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Tempting SEALs #4
Hidden Agendas
SAVING LIVES IS HIS MISSION.
Tough-as-nails Navy SEAL Kell Kreiger is the best there is at searching, rescuing, and taking no prisoners…yet even the rush of ever-more dangerous missions isn't enough to satisfy him. Haunted by a tortured past, Kell seeks distraction in a secret world of dark intimacies. But when Emily Stanton, the one ray of light in Kell's shadowy existence, is pursued by a ruthless drug lord, the rules of the game suddenly change—and Kell will have to go deeper undercover than he ever imagined...
SAVING HER IS HIS PASSION.
Emily has loved Kell ever since her father, a prominent politician, rescued him from a brutal life on the streets. They were kids then, too young to act on what was growing between them…but now that Emily is ready, the handsome, headstrong SEAL has decided he's no good for her. Ever since he rescued her from Diego Fuentes' compound, Kell's only duty has been to keep Emily safe. But Fuentes isn't finished with Emily—or Kell. And to protect Emily, Kell has no choice but to lay himself—body, soul, and secrets—bare…and fight against evil with all his heart.
Tough-as-nails Navy SEAL Kell Kreiger is the best there is at searching, rescuing, and taking no prisoners…yet even the rush of ever-more dangerous missions isn't enough to satisfy him. Haunted by a tortured past, Kell seeks distraction in a secret world of dark intimacies. But when Emily Stanton, the one ray of light in Kell's shadowy existence, is pursued by a ruthless drug lord, the rules of the game suddenly change—and Kell will have to go deeper undercover than he ever imagined...
SAVING HER IS HIS PASSION.
Emily has loved Kell ever since her father, a prominent politician, rescued him from a brutal life on the streets. They were kids then, too young to act on what was growing between them…but now that Emily is ready, the handsome, headstrong SEAL has decided he's no good for her. Ever since he rescued her from Diego Fuentes' compound, Kell's only duty has been to keep Emily safe. But Fuentes isn't finished with Emily—or Kell. And to protect Emily, Kell has no choice but to lay himself—body, soul, and secrets—bare…and fight against evil with all his heart.
332 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2007
115 people are currently reading
2929 people want to read
About the author
Lora Leigh
190 books10.1k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
Lora Leigh is a New York Times bestselling author of erotic romance novels. Leigh started publishing with electronic publisher Ellora's Cave in 2003. Leigh's longest-running series is The Breeds. She won the 2009 RT Award for erotica. Leigh was born in Ohio and raised in Martin County, Kentucky, US.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
November 25, 2009
Being stubborn, er, persistent does pay off and I'm glad I didn't give up on this series after the craptastic Reno's Chance (in Honk If You Love Real Men Four Tales of Erotic Romance) and the disastrous Dangerous Games. For Maggie's Sake (in Real Men Do It Better) was pretty good, but it was "just" a novella and so loosely connected to the series that I wasn't completely sold... until now. Yup, Hidden Agendas has finally made my previous suffering worthwile, LOL.
This book picks up where Dangerous Games left off, with drug lord Diego Fuentes plotting to get his long lost son, whose identity is a secret to the readers, to finally join him in the "family business". Fuentes's plan is a bit convoluted and involves leaking his plan to kidnap Emily Stanton, a US Senator's daughter who's already been a victim of Fuentes's evil deeds before, exposing the spy he's planted within the US Government, and releasing a Navy SEAL he's kept imprisoned for the last 19 months. Confusing? Well, all that serves to get Navy SEAL Kell Kriegar in close quarters (and up close and personal) with Emily Stanton when he's assigned to be her bodyguard.
Kell and Emily have known each other for 15 years, since he was 18 and she was 10, but they've never been friends. In fact, Kell has always tried to stay away from her - stalking her without her knowledge for the last 5 years doesn't count - because he knows she's the one woman who can own his heart, and he isn't ready for that. Or so he thinks, until he's forced to stick to her like glue 24/7. He's going down now, no question about it. And in true alpha behavior, he'll make sure she enjoys every minute of it... But can he keep her safe from Fuentes's threat? Of course he can! ;)
This was a very good read, with nice characters and an interesting plot that's finally made me understand the overall story arc of the series. Kell was the typical alpha hero - what else would you expect from LL? - but he wasn't OTT. Emily was strong-ish but she left me a bit confused with her mixed signals when it came to her father's interference in her life. I liked both Kell and Emily, but there wasn't really much conflict in their relationship. As in all LL books, the love scenes were passionate, steamy and plentiful. There was no kinky stuff - except some light spanking - and I admit that I found that kind of odd. I'm not complaining, but what's a LL book without at least one "backdoor loving" scene? LOL, I know I'm sick...
As for the mystery/suspense part of the story, it was good and bad at the same time. The bad part was, I knew who Fuentes's son was beforehand - that's what happens when you read series out of order, ugh - but even if I didn't, it wouldn't have been difficult to guess his identity as it was pretty obvious. The good part was, the spy's identity was well concealed. I also knew who he was beforehand - again, blame it on reading the series out of order - but I wouldn't have guessed it correctly if I didn't. As it was, I really enjoyed the action in this story, and I admit that I skimmed through some love scenes because I wanted to get back to the action - outside the bedroom, that is.
There were many secondary characters in this book, but it was fairly easy to keep track of them. As a fan of the Breeds series, I'm used to LL's penchant for dropping characters in the middle of the story without any introduction and I'm glad I have a good memory. With LL, it's either remember every single character she mentions in her books or be lost in the twilight zone.
I'm now hooked on this series and I'm going to read Killer Secrets next. Yes, I'm going to read these books back to back, because I need to know what LL has reserved for Ian Richards, the next Tempting SEAL to take the fall.
This book picks up where Dangerous Games left off, with drug lord Diego Fuentes plotting to get his long lost son, whose identity is a secret to the readers, to finally join him in the "family business". Fuentes's plan is a bit convoluted and involves leaking his plan to kidnap Emily Stanton, a US Senator's daughter who's already been a victim of Fuentes's evil deeds before, exposing the spy he's planted within the US Government, and releasing a Navy SEAL he's kept imprisoned for the last 19 months. Confusing? Well, all that serves to get Navy SEAL Kell Kriegar in close quarters (and up close and personal) with Emily Stanton when he's assigned to be her bodyguard.
Kell and Emily have known each other for 15 years, since he was 18 and she was 10, but they've never been friends. In fact, Kell has always tried to stay away from her - stalking her without her knowledge for the last 5 years doesn't count - because he knows she's the one woman who can own his heart, and he isn't ready for that. Or so he thinks, until he's forced to stick to her like glue 24/7. He's going down now, no question about it. And in true alpha behavior, he'll make sure she enjoys every minute of it... But can he keep her safe from Fuentes's threat? Of course he can! ;)
This was a very good read, with nice characters and an interesting plot that's finally made me understand the overall story arc of the series. Kell was the typical alpha hero - what else would you expect from LL? - but he wasn't OTT. Emily was strong-ish but she left me a bit confused with her mixed signals when it came to her father's interference in her life. I liked both Kell and Emily, but there wasn't really much conflict in their relationship. As in all LL books, the love scenes were passionate, steamy and plentiful. There was no kinky stuff - except some light spanking - and I admit that I found that kind of odd. I'm not complaining, but what's a LL book without at least one "backdoor loving" scene? LOL, I know I'm sick...
As for the mystery/suspense part of the story, it was good and bad at the same time. The bad part was, I knew who Fuentes's son was beforehand - that's what happens when you read series out of order, ugh - but even if I didn't, it wouldn't have been difficult to guess his identity as it was pretty obvious. The good part was, the spy's identity was well concealed. I also knew who he was beforehand - again, blame it on reading the series out of order - but I wouldn't have guessed it correctly if I didn't. As it was, I really enjoyed the action in this story, and I admit that I skimmed through some love scenes because I wanted to get back to the action - outside the bedroom, that is.
There were many secondary characters in this book, but it was fairly easy to keep track of them. As a fan of the Breeds series, I'm used to LL's penchant for dropping characters in the middle of the story without any introduction and I'm glad I have a good memory. With LL, it's either remember every single character she mentions in her books or be lost in the twilight zone.
I'm now hooked on this series and I'm going to read Killer Secrets next. Yes, I'm going to read these books back to back, because I need to know what LL has reserved for Ian Richards, the next Tempting SEAL to take the fall.
September 15, 2012
~AWESOME BEGINNING AND ENDING MAKE UP FOR AN OKAY STORY~
Opening Line:"Diego Fuentes stared into the vast panarama of cliffs and ocean outside of his borrowed home, and reflected on destiny."
HIDDEN AGENDAS is part of Lora Leigh's Tempting Seals/Elite Ops series which I'm a huge fan of. As Usual Lora Leigh's bedroom scenes are some of the hottest you'll read and wow can she write a delicious alpha-male hero. Her descriptions of these muscular, testosterone filled, bulge in the jeans men are yummy. For some reason though this book just never really caught my attention. Kell and Emily as our H/h felt flat to me and the storyline and love scenes were somewhat repetitive. I did however enjoy both the sexy beginning and the exciting ending but had trouble getting into the bulk of this story.
As usual with Lora Leigh you have to put up with repeated sentences, missing words and sloppy editing and if she'd only get herself an editor this book could have been way better. This has been a constant complaint with the series and it's frustrating. I found myself regularly re-reading paragraphs or getting annoyed by a character saying the same thing just phrased differently. Which doesn't allow the story to flow as it should. 3.5 stars
In a very erotic opening we find the Senators daughter, Emily Stanton evading her latest bodyguard and taking dance lessons in a strip club as research for her book. Lieutenant Kell Kreiger who has secretly been watching over her for years manages to talk his way into receiving her first lap dance. This is one hot scene. Ironically Durango team is then assigned to personally protect the Senator and his daughter, with Kell posing as Emily's lover until they can flush out a spy. Someone has been feeding information to the evil drug lord Diego Fuentes and he has plans to kidnap her.
Emily suffers from spoiled little rich girl syndrome and because of her over protective father has led a sheltered life except for those times when she manages to evade her bodyguards and get herself into trouble. The problem now is she can't evade Kell and isn't sure if she really wants to. Kell falls in love with the spunky Emily very quickly and although he wants to marry her he can't even tell her how he feels. He will first have to come to terms with a tragedy from his past so that he can give himself to her wholly.
I had a bit of trouble here with Emily's status as a virgin but Kell's sexy Cajun accent whenever he got turned on allowed me to overlook this. Although Emily's constant fights with her father were still overdone and boring. Kell and the team escort Emily to several society parties where we meet some potential mole suspects. They even manage to have steamy sex in a limo before Fuentes and his spies eventually kidnap her. Will Kell be able to rescue her in time? And who's that drugged and naked Navy Seal locked in the cell with her?
Even though I was somewhat disappointed with this particular instalment it's still a necessary part of a great series and I think it could also be read as a stand alone. It was good to hear from my favourite Seal, Nathan again and finally get some back story on him. I also really enjoyed Ian and Kira as secondary characters and look forward to their story next in Killer Secrets.
Opening Line:"Diego Fuentes stared into the vast panarama of cliffs and ocean outside of his borrowed home, and reflected on destiny."
HIDDEN AGENDAS is part of Lora Leigh's Tempting Seals/Elite Ops series which I'm a huge fan of. As Usual Lora Leigh's bedroom scenes are some of the hottest you'll read and wow can she write a delicious alpha-male hero. Her descriptions of these muscular, testosterone filled, bulge in the jeans men are yummy. For some reason though this book just never really caught my attention. Kell and Emily as our H/h felt flat to me and the storyline and love scenes were somewhat repetitive. I did however enjoy both the sexy beginning and the exciting ending but had trouble getting into the bulk of this story.
As usual with Lora Leigh you have to put up with repeated sentences, missing words and sloppy editing and if she'd only get herself an editor this book could have been way better. This has been a constant complaint with the series and it's frustrating. I found myself regularly re-reading paragraphs or getting annoyed by a character saying the same thing just phrased differently. Which doesn't allow the story to flow as it should. 3.5 stars
In a very erotic opening we find the Senators daughter, Emily Stanton evading her latest bodyguard and taking dance lessons in a strip club as research for her book. Lieutenant Kell Kreiger who has secretly been watching over her for years manages to talk his way into receiving her first lap dance. This is one hot scene. Ironically Durango team is then assigned to personally protect the Senator and his daughter, with Kell posing as Emily's lover until they can flush out a spy. Someone has been feeding information to the evil drug lord Diego Fuentes and he has plans to kidnap her.
Emily suffers from spoiled little rich girl syndrome and because of her over protective father has led a sheltered life except for those times when she manages to evade her bodyguards and get herself into trouble. The problem now is she can't evade Kell and isn't sure if she really wants to. Kell falls in love with the spunky Emily very quickly and although he wants to marry her he can't even tell her how he feels. He will first have to come to terms with a tragedy from his past so that he can give himself to her wholly.
I had a bit of trouble here with Emily's status as a virgin but Kell's sexy Cajun accent whenever he got turned on allowed me to overlook this. Although Emily's constant fights with her father were still overdone and boring. Kell and the team escort Emily to several society parties where we meet some potential mole suspects. They even manage to have steamy sex in a limo before Fuentes and his spies eventually kidnap her. Will Kell be able to rescue her in time? And who's that drugged and naked Navy Seal locked in the cell with her?
Even though I was somewhat disappointed with this particular instalment it's still a necessary part of a great series and I think it could also be read as a stand alone. It was good to hear from my favourite Seal, Nathan again and finally get some back story on him. I also really enjoyed Ian and Kira as secondary characters and look forward to their story next in Killer Secrets.
September 13, 2008
Rating: 4.5 / 5
As much as I enjoyed Dangerous Games, I think I enjoyed this one a bit more. It was a little more solid on the suspense side of things, but still fairly hot - though maybe not as erotic as Dangerous Games (which is a little disappointing).
Emily was a great heroine to read. I really enjoyed her a lot. She's got this innocent, naive sheen to her, but underneath, she's a total bad-ass. That amused me to no end. I loved all her antics, and the fact that she didn't cower and hide when facing adversity. I thought what she did at the end of the book was a great way to go. It fit perfectly.
And she and Kell were an interesting, and at times very sweet, couple. I liked that their relationship had a different vibe than the one between Morganna and Clint in Dangerous Games. It would have been easy for Leigh to write a very similar romance in this book, but she gave it a nice variation to keep things from being stale.
The storyline is a continuation of what happened in Dangerous Games (and also the nouvellas I don't have). Drug lord Diego Fuentes is still wreaking havoc on the SEALS. The plot worked for me...though I have to admit I thought the identity of "Judas" was really obvious. Mr. White, though, I didn't know how that was until it was revealed. Always a bonus when an author can keep a bad guys identity secret.
...and I understand now why it was recommended to me to read the Leigh's other SEAL books before Wild Card so that Nathan's story can be fully appreciated.
I did notice some inconsistencies in details that bugged me occasionally, but maybe I'm the only one who noticed them.
Otherwise, two thumbs up from me. Again, it's not a highly erotic book like many of other of Leigh's stories, but it's still more explicit than most other main stream romances. I like that. It adds some spice. So if you like hot sex, hotter SEALS, and a good storyline, then you should give this series a try.
As much as I enjoyed Dangerous Games, I think I enjoyed this one a bit more. It was a little more solid on the suspense side of things, but still fairly hot - though maybe not as erotic as Dangerous Games (which is a little disappointing).
Emily was a great heroine to read. I really enjoyed her a lot. She's got this innocent, naive sheen to her, but underneath, she's a total bad-ass. That amused me to no end. I loved all her antics, and the fact that she didn't cower and hide when facing adversity. I thought what she did at the end of the book was a great way to go. It fit perfectly.
And she and Kell were an interesting, and at times very sweet, couple. I liked that their relationship had a different vibe than the one between Morganna and Clint in Dangerous Games. It would have been easy for Leigh to write a very similar romance in this book, but she gave it a nice variation to keep things from being stale.
The storyline is a continuation of what happened in Dangerous Games (and also the nouvellas I don't have). Drug lord Diego Fuentes is still wreaking havoc on the SEALS. The plot worked for me...though I have to admit I thought the identity of "Judas" was really obvious. Mr. White, though, I didn't know how that was until it was revealed. Always a bonus when an author can keep a bad guys identity secret.
...and I understand now why it was recommended to me to read the Leigh's other SEAL books before Wild Card so that Nathan's story can be fully appreciated.
I did notice some inconsistencies in details that bugged me occasionally, but maybe I'm the only one who noticed them.
