Embracing Ellie

K&S Securities #3

by A.J. Andersen

Ellie

All my days are the same. I work, sleep, and then get up and work again. Day after day and nothing ever changes.

I love my family, but there has to be something more. Someone just for me.

Then one night he is there. Kind, protective and sweet. Too good to be true.

I have no idea what to do, so when I lose control of the situation, what else is there to do but push him away?

Even if the only thing I want is to be held in his embrace.


Blake

All it took was one look, one solitary glance, and she owned me heart and soul.

I never knew what I was missing until she smiled at me, until I kissed her sweet lips and was changed forever.

I will face any challenge, fight any battle, to make her see that we belong to each other.

Even if the only one standing in my way is her.

*************
Embracing Ellie is book 3 in the K&S Securities Series. It picks up the story from Blake Stone's perspective, a little removed from the angst of Finding Faye and Acquiring Analise, but still in the thick of the action.



Blake Stone has purposefully kept women at a distance, focusing on his computers and building K&S with Travis.

Ellie Lovell's entire life is about responsibility and doing what needs to be done to provide for her family.

When they meet they are drawn toward each other, but neither of them have experience with relationships. Blake wants to protect Ellie from every worry she has.
When he goes a step too far she distances herself, not wanting any man to fight her battles, even knowing she isn't good at fighting her own.

Together they learn that it's okay to let someone in, to lift each other up and to find love in the midst of the chaos surrounding them.

Genres: Romance

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2020

Reviews

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far I like Blake and Ellie but.. idk I wish I felt more for them..  something that wasn't making me connect with them like the 2 pervious couples. I think it was Blake wasn't alpha enough for me.. he was a sweet caring guy but few times in the story I wish he stood up for Ellie faster.. like with her crappy manager who was rude and racist towards Ellie he watched from afar and just said he'll talk to Xavier about it.. I wanted him at that moment punch the guy he waited to long to act on that. And other stuff that had me wanting more action from him. As for Ellie I love her she was such a sweet hard working person she sacrifice alot for her family and worked day and night poor girl she was talk down to by lots of ppls and I still mad no one would stand up for her... 😭😭😭

I love the family bonding and girl time but I wish we had more Blake/Ellie time.. 😕 we got hints of the next couple and maybe a future one.
Om drama, no cheating, secondary character, Drama, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore (but has a past)

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level -🌶🌶


Slow-instaburn
Push away from h
Racism (few ppls towards the h)
Violence
Human Trafficking
No condom
Hea
Epilogue

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embracing Ellis was one of my most anticipated romance for this month. I had a good feeling about Blake. This strong, protective, alpha, swoony, sexy hero is like a dream come true for a woman like Ellie. Well, for every girl. The blurb have a good overview and I would like to add they are adorable together and I wasn't disappointed. Sweet, charming, romantic, with some suspense and great chemistry.

This is not a standalone series. All books are available in Kindle Unlimited.

[FunUndertheCovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re as hooked on this series as I am, then I’m sure you’ve probably already joined #teamblake! A.J. Andersen definitely doesn’t disappoint in the book boyfriend department. And if anyone deserved a happily ever after, it’s Ellie...these two were perfect for each other and perfect together.

Blake feels an immediate and intense connection with Ellie, and she isn’t far behind...only difference is that Blake is determined to make her his while Ellie fights the attraction she feels for him. Their pasts might be like night and day, but they fit into each other’s lives like they were meant to be there.

This story takes place in the same timeframe as Acquiring Analise, so it’s interesting to read things from a different perspective.

So sweet, so hot and steamy...then add in the suspense and action we know we’re going to get from A.J. Andersen, and BAM, another great addition to the already unputdownable books of the K&S Securities series!

[Nikki J Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Blake and Ellie. In fact, I think this one is my favourite of all the K & S Securities books. Lots of suspense, tension & boy those sex scenes were hot. Definitely recommend if you love romantic suspense with some dark times & sweet elements too. Roll on Grayson & Nikki’s story.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of A.J. Andersen’s K & S Securities Series is yet another fantastic action packed, suspense filled, romance read. “Embracing Ellie” gives us Blake and Elinor’s up and down and all around love story.
Blake is an ex military man hellbent on finding the love of a good woman. Having grownup in the foster care system has him wanting what he’s never had - a family. It’s love at first sight when he see’s Ellie. There’s just something about her that brings out his inner caveman and protective instincts. She doesn’t stand a chance.
For her part Ellie is just as taken by the strong and handsome overly protective man pursuing her. Although part of a loving family, times are tough and she is an overworked, stressed out, albeit beautiful mess.
Trying to keep their attraction to one another contained is like trying to keep a firecracker from going off, in other words, not possible. Watching them get their much deserved happily ever after makes this book a thoroughly enjoyable read. TBR and enjoy.

[Kyra Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting, anticipating, the arrival of this book, and it was well worth the wait.
More than anything this is a sweet love story with relatable characters and a real-life situation, which isn't something we usually see in suspense romance.
Blake may be all alpha on the outside, but on the inside he's a lovable dork - smart, kinda awkward but in a good way, a bit stalkery but in a cute protective not-creepy way.
Ellie is that girl we all feel like sometimes - overworked, underappreciated and more than anything - invisible and like she is always last on everyone's priorities because that's just the way life is.
She gives Blake exactly what he needs - a home, a family, a sense of belonging. Blake gives Ellie what she craves the most - someone who always puts her first, who she doesn't need to erase herself for. And I loved every perfect second of them together.
This book was a shining five stars.

[The Lusty Literarians · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me first start this review by saying that it kills me to only give this book 3 stars. I love this series and the author, but I try to be as authentic as possible in my ratings, so although my rating makes me an outlier, that is what I’m giving it. I really liked Blake and Ellie together. Blake is tech savvy, sexy and just the right amount of broken from his upbringing. Ellie is shy but fiercely loyal to her family and friends. This book was a vast departure from the previous ones in that the romance was new and set at a slow burn pace. I liked that they didn’t know each other since childhood (unlike the last 2 books).

While most of the story focuses on their romantic relationship, there is a lot less action in this than the last two, which at times made it feel like it dragged a bit in the story pace. I guess I was expecting more action and suspense in this book. I suppose my biggest complaint would be the oddest thing to complain about yet. The timeline of this story vastly overlaps with the ones occurring in Finding Faye and Acquiring Analise. While I found that method refreshing and interesting in book 2, I didn’t like it in Embracing Ellie. For the most part I found it confusing and unnecessary. I think this is mentioned in the blurb, but while each book focuses on different couples, you will need to read them in order of release, to fully understands what is happening in the storyline.

Book 4 in the series is as of yet unnamed, but it focuses on Nikki & Grayson, who are my favorite couple in the entire series. I look forward to continuing this series and seeing what Andersen brings us next.

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. J. Andersen you did it again. This book is FREAKING AMAZING!! I ran through a gammot of emotions. One second I am tearing up and then busting out laughing. The next minute I was holding my breath and clenching my muscles. Then I was full out balling and laughing again. I could not help but fall in love with Blake and Ellie. I mean you have Blake who is just a protector but finds out that he can go all caveman in an instant when it comes to Ellie. The attraction with these two was instant but the relationship was a slow build. Why is that you ask? Well meet Ellie Lovell, she is a down to earth girl who has planned her life ahead until it got derailed. She was not known to do anything crazy but when she meets Blake you see the pureness of her. She is so adorable and funny because she knows nothing until she finally gets a small taste. This could change everything. Family is everything to these two and you do find out why and it is soul crushing but with them as a team they can conquer anything. You do get a happily ever after but be prepared cause you know things are always bad before the get better. On a side not though, I am officially claiming Blake as my book boyfriend. LOL Thank you A. J. for writing their story.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of BETAing Embracing Ellie!

I have now read this book 3 times and love it more and more!

Can I just start out by saying I LOVE AJ’s books?

I think a massive reason, is I can relate to her characters. They feel real to me. While they have their flaws, they also have amazing strengths. Strengths that I admire.

Ellie does EVERYTHING for her family. She is incredibly self-sacrificing. The best part is it’s isn’t done out of obligation. She is doing out of love. She loves so deeply.

Blake is extremely loyal. He holds those he cares for close. He is alllll Alpha, with oh so gooey insides, and with a dirty talking mouth. Just how I like them. Blake is brains and brawn. Blake is absolutely adorable with Ellie’s family.

These are two souls who are missing something. They find exactly what they need in each other. Their love is fast, it’s tender, and it is real. They don’t let their past, rule their future. They learned from it, and they grew. With each other, they are even stronger.

Get ready for Embracing Ellie!

[Thuy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED Ellie and Blake!!!! We met Blake and Ellie in the previous books of this series. Blake has had a tough childhood. Quiet, devoted, small circle of friends, dreams of having a solid family and sense of belonging. When he loves and trusts, he's 1000% in. He meets Ellie, and he knows she's the one.

Ellie works herself to the bone. She will do anything and everything for her family and anyone she loves. She meets Blake and there is such a pull to him. Blake wants to show her that he is there for her, that he will protect her and make sure she's taken care of. These two fit so well together. They have so much chemistry. They are so adorable together! My heart was bursting when he spent time with her family, he needed that so badly. I was so happy for him. There is some suspense, hot chemistry, sweetness, love, familiar faces from the previous stories. I loved seeing them. Definitely recommended, she did a fantastic job on Blake and Elinor's story. We get a little glimpse of the next characters hopefully in this story!!! I am so looking forward to it!

[Karen Sedgman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous read by A.J! I just adored Ellie & Blake together! Embracing Ellie was full of steamy moments and so much heat and suspense! Loved catching up with the crew! I sure hope we get more K&S Securities series, there is a few more characters that l think might need their story?

[Red Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series and it must be read in order to understand certain aspects. There was a couple of times I had to pause and think back to books one and two to recall a memory/scene/character. I feel like with a little more explanation and backstory on certain characters and scenarios it would have been a smidge easier with the flow and could probably also be read as a standalone.

We meet Blake in the previous books and I was super curious about him. He had this gruff but quiet vibe I wanted to explore. I read in a teaser or blurb somewhere that he's coming off a long deployment and yet that never comes to light. And while we got to see his protective and sexy side I found myself wanting more. With only a small glimpse and handful of memories of his past it left a gaping hole for me on who he really is and how he became this man. We get so much of Ellie's side with her family, backstory, and past that the connection with her is instant. We can all relate to her in one way or another, while Blake still has that quiet/I don't want to talk about it vibe.

Embracing Ellie doesn't have quite the mob/kidnapping intensity as the first two books which makes it more of a sweeter love story with little angst. I have to say, I was a little disappointed when Dominic was so easily captured. Me: what??! That's it!? I guess with him being such a prominent character in the previous books I was hoping for more. But really, in this story, Dominic was more of a passing issue, a thorn in the side, when really, it was Loser Larry who was more front and center with his disgusting infatuation with Ellie.

There were a couple unanswered questions that I hope will be revealed in the next book. And Blake never did tell Ellie that he followed her home that one night. Guy, you gotta come clean! That taxi driver is gonna out you! Haha!!

I'm going to go 3.5⭐ with this one. It would have been a definite 4 if we got more of Blake's past. But the flow of the story was great without the overlapping POVs/repeated scenes that we saw with the first two books. I really appreciate that!! There were a handful of errors that I trust got fixed before publication. I beta/arc read this and all opinions are my own.

[Find Me Behind a Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible and beautifully written. A.J. Andersen continues to amaze me with each new book she adds to this series. Of the three K&S women, I find that I connect more with Ellie, and see myself in her in so many ways. Ellie is a sweet, loving, selfless, caring, and hard worker. She has her weaknesses, such as not being able to stand-up for herself, and that is something that Blake notices from the beginning. From that point he wants nothing more than to protect her and keep her safe from all the horrible people. This protectiveness that Blake feels, makes Ellie realize that she is important and that is a feeling that she has been missing.

Blake is a protective, determined, and loving man. Blake lost his family at a young age and has been in the foster care system for a large portion of his life. He never had anyone that truly cared for him, except for Travis and now Ellie. His love and attraction for Ellie is instantaneous and their relationship is unique, rare, and absolutely adorable. From the first moment that Blake sees Ellie, he has this overpowering urge to protect her and make her his.

The story is filled with many intense, edge of your seat action as the crew try to take down Domenic. And let's not forget that there are many many steamy scenes. By the end of the story you will be left feeling happy and like you are on cloud nine. Blake and Ellie are a perfect match and are by far my favorite K&S couple.

[Victoria Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book that I've read by this author and this is the third book in this series and this book is just as awesome as the other two. Everyone needs to read this book series because its fabulous.

K&S Securities series #1 Finding Faye
K&S Securities series #2 Acquiring Analise
K&S Securities #3 Embracing Ellie.

Ellie is a strong, independent and a very selfless person that provides for her family no matter what.She has done everything she can for the one's she loves. When she sees Blake she's not sure what he sees in her and at first she's not really sure of him.

Blake is a strong man and is very genuine and is very protective of the people he loves, so when he sees Ellie nothing else matters but her.
Blake keeps women at arms length normally but Ellie is in a different league altogether and all he wants to do is make her his and protect her completely.

It's obvious from the moment that these two meet that there is something there and they have that magnetic pull drawing them in.
But can these two find there happily ever after?
(NO SPOILERS).

I enjoyed reading this book immensely and once you have started it you will not be able to put it down. This author writes the characters so great that you devour everything about them. This book is an awesome read that will have you rooting deep inside your soul for them to be there own forever.

I absolutely love reading this author work and always look forward to reading her books, this author is great at making you feel everything that the characters do. I was hooked right from the start and this book will have you turning the pages right until the end. This book holds your attention plays on your emotions and leaves you loving it completely. I will definitely recommend this book series because it is one of the best that I've ever read.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me to an early copy of this book.
This book is expected to be released 9th April 2020.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved Blake and Ellie. For a hardened man who’s seen just about everything, Blake sure did pull out all the stops in keeping Ellie safe and making her his. He sees her, knows he wants to get to know her, then realizes that he wants Ellie tied to him in every way possible. He just has to convince Ellie that he’s in this for the long haul.

As for Ellie, I swear that I felt her bone tiredness. She’s used to trying to pick up all the slack and then some to keep her family intact, and she’s sacrificed friendships and a life to do so. So when she meets Blake, she’s sure that he’s not really interested in someone as boring as her. After all, her life is work, sleep, care for her family, repeat. But when Ellie opens her heart to the possibility of something great with Blake, she sees what she’s been missing all too clearly.

Between the storyline that seamlessly continues from the first two books by this author, Blake and Ellie’s slowly developing relationship even though it’s lust at first sight for them, and the secondary characters, I see good things ahead for this series. After all, just because Blake and Ellie fought for their happy doesn’t mean that everything swirling around this group simply disappears. I can’t wait to see what (or who) finds their forever next!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.J. Andersen has quickly become a go to author for me! I’m addicted to the K&S Securities series and have been eagerly waiting for Blake and Ellie’s story.

I was on #teamblake before reading this book and after reading it, I want to know where I sign up to get my own Blake! A.J. Andersen definitely doesn’t disappoint in the book boyfriend department. And if anyone deserved a happily ever after, it’s Ellie...these two were perfect for each other and perfect together.

Blake feels an immediate and intense connection with Ellie, and she isn’t far behind...only difference is that Blake is determined to make her his while Ellie fights the attraction she feels for him. Their pasts might be like night and day, but they fit into each other’s lives like they were meant to be there.

This story takes place in the same timeframe as Acquiring Analise, so it’s interesting to read things from a different perspective.

So sweet, so hot and steamy...then add in the suspense and action we know we’re going to get from A.J. Andersen, and BAM, another great addition to the already unputdownable books of the K&S Securities series!

[Booklover Mercis Bookish Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet yet secretly sassy Ellie and Hot,broody,broken yet loving Blake.A match made in book loving heaven.This book was filled with passion,steam,fun characters,family love,and all the angst to leave you on the edge of your seat.I have been obsessed with this series since Finding Faye and with every new book i fall deeper and deeper in love with the men of K&S Securities.Beautifully written,the authors passion for her characters pours onto each and every page.As the story unfolds she leaves you guessing at every turn then BOOM!Surprise!Something happens that has you saying What?!What just happened?!I've been on this journey with A.j. since day one and ill continue until she gets sick of me😂😂Love live lovveedd this book and i can't wait for Graysons book!!😍😍

P.s. Seriously you NEED to read this series!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Another extraordinary book from AJ Anderson but I didn't expect anything less!

Embracing Ellie was so beautifully written. Blake's protective ways and Ellie's big heart made me fall in love with them right away.

Blake and Ellie's connection was instant. I felt like I could feel their chemistry through the book! It was so intense and felt so real. I was sucked right into their growing love story!

This wasn't just a romantic sweet tale, there was plenty of suspenseful moments that kept me on the edge of my seat and up way later than I should have been! There were laugh out loud moments, moments I teared up and lots of hot steamy scenes!

I'm so excited to see what AJ Anderson does next and I would love to see more of Blake and Ellie in the future!

I highly recommend checking out this book if your looking for a outstanding suspenseful romance!

I received this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review.

[Lori Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOUCHING, SUSPENSEFUL, INTRIGUING AND TOTALLY SWOON WORTHY
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review but really I would read this book no matter what. This is the third book in the K&S Securities series and for me it was the best! It's best if you read these in order to fully understand what has happened especially with the secondary characters. This story just spoke to my heart and has all the feels - heartwarming, sadness, excitement, suspense, action, attraction, flirtatious, sexy and a marvelous HEA! Blake and Ellie are the perfect couple and I fell in love with them. They have a rather difficult time in the beginning of their budding relationship which only leads to more angst for Blake because he is so protective of Ellie. Their attraction and love for one another is very apparent and the way the story is written just made me want to fall in love. A beautiful story but definitely has the awesome suspense this series is known for. I would recommend anyone who likes the description above to read this series because you will not be disappointed, it's absolutely terrific!

[Rose Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embracing Ellie is a lovely story. I can't express how much I love this series. 5 beautiful stars for Ellie and Blake.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had me hooked from the very first page. I loved Blake and Ellie. A. J. Andersen you did it again. Can’t wait to see what she writes next. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Katslovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the K&S Securities Series and I been waiting for Blake and Ellie’s story. A.J. Andersen did it again! This book is freaking awesome.
I love that the story interconnected with the characters and the story of the other books in the series but can also be read as a stand-alone.
I love Blake so much, he hasn’t had a great life growing up but despite everything he has become a wonderful person that is loyal and honest. From the first time he lays eyes on Ellie, he knows she is “the one” for him and he’ll do everything in his power to make her his.
Ellie, she is a sweet, innocent and loving character that doesn’t have the easiest life but will continue to do everything in her power to keep her family afloat.
Blake and Ellie complement each other so well, their chemistry it’s incredible and their story is one that you don’t want to miss reading.

[Amanda Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake and Ellie's story did not disappoint!!! Be careful ladies, it's sure to set your kindle on fire.
Blake is swoon worthy and Ellie is so undeniably relatable. AJ truly does a beautiful job world building and I feel like I know the K&S family. Watching them struggle and then come out on the other side stronger and better than before makes my heart so happy!

Although the author overlaps timelines a small amount in this book you definitely want to start with book one Finding Faye.

An incredible five stars and I can't wait to see more from K&S Securities!

[~Misty~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake and Ellie

Absolute adorable and heroic and sweet and steamy and suspenseful.

Blake and Ellie are perfection together.. The instant feels and gravitation. I loved how Blake made Ellie feel safe and loved and how she completes him. I truly love how the romance is entwined with the suspense of finding D. I am looking forward to reading more about these lovely friends and families. 5 stars

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It kills me to give this book 3 stars but here's why:
I liked how she introduces characters as they go into the next book which is Grayson (can't wait to read about Grayson and Nikki)
This was a slow burn of a book compared to the high adrenaline of Faye and Analise. But that's ok because Blake is a smart savvy IT guy-which I adore and he just wants to have a life he never had.
And I like Ellie and how innocent and somewhat boring she was...out of the limelight of it all-hard worker and living her life and helping her family.
There were some holes I thought could've been tied up like is Blake ever going to tell her he followed her that night? And what happened in his childhood?
I enjoyed their love story but there were some parts I had to read again because I felt a little lost in the mix of the story. Too many characters introduced at once.
Overall I'm glad I finished it and can't wait for the release of Book 4-Guarding Grayson

[Kit Rio Sol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake has an orphaned heart and a protector’s soul. Ellie is in the middle of her own storm— just trying to survive.
.
I loved Blake’s toughness to Ellie’s sweetness and how they strengthen each other.
.
The one thing that bothered me at first was Ellie’s constant inability to stand up for herself, but she finds her wings (which is all I’ll say about that...).
.
Great third book in the series and I can’t wait for the next.

[LaToya (Readingbythebayou) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Blake and Ellie's story. If you like a good slow burn romance like me this is your jam. An entertaining storyline with great characters made this a great addition to the series.

[Janice M · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Kathy Seabrease · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by AJ! I love how her stories have been written, intertwining her characters from book to book. Bringing more story to each of them as they go along. We met Blake in Finding Faye, but only to a certain degree, same with Ellie. Moving into Acquiring Analise, we read a more about both of them and finally in Embracing Elllie, we get there story, all they while we get to interact with Faye and Travis, Analise and Xavier and moving more into the picture a little at a time, Grayson and NIkki. These books are so well written with such a great combination of love and laughter, suspense and fears, and sadness and tears. Blake and Ellie's story is told again with the backdrop of subplots and I love it. Blake and Ellie bring out the best in both of each other... despite the problems with the villains in this books, this time being "Loser Larry", they find what they have been looking for love and family, with each other, their weakness becomes their strengths .Even as I know the next book will deal with another villain, I can't wait to read it. Next Grayson and Nikki... maybe Bea and John? Becca and Lucas ? and what about poor Geno? I hope I am right!

[Joy Boutwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book of five in the K & S Securities Series and it will be the last one I read. Although the story is good, there are grammar errors that take away from the reading, parts of books one and two are added in, making it boring because you already know what is going to happen.

Blake and Ellie are good characters and we learn all about Ellie but we only get parts of Blakes life. He needed to have more background.

The story is very slow and drags on, to the point it gets boring. When there is a twist in the book, it's the very last chapter - 6 pages and it's done.

There is an Epilogue, but it is confusing with all the people thrown in it and it doesn't close the story out good enough.