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First Love, Last Love
One night with her playboy boss…
Alexander Blair is definitely the wrong man for Lauri. Not only is he a shameless playboy with a revolving door to his bedroom, he's also older than her—and her boss! He's everything that Lauri doesn't want. Yet the undeniable attraction between them is almost too strong to resist…
So when Alexander suggests that the best way to get over their desire is to give in to it, it sounds like a reasonable theory… But, in practice, their passion for each other doesn't work that way!
Alexander Blair is definitely the wrong man for Lauri. Not only is he a shameless playboy with a revolving door to his bedroom, he's also older than her—and her boss! He's everything that Lauri doesn't want. Yet the undeniable attraction between them is almost too strong to resist…
So when Alexander suggests that the best way to get over their desire is to give in to it, it sounds like a reasonable theory… But, in practice, their passion for each other doesn't work that way!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1981
About the author
Carole Mortimer
1,324 books914 followersI have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
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April 23, 2018Written 37 years ago. I would have been a teenager and around that time I started reading Romance novels, much to my mother's disgust! I was supposed to be studying not reading silly romance novels. This is the type of novel that was available back then. Usually a rich, older man. Innocent young woman ... a virgin obviously! God forbid SHE would have some experience. He, of course, had plenty of mistresses over the years.
That is all that was really available back then. I used to borrow them from my neighbour or from the Library.
This is one of the first ever books I read in this genre ...
I am not going to STAR it because it was what it was for it's era. Sometimes it's nice to take a trip down memory lane.
That is all that was really available back then. I used to borrow them from my neighbour or from the Library.
This is one of the first ever books I read in this genre ...
I am not going to STAR it because it was what it was for it's era. Sometimes it's nice to take a trip down memory lane.
October 17, 2010
This was an unashamedly un-PC book with a heroine who was really too young to be a heroine and a hero who felt a slap was the solution to hysteria. But I liked it despite all this. The heroine made me smile and the second twist in the story actually caught me by surprise. Four Stars.
October 19, 2010
I'm giving this 4 stars for the old school factor. The heroine is much younger than the hero but that was very common for the time it was written, although just on the tag end of that era in romance. So it was mentioned but wasn't a huge issue. Still I did feel that the heroine was written fairly convincingly as young. The best part was really her feisty character. It wasn't put on at all and the hero just had to learn to deal. I didn't like the hero as well. It did bother me that he slapped her twice but I can deal with that in the crazy old school arena. It just adds to the crazy. What bothered me the most is that he squeezed her breast on purpose to hurt her and admitted that he wanted to hurt her. Then he got all furious that she scratched his chest and drew blood. How dare she defend herself?! And she was all contrite but he never felt a speck of remorse other than offering to kiss the bruises which just seems creepy 'cuz old man trying to talk the teenager out of her top.
She did manage to lead him a dance though and the ending was drawn out enough to satisfy. And he was pretty up front about how he had fallen for her at first sight and tried absolutely everything he could think of to win her. Except kindness of course but I really don't see that she would have responded well to that. She would have walked all over a beta hero. So without the breast mauling I might have given it another star.
She did manage to lead him a dance though and the ending was drawn out enough to satisfy. And he was pretty up front about how he had fallen for her at first sight and tried absolutely everything he could think of to win her. Except kindness of course but I really don't see that she would have responded well to that. She would have walked all over a beta hero. So without the breast mauling I might have given it another star.
December 2, 2012
WHEN THE HEROINE WAS FIRST DESCRIBED, I PICTURED HER LIKE THIS:
AND I ALMOST STOPPED READING RIGHT THEN
UNTIL I CAME TO TERMS WITH HER ANNIE DESCRIPTION AND DECIDED TO PICTURE HER MORE LIKE THIS:
NOW THAT, I COULD COPE WITH AND TAKE SERIOUSLY, EVEN IF SHE DID HAVE A "MOP OF RED CURLS"
In the end, this still wasn't a very good book. The hero was an ass and the heroine was immature. Maybe they deserve each other.
February 20, 2017
In First love, last love, Carole Mortimer pairs up not one, but two May-December romances involving 16-17 year old girls with men in their mid-thirties so if this is a no-no zone for you, stop right here!
Honestly, for me, this was such a ridiculous, over-the-top, story in the inimitable style of Carole Mortimer, that I hardly blinked and went on with the age difference as just another cog in this train wreck machine. I have to say that I find CM's stories very entertaining but they are not for everyone :)
Honestly, for me, this was such a ridiculous, over-the-top, story in the inimitable style of Carole Mortimer, that I hardly blinked and went on with the age difference as just another cog in this train wreck machine. I have to say that I find CM's stories very entertaining but they are not for everyone :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
No. Another I picked up for my love for workplace romance and..yet another fail.
