Bulletproof

First off, I loved every second of this book!!! I literally couldn’t put it down!! XAVIER knows how to write characters that are phenomenal! She will throw you into these fun and crazy worlds, and Blake is one of my favorites!! She is this super brainy woman that has the most BAD A$$ job!! And the educational facts this woman could throw out was simply amazing. Now Bronx is a freaking force to be wrecking with. I was amazed at how this man could protect and down right throw hands. These two defiantly started off with a bang, and the twist and turns never stopped after that. I absolutely loved being inside their little world, and it was so fun watching them grow together!

Christina

510 reviews4 followers

May 12, 2023

I recently came across Xavier Neal, although she's been writing and publishing for years. I have enjoyed all the things I've read, but by no means have scratched the surface of her works.

But, this will probably be one of my favorites EVER. There was so much going on and I was instantly hooked. The characters are strong and well developed. The plot is fun, exciting, unique and kept me guessing.

Blake will hold a soft spot for me with her vulnerability and inexperience. Bronx is everything you want in a strong male lead. These two together made sense and I loved their story.

A standalone and a must read!

Kelly_Reads_Books

2,128 reviews193 followers

Blake and Bronx's story was lovingly and beautifully written.
This couple was immensely passionate and wittingly enjoyable.
I loved the dirty talk, the banter, and the many personal rules that are broken
Very good story!

loved-it

jamies_bookreads

1,292 reviews19 followers

Review: 4.5/star
Xavier Neal, is a “New-to-me” author that I’m now hooked on.

Bulletproof is straight away captivating in action, with its light-hearted energy it is an easy and fun read. Blake (the FMC) is quirky fun with slightly awkward social cues. Add in her genius level scientific engineering and you get a truly wonderful leading lady. Bronx (the MMC) is truly a company man. His matter of fact rule following makes him a perfect bodyguard for Blake. The threat of her kidnapping is too real for them to overlook, with her weapon, advanced tactical gear, and chemical engineering designs she is basically “Q” from James Bond. Her innovative designs make her a very high commodity, and her safety is the utmost concern. However this quirky genius and hot bodyguard are not able to keep the steamy tension from building when her safety causes them to live off the grid in a cabin for months together.

Truly enjoyed this story and the lighthearted romance was perfect.

Zoe_isreading

634 reviews61 followers

July 16, 2021

Everything I've read by Xavier I've completely loved, and of course this is no different!

I was instantly hooked from the start of this story, and honestly found it difficult to put down! One of the main reasons for that was because of Blake. She's such a unique and interesting character, she's scientific and meticulous with everything which, I personally haven't seen with many FMC. Oh, and she's also just amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading her relationship grow with Bronx - the alpha bodyguard hired to protect her.

So much happens in this book, and it's so completely different to what I usually read, so I definitely recommend this!
If you've never read any of Xaviers books before, firstly you need too and secondly start with this - you'll be a fan in no time.

The Dragon Den Book Blog

2,969 reviews66 followers

ARC Review by The Dragon Den
* * * * *
I love getting these books from this fabulous author. I am given something different and new every time she drops a new book. I have come across my fair share of body guard/security romances, but this was not one that faded into the background.
Bronx, you may be a man who is all about the job and follows his own set of rules like a good boy, but you are about to meet darling Blake who will knock your socks.
BTW, the dirty talk used is fantastic.

Teresa Lara

3,483 reviews53 followers

July 14, 2021

Blake and Bronx grabbed my heart
Intense emotional love story
All the feels
Need more
Loved the surprises

Melinda Parker

1,299 reviews22 followers

Fierce bodyguard meets quirky genius. He has the braun that the doctor has succumbed to and she has the brain that the bodyguard can’t get enough of.

Bronx is summoned to meet with the “higher ups” for an assignment. One that’s both intriguing and financially rewarding. When he learns of the connection with his boss, it’s an assignment that holds danger and reward. And one look at his subject, Blake, and his assignment just became personal. Because she is HIS. He’ll protect her and he’ll love her. He won’t fail at either assignment.

Blake is beyond intelligent and has accepted her role and place in the company and world. But where she was once guarded and reserved, she’s found that with Bronx, she can be different, she wants to be different. He accepts who she truly is and isn’t afraid.

Once they’re off the grid, they live an existence that’s pretend but feels very real. It’s just the way they both imagined it could be. But when real life knocks on the door, will they be able to sustain what they’ve built?

Loved seeing some favorites from Applecourt!

I adore Blake. Her way of explanation is just impressive. She makes no apologies for herself. I love how she slowly explored the world of love. She managed to navigate rough waters and survive the tidal wave of love that was Bronx.

I think Blake’s description of Bronx was what she and I both fell in love with.

“I mean, Bronx is flirting with the heights of the heavens, filling out his suit as though it’s a job application he desperately needs, and sounds like he could make a career in voice porn if this whole security business avenue doesn’t end well.”

How can Bronx not be the perfect book boyfriend?

Jeanine Harrell

104 reviews1 follower

July 16, 2021

Such a well written book that grabs you from chapter one! In the beginning we’re introduced to Blake and Bronx. Blake is a self-assured, highly intelligent, highly successful woman with the title Dr. before her last name. She’s content with the life she lives. Bronx is a man working in security who’s job is to protect his targets. These two characters come from different worlds and the juxtaposition of their personalities really makes the story. Bronx is given the job of protecting Blake and the adventure they embark on is one neither expected nor saw coming. In their forced proximity the attraction is unmistakable. Bronx begins to peel back Blake’s layers, showing her that a life worth living isn’t always planned down to the “t”.
I like that the meat of the story is the characters spending time and getting to know each other. They struggle with past hurts and current patterns but begin to figure out that what led them to each other is truly a twist of fate.
The action scenes are gripping and I love a good romance with suspense woven in. The romance is swoony and definitely steamy!
My first read from this author and it won’t be my last!

Karry

1,420 reviews21 followers

Bronx is the perfect mix of smooth and deadly, all wrapped up in one sexy Hispanic man. Blake is a super secret government inventor that talks like an encyclopedia but thinks like any red blooded woman does when presented with her new protector, Bronx.

Dirty. Steamy. Raw.

To keep her alive he has to be ready for anything, and to go anywhere at anytime. The mental connection and physical chemistry that grows between these two is seemingly too fast and furious but seriously smokin hot! What develops between them, and what happens with the danger to her, you’re just gonna have to read for yourself to find out. NO SPOILERS HERE!

All in all this book was fantastic. Definitely a recommended read!

(Side note: I would have been even happier with more Brandon. The sibling interactions were awesome!)

Kris

283 reviews3 followers

This is the first book I have read by Xavier Neal and I could not put the book down. Captivated from the start, the intriguing mystery of who is after Blake combined with being protected by the handsome Bronx is the perfect mix. The character traits given to Blake are unique and at first it seems she is unable to relate well to others, but she soon proves she can follow along and keep up. The witty banter and dirty talk with Bronx is fun, the have wonderful chemistry and bring out the best in each other.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily giving an honest review

Adrienne Bird

595 reviews10 followers

Loved it! “A mission I wasn’t meant to survive. A woman I wasn’t supposed to love.” All the feels!!! Forced proximity, romantic suspense, ends with a HEA and an epilogue.

Blake Rothwell is a strong, smart, set in her ways doctor that can turn anything deadly, given the right equipment. The last thing she needs before she is expected to be the keynote speaker at a conference is to have her life be threatened. Since her brother is one of the many head honchos at her job, she has no choice but to rely on his dictates of what is to happen.

Bronx Bradford has never been military but has enough experience to know this mission may be his last. He’s no dummy but he’s definitely ready to take on the likes of the smart, sophisticated and hidden delicacy that is Dr. Rothwell.

When these two meet, they are on a collision course for some fiery chemistry. Despite their differences, they realize they are very cohesive. I love me some Xavier Neal and once again devoured another of her hits!!

Jessica Norris

56 reviews

Layla - Talk To Me About Books

Blake and Bronx are probably my new favorite couple. Absolutely love how intelligent Blake is and how she doesn’t feel the need to hide it from anyone. The fact that despite Bronx knowing he doesn’t meet her level of genius he still doesn’t hesitate to try to bring her out of her shell and he isn’t intimidated by her. Once I started reading this story I couldn’t stop.And I won’t post spoilers but the ending just made the story that much more amazing. It keeps you entertained and on your toes. If you need a new book to read , you won’t be disappointed by this one and will fall in love with Xavier Neal.

Stacey

445 reviews4 followers

July 20, 2021

I didnt have any expectations for this book and Xavier still blew me away! Blake and Bronx were definitely a perfect example of a match made in heaven. They had an instant attraction that jumped off the pages. I will admit Blake was someone I had to get used too but once I understood a little more about why she was the way she was I warmed up to her a little more. This is an action romance, is that a thing?, so be prepared for some fighting. Love love love this book but I can't say more because I will spoil it so I will end by saying pick this up!

248 reviews7 followers

July 16, 2021

This book in 5 tiny bullet points..

• Couple goals - Bronx and Blake are perfect for each other ❤
• Pure acceptance of each others personalities and quirks (I'm looking at you Blake!)
• Steammmmy
• Never-ending action (in and out of the bedroom 😉)
• A storyline that kept you hanging on till the very end

And a bonus point
• an over protective big brother who just makes you go awwww

(I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review)

Lauren *

498 reviews25 followers

ARC provided for an honest review.

Bronx is supposed to protect Blake at all costs. She is stubborn, super smart and quirky. Bronx is fierce and extremely good at his job. These to together were so cute and funny at times. The unlikely pair start to have feelings for each other while on the run from some bad people. This was a good story. Bronx helps her loosen up in life while she gets him to believe in himself.

amberebooksandmore

468 reviews

July 20, 2021

I absolutely loved everything about this book! The chemistry from the beginning between these two was off the charts! This might just be a new favorite and I am quickly learning to never doubt the mind and writing of Xavier Neal as she is still a new to me author. These characters and this story is the perfect bodyguard romance .

Camille (bookish.cami)

766 reviews40 followers

This was my very first read by Xavier and I absolutely enjoyed this story! I literally devoured it. The twist and turns I was literally on the edge of my seat. Hot body guard keeping a girl safe and the sexual tension between them. Gaaahh what more could you want. 🙌🙌 soo good.

one_more_chapter

421 reviews9 followers

Witty banter, nonstop action, and off the charts chemistry make this read impossible to put down! Five stars for this sizzling, and suspenseful romance that will leave you with a smile.

Renee Megee

144 reviews12 followers

July 18, 2021

Xavier Neal never disappoints with her books. But this one may just be my favorite. Blake and Bronx is amazing. I just wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.

Roberta

20 reviews

This is my first book by this author. I was actually sent this as an ARC and was very happy to be introduced to her.

Bronx Bradford is a modern-day Kevin Costner of bodyguards in this romantic suspense story. He is hired by his boss to guard his twin sister Blake for which he will paid enough to retire as long as she is delivered unharmed. He was hand picked because he has never gotten involved with any of his female assignments and he is basically a human shield. When he sees Blake’s picture he knows in his gut two things: he has to take this assignment regardless of the payment and that he will be emotionally ruined in the process.

Blake Rothwell is a genius who makes weapons that you see in the James Bond movies or if you are in Special Ops. The woman makes things out of ordinary household items!! She is under threat of being kidnapped for unknown reasons and an unknown group therefore is forced to go into hiding for several months with just Bronx. She is not one that is comfortable with social norms and changes and how to be just a normal young woman as she was always raised as a genius.

With it being just her and Bronx in the town of Applecourt it allowed the two of them to really get to know each other. Even though from the first moment they met Blake immediately felt at ease with Bronx and wanted him to know it. Bronx was able to understand her and know how to make her feel at ease in any situation. He is able to peel back her layers showing her that life is more than just science. I will say that this author’s writing is extremely unique. While I truly enjoyed Bronx’s Spanish language and heritage to fully be seen as this is very rare in a novel, her writing got very convoluted for me. Some of the sentences were long with a lot of metaphors causing me to get lost. I ended not remembering when or where that sentence started or what was the purpose and would have to go back read it again to make sure I understood what I was reading. I would just get confused at times on who was doing what. For instance during the sex scenes I thought they were a bit too wordy and therefore lost some of the steam. It didn’t take away the attraction between Bronx and Blake by any means. The plot of the story was really good. The suspense, danger, and the action I really did enjoy.

I received an ARC and have voluntarily left this honest review.

2021

Hana

132 reviews12 followers

July 21, 2021

Do you like steamy novels with fantastic dirty talk, witty repartee, smart, strong female leads and confident alpha males?

Look to further. Xavier Neal is the author for you. And Blake and Bronx are the couple for you.

Blake is an extremely intelligent and innovative genius - confident in her work but less confident in her human interactions. I am immediately in love and am drawn to that confidence and work ethic and I love the relationship we see with her twin brother, who is also a colleague at the private firm. Her work is on the leading edge of technological genius and advances in weaponry. This make her a target for nefarious groups and moguls. When plots are uncovered to have her kidnapped, her brother pulls in Bronx, a bodyguard, to stay with her 24/7.

Bronx is spicy. And sexy. And dedicated to his job. His life for the assignment. And when he meets Blake he knows that his life is forfeit because he would do anything to ensure her safety. Anything.

They escape to a small town to live in secret and hide away until the plots are uncovered and their forced proximity ensures that they learn more about each other and fall for each other.

Side bar: If you've read Aleatory, another book by Neal, you'll recognize the small town and some of the characters. Which I loved loved loved seeing again!!

Ok, back to it. Their time together allows for Bronx to show her how to live a little. To play - something she never really got to do or enjoy. It also shows her that he loves her mind and her genius and is in no way intimidated by it. And holy heck, the sex and steam is yummy as all get out.

This fast paced, action packed, steamy read was so enjoyable. As always, the prose and banter between the characters draws you in and is wonderful. The opposites attract trope was done well and I truly enjoyed the read!!

I received an ARC and have voluntarily left this honest review.

Gabs

101 reviews19 followers

I wanna start this review by pointing out how much I loved Blake and her endless knowledge. This girl is the kind that will impress you no matter when or where by simply being herself and nothing more than that. She will do and say whatever is on her mind and no one can change who she is.
Bronx is also a good guy that, even though we don't see much, would do anything for his family and even more for blake. They together is a perfect match, one completing the other in a healthy lovely way and is super fun reading
Some parts were kinda of confusing, at least for me but nothing that would make me lost in the story and overall everything was very straightforward and I can say that bulletproof is totally worth it of your time

Claudia Coenen

551 reviews5 followers

ARC Review

First book for me by this author.

I liked it, it has a bodyguard the movie type of feel. Only instead of a singer she's a brilliant scientist people want to kidnap because they want to utilize her brain. In comes the bodyguard, no attachments and his head always on the job. Till her, her head always on the job, till him.

I had some issues with the big words that were thought during the smexy times from his pov because yeah nobody who's a drop out thinks that way, but found it perfectly fine in her POV because that's who she is.

Fun stand alone with a hea.

Keza Campbell

780 reviews12 followers