Otherwise, two thumbs up from me. Again, it's not a highly erotic book like many of other of Leigh's stories, but it's still more explicit than most other main stream romances. I like that. It adds some spice. So if you like hot sex, hotter SEALS, and a good storyline, then you should give this series a try.
February 14, 2009
Emily is the daughter of a powerful Senator, who was kidnapped a few years ago by a dangerous drug lord. Her father is also an ex-Seal. He’s fearful for her safety, and has been controlling her for her entire life. He’s hired bodyguards for the past few years that have to live with her 24/7. He is also secretly hopes she will fall in love with one of them, so he can basically marry her off and not have to worry about her any more. However, she is not cooperating. She’s been in love with Kell, one of her father’s men and also one of her rescuers for years. She pushes the bodyguards’ limits with dangerous escapades that land her in situations they have to clean up, and then they quit. She is a kindergarten teacher and also an aspiring erotic romance writer. She feels she needs to do research in order to write her novel, and ventures to strip clubs. She even hired a stripper to teach her how to give a lap dance.
Kell is a Seal working for the Senator. When he was 17, his wife and unborn child were murdered. For the past 15 years he has been haunted by the fact that he was not there to save them. He also has been secretly lusting for Emily since she was a teenager. Up until now, the Senator had not assigned Kell to Emily’s guard duty. Perhaps he knew the two had secret feelings for each other, and he wasn’t comfortable. Yet. Now they’ve received Intel that Emily’s life is in danger again. The same drug lord has ordered her assassination. Her father orders Kell to guard her, only this time he is supposed to live with her and pretend they are a couple. Kell could not be more pleased. He’s is salivating just thinking about her.
I felt for Emily in this book. She has to live her life surrounded by controlling men. Her father treats her like a child and she is 25 years old. She turns out to be a very strong woman, who can certainly take care of herself. She is mortified when she finds out daddy hired Kell. She’s been in love him so long, she doesn’t think she can take being around him. Also, he’s just another alpha male she’ll have to answer to.
There is some good suspense with the danger of her pursuers. I liked the other Seals that sure to be getting their own books, Nathan and Ian.
There is a very early scene in a strip club when Kell and Emily see each other for the first time. Emily doesn’t know it’s him because he is wearing dark glasses. I love how it plays out. Highly recommended.
This book does have frequent and descriptive, love scenes.
Kell is a Seal working for the Senator. When he was 17, his wife and unborn child were murdered. For the past 15 years he has been haunted by the fact that he was not there to save them. He also has been secretly lusting for Emily since she was a teenager. Up until now, the Senator had not assigned Kell to Emily’s guard duty. Perhaps he knew the two had secret feelings for each other, and he wasn’t comfortable. Yet. Now they’ve received Intel that Emily’s life is in danger again. The same drug lord has ordered her assassination. Her father orders Kell to guard her, only this time he is supposed to live with her and pretend they are a couple. Kell could not be more pleased. He’s is salivating just thinking about her.
I felt for Emily in this book. She has to live her life surrounded by controlling men. Her father treats her like a child and she is 25 years old. She turns out to be a very strong woman, who can certainly take care of herself. She is mortified when she finds out daddy hired Kell. She’s been in love him so long, she doesn’t think she can take being around him. Also, he’s just another alpha male she’ll have to answer to.
There is some good suspense with the danger of her pursuers. I liked the other Seals that sure to be getting their own books, Nathan and Ian.
There is a very early scene in a strip club when Kell and Emily see each other for the first time. Emily doesn’t know it’s him because he is wearing dark glasses. I love how it plays out. Highly recommended.
This book does have frequent and descriptive, love scenes.
October 23, 2008
Wow! I would have to say this one might be the most erotic book in the series so far. Super steamy sex scenes and I just love Kell's Cajun accent that comes out at just the right times ;)
Emily is a senators daughter who is constantly being protected by bodyguard after bodyguard following her kidnapping by Fuentes a couple years earlier. She was rescued by none other than Kell, a man she has been pining away for since she was a kid. When Emily causes trouble for the last time and her current bodyguard quits, Kell decides its time for him to step in and get Emily under control.
Kell is a man with a tortured past. When he was a very young man, his pregnant wife is killed by Fuentes, the man who kidnapped Emily years before. He cant make himself get too close to Emily, and have the same thing happen to her. However he can try to tame her right? Wrong... Emily is strong willed and stubborn and she knows what she wants.. Kell.
This book has a lot of suspense and action, as well as a very well thought out story line. The sex is plentiful and hot, but the story is equally engrossing. I really enjoyed this book and I cant wait to read Ian's story next! Then Nathans. Yay!
Emily is a senators daughter who is constantly being protected by bodyguard after bodyguard following her kidnapping by Fuentes a couple years earlier. She was rescued by none other than Kell, a man she has been pining away for since she was a kid. When Emily causes trouble for the last time and her current bodyguard quits, Kell decides its time for him to step in and get Emily under control.
Kell is a man with a tortured past. When he was a very young man, his pregnant wife is killed by Fuentes, the man who kidnapped Emily years before. He cant make himself get too close to Emily, and have the same thing happen to her. However he can try to tame her right? Wrong... Emily is strong willed and stubborn and she knows what she wants.. Kell.
This book has a lot of suspense and action, as well as a very well thought out story line. The sex is plentiful and hot, but the story is equally engrossing. I really enjoyed this book and I cant wait to read Ian's story next! Then Nathans. Yay!
May 22, 2014
Navy Seal Kell Krieger has been biding his time, keeping a safe distance to his one weakness, Emily Stanton. Kell rescued Emily when she had been kidnapped by Diego Fuentes and fed a lethal drug, years later she has grown into a strong beautiful woman who has a knack for "researching" the unusual that would be deemed unsuitable for a Senator's daughter. After Emily's latest "research" has her seducing a man she doesn't realize is Kell, her time has run out and Kell is about to become an important part in her life.
When Kell is assigned to her as her live in lover, Emily is fit to be tied. The only man she has ever desired is Kell, but having him in such close proximity has her derailing from her principles. Kell calls her out each and every time she pushes him away, he knows what she wants and it is him, he plans to do everything in his power to make sure she knows it.
Intense, seductive, and a wonderful treat. Loved Emily, she is sweet but there is a side to her that is completely unpredictable. Kell struggles initially with his deep feelings for Emily, but once he makes his mind up he sets out to make it known she is his. However the threat from her past is returned and Kell fears letting her out of his sight.
When Kell is assigned to her as her live in lover, Emily is fit to be tied. The only man she has ever desired is Kell, but having him in such close proximity has her derailing from her principles. Kell calls her out each and every time she pushes him away, he knows what she wants and it is him, he plans to do everything in his power to make sure she knows it.
Intense, seductive, and a wonderful treat. Loved Emily, she is sweet but there is a side to her that is completely unpredictable. Kell struggles initially with his deep feelings for Emily, but once he makes his mind up he sets out to make it known she is his. However the threat from her past is returned and Kell fears letting her out of his sight.
June 1, 2015
Hidden Agendas es el cuarto libro de la serie Tempting Seals escrito por Lora Leigh y narra la historia de Kell, a quien conocemos brevemente en las historias anteriores y Emily, un personaje nuevo.
Tengo que reconocer que cuando lei la sinopsis de este libro no me llamo tanto la atencion como las otras de la saga y sin embargo, Hidden Agendas es la historia que mas me ha gustado por el momento. Para mi fue la mas entretenida y menos densa de las que llevo leidas.
Otra razon de que me gustara tanto la historia de Kell y Emily fue porque los protagonistas fueron mas de mi estilo y ayudo que la autora dejara de lado el tema de los club´s, ya que esa trama se me hizo aburridisima en los libros anteriores.
3.75 Estrellas!!
July 3, 2013
Another book that I could not like.
I spent my whole time reading this huffing, and not like I was panting or gasping because it was so hot. As I found the hot scenes just tepid. There was indeed a consistent accumulation of cliches, bad dialogue lines, each worst than the previous. We discovered the heroine in the first chapter in a strip club, trying her luck as a stripper. Well she was 25, still a virgin (rolleyes, rolleyes) and decided not to remain one for a day longer (cannot roll my eyes enough).
The good thing is that the dialogues were so corny that I actually laughed out loud twice. That was probably not the intended effect, but helped make that book less disagreeable to read.
More like a 1.5 stars (downgraded to 1 to make up for the outrageously too good rating received). However by far the better I read from this author.
