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To Serve and Protect #3
Only With You
A family of heroes, all in dangerous jobs, all irrevocably tied to those they love. Read about the Marino clan in this fast-paced, emotional new series, To Serve and Protect, by NYT bestselling author Kathryn Shay.
Special Agent Whitney Dwyer sees the world in black and white, much to the chagrin of her beloved cousins, the Marino brothers. Her life is a supportive family, a varied job with mega opportunities for advancement and a fantastic friends-with-benefits lover. Beneath her tough exterior, though, lies a woman who was scarred in deep and dark ways by the horror of an accident that killed her parents. But Whitney’s life is knocked off its axis when she loses the man she now realizes she loves. To complicate matters, that man, Special Agent Max Blackwell, has made a decision he regrets immediately. Still, he and Whitney cannot come together again until she deals with what plagues her and he discovers what he truly wants out of life.
ONLY WITH YOU is back-dropped by the bombing of a federal building, a case assigned to Whitney and Max during their personal turmoil. The book also delves into the inner workings of the Secret Service and the danger federal agents encounter every day. Toss in a sizzling relationship and readers will find this story a page-turner.
If you liked ABOVE AND BEYOND, be sure to read the entire To Serve and Protect ABOVE AND BEYOND, SAY YOU’LL STAY, ONLY WITH YOU, NO OTHER LOVE and COME BACK TO ME.
PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF KATHRYN SHAY
“A wonderfully written, emotional and extraordinary read and truly deserves a five-star rating.” Affaire de Coeur
“Kathryn Shay’s storytelling grabbed me on page one and her characters held me until the very last word.” Barbara Bretton, USA Today bestselling author
“Each page is pure seduction of the senses.” Genie Romex Reviews
Special Agent Whitney Dwyer sees the world in black and white, much to the chagrin of her beloved cousins, the Marino brothers. Her life is a supportive family, a varied job with mega opportunities for advancement and a fantastic friends-with-benefits lover. Beneath her tough exterior, though, lies a woman who was scarred in deep and dark ways by the horror of an accident that killed her parents. But Whitney’s life is knocked off its axis when she loses the man she now realizes she loves. To complicate matters, that man, Special Agent Max Blackwell, has made a decision he regrets immediately. Still, he and Whitney cannot come together again until she deals with what plagues her and he discovers what he truly wants out of life.
ONLY WITH YOU is back-dropped by the bombing of a federal building, a case assigned to Whitney and Max during their personal turmoil. The book also delves into the inner workings of the Secret Service and the danger federal agents encounter every day. Toss in a sizzling relationship and readers will find this story a page-turner.
If you liked ABOVE AND BEYOND, be sure to read the entire To Serve and Protect ABOVE AND BEYOND, SAY YOU’LL STAY, ONLY WITH YOU, NO OTHER LOVE and COME BACK TO ME.
PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF KATHRYN SHAY
“A wonderfully written, emotional and extraordinary read and truly deserves a five-star rating.” Affaire de Coeur
“Kathryn Shay’s storytelling grabbed me on page one and her characters held me until the very last word.” Barbara Bretton, USA Today bestselling author
“Each page is pure seduction of the senses.” Genie Romex Reviews
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2017
158 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Shay
174 books500 followersKathryn Shay is a lifelong writer. At fifteen, she penned her first 'romance,' a short story about a female newspaper reporter in New York City and her fight to make a name for herself in a world of male journalists - and with one hardheaded editor in particular. Looking back, Kathryn says she should have known then that writing was in her future. But as so often happens, fate sent her detouring down another path.
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 21, 2023
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
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What surprised me most is that our hero is 45 years old and took completely immature actions. He unilaterally decides to change his relationship status with the woman he has had a friends-with-benefits relationship with for years, but begins a relationship with another woman before breaking up with her. He planned a future with this other woman and confided details about his relationship with our heroine to this other woman and they exchanged kisses and caresses.
I even understand that he is getting older and wants to start a family, something our heroine refuses to do, but he acted like a brainless teenager and soon regretted it. But the confusion was already formed.
Our heroine should have sought psychological help since childhood, as she still hasn't recovered from the traumatic events in which she was involved and was left with a completely fucked up mind and full of issues.
==>2019<==
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What surprised me most is that our hero is 45 years old and took completely immature actions. He unilaterally decides to change his relationship status with the woman he has had a friends-with-benefits relationship with for years, but begins a relationship with another woman before breaking up with her. He planned a future with this other woman and confided details about his relationship with our heroine to this other woman and they exchanged kisses and caresses.
I even understand that he is getting older and wants to start a family, something our heroine refuses to do, but he acted like a brainless teenager and soon regretted it. But the confusion was already formed.
Our heroine should have sought psychological help since childhood, as she still hasn't recovered from the traumatic events in which she was involved and was left with a completely fucked up mind and full of issues.
==>2019<==
“Don’t, honey. We have to talk.”
“Things have changed for me, Whitney. I think this has been coming for a while.”
“Fair enough. I want to settle down and have kids.”
“I’ve found someone else I think I can build a future with.”
“What?” “I’ve met another woman.” His face reddened as if he knew he’d done something wrong.
“Angela Grimes.” Dark brows rose. “How did you know?” The expression on Angela’s face when she sat gazing up at Max in the classroom that day at Rowley. How she answered his phone the night over Thanksgiving break, when Max hadn’t come to the Marino Thanksgiving. And where had he gone Christmas Eve when they’d all been invited to the White House party?
“And now you want to end our relationship?” “As it’s been, yes. I want more in my life.”
“I said I was in love with you. Romantically.”
She left. Max stood staring at the door. He hadn’t expected her reaction.
...text. From Angela Grimes. She’d given him a month to decide what to do about Whitney.
Oh, God, that made him feel more like a heel. That he’d shared with Angie what he was going to do to Whitney, the woman who’d been his best friend and pretty much the center of personal life for years.
Could he have been any more condescending? He’d treated her like a child. She told him she loved him, as a woman loved a man, and he rejected her outright.
A brief flash of panic on her face. “No, I can’t. Don’t ask me to listen to why you picked another woman again.”
“Damn it, Whitney, I want you in my life.” Even as she clung to him, clutched his shirt, she said, “I can’t be anymore. Go to Angela. Get what you need from her.”
“I can’t operate that way. I’ve been in your life for years.” “You have no choice in this part, Max, like I had no choice in your decision. None at all.”
Max glanced up when Angela Grimes entered the café on the ground floor of the Secret Service Building. They’d agreed to meet for lunch.
“Of course I am. I’m devastated.” “Then why did you break off your relationship? Start one with me?”
“So, come over to my house tonight. We’ll celebrate.”
Standing, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
He saw Whitney, seated facing them, a broken cup on the table in front of her and a look of betrayal on her face.
“No, actually, not even now. He broke the relationship off without even consulting me. He met someone else.”
Gently, he moved Angie back, took her glass and put both his and hers on the table. Then stood. Held out his hand. “Come on. Let’s make love.” This would be for the best; he knew it in his mind, even if his heart hadn’t quite caught up yet.
She’d made the setting perfect. But to Max, the room was cloying. Closing his eyes, he sighed. “I know,” Angie said, moving in. “Me, too. Finally, us together.”
With that he dressed hurriedly, then turned to her. “Again, I’m sorry, I’ll do better next time.”
“Couldn’t what?” “Couldn’t get it up.”
By then, he and Angie might be married, have a child on the way. The thought satisfied him, even as the notion of having Whitney completely out of his life sliced him to the core.
“Besides, do you actually think I’d get together with you even if I was pregnant, even if I wanted it, after what has happened between you and Angela behind my back?” “You’re talking like a wronged lover. We were friends with benefits!”
He’d dumped her, yet was trying to control her life.
...seeing Angie’s proprietary manner with Max had made her heart twist into knots and her stomach do the same.
She was frustrated with his doubt. He’d made a decision about her life, and now she was dealing with the fallout. It was too much to ask.
“What about Angela?” He called Angie by her formal name, as Whitney did. “She’s suffering, too. We…couldn’t be intimate. Because of me.” “I’m surprised you tried so soon.” “She called it tearing off the Band-Aid.”
“Angie won’t like that.” “You’ve led her to believe you could make a life with her.” “I thought I could.”
She lifted her hands and let them fall to her thighs. “You can’t be serious. Do you have any idea what agony you’re putting Whitney and me through?”
“You should have thought of this before you started anything with me!”
“I can’t believe we’re together like this after what I did.” “We decided to be as normal as possible. Besides, I don’t want to dwell on that. I’ve already forgiven you.”
“Fuck it, Max, that makes this worse. Do you love the other woman?” “No, we liked each other, wanted the same things in life.” “It sounds more like a business agreement than a relationship.”
“A strong woman like you let him come back?”
“I believe both of you. Again, make this work. Your relationship came at great cost to me.” She turned and walked away.
March 4, 2020
Dry characterizations and mechanical writing transform this potential angstfest into little more than an intellectual exercise regarding the characters' questionable choices.
• The protagonists are friends with benefits who agreed they didn't want romance, marriage, or kids when they started their relationship three years earlier. They also promised exclusivity.
• He has since changed his mind and found an OW who is a potential mother for his children, so he breaks up with the heroine, insisting they'll still be friends without the benefits.
• Heroine confesses she is in love with Cheaty McDumpyface and objects to his making a "unilateral decision" about their relationship. At the same time, she states that she will never have children and she couldn't continue a relationship with him knowing now how much he wants them.
•
• Hero and heroine are partners in the U.S. Secret Service and continue to behave with now super-inappropriate levels of intimacy at work.
• Guilty hero can't get it up for the OW...who is creepily desperate to move forward in her relationship with a man who admits to being devastated by his breakup and is only involved with her because "I want to see if we might be a fit to have a baby."
• Heroine keeps vomiting, a symptom of the same psychological trauma that has made her relationship/motherhood-averse.
