her wickedly hot reads! I'll admit I was worried I wouldn't dig this as much as usual since Ms. Holly has a knack for MMF menage that I drool over, but she nailed yummy MF just as well! How sexy is Luke!? He's sweet and sexy without coming off as pretentious or fake even though he's Hollywood's newest celebrity billionaire. The connection between the two turns out to be a hell of a lot deeper than it seems on the surface, and I loved that fate kept giving them opportunities to be together. And GROAAANNN, their sex scenes went beyond steamy and right into the stuff of midnight fantasy material!
The suspense element was well done too, I had a few ideas as to who was behind the threats to Luke, but the red herrings Ms. Holly threw into the mix were well done and I genuinely didn't know who the culprit was until shit hit the fan. Ms. Holly is one of my auto-read authors, and anyone who digs a good story with some seriously hot sexy sex and great characters will adore her books.
Bottom Line: Three words: Oh. Hell. Yes. - See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
- See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
A.J. Hoyt has always wanted to be a police detective. Even as a kid, that's all she ever wanted. As an adult, her burgeoning career has been cut short by the good ole' boys club, but just as she's mourning her loss, she has a chance run in with up and coming model Luke Channing, and the pair wind up in bed. After unceremoniously dismissing him in the morning, the two don't have another encounter until 5 years later, when Luke is a huge movie star and producer. Someone's out to get him, and the only person he wants guarding his body is now-bodyguard A.J. Time has done nothing to dilute the heat between them, and when the planets finally align for these two star crossed lovers, they'll experience their very own version of the Big Bang.
STAR CROSSED is book 4 in The Billionaires series by one of my favorite authors, and I loved it just as much as I adore all of her wickedly hot reads! I'll admit I was worried I wouldn't dig this as much as usual since Ms. Holly has a knack for MMF menage that I drool over, but she nailed yummy MF just as well! How sexy is Luke!? He's sweet and sexy without coming off as pretentious or fake even though he's Hollywood's newest celebrity billionaire. The connection between the two turns out to be a hell of a lot deeper than it seems on the surface, and I loved that fate kept giving them opportunities to be together. And GROAAANNN, their sex scenes went beyond steamy and right into the stuff of midnight fantasy material!
The suspense element was well done too, I had a few ideas as to who was behind the threats to Luke, but the red herrings Ms. Holly threw into the mix were well done and I genuinely didn't know who the culprit was until shit hit the fan. Ms. Holly is one of my auto-read authors, and anyone who digs a good story with some seriously hot sexy sex and great characters will adore her books.
Bottom Line: Three words: Oh. Hell. Yes. - See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
- See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
April 25, 2016
"Guarding you is my job. If you're too concerned about my safety-or my competence-to let me do it, you've no business paying me" Luke's mouth twisted ruefully. "Maybe I didn't think that part through when I hired you." "Or when you seduced me." He didn't seem to mind her dry humor. His green eyes smoldered. "That I'm not sorry for." - Star Crossed by Emma Holly
**copy received from author/publisher**
My Summary: The fourth book in Emma Holly’s Billionaires series was my first read of the series and it stands alone quite well. A contemporary romance with plenty of action, the story focuses around a Billionaire model-turned-actor and a professional bodyguard with a linked childhood. A.J. Hoyt is definitely not what society would term a “girly girl,” and she has the physique and cold blooded attitude to go with the reputation. Luke Channing has had an amazingly successful career that just keeps getting bigger and better, but things have taken a turn for the slightly insane lately. After meeting A.J. in L.A. where she more than proves her value, she is the first person he considers when he decides to get protection. When Luke reaches out to the company she works for, A.J. instantly remembers the heat between them. Despite the distractions, she is determined to keep Luke from getting mauled or worse by super fans...and resist the lure of his hot body and handsome face. Luke is looking forward to his forced together time with A.J., until his diehard fans take a dislike to other ladies in his life.
My Review: This was a fast, heated read. I absolutely love a strong female lead in a story, and A.J. is hardcore. Luke is adorable playboy on the surface, but the author reveals the depth of both leading characters as the story progresses. If you like contemporary romance with action, then this will be a fun read. I love Emma Holly’s paranormal romance, and this tropetastic billionaire romance was another enjoyable read.
