Counterbalance
by Kelly Moran
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Pub Date Mar 21 2017 | Archive Date Jan 31 2022
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Description
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.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
"A well-written story. Moran keeps readers turning the pages through strong characters, an intriguing plot and subplots, and solid writing. An entertaining playbook on how to win at love and work."
~Library Journal
"Moran pulls you in and does...Not. Let. Go. Hot, heartfelt, and hard to put down."
~Molly McLain, USA Today bestselling author
"Kelly Moran has done it again. Counterbalance is seductive and magnetizing."
~Nom de Plume
"A very emotional, funny and hot story you'll be hooked from the beginning."
~Once Upon An Alpha
"I needed this story. The story owned meand I swear, it will own you too."
~Romance Bytes
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781370806980 |
| PRICE | $2.99 (USD) |
Links
Featured Reviews
L G, Educator
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!
Pelusa R, Reviewer
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!
Fede C, Reviewer
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.
DANIELLE L, Reviewer
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!
Susan K, Reviewer
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.
Donna M, Reviewer
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!
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