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All's fair in love when Manipulating a Master...
Five years ago, businessman Lucien Masters made a deal with his grandfather to save his sisters’ inheritances that required he marry by his thirtieth birthday. Ten days before the deadline and his fiancée in the wind, Luc scrambles to find a replacement bride. Fortunately, the solution to his problem is sitting right across the office and struggling with a few issues of her own.
Elise Hamilton has more on her plate than she can handle. Temporarily assigned as Lucien's assistant, she's overworked, over-stimulated, and overwhelmed especially when her brother informs her the tax police are ready to slap the cuffs on their mother.
Fate intervenes in the form of a lightning bolt and induces Elise to accept Luc's last minute proposal, but if he thinks she'll fall headlong into his arms just because of an ‘I do’, he has another thing coming.
Five years ago, businessman Lucien Masters made a deal with his grandfather to save his sisters’ inheritances that required he marry by his thirtieth birthday. Ten days before the deadline and his fiancée in the wind, Luc scrambles to find a replacement bride. Fortunately, the solution to his problem is sitting right across the office and struggling with a few issues of her own.
Elise Hamilton has more on her plate than she can handle. Temporarily assigned as Lucien's assistant, she's overworked, over-stimulated, and overwhelmed especially when her brother informs her the tax police are ready to slap the cuffs on their mother.
Fate intervenes in the form of a lightning bolt and induces Elise to accept Luc's last minute proposal, but if he thinks she'll fall headlong into his arms just because of an ‘I do’, he has another thing coming.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2013
19 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Elijana Kindel
4 books57 followersElijana Kindel is an indie romance author and head writer elf at EK, Ink who specializes in hot mess (train wrecks waiting to happen) Happily Ever Afters. She lives in the 'burbs of Nashville, TN and does not own a pair of cowboy boots.
For more, check out her website: elijanakindel.com
For more, check out her website: elijanakindel.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 16, 2014
Favorite quote =
What was it you called me? Hell’s overlord who wields his lucky pen like it’s… what was that last part?”
Enough! Elise’s tolerance disappeared in a sulfurous cloud of smoke. “Hell’s overlord who wields his lucky pen like it’s his staff of masculinity,” she ground out, then lowered her head and furiously pounded on the laptop’s keyboard.
Luc laughed and the hairs at the nape of her neck prickled. “Staff of masculinity. How could I have forgotten that? You could have just said—”
Her cheeks burned red hot. “I made that up before I knew you liked to beat your lucky pen against the desk.”
He turned in his seat and smiled the smile that never failed to raise her body temperature a hundred degrees. “And it was that particular phrase which made your habit of sucking on pen caps all the more bearable.” She glared at him and his smile widened. “Don’t make me get up and come near your desk, Lucien Masters.” “Getting up and coming near my desk are the least of my worries,” he replied in a husky, Southern rumble.
What was it you called me? Hell’s overlord who wields his lucky pen like it’s… what was that last part?”
Enough! Elise’s tolerance disappeared in a sulfurous cloud of smoke. “Hell’s overlord who wields his lucky pen like it’s his staff of masculinity,” she ground out, then lowered her head and furiously pounded on the laptop’s keyboard.
Luc laughed and the hairs at the nape of her neck prickled. “Staff of masculinity. How could I have forgotten that? You could have just said—”
Her cheeks burned red hot. “I made that up before I knew you liked to beat your lucky pen against the desk.”
He turned in his seat and smiled the smile that never failed to raise her body temperature a hundred degrees. “And it was that particular phrase which made your habit of sucking on pen caps all the more bearable.” She glared at him and his smile widened. “Don’t make me get up and come near your desk, Lucien Masters.” “Getting up and coming near my desk are the least of my worries,” he replied in a husky, Southern rumble.
June 12, 2013
By: Elijana Kindel
Published By E. K.
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:
"Lucien" by Elijana Kindel was a enjoyable contemporary romantic read. I found this read a quick cute engaging story of the boss who get his assistant. With the hero having a grandfather that said you must marry by the age of thirty or the sister will loss the family inheritance. Lucien knew he had do to do something fast. He only had ten days until his birthday.
Why would Elise want to enter into this type of marriage? What was going on with her mother's problem with the tax police? Would this work for her? This is where I say you must pick up "Lucien" to see how this author will bring this out to the reader. Will fate intervene and induce Elise to accept Luc's last minute proposal? Be ready for a smooth read with both the hero and heroine having some good interactions going on in the office. The characters were very well developed and captivating keeping you turning the pages until the end. In the end you will be given a good funny and hot romantic read.
Would I recommend? YES!
January 17, 2013
Early on the book wasn't the greatest, but it was intriguing. Further into the book, it didn't get too much better but didn't suck either.
And, this is just my own issue, but the consistent use of unusual names - Aphrodite, Apollo, Benajah, and Raven. And then, names so close I got confused when they were all in a room together - Lucien, Lucas, Lucy, etc.
Some of the smexy scenes were good, the book was decently written, and I liked the dynamic between the hero and heroine.
Overall, it was okay and is really a 2.5 rating.
And, this is just my own issue, but the consistent use of unusual names - Aphrodite, Apollo, Benajah, and Raven. And then, names so close I got confused when they were all in a room together - Lucien, Lucas, Lucy, etc.
Some of the smexy scenes were good, the book was decently written, and I liked the dynamic between the hero and heroine.
Overall, it was okay and is really a 2.5 rating.
July 12, 2014
What a bizarre and completely unsatisfying ending.
February 25, 2013
I loved it! Obviously, this is a romance novel so Lucien was the absolute perfect hero ever! But I can't believe he never told her about the broodmare clause! I mean, I got why it wasn't necessary anymore, but still... he should tell her the whole truth if he was gonna be the most perfect hero ever. I totally fell in love with him -- and oh. my. god. don't even get me started on how amazing the dialogue was! So much sexual tension and innuendo! But, I have to admit, I was confused about whether or not this was slightly paranormal or in the fantasy realm what with the 'Gaia' goddess and Moonbeam and Raven and Ben's real name. Once I figured out that no, it's just that Elise's parents are really weird it was all good for me. Loved the sex scenes -- hot without being explicit even though it was explicit. That probably makes no sense. But just read it; you won't regret it. Definitely a feel-good book. :D
May 1, 2015
Lucien Master is the sexy boss on temporary assignment to help Elise Hamilton's firm. She is assigned as his personal assistant. A phone call from her brother, Raven about their mother, Moonbeam, a spell from the gods, a fried computer leads to dinner and a proposal now that he has been dumped. The story was full of quirky characters, as sisters, parents, grandfather and even friends to make the love story full of passion and fun as Lucien figures out all about keeping a romantic wife happy. It is a fun romantic story, like the fairy tale romance Elise wants in her marriage and a fun one to read, as Lucien learns when he is manipulated by a master.
September 19, 2015
just finished reading this and i have to say i was really enjoying the book. i thought it was funny and entertaining ( \love southern books) the only thing i have to say that is bad about it is the way it ended no epilogue no hint that there is going to be another book and no way that lucien had told elise about the other clause in the will, its like he took the cowards way out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2013
Make me laugh out loud! This book was funny and a little sexy, not hard core sex scenes but just a few milder ones but the books concept and characters make it! I will follow this author as I have read her previous release! Great book!
Joanne
Joanne
January 27, 2013
What a great funny hot story. I'm such a bookworm but I love when I can read a book and cannot put it down. What's hate is waiting for the second book.... I loved it!
September 17, 2013
Fun, happy book..... Makes you believe that fairy tales can come true
September 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! Can not wait for the next, it left it too open for my fast reading! LOL. So excited!!!!
September 13, 2013
Very good book. Funny in all the right places. Bummed with the ending but hoping there will be another to follow. I would love to hear more about this secret he is withholding. Recommend reading.
Read
March 28, 2017I just did not catch to this. I lost interest too early and did too much skimming to review it in all honesty.
September 9, 2020
I like the plot and the main characters, but the history...well, it was poorly written. It starts and ends abruptly. There were a lot of holes in the history. We didn't get to see the wedding, the affair between the mother and grandfather, Elise telling about the pregnancy, Luc meeting Elise's father....Also, we didn't get to know that Ben likes Luc sister until the end of the book (it was confusing how abruptly is was introduced into the history). The relationship between Luc and his mother and sisters wasn't properly developed and all the deal with his grandfather....I could understand what was so important about that, mainly because the author choose not to write Luc telling Elise about the deal.
Honestly, I didn’t saw what the history was all about, because we didn't get to see Luc and Elise falling in love or how was their marriage live. I think that when you write a book, you really must pay attention to all the little details that makes the story connect itself.
Honestly, I didn’t saw what the history was all about, because we didn't get to see Luc and Elise falling in love or how was their marriage live. I think that when you write a book, you really must pay attention to all the little details that makes the story connect itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2013
I found this book through a giveaway the author was having on her website. She posted an excerpt, and it sounded great. Like the classic "bodice ripper" romances that I used to read before they started getting more explicit.
I immediately had to read it.
The book was a very quick read, I think I got it done in a day or two max. The characters were fun, their interactions fun and heated. The chemistry between the two was very hot as well.
In most books, there's a villain or an obstacle the couple must overcome. I spent most of the book wondering when that would happen. It never happened. The book was just one long tease and romance and then an abrupt ending. The author had a good set-up for an obstacle, but before the obstacle could even rear it's head, the author dismisses is and leaves it as an ending hanging in mid-air.
The other problem I had with the book is that in most novels, there's the "happily ever after" ending. I like them. But this book was all happily ever after. The heroine had a problem, but immediately got out of the problem, and got the man of her dreams in the first 50 pages.
I kept thinking, why does she get everything? Why does she get bailed out AND the hunk falls for her? It just bothered me.
If you want teasing, this is a great book. If you want light-hearted, this is definitely that. But as for a book and relationship of substance, it was lacking.
I immediately had to read it.
The book was a very quick read, I think I got it done in a day or two max. The characters were fun, their interactions fun and heated. The chemistry between the two was very hot as well.
In most books, there's a villain or an obstacle the couple must overcome. I spent most of the book wondering when that would happen. It never happened. The book was just one long tease and romance and then an abrupt ending. The author had a good set-up for an obstacle, but before the obstacle could even rear it's head, the author dismisses is and leaves it as an ending hanging in mid-air.
The other problem I had with the book is that in most novels, there's the "happily ever after" ending. I like them. But this book was all happily ever after. The heroine had a problem, but immediately got out of the problem, and got the man of her dreams in the first 50 pages.
I kept thinking, why does she get everything? Why does she get bailed out AND the hunk falls for her? It just bothered me.
If you want teasing, this is a great book. If you want light-hearted, this is definitely that. But as for a book and relationship of substance, it was lacking.
February 4, 2014
Office romance with a ridiculous condition laid down on the only grandson; he must marry before his thirtieth birthday or forfeit his family's inheritance.
Business guy, Lucien Masters has ten days to get a wife and his temp personal assistant (for the past six months of office eye sex) has her family money problems so they work it out by him getting married while she gets the money she needs to bail out her mother's tax issues while he can fulfill his grandfather's crazy idea. Lucien's actual birthday seems to be completely forgotten by the author because of the wedding perhaps, but it would have been fun to have a birthday party episode.
Elise Hamilton is a smart girl, she is blessed with an awesome older brother Raven and family that loves her in a bizarre distant way but with the help of her brother she has become an awesome woman so of course the smart Lucien snaps her up when his terrible (mother picked) fiance catches them in an awkward position and storms off (but not before canceling their engagement!).
So they get married and have some office mystery adventures (including missing funds, some extra-large cocktail dresses, chaps, a black leather couch and some lube which made me laugh).
Well written, plotted out romance which was pretty clean and only after marriage sexy time.
165 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
Business guy, Lucien Masters has ten days to get a wife and his temp personal assistant (for the past six months of office eye sex) has her family money problems so they work it out by him getting married while she gets the money she needs to bail out her mother's tax issues while he can fulfill his grandfather's crazy idea. Lucien's actual birthday seems to be completely forgotten by the author because of the wedding perhaps, but it would have been fun to have a birthday party episode.
Elise Hamilton is a smart girl, she is blessed with an awesome older brother Raven and family that loves her in a bizarre distant way but with the help of her brother she has become an awesome woman so of course the smart Lucien snaps her up when his terrible (mother picked) fiance catches them in an awkward position and storms off (but not before canceling their engagement!).
So they get married and have some office mystery adventures (including missing funds, some extra-large cocktail dresses, chaps, a black leather couch and some lube which made me laugh).
Well written, plotted out romance which was pretty clean and only after marriage sexy time.
165 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
November 25, 2013
quite a short tale.
Lucien made a deal with his grandfather to be married by the time he was 30. Ten days before his birthday and his fiancée does a runner. He isn't too bothered, as it wasn't a happy engagement, but he does find himself in a bind!
Elise finds herself in a bind, and needs a huge amount of money to keep her mother out of jail for unpaid taxes.
Not a particularly taxing read, the plot is fairly predictable, although there is a second part to the deal Luc made, that doesn't become known til midway through.
some sex, but not explicit enough for me to class as over 18. no violence.
for a freebie, not bad
Lucien made a deal with his grandfather to be married by the time he was 30. Ten days before his birthday and his fiancée does a runner. He isn't too bothered, as it wasn't a happy engagement, but he does find himself in a bind!
Elise finds herself in a bind, and needs a huge amount of money to keep her mother out of jail for unpaid taxes.
Not a particularly taxing read, the plot is fairly predictable, although there is a second part to the deal Luc made, that doesn't become known til midway through.
some sex, but not explicit enough for me to class as over 18. no violence.
for a freebie, not bad
April 12, 2013
I enjoyed Lucien and his persistence to win over Elise; there were some parts I kind of struggled to get through. This book had potential but.....
it went flat line half way!
it went flat line half way!
September 8, 2013
This book had so many holes I wouldn't even know how to start. The ending was enough to make you want to throw your ereader at the wall. Was it a cliffhanger? was it just a bad rushed ending? Hell I dont know. Nothing is explained and there was not enough information on any characters to really get a feel for them. Why even 2 stars you ask? 1 the sex was written pretty well and the plot was interesting. If only it had been unfolded better.
March 31, 2016
It wasn't bad but the ending (what ending???) completely ruined it for me.
There was absolutely no resolution which made the whole book quite comical. Who were these people? We didn't get a chance to see how they'd react to conflict. Coupled with the abrupt ending and I am grateful it was only a short book!
There was absolutely no resolution which made the whole book quite comical. Who were these people? We didn't get a chance to see how they'd react to conflict. Coupled with the abrupt ending and I am grateful it was only a short book!
September 12, 2013
This book was really enjoyable up until the end, there was no climax and a really abrupt ending, so much so that I thought the author note was put in there by accident and there was more after it! I don't think I've ever felt so shafted after reading a book and it's a shame because it could have been sooooooo much better.
September 25, 2013
Have always loved workplace romances. Blend that with a marriage of convenience plot point and I'm there. This story was alright, but it didn't capture my interest fully. I couldn't connect with the heroine and the ending was weird and a bit rushed. I wasn't the worst book, but I was hoping for more.
February 24, 2013
It wasn't enough to keep me completely interested. It ended at a time where it ticked me off, more than anything. Now I have to wait for the second novel to come out, when the first novel ends in a cliff hanger and not a very good one. ugh.
February 25, 2014
I was really liking it but the end was so abrubt I was like... Huh? What just happened? I hated that sudden ending because it left everything up in the air but not in a "cloffhanger" kind of way just in a ... Thats it.. Kind of way
January 21, 2013
I truly enjoy this short story, how he was so infatuated with her that he fell in love with her. Simple and very cute. Adore Lucien and Ben.
January 21, 2013
The ending was kind of abrupt. Other than that, nice read.
May 18, 2013
I give it a 3.75
June 22, 2013
it was rather lackluster.
September 8, 2013
A little too graphic sex for my tastes, especially without a warning. Didn't like the abrupt ending????? It didn't even say that there would be a book 2. I'm confused with the ending.
September 9, 2013
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews