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Concealed Desire
A love that breaks all the rules…
Since her first day at work, Beth Graison has been in love with Dean Sutherland—the “Son” in Sutherland & Son. Although he’s an unrepentant player, there’s an unmistakable connection between them, and she knows he feels it too. But she’s not about to risk her career for any man, especially one with an office right down the hall whom she works with every day.
Dean Sutherland doesn’t do love, but he does do women. And he hasn’t felt more than sexual attraction for any woman until Beth. Entirely feminine, smart, and with a natural beauty beyond compare, she makes him think about all kinds of uncomfortable things—like a future and happiness—things he knows from experience are pure fiction.
When his father, the “Sutherland” in Sutherland & Son, propositions Beth to be more than just an employee, Dean can’t keep her at arm’s length any longer. But he doesn’t expect the scorching kiss they share, or the idea that forms when he holds her in his arms. Can he stop his father’s manipulating game by making the first move on Beth? Or will his reputation as a womanizer make him just one more Sutherland she wants to ignore?
Since her first day at work, Beth Graison has been in love with Dean Sutherland—the “Son” in Sutherland & Son. Although he’s an unrepentant player, there’s an unmistakable connection between them, and she knows he feels it too. But she’s not about to risk her career for any man, especially one with an office right down the hall whom she works with every day.
Dean Sutherland doesn’t do love, but he does do women. And he hasn’t felt more than sexual attraction for any woman until Beth. Entirely feminine, smart, and with a natural beauty beyond compare, she makes him think about all kinds of uncomfortable things—like a future and happiness—things he knows from experience are pure fiction.
When his father, the “Sutherland” in Sutherland & Son, propositions Beth to be more than just an employee, Dean can’t keep her at arm’s length any longer. But he doesn’t expect the scorching kiss they share, or the idea that forms when he holds her in his arms. Can he stop his father’s manipulating game by making the first move on Beth? Or will his reputation as a womanizer make him just one more Sutherland she wants to ignore?
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Eden Summers
69 books2,511 followersEden Summers is a bestselling author best known for the Hunting Her World, Reckless Beat series and the Vault.
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Join Eden's Reader Group on Facebook
Sign up for Eden's newsletter for the latest book news and receive an exclusive download of DIRTY STRATEGY .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 1, 2013
Have you ever watched a movie that about halfway through the movie, you realize that you’re grinning like the Cheshire cat? That is what happened to me as I was reading Concealed Desire by Eden Summers. I read this book in one sitting and I think I must have been grinning or at least smiling most of the time. I adored Concealed Desire about as much as I did Eden’s first Book, Sneaking a Peak. I enjoy Ms. Eden’s writing style and totally relish in her snarky humor.
Concealed Desire opens with Beth Graison just having been propositioned by Max Sutherland, her Big boss. Beth knows she is doomed, she recognizes she will never accept the offer, but also understands that to decline; it will cost her the career that she has worked so hard to achieve. It would also mean, she wouldn’t be seeing Dean Sutherland anymore, her direct boss and Max’s son. He is also the man she has been lusting after since she began working for Sutherland & Son. Not only is he Beth’s boss, Dean is also a player, who changes women as often as” you change your underwear” and this just won’t work for Beth. She wants commitment, marriage and children.
So what does Beth do, she asks for the weekend to think about it and takes the rest of the day off. Instead of going home, she goes to the bar, located within the building, where she proceeds to get hammered. And who comes to her rescue, you guess it, Dean.
Dean doesn’t do love, he does sex. He had commitment issue to say the least. He can have any women he wants and for the past year he has been wanting Beth. After find Beth at the bar, Dean takes her home, once there, in her drunken state, Beth confess how she feels about Dean.
This is where the real meat of the story begins! The bantering between these two wonderful characters was fabulous. And the shower scene, it was sexy, it was erotic, OMG, it was amazing! I almost needed a cold shower after reading that one. If anyone was going to read a book for one scene alone, it would have to be this one!!!
Concealed Desire kept me totally captive. I found myself cheering Dean on, as he tried to show Beth how much he wanted her and her alone, as she continually struggled with his man whoring past. There were even a few times that I teared up, as my heart was breaking for both of them. But, the last scene before the epilogue blew me away. BRAVO… Ms. Summers, very clever!!
I enjoyed this book enormously, it was a very sweet, touching, and extremely hot, classic love story.
January 24, 2013
She made him second-guess his opinion of love, made him want something he wasn’t sure existed.
Beth Graison is stuck between a rock and a hard place. She has lusted after her boss, Dean Sutherland ever since she began working at Sutherland & Son. To her, he’s practically perfect. He’s good looking, charismatic, smart and successful. In short, he’d be a catch if it wasn’t for one particular flaw – his bedroom may as well have a revolving door. Dean is known to go through women and tire of them quickly before moving on to his next conquest. There is no way that Beth can be with someone like him. Not just because sleeping with her boss could ruin her career, but she wants the dream – marriage, stability, love, white picket fence, 2.5 kids. For her, sex and commitment are a package deal, and there is no way that Dean fits the profile.
Unfortunately, sweet, kind, naïve Beth is about to find out that some people are unscrupulous. The big boss himself, Max Sutherland, propositions her to become his mistress. She’s kind of doomed if she does, and doomed if she doesn’t. Although she has no intention of ever taking him up on his offer, she’s given the weekend to think things over. But how does she let the old man down easily and still keep her job? Why doesn’t she slap him with a sexual harassment suit, you ask? Chances are really good that she will lose, and loose big if she does. Her only recourse is …. going to the bar to get good and sloshed for beginners. And that is exactly where Dean finds her shortly after.
Dean Sutherland is charismatic, cocky, arrogant and a commitment phobe. He has no shortage of female admirers or bed partners, all except for the one woman he really wants, but can’t have. Finding her drunk during work hours is the last thing he expected to see, so he offers to take her home, and it takes every ounce of self control not to take advantage of the situation. In a moment of weakness, she throws herself at him. As much as he yearns to say “to hell with it!”, he wants to do the right thing. Mistaking his rejection for disinterest, she lashes out in hurt and anger, throwing his one major flaw in his face. The gauntlet is thrown, and he's ready to accept the challenge.
It wasn’t until she scoffed, showing a complete lack of faith, that the determination to prove her wrong kicked in.
From that point on, it’s an uphill battle for the both of them. Will he ever be able to be the man he knows she wants and deserves, or is the saying true that a leopard never changes its spots? Just how much willpower does she possess to withstand his seductive charms? They’re both not above playing a little dirty to see who caves first.
Beth was an absolutely believable heroine. I sympathized with her; I empathized with her. She was good person at her core. There wasn’t a single person she didn’t get along with at work. She is naïve about a few things, but she listens more to her heart than her head. When it comes to Dean, she’s clever enough to recognize the few momentous moments when he shows his vulnerable side. But unless she’s actually looking into his eyes when he speaks, she can’t discern truth from cockiness.
As she walked past, he grabbed her hand, entwining his fingers with hers and squeezing ever so gently. If playful teasing wouldn’t work, he would take another route.
He let the humor fall away from his expression, replacing it with a heartfelt seriousness he hoped she believed. “Please, Beth. Let me spend the day with you.”
I understood why she fought the attraction with everything she had, and I didn’t fault her for it. I was rooting her on all the way to make him really work for it.
Dean. Poor baby. Beth really had him tied up in knots. He knows she’s too good for him, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting her, and not just sexually. His father had done a thorough job of turning Dean off to love, loyalty and commitment, until Beth. She is the only woman he would be willing to change for, and for the first time that he can remember, he’s ashamed and remorseful of his reputation. I loved his determination to win her trust and her heart.
“I’m not too proud to beg. For you.”
When their time together comes to an end, the question then becomes, would their weekend of revelations be enough to withstand the storm about to come crashing down around them? Just how far are Dean and Beth willing to go to get their HEA? They both have their flaws, but I could definitely see their growth as they discovered themselves and each other. They were also mature enough to do some self reflection and take responsibility for their actions in the end. To me, that was an integral part of finding these characters likeable.
The ending was fantastic! The way he asked her for a date was just plain swoon-worthy! I haven’t read anything like it before in any other romance.
I absolutely adored this book! The author’s debut story, Sneaking a Peek, was great, but this one just cemented her as a favorite author for me. Concealed Desire had the potential to be filled with emotional angst and over the top drama that would make you want to have a good cry and punch a pillow. What pulls this story back from the precipice of despair is the cleverly inserted one-liners. It’s well timed and very in tune with her characters. I got a little weepy a few times (one of the scenes was the grocery store), but then the humor would subtly find it’s way back in and take the hurt away. The love scenes were very steamy, but situation appropriate. Ms Summers is a great new voice in the romance genre with this fresh, engaging, humorous and heart-warming story.
