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CEP #1

Being Chased

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Citadel Executive Protection (CEP): New York City’s top-rated security agency that hires and assigns only the best of the best for each case.

When New York City’s elite are being terrorized, Julia Cooke’s father hires CEP bodyguard Chase Murphy to guard her. Chase takes all his assignments seriously and knows the danger of each situation. In addition, he needs this job to continue his education to achieve his ultimate goal of practicing law one day. How could he know the biggest danger this time would be guarding his heart?

Julia Cooke is a young professional who’s convinced that her multimillionaire father’s only concern in having her guarded is to protect his money. Julia is immediately attracted to Chase, but his strictly-business demeanor puts her off. Just how is she supposed to ignore the handsome man responsible for her well being?

When a beautiful woman and a hot bodyguard come together to battle bad guys, each other, and their own feelings, someone’s bound to let their guard down.

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2013

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About the author

Harper Bentley

23 books1,187 followers
USA Today Best Selling author Harper Bentley writes about hot alpha males who love hard. She's taught high school English forever, and although she’s managed to maintain her sanity regardless of her career choice, jumping into the world of publishing her own books goes to show that she might be closer to the ledge than was previously thought.

After traveling the nation in her younger years as a military brat, having lived in Alaska, Washington State and California, she now resides in Oklahoma with her teenage daughter, two dogs and one cat, happily writing stories that she hopes her readers will enjoy.

You can contact her at HarperBentleyWrites@gmail.com, Harperbentleywrites.com, on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @HarperBentley
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5 stars
327 (27%)
4 stars
387 (32%)
3 stars
295 (24%)
2 stars
102 (8%)
1 star
80 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for Sheryl C. Nash.
1,714 reviews430 followers
July 22, 2013
OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS SO FREAKIN' MUCH!!!! *PHWOAR* What an AWESOME debut, Harper Bentley!!!! I adored Julia and her smart-ass, snarky mouth and *LE SIGH* Chase was just so damn droolworthy; such a total Alpha male and yet just a puddle when it came to Julia!! And OMG, the sex... seriously needed the ice bucket for this one!!

(To be honest sometimes the switch of POV's threw me BUT not enough to detract me from the kick-ass storyline!)

*SQUEAL* I'm ALWAYS excited to find a brand new author that i'm excited about and this book DEFINITELY made me excited!!!

I honestly CANNOT WAIT to read MORE about the guys from CEP!!!! Bravo, Ms. Bentley! A great read to add to my loved-it shelf!!!
Profile Image for Shreya.
119 reviews60 followers
July 26, 2013
This is the first book by this author, right??? I guess she's got to learn a lot... Specially about what makes us girls go gaga over a guy...
Actually she's got all the correct ingredients for that... ;) :) She just needs to get the proportions right... :D :D

I felt the beginning of the relationship between Chase(hero)& Julia(heroine)was a bit hurried... I mean, I love alpha males!!! I love it when they go all jealous & possessive over their girls... ;) What can I say, they are too HAWT to resist!!and our hero, Mr. Chase Murphy suited the role quite well...

But to get possessive over a client whom he was guarding for the last two years(with zero feelings) all of a sudden just after a mere kiss,seemed a bit exaggerating to me... There wasn't much of a relationship-building either between the lovely couple... The ending was sweet though!!! A bit of past history between the couple would have been great...

OK... Now about the things that I loved... There were some really steamy scenes... ;)Gotta love them... :D The texts exchanged between Julia & Chase were hilarious!!! I really liked their non-stop banter... :D The side characters were nice as well... But above all... DRUNK JULIA was THE BEST!!! LOL... :D :D
Profile Image for Deirdre.
448 reviews12 followers
July 23, 2013
The entire time I read this I kept saying, I've read this. Exactly this. I kept reading, knowing exactly what was going to happen and every time I was right. But for the life of me I could not remember who wrote it or what it was called. And it turns out I was right. I even found a pdf of the original Twilight fanfiction Guarding Bella Swan by coachlady1.

Now I got this as a freebie on Amazon so I don't feel robbed, but many might, especially if they've read it before. Hardly anything has been changed. It even opens exactly the same way.

It's an okay read. It could seriously use an editor to fix some of the plot issues. The repeated I want you but can't be with you gets old and could be edited down or changed around.

