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Triple X #1
Lexie
Desire is a double-edged dance.
Triple X, Book 1
Lexie Underhill works her tail off in hopes of winning her adoptive father’s approval. It’s never enough. The stinging proof? He’s brought in a reorganization expert. As if the prospect of losing her job in the family business isn’t enough, Cameron Rowe’s sexy, intimidating presence makes her palms sweat.
When Lexie’s face appears on a scandalous freeway billboard, her protestations of innocence go unheard. With orders to save the family name—or else—she marches into the bar the billboard was advertising and comes face-to-face with an identical twin sister. Roxie is wild and free, everything Lexie isn’t. Before the night is out, she welcomes the chance to explore her own sensuality.
As she dances wantonly on the bar, suddenly Cam is there, kissing her as if he has the right. The sizzle between them breaks out in four-alarm desire, but Lexie has recalibrated her life plan. And the equation doesn’t factor in Cam—until she’s sure where his loyalties lie. With her…or her father’s company.
Warning: Not all business relationships are formal and stodgy. Suits and ties (actually, all clothing) are optional.
Triple X, Book 1
Lexie Underhill works her tail off in hopes of winning her adoptive father’s approval. It’s never enough. The stinging proof? He’s brought in a reorganization expert. As if the prospect of losing her job in the family business isn’t enough, Cameron Rowe’s sexy, intimidating presence makes her palms sweat.
When Lexie’s face appears on a scandalous freeway billboard, her protestations of innocence go unheard. With orders to save the family name—or else—she marches into the bar the billboard was advertising and comes face-to-face with an identical twin sister. Roxie is wild and free, everything Lexie isn’t. Before the night is out, she welcomes the chance to explore her own sensuality.
As she dances wantonly on the bar, suddenly Cam is there, kissing her as if he has the right. The sizzle between them breaks out in four-alarm desire, but Lexie has recalibrated her life plan. And the equation doesn’t factor in Cam—until she’s sure where his loyalties lie. With her…or her father’s company.
Warning: Not all business relationships are formal and stodgy. Suits and ties (actually, all clothing) are optional.
251 pages, ebook
First published October 23, 2012
366 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Dean
49 books386 followersWhen taking the Myers-Briggs personality test in high school, Kimberly was rated as an INFJ (Introverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Judging). This result sent her into a panic, because there were no career paths recommended for the type. Fortunately, it turned out to be well-suited to a writing career. Since receiving that dismal outlook, Kimberly has become an award-winning author of romance and erotica. She has written for seven publishing houses, both domestic and international, and has recently focused her efforts on the exciting world of self-publishing. When not writing, she enjoys movies, sports, traveling, music, and sunshine. In her mind, a beach, some rock 'n' roll, and a good book make for a perfect day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 14, 2021
3 steamy "hatchet man is a hottie" stars
Lexie Underhill is the adopted child of a large family as her parents originally believed that they couldn't have children, but soon after her adoption, they had 4 in relatively quick succession. She has always known she is not their natural child, not just because they told her, but because with her dark hair and eyes, she is not blonde and fair like the rest of the set. And she has felt like an outsider all of her life, not just at home but also while working at her father's family-owned and operated business... a business that has been failing lately; thus, her father decided to bring in Cameron Rowe, aka "hatchet man" to cut costs (and employees!) down to the bone.
Lexie has avoided Cam as much as possible because he makes her uncomfortable, but somehow she ends up sitting next to him in meetings, and he finally corners her one night while she is working late and not as on guard. That feeling of disquiet that he makes her feel suddenly seems like more than just protecting her department employees from his axe and much more to do with the sexual energy flowing off the man holding it.
Cam has always been good at stripping things down and making them run more efficiently, and while the company he is currently working with is not his usual Fortune 500 business, he was drawn to it by more than the professional challenge... He has found limited time with Lexie since he started a few weeks ago, but that changes when he corners her in her office late one evening and finds that she is as flustered as he feels in her presence. And when things hit the fan the following day, Cam finds himself playing protector for this woman who has claimed his heart despite its reputed coldness.
But where do Cam's loyalties really lie: with the company that hired him or the woman he can't seem to stay away from? What will happen when a major curve ball takes (almost) everyone by surprise? Can a man with no attachments in his life find an HEA with a woman who has only ever wanted to belong?
What I liked:
--- Good overall story line that kept my interest
--- Likeable main characters for the most part
--- STEAMY GOODNESS - they were pretty combustible together
What I didn't like as much:
--- I felt like there could have been more explanation for what was going on with Lexie's adoptive family - we just got bits and pieces about what her life was like and not much in terms of why/how she felt the way she did
--- There was a lot of "I don't trust this person/their motives" with Cam and Roxie, but there was never really a reason for them - no big issue that came up about either to make those feelings valid which just kind of felt like there wasn't much purpose in those moments/feelings - felt very anticlimactic in that respect
--- Not much relationship development between the main characters -
Overall, a good story with some delicious steamy goodness leaving the reader interested in finding out what happens next. (Note that the story ends with an HEA for the MCs, but there are open questions/issues about Lexie's family that are explored in the next book, so not a cliffhanger, but a "more to come" kind of situation.)
Plot --- 3/5
Main Characters --- 3/5
Supporting Cast --- 2.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing comes to mind
Language --- yes
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Lexie Underhill is the adopted child of a large family as her parents originally believed that they couldn't have children, but soon after her adoption, they had 4 in relatively quick succession. She has always known she is not their natural child, not just because they told her, but because with her dark hair and eyes, she is not blonde and fair like the rest of the set. And she has felt like an outsider all of her life, not just at home but also while working at her father's family-owned and operated business... a business that has been failing lately; thus, her father decided to bring in Cameron Rowe, aka "hatchet man" to cut costs (and employees!) down to the bone.