I spent my whole time reading this huffing, and not like I was panting or gasping because it was so hot. As I found the hot scenes just tepid. There was indeed a consistent accumulation of cliches, bad dialogue lines, each worst than the previous. We discovered the heroine in the first chapter in a strip club, trying her luck as a stripper. Well she was 25, still a virgin (rolleyes, rolleyes) and decided not to remain one for a day longer (cannot roll my eyes enough).
The good thing is that the dialogues were so corny that I actually laughed out loud twice. That was probably not the intended effect, but helped make that book less disagreeable to read.
More like a 1.5 stars (downgraded to 1 to make up for the outrageously too good rating received). However by far the better I read from this author.
July 14, 2012
I love Lora Leigh’s Breeds and Bound Hearts Series but I have not really being interested in her Tempting Seals series. However a friend gave me two books and I decided to check out how good they were.
Hidden Agendas was an enjoyable read but I found a few things that irritated and bored me which had me skipping some pages.
Emily Stanton, is daughter of a senator and has had a crush on Kell Krieger, a Navy Seal, who just so happens to have been so totally in love with her since he first met her, a few years ago, when he was part of the team that rescued her from the evil South American drug lord who had kidnapped her and two other women.
Now I am made to believe that these two have known each other for years, yet when Emily, who wants to be a writer and part of her research, is to get the feel of what a lap dancer is all about. So she goes off to the worst dive in town for lessons and now she has to show if she has learnt everything. Kell, who has been following her, bribes his way into being the man used as a prop for the lap dance. Okay, so here’s wearing sunglasses and hey, Emily can’t believe that a man she doesn’t even know is turning her on so much that she comes in her panties right in front of the sexy guy!!!!! Really. Non!!!
Then, the two main characters. Emily is one of those heroines that annoys me…a feisty, smart virgin, who is totally controlled by her father and one day, suddenly goes from “yes daddy” to “get lost daddy, I’m a big girl now and I will not tolerate you running my life”. And all that “oh he turns me on but I can’t let him control me” rubbish with Kell.
And Kell, more than irritated me…….all that wanting to control Emily because that’s the only way he can make sure she is safe….pluzzzzzzzz….
This author knows how to write hot erotic scenes but I found myself totally disconnected whenever these “two did it”…just did not engage with them or what happened to them.
Some parts of the plot were so implausible – talk about far-fetched…there’s Emily, back in the drug lord’s clutches but this time…no little passive senator’s daughter…she kicks ass now!!!
I must admit that I enjoyed the last part of the story…the bad guys are revealed and more tidbits thrown your way….some new mystery to solve..Hopefully in the next book…..
which I have to now read because –
I LOVED KIRA & IAN…….and I have to know what happens to them.
Hidden Agendas was an enjoyable read but I found a few things that irritated and bored me which had me skipping some pages.
Emily Stanton, is daughter of a senator and has had a crush on Kell Krieger, a Navy Seal, who just so happens to have been so totally in love with her since he first met her, a few years ago, when he was part of the team that rescued her from the evil South American drug lord who had kidnapped her and two other women.
Now I am made to believe that these two have known each other for years, yet when Emily, who wants to be a writer and part of her research, is to get the feel of what a lap dancer is all about. So she goes off to the worst dive in town for lessons and now she has to show if she has learnt everything. Kell, who has been following her, bribes his way into being the man used as a prop for the lap dance. Okay, so here’s wearing sunglasses and hey, Emily can’t believe that a man she doesn’t even know is turning her on so much that she comes in her panties right in front of the sexy guy!!!!! Really. Non!!!
Then, the two main characters. Emily is one of those heroines that annoys me…a feisty, smart virgin, who is totally controlled by her father and one day, suddenly goes from “yes daddy” to “get lost daddy, I’m a big girl now and I will not tolerate you running my life”. And all that “oh he turns me on but I can’t let him control me” rubbish with Kell.
And Kell, more than irritated me…….all that wanting to control Emily because that’s the only way he can make sure she is safe….pluzzzzzzzz….
This author knows how to write hot erotic scenes but I found myself totally disconnected whenever these “two did it”…just did not engage with them or what happened to them.
Some parts of the plot were so implausible – talk about far-fetched…there’s Emily, back in the drug lord’s clutches but this time…no little passive senator’s daughter…she kicks ass now!!!
I must admit that I enjoyed the last part of the story…the bad guys are revealed and more tidbits thrown your way….some new mystery to solve..Hopefully in the next book…..
which I have to now read because –
I LOVED KIRA & IAN…….and I have to know what happens to them.
March 1, 2010
Hidden Agendas by Lora Leigh is the fourth book in her Tempting SEALs series.
Although I know there are more stories in this series, I've only read the two full length novels so far and I've truly enjoyed each one!
The latest, Hidden Agendas, picks up where the last, (Dangerous Games), left off. We see early on that the big bad on the scene, Diego Fuentes, is manipulating things so that he can control one man ... the son that he never knew existed.
Although Fuentes is part of the mob underworld, his son is not, in fact quite the opposite. And to bring his long lost son to his side, he sets up a plot to kidnap Emily Stanton, someone very close to him. He also agrees to expose a mole within the inner-circle of people surrounding Emily's father, A US Senator making his way to the top by bringing down the drug mobs.
While this story is strong on heated romance, per usual Lora Leigh, what makes it play well is the intrigue surrounding the characters. But I must confess, I was way more interested in who Fuentes's son actually would turn out to be, then I was in the love story between Emily and Kell.
Don't get me wrong, they are great characters. Emily is strong and compassionate, but not without her own fears, having been raised by an overbearing father and kidnapped once by Fuentes already. Kell is uber hot and has known Emily since she was young. He's loved her for almost that long, though not without his own issues as well. (But hey, any many who loves a woman who is not all legs, 108 lbs, and blond is right on in my book!) When these two come together it's scorching hot. Still, HA is almost tame when compared to some of Leigh's other stories. No kinky sex, just straight out passion so I think this one is a good one for someone not into Leigh's usual stuff.
The plot is almost obvious with lots of hints leading you to it's inevitable conclusion. But in the end it was one character that grabbed me more than anything else and thankfully his story is up next!
Although I know there are more stories in this series, I've only read the two full length novels so far and I've truly enjoyed each one!
The latest, Hidden Agendas, picks up where the last, (Dangerous Games), left off. We see early on that the big bad on the scene, Diego Fuentes, is manipulating things so that he can control one man ... the son that he never knew existed.
Although Fuentes is part of the mob underworld, his son is not, in fact quite the opposite. And to bring his long lost son to his side, he sets up a plot to kidnap Emily Stanton, someone very close to him. He also agrees to expose a mole within the inner-circle of people surrounding Emily's father, A US Senator making his way to the top by bringing down the drug mobs.
While this story is strong on heated romance, per usual Lora Leigh, what makes it play well is the intrigue surrounding the characters. But I must confess, I was way more interested in who Fuentes's son actually would turn out to be, then I was in the love story between Emily and Kell.
Don't get me wrong, they are great characters. Emily is strong and compassionate, but not without her own fears, having been raised by an overbearing father and kidnapped once by Fuentes already. Kell is uber hot and has known Emily since she was young. He's loved her for almost that long, though not without his own issues as well. (But hey, any many who loves a woman who is not all legs, 108 lbs, and blond is right on in my book!) When these two come together it's scorching hot. Still, HA is almost tame when compared to some of Leigh's other stories. No kinky sex, just straight out passion so I think this one is a good one for someone not into Leigh's usual stuff.
The plot is almost obvious with lots of hints leading you to it's inevitable conclusion. But in the end it was one character that grabbed me more than anything else and thankfully his story is up next!
February 26, 2015
Lora Leigh was always my went to author when I needed some alpha-male fix, little dark romance, and many hot scenes. Moreover, many of her heroines were strong-willed no matter how alpha-male the heroes were. Kell was definitely an alpha male, just like all of his team members were. And Emily was a free spirit (probably because she was not harmed in any way) that she didn't hide because she was kidnapped two times. No bodyguards sent from her father was able to follow her all the time.
Sometimes Lora Leigh's works were so dark that whenever I thought of it I felt terrible, esp the schemes behind the kidnap and what happened to other victims. Thus, I avoided certain books with heroines were raped. Such as book about the victim, who was kidnapped with Emily several years ago: Maverick (Elite Ops #2). However, readers who loved to read this book definitely couldn't miss reading Wild Card (Elite Ops, #1): H was the one be captured and tortured for 19 months during the mission of rescuing Emily and her friends.
