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
Oh be still heart, be still…
*Swoon*
Well firstly, I am not sure if I can even find the right words that will do this book justice. It’s was sweet, funny, steamy and it wasn’t exactly a unique kind of read, but it did have twists that only JEM can do and honestly, I love something different but I also love my comfort zones and this book sat very nicely inside that zone.
It’s about two characters, Hannah and Ryan.
Hannah is a sweet, beautiful, witty, funny and caring woman and is hiding from her dangerous past.
Ryan is an ex-military, overprotective bodyguard that is needed to get away from an insanely demanding job. He’s swoony, he’s sweet, he’s the father of a funny and adorable 10-year-old.
When Ryan bumps into Hannah, he can’t help but see the fear that is lurking in her eyes and him being as protective as he is, he calls in someone he uses to work with to make sure Hannah stays hidden and safe. He’s taken by Hannah and sparks fly between the two of them and things start to happen. But it’s never that simple, is it? Ryan has a past too and that past could be something that could ultimately keep them apart and add in the fact that Hannah is in danger? Things are anything but perfect, apart from them. They are perfect for each other. But will it be enough? Or will Ryan tear them apart or will it be Hannah’s? or both?
I loved this and I loved these two characters. I loved Ryan’s daughter too. She was cute as hell, and the fun banter and laughter between all three of these characters left me smiling from ear to ear. Hannah and Ryan were meant to be. I could tell from their first encounter. Ryan is a dream, that overprotective side he has really does it for me and Hannah was the perfect kind of sweet that made this couple amazing. They balanced each other out, yet they bounced off each other with witty banter, and off the charts chemistry. Add in the fact that Ryan was a single dad and I was sold.
Jodi weaved her magic and delivered a profound, intense and sweet page-turner that kept my attention from page one, all the way to the last page. It was deliciously sweet, all-consuming, swoon-worthy, with a touch of angst. I absolutely loved it!
5 Stars!
You can never go wrong with a book by Jodi Ellen Malpas. In Leave Me Breathless, she gives us an emotional and intriguing story from beginning to end. Ryan Willis is ready to slow down a bit. As an agent and then in private security, taking it easy is just what he and his daughter need. Though he is a total alpha, I loved how protective and caring he is as well. Hannah Bright was definitely not on his radar, and yet there she is now.
Hannah was sweet and very likable and finds comfort in her art. But what are Hannah’s secret? She is attracted to Ryan, but can she truly let him in? I loved their chemistry and connection and Ryan’s daughter was so sweet and adorable! Though Leave Me Breathless by Jodi Ellen Malpas is from the same world as The Protector, it is a standalone and can be read as such. Though there is a bit of mystery surrounding the characters, the story is overall a sweet and charming story.
4.5-loved it stars! Read and reviewed for Reviews From the Heart.
Happy reading!
If you loved The Protector, you will definitely be on board for Leave Me Breathless. JEM will have you smiling at the quirky paint covered shop owner and panting after the hunky, shirtless lumberjack. Or at least I was…
Leave Me Breathless is a second chance romance with an edge of danger, a bit of trepidation, and plenty of paranoia. Ryan may have quit his job but this man is all about protecting. She is his new mission in life.
(3.5 Stars)
Leave Me Breathless is a slow burn romance with hidden secrets that could put both of their lives at risk, some action, and a lot of romance. Ryan and Hannah’s story starts out slow and maybe just a little too slow for me because I lost interest in the story quite a few times. It took a while for the story to really come together which is why I really couldn’t connect with the story. I did love Ryan throughout the book, but Hannah that girl frustrated me at times. I wanted to shake her at times, but as their story continued it did all make sense as to why she was the way she was.
I have read Jodi’s books before and have loved the ones that I have read. So that makes it so hard to write this review. This book was so much different from This Man and different from anything of hers that I’ve read before. I do recommend this to anyone that loves a slow burn romance with some action and hidden secrets.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
Reviewed by Jeanette Oglesby
(3.5 Stars)
Leave Me Breathless is a slow burn romance with hidden secrets that could put both of their lives at risk, some action, and a lot of romance. Ryan and Hannah’s story starts out slow and maybe just a little too slow for me because I lost interest in the story quite a few times. It took a while for the story to really come together which is why I really couldn’t connect with the story. I did love Ryan throughout the book, but Hannah that girl frustrated me at times. I wanted to shake her at times, but as their story continued it did all make sense as to why she was the way she was.
I have read Jodi’s books before and have loved the ones that I have read. So that makes it so hard to write this review. This book was so much different from This Man and different from anything of hers that I’ve read before. I do recommend this to anyone that loves a slow burn romance with some action and hidden secrets.
Happy Reading Everyone!!!
As always this author does not disappoint. This story was full of love, mystery, action, and suspense. I definitely recommend this book and this author.
Leave Me Breathless is one hot read that will suck you in from the very start. I love the pull between Hannah and Ryan. You feel the chemistry between them from the very first meeting. Hannah is stronger then she looks, sweet and you can feel she is hiding something. The more Leave Me Breathless goes on the more you really get pulled into who is Hannah. I love Ryan so much. He will make you swoon. He is an amazing dad and so protective of everyone. He stops at nothing to help Hannah and discover her secrets. Ryan and Hannah are amazing together. I really couldn’t put this one down. I love what Jodi Ellen Malpas brings to these pages. Go one click this one.
This much awaited book lands on my kindle and everything gets put on hold. I’m a sucker for Good Guy romances, ones where hero is a provider & takes charge in a “I got this” kinda way. Ryan Willis certainly made me go week in the knees with his shirtless sexy physique and crooked dimpled smile.
“I’m talking about Ryan all-hot-and-outdoorsy-and-without-doubt-an-incredible-lay Willis.”
Jodi makes my heart palpitate faster, harder like no other writer. Her Forte being the Oh-so-Macho alpha hero who sweeps in to protect the damsel in distress, and though he rides a truck instead of a steed, the utterly romantic notion of a Guardian/Protector makes me all giddy inside. I mean, who can forget the swoon-worthy Body Guard Jake Sharp who saves Camille in The Protector!
This book is a spinoff in the same Galaxy of Guardians. Though the background plot reeks of mystery and danger, Jodi infuses Breathless sensuality in steamy love scenes. That delicate balance seems to heighten the frustrating passion that both seem to deny initially.
Hannah Bright is the object of Ryan’s desire and hiding a dark secret, deadly enough to give her nightmares, anxiety and panic attacks…….and a loaded sidearm!!
“Ryan wants me. Just the way I am.
He’s filling the empty spaces inside me. And I can’t help letting him.
I can’t help admiring him more every day. This is the man I was always supposed to be with.
And now I fear I’ve found him too late.”
An intense foreboding cloud looms just on the horizon and the few stolen moments the couple finds together, break the spell with exploration of bodies and lip- numbing kisses. Oh my lord, Ryan can KISS… I adore when Jodi writes her trademark bathroom sex scenes (there’s one in every book), The outdoor shower heats up chilly weather with rising passions
There’s a particularly sinfully sensual scene in the lake that had me panting for Ryan and I’m sure the water was boiling with passionate frenzy!!
Characterization is starkly black and white, there’s pure goodness vs the evil black. The constant thread of suspense highlights Ryan’s dedication and devotion to shield Hannah at all costs makes me swoon.
The charming small town setting adds to the flavor. Ryan and Hannah’s chemistry is pulsating & palpable, their trust building gets interrupted by an old enemy that just won’t give up. Hannah’s natural instinct to take flight is handled by Ryan with painstaking patiencE
The adorable Alex being Daddy’s Sidekick, is mouthy and sassy 10 year old who nudges the characters when they are at an impasse and her comic timing of stating the obvious just made me Laugh!!
Another superbly written, inviting, Must- Read romance that should be on everyone’s Kindle.
Since her husband is the Lord now, Lady Jodi’s cap just got another feather!
4.5 stars for Heart that swings on the Lake
I AM BREATHLESS! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
I completely loved this story. It’s full of Heat, Love and Suspense…. So friggin good!!
Ryan and Hannah are defiantly drawn to each other. He wants everything from her, all her love, dreams and even more for her to trust him enough to share her life with him even her past. When he dives into her past he finds so much more than he bargained for, also finding that he has to protect her.
Hannah just wants to live a life not in constant fear. When she gets involved with Ryan she finds that she wants to live an even fuller life one with him. She has to figure out how to let him in fully and get past her fear.
I found myself laughing at his sassy as hell daughter, Alex just made this story so much better.
Leave Me Breathless did exactly that to me in the end. I really enjoyed Ryan and Hannah’s story. The angst as I turned every page while I waited for Hannah’s past to catch up with her was real and I loved the anticipation… until I didn’t. I just wish that the excitement had happened a little sooner in the book, to be honest.
If you don’t fall in love with Ryan Willis, then we are not reading the same novel! He’s a swoon worthy, panty dropping alpha that will steal your heart with one of his crooked smiles. He has all the attributes that you’d expect from an Ex MI5 agent and protector but with a caring and sweet nature that we all want our men to possess. He’s just perfect in my opinion!! I loved the chemistry and connection that he and Hannah shared and I adored his relationship with Alex, who really is the most incredible character who added to the story perfectly!
Hannah Bright arrived in Hampton like a breath of fresh air. She is such a likeable character and she fitted into the small town perfectly. She has a past that she has ran away from and although I would have acted differently in certain scenes, I can’t say that anything Hannah did was wrong as we all deal with similar situations in different ways. I appreciated her strength and how hard it must have been to make some of the decisions that she did. I loved having some of the chapters written to reveal her past. I felt that this, along with the dual POV, gave me a greater understanding of what the characters were going through and feeling.
Leave Me Breathless brought out all the emotions in me and I know you are going to need some tissues close to hand. I did wonder if having not read The Protector would spoil my enjoyment of this novel, but it didn’t. However, since this book is a spin off, the main characters of The Protector do make an appearance, and now I’m wishing I had read that book first – I shall rectify this soon.
Leave Me Breathless was such an amazing story. I found the characters, especially Ryan, unlike anything Jodi had written before. And the story was full of love, hope, new beginnings but it was also quite action-packed! All planned to make the reader’s heart beat faster with anxiety!
The story is set in a English countryside, in a cute small town where everyone knows one another. Ryan comes home after spending lot of time working when he encounters the new resident Hannah. Their first meetings is one of the best Jodi has ever written! Ryan is a very charming, laid-back guy who is surprisingly quite easy-going. Hannah is very sweet and friendly, but it’s obvious she is hiding demons. Together though, Ryan and Hannah work perfectly! I grew fond of them really quick.
The book was overall really great. There were many plot-twists and surprises! Jodi also teased us with showing us bits and pieces of Hannah’s demons from the beginning until they fell into place together like a puzzle at the end. It kept me on my toes!
5 stars! Love it!
This was definitely worth the wait! I was left breathless for these characters.
Ryan’s character I knew I was going to love him right from the get go, I love when you start a book and instantly have that feeling of connection, the same with Hannah.
Small towns always bring big stories and Ryan’s and Hannah’s story crashed right into our world right from the beginning.
This book has all the feels and I loved getting lost in Jodi’s words I’ve been loving her releases, they truly are page turners.
Amo’s Book Corner
5
Heart-throbbing and sensational.
I always seek the next book from JEM with rabid excitement. It gets better and better. All stories are original and give you more than expected. This one took my breath away a few times because of the beauty of the relationship. It feels authentic and oh so enviable. It also ties with characters in The Protector which I really enjoyed.
Both characters experience for the very first time what it is to be drawn to someone with intensity, craving their warmth and pleasure and safety. I felt that too with them.
Quaint little town, passion that overflows all limits, and two characters that are a perfect match. He is a protector, a man of action, and she is a woman fighting to overcome her wounds and a traumatic past.
The double POV works its magic to introduce Hannah and Ryan, their opposing lifestyles and their innermost thoughts. The suspense seed is planted early as a subtle foundation that laces the relationship from the moment it kicks off and as it grows into a huge storm of love and trust.
I loved the funny yet adventurous way they meet, the tidal wave of their chemistry and all-consuming feelings towards each other. Life at the little town is idyllic, but also fraught with family issues.
I adored Hannah’s way of life there, and her sunny disposition despite her distressing circumstances. Ryan is a big, unapproachable fellow but he falls hard for her and protects her with his life. He is a total hero for her and for everyone her cares for. I loved how loyal he was with the women in his life.
The events in town merge with the secrets from Hannah’s past as they are unearthed to Ryan’s despair. It’s a struggle between trust and love, fear and hope. It really becomes thrilling as they fight for their union but also for a future together. There are many funny moments, plenty of meaningful passion that stirs the senses, a few touching scenes that are too real to ignore, and a turbulent yet completely satisfying climax. I never want to miss a JEM story, and this is why.
She strikes again with another amazing novel, with another breathtaking tale!
Jodi with her growing collection of JEM men has written this beautiful book.
I cannot even begin to articulate how I felt during my read with any word other than – breathless.
Ryan and Hannah stay true to the title – they leave you breathless and awestruck, wondering how on earth you managed to fall for another one of her alpha men in just a matter of hours.
The number of lines I have highlighted would prove just that.
Hannah’s strength is something to behold. She’s such a strong woman, and I’m so inspired by her willpower to be free.
You will gasp, laugh out loud, curse, feel afraid and angry, but most of all – you’ll feel the love. Feel those warm and gooey emotions while taking this sexy yet emotional ride of a book,
There is so much more I can fill this review up with but I can’t close without mentioning Alex, because she connects to you in a way you’ll be surprised, and will bring you childish joy…
I just had to read this book once again the moment I finished it because it’s not easy to get over.
This is one of the best books 2019 has seen, and it will surely be one being read over and over again because that’s how talented and gifted Jodi’s writing is.
Leave Me Breathless was a pleasant read. Ryan and Hannah’s story had the romance, suspense, and the small-town feel. It was intriguing to see how everything would play out. Ryan was a great hero-protective, sweet, good dad, alpha-he had it all. How he was with his daughter and Hannah was heartwarming. Just a sweet guy to his girls. Hannah had her secrets but she was still a lovable girl. There was something there that made you feel for her. Hannah and Ryan together was endearing. I liked reading about their coupledom and interactions. But there was also the suspense of Hannah and her secrets. What would come of it? It was fascinating seeing where it would go. And it was good finding it all out as reader. Overall this was a satisfactory story.
ARC received for an honest review
It’s been a while since I read a JEM story. And I loved getting back into her worlds with Leave Me Breathless.
I jumped into this one completely blind – didn’t even realise it was kind of connected to The Protector until I saw Jake and Cami’s name written.
And I ended up completely and utterly adoring this story.
I was expecting a romantic suspense kind of story. And whilst we did have some suspensey and unknowns happening, it wasn’t the main deal with our lovelies Ryan and Hannah.
Ryan is all kinds of I couldn’t help but love him. As much as he comes across as the grouch, he so isn’t really that man. As he learns (along with us) about Hannah and her past, he crosses over to swoonworthy territory.
There is also a scene stealer that will take your heart and runaway with it.
I liked that there was no OTT angsy. Sure, our lovelies have their problems, however they deal with them like adults
I wanted more.
This book is hard to review. Not because I didn’t like it, the opposite actually, but because there is a lot going on through the story, a lot happening, and a lot to process as you read.
Ryan and Hannah aren’t your typical couple in a romance story, there is a lot they don’t know about one another, and a lot that they think they know that maybe isn’t quite what they thought.
And, this pretty much sums up my feelings about this book. I thought i knew where it was going to go, and how it was going to get there, a couple different times. And, I was wrong both times. But, in the best possible way as the direction it took worked better than what I was expecting.
Part of what draws me to titles by Jodi Ellen Malpas is the suspense. The not knowing what is going to happen, and the sense that she is an author who is willing to push boundaries, to let characters act in ways that maybe they wouldn’t always in more “traditional” romance and this adds tension as you honestly don’t know if it is going to work out for Ryan and Hannah.
I am also being deliberately vague as there is a lot in this book, and all of it could be an accidental spoiler…from the way they meet and the reasons they each have for maybe not jumping right into a relationship, to the ways the story arc builds…so I am going to be vague, and say that I enjoyed this title, and avoid all spoilers.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Former MI5 agent Ryan Willis is ready for a slow down, so much of his time has been spent on the move to different countries, fighting bad guys, dodging bullets, and protecting his clients from the danger lurking around them. It has been so long since he has been home to his cabin, and there is no way his handler is changing his mind about going!
Artist Hannah Bright believes she has found the perfect place for her new start, it’s an out-of-the-way little town, where she can maintain the simple life she craves, one where she can live on her own terms. With her little arts and crafts shop she is able to earn a living, and spend her days doing what she loves, painting and creating beautiful art to sale. She finally feels like she can breath a little, and not look over her shoulder so much.
Then a gorgeous stranger wanders into her world and turns it upside down. Ryan is everything she wants in a partner, he could really be a permanent fixture in her future. But when he learns the secrets she is harboring there is a good chance he will walk away…
Leave Me Breathless is a beautifully woven romantic suspense tale that will hold you hostage from beginning to end. The words will sweep you away, embed themselves in your heart, and have swimming in feels. These two instantly had me in their corner, they were perfect for one another. Ryan brought a sense of peace to Hannah’s world, and gave her a soft place to fall. She came to town with the hope of a new beginning and found that and more with Ryan, watching them embrace this unexpected development in their lives was quite entertaining. Both apprehensive to fall, but both too smitten to walk away, the push and pull between them was intense. I absolutely loved everything about this one, it was engaging, tender, sweet, suspenseful, and so good for my heart! Highly recommend this one, it’s characters are certain to steal your heart and keep you thoroughly entertained!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Leave Me Breathless by Jodi Ellen Malpas is the story of Hannah Bright and Ryan Willis.
Ryan has been in the Security business after leaving the military. But now after a close call he has decided to return home to his family, daughter Alex. But it doesn’t take him long to run into the new resident Hannah who has opened a craft store / art gallery. But there is something about her that he knows she is hiding something and he calls in a favor to find out what is going on with her after his feelings for can’t be ignored.
Loved their story and of course this author’s writing.
Reviewed for A Book Nerd, a Bookseller and a Bibliophile
4 1/2 stars
I am fairly new to JEM’s writing….my first book was The Controversial Princess…I know, I know….I need to read This Man….but….TCO made me a fan and when the opportunity arose to revive an ARC of Leave Me Breathless, I jumped on it!
LMB was a rollercoaster for me. I experienced so many emotions: sadness, happiness, hope and most of all anxiety….that’s right, my anxiety was HIGH! Hannah was such a broken a woman (she believed she was but for me she was a strong and determined). Life had not treated her fair and the lengths that she went to….WOW! Don’t think I would have had the strength for it.
Ryan….ahhhh!!!! He was an absolute dream! He was brought to life for me by Ms. Malpass writing and being able to make him “real” show great skill by the author…at least for me.
Leave Me Breathless will he added to my real shelf when the PB addition releases…..