What an amazing start to this series. I don’t even care that there is a cliffhanger. I loved both Naz and Eva so much. The effortless way they fell for each other and the sparks between them was everything. They are just so stinking cute together...ughhh the nicknames they have for each other. Just adorable. And while this book gave me all the good feels, it also gave me the heartbreaking feels. Naz and Eva have endured so much already and I have a feeling they’re going to endure a lot more. This book is perfectly paced and I couldn’t put it down. The next book can’t come out soon enough!!

I loved the chemistry between Nasir and Eva but I am not happy that the book ended on a cliffhanger.

When I saw that Dangerous Beauty was noted on Goodreads as “Dangerous Beauty #1”, I presumed, wrongly, that it would be the first book of a series which would feature other couples like so many that I read. But I know now that it is at least Book 1 of a series featuring Nasir and Eva. I had hoped it is only two books but it turns out that this is going to be a trilogy. I am so unhappy about that right now.

Nasir works for Connor Hughes and Metrix Security (Wicked Sexy). Metrix was hired to watch over the wife of a Russian mobster. He said that his spoiled wife ran away from home and he wants her watched over until she is ready to return home.

Weeks go by as Nasir gives his reports to his client and watches Eva. Everything is fine until he is forced to step in to protect her. Now that Eva knows who he is, Nasir is no longer just a face in the crowd who can watch and observe her. Eva spot him again in a crowded market and makes conversation with him. She sees him again at a bar and after a drink and some conversation, Eva realizes that she is enjoying Nasir’s company and begins to seek him out. He knows that he is supposed to be simply an observer, but he is drawn to Eva as well.

Nasir is struggling with the fact that he is blowing his first assignment with the company by being made by the subject but he is also convincing himself that he is watching over her only more closely now. He might have struggled with this fact a while longer except being closer to Eva, he learns that she is isn’t the mobster’s wife, but a woman who was kept captured by the Russian and was part of his “stable” of women. He also learned that Eva has suffered years of rape and abuse by this man.

Nasir isn’t going to let Eva go back to the Russian and he needs to get her out of the country before he needs to check in once again. They need to go somewhere safe and in order to do that, he will need to convince Connor to betray his client. But even harder than that, Nasir will need to confess to the woman he is falling in love with that he has been betraying Eva’s trust from the beginning. He will have to give up the trust of woman he loves to keep her safe.

I really liked the chemistry between Eva and Nasir, but have to admit that their banter could only really happen between two people who really understand how gorgeous they are. He jokes that she is hideous and fat and they laugh about it. A woman who has body issues, like Joellen from Geissinger’s Melt for You, wouldn’t be able to laugh it off and have fun with it, but it worked for Eva and Nasir.

I like that Eva has found her strength once she escaped the hands of her abuser. But where Book l leaves off which doesn’t make me very happy and leaves Eva very vulnerable.

I am not certain that I will continue with the next story. I might need to wait to see what other people say in their reviews and be ready to be left hanging once again until the final story comes out.

One thing I did find very odd is that the author indicates in her author’s notes that Nasir was known by another name in the Wicked Games series. Since I did not read that series, I don’t know why she would chose to change his name for this book or if he was undercover in the prior series. It just seemed an odd thing to do.

I have read and loved this author's Bad Habit and Slow Burn series so when I had the opportunity to read an ARC of her new novel, Dangerous Beauty, I jumped all over that. This is quite different from the ones I have read from her and not at all what I expected. Even so, I really enjoyed it. Basically, this is a classic "damsel in distress" book and I am a sucker for those. We have Eva who is on the run from her past and Naz who she believes is an ex-cop on vacation. While there are feelings between them pretty early on, I wouldn't necessarily call it insta-love, but it comes close. Their chemistry is off the charts and steamy even though it takes them a while to really get together. I thought the suspense was great and I also really liked the supporting characters, who are apparently from the Wicked Games series (which I put on my TBR list immediately.) I usually don't read books with cliffhangers until all books are released, but I went into this not knowing it was a trilogy. I'm not thrilled about waiting for the next book but will read it the minute I can get my hands on it! Highly recommend!

*ARC received from NetGalley in return for an honest review

Dangerous Beauty is book one in the brand new series, Dangerous Beauty by J.T. Geissinger! THIS BOOK!!!!! This is one of those times in my life, both with this book and the one I previously read, that I can’t believe how lucky we are to get to read these books! To get to absorb these words! In full disclosure, “I DIDN’T KNOW!!!” I didn’t know that this was a cliff hanger! Would it have made a difference? NO! Because it is that amazing! The problem was that I finished the final sentence at bedtime last night and was left in shock! SHOCK I TELL YOU!!! It took some deep breathing to get myself to settle down to go to bed.

Nasir (Naz) is ex military, ex body guard, brand new private investigator. His first assignment is just to watch a very rich man’s wife who has run away from him. She is living on the island of Cozumel and all Naz has to do is take pictures and report back to the client once a week via skype. He can’t deny that the subject is beautiful and he becomes more and more entranced with her every day that he watches her. But he keeps his distance, until she gets herself into trouble and he has to step in to save her. The chemistry between them is instant and strong. But she’s the subject. He’ll stay away, only that is easier said than done.

Evalina (Eva) Ivanova meticulously planned every detail of her escape. She took every precaution. But she’s so tired of being alone. When Naz comes into her life, she’s instantly wary. But she can’t deny the immediate connection she feels to him. The next time she runs into him, the feeling is even stronger. She can’t get him off her mind. Can she trust him with her secrets? From the horrendous life she ran from? Can she trust “him?”

“If I didn’t have bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.”

As Eva and Naz spend more time together, the bond grows stronger as does the guilt Naz is feeling regarding the true nature of his reason for being there. Eva is falling for Naz and slowly begins to tell her story, baring it all to him. She knows Naz is hiding something big but she thought by divulging her past, it might help him to reveal his. But it only seems to upset him further, making matters worse.

These two!!! They were so good together. Their constant banter and teasing was adorable. I spent a good portion of the time reading about them smiling from ear to ear! Their growing relationship was a very slow burn but in the best of ways possible. I loved them both so much. Eva was so very strong! And Naz was just everything.

“She moves like a poem and smiles like a sphinx, and draws eyes to her like moths to a flame. Because beauty will be noticed.”

As secrets are discovered, though, everything changes, as does the intensity of the book! The danger they are facing is real. You will meet evil in its truest form! I really don’t want to say much more other than you don’t want to miss this book. I don’t know that I’ve ever felt so intensely for two people. This is my fifth book by this author and every one is so unique. But this book…..Just read it! As for the next book, Eva and Naz’s story will continue with Dangerous Desires. It can’t get here fast enough!

“Anything for you.”

Another knockout of a book from this author, I was completely hooked on this story from the get go. So many twists and turns, insane chemistry and overall just an excellent story. Loved the cameos from a couple of characters from a previous series, can’t wait to see where this story goes next

Definitely my favorite read to date from this author. Absolutely loved the chemistry and banter between Naz and Eva. Drawn in from the beginning with the suspense and hooked until the end with the slow burn romance. That ending though!!!! Ahhhhh the wait will be torture! I highly recommend this book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to leave an honest review. I had read all of the Bad Habits series so was excited to see the spin off for their bodyguard, J.T. Geissinger has an excellent writing style that keeps you engaged and keeps the timeline in check. There is no confusion on the plot or the order in which events happen, which is always a big deal to me.

This book follows Naz, a former bodyguard to a famous rock group, on his first assignment at his new job at a very high end security firm. His job is to watch the "spoiled" wife of a Russian mobster who ran away on a whim. Enter the beautiful Eva, the "spoiled" wife who isn't really spoiled. Naz isn't supposed to make contact with Eva but when she gets put in harms way, he decides to step in to save her. And let's just say that he finds out that Eva is not at all who like what her husband described her to be.

There is a lot I could say about the book but I don't want to spoil it. Let's just say Naz decides to break the contract to help Eva even if it means breaking her trust and losing his new job.

My only negative thing about this book is that it ends in a cliffhanger which I was not expecting. I always hate that I don't know how the story ends until the next book comes out. Otherwise this was a great book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It touches on a lot of sensitive issues and has a great main plot.

Naz has been hired to keep a watchful eye on Eva, a runaway wife, for her concerned husband.

Eva has escaped from a long term abusive relationship and believes that she's one step ahead of her Russian captor.

As the relationship between Naz and Eva develops, it is quickly apparent that all is not as it seems!

This intriguing, fast paced novel hurtles the reader along towards a HEA with some twists and turns that only add to the experience.

However, keep your fingers crossed for a quick follow-up because it ends in a major cliffhanger!!

UGH THAT CLIFFHANGER
i had no idea this whole series/trilogy would be about the same couple. my memory is shocking and i hate waiting, so i probably wouldn't have read it until it was all finished if i'd known.
but, what can you do. it's not the end of the world i guess (sobs)
i have only read a few JT Geissinger books, but no romantic suspense, so I didn't know what to expect. it was hilarious - i loved how silly they were with each other. it was adorable and sexy too. i loved them together and i'm so sad i can't immediately pick up the next book and continue their story. i'm not mad about it though, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and i guess i'll just have to re-read it when the next book comes out.
definitely recommend - and now i need to go read the series that has connor and tabby in it. that will tide me over!

Sorry, the book didn’t work for me. For different reasons.
1. I thought it was a standalone (my bad), the first in the series.
2. Ending with a cliffhanger wouldn't have been a big issue, but I just didn't believe the plot/the characters/the pace...
I rolled my eyes too many times, sorry.
The whole story was just too cliché, too unbelievable, even for a fiction.
So, sadly, I won't be looking for the next books.
Since I didn't like the book, I'll wait AFTER the release to rate it out there.

Thank you for the ARC.

I like anything J.T. Geissinger writes. Some more than others. Ex Military hot alpha male (Naz) check. Strong, resilient wounded or abused female, (Eva) check. Suspense, not 100 percent sure what's coming next (check) some hot sex (check). Some of it was laugh out loud funny, some of the jokes were a little repetitive and because I do have a fat bottom, it kept pulling me out and made me think of my own body. I didn't want to be me, I wanted to stay in the story. And as everyone says, cliffhanger. I am disappointed in this cliff hanger, towards the end I saw it coming, I was thinking no, come on no. Will I get book 2? Absolutely, because I know J.T. will make it work my while. Thank you J.T. thank you Net Galley! All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited.

So it is <b>absolutely</b> my fault for assuming that 'book one' in the <I>Dangerous Beauty</I> series just meant another group of novels tied together, but not connected, like Geissinger's <I>Slow Burn</I> series. I'm here to tell you that it a totally wrong assumption and this is very much a same-couple-over-multiple-books series. So, brace yourself for what that might mean..

With that bit cleared up, I'm now more disappointed by the total quick-tumble-int0-feelings dive we took. It's not quite insta-pot-love but neither is it an eight-hour-crock-pot-simmer-build. Though it still sorta manages a slow burn? Confused? Sorry.

Anyway, I'm starting to wonder if the two books that made me a fan of the author might be the exceptions and not the rule because I wasn't really into this. I quite loved the heroine but everything else? It's very extra drama on the back story, the hero is fond of dumb jokes and unfortunately the heroine thinks he's adorable and the stupid jokes never quit (seriously, it becomes their thing and I cringed through it). Honestly the author does this bodyguard-and-subject trope fairly well, she addresses certain things that other stories in this vein do not, but at the same time it's not.. great? It's far from terrible but I was pretty unmoved. But it was a nice palate cleanser from my last read and I will read on because #completionist and also because I want Eva to get herself some revenge. Get it, girl.

2.5 stars

The Dangerous Beauty series is a spin-off of the Bad Habit series, where we first met Barney, personal bodyguard and former special ops military soldier, whose real name is Nasir aka Naz. In this first installment of the new series, Naz is on assignment in Mexico for Metrix Security. His company is hired to watch and report on the wife of a Russian mobster, which sounds easy enough to Naz, until he actually meets the woman and realizes it’s anything but. He doesn’t have a clue about what he’s really gotten himself into, and he’ll soon discover that things aren’t always what they seem or what you’ve been led to believe. Evalina Ivanova, aka Eva, is a woman in hiding from a very dangerous and cruel man, and she has no idea that he knows where she is. Her beauty, brains, humor, and survival instincts make her irresistible to Naz, who knows it’s a bad idea to be in contact with her. Naz and Eva have so much chemistry, and their humorous bantering will have you chuckling throughout the story. As Naz gets to know Eva, his assignment changes and becomes personal, and he knows he will protect this woman at all costs. This romantic suspense has all of the mystery, action, danger, and steamy encounters that will keep you turning the pages. But, beware, there is a cliffhanger at the end. I am a huge J.T. Geissinger fan and am impatient to read book two and find out where Naz and Eva end up next! I voluntarily left this review of an ARC that I received from NetGalley.

Evalina is on the run from her dark past. She's hoping to escape and start fresh in a new tropical location. Unfortunately, Nasir, ex-military and former bodyguard, has been hired by Eva's Russian mafia husband to secretly keep an eye on her and report back. The only problem is fate seems to keep throwing them together on the island of Cozumel in dangerous and tempting situations.

Honestly, I have already read this book TWICE. Twice I tell you! I enjoyed reading Naz and Eva so much that I had to backtrack and read Connor and Tabby's story in the Wicked Games series. After reading Wicked Games, I read Naz and Eva's story again. And it still held up the second time around! I still enjoyed every single twist, backstory bit, secret revealed and sexy scene!

I loved that this story took place in a tropical city and an urban city. It gave it a little different feel than previous series by the author. The atmosphere was written so well that the feeling of being in Cozumel really came across through the pages and just made me want to vacation with the characters.

The main characters, Eva and Naz, were such a good pairing. The chemistry between them had me flying through pages! The banter was toned down compared to the author's previous works, but it felt more natural and seemed more a result of the serious nature of the story. Eva's resilience and humor made me like her from the beginning. I did want to see a little more of her personality or habits other than those traits. I felt there was something missing there, but it could be that she was in survivor flight or fight mode so much that sometimes that's all I read. I did enjoy the bits of her backstory that came to light and hopefully even more of Eva will be revealed in the next stories! As for Nasir, I've loved him since the tiny glimpses of him in the Bad Habit series which is probably why I felt more connection with his character. I'm so glad he's getting his own story so that we can dive into his personality and background. His interactions between Connor and Tabby were highlights within the story for me and oftentimes hilarious!

The ending was a brutal cliffhanger and had me rushing to see when the next book in the series comes out! I still don't know if I can make it til then!

On a side note, you don't need to read the Wicked Games or the Bad Habit series first, but I highly recommend them in order to get more background on the side characters. I love the little tidbits and breadcrumbs JTG leaves for her obsessed readers to devour in other books. They're such a treat!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Montlake Romance for provided an ARC and the chance to read this enjoyable story in exchange for an honest review.

I was a huge fan of the Bad Habit series by this author, and so was incredibly excited to get my hands on this sort of spin-off to that series. The premise sounded right up my alley and it seemed like it should be a sure thing. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me at all.

I tried to pick this up three separate times but in the end, I couldn't invest in the characters or the storyline here. The banter was off, it didn't resonate and didn't come across as chemistry to me and I felt completely disconnected to the characters. I just failed to connect with this story and thus it was a DNF at 30%.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review. Unfortunately, this one was not for me.

I love JT's writing and I especially love that she writes different genres -- not always doing the same thing over and over. This is my kind of read! She hit all the marks for me -- suspense, mystery, intrigue, sexy alpha hero and strong, brave heroine. And a real page turner from the getgo! Holy smokes, I couldn't put it down and now I'm counting the days until we get the second book in this series to see what the heck happens! I loved Naz (much better name than Barney -- Naz suits him perfectly) and Eva is his perfect match and together they certainly start a flame. The chemistry between these two is off the charts -- I loved everything about this book and can't wait to read the continuing story of Naz and Eva! I would definitely recommend this book if you like contemporary romance with a mysterious twist. 5+ stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

The costs of taking a chance…

This is the first book in the Dangerous Beauty series, part one of the story, which ends in a cliffhanger.

Commencing a new job for Metrix Security, a firm based in New York, Nasir Mansouri’s first assignment is surveillance down in Cozumel, Mexico of the spoiled runaway wife of a Russian oligarch, providing the husband with weekly updates and pictures. This is a much different job than his last stint as a celebrity bodyguard in Los Angeles, an easy enough task that becomes complicated because of the intriguing woman in question, she’s gorgeous and keeps to herself. When she runs into trouble Nasir breaks protocol, making contact to save her life, she’s a distraction Nasir cannot resist getting to know. When he learns her truths it changes everything and the lies he’s told weigh him down.

Having finally escaped an abusive controlling ex-boyfriend, Evalina left Russia, the country of her birth, and now lives off the grid in Mexico under an assumed name. She’s alone, independent and paranoid about letting anyone too close. When she keeps running into the sexy man who rescued her from a dangerous situation she revels in the contact with another human being who makes her smile and understands her sense of wit. Feeling safe with Nasir she shows him trust and shares things about herself but trusting him could be the worst mistake of her life. Can she forgive his lies?

Two likable bad-ass protagonists who have reasons to remain unattached make a connection and decide to take a chance. Both have pains in their pasts that haunt them. Nasir never expected to want someone after the death of his wife but time does help heal such wounds, for Evalina trust was a huge issue and that she gives it to Nasir was a precious gift and one that soon backfires. Is it possible to hate someone and still want them too? Evalina has gone through hell and proved herself a survivor, she never lost her inner fire, the defiance she had against what was wrong in her life, she’s going to need that strength again for a cold-blooded Russian with mafia ties wants her back. Will Nasir and Evalina survive his viciousness? You’ll have to wait for the next books to find out.

The hero was previously seen in the Bad Habit series where he was known as Barney, a nickname he couldn’t escape and Metrix Security ties-in to the Wicked Games series. It’s not necessary to have read the previous series but you’ll have a better understanding of some characters if you have.

Considering this is romantic suspense the level of humor in the dialogue between the main protagonists though often amusing was overdone, needing to be toned down especially once the seriousness of the situation was revealed, humor is subjective and this reader didn’t always enjoy the depth of or type of humor displayed here, the amount of humor was a distraction, you shouldn’t always lighten the mood when it’s a matter of life and death, better to show the intense painful emotions.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Arrg! It can't end there!!!! Dammit.

So so soo good. I was pulled in from the get go and couldn't stop reading. The snark, banter, and heat between Naz and Eva? Gah. Love it. I want more.

The only reason this is 4-stars and not 5-stars is bec the story ends on a bloody cliffhanger. I hate and love it. LOL.

Yet again I’m taken by surprise by a book because I failed to read a synopsis. I’ve read J.T. Geissinger before so I had certain expectations going into it, and I was quickly clued in to the fact that this book was going to be quite a bit different.

I don’t typically read suspense, drama type romances. I’m more of a hearts and roses, romcom kinda girl. I like low stress when I read, so I’m just not usually drawn to those books. But apparently when I unwittingly pick one up, I can end up quite enjoying it. Especially when it’s written by an author who I know to be great, and is still written with some of her same wit, banter, sweetness, romance, and steaminess. I can deal with a little drama and stress.

I found it to be a touch dramatic, a little James Bond movie over-the-top with the bad guys, the gadgets, the money, the flash, the action. I mean, who is in these kinds of situations? To be fair, there are all kinds of terrors in this world that hopefully I will never be privy to, so I could be naïve. But that may also be another reason why I tend to stay away from the genre. I’m big on needing a believability factor.

With that being said, for what it was, I did find the story as believable as could be. The story was well thought out, it was woven skillfully, and had intricate twists and turns that took me by surprise. I was thoroughly engaged the whole book, and I’m anxiously awaiting the second one.

The characters, Eva and Nasir, were wonderful. I loved their intricacies and getting to know them, but especially watching them get to know each other. Just beautiful. I can’t say much more than that, it just has to be experienced.

Connor is a bit of an odd character; he reminds me of someone out of a Kristen Ashley novel. And Tabby… I don’t know. She’s kinda weird. I’m supposed to like her (and I do), but the outfits and the personality, it’s all very childish and odd. It’s just strange and seems out of place. I tried to just skip the outfit descriptions and other oddities, because I really loved her personality.

I’m not sure why J.T. Geissinger is an author that continues to fly under the radar, but she is very talented and I highly recommend picking up her books. Whether you start with this book (knowing that it does end on a cliffhanger), or one of her others, I highly recommend her.

I absolutely adore her books! This author just does it for me. She is now on my auto buy list!
Definitely would recommend this book and all her books!