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The Duquesnes #1.5
Rules of Engagement
After being shot three times in the chest and left for dead by his last lover, Jake Duquesne decides the middle of nowhere is a good place to recuperate. And it's perfect, until someone tries to sneak up on him, gun drawn and cocked. Unfortunately for his would-be assailant, Jake is not one to wait around quietly while someone tries to kill him. Waking up handcuffed to a strange bed is not part of Katarzyna Delaney's plans after being jilted at the altar for the third time. Looking at Jake, however, makes her realize plans should be flexible. With a few simple rules, she can have her long-awaited honeymoon--and without a battery-operated device. Then people following no rules but their own join in.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2008
66 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Ann Bruce
17 books39 followersAnn Bruce is the pseudonym for a self-professed computer geek who, in between snowboarding, reading comic books, and wearing out the buttons of her PS3 controller, writes because it's an acceptable means of explaining all the voices in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 10, 2012
Another free nook download.
Whoa...this book was a train wreck from beginning to end. It starts with the 28yo virgin cop heroine getting clipped by the hero and knocked out, then handcuffed to the bed. When she comes to she decides he's the man to give her virginity to. and it just goes downhill from there.
Whoa...this book was a train wreck from beginning to end. It starts with the 28yo virgin cop heroine getting clipped by the hero and knocked out, then handcuffed to the bed. When she comes to she decides he's the man to give her virginity to. and it just goes downhill from there.
May 14, 2012
This was a kindle freebie that I picked up.
My quick notes: good, hot, good action.
My only complaint: the heroine is a virgin at the age of 28 and has been engaged three times. Unlikely, but okay, I'll suspend my disbelief. Of course the hero has a magic wang that makes her first time incredible and she immediately becomes an insatiable sex fiend for his wang.
My quick notes: good, hot, good action.
My only complaint: the heroine is a virgin at the age of 28 and has been engaged three times. Unlikely, but okay, I'll suspend my disbelief. Of course the hero has a magic wang that makes her first time incredible and she immediately becomes an insatiable sex fiend for his wang.
June 6, 2012
I didn't get it. Everything moved too fast, and I couldn't figure out why. It was basically a wham, bam, thank you m'aam type of story but then he comes to her at the end...and we're supposed to believe they have an HEA? I don't know, it'd probably be better if the characters and their relationship was more developed.
The sex is hot, though.
The sex is hot, though.
February 10, 2012
I thought this was a realy great story with some realy hot sex! It pushed a few boundries I've never crossed so I'm glad I have an open mind. Great short read for free! Perfect for a Friday afternoon (while I should be working).
August 2, 2012
This novella was too ambitious. Lots of sex packed with lots of action. Sex, cops, sex, clandestine agents, sex, East-European mobsters, sex, near-death experiences, sex; all haphazardly thrown together.
And did I mention all the romance tropes floating around?
Meeeeeh!!!
And did I mention all the romance tropes floating around?
Meeeeeh!!!
February 9, 2012
Very well written story. To the point on everything and intense. It held all things I look for in a book.
February 13, 2012
Read the tweets by Book Binge and laughed/cringed. Like a train wreck, I read a few pages because I just HAD to. Wow. This was bad on a whole new level.
April 11, 2012
It was what it was.
July 31, 2017
Good information all the various interactions with each other. W
I would recommend this book to women who like to Read romance novel s I would have liked a ending with more detailed.
I would recommend this book to women who like to Read romance novel s I would have liked a ending with more detailed.
February 8, 2017
I understand it's meant to be provocative but there's zero story line and many aspects that are hard to believe to say the least.
April 18, 2019
Somewhat good storyline. Felt a little choppy in spots. Good characters
December 25, 2020
Good read
It was fast paced and drew you in immediately. I liked both characters and really enjoyed the book. I recommend this book
It was fast paced and drew you in immediately. I liked both characters and really enjoyed the book. I recommend this book
February 15, 2012
After being shot and nearly dying during his last mission, Jake Duquesne is done with women and his job. Hiding out in his cousin's cabin up in the mountains seems like a good idea, until someone tries to sneak up on him, gun drawn. Jake tackles the intruder and is surprised to find a woman beneath him.
Katarzyna Delaney is 28, a cop, has been jilted three times and she's still a virgin. She regains consciousness handcuffed to a bed with a gorgeous male standing over her. A phone call clears up that the man before her is the cousin of her superior's wife, Ella. Apparently she thought it was a good idea to set the two up. Remembering a conversation Kat had with Ella, she knows that Jake's lifestyle isn't conducive to relationships. Would it be wrong to soothe her broken heart and maybe lose her virginity to this man who is looking at her with need and desire burning in his eyes?
Fourteen days of no strings attached, hot and wild sex is how they decide to spend their "vacation", until someone from Jake's past shows up with the intent to finish him off once and for all. Unfortunately Kat gets caught in the crossfire.
This was my first read by this author, thanks to the free ebook offered by Amazon. Since this was a novella, I expected the hero and heroine to get down to brass tacks pretty quickly – and they certainly did. Ms Bruce sure knows how to write some very steamy scenes and they were surprisingly and thankfully not all the same. I wish this had been a longer story, mainly to develop the h/h further. Also, I never quite figured out what Jake actually did for a living - was he a mercenary? Spec Ops? I would have loved to find out what happened next for them. The suspense aspect of this story wasn't bad either, but I would have also liked more of that. She seems to have quite a few books out, so I will definitely be checking those out. Perhaps some of them will be full length novels that I can get lost in.
June 21, 2012
This short erotic romance is for all the romantic suspense lovers! You got yourself a black ops operative with great bedroom skills, a town cop with chips on her shoulder about men and intact virginity, well at least for the first 20 pages. And of course handcuffs and cast iron headboard. Can it get any better than that? Yeah though so - pretty damn hot!
This is almost bordering on erotica except the story is good and the characters are lovable and totally three dimensional. I loved the little plot, the revenge and pudding love story and of course all the damn hot dominating bedroom/kitchen/anywhere scenes. Can't beat an alpha male who knows what he wants in the bedroom and isn't afraid to be really open mouthed about it. ;)
This story needed a happy ending, and it got it, it would have been way too sad had it ended with a dud like erotica usually does ( crash course: erotic romance has story and plot whole way through, erotica doesn't - erotic romance has romance and love, erotica doesn't - erotic romance has happy endings, erotica doesn't ), for romance happy endings are essential! And these two really did have great chemistry and were a great match.
You'll love this is you like your romantic suspense with tons of great sex, some plot that is good and with an alpha male who's demanding in the bedroom and heroine who's in to learn few new tricks! ;)
This is almost bordering on erotica except the story is good and the characters are lovable and totally three dimensional. I loved the little plot, the revenge and pudding love story and of course all the damn hot dominating bedroom/kitchen/anywhere scenes. Can't beat an alpha male who knows what he wants in the bedroom and isn't afraid to be really open mouthed about it. ;)
This story needed a happy ending, and it got it, it would have been way too sad had it ended with a dud like erotica usually does ( crash course: erotic romance has story and plot whole way through, erotica doesn't - erotic romance has romance and love, erotica doesn't - erotic romance has happy endings, erotica doesn't ), for romance happy endings are essential! And these two really did have great chemistry and were a great match.
You'll love this is you like your romantic suspense with tons of great sex, some plot that is good and with an alpha male who's demanding in the bedroom and heroine who's in to learn few new tricks! ;)
August 3, 2016
Mindless short story seemingly more the work of the author's fulfilling a fantasy than creating a real story. A meddling cousin pairs up her gun for hire cousin with her husband's subordinate on the police force at a remote mountain cabin. She thinks that they both could use the solitude of the cabin as well as a brief sexual encounter during their "vacations". After the initial misunderstanding, determining the cousin set them up and realizing they are in fact attracted to each other, things rapidly progress. We learn that Katarzyna is a 3 time loser at the altar and a 28 year old virgin. Jake, after taking her virginity unknowingly and seeing her passionate response, decides to take advantage of this and sets up a situation where he calls all the shots, no question asked. Feeling things she never dreamed she would have, Katarzyna agrees and Jake shows her all, and I do mean all, of the ropes. They are truly enjoying each other when on their last night old enemies of Jake's come after him and things seem dire. Will they outlive the night and what will it mean for these two people from such different worlds if they do? This was just an okay story and a good filler between books if you are so inclined. Note: it's more erotica than romance.
November 8, 2013
After being jilted at the altar, Kat looks for a place to crash and collect herself. A friend offers her log cabin in the middle of nowhere and Kat readily accepts. Too bad her friend’s bother, Jake, is also using the cabin for some away time as well.
Jake, a mercenary-type, is hiding from some bad guys and mistakes Kat for an intruder. They both exchange names and sort out the confusion in bed with handcuffs. Kat, who’s a cop, can’t believe Jake subdued her so easily, but being interrogated in handcuffs with Jake above her in the bedroom sets her blood boiling hott!
While they promise to stay out of each other’s way in the cabin, their agreement doesn’t last and it’s not long before these two get down hottt and heavy *fans self*
But just as Jake and Kat enjoy their paradise in the woods, Jake’s past rears it’s ugly head. Will they survive against the bad guys after Jake’s head?
Rules Of Engagement features:
suspense
mystery
erotic themes
oral sex
bdsm
alpha male
law enforcement
hot read
quick read
http://readourlipsblog.blogspot.com/2...
Jake, a mercenary-type, is hiding from some bad guys and mistakes Kat for an intruder. They both exchange names and sort out the confusion in bed with handcuffs. Kat, who’s a cop, can’t believe Jake subdued her so easily, but being interrogated in handcuffs with Jake above her in the bedroom sets her blood boiling hott!
While they promise to stay out of each other’s way in the cabin, their agreement doesn’t last and it’s not long before these two get down hottt and heavy *fans self*
But just as Jake and Kat enjoy their paradise in the woods, Jake’s past rears it’s ugly head. Will they survive against the bad guys after Jake’s head?
Rules Of Engagement features:
suspense
mystery
erotic themes
oral sex
bdsm
alpha male
law enforcement
hot read
quick read
http://readourlipsblog.blogspot.com/2...
October 31, 2015
Otra mini-historia pero con una trama algo más elaborada.
Por un lado tenemos a Jake, quién no sabemos exactamente a qué se dedica, pero sí que es algo relacionado con las fuerzas de seguridad. Al parecer decide tomarse unas vacaciones para dejar de lado su peligrosa vida.
Y por el otro lado está Katarzyna -uff pero que nombre más complejo e impronunciable jajaj-, ella es policía y debido a una mala experiencia amorosa -el novio la abandonó en el altar porque salió del closet, oh sí, lo mejor que te puede pasar- quiere desconectarse del mundo....más que nada no cruzarse con ningún hombre. Así que cuando su amiga le ofrece una cabaña ubicada entre las montañas y la naturaleza, ella acepta.
El problema es que ninguno de los dos espera cruzarse con el otro. De hecho, el comienzo es bastante "accidentado" si se lo puede llamar así.
El libro también tiene su dosis de erotismo y bueno, los personajes viven sus fantasías sexuales al mismo tiempo que van creando lazos de amor.
Agradezco que la autora le haya agregada al "enemigo" en la historia, aunque tampoco fue wow le terminó dando un puntito más.
Por un lado tenemos a Jake, quién no sabemos exactamente a qué se dedica, pero sí que es algo relacionado con las fuerzas de seguridad. Al parecer decide tomarse unas vacaciones para dejar de lado su peligrosa vida.
Y por el otro lado está Katarzyna -uff pero que nombre más complejo e impronunciable jajaj-, ella es policía y debido a una mala experiencia amorosa -el novio la abandonó en el altar porque salió del closet, oh sí, lo mejor que te puede pasar- quiere desconectarse del mundo....más que nada no cruzarse con ningún hombre. Así que cuando su amiga le ofrece una cabaña ubicada entre las montañas y la naturaleza, ella acepta.
El problema es que ninguno de los dos espera cruzarse con el otro. De hecho, el comienzo es bastante "accidentado" si se lo puede llamar así.
El libro también tiene su dosis de erotismo y bueno, los personajes viven sus fantasías sexuales al mismo tiempo que van creando lazos de amor.
Agradezco que la autora le haya agregada al "enemigo" en la historia, aunque tampoco fue wow le terminó dando un puntito más.
May 16, 2012
Katarzyna Delaney decided to take her friends advice and hang out at her cabin for the two weeks she was supposed to be on her honeymoon. Having her third fiancee run out on her was a huge blow and she needed time to figure out if she was ever going to be willing to go down that road again.
Jake Duquesne is taking the time he needs to recover from three gun shot wounds at his sisters cabin, when he hears someone breaking in he quickly moves to detain them. What he finds is a vulptuous women who is now handcuffed to his bed. When he figures out there has been a misunderstanding, he is stunned at her proposal, two weeks of having a fling, no commitments.
This is a short read, I think had it been a bit longer you would have been able to find out more about Jake but he is a man with secrets and you do not really discover much about him. Overall pretty good.
Jake Duquesne is taking the time he needs to recover from three gun shot wounds at his sisters cabin, when he hears someone breaking in he quickly moves to detain them. What he finds is a vulptuous women who is now handcuffed to his bed. When he figures out there has been a misunderstanding, he is stunned at her proposal, two weeks of having a fling, no commitments.
This is a short read, I think had it been a bit longer you would have been able to find out more about Jake but he is a man with secrets and you do not really discover much about him. Overall pretty good.
May 11, 2015
Wanted something quick to read...chose this. Okay, if you need a sex book, this might do it for you. Didn't do it for me at all. First off, the author kept using the phrase "her sex", meaning her vagina; so much that it was distracting and annoying. Who uses that anymore?? I found it hard to believe that she was a 28 year old virgin, too, especially as a cop, and her three ex-fiances were cliched. The plot, such that it was, was contrived and predictable. Even the sex was pretty "normal" and I found myself skimming by the end.
February 21, 2012
Not a book I would have picked up if it hadn't been for the fact that I'm reading on a kindle, so no one can judge my books by their covers. This short story honestly just wasn't that great. The characters themselves were interesting, but the story line barely existed. So many characters were introduced merely to play a part in the action, but were never explained, and so many completely inexplicable things happened, then were entirely brushed off. Just not a very satisfying read.
February 25, 2012
After reading the interesting synopsis I downloaded this free book on Kindle. After finishing the book I was left wondering why I needed to know that Jake had been shot 3 times by a former lover. I am not sure what this had to do with two people spending their entire acquaintance in bed. It is hard to learn about backgrounds and characters when there is little interaction between the characters that is not sexual.''
Not a book I will recommend.
Not a book I will recommend.
August 8, 2012
A short read packed with hot sex and intense action. This book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I loved it. I hope Ann continues bringing it just like this.
Jake has commitment issues, and Katarzyna has big brother issues, virginity issues and failing engagment issues. Together they overcome all their problems, even manage to detain a huge criminal. Both of the main characters are fully developed.
Jake has commitment issues, and Katarzyna has big brother issues, virginity issues and failing engagment issues. Together they overcome all their problems, even manage to detain a huge criminal. Both of the main characters are fully developed.
September 14, 2013
Warning, this book isn't for someone who can't take blunt language and/or sex.
Okay. It wasn't a work of art. But it definitely kept me "occupied." The beginning was very rushed. "Hello. My name is . . ., let's get naked." Very Fifty Shades of Grey-ish. If there is another book in the series, I may read if it's free or reduced priced.
Okay. It wasn't a work of art. But it definitely kept me "occupied." The beginning was very rushed. "Hello. My name is . . ., let's get naked." Very Fifty Shades of Grey-ish. If there is another book in the series, I may read if it's free or reduced priced.
February 25, 2023
A short little novella - this was fine. Not a lot of romance and a little too much plot crammed in the end. But for it's length I enjoyed my time with it. It's probably more like a 2.5 stars but I am rounding up. I am in a good mood today and this achieved what it set out to be - a smutty tale.
Not much different about it but free on Kindle is a great hook to my mind.
Not much different about it but free on Kindle is a great hook to my mind.
February 13, 2012
Okay so who wouldn't want to be stuck in a cabin with a hot guy. An okay read with passionate sex but not All of the storyline was entirely credible but I liked the action story entwined with the romance story.
August 12, 2016
This book was OK, but not great. I'm just not a fan of a book where two strangers meet and within 30 minutes are in bed. I need more of a story line and plot. This book did have a little plot (after) so it wasn't as frustrating for me as others, but still not my favorite.
February 27, 2012
I thought this was a realy great story with some realy hot sex! It pushed a few boundries I've never crossed so I'm glad I have an open mind. Great short read for free! Perfect for a Friday afternoon.
March 18, 2012
Felt rushed and I guess the characters just didn't gel for me. I still finished it, but it wasn't my favourite. I read a lot of these sorts of books and I guess now a days it has to be stand out great to impress me. This one just wasn't quite there for me.
February 15, 2013
she can have her long awaited honeymoon without a battery operated device hmmm sounds like she will be having fun but for the ones who havent read this book im not telling but i will say this is a book to read Most Definitely!!
May 25, 2016
Freebie / erotica : why does it always have to have the woman a virgin? At 28? And a cop? The writing is good but the story lurches from cliche to cliche. You need to suspend disbelief to enjoy this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews