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Workplace Encounters #6
The Model
When successful fashion model Fabio Bonardi discovers his first wrinkle, he knows it’s time to move on to Plan B. He is tired of the loneliness and drama of the modeling world, so he enlists shy financial advisor, Edwin Zachary, to help him start a business. Edwin is the first man who sees something beyond a pretty face in Fabio, and the connection between them is immediate and surprisingly deep. But insecurity, fear of rejection, and the fact they live on opposite sides of the country make pursuing a relationship challenging. Before they can figure out the details, a mysterious stalker tries to drive them apart. Then Fabio disappears after a photo shoot, and both men face an unexpected battle for the lasting relationship they both so desperately want.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2011
85 people want to read
About the author
Serena Yates
104 books769 followersI’m a night owl and start writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back.
Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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September 24, 2015Rereleased today, on 23 September 2015, The Model is published by Dreamspinner Press.
It is the story of successful fashion model Fabio Bonardi after he discovers his first wrinkle. He is tired of the loneliness and drama of the modeling world after ten years, so he enlists shy financial advisor, Edwin Zachary, to help him start a business. Edwin is the first man who sees something beyond a pretty face in Fabio, and the connection between them is immediate and surprisingly deep. But insecurity, fear of rejection, and the fact that they live on opposite sides of the country make pursuing a relationship challenging. Before they can figure out the details, a mysterious stalker tries to drive them apart. Then Fabio disappears after a photo shoot, and both men face an unexpected battle for the lasting relationship they both so desperately want.
Workplace Encounters is inspired by men meeting at work - but definitely staying away from the so-called office romance. This series looks at all types of workplace, even the occasional office may play a role, but the 'romance part' is guaranteed not to take place there.
Upcoming books in this series include a NEW story, The Plumber, in October.
I hope you enjoy Fabio and Edwin's story!
Serena
P.S.: For people who bought the first edition: I have added some scenes and details, but the story remains essentially the same.
It is the story of successful fashion model Fabio Bonardi after he discovers his first wrinkle. He is tired of the loneliness and drama of the modeling world after ten years, so he enlists shy financial advisor, Edwin Zachary, to help him start a business. Edwin is the first man who sees something beyond a pretty face in Fabio, and the connection between them is immediate and surprisingly deep. But insecurity, fear of rejection, and the fact that they live on opposite sides of the country make pursuing a relationship challenging. Before they can figure out the details, a mysterious stalker tries to drive them apart. Then Fabio disappears after a photo shoot, and both men face an unexpected battle for the lasting relationship they both so desperately want.
Workplace Encounters is inspired by men meeting at work - but definitely staying away from the so-called office romance. This series looks at all types of workplace, even the occasional office may play a role, but the 'romance part' is guaranteed not to take place there.
Upcoming books in this series include a NEW story, The Plumber, in October.
I hope you enjoy Fabio and Edwin's story!
Serena
P.S.: For people who bought the first edition: I have added some scenes and details, but the story remains essentially the same.
January 23, 2013
Okay, first off, the dude's name is Fabio. Secondly, he's worried about getting old at 28? (Or is that just a model thing?)
I'm sorry, but this entire thing...I don't think I can take it seriously. (Oh, woe is me. I haz wrinkle *sob).
Man, I really want some shrimp cocktail like you wouldn't believe...
Oh, and the other dude's name is Edwin.
And then, awwwww Fabio cares about what's inside.
Jussayin, but the cover's kind of weird. I kind of pictured Fabio more...buff and stuff.
Oooor I'm just projecting images of another Fabio:
And yes, there just had to be a crazy stalker of sorts, huh?
*shrug. Some people might like the whole melodramatic w/e, but this shoved at my suspense of disbelief a little too much. In very annoying ways.
I'm sorry, but this entire thing...I don't think I can take it seriously. (Oh, woe is me. I haz wrinkle *sob).
Man, I really want some shrimp cocktail like you wouldn't believe...
Oh, and the other dude's name is Edwin.
And then, awwwww Fabio cares about what's inside.
Jussayin, but the cover's kind of weird. I kind of pictured Fabio more...buff and stuff.
Oooor I'm just projecting images of another Fabio:
And yes, there just had to be a crazy stalker of sorts, huh?
*shrug. Some people might like the whole melodramatic w/e, but this shoved at my suspense of disbelief a little too much. In very annoying ways.
September 28, 2015
It's been said that love is blind, but I disagree. I believe that love's vision is the clearest of all. Since love sees with the heart, it has access to a person's true essence, sometimes beyond what one can see in themselves. Love gently shines a light on these qualities and allows them to grow into a full-fledged joining of the minds, as well as the hearts. Fabio Bonardi and Edwin Zachary of 'The Model' by Serena Yates have the capacity to love each other with this kind of understanding, but their challenge is to look past their preconceived notions about themselves and each other and accept the gift of love that life is giving them.
Fabio is simply a fabulous man. He's gorgeous, even tempered, romantic and sexy. Even though he's been immersed in the shallowness of the modeling world for years, he's managed to keep his inner goodness intact. Meeting Edwin, even though he rejects him at first, Fabio is not deterred. He keeps trying to win Edwin's attention and pursues him with a fervor that would flatter anyone, because his heart tells him that Edwin is too special to let him get away.
Edwin is intelligent, uptight, prim, proper, and logical. He has serious trust issues due to past bad experiences, but when he connects with Fabio, all of his logic goes right out the window and he bolts. Finally Fabio convinces him he's sincere with an incredibly romantic gesture, and he begins to listen, not only to Fabio, but to his own feelings. Fabio brings out in him the fun, happy, relaxed, loving, and wild side of his nature. Together, they make an awesome couple; and there's nothing they wouldn't do for each other.
Many of us forge ahead with our lives, continuing to do what we've always done, not stopping to consider there may be a better way. Fabio and Edwin are both stuck in similar ruts; they know they aren't happy, but neither has stopped to consider what is missing. Something as inane as finding a wrinkle turns Fabio's world upside down. He knows this signals the beginning of the end of his modeling career. He's always known the day would come, but thinking always in the future, not in the “here and now”; it throws him into a panic. When Fabio is calmer, able to look at the situation more realistically, he sees how jaded he's become; how he no longer enjoys his work or the professional company he keeps and starts planning for his future. He's able to see “one door closing so another can open”. When Fabio meets Edwin, everything clicks and he rushes through the open door toward Edwin. Which is all well and good except Edwin is at a different point in his life and has to get on the same page as Fabio before he can accept this so Edwin temporarily shuts that door. Fabio is stunned but doesn't give up. Now that he knows what it takes to be happy and that's being with Edwin. He just has to convince Edwin. Edwin's past is filled with an emotionally distant family and other failed relationships. How could he expect to immediately trust Fabio? Experience has taught him that opening up to someone only leads to pain and despair. He's frightened of being taken advantage of and doesn't want to feel the pain that will come when it is all over. Fabio and Edwin soon find that when your heart decides it wants someone, there's usually no stopping until it happens.
This is my second time reading this story and I'm happy that I did because I enjoyed it even more than before. Fabio and Edwin's personalities shine even brighter and their feelings for each other are even more convincing. They are great characters whose devotion is tested by fire and they come out on the other side stronger than ever. Thanks, Serena, for giving me a second time to enjoy this touching, endearing story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Fabio is simply a fabulous man. He's gorgeous, even tempered, romantic and sexy. Even though he's been immersed in the shallowness of the modeling world for years, he's managed to keep his inner goodness intact. Meeting Edwin, even though he rejects him at first, Fabio is not deterred. He keeps trying to win Edwin's attention and pursues him with a fervor that would flatter anyone, because his heart tells him that Edwin is too special to let him get away.
Edwin is intelligent, uptight, prim, proper, and logical. He has serious trust issues due to past bad experiences, but when he connects with Fabio, all of his logic goes right out the window and he bolts. Finally Fabio convinces him he's sincere with an incredibly romantic gesture, and he begins to listen, not only to Fabio, but to his own feelings. Fabio brings out in him the fun, happy, relaxed, loving, and wild side of his nature. Together, they make an awesome couple; and there's nothing they wouldn't do for each other.
Many of us forge ahead with our lives, continuing to do what we've always done, not stopping to consider there may be a better way. Fabio and Edwin are both stuck in similar ruts; they know they aren't happy, but neither has stopped to consider what is missing. Something as inane as finding a wrinkle turns Fabio's world upside down. He knows this signals the beginning of the end of his modeling career. He's always known the day would come, but thinking always in the future, not in the “here and now”; it throws him into a panic. When Fabio is calmer, able to look at the situation more realistically, he sees how jaded he's become; how he no longer enjoys his work or the professional company he keeps and starts planning for his future. He's able to see “one door closing so another can open”. When Fabio meets Edwin, everything clicks and he rushes through the open door toward Edwin. Which is all well and good except Edwin is at a different point in his life and has to get on the same page as Fabio before he can accept this so Edwin temporarily shuts that door. Fabio is stunned but doesn't give up. Now that he knows what it takes to be happy and that's being with Edwin. He just has to convince Edwin. Edwin's past is filled with an emotionally distant family and other failed relationships. How could he expect to immediately trust Fabio? Experience has taught him that opening up to someone only leads to pain and despair. He's frightened of being taken advantage of and doesn't want to feel the pain that will come when it is all over. Fabio and Edwin soon find that when your heart decides it wants someone, there's usually no stopping until it happens.
This is my second time reading this story and I'm happy that I did because I enjoyed it even more than before. Fabio and Edwin's personalities shine even brighter and their feelings for each other are even more convincing. They are great characters whose devotion is tested by fire and they come out on the other side stronger than ever. Thanks, Serena, for giving me a second time to enjoy this touching, endearing story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Read
November 26, 2011Released on November 26, this is the sixth book in my Workplace Encounters series; inspired by men meeting at work - but still definitely staying away from the so-called office romance. This series looks at all types of workplace, even the occasional office may play a role, but the 'romance part' is guaranteed not to take place there.
This story is about Alessandro, a famous fashion model with the perfect body, who despairs about finding love. People never look beyond his appearance, so how is he supposed to find someone interested in the man he is deep-down? Off camera, he is Fabio Bonardi whose modeling career is great, but in a world where image is everything, no one is as they seem. When the first wrinkle appears, it's time for Plan B. He wants to start a business and enlists Edwin Zachary to help. The shy financial consultant looks below the surface and connects with Fabio, surprising them both. Not everyone is happy with this development. A mysterious stalker tries to drive Fabio and Edwin apart. Will he succeed? Or can they overcome the obstacles and build the lasting relationship they both so desperately want?
If you are interested, you can read an excerpt and purchase the e-book at Silver Publishing.
I hope you will enjoy reading this book, as much as I enjoyed writing it
This story is about Alessandro, a famous fashion model with the perfect body, who despairs about finding love. People never look beyond his appearance, so how is he supposed to find someone interested in the man he is deep-down? Off camera, he is Fabio Bonardi whose modeling career is great, but in a world where image is everything, no one is as they seem. When the first wrinkle appears, it's time for Plan B. He wants to start a business and enlists Edwin Zachary to help. The shy financial consultant looks below the surface and connects with Fabio, surprising them both. Not everyone is happy with this development. A mysterious stalker tries to drive Fabio and Edwin apart. Will he succeed? Or can they overcome the obstacles and build the lasting relationship they both so desperately want?
If you are interested, you can read an excerpt and purchase the e-book at Silver Publishing.
I hope you will enjoy reading this book, as much as I enjoyed writing it
December 11, 2011
Another fun and entertaining read. It's well written and plotted, have nicely developed characters who seem like real people and a happily ever after I found satisfying. I liked these guys. They had their issues to work through... especially Edwin, who has some serious trust problems, but Ms. Yates handled their emotional uncertainty well. The same goes for getting them together and expressing their passion and desire.
Then there's the stalker. It's a little cliche but not unexpected for Fabioi's fame. The descriptions of his day's alone in the ravine are well described, as is Edwin finding him. I would have liked to know more about the stalker. But despite those little niggle I thoroughly enjoyed the story and look forward the next release.
Then there's the stalker. It's a little cliche but not unexpected for Fabioi's fame. The descriptions of his day's alone in the ravine are well described, as is Edwin finding him. I would have liked to know more about the stalker. But despite those little niggle I thoroughly enjoyed the story and look forward the next release.
October 3, 2015
I bought this before the new cover came out and it's a perfect fit. Light, airy, and if you don't mind the insta-love and usual late arrival of potential disaster, it's a sweet bridge between heavier tomes. Like this series very much.
September 29, 2015
3.5 Heart Review by Kat
The Model is the second Workplace Encounters story by Serena Yates that I have read and reviewed. I have to say, I enjoy these quick and fun reads. They each take you inside a new industry, where you get to experience the inter-workings of the job, as well as encountering a new romance.
Fabio Bonardi is an extremely famous and “It” model known as Alessandro. The opening scene is Fabio discovering a wrinkle at the corner of his eye that in his mind is the beginning of the end of his career. For most people a small laugh line is nothing, but in the fashion and modeling industries it spells one thing…DOOM! It is the first outward signal of the ending of youth and the death to a career in the highly competitive and cutthroat field.
Fabio is no fool and he knew that this day was coming and he has been planning for it. Perhaps not this quickly, but Fabio has rat-holed his money and has made some good investments to make sure he could have a new career when modeling fell through. He immediately emails his personal assistant, Lisa Ferro, whom he completely trusts and depends upon. Lisa finds who she thinks is the perfect business consultant, Edwin Zachary.
The sparks fly in this amusing and intriguing tale of the downside of this glamorous industry. I really liked how the two men became in touch with their feelings before anything could begin and build. There is a bit of intrigue and danger as well, making this an exciting story. Unfortunately, being in the lime light can bring around some less than ideal fans and stalkers are commonplace in the industry.
I truly enjoyed the budding relationship and building of trust between the shy Edwin and the über gorgeous Fabio. It was refreshing to watch. I liked how Ms. Yates developed the story and only wished she had written a bit more to it. The ending came quite suddenly and I felt that it could have had a bit more to end more smoothly. I am definitely planning to read more of this wonderful series.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
The Model is the second Workplace Encounters story by Serena Yates that I have read and reviewed. I have to say, I enjoy these quick and fun reads. They each take you inside a new industry, where you get to experience the inter-workings of the job, as well as encountering a new romance.
Fabio Bonardi is an extremely famous and “It” model known as Alessandro. The opening scene is Fabio discovering a wrinkle at the corner of his eye that in his mind is the beginning of the end of his career. For most people a small laugh line is nothing, but in the fashion and modeling industries it spells one thing…DOOM! It is the first outward signal of the ending of youth and the death to a career in the highly competitive and cutthroat field.
Fabio is no fool and he knew that this day was coming and he has been planning for it. Perhaps not this quickly, but Fabio has rat-holed his money and has made some good investments to make sure he could have a new career when modeling fell through. He immediately emails his personal assistant, Lisa Ferro, whom he completely trusts and depends upon. Lisa finds who she thinks is the perfect business consultant, Edwin Zachary.
The sparks fly in this amusing and intriguing tale of the downside of this glamorous industry. I really liked how the two men became in touch with their feelings before anything could begin and build. There is a bit of intrigue and danger as well, making this an exciting story. Unfortunately, being in the lime light can bring around some less than ideal fans and stalkers are commonplace in the industry.
I truly enjoyed the budding relationship and building of trust between the shy Edwin and the über gorgeous Fabio. It was refreshing to watch. I liked how Ms. Yates developed the story and only wished she had written a bit more to it. The ending came quite suddenly and I felt that it could have had a bit more to end more smoothly. I am definitely planning to read more of this wonderful series.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 4, 2011
2.5 stars
I love reading the series (and other Serena's books), but not this one.
What I like:
- The issue that the author picked fits the characters' life: fanatic fan, stalker, etc. This justified the series' title that deals with various occupations.
- Edwin declining Fabio after the first date, which set up the tone of their relationship, i.e., unlike other men Fabio deals with, Edwin is capable to say no.
- Serena's writing always flows nicely
What I don't like:
-
Truly unfortunate since I really enjoyed the first part.
I love reading the series (and other Serena's books), but not this one.
What I like:
- The issue that the author picked fits the characters' life: fanatic fan, stalker, etc. This justified the series' title that deals with various occupations.
- Edwin declining Fabio after the first date, which set up the tone of their relationship, i.e., unlike other men Fabio deals with, Edwin is capable to say no.
- Serena's writing always flows nicely
What I don't like:
-
Truly unfortunate since I really enjoyed the first part.
February 17, 2013
Fabio is trying to make decisions for his future and Edwin is just the man to help him with his planning. It was great to see two seemingly opposites become attracted to each other. Both of them seemed surprised by the attractions.
January 4, 2013
Remember reading this one awhile ago and enjoying it. Nothing particular stands out...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews