Knock Three Times by Amarinda Jones

Lust at first sight, of course. Love, well maybe… Security expert Bellantyne (Tyne) is starting to think so. But with Montie thinking he is the local thief, there are more problems than just convincing her that he is after more than just sex but a real relationship whenever he Knock Three Times at her door.

In a case of mistaken identity, Montgomery French thinks security expert Ballantyne Teague is the local bad boy. He turns her boring life upside down and she likes it.
Ballantyne has every intention of confessing the truth to Montie when the time is right. He has two objectives. The first is to make Montie fall hopelessly in love with him. The second is to catch the real burglar Montie thinks he is.
But Ballantyne is not the only one caught up in Montie’s life. Her ex-boyfriend has a secret that will shock her and a real bad boy lusts after her.
Warnings: This title contains m/f graphic sex.

Montgomery French thought she had the perfect man in Adam. After her sister (and last family member) died nine months ago, their friendship progressed into a relationship as she clung to the last person in her life. Things seemed to go well and be on track. The lust was red hot, their relationship worked well and they were friends as well as bed partners. When they moved in together, he even understood her need for her own bedroom (and bed) due to her restless sleeping. But now she has began to wonder about that. It has been months since they had sex. She even went out and bought an outrageously sexy outfit to seduce him. And he still is NOT interested in having sex with her. He says he loves her and that she is beautiful, but she gets no ‘rise’ out of him. She knows she is has some extra weight and a full behind, but at least her large chest should get his attention. Now she is unsure about even that attribute.

Ballantyne (Tyne) Teague owns Teague Security, the firm hired to find the burglar that had hit many of the homes in the Parmenter Road area and to help all of these homes improve their security measures. The police claim to have done all they can, but they and Tyne both feel the thief is still in the area, especially with the homes already hit having replaced the stolen items. He is doing a ‘sweep’ of the area when he sees Montie attempt to seduce Adam through the window and falls in instant lust. When he sees Adam’s refusal, he decides to ‘take care’ of Montie’s need.

Montie can’t believe the local thief tries to seduce her. Or that she lets him! But she has been without sex for so long, and he is really good at the whole seduction thing. And when he doesn’t steal anything, but wants to come back to see her again, she is confused and flattered. His continued attentions boost her ego, but start to worry her. If he is the local thief, she is quickly in trouble. He is really good and starts to work on her heart as much as her body. How can she fall for a criminal? And while she hasn’t been with Adam for months, they do still share a house and something of a commitment. If what Tyne says is true and Adam IS gay, then he has been hiding from her, and even maybe from himself. What is a girl to do?

Tyne is sure Montie is the girl for him. But she is so enjoying being with a bad boy. He wants to tell her the truth, but doesn’t want to end their affair. He wants to get her heart before facing her anger. When he sees evidence of the thief around her house, he worries that she might be his next target. Now he has to keep her safe on top of winning her heart. But how to catch this guy that has been evading everyone for so long is the real trick. And Montie keeps distracting his as well…

Knock Three Times is classic Amarinda Jones. Hot sexy guy falls for the girl right from the start. Once he (quickly) realizes he wants to girl for keeps, he sets out to win her using sex as his in to get to her heart. Girl can’t help having sex with the guy, and often, but resists falling for him. And even once the girl falls for the guy, she won’t admit it or denies it even if she slips and admits it once. The sex is hot and graphic, sometimes even kinky or unusual (outdoors). And there is almost always a bad guy after the girl for some reason that the ‘hero’ has to save her from. All this doesn’t mean that Amarinda Jones’ books are anywhere the same or predictable. I even have very different opinions about various books. Knock Three Times is one of the better ones, with more story and character development than some and I really enjoyed it.

Knock Three Times starts out with the standard “stranger sex” set up, with the burglar twist adding a danger element not commonly found. Montie’s bruised ego makes the scene more believable then usual, and knowing she could call out to Adam (in theory at least, he is a bit wimpy) helps as well. Her doubt during their developing ‘relationship’ also adds to the believable aspect of the story. Of course, this is big time fantasy, so falling for a thief and all the sex has to be taken in that view. Just as Tyne falling in love so fast (vs. just lust) for someone he really doesn’t know. But it makes a great story, and we are reading romance/erotica after all. He does come across well, looking to her pleasure. But also worried about her safety. And how she is feeling, coping with Adam still living in the same house but not being in a relationship with her (but not wanting her to be with him either, lol). So for all that this is a sexy story, Knock Three Times is also a real story. Just as I like.

Knock Three Times is fantasy come to life. When the security expert falls for a local homeowner, he sets out to fulfill all her fantasies in his effort to win her heart. But he has to be careful not to get caught in his own trap, to make sure these fantasies don’t backfire in the process. This is one wild ride that is fun to watch (i.e. read) them go through. (P.S. The self defense by vacuum cleaner was a brilliant scene!)