Member Reviews
I did not put book down. I don't know how Stacey does it, but each new book in the series just keeps getting better. This one was the kicker. Book 3 of the series is about Ryder and Hadley.
I'll preface this by saying and I can't say it enough... read the first two books. They are outstanding.
Ryder Blackwood is the owner of Blackwood Securities, the ultra elite security firm charged with covering Senator Winters and his family. Daughter Hadley has had it bad for Ryder since she was young, but she's cranked up the heat the past year only to be shut down by Ryder. Ryder is hands off, despite their chemistry which is so obvious. Ryder and Hadley's father are close, as well as being his responsibly for security. Hadley's gotten herself into a bit of a mess and it now threatens her fathers Senate seat. This sets up the story which brings multiple dangers to not just the Senator but Hadley, Ryder and the Dominants Council. For a quick backstory on the DC; Ryder, Gabe (pub owner) Micah and Darius. They, along with being successful businessmen; quietly own very high end sex clubs. Lately they've found themselves in the tabloids for reasons unknown with stories that aren't true. That's a subplot thread that's run through each book. This book brings them closer to how this has been happening, we get the story by default through this one.
Someone is blackmailing Hadley to get her father to step down from office. The clock is ticking and they have 2 days to find out who it is. Meanwhile things heat up between Ryder and Hadley, thank god.... at long last. If anyone can write panty melting, smoking hot steam with a little side order of kink it's Stacey.
Between the suspense in this story, which was so well written and with some amazing twists and turns this is my favorite book thus far in the series.
The characters had depth, the dialogue was smooth, the sex was really well done and not tedious. And ladies you know what I'm saying... Ryder Blackwood has more than a few tricks up his amazing sex sleeve. No redundancy there. There is real emotion in this book and you can sense that when you read it. The plot was so well done and the twists... Read this book!!!
This is a must read. Leaves you with a nice book buzz when you finish reading it!! Bravo Stacey!
So damn good! I'd give it 10 stars.
Book 3 of the series did not disappoint.
Hadley and Ryder's story is perfect for them. A good bodyguard to lovers story. While the love part was quick when it happened, It totally worked and even better a good bit of story left for these two.
I really thought I had the "who done it" figured out, and was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong. I did not see that turn of events take place, nor what happens after with Senator Winters.
Now for book 4 to find out about Gabe.
(4.5 stars)
Every book in this series just gets better and better. Hadley & Ryder's story is not only packed with sexual tension and forbidden romance but it is also jam packed with action and suspense. Figuring out who's behind the leaks to the tabloids turns into a matter of live and death. There was never a dull moment. One might question what my complaint was? Not to disclose too much of the ending but it bothers me when certain milestones are met in a relationship but the MC don't even say ILY. I cannot wait for Gabe's book and how this all will turn out.
I had not read the previous books in this series and I think I will go back and read them even though I can guess how they end as I suspect the secondary characters in this book were featured in the previous. It was a good story, kept my attention, even throughout the twisted suspense. So many stories gloss over details and that annoys me, while this doesn't go into great detail of the mystery, it gives enough so that it all makes sense. The struggles of our hero and heroine made sense. It was easy to relate to them. Very enjoyable read, can't wait to check out more. I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and voluntarily left a review.
Stacey Kennedy's "Restrained Under His Duty", the third book in her Dirty Little Secrets series, is fast paced from the first chapter to the last.
Someone is still leaking private conversations to the tabloids about Ryder Blackwood and his close friends.
Now he and a senator's daughter, a senator for whom he runs security for, have become their focus as being a romantic couple. He has also been sent a photo of her that is highly compromising taken at a sex club. A photo that could effect her father's political career. A photo that has now has his focus on her.
Hadley Winters has known Ryder since since she was a kid. She has thought he was her Prince. Now he is her focus. He is the man she knows who can give her what she needs and keep her safe.
The problem for Ryder is he feels he owes her father loyalty for all he has done for him and so he senator's daughter should be off limits.
Blackmail and dirty politics have caused them to come together but may also tear the apart when events turn deadly.
A good read for those who have followed the series.
4.5 Thrilling Stars!
"Something carnal rises within me, something I can't control. It's here beauty. It's the perfection of the way she sounds, the scent of her, the feel of her..."
"Sometimes life happens, and reckless or not, you just gotta roll with it."
This is one of those series that I just can not help but fall in love with. With each book, I find myself even more addicted to the character and their stories.
Restrained Under His Duty is the third book in the Dirty Little Secrets Series and can be read as a stand alone novel. Restrained Under His Duty follows the story of Ryder and Hadley. Hadley has wanted Ryder for as long as she can remember. Even back when they were little kids, she knew that one day Ryder would be the man that she married. But there is just one problem. Ryder is her father's bodyguard. Despite the intense attraction that they feel for one another, nothing can ever come of it. Ryder is everything that Hadley could ever want in a man and his rejection sends her to dangerous places to fulfill her needs...Ryder takes his security job very seriously. So, when a compromising photo of Hadley comes to light, he'll do anything to protect her. However, this photo and the situation Hadley is in is bringing to light all the feelings he keeps at bay. He wants Hadley more than his next breath, but she is forbidden. And when Hadley gets put in danger, he wants nothing more to protect and possess her...
Restrained Under His Duty was a fabulous read. In fact, I think it's my favorite of the series so far. I fell in love with the story-line and the forbidden aspect right away. From the moment we first see Hadley and Ryder together, there is some serious sexual tension. Add in some blackmail, a sex tape, and some government corruption and you've got yourself one thrilling read. This book had it all. From mystery to suspense to danger and unexpected twists. To delicious sexual tension and unforgettable sexy encounters. This book had it all. I loved every single moment of this story from beginning to end and enjoyed trying to solve the mystery along with our main characters.
Restrained Under His Duty was a thrilling and exciting read. It is a wonderful addition to this series and I'm very much looking forward to seeing where this series will go next.
Wow!! As always, Stacey Kennedy writes masterpieces!! The one reason why I didn't give 5 stars, was the proofreading and editing errors. But because this is an ARC, I'm sure that will be corrected.
Ryder Blackwood, owner of Blackwood Security, has been the head security detail for Senator Winters for the past 6 years. Their families have been close friends for years. When Ryder returned from serving his country, the Senator gave him the start up money to start his multi-million dollar business. He's long since repaid his financial debt, but he still protects him personally. The senator's daughter has been testing Ryder's control for the past year. He wants to claim her as his, but he's the bodyguard, her father will always comes first.
Hadley Winters, daughter of Senator Winters, has been lusting after Ryder for years. Every time he rebuffs her advances, she wilts a bit more. Having suffered from a traumatic experience when she was only 17 years old, she finds the only way to feel is to get reckless. She does that by going to sex clubs and doing scenes with questionable men.
When a video of her with 2 men shows up in her email along with a threat that her dad has to retire from the Senate, she panics. Ryder's team intercepts the email before her dad could open it, so now her biggest problem is Ryder's problem. She NEVER wanted him to see the video, but due to the threat, she has no choice.
Watching the video does several things to him, first and foremost he wants to know why she's so reckless. When the truth about her past comes out, he realizes that he's failed her by constantly turning her away. She needed him and he wasn't there for her. Done with denying himself what he wants, he finally goes after Hadley.
When the threat becomes very real and her life and her dad's are jeopardized, he realizes the truth. That he can't protect her and do his job at the same time. Will her father always come first??
A MUST read!!
So many unexpected twists! Thank you for weaving this story. Ryder, the sexy bodyguard and so much more. Hadley, she's anything but a little princess, yet she is the senator's daughter. That makes her off limits, but the chemistry is to much for them to fight. Caught in the crosshairs of a blackmail scheme that is deeper than at first glance they come together. Can they last through the crisis?
Definitely worth the read to find out and a must read series overall.
Really enjoyed this one, was a little shocked to discover who had leaked the stories on the guys. Looking forward to the final book in the series!
Restrained Under His Duty is a pulse-pounding romantic suspense tale with some kinky times on the side. I read through this one fast!
Ryder has been the chief of security for California’s senator for many years, and when the tabloids start to link Ryder and the senator’s daughter, Hadley, he’s on a quest to find out the culprit of the gossip. But with hackers and political maneuvering, he’s pulled tight. The last thing he needs is his relationship with Hadley to become more than gossip in the rags. But he’s helpless to resist her.
Hadley becomes the victim of blackmail, and the only guy she relies on is Ryder. It brings them close together and soon, their making the gossip a reality. Hadley won’t have it any other way. The man finally sees her. But when enemies strike, it’s all-hands-on-deck. Can they be more with Ryder’s loyalty stretched? Or will it be too much for them both?
The suspense and nail-biting action in this story is ridiculously on point. One thing after another after another, and I was riveted to the action. The first scene has the conflict in full-gear. Ryder confronts Hadley about a picture he received—one where she’s wrapped in bondage—and Hadley is the one on the prowl for Ryder. Hadley’s been dropping hints, but Ryder has such a loyalty to his character. He’s looked after and protected the senator for many years, and he doesn’t want to complicate anything. Hadley weasels into his view, and I always love seeing a confident alpha break a few of his rules.
But I was also surprised by how playful Ryder is. From the blurb, I got that there was going to be some BDSM in it, and Ryder was part of a group of dominants. I’m used to seeing Doms cast as alpha and protective to the core—which Ryder is, no doubt—but he’s also so down-to-earth and funny, a hint of mischief too. It’s a heady combo for Hadley. But don’t expect a lot of this element because there wasn’t. Besides one scene, BDSM doesn’t really play a huge part.
I also enjoyed Hadley who takes everything in stride. She’s been through a lot, and emotionally, she doesn’t let herself feel. She needs Ryder to help make this happen. It wove into the external plot really well and kept me on the edge of my seat. A lot happens in this book. There’s so much intrigue as they try to find out whose behind numerous plot elements. The surprise at the end sent me reeling, and I am dying for the next book in this series.
I highly recommend this one for those who enjoy high action driven romances. I had a darn good time trying to figure out who has these two in his or her cross-hairs. 4.5 stars!
Kennedy's voice and wit are always a treat, and this story is no exception. Ryder and Hadley's story is hot, but full of suspense and intrigue to keep interest and the story flowing. It isn't an immature, drama laden relationship; it is a fresh, honest pairing that isn't without complications, but they're faced without nagging drama which is refreshing! Kennedy has pride of place on my shelf, and Restrained adds to her reign!
Loved this book!!! The sexual tension between the two of them is explosive. Hadley had lust and loved Ryker from a far for a long time. Ryker felt torn between the Senator and Hadley. Hadley was a strong person for all the horrible things she had been through. Still keep going.I loved the first book too!
I'm going to start this review with I love this series & can't wait for Gabe's story to find out once & for all who's bugging these guys & selling their stories to the tabloids & why. I have a hard time believing it's just who they say it is at the end. Anyway! Back to Ryder & Hadley's story. Woo-wee this is a sexy one. I love that it's kinky but not so much that it's the complete focus of the story. The sparks fly between these two characters before they even become involved with each other. I highly recommend this book!
4.5 stars.
ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was thrilled to receive this copy having already read the previous two books in this series. This can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the whole series in chronological order (they are just all so very good!).
I have loved all of these books and Ryder and Hadley's story is no exception. It has just the right amount of sexiness, suspense and held my interest from start to finish. I like the elements of BDSM present they add some spice but don't overwhelm the story itself. Kudos to Stacey Kennedy for another fabulous book. Bring on book number four.
This is another great addition to the series. I like that each book brings the reader further into the mystery of who is sabotaging the four friends while each book has its own separate plot. Looking forward to Gabe's story.
Restrained Under His Duty is the third book in the Dirty Little Secrets series. I enjoyed Ryder and Hadley’s characters and look forward to reading more of this series
The Dominants Council strikes again and doesn't disappoint. This has been an exciting series and i look forward to seeing how Gabe's story plays out. Suspenseful and hot, Ryder and Hadley show that love really does conquer all.
What I feel for this story is worse than hunger. It's worse than thirst. It's even worse than pain. I feel the way about this story that Ryder felt about Hadley Winters, the daughter of Senator Gary Winters. Ryder is more than a bodyguard but he feels that he owes the Senator and he, for whatever reason in his twisted mind, doesn't feel that he can act on his feelings for Hadley while protecting her father.
This story should be classified Romance, Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense and earns 5 stars in each category.
I'm not going to retell the story and ruin things but here is a preview... Hadley doesn't have vanilla relationships and seeks her encounters in BDSM clubs. Ryder has a very secret connection to a local club and someone is after his colleagues. Someone is also trying to force the Senator to retire. Why and how does this all fit together?
You will not be disappointed in this story and I can't properly express my appreciation to the author, Loveswept and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this story before it hits the presses.
While I really liked the first book in the series, I struggled to connect to the characters in this one. The story was intriguing and well developed but I just couldn't sink into the story. Ryder was a great alpha male but I found myself not liking Hadley. As a couple, they were very flat and not believable. I actually enjoyed the secondary female character Alex far more. I'm looking forward to her story and I think the way the author set up Gabes story that I will enjoy it as much as the first one.