Profile Image for J B.
280 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2013
I love a great love story especially one where love is inconvenient and or unexpected for the characters. If you enjoy great dialog....and oodles of UST!!!! Then this author will not let you down!
Profile Image for Ashleyjo.
826 reviews476 followers
August 12, 2015
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Damn, I've never read a book with this much mf'ing completely unnecessary, illogical angst.

Her: He's so sexy
Him: She's so sexy
Her: I want him
Him: I want her
Her: He's an ass
Him: I need this job
Her: He only thinks about money
Him: She has a boyfriend
Her: He has a girlfriend
Him: f it I want her
Her: f it I want him
Him: no, I want my job
Her: no, I'm going to ignore him
Him: she's so sexy
Her: he's so sexy

^ put that shit on repeat and add extended inner monologues & cheesy attempts at sarcasm... Bam, that's 80% of the book.

He plays teeter totter w her, pushing and pulling, because she's both a risk and distraction for his job, but she's oh so sexy ~ehh. As soon as he says 'f it, I love you' she pushes his ass away to keep him (the f'ing bodyguard) safe from the bad guys . Really? Face palm!

The author gave us these long, & I do mean LONG, inner ramblings from each character and then had them say in dialogue the EXACT opposite of what they just rambled on about for two pages. Infuriating, check! Stupid, check! Reminiscent of middle school 'deny the crush', check! I could've TKO'd a cuddly puppy I was so irritated with these idiots.

He is a bastard, and not the beautiful kind! He's hotheaded, self-absorbed, flippant, and acts like a bipolar 12-year-old for most of the book.

She's all mouth and no action. She says the right things TO HERSELF then acts like a doormat the second he makes any move toward her.

Pure f'ing torture, and not the good kind;)

Finally, the kidnapping shit comes into play. Omg~ there's just no words to describe the stupidity. How the hell did the kidnappers get her out of the bathroom? What kinda kidnappers leave untied victims in a basement w an f'ing back door, crowbar, and God knows what else? Yes, Etc.. Stupid Shit Galore!!!

Negezzus they talk, talk, and talk the f'ing action to death. I mean you know it's bad when you're rooting for the unknown mobster dudes to just shoot everyone and call it a damn day/book.

Just burn your money & save yourself a few hours of torture.

How the hell is this the same writer of the series with the Powers brothers?~?~!~?
Profile Image for Kelli C .
1,046 reviews356 followers
July 28, 2013
2.5-3 *'s. So I'm on the fence a bit on this. I liked the concept of the story and I really enjoyed the humor but it just lacked something in the character dept.

Chase Murphy is hired as a bodyguard for the wealthy, beautiful and witty Julia. For 2 yrs she has beem lusting after him and antagonizing him with her smart mouth!...anything to get a rsponse from this guy! Chase is uber professional and can't afford to lose his job even though he is dying to take that smart mouth of Julia's. So this is the entire 1st half of the book...back and forth mixed signals and stolen hot moments of almost make out sessions.

By time these two finally get the "horizontal mambo" going, Julia is a target for kidnappers. Chase has to protect her and She starts the push pull games again to prevent him from getting hurt. So now we are back to longing looks, innuendo, and bitchy behavior. Just when I was enjoying the fun banter and chemistry Chase and Julie were putting out, well back to the tennis match of I want u, no wait I don't need you!

Overall I thought this has enormous potential. I was loving the light smart ass sexy banter between these characters, but there was too little of it. Julia, i loved all around and her inner dialogue was great! Chase however was just not as connected for me...idk just not enough personality for me unless he was schmexy talking. also, I felt the ending was a bit anti climatic...kinda just ho-hum. I think I was waiting for a rougher scene especially since there were murders involved with prior kidnappings...too must talk, not enough action!
Profile Image for Indy.
1,164 reviews33 followers
July 25, 2013
I really wanted to like this novel as the love/suspense/angst storyline intrigued me but general overall lack of character maturity and author writing style had me tempted more than twice to DNF this one.

Do you like POV switching every paragraph, having you guess which inner dialog you are reading? Do you like watching ping pong matches? Do you like listening to a TON of miscommunication or lack of communication in general, that of which is seen in high school relationships but played out between twenty-somethings? If you said yes, then consider this novel.

I liked the characters, but man, this book was painful to read by how juvenile it seemed. It did not seem to be the budding of a relationship of adults. Tons of misplaced jealousy, lack of communication, make-up/break-up, etc.

Read at your own risk....rating 2 stars for some of the steaminess and some redeeming qualities of characters.

Profile Image for Tracy .
785 reviews8 followers
March 12, 2017
I thought this was a good debut novel. I enjoyed the mystery and the love that Chase had for Julia and hers for him. I hope to see more of the CEP group find their matches in upcoming books.
Profile Image for Mell.
1,401 reviews16 followers
Read
January 16, 2018
Characters were childish and flat, as was the story. Just not developed well enough to hold my interest. I grew sick of their on-and-off, hot and cold back and forth "relationship" and squabbles.
Profile Image for Melissa.
850 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2017
I had the extreme privilege of beta-reading this book before it was published and I have to say, all bias aside, this book is amazing.

Due to a string of kidnappings of New York's wealthiest families' children, Allen Cooke hires Chase Murphy to guard his daughter, Julia.

The chemistry and attraction between Chase and Julia is explosive from the start and the UST in this book bring tense to a new level! Julia is a smartass extraordinaire and Chase is a cocky man who just doesn't know how to deal with the feelings he is quickly developing for his client.

It's unprofessional to get involved but with feelings that crazy and attraction that strong, it's impossible to resist. The back and forth between the MC's is so good, it builds up so much excitement that when they finally decide to be together, something goes wrong at every turn.

We know that Julia is the next target of the kidnappers but Chase is determined to not let anything happen to her. Chase's friends and co-workers at CEP are so much fun to read about and Julia's friends, especially Lily with her silly animal good-bye rhymes, are just dolls!

There is a lot of plot, a lot of incredibly hot sex, and two main characters who will make you want to smack them upside the head at times because of their inability to see what's right in front of them, but in the most amazing way possible!!!

You will not be disappointed if you give this book a shot! The debut novel by author Harper Bentley is definitely 5 stars and you will fall in love with her writing and characters as much as I did. This is only the first book in a series so stand by as we wait for more from Ms. Bentley! She does not disappoint!
Profile Image for F loves to read.
107 reviews
July 21, 2013
WOW! what a wonderful debut novel by the talented Ms. Harper Bentley!!! I absolutly loved this book and was hooked right from the beginning. it has everything I want and need in a great read. if you're looking for explosive chemistry, lots of UST, lots of witty banter, tension and mystery, then this is the right book for you! I absolutly adored all the characters and enjoyed every minute with them. such a sweet, fun and sizzling hot read!!! I really loved the back and forth between the MC's, it's what makes me want to turn the pages even faster and see what else they might come up with. and I absolutly loved the switching POV's, it was such a nice treat to be able to be in their heads at the same time and not have to wait for another chapter or two to see what the other one is thinking!!! I can't wait to read more from Ms. Bentley and about the girls and guys from CEP. :)
Profile Image for Samantha.
10 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2013
Ok, so I don't normally write reviews but with this one I HAD to say something. Harper Bentley's debut novel is unputdownable. It's sweet, sexy, & funny. I found myself falling in love with the characters, and the chemistry? Gah! it's explosive!!! Don't hesitate with this one because It. Is. AMAZING. This book definitely get 5 stars from me!
Profile Image for Chantel.
289 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2013
Great debut book!!! Got confused on the back and forth inner dialog but still loved the book. A book filled of mystery, love, family troubles and suspense! Probably the best free read I have gotten this year.

Profile Image for Teresa .
367 reviews10 followers
July 22, 2013
Loved, a solid 4 1/2 stars for me. I loved the banter between Julia and Chase.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,040 reviews95 followers
July 16, 2013
DNF at 40%. Not my cup of tea. Too many rambling sentences and the back and forth between Chase and whatsherface. oh well.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
3 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2015
Love it!!!

Harper Bentley is fast becoming one of my favorite authors!!! I love the way she tells a story. Her couples are amazing!!!
Profile Image for FS Meurinne.
Author 2 books123 followers
March 16, 2017
Review by FS Meurinne www.fsmeurinne.com

I received a copy of this amazing story, and after just reading the summary I was already intrigued with the story and looking forward to reading it.

The story is about Chase Murphy, who works for CEP, New York City’s top-rated security agency, who is hired as a bodyguard to protect Julia Cooke, only daughter of one New York’s wealthiest man, Allen Cooke. Whom does Julia see as a total asshole dad, making Julia think that money is more important than anything else including her.

As the story develops, you find that Julia has been attracted to Chase for a couple of years now, but haven’t found a way into his life. Meanwhile Chase, has been putting a face in order to deceive Julia’s advances in order to keep up his job. Loosing it will mean dropping law school, and that is not an option. Well, not until one incident that results in Julia starting to find cracks inside Chase’s wall and ultimately his heart.

But this story is not only about two young adults falling for each other, the sexual tension that the author was able to build and project not only kept the readers entailed but also helped the characters to develop and grow. The author was awesome enough to give us different point of views, making this story way more interesting as you find out what all the characters are going through, specially Julia and Chase. Making them a couple that will be on your mind for a long time. On the other hand, you get mysterious kidnappings of New York’s wealthiest family members. Young adults are being taken hostages and never returning alive. Meanwhile Julia is being a bit naïve about everything that is going around, making it more difficult to Chase to keep Julia safe, which is his priority in his job and heart.

You will not be disappointed, as there is a great plot, with two characters that you’ll fall in love with and yes, there is great sex in it. I’m sure all readers will be left wanting more of them and so it is good news this is only the first book in the series. Stand by and wait for the next.

Being Chased is being offered for free on Amazon, so make sure you grab it now.
Profile Image for Emily.
259 reviews23 followers
July 23, 2013
GAH!!!!!!!

Loved this book!!

Really enjoyed the banter and UST!! Just when you think the characters have it all worked out…they f*ck it up all over again! Had me yelling at my kindle like only good books can!

When they finally did get it together…the sex was EXPLOSIVE!! So amazingly HAWT!!!

I can’t get over the fact this is the first published book for this author. It reads well, the suspense was well done I even had sweaty palms a couple of times.

Chase is def on my top 10 book boyfriends list!!

This book gives you good bang for your buck (pun intended), I’d recommend it to everyone!

Brilliant début from Harper Bentley, I’m looking forward to the next installment…hopefully that’s soon….please!!!?
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,548 reviews471 followers
November 11, 2013
Part of me loved this book, for the most part I loved the characters, main and supporting and there's plenty for subsequent books. I loved the story and the ending, the fact that we got both main characters point of view and Chase of course, but then who wouldn't. It was quite a long book which is usually good but in this case I feel it was too long, for me. What I didn't like was firstly I felt there was way too much hot and cold, on and off at one point she mentions his bipolar moments this applies to both of them for me it was over done to death. Also she had a couple of what I refer to as too stupid to live moments. For me the crime should have happened sooner and lasted longer but that's just my opinion. I enjoyed it but don't know if I'd actually buy a book by this author.
Profile Image for Mary Ceja.
45 reviews
July 22, 2013
BRILLIANT DEBUT!!!



Love the characters and the evolution of their story.It's sweet, sexy, & funny. I found myself falling in love with the characters, and the chemistry. It's explosive!!! And In some parts of it, I wished I could go in and punch some sence into both Chase and Julia. Don't hesitate with this one because It. Is. AMAZING.


Profile Image for Susan Toy.
Author 3 books89 followers
August 7, 2013
I began reading this then quickly thumbed through 20% of the book looking for the place where the story actually begins. I gave up on it at that point. Far too much back story. This was a free download so I wasn't out anything, but I believe the book was misrepresented as the first in a mystery series when it's really just a romance/contemporary chick lit. Not my kind of read at all.
Profile Image for J Kiwibooknerd .
1,811 reviews54 followers
July 25, 2013
Great Debut Novel which is no doubt going to turn into one hell of a great series...

Loved all the witty banter between them and Chase was all kinds of yum!!!

Looking forward to the next book in the series.....
Profile Image for Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**.
1,427 reviews785 followers
July 24, 2013
3.5 stars. The book had a lot of promise and some sassy zingers, but it was rough around the edges. Too much back and forth immaturity between Julia and Chase and some choppy dialogue. With some editing, this would have definitely been a 4 star read.
Profile Image for Christina Lyn.
543 reviews
July 29, 2013
For the first few chapters of their story. As their love story progress you will captivate how this two amazing people grow their feelings toward to each other. Can't wait to read the upcoming series of CEP!!!
Profile Image for Tonya Anderson.
3 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2015
Great build of tension

Very well written in my opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well written, a lot of humor and dry wit. The love scenes were exciting and built up to nicely. The back and forth were spot on. Again bravo, loved this book.
Profile Image for ~Lexi~.
25 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2013
this is a great book! It was free and I would've bought it if I had to buy it. And and Julia you guys at too cute
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews

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