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Ransom Burke, the handsome, wealthy, gay CEO of Burke, Burke, and Hammett, has implemented a strict no-fraternization rule for his firm. And with good reason—his father's profligate ways almost destroyed the family company. Ransom’s new policy works well until he comes into the office one day and sees Parrish Rutledge, his new executive secretary. Ransom finds Parrish extremely attractive but fights his feelings. If he takes Parrish as a lover, he'll have to fire him.
Parrish has been alone since he was sixteen, having been tossed out by his older brother. He dreams of his boss but knows nothing can ever come of it. Then an office party becomes their undoing and they give in to their passion. As expected, Ransom offers Parrish a choice: stay and ignore what happened or leave the job and return to college. Neither option is even remotely appealing. If only Parrish could persuade Ransom there's a third possibility….
Parrish has been alone since he was sixteen, having been tossed out by his older brother. He dreams of his boss but knows nothing can ever come of it. Then an office party becomes their undoing and they give in to their passion. As expected, Ransom offers Parrish a choice: stay and ignore what happened or leave the job and return to college. Neither option is even remotely appealing. If only Parrish could persuade Ransom there's a third possibility….
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2013
11 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 17, 2013
Pre-ordered, my valentine to myself! :)
Parrish is working for Ransom, and lusting after Ransom, but the company has a very strictly enforced no fraternization regulations. Ransom and Parrish have been hurt in the past and have issues with their family.Both of them seem to attract cheaters.
It was a short sweet story, a bit of a Cinderfella that left a bit of a 'kept man' feeling with me, not that I have an issue with that necessarily, but I would have liked it more if Parrish hadn't just gone along with how Ransom wanted to bind him to him. I just missed their relationship building! I know they worked together for months, but that was all professional and they wetre only together for a few days and separated for the rest of the time and yet, a house, and the contract? I wished for a bit more time with them together and seeing the reason they were attracted and falling in love. It was also amazing how much these men blushed. :D
But it was sweet and easy and will probably appeal to a lot of readers.
Parrish is working for Ransom, and lusting after Ransom, but the company has a very strictly enforced no fraternization regulations. Ransom and Parrish have been hurt in the past and have issues with their family.Both of them seem to attract cheaters.
It was a short sweet story, a bit of a Cinderfella that left a bit of a 'kept man' feeling with me, not that I have an issue with that necessarily, but I would have liked it more if Parrish hadn't just gone along with how Ransom wanted to bind him to him. I just missed their relationship building! I know they worked together for months, but that was all professional and they wetre only together for a few days and separated for the rest of the time and yet, a house, and the contract? I wished for a bit more time with them together and seeing the reason they were attracted and falling in love. It was also amazing how much these men blushed. :D
But it was sweet and easy and will probably appeal to a lot of readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2013
This started out so perfect for me. I had an instant report with both MC. My heart went out to poor Parish. I loved how they interacted and sighed over their first coming together.
But the last little bit kinda lost my interest.
I still loved this book, but the beginning was the main attraction for me.
But the last little bit kinda lost my interest.
I still loved this book, but the beginning was the main attraction for me.
February 15, 2013
2.75
Super cheesy but I really liked Parrish. Lots of loose ends though that I would have liked to see tied up. If you're looking for something that's uber sweet this might be a read for you. It was a bit too much in places for me but I did like the MC's and the first half was stronger than the last half.
Super cheesy but I really liked Parrish. Lots of loose ends though that I would have liked to see tied up. If you're looking for something that's uber sweet this might be a read for you. It was a bit too much in places for me but I did like the MC's and the first half was stronger than the last half.
February 15, 2013
Sweet, sappy and just my thing. Tinnean is an author I love. I have loved the Spy Vs. Spook series since I started reading it, and now this is another of her stories that gets 5 stars. I loved the characters and although I was a tiny bit skeptical in the beginning, this book made me fall in love and hum happily while I was reading it.
One thing I loved about Ransom more than almost anything was he was big into monogamy. He would dump you like a hot potato for a kiss, even if it was just a kiss. That is something I fell in love with him for. It made me hopeful for no cheating, and I got it in return. The second reason I loved him was he treated Parrish like a king. I was uncomfortable in the beginning with Ransom buying Parrish so much. But I just melted, especially in the end. That scene was perfect.
Parrish, I felt sorry for him for a lot of reasons. But, I also admired him. He wanted to work, he wanted to be treated as an equal and in turn he found the love of his life. I was so happy for him when Ransom planned his little surprise. I laughed so hard when he was in Felicia's house. Oh God, the humor in that scene. I'm surprised I wasn't taken away in a straight jacket. Not too many men want to watch the birth of twins.
The way the secondary characters were tied into the scene made me love this book even more. Some of the book wouldn't have been the same without Felicia, Philip or Alex. I really loved the smaller parts they played in the story.
Highly recommend this to all fans of a little sappy romance. This book made me very happy. I'm still smiling typing this review.
One thing I loved about Ransom more than almost anything was he was big into monogamy. He would dump you like a hot potato for a kiss, even if it was just a kiss. That is something I fell in love with him for. It made me hopeful for no cheating, and I got it in return. The second reason I loved him was he treated Parrish like a king. I was uncomfortable in the beginning with Ransom buying Parrish so much. But I just melted, especially in the end. That scene was perfect.
Parrish, I felt sorry for him for a lot of reasons. But, I also admired him. He wanted to work, he wanted to be treated as an equal and in turn he found the love of his life. I was so happy for him when Ransom planned his little surprise. I laughed so hard when he was in Felicia's house. Oh God, the humor in that scene. I'm surprised I wasn't taken away in a straight jacket. Not too many men want to watch the birth of twins.
The way the secondary characters were tied into the scene made me love this book even more. Some of the book wouldn't have been the same without Felicia, Philip or Alex. I really loved the smaller parts they played in the story.
Highly recommend this to all fans of a little sappy romance. This book made me very happy. I'm still smiling typing this review.
February 14, 2013
Ransom and Parrish are from opposite ends of the spectrum. Ransom is CEO of his company and is from a much more privileged society whereas Parrish has had to practically raise himself because of unfortunate circumstances in his life, but they have one thing in common - both have been badly burned by lovers on Valentines day and have been left hurting because of it. Ransom has a unbreakable law concerning his business and love life, he's emphatic that he will never date any employee so after his partner lets him down badly, starts dating a stream of guys who remind him of his ex lover but who never last much longer than a month or so and who all get the push via bunch of white roses tipped with 24 carat gold ( love that touch! ). Through a series of events Parrish ends up working for Ransom and is attracted to him straight away but puts it to one side as he needs the job and realises nothing good could come from pursuing it. The problem is Ransom doesn't factor meeting Parrish into this self appointed restriction, so when he does, is thrown into confusion - so from then on it becomes a will they / won't they romance that I really enjoyed. This take on a boss/ employee romance is different than the norm because in Tinnean style it has a quirkiness about it that I personally love in my Books. Parrish is a sweetheart and Ransom is suitably obtuse enough to give the story its required misunderstandings and conflict, but not in an over angsty way, so you still get that satisfying romantic feel that these sort of romances should have. Again some nice supporting characters who act as the voice of reason at the eye rolling moments ( all romances have those or they're just boring! ) helping our two guys to get to their satisfying HEA! Another addition to my Tinnean collection that I'm growing very fond of. :)
March 2, 2013
2.5-3.
Not at bad book, competently written. This may just be a personal thing, but nothing kills a romance for me more than turning it into a business transaction, and that is what this felt like. He made him sign a freakin contract. It all felt like high end prostitution to me, and that just ruined anything sweet or sexy and never allowed the relationship to progress naturally. I ended up disliking both characters because of this, one for suggesting it and the Parrish for tolerating it and not just deciding to make it on his own. There was just the "I own you" feeling throughout and it kinda makes my skin crawl...
If you don't mind that dynamic though, the book is very well written.
Not at bad book, competently written. This may just be a personal thing, but nothing kills a romance for me more than turning it into a business transaction, and that is what this felt like. He made him sign a freakin contract. It all felt like high end prostitution to me, and that just ruined anything sweet or sexy and never allowed the relationship to progress naturally. I ended up disliking both characters because of this, one for suggesting it and the Parrish for tolerating it and not just deciding to make it on his own. There was just the "I own you" feeling throughout and it kinda makes my skin crawl...
If you don't mind that dynamic though, the book is very well written.
February 21, 2013
2.5 stars
Ransom is the CEO of his family's company. He's had bad luck in relationships. Every one has ended because of infidelity or whatever reason. He's dead set on monogamy which was a huge plus for me. He has a strict no fraternization policy at his company because of something his father did in the past... something that almost destroyed the company. Parrish has been alone since his brother threw him out when he was sixteen because he is gay. He lived two years in a foster home. Now it's a few years later and he's the new assistant for Ransom Burke at Burke, Burke and Hammett. Parrish is attracted to Ransom but the no fraternization policy put in place by Ransom himself keeps Parrish at a distance. One night and a little bit of alcohol changes that. Apparently Ransom is just as attracted to Parrish as Parrish is to him.
This started out as a really good book but then it seemed like everything just started happening so fast. I never felt the relationship between Ransom and Parrish. They spend very little actual physical time together. At the end, that kind of changes but for me it wasn't enough to see them as an actual couple.
Valentine's Day has major significance for both men... and not in a good way.
The main thing that bugged me (other than what's mentioned in the below spoiler) is one of my biggest pet peeves: the constant use of exclamation points. That drives me nuts. This is almost every single paragraph in the book. I have stopped reading books because of this. In this case I kept going because this book was recommended to me by a Goodreads friend.
Overall, the story was okay for the most part. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more had the two main characters spent more time together. I'm not sure though because of what is mentioned below and those damn exclamation points. :)
Ransom is the CEO of his family's company. He's had bad luck in relationships. Every one has ended because of infidelity or whatever reason. He's dead set on monogamy which was a huge plus for me. He has a strict no fraternization policy at his company because of something his father did in the past... something that almost destroyed the company. Parrish has been alone since his brother threw him out when he was sixteen because he is gay. He lived two years in a foster home. Now it's a few years later and he's the new assistant for Ransom Burke at Burke, Burke and Hammett. Parrish is attracted to Ransom but the no fraternization policy put in place by Ransom himself keeps Parrish at a distance. One night and a little bit of alcohol changes that. Apparently Ransom is just as attracted to Parrish as Parrish is to him.
This started out as a really good book but then it seemed like everything just started happening so fast. I never felt the relationship between Ransom and Parrish. They spend very little actual physical time together. At the end, that kind of changes but for me it wasn't enough to see them as an actual couple.
Valentine's Day has major significance for both men... and not in a good way.
The main thing that bugged me (other than what's mentioned in the below spoiler) is one of my biggest pet peeves: the constant use of exclamation points. That drives me nuts. This is almost every single paragraph in the book. I have stopped reading books because of this. In this case I kept going because this book was recommended to me by a Goodreads friend.
Overall, the story was okay for the most part. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more had the two main characters spent more time together. I'm not sure though because of what is mentioned below and those damn exclamation points. :)
February 11, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Ransom has two strict rules, one: no relationships between co-workers and two: any lover will be monogamous. Ransom has kept to his own rules but has been tempted in the past year by Parrish, his new executive secretary, having been burned by love in the past Ransom is wary to trust again. Parrish has had a crush on his boss for a while, but he never imagined he would ever get the opportunity to prove his worth outside the office, he can only hope this Valentine’s Day will be different from the last several.
This is a great story of two men who have both been burned by love, doing what it takes to protect their hearts while getting what they want. Ransom dumps his lovers the second they break his rule, there are no second chances, and he has no tolerance for cheaters. He also refuses to entertain the idea of fraternising between co-workers, when he first notices Parrish he ignores his attraction until Parrish makes a drunken pass, then he lays down the options to Parrish. As far as Parrish is concerned there is only one real option for him, he will take what Ransom offers just so he can be with him. Falling for the boss might be stupid, but as far as Parrish is concerned it wasn’t a choice, now he will enjoy their time together because he is sure that somewhere in his future will be gold tipped white roses.
Parrish is an adorable character who, even though he has been dealt a bad hand, still believes in love and happiness; he makes the best of everything and just hopes he won’t be alone for Valentine’s Day. Ransom keeps hoping that his next lover will be the one, but he always manages to attract the wrong men, he hates Valentine’s Day, but can’t stop searching for love. Together they make a great partnership, but they both go about it in the wrong way, Ransom trying to ease the way and Parrish accepting anything.
I must admit Parrish and Ransom are well suited and I wish they could have spent more page time together, they get separated after only a short time together and although they speak on the phone, it is hard to imagine them deepening their connection that way. We don’t get any sex although it is inferred to in abundance, and I was really impressed with how they came across as passionate with just a few well described scenes.
I will recommend this to those who love discovering love stories, great characters, a good storyline and a very happy ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Ransom has two strict rules, one: no relationships between co-workers and two: any lover will be monogamous. Ransom has kept to his own rules but has been tempted in the past year by Parrish, his new executive secretary, having been burned by love in the past Ransom is wary to trust again. Parrish has had a crush on his boss for a while, but he never imagined he would ever get the opportunity to prove his worth outside the office, he can only hope this Valentine’s Day will be different from the last several.
This is a great story of two men who have both been burned by love, doing what it takes to protect their hearts while getting what they want. Ransom dumps his lovers the second they break his rule, there are no second chances, and he has no tolerance for cheaters. He also refuses to entertain the idea of fraternising between co-workers, when he first notices Parrish he ignores his attraction until Parrish makes a drunken pass, then he lays down the options to Parrish. As far as Parrish is concerned there is only one real option for him, he will take what Ransom offers just so he can be with him. Falling for the boss might be stupid, but as far as Parrish is concerned it wasn’t a choice, now he will enjoy their time together because he is sure that somewhere in his future will be gold tipped white roses.
Parrish is an adorable character who, even though he has been dealt a bad hand, still believes in love and happiness; he makes the best of everything and just hopes he won’t be alone for Valentine’s Day. Ransom keeps hoping that his next lover will be the one, but he always manages to attract the wrong men, he hates Valentine’s Day, but can’t stop searching for love. Together they make a great partnership, but they both go about it in the wrong way, Ransom trying to ease the way and Parrish accepting anything.
I must admit Parrish and Ransom are well suited and I wish they could have spent more page time together, they get separated after only a short time together and although they speak on the phone, it is hard to imagine them deepening their connection that way. We don’t get any sex although it is inferred to in abundance, and I was really impressed with how they came across as passionate with just a few well described scenes.
I will recommend this to those who love discovering love stories, great characters, a good storyline and a very happy ending.
May 13, 2013
The thing I love about books that the blurb made this book sound like is the slow build-up of attraction between characters who for whatever reason have convinced themselves they can't have a relationship. I think that the moment when the attraction builds to the point that they can no longer resist it can be fantastically hot and it's what convinces me to continue giving books like this a shot.
I was horribly disappointed by this one. Not only is there not a slow build-up of attraction, but there wasn't really ANY sort of build-up at all. The two MC's barely even SPOKE to one another
What pushed me over the edge into DNF'ing this one, though, was
Yeah, so I gave up. No emotion, characters I didn't care enough about to even be concerned whether they ended up together or not, just nothing to keep me interested in reading.
I was horribly disappointed by this one. Not only is there not a slow build-up of attraction, but there wasn't really ANY sort of build-up at all. The two MC's barely even SPOKE to one another
What pushed me over the edge into DNF'ing this one, though, was
Yeah, so I gave up. No emotion, characters I didn't care enough about to even be concerned whether they ended up together or not, just nothing to keep me interested in reading.
February 17, 2013
3.67 stars
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January 24, 2023A pleasant read that did not fully live up to my expectations.
The first half of this book had lots of potential but did not follow through. The characters started out interestingly enough and the idea of both men being hurt on Valentine's Day was good, with this day appearing again at the end (although a bit predictable). However some elements seemed a bit irrelevant to the story (such as all the details about Ransom's dad's health issues) and I would have preferred to see Ransom and Parrish spend more time together.
When I felt this weakened both characters as I lost some respect for them for making such an arrangement.
The first half of this book had lots of potential but did not follow through. The characters started out interestingly enough and the idea of both men being hurt on Valentine's Day was good, with this day appearing again at the end (although a bit predictable). However some elements seemed a bit irrelevant to the story (such as all the details about Ransom's dad's health issues) and I would have preferred to see Ransom and Parrish spend more time together.
When I felt this weakened both characters as I lost some respect for them for making such an arrangement.
October 30, 2013
I like it. A lot. But I just finish it and I'm sort of disappointed of how inconclusive the end was.
Probably is my mood now.. I'm more for a story with a end, all facts explained. It didn't happened reading this book.
I like the arrogant rich man... Ran
I adored the sweet and funny secretary...Parrish.
I love them as a couple, in the first half of the book, after it was good, but not perfect as before.
Certainly I will read a sequel if there will be one... Because I love them so much, I want more and want to read their full story, not just glimpse of it as in this book.
3 stars
Probably is my mood now.. I'm more for a story with a end, all facts explained. It didn't happened reading this book.
I like the arrogant rich man... Ran
I adored the sweet and funny secretary...Parrish.
I love them as a couple, in the first half of the book, after it was good, but not perfect as before.
Certainly I will read a sequel if there will be one... Because I love them so much, I want more and want to read their full story, not just glimpse of it as in this book.
3 stars
April 18, 2017
I loved other books by this author but this book did not grab me sorry. MAybe it's the mood I am in?
February 15, 2013
3.5 stars
As much as I enjoyed this book, I couldn't seem to really connect with the M.C's,, I did to some extent with Parrish, but Ransom didn't start to appeal to me until near the end.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I couldn't seem to really connect with the M.C's,, I did to some extent with Parrish, but Ransom didn't start to appeal to me until near the end.
February 25, 2013
I really loved this book. It was such a sweet romance and no angst, which I loved even more. Sometimes, you just need a nice, sweet romance to lift your mood.
September 2, 2018
parish had grown to recognized that Valentine’s Day was always quiet lonesome. His brother threw him out when he learned he was gay. He worked as a secretary for the most gorgeous BOS.
I have to say I actually loved this story and plan to find all others written by Tinnean I am not a good writer but trust me I’m a good reader and I couldn’t put the book down loved it.
I have to say I actually loved this story and plan to find all others written by Tinnean I am not a good writer but trust me I’m a good reader and I couldn’t put the book down loved it.
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May 14, 2019DNF.
This is the second book by this author that I can’t finish l o l.
What I managed to read dint impress me at all. It was all over the place and read like a 3rd rate fanfic than an actual book.
The romance? Can’t relate, dint feel it.
This is the second book by this author that I can’t finish l o l.
What I managed to read dint impress me at all. It was all over the place and read like a 3rd rate fanfic than an actual book.
The romance? Can’t relate, dint feel it.
September 3, 2025
This is one of my favorite authors. Her Spy VS Spook I still read after all these years. The story sweet along with being both sad and happy. Parrish was such a precious character and Ran needed to find him to heal the hurt. Recommend reading this book.
March 28, 2017
Reading this in 2017 and Chapter 8 has a The Apprentice Donald Trump reference. Oh, the good ol' days.
This has non-MC POV in it. I am not a fan. My other complaint is with gender stereotype baby clothing purchases. .. it's an m/m romance, can we get rid of the stereotypes?
So, i liked the first part. The last 40% stunk. The stuff with Ran's family is STUPID. Maybe this should have been a short story. I skimmed the last 25%. 2.5 stars.
This has non-MC POV in it. I am not a fan. My other complaint is with gender stereotype baby clothing purchases. .. it's an m/m romance, can we get rid of the stereotypes?
So, i liked the first part. The last 40% stunk. The stuff with Ran's family is STUPID. Maybe this should have been a short story. I skimmed the last 25%. 2.5 stars.
February 26, 2013
I enjoyed this book. I’m a little surprised by some of the reviews I have read about it. If I hadn’t already been a fan of Tinnean’s Spook series I may have skipped this. Thankfully I didn’t. This was a lovely romance. The story revolves around the couple and how they found their way to each other. Not a lot of angst or action but I don’t think every book I read needs that. Some stories are beautiful in their simplicity.
This book starts off with both MCs getting their hearts broken on Valentine’s Day. It’s a little sad but you know good things are about to happen. It’s a romance damn it! Anyway, after Parrish gets his heart broken his financial situation goes south and he has to drop out before his senior year at college. This means getting a job and ends up working as a temp for Ransom as the secretary to his secretary. Ransom is gorgeous, kind and rich. So he should have no problem replacing his bastard ex-lover who dumped him after six years to marry a woman. He starts new relationships on a more practical basis, making his lovers promise monogamy and in exchange he treats them well and he’s generous. So he’s keeping his heart out of it but not being unkind. Each time the relationship ends he has three dozen gold tipped white roses with a break up note. Parrish, sends them actually. He’s a bit enamored with his new boss but he knows Ransom’s rule about no dating between coworkers. So, he just admires him from afar while watching him go through these meaningless relationships. He doesn’t judge Parrish but he knows he deserves better. Ransom likes Parrish. Maybe a little too much. After somebody spikes the punch at the New Years party, Parrish gets the courage to profess his attraction to Ransom who can’t resist anymore. Parrish can’t work for the company if he wants Ransom but that’s a big risk knowing how often Ransom goes through men. Parrish wants Ransom’s heart but is that something he’s willing to give again.
I think this was a good love story. The characters were very likable and I was cheering for the MCs to get together. I liked them together. There were a few sappy moments and no real surprises but I was right there with the guys so those things didn’t bother me. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a straightforward romance where the only conflict is basically the men themselves.
Reviewed can also be found at http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
This book starts off with both MCs getting their hearts broken on Valentine’s Day. It’s a little sad but you know good things are about to happen. It’s a romance damn it! Anyway, after Parrish gets his heart broken his financial situation goes south and he has to drop out before his senior year at college. This means getting a job and ends up working as a temp for Ransom as the secretary to his secretary. Ransom is gorgeous, kind and rich. So he should have no problem replacing his bastard ex-lover who dumped him after six years to marry a woman. He starts new relationships on a more practical basis, making his lovers promise monogamy and in exchange he treats them well and he’s generous. So he’s keeping his heart out of it but not being unkind. Each time the relationship ends he has three dozen gold tipped white roses with a break up note. Parrish, sends them actually. He’s a bit enamored with his new boss but he knows Ransom’s rule about no dating between coworkers. So, he just admires him from afar while watching him go through these meaningless relationships. He doesn’t judge Parrish but he knows he deserves better. Ransom likes Parrish. Maybe a little too much. After somebody spikes the punch at the New Years party, Parrish gets the courage to profess his attraction to Ransom who can’t resist anymore. Parrish can’t work for the company if he wants Ransom but that’s a big risk knowing how often Ransom goes through men. Parrish wants Ransom’s heart but is that something he’s willing to give again.
I think this was a good love story. The characters were very likable and I was cheering for the MCs to get together. I liked them together. There were a few sappy moments and no real surprises but I was right there with the guys so those things didn’t bother me. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a straightforward romance where the only conflict is basically the men themselves.
Reviewed can also be found at http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
April 17, 2013
4 Stars
I enjoyed this book. I’m a little surprised by some of the reviews I have read about it. If I hadn’t already been a fan of Tinnean’s Spook series I may have skipped this. Thankfully I didn’t. This was a lovely romance. The story revolves around the couple and how they found their way to each other. Not a lot of angst or action but I don’t think every book I read needs that. Some stories are beautiful in their simplicity.
This book starts off with both MCs getting their hearts broken on Valentine’s Day. It’s a little sad but you know good things are about to happen. It’s a romance damn it! Anyway, after Parrish gets his heart broken his financial situation goes south and he has to drop out before his senior year at college. This means getting a job and ends up working as a temp for Ransom as the secretary to his secretary. Ransom is gorgeous, kind and rich. So he should have no problem replacing his bastard ex-lover who dumped him after six years to marry a woman. He starts new relationships on a more practical basis, making his lovers promise monogamy and in exchange he treats them well and he’s generous. So he’s keeping his heart out of it but not being unkind. Each time the relationship ends he has three dozen gold tipped white roses with a break up note. Parrish, sends them actually. He’s a bit enamored with his new boss but he knows Ransom’s rule about no dating between coworkers. So, he just admires him from afar while watching him go through these meaningless relationships. He doesn’t judge Parrish but he knows he deserves better. Ransom likes Parrish. Maybe a little too much. After somebody spikes the punch at the New Years party, Parrish gets the courage to profess his attraction to Ransom who can’t resist anymore. Parrish can’t work for the company if he wants Ransom but that’s a big risk knowing how often Ransom goes through men. Parrish wants Ransom’s heart but is that something he’s willing to give again.
The rest of Whit's review can be found at
Live Your Life, Buy The Book
I enjoyed this book. I’m a little surprised by some of the reviews I have read about it. If I hadn’t already been a fan of Tinnean’s Spook series I may have skipped this. Thankfully I didn’t. This was a lovely romance. The story revolves around the couple and how they found their way to each other. Not a lot of angst or action but I don’t think every book I read needs that. Some stories are beautiful in their simplicity.
This book starts off with both MCs getting their hearts broken on Valentine’s Day. It’s a little sad but you know good things are about to happen. It’s a romance damn it! Anyway, after Parrish gets his heart broken his financial situation goes south and he has to drop out before his senior year at college. This means getting a job and ends up working as a temp for Ransom as the secretary to his secretary. Ransom is gorgeous, kind and rich. So he should have no problem replacing his bastard ex-lover who dumped him after six years to marry a woman. He starts new relationships on a more practical basis, making his lovers promise monogamy and in exchange he treats them well and he’s generous. So he’s keeping his heart out of it but not being unkind. Each time the relationship ends he has three dozen gold tipped white roses with a break up note. Parrish, sends them actually. He’s a bit enamored with his new boss but he knows Ransom’s rule about no dating between coworkers. So, he just admires him from afar while watching him go through these meaningless relationships. He doesn’t judge Parrish but he knows he deserves better. Ransom likes Parrish. Maybe a little too much. After somebody spikes the punch at the New Years party, Parrish gets the courage to profess his attraction to Ransom who can’t resist anymore. Parrish can’t work for the company if he wants Ransom but that’s a big risk knowing how often Ransom goes through men. Parrish wants Ransom’s heart but is that something he’s willing to give again.
The rest of Whit's review can be found at
Live Your Life, Buy The Book
February 16, 2013
"The Best" is a classic love story. You need to put aside a little bit of reality when you read this story, and let yourself fall into the wonderfully developing relationship between Ransom and Parrish. The love that these two characters feel for each other is clearly palpable. There are no X rated love scenes in this wonderful little book; instead, this love story allows you to imagine the throes of passion that exist between the two main characters. (It's sort of like a 1950s movie when a couple would kiss and then the camera pans away, and the next scene is of the two lovers having breakfast the next morning. Everyone knows what went on during the night, but there is no need to go into excruciating detail.).
This is a very quick read, and it is perfect Valentine's gift to yourself as a reminder of the true meaning of love. Four out of five stars for me on this one.
This is a very quick read, and it is perfect Valentine's gift to yourself as a reminder of the true meaning of love. Four out of five stars for me on this one.
March 4, 2013
The deliberate amount of exclamation marks used, both in the characters' speeches and in the narrative, made the reading very jarring. Moreover, how the scenes frequently jumps from one to another disconnected one at a different location and characters also made the reading somewhat awkward.
The characters were okay, even if they annoyed me with how much exclamation marks they used. However, the plot was very lacking, the story was just flat without anything interesting happening at all. The main protagonists hardly spent any time together outside of their work (we were not given much detail on how they interacted with each other in this period of their relationship). Throughout the book, they spent a grand total of three days as a couple.
Overall, the book just made me feel that I've wasted my time reading it for nothing.
The characters were okay, even if they annoyed me with how much exclamation marks they used. However, the plot was very lacking, the story was just flat without anything interesting happening at all. The main protagonists hardly spent any time together outside of their work (we were not given much detail on how they interacted with each other in this period of their relationship). Throughout the book, they spent a grand total of three days as a couple.
Overall, the book just made me feel that I've wasted my time reading it for nothing.
March 18, 2013
Contemporary M/M office romance for two men that want a deep monogamous relationship, but have been wasting their time with philandering guys until they meet each other at work.
Ransom Burke is a rich handsome gay CEO of Burke, Burke, and Hammett, his family's business that he saved from the brink of disaster from the foolish actions of his father. Ransom has never really been in love, people dated him for his money and influence. Parrish Rutledge has been working as Ran's new executive secretary while his usual secretary is out of maternity leave. Parrish is young, early twenty-something young. He has not been love by anyone in his life, but his mother who had died when he was a child. So two good people come together.
Cute M/M romance story, heavy on the romance and light with the sexy scenes.
197 pages and All Romance purchase $4.99
3 stars
Ransom Burke is a rich handsome gay CEO of Burke, Burke, and Hammett, his family's business that he saved from the brink of disaster from the foolish actions of his father. Ransom has never really been in love, people dated him for his money and influence. Parrish Rutledge has been working as Ran's new executive secretary while his usual secretary is out of maternity leave. Parrish is young, early twenty-something young. He has not been love by anyone in his life, but his mother who had died when he was a child. So two good people come together.
Cute M/M romance story, heavy on the romance and light with the sexy scenes.
197 pages and All Romance purchase $4.99
3 stars
June 16, 2013
I really like Tinnean's writing style, but this story I didn't like at all. It was going pretty well till the moment the two main characters got together
So yeah, stopped at page 82 and don't think I'll ever get in the mood to finish it. It's not my type of book at all.
So yeah, stopped at page 82 and don't think I'll ever get in the mood to finish it. It's not my type of book at all.
April 30, 2014
It's not everyday I stumble across a book and simply devour it without synopsis or thought.
Ran and Parrish's book had been on my iPad for a complete year, but I must have kept overlooking it for the authors I know. This is my first Tinnean. Her newest book lead to this and I am grateful.
Ran and Parrish both had been unlucky in life, always going above and beyond for faithfulness.
It was only when Parrish started working for Ran that things took a nosedive and eventually led to HEA.
I enjoyed Ran's brother Alex's input in this story and Ran's staunch belief that he was above love.
Five stars no matter what anyone says. I am gonna revisit this book.
Ran and Parrish's book had been on my iPad for a complete year, but I must have kept overlooking it for the authors I know. This is my first Tinnean. Her newest book lead to this and I am grateful.
Ran and Parrish both had been unlucky in life, always going above and beyond for faithfulness.
It was only when Parrish started working for Ran that things took a nosedive and eventually led to HEA.
I enjoyed Ran's brother Alex's input in this story and Ran's staunch belief that he was above love.
Five stars no matter what anyone says. I am gonna revisit this book.
February 22, 2013
It wasn't that it was bad, but the kept man aspect of it made me very uncomfortable, and although this isn't something I would normally complain about, it felt like rather than the author not writing the sex scenes, they were just cut out. The dialogue didn't really make sense after since I didn't know what had gone on during. Essentially, not one of the best boss/assistant relationships ever written, but holds some promise that it doesn't follow through on.
February 27, 2013
I want to state something that has bothered me for some time to all the female writers of gay male romances: gay men do not refer to their partners as lovers! That term hasn't been used since 1978! Oh, and gay men also have sex in the missionary position, not just doggy style! (although the latter complaint does not refer to this story since there is no on-page sex, which was a nice change.). Thanks!
February 17, 2013
i like it. but i think i expected something else. i couldn't connect with main characters or believe in their connection because they weren't together. and i don't mean together "together". But together as in same city. and the idea of a kept man isn't my favourite topic in books.
February 16, 2013
4 stars. Thought this was just sweet and loved the beginning. Would of liked a bit more time with the couple...well, as a couple. They were only together for two days or so before Ran gets called off for a family emergency, so I really wanted to read more of them being together.
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