The Wicked Series, 3
As an escape from her abusive marriage, Emily fell head over heels for her husband's bodyguard. But when he betrayed her, she left and never looked back. Now, three years later, Emily is forced back into the arms of the very man that showed her what it means to be loved but also shattered her so completely.
Leo Cruz was the only man that ever made her feel like a woman should. With his scruffy good looks and honey-colored eyes, he melted all of her carefully placed defenses with one dimpled grin.
When tragedy strikes and she is asked to search for her wayward brother, she is forced to face her past head on. Secrets are revealed and passion ensues as Emily fights to find not only her brother but the truth.
Be Warned: anal sex, abuse, violence
Excerpt:
All the blood drained from my face as I forgot about the phone in my hand, and dropped it to my bare thighs. It was a trick of my ears. There was no way that deep voice that sent shivers down my spine was who I thought it was. It was too cruel to truly be him.
I winced and squeezed my eyes closed, willing it away. It was a bad dream, that was all. I heard the soft chuckle I knew so well.
“You gonna move your bag so I can sit down, or are you gonna make that nice stewardess yell at me for clogging the aisle?” Leo’s sultry voice filled my ears once more and my eyes sprung open.
I turned my head in his direction so fast my neck nearly popped at the motion. It was real. He was really here.
He stood with his bulky body leaning nonchalantly against the opposite seat from me. His tattooed hands were crossed in front of him as were his ankles, as if he had all the time in the world.
The worn work boots on his feet looked like they had seen better days with the number of scuffs that marred the toes and sides. His holey faded jeans had also been well worn. I swallowed hard as I gazed at those powerful thighs hidden away under the tautly stretched light-blue denim. I diverted my eyes from the slight bulge at his fly as I continued my trail north.
His maroon-and-blue flannel, long-sleeved button-up was left open to expose the white shirt underneath. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbow, revealing corded forearms and thick dark ink that traveled up under the fabric. Those biceps were thick under the soft fabric, a testament to his physical fitness. His beard was little more than overgrown stubble, but it was well-maintained and still looked just as luscious as the last time I’d been forced to interact with him.
His hair still tickled the tops of his ears in wavy, light-brown locks with threads of sun-bleached highlights throughout. His longer hair partially covered the tops of those honey-colored eyes that were taking in my every detail, as I did his.
I watched as he pulled a plump lip behind his teeth and sucked it slightly before releasing it with a small tsk. The movement reverberated straight to my core and I felt a distant throbbing form down low. I squeezed my thighs together to ward off the sudden ache and that bright gaze shot right to my exposed limbs as his nostrils flared slightly. A lazy grin creased his lips as he met my eyes again.
As if his smirk had broken the spell he had captured me under, I scowled at him. I sucked in a large breath and turned in my seat to face him.
“What the fu—”
A small little slip of a woman came up to the two of us and interrupted me. The short brunette smiled at Leo with dazzled eyes and I nearly vomited on the spot. Of course, she thought he was hot. Anyone who wasn’t blind would say the same thing. I tried not to snarl as he returned her smile with a soft grin of his own.
“Excuse me, sir, the captain has put on the “Fasten Seatbelt” sign. I’m going to have to ask you to take your seat.” She blushed, actually blushed at the fucker.
His stupid grin widened as he regarded the delicate female. “Yes, ma’am. I was just asking my traveling companion if she wouldn’t mind moving her bag.” His slight Brooklyn accent drawled from his lips before he winked at her. I swear she sighed before turning her eyes to me.
She squinted as if sizing me up before speaking. “Ma’am, it’s the airline’s policy you stow all carry-ons in the overhead bin. If you need assis—”
“I got it,” I said from behind my clenched teeth, cutting her off.
She hardened her stare at me before returning her attention to Leo, who happened to be grinning back at me. I nearly saw a tinge of red when she grabbed his biceps in an overly friendly gesture before telling him to let her know if he needed anything further. He never took his eyes off me when he nodded. With one last scowl in my direction, Ms. Skanky Stewardess walked back toward the front of the plane.
Leo and I locked eyes again as I continued to throw daggers at him. If looks could kill, he would be dead a hundred times over.
He smirked at me again before finally moving. He extended his hand toward me before he spoke. “Give it here, I’ll put it u—”
“I said, I got it,” I repeated.
He held his hands up in defeat but otherwise didn’t move.
I huffed loudly as I moved my phone from my lap into my seat and stood. I grabbed my heavy bag before I turned my back to the solid slab of muscle in front of me.
Even though we were technically in first-class, like most airplanes, space was cramped. I managed to get the overhead bin open without touching Leo, but when I raised my bag above my head to shove it in the tiny cubby, I felt my overly curvy backside graze against the front of his jeans. I heard Leo’s sharp intake of breath and couldn’t help the smile that formed on my lips.
Paybacks were always a bitch.
I may have wiggled my ass more than necessary as I tried to shove my bag into the tiny space above my head. I stood on my tiptoes as I pushed it a little further, making sure to expose a little of my midriff as my shirt rose with my stretch.
Leo didn’t attempt to move at all but I could feel the tension rolling off him in thick palpable waves as I moved against his crotch. Not a lot, just enough he could feel. The surge of feminine power that rushed through my body was giving me a crazy high. That was until I felt his hands circle my hips, halting my wiggling.
I sucked in a sharp breath of my own as he stepped closer to me. His calloused fingers touched my bare flesh at my hips as I felt his breath fan across the hair that draped down the back of my neck. I just barely stalled the shiver that tried to wrack my body as he spoke softly.
“Careful, Princess. Wouldn’t want to get something started you’re not ready to finish,” he whispered as one of his hands trailed from my hip up my side.
This was Leo and Emily’s book. As an escape from her abusive marriage, Emily fell for her husband's bodyguard. But when he betrayed her, she left and never looked back. Now, three years later, Emily is forced back into the arms of the very man that showed her what it means to be loved but also shattered her so completely. It was an intriguing and entertaining story. And voluntarily leaving my review.
Wickedly Betrayed Book 3 of The Wicked Series by A.E. Nalle The story and characters, Leo and Emily, were well written and nicely developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Great read.
I thought this romance was so steamy hot and fun to read. I really liked Emily and so felt for her though I also felt bad for Leo as he didn’t seem to understand what had happened. This novel was sizzling as the chemistry between these two was scorching, and I found this book hard to put down.
So very good. Emily frees and escapes from her abusive marriage and falls really hard for her husband's bodyguard. But he ends up betraying her and she runs and never looks back. Now three years later Emily has to face Leo Cruz again the man that devastated her but ask for help finding her brother and forced to face her past with all the secrets and lies to find the truth. Will Emily and Leo get their second chance to find their happiness? There are more answers about Emily's past when you read the books in order. Highly recommend.
I thought that this book had a great storyline The characters were really well developed I loved the mix of personalities and getting to know more about them as the book progressed The book had plenty of action and romance and there was plenty to keep me entertained and turning the pages - it was a pretty addictive read and I did read it in one afternoon. Romantic and sexy - it is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
I thought that this book had a great storyline The characters were really well developed I loved the mix of personalities and getting to know more about them as the book progressed The book had plenty of action and romance and there was plenty to keep me entertained and turning the pages - it was a pretty addictive read and I did read it in one afternoon. Romantic and sexy - it is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
I thought that this book had a great storyline The characters were really well developed I loved the mix of personalities and getting to know more about them as the book progressed The book had plenty of action and romance and there was plenty to keep me entertained and turning the pages - it was a pretty addictive read and I did read it in one afternoon. Romantic and sexy - it is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!
Emily and Cruz’s story is a second chance one with her being in an abusive marriage with her ex and he was her ex’s bodyguard. He was the only one that showed her love then crushed her and she fled. Now years later her bro is missing and she needs to find him with the help of the PI her parents hired, it’s none other than Cruz. While searching for her bro they will get to reveal the reasons for all her pain and his. Love the teasers at the end for more characters’ stories.
Emily escaped from a horrible and abusive marriage, negligent parents and a terrible betrayal and started over again. But, her past has caught up to her in the form of Leo, the private investigator whom she had an affair with. He’s back to help her rescue her brother in Columbia - while she initially gives him the cold shoulder, sparks eventually fly, and boy does it get hot! I loved Emily’s emotional strength to address the past so that she and Leo could move on, and the love she had for her people was inspiring. I will say, the one thing I found off-putting in this story is the number of times Emily slapped someone in the face - yes, things get passionate and heated, but I found the face slapping distasteful. Overall, a thrilling read and an excellent story.
This story has suspense domestic violence, backhanded deals being used to make money but not to even cars that she was being abused by her husband an wanted out.Emily rushed into marrying the man who made her life a living hell just to get away from her cold unfeeling parents .It had always been Emily and her brother Tanner against the world but she chose marriage and he chose drugs,booze and one night stands.When she tried to live her husband he brought her back an beat her so bad she couldn't leave the house for weeks.The her parents hired a pi to find dirt on her husband her father wanted him in jail an to buy up his company for almostnothing. Will she fall in love with the guy that is trying to get the evidence to take down her soon to be ex?there are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted til the very last page.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.
This is book three of The Wicked Series. Just like the other parts, you are now stuck with the book again. The characters Emily and Leo were great as was the storyline and the chemistry and attraction was so great. A must read.
This is book three in The Wicked Series and it is Emily and Leo’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Emily had a difficult childhood along with her brother Tanner and even though there parents were wealthy they had no time for there children and just treated them with cold indifference so they were brought up by nannies instead of loving parents. Emily was in a abusive marriage and then fell in love with Leo and needed a way out of the continuing unhappiness but her husband refused to give her a divorce but when something happened and Emily’s husband ended up beating her so badly that her brother helped her get away which she needed especially after the betrayal of Leo the man she so in love with and now three years later and she gets a call saying that her brother Tanner is missing Emily is determined to find him and bring him home as it had always been Emily and Tanner against the world and they would do anything for each other regardless of the circumstances or situation. The last thing Emily needed was to be sat on a plain next to Leo the only man that she had truly loved only for him to betray her but as he had been hired to find her brother she was stuck with him at the moment but she will never be a fool and fall for his tricks again but everything is not what it seems. Wow this book takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I couldn’t put it down as the storyline pulled me in right from the start and kept my attention throughout the whole book and the chemistry between Emily and Leo was so hot and intense that it sizzled off the pages and I can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series. This is the first book that I have read by A E Nalle and it is so well written and a real page turner and I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.
As with the other two, the story is great. Just the right amount of action, mystery and feelings to make the reading a mini "mind-vacation". Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Wickedly Betrayed is second chance romance with plenty of praise kink. Most of the plot is bedroom driven.
Wickedly Betrayed by A.E. Nalle is a good, and enjoyable dark steamy romantic suspense read. The story has a great story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This is Emily and Leo's story. They have really great and hot chemistry. This story is an entertaining page turning read.
Emily finds herself back in the presence of Cruz because of her brother. She needs to find him, and he is a means to do so but will it open the gates to her feelings to the man that betrayed her. This story has some thrilling twists and turns that will steam up your pages and keep you glued to it from start to finish.
The third book in the Wicked Series. Leo Cruz was Emily Hasting's husband's bodyguard. Their story has suspense, drama, evil, danger, one nasty man, a brother who needs help and romance. Her parents where really something. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emilly fell head over heals for her husband bodyguard. When she left the absence behind. LEO had the most amazing eyes the melted her into a puddle but she left him an never looked back but. But when something tragic happened she is forced but together.
The author absolutely nailed it with Emily & Leo's story. I was completely hooked from page one & couldn't stop until I had finished. Their story is a dark romance that contains plenty of suspense, family drama whilst also having an erotic side. I highly recommend reading their story & can't wait to see what the author writes next. ** This is a dark romance & may not be for everyone**
First of all this book has many triggering scenes, so readers beware! I loved this book and the many twists and turns which includes some of the triggering moments. The characters were deep and very relatable, the world building was magnificent, and oh boy the villains were absolutely horrible. This is exactly the kind of book you want to sink into that will take you on a journey with highs and lows and everything in between including lots and lots of steam!!!
I loved reading Wickedly Betrayed. This book was a fast read for me. I loved the HOT steamy chemistry between Emily and Leo and loved the ending!!!
I loved reading Wickedly Betrayed. This book was a fast read for me. I loved the HOT steamy chemistry between Emily and Leo and loved the ending!!!
This is the third book I've read written by A.E. Nalle; I can’t wait to read more of her books. This is the third book in the Wicked Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Emily & Leo; he’s her abusive ex’s bodyguard. She falls for him but when he betrays her she takes off. Three years later she needs his help to find her brother. I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this story. It was a little longer, but aptly named. Emy is dragged through the mud by the people who should love her most. So much so that when she finds the love of her life, it's too good to be true. The lies her "loved ones" tell her are so well built that she believes them and runs. The truth always comes out, and while it may hurt, it's definitely better than the alternative.
This story was intriguing from start to finish. The story was filled with a palpable suspense and palpable darkness that made the story hard to put down. The characters were well written and quite entertaining in their drama.
Emy was blessed (cursed really) with the worst parents possible and an ex husband equally as bad. Leo had shown her what real love was but the terrible trio sabotaged their relationship. Money, influence, and image were the only things her parents were interested in and they need to find their son. AE has crafted another wickedly wonderful story of Emy and Leo finding their way back into each other’s lives. They are filthy steamy together and more in love than before. Taking a trip together to find her brother is dangerous, sinfully hot, and heartwarming. The ending is very satisfying!!
This advanced review copy of Wickedly Betrayed by A.E. Nalle is the first of hers that I have read so it was truly a blind read when you are not sure of their style, just the synopsis to go off. Let me tell you, this is a steamy romance. A. E. Nalle, has sizzling scenes a plenty! From the opening chapter, Emily/Em/Emy/Princess is a writer, and we kick off with a hot scene she is trying to write for her book. Three years ago, she escaped an abusive marriage and thought she was betrayed by the only man to have shown her what love is, or so she thought…. Emily is close to her brother, the only member of her family she was close to as they grew up in an unloving toxic house, when he goes missing and she is sent to his last known location to bring him back, the one man she has never been able to forget, Leo is sent on the trip with her and let the tension erupt to levels that can’t be squashed and the truth of what really happened 3 years ago comes out. Interwoven into all the “sexy times” (which makes up most of the book), is the story of women taking back her life, finding real love, overcoming an abusive background not only from her ex-husband but parents, about second chances with a tough of suspense thrown in as they find themselves in trouble during the search for her brother. Of course, it delivers your happily ever after ending. This book was an easy read and delivered on what I would normally expect from a book in this category/genre. While this is book 3 in the series, you can read it stand alone.
This was my first time reading this author and I loved it! Emily has definitely not had an easy life and she’s just the kind of heroine I love to see get her HEA. Leo’s betrayal was awful but not everything is as it seems… This was a great second chance romance with some plot twists and great chemistry.
“Either I could keep acting as though this man still had no effect over me, or I could tell him how I felt.” Content Warnings: abuse and mentions of drug use Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for my advanced readers copy of Wickedly Betrayed. Three years ago, Emily was able to escape an abusive marriage and she has not looked back at those who betrayed her. One of those being her ex-husband’s bodyguard, Leo Cruz, who was also Emily’s lover that she fell in love with. Flash forward to present day, Emily’s brother is missing. Her parents hire none other than Leo to go with her. Will Emily and Leo be able to work out their past or will the truth stay hidden forever? I LOVED this book. This book was 4/5 stars for me. I enjoyed the romance and the steamy scenes. The plot was also well written, I enjoyed the action in this book. I do feel like the ending dragged on a bit. I didn’t really care for the scenes with her parents. I feel like it didn’t add anything to the story. However, I do like that Emily stood up for herself. I loved the way the people around Emily cared for her. It was comforting and sweet to see who was really there for her when she needed it. I would recommend this book to those who love a little mystery and action with their romance.
Had my attention from page one loved how the author doesn't start it off with the characters already being in love or one of them trying to get the other's attention. They have a backstory of both characters already meeting and then going their separate ways until they need to meet again, When they meet again E is seriously not wanting to be around L ever again because of the betrayal he did to her. She makes him work for her trust and love again which he does very honestly and passionately. I will definitely recommend this book to all my friends on social and off once it comes out in paperback.
This book is full of action, mostly under (or on top of) the sheets! The plot is good, the action HOT, and is worth the quick read on a rainy day. Enjoy!
This one was hard for me to "like" Leo. I did feel like he did betray Emily but their connection was great and overcoming so many issues to find their happily ever after was so worth it in the end--Another great book from this author--keeps you tied up for sure.
This was a great book wish it had more retaliation on the parent and the ex but still good. Was hoping to hear about Liam but a maybe he’ll get his own story.
Emily is a divorced from an abusive ex husband and estranged from her horrible abusive parents. Her brother goes missing and she goes to try and find him along with a past hurt from three years ago. He was the one that hurt her the most but the one she has never forgotten Leo. Can Leo and her get her brother back safe and alive? Is what she she knew from the past the truth or was it all a lie? Book three in the Wicked series was so good. The pain and the hurt that Emy has lived with was really felt in the writing. Leo is the sweetest and so hot. Nalle really brings the spice in this book as well. I would definitely recommend. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Great story, the plot was strong so wasn't the characters, the heroine and hero had off the charts steamy chemistry, they were great together. I enjoyed this story.