Sometimes Lora Leigh's works were so dark that whenever I thought of it I felt terrible, esp the schemes behind the kidnap and what happened to other victims. Thus, I avoided certain books with heroines were raped. Such as book about the victim, who was kidnapped with Emily several years ago: Maverick (Elite Ops #2). However, readers who loved to read this book definitely couldn't miss reading Wild Card (Elite Ops, #1): H was the one be captured and tortured for 19 months during the mission of rescuing Emily and her friends.
August 20, 2012
I really enjoyed the romance between Kell and Emily. They were very sassy and cute together. However, the suspense part of this story was extremely far fetched even by the standards of romantic suspense. Please do yourself a favor and don't think of the motivation of the bad guys, the implausibility of the "whore's dust" drug, how stupid the name "whores dust" sounds, and the fact that the bad guys are right out of an after school special about how drugs are bad, mmmkay?
That being said, this was my first Lora Leigh book, and it was very spicy and fun to read at the beginning and I really enjoyed the characters. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were about 100 pages shorter with a tighter suspense plot and more focus on the main couple. It seemed like the "I want to be independent" argument happened about 389,420,934,893 times and a shorter story would have been less repetitive.
That being said, this was my first Lora Leigh book, and it was very spicy and fun to read at the beginning and I really enjoyed the characters. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were about 100 pages shorter with a tighter suspense plot and more focus on the main couple. It seemed like the "I want to be independent" argument happened about 389,420,934,893 times and a shorter story would have been less repetitive.
May 31, 2011
Book 4 in the Tempting SEALs series
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I didn’t feel lost reading this book. Like many series, they typically can be read in any order but I know that one can get the most out of a series by starting at the beginning.
And boy, what a beginning this book has! It was HOT at page 20! However, I found that once the h/h (Kell and Emily) slept together (very early on in the book) I found my interest waning. I love the build up, so when “it” happens so early there has to be something else to keep my attention, and for me this book fell a little short. Maybe I’m just not a fan of the military type of contemporary romance.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I didn’t feel lost reading this book. Like many series, they typically can be read in any order but I know that one can get the most out of a series by starting at the beginning.
And boy, what a beginning this book has! It was HOT at page 20! However, I found that once the h/h (Kell and Emily) slept together (very early on in the book) I found my interest waning. I love the build up, so when “it” happens so early there has to be something else to keep my attention, and for me this book fell a little short. Maybe I’m just not a fan of the military type of contemporary romance.
October 28, 2012
Well....so far I have been pretty disappointed in this series. It's as if a completely different author is writing this series (as opposed to the Nauti series). I don't even really know how to even express what it is that bothers me about this series. Some of the language feels trite and overused. If Kell called Emily a vixen one more time I was going to scream. We get it..she's a vixen...she's his little fox. Whatever.
And apparently I'm glutton for punishment because I'm still interested in Ian and Kira's story... I keep hoping this series will improve and I'm praying the Elite Ops series that begins with Nathan's story will be better than this one.
And apparently I'm glutton for punishment because I'm still interested in Ian and Kira's story... I keep hoping this series will improve and I'm praying the Elite Ops series that begins with Nathan's story will be better than this one.
February 26, 2009
5 stars - Romantic Suspense
Another sizzling read in Lora Leigh's Tempting SEALS romance/action/suspense series. Hidden Agendas featuring alpha male Navy SEAL Kell Kreiger and feisty heroine Emily Stanton has a bit more suspense/action than the previous book in the series, Dangerous Games. The plot has exciting twists and turns that lead up to the next book in the series. Although not quite as erotic as Dangerous Games, it still has very explicit and hot romance. 5 stars!
Another sizzling read in Lora Leigh's Tempting SEALS romance/action/suspense series. Hidden Agendas featuring alpha male Navy SEAL Kell Kreiger and feisty heroine Emily Stanton has a bit more suspense/action than the previous book in the series, Dangerous Games. The plot has exciting twists and turns that lead up to the next book in the series. Although not quite as erotic as Dangerous Games, it still has very explicit and hot romance. 5 stars!
August 11, 2014
The fourth book in Lora Leigh's Tempting SEALs series. I had read Dangerous Games and didn't care for it too much. But I decided to give Lora Leigh another chance and I'm glad I did. I liked this one and may just check out more of the series now.
December 6, 2014
Hidden Agendas
3.5 Stars
Tired of her father’s overprotectiveness and interference in her romantic relationships, Emily Stanton wants more for her life. Enter Navy SEAL, Kell Krieger, the one man Emily has always wanted, but could never have … until now, when a dangerous drug lord has set his sights on her and Kell is the only one standing in his way…
The best installment in a series that has been pretty lackluster.
Kell and Emily have sensual and steamy chemistry alongside an emotional attachment that has been missing in the previous books. Although Kell’s backstory is more detailed than that of the heroes in the first two books, it still isn’t as developed as it should be. Nevertheless, it adds another layer of depth to his character and does more to explain his possessiveness than Reno’s and Clint’s.
Emily desire for independence and her new found backbone make her a likable heroine. She does have one or two TSTL moments but considering the circumstances she can be forgiven.
The suspense plot has some good twists and turns although I’m still unclear as to Fuentes’s true agenda. Moreover, are we suddenly supposed to see him as the lesser of evils because there are some heinous crimes that he will not commit?
The identity of Fuentes’s son came as no surprise though and it will be interesting ton see where Leigh takes this in the next book.
3.5 Stars
Tired of her father’s overprotectiveness and interference in her romantic relationships, Emily Stanton wants more for her life. Enter Navy SEAL, Kell Krieger, the one man Emily has always wanted, but could never have … until now, when a dangerous drug lord has set his sights on her and Kell is the only one standing in his way…
The best installment in a series that has been pretty lackluster.
Kell and Emily have sensual and steamy chemistry alongside an emotional attachment that has been missing in the previous books. Although Kell’s backstory is more detailed than that of the heroes in the first two books, it still isn’t as developed as it should be. Nevertheless, it adds another layer of depth to his character and does more to explain his possessiveness than Reno’s and Clint’s.
Emily desire for independence and her new found backbone make her a likable heroine. She does have one or two TSTL moments but considering the circumstances she can be forgiven.
The suspense plot has some good twists and turns although I’m still unclear as to Fuentes’s true agenda. Moreover, are we suddenly supposed to see him as the lesser of evils because there are some heinous crimes that he will not commit?
The identity of Fuentes’s son came as no surprise though and it will be interesting ton see where Leigh takes this in the next book.
March 29, 2014
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK 2014: COMING
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REVIEW OF MASS PAPERBACK; JANUARY 1, 2007:
I have not read the novella stories in the Tempting SEALs series and tend to regard Hidden Agendas as Book 2 because it's the second of the full-length installment, after Dangerous Games.
HA was much, much better than DG, without the annoying erotica accouterment that was just for show in the earlier book. Hidden Agendas focused on the plot, the characters and is a must-read-first if you're thinking of reading the third book, Killer Secrets.
Right off, I could see Ian and Kira were going to get their own book but I didn't know when (after what happened with Gennita Low's badly-timed release of her Virtually series). To my delight, Ian and Kira's story was next up but I still went back to Hidden Agendas to read the final chapter just to refresh my memory of the delicious Ian. The sexual tension between him and Kira already smoldered in Hidden Agendas and made more of an impression on me than the main couple. Sort of like the way Jed/Stefan did in Gennita Low's The Protector.
============================================
REVIEW OF MASS PAPERBACK; JANUARY 1, 2007:
I have not read the novella stories in the Tempting SEALs series and tend to regard Hidden Agendas as Book 2 because it's the second of the full-length installment, after Dangerous Games.
HA was much, much better than DG, without the annoying erotica accouterment that was just for show in the earlier book. Hidden Agendas focused on the plot, the characters and is a must-read-first if you're thinking of reading the third book, Killer Secrets.
Right off, I could see Ian and Kira were going to get their own book but I didn't know when (after what happened with Gennita Low's badly-timed release of her Virtually series). To my delight, Ian and Kira's story was next up but I still went back to Hidden Agendas to read the final chapter just to refresh my memory of the delicious Ian. The sexual tension between him and Kira already smoldered in Hidden Agendas and made more of an impression on me than the main couple. Sort of like the way Jed/Stefan did in Gennita Low's The Protector.