Lexie has avoided Cam as much as possible because he makes her uncomfortable, but somehow she ends up sitting next to him in meetings, and he finally corners her one night while she is working late and not as on guard. That feeling of disquiet that he makes her feel suddenly seems like more than just protecting her department employees from his axe and much more to do with the sexual energy flowing off the man holding it.
Cam has always been good at stripping things down and making them run more efficiently, and while the company he is currently working with is not his usual Fortune 500 business, he was drawn to it by more than the professional challenge... He has found limited time with Lexie since he started a few weeks ago, but that changes when he corners her in her office late one evening and finds that she is as flustered as he feels in her presence. And when things hit the fan the following day, Cam finds himself playing protector for this woman who has claimed his heart despite its reputed coldness.
But where do Cam's loyalties really lie: with the company that hired him or the woman he can't seem to stay away from? What will happen when a major curve ball takes (almost) everyone by surprise? Can a man with no attachments in his life find an HEA with a woman who has only ever wanted to belong?
What I liked:
--- Good overall story line that kept my interest
--- Likeable main characters for the most part
--- STEAMY GOODNESS - they were pretty combustible together
What I didn't like as much:
--- I felt like there could have been more explanation for what was going on with Lexie's adoptive family - we just got bits and pieces about what her life was like and not much in terms of why/how she felt the way she did
--- There was a lot of "I don't trust this person/their motives" with Cam and Roxie, but there was never really a reason for them - no big issue that came up about either to make those feelings valid which just kind of felt like there wasn't much purpose in those moments/feelings - felt very anticlimactic in that respect
--- Not much relationship development between the main characters -
Overall, a good story with some delicious steamy goodness leaving the reader interested in finding out what happens next. (Note that the story ends with an HEA for the MCs, but there are open questions/issues about Lexie's family that are explored in the next book, so not a cliffhanger, but a "more to come" kind of situation.)
Plot --- 3/5
Main Characters --- 3/5
Supporting Cast --- 2.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing comes to mind
Language --- yes
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
October 23, 2012
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 Stars
Holy moly!!! Yet another new to me author who has blown me away and has me running off to Amazon to buy up her backlist!
What happens when you have a button down career woman who’s working hard at her adoptive family’s business, an unknown identical twin sister who’s billboard for a biker bar has cause a stir all over town, and a corporate hatchet man who’s interest doesn’t lie in the company he’s working for but in the above mentioned button down career woman? It may sound like an episode of Jerry Springer but it happens to be a fantastic book called Lexie by Kimberly Dean.
Although adopted, Lexie has worked hard to make her family’s company a success. They last few years haven’t been going well and her father has hired a reorganization expert to help them figure things out. Cameron is well known in the industry and he makes Lexie nervous. Not just because of what he must do to help the company but because of how she feels when he’s around. Lexie has to defend herself after a billboard for a biker bar appears to have her picture on it. When she goes to confront the owner, she discovers her identical twin, Roxie.
This story has so many elements that make it a fast favorite for me. There’s scandal, intrigue, snappy and fun dialog, and of course some super hot sex scenes. The characters are dynamic and the way they play off each other makes them seem real. You sense the tension when it’s warranted, you understand the compassion, you shake your head at the insults, and you feel the love as it grows. I immediately felt connected to this group (even Lexie’s not so nice adopted family) and I just couldn’t put this book down. I had to know how it ended and the end blew me away. I was not expecting it and I can’t wait for the next book in this series because of it.
There is so much more I want to say about the three main characters in the book (Lexie, Cameron, and Roxie) but because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but, let me convey that this is a book and series you need to read. I think you will be very surprised by the twists and turns in this novella. I know that I am amazed at the amount of depth in this story and for that I have to praise the author, Kimberly Dean. She did a fantastic job of telling this story despite the length. With its incredible characters, fantastic dialog, and an intriguing plot; Lexie is one of those books that you don’t want to miss and I know I’ll read again and again.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
5 Stars
Holy moly!!! Yet another new to me author who has blown me away and has me running off to Amazon to buy up her backlist!
What happens when you have a button down career woman who’s working hard at her adoptive family’s business, an unknown identical twin sister who’s billboard for a biker bar has cause a stir all over town, and a corporate hatchet man who’s interest doesn’t lie in the company he’s working for but in the above mentioned button down career woman? It may sound like an episode of Jerry Springer but it happens to be a fantastic book called Lexie by Kimberly Dean.
Although adopted, Lexie has worked hard to make her family’s company a success. They last few years haven’t been going well and her father has hired a reorganization expert to help them figure things out. Cameron is well known in the industry and he makes Lexie nervous. Not just because of what he must do to help the company but because of how she feels when he’s around. Lexie has to defend herself after a billboard for a biker bar appears to have her picture on it. When she goes to confront the owner, she discovers her identical twin, Roxie.
This story has so many elements that make it a fast favorite for me. There’s scandal, intrigue, snappy and fun dialog, and of course some super hot sex scenes. The characters are dynamic and the way they play off each other makes them seem real. You sense the tension when it’s warranted, you understand the compassion, you shake your head at the insults, and you feel the love as it grows. I immediately felt connected to this group (even Lexie’s not so nice adopted family) and I just couldn’t put this book down. I had to know how it ended and the end blew me away. I was not expecting it and I can’t wait for the next book in this series because of it.
