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Assignment: Trouble
When Joy accidently comes across the man of her dreams, she snaps him up pretty quickly. He’s exactly like the heroes in the steamy novels she adores: loving, forceful and mature. The situation she’s gotten herself into turns deadly and J.R. Everly is just the sort of man a woman needs at such times.
Although Joy is a forensic accountant, she convinces herself she can be happy on Jay’s Ranch, but soon the lure of adventure rears its head. After all, they already survived one dangerous assignment. Why shouldn’t they take on another, this time as a team?
Jay is completely against Joy’s further involvement in the agency. She’s young, inquisitive and has no idea what she’s getting into. He puts his foot down hard - or, rather, his hand – but it’s too late. The damage has been done thanks to his underhanded and manipulative boss. Now they’re in trouble up to their necks.
Her man wanted to retire. Does he have another rescue in him and if so, what’s it going to cost her?
Publisher’s Note: This is a revised and greatly expanded version of the short story The Arms I Run To.
This contemporary, steamy romance includes elements of romance, mystery, suspense, action, and adventure, as well as power exchange and a dark event that could potentially trigger some readers. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.
Although Joy is a forensic accountant, she convinces herself she can be happy on Jay’s Ranch, but soon the lure of adventure rears its head. After all, they already survived one dangerous assignment. Why shouldn’t they take on another, this time as a team?
Jay is completely against Joy’s further involvement in the agency. She’s young, inquisitive and has no idea what she’s getting into. He puts his foot down hard - or, rather, his hand – but it’s too late. The damage has been done thanks to his underhanded and manipulative boss. Now they’re in trouble up to their necks.
Her man wanted to retire. Does he have another rescue in him and if so, what’s it going to cost her?
Publisher’s Note: This is a revised and greatly expanded version of the short story The Arms I Run To.
This contemporary, steamy romance includes elements of romance, mystery, suspense, action, and adventure, as well as power exchange and a dark event that could potentially trigger some readers. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.
- GenresMystery
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2018
26 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Stevie MacFarlane
47 books143 followersBest-Selling author, Stevie MacFarlane, has been writing in her spare time for more than twenty years. It wasn’t until 2012 that she decided to submit some of her work for publication. Since then she has been nominated for several awards and has frequently hit Amazon’s list of Most Popular Erotic Authors. While most of her stories are on the sweet side, she never fails to add just enough kink and humor to keep her loyal fans clamoring for more.
Her alter ego also writes Daddy Dom novels under the pen name of Markie Morelli.
Stevie lives in rural upstate New York with her husband. She loves hearing from readers and you can write to her at steviemacfarlane@aol.com
Her alter ego also writes Daddy Dom novels under the pen name of Markie Morelli.
Stevie lives in rural upstate New York with her husband. She loves hearing from readers and you can write to her at steviemacfarlane@aol.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 21, 2018
THE ARMS I RUN TO
OMG, I absolutely loved this story, the characters, and the interaction. Ms. Stevie MacFarlane has a way of telling a story that keeps the pages turning from beginning to end. So many elements including mystery, suspense, undercover work, kidnap and rescue, power exchange and romance.
Joy Bradley graduated college and accepted a job as a forensic accountant working for John Barrows and in the course of her job she will find discrepancies. Not sure who she can trust, she will take the matter directly to Mr. Barrows, and that is where she will jump from the frying pan into the fire.
J. R. Everly works security in the Barrows household, but he is a man wearing many different hats. He will watch Joy on security cameras and shocked when he sees her trying to leave the grounds. He has to move quickly to apprehend her in a rescue attempt, but she won’t see it that way.
The story has several people working in an undercover operation but must play the role as part of John Barrows employees and witness cruel behavior by John to Joy. She trusted him, and he has basically made her a prisoner in his home. A man with a violent temper who has sadistic tendencies, it won’t take Joy long to realize that his violence towards her is escalating and she must find a way to escape.
“It was simply his way of branding her, ‘Property of John Barrows.’”
“You really are very naïve aren’t you? It’s not an act as I first thought. In a way, that makes things far more interesting. I look forward to showing you that you are not the princess in the tower and I am not the shining knight on a white horse. In fact, I’m just the opposite. I will be obeyed, my frightened little bird. I can feel your heartbeat, the pulse in your neck throbbing in time to the fear you are feeling.”
