Love and Power

Love and Thorns #2

by Zee Irwin, Britney Bell

USA Today Bestselling Contemporary Romance Authors Britney Bell & Zee Irwin bring you a light-hearted, friends with benefits romance containing all the spice.

So, I walk into a bar… Don’t worry, this isn’t the start of a joke. Diego, the owner of Mi Casa Bar, is tending to my every need with the best customer service around—and he clearly wants to take this to the bedroom.

He’s young and built and successful, all the things I like in a man. Why not?

Only I’m the newly appointed president of the university, having earned the position after a scandal rocked the campus.

The pressure is on, as a well-respected Latina woman, to bolster the school’s image. I must appear the model of propriety; no room for fooling around here.

With the chairman of the board eying my every move, Diego and I enter a convenient arrangement between friends and enjoy all the benefits of our clandestine meetups as well.

But how long can we keep this up before reality crashes in, forcing me to realize there’s more at stake here than just a good time…but my heart?

Is it possible to have it all—both success in the boardroom and the hot bartender?

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2024

About the author

Zee Irwin is a USA Today Bestselling Author who gets powered up by steamy small town romance. She's a bit of sunshine living countryside in Pennsylvania with her own grumpy alpha guy, two teenagers, and twin kitties. Her favorite character to write is a small town billionaire, especially if he falls first, is former military, and is possessive of the woman he loves.
Visit her at zeeirwinauthor.com to keep up to date on her latest work in progress.

Reviews

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of this series, told in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but you don’t want to miss out on book one at all, so just read both. 🤪😁

I loved that Serena was a strong Latina woman and committed to her job. I loved that Diego was a strong alpha Dom who gave Serena just what she needed, even though she didn’t know she needed it. I also loved his sweet heart and the little things he did for her.

Both were workaholics who didn’t have time for a relationship, but neither could resist the pull towards each other (no matter how hard one of them tries). What started out as a friends with benefits arrangement, turns to more when the pull can no longer be restrained, and a side character gives one of them the words needed to make them realize their true feelings.

I loved this reverse age-gap, light Dom/Sub, alpha protector, strong female story. Britney Bell and Zee Irwin haven’t disappointed me yet with a book, and I don’t see them ever disappointing me. I have loved all their stories and can’t wait for more!

I received an advanced readers copy via Booksprout. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so immersive I’m there ready to Surrender like Serena! Serena Perez is the Boss lady in her working capacity as Dean. She takes timeout in a bar/ diner Mi Casa owned and run by Diego . He gives up his bed when she’s had too much to drink , but there’s an attraction pulsating and a warning that next time , he shares the bed….. Things hot up when Diego shows her dominance in the bedroom, she’s in heaven , a blessed sweet surrender and he can’t get enough of her panties sweet scent as she shows she loves his delicious tricks. He’s the daddy of pleasure and pain and she has a lot to gain….when they come together it’s a savage dance of romance . Brilliant writing by ms’ Bell and Irwin , good solid storytelling with a great narrative , sublime dialogue with descriptions on point and realistic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and Power is a reverse age gap romance that is sizzling hot. Diego and Serena are both professional people who are married to their jobs with no time for a real relationship. However as these two keep crossing paths it seems the attraction and chemistry between them is just what they need to scratch that proverbial itch. Their storyline has a uniqueness to it that has you captivated and gripped right to the end. Two people that find what was supposed to be a friends with benefits arrangement might not be enough in the end. The characters will steal your heart and the tension and pull to each other will be felt soul deep.

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 stars. Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Supposed to be a reverse age gap insta attraction romance but ages are never disclosed (unless I missed it) so not sure what's the age gap between them but both are mature professionals so it's basically a non-issue. Enjoyed the interesting bit about celebrating the Day of the Dead as it made this story unique. Overall a fast paced steamy read with a sweet HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Britney Bell and Zee Irwin
Love and Power: A Steamy, Friends with Benefits Romance.
Serena and Diego
I love this book! Lots of romance, BDSM, and a kitty!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

The college president meets the bartender she never knew she was missing.

 Serena is the President of Glendale College, a private institution. The college has been rocked with scandals, and it's her job to clean up the entire mess. Eyes are on her, not only for being a woman but a Latino woman.

Diego owns Mi Casa Bar. His sister, Mia, is a professor at the college. Who knew that he had a thing for women older than him or that he's a Dom in the bedroom? He gives her things that Serena didn't even know she wanted.

They're both workaholics, and she plans to move back to Texas, so nothing could ever come of their attraction. Could it? But then she panics after one of the professors sees Diego with his arms around her and says he's her boyfriend. Let the games begin!

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review. 

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena is the new president of the college. With a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders, she does not have much time for anything else, especially relationships. When she walks to Mi Casa, and sees Diego behind the bar, she thinks she could make time for him.

Diego's bar is dream, something he eat, breaths and lives for. Unfortunately, relationships are not on that list and the type of woman he is looking for is not the ones that hit on him. He likes his woman to be older.

I enjoyed Diego and Serena's story. I liked that even with their disagreements, they came around and talked, instead of letting too much time go by. The heat between them ignites the pages as you melt into your seat and get lost in their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this next book in the Love and Thorns series. Two goal oriented people learn that without love, achievements can be hollow. Serena and Diego have an instantaneous chemistry combustion that leads to doubts, insecurities and emotional obstacles. As readers we feel the angst of Serena’s challenge to balance career, and family obligations while allowing herself some grace and joy. Humor, Latino culture, banter, spicy spice, heartache, alpha growls, tension, emotion, acceptance, support, hurt, realizations, and love lead us to a charming HEA. Wouldn’t we all love a Diego in our life! Looking forward to the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read. The second in the series. Serena and Diego have a steamy attraction. and I enjoyed their story. a page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the dance Diego and Serena did around the feelings for each other. She happily submits for Diego. He goes all alpha and dominates her in the most delicious ways. They slowly realize they have more than friends with benefits.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner from the start. The chemistry between Diego and Serena just leapt off the page. They both found their missing piece in each other. Received a free copy.

[Katie Vanderzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing, it did take me a little while to get into it but once you got to the main characters meeting, it was great. I enjoyed the relationship that these two developed. They both agreed to one thing but it changed along the way for them. They just needed to talk and be honest about how they were feeling. A fun, quick read, I would recommend!

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Power is book 2 of Love and Thorns. It's a super-steamy, reverse age-gap, light BDSM, friends with benefits to more romance, and it is HOT🔥! Serena is the new Latina Dean of a local college. Diego is the hot owner/bartender of a local bar. Both are very career driven with little time for love or relationships. A series of events leads to a hot friends- with- benefits relationship where Diego is a strong, sexy, alpha dom, and Serena is the submissive. Given her high power career, the dynamic is what she needs, and Diego is totally drool-worthy in how he cares for her. Of course, real feelings become involved, and decisions need to be made, but we do get a very happy ending. Diego is totally a new book boyfriend, and now I need to get book 1. These ladies are amazing authors and never disappoint!!! Hot 🔥 hot 🔥 hot 🔥!! I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle Coughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Love the insert of Mexican heritage. Was a very entertaining read from beginning to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is power without love?
Serena has focused her entire life on her career. Working hard and being the best. And she's succeeded. She was just appointed the first Latina president of a large university. But she's always felt like something was missing.
After a particularly rough day, she goes to get a drink, and she meets Diego. He owns the bar, Mi Casa, and he's very attentive to her that night. He's younger and successful, and Serena decides he may be the perfect distraction. For a night.
Months later, Serena has to run a fundraiser, and she thinks that Diego's bar would be the perfect venue. They work together to plan it, and decide to add in a little play time too.
But what will happen when the fundraiser is over? Serena has a plan for her career, and it doesn't include a relationship. Will she realize there's more to life than work? Or will she walk away from something great because she's afraid it will derail everything she's worked for?
Ooh, the attraction between these two is huge! Diego lays on the charm, and it's just so hot! He knows what he wants from the beginning, but he has to wait for her to come around to the idea. He's not one to back off from what he wants, though, and the push and pull between them is delicious!
This was a hot and satisfying read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena and Diego meet at a point in their life when they're not looking for something, so they start something casual that is casual but so intense and so so hot. Diego soon realises that there's something about Serena that he just can't let go, but Serena is in denial for a lot longer. Ultimately for Serena it's about putting her needs first instead of what she thinks she should do (eg for her mother) or what she thinks people expect of her (eg her job).

I liked that the characters complemented each other, even when they didn't realise it, and it was a fun journey together with them to their HEA. I haven't read the first book, but I enjoyed this one which was short-ish and easy to read. The plot seemed to be a bit slow and then a little rushed towards the end but it was a good read regardless. I'm definitely curious to read the other books in this series now!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is full of spiciness (pun intended)! It made me hungry for not only the delicious food mentioned but for a Latina dom of my own. You might need a tall, cold drink and a fan to get through this story. The heroine is a Latina woman who is busy being the president at a college. She has not time for anything but work until one night she returns to her favorite bar and really notices the bartender. The hero is the owner of the bar, and he has a thing for older women and the new college president hits all his buttons, but can he convince her to give him a chance. Read to see if these two can give up some of their devotion to work in order to find a way to have a lasting relationship and a loving future together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena Perez, the impressive president of Glendale College, steps up following a scandal that rocked the institution. Despite her impeccable standards, Serena finds herself on the verge of burnout.

Enter Diego Reyes, the charismatic owner and manager of Mi Casa Bar, and they embark on a casual relationship with benefits. However, as their connection deepens, they must navigate the emotions and family obligations. This entertaining story takes us on a journey with two lonely souls and takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of their relationship.

Be prepared to be swept away by a captivating tale of love and desire in this perfect blend of sweet and sizzling story.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive, alpha male romance. Serena Perez is the president of Glendale College. She was hired to replace the previous president after a scandal. But she's approaching burnout while maintaining impeccable standards. Diego Reyes is the owner and manager of Mi Casa Bar. They enter into a casual, mutually beneficial relationship with benefits. However, feelings and family obligations begin to intrude.

This story explores the desires of two lonely people. It also reveals the ups and downs of the relationship which forms. An appealing ending is to be anticipated.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Steamy. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first this is not a couple you would put together. Serena is a high ranking college professor, on contract at present and needs to keep up with the pressures it brings. Diego owns his own bar and is several years younger, but equally business minded and little time for a life outside of work. They share a common sense of friends with benefits routine, but it is not quite as satisfying as it seems. There were moments where Serena is not very likeable, self absorbed and determined to keep Diego at arms length and suddenly, things change.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena is work focused, having no time for herself, barely any for what’s left of her family and definitely none for a relationship.
Diego has built his business from scratch, the only time away is a quick Sunday dinner with his parents, otherwise he married to the job.
The chemistry between them is electric and though she uses work as an excuse and a barrier eventually giving in to a benefits-ship.
When she decides to leave everything to move back to Texas to help her mother, they both realise nothing about what they have is casual.
Very steamy, heartfelt and a great HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena is the president of the local college and Diego has Mi Casa bar. When they meet, the sparks fly, but are only work oriented at this time of their lives. They try to keep their friends-with-benefits secret but the feelings just seem to get stronger. Great characters, deep emotions, family oriented, good friends and a cute cat. Lots of twists and surprises like her mother's change of activity, a food truck option and a Christmas morning surprise.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fast moving, hot story. Diego is a local bar owner and Serena is the new president at the college. They make reference to an age gap, but it wasn’t an issue for me. I didn’t even think there could be, but I wasn’t sure. This was a really good story about her grieving her dad and not wanting to have a relationship b3cause her work is her life. Then, their “arrangement” becomes so much more. I’m enjoying this family and look forward to Cruz’s story next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mi Casa Truck.
Fantastic. Serena has an image to maintain as the new college President after the previous one caused a scandal on campus. Diego has no problem with boss lady’s request because he’s just as busy business wise as she is. Then things change and he wants more than just the benefits. Serena evades the questions and ghosts him every time he tries to bring the subject up. Can Diego convince her she have the power she wants and love?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read of two very strong individuals who are career minded with goals in life. Enjoyed how this relationship evolved over time, as each couldn’t fight the attraction and how well their lives blended together. Loved how they were both family oriented and true to their heritage, but also believed that hard work is the key to being successful in love and life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an older woman younger guy romance. Selena is the newly elected president of her university so had to be careful. She is always working and doesn't have time for fun. That is until she meets Diego, who she is instantly attracted to. She has to be on her toes and this relationship could derail her position. What will happen? You'll have to read to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena is the current President of the small college she works at. She knows she has to keep her nose clean because of history involving the previous President.

Diego is instantly mesmerized by when she enters his bar. There's an age difference between them. Can Serena conceal her true feelings from Diego or will she tell him that she wants forever?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Little Bit of BDSM

Needing to keep things professional Serena is tasked with avoiding anything that can be construed as scandalous, which includes any relationship she may have. When Diego is introduced and they agree to a private arrangement, the connection between them is instant and very hot. This steamy story was very fun to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading Love and Power, I had a hard time putting it down. The storyline of friends to lovers was wonderful. Diego and Serena have a strong connection. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story. I love all of the characters including lil Rosie!

Serena is dominant in her day job, but submissive when it comes to her love life and gives up that power when she meets Diego.

A lovely relationship which expands from FWB into more! A great story which I can recommend reading.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.