Perilous Kiss
by Tara Sue Me
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Pub Date 27 Jun 2023 | Archive Date 1 Jul 2023
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Description
Success. Wealth. Power.
Franklin Benedict left his three sons a legacy and an empire, and the brothers are now at the helm of one the most powerful shipping corporations in the world. Though they were raised as southern gentlemen, they have no problem living up to the playboy label they’ve been given.
Secrets. Lies. Betrayal.
But their father left behind something else. Something he thought long buried in the dark corners and the ever churning tide of the Charleston low country. And that something has the potential to tear apart the brothers and the women they’ve come to love, if it doesn’t destroy them all first.
Originally published as The Sons of Broad Series, all books have been rewritten and reedited. Each book tells the story of one brother. They can be read as standalones (with HEA) but the overall mystery won’t be solved until Book 3.
Book One: PERILOUS KISS (Originally titled DARKEST NIGHT)
Keaton and Tilly spent nearly every day together for years as children. Right up to the day Tilly’s father was accused of embezzling from Keaton’s dad.
Now it’s eight years later. Tilly’s back in and reconnects with Keaton to determine what really happened between their families. Everything they uncover only raises more questions and as they try to tell the difference between truth and lies, there’s a deadly secret lurking in the shadows.
Available Editions
ISBN | 9781950017454 |
PRICE | US$0.99 (USD) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
This was an awesome read. I really loved the characters, and was glad we got a glimpse into the lives of all three brothers, while the focus was on Keaton and Tilly. The plot had lots of action, some twists and turns. and some heat. Great combination that kept me reading all night. A must read. Can't wait for the next book.
My only wish was there was more of an explanation as to why Keaton never looked for Tilly.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
i was weak in the knees reading this. this man was all it was to be and hope. must read and i will find all the other men in this series.
Thank you to Tara Sue Me and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Perilous Kiss swept me away into a world filled with secrets, passion, and the enticing allure of forbidden love. From the very first page, I was enthralled by Keaton and Tilly's journey, as they unraveled the mysteries that bound their families together.
The friends-to-lovers dynamic between Keaton and Tilly was beautifully portrayed, capturing the essence of their deep connection and the unspoken longing between them. Their chemistry was palpable, and I found myself rooting for their love to conquer all.
Tara Sue Me's storytelling prowess shone through in this captivating tale. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth lurking in the shadows. The author effortlessly blended romance, suspense, and family drama, creating a well-rounded narrative that held my attention until the very end.
The characters were complex and relatable, each carrying their own burdens and insecurities. The bond between the Benedict brothers added an additional layer of intrigue, leaving me intrigued to explore their individual stories in the series.
Perilous Kiss was a rollercoaster of emotions, weaving together themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. The author's skillful writing painted vivid images of Charleston's low country, immersing me in its atmospheric setting.
If you're seeking a gripping romance with a touch of mystery, I highly recommend Perilous Kiss. Tara Sue Me delivers an enthralling tale of forbidden love and family secrets that will leave you yearning for more.
The spice, simmering and heat were all there and I wanted more. I didn't like that I had to read the first 2 books to understand the mystery because I read this book only and didn't have a lot of clues. I wish there was more talk about what happened between Tilly and Keaton that made Tilly run for the hills and stop talking to the Broad brothers.
oh how i wish that this book was twice as long. it was a delight! and it's a romance mixed with mystery, which i am a sucker for. i do feel that a lot of things weren't explored well, it was almost too fast paced. i would have loved more interactions with elise, an explanation why tilly and keaton hadn't been in contact and MORE ANGST!
thank you netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review!
“𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐎𝐁 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞.”
First of all. Thank you to netgalley for kindly giving me an ARC of this book. This was my first time reading a book by Tara and I have fallen in love with another authors writing.
Perilous kiss is a book of mystery, murder and love. The book starts off mysterious. Giving us a POV of a man who holds a lot of power and influence. This immediately gripped me as I wanted to know who this person was and why he was so feared.
As the book continues, we meet our main Hero. Keaton Benedict. A man who has inherited his fathers corporation along with his brothers, but is reluctant to partake in anything to do with it.
Eventually we meet our hero. Tilly Brock. Keatons childhood best friend and the daughter of one of his father ex employees. Years ago their friendship had fallen apart after her father was accused of stealing, so they hadn’t seen each other since.
This book was captivating. I ended up reading it quickly and in two sittings. The way Tara writes keeps you on edge and the fast pacing of the book makes you want to know more. I’m very excited to see how the second book goes.
I did find when reading the books, there were a lot of spelling mistakes. It may be because I have an advanced copy. But it was a lot more than I would usually see. Or words were missing in the middle of a sentence.
A lady catches Keaton’s eye and he knows her from somewhere. When he finally sees her up close it’s Tilly, his old best friend that has to move away because her father was caught stealing from Keaton’s dad.
I took a while to really start this book. I read a couple pages then took a break and read some more but last night I really gave it a chance and I loved it! Wish I started it sooner since I could not put it down.
I really can’t wait to find out more about the brothers and about Kaja. I already have some guesses but can’t wait to see what Tara writes.
I love how the thriller aspect was added to this book and I was trying to solve the mystery the whole time. Perilous Kiss gives the mystery, murder and love vibes with some spicy scenes. Definitely hope I get to read the other books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
Perilous Kiss by Tara Sue Me was a remarkable piece.
I will admit I was a bit hesitant on reading this one.
But I’m so glad I grabbed this one.
This was an amazing story.
Captivating story with plenty of suspense.
This is a wonderful story full of exciting characters.
It keeps you interested and wanting to know more.
I can’t wait to read of The Benedict Brothers series!
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Thank You NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
Loved this book! Only complaint is way too short. Loved the romance, mystery and all in this book. Will be checking this author out some more with the other books.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC . I could not put this book down once i got started. l was reading it at my desk at work. I was so involved in this story line that I thought I had it all figured out and I was so OFF! Surprises at every turn. Worth the read! Loved the characters!
There is something to be said for the re-published series. I already know that I will be getting more of the characters I love. It makes waiting for release a little easier. That said, August cannot get here soon enough. I may or may not have already pre-ordered it ;) I would be lying if I said I didn't go looking for the old editions. I have so many theories and questions. Who is King? Who/how is Jade connected to it all? How much does the oldest brother know/not know? Does he suspect? What really happened with Tilly's dad?
Keaton & Tilly's story is so good. Watching their relationship rekindle and develop was *cheff's kiss*. While I am SO ready to see the other two brothers' stories, I really hope to see more of Keaton & Tilly in future books.
Perilous Kiss is the first book in the Benedict Brothers series. A book that is full of secrets, power, wealth, success, blackmail, murder, romance and love! I was totally captivated from the beginning, frozen to my seat, I couldn’t put it down and I didn’t want to. I loved the intensity, the intrigue, and the secrets that were revealed at a pace that held me in their grasp, as the story swept me away.
This is Keaton Benedict and Tilly Brock’s story, two close friends that had grown up together. Who lived in the same neighborhood and gone to the same schools. At one point, Tilly actually thought she was in love with him. Of course, that was before her father was accused of embezzling from Keaton’s dad. And her family moved away.
Now Tilly’s is back in the town she never thought she would ever return to, and runs into Keaton when he comes into a bar that she is working as a waitress at. These two seem to be made for each other, as they quickly make up for lost time and surrender to their sizzling chemistry. But there is danger lurking in the shadows. Secrets coming to light. Murders all around them. And Blackmail trying to push them apart. And the more they uncover the more dangerous it appeared for them all.
“He needed her to be safe and at that moment, he knew he’d give up his own life to keep her that way.”
Will Keaton be able focus on their future and keeping Tilly safe? Or will he lose her? You will need to need to read to find out. Loved this fantastic new series! Can not wait for the next book!
This story is absolutely addictive! As the first book in the Benedict Brothers series, it had me captivated from the start. It's packed with secrets, romance, and thrilling murder mysteries. Keaton and Tilly's story is intense, and I couldn't put the book down. The mix of suspense and steamy scenes kept me on the edge of my seat. I devoured it in one sitting and now I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment. The characters are well-developed, and the friends-to-lovers dynamic with a twist of suspense is a winning combination. Tara's writing style is fantastic. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an exciting read!
Perilous Kiss by Tara Sue Me is the First book in The Benedict Brothers Series. This is the story of Keaton and Tilly. Tilly and Keaton where young childhood friends but when Tilly's dad got into trouble they left town. Now in their present day, Keaton has spotted Tilly again. Both are having more than friends feeling but neither has made it known to the other. Then someone starts to attack Keaton's family and they are threatening Tilly too. Enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from this series and author.
A fast-paced mystery with suspense and romance. I liked that the main story arc takes place across three books with each brother getting their own story in each one. I enjoyed this first book and I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to happen with Knox and Bea. I was particularly intrigued by Jade's story and I really hope there's a happy ending waiting for her.
A great start to the series.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc.
I liked the story a lot and had a hard time putting it down.
This type of romance is right up my street, I really enjoyed the dynamic! I couldnt seem to put this book down once I had started!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Perilous Kiss is the first book in the newest series by Tara Sue Me. This is an author I have always enjoyed but this was also my first time reading one of her non BDSM books. I was really intrigued by this series though as it had such an intriguing premise. Had a south soap opera feel to the theme. So if you loved the Bourbon Kings from JR Ward, than I highly recommend this as it had a similar vibe to it but with more romance focused in it. I really adored Perilous Kiss and I enjoyed that the relationship conflict was kept on the down low. There is such great family vibes to the story and what a great mystery, I am so fascinated by the villain that is present throughout this book and the whole series and very curious to see what will happen plot wise with this story.
First Line
The man they called King stopped walking and took a deep breath.
Summary
Perilous Kiss is a second chance romance. We have our hero, who is the youngest son, Keaton, and when the woman he loved in high school returns home and when her life is put in danger he knows he will do anything he can to protect his girl, Tilly. When two of her co workers are murdered, he goes all protective mode on his girl. Tilly, is independent and strong and willing to stand on her own. But when it shows that her life is in danger, she caves under the pressure and admits that Keaton and his family would be the best form of protection. But there are more than one way to be in danger, and when Keaton ends up blackmailed, he will have to make some difficult decisions to stand against manipulation.
What I Loved
Perilous Kiss I really enjoyed this one. Its not a perfect read and not as good as her BDSM books, however, I really loved the premise of the story but the romance aspects just felt a bit off for me so I was slightly disappointed out of the romance a bit. Their relationship just felt too rushed. Even though I prefer low angst, it just felt like nothing got resolved in a relatable way. It was just skipped over very quickly. I did love the family connections and I love our hero. He is so wonderful. Strong and protective but still so respectful of the heroine and wanting her to find her own place in town. I had a blast with the mystery plot that was implemented. I am so curious to see about this King character and how he connects to the Benedict family and what will evolve in future books. I am not sure why the blackmail plot was put in, but it did add in some extra conflict for the couple and this family. I think though seeing this sub plot adding to the drama of the theme that it feels like the author was going for here to have it have that southern soap opera vibe. I really enjoyed the southern feel to the story and it definitely delivers strongly on the atmospheric moments.
Overall View
I found Perilous Kiss to be a thrilling and atmospheric moment filled romance that delivered some sincere emotion and strongly executed story to get behind with!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Billionaire/Mr. Moneybags
Themes: Danger, Childhood Sweetheart Ties, Class Difference, Family Bonds
Tropes: Second Chance, Return to Hometown
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
More Plot conflict than Relationship conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Ghosts of Mississippi by The Steeldrivers
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes read in order due to overall serial plot
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Keaton had a best friend Tilly living next to his home until her father was accused of stealing and whole family moved away without a proper goodbye. Almost decade later Tilly is back in his life and tons of secrets revealed. Tilly lost her mother and never wanted to come back to Charleston but she wanted a closure and runs into a youngest of Benedict family, her first love Keaton.
As soon as they found their way to each other, there are murders and threats and secrets. This could be their second chance and Keaton is determined to keep Tilly forever.
I wish there were more stories regarding Keaton and Tilly's relationship. Story moves quickly with angst and mystery. Now I can't wait to read the next one. Not everything is revealed and mysterious Jade character seems like she will be key to their secrets.
Thanks to netgalley and After Six Publishing for ARC.
I enjoyed the read and was quite interested in the contents. I would definitely recommend people read this novel so they can make their own judgement on their opinion of the novel itself as I don't speak for other people. Definitely take a read and see if it is for you.
Perilous Kiss is the first book in The Benedict Brothers trilogy by Tara Sue Me. This book is a rewritten, revised,and reedited version of Darkest Night in The Sons of Broad series.The series is about the Benedict brothers, who inherited a shipping empire in Charleston, South Carolina. Each book is about one of the three brothers, while addressing an overarching mystery throughout the three books. This book is about Keaton Benedict and his childhood best friend, Tilly Brock. The two had been inseparable until Tilly's father was accused of embezzling from Keaton's father when they were fourteen.. Eight years later, Tilly moved back to Charleston and Keaton reconnected with her. They worked together to find out what really happened between their families. Danger and murder surrounded them, and everything they uncovered seemed to raise more questions than answers.
I have read books by this author in the past, but this book was quite a surprise. In this author's words, she usually writes "pantsers,' but this series is romantic suspense. I really enjoyed this easy read. I was entertained from the first page. It was a second chance, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, he falls first, protective alpha-male novel. I loved the banter between the brothers, the suspense created by the danger the characters faced, the spicy chemistry between the lovers, and the intrigue created by the many unaswered questions. At the beginning of the story, Tilly hated Keaton for never having contacted her after she moved away. Conversely, Keaton was immediately thrilled to see Tilly. I thought that Tilly let him off the hook a little too quickly, but otherwise their relationship made sense. The author dropped breadcrumbs for a mystery that is completely unclear in this novel, but I believe will begin to make sense as the series continues. This created intrigue,not frustration. Some immediate concerns are resolved during this book, especially those that threaten the relationship that was developing between the main characters. This was suffucient for this book to have a satisfactory HEA while still leaving many questions unanswered. While not shocking enough to be called a cliffhanger, these unresolved questions are a defininte hook for the next book in the series, Seductive Lies. Im certainly going to keep reading! I recommend this book for readers of romantic suspense, especially fans of Rebecca Zanetti,Jayne Ann Krentz, and Linda Howard. I am voluntarily submitting this honest rewview after reading an advanced complementary copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and Books Go Social.
This was a new to me author, and I really enjoyed this one! A great quick read and I will definitely continue the series at some point!
PERILOUS KISS is the first instalment in Tara Sue Me’s contemporary, adult BENEDICT BROTHERS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the Benedict brothers: Keaton, Knox and Kipling. This is Keaton Benedict, and Tilly Brock’s story line.
NOTE: PERILOUS KISS was originally released as DARKEST NIGHT (Sons of Broad 1) by the Author writing as Tara Thomas.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives, and first person Jade PERILOUS KISS follows the second chance, of a sorts, between our story line couple. Eight years earlier, Tilly and her family were excommunicated from the Benedict Corporation, in the wake of accusations of embezzlement against Tilly’s father. Fast forward to present day, Tilly has returned to Charleston in an effort to uncover the truth but never expected to come face to face with the boy she once loved. Someone has taken aim at our story line couple, taking down anyone connected to , or who has crossed their paths. As Tilly and Keaton’s relationships continues to grow, someone else has set their sights on our story line hero, with the intention of gaining control, in more ways than one. What ensues is the rekindling relationship and rebuilding friendship between Keaton and Tilly, and the potential fall-out as the threats against the Benedict brothers begins to collect collateral damages.
The world building focuses on sins of the past. Several people connected to both Tilly and Keaton will become the victims of a one person’s need for vengeance, and another person’s desire to power and control.
The relationship between Tilly and Keaton is one of second chances. Childhood friends destroyed by accusations of embezzlement and fraud, Keaton and Tilly will be pulled apart by secrets and lies, and the madness of one man determined to take it all. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the se of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Keaton’s brothers Knox and Kipling, as well as Tilly’s former best friend Elise, officer Alyssa Adams, attorney Bea Jacobs, and shelter kid Jade. The requisite evil has many faces.
PERILOUS KISS is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession, forgiveness and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is sensual and seductive; the characters are determined and energetic. PERILOUS KISS ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-there has yet to be a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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Thank you to NetGalley, Tara Sue Me and The Publisher for giving me the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I was so excited to read this book as it was my first by Tara Sue Me and boy did it not disappoint! It was a romance book with a mystery and deceit. At times it seemed to rush a little but it kept my attention and I enjoyed the story. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more from Tara Sue Me.