The h is 17 working at an office where her uncle and aunt also work. She meets-cute the H and takes off in a frenzy and loudly berates the H. In usual circumstances any one would be embarrassed but in this vintage HPlandia the H is fascinated by this screaming ill-mannered girl child.
Oh it’s tedious even writing down the review. The H keeps chasing the h who in turn keeps pushing him away and name calls him anything repugnant that you can think of. She thinks the H just wants to get in her pants and doesn’t see him for the adult he is who could give her security and stability and a much needed beating.
While the book was hilarious, thanks to the h’s uncle - reminds me, why don’t writers incorporate more humour in their books? I’d have liked to see this uncle guy, Steve I believe in his own book. He’s the only memorable character from this never ending book.
I couldn’t stand the seventeen year old semi toddler h. Her body language and shrieking and name calling was age appropriate but not something I approve of. The huge reveal at the end was not needed. This was a book of the h and H but the climax and HEA lands with another couple.
I recommend this for good laughs and that’s about it.
The h is 17 working at an office where her uncle and aunt also work. She meets-cute the H and takes off in a frenzy and loudly berates the H. In usual circumstances any one would be embarrassed but in this vintage HPlandia the H is fascinated by this screaming ill-mannered girl child.
Oh it’s tedious even writing down the review. The H keeps chasing the h who in turn keeps pushing him away and name calls him anything repugnant that you can think of. She thinks the H just wants to get in her pants and doesn’t see him for the adult he is who could give her security and stability and a much needed beating.
While the book was hilarious, thanks to the h’s uncle - reminds me, why don’t writers incorporate more humour in their books? I’d have liked to see this uncle guy, Steve I believe in his own book. He’s the only memorable character from this never ending book.
I couldn’t stand the seventeen year old semi toddler h. Her body language and shrieking and name calling was age appropriate but not something I approve of. The huge reveal at the end was not needed. This was a book of the h and H but the climax and HEA lands with another couple.
I recommend this for good laughs and that’s about it.
September 8, 2025
Less innocent and more... quirky?
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December 14, 2017
“First Love, Last Love” is the story of a Lauren and Alexander.
When newly employed Lauren drives her uncle's car to work, she never expects to bump into a Rolls Royce, and later fight only to realize it belongs to her boss!
She lives with her aunt Jane and uncle Steve since her parents died- and dates a pathetic guy- but everything is changed when Alexander decides to relentless pursue her. Soon his estranged brother in law enters the picture and a hidden secret is revealed..
Books like these are the reason I stick to old school romances nowadays. I really enjoyed:
-The May December of it all (17/35)
-The hero was crazy about her without being mean
-The heroine had a backbone and spunk
-No slapping, no bruising kisses, no rape
-The mystery reveal towards the end was unexpected and sweet
I rooted for these two from the start- even when Alex started hinting towards something evil (worry not, it was a minorish inconvenience).
This was such a wonderful read!
Safe/ Safe with minor exceptions
4.5/5
When newly employed Lauren drives her uncle's car to work, she never expects to bump into a Rolls Royce, and later fight only to realize it belongs to her boss!
She lives with her aunt Jane and uncle Steve since her parents died- and dates a pathetic guy- but everything is changed when Alexander decides to relentless pursue her. Soon his estranged brother in law enters the picture and a hidden secret is revealed..
Books like these are the reason I stick to old school romances nowadays. I really enjoyed:
-The May December of it all (17/35)
-The hero was crazy about her without being mean
-The heroine had a backbone and spunk
-No slapping, no bruising kisses, no rape
-The mystery reveal towards the end was unexpected and sweet
I rooted for these two from the start- even when Alex started hinting towards something evil (worry not, it was a minorish inconvenience).
This was such a wonderful read!
Safe/ Safe with minor exceptions
4.5/5
August 24, 2020
I'm between 4.5 / 5🌟
I don't know... 🙈
It was a good story for me, I really liked it, the heroine was amazing in my opinion. finally a "heroine-i-don't-want-to-smack".
Even though the story has most of the elements I want to find in a love story, in the last chapter, I felt the main characters deserved one/two more pages with the description of their wedding 🥺 also, a better place to declare their love 🙈
😅
P.S.: Maybe in a few days I will change my rating, I will think about it 🤔😅
I don't know... 🙈
It was a good story for me, I really liked it, the heroine was amazing in my opinion. finally a "heroine-i-don't-want-to-smack".
Even though the story has most of the elements I want to find in a love story, in the last chapter, I felt the main characters deserved one/two more pages with the description of their wedding 🥺 also, a better place to declare their love 🙈
😅
P.S.: Maybe in a few days I will change my rating, I will think about it 🤔😅
November 29, 2012
My only issue with this novel is the hero boarders on rape for a while and he comments on rape as if it's the thing to do. It disgusted me.
November 11, 2024
This had a similar tone to my favorite CM book, Engaged to Jarod Stone. Subtle humor with a straight hero and a zany clueless heroine. A really fun dynamic. The only thing I didn’t like about this was the focus on the side story. I would have preferred more focus on the MCs.
August 5, 2018
This is an absolute corker of a vintage Mills & Boon/Harlequin. 17-year-old Lauri inspires insta-lust in her 34-year-old, drop-dead-gorgeous boss, Alex Blair. He pursues her relentlessly, with plenty of punishing and fiery kisses. This is Carole Mortimer at her absolute best.
Lauri is very feisty, and quite believably so, in a sort of semi-teenage, verging-on-rudeness way. She finds it so incredible such a great man is interested in her that she snaps back at him a lot and is constantly defiant. In an older heroine, this would be kind of irritating and childish, but given she's seventeen, it's more acceptable. Above all she's strong, not a wilting flower.
We don't get a consummation scene, sadly, but the banter makes up for it. I particularly liked the fact that Alex confessed his love to her first, after demanding if she loves him (she does, but she doesn't tell him until quite a bit later). I particularly liked the ending, possibly the best final lines I've read in a genre Romance:
O for an epilogue!!!
There's also a great backstory here, involving Lauren's family members. The general timeline is this (it relies on Lauren's grandparents having had children 27 years apart, so let your brain fuzz that a little - Granny Prescott must have had Robert around age 18, and Steve around age 45):
~1947 - Adele, 18, and Robert, 20, get married
1964 - Lauri is born, when her mother Adele and father Robert are ~35, Jane is 17 and Steve 8
1965 - Robert, Jane and Steve's parents are killed, Jane & Steve come to live with Robert & Adele
1971 - Lauri's parents die, when she is 7 and Jane is 24
1981 - Lauri is now 17, and meets Alex, 34
Then the other timeline is this:
I guessed half of the final twist pretty early on. I didn't guess most of the rest of the twist, though, so it was a page-turning read.
100% recommended. Superb stuff, from start to finish!
Lauri is very feisty, and quite believably so, in a sort of semi-teenage, verging-on-rudeness way. She finds it so incredible such a great man is interested in her that she snaps back at him a lot and is constantly defiant. In an older heroine, this would be kind of irritating and childish, but given she's seventeen, it's more acceptable. Above all she's strong, not a wilting flower.
We don't get a consummation scene, sadly, but the banter makes up for it. I particularly liked the fact that Alex confessed his love to her first, after demanding if she loves him (she does, but she doesn't tell him until quite a bit later). I particularly liked the ending, possibly the best final lines I've read in a genre Romance:
"I love you very, very much," she said huskily. "And if you don't soon kiss me I think I'll die."
"You're going to make me such a shameless wife," he chuckled. "Thank God!"
Lauri raised her eyebrows. "I haven't said I'll marry you yet."
"No," he claimed her mouth in a savagely arousing kiss. "But you will."
And she did.
O for an epilogue!!!
There's also a great backstory here, involving Lauren's family members. The general timeline is this (it relies on Lauren's grandparents having had children 27 years apart, so let your brain fuzz that a little - Granny Prescott must have had Robert around age 18, and Steve around age 45):
~1947 - Adele, 18, and Robert, 20, get married
1964 - Lauri is born, when her mother Adele and father Robert are ~35, Jane is 17 and Steve 8
1965 - Robert, Jane and Steve's parents are killed, Jane & Steve come to live with Robert & Adele
1971 - Lauri's parents die, when she is 7 and Jane is 24
1981 - Lauri is now 17, and meets Alex, 34
Then the other timeline is this:
I guessed half of the final twist pretty early on. I didn't guess most of the rest of the twist, though, so it was a page-turning read.
100% recommended. Superb stuff, from start to finish!
January 17, 2018
"First Love,Last Love" with the energic and fiery Lauri and the playboy arrogant Tyccon Alexander Blair was a very entertaining read full of angst,hilarious comedy and hidden secrets from the past.
Lauri was very and very childish sometimes,but i liked her back-bone and how she dealed with the ruthless hero.Alexander Blair..he certainly did everything to get her,through blackmail,seduction and as he said "you name it".
Alexander and Lauri certainly have a hate-love relationship going on throughout the story,they almost do nothing but hurt each other.And oh there are like two scenes where the hero slaps her,but thats because she gets hysterical.This book has many funny scenes too,and i liked Lauri`s uncle and biological mother very much too.They coulered this story a lot.
It was a long time ago i read a book by Mortimer,and this is the first Harlequin romance i have rated less than five star.This book missed rather a lot i love about Carole`s books,mostly the dramatic and epic elements as in example of ONE OF MY my greatest favourites by her "Past Revenge","Lost Love",Failed Marriage",Wade Dynasty","Heaven Here on Earth","Golden Fever","Forbidden Surrender","Elusive Obsession","Deceit of a Pagan"..and much more..!
But i liked this book anyway very much,and the ending when Alexander and Lauri FINALLY confess was a relief,and it made me glad..!
Lauri was very and very childish sometimes,but i liked her back-bone and how she dealed with the ruthless hero.Alexander Blair..he certainly did everything to get her,through blackmail,seduction and as he said "you name it".
Alexander and Lauri certainly have a hate-love relationship going on throughout the story,they almost do nothing but hurt each other.And oh there are like two scenes where the hero slaps her,but thats because she gets hysterical.This book has many funny scenes too,and i liked Lauri`s uncle and biological mother very much too.They coulered this story a lot.
It was a long time ago i read a book by Mortimer,and this is the first Harlequin romance i have rated less than five star.This book missed rather a lot i love about Carole`s books,mostly the dramatic and epic elements as in example of ONE OF MY my greatest favourites by her "Past Revenge","Lost Love",Failed Marriage",Wade Dynasty","Heaven Here on Earth","Golden Fever","Forbidden Surrender","Elusive Obsession","Deceit of a Pagan"..and much more..!
But i liked this book anyway very much,and the ending when Alexander and Lauri FINALLY confess was a relief,and it made me glad..!
November 3, 2015
Strong Writing But Dated Characterizations
FINAL DECISION: The writing of this story is strong and in its time it was right in the center of romance books, but not the ages of the heroine (17) and the hero (34) in the contemporary romance is just creepy.
THE STORY: Lauri Prescott is seventeen years old and just started a job in the typing pool. A run in with her boss, Alexander Blair creates sparks. The two agree that they will spend some time together in order that familiarity dampen their reaction to one another. Their story becomes more complicated because Lauri wants to keep their relationship a secret and there are many other secrets surrounding the two.
OPINION: This story is so well written that the dated elements stand out tremendously. I thought the characters were well written and the story was interesting. There are a a lot of secrets that are revealed throughout this story and the twists were fun to see. The romance story was more on the surface and did not dig deep into the emotions of the characters as would be more common in current romance books. The relationship between Alex and Lauri feels really dated. The age different is not as significant as the fact that Lauri is only seventeen. That just feels creepy to me in a contemporary romance. In addition, the discussion the two have where the hero makes a rape joke is just inappropriate. Ultimately, those issues bothered me and the rest of the book was not strong enough for me to overlook it.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book was first printed in the early 1980s as a category romance.
CONNECTED BOOKS: FIRST LOVE, LAST LOVE is a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.
FINAL DECISION: The writing of this story is strong and in its time it was right in the center of romance books, but not the ages of the heroine (17) and the hero (34) in the contemporary romance is just creepy.
THE STORY: Lauri Prescott is seventeen years old and just started a job in the typing pool. A run in with her boss, Alexander Blair creates sparks. The two agree that they will spend some time together in order that familiarity dampen their reaction to one another. Their story becomes more complicated because Lauri wants to keep their relationship a secret and there are many other secrets surrounding the two.
OPINION: This story is so well written that the dated elements stand out tremendously. I thought the characters were well written and the story was interesting. There are a a lot of secrets that are revealed throughout this story and the twists were fun to see. The romance story was more on the surface and did not dig deep into the emotions of the characters as would be more common in current romance books. The relationship between Alex and Lauri feels really dated. The age different is not as significant as the fact that Lauri is only seventeen. That just feels creepy to me in a contemporary romance. In addition, the discussion the two have where the hero makes a rape joke is just inappropriate. Ultimately, those issues bothered me and the rest of the book was not strong enough for me to overlook it.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book was first printed in the early 1980s as a category romance.
CONNECTED BOOKS: FIRST LOVE, LAST LOVE is a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.
September 18, 2020
Very old school romance which I like.
Like in most Charlotte Lamb novels the woman is much younger than the man. In this book the woman is 18 and the man is 34.
The man is absolutely crazy about her. He pursues her madly. She is trying to withstand him, but fails miserably. He always tries to arrange and wants to see her twice a day.
A handsome, rich, powerful, sensual, strong man who wants to be with you whenever he can. Who takes time off his very busy work because he always thinks about you. So romantic. This is why I love reading Harlequin books.