• Deciding he made a mistake, Cheaty McDumpyface breaks up with the OW less than a week after breaking up with the heroine. (The hero's flip-flopping reminds me a bit of The Fourth Child, where the hero uses the threat of another relationship to bring the heroine in line.) As a bonus, the OW's break-up scene is eerily similar to his break-up with the heroine. In each instance, the woman arrives at his apartment ready for sex when he blindsides her with the news, then she proceeds to debate with him over the ethics of his decision. Hilariously, when the OW asks if he's discussed this with the heroine, he says, "No. It wouldn't have been fair to discuss these feelings with her before you knew." But he had discussed dumping the heroine with the OW prior to that break-up. (I'm appalled to speculate that the author intends this change in protocol as an example of the hero's growth. I don't really want to see a hero being more considerate of the OW than of the heroine.)
• The heroine immediately takes him back. No grovel required.
But I've only spoiled you up to the 50% mark. There are still other serious relationship issues the pair have to deal with.
Super spoilers:
It's always a disappointment when so much emotional fodder doesn't produce any actual emotions.
I particularly wanted more information on how the hero's relationship with the OW had developed in the context of his supposedly exclusive FWB relationship with the heroine. As usual, I feel like an author deprived me of meaningful context because that context makes the cheating hero seem unredeemable. But I'm not going to be any kinder if I'm forced to fill in the blanks.
• The protagonists are friends with benefits who agreed they didn't want romance, marriage, or kids when they started their relationship three years earlier. They also promised exclusivity.
• He has since changed his mind and found an OW who is a potential mother for his children, so he breaks up with the heroine, insisting they'll still be friends without the benefits.
• Heroine confesses she is in love with Cheaty McDumpyface and objects to his making a "unilateral decision" about their relationship. At the same time, she states that she will never have children and she couldn't continue a relationship with him knowing now how much he wants them.
•
• Hero and heroine are partners in the U.S. Secret Service and continue to behave with now super-inappropriate levels of intimacy at work.
• Guilty hero can't get it up for the OW...who is creepily desperate to move forward in her relationship with a man who admits to being devastated by his breakup and is only involved with her because "I want to see if we might be a fit to have a baby."
• Heroine keeps vomiting, a symptom of the same psychological trauma that has made her relationship/motherhood-averse.
• Deciding he made a mistake, Cheaty McDumpyface breaks up with the OW less than a week after breaking up with the heroine. (The hero's flip-flopping reminds me a bit of The Fourth Child, where the hero uses the threat of another relationship to bring the heroine in line.) As a bonus, the OW's break-up scene is eerily similar to his break-up with the heroine. In each instance, the woman arrives at his apartment ready for sex when he blindsides her with the news, then she proceeds to debate with him over the ethics of his decision. Hilariously, when the OW asks if he's discussed this with the heroine, he says, "No. It wouldn't have been fair to discuss these feelings with her before you knew." But he had discussed dumping the heroine with the OW prior to that break-up. (I'm appalled to speculate that the author intends this change in protocol as an example of the hero's growth. I don't really want to see a hero being more considerate of the OW than of the heroine.)
• The heroine immediately takes him back. No grovel required.
But I've only spoiled you up to the 50% mark. There are still other serious relationship issues the pair have to deal with.
Super spoilers:
It's always a disappointment when so much emotional fodder doesn't produce any actual emotions.
I particularly wanted more information on how the hero's relationship with the OW had developed in the context of his supposedly exclusive FWB relationship with the heroine. As usual, I feel like an author deprived me of meaningful context because that context makes the cheating hero seem unredeemable. But I'm not going to be any kinder if I'm forced to fill in the blanks.
skimmed
October 21, 2023Note to self:
Not safe! Hero already met OW who he wanted to start a family with. Broke off his fwb situation with the h without discussion. The next day he was already kissing OW on her couch and 2 days later ready for sex. He touched her intimately and she gave him a BJ but he couldn’t get it up. Otherwise sex would certainly have happened. Doormat h, who takes this zero back without any grovel. If you’re best friends, having sex for 3 years and this is how he treats you. 🏃🏼♀️🚩
Beneath the outfit, she wore only lacy pink panties. He slipped his hand inside the front of them. Touched her intimately for the first time. His stomach cramped. But he continued until she was writhing beneath his hand.
“Not this way. I want you inside me.”
He wasn’t hard. Turning, she pushed him to the bed. He sat down, and she knelt in front of him. With trust filling her face, she lowered her head. And Max felt like a heel.
Twenty minutes later, she’d donned a robe and he’d put on his navy briefs. They sat back down on the bed.
He took her hand. “I’m sorry.”
Not safe! Hero already met OW who he wanted to start a family with. Broke off his fwb situation with the h without discussion. The next day he was already kissing OW on her couch and 2 days later ready for sex. He touched her intimately and she gave him a BJ but he couldn’t get it up. Otherwise sex would certainly have happened. Doormat h, who takes this zero back without any grovel. If you’re best friends, having sex for 3 years and this is how he treats you. 🏃🏼♀️🚩
Beneath the outfit, she wore only lacy pink panties. He slipped his hand inside the front of them. Touched her intimately for the first time. His stomach cramped. But he continued until she was writhing beneath his hand.
“Not this way. I want you inside me.”
He wasn’t hard. Turning, she pushed him to the bed. He sat down, and she knelt in front of him. With trust filling her face, she lowered her head. And Max felt like a heel.
Twenty minutes later, she’d donned a robe and he’d put on his navy briefs. They sat back down on the bed.
He took her hand. “I’m sorry.”
August 8, 2017
This is the 3rd book in this amazing series, and it is Whitney and Max’s story. These two are special agents, who thrive on danger, yet with their personal relationship, despite the explosive chemistry, they have many obstacles’ to overcome before they can be together. No spoilers this is a must read!
This is a powerful and gritty storyline which had me hooked from the very beginning. This is Kathryn at her best, and she certainly never disappoints her readers! Looking forward to reading more in this series, and I highly recommend this authors work for all readers!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!
This is a powerful and gritty storyline which had me hooked from the very beginning. This is Kathryn at her best, and she certainly never disappoints her readers! Looking forward to reading more in this series, and I highly recommend this authors work for all readers!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!
February 28, 2020
1.5* I wanted to read about the angst and not the investigation these guys were doing. So I skimmed the bomb talk, and only read about the'romance' but unfortunately the angsty stuff was pretty frustrating. The H flip flops between women and the h holds the door wide open on his return.
August 8, 2017
Special Agent Whitney Dwyer has always followed her own rules and one of them is never to have children. Experiencing the trauma of her parent’s deaths so early in her life has left her scarred and determined never to leave a child behind like she was. It was only with the help of her cousins, the Marion’s, that she was able to overcome her past and follow in the steps of the family tradition and become a hero. While she doesn’t want children, she does want Agent Max Blackwell and has enjoyed their friends-with-benefits relationship for a while.
But change always happens, and Max throws Whitney’s world out of axis. Max wants a family and children, but he also wants Whitney to be part of that equation. She will not give him that, so he has decided that he will have his family. He doesn’t love the woman that he has chosen, but he also never expected the pain that his decision would cause between himself and Whitney. He regrets the way that everything has gone down, but Whitney will not even fathom giving him what he wants. His love for Whitney is intense, but sometimes love is not enough.
ONLY WITH YOU made me cry hard! The dynamic between Max and Whitney was intense and there were times that I really wanted to bash both of them over the heads. They are perfect for each other, but they are also some of the most stubborn characters I have read for a while. But the pain and angst that Kathryn Shay invoked in this story was heart wrenching while at the time beautiful. I was really pulled into the story and got to see the complexity that makes up Whitney and the true depths of emotion that both of these characters have. Another awesome read by Kathryn Shay!
eARC through Enticing Journey Book Promotions
But change always happens, and Max throws Whitney’s world out of axis. Max wants a family and children, but he also wants Whitney to be part of that equation. She will not give him that, so he has decided that he will have his family. He doesn’t love the woman that he has chosen, but he also never expected the pain that his decision would cause between himself and Whitney. He regrets the way that everything has gone down, but Whitney will not even fathom giving him what he wants. His love for Whitney is intense, but sometimes love is not enough.
ONLY WITH YOU made me cry hard! The dynamic between Max and Whitney was intense and there were times that I really wanted to bash both of them over the heads. They are perfect for each other, but they are also some of the most stubborn characters I have read for a while. But the pain and angst that Kathryn Shay invoked in this story was heart wrenching while at the time beautiful. I was really pulled into the story and got to see the complexity that makes up Whitney and the true depths of emotion that both of these characters have. Another awesome read by Kathryn Shay!
eARC through Enticing Journey Book Promotions
August 3, 2017
Only with You by Kathryn Shay
“Does life give you more than you can handle? 5 stars”
If you’ve read the other two books in the Serve and Protect series you know the background of Max and Whitney. Whitney is complex hard to get a real read on. Her aunt and uncle took her in as a child and she was raised with her cousins. In a matter of speaking she had an easy childhood, but it was the time before living with the Marino’s that left a scar. Whitney only sees things in black and white, but what happens when the grey starts to seep in?
Max and Whitney have been together for years and never had an issue. Now though he wants more, he’s ten years older than her and wants to settle down and have a family of his own. Something Whitney has always been admittedly against. Max makes a mistake involving his relationship with Whitney that leaves them both wheeling. What happens if the blows don’t stop coming? Will these two-secret service agents be able stand strong and weather the storm?
I have always had a soft spot for these two and wanted them to settle down together. Shay was extremely hard on Whitney in Only with You but it felt right to me. Whitney needed these trials to figure herself out. You watch her Transform from someone that was kind of robotic (just going through the motions) to a woman who really appreciated those in her life, accepted love, and loved back. Max was incredibly stead-fast which was fitting for what he did.
Dive into Only with You and follow these two try and find their way to true happiness. Will that happiness be together or apart? While you’re at it prepare yourself for the next in the series, I have a feeling it will be a doozy.
Plot- 5/5
Character- 5/5
Heat- 5/5
Writing style- 5/5
Overall- 5/5
**SBR Review**
“Does life give you more than you can handle? 5 stars”
If you’ve read the other two books in the Serve and Protect series you know the background of Max and Whitney. Whitney is complex hard to get a real read on. Her aunt and uncle took her in as a child and she was raised with her cousins. In a matter of speaking she had an easy childhood, but it was the time before living with the Marino’s that left a scar. Whitney only sees things in black and white, but what happens when the grey starts to seep in?
Max and Whitney have been together for years and never had an issue. Now though he wants more, he’s ten years older than her and wants to settle down and have a family of his own. Something Whitney has always been admittedly against. Max makes a mistake involving his relationship with Whitney that leaves them both wheeling. What happens if the blows don’t stop coming? Will these two-secret service agents be able stand strong and weather the storm?
I have always had a soft spot for these two and wanted them to settle down together. Shay was extremely hard on Whitney in Only with You but it felt right to me. Whitney needed these trials to figure herself out. You watch her Transform from someone that was kind of robotic (just going through the motions) to a woman who really appreciated those in her life, accepted love, and loved back. Max was incredibly stead-fast which was fitting for what he did.
Dive into Only with You and follow these two try and find their way to true happiness. Will that happiness be together or apart? While you’re at it prepare yourself for the next in the series, I have a feeling it will be a doozy.
Plot- 5/5
Character- 5/5
Heat- 5/5
Writing style- 5/5
Overall- 5/5
**SBR Review**
August 8, 2017
I absolutely CANNOT get enough of the To Serve and Protect series, and while I have loved each story, Only With You took my dramatic emotions up to crazy levels, and I'm still not completely leveled out hours later. Special Agents Whitney Dwyer and Max Blackwell have been partners for years, plus they have a great friends with benefits thing going on. And it's been working for them for a while, until Max decides that he needs more, and breaks her heart. It didn't help that when he broke it off with her, she was there to tell him that she loves him. Max instantly knows that he made a huge mistake, but he still tries to stay the course that he choose. Will Whitney ever forgive him? I gave a simpler description than the blurb, but trust me when I say, this was an emotional roller coaster ride that may or may not have had my eyes leaking a time or two. I know that Whitney had her demons, and some of them came off a bit extreme, but I still loved her so much, and totally had her back. Max had me hot under the collar for over half the book, as his stupid douche decision had me ready to junk punch him over and over again. (Whitney was much better towards him than I would have been.) Kathryn Shay raised the bar of her own excellence with this story, as I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that Only With You is my favorite. Her brilliant writing style threw me into the story, like I was in the back seat with these two people, and I found myself yelling at them out loud throughout. I LOVE this family so much, so I CANNOT WAIT for the next book in this series, and I will be waiting impatiently! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
August 18, 2017
Only With You: To Serve and Protect Book 3 is by Kathryn Shay. Once more, Kathryn takes you into the personal lives of the Secret Service. This time, it is with two agents who work together. Kathryn mixes action, drama, and emotions to create a fantastic book.
Agent Whitney Dwyer and Agent Max Blackwell have been partners for five years. They have gone beyond work to friendship and to lovers. When they began this last relationship, they agreed it was only sex and nothing deeper. However, best laid plans always go awry and this one did too. Max decided he wanted a family and a home; but Whitney had always stated she was never going to have children. This stemmed back to when her parents died in a plane crash and she was trapped beneath them until rescued. Knowing this about Whitney, Max had made overtures to another agent and broke up with Whitney. However, he mistakenly thought they could still be friends. He breaks up with Whitney just as she has finally realized she loves Max. Now it is too late.
As they work together on their latest case of the bombing of a social security office, Whitney has to face the fact that she can no longer work with Max. They have to finish this case and then she will ask for a transfer. She knows she can’t stay around and watch Max and Angela get married and have a child. She loves Max too much.
Can they keep their minds on the case and not on the situation between them? It could mean getting hurt if they don’t. Can Whitney continue to work with Max? How do Whitney’s four male cousins react to Max’s breaking up with Whitney?
Agent Whitney Dwyer and Agent Max Blackwell have been partners for five years. They have gone beyond work to friendship and to lovers. When they began this last relationship, they agreed it was only sex and nothing deeper. However, best laid plans always go awry and this one did too. Max decided he wanted a family and a home; but Whitney had always stated she was never going to have children. This stemmed back to when her parents died in a plane crash and she was trapped beneath them until rescued. Knowing this about Whitney, Max had made overtures to another agent and broke up with Whitney. However, he mistakenly thought they could still be friends. He breaks up with Whitney just as she has finally realized she loves Max. Now it is too late.
As they work together on their latest case of the bombing of a social security office, Whitney has to face the fact that she can no longer work with Max. They have to finish this case and then she will ask for a transfer. She knows she can’t stay around and watch Max and Angela get married and have a child. She loves Max too much.
Can they keep their minds on the case and not on the situation between them? It could mean getting hurt if they don’t. Can Whitney continue to work with Max? How do Whitney’s four male cousins react to Max’s breaking up with Whitney?
August 1, 2017
Only With You by Kathryn Shay is the third book in the To Serve And Protect series and for me is a four star read
I have really enjoyed it. Even though at first I found it hard to connect with the book I soon found I was getting along better with it. A really nice and easy storyline. The storyline was done really well. I went through so many emotions whilst reading. I'm really looking forward to reading more by this author. I loved reading this book but I felt at times it just seemed to slow down to a halt for a while before picking back up again.
I liked the characters but at times felt detached from them in retro spec. I enjoyed reading about the characters none-the-less. It didn't put me off reading the book it was just something that niggled at me. This book was full of different emotions with many twists and turns in the book that will keep you guessing what is going to happen till the very end. I especially liked the close guardedness of the main female character.
I'm going to be keeping my eye on this author for sure. I hope you all like the book as much as I did. Good read. I'm looking forward to see what else this author can come up with and will definitely be getting the next book in the series.
I will definitely be recommending this authors work to friends and family. A really enjoyable read
4/5
I have really enjoyed it. Even though at first I found it hard to connect with the book I soon found I was getting along better with it. A really nice and easy storyline. The storyline was done really well. I went through so many emotions whilst reading. I'm really looking forward to reading more by this author. I loved reading this book but I felt at times it just seemed to slow down to a halt for a while before picking back up again.
I liked the characters but at times felt detached from them in retro spec. I enjoyed reading about the characters none-the-less. It didn't put me off reading the book it was just something that niggled at me. This book was full of different emotions with many twists and turns in the book that will keep you guessing what is going to happen till the very end. I especially liked the close guardedness of the main female character.
I'm going to be keeping my eye on this author for sure. I hope you all like the book as much as I did. Good read. I'm looking forward to see what else this author can come up with and will definitely be getting the next book in the series.
I will definitely be recommending this authors work to friends and family. A really enjoyable read
4/5
August 12, 2017
Only With You ( To Serve and Protect - Book 3 )
By: kathryn Shay
Only With You is book three in To serve and Protect series. I have read all three of these books and loved them all. I can’t wait to read the next book . If you read the first two books in the series you know some about Agent Whitney Dwyer and Agent Max Blackwell. This is their story. They both are agents and work together as partners. I was drawn in right at the first and was hooked. The story and the characters both were well developed . This was a very emotional story for me. At the start I did not like Max and the way he was doing. Whitney does not want children and Max is getting older and is ready to settle down with a family and children. Whitney’s parents was killed in an accident when she was small. The Marino clan took her in and raised her. They will do anything for her. Whitney and Max love each other , but their wants are different. Can they ever come together as a family and have true love and happiness? I was on a roller coaster reading this one, at times I was for Whitney and other times I was for Max.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
By: kathryn Shay
Only With You is book three in To serve and Protect series. I have read all three of these books and loved them all. I can’t wait to read the next book . If you read the first two books in the series you know some about Agent Whitney Dwyer and Agent Max Blackwell. This is their story. They both are agents and work together as partners. I was drawn in right at the first and was hooked. The story and the characters both were well developed . This was a very emotional story for me. At the start I did not like Max and the way he was doing. Whitney does not want children and Max is getting older and is ready to settle down with a family and children. Whitney’s parents was killed in an accident when she was small. The Marino clan took her in and raised her. They will do anything for her. Whitney and Max love each other , but their wants are different. Can they ever come together as a family and have true love and happiness? I was on a roller coaster reading this one, at times I was for Whitney and other times I was for Max.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
August 12, 2017
Max Blackwell and Whitney Dwyer have been partners at work for several years and had developed into “friends with benefits”. When Whitney finally realized she wanted more from Max he had already started taking steps to change their relationship because he wanted more than Whitney could give.
I absolutely love the Marino family! They are such a tight, close, and “there for each other” in such an amazing kind of family way. The foundation the mom and dad have laid down for each of their children have given each one of them the strength to do what they want with their lives even when it’s hard. I loved Max and Whitney’s story – there was fun, humor, pain and tears but it was a beautiful story. I was a little irritated at Whitney at one point in the story but I can’t explain as it would give away an important part of the story. She finally got it right though. Max was a sweetheart who was human and I loved that he wanted to fix it right away and the plot didn’t drag that out. I read this book in one sitting and cannot wait for the next one! Kathryn Shay has a wonderful talent for writing about strong and loving families and the Marino’s are the best! I received an ARC for an honest review.
I absolutely love the Marino family! They are such a tight, close, and “there for each other” in such an amazing kind of family way. The foundation the mom and dad have laid down for each of their children have given each one of them the strength to do what they want with their lives even when it’s hard. I loved Max and Whitney’s story – there was fun, humor, pain and tears but it was a beautiful story. I was a little irritated at Whitney at one point in the story but I can’t explain as it would give away an important part of the story. She finally got it right though. Max was a sweetheart who was human and I loved that he wanted to fix it right away and the plot didn’t drag that out. I read this book in one sitting and cannot wait for the next one! Kathryn Shay has a wonderful talent for writing about strong and loving families and the Marino’s are the best! I received an ARC for an honest review.
August 15, 2017
ONLY WITH YOU by Kathryn Shay book 3 To Protect and Serve series.
Whitney and Max had an arrangement, now he wants more. She love's him, but he's found someone else. The pain of losing him, she hadn't been given a choice. Max father asked, was he in love, he wants the whole oackage and Angie was willing. Being sent to Virginia on a new case, she wanted a new partner, the answer was no, been together for five years. He's miserable, and seeing how upset she was, didn't help. They could work together, to figure out who did the bombing, but what about after. A powerful story, of a commitment , and one of them wants to change. The effect it has on them, was it to late, to reach a new agreement. He didn't want to lose her, and would it only be to work together. Readers will love this story, its shows how they react, when a relationship changes. The mistake of how Max handled it.For Whitney to confront her fears. Again Kathryn has given us a story that catches us from the beginning to the end. Looking forward to the next in this great series. Given ARC for my.voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Whitney and Max had an arrangement, now he wants more. She love's him, but he's found someone else. The pain of losing him, she hadn't been given a choice. Max father asked, was he in love, he wants the whole oackage and Angie was willing. Being sent to Virginia on a new case, she wanted a new partner, the answer was no, been together for five years. He's miserable, and seeing how upset she was, didn't help. They could work together, to figure out who did the bombing, but what about after. A powerful story, of a commitment , and one of them wants to change. The effect it has on them, was it to late, to reach a new agreement. He didn't want to lose her, and would it only be to work together. Readers will love this story, its shows how they react, when a relationship changes. The mistake of how Max handled it.For Whitney to confront her fears. Again Kathryn has given us a story that catches us from the beginning to the end. Looking forward to the next in this great series. Given ARC for my.voluntary review and my honest opinion.
August 10, 2017
Once again, Ms Shay gives us a story that is heartbreaking , heartwarming and thought provoking. In addition to that, her emphasis on family values and real life characters, makes you empathize with the individuals. They also make you wonder if put in certain circumstances, will you act the way you thought you would.
In this book both Max and especially Whitney, are complex characters that are imperfect , which makes it very real for us to believe their reactions. Especially Whitney, who suffered a traumatic experience when she was 5 years old, and still has nightmares. That experience molded her and made her make a vow to never have children. Her reasons are understandable, though her emotional and psychological well being have suffered because of it.
The author presents us with a different kind of PTSD. That in itself was eye opening.
So, once again, thank you, Ms Shay , for another excellent story. Always enjoy visiting with characters from previous books.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed, are solely my own.
In this book both Max and especially Whitney, are complex characters that are imperfect , which makes it very real for us to believe their reactions. Especially Whitney, who suffered a traumatic experience when she was 5 years old, and still has nightmares. That experience molded her and made her make a vow to never have children. Her reasons are understandable, though her emotional and psychological well being have suffered because of it.
The author presents us with a different kind of PTSD. That in itself was eye opening.
So, once again, thank you, Ms Shay , for another excellent story. Always enjoy visiting with characters from previous books.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed, are solely my own.
August 25, 2017
I'm loving this series by Kathryn Shay! Only With You is the third book in this series and so far the most emotional. Get ready to experience all of the "feels" that can possibly run the gamut in a relationship.
Max Blackwell and Whitney Dwyer have not only been partners for years, but the best of friends. Actually they've been friends with benefits because their relationship has changed, but Whitney has been hesitant putting a label on it in order to protect her heart. In doing so she pushed Max away and he does the unthinkable just when Whitney is able to share her true feelings.
Max is positive that he has made the biggest mistake of his life! Now he will do everything that it takes to prove to her that he's here for her and worthy of her forgiveness.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Max Blackwell and Whitney Dwyer have not only been partners for years, but the best of friends. Actually they've been friends with benefits because their relationship has changed, but Whitney has been hesitant putting a label on it in order to protect her heart. In doing so she pushed Max away and he does the unthinkable just when Whitney is able to share her true feelings.
Max is positive that he has made the biggest mistake of his life! Now he will do everything that it takes to prove to her that he's here for her and worthy of her forgiveness.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
August 22, 2017
Only With You has definitely been my favorite book in the To Serve and Protect series thus far. I knew from the glimpses of Whitney and Max we saw in the first two books that their story would be special and it was from the get go. These two strong individuals have been best friends and lovers for years and on New Year’s Eve Max tells Whitney he needs more, without ever giving her the opportunity to discuss how she could be his “more”. However, it is immediately obvious that neither of them is happy without the other. Life also throws a couple curve balls their way and they must constantly adapt to facing challenges as a real couple rather than as friends with benefits. Whitney’s family is always there for her, but also for Max whom they adore. Their story touched me from the first page until the last and I can’t wait to read more about the Marinos!
September 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Ms. Shay does it again. This is a thoroughly captivating book. Once you start, you will not be able to stop. At first I wasn't sure if I would like Max. Of course, he seemed nice enough in Say You'll Stay (book 2 of the series) but I wondered about some of the events if he was seeing someone else. Whitney seemed so driven by events that happened when she was 5. I was completely enthralled by her. She had more empathy towards Max then I did. I did come to love Max though as the book is written from a dual POV. The reader discovers the thoughts and feelings behind the action. The feelings that these two go through is emotionally thought provoking, I felt like I was right there. The reader becomes one with the scene like going to the movies. This was HIGHLY enjoyable.
I highly recommend this book to anyone!!!
Ms. Shay does it again. This is a thoroughly captivating book. Once you start, you will not be able to stop. At first I wasn't sure if I would like Max. Of course, he seemed nice enough in Say You'll Stay (book 2 of the series) but I wondered about some of the events if he was seeing someone else. Whitney seemed so driven by events that happened when she was 5. I was completely enthralled by her. She had more empathy towards Max then I did. I did come to love Max though as the book is written from a dual POV. The reader discovers the thoughts and feelings behind the action. The feelings that these two go through is emotionally thought provoking, I felt like I was right there. The reader becomes one with the scene like going to the movies. This was HIGHLY enjoyable.
I highly recommend this book to anyone!!!
August 22, 2017
Whitney and Max have been partners at work and friends with benefits. They are comfortable with each other and understand the risk and demands of the job. At some point they became "more" but neither really realized it until.....one decides they want more and think the other won't. However, the other one really cares too but do they want the same or different things in a real relationship?! Are they willing to compromise?? Ms. Shay does a fantastic job of developing relatable characters in real life situations in her books and this one is no different! This is the 3rd book in the To Protect and Serve series but can be read without reading the first 2 (if you do read this 1st, you'll want to read the others!!). I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2017
A very emotional story. The only thing though is that it would have been a lot better if Mac and Whitney could have just come to an agreement in the beginning instead of being super stubborn with each other. Too much heartbreak because of their stubbornness. Beyond the characters being huge dicks to each other the plot is really amazing. I do love Whitney on her own. I think she's an excellent character. She just has a super flaw when it comes to Max. How I wish they would work better together. They do come back to one another, but I'm hoping they've learned their lesson. Or there will be more tears ahead!!
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
August 21, 2017
What happens when you think what you want has changed?
An excellent story of dealing with changes and how to handle your relationships when you make a mistake. As usual, Kathryn Shay has written a story filled with realistic people the reader easily identifies with. The willingness to work toward healing moved me a lot and the struggles as these 2 people confront their feelings as well as the problems that may hold them apart makes this a great read.
I also enjoyed the follow up on the characters from earlier books by Ms. Shay. It felt like returning to a Small hometown and visiting with old friends and extended family.
An excellent story of dealing with changes and how to handle your relationships when you make a mistake. As usual, Kathryn Shay has written a story filled with realistic people the reader easily identifies with. The willingness to work toward healing moved me a lot and the struggles as these 2 people confront their feelings as well as the problems that may hold them apart makes this a great read.
I also enjoyed the follow up on the characters from earlier books by Ms. Shay. It felt like returning to a Small hometown and visiting with old friends and extended family.
April 30, 2023
In my previous review of book 2, SAY YOU’LL STAY, I complained the novel contained no intrigue. Thankfully in this book 3, ONLY WITH YOU, by author Kathryn Shay, there was intrigue in which our two main characters solved a serial bombing scheme all the while negotiating their on/off relationship. I will say this is so emotional I found myself in tears most of the last half of the book. Also, I was so into this book that I completed the entire read in one day, well 2pm to 3am. I just couldn’t put the book down! I’ve enjoyed the series and am looking forward to book 4 in the series.
August 13, 2017
Great story. Loved the plot and the emotions that were brought out during the story. Max was great in realizing his true feelings for Whitney. Whitney has alot on her plate and she comes to see what she really to deal with it all. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Hoping it will be Conner's story.
February 23, 2018
With you, you will enjoy
You get to know the story of Whitney and Max who you met in the first two books. You learn about Whitney's history with her family and you see how that has affected her life. She will begin to see the world with some grey not just black and white
You get to know the story of Whitney and Max who you met in the first two books. You learn about Whitney's history with her family and you see how that has affected her life. She will begin to see the world with some grey not just black and white
December 13, 2017
3.5 stars. Enjoyable read
January 28, 2021
Loved this book
Kathryn Shah is such an amazing writer, and she doesn't fail in this book. You feel every emotion that the characters do, and her storytelling is phenomenal.
Kathryn Shah is such an amazing writer, and she doesn't fail in this book. You feel every emotion that the characters do, and her storytelling is phenomenal.
March 19, 2022
I liked the continuity of the family.
April 6, 2023
Good love story with a bonb threat thrown in
October 30, 2023
ok
This book had me but when the devastation for Max and Whitney came I felt different about the book. I’m not giving up. I have the others to read. So as they say “bottoms up”
This book had me but when the devastation for Max and Whitney came I felt different about the book. I’m not giving up. I have the others to read. So as they say “bottoms up”
July 12, 2024
Wow
Wow, this one will make you cry, but in the end you'll be smiling . . . . . .
Wow, this one will make you cry, but in the end you'll be smiling . . . . . .
April 13, 2021
I love Ms Shay's books, but, as in #1 and #2, she needs a new or additional proofreader. Once again, she has confused the names of her characters or left out words.
Loc 1606. "father fell forward, right into Nick’s arms." Nope, Nick was nowhere around. It was Max.
Loc 1856. It about nine at night
In earlier books she called the hero, John Maxwell, and then Max Blackwell. Now in #3, he's Max Blackwell again....and also John Blackwell, Jr. It takes a while to learn why he's called "Max."
That is comvolited to be sure.
This is why 4 stars and not 5...sloppy proofreading/ editing.
Loc 1606. "father fell forward, right into Nick’s arms." Nope, Nick was nowhere around. It was Max.
Loc 1856. It about nine at night
In earlier books she called the hero, John Maxwell, and then Max Blackwell. Now in #3, he's Max Blackwell again....and also John Blackwell, Jr. It takes a while to learn why he's called "Max."
That is comvolited to be sure.
This is why 4 stars and not 5...sloppy proofreading/ editing.
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