This story surprised me. It was very emotional, deep, sad, funny and joyful. Xavier is a really well-written character with a lot of depth and layers. Peyton is one tough cookie. Together they make a great team at work and just totally work as a couple. There is a lot to unpack in this story and well worth it. I will definitely check out more books from this author.

I really enjoyed this story and I though that it was really well written.

It had a well developed and fast flowing story line, there were great characters and they were well developed and had some great interaction.

I enjoyed it a great deal and was completely absorbed as I flew through the pages.

It was strong, romantic and a sexy read overall too

It is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended!

This is the first book I read from this author and I so loved it. Xavier, who seemed to have it all and was extremely successful and Peyton who had pretty much lost it all. They were a match made in heaven. I loved the characters and the relationship that built between the two. I would highly recommend. I received an advanced reader copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

This book had all the "feels" to it. And I was on Xavier's side like at the speed of light. The author did a great job of drawing me into both of the main characters. They showed the depth of their personalities, their hurts, their challenges and even their successes. There was such tenderness on Xavier's part too. And the fact that he loved his family so much didn't hurt either.
"X' is what Peyton called Xavier when they were out of the public eye and that made me smile. X has the family that Peyton no longer has but she doesn't get how much they adore her. Well, not until later at least. Peyton does have one best friend, Kate who would protect her to the end. But she is snarky with X calling him "Moneybags".
This story was not only sweet but it also has some heat later on. It was also unlike any other stories I've read. Just on the social anxiety of a rich businessman who's a nerd, part alone. That idea sparked my interest and kept me involved.
And I just have to mention that the descriptions of places like the family home in Napa, Nate's home and some of the fundraisers and the offices was well fleshed out. A+ for the details.
I really liked that the title of this book is shown to be a really good decision. In fact, it's perfect. And so is the ending of the story.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and am voluntarily providing an honest review.

I really enjoyed these characters, especially Xavier. I am a sucker for an introverted nerd. :)

Their relationship, a business one and friendship first, felt natural. Peyton was a bit of sunshine to counterbalance Xavier's hesitance. I wish there had been a bit more focus on Xavier's anxiety, though, as he came off more introverted than he did socially anxious.

Something around the 60% mark seemed to hit a button to slow things down, though I can't pinpoint exactly what. Perhaps it was the buildup to the conflict, or just that they were together and working things out. I found myself losing interest a bit, though never enough to skim. I wanted either more of their history (apart or together), or less.

All in all, I really enjoyed this, and will continue to read more from Kelly Moran (whose books I typically love!).

3.5 Stars

She’s a beauty, but he’s just a geek.

The world might think billionaire Xavier Gaines has it all, but he’s got a big problem. His successful software company is about to sign a government contract that’ll land him smack in the glare of the public limelight, and his lifelong battle with social anxiety has marked him as a cold, uncaring bastard in the eyes of the press. To dispel the unflattering image, he needs help, and there’s only one person he trusts with the job—Peyton Smoke. Gorgeous, kind, and funny, she agrees to be his media relations director and soon imbeds herself so deeply in his life, his world will crumble if anything upsets the balance. He cannot screw up their solid unit. No matter how achingly he desires her. Yet, how is he supposed to resist when she tugs emotions from him he didn’t think he was capable of experiencing? Especially since it appears he’s not the only one fighting their undeniable attraction.

Ever-after just might be possible...if he can convince her to believe in love again.

Peyton Smoke is looking for a change, and working at Gaines Industries has given her the boost she needs to fill the empty void in her life. Xavier is the perfect boss. Under his seemingly callous, frigid demeanor lies a compassionate man who cares about causes and those precious few he lets into his inner circle. What she wasn’t prepared for is the smoldering passion suddenly flaring between them, nor the hot-as-sin alpha side beneath the layer of sexy nerd. Getting involved with him puts more than her job at risk. She’s been trampled one too many times, and she vowed never to leave herself vulnerable again. But the heart wants what the heart wants. If only she can figure out whether his feelings are genuine or if this is a mistaken case of gratitude wrapped in lust, then their shot at forever may not seem like such a fruitless hope.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Xavier and Peyton had a past and Xavier reached out to Peyton to help him with his business. As time goes on they establish a friendship but more is on the Horizon for them. Xavier realizes Peyton calms him and they are perfect for each other but Peyton questions some things and questions if they should be together.
There is a definite relationship tug of war between these two that you don’t want to miss.
3.5 stars

The title is perfect for this book, and I loved that because sometimes the author does not get it right and Ms. Moran got it perfectly with this couple. We meet Xavier who was a geek in high school and has grown as a successful business owner who now needs the help of an old high school friend Payton to help him with PR stuff. Payton was the popular girl in high school and now she is going to work for Xavier, she is the perfect (counterbalance) to Xavier, the calm to his storm, the one to calm him when he needs it, there are feelings there more than employer to employee, but will they take it further, well read it and find out...Enjoy!

I so enjoy to read of a millionaire and his employee and this one was no exception.
Kelly Moran's writing makes this beautiful book hard to put down.

I loved the connection between the main characters.Xavier,a geek with social anxiety,and Peyton,a beautiful sociable woman,need each other to be truly whole and happy but their journey is not that simple because they have to fight some of their past demons in order to accept their feelings.
I liked so much the secondary characters,Xavier's lovely parents and Peyton's best friend that I hope will get her own book.

This is a truly romantic book and it is Peyton and Xavier's story and it is definitely a must read. Peyton and Xavier are the total opposite of each other in every way as she is outgoing, kind, funny, loving and has a heart of gold where as Xavier comes across as cold, gruff and uncaring but he is really nothing like that when you get to know him. They both have baggage from there past but boy are they perfect together with intense chemistry between them that you can feel it sizzling of the pages but with all there insecurities will they take a chance on each other to see where it goes or will they both good back and miss out on something special. This book was a real page turner with great characters and storyline and I couldn't put it down as it was so addictive. Kelly Moran is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I can't wait to read more of her books.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a copy of this book

Business success has come easily to Xavier, but his personal life is pretty much a mess. Unfortunately, when an ill-fated relationship compounds the bad press already circling around him and his company, his prospects are put at risk. His position and fortune means the list of those he can truly trust is short, but he hopes an old high school acquaintance, Peyton, can work her PR magic and effortless charm to bring him back from the brink. They may have an excellent working relationship, but neither one is immune to wondering if that's all it is.

I loved the fact that this is a love story between people who are complicated and have baggage, but are also good-hearted, honest adults. They had issues and obstacles, but their tale is blessedly free of undue angst or manufactured drama. Instead they listen, grow, and work through things maturely and it's a joy to go on the ride with them. It doesn't hurt that there's some excellent steam along the way!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Counterb;alance is the perfect title for this book. Geeky, introverted billionaire Xavier hires outgoing and beautiful Peyton to help with PR after an ex girlfriend calls him cold and glacier like to the press. This is a very slow burn book. For two years, these two develop a friendship with a burning chemistry.

This book has a great plot and an amazing cast of characters, including Xavier's parents who I adored and whose comments made me laugh out loud. I enjoyed the banter between Peyton and Xavier and really can't wait to read Joseph and Kate's story!