Cover

Cover designer: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative

Model: Josh KlossPhotographer: Scott Hoover Photography

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Every girl needs three things 1. A flutter in her belly when she meets him for the first time.

Meet Cooper

My lips brush the top of her hand lightly, my tongue sneaking out to fleetingly touch her skin. The brief contact stirs an ache inside me. This woman tugs at something—more than arousal—something that makes me want to slow down time just to spend a few more minutes standing here.

“Did you just…” she stammers a bit.

“Did I just what?”

She squints at me. “You know.”

“Do I?”

“I felt your tongue on my hand. You…you licked me.”

I’d been dying to run my tongue along her neck all evening, although I hadn’t really meant to be so crude about it. It just sort of …happened. “I wouldn’t say licked, maybe just a little taste.”

“So you tasted me?”

My entire body suddenly has interest in this conversation. “I suppose I did. But it wasn’t nearly enough. That brings us back to my invitation for dinner. Tomorrow night?”

“I can’t.”

“The day after then?”

She laughs and shakes her head. The sound makes me smile.

“Good night, Cooper.” She pulls the driver’s side door shut and leaves me standing there…for a full five minutes after she’s gone.

2. A best friend to talk about him to.

Meet Sadie

“And?”

“And I kissed him when we were in his office.”

“How was his office?”

“Really? That’s what you want to know. Not how was the kiss or aren’t you in breach of your contract? How was his office?”

“You can tell a lot about a man by his office.”

I gulp another unladylike sip from my wine glass. “His office was beautiful. Sleek, overlooking the city. It oozed power.”

“Nice. Bet he fucks like he owns you.”

The thought of what he’s like in bed is enough to make me lose my train of thought.

“Go on,” Sadie prods.

I don’t continue immediately.

“You forgot what you were up to because you were thinking of him fucking you like he owns you, didn’t you?” My best friend smirks knowingly.

“Shut up.” I pause. “Anyway, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

“Well, him. Obviously.”

“I wish it were that easy.”

3. A gentleman that turns into a bossy dirty talker in the bedroom.

Cooper – behind closed doors.

“You haven’t even begun to see bossy yet. Tonight I’m going to tell you to do things, and you’re going to do them. When I tell you to open wider, or take my cock deeper, you’re going to listen. You know why? Because since the moment we met, all I’ve wanted to do is make you feel good. Hell, I don’t even need to get off physically. Because I’m going to get off watching you every minute. So, yeah, I’m going to be bossy. Now let’s put the rest of this behind us. Do you want to be with me tonight?”

After that prelude, I nod my head fast. I’m no fool. Who wouldn’t?

A contract + The spotlight + Surprising coincidences + One sexy studio producer = An unexpected mess.

Kate and Cooper never saw each other coming and when they did, it was the worst timing possible. They have an undeniable attraction, but she is forbidden to act on it due to a previous commitment. And he has the ability to see exactly why, but his hands are tied on how to stop it. But as lust, longing, and feelings continue to taunt them, will they follow the rules or try to get away with breaking them?

Kate...a selfless, hard worker who takes care of those she loves. She is the sassy, smart, sweet girl next door. She made a promise, and now has to try to keep it despite unexpected desire and distractions.

Cooper...sexy, rich, powerful, charismatic, and likes to be in control. He is not looking for love, but is also not afraid to pursue what he wants.

Flynn...Magnetic, Charming, good-natured, rock star out to find the woman of his dreams. 

All along she is supposed to be getting to know Flynn who is also a sexy sweetheart that really deserves his chance at love. He is the ultimate tattooed rock star catch that all the girls want. And once she lets him in a bit, it is apparent how special he is. He is so fun, earnest, and genuinely likable. Any girl would be lucky to have him. 

Cooper is a game changer. He comes along totally unexpected and at the worst time possible for her. They have complications making their relationship forbidden and challenging, But once Cooper makes up his mind, he is a force to be reckoned with. I loved his vulnerability and intensity. He understands the stakes. He is jealous and possessive, but still understanding, affectionate and willing to pursue her. They have amazing chemistry, good rapport and banter. But is he really looking for a relationship or just the girl he is not supposed to have?

It becomes more than a complicated game with her trying  to do what she needs to do and honor her promises, not hurt the men more than necessary, and figure out what she really wants and needs. She has chemistry and a connection with both men and both are equally charming and attractive. 

It is one big jumbled mess, but only one man can win. And she has the potential to not only let down Cooper and Flynn, but also Cooper's brother Miles who has a lot at stake in the whole situation. 

This was a fast paced, fun, steamy, emotional read with likable characters, sexual chemistry, and an engaging plot line with twists and turns. I got totally sucked in and was invested in all of these characters and their relationships. And the cast of  side characters added even more humor, depth, or malice to their scenes.

Two men. One woman. Set time frame. Outside influences. Hidden Agendas. The end game is what she needs to focus on, but what will make her the ultimate winner?

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Kate signed a contract. A contract that at first glance should have been easy to fulfill -- no dating, follow instructions on camera, and keep the show a secret. But she hadn’t planned on Cooper. She has been on a self-imposed break from men, and the end possibilities to help her family she finds in Throb are well worth the pause in her long term plans.

She is a caregiver, smart, feisty, and knows her own mind, though Cooper throws her carefully laid plans out of order. I loved watching her thought process throughout. From her poker strategy to her strategy on the show, she has thought through all implications before acting.

Cooper’s brother wants his help on his latest show. When he meets Kate, he is immediately captivated by the card shark across the table from him, and their instant connection both shocks him and intrigues him. But there is something she’s hiding, and her repeated negative responses to his advances only spur him on further.

While both brothers work in Hollywood, Cooper sees more success than his brother. But his success is hard gained and the sibling rivalry that developed when the boys were children seems to continue into adulthood. Cooper is used to getting his way, and the challenges Kate offers to keep Cooper at arms length were great fun to watch.

I loved watching everything develop between Kate and Cooper, and the addition of Flynn and the tv show added an element that echoed a triangle without feeling fully like a love triangle. I wouldn’t call this story a love triangle, though I have seen it referred to as such.

Because of everything going on in the story, this was a fast paced, quick read. It kept me wondering how all the games would shake out and if the juggling going on between the show and secrets were going to be able to be balanced and who would end up winning in the end.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Vi Keeland

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