Check out my full review here: https://romancereviewsbyruckie.wordpr...
**copy received from author/publisher**
My Summary: The fourth book in Emma Holly’s Billionaires series was my first read of the series and it stands alone quite well. A contemporary romance with plenty of action, the story focuses around a Billionaire model-turned-actor and a professional bodyguard with a linked childhood. A.J. Hoyt is definitely not what society would term a “girly girl,” and she has the physique and cold blooded attitude to go with the reputation. Luke Channing has had an amazingly successful career that just keeps getting bigger and better, but things have taken a turn for the slightly insane lately. After meeting A.J. in L.A. where she more than proves her value, she is the first person he considers when he decides to get protection. When Luke reaches out to the company she works for, A.J. instantly remembers the heat between them. Despite the distractions, she is determined to keep Luke from getting mauled or worse by super fans...and resist the lure of his hot body and handsome face. Luke is looking forward to his forced together time with A.J., until his diehard fans take a dislike to other ladies in his life.
My Review: This was a fast, heated read. I absolutely love a strong female lead in a story, and A.J. is hardcore. Luke is adorable playboy on the surface, but the author reveals the depth of both leading characters as the story progresses. If you like contemporary romance with action, then this will be a fun read. I love Emma Holly’s paranormal romance, and this tropetastic billionaire romance was another enjoyable read.
Check out my full review here: https://romancereviewsbyruckie.wordpr...
May 18, 2016
Emma Holly is one of my favorite authors but this one wasn't the bee's knees for me. I would describe the MC's backstory as unbelievable. Just wasn't buying it.
I know female characters often have masculine names but every time I read A. J.'s, I thought it was a dude. Then I'd see Luke's name and go "Nope, he's the dude and this is an M/F which I haven't read a lot of lately. It got annoying.
The sex was hot, the side characters were relatable, the writing good, even the plot wasn't bad. I did feel like A.J.'s character pulled a major personality switch pretty close to the end of the book. Seemed very unlike her to be so agreeable and mushy, like she ran out of feisty. Although honestly, I'm not sure how they could have pulled off an HEA without someone changing their life a lot.
I will most likely continue to read most, if not all, of Ms. Holly's excellent writing, but I do hope she returns to the "Hidden" series in the not too distant future.
I know female characters often have masculine names but every time I read A. J.'s, I thought it was a dude. Then I'd see Luke's name and go "Nope, he's the dude and this is an M/F which I haven't read a lot of lately. It got annoying.
The sex was hot, the side characters were relatable, the writing good, even the plot wasn't bad. I did feel like A.J.'s character pulled a major personality switch pretty close to the end of the book. Seemed very unlike her to be so agreeable and mushy, like she ran out of feisty. Although honestly, I'm not sure how they could have pulled off an HEA without someone changing their life a lot.
I will most likely continue to read most, if not all, of Ms. Holly's excellent writing, but I do hope she returns to the "Hidden" series in the not too distant future.
August 31, 2016
Review coming
September 12, 2016
Every book in The Billionaires series is a scintillating, can’t put it down kind of read. I love them all. They also serve to fulfill my admittedly huge ménage addiction. So even though I was a bit disappointed to discover that Star Crossed is not a ménage, I certainly wasn’t going to pass it up. I mean, come on! This is Emma Holly we’re talking about! Creator of fascinating characters, sizzling hot sex scenes and spellbinding stories. Besides, once I met A.J. Hoyt and Luke Channing it was quite clear they were meant solely for each other with no one else messing up the mix.
As a young girl, A.J.’s curiosity and penchant for detective work drove her father crazy, but he was damn proud when she became a cop. He was also damn proud that she stuck to her morals, even when it got her kicked off the force. Now, she is putting her skills to use at her father’s private security business. Never a girly girl or a romantic, A.J. is happy enough with her life, and the occasional casual hook-up. No one has ever come close to the sweet, handsome, new-on-the-scene model named Luke. The stars were certainly aligned on the day they bumped into each other five years ago. She was in the process of drowning her sorrows after getting fired, he was in the process of getting his ass kicked. When the dust cleared they did a bit of their own wrestling around. Between the sheets. Luke wanted more, but one night was all she was able to give him. That doesn't mean she’s forgotten the amazing chemistry they had. How could she? His face is everywhere now that he’s a big movie star. A star in need of a bodyguard now that someone is threatening his life.
