Two people both destroyed by things in their past, trying to start over, learning to open up and trust again. Peyton moves to the last place she remembers being truly happy, and Boone is back working in his hometown, after a failed marriage. Both not wanting a relationship, yet knowing and needing friends, they learn to build a chance to get acquainted, and a possibility of 2nd chances. Beautiful story 💞.

This is actually my second book by this author. I have read Dirty Talking Cowboy and decided to try this one as well as I love her writing style. Peyton moves to the small town Stoney Creek, Maine, escaping a tragic past. Boone is the police detective and has to investigate a murder that happens at her shop. Between the two there is chemistry but both are hesitant and afraid to act upon the mutual attraction. However, Boone becomes Peyton's protector as her past may have not stayed buried. Filled with sizzling attraction, suspense and love, needs to HEA for these two. 4 solid stars*****

*******I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley.******

Naughty Stranger is the first book I have read by Stacey Kennedy and it will not be the last. This is the first book in the A Dangerous Love series and there are definitely both danger and love.

Peyton left Seattle and moved to Stoney Creek, Maine after losing her husband and needing a fresh start where she was happy. So she went from the big city to a quaint and quirky small town. Even though she started over in a small town she was still able to hide herself and her past. She purchased a shop and house and started to settle in. One night she goes to the local bar and meets the last thing she is looking for or event wants..............a handsome sexy man!

Boone is the locale police detective and he is literally sex on a stick. He has had one to many relationships go sour and is not looking for anything serious. But all it takes is one kiss and he is quite literally hooked on Peyton. Of course it could also be that she has avoided him since their make out session which has his interest piqued.

Boone and Peyton are brought together further by a murder in Peyton's story that Boone is assigned to investigate. No one knows yet if Peyton is in danger but no matter what Boone's Alpha comes out in full force as he protects Peyton which draws them even closer. But Peyton is still hiding many things. Boone needs to show Peyton that she can trust him and that he will protect her no matter what. Once Peyton tells her secrets what will the impact be? Peyton and Boone definitely have a lot of sizzling chemistry and more than a few sexy encounters. But will they get a HEA?

I received an ARC from NetGalley for this Naughty Stranger book. I enjoyed it immensely. I love a good story where people get second chances at love. I like it more when there is some action with my romance. Throw in a little whodunit and Im hooked! I didn't anticipate a book two but now I cant wait!

This was way better then I thought it was going to be. Definitely going to look for previous books by Stacey Kennedy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance read, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Boone is totally hot!!! Omg this detective should be real! I like him, his physique and how humble he is.

Peyton on the other hand is a strong woman and I'm truly sad with what happened to her.

Their story was fast paced and I like it. I was fully hooked when I was wrong with the killer. I didn't guess it right, so hands down to Miss Stacey Kennedy.

I can't wait for Remy and Asher next story!

Thank you to Forever Yours and Netgalley for the ARC!

Naughty Stranger is an enjoyable read, I’ve been busy so it took
me a while to read it but I’m glad I did.

Small town, romantic suspense (although for a "small town" it seemed like they had a relatively HUGE police force, but that didn't take away too much from the story 😊). The chemistry between Peyton and Boone was great (and HOT) and I like the way the supporting characters were written – especially as there are going to be more books in the series featuring them. Admittedly, the plot was a bit predictable from the "suspense" perspective, but it was still well-written and kept my interest. I'm very much looking forward to reading the next books in the series.

*Advance copy provided by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*

I love the relationships in this book and the way the characters emotions were described but I found the ending a little predictable from the outset.

LOVED this book! First, it’s so refreshing for a widow in a romance to actually have a good husband to grieve. Too often, the widow finds out that was a horrible man.

Second, interesting characters fill this story. True, three hot detectives in one small town isn’t realistic, but all is forgiven because I can’t wait to read the next stories to go along with this one.

Three, the suspense was solid, even though easily figured out. It added just the right amount of suspense to the story.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
I just have to say I loved everything about this story, it is the perfect romantic suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what will happen next.

Peyton Kerr is starting her life over in a new town, the last place she was truly happy. Moving to small-town Stoney Creek, Maine, where she bought a small business and a lake house. She loves that no one knows about her past. It is perfect for starting over.

Boone Knight is the sexy police detective that is drawn to Peyton, and why not? She did kiss him before she even knew who he was. They have a chemistry that sizzles when they are in the same room. Neither Boone nor Peyton are looking for a relationship, because of their past. But why can't they have a little fun together?

When a body turns up in Peyton's shop, her quiet existence is suddenly gone. It seems someone is after her, but her life back in Seattle looks perfectly clean on paper.

Can Boone protect her from who is after her? Will Peyton give in to the feelings for Boone? Can Boone and Peyton figure out what is really going on and why? Will there be a future for Boone and Peyton?

As I said, I loved everything about this story, it is filled with romance, love, lust, suspense, new beginnings, and a happily ever after. I love Stacey Kennedy; she has a way of drawing you into a story and keeping you hanging on until the end. I highly recommend this story and love that it is the beginning of a series, so more romantic suspense to come. I cannot wait.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this story combining small town romance with a touch of mystery and suspense.

On her very first night in Stoney Creek, where Peyton plans to make a fresh start, she ends the evening kissing a stranger (Boone) outside the local bar, owned by Boone's sister, Kinsley. This was definitely not intentional and given the knocks which both Peyton and Boone have suffered, the chemistry is not something which they want to acknowledge. It sets up the story beautifully though!

Kinsley is instantly a good friend to Peyton and helps Peyton in her journey of recovery from her loss. Not that anyone knows about that, because Peyton wants to be herself, and not defined as a widow. She doesn't even admit to her past career as an ER nurse, and throws herself fully into her new lingerie store.

Boone also has a past he wants to move past, and as we learn about his betrayal and the loss suffered by Peyton, we can see that they would be perfect for each other – so it is fun watching them dance around and accept the inevitable! But when someone is murdered in her store, and an accident befalls Peyton, Boone is determined to both protect her and discover what is at the bottom of the events.

I liked the twist; there are strong hints, but it is cleverly revealed and dealt with in a satisfying way. We also get some hints of who will star in future installments, but I do hope that we continue to get news of this lovely and deserving couple.


Sarah – ☆☆☆
This is a romantic suspense story about Peyton, a newcomer to a small town, and Boone, police detective she falls for. But just as Peyton starts to relax into her new life, terrible things start to happen around her.

I have to admit that I’m conflicted about this story. The premise, the blurb, and the bones of this story work. It just isn’t developed as well as I’d expect from such an established author. I was distracted by the choppy writing and copy-editing errors at the start (which will hopefully be corrected pre-publication), and I was annoyed by the frustrating lack of character and relationship development.

Peyton and Boone are both interesting characters with secrets and pasts. This combination should have created suspense and romantic tension but instead we get a sort of insta-love/friends with benefits/hook-up/soulmate mess that I couldn’t make sense of.

Stoney Creek and Boone and Peyton’s friends feel like they’ve been pulled from a stock character lucky dip. Remy is kooky. Kinsley is an instant BFF. Asher is brooding… The town itself hits every Maine small town cliché in the first few pages. It’s all cute and sweet but it feels formulaic and a little bit tired.

The suspense works better for me than the romance in this book. The start is a little too slow, but the end is exciting. I did find a few things frustrating though. The secrets that should have created suspense were revealed at strange times. A major secret is thrown away early in the story which led to me guessing the whodunnit in the first third of the book. This was disappointing and I kept hoping for twists that would prove me wrong. The twists never came, and the ending was a little too predictable for me.

*this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
4-4.5 stars!
I love Stacey Kennedy...her writing style always hooks me!
This first book in the Dangerous Love series does a great job of introducing most of the characters that I anticipate reading about in the future, but doesn’t bog you down with info.
Boone Knight, is a Detective in small town, Stoney Creek. His family comes from law enforcement, except for his sister, Kinsley, who owns the local bar. Boone has lived most of his life in Stoney Creek, until the day that his high school sweetheart/wife wanted to head to New York City. Let’s just say that things didn’t pan out there, so Boone headed back to his roots to start over again. After his marriage failed, he had no intention of ever getting involved in anything other than a date here and there. In walks Peyton Kerr to Kinsley’s bar, and everything changes in Stoney Creek.
Peyton Kerr grew up in Seattle, and loved everything about her life there. Tragically, her world was turn upside down when her husband was killed in a car accident. Everywhere she went, she was remained of her old life..her married life. With that knowledge in hand, she packs her bags, and moves to the last place that made her happy with her husband...Stoney Creek. She walked away from her family, her career, and her old life..she’s starting fresh. After closing up her new business one night, she heads next door to the local bar to grab a drink. Her world then changes hen she meets Boone.
Peyton and Boone have instant chemistry, but have defined how things are going to play out with one another. Both claim to not want any attachments and/or feelings to get involved. As violence starts happening in Stoney Creek, sadly Peyton appears to be at the root of it. This naturally pushes Boone and Peyton closer together.
Great chemistry, suspenseful storyline, and very likable characters. I’m very much looking forward to Remy and Asher’s book!

This is a two for the price of one you get a suspense thriller and a great love story. Two people looking for anything but a relationship, are attracted to each other. But because of finding a dead body in her shop and he's the detective its hard to stay apart. This is a really fast moving and the twist and turns keep you on your toes. The other characters are also well developed so you are really invested in it by the end. Great read will read the next in the series hope they all live up to this one.

Peyton has come to Maine to start over. She's definitely not looking for a relationship, yet she's getting lots of feels from Boone. He's not in the market for anything more than a casual hookup as he's dealing with his own demons. When danger comes to their sleepy little town Detective Boone takes more than a hands on approach to protect Peyton.
Hold onto your hats cause this one is a seriously wild ride. There are so many near misses and turns out leaves your head spinning. Just be prepared for anything.

naughty stranger kicks off the dangerous love series, and finds former nurse peyton moving across the country from seattle to the tiny town of stoney creek, maine. she wants to start over, especially given everything she's lost. her career, her husband, her joy.

her first night in town she strolls into a bar. and ends up sharing a hot kiss with a sexy stranger. which is not at all what she meant to do. she's not interested in replacing her husband's memory. she's starting over, not moving on.

but boone knight is hard to forget. even though peyton does her best to avoid him after that first night. when she finds a dead body in her lingerie shop, there's no more avoiding him. boone is a cop and there is no way he isn't going to protect the woman he hasn't been able to forget.

as the danger swirls around peyton, boone is implacable with his need to protect her and figure out what is going on. as peyton opens up to boone, the connection between them strengthens, and peyton learns that sometimes starting over also means moving on.

**naughty stranger will publish on june 11, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for an honest review.

Naughty Stranger is a second chance romance, and that is one of my favorite tropes. But technically speaking, it is not a second chance between a couple familiar with each other but a second chance at life itself.

Peyton, has had a good life, until tragedy strikes. She finds herself back in the place that had made her happy once, hoping for a new beginning and finding that happiness once again. Boone's is also no stranger to heartbreak. He doesn't think that marriage will ever be another option for him. Both find themselves in a small-town in Maine. And that there's an undeniable attraction to each other.

But there's more to this story. Do you like a little suspense and intrigue? Well, this one has it all. The romance will keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know more. The plot is fast-paced, and gradually gains momentum through the suspense and twists, that you don't see coming.

I recommend this book if you love romance with suspense. Which I don't read enough of apparently. I will be reading from this author again!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for gifting me with the ARC!

4 Captivating Stars

NAUGHTY STRANGER is the first book in Stacey Kennedy's A Dangerous Love series. A year ago, Peyton Kerr's husband Adam was killed in a car accident. His sudden death has Peyton turning from everything she previously knew and getting a new career, new town, and hopefully a brighter outlook on life. I love stories with small towns, and Stoney Creek, Maine is delightful. Almost immediately, Peyton makes new friends and locks eyes with the undeniably sexy Detective Boone Knight. Things take a turn toward the deadly when a woman is found murdered in Peyton's new shop. What follows is a wonderful mix of romance and suspense to enthrall readers.

Peyton and Boone are both no stranger when it comes to a tragedy involving their love lives, but their tragedy comes in very different ways. Peyton lost the man she loved in a fatal accident, while Boone lost his wife in a more complex set of circumstances when she betrayed and publicly humiliated him. I like how, even though he was burned badly by someone he trusted in the past, Boone isn't bitter or tries to take any emotional baggage out on Peyton. Both characters are cautious when it comes to giving any deeper feelings they may harbor about each other free reign, but they eagerly give in to their physical attraction. I think that Boone is a little quicker to realize that Peyton means more to him than just a fling, but I love the chemistry between these two and the way they perfectly complement each other. For much of the story, violence and danger are always on the periphery, but Stacey Kennedy does a superb job of including fun and flirty scenes to relieve the tension. As the killer comes closer to Peyton, Boone displays some sexy protectiveness. It takes Peyton a little longer to see just how much Boone means to her, but the way their relationship evolves is spectacular. The identity of the bad guy terrorizing the small Maine town remains a mystery until the very end, and Stacey Kennedy throws out clues and explosive tidbits along the way.

NAUGHTY STRANGER is an entertaining thriller hidden in a sizzling small-town romance. In addition to the romance and suspense, this book is full of tight friendships and characters with a long history together. These relationships and supporting characters add depth to this story. I can't wait to see how things play out between Rhett and Kinsley and Remy and Asher. I look forward to Stacey Kennedy's next book.

Really enjoyed this book, Boone & Peyton were a great match and really helped each other heal. The story was compelling and full of action! I look forward to the next in the series.

I really enjoy Stacey Kennedy's writing. She can write most genres it seems and I love the chemistry between her characters!
Naughty Stranger is the first book in her new Dangerous Love series was a very enjoyable story. That had a nice mix of sweetness, heat and suspense. Not to mention Peyton and Boone were so easy to connect to.

I can't wait to read more books in this series and of course more by this author!

I really enjoyed Naughty Stranger. I liked Boone and Payton and everyone around them. I was guessing throughout what was going on and "who done it". There were plenty of red herrings and tension. Kennedy gives us depth with the characters, a small town police department that's completely professional, lots of suspects and even uncertainty about who the target is. The relationship between Boone and Payton was quick with back and forth and such attraction mentally and physically. I'm definitely ready to read the next book.

reviewed by Jem