DNFed at 27%

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

1.5 STARS

So first off I'd like to make it clear that I did not finish this book, and do not intend to. This book was just not for me. I found it to be very simply written and to have very little conflict. While these things are not always a deal breaker for me, the combination didn't work for me in this book. However, I think that if someone is looking for a quick, more mindless book, this might be for them.

As I said my issues mainly stemmed from the writing. I feel that a lot of things are not as fleshed out as they needed to be. This includes the characters, who are pretty one dimensional and stereotypical. Each character has one main character trait, (Ian is possessive and Tessa is naive) that is the focus point of their entire personality. I disliked both characters because of this. I couldn't root or care for either character and their actions were always very predictable.

Additionally, their entire relationship should be a lot more angsty and drama-filled both because of their workplace relationship, but also because of their differing personalities. But that doesn't happen. Any hint at conflict gets resolved within a matter of pages, so that the two of them are never unhappy, never disagreeing, and certainly never arguing. To me this is just way too unbelievable. I understand having opposites attract, or dealing with the issues of a workplace relationship, but usually that involves more talking and, yes, arguing. A fair amount of conflict happens to everyone over the course of a day, and therefore having several chapters where there was no conflict that couldn't get immediately resolved made me unable to suspend my belief.

This book isn't a bad book, but there was nothing to hold my interest, and many things that were in no way realistic to me. I stopped reading this book now that way I can still say that I did not detest this book. I still do feel that for someone just looking for a steady, mindless romance, this would be perfect for them.

The chemistry is hot between Tessa and Ian but Ian is a gentleman but then Tessa unleashed the Alpha part of Ian. Ian treats Tessa like she is one of the best things in Ian’s life. Tessa finds a home in Ian and becomes so much more with his love empowering her. Ian plans to slowly seduce Tessa but then he sees her in his office partially clothes and Ian loses control and dry humps Tessa. Ian had been through two years with no sex and his control just snapped. Tessa is confused by Ian’s kiss and then he leaves so rapidly. Tessa and Ian had a connection right from the start even though they both have insecurities. Even though Ian is powerful, rich and desirable and runs a multi- million dollar hotel. Tessa was a new employee and married when Ian felt that first pull as did Tessa. Ian is a workaholic and now that Tessa is divorced works hard not to be swallowed up with debt. Ian finds out Tessa is getting divorced and is very happy about that as he hasn’t been with anyone since he first saw Tessa two years ago. Tessa is concerned about her job since she had only had a marriage of convenience but now she didn’t have that and had all the financial burdens of life. Tessa had a crush on Ian but never dreamed he wanted her. Tessa learns she is to fill in for Ian’s PA for a week . Tessa doesn’t know Ian specifically asked for Tessa to fill in.
I didn’t really care for this story there was just too much sex and I didn’t really feel that there wasn’t that there was that much of a story. This just wasn’t for me.