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Withstanding the Enemy
by
Emma Andrews was orphaned at a young age with no family to turn to. Tired of the broken foster-care system, and believing it was her only option, she runs to a multi-millionaire with a reputation of hiring young women. It is only then that she learns what real monsters look like…
Emma uses her overactive imagination to help her get through the toughest of days. By daydreami ...more
Emma uses her overactive imagination to help her get through the toughest of days. By daydreami ...more
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May 08, 2020
Dash fan
rated it
it was amazing
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5☆ A Gripping, Enthralling, Dark Romantic Suspense/ Thriller, I Couldn't Put Down!
Withstanding the Enemy Is a thrilling and gripping romantic suspense/ thriller that had me enthralled from the first few pages!
Emma's Mother died when she was just 14, in and out of foster homes, at 16 she eventually runs away from the dangers of her latest Foster home... but into the arms of the Brutal and Dangerous Rick Stevens.
Rick Stevens is a very dangerous man .... he hires young girls, has his fingers in ma ...more
Withstanding the Enemy Is a thrilling and gripping romantic suspense/ thriller that had me enthralled from the first few pages!
Emma's Mother died when she was just 14, in and out of foster homes, at 16 she eventually runs away from the dangers of her latest Foster home... but into the arms of the Brutal and Dangerous Rick Stevens.
Rick Stevens is a very dangerous man .... he hires young girls, has his fingers in ma ...more
Withstanding the Enemy by T.L. Mahrt is an enthralling and entertaining read - my first from this author and this is the first book in the series. It is an amazing Romantic Suspense read with characters I absolutely enjoyed reading about.
Emma is a young woman who has bounced from foster homes. She is naïve, a complex character for sure, and has a great backstory that my heart wrenched for her. Through desperation, she ended up working for a powerful millionaire, Rick Stevens. Rick has a tough hi ...more
Emma is a young woman who has bounced from foster homes. She is naïve, a complex character for sure, and has a great backstory that my heart wrenched for her. Through desperation, she ended up working for a powerful millionaire, Rick Stevens. Rick has a tough hi ...more
3.5 stars
This book was incredibly intense for me. He have a girl trapped in an abusive relationship, and it can be VERY TRIGGERING to read, as there is domestic violence, clear manipulation, and hints at an earlier rape from this man. He is very controlling, and it is hard to read. Please tread with caution if you are sensitive to those things.
Thankfully, we have a white knight disguised as a bodyguard for our girl, Emma. He is protective of her and fierce. He wants to do whatever it takes to ke ...more
This book was incredibly intense for me. He have a girl trapped in an abusive relationship, and it can be VERY TRIGGERING to read, as there is domestic violence, clear manipulation, and hints at an earlier rape from this man. He is very controlling, and it is hard to read. Please tread with caution if you are sensitive to those things.
Thankfully, we have a white knight disguised as a bodyguard for our girl, Emma. He is protective of her and fierce. He wants to do whatever it takes to ke ...more
T.L Mahrt wrote about a much needed to hear subject and the truth behind it all. Emma has lived a life of bondage and knows she has to break free. Freedom comes in the form of Chance who is willing to risk everything to free her. But many obstacles get in the way. This book is the first part of Emma's story. Can't wait to read the next book!
...more
Thank you to the author for an ARC!
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there are scenes of domestic violence that could trigger certain audiences.
My heart hurt for Emma while reading this! Her internal conflicts are influenced by situations she’s endured for many years. There are events that still haunt her that slowly unravel for the audience. Her choices are sometimes infuriating, but as a reader, you still feel compassion and understanding.
Chance is tasked with protecting Emma but it gets c ...more
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there are scenes of domestic violence that could trigger certain audiences.
My heart hurt for Emma while reading this! Her internal conflicts are influenced by situations she’s endured for many years. There are events that still haunt her that slowly unravel for the audience. Her choices are sometimes infuriating, but as a reader, you still feel compassion and understanding.
Chance is tasked with protecting Emma but it gets c ...more
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
There were a few things not mentioned in the genre that I found held appeal to the listen. There was a bit of darkness and suspense. I found that I was waiting for each chapter to end so that I could hear what was coming in the next chapter. Captivating characters of all backgrounds and levels of intrigue. The challenges of falling in love can come in many forms. The one chosen for Chance and Emma was one of those that cha ...more
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
There were a few things not mentioned in the genre that I found held appeal to the listen. There was a bit of darkness and suspense. I found that I was waiting for each chapter to end so that I could hear what was coming in the next chapter. Captivating characters of all backgrounds and levels of intrigue. The challenges of falling in love can come in many forms. The one chosen for Chance and Emma was one of those that cha ...more
I was excited to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of Withstanding the Enemy. It is a dark romance about a young woman caught in a situation in which she has no control over, and trying to survive. I couldn’t put it down! I found myself rooting for Chance but then questioned Rick’s true intentions. I’m looking forward to the next installment of Emma’s story.
Wow! Wow! I absolutely loved this! ❤️
Steamy, hot, erotic, crime, mystery, domestic abuse the whole package and left on an absolute cliff hanger!!! .
I need more.......... #blogtour #ebook #bookaddict #bookworm
Steamy, hot, erotic, crime, mystery, domestic abuse the whole package and left on an absolute cliff hanger!!! .
I need more.......... #blogtour #ebook #bookaddict #bookworm
Review to follow as part of blog tour.
Withstanding the Enemy is the first-person romantic tale of Emma and Chase – who, through unconventional means, meet and slowly fall for one another in this steamy story. She’s the focus of attention of a local gang lord, who keeps her locked away in his penthouse under a strict set of rules. He’s, Chase, is the bodyguard hired to escort her around, and ensure nothing untoward happens to her. Through immediate infatuation with each other comes a deep bond, and one that must stand a difficult, up
...more
To be honest, I've never read a story quite like this one. It's a dark romance with a hint of erotica and lots of mystery.
Emma Andrews is not in control of her life. She has been manipulated by Rick Stevens for 7 years starting at the young age of 18 and now he wants to marry her. She is caught in a never-ending nightmare living with a man who is physically abusive one minute and kind the next. Emma constantly battles with her hatred of Rick the abuser, and love (or is it lust) for Rick the gen ...more
Emma Andrews is not in control of her life. She has been manipulated by Rick Stevens for 7 years starting at the young age of 18 and now he wants to marry her. She is caught in a never-ending nightmare living with a man who is physically abusive one minute and kind the next. Emma constantly battles with her hatred of Rick the abuser, and love (or is it lust) for Rick the gen ...more
NYC, NY. Penthouse. Club Envy takes up the 1st 3 floors.
Rick Stevens (multi-millionaire) is going to make sure no one sees what he has done to Emma Andrews.
Emma ran away from her last foster home.
Hopefully the concealer will cover up the horrible marks on her face.
Rick has summoned the employees to his office.
Brutus (70, British butler) announced Emma’s presence to Rick for dinner.
Ms. May (Italian, Rick’s chef) has made spaghetti & there is a select wine to go with it.
Ms. Gale (onset dementia ...more
Rick Stevens (multi-millionaire) is going to make sure no one sees what he has done to Emma Andrews.
Emma ran away from her last foster home.
Hopefully the concealer will cover up the horrible marks on her face.
Rick has summoned the employees to his office.
Brutus (70, British butler) announced Emma’s presence to Rick for dinner.
Ms. May (Italian, Rick’s chef) has made spaghetti & there is a select wine to go with it.
Ms. Gale (onset dementia ...more
Rating 3.5/5
Every now and then I enjoy a steamy romance, they are always easy to get into and of course very entertaining. Withstanding The Enemy was a bit different to me in that its storyline was a bit deeper than I was expecting.
There were a lot of layers to the storyline and this created an exciting suspense that ran through both the events of the book and the romance, I never knew what to expect next. This next sentence is kind of difficult to get my head around, but I liked the way it show ...more
Every now and then I enjoy a steamy romance, they are always easy to get into and of course very entertaining. Withstanding The Enemy was a bit different to me in that its storyline was a bit deeper than I was expecting.
There were a lot of layers to the storyline and this created an exciting suspense that ran through both the events of the book and the romance, I never knew what to expect next. This next sentence is kind of difficult to get my head around, but I liked the way it show ...more
This story grabbed my attention almost from the beginning. I've never listened to our narrator before and it did take me a little time to get used to her way of talking. She is able to change the tone of her voice so that you know when a male character is speaking. Another first is reading a story by this author. Telling Emma's story in the first person made it possible to know exactly what she was thinking and feeling. Especially when it came to one strong character, Rick. The author did a grea
...more
I’ve always been drawn to romantic/suspense, abuse mixed with dark/sexual content in a book. I have no idea why, maybe it’s my inner psyche trying to escape or perhaps it’s a complex way of wanting to understand what goes through the minds of the characters involved, it especially helps if the story is fictitious so I know there is no real suffering, that way I can explore & pull apart the reasons why.
T L Mahrt is a new author to me, from the outset I sensed she is from the USA & not the UK, her ...more
T L Mahrt is a new author to me, from the outset I sensed she is from the USA & not the UK, her ...more
Withstanding The Enemy: A contract for life (With Emma Book 1) by T.L. Mahrt. I am so confused regarding this story. This is my first time reading this author. When I read the synopsis I was very interested in reading this story. Emma has made a decision to leave foster care. At the time she thought she was making a good decision. She heard of a man who would hire girls no questions asked. What end up happening was she end up jumping from the frying pan and into the fire. Now at 23 she finds he
...more
Ok, I want book 2 and all the next books by T. L. Mahrt. Just to get this out of the way, this book was great! It kept me awake two nights, during working week, but I just could not put it down. The plot captivated me, I fell in love with the characters and out of love with sleep! I am addicted to the series after book 1 and I am looking forward for the next installment.
Emma is a victim, a victim of others but also a victim of her own innocence. She managed to run from her last foster home and e ...more
Emma is a victim, a victim of others but also a victim of her own innocence. She managed to run from her last foster home and e ...more
This book is gripping, captivating with an astonishing plot, complex characters with depth and growth tangled with realistic array of emotions ranging from hatred, sorrow, protection and love. This page turner draws the reader in with lots of intrigue, danger, action and suspense and succeeds in keeping you on the edge of your seat, captivated and with baited breath
The emotional and heart wrenching glimpses of the trauma that Emma went through and was still subjected to at the hands of Rick when ...more
The emotional and heart wrenching glimpses of the trauma that Emma went through and was still subjected to at the hands of Rick when ...more
Withstanding the Enemy is book 1 in a Trilogy. There are some twists and turns that I didn't see coming and it ends on a hella of a cliffie! This is a dark suspenseful romance. Meaning there could be some triggers for some.
This is Emma Andrews story. She has been in and out of foster homes since her parents died. She ends up running to multi-millionaire Rick Stevens. He isn't a good man and feels he owns her and finds out he loves Emma. Chance has been put in charge to guard Emma's safety. Now E ...more
This is Emma Andrews story. She has been in and out of foster homes since her parents died. She ends up running to multi-millionaire Rick Stevens. He isn't a good man and feels he owns her and finds out he loves Emma. Chance has been put in charge to guard Emma's safety. Now E ...more
I reviewed the audiobook edition of this story. Written from the first-person point of view it alternates between the main protagonists, Emma and Chance. Emma has a tragedy filled past. Her current life with Rick is abusive and controlling. Chance is undercover investigating Rick, but his feelings for Emma are real and hard to control.
The suspenseful plot's dominant focus is Emma and Chance and their passion. The dark sensual romance is erotic and explicit. Naive and vulnerable Emma is easy to e ...more
The suspenseful plot's dominant focus is Emma and Chance and their passion. The dark sensual romance is erotic and explicit. Naive and vulnerable Emma is easy to e ...more
Withstanding the Enemy was a very intense & painfully emotional read for me, and it took me a cool minute to get out of my funk after I finished it. Emma's life has been a series of horrible things starting in the foster system which led to her getting hired by Rick, a powerful millionaire, and it only got worse from there. He's not a good guy so she's in the fiery pits of hell & she also has a bodyguard named Chance, who she's starting to feel a connection with. I know with Rick's past being re
...more
I was unsure whether Withstanding the Enemy audiobook was going to be for me because of the trigger warnings but I gave it a chance anyway as the blurb did sound really interesting, and I am so glad I did.
Emma is an interesting character, engaged to Rick, who she is hoping to find the good side of him but also falling for Chance too. Rick and Chance also had my interest piqued, both different in so many ways, I felt I wanted to give Rick the benefit of the doubt but on the other hand I was also ...more
Emma is an interesting character, engaged to Rick, who she is hoping to find the good side of him but also falling for Chance too. Rick and Chance also had my interest piqued, both different in so many ways, I felt I wanted to give Rick the benefit of the doubt but on the other hand I was also ...more
This was my first T.L. Mahrt's book. This is the first book in the With Emma Series, a Dark Rromantic Suspense. I love the cover! Emma is young and naive. Her story is breathtaking. Rick, a multi-millionaire and Emma's fiancé, is dark, manipulative, powerful, and ruthless. Chance, Emma's bodyguard, is intriguing, handsome and protective. The story unfolds at a slow pace. The story is told with Emma and Chance's POV. The storyline is filled with angst, mystery, drama, suspense, and twists and tur
...more
Where do I even start?! If you like suspense and romance this is a book for you! I could hardly set this book down once I started to read it! I would come home after work, get supper ready, boys homework done, my nightly bathing, and then sit and read till I knew if I didn’t put down the book, I wouldn’t be able to function the next day. It took me only a couple of nights to read the whole book! It kept me intrigued the whole time! I was sadden when I finished because I was reading to jump into
...more
Emma is in a controlling relationship. Rick is the one in control. When he hires her a guard, lines get crossed between Emma and Chase, the guard.
Opinion
This is the third book in the series. I have not read the first two. I was able to follow it without much difficulty.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator did an exquisite job. Different voices were used for each character, enhancing the story.
The story itself was magnetic. I was consumed by how Emma reacted to the different situations. As m ...more
Opinion
This is the third book in the series. I have not read the first two. I was able to follow it without much difficulty.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator did an exquisite job. Different voices were used for each character, enhancing the story.
The story itself was magnetic. I was consumed by how Emma reacted to the different situations. As m ...more
This book is a suspenseful romantic thriller featuring Emma, a teenager drawn to a millionaire when she escapes from foster care, Rick, her wealthy obsessive and abusive fiance after living with him for years, and Chance, her bodyguard who is an undercover agent investigating Rick. This novel is well written, has fantastic and complex characters, and is an intriguing story with twists, obsession and eroticism. It's also an addictive read but it does end in a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of ...more
I received a free copy of ...more
I received an advanced copy of Withstanding the Enemy. Withstanding the enemy is an exciting suspense romance. From the moment I started reading it, Iwas unable to put it down.
Emma being orphaned at a young age is trying to survive without having a support of any family. Emma is trying to find the goodness in Rick but falling for Chance. Withstanding the enemy is page turner and leaves you in suspense. I can't wait to read Within the shawdows. ...more
Emma being orphaned at a young age is trying to survive without having a support of any family. Emma is trying to find the goodness in Rick but falling for Chance. Withstanding the enemy is page turner and leaves you in suspense. I can't wait to read Within the shawdows. ...more
I really enjoyed reading this book with its dark and twisted story. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time as I read this book. I couldn’t believe that she stayed with him but I also understood that in her defense that she didn’t feel she had a different choice. A mind blowing tale of manipulation masquerading as love.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
Emma has been with Rick for seven years. He is controlling and abusive. He hires Chance as a body guard for Emma. Rick asks Emma to marry him. She's surprised that she has begun to have feelings for him. At the same time she also is developing feelings for Chance. This book ends in a cliff hanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ...more
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ...more
What an absolutely amazing book!
I loved the enternal debate Emma had with her conflicting feelings between two men she had very different relationships with. The story weaved in all the right places with a perfect mix of passion and suspense making me want more.
I can not wait for more!
I loved the enternal debate Emma had with her conflicting feelings between two men she had very different relationships with. The story weaved in all the right places with a perfect mix of passion and suspense making me want more.
I can not wait for more!
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T. L. Mahrt is a former business owner, where she utilized her education in cosmetology, barbering and massage therapy for several years. She was raised on and is currently living on a farm in Nebraska, where you can find her running barefoot in the country side with her loving husband and inspiring children and massive dogs.
After having her son, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, she made the lif ...more
After having her son, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, she made the lif ...more
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