Oh what a tangled web we weave…

And oh what fun that weave can be when caught up with a deliciously sexy hero like Parker Maxwell. That was Victoria’s problem. No matter how much she wanted to hate him for the heartbreak he caused her, he still made her lose her breath. He feels the connection as strongly as she does, but unlike her, he doesn’t know why.

Years ago they shared a loved they both thought would last a lifetime. However, his father’s prejudice, demanding behavior, and Parker’s desire to do what’s best for Victoria caused their breakup. Little did he know, she wasn’t the only one he was leaving behind.

Now with a new face and a bitchy new attitude -which has made her millions- Victoria hatches a plan to get revenge on the man who caused her such unbearable pain. The only problem is, in order to get him where she wants him she’s going to have to let him get her where he wants her. If only we could control our hearts, but that demanding muscles insists on having its way, creating a brand new, yet familiar, burn for Victoria.

Geissinger’s scintillating sexual tension, fiery dialogue, and feisty characters make this well worth the read. I laughed so many times. Darcy was perhaps the most entertaining secondary character I’ve been introduced to in a long time. She was front and center stage in her own right, and was a priceless compliment to Victoria’s personality. Tabby, Victoria’s assistant, was quite unusual herself, and I loved the interactions between her and Victoria.

Parker was just the person to handle Victoria’s Queen B behavior. He tore down her walls without realizing he’d been the reason they’d been erected. His calm, yet take-charge attitude drew me to him, and I couldn’t wait to see how he’d win the battle. I wished for a little more at the end, however, I was not the least bit disappointed.

To say I howled with laughter and was shocked to the core would be putting it mildly. What a gem of a read. My emotions ran riot in this tragic comedy-cum-love story with a difference. How on earth was I going to tackle this review would become a personal challenge. Never in a million years could I have wished to come across such an original storyline. Feeling sorry for the male protagonist who I might add, just happened to be the topping of a delicious cream pie... and regardless of his drop-dead lickable physique, just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In spite of the fact that he was in his domain, his safe haven and owner of the fashionable new restaurant, this player ruled par excellence. Both of the main characters crossed paths there and both are curious to find out who is who. Parker has a fleeting sense of deja vu, Victoria instantly recognises an old flame from her past causing no amount of mixed feelings. It was joy to read a story with so much angst and had me guessing throughout. And it's not an easy feat hiding your Kindle under the sheets in order not to disturb one's better half either. But I managed to and didn't put it down until the last page.

Quote: Victoria ~ "It's Victoria to my friends. To you, Mr. Maxwell, it's Ms. Price."

What Victoria Price has in mind is beyond cruel, but then again, she is the Queen Bitch. She uses her talent to perfection in a successful business selling 'bitchiness'. Her books are snapped like hot cakes, she lies like a trooper and the word guilt isn't in her dictionary. She wants vengeance with a capital V and will stop at nothing until she gets it. Tabitha, her personal assistant, dear friend and one of the few who know her boss' true story, is extremely good at her job which not only does she take seriously, but also gives Victoria her undying devotion. Discovering Victoria's nemesis' weaknesses will keep Tabitha on her toes and at times, I couldn't believe what lengths she was prepared to go to protect Victoria's secret. But this loveable soul with no dress sense whatsoever, slightly crazy... well, you'd have to be if you worked for someone so demanding, is also highly intelligent. Although I loved to hate the leading lady and some scenes made my blood boil, I just couldn't turn the pages quick enough. Why? Because I wanted to know what made her tick; how her modus operandi was going to affect her personally. However, as I read on, my opinion towards this hard-hearted person who preaches women's rights for reasons to be told, changed one hundred and eighty degrees. By now my worries became ten-fold. Would she be able to come out of what she had thought to be cannily construed...unscathed? Chapeau to the author here. The character development is quite incredible.

Quote: Victoria ~ “You, my friend, are about to get royally screwed.”

Playboy and philanthropist extraordinaire, Parker Maxwell is a man with the minimum of friends and lives for work. Having suffered in silence for years for his behaviour towards the one and only woman he'd ever loved, he has no plans to fall again. So why he becomes obsessed with one of the most elegant women he has ever set his eyes on intrigued me no end. I kept having little chats with him; alas, my words weren't what the author had had in mind for him. I loved his dry sense of humour, his debonair ways and hot in the bedroom, he most certainly is. But my heart broke into smithereens for this adorable man who had no idea that the player he thought he was, was not at all. Receiving the end of a cruel hand turns into what I had said before. A tragedy. So when I thought all had been lost, this story abounding in twists and turns has that glimmer of hope in a tunnel of lies, deception and reprisal.

Quote: Parker ~ “You never fail to amaze me. When you let down your guard, Victoria, you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life.”

Much to my delight, the secondary characters were outstanding. Victoria's best friend, Darcy, is larger than life in every aspect, and Kai Fürst, Parker's chef, had me in fits of laughter. Aside from Bailey who I didn't care for much; okay, she had her moments, I just couldn't find fault in this read which flows at an incredible pace. The ending had me in tears so get a hankie or two ready. Now then, the epilogue is amazeballs and made me incredibly happy. This book is definitely a must and believe you me, if you want a diverse one, this is for you. Bravo Ms. Geissinger.

Quote: Darcy ~ “He's lucky I swore off chefs or I can guarantee I'd be making his skinny ass sing tonight.”

ARC kindly received by via NetGalley for an honest review.