In this “very satisfying mix of dizzying intrigue and steamy romance, ” the #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers a novel that’s ”perfect for those who love a good alpha male and a damsel in distress who doesn’t wait for someone else to rescue her” (Publishers Weekly).
Ryan Willis has spent years in the protection business, a job that requires constant vigilance and quick … the protection business, a job that requires constant vigilance and quick thinking. His only chance to truly relax is at his secluded cabin in a small town where there are never any surprises. So when Ryan returns after an assignment and encounters a beautiful stranger, he isn’t only surprised, he’s also instantly intrigued.
Hannah Bright is a breath of fresh air, and Ryan is soon completely consumed, unable to stop from falling for her. As the two grow closer, his instinct tells him something is amiss. Yet nothing could prepare him for what he discovers when he starts digging into her past.
Hannah spends her days painting, running her arts and crafts store…and hiding too many secrets. It’s why she won’t let the ruggedly handsome bodyguard get too close. But their chemistry is undeniable, and Hannah quickly finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance with Ryan. He is peace personified, a balm to her battered soul. Yet the gorgeous, captivating man who has swept Hannah off her feet doesn’t even know who she really is. And the moment he finds out, both their lives are at risk
Hannah spends her days painting, running her arts and crafts store…and hiding too many secrets. It’s why she won’t let the ruggedly handsome bodyguard get too close. But their chemistry is undeniable, and Hannah quickly finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance with Ryan. He is peace personified, a balm to her battered soul. Yet the gorgeous, captivating man who has swept Hannah off her feet doesn’t even know who she really is. And the moment he finds out, both their lives are at risk
Hannah spends her days painting, running her arts and crafts store…and hiding too many secrets. It’s why she won’t let the ruggedly handsome bodyguard get too close. But their chemistry is undeniable, and Hannah quickly finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance with Ryan. He is peace personified, a balm to her battered soul. Yet the gorgeous, captivating man who has swept Hannah off her feet doesn’t even know who she really is. And the moment he finds out, both their lives are at risk
Hannah spends her days painting, running her arts and crafts store…and hiding too many secrets. It’s why she won’t let the ruggedly handsome bodyguard get too close. But their chemistry is undeniable, and Hannah quickly finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance with Ryan. He is peace personified, a balm to her battered soul. Yet the gorgeous, captivating man who has swept Hannah off her feet doesn’t even know who she really is. And the moment he finds out, both their lives are at riskmore
Another incredible, emotional, and sexy romance from Jodi. Ryan and Hannah are such amazing characters you will love from the very beginning. Hannah is such a complex heroine with so many layers and it is intriguing to discover each layer of who she is as the story progresses. She is not just an artist in a small town, but a women with a deep past you want to discover. Her actions are careful and deliberate and to see Ryan help her navigate the truth that comes to light makes you love them both more than ever. You will see old and new friends that add fun and warmth to the story. Such a great read.
Back into our Protection world, Ryan finally decides to hang up his superhero costume and live a quiet life. He never saw Hannah coming, and never in a million years did he think he’d have to use his skills to protect her. Hannah has secrets and will whatever she has to in order to protect herself and the ones she loves from a monster. Will she let Ryan in? Or will she continue to run in order to protect him and HIS family. Suspense, sexy times and funny moments abound in this great story from JEM.
There’s something about suspense occurring in a small town setting that seems to amp up the tension and drama, add to that the fact that Jodi Ellen Malpas’ newest heroine, Hannah Bright, protectively guards her secrets, keeping those around her at an arm’s length because she and them are safer that way. But, she’s never meant a persistent and commanding man like Ryan Willis, and because he’s a protector by nature, there’s no stopping Ryan once he begins to understand what Hannah’s hiding and what he can do to ensure her safety with whatever part of her past wreaks havoc on her present.
The connection these two characters share happens fairly quick, which is not something that either of them are ready for, but regardless of that fact, they can’t stop their need for each other, and by the time everything seems to start unraveling around Hannah, she’s in deep with Ryan, which means that he’ll do what’s necessary to ensure her safety, even if it means putting himself at risk.
Ryan may not be as alpha as some of JEM’s other heroes, but it’s his softer side, his protective nature that makes him the best man to raise his 10 year old daughter as well as weather the storm that Hannah brings into his life.
One would think that Hannah’s character would be a bit too closed off given her need to hide her secrets, but when Ryan enters her life, the pull is too great and opening up to him becomes almost necessary given the danger they could be in because of their burgeoning relationship.
Leave Me Breathless is not as intense as some of JEM’s previous story lines, and it has an underlying sweetness to it that is not normally found in abundance in her books, but her ability to be more than a one-dimensional writer is why she has so many readers and why her heroes and heroines are unforgettable.
4 Poison Apples
Ryan is one sexy swoon worthy book boyfriend that will be your new favorite!
This book was full of surprises.
Hannah & Ryan’s story had me angsty on how it was going to end.
It did not disappoint!
And yes you will crave pints of Chunky Monkey Ice cream while reading this book and even after.
Author Jodi Ellen Malpas gives an intense, sexy, gripping story of love being found when you least expect it.
I loved how Hannah is full of life and when Ryan meets her, she brings it out in him. Ryan shows Hannah that feeling protected and loved is possible without there being a motive.
I enjoyed seeing how they both bring out qualities and emotions in each other they never thought were possible.
Steamy, love, mysterious, funny and action packed is all in this must read book!
Go One Click it.
4.5 popped!
Leave me breathless left me breathless!
Steamy, swoony, with a bit of suspense to give it more edge.
I loved the Ryan and Hannah’s story.
Ryan’s character was pure alpha goodness with a heart of gold. He’s quiet, sincere and just a good guy.
He’s returning home for much needed respite and when he literally bumps into new towner Hannah.
She’s quirky and clumsy and full of secrets.
Together their chemistry was undeniable and their banter was funny, sharp with a little bite.
As their chemistry develops, her secrets start unfolding.
This story is said to be a spin-off The Protector but it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a complete standalone, although we do get a little spoiler about the main characters.
The result was a well paced, lighthearted and passionate story that had me hooked from beginning to end.
4.5 stars!
This is the story of Ryan & Hannah (Katrina). This book was outstanding. Ryan is a former MI5 Agent and he also worked in protection. He gave it all up to go back home where he had an isolated cabin. Hannah is someone who was always hiding and running. This story had a lot of humor in it. I always love that the chapters are mostly alternating between the two main characters. I love each point of view. There was a slow building apprehension of what was going to happen next. It was written brilliantly. There is a happy ending, but it took the suspense of everything, and for Hannah to let go of the past. Kudos Jodi Ellen Malpas on a great, great story. Can’t wait for your next book to come out.
As always Jodi did it again. When you think it can’t get better, she delivers even better story. So real, I saw my self in it. I couldn’t put the book down. Ryan and Hannah story is story of love, secrets and happily ever after. You don’t know what your are missing, so go read the book.
Another JEM hero to swoon over? Count me in!
I was hooked on Ryan from the start! Is there anything better than an alpha, protective guy who is also a big softie underneath all that gruff, hard exterior? I think not. He’s got this double-edged personality. Yes, he’s all-male, tough, intelligent, and protective. But he’s also charming, sexy, fun, and flirty. And there’s a whole other side to him that will make you swoon.
Hannah is a mystery. On the surface, she’s light, care-free, and easy-going. She can also be clumsy and awkward, but underneath her laid-back facade, she’s plagued by her past. She’s so kind and fun, but she’s also scared and skittish. She’s never truly able to relax and let down her guard, and for good reason.
Neither one of these two are looking for anything serious, but neither one can really resist the other. Their attraction is mutual and their chemistry is on fire. With plenty of suspense, plenty of heat, and quite a few laughs, this is another classic JEM novel. You’re easily going to fall in love with this couple. A definite five-star read!
Leave Me Breathless did just that, it left me breathless! Ryan and Hannah’s story is not what I was expecting as the story was something not a normal read for me. That being said, I adore this book. The relationship between Hannah and Ryan (and Alex, Ryan’s 10-year-old daughter who steals the show!) is brilliant, the twists and turns caught me by surprise, AND THAT ENDING!! I was hanging on for dear life at the end of this book! I love the secondary characters as they all brought so much to the story. I was so engaged with the characters and their story, I could not put this book down!
5 Million ‘It Surpasses Bliss’ Stars
O…M…G! Talk about literary nirvana! I’m sorry but I’ve got to be cliche and say that this book indeed left me breathless for all the BEST reasons!
Unforgettable, mind blowing, heart and soul gripping, Leave Me Breathless has all the elements of an EPIC LOVE story and beyond!
Only Jodi Ellen Malpas could take a small town romance give it a twist, and raise it to the skies with her very own unique brand of sophisticated über sexiness and the most delicious of JEM Alphas! PHE…NOM…E…NAL!!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Full review to follow…
Leave Me Breathless is the story of a woman in hiding who happens upon a man who specializes in personal protection. Their meet-cute is unique-he hits her with his car! Also, the intro to the story gives us a glimpse at Jake and Cami (From The Protector).
Hannah is on the run, but you don’t immediately know why. She is trying to take her life back and is opening an art store in a tiny town in the English countryside. Ryan is taking a sabbatical from private security and returning home. Both Hannah and Ryan have secrets but there is attraction and curiosity.
Ryan’s daughter Alex adds some levity to the story because anyone who has spent time with a 10 year old knows they think they are grown people and it’s funny. Hannah and Ryan’s story has all the earmarks of a classic damsel in distress story and that really works for me. Malpas writes in a lot of emotional depth with the characters and the story is her classic steam level of HOT. Leave me Breathless also has a touch of the crazy ex trope, because Darcy is just awful for most of the book.
Leave Me Breathless really won me over because of Hannah and Ryan. Their love is movie love. Its fairytale love. Its what you dream about and songs are written about. I was enchanted with their story almost immediately and read furiously all afternoon because I simple didn’t want to stop.
I have been counting down to this release for what seems like forever and it’s now here! Malpas is already a one-click author and if she wasn’t, she sure would be after this. Ryan and Hannah’s story captured me from the first page and gave me all the usual feels of a JEM classic – mystery, suspense, protective hero, swoon worthy moments and the quirky English humour.
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Hannah has just settled into Hampton after running for five years. She’s settled in this small community so that she can be close to her family, although she only ever observes them, never engages. She’s fragile and always looking over her shoulder scared.
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Ryan has finished up in the protection business, queue cameos from Jake and Cami (The Protector) and is moving back home to Hampton to spend more time with his daughter and build a few houses with his now spare time.
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Hannah meets Ryan when he runs her over. He’s apologetic but she brushes him off but can’t mistake the need to be around him. They have a few push and pull moments and near kisses that are filled with sizzling chemistry until one night Ryan unapologetically takes their first kiss.
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From the moment they kiss, you are wrapped up in the love story between them. Be prepared, Ryan doesn’t play fair and will completely sweep you of your feet. He’s loving, caring, protective of those he loves, has a sweet tooth for chunky monkey, a pure alpha and a single dad who has the most amazing relationship with his daughter, Alex.
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Alex, I loved her, she’s feisty, has a lot to say, kept her dad on his toes and the banter/bickering between them was so endearing, their relationship was captured perfectly.
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Ryan needs a special mention though. He’s the new alpha on the block but there is just something so real with him, he’s the perfect man to love and will certainly be on many book boyfriend/DILF lists.
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Let’s take a minute to talk about those sex scenes though! Jodi really stepped it up in this book. There are a few of them and they have a real sensual feel to them, Hannah is a lucky lady!
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I was so enchanted by LMB and got totally sucked into the love story that was Ryan and Hannah. There was a real feeling of love between them and the story flowed with no real angst, just great pace and an amazing story. A must read for any romance lover.
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*An ARC received for an honest review – Thank You*
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene -32%
POV – Duel
Hero –
Heroine –
Story –
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –
Jodi Ellen Malpas words are magical! Ryan and Hannah show us how to love and move on from the past. They show what kindness is all about and how much love can bring out different emotions. Make you feel like a whole new person when you meet the one. Suddenly the earth’s axis is tilted and you are under a spell. Ryan and Hannah did that for me. Took me to a place that had me mesmerized with falling in love all over again.
JEM will not only give you the chemistry you crave with Leave Me Breathless, but you will have some suspense and action scenes that will play out. I knew this story would be something special and even though you go through many flows of emotion, you will be left breathless at the end <3 I loved revisiting Jake and Cami. It felt like coming back home to your favorite place.
OMG!!!!
Leave Me Breathless is outrageously enchanting and oh so seductive!
Where you’re thrown into the brilliant suspense, twist, and turns. Leaving you on the edge of your bloody seats! Just saying OMG! OMG!!
Holy heck I will be forever lost in the magical world that Jodi Ellen Malpas has created!! Just Brilliant!
LEAVE ME BREATHLESS by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, romantic suspense story focusing on former MI5 agent, thirty-nine year old single father Ryan Willis, and thirty-three year old, artist Hannah Bright. LEAVE ME BREATHLESS is the follow up story line to the author’s previous release THE PROTECTOR.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Ryan and Hannah) LEAVE ME BREATHLESS follows the building relationship between former MI5 agent, thirty-nine year old, single father Ryan Willis, and thirty-three year old, artist Hannah Bright. Ten years earlier Ryan Willis left the MI5, and began working private security only to walk away following his latest assignment. Tired and hoping for some R&R, Ryan returns to his home in Hampton, England only to come face to face with his future when he accidentally runs her off the road. Enter artist Hannah Bright, and the woman with whom Ryan will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Hannah and Ryan, and the potential fall-out when Hannah’s past comes back hoping to destroy it all.
Hannah Bright is on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of her past but a past that will do anything to end our heroine’s life. Meeting Ryan Willis finds Hannah with thoughts for the future, a future she knows could end very badly. Ryan Willis suspects Hannah isn’t who she claims to be, and therefore calls in a few favors, not realizing the trouble that follows in Hannah’s wake. Having fallen in love with our story line heroine, Ryan finds himself becoming lover and guardian in an effort to protect the woman that calls to his heart.
The relationship between Hannah and Ryan is one of immediate attraction but their accidental meeting places Ryan in a precarious predicament when he discovers his attraction to a woman that is all kinds of wrong. With his precocious daughter in tow, Ryan begins to fall for Hannah Bright, a woman who is hiding much more than Ryan could ever have imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting charavters including Ryan’s ten year old daughter Alexandra, and her mother Darcy, and her husband Casper: Hannah’s friend Molly; numerous townies, as well as the reintroduction of Jake Sharp and Cami Logan, and Jake and Ryan’s ‘boss’ Lucinda.
LEAVE ME BREATHLESS follows several paths including Ryan’s antagonistic relationship with his daughter’s mother. Darcy comes from wealthy breeding stock, and in this their daughter Alexandra is caught between two different worlds, miles apart. Hannah struggles with her past: the violence, the secrets and lies that threaten to destroy everything she has built but a past that refuses to accept the inevitable.
LEAVE ME BREATHLESS is a story of betrayal and lies; second chances and falling in love. The premise is engaging, impassioned and edgy; the characters are edgy and energetic; the romance is sensual and intense. LEAVE ME BREATHLESS is a spirited and intoxicating that will leave you wanting more.
Leave Me Breathless is another great standalone from Jodi. A little lighter than what we typically see from her, a sweeter more earthy romance this time around. The novel centres around the Hero Ryan Willis, an ex MI5 agent, turned private security who has decided to pack it in and live the quiet life to raise his 10 year old daughter Alex. Ryan is a burly alpha male with a strong protective moral compass, he is an amazing father and has a huge heart, I found the contrast of his tough exterior Vs his gentile persona very endearing.
The heroine of the story is Hannah Bright as clumsy, artistic type, a bit of a loner and the new woman in town. You get the sense that Hannah is running from something and this serves as the underlying plot to the story throughout. As the novel goes on obviously things begin to unfold and this brings the suspenseful elements to the book. Hannah is a likeable character, she is easy to warm to and when she does let loose and free’s herself from the demons keeping her hidden away you get to see what an independent woman she is.
There is a secondary character in this book that was a stand out for me, and that is Alex – Ryan’s daughter. She was like the glue that held this story together and kept it moving forward. She is a clever and sassy little thing that has her Dad wrapped around her finger. At times I found elements of the story verging on being linear and repetitive; but insert a scene with Alex and it lifted the moment and things felt like they were progressing then. She was a total ray of sunshine and I loved the dynamic between her and the adults of the story.
Overall Leave Me Breathless was an enjoyable read, the cameo’s from Jake and Cami (character from The Protector) were a nice touch. I felt the plot was somewhat predictable but Jodi’s writing as ever is quality and the characters well developed. Occasionally pacing was a little slow and a lot seemed to happen in the last quarter of the book that maybe could have happened sooner. That said if you are looking for a sweet and steamy romance with lovable characters that you can just kick back and read away the day with then Leave Me Breathless is your book.
A rugged hero, sweet heroine, action, suspense and danger…what more could I want? Oh, steamy romance! Check!!! Ryan was one of those single fathers that you instantly fall in love with. He’s a protective, fun loving, all-in father. Hannah is one of those quirky, creative types. I love that they both were kind of instantly drawn to one another. Ryan is use to dealing with people with secrets and Hannah is the worst secret keeper. This story was just a swoonworthy romance with the big protective guy you can just fall head over heels for. He’s pretty much the kind of guy the sweet heroine Hannah deserves plus you get the bonus daughter Alex. She’s a hoot! Much wiser than her years and so mischievous. She stole many scenes and definitely made me crack up laughing! Just a feel good read.
A new standalone from one of my favorite authors JEM. Ryan Willis, an ex agent, now on private security and raising his 10 year old girl Alex. Hannah, new woman in town, who has demons she needs to overcome. Loved seeing one of my favorite couple within the pages of this story. An overall great read, the plot might not be unique but JEM certainly made it hers.
4-4.25 stars. This was a really good book! Leave Me Breathless is Hannah and Ryan’s story. Hannah is on the run from her dangerous past. She is an artist who has moved to a small town with a new identity and opened her own art shop. Ryan is a former security professional who has decided to retire to his small hometown to spend more time with his daughter. There he meets Hannah and she sparks something in him he has never felt before. He knows she is hiding something and is scared, which brings up his protective instincts. They find a connection and begin a relationship, but they also have to deal with her past coming back to haunt her.
I really enjoyed this romantic suspense story. I liked that it was a standalone and was pretty low angst. I loved Hannah and Ryan. They made a great couple. He was protective and strong. She was so sweet for having been through so much. I loved her free spirit and ability to rebound from tragedy with a hopeful outlook. I also liked Ryan’s daughter, Alex, even if she felt more like a fifteen year old than a ten year old. The story felt a little Lifetime movie-esque, but the writing was very good and I felt the emotion. I enjoyed the small town feel and the art aspect. There is a little ex-drama with Ryan’s daughter’s mother, but it was minor as they were never really together (one night stand resulted in a baby), nor did he like her at all. That did not really take away from my enjoyment of the book. Overall, this was a sweet, sexy, simple story with the perfect amount of suspense.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this great, low angst, easy read. This was my first book by Jodi Ellen Malpas and will definitely not be my last.
Being a big fan of this author’s work, I was so looking forward to reading this book. The blurb had me intrigued, and the chance to meet another JEM alpha male had me thinking that I would instantly fall in love with his story but sadly that was not the case. On the plus side the book has the making of a great story, it’s plotline has a lovely romance between it’s main two characters of Ryan and Hannah who I adored, but it just didn’t deliver on it’s promise of any real drama. It was quite a slow moving story that just didn’t give me the suspenseful build up that it needed to keep it interesting. Nothing really eventful happens in the story until I got to about 90%, and then it felt it was all rushed to tie up the ending. I really came to dislike Ryan’s ex Darcy who I thought was too big a part of the story and she wasn’t really needed so much as all she did was irritate me, the absolute star of the book was Alex, she was totally adorable and really made me want to keep reading about her and what she got up to. It was great to catch up with Jake, Cami and Lucinda too. For me this was just an ok read and not up to the usual standard we have come to expect from JEM.