November 23, 2010
Holy Moly...This is one of my favourites in the series so far.Kell is just incredible.He is alpha and dominant in the best possible way and not irritatingly arrogant.I loved his accent and the things he said in the heat of passion left me all tingley.He has a very sad back story which makes you just want to love him!
Emily is full of gumption, although she doesn't know it to start with. I always enjoy heroines who end up stronger than when they began and this was done well in this book. Unfortunately there were just a couple of things that didn't quite ring true about her, such as the lap dancing versus being a 25 year old virgin. This is extraordinary behavior, perhaps believable to a certain extent but her character wasn't quite rounded enough for me to understand how she could be this contradictory.
The love scenes were perfect, hot and steamy but also filled with a lot of tenderness too.
I find it rather tiresome when these SEALs are constantly running away from their feelings, so Kell was a welcome change and just perfect for me.
Emily is full of gumption, although she doesn't know it to start with. I always enjoy heroines who end up stronger than when they began and this was done well in this book. Unfortunately there were just a couple of things that didn't quite ring true about her, such as the lap dancing versus being a 25 year old virgin. This is extraordinary behavior, perhaps believable to a certain extent but her character wasn't quite rounded enough for me to understand how she could be this contradictory.
The love scenes were perfect, hot and steamy but also filled with a lot of tenderness too.
I find it rather tiresome when these SEALs are constantly running away from their feelings, so Kell was a welcome change and just perfect for me.
February 23, 2011
Suka, alur ceritanya bagus, Kell (heronya) baik banget ngk type bad boy, coba aja kalo type bad boy gitu pasti udh 5 stars deh, nah loh?? iya bad boy insap maksudnya hehe, di akhir cerita baru ngeh ni serial ada hubungannya sama serial Elite-ops, Nathan Mallone (wild card) muncul disini..wah jadi mau lanjut terus ni sama serial ini ...penasaran.com sekali lagi bener2 serial yang kalo ibarat masakan ni...sambalado dari cabe brastagi..*wink2 kepedesan
June 13, 2016
4 estrellas.
Al principio le iba a poner 3.5 la personalidad de la protagonista no me convencía del todo.
1) No la entendía o mas bien no entendía su personalidad.
2) Se contradecía.
Esperaba un poco más del libro sobre todo de emily (ya que la había conocido en otro libro y estaba emocionada por saber su historia) PERO las ultimas paginas me encantaron tanto que al final le puse 4, me gustó mucho el epílogo :D me hace querer leer el siguiente libro de inmediato. ☪
Al principio le iba a poner 3.5 la personalidad de la protagonista no me convencía del todo.
1) No la entendía o mas bien no entendía su personalidad.
2) Se contradecía.
Esperaba un poco más del libro sobre todo de emily (ya que la había conocido en otro libro y estaba emocionada por saber su historia) PERO las ultimas paginas me encantaron tanto que al final le puse 4, me gustó mucho el epílogo :D me hace querer leer el siguiente libro de inmediato. ☪
November 12, 2011
This was not one of my favorite Lora Leigh books. I had a hard time with how quickly the hero and heroine became so intense about each other. However as always, I loved her alpha hero, and I found my way breezing through the final few chapters. Just because this wasn't my favorite doesn't mean I won't read the rest of the series.
January 31, 2022
Totally predictable but still exciting. I liked Kell and Emily as characters. At the end daddy dearest wasn't a big problem and about Ian, I didnt see that coming at all.
Totalmente predecible pero aún emocionante. Me gustaron Kell y Emily como personajes. Al final papi querido no era un gran problema y sobre Ian, no lo vi venir en absoluto.
Totalmente predecible pero aún emocionante. Me gustaron Kell y Emily como personajes. Al final papi querido no era un gran problema y sobre Ian, no lo vi venir en absoluto.
May 4, 2009
This book is actually the 2nd in the Tempting SEAL's series not the 4th and all I have to say is where can I find a guy like that?
February 1, 2011
Loving this series so far! So far this has been the best story yet IMO. Can't wait to delve into Ian & Kira's story.
August 7, 2014
I loved this one.
October 17, 2019
I can't believe I'd never stuck this book in my GR shelf.
It's actually possible I haven't read it since 2012... definitely not during the past 4-5 years, which is when I actually started tracking the books I've read....]
ANYWAY. Emily and Kell. This I think is my favorite Lora Leigh book. And it just reminded me as to the time erotic romance really was taking off - and all the authors wanted to be/emulate her. She writes sex, and connection so well. It's hot AF - but also emotional, compelling - you FEEL the love the characters have.
I liked that Kell admits (to himself) really early on he's in live - and he wants to get married.
And his accent - it's just so sexy. Especially at the times it's heaviest and the things he says ...
One thing I disliked was the other woman/women bashing. The "heavily made up/boob job" etc means the woman is "evil." Like I get the one character/blip was overblown and almost a caricature.
I liked that Emily was a "daddy's little girl" ... but only not. She's a total badass.
... and I JUST realized, that my weird reading quirk struck again - wherein ... two totally separate things have similarities. (Read 2 books almost back to back, written more than a decade apart, where the heroine was kidnapped at one point - almost trafficked, trapped with other girls ... the hero ~works for her father ... - not EXACTLY exactly in this case, definitely so in the SLynn book...)
Anyway, Emily's father almost has a brain switch once she's 18 and tries to pigeonhole her. She has a bit of guilt and doesn't want to worry her father so she lets him have his way, since she gets that's more important to him than her... but the "bodyguards" was ... you can't really say "extra" because the book notes - the one time she FINALLY refused bodyguards she was kidnapped... so ...
I think a little part of me felt it was a bit eye-rolling how much power etc the senator had - this read more like someone who was the president but ... let's not worry about it - and ESPECIALLY in this timeline.
[I'm half falling asleep and keep typing words I'm hearing - so sorry if this ~review is all over the place.]
ANYWAY. I liked how ~tricky all the characters were. This is definitely a RS - but also an erotic romance - but I felt it was balanced. They were both trained enough to not be stupid - e.g. having sex in an alley during a gun fight, or something - it was downtime/in transport when someone else was driving ...
[it just struck me Emily was a virgin too...]
HER case it's kinda weird cuz she's all "I refuse to 'trap' any man and don't want to get married/controlled by him." ...
Reading it in the lens of "this book was published over decade ago" it stands up well - and I think MOSTLY it stands up well today as well - there are a few parts that are cringey/eye-rolling - e.g. the knocking of [other] women, etc... - not all - but in certain circumstances.
It also does get a little maudlin - I mean it's a LL
So I'm not sure how much is nostalgia etc - but overall I still enjoyed it a lot.
Solid B
B
It's actually possible I haven't read it since 2012... definitely not during the past 4-5 years, which is when I actually started tracking the books I've read....]
ANYWAY. Emily and Kell. This I think is my favorite Lora Leigh book. And it just reminded me as to the time erotic romance really was taking off - and all the authors wanted to be/emulate her. She writes sex, and connection so well. It's hot AF - but also emotional, compelling - you FEEL the love the characters have.
I liked that Kell admits (to himself) really early on he's in live - and he wants to get married.
And his accent - it's just so sexy. Especially at the times it's heaviest and the things he says ...
One thing I disliked was the other woman/women bashing. The "heavily made up/boob job" etc means the woman is "evil." Like I get the one character/blip was overblown and almost a caricature.
I liked that Emily was a "daddy's little girl" ... but only not. She's a total badass.
... and I JUST realized, that my weird reading quirk struck again - wherein ... two totally separate things have similarities. (Read 2 books almost back to back, written more than a decade apart, where the heroine was kidnapped at one point - almost trafficked, trapped with other girls ... the hero ~works for her father ... - not EXACTLY exactly in this case, definitely so in the SLynn book...)
Anyway, Emily's father almost has a brain switch once she's 18 and tries to pigeonhole her. She has a bit of guilt and doesn't want to worry her father so she lets him have his way, since she gets that's more important to him than her... but the "bodyguards" was ... you can't really say "extra" because the book notes - the one time she FINALLY refused bodyguards she was kidnapped... so ...
I think a little part of me felt it was a bit eye-rolling how much power etc the senator had - this read more like someone who was the president but ... let's not worry about it - and ESPECIALLY in this timeline.
[I'm half falling asleep and keep typing words I'm hearing - so sorry if this ~review is all over the place.]
ANYWAY. I liked how ~tricky all the characters were. This is definitely a RS - but also an erotic romance - but I felt it was balanced. They were both trained enough to not be stupid - e.g. having sex in an alley during a gun fight, or something - it was downtime/in transport when someone else was driving ...
[it just struck me Emily was a virgin too...]
HER case it's kinda weird cuz she's all "I refuse to 'trap' any man and don't want to get married/controlled by him." ...
Reading it in the lens of "this book was published over decade ago" it stands up well - and I think MOSTLY it stands up well today as well - there are a few parts that are cringey/eye-rolling - e.g. the knocking of [other] women, etc... - not all - but in certain circumstances.
It also does get a little maudlin - I mean it's a LL
So I'm not sure how much is nostalgia etc - but overall I still enjoyed it a lot.
Solid B
B
April 17, 2018
I should have given this book only one star, but I’m so glad it’s over I’m giving it two. Maybe it’s because I didn’t read the second book in this series, Dangerous Games...the characters of Diego Fuentes (realized this was one person and not two toward the end of the book), Diego’s father, son, a Mr. White who’s a spy, but may be someone who is on the Seal team, and all the Seals and senators were just confusing. The main character, Kell Krieger, is a Seal who has been following Emily, daughter of Senator Richard Stanton, around for years. Richard has been hiring body guards for his daughter to protect her ever since she was kidnapped by this Fuentes. (Or is it Diego? Ahh!) I think Richard was instrumental in the death of Fuentes’ wife and son... or maybe it was just a law on drugs he had passed? Anyway, Emily apparently has liked Kell for a while, maybe ever since he rescued her from the kidnappers. Or has it been since they were kids? So the book opens with Emily doing some research at a strip club for a book she wants to write. Her day job is supposedly a teacher...I hope this story took place during summer vacation because I have no idea how she would get her work all done. Kell decides he has to take over and be her body guard. Fuentes is after her again because she may start to remember more about who her kidnappers were. She was given this drug during the time she was kidnapped (that is completely made up and so unbelievable.) So as Kell and Emily seem to do nothing but fool around and profess their undying love (I don’t know how these people could be so in love when all they do is one thing). Emily insists on going to two parties where she’ll be protected and hopefully the bad guys will be caught when they try to kidnap her. The first party is fine, but during the second, Emily and her friend who works for Homeland Security, Kira Porter, accompany the wife of one of Richard’s friends to the bathroom and it turns out the wife and her husband (who surprisingly are also the father and step-mother of another girl who was kidnapped with Emily) are the ones who are trying to kidnap Emily again! So Emily is taken to a shack where this other navy seal has been for nineteen months. He’s been drugged and not in good shape, but soon they’re rescued by Kell. Emily shows how brave she is by shooting her dad’s dishonorable friend, but Fuentes gets away. We find out at the end that Ian, a member of the Seal team, is the son of Fuentes. I really don’t care at this point to be honest, and for that reason am not going to read the next book, Killer Secrets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2024
3* for the sexy smut. 1.5* for the nonsensical plot.
Why are all these women getting kidnapped and drugged by these evil men ?! What kind of jungle is this?! Because i thought the book was taking place in the US. Is this the kind of safety issues the States have, if Navy Seals are required to babysit and bodyguard a random senator’s daughter?!? Kidnapping, drugging, raping, killing - where tf is this taking place?!? The army-thriller plot is nonsensical at worst, far fetched at best. Names are thrown all over the place - am i supposed to know who these people are?!? I thought this could be read as a standalone!!??? In the end - wtf happened to Fuentes - the villain?! Who is his son??? Wtf happened there ?? The plot was so nonsensical and the repetitive action bored me so much that by the end I wasn’t paying attention anymore ..
Secondly - the hero and heroine were veryyyy unlikable characters . She is an immature daddy’s girl who is also a pushover and has zero backbone . This all changes overnight apparently. The hero sounds like a slimey douche - based on the language he uses and stuff he says to the heroine. It’s “cringey” to read their dialogues…. And after 3 days - it’s insta-love! Gag!
The sex scenes are very hot - but like only the first three !!! The rest become boring AF, because they are too frequent and contribute nothing to the story. We get it - they have sex ALL the time . It gets old fast.
I have no idea what the hero looks like because the description is all over the place. Same goes for the heroine . Inconsistent description - she’s short, she’s not short, she’s dark, she is light, one moment her hair is dark, one moment it’s red…one moment she’s strong, another she is fat, one moment she is fit , the next she is described as having “a sexy rounded stomach” ???? Who the hell has a sexy rounded stomach except if you are talking about a pregnant woman?! What man looks at a woman and says “oh wow, her round belly is hot”????? What guy would focus on a chick’s belly and analyze it - unless she’s a very big girl - which is FINE if the author stuck to that description- but next page describes her as a pocket Venus! Like why is this even mentioned - it is so awkward the way this woman is described!!
Btw- Is Nate the guy from that book where his death was faked but he comes back and tries to trick his wife that he is someone else ?!? And the wife doesn’t recognize him?!
Why are all these women getting kidnapped and drugged by these evil men ?! What kind of jungle is this?! Because i thought the book was taking place in the US. Is this the kind of safety issues the States have, if Navy Seals are required to babysit and bodyguard a random senator’s daughter?!? Kidnapping, drugging, raping, killing - where tf is this taking place?!? The army-thriller plot is nonsensical at worst, far fetched at best. Names are thrown all over the place - am i supposed to know who these people are?!? I thought this could be read as a standalone!!??? In the end - wtf happened to Fuentes - the villain?! Who is his son??? Wtf happened there ?? The plot was so nonsensical and the repetitive action bored me so much that by the end I wasn’t paying attention anymore ..
Secondly - the hero and heroine were veryyyy unlikable characters . She is an immature daddy’s girl who is also a pushover and has zero backbone . This all changes overnight apparently. The hero sounds like a slimey douche - based on the language he uses and stuff he says to the heroine. It’s “cringey” to read their dialogues…. And after 3 days - it’s insta-love! Gag!
The sex scenes are very hot - but like only the first three !!! The rest become boring AF, because they are too frequent and contribute nothing to the story. We get it - they have sex ALL the time . It gets old fast.
I have no idea what the hero looks like because the description is all over the place. Same goes for the heroine . Inconsistent description - she’s short, she’s not short, she’s dark, she is light, one moment her hair is dark, one moment it’s red…one moment she’s strong, another she is fat, one moment she is fit , the next she is described as having “a sexy rounded stomach” ???? Who the hell has a sexy rounded stomach except if you are talking about a pregnant woman?! What man looks at a woman and says “oh wow, her round belly is hot”????? What guy would focus on a chick’s belly and analyze it - unless she’s a very big girl - which is FINE if the author stuck to that description- but next page describes her as a pocket Venus! Like why is this even mentioned - it is so awkward the way this woman is described!!
Btw- Is Nate the guy from that book where his death was faked but he comes back and tries to trick his wife that he is someone else ?!? And the wife doesn’t recognize him?!
January 15, 2025
เล่มนี้เป็นหนังสือที่ทำให้แม็กซ์รู้สึกว่าโลร่า ลีย์เติบโตในฐานะนักเขียนนิยายโรแมนซ์ ไม่ใช่แค่อีโรติกโรแมนซ์ ในฐานะที่เธอเริ่มต้นชีวิตนักเขียนกับการเขียนเรื่องร้อน ๆ ฮ็อตไฟลุก เล่มนี้ก็ไม่ได้น้อยลงไปหรอกนะคะ แต่นี่เป็นเรื่องทำให้แม็กซ์รู้สึกว่าเธอมีพัฒนาการขึ้น
หนังสือเล่มนี้ดองค้างข้ามปีมาแล้วล่ะค่ะ แม็กซ์ซื้อมาแล้วก็วางไว้ตรงนั้นเลย เพราะอ่านพล็อตแล้วก็คือว่ามันไม่มีอะไรใหม่ มันเป็นพล็อตเรื่องที่โลร่าชอบเล่นที่สุด นางเอกที่อ่อนวัยกว่าพระเอกเป็นสิบปี แอบหลงรักเขามานานตั้งแต่ยังเป็นเด็ก แต่พระเอกซึ่งเห็นนางเอกตั้งแต่เด็ก พอรู้ว่าเธอเริ่มสาวก็เกิดอาการอยากได้ แต่ก็ห้ามใจไว้ เพราะไม่อยากได้ชื่อว่าเป็นพวกกินเด็ก ก็จะพยายามพาตัวเองออกไปจากชีวิตนางเอก จนกระทั่งวันนึงมีภัยร้ายที่พระเอกเท่านั้นที่จะสามารถปกป้องนางเอกได้ เขาก็กลับมา และคราวนี้นางเอกก็เริ่มปฏิบัติการยั่ว ยั่ว ยั่ว และยั่ว จนพระเอกตบะแตก จากนั้นก็ XXX จนหน้ากระดาษกระจุยกระจาย
ฟังพล็อตแล้วคุ้นกันบ้างไหม ตั้งแต่เรื่อง Marly's Choice, Sarah's Seduction, Nauti Boy, Reno's Chance, Dangerous Games ก็ล้วนแต่พล็อตนี้ทั้งนั้น
และแล้วด้วยความอยากอ่านเรื่อง Killer Secret ซึ่งเป็นเล่มสามในชุดนี้ (และมีพระเอกที่ดูแล้วบุคลิกน่าอ่านมาก) แม็กซ์ก็จำใจต้องหยิบเล่มนี้มาอ่านอย่างเสียไม่ได้ แต่ผลของมันกลับดีเกินคาดค่ะ
ใช่แล้วว่าพล็อตเรื่องมันหยิบมาจากสูตร เอมิลี่และเคลรู้จักกันตั้งแต่เธอยังเด็ก และเขาเป็นทหารที่อยู่ใต้บังคับบัญชาของพ่อเธอ เอมิลี่แอบปิ๊งเคลมานานแสนนาน ในขณะที่เขากลับพาตัวเองออกจากชีวิตเธอ และเมื่อเธอตกเป็นเป้าการลอบสังหารของนักค้ายาเสพติดชื่อดัง เคลก็ถูกส่งให้แฝงตัวมาเป็นบอดี้การ์ดเพื่อคุ้มครองเธอ
สิ่งที่ทำให้เรื่องนี้แตกต่าง และน่าอ่าน ก็เพราะแม็กซ์รู้สึกอย่างจริงใจว่าเอมิลี่เข้มแข็ง ไม่ได้เสแสร้งว่าเข้มแข็งเหมือนอย่างนางเอกในเรื่อง Dangerous Games แกล้งทำ เธอต้องใช้ชีวิตอย่างที่ไม่ต้องการ เพราะผู้เป็นพ่อรักเธอมากเกินกว่าจะปล่อยให้เธอมีชีวิตเป็นของตัวเอง เธออยากเป็นทหาร เขาไม่ต้องการเพราะมันอันตราย เขาคาดหวังแกมบังคับให้เธอแต่งงานกับชายหนุ่มที่เขาเลือกให้เพื่อผลิตหลาน เธอยอมให้ชายเหล่านั้นเข้ามาเป็นบอดี้การ์ด แต่ก็ระวังตัวไม่ให้มีอะไรเกินเลยไปกว่านั้น อันที่จริงเรื่องนี้คงถูกใจชาวนิยมเยื่อบางค่ะ
ในขณะที่เคลก็มีความเจ็บปวดในอดีตคอยตามหลอกหลอน เขาปฏิเสธที่จะไม่รักใคร เพราะไม่อาจจะทนความสูญเสียได้อีก แต่เมื่อทั้งสองมีโอกาสใกล้ชิดกัน เล่มนี้อาจจะเป็นเพียงไม่กี่เรื่องของโลร่า ลีย์นะ ที่พระเอกยอมรับกับตัวเองก่อนว่า "รักนางเอก" และไม่หาเหตุผล หรือข้ออ้างว่าตัวเองไม่เหมาะสม เคลเป็นพระเอกแบบอัลฟ่าที่มีเหตุผลเหลือเชื่อ
ไม่รู้นะคะว่าเป็นเพราะไม่คาดหวังอะไรมากหรือเปล่า ก็เลยรู้สึกว่าเล่มนี้สนุกดี คะแนนที่ 77
หนังสือเล่มนี้ดองค้างข้ามปีมาแล้วล่ะค่ะ แม็กซ์ซื้อมาแล้วก็วางไว้ตรงนั้นเลย เพราะอ่านพล็อตแล้วก็คือว่ามันไม่มีอะไรใหม่ มันเป็นพล็อตเรื่องที่โลร่าชอบเล่นที่สุด นางเอกที่อ่อนวัยกว่าพระเอกเป็นสิบปี แอบหลงรักเขามานานตั้งแต่ยังเป็นเด็ก แต่พระเอกซึ่งเห็นนางเอกตั้งแต่เด็ก พอรู้ว่าเธอเริ่มสาวก็เกิดอาการอยากได้ แต่ก็ห้ามใจไว้ เพราะไม่อยากได้ชื่อว่าเป็นพวกกินเด็ก ก็จะพยายามพาตัวเองออกไปจากชีวิตนางเอก จนกระทั่งวันนึงมีภัยร้ายที่พระเอกเท่านั้นที่จะสามารถปกป้องนางเอกได้ เขาก็กลับมา และคราวนี้นางเอกก็เริ่มปฏิบัติการยั่ว ยั่ว ยั่ว และยั่ว จนพระเอกตบะแตก จากนั้นก็ XXX จนหน้ากระดาษกระจุยกระจาย
ฟังพล็อตแล้วคุ้นกันบ้างไหม ตั้งแต่เรื่อง Marly's Choice, Sarah's Seduction, Nauti Boy, Reno's Chance, Dangerous Games ก็ล้วนแต่พล็อตนี้ทั้งนั้น
และแล้วด้วยความอยากอ่านเรื่อง Killer Secret ซึ่งเป็นเล่มสามในชุดนี้ (และมีพระเอกที่ดูแล้วบุคลิกน่าอ่านมาก) แม็กซ์ก็จำใจต้องหยิบเล่มนี้มาอ่านอย่างเสียไม่ได้ แต่ผลของมันกลับดีเกินคาดค่ะ
ใช่แล้วว่าพล็อตเรื่องมันหยิบมาจากสูตร เอมิลี่และเคลรู้จักกันตั้งแต่เธอยังเด็ก และเขาเป็นทหารที่อยู่ใต้บังคับบัญชาของพ่อเธอ เอมิลี่แอบปิ๊งเคลมานานแสนนาน ในขณะที่เขากลับพาตัวเองออกจากชีวิตเธอ และเมื่อเธอตกเป็นเป้าการลอบสังหารของนักค้ายาเสพติดชื่อดัง เคลก็ถูกส่งให้แฝงตัวมาเป็นบอดี้การ์ดเพื่อคุ้มครองเธอ
สิ่งที่ทำให้เรื่องนี้แตกต่าง และน่าอ่าน ก็เพราะแม็กซ์รู้สึกอย่างจริงใจว่าเอมิลี่เข้มแข็ง ไม่ได้เสแสร้งว่าเข้มแข็งเหมือนอย่างนางเอกในเรื่อง Dangerous Games แกล้งทำ เธอต้องใช้ชีวิตอย่างที่ไม่ต้องการ เพราะผู้เป็นพ่อรักเธอมากเกินกว่าจะปล่อยให้เธอมีชีวิตเป็นของตัวเอง เธออยากเป็นทหาร เขาไม่ต้องการเพราะมันอันตราย เขาคาดหวังแกมบังคับให้เธอแต่งงานกับชายหนุ่มที่เขาเลือกให้เพื่อผลิตหลาน เธอยอมให้ชายเหล่านั้นเข้ามาเป็นบอดี้การ์ด แต่ก็ระวังตัวไม่ให้มีอะไรเกินเลยไปกว่านั้น อันที่จริงเรื่องนี้คงถูกใจชาวนิยมเยื่อบางค่ะ
ในขณะที่เคลก็มีความเจ็บปวดในอดีตคอยตามหลอกหลอน เขาปฏิเสธที่จะไม่รักใคร เพราะไม่อาจจะทนความสูญเสียได้อีก แต่เมื่อทั้งสองมีโอกาสใกล้ชิดกัน เล่มนี้อาจจะเป็นเพียงไม่กี่เรื่องของโลร่า ลีย์นะ ที่พระเอกยอมรับกับตัวเองก่อนว่า "รักนางเอก" และไม่หาเหตุผล หรือข้ออ้างว่าตัวเองไม่เหมาะสม เคลเป็นพระเอกแบบอัลฟ่าที่มีเหตุผลเหลือเชื่อ
ไม่รู้นะคะว่าเป็นเพราะไม่คาดหวังอะไรมากหรือเปล่า ก็เลยรู้สึกว่าเล่มนี้สนุกดี คะแนนที่ 77
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