Member Reviews

This is my first Stacey Kennedy book and I enjoyed it.
I love a small town romance and this just fit the bill.
I enjoyed reading about Peyton and Boone. It's not my favourite romance novel but It was alright. I like the air of mystery and suspense...
I enjoyed Peyton and Boone's sweet and sexy story.

A solid 3.5 stars

Was this review helpful?

~3.5 Stars ~

This is my first Stacey Kennedy book and I have to say I enjoyed the story and characters in this book.

There were many things I liked about this story. Such as the characters, storyline and the overall feel of the story. I was intrigued with this story after reading the blurb. I love a good romantic suspense story. This book had all I was looking for in this genre of story.

What I think truly took away from this story was that it is told in the third person POV and I am not a huge fan of that POV. I almost always feel like the story is being read to me instead of me feeling what the characters are feeling by being in their heads. I also felt there was too much filler in the story. I felt the pace of the story kind of dragged in spots and we also got a lot of repeated information or thoughts throughout the story.

Now even with saying that, I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Stacey Kennedy's or if you like a romantic suspense story. This was an entertaining one. It took me some time to figure out who the bad guy was, but once I did, I was correct in figuring out why they did what they did.

Definitely give this one a try, just because it wasn't a favorite 5 star read for me doesn't me others won't love this story!!!

Was this review helpful?

I thought this story was just okay but I also read this at a time when I was going through a reading slump and didn't really love anything I was reading. I wouldn't steer anyone away from reading this book because I don't really have a problem with the writing or the story. It's more of an "it's not you, it's me" situation and this is probably a book that I will have to come back to in the future to see if it really was just my mood.

Was this review helpful?

I loved a lot about this story. The instant attraction, the mutual respect, the fact that there was a connection between Peyton and Boone that you could really feel and relate to. Both of them have been burned by things that happened in the past, and it made them reluctant to commit to a serious relationship...but willing to engage in a short term fling that didn't mean anything and wasn't leading to a relationship.

At least this is what they told themselves. But it definitely isn't what ended up happening. And, watching them sort it out, and realize that there was so much more than a one night stand was enjoyable...and hot.

There's a murder in her new shop subplot. While I figured out who was guilty almost immediately, the point of the plot wasn't who was guilty but the depth added to the story but the danger she is in. It was the catalyst for the realization that there was a lot more between them than a casual relationship that wasn't going anywhere.

I really enjoyed this title, and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

Was this review helpful?

I was pleasantly surprise with all the mystery that this story had. Peyton's fresh start will drag along more excitement than she wanted but it will give her an opportunity to get close to Boone and really get to know him. She doesn't have the intention of finding someone, so giving in to him is not her first instinct. But they bond in a deeper level by sharing past pains and trusting their secrets on each other. Secrets that have been buried for long enough and need freeing to move forward. Peyton has such a beautiful and caring heart. She is a really strong woman. And Boone is understanding and so protective. He will stop at nothing to protect her. Which makes the story even better because you as a reader will be trying to guess what and who's causing all the danger. This book also leaves you not so patiently wanting the next story. You will really want things to be solved for all the other friends that appear in this story.

Was this review helpful?

Small town life at it's sexiest! Stacey Kennedy brings us a great rendition of her signature steamy read with a whole lot of heart and a twist of intrigue and mystery thrown in and it is HOT! Learning Peyton's back story brings a lot to the picture as we start to watch the connection between she and Boone develop. There's a touch of sadness mixed with a whole lot of spunk as she starts to fall harder than she ever thought was possible again. Loved this story!

Peyton Kerr picked up her life and started over after a major tragedy tore life as she knew it apart and left her with only heartbreaking memories. She's enjoying the quiet pace of Stoney Creek, Maine where small town life is warm and comforting and best of all, no one greets her with pity in their eyes because they know about her past.

Police detective Boone Knight has been enjoying a subtle flirtation with Peyton whenever he runs into her in town, so when he's called to the scene of a crime at her boutique, he's concerned! The victim found dead in her store bears more than a little resemblance to Peyton ... was it happenstance, or did someone get the wrong person when aiming for Peyton? He's determined to keep her safe while he gets to the bottom of the murder!

Was this review helpful?

3 stars
If you are looking for a mystery/romance, then this is the book for you. It wasn't really my cup of tea. I liked some of Stacey Kennedy's other books more than this one.

Was this review helpful?

A quick fun read that sweeps you in and holds you on an edge all the way to the end. The chemistry between Boone and Peyton is hot from the get go as is their resistance to scratch that itch until murder removes all barriers.
Newly widowed Peyton leaves her busy life in Seattle to settle down in Maine where she has fond and happy memories of her deceased husband. She instantly forms a bond with next door business neighbor Kinsley and the spark of electricity between her and Kinsley's detective brother Boone gets her senses humming but for a variety of reasons does not progress further.
Then a cleaner look alike is killed in her store and Boone is the detective on the job. Boone and his friends work the case and are convinced that Peyton is the target and it's probably something that followed her to Maine given that her husband died in a car accident not too long ago. As the suspense heats up and danger looms the chemistry between Peyton and Boone takes them to horizontal.
I really enjoyed the characters and can't wait to read more about this quaint town in Maine and the hot men and cool men that people the pages of this story.

Was this review helpful?

Stacey Kennedy starts her new series off strongly with Naughty Stranger. I was most impressed by the balance between the primary romance, the suspense aspect, and the need to introduce the cast of characters and setting for the series. I never felt that anything was missing. The characters, both primary and secondary are as complex and interesting as I like. That made it easy to root for their happily ever after and to look forward to stories involving the rest of the group. I especially was taken by the crisp, smart dialogue, always appropriate to both character and situation. The suspense aspect underlying Naughty Stranger is well woven and resolved well. All in all, I am pleased and looking forward to the rest of this series.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

Was this review helpful?

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet, sexy romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?

Wow! What a story. I was engrossed from the first page. Peyton moves to Stoney Creek to restart her life. Boone is a detective that is trying to forget his rocky past. Of course they find each other. They make rules to protect their hearts. But the rules break left and right. And then the accidents start happening. And you just can’t put the book down because the mystery keeps getting bigger and bigger. This is a great book and great start to a new series. All the characters are likable and make the book better. I can not wait for the next book and see what ride that takes us on.

Was this review helpful?

Never saw this story coming! An excellent read with all the right components to keep you reading until dawn! Just when you think you know what is coming, it changes directions and surprises you! The characters are realistic, the story is believable, and all of it is wrapped up into a fantastic novel of intrigue and romance.

Peyton Kerr wants to start her life over and live a peaceful, if boring life away from the tragedies she has endured. Enter Boone Knight, the local police detective, who wants life to be simple with no relationships. A break-in and murder in Peyton’s shop brings them together and the rest, as they say, is history. It’s the history that makes it all so interesting!

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.

Was this review helpful?

What a great story! Peyton and Boone, wow! This story has love, suspense, twists.... I could not put it down!

Was this review helpful?

A promising start to the Dangerous Love series by Stacey Kennedy. A good suspenseful romance, Naughty Stranger tells the story of Peyton and Boone. I enjoyed these characters and their interaction and along with the well delivered storyline read it through in one sitting. I will definitely be recommending and waiting for the next book.

Was this review helpful?

sweet, second chance romance. nothing out of this world, but a pleasant read that holds your attention. I enjoy Stacey Kennedy's work and although the suspense isn't great in this, it is a good flowing (even if cookie cutter) romance.

Was this review helpful?

This was a pleasant surprise! To be honest, I was not the biggest fan of how the relationship got started because it was purely based on lust. In other words, it was insta-lust between Peyton and Boone. I found the romance to be a bit boring because they jumped into bed together SO quickly that there was barely any sexual tension leftover. But I must say that Boone was definitely my type of hero – he is effortlessly sexy. He doesn't even need to try. He just is. He just is SO. SEXY. Here is a description:

"She turned as Mr. Crooked Smile sat on the stool next to her. He was tall – around six foot two, pure muscle, an all-around fine specimen of a man. His intense blue eyes that appeared nearly gray in the low lighting held hers, and his five-o'clock shadow brought her attention to his totally kissable lips. He wore a navy-blue T-shirt that stretched across his chest, showcasing hard biceps, and jeans that hugged his thick thighs. 'Hi.' he grinned, voice as smooth as melted chocolate."

Oh, uh, he's also a detective who rides a motorcycle. Be still my heart.

To my surprise, the mystery aspect was highly engaging, despite the obvious culprit. I also loved the relationship development in the second half of the book, which mostly focused on the emotional intimacy between Peyton and Boone. While the romance didn't blow my mind away, I did think that it was developed really well. Overall, I would say that I definitely enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first half. The second half was basically unputdownable.

Aside from the quick insta-lust, the other thing that kind of bugged me was the author's flashback technique. This is just a personal preference though.

I believe I will continue reading this series! Next book will be about Asher and Remy and the final book is probably going to be about Rhett and Kinsley.

Was this review helpful?

Widowed for a year, Peyton starts a new life and business in Stoney Creek a small town in Maine. At a bar she meets police detective Boon and is immediately attracted to him as he is to her, although neither want any type of relationship. When a woman is found murdered in Peytons store Boon and his team investigate, it soon becomes clear that this murder involves Peyton and her past.
As the relationship and investigation develops the mystery as to why Peyton is being targeted deepens.
A lovely read, great characters and a good who dun nit as well, though I did guess the culprit. Only draw back , for me, was the title, somehow didn’t fit this book perhaps more suitable to erotic fiction title and this book was so much more. That said extremely enjoyable, a great read.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! I loved this book and was hooked from the very beginning. The story just drew me in to the point I did not want to put it down.
How do you love again after you have lost the love of your life? Peyton leaves Seattle to find herself again, and to get away from everything that reminded her of her dead husband. She goes to the last place she was happy. After meeting and kissing a hot stranger, what does she need to do next. Things are not always as they seem. Boone has survived being betrayed by his now ex wife, but has he really come out for the better? How does he come back from that? It starts by meeting the new woman in town.
The sparks fly once these two connect and never slow down. I love the journey to their HEA.

Was this review helpful?

Great book! Hooked me from the very beginning and had me guessing til the very end! I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!!

Was this review helpful?

Peyton Kerr started her life over in Stoney Creek, Maine after a sudden tragedy blew her world apart. She’s loving her small-town life and her easy flirtation with Boone Knight has given her reason to smile. Not wanting the complications of a relationship, Boone finally admits that he’d like to explore the sizzling attraction between him and Peyton when he volunteers to protect his newest and sexiest resident. But he has to convince Peyton to trust him with her past if he wants to keep alive as a merciless killer grows bolder with each passing day.

This romance is explosively sexy and full of breath holding suspense that keeps readers on edge. The characters are bold and captivating with lots of magnetic attraction but what’s more this couple fit together in a way that makes readers smile knowingly. Lots of emotional turmoil and heart gripping emotions ensures that the readers can easily understand the characters’ motivations and desires.

The plots is fast paced and a perfect combination of romance and suspense that keeps readers thoroughly engaged with the story as the suspense builds with some stunning twists and betrayals keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The story is set in a small town which adds intrigue to the atmosphere of the suspense and readers can’t help but relish this juicy combination of sexy, sweet and passionate romance and thrilling suspense.

Was this review helpful?