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First A Lady

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Grace Ashton Coolidge will never forget the horror of seeing her husband, President Matthew Douglas Coolidge, gunned down by two rogue Secret Service agents on that convention stage, and she will never forget the agent who carried her to safety, and comforted her on a deserted road outside of New Orleans until they were found. Now, Grace must attend two functions as a former first lady, and the current president is requiring her to accept protection. The assassination has taught Grace that the Secret Service cannot be trusted, and she seeks out former agent John Marin to take the job.She said it was for only two weeks, but former agent John Marin wants no part of protecting the former first lady. He sold everything and removed himself to a tropical island, where good rum, pretty, willing women, and amnesia was all he required. Losing a United States President on his watch could never be redeemed, but he finds it hard to resist the beautiful, elegant, haunted woman who chases him down and begs him to protect her. But there is more going on with Grace Coolidge than she is letting on. Refined, smart and beautiful, she is hiding something from him, and it will take more than leading her by the arm with his hand at her back to get to the truth. Whatever her past, she is a lady first, and he will protect her with his life, no matter the cost. And that cost might include his heart, a heart broken one humid night on a convention stage.It was only two weeks, she said. But John Marin knows better.Two weeks will never be enough time with this woman.

Published August 14, 2018

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About the author

Jade Cary

9 books69 followers
Jade Cary wrote elaborate fantasies in her head from the time she was a small child. The fantasies included strong men and strong, loving relationships. She discovered romance novels quite by accident, once she'd devoured everything by Stephen King and Joseph Wambaugh. Desperate for something new to read, she picked up The Other Side of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon. After that, she found Scruples, by Judith Krantz. A whole new world opened up, and she buried herself in everything these authors wrote. She was fascinated with how the stories were able to capture her and take her to another place. But, more than that, she paid attention to how the words, the writing, made her feel.

She discovered a talent for writing later in life, after careers were had and kids were moving about on their own. She falls in love on a daily basis with her characters, and hopes readers will do the same.

Her first novel, The Point of it All, is the story of two people brought together under extraordinary circumstances. An unapologetic alpha hero who will stop at nothing to keep the woman he loves safe, and a strong, intelligent heroine who finds his supercilious, high-handed ways trying at best, find each other as both fight for freedom, independence, and ultimately love.

A Southern California girl born and bred, her travels to exotic locales inspire rich storytelling, her husband inspires the romance, and her kids inspire the laughs.

Jade lives in SoCal with her family.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews840 followers
August 16, 2018


3.5 stars

The author wastes no time jumping into the plot of this book. We are immediately tossed into the murder and mayhem. This worked well for drawing the reader into the book however this was short lived.
I immediately noticed a timeline inconsistencies that I had a hard time getting past. I was hoping that these would have been correct but they seemed to get more pronounced and lasted throughout the book.

I may not have noticed if the romance was there but this part of the book fell short for me as well. There may have been a spark between the two but they didn't bring any heat or passion. The author tried to draw John and Lady Grace together with playful banter and by her calling him Daddy but it didn't work and felt weird for this couple.

The pair are together because she needed someone she could trust and she trusts John. I found this ironic since she never listened to him or his team. She constantly did what she wanted and undermined his ideas for keeping her safe. He was no better in the trust department either.

The storyline was a bit convoluted and disjointed at times but the pair does get their HEA in the end.
Profile Image for Liz.
3,489 reviews58 followers
August 13, 2018
As soon as I read the blurb of First A Lady by Jade Cary, I knew I wanted to read it. A former first lady who saw her husband gunned down and the former secret service agent who saved her life. Now she needs him again, but is he the right man for the job?

Grace Coolidge has lost so much in such a short time. But now duty calls again, but who can she trust to truly protect her? John Marin has not been the same since the President was assassinated while on his watch. Now all he wants is solace and to forget. But then Grace asks for his help, can he really turn her down?

I loved Grace. Even in tragedy she was strong, resolute and stood up for herself. Though John felt like a failure, he was truly a strong, protective, determined and caring man. Grace knew John was the only man she could trust with her life, but she never imagined her heart as well. I loved their connection and even though they tried to deny their attraction, it was always there.

This was my first read by Jade Cary and I truly enjoyed it. A story full of not only chemistry and sexual tension, but also a bit of suspense. I devoured this story and cannot wait to read more of this author!

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Cheryl Whitty.
904 reviews14 followers
August 15, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of http://bookaddict.live,
What a great idea for a romance, the widowed first lady and the Secret Service agent who looked after you when your husband is assassinated in front of her.
When Grace the former first lady needs protection she doesn’t feel like she can trust the secret Service agents, and begs John to come out of retirement to protect her.
Wow what chemistry between Grace and John, what can I say I love big men I think we all loved to think we want to be the center of a hunky hot alpha’s attention.
I felt like a fly on the wall watching everything, the politics, gossip, and the alpha male teaching Grace who is in charge. If you want to read a romance with a difference then this is for you.
Intrigue, hot sex and an did I say a protective alpha male. All with dirty politics as a background what more do you want.
Profile Image for Lissanne Jones.
Author 10 books176 followers
August 14, 2018
I have been lucky enough to read some enormously good books as of late, and First A Lady is definitely one of them. This book was glorious, with its rich characters, settings in two countries, and enough mystery to keep you interested.

Grace Ashton Coolidge’s husband, Matt, is the President of the US. When he’s assassinated in New Orleans, she’s pulled out of the line of fire by Secret Service agent John Marin. Marin was in charge of Matt’s protection, and didn’t realise what was happening until it was too late. He manages to get Grace out safely and comforts her, and Grace withdraws from the spotlight after her husband’s funeral by fleeing back to her native UK (she has joint US/UK citizenship, thanks to her parents).

A year later, she’s being threatened. Committed to participating in several events in Matt’s honour, the current president insists she has security or she won’t be allowed into the US. Grace understandably refuses Secret Service protection and says she will provide her own, and there’s only one man she trusts with her life – John Marin. Tracking him down to the Caribbean island he’s been holed up on, mired in guilt at failing to protect the President, she begs for his help… and he’s unable to refuse her. He’s always been attracted to Grace Coolidge; she’s beautiful and aristocratic, but not untouchable.

When he goes back to London with her to organise her trip to the US, he finds out Grace has secrets, secrets she won’t share with him. She has her reasons for hiding them, but he wants to know them all. He wants to know this woman who intrigues and haunts him. He wants her, even though he knows he can’t protect her properly as her lover. When they finally give in to the desire and attraction between them, they’re torn apart – by Grace’s secrets and by John’s stubbornness. Grace wants a family, and she wants it with John… but will he ever forgive himself for failing his President? Will he allow himself to finally give in to happiness with Grace?

You’ll just have to read it to find out. Make sure you do, okay? This book is in my top ten romance books of all time.
August 14, 2018
An American President is assassinated. A First Lady in peril. An ex-Secret Service Agent who is chosen to protect her. All in all, this is a thrilling romantic story that will keep you at the edge of your seats.

This is the story of the aftermath affecting Grace Coolidge after losing her husband in a myriad of intrigue and greed. Knowing too much sentences her to death before she can reveal what she knows. She has to survive in order to share what she knows. To do this, she must hire someone to protect her. Someone who she can trust. So, who better than the man who protected her when her husband was assassinated? John Marin. Only one problem. He is a man with rules to be followed and she wants her freedom from rules. While John is trying to protect this stubborn woman, he is unable to avoid falling for her. And feelings are mutual!

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy with me.
Profile Image for Jane Kelsey.
1,019 reviews79 followers
May 30, 2019
This novel started out so perfectly I couldn't have seen myself giving it less than 5 stars, unfortunately for me, their sexual relationship did not feel true to their characters and his attitude towards her was ridiculously misogynistic most of the time. I felt that First a lady was a really good story ruined by the author's sexual fantasies - I have no issues with the fantasies themselves, but it just did not mesh with who these people are. It was also more sex than actually protecting the first lady and for a first-class security personnel and ex-secret service agent, he kinda sucked at actually protecting. My main gripe is that some aspects were glossed over and accent on the sexual part - I wished for a better balance. I really loved the start of it though and I was kinda curious to see what would happen which is why I stuck to the end.
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,744 reviews53 followers
August 13, 2018
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

My first read from Jade Cary and I am impressed! Action-packed, full of suspense, poise, great characters and a sizzling romance...whats not to like?

This is my first romantic suspense where I felt like I was on a real live action adventure. This book had integrity, and it was so smart and exciting that I didn't want to put it down because I was actually afraid I would miss something. The characters are incredible. The romance and chemistry between Grace and John was electrifying and passionate. This whole book was very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat. I will be reading more books by Miss Cary in the future after reading this one.

First A Lady gets a BRILLIANT FOUR AND A HALF BOLD SILVER STARS!

1,806 reviews11 followers
August 16, 2018
What a wild ride this is! A fantastic political thriller with a side of a spanking good romance. This is my first read by this author and I love her words. I savored each one. There's so much wonderful writing in this story from the devastating murder plot to the humorous English interactions to the palatable sexual tension to the military style ops action. It starts out as a suspenseful political thriller following the former First Lady, Grace, and a former Secret Service agent, John Marin, in the aftermath of the President's assassination. He blames himself and is hiding in a bottle of rum and she is recovering and holding onto a secret with national implications. She bullies him into serving as her protective detail on a memorial tour a year after the assassination. As they spend time planning their trip they grow closer and the story takes a turn into a hot-as-hell almost romance. Let me get to the characters. Lady Grace is a delicate English rose with a spine of steel and a sassy attitude. Along with her title and wealth she expects to give the orders. She is wonderful layered character. Marin watched her for years when he was guarding the Prez and harbors an admiration and desire for her. He is such a man! Dominant alpha bada$$ cowboy that is commanding and demands to be in charge. The story takes a sexy turn that I'm sure some might not appreciate but I'm all for a good ole bodice ripper! Marin takes Grace in hand when she doesn't follow his orders. This fabulous hunk jumps off the pages. Shivers! The chemistry between these two is undeniable and steamy. She wants to move forward with a relationship but he won't because he doesn't think he will be able to do his job of protecting her. Grace was a little annoying in her refusal to follow the plan but her actions did advance the bodice ripping aspect so all's good. At it's heart the story is one of political intrigue and mystery that is exciting and thrilling. Marin brings in his crew to help with security and these characters are terrific. Maybe we'll get stories about the seven dwarfs ;) This is a mature story with mature characters and I loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,354 reviews96 followers
August 13, 2018
4 stars

I quite enjoyed by first read by Jade Cary. I love a good political espionage book.

Grace Coolidge has had quite the year; her husband-the President of the United States-was assassinated, and a Secret Service agent was killed before her eyes in another shooting. She's been laying low recovering from these horrific events but her respite has come to an end. She's due back in the States to dedicate her late husband's memorial, among other things. Grace knows she needs protection but she no longer trusts the Secret Service. There's really only one man she trusts, the man that carried her safety the night her husband was murdered.

John Marin just wants to be left alone. He did his time as a public servant. He's the former Secret Serviceman to the President of the United States of America--a president that was assassinated while on his watch. He might've escaped the incident without a scratch but his failure to protect the president has left a scar. John's in self-imposed exile, until SHE finds him and begs for his help. Grace's begging not only makes him cave and agree to protect her, it awakes a primal need in him that lay dormant for far too long. He was always drawn to the First Lady but now, he's in charge and he likes it that way, a little too much. But danger encapsulates Lady Grace right now and there's too much at stake for him to give into his need for her.

I enjoyed the storyline of First A Lady and was intrigued by both the characters back stories. All the characters were wonderful; I loved Jarvis and the Whipples, the seven dwarves and the girls! The chemistry between Grace and John fairly sizzled and just as I was getting annoyed with their dancing around each other, they finally set the sheets on fire. The author managed to take me completely by surprise on a few things about their relationship. There might be a reason I read the whole book in just one day. All in all, I do believe I'll be spending more time with Ms. Cary's books!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,109 reviews32 followers
August 10, 2018
I quite enjoyed by first read by Jade Cary. I love a good political espionage book.

Grace Coolidge has had quite the year;  her husband-the President of the United States-was assassinated, and a Secret Service agent was killed before her eyes in another shooting.  She's been laying low recovering from these horrific events but her respite has come to an end. She's due back in the States to dedicate her late husband's memorial, among other things.  Grace knows she needs protection but she no longer trusts the Secret Service. There's really only one man she trusts, the man that carried her safety the night her husband was murdered.

John Marin just wants to be left alone.  He did his time as a public servant. He's the former Secret Serviceman to the President of the United States of America--a president that was assassinated while on his watch.  He might've escaped the incident without a scratch but his failure to protect the president has left a scar. John's in self-imposed exile, until SHE finds him and begs for his help.  Grace's begging not only makes him cave and agree to protect her, it awakes a primal need in him that lay dormant for far too long.  He was always drawn to the First Lady but now, he's in charge and he likes it that way, a little too much. But danger encapsulates Lady Grace right now and there's too much at stake for him to give into his need for her.

I enjoyed the storyline of First A Lady and was intrigued by both the characters back stories. All the characters were wonderful; I loved Jarvis and the Whipples, the seven dwarves and the girls! The chemistry between Grace and John fairly sizzled and just as I was getting annoyed with their dancing around each other, they finally set the sheets on fire.  The author managed to take me completely by surprise on a few things about their relationship. There might be a reason I read the whole book in just one day. All in all, I do believe I'll be spending more time with Ms. Cary's books!
Profile Image for Jennifer C. .
194 reviews15 followers
May 28, 2019
(2.5 stars, rounded to 3) Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are completely my own.

I have some very mixed feelings about this book. I feel that it's important to note that, while they aren't the majority of what I read, I have nothing against passionate romance novels. I love a good guilty pleasure romance as much as the next guy, and a well written sex scene can be really great. That being said, I don't think that this book really did anything for me.

Some bits of the plot were interesting, and I did find that I liked the characters. It was their relationship that gave me a bit of pause. I don't mind a Dominant-Submissive relationship in books, but this relationship seemed to live right on the line between that and borderline abusive. So while I did have moments that I really wanted to enjoy this book - the story, the banter dialogue and parts of the relationship and scenes that were clearly consensual, etc. But the couple of times that it seemed to cross back over to the other side of that line just kind of turned me off of the novel, so to speak.

I didn't hate the book, though, by any means. It was still an enjoyable read and, if we are ignoring those couple of instances referenced above, I liked the rest of their relationship. Also other than a few bits of the plot that were a bit confusing, and never fully explained, the plot was fun too. I found this book on NetGalley's back catalog because I was looking for something fun and frivolous that wouldn't require too much brain power or time to get through. And while I think that this did for the most part accomplish that, there were enough little moments that seemed problematic enough to me that I probably won't be going back to re-read it anytime soon.

If one of my friends or family members was going to pick up this book to read I wouldn't go out of my way to stop them, but unless I knew that it was exactly what someone was looking for then I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it either. Over all, with the issues above, I find myself just feeling a bit conflicted and a bit "mehhh" about this particular read. This one just wasn't for me.
238 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2018
For me, a Jade Cary novel is a treat to be savored, and First a Lady is such a treat! Two people who have lost so much, team up to ensure fate doesn't get a second opportunity at ruining their lives and destroying the country from within. The mystery build up is full of twists and turns and some of those twists echo current political news. The political intrigue, scary and realistic as it is, is just part of the story. For at the heart are two people who find themselves in a position they never imagined. They both have sound reasons for not wanting to get involved, but the heart makes its own demands. The tension between the two is palpable, the electric current arching. Marin is as dominant as they come and Grace is no wilting flower. Their exchanges escalate along with the mystery and I was thrilled to be along for the ride! I really felt the desire of these characters and especially understood Grace's changing emotions from confidence, to hope and desire, to anger, and abandonment. Hard decisions had to be made and personal desires didn't always come first. I love how the author takes the reader on this tale of huge proportions but never lets the details slide. I could feel the foggy morning air surrounding a horse ride, enjoyed the feel of a room in a treasured home with its paneled walls and thick carpets, and enjoyed the sound of ice tinkling in a crystal glass of hard liquor because the author describes them to perfection. This isn't a frothy, short story, which I definitely also love. Instead, it's a full length, adult romance with a well written, intelligent plot. Go ahead, invest a little time and get to know Grace and Marin. I think you will love their story as much as I did!
Profile Image for Hanan (Bookstagramer).
1,640 reviews16 followers
August 12, 2018
I enjoyed this book very much.
When the phrase “politics is a dirty game” then this book showcased it perfectly.
I haven’t read many political themed books but I thought this one was great.
Displaying the differentiating parties both believing they are doing right by we the people.
The story and plot are full of intrigue,mystery those trying to gain power at any cost.
Ms. Cary did an outstanding job with how descriptive the book is.
The details she goes to made me appreciate the book more.
I loved John!
He’s an ex secret service agent who was put in charge of taking care of the President.
When betrayal hits very close to home he leaves the service with a broken spirit and a broken heart.
He’s brought back into the mess of politics grudgly.
He’s now private security for the former First Lady,Grace Collidge,who’s husband was assassinated one year ago.
I thought John was everything a man like him should be.
He was loyal,protective,no nonsense and took his responsibilities seriously.
Adding to his allure he’s sexy,strong and pure alpha.
Grace has some upcoming functions and ceremonies she must attend.
She ordered to get protection in order to attend her events.
She employs John whom is the only person she trusts.
I didn’t really care for Grace nor did I connect with her.
She may have been intelligent but she certainly was smart.
There were scenes in the book that had me grinding me teeth with her antics.
When Grace wasn’t being a brat I actually enjoyed the banter between her and John.
It’s sexy and engaging.
I also loved John’s team!
What a badass group of men!



Profile Image for Laura.
2,411 reviews115 followers
August 14, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Author and L Woods PR***

Books where there is a compelling reason for the main characters not to be together, you have to really believe in the attraction. In this case, Grace and John have a tragedy in their past, namely that John was part of the Secret Service detail when the President, and Grace's husband, was assassinated.

So, there is a reason for them to stay apart. And, their attraction is the reason for them to get together. Unfortunately, for a lot of the book, I struggled with believing their attraction as much as John did, so a part of this was a challenge.

I did end up liking the characters, and liking them together, but I think I lost a lot of the connection between them as I was not totally invested in the belief that their attraction was enough to overcome all of the things that had happened in their past.

This was my first title by this author, so it was tough to gauge for me if the way the story was structured, and the issues I had with it, were normal for the author, or just the way this book was written. But, at least for me, there was so much build up of the reasons that they didn't work, that John felt like he failed, that I had a tough time investing.

The book had it's positive points, and I am interested in reading this author again...but this one just fell a little flat for me in the execution of the shift from forbidden and closed off to open to the relationship.
Profile Image for Cassie May.
Author 9 books86 followers
August 6, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Blog
This book was honestly a huge disappointment for me. I loved the idea, the plot and the bones of the story. The blurb intrigued me and I couldn’t wait to get my fingers on this book. I started it as soon as it hit my Kindle and finished in less than a day.
The plot unraveled and I really liked how it turned out, expected some huge secret, something interesting and surprising that would explain all the things that happened to the Coolidges. Yeah, it was surprising. Surprisingly easy, unfortunately. It felt as if the author lost his muse in the end and just wanted to wrap the story up in the most simple way. The explanation we got for everything was… weak, to stay fair. Really weak.
The thing that almost put me off of reading the book was the [spoiler] daddy trope [/spoiler] seriously, had I known that it would be used I would have stayed away from this book. It didn’t fit. At all. I get the dom/sub theme and I like it, it would have suited the story perfectly, but that trope just didn’t fit at all and to be honest, I found and still find it yucky.
That and the fact that I thought the ending was too easy and simple make me give three stars to a book I wished in the beginning, I could give five. Seriously. The story would have deserved it, if the author would have made more out of it…
Profile Image for Katie.
2,246 reviews14 followers
August 13, 2018
First A Lady
By Jade Cary
** 3.5 stars **
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog

I did enjoy this story for the most part! It was completely not what I was expecting and I loved the unpredictability and the action that went on in the book. The first chapter started the story off with a bang which meant my interest was completely captured straight away. I’ve never read anything by this author before so it was great to find a new author to enjoy. I’m not sure that I have read a political themed book before so it was great to read something a little different. Great descriptive writing and detail made the story even more intriguing to read.
John, I’m pretty sure that I am in love with him! He was loyal, strong, and protective and I got to admit a lot sexy! I loved how seriously he took his job and this made him even more attractive to me.
I did struggle with Grace a little; I didn’t connect with her character as much as I wanted to. There was a little banter between the two characters but it wasn’t a great deal.
Without giving any spoilers away there were some interesting twists in the story that weren’t really what I would normally read about.
Overall an ok read that I generally enjoyed, especially John!!
1,961 reviews34 followers
April 15, 2019
The President of the United States is assassinated, on stage, as he is preparing to announce his plan to run for four more years. His wife had just left the podium when he is taken out by two secret service agents. Why would the secret service kill the president? First Lady Grace Ashton Coolidge will never forget the sight as she is removed from the stage by John Marin, a secret service agent assigned to the President’s detail. John resigns after the event and moves to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, knowing that he has failed in his assignment. Nine months later, Grace has commitments that she must attend and she is forced to accept protection. The only one she trusts to keep her safe is John Marin, but first she will have to find him. Will John agree to protect her? John feels that Grace has not told him the full story, but he agrees to protect her as long as she follows his rules. The attraction between John and Grace is electric, but will they give in to their feelings? An intriguing story line between a strong, capable woman who knows what she wants and the man who will fight her and himself to keep her safe. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Treena Ross - Rockstar Book Muse.
478 reviews15 followers
August 13, 2018
4 STARS

I really enjoyed my first read from this author. This is a political, suspense filled romance that had me from the first page.

I love these types of reads and this author did not disappoint. With the pompous attitudes, the entitlement, the wealth, the attitudes and the secrets after secrets and twists and turns had me glued to the pages. First of Lady Grace Coolridge, tough life she has lead and once her president husband has been assassinated things become worse for her. She needs protection and only one man can provide that for her. In comes Agent John Marin and together they are going to keep her safe as she finishes her duties problem is Grace has a problem following rules and orders.

This book is chock full of everything that is good. Seamless writing, strong plot, strong characters and sexy romance throughout. If you have not read this author then I would suggest start here, if you have then grab it today you won't regret it.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,295 reviews59 followers
August 14, 2018
Grace Aston Coolidge is the daughter of a Duke. But more than that, she's also a widowed First Lady. Her husband, Matt Coolidge, was assassinated while he was out on the campaign trail for his 2nd term. One of his Secret Service agents, John Marin, grabbed her and stuck her in a limo and got her away from the scene.

Now, a year later, she's living in England, but has to go back to the US for a memorial, and her hand is being forced when it comes to security. She's turned down the Secret Service (and wouldn't you?), so she's off to find her own security. She wants John Marin, who is currently living in the Caribean on a boat and drinking rum. When she goes down to get him, it takes some convincing, but finally he agrees to be her personal security. The problem is, she's keeping secrets from him.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It approached a little too conspiracy theory for me in a couple of places, but it walked that fine line. I loved the dance in between John and Grace as they were trying to figure out what was going to happen between them.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
August 11, 2018
Intriguing. That's the first thing that popped in my head when I completed this book. There was quite a bit of intrigue actually. While in the book she was compared to Jackie O, she brought to mind for me Princess Grace of Monaco. She seemed to be a Lady of class and elegance well loved but unappreciated for her part. But he saw her and what she had endured, had been there at her darkest time and she trusted him. Okay she more than trusted him. He saw through her and into her darkest desires and he unleashed them. She needed more of him but she couldn't tell him everything and those secrets may cost them both their lives.

Great intrigue and just a little steamy details made this a great read. Keeping secrets and the lies keep the twist being slowly unraveled but didn't lower the energy of this read. The tension between the two is a plus and can be felt and I like that this new to me author kept it that way. Great read.
Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
505 reviews10 followers
August 16, 2018
Grace faces the one thing you never want to see. Your husband who is president gunned down and killed in front of you. If who wasn't for John Marin one of her husband's secret service agents who whisked her away in the pandemonium she might have been next. Time passes and she approaches John who went into retirement after what happened on his watch. She needs a bodyguard on a trip to U.S.A for a memorial for her husband. She doesn't trust the secret service and manages to coax John away from his safe haven to accompany her for two weeks.
John finds out Grace has a few secrets she is keeping hidden and wants to know everything. Grace only trusts him with so much of the secrets she is hiding which could place her in danger. John finds himself falling for Grace and she for him. He tries to distance himself since he knows he can't fall for his charge otherwise he won't be aware of their surroundings and any danger which could be dangerous for them both.
The first book I have read by Jade and loved it. I loved all the twists and turns and suspense in the story. All the angst between Grace and John and will they or won't they? I received an arc for an honest review for Naughty Nightie Book Blog thank you. I look forward to reading more by Jade.
Profile Image for Mom Who Reads To Escape Reality.
51 reviews5 followers
August 17, 2018
First a Lady was my first book I have read by Jade Clary! This book did not disappoint. It was very intriguing, full of mystery and a definite page turner! The plot of this story was so good!

Grace Ashton Coolidge’s husband, Matt, is the President of the US. When he’s assassinated in New Orleans, she’s pulled out of the line of fire by Secret Service agent John Marin. Grace bullies John into keeping her protected, when she decides to go to back to the UK, her home country. She has a dual citizenship. Thus begins the sexual tension between these two characters!

John blames himself for the President's demise. He has been drowning his sorrows in Rum. Will Grace's love be enough for John to forgive himself?

Grace holds a lot of secrets. Will John be able to dig thru her many layers to found out these secrets?

You must read this book to see what will happen! It's full of rich detail and I don't want to give the whole plot a way!



Profile Image for Helena#bookdreamer.
1,177 reviews10 followers
July 16, 2019
Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked that the author takes us into the action from the beginning. Right into the scene where the president is murdered and the secret agent, John is unable to save him. We meet Grace, the first lady who is described as beautiful, posed and determined like Grace Kelly. She is a grieving widow who seeks out the agent who saved her life that night and helped her feel safe. Except John is haunted by what occurred and blames himself leaving a bitter, barely a shell of a man.

He refuses initially to help guard Grace on her tours and when he changes his mind he acts controlling and angry. Can't say I was a fan of the hero. He admires Grace's intellect and strength yet treats her like a child that needs overprotection and scorn. Despite this I liked the flow and twist of the plot just wished we had a less Alpha hero.
Profile Image for Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review).
1,168 reviews96 followers
August 13, 2018
5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review

I must tell you, I'm new to Jade Cary. This book, First A Lady was everything I wanted it to be and more. Grace Collidge is the First Lady when she watches her husband get assassinated right before her eyes. Grace feels like she needs additional protection and there's only one man she wants for the job, John Marin. John has served his time and now he just wants to live his life. But then this is asked of him, it's only right that he steps up. 

This story was great. Full of drama, dirty politics, and more drama. I loved every second of it. It was wonderfully written. I was sucked in from the beginning and this story didn't let go until the end. Jade Cary does an amazing job handling the tension between Grace and John. I look forward to more from Jade in the future.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,455 reviews51 followers
August 16, 2018
Nothing is as it really seems in this political thriller with a steamy, kinky side of romance.

From the very beginning, it is clear to the reader that this is more than just a former First Lady worried about her life a year after the assassination of her husband. John Marin knows that, too, immediately when she seeks him out. Grace Coolidge is less than forthcoming from the very beginning; hiding information and revealing it at her convenience. Yet, his attraction to her prevents him from making the sensible, logical choice of leaving her alone.

The push and pull between the characters against the backdrop of dirty politics made for entertaining and intriguing reading. For lovers of political intrigue, scandal, conspiracy theories and the like, this is surely a book you'll enjoy, as did I.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Shelli.
871 reviews51 followers
August 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! I don't read very many political romances, but this one was good.
Grace was the first lady who found herself suddenly a widow. Marin was the secret service agent who carried her away to safety after her husband was assassinated. When she finds herself suddenly needing protection again, he's the only one she feels she can trust. But trust is a two way street, and she seems to be hiding secrets about something. I'll tell you, if I ever found myself needing a bodyguard, I could only hope to find one as dominant and alpha as Marin. He was rather yummy!! I found myself a bit perturbed with Grace a time or two, for not being open and honest with Marin. All in all, it was a very interesting story though, I would recommend it to others!
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
4,500 reviews241 followers
August 14, 2018
Intense!!! That is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about this book! Full of mystery and suspense this protector to lover story did not disappoint. This was my first read by Jade Cary, but it will not be my last.

From the very start I was put on the edge of my seat and could hardly put the book down. The things that Grace endures and the strength that she still puts forward show just how strong a character she is. I loved the chemistry between her and John and the banter that went on between them. I did have many questions about what was happening throughout the story and made guess after guess as to what was going to happen next. There were definitely a lot of twists that I did not see coming.

Grab this one for sure! - By Alisa




Profile Image for Nancy.
1,190 reviews23 followers
April 29, 2019
This was a great read. First Lady Grace Ashton Coolidge has just introduced her husband in New Orleans when he is shot by two of his secret service detail. John Marin is standing behind the president but by the time he realizes what happened it is all over. He picks Grace up and take her out of there as fast as he can. He does not see her again until she is standing in front of him asking for his help. He is enjoying the easy life on his boat in the Caribbean and does not want to be back in the political drama but Grace needs someone she trusts to be her security and John is the guy. He with some of his friends take the job. It is a hard struggle of wills and some sexual tension they both try to ignore. Can he keep her safe for what she has to do?
Profile Image for Racy Reader.
116 reviews12 followers
June 15, 2020
This book had a lot of promise. I loved the concept of the former first lady falling for rh broody, mysterious, Alpha Bodyguard. So despite not liking third person POVs, I dove in!

I really liked it until about 50% through but then it was just so repetitive and the timelines kept jumping around so I felt a little confused.

The Heroine, as much as I wanted to like her, was either fighting or crying and it was so irritating.

As I was reading along, I felt like it would just all of a sudden switch from fighting to sexy time without any real lead in - kept giving me book whiplash. I would have to go back and re-read the scene because I was thinking, "Wow, that came out of nowhere".

Again, a lot of promise just didn't deliver the way I had hoped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,509 reviews49 followers
August 10, 2018
First A Lady is one of those reads that will keep you on your toes. Grace is incredibly strong for everything she has endured. There is such an air of mystery surrounding Grace. You know she is hiding something. I love how you are kept guessing the whole way through. When you first meet John he is a secret service agent for Grace's husband. As you get to know John you can't help love him for his strength and protective nature. I love how he handles Grace with such a firm hand that she didn't realize she was missing. The chemistry is off the charts once John and Grace are thrown together. I love them together and I love how Grace acts out to push his buttons too. This is an amazing read.
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