Because he is her employer they date in secret in the beginning. So heartwarming how he goes along with that secrecy in the beginning, just to please her.
Some pages I have read more than once. Because he is so head over heels in love there. Like the scene where he says he can’t wait to see her until their diner Saturday because she already belongs to his everyday life and he needs her. He needs her now.
Wow, that man is even better than a dream.
I enjoyed this a lot. Love, love, love. Such a classic.
Like in most Charlotte Lamb novels the woman is much younger than the man. In this book the woman is 18 and the man is 34.
The man is absolutely crazy about her. He pursues her madly. She is trying to withstand him, but fails miserably. He always tries to arrange and wants to see her twice a day.
A handsome, rich, powerful, sensual, strong man who wants to be with you whenever he can. Who takes time off his very busy work because he always thinks about you. So romantic. This is why I love reading Harlequin books.
Because he is her employer they date in secret in the beginning. So heartwarming how he goes along with that secrecy in the beginning, just to please her.
Some pages I have read more than once. Because he is so head over heels in love there. Like the scene where he says he can’t wait to see her until their diner Saturday because she already belongs to his everyday life and he needs her. He needs her now.
Wow, that man is even better than a dream.
I enjoyed this a lot. Love, love, love. Such a classic.
October 17, 2016
The h is 17 years younger than the H. I expected her to be childish and weepy, but she was strong, sassy and never backed down from his arrogance. I absolutely loved her. I also liked that the age difference wasn't played up in the book (still pervy though). It was a fun read because the h was amazing!
May 4, 2020
For an insta-lust story, funny how the H and h never had sex in the book. i haven’t read a lot of books from this time period so i’m unclear if was typical for the time period. Also, the H slapping the h twice casually didn’t sit well with me. i’m going to let it slide given the time period this was written. All in all, entertaining read though!
April 7, 2015
We all remember our first, right? This was the first Mills & Boon I ever read. Although I now see some inappropriate moments throughout, I loved it. End of.
October 29, 2016
Carino ma non eccezionale una lettura simpatica per passare un po' di tempo rilassandosi.
August 16, 2020
Slap her! She’s hysterical!
(Not a line from the book. https://youtu.be/JZ0jRuASVEQ?t=130 )
I laughed so much while reading this book.
The hero: A sexual harassment lawsuit waiting to happen.
The heroine: A toddler throwing a multi page tantrum.
The plot:
The kisses: A tad overused. But fun.
The slap: Good! At least she temporarily shuts up.
The second slap: I burst out laughing.
The scratch: She scratches him so hard he bleeds through his shirt. Why this is funny I can’t tell but it is.
The car keys: She’s hilarious.
Why they love each other: Probably cause no one else would have either of them. I know people rl who I wonder about so... Wouldn’t mind a roll with the hero though. On the whole I found the hot scenes quite hot.
It was sooo good! It’s like an old style comedy, there’s violence but you can’t take it seriously. They are shouting at each other 24/7 but they just sound funny. Aww silly people you! Get together already!
Honourable mention: Laurence. A secondary character that the author digs into a hole and then tries hard to pull out. Unsuccessfully I thought. Any ONE or TWO things he did are forgivable / understandable / not a big deal. All together though...
(Not a line from the book. https://youtu.be/JZ0jRuASVEQ?t=130 )
I laughed so much while reading this book.
The hero: A sexual harassment lawsuit waiting to happen.
The heroine: A toddler throwing a multi page tantrum.
The plot:
The kisses: A tad overused. But fun.
The slap: Good! At least she temporarily shuts up.
The second slap: I burst out laughing.
The scratch: She scratches him so hard he bleeds through his shirt. Why this is funny I can’t tell but it is.
The car keys: She’s hilarious.
Why they love each other: Probably cause no one else would have either of them. I know people rl who I wonder about so... Wouldn’t mind a roll with the hero though. On the whole I found the hot scenes quite hot.
It was sooo good! It’s like an old style comedy, there’s violence but you can’t take it seriously. They are shouting at each other 24/7 but they just sound funny. Aww silly people you! Get together already!
Honourable mention: Laurence. A secondary character that the author digs into a hole and then tries hard to pull out. Unsuccessfully I thought. Any ONE or TWO things he did are forgivable / understandable / not a big deal. All together though...
October 17, 2010
I have to keep reminding myself these books were written ages ago! Otherwise, the bullying, slapping, and verbal attacks make me hate the book more than I already do!
That aside...this guy was a delusional jerk! The heroine, freaking 17, seemed to vacilate between woman and child in a dizzying display of emotions. Of course, one would expect THAT from a 17 year old. One would not expect her mother, who has been parading around as her aunt, to not step up when the relationship was uncovered and just leave for the weekend.
I felt it wrapped up altogether too quickly and the bow with which the author tied the loose ends was rather large and obnoxsious.
TSTL all of them!
That aside...this guy was a delusional jerk! The heroine, freaking 17, seemed to vacilate between woman and child in a dizzying display of emotions. Of course, one would expect THAT from a 17 year old. One would not expect her mother, who has been parading around as her aunt, to not step up when the relationship was uncovered and just leave for the weekend.
I felt it wrapped up altogether too quickly and the bow with which the author tied the loose ends was rather large and obnoxsious.
TSTL all of them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2014
Mm mm mm....shameless! I just about closed the book when i saw the h was only 17 and the H was 34, not to menton the orphan annie description didnt help matters! I was like what type of pedo romance is this going to be? But i read it and I was surprised that even tho the h was only 17 she was no simpering idiot; she is sassy, headstrong and stood her ground to the bossy domineering H. I despise when the h are made to be weak and easily reduced to breathlessness and heaving bosoms with just a kiss...i liked it def worth the read.
June 19, 2013
Omg. This book is so wrong on many levels. The heroine is too young at 17. Hero btw is 34. Age gap too wide. Hero slaps heroine more than once... And he harasses her at work. I'm suprised i actually finished the book.
March 13, 2018
One night with her playboy boss… Alexander Blair is definitely the wrong man for Lauri. Not only is he a shameless playboy with a revolving door to his bedroom, he's also older than her—and her boss! He's everything that Lauri doesn't want. Yet the undeniable attraction between them is almost too strong to resist… So when Alexander suggests that the best way to get over their desire is to give in to it, it sounds like a reasonable theory… But, in practice, their passion for each other doesn't work that way!
September 8, 2017
An author I have always loved.
The story did have more than its share of the twists and turns that the author is best at.
Some of the shelves-
Barely legal heroine, hero almost twice her age, hero thinks slapping is the solution for hysterical behaviour, hero's had many "girl friends" and......
to quote from the book as to how the behaviour of the hero is, " insulting, self-opinionated, supercilious, arrogant, rude......"
The story did have more than its share of the twists and turns that the author is best at.
Some of the shelves-
Barely legal heroine, hero almost twice her age, hero thinks slapping is the solution for hysterical behaviour, hero's had many "girl friends" and......
to quote from the book as to how the behaviour of the hero is, " insulting, self-opinionated, supercilious, arrogant, rude......"
January 5, 2022
Racy, crazy and engaging. But a few nagging apprehensions too.
The apprehensions first.
1) Hero is 34, the girl is 17. No, its not a ward-guardian story. Its a boss-employee thing. He is the company owner, she is a temp in his typing pool. But right from the day they meet and start squabbling, he comes across as sexually aggressive towards her. Domineering kisses, very adult touches, rude/arrogant behavior. I would have gladly overlooked all this as 'normal', had the girl been atleast a couple of years older. But 17 !@?!@??@!?@? Yuck. Its disgusting to think of a man in real life, doing all these things to a 17 year old girl. I would have been up in arms, if it was in the real world. But, this is a fictional universe. So I just grin and bear !
2) Why authors rely on such wild coincidences to take the plot forward, I don't understand. In the whole wide world, the heroine happens to be the one girl the hero should technically despise ! She is the love child of his sister's erring husband. The sister was in a wheelchair all her life and her hubby dear had a little affair on the sidelines, to assuage his grief !@?!? Their ages? Don't ask !! Again the guy was 35 and the girl was 17, then. The sister dies eventually. Erring brother-in-law comes back home and finds his grown up daughter (the heroine) and her mother (who is masquerading as her aunt! Now that was a neat twist that I did not anticipate in the least !)). Ta da, happy family !!!!
3) 34 year old hero - considered the most eligible male in town. Every female's secret desire. The heroine's young aunt is also 34 (the mummy, remember?). But she is portrayed as an old grumpy maiden. Just looking to fade in the twilight with a passable husband. The gender inequalities are harsh to read. But unfortunately, they are exactly as we see in the real world around us !
Ok, now for the engaging bits. Plenty actually.
1) The heroine is not a meek naive, school girl at 17. She is a spit fire !!! Knows her mind, knows what's good for her. Allows the hero a few kisses and touches because she likes them too. But never allows him to go any further. She clearly tells him off !!! "What if your craze for me fades in a while? How will I go back to work in your company after an affair with the boss? What about my family, my future, my self-esteem?" So she keeps him at bay, yells at him if he bosses around too much. Basically never allows the massive age difference to turn into a master-slave relationship. And that's exactly why the hero is a total goner, right from the word go!
2) Dialogs. Very punchy, real, funny, high octane, sexy at the right places. All characters have perfectly tuned dialogs to match their character. The hero - rude, domineering but weak kneed in front of his little firecracker ! The girl - extrovert, brazen, fun, sexy, but still retains the freshness and innocence of her youth. The colleages, uncle, aunt (mom), the long lost daddy. Everybody had well scripted dialogs.
3) The chemistry between the leads. Very strong, palpable. Explosive fights but also passionate embraces. She gives as good as she gets. He hurts but immediately soothes. And mercifully he talks in the end about 'waiting' for her to grow up before taking her to bed. After marriage, of course. Now that's a small relief !
4) Humour. The aunt, the uncle and our little miss - all work in the hero's firm. So he is the terror around there, all of them defer to him. But when when the aunt, uncle, even other colleagues see our little firecracker yelling and screaming at the hero with gay abandon, the comical disbelief they experience is great fun to read !!
Over all, good read. In spite of the niggles.
The apprehensions first.
1) Hero is 34, the girl is 17. No, its not a ward-guardian story. Its a boss-employee thing. He is the company owner, she is a temp in his typing pool. But right from the day they meet and start squabbling, he comes across as sexually aggressive towards her. Domineering kisses, very adult touches, rude/arrogant behavior. I would have gladly overlooked all this as 'normal', had the girl been atleast a couple of years older. But 17 !@?!@??@!?@? Yuck. Its disgusting to think of a man in real life, doing all these things to a 17 year old girl. I would have been up in arms, if it was in the real world. But, this is a fictional universe. So I just grin and bear !
2) Why authors rely on such wild coincidences to take the plot forward, I don't understand. In the whole wide world, the heroine happens to be the one girl the hero should technically despise ! She is the love child of his sister's erring husband. The sister was in a wheelchair all her life and her hubby dear had a little affair on the sidelines, to assuage his grief !@?!? Their ages? Don't ask !! Again the guy was 35 and the girl was 17, then. The sister dies eventually. Erring brother-in-law comes back home and finds his grown up daughter (the heroine) and her mother (who is masquerading as her aunt! Now that was a neat twist that I did not anticipate in the least !)). Ta da, happy family !!!!
3) 34 year old hero - considered the most eligible male in town. Every female's secret desire. The heroine's young aunt is also 34 (the mummy, remember?). But she is portrayed as an old grumpy maiden. Just looking to fade in the twilight with a passable husband. The gender inequalities are harsh to read. But unfortunately, they are exactly as we see in the real world around us !
Ok, now for the engaging bits. Plenty actually.
1) The heroine is not a meek naive, school girl at 17. She is a spit fire !!! Knows her mind, knows what's good for her. Allows the hero a few kisses and touches because she likes them too. But never allows him to go any further. She clearly tells him off !!! "What if your craze for me fades in a while? How will I go back to work in your company after an affair with the boss? What about my family, my future, my self-esteem?" So she keeps him at bay, yells at him if he bosses around too much. Basically never allows the massive age difference to turn into a master-slave relationship. And that's exactly why the hero is a total goner, right from the word go!
2) Dialogs. Very punchy, real, funny, high octane, sexy at the right places. All characters have perfectly tuned dialogs to match their character. The hero - rude, domineering but weak kneed in front of his little firecracker ! The girl - extrovert, brazen, fun, sexy, but still retains the freshness and innocence of her youth. The colleages, uncle, aunt (mom), the long lost daddy. Everybody had well scripted dialogs.
3) The chemistry between the leads. Very strong, palpable. Explosive fights but also passionate embraces. She gives as good as she gets. He hurts but immediately soothes. And mercifully he talks in the end about 'waiting' for her to grow up before taking her to bed. After marriage, of course. Now that's a small relief !
4) Humour. The aunt, the uncle and our little miss - all work in the hero's firm. So he is the terror around there, all of them defer to him. But when when the aunt, uncle, even other colleagues see our little firecracker yelling and screaming at the hero with gay abandon, the comical disbelief they experience is great fun to read !!
Over all, good read. In spite of the niggles.
May 22, 2017
I'm conflicted.
On the one hand, this was just deliciously wrong. No doesn't mean no. It means "kiss me harder and bruise my breasts while you're at it". While you're doing that, I'll be sure to scratch you back.
On the other hand it was just so chock-full-of-un PC awesomeness that I just had to go with it.
It reminded of Diana Palmer if DP's dialogue was less forced and lacking in anthropology or science fiction movie references.
Seriously though. Seventeen year old virgin (who isn't a prude or TSTL) and 34 year old successful businessman. Snappy dialogue. Well-trod plot with a bit of a twist that is pretty well forecast.
Serious kissing and the aforementioned grope. In all seriousness, as others have written, Alex really does push the boundaries of consent so if that's a problem for you then think twice about this one. I do believe that they're going to have great fun sexy times in their HEA and there will most likely be knots involved.
On the one hand, this was just deliciously wrong. No doesn't mean no. It means "kiss me harder and bruise my breasts while you're at it". While you're doing that, I'll be sure to scratch you back.
On the other hand it was just so chock-full-of-un PC awesomeness that I just had to go with it.
It reminded of Diana Palmer if DP's dialogue was less forced and lacking in anthropology or science fiction movie references.
Seriously though. Seventeen year old virgin (who isn't a prude or TSTL) and 34 year old successful businessman. Snappy dialogue. Well-trod plot with a bit of a twist that is pretty well forecast.
Serious kissing and the aforementioned grope. In all seriousness, as others have written, Alex really does push the boundaries of consent so if that's a problem for you then think twice about this one. I do believe that they're going to have great fun sexy times in their HEA and there will most likely be knots involved.
Read
November 21, 2025DNF with this one. Heroine is barely 17, going on 15, working in a corporate business instead of being in school?
What?
H is 34-35. Same age as her aunt who raised her from 7 years old. The same aunt who is his secretary.
The aunt should be the h here not the 17 year old child! Aunt is H's secretary/assistant, is gorgeous, single, hard-working, intelligent, and of course more mature than the literal, actual child he's chasing.
There have been maybe 1-2 17 yo heroines I've been able to get behind, but not with a mid-30s H, not as a contemporary romance, and not when there's not some kind of time skip to at LEAST 19/20. I mean really that's too young too.
Also not when there's a much more appropriate heroine in the actual story lol. I can forgive Jane Austen for pairing up Colonel Brandon with Marianne instead of her widowed mother, bc it's Jane Austen and the 19th century, but nah.
Anyway, not rating the book as I'm not going to read it, just like. Ew. Nope.
What?
H is 34-35. Same age as her aunt who raised her from 7 years old. The same aunt who is his secretary.
The aunt should be the h here not the 17 year old child! Aunt is H's secretary/assistant, is gorgeous, single, hard-working, intelligent, and of course more mature than the literal, actual child he's chasing.
There have been maybe 1-2 17 yo heroines I've been able to get behind, but not with a mid-30s H, not as a contemporary romance, and not when there's not some kind of time skip to at LEAST 19/20. I mean really that's too young too.
Also not when there's a much more appropriate heroine in the actual story lol. I can forgive Jane Austen for pairing up Colonel Brandon with Marianne instead of her widowed mother, bc it's Jane Austen and the 19th century, but nah.
Anyway, not rating the book as I'm not going to read it, just like. Ew. Nope.
February 14, 2020
If there is one positive, it’s that this is an incredibly quick read.
Look, I love cheesy romance novels as much as the next person. I have a nice collection of Janet Dailey Harlequins on my bookshelf. I know not to expect a grand sweeping romance, tightly plotted, and with memorably characters. But this was just.... it’s like the author just threw everything at the wall to see what would stick. All of the supposed “twists” were painfully obvious, and just kind of stupid in the way they were executed. The main character is just kind of there, I really don’t have an opinion on her, and the love interest is just the worst. It’s an endless series of forced kisses and pointless arguments that I guess are supposed to be example of chemistry?
It was awful. Plain and simple.
Look, I love cheesy romance novels as much as the next person. I have a nice collection of Janet Dailey Harlequins on my bookshelf. I know not to expect a grand sweeping romance, tightly plotted, and with memorably characters. But this was just.... it’s like the author just threw everything at the wall to see what would stick. All of the supposed “twists” were painfully obvious, and just kind of stupid in the way they were executed. The main character is just kind of there, I really don’t have an opinion on her, and the love interest is just the worst. It’s an endless series of forced kisses and pointless arguments that I guess are supposed to be example of chemistry?
It was awful. Plain and simple.
August 26, 2019
I hope this is The last book I read about a 17year old in love with a man twice her age.She was simply too young.CM I couldnt fathom how was it possible. If they were separated for sometime allowing the h t mature some more and Alex's devotion to continue over some period it would have made the story somewhat credible. I kept picturing him as some forceful pervert. Why I gave 3 🌟 because the h was mature and feisty she knew her mind and was matched well with the H's cynical attitude. She was outspoken and courageous. If she was only older smh! Some other physical scenes were a bit n the abusive side, painful ......smh too disturbing....
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