Favorite Quotes/Moments
The bastard practically had the monopoly on the market so she would need to be firm on the no nookie front.
She already wanted to lick a trail from the muscular join of his hips–or cum gutters, as Ange like [sic] to refer to them– all the way up to his dark red nipples.
She wasn’t sure Captain Copulation could agree to a no-sex rule without his manhood shriveling away.
Favorite moments: Dean’s shower scene, the ending in the lobby, and the epilogue.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from the author.
July 22, 2018
Review also posted on Book Lovin' Mamas
This is my second book by Eden Summers that I have read and she definitely kept me turning the pages again. "Conceal Desire" is one sexy, steamy emotional book that will make your emotions go haywire. I know there were times I wanted to go through the book and slap some characters around for what they were doing or not doing. (One character who seriously was going to get slapped was Max Sutherland...I despised him)
Beth Graison has worked at Sutherland & Son for a while now and she has always respected the Sutherland guys at work...until Max Sutherland gives her a proposition, which makes her question his integrity and it bothers her more than it should. She then becomes traumatized by what Max offers her and ends up doing something that is not normal of her doing. Dean Sutherland, son of Max Sutherland, ends up helping her out because he has never seen Beth out of sorts. He has always seen her smiling and hard at work in the company.
Beth has been in love with Dean, since the first day she started working at the company. Unfortunately, Dean is her boss and he has been labeled as a player with the ladies. Beth does not want to get involved with a boss and does not want to ruin her career. Until, the one day that Dean helps her, she realizes that Dean may have another side that other women do not know about. She's not sure if their connection is real and if Dean is just playing her around like the other women. Beth is about to find out how Dean really feels about her.
I do not want to tell more about the storyline because I am afraid I'll give too much away. I loved reading "Concealed Desire". I could have read it in one sitting, but of course, having two girls and a husband who loves to interrupt while I'm reading....it was not possible this week.
Dean Sutherland was one sexy male, who definitely could win me over anytime. He was such a sweetie with Beth, even when he did not know what to say because he never was in a relationship before.
Beth though was hard-headed when it came to Dean and I wish she would have listened to what Dean had to say in the beginning.
I was a little upset on what Dean's father, Max was trying to propose to Beth and I was even more upset with what Dean's father did before to Dean. What kind of Dad does that to their son and he wondered why Dean did not want to be close to him? Grrrr!!
Eden Summers definitely is one author who is an auto-buy for me. Her first book I read, "Sneaking a Peek" had me jumping in a cold shower after I read it and "Concealed Desire" definitely had its moments as well.
If you are a fan of Eden Summers previous books you will definitely love "Concealed Desire".
I recommend this book to contemporary romance readers out there everywhere.
-The best part of the book was the ending with what Dean kept doing to Beth whenever he asked her something. (You'll have to read it to find out)-
This is my second book by Eden Summers that I have read and she definitely kept me turning the pages again. "Conceal Desire" is one sexy, steamy emotional book that will make your emotions go haywire. I know there were times I wanted to go through the book and slap some characters around for what they were doing or not doing. (One character who seriously was going to get slapped was Max Sutherland...I despised him)
Beth Graison has worked at Sutherland & Son for a while now and she has always respected the Sutherland guys at work...until Max Sutherland gives her a proposition, which makes her question his integrity and it bothers her more than it should. She then becomes traumatized by what Max offers her and ends up doing something that is not normal of her doing. Dean Sutherland, son of Max Sutherland, ends up helping her out because he has never seen Beth out of sorts. He has always seen her smiling and hard at work in the company.
Beth has been in love with Dean, since the first day she started working at the company. Unfortunately, Dean is her boss and he has been labeled as a player with the ladies. Beth does not want to get involved with a boss and does not want to ruin her career. Until, the one day that Dean helps her, she realizes that Dean may have another side that other women do not know about. She's not sure if their connection is real and if Dean is just playing her around like the other women. Beth is about to find out how Dean really feels about her.
I do not want to tell more about the storyline because I am afraid I'll give too much away. I loved reading "Concealed Desire". I could have read it in one sitting, but of course, having two girls and a husband who loves to interrupt while I'm reading....it was not possible this week.
Dean Sutherland was one sexy male, who definitely could win me over anytime. He was such a sweetie with Beth, even when he did not know what to say because he never was in a relationship before.
Beth though was hard-headed when it came to Dean and I wish she would have listened to what Dean had to say in the beginning.
I was a little upset on what Dean's father, Max was trying to propose to Beth and I was even more upset with what Dean's father did before to Dean. What kind of Dad does that to their son and he wondered why Dean did not want to be close to him? Grrrr!!
Eden Summers definitely is one author who is an auto-buy for me. Her first book I read, "Sneaking a Peek" had me jumping in a cold shower after I read it and "Concealed Desire" definitely had its moments as well.
If you are a fan of Eden Summers previous books you will definitely love "Concealed Desire".
I recommend this book to contemporary romance readers out there everywhere.
-The best part of the book was the ending with what Dean kept doing to Beth whenever he asked her something. (You'll have to read it to find out)-
February 6, 2013
Review posted at Hesperia Loves Books
Concealed Desire is my second read by Eden Summers and I have fallen in love with the refreshing new voice that she brings to the Contemporary Romance genre. Her stories are well-written with seamless transitions and amazing characters that I instantly connect with. Dean & Beth’s chemistry and passion ignite off the pages, leaving burn marks on my hands, craving a cigarette and in need of a cold shower.
Beth wants Dean, but not at the cost of her pride and dignity. She refuses to become the flavor of the week for him and I applaud her for that. She knows what she wants from a relationship and casual sex just isn’t it. She is strong, stands her ground and makes Dean prove that he wants more. However, I did struggle slightly with Beth, and the insecurities that wouldn’t allow her to believe, or trust, that Dean wanted more with her. I certainly understood them, given his past, but his actions clearly proved otherwise.
Dean is a player and he knows it, but he also knows that he’s tired of it. He wants more, but only if it’s with Beth. He tries, very valiantly, to prove to her that she is not just another conquest. His actions and words speak volumes, at least to me, about his willingness for a relationship. He wants this more than anything and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to prove it to her. I loved his tenacity and couldn’t help but cheer him on in his efforts to win Beth’s heart.
Concealed Desire is fun, sexy, full of humor, wit and amazing chemistry between the main characters, that kept me turning the pages. Well, I turned the page until I got to the shower scene and then I had to stop, wipe a little drool, and then re-read about a 100 times before I could continue! Seriously, I think there was steam on my e-reader from the hotness of that one scene alone.
Overall, this book is a fabulous read, and one that, I think should be read by everyone. It’s a quick and fast paced read that can easily be read in one sitting and definitely makes for a HOT night at home ;)
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Concealed Desire is my second read by Eden Summers and I have fallen in love with the refreshing new voice that she brings to the Contemporary Romance genre. Her stories are well-written with seamless transitions and amazing characters that I instantly connect with. Dean & Beth’s chemistry and passion ignite off the pages, leaving burn marks on my hands, craving a cigarette and in need of a cold shower.
Beth wants Dean, but not at the cost of her pride and dignity. She refuses to become the flavor of the week for him and I applaud her for that. She knows what she wants from a relationship and casual sex just isn’t it. She is strong, stands her ground and makes Dean prove that he wants more. However, I did struggle slightly with Beth, and the insecurities that wouldn’t allow her to believe, or trust, that Dean wanted more with her. I certainly understood them, given his past, but his actions clearly proved otherwise.
Dean is a player and he knows it, but he also knows that he’s tired of it. He wants more, but only if it’s with Beth. He tries, very valiantly, to prove to her that she is not just another conquest. His actions and words speak volumes, at least to me, about his willingness for a relationship. He wants this more than anything and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to prove it to her. I loved his tenacity and couldn’t help but cheer him on in his efforts to win Beth’s heart.
Concealed Desire is fun, sexy, full of humor, wit and amazing chemistry between the main characters, that kept me turning the pages. Well, I turned the page until I got to the shower scene and then I had to stop, wipe a little drool, and then re-read about a 100 times before I could continue! Seriously, I think there was steam on my e-reader from the hotness of that one scene alone.
Overall, this book is a fabulous read, and one that, I think should be read by everyone. It’s a quick and fast paced read that can easily be read in one sitting and definitely makes for a HOT night at home ;)
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 15, 2013
Read more of my reviews and ramblings at Ana's Attic Book Blog
4.5 Sexy Stars!
Eden Summers is an author from Australia who asked me to review her book, Concealed Desire. I had no idea what to expect at all was was so happy that it turned out to be a GREAT read! I loved this book! It was a quick, hot, happy romance that actually had a great HEA! No Cliffhanger!!!! YAY!
This book actually has almost everything I look for in a book. It has a totally hot alpha, romance, steamy sex, humor, sexy banter, a little angst, an HEA and a great epilogue. It took place in Melbourne, but it honestly could have been Melbourne FL...it didn't seem like it was written outside of the USA (damn, no kangaroos or koalas or anything). This is how I felt while reading it.
Beth is propositioned by her much, much older boss. Disgusted, since she had looked at him as a father figure, she doesn't know how to answer, and says she needs the weekend to think about it. She then proceeds to go down to the bar and drink herself silly. Complicating the issue more, is that it was the wrong Sutherland who propositioned her. She had had the hots for the boss's player son since a drunken kiss the previous year. But Beth is NOT a player, and casual sex isn't her thing. She doesn't want to get her heart involved and then get dropped like a hot potato. After getting a little too drunk, she is rescued. This time, by the right Sutherland boss, Dean, who takes her home, fighting the urge he has to take advantage of her drunken state. He's wanted her just as long as she him.
"Beth shamelessly stared at Dean the entire trip home....His tentage was damn impressive. The elevation alone could shelter a family of five"
He was a gentleman when she was drunk, though it took all the self control he had. But this time he wasn't going to let her go again, he waited until she was sober and went in for the kill. Lets just say. His tongue is talented.
"You what? You want my mouth back on your sweet pussy?" He raised his eyebrows. "You want me inside you? You want me to make you scream again?" um......yes please.
When Dean's father shows up at her house to reiterate his offer, Beth decides that Dean is using her, and pushes him away. But he stands firm, convincing her to spend the day with hime with one rule. No sex.
"Who was she kidding? She couldn't turn down more time with Dean. She already wanted to lick a trail from the muscular join of his hips--or cum-gutters....all the way up to his dark red nipples." (best expression ever!)
"She wasn't sure Captain Copulation could agree to a no-sex rule without his manhood shriveling away."
"Unless you plan on begging," she whispered with a curve to her lips.
"I'm not too proud to beg. For you."
But that didn't stop her from accompanying him home while he showered...and she watched. Holy hell, after reading that shower scene, I needed a cold shower myself!
Likes:
-Tons of funny little one liners and banter.
-Dean has a good alpha streak, especially in the bedroom.
-The story was told in both points of view (but in 3rd person).
-I smiled the whole time.
-I loved Dean!
-I wanted to punch Beth a little, and smack sense into Dean--all marks of a good story.
-It had everything I love in a book.
-Great epilogue.
-Use of expressions like "baloney pony" and "thrill drill".
Dislikes:
-Way too short for the price.
Rating: 4.5 stars, 4.5 Heat
I went into this knowing nothing about the author or the book, and I'm so happy I took a chance and read it! I never would have if the author had not contacted me. While this may not be the most memorable book for me, it was such a satisfying read from start to finish, despite it's length, that it is one I will re-read in the future. I highly recommend this one!
*Special note: In this book, Beth is given some advice by her best friend that I wish every stubborn heroine in every romance book could hear:
"Now I know you're hurting and I also know you have doubts. You aren't entirely convinced that he's done something unforgivable. You're just too hurt and insecure because of his reputation to get the facts."
Please visit my blog Ana's Attic Book Blog and like me on Facebook
4.5 Sexy Stars!
Eden Summers is an author from Australia who asked me to review her book, Concealed Desire. I had no idea what to expect at all was was so happy that it turned out to be a GREAT read! I loved this book! It was a quick, hot, happy romance that actually had a great HEA! No Cliffhanger!!!! YAY!
This book actually has almost everything I look for in a book. It has a totally hot alpha, romance, steamy sex, humor, sexy banter, a little angst, an HEA and a great epilogue. It took place in Melbourne, but it honestly could have been Melbourne FL...it didn't seem like it was written outside of the USA (damn, no kangaroos or koalas or anything). This is how I felt while reading it.
Beth is propositioned by her much, much older boss. Disgusted, since she had looked at him as a father figure, she doesn't know how to answer, and says she needs the weekend to think about it. She then proceeds to go down to the bar and drink herself silly. Complicating the issue more, is that it was the wrong Sutherland who propositioned her. She had had the hots for the boss's player son since a drunken kiss the previous year. But Beth is NOT a player, and casual sex isn't her thing. She doesn't want to get her heart involved and then get dropped like a hot potato. After getting a little too drunk, she is rescued. This time, by the right Sutherland boss, Dean, who takes her home, fighting the urge he has to take advantage of her drunken state. He's wanted her just as long as she him.
"Beth shamelessly stared at Dean the entire trip home....His tentage was damn impressive. The elevation alone could shelter a family of five"
He was a gentleman when she was drunk, though it took all the self control he had. But this time he wasn't going to let her go again, he waited until she was sober and went in for the kill. Lets just say. His tongue is talented.
"You what? You want my mouth back on your sweet pussy?" He raised his eyebrows. "You want me inside you? You want me to make you scream again?" um......yes please.
When Dean's father shows up at her house to reiterate his offer, Beth decides that Dean is using her, and pushes him away. But he stands firm, convincing her to spend the day with hime with one rule. No sex.
"Who was she kidding? She couldn't turn down more time with Dean. She already wanted to lick a trail from the muscular join of his hips--or cum-gutters....all the way up to his dark red nipples." (best expression ever!)
"She wasn't sure Captain Copulation could agree to a no-sex rule without his manhood shriveling away."
"Unless you plan on begging," she whispered with a curve to her lips.
"I'm not too proud to beg. For you."
But that didn't stop her from accompanying him home while he showered...and she watched. Holy hell, after reading that shower scene, I needed a cold shower myself!
Likes:
-Tons of funny little one liners and banter.
-Dean has a good alpha streak, especially in the bedroom.
-The story was told in both points of view (but in 3rd person).
-I smiled the whole time.
-I loved Dean!
-I wanted to punch Beth a little, and smack sense into Dean--all marks of a good story.
-It had everything I love in a book.
-Great epilogue.
-Use of expressions like "baloney pony" and "thrill drill".
Dislikes:
-Way too short for the price.
Rating: 4.5 stars, 4.5 Heat
I went into this knowing nothing about the author or the book, and I'm so happy I took a chance and read it! I never would have if the author had not contacted me. While this may not be the most memorable book for me, it was such a satisfying read from start to finish, despite it's length, that it is one I will re-read in the future. I highly recommend this one!
*Special note: In this book, Beth is given some advice by her best friend that I wish every stubborn heroine in every romance book could hear:
"Now I know you're hurting and I also know you have doubts. You aren't entirely convinced that he's done something unforgivable. You're just too hurt and insecure because of his reputation to get the facts."
Please visit my blog Ana's Attic Book Blog and like me on Facebook
June 14, 2013
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
Thanks to Evie at In Love with Romance for hooking me up with this book!! Go check out her site!
Ohhhh! I really loved this book! It looks like I gave it 4 stars but that's more like 4.5 stars. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was great! So much fun!! Two awesome characters, lots of laughs! Now, you know I don't like novellas and.... I think this might be a novella!?!? Its 147 pages and I still loved it! Can you believe it!?
Ok, enough of my gushing...let's get on with the review!
Let's start with Beth. Beth is the heroine of Concealed Desire and when we meet her, she has a HUGE problem. Her boss, a man old enough to be her father...her way older father, has just laid out a proposition for Beth to become his mistress! She's not really sure how to handle it. I mean, she's gonna say no, of course, but she doesn't want to burn any bridges or be rude. So she puts him off, takes off for the day and goes down to the pub to get wasted and forget her problems. Unfortunately, the boss's son joins her. It unfortunate because Beth is a little bit drunk and also because she's been attracted to him for a long time. And now, Beth is going to have a whole new set of problems! Obviously I won't tell you what they're going to be but I CAN tell you that Beth is pretty great. I didn't love the fact that she didn't immediately tell her old man boss to kiss her hiney before going to Human Resources to report sexual harassment. But I suppose I can see why she would want to display a little more tact than I would. She LOVES her job and she's friends with most of her co-workers so she doesn't want to ruin anything by angering the big boss. Other than that, I thought she was an excellent heroine. She's a little bit vulnerable, a little bit tough, a lot ballsy and very funny! And her reactions to the boss's son, Dean, were spot on! She's insanely attracted to him but he has the reputation of being a player (a well-deserved reputation) so she doesn't want to get involved with him buuuuuuut she REALLY wants him but she's knows she should resist the temptation and on and on. I mean, I SO get it! Have you ever been that tempted before? Oh I hope so! Some men are just so delicious AND dangerous! Well, danger to your panties anyways... LOL!! Now that I've hopefully shocked a laugh out of you, let's move on to the man in questions here!
Dean is the boss's son but he works hard and isn't a dick. Sure, he's a player but he always honest. The women he sleeps with know, going in, that it's only a one-night thing. But he's always had a soft spot for Beth. She seemed sweet and tough at the same time. And she's smart as hell. But he knows she won't go out with him and he knows that's probably for the best. But that day in the bar changes everything. He tries to be a gentleman and offers her a ride home but things... well, things get a little tricky... Dean is a great hero! So he's a player but it doesn't make you dislike him because he's so honest about it. I also love when a heroine can be an agent of change in the transformation of a bad boy. I'm not suggesting that all of us women want to go out and get us a man and immediately start trying to change him. But when you see that a guy like Dean is exactly what Beth needs, you WANT him to be the right guy for her. You want him to make these minor changes (or major changes) that will make her happy but that will also make HIM happy too. It's just that sometimes men take a little longer to catch on to these good ideas, right?? LOL! Besides, who doesn't want to "tame the wild beast", eh?
Overall, my first thought about this book is that it was fun and hilarious! I mean, the author knows exactly how to write sarcasm and have it be funny and NOT bitchy or rude. The humor and sarcasm made it feel very modern to me, as well. Some of the things that Beth is thinking... I was full on laughing out loud! When she references Dean's manly bits as a "thrill drill", I just about choked! Oh and speaking about what Beth was thinking... the author switches between Dean's point of view and Beth's point of view and it makes it so much easier to get to know the characters and makes it easier to like them both as well.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a quick read that is lots of fun, has lots of humor, plenty of Sexy Time and a totally happy ending!
Thanks to Evie at In Love with Romance for hooking me up with this book!! Go check out her site!
Ohhhh! I really loved this book! It looks like I gave it 4 stars but that's more like 4.5 stars. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was great! So much fun!! Two awesome characters, lots of laughs! Now, you know I don't like novellas and.... I think this might be a novella!?!? Its 147 pages and I still loved it! Can you believe it!?
Ok, enough of my gushing...let's get on with the review!
Let's start with Beth. Beth is the heroine of Concealed Desire and when we meet her, she has a HUGE problem. Her boss, a man old enough to be her father...her way older father, has just laid out a proposition for Beth to become his mistress! She's not really sure how to handle it. I mean, she's gonna say no, of course, but she doesn't want to burn any bridges or be rude. So she puts him off, takes off for the day and goes down to the pub to get wasted and forget her problems. Unfortunately, the boss's son joins her. It unfortunate because Beth is a little bit drunk and also because she's been attracted to him for a long time. And now, Beth is going to have a whole new set of problems! Obviously I won't tell you what they're going to be but I CAN tell you that Beth is pretty great. I didn't love the fact that she didn't immediately tell her old man boss to kiss her hiney before going to Human Resources to report sexual harassment. But I suppose I can see why she would want to display a little more tact than I would. She LOVES her job and she's friends with most of her co-workers so she doesn't want to ruin anything by angering the big boss. Other than that, I thought she was an excellent heroine. She's a little bit vulnerable, a little bit tough, a lot ballsy and very funny! And her reactions to the boss's son, Dean, were spot on! She's insanely attracted to him but he has the reputation of being a player (a well-deserved reputation) so she doesn't want to get involved with him buuuuuuut she REALLY wants him but she's knows she should resist the temptation and on and on. I mean, I SO get it! Have you ever been that tempted before? Oh I hope so! Some men are just so delicious AND dangerous! Well, danger to your panties anyways... LOL!! Now that I've hopefully shocked a laugh out of you, let's move on to the man in questions here!
Dean is the boss's son but he works hard and isn't a dick. Sure, he's a player but he always honest. The women he sleeps with know, going in, that it's only a one-night thing. But he's always had a soft spot for Beth. She seemed sweet and tough at the same time. And she's smart as hell. But he knows she won't go out with him and he knows that's probably for the best. But that day in the bar changes everything. He tries to be a gentleman and offers her a ride home but things... well, things get a little tricky... Dean is a great hero! So he's a player but it doesn't make you dislike him because he's so honest about it. I also love when a heroine can be an agent of change in the transformation of a bad boy. I'm not suggesting that all of us women want to go out and get us a man and immediately start trying to change him. But when you see that a guy like Dean is exactly what Beth needs, you WANT him to be the right guy for her. You want him to make these minor changes (or major changes) that will make her happy but that will also make HIM happy too. It's just that sometimes men take a little longer to catch on to these good ideas, right?? LOL! Besides, who doesn't want to "tame the wild beast", eh?
Overall, my first thought about this book is that it was fun and hilarious! I mean, the author knows exactly how to write sarcasm and have it be funny and NOT bitchy or rude. The humor and sarcasm made it feel very modern to me, as well. Some of the things that Beth is thinking... I was full on laughing out loud! When she references Dean's manly bits as a "thrill drill", I just about choked! Oh and speaking about what Beth was thinking... the author switches between Dean's point of view and Beth's point of view and it makes it so much easier to get to know the characters and makes it easier to like them both as well.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a quick read that is lots of fun, has lots of humor, plenty of Sexy Time and a totally happy ending!
February 1, 2013
BRILLIANT!!!! EXCELLENT!!!! FANTASTIC!!!! AWESOME!!!!
If I could give it ten stars I would (********** - There ten Stars)
That was one of the best stories I have ever read. Thank you Thank you Thank you Eden Summers for getting me out of my reading slump.
This story had everything romance, heat, passion, love, drama, humour, plot,excellent characters and some twists and turns here and there 100% Awesome.
I loved the Australian setting also being Australian myself its more relateable and realistic.
This was a real page turner I really could not get enough.This is the second Eden Summers stories I have read and I was entirely in love with "Sneaking A Peek" that I really could not wait for this one. Eden Summers has now made herself a huge fan that will automatically be buying anything she writes.
The characters are unique and interesting and not the typical leads you read alot about today. Beth is a beautiful female lead strong willed, high morals, sweet personality, and funny.
Sean is HOT!!! (I mean seriously I want a piece HOT!!) and sexy, cocky, a playboy but all round nice guy and the bosses son.
This was also Hilarious, in some parts I found myself lauging out loud and other parts clapping my hands excitedly.
I loved that they were secretly into each other for ages built up the tension nicely. They are one of those couples that you really want to be. The fact that they were friends first with some flirting here and there made their relationship more believeable.
Okay I have to mention the best sex/love/erotic scene I have EVER read the "SHOWER SCENE" yes if you have read it you completely know what I am talking about if you haven't what are you doing go get this book and read it!!! This scene was HOT!!! and so amazingly written I seriously needed to fan myself. This is one scene that every love scene I will ever read should have to be compared to. Sexy as hell!!!
Eden Summers has a unique voice one that tells a romance story to its absolute fullest it has everything you would ever want and never a question left unanswered. The story building is faultless, characters amazing and the love scenes entirely erotic and sensual. A definate WINNER!!!! This will definately be one of those that I will go back and re-read just to get a taste of AWESOME!!
The only thing is I just wish it didnt end.
If I could give it ten stars I would (********** - There ten Stars)
That was one of the best stories I have ever read. Thank you Thank you Thank you Eden Summers for getting me out of my reading slump.
This story had everything romance, heat, passion, love, drama, humour, plot,excellent characters and some twists and turns here and there 100% Awesome.
I loved the Australian setting also being Australian myself its more relateable and realistic.
This was a real page turner I really could not get enough.This is the second Eden Summers stories I have read and I was entirely in love with "Sneaking A Peek" that I really could not wait for this one. Eden Summers has now made herself a huge fan that will automatically be buying anything she writes.
The characters are unique and interesting and not the typical leads you read alot about today. Beth is a beautiful female lead strong willed, high morals, sweet personality, and funny.
Sean is HOT!!! (I mean seriously I want a piece HOT!!) and sexy, cocky, a playboy but all round nice guy and the bosses son.
This was also Hilarious, in some parts I found myself lauging out loud and other parts clapping my hands excitedly.
I loved that they were secretly into each other for ages built up the tension nicely. They are one of those couples that you really want to be. The fact that they were friends first with some flirting here and there made their relationship more believeable.
Okay I have to mention the best sex/love/erotic scene I have EVER read the "SHOWER SCENE" yes if you have read it you completely know what I am talking about if you haven't what are you doing go get this book and read it!!! This scene was HOT!!! and so amazingly written I seriously needed to fan myself. This is one scene that every love scene I will ever read should have to be compared to. Sexy as hell!!!
Eden Summers has a unique voice one that tells a romance story to its absolute fullest it has everything you would ever want and never a question left unanswered. The story building is faultless, characters amazing and the love scenes entirely erotic and sensual. A definate WINNER!!!! This will definately be one of those that I will go back and re-read just to get a taste of AWESOME!!
The only thing is I just wish it didnt end.
January 27, 2013
The story starts with Dean's father propositioning Beth to be his mistress. She asks for time to think about it so that she can come up with a way to reject his offer without losing her job. Once she leaves his office, she decides to leave work early and finds herself at the bar that's located at the base of the building. After a few shots she finds herself face to face with Dean, who decides to drive her home. In her drunken state she confesses her attraction to him and pretty soon he is devising a plan to show Beth how long he's wanted her. Only he has a lot of convincing to do considering how huge his reputation is for being a player.
I found this story highly entertaining. I actually read it in one sitting... literally. I plopped down on the couch to read a little bit of the book and before I knew it, I finished it and it was time to make dinner. It's not an overly long book but the author doesn't fill the story with senseless prattle or boring filler. She puts us right in the story and keeps us elbow deep in it until she finally releases us in the end. So it's hard not to connect with the characters and get wrapped up in their story. This is definitely a story that I could see myself rereading again.
Favorite quote...
"No doubt his laser vision seeped through to her cream lace bra. Maybe if she gawked at his zipper and the slight bulge in his pants continuously for the next half hour, he would realize the error of his ways. Scratch that. With the current sparkle in Mr. Pretty Boy's eyes, he would probably consider it a come-on, and she didn't have the focus to give him the verbal smack down he deserved."
I found this story highly entertaining. I actually read it in one sitting... literally. I plopped down on the couch to read a little bit of the book and before I knew it, I finished it and it was time to make dinner. It's not an overly long book but the author doesn't fill the story with senseless prattle or boring filler. She puts us right in the story and keeps us elbow deep in it until she finally releases us in the end. So it's hard not to connect with the characters and get wrapped up in their story. This is definitely a story that I could see myself rereading again.
Favorite quote...
"No doubt his laser vision seeped through to her cream lace bra. Maybe if she gawked at his zipper and the slight bulge in his pants continuously for the next half hour, he would realize the error of his ways. Scratch that. With the current sparkle in Mr. Pretty Boy's eyes, he would probably consider it a come-on, and she didn't have the focus to give him the verbal smack down he deserved."
February 22, 2013
Propositioned by her boss who is old enough to be her father, Beth Graison is flabbergasted by the impossible situation she finds herself in. Not only does she feel like she is teetering a delicate balance with trying to figure out a delicate way to say she is not interested, she has a crush on his son whose playboy ways with women have her wishing she was the type for a hook up, but she knows she is not.
Dean Sutherland has been biding his time with Beth, waiting for a sign from her to finally make a move. Of course Dean hasn’t been a saint along the way, but when he finds Beth drowning her sorrows and drunkenly confessing to a few things including how much she wants him, he knows the time has come. Although nowhere in his plans did he figure his father, who he holds with ill regard propositioning the woman he plans to spend his future with. All bets are off as Dean sets out to seduce Beth and prove to the skittish beauty how much he wants a relationship with her.
This is one of those books that you begin and can’t put down, I loved it. There is one part particularly that I just swooned with Dean when he makes his intentions clear to Beth, it was full of every emotion a romance should have. This is the first book I have read by Eden Summers and I am hooked, can’t wait to read more from this talented author.
Review posted on Musings From An Addicted Reader
http://musingsfromanaddictedreader.bl...
January 30, 2013
Posted on Under the Covers
CONCEALED DESIRE is my first read from Eden Summers and I was immediately drawn to the writing. Free-flowing and sensual, Summers has a way of creating an atmosphere that makes it easy to believe in the romance. Beth and Dean have a lot of chemistry and Summers definitely has fun with that. Her writing is infused with humor that I think makes this book very enjoyable. Sexy and fun is the way I would describe this book.
The one thing I had a problem with is the premise of the book where Dean’s father propositions Beth to be his mistress. It’s either that or she loses her job. Immediately I was on high alert and though I didn’t necessarily finding myself clicking with Jenna’s character, I could at least understand where her actions where coming from.
As a fairly short read, I found that I could easily read it in one sitting. Tightly-written with a bit of attitude, CONCEALED DESIRE definitely held my attention until the very last page. I look forward to reading more of Summers’s work.
*Review Copy provided by author
CONCEALED DESIRE is my first read from Eden Summers and I was immediately drawn to the writing. Free-flowing and sensual, Summers has a way of creating an atmosphere that makes it easy to believe in the romance. Beth and Dean have a lot of chemistry and Summers definitely has fun with that. Her writing is infused with humor that I think makes this book very enjoyable. Sexy and fun is the way I would describe this book.
The one thing I had a problem with is the premise of the book where Dean’s father propositions Beth to be his mistress. It’s either that or she loses her job. Immediately I was on high alert and though I didn’t necessarily finding myself clicking with Jenna’s character, I could at least understand where her actions where coming from.
As a fairly short read, I found that I could easily read it in one sitting. Tightly-written with a bit of attitude, CONCEALED DESIRE definitely held my attention until the very last page. I look forward to reading more of Summers’s work.
*Review Copy provided by author
February 3, 2013
Hot, Heartbreaking, Beautiful......
This is my first read from the amazing Eden Summers, and it was sexy, smart, and heartwarming. I read it in one night and I felt like it was all happening right in front of me. Let me say that the "shower scene" and the "elevator scene" was HOT! Good job on that one Eden for sure ;) Thank you for the wonderful story and I look forward to reading more from this incredibly talented author.
This is my first read from the amazing Eden Summers, and it was sexy, smart, and heartwarming. I read it in one night and I felt like it was all happening right in front of me. Let me say that the "shower scene" and the "elevator scene" was HOT! Good job on that one Eden for sure ;) Thank you for the wonderful story and I look forward to reading more from this incredibly talented author.
February 8, 2013
Eden Summers you have done it again, Concealed Desire is hot,it's sexy and oh my god there is one scene in the book where I thought I would need 10 cold showers!!! I adored the characters and didn't want to finish this book but alas it was over in about 4 hrs! I can not wait to read more from this fantastic Aussie author! 10 STARS!!!
January 17, 2013
lOVE THIS BOOK!
January 25, 2013
This was a cute, fun read. It's short so only takes a few hours to read. Definitely check it out!
January 27, 2013
Always love it when a bad guy goes good well they need to stay bad but I guess you should say tame nobody likes a Sissy boy type man I know I don't!!
March 11, 2013
Since her first day at work, Beth Graison has been in love with Dean Sutherland—the “Son” in Sutherland & Son. Although he’s an unrepentant player, there’s an unmistakable connection between them, and she knows he feels it too. But she’s not about to risk her career for any man, especially one with an office right down the hall whom she works with every day.
Dean Sutherland doesn’t do love, but he does do women. And he hasn’t felt more than sexual attraction for any woman until Beth. Entirely feminine, smart, and with a natural beauty beyond compare, she makes him think about all kinds of uncomfortable things—like a future and happiness—things he knows from experience are pure fiction.
When his father, the “Sutherland” in Sutherland & Son, propositions Beth to be more than just an employee, Dean can’t keep her at arm’s length any longer. But he doesn’t expect the scorching kiss they share, or the idea that forms when he holds her in his arms. Can he stop his father’s manipulating game by making the first move on Beth? Or will his reputation as a womanizer make him just one more Sutherland she wants to ignore?
My Review
Beth is adorable especially when she is driving Dean crazy. She is insanely stubborn, for example, she might have saved herself some heartache if she just would have listened. I kind of hated her, at first, because she just kept jumping to conclusions without having the facts. Then I realized that I would have jumped to the same conclusion if I didn't have Dean's side of the story. After that I loved her even when she was being crazy.
Dean in his past had a revolving door on his bedroom door and it makes his relationship difficult with Beth. I really liked him even thought he should have made his feeling known earlier. He doesn’t really think when he starts to argue with his father and that caused him to say hurtful thing. I also it was not very gentlemen like to put Beth in the middle of a family argument. It was very endearing to see him want to come to his sister’s aid after his horrible relationship with his father
This book made me laugh a lot, and it made me want to slug the "Father" in Sutherland & Sons. I loved Beth's best friend Angela because she gave the truth even when Beth didn't want to hear it. I thought Steve was just being a guy but I'm not the one saw the note. I did cheer on them on and wanted them to get it together. I also loved how Dean asked out Beth, it was so funny. I thought the shower scene was hot and sexy. I also loved the line about reading Sheikh romances you love so much.
It was a great read and very refreshing. It was very different from what I normally read and it made me like it even more. I suggest Concealed Desires to anyone looking to broaden your horizons. I will be reading more of Eden in the future.
~Special Thanks to Eden for the loan of this book in return for an honest review~
Dean Sutherland doesn’t do love, but he does do women. And he hasn’t felt more than sexual attraction for any woman until Beth. Entirely feminine, smart, and with a natural beauty beyond compare, she makes him think about all kinds of uncomfortable things—like a future and happiness—things he knows from experience are pure fiction.
When his father, the “Sutherland” in Sutherland & Son, propositions Beth to be more than just an employee, Dean can’t keep her at arm’s length any longer. But he doesn’t expect the scorching kiss they share, or the idea that forms when he holds her in his arms. Can he stop his father’s manipulating game by making the first move on Beth? Or will his reputation as a womanizer make him just one more Sutherland she wants to ignore?
My Review
Beth is adorable especially when she is driving Dean crazy. She is insanely stubborn, for example, she might have saved herself some heartache if she just would have listened. I kind of hated her, at first, because she just kept jumping to conclusions without having the facts. Then I realized that I would have jumped to the same conclusion if I didn't have Dean's side of the story. After that I loved her even when she was being crazy.
Dean in his past had a revolving door on his bedroom door and it makes his relationship difficult with Beth. I really liked him even thought he should have made his feeling known earlier. He doesn’t really think when he starts to argue with his father and that caused him to say hurtful thing. I also it was not very gentlemen like to put Beth in the middle of a family argument. It was very endearing to see him want to come to his sister’s aid after his horrible relationship with his father
This book made me laugh a lot, and it made me want to slug the "Father" in Sutherland & Sons. I loved Beth's best friend Angela because she gave the truth even when Beth didn't want to hear it. I thought Steve was just being a guy but I'm not the one saw the note. I did cheer on them on and wanted them to get it together. I also loved how Dean asked out Beth, it was so funny. I thought the shower scene was hot and sexy. I also loved the line about reading Sheikh romances you love so much.
It was a great read and very refreshing. It was very different from what I normally read and it made me like it even more. I suggest Concealed Desires to anyone looking to broaden your horizons. I will be reading more of Eden in the future.
~Special Thanks to Eden for the loan of this book in return for an honest review~
March 12, 2013
I recently read this book, Concealed Desire and I was completely blown away. I wasn’t sure what to expect, to be honest. What I got was a book full of anticipation, flirtation, imagination, miscommunication, and well, the torture of love – which I love! Eden’s writing is very good, in my opinion. It is not overly flowery or graphic, but very smooth flowing. Her ability to bring me into the story was fantastic, it was just a matter of a few words before I was sucked into Beth and Dean and their story.
Beth receives an indecent proposal of sorts from her boss which basically sends her running from the office. Her boss is 25 years her senior and the man is truly a monster of a man, a very real villain. And an asshole. Beth, however, is definitely a woman to pay attention to. She isn’t a damsel in distress, I envision her as young and independent. So when she takes off and finds herself in the bar throwing back shots, I can’t really say I blame her.
Enter Dean. Dean sees her take off and heads off after her and finds her well on her way to crocked. Right away I liked him. Tall, dark, and handsome with chocolate brown eyes! Oh, my dream man, for sure! Visually, he is perfection. His personality and reputation find him to be a bit of a player, so he definitely has that cocky persona where you don’t know if you want to kiss him or smack him, and I just love that in my male characters! However, when it comes to Beth, his depths are untapped. But it seems even true intentions have trouble overcoming bad timing for deal ol’ Dean.
This book also has something else I adore – switching point of views. Getting both sides to a story really just fleshes everything out for me. Eden does a fantastic job showing us how both of these two hardheads feels, and I loved every minute of it.
Let’s talk heat. Yay! This book had a few really good scenes. One sure way to make me swoon is a good shower scene – and this book packs a heck of a punch with it’s own. Hot, steamy, erotic and incredibly sexy – it hits every mark. And the rest of the scenes? They were definitely hot and sexy!
So yep, I’m definitely telling you all to read this book! Eden writes perfect drama, and she tortures the hell out of these two. And I know if you are like me, you love that! I don’t want some perfect and happy romance. I want my two main characters to have such passion that it burns them up – and these two have got it.
Beth receives an indecent proposal of sorts from her boss which basically sends her running from the office. Her boss is 25 years her senior and the man is truly a monster of a man, a very real villain. And an asshole. Beth, however, is definitely a woman to pay attention to. She isn’t a damsel in distress, I envision her as young and independent. So when she takes off and finds herself in the bar throwing back shots, I can’t really say I blame her.
Enter Dean. Dean sees her take off and heads off after her and finds her well on her way to crocked. Right away I liked him. Tall, dark, and handsome with chocolate brown eyes! Oh, my dream man, for sure! Visually, he is perfection. His personality and reputation find him to be a bit of a player, so he definitely has that cocky persona where you don’t know if you want to kiss him or smack him, and I just love that in my male characters! However, when it comes to Beth, his depths are untapped. But it seems even true intentions have trouble overcoming bad timing for deal ol’ Dean.
This book also has something else I adore – switching point of views. Getting both sides to a story really just fleshes everything out for me. Eden does a fantastic job showing us how both of these two hardheads feels, and I loved every minute of it.
Let’s talk heat. Yay! This book had a few really good scenes. One sure way to make me swoon is a good shower scene – and this book packs a heck of a punch with it’s own. Hot, steamy, erotic and incredibly sexy – it hits every mark. And the rest of the scenes? They were definitely hot and sexy!
So yep, I’m definitely telling you all to read this book! Eden writes perfect drama, and she tortures the hell out of these two. And I know if you are like me, you love that! I don’t want some perfect and happy romance. I want my two main characters to have such passion that it burns them up – and these two have got it.
February 18, 2013
See this Review & More @Insightful Minds Reviews
I have a serious love for Eden Summers. I have read all books she has out right now & I must say that I was in NO WAY disappointed with Concealed Desire. It seriously rocked me something hardcore & has made it to my shelf of “favorite reads.” She has a way of writing that draws you into the pages and you don’t want to put the book down until you are finished with it! I have spend many nights sitting up reading her books. Sometimes, more than once! Yeah – they are worth that kind of love! (: OH! & that cover! It’s pretty freaking eye-catching!
Beth is a the woman every woman aspires to be. Strong, level headed, headstrong and determined. Yet, she also has a heart. She knows what she wants & on the same hand knows what she doesn’t want and isn’t afraid to stand her ground. One thing she knows for sure is that she refuses to be just another notch in the bedpost of Dean Sutherland. She’s looking for love, the lasting relationship and someone to spend her life with. Unlike most heroines – she doesn’t just cave at the slightest touch or soft word spoken to her by Dean. She makes him prove himself. Prove that he wants her for more than just her looks and a quick fling.
Dean is your typical playboy. He’s handsome, knows it and uses it to his advantage. Finally finding the one woman he actually feels MORE for, he seems to have a hard time proving to her that he wants more. Then again, with a reputation like his – he didn’t think it would be the easiest thing to do. Throw in the fact that he has to beat someone else to the punch of all of this – he has one serious task on his hands! Don’t doubt him though! He pulls out all the stops and decide to go above and beyond – stopping at nothing to prove to Beth that he wants to be more to her than just a one night stand.
I love the fact that Eden Summers write such heartwarming, humorous, captivating stories! I literally get mad when the story is over because I don’t want to stop reading about the characters! Not to mention, just knows just the right amount of spice, hotness and straight up STEAM to add to her epic naughty parts! :) Yeah, I love me some steamy stories! This book is recommended for anyone who loves a love story, gets captivated by steam and has some time to be enthralled by a wonderful author!
I have a serious love for Eden Summers. I have read all books she has out right now & I must say that I was in NO WAY disappointed with Concealed Desire. It seriously rocked me something hardcore & has made it to my shelf of “favorite reads.” She has a way of writing that draws you into the pages and you don’t want to put the book down until you are finished with it! I have spend many nights sitting up reading her books. Sometimes, more than once! Yeah – they are worth that kind of love! (: OH! & that cover! It’s pretty freaking eye-catching!
Beth is a the woman every woman aspires to be. Strong, level headed, headstrong and determined. Yet, she also has a heart. She knows what she wants & on the same hand knows what she doesn’t want and isn’t afraid to stand her ground. One thing she knows for sure is that she refuses to be just another notch in the bedpost of Dean Sutherland. She’s looking for love, the lasting relationship and someone to spend her life with. Unlike most heroines – she doesn’t just cave at the slightest touch or soft word spoken to her by Dean. She makes him prove himself. Prove that he wants her for more than just her looks and a quick fling.
