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Gio: I used to be a man people feared. When I stepped into a man’s space, he knew what was coming, but after an injury almost took my life, I vowed to change. Instead of being hated, I became less unpleasant. Then, a job forced me to open my eyes. Love and happily-ever-after weren’t in my game plan. Would my cold heart warm to accept or give respect to her when she deserved better? I refused to let her go, so I had no choice but to try.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2019
217 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Toye Lawson Brown
53 books125 followersToye Lawson Brown resides in Ohio, is an national bestselling author and member of RWA. Her romance novels include African-American, interracial romance, romantic suspense, and multicultural stories. She was nominated for Breakout Author of the Year (2014) and Best Interracial Romance (2015) by the B.R.A.B Book Club. The Men of CLE-FD also was nominated for a Reader's Choice Award for IR/MC best series. Toye Lawson Brown lures readers from the present to her fictional world from the first page. When not writing, Toye is in the kitchen creating mouth-watering meals or sharpening her bread-making techniques.
Toye would love to hear from readers.
Email: toyebrown@gmail.com
Website: www.toyelbrown.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BooksbyToye/
Twitter @quietbreezes
Instagram: toyelawsonbrown
Toye would love to hear from readers.
Email: toyebrown@gmail.com
Website: www.toyelbrown.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BooksbyToye/
Twitter @quietbreezes
Instagram: toyelawsonbrown
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 20, 2019
3.5 stars
I listened to the audiobook and I think I would have enjoyed this one more if I read the book because the narrator Blake Richard was monotoned and the listening experience was drab,
Clearly this series is a spin-off as Gio is a third of GDB, a security firm partner with DaVonte and Briggs.
When Gio went to his goddaughter's 5th birthday party, he learned that a wealthy client wanted security detail for his family on a vacation to Hawaii. Gio took the assignment and he posed as a married couple with their employee Simone. During the assignment, sparks fly between Gio and Simone, which was inconvenient due to their working relationship and Gio's past as a mob enforcer.
But the heart wants what it wants and Gio and Simone can't stay away from each other that long. They have to learn how to navigate new territory and decide if what they have is worth risking it all for.
The story was good and entertaining. It has diverse characters and yet the familial bond is tight. I will enjoy reading book 2.
*I received this audiobook free in exchange for an honest opinion.
I listened to the audiobook and I think I would have enjoyed this one more if I read the book because the narrator Blake Richard was monotoned and the listening experience was drab,
Clearly this series is a spin-off as Gio is a third of GDB, a security firm partner with DaVonte and Briggs.
When Gio went to his goddaughter's 5th birthday party, he learned that a wealthy client wanted security detail for his family on a vacation to Hawaii. Gio took the assignment and he posed as a married couple with their employee Simone. During the assignment, sparks fly between Gio and Simone, which was inconvenient due to their working relationship and Gio's past as a mob enforcer.
But the heart wants what it wants and Gio and Simone can't stay away from each other that long. They have to learn how to navigate new territory and decide if what they have is worth risking it all for.
The story was good and entertaining. It has diverse characters and yet the familial bond is tight. I will enjoy reading book 2.
*I received this audiobook free in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 6, 2019
Loving Brown's GDB Security series!
Brooding Gio and spitfire Simone were perfect together! But messy Kendall... what a piece of work!
"The dark Gio rose from the ashes and came to life. That Gio didn't have regard for man, woman, or child. He didn't care about race, color or creed. He called it as he saw it. This was the Gio nobody liked and feared."
These men of GDB Security (Gio, Davonte and Briggs) are so funny, a lot of it sarcasm, protective and very hard alphas!
4.5 friends to lovers stars!
Brooding Gio and spitfire Simone were perfect together! But messy Kendall... what a piece of work!
"The dark Gio rose from the ashes and came to life. That Gio didn't have regard for man, woman, or child. He didn't care about race, color or creed. He called it as he saw it. This was the Gio nobody liked and feared."
These men of GDB Security (Gio, Davonte and Briggs) are so funny, a lot of it sarcasm, protective and very hard alphas!
4.5 friends to lovers stars!
June 24, 2019
Excellent start to a great new series! i’m always glad to read this authors work once again she’s come through with a very believable story also sexy. this is Gio and Simone’s love journey! geo is a massive fan of Italian descent he’s 6 foot5. muscles everywhere and a face that women will drop their panties for. however Giovanni has his flaws he’s moody he’s all business all the time but this all changes when he starts to notice his coworker... Simone. they are team together on an assignment to protect our family and in order to do this they have to pose as a married couple.. nothing can go wrong there can it?! Definitely five stars can’t wait to get to the next book in the series.
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January 29, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/30/2019)! 🎁
April 24, 2019
Here We Go Again.....
Looks like another great series is about to embark. These characters are very loveable. I love the friendship \family vibe they give off. Can't wait for Briggs' story
Looks like another great series is about to embark. These characters are very loveable. I love the friendship \family vibe they give off. Can't wait for Briggs' story
September 6, 2019
An enthusiastic solid 4.2 ***.
This book is the first of the GDB Security series, established in the book entitled The Man She Married featuring Harper and Brad as the main characters. Gio, Davonte, Briggs and Simone are secondary characters featured prominently in that book.
I was so thrilled with this book! It had none of the major flaws that I found inherent in The Man She Married and seemed to be a departure from what I’ve read of this author’s writing. Five years have elapsed, and GDB is a legitimate security firm doing well, and expansion is being considered.
This book explores the relationship between Gio and Simone. As a troubled young teenager, Gio left a bad home life, looking for a better life. He is approached at the bus station and offered a lucrative job, all expenses, housing, food and clothing provided. Geo finally agrees and is unwittingly whisked away to Italy where he is introduced to mob activities and is drawn into the life of enforcer for a major mob family there. When the head of the mob family dies, his empire crumbles, and Gio comes back to the states.
The primary focus of this book centers on Gio, a bad boy who has never experienced love in his life and as a consequence, he has built a wall of ice around his heart. He is hard, brooding and often a very crass man, who has never learned the social mores of “regular” people.
This is a story about change, the good and bad that inevitably come when Gio tries to let go of his past self and the terrible things he has done and being willing to embrace the unknown. Gio must learn and accept a new way of being and of relating to people—and above all, how to let love in and how to give love in exchange. Similarly, Simone, who has been in the military for 12 years, and now works for GDB, must also be willing to let go of her fear of intimacy and being hurt. Simone learns to trust and open her heart to the possibility of letting love in—of letting Gio in.
Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I give it a definite thumbs up!
This book is the first of the GDB Security series, established in the book entitled The Man She Married featuring Harper and Brad as the main characters. Gio, Davonte, Briggs and Simone are secondary characters featured prominently in that book.
I was so thrilled with this book! It had none of the major flaws that I found inherent in The Man She Married and seemed to be a departure from what I’ve read of this author’s writing. Five years have elapsed, and GDB is a legitimate security firm doing well, and expansion is being considered.
This book explores the relationship between Gio and Simone. As a troubled young teenager, Gio left a bad home life, looking for a better life. He is approached at the bus station and offered a lucrative job, all expenses, housing, food and clothing provided. Geo finally agrees and is unwittingly whisked away to Italy where he is introduced to mob activities and is drawn into the life of enforcer for a major mob family there. When the head of the mob family dies, his empire crumbles, and Gio comes back to the states.
The primary focus of this book centers on Gio, a bad boy who has never experienced love in his life and as a consequence, he has built a wall of ice around his heart. He is hard, brooding and often a very crass man, who has never learned the social mores of “regular” people.
This is a story about change, the good and bad that inevitably come when Gio tries to let go of his past self and the terrible things he has done and being willing to embrace the unknown. Gio must learn and accept a new way of being and of relating to people—and above all, how to let love in and how to give love in exchange. Similarly, Simone, who has been in the military for 12 years, and now works for GDB, must also be willing to let go of her fear of intimacy and being hurt. Simone learns to trust and open her heart to the possibility of letting love in—of letting Gio in.
Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I give it a definite thumbs up!
June 25, 2019
Gio!!!
Size 14 shoes....wink wink. I loved me some Gio and Simone. Talk about alpha male meeting alpha female. Took care of that crazy ass Kendall. I am waiting for Briggs story.
Size 14 shoes....wink wink. I loved me some Gio and Simone. Talk about alpha male meeting alpha female. Took care of that crazy ass Kendall. I am waiting for Briggs story.
August 4, 2019
This is not a strong 3. Can easily be a 2.5. Which, based on reviews, makes me the odd man out.
The mc were ok but I just wasn’t sold on them as a couple. I didn’t see the sparks, etc
“It irked the hell out of me when Black or Hispanic kids would bitch how White people had it all. Little did they know this White kid didn’t have a pot to piss in. I went to bed hungry many nights. We sat in the dark and froze our asses off in the winter because the utilities were shut off. Not all White people were blessed to be privileged.”
It irks me when white people (or anyone else), whether a character or real life have this take. White privilege does not mean white people have everything easy with no struggle. But the system in place does not make the them worse off simply bc of their skin/ race. They are not denied homes, jobs, access to good public schools, healthcare bc of their skin. People don’t look at their name or hear their voice on the phone and decide it is ethnic so they are not worthy of whatever they were trying to get. But I digress
The mc were ok but I just wasn’t sold on them as a couple. I didn’t see the sparks, etc
“It irked the hell out of me when Black or Hispanic kids would bitch how White people had it all. Little did they know this White kid didn’t have a pot to piss in. I went to bed hungry many nights. We sat in the dark and froze our asses off in the winter because the utilities were shut off. Not all White people were blessed to be privileged.”
It irks me when white people (or anyone else), whether a character or real life have this take. White privilege does not mean white people have everything easy with no struggle. But the system in place does not make the them worse off simply bc of their skin/ race. They are not denied homes, jobs, access to good public schools, healthcare bc of their skin. People don’t look at their name or hear their voice on the phone and decide it is ethnic so they are not worthy of whatever they were trying to get. But I digress
May 18, 2019
Great Read
I love Toye Lawson Brown's work. Each book is different, each character is different, each story is different. I loved Simone and Gio. They were perfect for each other. Simone is that girl that is always placed in the bro category and it was amazing to see Gio trest her like his woman. It's been a while since a book has warmed me enough to write a review and I'm glad this book was the one to do so.
I love Toye Lawson Brown's work. Each book is different, each character is different, each story is different. I loved Simone and Gio. They were perfect for each other. Simone is that girl that is always placed in the bro category and it was amazing to see Gio trest her like his woman. It's been a while since a book has warmed me enough to write a review and I'm glad this book was the one to do so.
May 28, 2019
Love the story line. And the characters were awesome. Everyone must read
I didn’t like so much sex detail but it was a great read I really enjoy it and couldn’t wait each day after work to read
I didn’t like so much sex detail but it was a great read I really enjoy it and couldn’t wait each day after work to read
August 12, 2019
3.00 stars. (BW/WM). Audible book with narration by Blake Richard. Giovanni co owns GDB Security with his partners, Davonte and Briggs. While visiting friends, Gio is advised that a very wealthy man is seeking to hire their Company to guard his family with 2 agents for their week long vacation in Hawaii. The customer has 2 daughters in their late teens and a wife who Briggs thinks the client suspects of cheating. Their security company has only 2 females qualified to do the work, Gio ops for Simone and refuses to work with Kendall because Kendall has a crush on him. Gio avoids close interpersonal relationships with females because of trust issues and the fear of being tied down, Simone on the other hand is open to relationships and even tried with Briggs; however, they settled for friendship due to their lack of sexual chemistry. During the course of Gio and Simone being on assignment together sharing the same bed and portraying a married couple, they eventual start to fall for each other and start a real relationship that most likely end in wedded bliss. Cute story with a bit of jealous vindictive drama from Kendall.