Jay will have to break cover to protect Joy, and he is so angry with her and what she risked by trying to escape. Now, not only is she in jeopardy, but he and his partner must escape. Getting Joy to understand the danger they are in will come with some harsh words and punishment. It doesn’t take him long to learn she is resourceful, even if she is impulsive in her actions. Taking her to his ranch will bring these two closer and into a relationship.
“It was too much. This man had stepped right out of her dreams, or maybe they were nightmares, but either way, she felt compelled to obey him.”
Jay is ready to retire from his life of undercover work, and now the agency wants Joy. Once again, she will do things without discussing them with Jay first, but this time, she is his wife. Living a full-time D/s lifestyle with discipline will having her in trouble often, but when the agency crosses the line with her and her safety, Jay must take action.
The story has action, adventure, danger, and dominance and includes kidnapping and coercion.
The chemistry between Jay and Joy is explosive, and she accepts his dominance and discipline. There are a few dark, edgy scenes with John Barrows that are non-consensual, violent, and sadistic, with Joy as a victim. With Jay, he is a powerful dominant man who is strict but never violent, firm in his discipline, but also loving.
OMG, I absolutely loved this story, the characters, and the interaction. Ms. Stevie MacFarlane has a way of telling a story that keeps the pages turning from beginning to end. So many elements including mystery, suspense, undercover work, kidnap and rescue, power exchange and romance.
Joy Bradley graduated college and accepted a job as a forensic accountant working for John Barrows and in the course of her job she will find discrepancies. Not sure who she can trust, she will take the matter directly to Mr. Barrows, and that is where she will jump from the frying pan into the fire.
J. R. Everly works security in the Barrows household, but he is a man wearing many different hats. He will watch Joy on security cameras and shocked when he sees her trying to leave the grounds. He has to move quickly to apprehend her in a rescue attempt, but she won’t see it that way.
The story has several people working in an undercover operation but must play the role as part of John Barrows employees and witness cruel behavior by John to Joy. She trusted him, and he has basically made her a prisoner in his home. A man with a violent temper who has sadistic tendencies, it won’t take Joy long to realize that his violence towards her is escalating and she must find a way to escape.
“It was simply his way of branding her, ‘Property of John Barrows.’”
“You really are very naïve aren’t you? It’s not an act as I first thought. In a way, that makes things far more interesting. I look forward to showing you that you are not the princess in the tower and I am not the shining knight on a white horse. In fact, I’m just the opposite. I will be obeyed, my frightened little bird. I can feel your heartbeat, the pulse in your neck throbbing in time to the fear you are feeling.”
Jay will have to break cover to protect Joy, and he is so angry with her and what she risked by trying to escape. Now, not only is she in jeopardy, but he and his partner must escape. Getting Joy to understand the danger they are in will come with some harsh words and punishment. It doesn’t take him long to learn she is resourceful, even if she is impulsive in her actions. Taking her to his ranch will bring these two closer and into a relationship.
“It was too much. This man had stepped right out of her dreams, or maybe they were nightmares, but either way, she felt compelled to obey him.”
Jay is ready to retire from his life of undercover work, and now the agency wants Joy. Once again, she will do things without discussing them with Jay first, but this time, she is his wife. Living a full-time D/s lifestyle with discipline will having her in trouble often, but when the agency crosses the line with her and her safety, Jay must take action.
The story has action, adventure, danger, and dominance and includes kidnapping and coercion.
The chemistry between Jay and Joy is explosive, and she accepts his dominance and discipline. There are a few dark, edgy scenes with John Barrows that are non-consensual, violent, and sadistic, with Joy as a victim. With Jay, he is a powerful dominant man who is strict but never violent, firm in his discipline, but also loving.
July 22, 2018
I am a huge fan of Ms Macfarlane and this new book did not disappoint. Apparently the beginning is taken from a short story which was published earlier this year or last year, but lucky for me I had not read it, so the whole story was new. As with all her book there is loads of humour and some real laugh out load moments. Joy is a university graduate with a degree in forensic accounting but unable to secure a job in her, very specialised, profession is working as an accounts clerk, its not what she wants but at least it pays the bills. Because she is bright and tenacious she notices that there are discrepancies in the accounts at her employer and speaks to the boss, John Barrows, about it. This sadly is a big mistake and John is charming and good looking and convinces her that he loves her before she knows what is going on she is a prisoner albeit in a gilded cage being abused and terrorised by John. At the beginning of the story we join her after a particularly difficult night and she is doing her best to aggravate the bodyguard who is watching her. Jay (JR Everly) is in fact undercover together with another bodyguard in place to find evidence to prove John is corrupt and that he is the one stealing from the company. Joy decides to make a break and try to escape the property and Jay stops her and because of her rash actions has to break cover. Of course there is chemistry and domestic discipline and some very hot and raunchy scenes. There is also danger and action and just about everything you want in an erotic DD thriller, complete entertainment with a capital E. Great fun, I do hope Stevie decides to do a sequel. Loved it
August 9, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This is a fast paced and really satisfying story filled with action,romance,danger,mystery,drama,
discipline and magnetic chemistry from the very first page.The story will have you on the edge
of your seat from the beginning to the end.The author is a great storyteller,her indepth descriptions
and emotions bring the book to life.Love is never easy and this is certainly true for Joy Bradley
and J R Everly.Joy is an forensic accountant for Mr Barrows and finds out too late that going
to him after finding discrepancies in his accounts was a recipe for danger.J R's cover working
security is blow wide open when he has no choice but to rescue Joy.After their escape,J R
takes Joy to his ranch.Joy has always wanted a man to take control and hold her accountable
and J R did that in spades.He was no pushover but Joy got under his defenses.J R's plans to
retire on his ranch was put on hold when Joy made some poor choices without his knowledge,
her manipulation had very painful consequences.Their path to love had many bumps along the
way but his dominance was exactly what she craved.Everytime they would make it through a
life threatening situation,another one would pop up.There was never a dull moment,the writing
was strong and moved quickly.The secondary characters all added depth and warmth to the
storyline.This was such an enjoyable story of how fate brought two people together who were
made for each other.The author did a beautiful job in the best possible way for a heart warming
conclusion.
DONNA L
This is a fast paced and really satisfying story filled with action,romance,danger,mystery,drama,
discipline and magnetic chemistry from the very first page.The story will have you on the edge
of your seat from the beginning to the end.The author is a great storyteller,her indepth descriptions
and emotions bring the book to life.Love is never easy and this is certainly true for Joy Bradley
and J R Everly.Joy is an forensic accountant for Mr Barrows and finds out too late that going
to him after finding discrepancies in his accounts was a recipe for danger.J R's cover working
security is blow wide open when he has no choice but to rescue Joy.After their escape,J R
takes Joy to his ranch.Joy has always wanted a man to take control and hold her accountable
and J R did that in spades.He was no pushover but Joy got under his defenses.J R's plans to
retire on his ranch was put on hold when Joy made some poor choices without his knowledge,
her manipulation had very painful consequences.Their path to love had many bumps along the
way but his dominance was exactly what she craved.Everytime they would make it through a
life threatening situation,another one would pop up.There was never a dull moment,the writing
was strong and moved quickly.The secondary characters all added depth and warmth to the
storyline.This was such an enjoyable story of how fate brought two people together who were
made for each other.The author did a beautiful job in the best possible way for a heart warming
conclusion.
DONNA L
August 8, 2019
I enjoyed this story. The characters were likeable.
The only issue I think I have with this book, is the discipline. The spankings I get, but making her stand in the corner with her nose to the wall...? Yeah, that one I wasn't feeling, so much.
Joy stumbled onto something she was never supposed to. It lead her to John Barrows, a ruthless, cruel man, who kept her at his house, for her safety; Allegedly.
There he proceeded to keep her in line with fear and pain, until one day she managed to break free.
The security at the Barrows house was tight, but little did anyone know, J R Everly was there to keep an eye on things for the government, in the hope of bringing Barrows down. So when Joy runs, Jay runs after her.
He takes her for his own and proceeds to teach about the ways in which he will keep her in line. A good hard spanking being the most popular one. A lesson that Joy, sometimes beligerently, accepts.
But the agency Jay works for, is interested in recruiting Joy in her capacity as a Forensic Accountant. And they'll use any nefarious means possible to make that happen.
Can they sway her to work for them? Will she agree? Will Jay let her do it, or will this be the last mission they ever get to take part in?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The only issue I think I have with this book, is the discipline. The spankings I get, but making her stand in the corner with her nose to the wall...? Yeah, that one I wasn't feeling, so much.
Joy stumbled onto something she was never supposed to. It lead her to John Barrows, a ruthless, cruel man, who kept her at his house, for her safety; Allegedly.
There he proceeded to keep her in line with fear and pain, until one day she managed to break free.
The security at the Barrows house was tight, but little did anyone know, J R Everly was there to keep an eye on things for the government, in the hope of bringing Barrows down. So when Joy runs, Jay runs after her.
He takes her for his own and proceeds to teach about the ways in which he will keep her in line. A good hard spanking being the most popular one. A lesson that Joy, sometimes beligerently, accepts.
But the agency Jay works for, is interested in recruiting Joy in her capacity as a Forensic Accountant. And they'll use any nefarious means possible to make that happen.
Can they sway her to work for them? Will she agree? Will Jay let her do it, or will this be the last mission they ever get to take part in?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2018
A wonderful fast paced actiion adventure that includes danger, crime, heat, humor, punishments and love along with dominance and discpline. It includes some edgy dark scenes that are violent, sadistic and non consensual with kidnaping and cohesion. Joy Bradley graduated college and accepted a job as a forensic accountant working for John Barrows. John has violent temper and has sadistic tendencies, Joy realizes that his violence towards her is escalating and she must find a way to escape but he has mad her a prisoner in his house. Jay is working undercover and their is explosive chemistry between the two. Will he break his cover to save Joy or continue to bring John down. This suspensful drama kept me on the edge of my seat in enjoyment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2018
This book is the full package. It is fast paced with an intriguing set of characters who are both strong-willed. There is drama and there is love. There's also a domestic discipline relationship in the making.
The first part of the story must have been in another book or was part of a short story elsewhere because I know I've read it before. The second part was new to me.
I loved their dynamic together. I cringed at the beginning of the story and how it came to be that they met. She shouldn't have been in that situation and he was to blame, in part, for it. I'm not sure that he ever apologized for his involvement in moving her into her boss's house and putting her in that situation. The rest of the book was pure magic. I enjoyed meeting Hunter and hope to see another book starring him and SuzieQ.
The first part of the story must have been in another book or was part of a short story elsewhere because I know I've read it before. The second part was new to me.
I loved their dynamic together. I cringed at the beginning of the story and how it came to be that they met. She shouldn't have been in that situation and he was to blame, in part, for it. I'm not sure that he ever apologized for his involvement in moving her into her boss's house and putting her in that situation. The rest of the book was pure magic. I enjoyed meeting Hunter and hope to see another book starring him and SuzieQ.
July 22, 2018
This most enjoyable book by Stevie Macfarlane has almost everything but the kitchen sink thrown into it. It had action & adventure, mystery, suspense, romance, and of course domestic discipline spankings. I mean what else would a reader expect from a tome published by Blushing Books. I found this book, in particular, spelled out exactly how the domestic discipline lifestyle is and how it should operate, in exquisite and explicit detail about how the love and caring between the couple must be the center of it. Just like the author described the hot and delicious sexual exchanges in vivid and erotic detail. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Blushing Books.
July 22, 2018
Jay first meets Joy when he's undercover on assignment. When the danger becomes too much, Jay helps her escape. This was his last mission and he plans to retire to his ranch. Joy falls for him hard. He's handsome, stern, smart and is practically a real life version of the heroes in her favorite novels. She just isn't sure she can be happy just living at his ranch. After all, her skills helped bring down the creep who hurt her. And wouldn't it be great to work with Jay on another case? One dominant man who believes in spanking meets one naughty girl who may be keeping secrets. This fast paced story has crime, punishments, real danger, heat and humor. It's a fun ride and left me wanting much more of this couple!
July 25, 2018
Assignment Trouble is a wonderful domestic discipline book! The storyline is exciting and fun, while the characters are interesting and have off the chart chemistry. I love how some characters are not always who they seem to be and yet others are just the ones that you love to hate. There is plenty of intrigue, action, and crime to keep you captivated and on the edge of your seat. On the other hand the author gives you romance, plenty of spanking and erotic sex with a great deal of intensity. This story has it all and I highly recommend giving this book a read! I give it a big 5 stars! I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book.
July 21, 2018
Another great read by this talented author. She writes storylines that flow from one scene to the next flawlessly. She pulls you in with her loveable characters and vivid world building. Jay and Joy have explosive chemistry hot enough to melt the pages. This book has adventure, suspense, mystery and wonderful characters that pull you in and keeps turning the pages until the end. I would definitely recommend this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2018
I enjoyed this story. It was a good blend of sweet romance and somewhat edgy adventure. Jay was the perfect, stern dominant. Joy was a nice mix of independence and submission. They worked well together as they struggled to balance D/s with a real life together. The author did a really good job of portraying Joy's struggle to accept Jay's dominance. It was a nice complement to the story without overwhelming it. I didn't read this couple's short story, but the longer version was definitely enjoyably. I think this could definitely work as a series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
July 27, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. I love this author's work and this one is more intense than her usual writing. It's as brilliant as her other books. Very well written and described. All the characters are very well done and very human. There are plenty of hot spicy sexy scenes and some disciplinary spankings. I liked all the different elements and how the story gathers pace. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I highly recommend it. A very easy to read page-turner. I hope that this is the start of a series.
July 29, 2018
I love this author and her way of writing sweet and strong men along with strong and feisty women. In this story, I really enjoyed the overall story line and the characters. However, it was slightly difficult to follow the timeline in the beginning, as the author jumped around between past and present. It also seemed a bit unrealistic as the two love interests have almost never interacted but within 12 hours they’re declaring their love for each other. Other than that, I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it!
July 20, 2018
I read and liked the short version of this story. In this expanded book, I really enjoyed seeing Jay and Joy’s relationship evolve. This took me places I wasn’t expecting- in a good way. I loved Jay’s firm, take charge demeanor. Joy loved his ways too, in theory anyway. But when that firmness was applied to her behind a little too hard, she wasn’t so sure how much she liked it. There was a great push and pull between the two which always makes the story more interesting. Great read.
July 23, 2018
The short version of this story first appeared in the Hero Undercover anthology with the title 'The Arms I Run To'. I liked reading the story then and ended wishing there would be more. So I was delighted to find out that Assignment: Trouble is the full story of Jay and Joy. I am so much in love with this couple, the stern dominant and the sassy submissive who make the pages burn. And then there is also a lot of trouble, suspense and mystery. I enjoyed reading this book very much.
July 24, 2018
They get together more by accident than anything else and they are not going to let each other go. They are now at their ranch but she carves adventure again. They could soon be in trouble as their boss tricks them. He tried to take her in hand but the boss butted in. Now they could be in danger again. Can they get out alive? Will they regret it? Will she finally learn what he needs her to? See if she will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2018
This is a well written book that had it all .. mystery suspense,intrigue,action and romance. The author does a good job bringing strong characters , a hot romance and vivid sexy,steamy scenes. It's an entertaining story and I enjoyed and would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2018
I found myself smiling that woman just could not say out of trouble. This is Joy Bradley a forensic accountant and Jay J.R. Everly an undercover agent they are both working for villain John Barrows there is danger, drama, suspense. A well-written story that I enjoyed reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2018
I love this author! This book is ultra-steamy and kept my attention throughout.
The book takes you through several suspenseful events with an outstanding number of government bad boys and good guys, as the main character, Joy, becomes acquainted with her desires for domestic discipline and dangerous situations placing her in over her head in more ways than one.
The book takes you through several suspenseful events with an outstanding number of government bad boys and good guys, as the main character, Joy, becomes acquainted with her desires for domestic discipline and dangerous situations placing her in over her head in more ways than one.
July 24, 2018
Loved it. It was fast paced, interesting. The storyline and the characters were wonderful. I loved the chemistry the characters had together. This story had it all, steamy hot romance, suspense, mystery, kidnapping. This was a great read. I received it as an arc and voluntarily reviewed it.
August 16, 2018
A well written book with an interesting story line. The characters are strong and the story flows quickly and smoothly. I enjoyed reading this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews