Incredible! I cannot tell you how much I loved this story. Sidney Halston really did me in with this book. She had just the right amount of everything. A hard-working woman. A heart-throb of a man. One look and Rocco is a goner. One word out of his mouth and Annabelle knew she had to put him in his place. Now, he’s the teacher – she’s the student. She’s the bodyguard – he’s hell bent on protecting her. Mix all of this together and you have a story with drama, humor, mystery, romance and love.

Some people may say that Annabelle is snarky and too strong a woman. No, she’s not. She’s a woman in a man’s world and has to constantly prove herself. You either become one of guys, show them that you can do it just as good as them (if not better) or you flounder. Now, add 4 older brothers and she had no choice but to be a professional, to know her stuff and fight for her place in Iron Clad Security and the family. She made the mistake of falling in love with someone she shouldn’t have and paid the price. But, it’s becoming extremely hard being with Rocco, protecting him, acting as his girlfriend, seeing a side of the heart-throb that the public doesn’t see, getting to know him without putting her heart at risk, again.

Rocco is not your average movie star. He doesn’t believe in flaunting his lifestyle. He’s a normal man that just happens to be a successful actor. He does not want a bodyguard. He’ll agree to one, but it has to be Annabelle Clad. She’ll blend in as she acts as his girlfriend. But, something has happened … he’s never felt about another woman what he’s feeling for Annabelle. His libido is off the charts … she’s beautiful, sexy and, the more she puts him in his place, the more turned on he gets. Now, he’s finding himself wanting to know about her, about her life, her deepest and darkest secrets. He’s falling in love and is excited about it. But, can he live with her putting herself in constant danger?
It’s impossible to really get into this story without a whole bunch of spoilers. Needless to say, I loved that the story flowed off the pages. There was no time to wonder what was going to happen next or what would come out of either of their mouths. The banter between the two of them just enhanced a sexually charged story. But, the banter between Annabelle and her brother Joey was starting to get on my nerves. I know that Sidney Halston was trying to pass him off as an overly protective brother but, to me, he came off as chauvinistic. In the short time that they were together, Rocco saw more worth in her than her own brother. Joey bothered me. I loved that Annie could stand on her own two feet, that she was able to lower her guard and be a woman at the same time as being badass.

Sidney Halston did a wonderful job of bringing this story together and being able to bring some humor and romance into what was an intense story.

ARC received for review

Annie's brother doesn't think she can hand field work. Rocco only wants her to protect him. Annie wins the job, after landing Rocco on his back. Loved the back and forth between them. Men, they do stupid things and it lands him in hot water. Annie forgives him and true love wins in the end.

I hope Ms. Halston has plans for all of Annie's brothers, not just Joey.

Chemistry and action meant a great read…

I love a good bodyguard romance and this one, with a reversal in traditional roles, suited Rocco and Annabelle to a T!

Rocco was a sexy, handsome movie star who found himself in a role that may very well kill him. Enter Annabelle, ex-military and all kinds of capable, her beautiful face covered equal amounts of well-earned confidence and life-knocked insecurity. They both had something to prove and, together, they squabbled their way through their own issues and those that struck when love came calling…

I found myself lost with these characters and their story. This well-written read had all the action, love and intrigue I wanted. Each page turn offered me something to smile with or rail against as the chemistry between the main characters burned brighter with each obstacle they overcame.

This author is one I go to for romantic suspense and this read ticked all the boxes.

Last First Kiss was another great read by Sidney Halston. I love the Iron-Clad Security series. The books can be read as stand alones but do yourself & read them all.

I have a new go-to author. I thought the story line was really well written & the characters had such depth & warmth to them.

I’ve already bought the next book in the Iron-Clad Security series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

All Annabelle Clad wants is the chance to prove to her brother that she can do just as good a job as a bodyguard than any man. However, with her overprotective brother keeping refusing her plea for field work, she feels she'll never get the chance until potential client and movie star Rocco Monroe asks for her personally when she shows him that he shouldn't underestimate women. Yet, as Annabelle tries to do her best to avoid getting involved with Rocco anything more than as a professional, he's determined to perform to the best of his abilities in the biggest role of his career. But when things turn dangerous and Rocco finds his life threatened, Annabelle will do anything to protect him. Will she succeed in her first role as a bodyguard, or will she have to admit that her brother is right?

Any chance to read a book by Ms. Halston is an absolute delight, and I've got to say that this story is one of her best books yet. Really, it was highly entertaining due to the incredible main characters, especially the heroine, as her back story was heartbreaking and if anyone deserves love and happiness it's her after all she's been through; the dialogue was a wonderful combination of intense moments and playful banter between the main characters that had me smiling, laughing and close to tears; and the fast-paced storyline grabbed at my attention immediately because the heroine is determined to fight for her chance at playing bodyguard and isn't afraid to go head-to-head with her brother. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine meet where this story gets very interesting and had me smiling for the first time because of what Annabelle does to Rocco. Honestly, serves himself right!

As for the heroine, she's resilient, courageous and I liked that she finally told her brother all about what happened to her during her time in the military, which was something she needed to get off her chest if she was to ever heal from the emotional wounds of her past. I also liked how determined she was to resist Rocco, even though it's hopeless because their chemistry is powerful and it's palpable that he's determined to win her over with his charm. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was how determined she was to protect the hero, even if it meant putting her own life in danger over and over. While the hero, he's determined to be the best he can be as an actor because the role he's been given is the role of a lifetime and could do great things for his career, which is what he needs to bounce back after what happened with his last few films. I also liked that he wasn't afraid to give Annabelle a chance to be his bodyguard because he knows she'll do a good job of guarding him. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was his determination to win the heroine over. Certainly, he's arrogant and charming and hard to resist when he turns on the charm.

Overall, Ms. Halston has delivered an incredible read in this second book of her Iron Clad Security series where the chemistry between this couple was heady and convincing; the romance was hot and had me really liking these two together because no one is more deserving of happy ever after than Annabelle; and the ending had me worried for the main characters as the danger closes in, but left me completely satisfied as to how things worked out for this couple. I would recommend Last First Kiss by Sidney Halston, if you enjoy stories containing female bodyguards, movie star heroes, the opposites attract trope or books by authors K. Bromberg, Layla Hagen, Scarlett Cole and Cherrie Lynn.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
5 freaking wonderful stars!! I liked the first book quite a bit but this was my favorite so far!!


This is book two in the “Iron Clad Security” series but can be read as a stand alone.







💖 This is Annie and Rocco’s story...


Rocco~ I am a movie star, so yea I have to deal with crazy fans, but no way in hell do I need a body guard. Especially a big bulky guy following me around making me look like a pussy. Buuuutttt if that hot chick over there is going to be my bodyguard then maybe this will work....

Annie~ I am so tired of being treated different. I was an MP
in the army. I saw hell and came back. My brother had no clue what I was capable of. So guarding this hot actor, no problem at all...




💭 My Thoughts...

Wow!! First off I am late with this review but I actually got the ARC from NetGalley well after it was published. The reason I am stating this is because I don’t know how the hell I missed this book. When I read book one I knew this was going to be a killer book!! And boy was I not disappointed. I absolutely love this book!! I could not put it down.

Annie actually reminds me of myself (of course I wasn’t on the army, though I wanted to when I was younger). I love her spunk. I love the role reversal in this book. Annie and Rocco are hilarious and just the perfect couple. Joey did piss me off quite a bit but being the oldest sibling of four I totally get it. For some reason my favorite part was when Rocco wakes up and finds out she is at set and he is pissed! He then goes to set and whispers in her ear “Before I met you, I was a pleasant person”. I can see exactly what he looked like all frustrated and being sarcastic. It may sound crazy but I was cracking up.

This book has mystery, suspense, action, romance, charm, humor, sexy time, pain, heart break and so much more. Trust me you do not want to miss out!!





** I received this as a review copy through NetGalley and in return gave my honest review** ~Melissa J (Book Addicts Reviews)

This book was completely different from the rest! First of all, we have a female bodyguard protecting a pretty boy like our hero. It's definitely something you should read if you're into having stories with traditional roles reversed. Our heroine is sassy, strong, and brave and it's really something admirable. I'm definitely looking to read more in the series!

good read. well written, love the whole bodyguard story line

I loved Rocco and Annie’s story... Rocco is a bonafide movie star. Annie is a soldier turned bodyguard working for her brother’s company. The setup should make this a disaster of epic proportions... Annie always feels underestimated by her brothers, and she doesn’t see that their criticism hides their concern for her safety. She’s faced challenges in the past that would make grown men cower, and they never want to see her put in jeopardy again. Rocco isn’t what he seems... Sure, he is a star, but he also has a past that’s fraught with abandonment and instability. Maybe they aren’t so different after all. Maybe if they each put down the barriers they’ve erected, they can find solid ground to build a real relationship. But wait... I’m getting ahead of myself because this is all for show right? It will be a short four months while Rocco needs security during the filming of his latest movie—security he thinks is unnecessary to begin with. Can they each get over their past and their egos and embrace what could be?

I have heard nothing but fantastic things about the Iron Clad series so when I got the chance to read book 2 in the series I was so excited and I dived into the story as soon as I possibly could and it was just such a fantastic read. In this book we follow Annie and Rocco and I just loved these two together, I also loved that, things were reversed and what I meant by that was he was star and she was the body guard . At first it might have seem like these two just didn't like each other but as we got deeper and deeper into this story you get to see the chemistry between these become more and more intense until it finally blumed into a fiery romance . The romance was sexy, fun and very honest, I rooted for this couple no matter what happened. Besides the romance, there was so much more going on in this book that mainly revolved around the film that was being shot and seeing that unfold had me at the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed story and it once again showed me that love finds you in some very unexpected ways .Iam so happy with how Annie and Rocco story unfolded in this book and Iam so excited to see what Sidney Halston will write next . If you are looking for a sexy , fun ,firey , thrilling , addicting read then you should definately get your jands on Last first kiss as soon as you can .

Annie is the only sister and youngest of a family of five. Her brother owns Iron Clad security who has been hired to protect Hollywood hunk Rocco Monroe. Annie convince her brother to let her be the bodyguard. Rocco is nothing that Annie thought he would be like, he is down to earth. Great storyline and can't wait for more or this series.

Last First Kiss by Sidney Halston
Book #2: Iron Clad Security
Source: Netgalley and Purchase
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:

Annie Clad has spent her life proving herself, first in the military and now to her brother and his partner as a part of Iron Clad Security. Make no mistake, Annie is a badass with extensive training, but she’s often overlooked or deemed incapable simply because she’s a woman. All she needs is a chance and Hollywood hottie, Rocco Monroe is just the chance she’s been waiting for.

Rocco Monroe is looking to be taken seriously as an actor. Oh sure, he’s had plenty of successful movies, box office blockbusters, but none have been serious or critically acclaimed roles. Rocco’s latest project has the potential to take his career and reputation to a whole new level, but that’s only if the film gets made. There’s a lot of blow back, protests, and threats over this project and one of the conditions of Rocco’s involvement is a full-time bodyguard. Rocco’s convinced the threats aren’t credible and wants nothing to do with a bodyguard until he meets Annie Clad. Suddenly, the prospect of being shadowed full-time doesn’t seem so bad. But, Rocco has some conditions of his own.

In Hollywood, perception is everything which means must blend into Rocco’s world. Her beauty will distract most from the fact she’s lethal and Rocco can offer the world a glimpse of his new “girlfriend.” What begins as a pure working relationship (because Annie refuses to be a cliché) quickly escalates into so much more. Annie is hypervigilant in her protection, and until a rock comes crashing through his home’s window and the set he’s working on is attacked, Rocco isn’t convinced he needs Annie for more than a fake to real girlfriend. It’s when the sh*t gets real that Rocco realizes his life is truly in danger, he has real feelings for Annie, and he begins to struggle with the fact that his job is making a woman he legitimately cares about a target. For Annie’s part, protecting Rocco and unraveling who’s behind all the danger becomes an obsession fueled by memories of her time in the military and the tremendous (though largely unknown) loss she suffered while in combat.

The Bottom Line: I walked into this read expecting to like everyone (because it’s Sidney Halston!), discovered I disliked everyone, and then had my opinion totally changed as the story unfolded. Rocco is arrogant and cocky, especially in public and sees Annie as an accessory more than protection in the beginning. As the story unfolds and Rocco begins to tell his story and see Annie’s true value, he becomes far more likeable. Annie begins her journey with a HUGE chip on her shoulder and healthy dose of anger she takes out on nearly every man in her sphere. As Rocco evolves and opens to her, Annie begins to soften though that softness in no way lessens or detracts from her badassery! There is so much growth in these characters across this read and that growth is initiated by both their responses to one another and the truly incredible danger they are forced to endure. Halston doesn’t let up for a second and it’s worth every minute of the initial dislike to get to the absolutely well-deserved and hard-earned HEA that is waiting for both Rocco and Annie!

I really enjoyed this book! This author has a fantastic way of writing action, suspense, drama and adding in a bit of humor.

Interesting storyline, likable and relatable characters, and an overall cohesive joining. Very great read. 4/5 stars

4 1/2 Stars!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance

I have read the previous book in this series, but don't really believe that it's necessary to read book two.

I loved this story. It was a slight role reversal in that Annie is the protector and Rocco is the one needing protection.

Annie is a war veteran and believes that she has proven herself in her brothers' security firm. However, she is also hiding a lot of hurt and pain from her service and despite loving her family and her job, isn't quite ready to tell everyone the extent of what happened to her.

Rocco is a movie star that is either on the cusp of moving into "dramatic" roles or having his career tank. He is going to be playing a very controversial role and because of that, he needs security.

While Annie believes that she is ready for field work, her very overprotective and somewhat pigheaded brother doesn't want her hurt. Joey is a hard character to know and I wanted to smack him a lot throughout this book. Even though you know that it comes from a place of love and fear, it still didn't make it any easier to read about.

The relationship between Annie and Rocco grew in a very organic manner. It was definitely not love at first sight – it was more Annie kicking butt at first sight, which I loved.

I can't wait to see what comes next, but I have loved this series.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Last First Kiss is a great role reversal story. Ms. Halston took what is a typical romance, the A-lister and the bodyguard, and shook it up giving us something that is so far from the typical read.

Annie wants to prove just because she is female doesn't mean she can't protect not only herself but others as well. She needs to prove she deserves a spot, even with the overbearing, protective brother.

Rocco Monroe is trying to turn his career around. When he takes on a role that has his life in danger, he needs someone to watch is back. What he wasn't expecting is a five foot seven, strawberry blonde, hazel eyed woman. Rocco and Annie have some amazing chemistry. The battle between them is flirty and the sexual tension is high. I loved Annie's character. She's sassy and down to earth.

Ms. Halston easily draws you in and you just can't get enough. I look forward to what's next.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and whilst it reads well as a standalone, it was great to revisit the Clad clan, first introduced in Kiss Marry Kill.

This time it is Annabelle who gets to prove that she is effective in the personal protection business, even if she too falls for the client. Even if she has her brother who has preceded her in that particular role, she is still determined to prove her worth as a bodyguard.

It is good to have a strong female character in a usually male role. And I liked that she was being real, whilst the person she protected was acting. There is no pretence in the chemistry that there is between them, but the stakes are high. The relationship between her and Rocco is full of fun, even with the issues that give rise to him needing her as protection.

Good addition to the series, and now we have one Clad left to find his happily ever after. Can't wait!

4.5 stars.
Abolutely loved this one a whole lot. Second book in the Iron Clad Security series and this was made so much better for me by the unexpected twist of having the bodyguard be female.
Annie Clad is not only bold and sexy but she is definitely badass too and Rocco Monroe is the gorgeous celebrity moviestar that she has been assigned to protect, after threats are made regarding an upcoming movie that is about to be filmed in which he is slotted to play the lead.
This is such a funny, sexy and delightfully romantic book with a hint of suspense and it was a wonderful read too.
I have also read book one and equally enjoyed it as well. This is turning out to be a truly great series by the talented Sidney Halston who is a favorite author of mine (loved the "Panic" series).
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Good story. Interesting twist in the middle. I liked the characters and can't wait for the next one.

Annabelle was ready for a change. Tired of being stuck behind a computer she pleaded with her brother for a field assignment. This assignment would change hers in ways she couldn't have possibly imagined. Rocco Monroe is ready to shed his image behind and play a highly controversial figure in Colombian history. His safety is threatened and Annie will do everything she can to keep him safe. Will she get her heart broken again or finally heal the tattered remains of her past? Absolutely loved this book!

I usually enjoy Sidney Halston very much and in fact have a few of her books on my keep shelf. This time I loved the story but not the characters. There is nothing attractive about Rocco. His attitude isn't bad boy it's just comes off as jerk instead. And wow. Annabelle is a strong character and matching her with him makes no sense. It was just an odd pairing and made the book hard to like. Having said that, I loved the story itself. It placed a strong woman alongside a man to do the rescuing. I believe that her fans will like it if just wasn't my cup of tea.