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Second Service #3
The Trouble with Temptation
Morgan Kincaid is up to her ears in trouble. It's bad enough that she put her dreams on hold to open a nightclub with her brother, but when she tries to help with staffing problems, books that don't add up, and creepy patrons, he tells her to mind her own business. So, when a tempting stranger appears asking for a job, Morgan isn’t sure if Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome is her savior or more trouble than she can handle. Ex-Navy SEAL Ty Brannigan has spent his FBI career tracking down the Russian mob, and the trail has led him directly to Morgan Kincaid’s door. Even though the evidence is damning, Ty can’t bring himself to believe that the eccentric beauty is in league with dangerous criminals. When the mafia targets Morgan, the pair has no choice but to set aside their suspicions and band together to bring down the criminal organization that would stop at nothing to keep them apart. *** Part romantic comedy, part thriller, and filled with plenty of intrigue, The Trouble With Temptation is the third novel in the Second Service contemporary romance series. ***
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 27, 2017
For entertainment this book was wonderful. There were plot holes, but I just didn't care and you shouldn't either. Short, sexy, with (ok, predictable) suspense, it was worth reading on a very hot day when doing anything else took too much effort.
Morgan Kincaid is the co-owner with her brother, of the hottest club in San Francisco. So popular that some very shady characters have decided that it is the perfect place to hang. She is not sure, but has very strong feelings that they are trouble. Her popular bartender doesn't show up one night and the next day in walks Ty, Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome. When he passes the bar test, he is hired, and Morgan is sure the ladies are going to love him.
Ex-Navy SEAL Ty Brannigan is now with the FBI and on the hunt for evidence that will make his case against the head of the Russian Mafia in San Francisco. The trail has led him to Morgan's club, all he needs access to obtain the evidence. He just can't believe that Morgan is in bed with the mafia. With Morgan already suspicious of her brother, Ty has to gain her trust and gets her heart too.
Morgan Kincaid is the co-owner with her brother, of the hottest club in San Francisco. So popular that some very shady characters have decided that it is the perfect place to hang. She is not sure, but has very strong feelings that they are trouble. Her popular bartender doesn't show up one night and the next day in walks Ty, Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome. When he passes the bar test, he is hired, and Morgan is sure the ladies are going to love him.
Ex-Navy SEAL Ty Brannigan is now with the FBI and on the hunt for evidence that will make his case against the head of the Russian Mafia in San Francisco. The trail has led him to Morgan's club, all he needs access to obtain the evidence. He just can't believe that Morgan is in bed with the mafia. With Morgan already suspicious of her brother, Ty has to gain her trust and gets her heart too.
March 25, 2021
***3.75 Stars***
Adrienne Bell writes a great story. I appreciate that I can escape for a few hours into a world she creates. One of the biggest positives I have found in her writings, thus far, (I have read four of her books-The Second Service Series) is that once the hero and heroine meet there is no breaking apart and seeing/bedding other people. You all know how it usually goes. Girl meets guy. They fall in love. At approximately 75% they split over some misunderstanding and in the last few pages they reconcile and have their happy ever after. In the Second Service Series that doesn't happen. Once they are together...they are together without ex-girlfriends or hot babes doing their best to muck it up. Thank you for that Ms Bell. It is wonderfully refreshing.
Morgan Kincaid put her dreams on hold to open a nightclub with her brother, Gregg, who is a shady, shifty character. The books aren't adding up and sizable deposits are mysteriously appearing, along with some seedy customers who, it seems, have made their new club home base. Morgan confronts her brother but she gets nothing out of him.
Ex-Navy SEAL and undercover FBI agent Ty Brannigan has been tracking down the Russian mob for some time and the trail has led him directly to Morgan Kincaid’s door. He poses as a bartender and begins what he hopes is the final leg in bringing down the illusive Russian Mob, Bratva. When the mafia realizes Morgan's suspicions of who they really are they out to silence her permanently. Morgan and Ty have no other option but to band together and bring down the mob.
I highly recommend 'The Trouble With Temptation' as well as the others in the 'Second Service' series. I did not rate this book quite as high as the others in the series because I struggled with the connection between Ty and Morgan for a while.
Adrienne Bell writes a great story. I appreciate that I can escape for a few hours into a world she creates. One of the biggest positives I have found in her writings, thus far, (I have read four of her books-The Second Service Series) is that once the hero and heroine meet there is no breaking apart and seeing/bedding other people. You all know how it usually goes. Girl meets guy. They fall in love. At approximately 75% they split over some misunderstanding and in the last few pages they reconcile and have their happy ever after. In the Second Service Series that doesn't happen. Once they are together...they are together without ex-girlfriends or hot babes doing their best to muck it up. Thank you for that Ms Bell. It is wonderfully refreshing.
Morgan Kincaid put her dreams on hold to open a nightclub with her brother, Gregg, who is a shady, shifty character. The books aren't adding up and sizable deposits are mysteriously appearing, along with some seedy customers who, it seems, have made their new club home base. Morgan confronts her brother but she gets nothing out of him.
Ex-Navy SEAL and undercover FBI agent Ty Brannigan has been tracking down the Russian mob for some time and the trail has led him directly to Morgan Kincaid’s door. He poses as a bartender and begins what he hopes is the final leg in bringing down the illusive Russian Mob, Bratva. When the mafia realizes Morgan's suspicions of who they really are they out to silence her permanently. Morgan and Ty have no other option but to band together and bring down the mob.
I highly recommend 'The Trouble With Temptation' as well as the others in the 'Second Service' series. I did not rate this book quite as high as the others in the series because I struggled with the connection between Ty and Morgan for a while.
March 3, 2016
This wasn't my favorite in the series but I don't normally even read mafia books. In this story Ty Brannigan, FBI agent, is out to bring down Branov, a member of the Russian mafia. To do so he has to infiltrate Gregg Kinkaid's bar where he encounters the man's sister, Morgan, who happens to be part owner. Ty gets the job of bartender and quickly discovers Morgan is at odds with her brother over his relationship with Branov and wants the man gone. But she's no match for the mafia. First her tires are sliced as a warning then bullets are flying her way. Ty vows to protect her no matter what and ends up revealing his true identity. He and Morgan end up working together to bring them down.
I liked the characters. Of course, we first met Ty in the last book when he was on protection detail. Now he has a story of his own. He's tough, having once been a SEAL. He's very protective of those he cares about. He had a tough childhood and gives the Navy credit for turning his life around. Morgan is an independent woman but finds it difficult to tell her brother no. When she decided to go into business, she agreed to do so mainly because her brother needed a partner. Before that she helped design robots and was part of the Robotics Assault Team. She even takes Ty to a robot fight where he meets her good friend, Michael Silva, who teams up with Ty to rescue Morgan. Unfortunately, Gregg turns against her, siding with the bad guys.
Very entertaining. Kept me turning the pages. Definitely recommend this series.
I liked the characters. Of course, we first met Ty in the last book when he was on protection detail. Now he has a story of his own. He's tough, having once been a SEAL. He's very protective of those he cares about. He had a tough childhood and gives the Navy credit for turning his life around. Morgan is an independent woman but finds it difficult to tell her brother no. When she decided to go into business, she agreed to do so mainly because her brother needed a partner. Before that she helped design robots and was part of the Robotics Assault Team. She even takes Ty to a robot fight where he meets her good friend, Michael Silva, who teams up with Ty to rescue Morgan. Unfortunately, Gregg turns against her, siding with the bad guys.
Very entertaining. Kept me turning the pages. Definitely recommend this series.
June 11, 2020
This book was really funny and kinda sweet. Although, I felt like there was a lack of chemistry between the two? Maybe that was just me. Maybe if I reread it in a few months, I'll feel differently, but for right now I don't.
September 4, 2020
FBI agent Ty has a job to do, and getting his foot in the door at the club that he's certain is laundering money for the Russian mob. Getting the bartending job is simple enough, but keeping his eyes off the club's co-owner is proving to be quite the challenge.
Morgan is more geek than she is sleek night club owner, so her brother handles the customer-facing part of the business while she hides out and does her work in the back office. But things aren't adding up right � literally � and she's beginning to suspect it has something to do with those slick-haired Russian guys in the way too expensive suits who seem to have taken up residence in her club. The books don't make sense, her brother's definitely hiding something, and the new bartender is far too adept at picking locks to be just another drink slinger.
The Verdict: Packed with action and incredible chemistry, The Trouble with Temptation is another great read in the Second Service series.
Morgan is sort of the perpetual wallflower, choosing to blend in or even remain unseen in the glitzy club she owns with her brother. And her brother? He's a real piece of work. Kudos to Morgan for not wanting to kill him, but he's the reason behind the whole Russian mob thing that seems to be happening, and he's also a complete idiot. Not the kind of idiot who screws up all the time but the kind who thinks he's a lot more sly and capable of taking care of himself among heartless criminals than he actually is. And of course, using the club for mob business has pulled Morgan into it whether she wants to be or not.
Ty is a man on a mission, and while he can't exactly see Morgan as the shady type, he's hesitant to absolve her of any involvement � until she stalks right up to trouble and demands to know what's going on. It becomes clear that she has no idea who she's provoking, and instead of being 100% focused on keeping his cover, he ends up just trying to keep her alive…and maybe in his bed while he's at it.
In some ways, The Trouble with Temptation departs from the vein in which the two previous books in the series were written. For one, Morgan's involvement, though not by choice, isn't exactly accidental, and she's also not quite the everyday, average woman that the previous two heroines were. She's more of the quirky geek, taking Ty to a “robot death match� and hiding out with a bunch of techies whose skills the feds might be interested in using. She's also not just quietly living her life when danger finds her. Rather she walks right up to confront it, and instead of playing it safe, decides to get in on the rather dangerous action of taking down both her brother and the criminals with which he's involved them both.
Still, like the other books in the series, the story is one hell of an adventure, filled with dangerous surprises, lots of action, and of course the sizzling attraction between Morgan and Ty. I think my only real disappointment was in finding I'd reached the end of the book and didn't have another Second Service novella to dive into.
June 26, 2016
Another great read by Bell. This is Ty and Morgan's story. Ty, an FBI agent goes undercover as a Bartender at Morgan and her brother Garrett's (the worm) nightclub. He suspects that Morgan may be over her head and boy was he right. She ends up getting in the cross hairs of the Bratva (Russian Mafia). It's up to Ty to save her and catch the bad guys. I really liked Morgan's character. She was different and very similar to myself. The geek fandom and the robot wars were a fantastic touch! Of course, you can expect the danger, suspense, mystery, hot sex and romance all wrapped in one. Loved it!
March 23, 2017
Morgan Kincaid and her brother Gregg opened the bar she’d always wanted. It had changed, as per Gregg’s desires, from the cosy pub of Morgan’s dream to a more upbeat place. But last month the Russian mob started visiting. And they haven’t left. Now, the business figures don’t add up. They have too much cash in the ledger. But Gregg is avoiding Morgan’s questions, texts and calls. And now her bartender isn’t answering his phone.
FBI agent Ty Brannigan has pulled in Morgan’s bartender for questioning so he knows there’s a job available. Thank goodness he spent part of his misspent youth mixing drinks.
Morgan is really not his usual type of girl. She’s a total geek, but it doesn’t take him long to work out that she’s a victim not a collaborator with the Bratva.
He keeps finding himself rescuing her and taking more interest in her welfare.
***
Ah, the old - kiss you to cover we are sneaking - trick - I love those!
Poor Ty. He’s never met anyone like Morgan. Her car is a green Subaru with a faded ‘My other car is a TARDIS� sticker. Her office is full of memorabilia he doesn’t even recognise, and she takes him to robot wars on their first ‘date�.
Of course they have to go on a ‘date� to match up with the fake snogging in the hallway.
Bwahaha.
I really like Morgan. And she’s smart, and she stands up for herself. That does seem to be the thing all Bell heroines have.
Ty is brutally efficient at dealing with the opposition but he doesn’t plan on how he feels when he meets Morgan’s ex Michael. Pity they have to go to his place when everything starts going wrong.
4 stars
FBI agent Ty Brannigan has pulled in Morgan’s bartender for questioning so he knows there’s a job available. Thank goodness he spent part of his misspent youth mixing drinks.
Morgan is really not his usual type of girl. She’s a total geek, but it doesn’t take him long to work out that she’s a victim not a collaborator with the Bratva.
He keeps finding himself rescuing her and taking more interest in her welfare.
***
Ah, the old - kiss you to cover we are sneaking - trick - I love those!
Poor Ty. He’s never met anyone like Morgan. Her car is a green Subaru with a faded ‘My other car is a TARDIS� sticker. Her office is full of memorabilia he doesn’t even recognise, and she takes him to robot wars on their first ‘date�.
Of course they have to go on a ‘date� to match up with the fake snogging in the hallway.
“Wow,� he said, his eyes going wide. He straightened his spine and his shoulders rolled back.
Morgan did her best not to bask in his surprised—and hungry—stare.
“You look…wow.�
“Thanks. I try to look my best for all my fake dates,� she said.
Bwahaha.
I really like Morgan. And she’s smart, and she stands up for herself. That does seem to be the thing all Bell heroines have.
Ty is brutally efficient at dealing with the opposition but he doesn’t plan on how he feels when he meets Morgan’s ex Michael. Pity they have to go to his place when everything starts going wrong.
4 stars
August 7, 2019
This is the third of Bell's Second Service series. It did not disappoint. We met Ty in book two where he was the FBI security head when John was under attack by a criminal he'd been investigating. This time Ty is undercover as a bartender in a nightclub where the Russian mob is laundering money. The club's co-owner, Morgan, knows something is wrong and that her brother is involved in something he shouldn't be. She confronts him with no response and makes the mistake of confronting the mob boss. Her life comes under attack and the rest will have to be read for yourself. I bought these separately but if doing it again, would purchase the boxed set of four Kindle edition. Enjoyable read and I'm already into book four.
July 22, 2019
Brilliant book
This book is as great as the other 2 can be read as standalone. Plenty of action FBI agent Ty gets a job at Kincaids as an undercover agent to try get evidence of the Russian mob and their dealings with the Kincaids what he didn’t plan for was Morgan the co owner of Kincaids with her brother Gregg she also has her suspicions of Greggs involvement with the mob. Ty and Morgan have same goals so they end up working together to bring the mob down but it’s not as easy as that. Bombings, killings, gun fights this book has it all and also love
This book is as great as the other 2 can be read as standalone. Plenty of action FBI agent Ty gets a job at Kincaids as an undercover agent to try get evidence of the Russian mob and their dealings with the Kincaids what he didn’t plan for was Morgan the co owner of Kincaids with her brother Gregg she also has her suspicions of Greggs involvement with the mob. Ty and Morgan have same goals so they end up working together to bring the mob down but it’s not as easy as that. Bombings, killings, gun fights this book has it all and also love
September 11, 2017
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this story but it wasn't as much fun as the previous two books. Characters were great but it was like other good vs. bad books. It was missing the crazy friend or zany situations that I have enjoyed and come to expect in Ms. Bell's stories. This is definitely worth your time to read, just not as much fun as I was expecting. I did enjoy learning about the "killer robot" group.
I enjoyed this story but it wasn't as much fun as the previous two books. Characters were great but it was like other good vs. bad books. It was missing the crazy friend or zany situations that I have enjoyed and come to expect in Ms. Bell's stories. This is definitely worth your time to read, just not as much fun as I was expecting. I did enjoy learning about the "killer robot" group.
September 18, 2023
TMI intimate scenes
Another good one in the series. Good storyline interesting characters, paced well not to slow not too rushed. Resolves story issue but leads to last book, a novella, to act as epilogue for all? Not sure until I read it. Really like how she writes and the interaction of the characters and the deep feelings that develop based on the person not just the lust talking.
Another good one in the series. Good storyline interesting characters, paced well not to slow not too rushed. Resolves story issue but leads to last book, a novella, to act as epilogue for all? Not sure until I read it. Really like how she writes and the interaction of the characters and the deep feelings that develop based on the person not just the lust talking.
February 27, 2018
Well written and very entertaining romance novella. Not too complicated a plot; Ty is an FBI agent and Morgan co-owns a bar he's investigating for money laundering by Russian bad guys. I will read more from this author - great job!
October 14, 2022
The Trouble With Temptation (Second Service, Book 3)
The love story of Ty and Morgan. Morgan's brother is dealing with the Russian Mafia and the FBI is about to buses him. They sent Ty to the club to find evidence. Can he do it and save Morgan? Ok story.
The love story of Ty and Morgan. Morgan's brother is dealing with the Russian Mafia and the FBI is about to buses him. They sent Ty to the club to find evidence. Can he do it and save Morgan? Ok story.
December 29, 2023
Another good read with a combination of romance and suspense.
I hadn’t planned on reading the novella at the end of the series, but after getting a hint that it will be at Alex and Beth’s wedding with the characters from the previous books all brought together, I think I will.
I hadn’t planned on reading the novella at the end of the series, but after getting a hint that it will be at Alex and Beth’s wedding with the characters from the previous books all brought together, I think I will.
July 29, 2018
3.75 overall stars
Couple 3.75
Plot 3.75
Story 3.75
Sex 4.0
Series 3.75
Couple 3.75
Plot 3.75
Story 3.75
Sex 4.0
Series 3.75
July 5, 2019
Very enjoyable, funny, action packed, hard to put down.
August 31, 2020
Loved it !
I loved Ty and Morgan's story sometimes it the person you least expected turns out to be the one for you. It was a heartwarming story.
I loved Ty and Morgan's story sometimes it the person you least expected turns out to be the one for you. It was a heartwarming story.
November 16, 2020
I’ve enjoyed this series a lot! Novella length, tight stories. I like the heroines make the first move!
January 27, 2021
Good read.
This was a good read, it had many charming moments in it. The characters were interesting and the plot was engaging. Plenty of twists to drive forward the plot. There was maybe one spelling error that I picked up on though.
This was a good read, it had many charming moments in it. The characters were interesting and the plot was engaging. Plenty of twists to drive forward the plot. There was maybe one spelling error that I picked up on though.
December 28, 2021
I wouldn't mind a book from socially awkward, highly intelligent robot builder's POV. By far the most interesting character in this book, but, well, I suppose I'm biased. :D
February 2, 2022
Morgan was certainly feisty and knew her brother was up to something. I never trusted Gregg from the start her own brother too. Ty was certainly the right man for Morgan.
July 22, 2017
Strong lovable characters, phenomenal writing, and books.
I will read anything this author writes.
I will read anything this author writes.
July 2, 2015
Another action pact yet sweet and romantic novella in the Second Service series which I think ends after this one (In Adrienne's website it's considered a trilogy so...). I loved both Ty and Morgan. Ty was more easy going and fun than both Alex and John (the MC in the previous installments) and Morgan was an interesting character with different kind of hobbies but mostly a strong woman who can take care of herself if she didn't tend to find more trouble that ANYONE can handle :D
Morgan and her brother own a club together. While it was both their dream it turns out the way her brother handles things the club became more of "his thing" than hers, but worse, he started hanging out with dangerous guys and things aren't adding up as they should in the books which leads Morgan to suspect that they deal with illegal money making. Ty has been tracking the Russian mob for a while now and as it seems his last lead is Morgan's club where he comes as an undercover to play bartender.
While both are attracted to one another they have their own reasons to not act on them though things does start to get more friendly between them. Saving her ass from those scary guys add a few bonuses to what Morgan thinks of him. Sadly, Ty couldn't save her enough to NOT get involved with those mobsters who decided they rather have her dead than annoyingly asking the wrong questions.
Taking down a mobster is something Ty has no problem doing but now that he feels a connection to Morgan it's hard for him to pick the right choice of HOW to do it. Morgan is determined to help the best she can which is exactly what scares Ty the most. But when it's all said and done they both do what they feel like they have to do to protect one another.
Really enjoyed this one. Like the previous ones it's very fluid and fun read. The romance is fast building but it's understandable with all the drama and the pressure the MC deal with. I think I love the first one the best, but this is a close second.
Recommended! Each one in the series can be read as a stand alone though it can made more sense reading them in the right order.
I have two more short novellas by Adrienne in my reading list - One Lucky Night and Second Chances, both published under the name "One Lucky Night". I'm not sure when I'll find my time to read it but since I really enjoy Adrienne's writing it would probably be soon and I'll sure be monitoring her next releases.
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Morgan and her brother own a club together. While it was both their dream it turns out the way her brother handles things the club became more of "his thing" than hers, but worse, he started hanging out with dangerous guys and things aren't adding up as they should in the books which leads Morgan to suspect that they deal with illegal money making. Ty has been tracking the Russian mob for a while now and as it seems his last lead is Morgan's club where he comes as an undercover to play bartender.
While both are attracted to one another they have their own reasons to not act on them though things does start to get more friendly between them. Saving her ass from those scary guys add a few bonuses to what Morgan thinks of him. Sadly, Ty couldn't save her enough to NOT get involved with those mobsters who decided they rather have her dead than annoyingly asking the wrong questions.
Taking down a mobster is something Ty has no problem doing but now that he feels a connection to Morgan it's hard for him to pick the right choice of HOW to do it. Morgan is determined to help the best she can which is exactly what scares Ty the most. But when it's all said and done they both do what they feel like they have to do to protect one another.
Really enjoyed this one. Like the previous ones it's very fluid and fun read. The romance is fast building but it's understandable with all the drama and the pressure the MC deal with. I think I love the first one the best, but this is a close second.
Recommended! Each one in the series can be read as a stand alone though it can made more sense reading them in the right order.
I have two more short novellas by Adrienne in my reading list - One Lucky Night and Second Chances, both published under the name "One Lucky Night". I'm not sure when I'll find my time to read it but since I really enjoy Adrienne's writing it would probably be soon and I'll sure be monitoring her next releases.
More Reviews
January 7, 2017
Lots of suspense in this book, where Ty is an FBI agent trying to take down a mob kingpin, and Morgan is trying to save her brother and their club, which the same monsters are laundering money through.
She's pretty foolhardy, but is looking out for everyone herself, FBI agent included. Ty is her White Knight, coming in at exactly the right time to save her, many times over. Of course, she's still as smart and outspoken with her life in danger than when it's not. A match made in hell. They survive and thrive by the end, but not without robot builder, Michael's, help.
Good story, with Michael being an interesting new character. There could be a better description of Ty's past, though he is definitely a risk taker.
Part of a great series by Adrienne Bell.
She's pretty foolhardy, but is looking out for everyone herself, FBI agent included. Ty is her White Knight, coming in at exactly the right time to save her, many times over. Of course, she's still as smart and outspoken with her life in danger than when it's not. A match made in hell. They survive and thrive by the end, but not without robot builder, Michael's, help.
Good story, with Michael being an interesting new character. There could be a better description of Ty's past, though he is definitely a risk taker.
Part of a great series by Adrienne Bell.
February 15, 2015
Ty + Morgan = Great Fit! I absolutely love that the heroine, Morgan, was a complete, utter geek with a less that "perfect" body. She was curvy. Whether that meant she was just voluptuous or chubby or...? Don't know, but kudos to Adrienne Bell for writing about different body shapes and the men that fall in love with them. A fast paced book with lots of steamy love and kick-ass action. Keep it going Ms. Bell if just for all of us "curvy", nerdy, Doctor Who loving girls who walk our own path!
April 22, 2015
The third book in the series and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first two. I'm so glad I discovered this author, she knows how to write a great romantic love story - with a little suspense thrown in. Now to read the next one in the series - I think it is a short novella. Can't wait to get started.
November 6, 2014
Good read
He's undercover FBI, she's a behind-the-scenes nightclub owner. Her partner and brother is mixed up with Russian mafia. Can he save her or can she save him? Try it to find out. Recommend.
He's undercover FBI, she's a behind-the-scenes nightclub owner. Her partner and brother is mixed up with Russian mafia. Can he save her or can she save him? Try it to find out. Recommend.
April 28, 2016
Again, the characters were likable yet different enough from the protagonists of the previous two books to make them interesting to get to know. Since many romance series have cookie-cutter protagonists, this is very refreshing.
June 4, 2016
I would have gave it five stars had the author gave me a little more information on TY. He was the quiet brooding friend in the last book, this time he was the hot hero, I just wanted more. Still it was a good read!
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