August 5, 2019
EXCELLENT!!!!
I loved GIO & SIMONE from The Man She Married and was happy to see they had a story of their own. It was a beautiful love story of a Man who believed he would never be loved or even worth being loved. GIO was so introverted he was the epitome of Brooding and mean the man would scare the devil. However it took a tough as nail beautiful strong African American former soldier to capture his heart and show him the light. Don’t get it Twisted Simone was a her own piece of work. Homegirl was a bad ass and could kick ass with the best of them, but was unsure of she ever being in love with anyone. She was not used to being in romantic relationships and didn’t think it would ever be for her but we never know where love would strike.
Great book. Now onto BRIGGS. I Wonder if there is a book out there about Davonte and Monique. 🤔
I loved GIO & SIMONE from The Man She Married and was happy to see they had a story of their own. It was a beautiful love story of a Man who believed he would never be loved or even worth being loved. GIO was so introverted he was the epitome of Brooding and mean the man would scare the devil. However it took a tough as nail beautiful strong African American former soldier to capture his heart and show him the light. Don’t get it Twisted Simone was a her own piece of work. Homegirl was a bad ass and could kick ass with the best of them, but was unsure of she ever being in love with anyone. She was not used to being in romantic relationships and didn’t think it would ever be for her but we never know where love would strike.
Great book. Now onto BRIGGS. I Wonder if there is a book out there about Davonte and Monique. 🤔
May 2, 2021
Triple G
I stumbled over this fast paced, funny, sexy story by accident. Wow, but it was good, great, Gio. Now I have to go back and find all the stories by this author. Gio and Simone are a part of a security firm...Gio is one of the owners. They have to pretend to be married as a part of their latest detail. In this new environment they see each other in a new light. Gio and Simone have so many layers. I loved their love encounters. Characters from other books are involved in the story but so seamlessly that it’s not confusing. Free on Kindle but I am going to buy it for my library.
I stumbled over this fast paced, funny, sexy story by accident. Wow, but it was good, great, Gio. Now I have to go back and find all the stories by this author. Gio and Simone are a part of a security firm...Gio is one of the owners. They have to pretend to be married as a part of their latest detail. In this new environment they see each other in a new light. Gio and Simone have so many layers. I loved their love encounters. Characters from other books are involved in the story but so seamlessly that it’s not confusing. Free on Kindle but I am going to buy it for my library.
April 19, 2019
Nice read
Both Gio and Simone were strong people so it made the book interesting. Gio was full of insecurities about his past which made him adorable. My main issues with the book is the lack of action in the book mainly given who the protagonists were. The Hawaii week was a joke and then the Kendall thing was also non descript. Unfortunate. It would have been nice if the book ended after the birth of the baby if only to see what it looked like. Having a proper fight utilizing both their skills would have made the book more interesting.
Both Gio and Simone were strong people so it made the book interesting. Gio was full of insecurities about his past which made him adorable. My main issues with the book is the lack of action in the book mainly given who the protagonists were. The Hawaii week was a joke and then the Kendall thing was also non descript. Unfortunate. It would have been nice if the book ended after the birth of the baby if only to see what it looked like. Having a proper fight utilizing both their skills would have made the book more interesting.
May 3, 2019
Good Stuff
This was really a good read right from the start.The writer gives us two characters that are so likable that they feel like old friends.The story moves at such a good pace that you feel like you are actually watching it unfold.This was a sweet sexy story and their are moments when you are like this happens to me too.I so would pass this along to a friend.Now my only frown is that I thought the end was rushed and faded into Briggs,which could have been totally separate.
This was really a good read right from the start.The writer gives us two characters that are so likable that they feel like old friends.The story moves at such a good pace that you feel like you are actually watching it unfold.This was a sweet sexy story and their are moments when you are like this happens to me too.I so would pass this along to a friend.Now my only frown is that I thought the end was rushed and faded into Briggs,which could have been totally separate.
December 10, 2019
Fantastic Read
Gio and Simone both believe themselves to be broken. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. This wasn’t a case of instalust or love at first sight which I truly appreciated. This is a story about two people who have known one another for a while who finally saw the other. Gio and Simone are exactly what was needed in a partner. They villain in this story is Kendall and she got exactly what she deserved.
Gio is the first book I’ve read by Toye Lawson Brown but it definitely will not be the last. This book was recommended by UniqueWords LLC.
Gio and Simone both believe themselves to be broken. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. This wasn’t a case of instalust or love at first sight which I truly appreciated. This is a story about two people who have known one another for a while who finally saw the other. Gio and Simone are exactly what was needed in a partner. They villain in this story is Kendall and she got exactly what she deserved.
Gio is the first book I’ve read by Toye Lawson Brown but it definitely will not be the last. This book was recommended by UniqueWords LLC.
April 26, 2019
Great read
Toye has done it again!! This book was fantastic! The storyline flowed smoothly, without any boring hang ups. I couldn’t put it down. Gio and Simone were fire together. The love scenes were hot. Wish we would have gotten a few more details about what happened to Kendall, but it didn’t take away from the story. Good to see Brad and Harper again. Can’t wait to read Briggs story next.
Toye has done it again!! This book was fantastic! The storyline flowed smoothly, without any boring hang ups. I couldn’t put it down. Gio and Simone were fire together. The love scenes were hot. Wish we would have gotten a few more details about what happened to Kendall, but it didn’t take away from the story. Good to see Brad and Harper again. Can’t wait to read Briggs story next.
May 12, 2022
Playing For Keeps
Gio isn't looking for a HEA. When he has itch for female company he's a sex em & keep going. Simone served in the Army & has always been one of the fellas. She doesnt realize just how sexy & vibrant she is. These two misguided people will find common ground & discover LOVE. Gio will learn how to love & Simone will learn to trust love. The fire of sexual chemistry burns bright. They will both be taken on a journey of love. Enjoy.😍
Gio isn't looking for a HEA. When he has itch for female company he's a sex em & keep going. Simone served in the Army & has always been one of the fellas. She doesnt realize just how sexy & vibrant she is. These two misguided people will find common ground & discover LOVE. Gio will learn how to love & Simone will learn to trust love. The fire of sexual chemistry burns bright. They will both be taken on a journey of love. Enjoy.😍
April 22, 2019
Love 💘 it!
I guess Kendall thought wrong. Gio didn't want her so she had to get stupid. I love Simone character, she wasn't going to play around with Gio. He better had got himself together or he was going to miss out on a good woman. I can't wait until Briggs story comes out. That will be very entertaining.
I guess Kendall thought wrong. Gio didn't want her so she had to get stupid. I love Simone character, she wasn't going to play around with Gio. He better had got himself together or he was going to miss out on a good woman. I can't wait until Briggs story comes out. That will be very entertaining.
April 23, 2019
GBD Hunks
It's all in the size 14 feet....and Gio packs big punch...Simone just the woman to slay the beast...sure he was rough around the edges...crass...no glitz or glitter...but he was handsome and packed some mean muscle...especially the most important one...the one that blows out your back and speak in tongues...next hunk up is Briggs..the ginger...can't wait
It's all in the size 14 feet....and Gio packs big punch...Simone just the woman to slay the beast...sure he was rough around the edges...crass...no glitz or glitter...but he was handsome and packed some mean muscle...especially the most important one...the one that blows out your back and speak in tongues...next hunk up is Briggs..the ginger...can't wait
May 5, 2019
Loving Gio
A no nonsense hero, a feisty heroine and a storyline that captivates your attention. The characters are recognizably different but similar and likable. The plot is robust with a mixture of humor, following the bond and connection of Gio and Simone's developing love. Justice served for a scheming betrayal and finally happiness and a lifetime love.
A no nonsense hero, a feisty heroine and a storyline that captivates your attention. The characters are recognizably different but similar and likable. The plot is robust with a mixture of humor, following the bond and connection of Gio and Simone's developing love. Justice served for a scheming betrayal and finally happiness and a lifetime love.
June 16, 2019
This was cute!
I really enjoyed Gio and Simone's story. They found love despite their relationship hang ups and complicated pasts. It was a fun read with some adventure and sexy love scenes to boot! First time reading something from this author and I'm looking forward to reading Briggs now! Recommended!
I really enjoyed Gio and Simone's story. They found love despite their relationship hang ups and complicated pasts. It was a fun read with some adventure and sexy love scenes to boot! First time reading something from this author and I'm looking forward to reading Briggs now! Recommended!
September 26, 2019
Odd couple… Gio and Simone seemed like the oddest couple to me. I thought for sure the first assignment was going to come back on them, at least they should've come back in some kind of way. I thought the Kendall mess was a waste of time, they needed something to really test their skills and the relationship. Good read here.
January 9, 2020
Goo and Simone
When make believe become reality. I loved the journey Gio and Simone went on to find true love. Sometimes things and or events align in life to help you find happiness. There is someone out there for everyone and both of them needed to trust in their hearts for this to work.
When make believe become reality. I loved the journey Gio and Simone went on to find true love. Sometimes things and or events align in life to help you find happiness. There is someone out there for everyone and both of them needed to trust in their hearts for this to work.
August 8, 2020
Quick summer read
This one was a quickie. Pretty good read. I enjoyed the main characters, but thought the story moved a bit too fast. Gio was confusing at times. Spoiler...the Kendall story didn't read well and was wrapped up too fast. I will check out the next book to see if it can get five stars...
This one was a quickie. Pretty good read. I enjoyed the main characters, but thought the story moved a bit too fast. Gio was confusing at times. Spoiler...the Kendall story didn't read well and was wrapped up too fast. I will check out the next book to see if it can get five stars...
May 7, 2019
Real love
No billionaire love story here which was refreshing. I enjoyed Gio and Simone, their back story of being friends first, allowed the storyline to be believable. I’m glad to read about a strong black woman and not a helpless damsel in distress.
No billionaire love story here which was refreshing. I enjoyed Gio and Simone, their back story of being friends first, allowed the storyline to be believable. I’m glad to read about a strong black woman and not a helpless damsel in distress.
May 20, 2019
It happens!
Good and Simone were meant to happen. Fast and easy read. The romance between a man with a past he can't get over and a woman who feels she is a misfit. They were made for each other.
Good and Simone were meant to happen. Fast and easy read. The romance between a man with a past he can't get over and a woman who feels she is a misfit. They were made for each other.
May 25, 2019
Good story
But reads as a continuation to another story even though this is Gio 1. Gio's character traits are a little suspect but the story flowed enough that some might overlook them.
But reads as a continuation to another story even though this is Gio 1. Gio's character traits are a little suspect but the story flowed enough that some might overlook them.
June 19, 2019
Rough love
Rough love has never been so satisfying!!! Gio and Simone chemistry was on a scale of the most intense earthquake. I am glad Simone kicked Kendall's ass, it was well deserved. Love the story line.
Rough love has never been so satisfying!!! Gio and Simone chemistry was on a scale of the most intense earthquake. I am glad Simone kicked Kendall's ass, it was well deserved. Love the story line.
Read
June 25, 2019Good read! Didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. Some of the details were a little vague but in the end I appreciated that. The story didn't drag with endless pages of self discovery for the hero and heroine. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews