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Take a Chance #2
Love Me
He always gets what he wants...
I've never been Mr. Nice Guy. I'm the guy that closes the deal. That confident asshole every guy hates and every woman secretly (or not-so-secretly) wants. And right now, I'm stuck in Vegas—land of cheap booze and cheap girls. The last thing I ever expected was to see something here I want. Badly.
Brianna Faulk is the key to a major casino account, but it's all I can do to stop myself from pulling her close, feeling those lush and damnably sexy pin-up curves against me. To show her I mean a whole different kind of business. The kind that leaves us both breathless and sweaty and wanting more. It's just lust and need, and it's just for one night. Only in Vegas, nothing is ever that simple...
I've never been Mr. Nice Guy. I'm the guy that closes the deal. That confident asshole every guy hates and every woman secretly (or not-so-secretly) wants. And right now, I'm stuck in Vegas—land of cheap booze and cheap girls. The last thing I ever expected was to see something here I want. Badly.
Brianna Faulk is the key to a major casino account, but it's all I can do to stop myself from pulling her close, feeling those lush and damnably sexy pin-up curves against me. To show her I mean a whole different kind of business. The kind that leaves us both breathless and sweaty and wanting more. It's just lust and need, and it's just for one night. Only in Vegas, nothing is ever that simple...
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2013
38 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Diane Alberts
34 books1,145 followersDiane Alberts is a USA TODAY bestselling Contemporary Romance author with Entangled Publishing. Under the name Jen McLaughlin, she also writes New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling books with Penguin RandomHouse. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.
Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and three cats. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.
- See more at: http://www.dianealberts.com/about/#st...
Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and three cats. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.
- See more at: http://www.dianealberts.com/about/#st...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 11, 2013
Love Me may only be 134 pages but it had depth that turns this story into more than just instant attraction and intense hookups (although, those were quite delicious!).
Thomas is in Vegas to land a lucrative deal for his marketing company. He doesn’t count on the meeting the lovely, Brianna, a savvy business woman with a spitfire personality and gorgeous looks. They literally run into each other and the sparks fly. Thomas insists on taking her out on a date, ignoring the fact that this is clearly a bad idea and could jeopardize winning the account in the long run if things go sour.
Brianna finds Thomas magnetic and infuriating at the same time. He pushes all her buttons and gets her blood racing but she has responsibilities to more than just herself, so she initially resists his advances. She questions Thomas’ motives for wanting to date her. Is he just trying to land her account? She doesn’t believe someone as good-looking and outgoing as him could be interested in her.
Initially I thought this would be a fun antagonistic relationship that turns into a romance, but this was much more packed into a small amount of pages. While there is an instant intense physical attraction between Thomas and Briana, both have a lot of insecurities and baggage that threaten to dismantle any future they have together. If you look past Thomas’ confident and cocky exterior you will find a man scared to open his heart to another woman after being burned in the past:
Maybe not every woman was Nicole, but he’d be damned stupid to ever trust one again. At least with Nicole it had all been there for him to see. The lies. The cheating. The laughter every time she broke his heart a little bit more.
Brianna wears her cool, calm and controlled façade like a shield of protection after tragedy scarred her. But fear not, these two break down each other’s defenses, and we get to witness the passionate scenes when they can’t keep their hands off each other!
Her mouth was reddened, her hair disheveled and he couldn’t help a fierce and primitive sense of pride. He’d broken her poise. He’d left her flushed, flustered, deliciously disarrayed. To hell with dinner. He was taking her straight to his room.
This story captured my attention because I’ve read and loved several of Diane Alberts’ stories. She has a talent for writing sexually charged scenes full of chemistry with a sweet romance at the heart. This is the second in the Take a Chance series, but you don’t need to read
in order to enjoy this. Although, I’d highly recommend you do because it was a lovely story that centered on Thomas’ sister and his best-friend. Plus, can you resist with a cover like that?!! *drools* Diane really does get the most scrumptious covers!
A copy was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Thomas is in Vegas to land a lucrative deal for his marketing company. He doesn’t count on the meeting the lovely, Brianna, a savvy business woman with a spitfire personality and gorgeous looks. They literally run into each other and the sparks fly. Thomas insists on taking her out on a date, ignoring the fact that this is clearly a bad idea and could jeopardize winning the account in the long run if things go sour.
Brianna finds Thomas magnetic and infuriating at the same time. He pushes all her buttons and gets her blood racing but she has responsibilities to more than just herself, so she initially resists his advances. She questions Thomas’ motives for wanting to date her. Is he just trying to land her account? She doesn’t believe someone as good-looking and outgoing as him could be interested in her.
Initially I thought this would be a fun antagonistic relationship that turns into a romance, but this was much more packed into a small amount of pages. While there is an instant intense physical attraction between Thomas and Briana, both have a lot of insecurities and baggage that threaten to dismantle any future they have together. If you look past Thomas’ confident and cocky exterior you will find a man scared to open his heart to another woman after being burned in the past:
Maybe not every woman was Nicole, but he’d be damned stupid to ever trust one again. At least with Nicole it had all been there for him to see. The lies. The cheating. The laughter every time she broke his heart a little bit more.
Brianna wears her cool, calm and controlled façade like a shield of protection after tragedy scarred her. But fear not, these two break down each other’s defenses, and we get to witness the passionate scenes when they can’t keep their hands off each other!
Her mouth was reddened, her hair disheveled and he couldn’t help a fierce and primitive sense of pride. He’d broken her poise. He’d left her flushed, flustered, deliciously disarrayed. To hell with dinner. He was taking her straight to his room.
This story captured my attention because I’ve read and loved several of Diane Alberts’ stories. She has a talent for writing sexually charged scenes full of chemistry with a sweet romance at the heart. This is the second in the Take a Chance series, but you don’t need to read
in order to enjoy this. Although, I’d highly recommend you do because it was a lovely story that centered on Thomas’ sister and his best-friend. Plus, can you resist with a cover like that?!! *drools* Diane really does get the most scrumptious covers!
A copy was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2013
How do we let love into our hearts again after getting crushed by pain, betrayal or loss? Should we bet on love again? With heart, courage, and fate, Love Me by Diane Alberts will show readers love is worth the risk.
My heart fell for Thomas and Brianna instantly. Two strong, likeable characters with broken hearts that bumped right into each other. Sparks, sass, and swagger filled and fueled the first half of this story with sexy banter and oolala fun!
”She was panting, pliant, and he wanted her. Here. Now. Raw and rough in the back of the damned cab if he had to.”
But are Brianna and Thomas ready for love? Both hiding and protecting their hearts for different reasons. Are they ready to move on, trust, and love again?
Much of what made this tale spark and pop on the page for me was missing in the second half though. The story felt more and more like a business deal with a deadline as the drama unfolded. You trust me with this and I’ll trust you with that. Where did the sizzle go? I still hoped and rooted for them to heal and reach for that happy ending, but I just didn’t feel the heat and emotion that kicked off their second chance at love in the end.
A hard one for me to recommend for all readers, but a sure bet for fans of Diane Alberts. She will always be an automatic buy for me. Hell the
June 8, 2013
3.5 stars. I liked this short story, from Thomas and Brianna's first meeting you can feel the sizzling chemistry between the two. After a steamy start, they decide to take things slow - they have both suffered heartbreak in very different ways and need to know if they have something worth pursuing outside of the bedroom.
Although they only spend two weeks together, the author makes you believe in their connection and, although a tad unrealistic, I did enjoy the ending.
ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Although they only spend two weeks together, the author makes you believe in their connection and, although a tad unrealistic, I did enjoy the ending.
ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 17, 2013
3.5 stars
Nice short read with sizzling chemistry between two great characters.
Nice short read with sizzling chemistry between two great characters.
May 10, 2013
What in the world is it with me and picking up books where the main guy is rich, handsome, and emotionally detached?! Cause yet again, Thomas is one of those prime examples!
While I do admit to haven't read the first book in the series NOR have heard of Diane Alberts to boot, I did in fact keep up with the plot and characters well enough to not get distracted with the fact that I should have read book one before reading this! Haha
The characterization of Thomas was a little generic for my taste and his relationship with Brianna was a little predictable:
1)He spots her and an automatic attraction forms between him and the girl.
2)He lusts for her and wants her in his bed to possess her
3) Get to know each other with lots and lots of hot sex!
4) Some push and pull action occurs with a little drama
5) Characters fall in love with each other
6) Happily ever after!
7) The end.
TYPICAL EH?
Over all though, DESPITE my bias swipe towards the structure of the plot I highly suggest you pick up this read guys! I'm sure you'll like it!
Now as for me, I'm going to backtrack and pick up Book One of the series, "Try Me," and read it like how I should have before reading "Love Me." Bye for now!
While I do admit to haven't read the first book in the series NOR have heard of Diane Alberts to boot, I did in fact keep up with the plot and characters well enough to not get distracted with the fact that I should have read book one before reading this! Haha
The characterization of Thomas was a little generic for my taste and his relationship with Brianna was a little predictable:
1)He spots her and an automatic attraction forms between him and the girl.
2)He lusts for her and wants her in his bed to possess her
3) Get to know each other with lots and lots of hot sex!
4) Some push and pull action occurs with a little drama
5) Characters fall in love with each other
6) Happily ever after!
7) The end.
TYPICAL EH?
Over all though, DESPITE my bias swipe towards the structure of the plot I highly suggest you pick up this read guys! I'm sure you'll like it!
Now as for me, I'm going to backtrack and pick up Book One of the series, "Try Me," and read it like how I should have before reading "Love Me." Bye for now!
June 7, 2013
I give this one 4.5 stars!
I very much enjoyed this book once I got into the story. I was worried in the beginning that it was going to be another erotic romance with no plot, etc. but I was surprised at how much I really liked the characters.
Ms. Alberts writes wonderfully & there is plenty of banter with the characters. The secondary characters rock as well. I cannot wait to read another book by this author!
**ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion**
I very much enjoyed this book once I got into the story. I was worried in the beginning that it was going to be another erotic romance with no plot, etc. but I was surprised at how much I really liked the characters.
Ms. Alberts writes wonderfully & there is plenty of banter with the characters. The secondary characters rock as well. I cannot wait to read another book by this author!
**ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion**
May 13, 2013
I love when a book surprises me, and LOVE ME is no exception. Steamy bedroom scenes? Check! Hot, broken hero? Check! And...wait...sweet, kind family moments? Check! For a shorter novel, this one packs a heck of an emotional wallop and will leave you wanting more. :)
July 3, 2021
Leído en Nov 2015
Me gustó bastante
Realmente sorprendida de que me gustara.... la mayoría de estas tramas me resultan tan meh... pero este me logro cautivar, creo que una de las cosas fue como se relacionó el protagonista con los niños!!
Las historias con niños siempre son muy tiernas y bonitas... bueno la mayoría!!
Me gustó bastante
Realmente sorprendida de que me gustara.... la mayoría de estas tramas me resultan tan meh... pero este me logro cautivar, creo que una de las cosas fue como se relacionó el protagonista con los niños!!
Las historias con niños siempre son muy tiernas y bonitas... bueno la mayoría!!
May 15, 2013
I've been a fan of Diane Alberts ever since I read Try Me and I've been waiting to read this sequel ever since. If you've already read the first story you'll probably remember meeting Thomas, he is the previous heroine Erica's brother and was best friends with the hero Jeremy before they fell out thanks to the lies told to Thomas by his devious ex-wife. You don't have to have read the first instalment to enjoy Love Me though, the stories are only loosely connected and apart from a very brief appearance the previous characters don't have much of a role in this novella. This is such a fun series though and I'd highly recommend both stories to contemporary romance fans, they are both fairly short and fast reads with plenty of spice and a feel good love story.
Thomas is visiting Vegas to try and win a lucrative contract for his company but when he meets Brianna his focus swiftly switches from business to pleasure. He is intrigued by her and since he'll be in town for a couple of weeks he is determined to explore the chemistry he senses between them. Brianna has plenty of reasons to turn Thomas down, her life is more than complicated enough and the last thing she needs is a quick fling but Thomas is hard to resist, especially when he refuses to take no for an answer. Neither of them can deny their mutual attraction but can they find a way to work through both of their issues to build a future together?
I have to say I loved the banter between Thomas and Brianna, they have an instant connection and the looks they give each other are smouldering. I felt bad for Thomas after the first book when we learnt about the way his ex-wife treated him so I was happy to know that we were going to get his story and I felt that Brianna was a great match for him. He comes across as quite cocky in the beginning but in reality he is so wary of being hurt again that he puts on an act to keep people at a distance. His ex really knocked his confidence but he has a lot to offer and Brianna can see just how caring and sweet he is when she starts to get to know him. Brianna has suffered her own heartbreaks and is equally frightened of loving again, she is keeping a major secret from Thomas because she is sure that he will go running in the opposite direction when he finds out about her family. I really liked the way Thomas took it all in his stride though and the time he spent connecting with Brianna's children was really adorable.
I will admit that I found things developed a little too quickly between them for me to find them completely believable but that is one of the hazards with novellas and considering the number of pages I thought the author did a great job of showing the connection growing between them. I think I'd have just felt a little more comfortable if the story had taken place over a slightly longer time line though, things seem to happen very fast and I felt Brianna (or most mothers for that matter) would probably have taken a bit more time to get to know Thomas before she let him meet her children. If you remove that one minor issue this is a really enjoyable story, they make a really cute couple and having the children in the story added a nice family element to things. I'm definitely enjoying this series and looking forward to more from Diane Alberts in the future.
Thomas is visiting Vegas to try and win a lucrative contract for his company but when he meets Brianna his focus swiftly switches from business to pleasure. He is intrigued by her and since he'll be in town for a couple of weeks he is determined to explore the chemistry he senses between them. Brianna has plenty of reasons to turn Thomas down, her life is more than complicated enough and the last thing she needs is a quick fling but Thomas is hard to resist, especially when he refuses to take no for an answer. Neither of them can deny their mutual attraction but can they find a way to work through both of their issues to build a future together?
I have to say I loved the banter between Thomas and Brianna, they have an instant connection and the looks they give each other are smouldering. I felt bad for Thomas after the first book when we learnt about the way his ex-wife treated him so I was happy to know that we were going to get his story and I felt that Brianna was a great match for him. He comes across as quite cocky in the beginning but in reality he is so wary of being hurt again that he puts on an act to keep people at a distance. His ex really knocked his confidence but he has a lot to offer and Brianna can see just how caring and sweet he is when she starts to get to know him. Brianna has suffered her own heartbreaks and is equally frightened of loving again, she is keeping a major secret from Thomas because she is sure that he will go running in the opposite direction when he finds out about her family. I really liked the way Thomas took it all in his stride though and the time he spent connecting with Brianna's children was really adorable.
I will admit that I found things developed a little too quickly between them for me to find them completely believable but that is one of the hazards with novellas and considering the number of pages I thought the author did a great job of showing the connection growing between them. I think I'd have just felt a little more comfortable if the story had taken place over a slightly longer time line though, things seem to happen very fast and I felt Brianna (or most mothers for that matter) would probably have taken a bit more time to get to know Thomas before she let him meet her children. If you remove that one minor issue this is a really enjoyable story, they make a really cute couple and having the children in the story added a nice family element to things. I'm definitely enjoying this series and looking forward to more from Diane Alberts in the future.
May 13, 2013
In Love Me we have two very tortured people. Thomas Jones is still feeling like his last (and only) failed marriage has marred him for good. Brianna Falk is a widowed mother of three with her hands full. She too is haunted by memories of loved ones past, but for a different reason.
We start our story with Thomas returning to Vegas to market his company to bid on a new local casino project. His connection to getting the bid has been dodging their meeting for weeks. He has finally snagged the meeting. He is on his way to meeting the client when a woman (Brianna) so caught up in her technology she's not watching her surroundings... Thomas to the rescue (or so he thinks) until she narrowly misses running into something, but she ends up colliding with Thomas instead and dropping her iPhone. Witty banter ensues and they pair think their parting ways...until he walks into the restaurant for the meeting and comes to find out it was Brianna.
At first she act rather cold, but Thomas is very persistent and crafty at getting what he wants. This time it's not only the bid he wants...its Brianna. He does some pretty smooth talking about getting MotoTek in the running for the project, but also convincing Brianna to be his local guide and show him whats the night life can be like. She dodges his moves, but Thomas' marketing skills pays off and she eventually relents and allows the "date".
As the date begins and progresses, Brianna and Thomas don't waste too much time before their chemistry nearly explodes! They end up together at his apartment and they don't waste time with waiting for the dors to close, but afterwards Brianna leaves hastily feeling dirty and used, thinking Thomas was only in it for the job, he can't want a cold-hearted executive. If he knew the truth he'd go running faster then his mouth can smooth talk a bid. This only makes Thomas more intrigued and wanting to find out what is going on.
They end up doing the dodge and Perry fencing bit, with her now avoiding him. But Thomas isn't giving up. He pins her down, but she again tries to put up her walls. As they eventually learn about whats holding them back, they have to learn to open up and believe they are accepting of each other and their true feelings.
As both of their shells begin to crack, reality sends a curve ball... Thomas' stay is soon up. Will he stay and complete Brianna and her family, or leave her hurt and alone once again?
I have intentionally left out some of the bigger details of what has Brianna putting up her steel barricades so as not to spoil everything. I can safely say I can empathize with her situation, and seeing how she's being protective only reminds me of why I am being like that as well with certain aspects of my personal life. Diane once again has hit home wit this sequel to her Take a Chance series. We eventually see the tie in with the first book about Jeremy and Erica (Try Me). They play a part in this story as well. Their story of finding love is heart warming and strikes a chord that tugs at our hearts. I feel in love with both as they grew together and completed each other in ways they never saw coming. All I can ask now is, is there a third story coming to this series??? If so, I can't wait to see what Diane brings to the table next! Kudos to Diane for the perfect follow-up to a great starting series!
We start our story with Thomas returning to Vegas to market his company to bid on a new local casino project. His connection to getting the bid has been dodging their meeting for weeks. He has finally snagged the meeting. He is on his way to meeting the client when a woman (Brianna) so caught up in her technology she's not watching her surroundings... Thomas to the rescue (or so he thinks) until she narrowly misses running into something, but she ends up colliding with Thomas instead and dropping her iPhone. Witty banter ensues and they pair think their parting ways...until he walks into the restaurant for the meeting and comes to find out it was Brianna.
At first she act rather cold, but Thomas is very persistent and crafty at getting what he wants. This time it's not only the bid he wants...its Brianna. He does some pretty smooth talking about getting MotoTek in the running for the project, but also convincing Brianna to be his local guide and show him whats the night life can be like. She dodges his moves, but Thomas' marketing skills pays off and she eventually relents and allows the "date".
As the date begins and progresses, Brianna and Thomas don't waste too much time before their chemistry nearly explodes! They end up together at his apartment and they don't waste time with waiting for the dors to close, but afterwards Brianna leaves hastily feeling dirty and used, thinking Thomas was only in it for the job, he can't want a cold-hearted executive. If he knew the truth he'd go running faster then his mouth can smooth talk a bid. This only makes Thomas more intrigued and wanting to find out what is going on.
They end up doing the dodge and Perry fencing bit, with her now avoiding him. But Thomas isn't giving up. He pins her down, but she again tries to put up her walls. As they eventually learn about whats holding them back, they have to learn to open up and believe they are accepting of each other and their true feelings.
As both of their shells begin to crack, reality sends a curve ball... Thomas' stay is soon up. Will he stay and complete Brianna and her family, or leave her hurt and alone once again?
I have intentionally left out some of the bigger details of what has Brianna putting up her steel barricades so as not to spoil everything. I can safely say I can empathize with her situation, and seeing how she's being protective only reminds me of why I am being like that as well with certain aspects of my personal life. Diane once again has hit home wit this sequel to her Take a Chance series. We eventually see the tie in with the first book about Jeremy and Erica (Try Me). They play a part in this story as well. Their story of finding love is heart warming and strikes a chord that tugs at our hearts. I feel in love with both as they grew together and completed each other in ways they never saw coming. All I can ask now is, is there a third story coming to this series??? If so, I can't wait to see what Diane brings to the table next! Kudos to Diane for the perfect follow-up to a great starting series!
May 16, 2013
My review can also be found on my blog: http://www.read-love-blog.com/2013/05...
Love Me is the second installment in Diane Alberts’ Try Me series and after loving the first in the series, Try Me, I was beyond excited to receive this ARC from Entangled Publishing. True to Diane’s writing style, she nailed it! I loved this story.
Thomas Jones is in Vegas getting ready to meet with another “suit” in order to land another big account for his marketing company…a job he truly excelled at. Good thing he was more successful in his career, because goodness knows, he wasn’t as successful in his personal life. After finally leaving his bitch of an ex-wife, eight years earlier, he still has yet to heal from that wound. As he heads into his latest meeting, he realizes the suit he’s meeting with happens to be filled out deliciously by the beautiful woman he saved from a texting-while-walking disaster in the parking lot. Immediately Thomas realizes his love life may be sparking back to life after a long hiatus.
Brianna Faulk is fully prepared for her business meeting…and wholly unprepared for the instant attraction to the man she’s meeting with. She’s equally unprepared for his advances and insistence that they meet for a more casual date later that evening. She’s equally surprised to find that his advances aren’t exactly unwelcomed…which is totally uncharacteristic of her. Being a woman in a man’s business world, she’s used to keeping things professional and being somewhat detached. Thomas, however, makes her want to break her own rules and take a chance and maybe, just maybe, learn to live again. But, is she willing to give him a chance and let him into her life? She knows she isn’t strong enough to deal with another hurtful blow from the unkind fates…she also knows not a lot of men like women with baggage, and she’s got more baggage than Macy’s luggage department.
Don’t let the fact that this only has 134 pages trick you into thinking that it isn’t long enough to build a relationship to the characters, because it simply isn’t the case. This story started out hot and heavy, cooled down, went to high emotion, and ended with the most perfect ending for Tom and Brianna. Thomas and Brianna’s push and pull and build up of sexual tension was delicious. They play off of each other so well and their personalities compliment one another beautifully. They have a lot to work through in order to see where the road may lead for them, and it’s an emotional roller coaster for sure….but so well worth it! I gave a heavy contented sigh of pleasure when I read the last chapter….simply perfect. Diane is one of those talents that pulls you in from the very first chapter and holds you interested until the epilogue. To me, that’s the mark of a great author!
Thank you, Diane, for another phenomenal story that I enjoyed from start to finish! Cannot wait for more in this series!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Love Me is the second installment in Diane Alberts’ Try Me series and after loving the first in the series, Try Me, I was beyond excited to receive this ARC from Entangled Publishing. True to Diane’s writing style, she nailed it! I loved this story.
Thomas Jones is in Vegas getting ready to meet with another “suit” in order to land another big account for his marketing company…a job he truly excelled at. Good thing he was more successful in his career, because goodness knows, he wasn’t as successful in his personal life. After finally leaving his bitch of an ex-wife, eight years earlier, he still has yet to heal from that wound. As he heads into his latest meeting, he realizes the suit he’s meeting with happens to be filled out deliciously by the beautiful woman he saved from a texting-while-walking disaster in the parking lot. Immediately Thomas realizes his love life may be sparking back to life after a long hiatus.
Brianna Faulk is fully prepared for her business meeting…and wholly unprepared for the instant attraction to the man she’s meeting with. She’s equally unprepared for his advances and insistence that they meet for a more casual date later that evening. She’s equally surprised to find that his advances aren’t exactly unwelcomed…which is totally uncharacteristic of her. Being a woman in a man’s business world, she’s used to keeping things professional and being somewhat detached. Thomas, however, makes her want to break her own rules and take a chance and maybe, just maybe, learn to live again. But, is she willing to give him a chance and let him into her life? She knows she isn’t strong enough to deal with another hurtful blow from the unkind fates…she also knows not a lot of men like women with baggage, and she’s got more baggage than Macy’s luggage department.
Don’t let the fact that this only has 134 pages trick you into thinking that it isn’t long enough to build a relationship to the characters, because it simply isn’t the case. This story started out hot and heavy, cooled down, went to high emotion, and ended with the most perfect ending for Tom and Brianna. Thomas and Brianna’s push and pull and build up of sexual tension was delicious. They play off of each other so well and their personalities compliment one another beautifully. They have a lot to work through in order to see where the road may lead for them, and it’s an emotional roller coaster for sure….but so well worth it! I gave a heavy contented sigh of pleasure when I read the last chapter….simply perfect. Diane is one of those talents that pulls you in from the very first chapter and holds you interested until the epilogue. To me, that’s the mark of a great author!
Thank you, Diane, for another phenomenal story that I enjoyed from start to finish! Cannot wait for more in this series!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
June 17, 2013
3.75 Stars
Love Me didn’t turn out to be what I expected based the first 2 chapters. But that’s quite ok because in the end I LOVED IT. It turned out to be so much more than an intense attraction with a fast and hot hook up. For a short read, Love Me
I’ll be honest, at first I was a bit disappointed at the way Brianna and Thomas’s relationship took off so fast -- jumping into the hot hook up, no questions asked. I understand the instant attraction, but I thought at least there would have been some kind of chase involved. I was expecting the fast start to set the tone for the rest of the book. But, it didn’t. Brianna and Thomas ended up doing everything backward, and it was a nice change of pace.
Thomas is a gorgeous sexy marketing executive with charm to boot. Being hurt in the past, Thomas’s interest in a relationship is zero. He is smooth, confident, and about to meet the woman that changes it all for him. This woman also happens to be a potential client.
Brianna is not what you think she is. She appears to be a beautiful uptight businesswoman, but Thomas suspects there’s something more under that sexy yet hard exterior. For someone not interested in a relationship, Thomas feels a need to get closer to Brianna. When the two get together sparks fly instantly. The pair don’t even make it to dinner, they head straight to his suite for some super hot sex. So hot, they don’t even make it past the front door. Afterward, Brianna is mortified at what she’s done with a complete stranger. This is not like her and she flees. She’s convinced that Thomas is only using her.
Thomas, shocked by Brianna’s reaction, he can’t even make himself move to go after her. Even after she flees, Thomas still harbors this need to know her. He’s still certain there’s more to Brianna that he wants to know. Undeterred, Thomas goes after Brianna, and what he finds is quite different than what he expected. What happens after this point is key to the story so I’d hate to say anymore.
The story is far from conventional which is what won me over in the end. Some people might have a problem with the path Thomas and Brianna’s relationship took, but I found it quite refreshing for the fact that it was different.
(ARC was kindly provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Love Me didn’t turn out to be what I expected based the first 2 chapters. But that’s quite ok because in the end I LOVED IT. It turned out to be so much more than an intense attraction with a fast and hot hook up. For a short read, Love Me
I’ll be honest, at first I was a bit disappointed at the way Brianna and Thomas’s relationship took off so fast -- jumping into the hot hook up, no questions asked. I understand the instant attraction, but I thought at least there would have been some kind of chase involved. I was expecting the fast start to set the tone for the rest of the book. But, it didn’t. Brianna and Thomas ended up doing everything backward, and it was a nice change of pace.
Thomas is a gorgeous sexy marketing executive with charm to boot. Being hurt in the past, Thomas’s interest in a relationship is zero. He is smooth, confident, and about to meet the woman that changes it all for him. This woman also happens to be a potential client.
Brianna is not what you think she is. She appears to be a beautiful uptight businesswoman, but Thomas suspects there’s something more under that sexy yet hard exterior. For someone not interested in a relationship, Thomas feels a need to get closer to Brianna. When the two get together sparks fly instantly. The pair don’t even make it to dinner, they head straight to his suite for some super hot sex. So hot, they don’t even make it past the front door. Afterward, Brianna is mortified at what she’s done with a complete stranger. This is not like her and she flees. She’s convinced that Thomas is only using her.
Thomas, shocked by Brianna’s reaction, he can’t even make himself move to go after her. Even after she flees, Thomas still harbors this need to know her. He’s still certain there’s more to Brianna that he wants to know. Undeterred, Thomas goes after Brianna, and what he finds is quite different than what he expected. What happens after this point is key to the story so I’d hate to say anymore.
The story is far from conventional which is what won me over in the end. Some people might have a problem with the path Thomas and Brianna’s relationship took, but I found it quite refreshing for the fact that it was different.
(ARC was kindly provided by Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
May 13, 2013
I'll admit, at first I was concerned. The first chapter wastes no time setting up the premise: Thomas Jones is a hotshot marketing executive off to convince a casino to hire his company on a contract. After the very definition of a meet-cute, he is introduced to Brianna Falk and then their tangled romance starts to weave.
Concern #1: At first, I thought Thomas would be your stereotypical douchy-executive with smooth moves (as did Brianna, I feel like I should point out so he fooled BOTH OF US!), who would later surprise everyone with his heart of gold.
Upsetting, 'I have to admit I was wrong' Point #1: Thomas, as it turns out, is a pretty nice guy. In fact, he's very interesting. Dark past, sad back story. Being nice doesn't equate to boring and Thomas finds a nice balance between being a cocky seemingly-player at times and someone who has a clear, warm heart.
Concern #2: After reading the blurb that described Brianna as 'beautiful and sensual Brianna Falk', I was concerned that this was a very librarian, 'I really know how to work a paper-cutter' sort of thing. (Wait, is that a thing? I dunno - remember my myriad of experience!)
Upsetting, 'I have to admit I was wrong' Point #2: She doesn't see herself as such, to the point of being a little annoyingly unsure of herself. But, considering the circumstance, it's understandable.
Apparently after reading the blurb, I was basically pairing up Don Draper with secretary from the Power Puff Girls.
Whoops.
Characters aside, Alberts' writing is quick and snappy, just like their romance. And, for those of you who want to know, I never stumbled across the words 'love cave', which I think we all can appreciate. Instead you're treated to a fast-paced romance of two people who aren't quite sure whether they are ready to move on from previous heartbreak, but can't bring themselves to stop themselves in the process. There were a few times I wish certain relationships were expanded on, like the teenage son and the best friend, but this is a story of Thomas and Brianna and was understandably focused on such. They're at their best when arguing with one another; when the demons of their pasts are restrained and the sexual tension is high.
I believe this is point where I explain that this novel gets 5 'fans self' points.
Overall, it's a love story revolving around two people who are trying to understand what it means to fall in love for the second time, and how it affects the lives they already have set up. Their hesitation is authentic and even thought we know the resolution that's coming, we get to enjoy watching them struggle to reach it.
Concern #1: At first, I thought Thomas would be your stereotypical douchy-executive with smooth moves (as did Brianna, I feel like I should point out so he fooled BOTH OF US!), who would later surprise everyone with his heart of gold.
Upsetting, 'I have to admit I was wrong' Point #1: Thomas, as it turns out, is a pretty nice guy. In fact, he's very interesting. Dark past, sad back story. Being nice doesn't equate to boring and Thomas finds a nice balance between being a cocky seemingly-player at times and someone who has a clear, warm heart.
Concern #2: After reading the blurb that described Brianna as 'beautiful and sensual Brianna Falk', I was concerned that this was a very librarian, 'I really know how to work a paper-cutter' sort of thing. (Wait, is that a thing? I dunno - remember my myriad of experience!)
Upsetting, 'I have to admit I was wrong' Point #2: She doesn't see herself as such, to the point of being a little annoyingly unsure of herself. But, considering the circumstance, it's understandable.
Apparently after reading the blurb, I was basically pairing up Don Draper with secretary from the Power Puff Girls.
Whoops.
Characters aside, Alberts' writing is quick and snappy, just like their romance. And, for those of you who want to know, I never stumbled across the words 'love cave', which I think we all can appreciate. Instead you're treated to a fast-paced romance of two people who aren't quite sure whether they are ready to move on from previous heartbreak, but can't bring themselves to stop themselves in the process. There were a few times I wish certain relationships were expanded on, like the teenage son and the best friend, but this is a story of Thomas and Brianna and was understandably focused on such. They're at their best when arguing with one another; when the demons of their pasts are restrained and the sexual tension is high.
I believe this is point where I explain that this novel gets 5 'fans self' points.
Overall, it's a love story revolving around two people who are trying to understand what it means to fall in love for the second time, and how it affects the lives they already have set up. Their hesitation is authentic and even thought we know the resolution that's coming, we get to enjoy watching them struggle to reach it.
May 2, 2013
I recently read the first book in the Take a Chance series, Try Me, and received an ARC of Love Me from Entangled. What I love most about Love Me is that it is considerably longer than the novella-format of its predecessor.
We first met Thomas Jones in Try Me, as Erica’s older brother whose ex-wife was responsible for the demise of his longtime friendship with Jeremy. Though many years have passed, the emotional scars left by Nicole continue to impact his everyday life, causing Thomas to adopt a certain persona with everyone he interacts with, both personally and professionally. With his attractive physique and natural charm, Thomas is a modern-day Don Draper, minus the alcoholism and loose morals – quite an accomplishment, considering his business is largely conducted in the City of Sin.
In his work as an advertising executive, Thomas meets Brianna Faulk, a potential client that he needs to land for a lucrative deal. What Thomas doesn’t expect to find is a pinup-worthy beauty with a mysterious and collected façade that belies the existence of her own considerable heartache.
As a widow with three children, Brianna has no time for frivolous pursuits. On the outside, Brianna is a no-nonsense businesswoman, but on the inside, she still holds the insecurities imbedded in her as an overweight teenager. With his all-American good looks, Brianna is instantly wary of the clear interest Thomas shows in her, from the moment he saves her from her own clumsiness. Though she decidedly refuses to play the damsel-in-distress, Brianna is soon won over by Thomas’s self-deprecating humor, which he employs to help lower her defenses, once he sets his sights on her.
Engaging in an ass-backwards relationship, Thomas and Brianna have sex first and ask questions later. The consequences of their romantic involvement are tossed aside in their stolen moments of passion, but when reality intrudes, the couple is left to decide if taking the next step is worth the risk and potential heartbreak.
Love Me is the story of what happens when fate brings together a self-proclaimed runner and a man who lives in fear of history repeating itself. Often sentimental, at times steamy, and with occasional instances of laugh-aloud awkwardness, Try Me is an engaging read with genuinely likeable characters. Diane Alberts has a knack for creating characters with combustible chemistry, writing passionate scenes with descriptive imagery that brings the story to life.
We first met Thomas Jones in Try Me, as Erica’s older brother whose ex-wife was responsible for the demise of his longtime friendship with Jeremy. Though many years have passed, the emotional scars left by Nicole continue to impact his everyday life, causing Thomas to adopt a certain persona with everyone he interacts with, both personally and professionally. With his attractive physique and natural charm, Thomas is a modern-day Don Draper, minus the alcoholism and loose morals – quite an accomplishment, considering his business is largely conducted in the City of Sin.
In his work as an advertising executive, Thomas meets Brianna Faulk, a potential client that he needs to land for a lucrative deal. What Thomas doesn’t expect to find is a pinup-worthy beauty with a mysterious and collected façade that belies the existence of her own considerable heartache.
As a widow with three children, Brianna has no time for frivolous pursuits. On the outside, Brianna is a no-nonsense businesswoman, but on the inside, she still holds the insecurities imbedded in her as an overweight teenager. With his all-American good looks, Brianna is instantly wary of the clear interest Thomas shows in her, from the moment he saves her from her own clumsiness. Though she decidedly refuses to play the damsel-in-distress, Brianna is soon won over by Thomas’s self-deprecating humor, which he employs to help lower her defenses, once he sets his sights on her.
Engaging in an ass-backwards relationship, Thomas and Brianna have sex first and ask questions later. The consequences of their romantic involvement are tossed aside in their stolen moments of passion, but when reality intrudes, the couple is left to decide if taking the next step is worth the risk and potential heartbreak.
Love Me is the story of what happens when fate brings together a self-proclaimed runner and a man who lives in fear of history repeating itself. Often sentimental, at times steamy, and with occasional instances of laugh-aloud awkwardness, Try Me is an engaging read with genuinely likeable characters. Diane Alberts has a knack for creating characters with combustible chemistry, writing passionate scenes with descriptive imagery that brings the story to life.
July 11, 2013
Source: eARC for Honest Review via Entangled Publishing via NetGalley
OK, I have ups and downs about this book but in the end more ups than downs.
It has been so long since the fist book I almost forgot about Erica and Jeremy.
In this installment we get to see in the psyche of Thomas who is still quite effed up from Nicole and her bullshit of cheating and degradation.
After eight years it is finally time for Thomas to move on which is finally brought to the light when he meets Brianna.
They have an instant connection.
But a whole lot of self doubt, insecurities, the past, secrets and loads of mis-communcation and assumptions get in the way. Causing me tons of angst and not the good kind of angst.
Once they finally do this thing called TALKING and NOT ASSUMING they are able to let down their guards and learn to love again but with loving Brianna Thomas not only learned to love again but inherited a whole family to love which opened up his heart to a world of possibilities.
Now here is the thing often in books one of my biggest complaints is the love connection escalating to quickly but with this story I felt the love and it felt right and not rushed.
It was a story about love and second chances but was predictable and sweet.
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OK, I have ups and downs about this book but in the end more ups than downs.
It has been so long since the fist book I almost forgot about Erica and Jeremy.
In this installment we get to see in the psyche of Thomas who is still quite effed up from Nicole and her bullshit of cheating and degradation.
After eight years it is finally time for Thomas to move on which is finally brought to the light when he meets Brianna.
They have an instant connection.
But a whole lot of self doubt, insecurities, the past, secrets and loads of mis-communcation and assumptions get in the way. Causing me tons of angst and not the good kind of angst.
Once they finally do this thing called TALKING and NOT ASSUMING they are able to let down their guards and learn to love again but with loving Brianna Thomas not only learned to love again but inherited a whole family to love which opened up his heart to a world of possibilities.
Now here is the thing often in books one of my biggest complaints is the love connection escalating to quickly but with this story I felt the love and it felt right and not rushed.
It was a story about love and second chances but was predictable and sweet.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter
June 26, 2013
I was honestly very disappointed in this story. Love Me takes off with Thomas after the conclusion of Try Me. After such a breath taking read; I was anticipating something equally as powerful or maybe even more to this sequel. I did not find that in this story. It did not pack a punch, nor did it take my breath away. I would easily say that this was good read, but after experiencing the previous potential I leave being slightly discouraged. Thomas is a much different character, and the story line took a very different direction. This was not only a romance, but a merging of families. It was so drastically different I think it would have been very hard to create this story with the same pizzazz as book one. That being said I don't know that I could even look at this book as a sequel.~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~
March 7, 2015
This wasn't my favorite book. It as just ok. Thomas came off strange to me. I thin the timeline of getting to know each other and the kids was way to short. Brianna was strange for me too she always ran away and hid and didn't say much when she was upset. I liked the book and the kids a secondary characters I think for me to have really enjoyed it to the fullest it would've had to been longer. Or at least the characters should've had a longer timeline. Not sure it was a nice fast read but lack just a tiny bit for me.
September 27, 2015
I expected something more from Love me. I liked Try me and I was looking forward to read this one. It's not bad but it's not as good as Try me. Thomas doesn't give up easily and that's what I love most in the book. He went after Brianna even if that meant that he ended up with a broken nose. Despite my little disappointment I would suggest to someone who likes Contemporary Romance to read it.
June 4, 2013
Coming soon to www.nocturnereads.com
And it is up!
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And it is up!
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November 28, 2015
It was ok.
May 17, 2013
3.5 stars
May 9, 2013
*Full Review to Come
**ARC provided by publisher for an honest review
May 25, 2013
Intense! That’s all I have to say. The intensity of this book is off the wall. You can feel the intensity and the chemistry between Thomas and Brianna from across the room; it’ll send shivers down your spine. Yes, this book will have your emotions thrown for a loop, and you will never know what hit you. It’s a quick read you won’t want to put down.
Thomas first met Brianna outside on the busy street on Las Vegas while on his way to a business meeting. She looked preoccupied so he thought he would be nice and save her from crashing into a newspaper stand. She had such a sharp, businesslike exterior, but yet very feisty and sassy. There was something about her he found her very attractive and sexy; something that ignited deep down inside of him; something he was lacking for so many years. Then he watched her walk away never to see her again.
Thomas was shocked when he realized his business meeting was with Brianna, whom he just ran into on his way to the restaurant. While trying to maintain his composure to snag the biggest contract, he couldn’t help wonder about Brianna. There was something about her, something that made him interested, what was her story? She was different. He needed to keep this strictly business but he just couldn’t help but wonder, he just wanted more, just one more date to see where this would go. This wasn’t like him. The last time he wanted more he got burned, bad.
Brianna definitely kept it strictly business as much as she could. But Thomas was very persistent. He was really good at his job and he knew exactly what he was talking about, there was no doubt about that. He had an answer for everything. Thomas keeps insisting on taking Brianna out on a date to see if they have anything going on for them, but Brianna cannot take anything more than a business relationship.
Brianna pretty much had no choice to a “second meeting” when Thomas wants a tour of her hotel. They hop into the cab and head to Thomas’ hotel for dinner when one thing leads to another. It is at that moment, their passion for one another comes alive, that pent up connection is released and their feelings are poured out through that one long kiss. The fire burns in them that they skipped dinner and head right into Thomas’ suite where they have fiery HOT sex. They want each other soo badly; they don’t even make it to the bedroom! Even I felt the intensity from the kiss to the sex part! Once Brianna realizes what she has done, she runs away, fast without looking back.
What Brianna had done is not like her at all; it isn’t who she is. She doesn’t know what came over her because she has never ever done or felt the need to do that ever before. She is a responsible person and has three children to care for, who need her at home. No one has been able to make her feel this way in a very long time, no one since Michael. Not until now, not until Thomas. There was something about Thomas that made her feel alive again, made her feel, helped fill a void that felt missing since the day Michael died.
What did Thomas do to make her run? He couldn’t wrap his head around it. He had such a messed up past that he regretted every day of his life, but who didn’t have a messed up past? You learn from it and you don’t make the same mistakes again. He was married and hated his ex-wife for what she did to him. She played him for a fool, put false thoughts into his head, and turned him against the people he loved. And till this day, he hated himself for it; regretted himself for doing it. He lived a miserable life because of it. After all that she put him through, he deserved happiness in his life. He deserved someone to love him unconditionally.
There is just something about Brianna that Thomas cannot stay away. He must get to know her more, so he goes to talk to her at her office. They don’t start off by talking, but by having HOT desk sex. They the talking starts and they agree to start things off slowly. After revealing the truth, Thomas does not run but accepts the fact that she is a widow with three children and accepts that fact and would love to get to know her more. He is only in town for two more weeks and would like to see where things take them. He is not making any promises but they will cross that bridge when they get there. There is more to Thomas than it seems. He a very caring person and will put the kids and Brianna’s safety and happiness before his very own.
Brianna grew up with a lot of insecurities and they have slowly come back to haunt her. At the start of her relationship with Thomas, she thought he was using her to get her to sign the contract. Now she is terrified he will leave at the end of his two weeks and move back to California; leaving her and the kids alone. He has slowly become a fixture in their lives that it will not only crush her heart, but also her children. She is so used to rejection and people leaving her, she honestly feels that Thomas will do that very soon. It seems that they may have moved a little too fast and she terrified of what will happen.
Will Thomas pick up and leave Las Vegas for good leaving her and he kids? Will Thomas find happiness in Brianna and her family? Will Brianna be able to completely love Thomas? Will Thomas be able to let go of his past hurt and be happy again? Will Brianna finally stop running?
My heart broke for Brianna many, many times while reading this book. She was at a tough place. She felt like she needed to move on for herself, but she felt like she couldn’t. She was really torn and I could feel her emotions fighting herself on it. She couldn’t do it to Michael and she couldn’t do it to her kids. But she needed it for herself. She hated herself when she and Thomas first had passionate sex. I hated that she felt that way. She felt soo conflicted at the beginning of her feelings with Thomas, she just didn’t know what to do about them. But when she realized her feelings for Thomas were much deeper than a fling, she didn’t feel as guilty. She finally started to realize she deserved happiness too. Thomas knew what he wanted from the beginning and he didn't stop till he got it. Great job Diane! Looking forward to your next story in the series!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Thomas first met Brianna outside on the busy street on Las Vegas while on his way to a business meeting. She looked preoccupied so he thought he would be nice and save her from crashing into a newspaper stand. She had such a sharp, businesslike exterior, but yet very feisty and sassy. There was something about her he found her very attractive and sexy; something that ignited deep down inside of him; something he was lacking for so many years. Then he watched her walk away never to see her again.
Thomas was shocked when he realized his business meeting was with Brianna, whom he just ran into on his way to the restaurant. While trying to maintain his composure to snag the biggest contract, he couldn’t help wonder about Brianna. There was something about her, something that made him interested, what was her story? She was different. He needed to keep this strictly business but he just couldn’t help but wonder, he just wanted more, just one more date to see where this would go. This wasn’t like him. The last time he wanted more he got burned, bad.
Brianna definitely kept it strictly business as much as she could. But Thomas was very persistent. He was really good at his job and he knew exactly what he was talking about, there was no doubt about that. He had an answer for everything. Thomas keeps insisting on taking Brianna out on a date to see if they have anything going on for them, but Brianna cannot take anything more than a business relationship.
Brianna pretty much had no choice to a “second meeting” when Thomas wants a tour of her hotel. They hop into the cab and head to Thomas’ hotel for dinner when one thing leads to another. It is at that moment, their passion for one another comes alive, that pent up connection is released and their feelings are poured out through that one long kiss. The fire burns in them that they skipped dinner and head right into Thomas’ suite where they have fiery HOT sex. They want each other soo badly; they don’t even make it to the bedroom! Even I felt the intensity from the kiss to the sex part! Once Brianna realizes what she has done, she runs away, fast without looking back.
What Brianna had done is not like her at all; it isn’t who she is. She doesn’t know what came over her because she has never ever done or felt the need to do that ever before. She is a responsible person and has three children to care for, who need her at home. No one has been able to make her feel this way in a very long time, no one since Michael. Not until now, not until Thomas. There was something about Thomas that made her feel alive again, made her feel, helped fill a void that felt missing since the day Michael died.
What did Thomas do to make her run? He couldn’t wrap his head around it. He had such a messed up past that he regretted every day of his life, but who didn’t have a messed up past? You learn from it and you don’t make the same mistakes again. He was married and hated his ex-wife for what she did to him. She played him for a fool, put false thoughts into his head, and turned him against the people he loved. And till this day, he hated himself for it; regretted himself for doing it. He lived a miserable life because of it. After all that she put him through, he deserved happiness in his life. He deserved someone to love him unconditionally.
There is just something about Brianna that Thomas cannot stay away. He must get to know her more, so he goes to talk to her at her office. They don’t start off by talking, but by having HOT desk sex. They the talking starts and they agree to start things off slowly. After revealing the truth, Thomas does not run but accepts the fact that she is a widow with three children and accepts that fact and would love to get to know her more. He is only in town for two more weeks and would like to see where things take them. He is not making any promises but they will cross that bridge when they get there. There is more to Thomas than it seems. He a very caring person and will put the kids and Brianna’s safety and happiness before his very own.
Brianna grew up with a lot of insecurities and they have slowly come back to haunt her. At the start of her relationship with Thomas, she thought he was using her to get her to sign the contract. Now she is terrified he will leave at the end of his two weeks and move back to California; leaving her and the kids alone. He has slowly become a fixture in their lives that it will not only crush her heart, but also her children. She is so used to rejection and people leaving her, she honestly feels that Thomas will do that very soon. It seems that they may have moved a little too fast and she terrified of what will happen.
Will Thomas pick up and leave Las Vegas for good leaving her and he kids? Will Thomas find happiness in Brianna and her family? Will Brianna be able to completely love Thomas? Will Thomas be able to let go of his past hurt and be happy again? Will Brianna finally stop running?
My heart broke for Brianna many, many times while reading this book. She was at a tough place. She felt like she needed to move on for herself, but she felt like she couldn’t. She was really torn and I could feel her emotions fighting herself on it. She couldn’t do it to Michael and she couldn’t do it to her kids. But she needed it for herself. She hated herself when she and Thomas first had passionate sex. I hated that she felt that way. She felt soo conflicted at the beginning of her feelings with Thomas, she just didn’t know what to do about them. But when she realized her feelings for Thomas were much deeper than a fling, she didn’t feel as guilty. She finally started to realize she deserved happiness too. Thomas knew what he wanted from the beginning and he didn't stop till he got it. Great job Diane! Looking forward to your next story in the series!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
February 27, 2021
Seguido del primero va el segundo. Este libro parece que ha intentado profundizar un poquito más (de hecho creo que es casi el doble de largo)...