Dean is your typical playboy. He’s handsome, knows it and uses it to his advantage. Finally finding the one woman he actually feels MORE for, he seems to have a hard time proving to her that he wants more. Then again, with a reputation like his – he didn’t think it would be the easiest thing to do. Throw in the fact that he has to beat someone else to the punch of all of this – he has one serious task on his hands! Don’t doubt him though! He pulls out all the stops and decide to go above and beyond – stopping at nothing to prove to Beth that he wants to be more to her than just a one night stand.
I love the fact that Eden Summers write such heartwarming, humorous, captivating stories! I literally get mad when the story is over because I don’t want to stop reading about the characters! Not to mention, just knows just the right amount of spice, hotness and straight up STEAM to add to her epic naughty parts! :) Yeah, I love me some steamy stories! This book is recommended for anyone who loves a love story, gets captivated by steam and has some time to be enthralled by a wonderful author!
March 15, 2014
Reviewed by Karina
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Concealed Desire is a fast-paced, steamy, romantic love story. It’s not the usual guy meets girl and they fall in love. It is a story of a man who never commits and a woman who never trusts.
Beth has a very good position and work comfortably in a company called Sutherland and Son. But one day everything changes when her “older” boss propositions to have her as his mistress. (What the?!) Then there’s Dean, the “younger” boss of the company. Beth’s relationship with him is just a casual one. They treat each other as friends but there’s some spark between them that can’t be denied.
Dean is known to be a womanizer. He’s gorgeous and sexy and he knows it. He never had any serious relationship. But his attraction to Beth makes him think twice about his “no relationship” status. Beth likes, no, really, really likes Dean. But she’s afraid of trusting someone who’s known to be with different women all the time. Will she take the risk and get to know him?
I’ve been used to reading books with the main characters having the instalove. It’s good that with this book, you will find it a bit more close to what happens in reality.
What I like about the book is how the story flowed. You won’t get bored and you’ll finish the book in no time. One thing I noticed that’s a bit strained is the change of POVs. I really thought the book is just in Beth’s POV. Anyway, it’s good that I’ve got to know what’s in Dean’s mind. It really makes me glad when I read a guy’s POV. I also liked how the book ended but I think there’s no closure between Dean, Beth and Dean’s dad. I just hope some closure happened.
All in all, I had fun reading the book and I will gladly recommend it to those who’re into steamy romances.
Favorite Quote: “Think about it long and hard, because once you close the door completely you may never open it again.”
Book provided by the author for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Concealed Desire is a fast-paced, steamy, romantic love story. It’s not the usual guy meets girl and they fall in love. It is a story of a man who never commits and a woman who never trusts.
Beth has a very good position and work comfortably in a company called Sutherland and Son. But one day everything changes when her “older” boss propositions to have her as his mistress. (What the?!) Then there’s Dean, the “younger” boss of the company. Beth’s relationship with him is just a casual one. They treat each other as friends but there’s some spark between them that can’t be denied.
Dean is known to be a womanizer. He’s gorgeous and sexy and he knows it. He never had any serious relationship. But his attraction to Beth makes him think twice about his “no relationship” status. Beth likes, no, really, really likes Dean. But she’s afraid of trusting someone who’s known to be with different women all the time. Will she take the risk and get to know him?
I’ve been used to reading books with the main characters having the instalove. It’s good that with this book, you will find it a bit more close to what happens in reality.
What I like about the book is how the story flowed. You won’t get bored and you’ll finish the book in no time. One thing I noticed that’s a bit strained is the change of POVs. I really thought the book is just in Beth’s POV. Anyway, it’s good that I’ve got to know what’s in Dean’s mind. It really makes me glad when I read a guy’s POV. I also liked how the book ended but I think there’s no closure between Dean, Beth and Dean’s dad. I just hope some closure happened.
All in all, I had fun reading the book and I will gladly recommend it to those who’re into steamy romances.
Favorite Quote: “Think about it long and hard, because once you close the door completely you may never open it again.”
February 10, 2013
Eden Summers does a fantastic job writing the reformed bad boy and the sassy but vulnerable heroine in Concealed Desire.
Dean Sutherland shut down his heart after being hurt by women he thought loved him one to many times, Beth Graison has had the hots for Dean since she started working for him and his father. Beth isn't willing to risk a broken heart over a man who obviously is allergic to commitment when she wants it all, the picket fence, children and a dog.
Concealed Desire is a fast and funny read with characters you can connect with and enough heat to keep you warm on the coldest of nights. The shower scene alone is enough to let you turn down the thermostat. This is a great mixture of love and steam enough of both to make the book not just erotic but a great romance as well.
We meet several supporting characters that Ms. Summers could if she decided to use to write a series, I for one would like to see Beth's best friend Angela have her own story and maybe Steve as well. Just an idea for you Eden Summers ;O)
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Dean Sutherland shut down his heart after being hurt by women he thought loved him one to many times, Beth Graison has had the hots for Dean since she started working for him and his father. Beth isn't willing to risk a broken heart over a man who obviously is allergic to commitment when she wants it all, the picket fence, children and a dog.
Concealed Desire is a fast and funny read with characters you can connect with and enough heat to keep you warm on the coldest of nights. The shower scene alone is enough to let you turn down the thermostat. This is a great mixture of love and steam enough of both to make the book not just erotic but a great romance as well.
We meet several supporting characters that Ms. Summers could if she decided to use to write a series, I for one would like to see Beth's best friend Angela have her own story and maybe Steve as well. Just an idea for you Eden Summers ;O)
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2013
What a pleasant surprise! At first, I was a little confused by what was going on, but as soon, as Dean said "You're mine" I was ALL IN! Dean is hot. HOT HOT HOT! He can get it, and his character was likable from the get go (although I would have liked him to have put up a little bit more of a fight, but I guess a few consecutive phone calls are enough?)
What I found very interesting about this book is that you think you know the characters at first, then by the end, you end up knowing totally different people. (I did not like Beth at first, but was rooting for her in end).
Great story! Good old fashioned love story AND great characters!
What I found very interesting about this book is that you think you know the characters at first, then by the end, you end up knowing totally different people. (I did not like Beth at first, but was rooting for her in end).
Great story! Good old fashioned love story AND great characters!
March 1, 2013
Eden Summers pulled this book off perfectly. I was grinning from ear to ear and Dean’s tongue-in-cheek humor and bawling at the misconceptions Beth had because of her insecurities and the circumstances. It’s a rare book that will find you both wanting to laugh and cry. This is one of those rare gems. Ms. Summers brought a new refreshing book into the sometimes monotonous world of contemporary romance. Sometimes the same scenarios over and over get tiring and boring. This was a breath of fresh air.
See my full review here: http://wp.me/p3a6Qw-r
See my full review here: http://wp.me/p3a6Qw-r
February 1, 2013
I really liked concealed desires! Beth tended to frustrate me a bit. I was happy that she was able to admit to fault and apologize to dean.
DEAN...HHHOOOTTT!!!! I love it when the hero goes after what he wants and doesn't back down one bit!!!
Steamy sex, funny banter, and alpha male...YUMMY!
DEAN...HHHOOOTTT!!!! I love it when the hero goes after what he wants and doesn't back down one bit!!!
Steamy sex, funny banter, and alpha male...YUMMY!
October 1, 2016
An okay Australian love story where a woman works at a firm owned by a father and son. The father, very inappropriately, propositions the woman so the son, who has secretly yearned for her, decides to put his cards on the table. Lots of angst, some steam and a good ending.
November 10, 2020
Nice start then gets downright boring...like really, I don’t need to know the bedroom’s wall shade and each furniture...the end is worse ...sweet cheesy like ,sickly even ...
March 30, 2013
Beth is shocked when called into her boss's office on a Friday afternoon, and given a proposition for a new position. The position is not, however, work-related. It's a sexual proposition by the boss, an older gentleman who Beth had thought of as a mentor, but never as a sex partner. She asks for time to think about it over the weekend so that she doesn't say something that she will regret in the shock of the moment. She then leaves work early and heads to the bar in their building to drown her repulsion and give her strength to tell him no. The boss's son, Dean, finds her there and, after realizing how drunk she is, he escorts her home.
She makes a pass at him, since he's a gorgeous, sexy man with a playboy reputation and she's had the hots for him for quite a while. But he holds her off, telling her that he definitely wants her, but that he wants no regrets and is willing to wait until she's sober this time. It seems that she kissed him once before at an office party and then, because she was so embarrassed about it, she shied away from him for months. Now that he's back in her good graces he wants to stay that way. He spends the night on her couch and confronts her first thing the next morning, wooing her and finally getting into her bed, and not just to sleep.
On Monday, after a wonderful weekend, Beth arrives at work ready to tell the boss no, and ready to see Dean and hopefully build on their relationship. Unfortunately, she sees a note which makes her believe that Dean has told someone all about their weekend affair, and while recovering from that embarrassment, she's summoned to the boss's office where she's promptly fired. Apparently the boss doesn't want her to come between him and his son, now that he's decided to repair their relationship. Beth leaves the building in tears, runs into Dean in the lobby where she sees him talking to another woman, and allows that to add fuel to her fire of rage. This begins a chain-reaction of misunderstandings and heartbreak that dominates the rest of the story.
What I liked about this story is that it was fast paced, light, humorous, and was sweetly romantic once the misunderstandings were ironed out. What I didn't like was that it was fairly predictable - following the formula of girl and boy have hot sex, have misunderstandings that continue to pile up, have final confrontational meeting followed by forgiveness, and then a HEA.
I would recommend it to those who are looking for a nice beach read, or a light romance with a few highly erotic scenes and a sweet HEA.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
She makes a pass at him, since he's a gorgeous, sexy man with a playboy reputation and she's had the hots for him for quite a while. But he holds her off, telling her that he definitely wants her, but that he wants no regrets and is willing to wait until she's sober this time. It seems that she kissed him once before at an office party and then, because she was so embarrassed about it, she shied away from him for months. Now that he's back in her good graces he wants to stay that way. He spends the night on her couch and confronts her first thing the next morning, wooing her and finally getting into her bed, and not just to sleep.
On Monday, after a wonderful weekend, Beth arrives at work ready to tell the boss no, and ready to see Dean and hopefully build on their relationship. Unfortunately, she sees a note which makes her believe that Dean has told someone all about their weekend affair, and while recovering from that embarrassment, she's summoned to the boss's office where she's promptly fired. Apparently the boss doesn't want her to come between him and his son, now that he's decided to repair their relationship. Beth leaves the building in tears, runs into Dean in the lobby where she sees him talking to another woman, and allows that to add fuel to her fire of rage. This begins a chain-reaction of misunderstandings and heartbreak that dominates the rest of the story.
What I liked about this story is that it was fast paced, light, humorous, and was sweetly romantic once the misunderstandings were ironed out. What I didn't like was that it was fairly predictable - following the formula of girl and boy have hot sex, have misunderstandings that continue to pile up, have final confrontational meeting followed by forgiveness, and then a HEA.
I would recommend it to those who are looking for a nice beach read, or a light romance with a few highly erotic scenes and a sweet HEA.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
June 18, 2023
💼 Office romance
❤️🔥 Forbidden love
Beth is propositioned by the company CEO but it's the CEOs son (and her boss), Dean, that she really wants.
After hearing what his father has done, Dean decides enough is enough, his womanizing days are over and he's ready to take the leap and go all in with Beth.
Aaaand, that's basically the story. It's about 200 pages so it's a quick read, but I struggled to get through it and skim read the last third.
❤️🔥 Forbidden love
Beth is propositioned by the company CEO but it's the CEOs son (and her boss), Dean, that she really wants.
After hearing what his father has done, Dean decides enough is enough, his womanizing days are over and he's ready to take the leap and go all in with Beth.
Aaaand, that's basically the story. It's about 200 pages so it's a quick read, but I struggled to get through it and skim read the last third.
July 18, 2013
4.5 Stars
Concealed Desire is another great read by Eden Summers. This story is on the shorter side, but not abreviated in any way. The characters were enjoyable, the content was "real" and the sex was off the charts.
Beth Graison has a decision to make. Really? How on earth do you gracefully decline an offer to be your older (much older) boss's mistress? To make matters even more complicated, not that she would ever consider the proposition, she has fought a huge attraction to the boss's son since the day she met him.
"Could a man his age actually get it up without chemical intervention? Christ. She would need to scrub her brain with a toothbrush and bleach if she ever wanted her libido back."
She's decided to deal with her problem like any other woman would - by getting drunk off her butt. Of course, who is it that comes to her rescue and makes sure she makes it home safely? None other than Dean Sutherland, the boss's son.
Dean Sutherland has had a thing for Beth since he's met her. After one drunken kiss a year before she kept her distance from him and is just now starting to work her way back to their friendship. Fate must hate him. Here he is again with a drunk Beth and fighting his every instinct to make her his. This is especially hard considering she's begging for it, but he doesn't want to lose the ground they've gained. He has to find a way to convince Beth to give them a chance at a real relationship, overcome his womanizing reputation and deal with his very real issues with his father. The heat he feels and the way his heart beats faster when he is with Beth makes the risk worth it. Now, he just has to keep Beth from being hurt in the crossfire.
"I've wanted to be here for a long time. In your house. In your bed." His thumb caressed her bottom lip. "I can tell what you're thinking, and you're wrong; this isn't a mistake."
Thank you to Eden Summers for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
Concealed Desire is another great read by Eden Summers. This story is on the shorter side, but not abreviated in any way. The characters were enjoyable, the content was "real" and the sex was off the charts.
Beth Graison has a decision to make. Really? How on earth do you gracefully decline an offer to be your older (much older) boss's mistress? To make matters even more complicated, not that she would ever consider the proposition, she has fought a huge attraction to the boss's son since the day she met him.
"Could a man his age actually get it up without chemical intervention? Christ. She would need to scrub her brain with a toothbrush and bleach if she ever wanted her libido back."
She's decided to deal with her problem like any other woman would - by getting drunk off her butt. Of course, who is it that comes to her rescue and makes sure she makes it home safely? None other than Dean Sutherland, the boss's son.
Dean Sutherland has had a thing for Beth since he's met her. After one drunken kiss a year before she kept her distance from him and is just now starting to work her way back to their friendship. Fate must hate him. Here he is again with a drunk Beth and fighting his every instinct to make her his. This is especially hard considering she's begging for it, but he doesn't want to lose the ground they've gained. He has to find a way to convince Beth to give them a chance at a real relationship, overcome his womanizing reputation and deal with his very real issues with his father. The heat he feels and the way his heart beats faster when he is with Beth makes the risk worth it. Now, he just has to keep Beth from being hurt in the crossfire.
"I've wanted to be here for a long time. In your house. In your bed." His thumb caressed her bottom lip. "I can tell what you're thinking, and you're wrong; this isn't a mistake."
Thank you to Eden Summers for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can find this review and others at http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com and http://tinar1121.blogspot.com
September 24, 2013
Beth and Dean have been fighting there attraction for each other apart from one hot kiss. Dean thinks Beth is to good for him while Beth thinks he is a player who wont change and as much as she is attracted to him she doesn't do casual sex.
When Beth is propositioned to be more than just an employee to Dean's father, the “Sutherland” in Sutherland & Son, she is unsure how she is going to keep her job and let the boss down gently without showing her disgust over the offer.
When Dean finds out, he is furious and won't allow anyone have Beth, including his father.
During the book we get to see more then the player side of Dean and insight to how he thinks and feel and why he became a player.
There are alot of misundertandings between the characters that they need to sort out between them but was a great read wondering if these two would make it past misunderstandings to a better future or if they would keep them apart. The sex scenes were very steamy too.
When Beth is propositioned to be more than just an employee to Dean's father, the “Sutherland” in Sutherland & Son, she is unsure how she is going to keep her job and let the boss down gently without showing her disgust over the offer.
When Dean finds out, he is furious and won't allow anyone have Beth, including his father.
During the book we get to see more then the player side of Dean and insight to how he thinks and feel and why he became a player.
There are alot of misundertandings between the characters that they need to sort out between them but was a great read wondering if these two would make it past misunderstandings to a better future or if they would keep them apart. The sex scenes were very steamy too.
August 3, 2014
Beth Graison has fantasized about her boss since her first day at work. Really what hot blooded woman hasn't? He is smart, gorgeous and his kisses are all consuming. She knows. Thanks to one too many beers, one night a year ago. The end. Right? Not so much... Dean hasn't wanted anyone in a long time. Not the way he wants Beth. Only now he learns dear old dad wants her too. Can you hear a hell to the no? Beth and Dean share a connection and he'll be damned to let it go before they explore it. Beth and Dean's story is sexy, funny and filled with enough angst and family drama to deliver the happy ending the reader craves. Eden Summers sassy writing is captivating from the start and keeps readers enraptured to the very last page.
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