There is so much more I want to say about the three main characters in the book (Lexie, Cameron, and Roxie) but because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but, let me convey that this is a book and series you need to read. I think you will be very surprised by the twists and turns in this novella. I know that I am amazed at the amount of depth in this story and for that I have to praise the author, Kimberly Dean. She did a fantastic job of telling this story despite the length. With its incredible characters, fantastic dialog, and an intriguing plot; Lexie is one of those books that you don’t want to miss and I know I’ll read again and again.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 11, 2020
Enjoyable
This is the second book I’ve read in this series. I almost skipped past them because of the “triple x” label. Thankfully, it was nothing like that. There is graphic sex and some bad language but, overall, I enjoyed the storyline. I will read Roxie’s story, also. After a rough start, Lexie and Cam bring out the best in each other and find new dreams and a new beginning together.
This is the second book I’ve read in this series. I almost skipped past them because of the “triple x” label. Thankfully, it was nothing like that. There is graphic sex and some bad language but, overall, I enjoyed the storyline. I will read Roxie’s story, also. After a rough start, Lexie and Cam bring out the best in each other and find new dreams and a new beginning together.
September 11, 2013
Lexie Underhill is the over achieving oldest daughter in a family that runs a toy company. She is also adopted and has always felt a little out of sync with the rest of the family. She is not treated badly, exactly, by her family but from Lexi's perspective there is a feeling of...favoritism when it comes to the naturally born children of her parents.
As the story begins the family business is in trouble and her father has hired reorganization expert sexy Cam Rowe to slash jobs, cut costs and prepare for a possible takeover. All hell breaks loose when a billboard with Lexie on it appears advertising a dive bar. The scandalous, sexy picture threatens the wholesome image of the company. Her family is enraged.
The only problem is....it isn't Lexie on the billboard. Only Cam believes her and the two of them set off to find out what is going on.
I have only previously read one short story by this author in an erotica anthology If This Bed Could Talk. I always meant to look up other work by her because her story in that anthology was the only one I remembered and it made an impression on me. It was well written, created an emotional connection between the two protagonists and was extremely extremely hot.
The book is the first in a series. The series title is called 'Triple X' which would lead one believe that this is erotica. However it isn't. It is a steamy romance, but it definitely slides closer to the contemporary romance scale than erotica. So if you are reading this assuming you are getting a hot, hot erotic read you are going to be doomed to disappointment.
I, however, was not disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised because the evidence of good character connection and emotional engagement I had seen the the short story was absolutely displayed here in this book. The writer easily made me feel Lexi's sadness with her family, her sense of disconnect sometimes with them, her attraction to Cam and most importantly her instant connection to her new found twin Roxie.
The scenes when Lexie and Roxie first meet are excellent. They packed just the right emotional punch. It was fun seeing their reactions to each other and everyone else's reaction to the two of them together. The rest of the story as Lexie and Roxie learn about each other also hit just the right tone.
While Lexie is coming to grips with discovering she has a twin, she is also entering into a relationship with Cam. The contrast between how Cam treats her and how her family treats her in the wake of the Roxie revelation is 'Good Hero 101'.
I also really got a kick out of the frenemy relationship twin sister Roxie and Cam very quickly developed. I thought the writer did a smart thing. Both Cam and Roxie were entering into an intense, albeit different, relationship with Lexie at the same time. They were each possessive of her and jealous of their new status with her. So they were a bit distrusting. And yet each one of them wanted her to be happy, so they had to tolerate each other. I think the right balance was struck. It was a wary relationship that had and undertone of humor but you knew it might turn at any moment.
There is a bit of a surprise ending (which isn't much of a surprise if you follow the series and see the title of the next book).
I was hooked and couldn't wait to follow up.
Fun book.
As the story begins the family business is in trouble and her father has hired reorganization expert sexy Cam Rowe to slash jobs, cut costs and prepare for a possible takeover. All hell breaks loose when a billboard with Lexie on it appears advertising a dive bar. The scandalous, sexy picture threatens the wholesome image of the company. Her family is enraged.
The only problem is....it isn't Lexie on the billboard. Only Cam believes her and the two of them set off to find out what is going on.
I have only previously read one short story by this author in an erotica anthology If This Bed Could Talk. I always meant to look up other work by her because her story in that anthology was the only one I remembered and it made an impression on me. It was well written, created an emotional connection between the two protagonists and was extremely extremely hot.
The book is the first in a series. The series title is called 'Triple X' which would lead one believe that this is erotica. However it isn't. It is a steamy romance, but it definitely slides closer to the contemporary romance scale than erotica. So if you are reading this assuming you are getting a hot, hot erotic read you are going to be doomed to disappointment.
I, however, was not disappointed. I was pleasantly surprised because the evidence of good character connection and emotional engagement I had seen the the short story was absolutely displayed here in this book. The writer easily made me feel Lexi's sadness with her family, her sense of disconnect sometimes with them, her attraction to Cam and most importantly her instant connection to her new found twin Roxie.
The scenes when Lexie and Roxie first meet are excellent. They packed just the right emotional punch. It was fun seeing their reactions to each other and everyone else's reaction to the two of them together. The rest of the story as Lexie and Roxie learn about each other also hit just the right tone.
While Lexie is coming to grips with discovering she has a twin, she is also entering into a relationship with Cam. The contrast between how Cam treats her and how her family treats her in the wake of the Roxie revelation is 'Good Hero 101'.
I also really got a kick out of the frenemy relationship twin sister Roxie and Cam very quickly developed. I thought the writer did a smart thing. Both Cam and Roxie were entering into an intense, albeit different, relationship with Lexie at the same time. They were each possessive of her and jealous of their new status with her. So they were a bit distrusting. And yet each one of them wanted her to be happy, so they had to tolerate each other. I think the right balance was struck. It was a wary relationship that had and undertone of humor but you knew it might turn at any moment.
There is a bit of a surprise ending (which isn't much of a surprise if you follow the series and see the title of the next book).
I was hooked and couldn't wait to follow up.
Fun book.
May 9, 2020
I was so disappointed in this book. It started great...so many interesting characters and relationships to explore. I liked the heroine. I liked the hero. I was interested in her complex relationships with her family and the underlying family history and dynamics, and I was interested in how the hero’s role in her family’s business would factor into their relationship. And of course I was interested in her relationship with her newly discovered twin...that’s meant to be the hook for the whole series, after all.
And then...
Ugh, the hero ends up being one of those awful controlling-to-protect-you-it’s-all-for-your-own-good types. Sheesh, I used to find some minimal appeal in this type of romance fiction, but apparently I’ve outgrown it. I think we as a society have outgrown it. The hero himself seems to be aware at times that he shouldn’t be behaving the way he is...but then he makes some lame excuse to himself and does it anyway. Bleh.
Plus, probably 50%of this book is descriptions of him thinking about something sexual, one or the other or both of them wanting sex, or of them having sex. Boooooring! I don’t mind reading about sex. Occasionally I enjoy reading erotica. But most of the time I’d just as soon have a good romance with decent plot and character interaction at the expense of sex over pages and pages of sex at the expense of plot and character interaction. What made it so awful in this book was that there was so much potential for good character interaction and storytelling that got lost in all the sex. If I’m reading a paranormal series where the only objective is for each main character to connect with their true mate or fated mate or whatever contrivance the author comes up with, I don’t mind the lack of other stuff quite so much. But why go to all the trouble to set up complicated family dynamics and a secret identical twin sister if you’re only going to write in detail about the hero and heroine getting it on? Highly annoying, and I skimmed a LOT of this just to get back to the plot. Particularly the parts of the plot that didn’t involve the hero acting like a cave man.
And then...
Ugh, the hero ends up being one of those awful controlling-to-protect-you-it’s-all-for-your-own-good types. Sheesh, I used to find some minimal appeal in this type of romance fiction, but apparently I’ve outgrown it. I think we as a society have outgrown it. The hero himself seems to be aware at times that he shouldn’t be behaving the way he is...but then he makes some lame excuse to himself and does it anyway. Bleh.
Plus, probably 50%of this book is descriptions of him thinking about something sexual, one or the other or both of them wanting sex, or of them having sex. Boooooring! I don’t mind reading about sex. Occasionally I enjoy reading erotica. But most of the time I’d just as soon have a good romance with decent plot and character interaction at the expense of sex over pages and pages of sex at the expense of plot and character interaction. What made it so awful in this book was that there was so much potential for good character interaction and storytelling that got lost in all the sex. If I’m reading a paranormal series where the only objective is for each main character to connect with their true mate or fated mate or whatever contrivance the author comes up with, I don’t mind the lack of other stuff quite so much. But why go to all the trouble to set up complicated family dynamics and a secret identical twin sister if you’re only going to write in detail about the hero and heroine getting it on? Highly annoying, and I skimmed a LOT of this just to get back to the plot. Particularly the parts of the plot that didn’t involve the hero acting like a cave man.
August 8, 2016
Kimberly Dean once again doesn't disappoint with this one!
Alexandra 'Lexie' Underhill had been adopted into a family who never fully appreciated what she did, never able to make it right to her boss and father, no matter how hard she tried. When a sleazy billboard ad pops up with her face plastered on it, the scandal is almost too much to handle for her family. Forcing her to fix things, she quickly finds out that there is a lot more to her adoption than she could've ever imagined...
Cameron 'Cam' Rowe is hired whenever companies need to make a change. With him, it's either getting back on the market, or dying down. When he meets loyal, hardworking Lexie at the company he's supposed to pull out of the mud though, his plans start to wobble. He can see the way her family undervalues all the hard work she's doing, but when the billboard pops up and he's the only one seeing that the person on there is not Lexie, he knows he has to help her.
SPOILERS!
I just loved Cam in this story. Lexie didn't trust him, and had her reasons not to, given his reputation, but still she felt an undeniable pull the moment their hands touched for the first time.
I can't wait to read how the story will unfold with the Underhill family and the fact that they had known not only about Roxie, but about another twin sister as well. And even when everything went downhill the day Roxie came over, they still didn't have the guts to tell them about the other sibling. This is going to be SO good! Also I can't wait to read what kind of character Maxie is, since Lexie and Roxie are already so stark different.
Thank god this is a series!
Alexandra 'Lexie' Underhill had been adopted into a family who never fully appreciated what she did, never able to make it right to her boss and father, no matter how hard she tried. When a sleazy billboard ad pops up with her face plastered on it, the scandal is almost too much to handle for her family. Forcing her to fix things, she quickly finds out that there is a lot more to her adoption than she could've ever imagined...
Cameron 'Cam' Rowe is hired whenever companies need to make a change. With him, it's either getting back on the market, or dying down. When he meets loyal, hardworking Lexie at the company he's supposed to pull out of the mud though, his plans start to wobble. He can see the way her family undervalues all the hard work she's doing, but when the billboard pops up and he's the only one seeing that the person on there is not Lexie, he knows he has to help her.
SPOILERS!
I just loved Cam in this story. Lexie didn't trust him, and had her reasons not to, given his reputation, but still she felt an undeniable pull the moment their hands touched for the first time.
I can't wait to read how the story will unfold with the Underhill family and the fact that they had known not only about Roxie, but about another twin sister as well. And even when everything went downhill the day Roxie came over, they still didn't have the guts to tell them about the other sibling. This is going to be SO good! Also I can't wait to read what kind of character Maxie is, since Lexie and Roxie are already so stark different.
Thank god this is a series!
September 14, 2020
Lexie is the first book in the Triple X trilogy and OH BOY, WHAT A BOOK! Triple X has a whole different meaning than where your mind immediately goes to. This novella is a Contemporary Romance but it reads like a Rom-Com because the wit will have you laughing out loud. The characters are realistic, the plot heart breaking, the cliff hanger ending makes you want to scream, the touch of suspense is masterful and the sex is steamy.
Alexandra "Lexie" Underhill is the adopted daughter who is always trying get her father's approval, she has always felt left out, so she works extra hard at the family's toy business. The business is having some difficulties so her father hires a Reorganization Expert, Cameron "Cam" Rowe. Lexie doesn't trust him and gives him the nickname "Hatchet Man" and she avoids him because she is attracted to him.
Lexie's face ends up on a interstate billboard advertising a biker bar and her family is furious and wants her to fix it. So, she goes to the bar and runs into her doppelganger, who turns out to be her identical twins sister, Roxie. Cam follows Lexie to the bar but he doesn't trust the "Evil Twin". When questioning her parents with Roxie and they admit to knowing she had a sister but didn't adopt her then Lexie decides to walk away from her adopted family.
Lexie moves in with Cam and they have monumental sex, he supports and stands by her while she's trying to figure out what to do next. He falls fast and must convince her to stop running and to trust him completely and she needs to know who has his loyalty...her or her father?
Alexandra "Lexie" Underhill is the adopted daughter who is always trying get her father's approval, she has always felt left out, so she works extra hard at the family's toy business. The business is having some difficulties so her father hires a Reorganization Expert, Cameron "Cam" Rowe. Lexie doesn't trust him and gives him the nickname "Hatchet Man" and she avoids him because she is attracted to him.
Lexie's face ends up on a interstate billboard advertising a biker bar and her family is furious and wants her to fix it. So, she goes to the bar and runs into her doppelganger, who turns out to be her identical twins sister, Roxie. Cam follows Lexie to the bar but he doesn't trust the "Evil Twin". When questioning her parents with Roxie and they admit to knowing she had a sister but didn't adopt her then Lexie decides to walk away from her adopted family.
Lexie moves in with Cam and they have monumental sex, he supports and stands by her while she's trying to figure out what to do next. He falls fast and must convince her to stop running and to trust him completely and she needs to know who has his loyalty...her or her father?
August 18, 2014
Lexie was a massively addictive book! I started reading and just couldn't stop! This was the first book I have read from Kimberly Dean...and I must say that I am officially a book stalker now!
So what made this book so great? Gosh, so many things! Lexie, who was adopted at age 2, finds herself not only dealing with some MAJOR family issues...but also the object of one sexy ruthless mans obsession! This story has it all! It has romance, suspense, scandal, witty and hilarious banter, intrigue, and some pretty dang hot sex!
The characters are deep, dynamic, realistic, and lovable. The way that they talk with one another and joke around makes them even more real and relatable. It's so easy to understand the level of tension when it rises and yet you also get a glimpse of compassion and fear. The way the book is written you automatically feel like a part of the story and find yourself crying, yelling, shaking your head, slamming your fist down, and wanting to slap someone or throw something! Kimberly Dean's writing style drags the reader in so quickly that I felt an immediate connection to the characters...even the ones I immediately hated! (Hey...hate is a connection too!)
Lexie is such a deep character! It's easy to relate to her and understand that feeling of just wanting to be accepted by her family. She just wants them to love her and treat her the way they do their "blood siblings".
Cam has a past that is unexpected and a present that is intense and hard to follow. Yet I found myself attracted to his character right away. He stood up for what he believed in...even when it wasn't the expected thing. He may be known as ruthless...but he is also very protective and loyal.
There is a ton that I could and would love to say about this book...but unfortunately...if I say much more I'm going to be giving away plot lines and twists...and where is the fun in that! Just know that this is definitely something you want to read and I am dying to sink my teeth into book two in the Triple X series!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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So what made this book so great? Gosh, so many things! Lexie, who was adopted at age 2, finds herself not only dealing with some MAJOR family issues...but also the object of one sexy ruthless mans obsession! This story has it all! It has romance, suspense, scandal, witty and hilarious banter, intrigue, and some pretty dang hot sex!
The characters are deep, dynamic, realistic, and lovable. The way that they talk with one another and joke around makes them even more real and relatable. It's so easy to understand the level of tension when it rises and yet you also get a glimpse of compassion and fear. The way the book is written you automatically feel like a part of the story and find yourself crying, yelling, shaking your head, slamming your fist down, and wanting to slap someone or throw something! Kimberly Dean's writing style drags the reader in so quickly that I felt an immediate connection to the characters...even the ones I immediately hated! (Hey...hate is a connection too!)
Lexie is such a deep character! It's easy to relate to her and understand that feeling of just wanting to be accepted by her family. She just wants them to love her and treat her the way they do their "blood siblings".
Cam has a past that is unexpected and a present that is intense and hard to follow. Yet I found myself attracted to his character right away. He stood up for what he believed in...even when it wasn't the expected thing. He may be known as ruthless...but he is also very protective and loyal.
There is a ton that I could and would love to say about this book...but unfortunately...if I say much more I'm going to be giving away plot lines and twists...and where is the fun in that! Just know that this is definitely something you want to read and I am dying to sink my teeth into book two in the Triple X series!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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September 22, 2012
Lexie Underhill is the adopted daughter of the Underhill Toy Company. She's spent her life trying to get her father's approval. She works hard at the family business, while her siblings, the natural children, all play their way along.
But Lexie never fits in, and no one lets her forget. So when her face, and most of her body, is plastered on a tacky highway billboard, her family accuses her of a stunt. Only one man defends her - corporate hatchet man Cameron Rowe.
Lexie goes to the bar that billboard advertises, and finds her double. Her twin Roxie. Finally she belongs. To Lexie, Roxie is the road not taken, in so many ways. Roxie is confident, sexy, self-assured, all the things that Lexie isn't. Lexie's always been too aware of her failings.
Now that she's found her, what future can these two sisters find, especially with the press after their hot story? Why didn't Lexie's parents adopt both of them? And what part of the company, or Lexie, is corporate hatchet man Cameron Rowe really after?
VERDICT: Wrap your ereader in a waterproof bag, because this has all the elements of a perfect beach read. You've got your rich, dysfunctional family, corporate shenanigans, secret adoptions, unknown twin siblings and hot romance that involves sleeping with the corporate enemy. Summer romance books don't get much more fun than this.
A slightly different version of this review was published at Library Journal Xpress Reviews
But Lexie never fits in, and no one lets her forget. So when her face, and most of her body, is plastered on a tacky highway billboard, her family accuses her of a stunt. Only one man defends her - corporate hatchet man Cameron Rowe.
Lexie goes to the bar that billboard advertises, and finds her double. Her twin Roxie. Finally she belongs. To Lexie, Roxie is the road not taken, in so many ways. Roxie is confident, sexy, self-assured, all the things that Lexie isn't. Lexie's always been too aware of her failings.
Now that she's found her, what future can these two sisters find, especially with the press after their hot story? Why didn't Lexie's parents adopt both of them? And what part of the company, or Lexie, is corporate hatchet man Cameron Rowe really after?
VERDICT: Wrap your ereader in a waterproof bag, because this has all the elements of a perfect beach read. You've got your rich, dysfunctional family, corporate shenanigans, secret adoptions, unknown twin siblings and hot romance that involves sleeping with the corporate enemy. Summer romance books don't get much more fun than this.
A slightly different version of this review was published at Library Journal Xpress Reviews
October 31, 2012
I had a very hard time putting this book down. My heart went out to Lexie.
I loved how she just wants to be loved and belong with her family. She has always known that she is adopted and feels like an outsider in her own family. Cam has been bought in to help reorganize her families company. Cam finally corners Lexie and forces her to look closer at her families company. Soon after that a billboard shows up with her face on it they family questions why she would do that when the company is having trouble. She says she didn’t do it and she will find out who is behind it. What she does find will turn her, Cam and her families lives upside down. Will Lexie be happy with what she finds out?
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
I loved how she just wants to be loved and belong with her family. She has always known that she is adopted and feels like an outsider in her own family. Cam has been bought in to help reorganize her families company. Cam finally corners Lexie and forces her to look closer at her families company. Soon after that a billboard shows up with her face on it they family questions why she would do that when the company is having trouble. She says she didn’t do it and she will find out who is behind it. What she does find will turn her, Cam and her families lives upside down. Will Lexie be happy with what she finds out?
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
May 31, 2013
This book's title was just a tad bit misleading. I was expecting a scorcher of a read but didn't get that. The plot was interesting enough;the mystery of the billboard and the attraction between Lexie and Cam. 50% in and nothing much is happening between Lexie and Cam. Then I started to wonder if we'd get a threesome between Lexie, Cam, and Roxie but I was skeeved out by that thought. It didn't happen of course.
I pretty much got bored with this and it didn't keep my interest so I started another book in between reading this one. Now I can dedicate my full time to that other book.
For the curious minds that book is Armed & Dangerous.
I pretty much got bored with this and it didn't keep my interest so I started another book in between reading this one. Now I can dedicate my full time to that other book.
For the curious minds that book is Armed & Dangerous.
October 23, 2012
This novel was everything I've been wanting to read in a romance lately. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love! So worth the couple hrs of wait I had to endure for it to be released (I now get why some don't pre-order, I was on pins and needles awaiting midnight). I just really, really love the story, the romance and the super hotness between the h/h....EEEP! I can't wait till the second book in the series 5*
October 29, 2012
wow I read this in a day. well less then a day. I couldn't put.it down. it was so good. I loved main characters. I loved the drama and problems. and the surprise at end. it is great. thank god I saw cover on the side ad on goodreads. I would have never seen this book. yay! must read.
September 15, 2017
The story is actually ok, but I personally felt that the characters were not fleshed out enough. I personally thought Cam was an unbelievable character. He seemed far too pushy. I might finish the series as I did like the story concept.
April 25, 2021
Sweet, Sexy, but far too Short.
Before you read on I have to tell you that I received this book free in return for an honest review, and I aim to be as honest as I can without giving away too many spoilers. So to begin with I have to start with the story.
It was ok to the point of enjoyable, with an easy storyline to follow - adopted, shy, rich girl (Lexie)working in adopted parents business meets -and eventually gets seduced by - high flying, ruthless, business reorganisation expert (Cam) who has a poor boys past and wants it all – Lexie and his own make-me- mega-rich business. There’s a few blips along the way (including Lexie discovering she has a twin sister, and that her adopted parents knew this), but eventually Lexie and Cam fall in love.
The sex scenes were hot, even graphic, but no way were they triple x rated (as the books title leads you to believe). And, if you’re bothered by it, a few swear words along the way. However, I felt that there was a disappointing lack in the build-up of chemistry between Lexie and Cam (for example Lexie, who as a shy young lady supposedly once afraid of Cam ‘the hatchet man, was easily conquered). And several missed opportunities to elaborate on the back stories. This lack probably had something to do with the shortness of the book, and it was noticeable. For me it could have had just a bit more world building to give it a a bit more depth. Maybe when I read the other two books in the series I will find what I feel is missing here.
Now with that said, don’t let this put you off. Lexie is a good read, probably a great one to take on the beach for the day. The love story between Lexie and Cam is complete (this is just Lexie’s story ) and you get the surprise ending which will make you want to read/listen to the next in the series and, despite my minor criticisms of this book, I know I will be doing just that.
Before you read on I have to tell you that I received this book free in return for an honest review, and I aim to be as honest as I can without giving away too many spoilers. So to begin with I have to start with the story.
It was ok to the point of enjoyable, with an easy storyline to follow - adopted, shy, rich girl (Lexie)working in adopted parents business meets -and eventually gets seduced by - high flying, ruthless, business reorganisation expert (Cam) who has a poor boys past and wants it all – Lexie and his own make-me- mega-rich business. There’s a few blips along the way (including Lexie discovering she has a twin sister, and that her adopted parents knew this), but eventually Lexie and Cam fall in love.
The sex scenes were hot, even graphic, but no way were they triple x rated (as the books title leads you to believe). And, if you’re bothered by it, a few swear words along the way. However, I felt that there was a disappointing lack in the build-up of chemistry between Lexie and Cam (for example Lexie, who as a shy young lady supposedly once afraid of Cam ‘the hatchet man, was easily conquered). And several missed opportunities to elaborate on the back stories. This lack probably had something to do with the shortness of the book, and it was noticeable. For me it could have had just a bit more world building to give it a a bit more depth. Maybe when I read the other two books in the series I will find what I feel is missing here.
Now with that said, don’t let this put you off. Lexie is a good read, probably a great one to take on the beach for the day. The love story between Lexie and Cam is complete (this is just Lexie’s story ) and you get the surprise ending which will make you want to read/listen to the next in the series and, despite my minor criticisms of this book, I know I will be doing just that.
May 11, 2019
Oh I liked this book! I don't know if it was changed at all - I think it was originally published with Samhain then re-released and I got the [new] version from the library and ...
I'm definitely reading the next book.
Cam and Lexie are just ... so perfect!
The INSANE chemistry.
And how they argue and have problems and it's over the top but realistic and really sexy and they argue but talk and Cameron has Lexie's back always and like.... man I want one.
Yes.
I'm definitely going to be re-reading this book. :D
B ... maybe b+
https://twitter.com/Limecello/status/... - and there was an even cuter scene I'd love to have screencapped and shared but it would be slightly spoilery.
I think what I didn't L O V E was how the end was such obvious series bait which ... not something I love anyway but I always think it extra takes away something from the original/actual book couple.
I'm definitely reading the next book.
Cam and Lexie are just ... so perfect!
The INSANE chemistry.
And how they argue and have problems and it's over the top but realistic and really sexy and they argue but talk and Cameron has Lexie's back always and like.... man I want one.
Yes.
I'm definitely going to be re-reading this book. :D
B ... maybe b+
https://twitter.com/Limecello/status/... - and there was an even cuter scene I'd love to have screencapped and shared but it would be slightly spoilery.
I think what I didn't L O V E was how the end was such obvious series bait which ... not something I love anyway but I always think it extra takes away something from the original/actual book couple.
April 18, 2021
Lexie's story wasn't what I expected from the title (extra steamy - it wasn't) nor the description (enemies to lovers - not exactly), but I did like the story. It was relatively low angst with actual conversations between that characters at points where typical romance novels make a miscommunication or misunderstanding into a huge drawn out deal. It was the first book I read/listened to by Kimberly Dean, and I'd like to continue the series. It doesn't exactly end on a cliffhanger as the events of the first book have wrapped up, but something occurs at the end that (I assume) leads into the second book.
I listened to the Audible version. It was my first narration by Felicia Palmer and I would listen to her again.
#PinkFlamingoProductions
I listened to the Audible version. It was my first narration by Felicia Palmer and I would listen to her again.
#PinkFlamingoProductions
August 6, 2021
I was going to give this 4 stars but then the ending blew me away, so I had to give it 5. This is the story of Alexandra "Lexie" Underhill
She has dark hair and was adopted into a family of all blondes. Shes always felt out of place. The family business is in trouble, Julien the father, hires Cameron "Cam" Rowe to restructure the company. Lexie and her youngest sister give him the nickname
"Hatchet man". I thought this book was a little slow. I couldnt quite figure out where it was going but I kept reading, thinking it was going somewher.AND THEN IT GOT THERE. I was so surprised. I loved it. Was so glad I didnt give up on this book. Was so worth the read. And then it started to make some sense. Now on to Book 2.
She has dark hair and was adopted into a family of all blondes. Shes always felt out of place. The family business is in trouble, Julien the father, hires Cameron "Cam" Rowe to restructure the company. Lexie and her youngest sister give him the nickname
"Hatchet man". I thought this book was a little slow. I couldnt quite figure out where it was going but I kept reading, thinking it was going somewher.AND THEN IT GOT THERE. I was so surprised. I loved it. Was so glad I didnt give up on this book. Was so worth the read. And then it started to make some sense. Now on to Book 2.
April 16, 2021
I was interested in this story from the very beginning. Lexi was the perfect daughter, dedicated to the family business and trying to keep it afloat. Her father hired Cam, A business expert for problem, failing businesses. This story is about famIly dynamics, especially since Lexi is adopted. It's her feelings of not belonging, hidden secrets, finding herself, Learning to trust the one person that can hurt her the most. This is Lexi and Cam's sexy story.
Felicia Palmer is a new narrator for me. Her narration was very good. I enjoyed listening to this story.
🎧audiobookObsession VIP reviewer🎧
Felicia Palmer is a new narrator for me. Her narration was very good. I enjoyed listening to this story.
🎧audiobookObsession VIP reviewer🎧
May 7, 2020
Wow! I found an interesting sounding book on Bookbub only to find out it is book two in a series. The reviews sounded good so I decided to get my hands on the first book and start there. Smart move! This quick little read grabbed my attention and didn’t let go for the entire ride! The story flowed off the pages, wrapped around my imagination, and begged me to read the whole story in one sitting! The characters are fun and entertaining but not a fairy tale. I really need sleep, so the next book will have to wait until morning.
February 8, 2021
This book is first in a series. Lexie works hard to prove herself to her family, more specifically her father. With an expert on board, making changes with the organization, her job is on the line. Cam is always making eyes at her while keeping the business on track but he also wants Lexie. He helps her through the tough discovery of finding her twin and realizing her adopted parents split her from her sister.
I requested this audiobook from www.audiobooksunleashed.com for free and have voluntarily left this review.
I requested this audiobook from www.audiobooksunleashed.com for free and have voluntarily left this review.
June 30, 2022
This is a different take on a book. Lexie is adopted and she runs part of that family's business but when her face is put on a billboard that disgraces that business she is automatically thrown under the bus. When she finds out that the face belongs to her identical twin sister things change for her.
Cam is the man hired by Lexie's adopted dad to help manage the business. When he finds that Lexie has a twin he wants to save her job and help her discover her other family. He gets drawn into the bar where Lexie's twin works and he discovers that Lexie does have other family.
Cam is the man hired by Lexie's adopted dad to help manage the business. When he finds that Lexie has a twin he wants to save her job and help her discover her other family. He gets drawn into the bar where Lexie's twin works and he discovers that Lexie does have other family.
May 16, 2024
I agree with Susan's 2 star review so I'm not going to re-write all that myself.
I have nothing against sex in a romance novel but this book had way too much sex at the expense of the rest of the story. We didn't get any real depth to any of the characters, including the main two. Knowing more about Lexie's adopted siblings and her relationships with them would have helped us to know more about Lexie herself as well.
Everything happened in a short period of time with not much storyline.
I have read the next 2 books as well and they are both better than this one.
I have nothing against sex in a romance novel but this book had way too much sex at the expense of the rest of the story. We didn't get any real depth to any of the characters, including the main two. Knowing more about Lexie's adopted siblings and her relationships with them would have helped us to know more about Lexie herself as well.
Everything happened in a short period of time with not much storyline.
I have read the next 2 books as well and they are both better than this one.
May 11, 2020
I was in the need of a light-hearted story. This book fit the bill perfectly. I really enjoyed the original plot.
Lexie and Cam (the Hatchet) were great together. Plus, adding Roxie to the mix, only made their bantering more entertaining. This books reminded me of a romantic comedy, with the addition of sexy scenes. There was also a sadness, which brought depth to the characters. Overall, I was totally engaged.
Lexie and Cam (the Hatchet) were great together. Plus, adding Roxie to the mix, only made their bantering more entertaining. This books reminded me of a romantic comedy, with the addition of sexy scenes. There was also a sadness, which brought depth to the characters. Overall, I was totally engaged.
October 23, 2022
3.5. I enjoyed. It’s not a deep read. It’s quick and easy you don’t have to put much thought into it while reading. I’ll probably forget what it’s about by next week. I was not happy with how the family issue was left just hanging. How they treated her. Nothing really about her adoptive family really, just shallow glances. Which is why it’s a surfacey type read. Still, it was enjoyable for the most part.
November 6, 2020
Poor Lexie
Lexie was painfully lacking in self esteem. Many of her internal thoughts would have been great if she had vocalized them. If not for Cam, I think she would have had a meltdown she would never had recovered from. Oh and Roxie - love her! Despite her vinegar and piss attitude she is really insecure and lonely. Can’t wait to read her story.
Lexie was painfully lacking in self esteem. Many of her internal thoughts would have been great if she had vocalized them. If not for Cam, I think she would have had a meltdown she would never had recovered from. Oh and Roxie - love her! Despite her vinegar and piss attitude she is really insecure and lonely. Can’t wait to read her story.
April 30, 2021
This is the first book in the Triple X Serie! I like Kimberly Dean's writing! This is a great introduction to the Series. Lexie and Cam's story is original, fun, sexy, and intriguing, filled with twists and turns. The supporting characters are interesting. Felicia Palmer did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listen to Maxie, the next book in the Series.
April 30, 2021
A billboard that changes her life, it was her image on the billboard but she did not pose for it. Her adopted family believes it is her and that she is ruining everything for them. She sets off to find who doctored up the photo of her and finds so much more. She learns that she has an identical twin who is the opposite of her and so much more. Can't wait to get to the next one.
May 29, 2023
Holy moly!!! Yet another new to me author who has blown me away and has me running off to Amazon to buy up her backlist! Kimberly Dean once again doesn't disappoint with this one! Lexie was a massively addictive book! I started reading and just couldn't stop! This was the first book I have read from Kimberly Dean...and I must say that I am officially a book stalker now!
April 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this storyline. There was quite a few twists and turns that I was not expecting. With great characters and lovely personalities I really enjoyed this book. A fantastic performance from Felicia.
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