Julia Gabriel (2)

I've read this story so many times... and yet this wasn't the same story. I loved it from the very first page. It started off simple, then morphed into something complex, which was beautifully done. The thing I liked most about this book was that it actually had a well developed plot, even if it was a tad bit unbelievable at times. It wasn't one of those stories that just focuses in on the sex and on nothing else. But, oh la la, those scenes... *fans face* I think the only thing I didn't show more like was Marie's odd complacency; it jarred me out of the story sometimes because it was so overdone.

This is definitely a book I'd recommend, especially for those who like (or even prefer) the sweeter side of erotica and romance. Just don't go in reading it thinking that it's not a typical romance (because it very much is). Even being somewhat typical, though, it's officially one of my favorites. show less

Cute, easy read and well-written

I enjoyed the story very much, except for the graphic sex scenes. This book has good flow and character development from start to finish. Happy endings are just the best!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Throughout the book I wanted to strangle Marie. I mean I just can't stand this type of woman. But as I got to understand the things she went thru I appreciated the way the writer let you know why she was so damaged and how she recovered. I ended up enjoying the writing more than the story line. Complex and filled with a range of emotions.

Received from Netgalley in exchange for a review.

Lucy Wyndham returns from holiday early when she hears her boss, surrogate father and mentor is terminally ill. She has worked at the Chesapeake Inn for 5 years as Marketing Director, and has never seen the boy she lost her virginity to 15 years before when she was a gawky camp visitor.

Suddenly, Sterling is back and running the show, having been pulled back by his mother threatening to disinherit him if he doesn’t. Lucy hopes he doesn’t show more remember her, and at first it seems so – until an accidental use of her old nickname makes the truth slip out.

The hotel is in financial straits and Sterling insists on various changes – including shutting down the kids camp so that the land can be used more profitably. Lucy knows how much the camp helps disadvantaged kids, and how many people have become successful after having their lives turned around at the camp. The two are at loggerheads, and both decide to seduce the other into changing their minds. Despite the great sex, nothing changes, and Sterling fires Lucy, only to regret his decision!

This is a decent and enjoyable variation on a theme and I stayed up late into the evening finishing it. The sex is occasional, and fades to black before it gets too explicit. The secondary characters are few but more than one dimensional when they appear – a couple of them have the potential to be worked into their own story. Lucy’s home town in Virginia is described in appropriately appalling terms, and you get to feel sympathy for Sterling, who, despite being from a wealthy family, doesn’t fit in with the camp kids, and is brought up by the hotel staff rather than his workaholic parents, so had a very lonely childhood. show less