Ms. Holly has taken the romantic suspense novel and upped it a few notches. She layers in some delightful twists and didn't-see-that-coming surprises, and her characters never disappoint. A.J. and Luke are both strong and independent, their relationship fun and refreshing. The chemistry between these two is hot, hot, hot! I love that A.J. doesn’t hesitate to admit she’s excellent at her job, but she's completely unaware of her beauty and sex appeal. I also love that she gives in to her desire for Luke, professional protocol be damned! Luke may be a big movie star but he has never forgotten his humble roots, and he has never forgotten his one night with A.J. There is something about her that calls to him and now that he’s found her again, he’s not going to let her go. Star Crossed is another great addition to The Billionaires series and I look forward to the next one!
****Reviewed for Xtreme Delusions****
As a young girl, A.J.’s curiosity and penchant for detective work drove her father crazy, but he was damn proud when she became a cop. He was also damn proud that she stuck to her morals, even when it got her kicked off the force. Now, she is putting her skills to use at her father’s private security business. Never a girly girl or a romantic, A.J. is happy enough with her life, and the occasional casual hook-up. No one has ever come close to the sweet, handsome, new-on-the-scene model named Luke. The stars were certainly aligned on the day they bumped into each other five years ago. She was in the process of drowning her sorrows after getting fired, he was in the process of getting his ass kicked. When the dust cleared they did a bit of their own wrestling around. Between the sheets. Luke wanted more, but one night was all she was able to give him. That doesn't mean she’s forgotten the amazing chemistry they had. How could she? His face is everywhere now that he’s a big movie star. A star in need of a bodyguard now that someone is threatening his life.
Ms. Holly has taken the romantic suspense novel and upped it a few notches. She layers in some delightful twists and didn't-see-that-coming surprises, and her characters never disappoint. A.J. and Luke are both strong and independent, their relationship fun and refreshing. The chemistry between these two is hot, hot, hot! I love that A.J. doesn’t hesitate to admit she’s excellent at her job, but she's completely unaware of her beauty and sex appeal. I also love that she gives in to her desire for Luke, professional protocol be damned! Luke may be a big movie star but he has never forgotten his humble roots, and he has never forgotten his one night with A.J. There is something about her that calls to him and now that he’s found her again, he’s not going to let her go. Star Crossed is another great addition to The Billionaires series and I look forward to the next one!
****Reviewed for Xtreme Delusions****
May 1, 2016
Emma Holly goes mainstream romance and kicks ass! With more than 30 books in print, Emma's been one of the better erotic fiction authors out there for years. To my knowledge this is one of her first mainstream, non-kinky, romances.
I super enjoyed how feminist this book was. The heroine saves the hero's ass repeatedly. She's a security specialist and body guard. She's tall with small breasts (yay), "pixie" cropped hair and Michelle Obama arms. She feels uncomfortable when she can't wear her gun, and prefers jeans to a dress. She leads a team of highly professional security pros (all of whom except for the receptionist are men, which, well, sigh.) And she's comfortable and assertive with her sexuality.
The hero is tall, fit and incredibly pleasant. A deeply nice, ethical man with abs of steel. Although this is in the so-called billionaires series, he's merely fairly wealthy. Happily, neither he nor his love interest show interest in shopping, labels or gold plated anything. He does have a very nice private jet, and an interesting back story.
Although both leads are good looking and their chemistry is clearly red hot, it's clear they fall in love with each other's insides - their personalities, sensibilities , quirks and spirits. They both become deeply aware of nuances of each other's characters.
Nearly every time I thought I knew where the book was going, detail-wise, it startled me. So, although this is very much a formula (body guard falls for gorgeous client in Hollywood), it's full of surprises.
It made me realize how stale so many romances are. Fresh air. After 30+ books and nearly two decades in the business, here comes Emma Holly bringing fresh air to romance. Well done.
So, why four instead of five stars? Partly it was Hollywood, I just have zero interest in that setting or in actors. And partly it was out-of-character moments for the heroine. I don't for a moment think she would have had sex on a plane with a new client, no matter how strong the attraction. I also didn't think she would have ever worn 4 inch heels while on the job, in particular to attend a 'family restaurant'. Lastly, something didn't ring true in the panic room scene, I don't think the hero would have behaved that way. Ok, I get plot, but still. Out of character is out of character.
I super enjoyed how feminist this book was. The heroine saves the hero's ass repeatedly. She's a security specialist and body guard. She's tall with small breasts (yay), "pixie" cropped hair and Michelle Obama arms. She feels uncomfortable when she can't wear her gun, and prefers jeans to a dress. She leads a team of highly professional security pros (all of whom except for the receptionist are men, which, well, sigh.) And she's comfortable and assertive with her sexuality.
The hero is tall, fit and incredibly pleasant. A deeply nice, ethical man with abs of steel. Although this is in the so-called billionaires series, he's merely fairly wealthy. Happily, neither he nor his love interest show interest in shopping, labels or gold plated anything. He does have a very nice private jet, and an interesting back story.
Although both leads are good looking and their chemistry is clearly red hot, it's clear they fall in love with each other's insides - their personalities, sensibilities , quirks and spirits. They both become deeply aware of nuances of each other's characters.
Nearly every time I thought I knew where the book was going, detail-wise, it startled me. So, although this is very much a formula (body guard falls for gorgeous client in Hollywood), it's full of surprises.
It made me realize how stale so many romances are. Fresh air. After 30+ books and nearly two decades in the business, here comes Emma Holly bringing fresh air to romance. Well done.
So, why four instead of five stars? Partly it was Hollywood, I just have zero interest in that setting or in actors. And partly it was out-of-character moments for the heroine. I don't for a moment think she would have had sex on a plane with a new client, no matter how strong the attraction. I also didn't think she would have ever worn 4 inch heels while on the job, in particular to attend a 'family restaurant'. Lastly, something didn't ring true in the panic room scene, I don't think the hero would have behaved that way. Ok, I get plot, but still. Out of character is out of character.
July 6, 2016
Ms. Holly has become an auto-buy author for me. I barely read the summary before I clicked buy. What a great treat this book is! The hero and heroine are opposites, with a strange connection in the past, that influenced who both of them are as adults. She is the tough, gruff, not falling in love one. He is the optimistic, open and trusting one. The depth of these two. Their connection and chemistry. The supporting characters. I pretty gobbled this down in one setting. Bad idea for the rest of the shit that didn't get done, so good. One note: I do hate the cliche of “bodyguard falling for their client”. Still enjoyed this book.
Bought from All Romance Ebooks
Bought from All Romance Ebooks
April 21, 2016
Star Crossed is a sweet and sexy reverse bodyguard story that will keep you turning pages. Emma Holly keeps you enthralled with the mystery of who would want to kill good guy actor Luke Channing and keeping your fingers crossed that Alexandre “A.J.” Hoyt can figure it out while keeping him safe. This book may be part of The Billionaires series but can be read standalone just fine. It isn’t as overtly sexy as the others in this series which make the sex between Luke and A.J. that much hotter. I heartily recommend.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
May 1, 2016
Love
There's nothing else to say but love. I love the angle of the chick being kick ass and badass. I love that the little lost boy found his place. I love when opposites attract. Emma has written another amazing story in the Billionaires series. Huge props to Emma for making me crazy anxious for her books.
There's nothing else to say but love. I love the angle of the chick being kick ass and badass. I love that the little lost boy found his place. I love when opposites attract. Emma has written another amazing story in the Billionaires series. Huge props to Emma for making me crazy anxious for her books.
July 20, 2016
DNF @ 25%
I'm not sure how this book is part of the Billionaires series. In the 25% that I read, there was not one single similarity to any of the rest of the series. No MM, no D/s...That's what I wanted to read, and this book doesn't have any of that. Color me completely disappointed:(
I'm not sure how this book is part of the Billionaires series. In the 25% that I read, there was not one single similarity to any of the rest of the series. No MM, no D/s...That's what I wanted to read, and this book doesn't have any of that. Color me completely disappointed:(
August 8, 2016
and no mmf. not cool.
March 20, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Emma Holly, but this story exceeded even my expectations.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews