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Listening Length 7 hours and 21 minutes

From USA Today best-selling authors W Winters and Amelia Wilde comes a sinful romance with a touch of dark and angst that will keep you gripping the edge of your seat … and begging for more.

I should have known when I couldn’t keep my eyes off her that this would be a mistake.

I was hired to protect her, this woman who’s lost everything yet there’s an obvious fire that blazes behind her beautiful gaze. She stares back, daring and tempting me. It calls to a side of me that’s darker and longs to tame her.

We both have secrets, we both have a past we’re not ready to face. More than that, we both want to get lost in each other, falling into a forbidden game of control and power. Of submission and dominance.

The moment she agrees to my terms, I know I’ve crossed a line. One of many rules I’m willing to break. No one can know, not a soul, but secrets in the life I lead never last for long.

7 pages, Audible Audio

Published July 2, 2021

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About the author

Willow Winters

151 books17.5k followers
Willow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Best Selling Author!

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Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.

In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!


Want to know how to read Willow's books? Get a FREE PDF download from Willow here: https://www.willowwinterswrites.com/o...

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5 stars
631 (34%)
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404 (22%)
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150 (8%)
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67 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 467 reviews
May 25, 2021





This is one of those on the edge of my seat kind of read, that make you what the heck did you sign yourself up kinda books

Eleanor Bordeu. Born into wealth and a high-profile individual, doesn’t always mean she gets what she wants…. Well maybe it does most of the time

She has been committed to psychiatric clinic for god knows which of her many discretions …. Her manager, helps her get release to The Firm – So all of partners of The Firm have extensive backgrounds in high-profile security and personal client care.



Things get somewhat interesting from the Beginning between Ella & Zander …. Let’s hope that the author stick to this being a Duet, so everything can fall into place in the next installment



➦📚 *Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion+ Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book. 💕 Happy Reading & Enjoy

description

November 20, 2022
Very ugly cover. Very good Book!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💋💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📘
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 👨🏻👱🏻‍♀‍🧔🏻👩🏻👱🏼‍♂‍

The heroine: Ella - has been locked away in a psychiatric hospital for over a year. Her manager, Kam is helping her get out by having “The Firm” take over her care in her home. The book begins with a court hearing to transfer her care to The Firm.

The Hero(es): Zander - he works for The Firm, which is owned by his Brother Cade. The firm is actually a private security company and this will be the first time they are guarding someone like Ella. They usually guard high paying celebrities and people who’ve been physically threatened. They are all former military.

The Story: Zander and Ella are attracted to each other the first time their eyes meet in the courtroom. From there the attraction grows, but neither of them can do anything about it since Ella is a client.

I have to say this even if it is just my personal preference, but I hate it when both main characters have secrets or a past that is referred to every few minutes but don’t come out fully until later. You learn a bit here and there until finally you know most of it before it finally comes out. I know this is a valid plot device and used often, but I hate not knowing everything about at least one of the characters.

I like no foreshadowing before secrets are revealed. It is much more fun when something knocks you off your feet out of the blue. In this book Ella has the fact that she was in a psychiatric hospital. That isn’t the secret, but why was she in there, was she suicidal or was it a misunderstanding?

Zander has a past, a past love, and something he did that haunts him. So they both have issues. I liked the fact that Zander was a dominant and Ella a submissive. I thought it added to the heat in this book.

Though the more I read, the more I really liked this story. I like mental health issues in romance and some of the secrets are revealed at the end and of course there is a huge cliffhanger that you can see coming but had to happen. The romance was hot and these two are perfect for each other if only they were in a different situation. I can’t wait for the rest.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

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Profile Image for ApoorvaReads.
485 reviews341 followers
May 24, 2021
3.75 or 4 stars ⭐️

”The black letters on white paper don’t do justice to the grays of morality.  Every shade matters because they all come with a story.  A reason.  A thread that makes up the fabric of who they really are when no one else is looking.”

I’m still confused about what just happened?? I mean till 20%, I couldn’t understand a single thing but then once i got the hang of things, something else happens which leaves me even more confused but i understand that it’s a duet and the second instalment will answer all the questions(🤞🏻). This book wasn’t what I was expecting. If you read the blurb you’ll notice that the blurb isn’t really informative and I think it’s for the best cause this book really surprised me.

”Zander feels like a risk because he is. The warmth that moves through me when he looks at me, when he talks to me—it’s dangerous with what it could do to me. He makes me forget it all.”

Zander Thompson is a part of “The Firm” which not only provides physical security but also helps clients battle mental health issues though his main job is providing security. He meets Ella who is their new client and his feelings aren’t really “professional”👀. He is a man who is haunted by his past which wasn’t really mentioned in detailed but i hope we get to know more abt it in book 2.

”She’s a beautiful distraction who’s mesmerized me. I could’ve listened to her talk all day, or even longer, about virtually nothing. It was as if a door had cracked open, letting in a little light. Her eyes hadn’t seemed so haunted. Guarded, yes.”

Eleanor Bordeu is possibly the most intriguing character in the book. She’s released from mental health facility into hands of the firm. I really couldn’t figure out why she was the way she was and the fact that the book kept me awake with my thoughts about her is probably one of the best thing a reader can experience (or it might just be cause I study psychology lmao).

”It’s in this moment that I’m acutely aware of the attraction between us and how very wrong it feels.  It’s in the way he looks at me.  How his stare seems to sink through me, anchoring me to him and holding me steady. “

What I liked about the book was how it used BDSM like I didn’t expect anything like that?? But at the same time, idk, I’m still so confused🥲 and the way it ended left me even more confused cause wtf just happened-

Overall, I had a great time reading this! The tension between them felt real🥵
The book also includes bdsm, D/s relationship, voyeurism (past).
damn, I can’t wait to get closure cause i have SO MANY questions.

“Look at me.” Every time she does this—every time she brings her dark eyes to mine—I feel it. An electric jolt. It’s deep, in my veins. Ella’s breathing is fast, shallow. She needs what every sub needs after a punishment.  There’s a moment, a moment that’s far too short yet suspended in time.  And in it, I forget my words.  I forget everything except for the way she looks at me.”

***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for ... Lost  Bookland... .
372 reviews49 followers
November 29, 2022
Secrets and passion, forbidden love and sinful thoughts .... this is the world of Zander and Ella ... attraction that is born at first sight and suppresses every sobriety, breaks down all barriers and culminates in those moments filled with fiery passion and surrender ....... Two intriguing characters, each wrapped in their own mystery, each possessed by their own demon, but the desire that burns inside them is the same ....  will they manage to overcome the darkness, or just learn how to enjoy it?

The description itself does not offer much information, the title points to something else, and confusion envelops you through the first chapters .... word by word, sentence by sentence and suddenly you are trapped in the world of Ella and Zander, not knowing anything, not understanding why ... and you only want one thing, to get to the end as soon as possible, to the light that offers so many answers, and at the same time you want it to last as long as possible ... You are horrified and excited, emotions change with dizzying speed, and you wonder and thank at the same time that you have chosen this book to read ...... As always, these authors through clear and easy-to-read words, manage to weave a story that both shocks and amazes me, a story in which each answer brings even more questions, and every scene is full of suspension and brims with shorching sexuality ...  and every new page  brings a new urge to keep reading.

Narrated through flawless dual narrative, the book offers insight into the thoughts of both main characters, deftly retaining the mystery that is so obvious from beginning to end. Riches and fame come with burdens too. Every perfectly acted play comes to an end. Ella, an entitled princess, whose life is marked with old money is a character who surprises with her endurance and obedience at the same time. Zander, and his secret, as well as the task he has to perform, is a dark hero who awakens sinful thoughts in the late hours. Zander Thompson at The Firm, a private security company for high profile clients. Discretion is a must…Ella is released into their custody from a psychiatric clinic. His job is to keep her safe & sound, but, seeing her brings to mind images of inappropriate things…. Will he be able to stay professional or will lines be crossed? And they together, an explosion of passion and emotions ... Simply, even if you want, you can not ignore that sexual energy that emanates from every scene ...

And definitely, I can't wait to start the second part, which I hope offers refreshment and so much coveted answers that did not let me sleep while reading this part. Sufficiently dark and endlessly sensual, the world these authors have created offers an escape from everyday life, at least for a short while as you travel down the pages of this captivating story. Pages, filled with passion and emotions will captivate readers from the very beginning. Of course, if you are brave enough to be trapped in the sensual darkness.
218 reviews7 followers
May 22, 2021
This was such a fun read. I am not into bdsm this much but i like it in this book and how it is used . Instead of complete humiliation this was pretty decent. The chemistry was🔥. I felt it was like a slow burn as the sexual tension is building from that first court room scene. But the last sex scene was🌶🌶. I am looking forward to read the next part.
Profile Image for Sophie's Reading Corner .
854 reviews379 followers
June 4, 2021
Zander is working for the Firm and they take the case of guarding Ella 24/7 , who was previously in a psychiatric hospital. The attraction and then chemistry between them was palpable from the first moment, but it's forbidden, because both of them have issues and pasts that should also hold them apart. However, Zander's Dominant side makes it hard to resist , as he thinks that's what she needs.

I don't remember the last time I read a book that included BDSM, but it had been a while. I don't know if that's the reason, if I'm rusty or just not the biggest fan of this anymore, but something felt like it was missing from this one for me. I felt confused and I had so many questions that were never answered and therefore I'm guessing everything will be solved in the second part of the duet.



Overall, it was an interesting read, with some really spicy moments, but they came a bit too late. I expected them to come earlier, but I assume that maybe in the second part of the book, we'll get more? Last, but not least, I loved that some important topics were discussed in this book that we don't meet usually in other books. If you need something fast paced with this trope, you can give it a try.
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,665 reviews3,272 followers
Want to read
May 11, 2021
I Never Did Well...
Not Getting Whatever I Wanted...
I Had The Wealth And Lifestyle...
And If I Desired It...
It Was Mine...

Now I Have The Biggest Challenge Imaginable...
My Life Is A Mess...
They Say I Need To Be Fixed...
I Need To Have A Protector...
Someone To Confide In...
And I Do Have One...

Yet...

The Feelings I Am Having...
Are Not The Ones I Should...
They Would Be Called Inappropriate...

Forbidden...

They Cross That Line...
Break All The Rules...
To Act On Them...
It Would Need To Be In Secret...

And Yet...

After Tempting Him, Teasing Him...
I Finally Got What I Wanted...
I Was Able To Know What Those Lips Could Do...
And With Nothing More To Lose...
I Repeat Telling Him, I...


Love the Way You Kiss Me (Love The Way Duet #1)-May 25, 2021

Love the Way You Kiss Me by Willow Winters Love the Way You Kiss Me
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love The Way You Hold Me by W. Winters Love The Way You Hold Me
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

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1,010 reviews16 followers
May 22, 2021
What a page turner kind of book. Holy moly what a fantastic book. Such chemistry between Zander and Ella. By helping Ella heal does it also help him heal or will he lose everything in the process. So many emotions are felt by these characters. I love how this author makes you feel what the characters are feeling. I love this authors writing and she loves keeping you in suspense. Excited for the next book.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,337 reviews358 followers
May 23, 2021
I am still trying to make sense of my jumbled thoughts and feelings after finishing Love the Way You Kiss Me by W. Winters and Amelia Wilde. I am recovering from the shock of dizzying twists because I didn't see this story going that way at all. I am still trying to get over the fact that this story is insanely sexy and sinful while being mysterious and angsty at the same time. I may have turned the last page but the effect is still in my heart and soul.

Eleanor aka Ella Bordue has lived her life in limelights. Riches and fame come with burdens too. Her happiness was for display and so was her breakdown. It's time for her to get back to her home and her previous life after taking all the help she could. And The Firm has taken the custody of her life. An agency specialising in taking care of their client's mental and physical wellbeing round the clock. And Zander is part of the team. Ella ignites something vicious in him and he has to help her at any cost. Even if the methods are unconventional.

I didn't read the blurb and went in blind. Before reviewing, I read the blurb so that I can avoid spoilers and I can tell you nothing can prepare you for what is coming. This story is told from dual POV. Ella has lived her life without regrets and the consequences can be haunting. She is broken but trying to keep her pieces together. She is flawed but you can see the beauty in her brokenness. And Zander can see that. Ella's pain calls to his dominant side and he feels he needs to take control of her body and heart to give back her sanity. I just cannot tell you how intoxicating his personality is! He has this larger than life, brooding, commanding and soothing presence. The authors show you the shadowed and tortured part of his own heart and of course, I have fallen harder for him. His whole appearance screams "broken alpha dominant" and that's like the most potent addictive thing to my heart. It was sensual and erotic and heartbreaking and heartaching. Now they are professionally tied and whatever they want is forbidden but their chemistry is like blazing inferno. And I have questions. So many questions! What happened to Zander in past that has left him ruined? What are Ella's secrets? What is The Firm? Are there other forces trying to harm and hurt Ella? AND I NEED THE NEXT BOOK LIKE MY NEXT BREATH.

If you are looking for a book that will make you go "oh that didn't happen did it" in one second and the next second you will be like "ok someone needs to call ambulance because I am having heart attack from too much steamy sexy energy" and finally "I need more mor more"....Love the Way You Kiss Me by W. Winters and Amelia Wilde is for you! And that would be everyone because who doesn't need a book like this?

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Veronica Ticker.
897 reviews53 followers
August 16, 2022
Prepare yourself for a silent journey through the mind of two broken people. Silent because everything is subdued and quiet–like Ella who can barely speak. In a sense, the book follows the mood of both main characters, Zander the man of few words and depressed Eleanor.

This story is all about atmosphere. You’ll discover the characters and their backstory bit by bit–you’ll even be left with questions by the end of the book. The relationship too builds in tiny increments, though there’s an instant connection between Ella and Zander. I’d have loved to learn more about the other characters though, but since it’s written in dual point of view from the main characters, I suppose it’s okay to focus that much on them.

I don’t want to give away the main twist since it occurs far into the book, let’s just say that you won’t see right at the beginning how the relationship develops. Also, the few sexy times are quite hot and explicit, and of course I loved it.

A very intriguing story with mysterious characters and a cliffhanger that left me on the edge of my seat.

Quickie

- Series: Love the way duet #1 (ends on a cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: #forbidden romance
- Triggers: suggestion of past traumas
- Main couple: Eleanor Bordeu & Zander Thompson
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + I love it when the story is offered bit by bit instead of a long exposition
- – the pace was a tiny bit too slow for me
Profile Image for Shani Haim.
Author 5 books65 followers
May 24, 2021
"I could burst into flame and take this chair with me, and the house, for how much I want her." -Zander ❤️

Love the Way You Kiss Me was an intense romance (part 1 of a duet),
taking place mostly at one of Ella's homes where she's being transferred from the Rockford Center where she's been institutionalized for 2 years.
The Firm, owned by Zander's brother, is to watch out for her instead, with the partners taking shifts around the clock to attend to her and see that she's ok.

One of them is Zander ❤️
He doesn't read her file same as the others, and I think that along with her beauty only adds to the mystery and attraction for him. He carries a dark secret that only makes him want to help Ella more, and he has his ways of going about it. 😈🔥
I loved that when he was with her he was in control and knew what he was doing (mostly) and he cared about her well-being more than his pleasure. Loved it.

Ella came from old money and a seriously disturbed childhood. I can't imagine anyone who could turn out 100% sane after what she went through, and though she resisted mental help for a long time, it was good to see her opening up to the Firm and the small help they offered. She was extremely brave to open up her heart and let herself be vulnerable, and I hope to see more of that in the next installment.

Loved this book!
Profile Image for Tasha Mahoney.
1,096 reviews48 followers
May 24, 2021
Oh my! This is one steamy read! I love the blend of mystery, suspicion, romance, attraction, and tension.
The Firm are a company of body guards who will protect their charges with all of their ability, even if they are protecting them from themselves. Owned by Cade, they take charge of Elanor Bordeau, High profile and wealthy, Ella is a perfect example of wealth not buying happiness.

After her stay at the Rockford Centre, Ella becomes the charge of The Firm. The mission, to protect her, keep her safe from herself and any possible outside influences.

Right from the start, from the moment that their eyes meet in the court room Zander, Cade’s brother and colleague and Ella have a connection. As time passes that attraction becomes harder and harder to fight.

Zander may be there to protect Ella, but he is also battling his own demons and they have powerful roots. He may not be able to rewrite history, but can he shape the future into something positive?

With interesting characters and an air of suspense throughout, this is a fast paced, well written, steamy romance with a great plot and more than a spattering of tension. I really liked the constant air of suspense and felt an instant dislike for one character.

The story ends on a fantastic cliffhanger and I am desperate to read on.
Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,049 reviews207 followers
May 22, 2021
(3.7 Stars)
Zander Thompson works with his brother at The Firm, a private security company for high profile clients. Discretion is key…Eleanor Bordeu is that client. Released into their custody from a psychiatric clinic, she is a danger to herself and it is Zander’s job to keep her safe. Hopefully so she can heal…mentally & they can find out what happened to her. One problem though, he can’t stop picturing all the things he wants to do with Ella. Can this stay professional or will lines be crossed? After all, she is in a vulnerable state or is she? This was a slower paced mystery with a erotic twist and did take a bit for me to get into. It does end in a cliffhanger and I’m interested to see where it goes as not much happens with why she needs a conservator and protection. Contains BDSM, D/s & voyeurism. Told in dual POV
Profile Image for Zoe_isreading.
535 reviews38 followers
May 23, 2021
This completely surprised me, in a great way.

Zander is part of a security firm who are put in charge of Ella who has just been released from a mental health facility. The security firm are their to monitor Ella 24/7 for as long as she needs. As soon as Zander and Ella set eyes on eachother there is this connection that neither of them understand. This is a slow burn book and features a dom/sub relationship.

I'm left with so many questions after reading this book as there's so many underlying things that I need answers too. Kam the suspicious agent to Ella, more details of what happened in both of their pasts and of course, whats going to happen after that cliffhanger ending?

I really enjoyed this and it was a gripping read. I can't wait for the next book to get my answers!
3,805 reviews
May 23, 2021
Man, do I love dark romance, and this story hit all my "I need" points!

Zander and Eleanor are both, complex characters.

Intrigue that kept me hooked!

A dark romance that had me crossing my legs and fanning my heated face!

I cannot wait to see what's next, because, yep, you guessed it...there's more to come!

Wonderfully written!
Profile Image for Effie.
187 reviews8 followers
May 25, 2021
*****BDSM and Voyeurism Themes *****

This story is fire. A slow burn erotica take that will leave you marked and thoroughly satisfied but I won’t say till the very end as it is a cliffy.

Zander and Elle are sensual but so damn hot together. She has to be protected by Zander’s security firm but what starts off as work becomes blurry with so much lust and angst.

I haven’t read bdsm themes in a long while which resurfaced some enticing goosebumps along the way.

Cannot wait to see what transpires in the next book
Profile Image for FS Meurinne.
Author 2 books123 followers
May 25, 2021
Ella and Zander's story is interesting, having one of the characters at a psychiatric hospital meeting the other, has lots of mystery to uncover, I liked both characters, all the secrets and suspense is what got me going, I need to find the answers to this puzzle. Each character individually has its own past and mystery, there is a BDSM theme with them and can't wait to read the next one.



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Profile Image for Amour.Rebelle92 (Bran.d).
1,055 reviews11 followers
May 25, 2021
Holy H O T security daddy;) Zander and Ella are drawn to each other before they meet! He knows exactly what she needs to help her heal and she accepts with a smile. Did I mention Z us H O T?! Seriously, have a glass of ice water while reading;)

I need Live the Way You Hold Me ASAP! I’m curious to see what Kam is up to…or has been up to🤔

Boss quote:

“I think we should start with confessions,” Zander begins.  “I’ve never been a fan of confessions,” I say, then nearly continue with a phrase that I’ve said a number of times in my life: “Confessions imply regret. I live my life with no regrets whatsoever.”—I love that Ella lived her life unapologetically💓 Gives me hope that she can find herself again 🙂
Profile Image for bookspaced.
713 reviews15 followers
May 25, 2021
I did not know what to expect starting this book. But I enjoyed it alot!

Zander and Ella are such interesting characters. Their chemistry is 🔥. You just want to get to know them better as well as all the other characters surrounding this couple.

It‘s a slower book but the build up is really good. Both authors writing slows easily through the story. I really liked it and am already soo excited for part two!

4.5⭐️
Profile Image for Trish (tiedupinbooks).
297 reviews30 followers
May 26, 2021
As usual, Willow blew this straight outta the water. She has such an amazing way of twisting dark aspects with light in her stories that it just keeps you salivating for more.

Love me a forbidden lovers trope and this mother did not disappoint! Now you’re certainly left with questions you desperately need answered, but I can guarantee you it’ll be worth the wait for the conclusion.
Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,203 reviews1,654 followers
July 23, 2021



ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

line

Star Rating : 4.5/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : Yes

Hero : Zander

Heroine : Ella

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 5/10

Heat Rating : 6/10

Triggers Involved : Past Trauma , health Issues

Review :

Ella and Zander have a take that will pay with your heart, make you scream and cry all at once! The heartbreak is real and I loved every moment of it.

Ella is locked away in a hospital and the last thing she expected was to meet a man as dark and intriguing as Zander. She is attracted to him but her condition and current state of life prevents her from forming a relationship with the man she wants.

The last thing Zander expected was to feel something for one of his clients. It doesn't take him long to decide that Ella is nothing like his previous clients and there is nothing he won't do to have the woman he wants. Both of them have secrets. Secrets that could destroy everything and it is not until later they are revealed and now nothing will be the same again.

I loved this book so much! Willow always gives me the perfect hang with her books that have the right dose of darkness and angst. I am so excited for the next book, especially after that ending! Definitely recommending this book to all the dark romance loving people.

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Profile Image for Sara Reads Romance.
625 reviews112 followers
June 17, 2022
This book is definitely the kind of book you read in one sitting. I swear to you it felt like I was reading for five minutes yet somehow I was at 50% through the entire thing. The story is easy to follow along and get sucked into. There is no shortage of steam and heat from this book. Zander and Ella I have great chemistry and an undeniable attraction to one another. I’m excited to learn more about both Ella and Zander, we only got bits and pieces about each of them in this book, but I have some suspicions on what may happen in the next book. I can’t wait to see where things go for these two. This was a great story that was engaging, you could feel the tension and emotion the more you read on. I love that it kept me on the edge of my seat, the suspense was killing me.. in a good way of course! I can’t wait for book two because I have tons of questions and I need all the answers!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,150 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2021

Eleanor Bordeu is a wounded young woman, she carries many physical and mental scars from her life in the limelight, and her mind is frail. Too frail, to the point that she can't be trusted to her own devices. The men of The Firm have been hired to take care of her, and see to it that she can heal out of the public eye and in the peace of her own home. Which brings Zander into her life, he is part of the team that is in charge of her well being, which also means that they spend unsurmountable amounts of time with one another. They both know how inappropriate it would be to act on what they feel for one another, but neither can seem to control their urges... it's a constant battle of temptation that they cannot ignore. They must keep their feelings under wraps as it could derail everything that they have set into motion for her healing.

Both have their secrets, reasons for why they are the way they are, and how they feel about love, and unleashing those secrets could bring them unnecessary trouble. But that is not the only thing that could bring trouble their way...

Between the pages of this expertly weaved tale readers will meet a woman that is trying to rebuild her unstable life and the men who have taken her under their wings and promise to keep her safe while she heals her mind. She doesn't totally understand all the things that are happening around her, and her ability to put her trust in The Firm is a little shaky. They assure her that her well being is their utmost concern, but some things just aren't adding up. Then their is Zander the beautifully broken man who has made it his mission to keep her safe and help her heal all that is broken. Though she knows he is keeping things from her, she just can't seem to see her feelings for him, to dig deeper into his secrecy.

From beginning to end my eyes were glued to the pages, the words took ahold of me and wouldn't let go. These authors put together something that is suspenseful, emotionally charged, passionate, mildly dark... and so easy to get wrapped up in. After that ending I am left with so many questions and mixed feeling's and I cannot wait to see where the words will lead me next. Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Emily Kurosawa.
273 reviews14 followers
May 24, 2021
Love The Way You Kiss Me is book #1 in this duet. When I heard that Willow Winters' latest duet is a collaboration, I was ecstatic to read this book. I've heard nothing but amazing things about Amelia Wilde's books, and I'm so happy that I was introduced to her work with this book! Holy moly, wow! This book had me at the opening paragraph! The storyline is very interesting, to say the least! A very steamy forbidden and forced proximity romance. As soon as Ella (heroine) and Zander (hero) meet, they are drawn to each other. Both of them are trying to move forward from the traumas/incidents that affected them deeply. To heal their own wounds that were inflicted on them in the past. Zander works at his brother's security company, they provided around the clock care and security for their clients.


I don't want to give too many spoilers away, but Ella is their client, and Zander is her bodyguard. Ella's mental health is in a fragile state, and ultimately, Zander wants to help and speed up Ella's recovery process. But in order to do that some lines are going to get blurred. Zander knows that he must act professionally, because the risks are too high. Not only for his job, but for Ella's mental well being as well. He is aware that he's treading on thin ice, yet he can't help himself. Zander knows what Ella needs; what she truly desires. And Ella needs him, and Zander needs Ella just as much. Because Ella and Zander happen to be each others' much needed remedy.


As always, Willow Winters' work is fantastic!  And I cannot stress this enough how phenomenal her writing technique is! Normally, I'm not a huge fan of BDSM themed novels, yet the scenes in this book didn't make me feel uncomfortable at all. Willow Winters and Ameila Wilde successfully executed this plot! And I really enjoyed reading it! Oh my goodness! The cliffhanger!! It has left me with so many unanswered questions! I really need book #2 ASAP!!

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
2,040 reviews76 followers
May 24, 2021


3.75 stars
Wow! Talk about confusion and slow burn! Bit by bit the story starts to unfold but readers only get tiny pieces of the puzzle until certain ones slot together to make the corners or part of a scene in the whole jigsaw. The intrigue is real and the passion builds as well.

Ella Bordeu is the lead female character and even at the end of this first book there are so many questions without answers. She is weak yet shows enormous strength at times, she is vulnerable yet resilient too. Zander Thompson is one of the men hired to protect her and the main male lead. I liked him yet found him to be running away from himself for most of the story, you’ll have to read the book to see what I mean. Did he do the right thing? Probably not but work romances do happen.

Both lead characters find they have an instant chemistry and when they start to explore a dominant/submissive situation things really heat up. I honestly found this a tad unrealistic but it’s fiction so let’s run with it. The boundaries are set and the rules seem fair and the situation well controlled in the main.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the next half of this duet, I hope all of the questions are finally answered and that Zander finally catches a break.
Profile Image for bookswithsonali.
201 reviews18 followers
May 22, 2021
Whoa! This book was unlike anything I was expecting it to be, and I absolutely loved it!

First of all, it’s a fairly quick read. I’ve read a few other books by W. Winters, so I was expecting it to be a quick read with a lot of steam. It totally was that! But this is my first book that was written by Amelia Wilde, and has convinced me to read more by her!

Thee plot was very unique. Zander’s older brother has a security firm, and Zander helps him with a huge project that has come up for the firm. This project involves Ella, who as you can safely assume, they are essentially providing security and care for.

I don’t want to give away too much, because it would ruin the suspense and won’t keep you on your toes if I tell you too much, but Ella and Zander have some sort of connection.

This is part one of a duet, and therefore, there are a lot of unanswered questions. I can’t wait for the next book so I can find out more, especially as there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of this one!

I absolutely love Zander, although there are qualities and things about him that make me think we don’t know the full story about him. The same goes for Ella. She’s such an interesting character and I want to know more about her past and why exactly she needs this protection from the firm.

Definitely read this one! It’s a romance with suspense. The characters are H O T (both Zander and Ella!!!). I loved it!

*I was sent an ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,561 reviews16 followers
May 24, 2021
Zander and Ella's story is mysterious and breathtaking from the start. The author duo keeps their readers guessing as to what might have happened to Ella, that she needs The Firm to help her, to guard her, to monitor her, but doesn't reveal it for a long time. The suspense is a real killer.
Their story is breathtaking because of the obvious attraction between the two protagonists, starting with their first look into each other's eyes, and the sexual tension. A tension that simmers and builds excruciatingly slowly, causing the reader to turn the pages all the faster to satisfy their curiosity about what will happen next or what happened in the past.

These authors are perfect at writing dark romance novels each on their own. But together, they are a force in their own right ... on a whole new level. I'm hooked on their writing ... addicted, even ... individually, or as in this case, together, and I can't wait for the sequel to this book. I am suffering from a book hangover of epic proportions ... to say the least!
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