Superbly written erotic romance. Loved the characters and dialogue. Will definately look for more of McKenna's books.
Helpful Score: 4
Hot sex! Alpha male. Damsel in distress. A great romantic suspense book. Seth is one sexy male, and Raine is a great female counterpoint. Their lives and their future are on the line as they fight not only the villians but their attraction to each other.
Helpful Score: 4
This book has everything, sizzling romance, mystery and .... it's not for the fainthearted.
Helpful Score: 4
This was the first Shannon McKenna book I have read. It is a fast, exciting read. It is very sensual and for those who do not enjoy these kind of books, it may be a bit much for you.
Helpful Score: 3
Very explicit, erotic romance with interesting twists in the plot.
Good story line, good character development. I'm tempted to keep this one.
Good story line, good character development. I'm tempted to keep this one.
Helpful Score: 3
Shannon McKenna is one of the best writers of erotic romance. Her prose unfolds with such flair and lyricism that I can't wait to turn the page. I also love the deep inner conflicts that each character must face and resolve. It goes to the heart of McKenna's story-telling.
Helpful Score: 2
Geat book..very HOT!
Helpful Score: 2
This book features a strong alpha male and contains a little more sex than most books.
Helpful Score: 2
This (Seth's story)and Standing in the Shadows(Connor's story) are the best of this series. They are keeper status.
Helpful Score: 2
Erotic thriller. I enjoy all of Shannon McKenna's books.
Helpful Score: 2
~ A STANDARD MCKENNA STORY; THEY'RE ENJOYABLE WHEN NOT READ ONE AFTER ANOTHER (3.5 stars) ~
I read this right after having read EXTREME DANGER, Book 5 in the series, and I definitely think that one needs to space out books by this author, because there are a lot of similarities.
You've got the ...
(some of these are kind of spoilers, but they're general and if you've read any other McKenna books, these will come as no surprise)
* crazy, psycho villain
* very weird and dangerous situation that compels the two main characters to be together
* heroine who is sweet and vulnerable, yet strong, and gives and gives and gives to the hero and takes all of his BS and mistrust and freaky stalkerish I'm-planting-tracking-devices-on-you-without-you-knowing in stride
* hero who is a total alpha with mad skills in bed and some type of law / military / security background who has always been the love 'em and leave 'em type until he met (or sketchily stalked/spied on) the heroine and then he can't help but be dazed by her beauty, sweetness, etc. etc.
* misunderstanding which makes the hero think the heroine betrayed him and so he confines / imprisons her because he wants to protect her even though he thinks she's been lying to him
* entire plot and love story that happens within the period of a few days and always ends with a wedding ring despite the unbelievably short amount of time they've known one another
... You get the picture.
They're enjoyable though, and when the heroes are sweet they're definitely swoon-worthy. Seth is the standard alpha who had a rough childhood and puts everyone off by being gruff but actually has a heart of gold underneath and is just lonely and grieving and needs the heroine to realize life can be amazing and he wants a home, a white picket fence, and children. ... Hmmm, did that sound too snarky? Sorry! ;-) Honestly, I actually did like Seth and found his complete lack of social skills quite endearing. (Quote #1 below is a perfect example of how Seth is utterly clueless but also hysterical).
I enjoyed the subplot in this one a lot more and I really liked that aside from the super-evil villain, other characters are murkier and you're not sure whether they're good or bad and kind of see they're a mix of both. In both books McKenna brings in some secondary characters' POVs and while in EXTREME DANGER I found it somewhat annoying and was a little bored by them, I liked it here and found Victor very interesting.
Raine was ... okay. I didn't dislike her, but never really got into rooting for her. It also *completely* bugged the heck out of me that she finds out Seth has been spying on her in the privacy of her own home for three weeks without her having any clue and her reaction is: "Oh, okay. Well I hope no one saw us have sex." Really?! Like ... really?!?! No: "You're kind of a psycho and really, really sketchy" or "Wow, think you could have told me that before I completely trusted you and we started sleeping together?" or even "I understand you were doing this for your undercover operation, but I'm still kind of pissed you stalked me for a few weeks and stared at me naked, so you're sleeping by yourself tonight"?!
I think I probably would have given this book 4 stars (and might still change the rating) if it hadn't been for the fact that it felt so similar to the book I had just read in this series. I'm interested in reading other McCloud books, but will be spacing them out from now on.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"Lovers do things together! They rent videos, they ride Ferris wheels, they go out for pizza, they play Scrabble. They . . . they talk!"
"Talk?" He lifted his head and frowned, his eyes puzzled. "We talk all the time, Raine. I've never had such talkative sex."
"That's just it!" She wiggled, flailed, but couldn't budge him. "Two minutes alone with you, and I'm flat on my back. Every single time!"
A slow, knowing grin spread over his face. "Is this your way of telling me you want to be on top?"
(p. 184)
She was a fairy-tale princess out of his comic book fantasies. She glowed like a star. He hated it. It made his jaw clench [...] It made him want to wreck something, punch walls, hurl plates. He wanted to drag her into a corner and rip off her glittering veil of illusions. Remind her that she was his beautiful wild animal, not this remote, perfect being. She was earth and sweat and blood and bone, she was hunger and need and howling at the moon. Just like him. Part of him.
(p. 253)
I read this right after having read EXTREME DANGER, Book 5 in the series, and I definitely think that one needs to space out books by this author, because there are a lot of similarities.
You've got the ...
(some of these are kind of spoilers, but they're general and if you've read any other McKenna books, these will come as no surprise)
* crazy, psycho villain
* very weird and dangerous situation that compels the two main characters to be together
* heroine who is sweet and vulnerable, yet strong, and gives and gives and gives to the hero and takes all of his BS and mistrust and freaky stalkerish I'm-planting-tracking-devices-on-you-without-you-knowing in stride
* hero who is a total alpha with mad skills in bed and some type of law / military / security background who has always been the love 'em and leave 'em type until he met (or sketchily stalked/spied on) the heroine and then he can't help but be dazed by her beauty, sweetness, etc. etc.
* misunderstanding which makes the hero think the heroine betrayed him and so he confines / imprisons her because he wants to protect her even though he thinks she's been lying to him
* entire plot and love story that happens within the period of a few days and always ends with a wedding ring despite the unbelievably short amount of time they've known one another
... You get the picture.
They're enjoyable though, and when the heroes are sweet they're definitely swoon-worthy. Seth is the standard alpha who had a rough childhood and puts everyone off by being gruff but actually has a heart of gold underneath and is just lonely and grieving and needs the heroine to realize life can be amazing and he wants a home, a white picket fence, and children. ... Hmmm, did that sound too snarky? Sorry! ;-) Honestly, I actually did like Seth and found his complete lack of social skills quite endearing. (Quote #1 below is a perfect example of how Seth is utterly clueless but also hysterical).
I enjoyed the subplot in this one a lot more and I really liked that aside from the super-evil villain, other characters are murkier and you're not sure whether they're good or bad and kind of see they're a mix of both. In both books McKenna brings in some secondary characters' POVs and while in EXTREME DANGER I found it somewhat annoying and was a little bored by them, I liked it here and found Victor very interesting.
Raine was ... okay. I didn't dislike her, but never really got into rooting for her. It also *completely* bugged the heck out of me that she finds out Seth has been spying on her in the privacy of her own home for three weeks without her having any clue and her reaction is: "Oh, okay. Well I hope no one saw us have sex." Really?! Like ... really?!?! No: "You're kind of a psycho and really, really sketchy" or "Wow, think you could have told me that before I completely trusted you and we started sleeping together?" or even "I understand you were doing this for your undercover operation, but I'm still kind of pissed you stalked me for a few weeks and stared at me naked, so you're sleeping by yourself tonight"?!
I think I probably would have given this book 4 stars (and might still change the rating) if it hadn't been for the fact that it felt so similar to the book I had just read in this series. I'm interested in reading other McCloud books, but will be spacing them out from now on.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"Lovers do things together! They rent videos, they ride Ferris wheels, they go out for pizza, they play Scrabble. They . . . they talk!"
"Talk?" He lifted his head and frowned, his eyes puzzled. "We talk all the time, Raine. I've never had such talkative sex."
"That's just it!" She wiggled, flailed, but couldn't budge him. "Two minutes alone with you, and I'm flat on my back. Every single time!"
A slow, knowing grin spread over his face. "Is this your way of telling me you want to be on top?"
(p. 184)
She was a fairy-tale princess out of his comic book fantasies. She glowed like a star. He hated it. It made his jaw clench [...] It made him want to wreck something, punch walls, hurl plates. He wanted to drag her into a corner and rip off her glittering veil of illusions. Remind her that she was his beautiful wild animal, not this remote, perfect being. She was earth and sweat and blood and bone, she was hunger and need and howling at the moon. Just like him. Part of him.
(p. 253)
Helpful Score: 1
this was a great suspense novel w/a terrific love story. looks like will be a good series.
Helpful Score: 1
A dark and gritty suspense romance. Raine Cameron is investigating the man that killed her father. So is Seth Mackey. Seth has a score to settle regarding the death of his brother. The two are like gasoline and fire. A little aggressive for the faint of heart. 4 stars
Renee' B. (Daydreamsbeliever) reviewed Behind Closed Doors (McCloud, Bk 1) on + 194 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
"Spine-tingling sensuality and suspense. You'll feel the heat with this one." So true, very hot. I highly recomend.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first book by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was delighted to find out it is the first in a series and am now trying to obtain the second in the series (Standing in the Shadows). I enjoyed the characters, the story, and the love scenes (which are explicit and use language some might find harsh).
Helpful Score: 1
This is a really good romantic suspense book that is very spicy! Lots of sex in this one. Lorraine, called Raine is finally ready to confront her uncle Victor about the mysterious death of her father. She gets a job as a secretary at his company hoping that he will not recognize her as his blond haired, braided little niece that he hasn't seen in seventeen years. As she tries to uncover clues to this forgotten crime someone else is also watching her uncle and her. Seth is also trying to squirm his way into Victor's company because of the death of his kid brother Jessie. Seth is a surveillance guru and watches Raine wondering what connection she has with the evil Victor meanwhile falling in love with her through the video cameras. Can they both solve their mysteries, conqueror their personnel ghosts and find love??
Helpful Score: 1
This is an Erotic Romance! You've been warned...
Helpful Score: 1
Surveillance expert Seth Mackey knows everything about the women that his millionaire boss toys with and tosses aside. Raine Cameron is something different. Night after night Seth watches her on a dozen different video screens. Her vunerable beauty haunts him and her fresh innocence stirs a white hot passion that he can barely control. Raine is pure temptation,but Seth has something more important to take care of first. He is convinced that his boss Victor Lazar is responcible for his half-brother's murder. He cannot put his secret investigation at risk, but he can't stop wanting her.
Raine knows she is being watched but know one can see the secrets in her heart. She has reasons of her own to seek revenge on Victor Lazar, and she will despite her fear - and the distracting presence of Seth Mackey. Though Raine has little experience with men, Seth's fiercely masculine good looks and animal sensuality stir her erotic fantasies when she is alone ... and lead her to a bold plan. Offering her body to him, surrendering totally to his ruthless desire might well push her beyond all emotional limits and beyond fear itself. Great book!
Raine knows she is being watched but know one can see the secrets in her heart. She has reasons of her own to seek revenge on Victor Lazar, and she will despite her fear - and the distracting presence of Seth Mackey. Though Raine has little experience with men, Seth's fiercely masculine good looks and animal sensuality stir her erotic fantasies when she is alone ... and lead her to a bold plan. Offering her body to him, surrendering totally to his ruthless desire might well push her beyond all emotional limits and beyond fear itself. Great book!
This is the first in the McCloud Brothers series, although it's about Seth Mackey and the McClouds are just minor characters in this one. I really liked it. It got to the "action" quicker than I thought was possible, but the story was good and I really enjoyed the characters. I love this series.
Janet H. (eroticbookwriter) -
One of my favorite authors. All her books are page turners. This book was very action packed. The action didn't outweigh the romance part of the story. Fit well.
OMG! Hot, hot, hot. Love Sean. And sex in the car....
If you are looking for a steamy couple, with a major Alpha male this is the book for you, but wait until you get to Nick....fanning myself....
If you are looking for a steamy couple, with a major Alpha male this is the book for you, but wait until you get to Nick....fanning myself....
I love her short storys. They're well written and plotted. Not so much her full length books.
I absolutely love romantic suspense, but this author doesn't seem very action oriented - almost the whole first four chapters were about the characters and only two really significant things happened. I didn't finish it.
The author jumps right into some fast action and humor, and the heroine's need for adventure in her life. And the hero creates some drama and conflict with their relationship and his other relationships with his friends. It hooks you in.
Its a fun book!
Its a fun book!
Awesome book , got me hooked on Shannon Mckenna.If you dont like sex in your books ,its not for you.
Very hot!!! and fast paced action!!! I love Shannon Mckenna...She always delivers...
This was a fabulous book! The first in the McCloud Brothers series. I cant believe I put off reading it for so long.
Talk about an Alpha male...man Seth is ALL ALPHA. Raine is very strong herself. Of course she would have to be to put up with Seth's uber alpha, cave man, mannerisms. LOL
This one had tons of action, tons of sex, lots of bad guys, and a great introduction to the McCloud brothers. Makes me want to move the rest of the series to the top of the TBR!
Talk about an Alpha male...man Seth is ALL ALPHA. Raine is very strong herself. Of course she would have to be to put up with Seth's uber alpha, cave man, mannerisms. LOL
This one had tons of action, tons of sex, lots of bad guys, and a great introduction to the McCloud brothers. Makes me want to move the rest of the series to the top of the TBR!
Very fast paced, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great get together story. The non-trusting got abit old but bareable. Great read.
Burns the pages up!
Behind Closed Doors was pretty good. Seth was a little much to take sometimes. He was extremely Alpha and was not always kind to Raine. However, even with all of his idiocy, he truly did care about her. The suspense was exciting and Raine grew enough of a backbone to deal with all the stuff thrown at her. It kept my interest and I want to read the rest of the series now.
Excellent book.
Romantic thriller -- excellent!
I've read other books in this series and my reviews are often mixed. Some of her books are really good while others are okay. This is definitely one of the good ones.
Seth and Raine were great together. I loved that McKenna didn't drag out their issues or misunderstandings. I adored that Seth was really a romantic at heart and even though Raine was really innocent it wasn't done in a way where she was annoying.
It was suspenseful and had some very steamy love scenes. It wasn't exactly a "who-dun-it" but you really wanted to know what everyone was going to do next.
I really thought this was one of McKenna's best books.
Seth and Raine were great together. I loved that McKenna didn't drag out their issues or misunderstandings. I adored that Seth was really a romantic at heart and even though Raine was really innocent it wasn't done in a way where she was annoying.
It was suspenseful and had some very steamy love scenes. It wasn't exactly a "who-dun-it" but you really wanted to know what everyone was going to do next.
I really thought this was one of McKenna's best books.
The cover of the book says it all: "An erotic thriller you cannot miss." I really enjoyed this book. It kept my attention all the way through. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
The first book I read by Shannon Mckenna , and the one one that hooked me. Very hot..
Very good book
Excellent book like all Shannon McKenna books, it was a pleasure to read this one.
Stephanie C W. (stephanie13w) reviewed Behind Closed Doors (McCloud, Bk 1) on + 300 more book reviews
Steamy & good, need I say more.
Suspenseful.
Surveillance expert Seth Mackey knows everything about the women that his millionaire boss toys with and tosses aside. Raine Cameron is something different. Night after night Seth watches her on a dozen different video screens. Her vunerable beauty haunts him and her fresh innocence stirs a white hot passion that he can barely control. Raine is pure temptation,but Seth has something more important to take care of first. He is convinced that his boss Victor Lazar is responcible for his half-brother's murder. He cannot put his secret investigation at risk, but he can't stop wanting her.
Raine knows she is being watched but know one can see the secrets in her heart. She has reasons of her own to seek revenge on Victor Lazar, and she will despite her fear - and the distracting presence of Seth Mackey. Though Raine has little experience with men, Seth's fiercely masculine good looks and animal sensuality stir her erotic fantasies when she is alone ... and lead her to a bold plan. Offering her body to him, surrendering totally to his ruthless desire might well push her beyond all emotional limits and beyond fear itself.
Good
Raine knows she is being watched but know one can see the secrets in her heart. She has reasons of her own to seek revenge on Victor Lazar, and she will despite her fear - and the distracting presence of Seth Mackey. Though Raine has little experience with men, Seth's fiercely masculine good looks and animal sensuality stir her erotic fantasies when she is alone ... and lead her to a bold plan. Offering her body to him, surrendering totally to his ruthless desire might well push her beyond all emotional limits and beyond fear itself.
Good
I didn't read the book.