Sin embargo, igual que el anterior, me ha dejado con la sensación de que se queda en la superficie. Quizás lo primero es la sensación de que la historia transcurre en apenas 2 semanas y en ese tiempo van a decidir sobre el resto de sus vidas. No es que no haya leído libros así antes (de hecho, Solo suya, que he leído recientemente, transcurre en un breve lapso de tiempo, pero no se tiene esa sensación de prisas y superficialidad, o al menos no me la transmite)
Por otro lado, los traumas de la juventud, que están ahí como barrera, no se tratan en profundidad y, de pronto, parece que se curan sin dificultades.
Lo bueno, tratar el tema de una viuda que rehace su vida y que no odiaba al anterior marido y que no compara el amor hacia un hombre con el del otro hombre. De verdad que odio eso, que para realzar un amor tenga que echarse por tierra otro amor. En ese sentido me ha gustado cómo se ha tratado el tema en esta historia y agradezco a la autora el detalle.
Por el momento, aunque creo que la serie continua, lo voy a dejar aquí. (No por nada, sino porque siento que hay mejores historias por ahí esperando a ser descubiertas y sospecho que, por el momento, esta serie sigue la misma línea)
Sin embargo, igual que el anterior, me ha dejado con la sensación de que se queda en la superficie. Quizás lo primero es la sensación de que la historia transcurre en apenas 2 semanas y en ese tiempo van a decidir sobre el resto de sus vidas. No es que no haya leído libros así antes (de hecho, Solo suya, que he leído recientemente, transcurre en un breve lapso de tiempo, pero no se tiene esa sensación de prisas y superficialidad, o al menos no me la transmite)
Por otro lado, los traumas de la juventud, que están ahí como barrera, no se tratan en profundidad y, de pronto, parece que se curan sin dificultades.
Lo bueno, tratar el tema de una viuda que rehace su vida y que no odiaba al anterior marido y que no compara el amor hacia un hombre con el del otro hombre. De verdad que odio eso, que para realzar un amor tenga que echarse por tierra otro amor. En ese sentido me ha gustado cómo se ha tratado el tema en esta historia y agradezco a la autora el detalle.
Por el momento, aunque creo que la serie continua, lo voy a dejar aquí. (No por nada, sino porque siento que hay mejores historias por ahí esperando a ser descubiertas y sospecho que, por el momento, esta serie sigue la misma línea)
May 6, 2017
Las Vegas, Thomas debe lograr un contrato con una ejecutiva de un gran Hotel, Brianna. Comienza con una pasión arrolladora aunque con muchos miedos por sus historias pasadas. A Thomas lo traicionó su ex y Brianna es una viuda con tres hijos.
Catalogaría a está novela como contemporánea-tierna. No hay grandes conflictos, solo blanquear sus historias y sus miedos.
Me aburrió un poquitín pero es linda. Especial para leer después de algo tortuoso.
Cuatros escenas hot intensas.
Catalogaría a está novela como contemporánea-tierna. No hay grandes conflictos, solo blanquear sus historias y sus miedos.
Me aburrió un poquitín pero es linda. Especial para leer después de algo tortuoso.
Cuatros escenas hot intensas.
September 5, 2021
3.75 stars
So much better than the first book! Altho the last part before the end annoyed me a whole lot.... anyways loved Thomas as a Hero ❤
So much better than the first book! Altho the last part before the end annoyed me a whole lot.... anyways loved Thomas as a Hero ❤
June 1, 2024
I enjoyed this book so very much, and Tom Thor’s narration is always wonderful!
June 3, 2013
This left me with mixed emotions. Loved the interaction with the kids, but not so much between the protagonists.
Full review -
After learning that the heroine is a widow with three children, I was itching to read Love Me. Because it’s a novella, it got bumped up to the top of the review pile. This is a fast read that left me conflicted. I loved the interactions between Thomas and Brianna’s kids, but I wasn’t so charmed when it was just Brianna and Thomas on the pages. Their relationship felt very forced and beyond awkward to me, so much so that I cringed most of the time they were together and wondered what drove them to keep torturing each other with their company. By the end of the story, their goals in life had aligned and become compatible, but man, I had my doubts that they would ever stop being so distrustful and just allow themselves a shot at the happiness they deserved.
The first third of the book was the most difficult for me to get through. Thomas is in Vegas, a city he hates, for business purposes. He’s here to convince Brianna to hire his marketing firm to make over her struggling casino. Their first meeting is confrontational, as are the next few. Despite having super hot sex in Thomas’ hotel room. Brianna isn’t one for dating, and she resists any attempts Thomas makes to get to know her better, and Thomas is still reeling from a cheating wife who demeaned him at every opportunity. Brianna’s husband succumbed to a terminal illness, and with three kids in tow, she’s having a hard time trusting other men. They don’t want to get caught up in her emotional baggage, and three kids? Deal breaker. Good thing that Thomas has a luggage set of emotional issues to work through, too!
As I already stated, I loved this story when it was about Thomas trying to convince Brianna and her kids that he was the man for them. Her children still miss their father, and her oldest son has a chip the size of a casino perched on his shoulder. He’s not dealing well with the death of his father, and he resents Thomas’s presence in their lives. He’s the man of the family, and he doesn’t need a smooth operator like Thomas mucking up his family or his mother’s heart. The younger children are more welcoming, and I enjoyed how they brought out Thomas’s softer side, something he didn’t realize he possessed. This is when the story worked for me, and kept me engaged in the lives of all of these characters.
I wish that I could say that the interactions between Thomas and Brianna were as compelling. I thought that both of them, even at the end, were too quick to negatively judge the other. There was no trust there, and since that is the fundamental basis of a lasting relationship, I was left wondering how they were going to keep their HEA. They were both too quick to jump to the wrong conclusion, even after establishing that they had the makings of something special. I found it frustrating and juvenile, and that aspect of the story just didn’t work for me.
Grade: C+
Full review -
After learning that the heroine is a widow with three children, I was itching to read Love Me. Because it’s a novella, it got bumped up to the top of the review pile. This is a fast read that left me conflicted. I loved the interactions between Thomas and Brianna’s kids, but I wasn’t so charmed when it was just Brianna and Thomas on the pages. Their relationship felt very forced and beyond awkward to me, so much so that I cringed most of the time they were together and wondered what drove them to keep torturing each other with their company. By the end of the story, their goals in life had aligned and become compatible, but man, I had my doubts that they would ever stop being so distrustful and just allow themselves a shot at the happiness they deserved.
The first third of the book was the most difficult for me to get through. Thomas is in Vegas, a city he hates, for business purposes. He’s here to convince Brianna to hire his marketing firm to make over her struggling casino. Their first meeting is confrontational, as are the next few. Despite having super hot sex in Thomas’ hotel room. Brianna isn’t one for dating, and she resists any attempts Thomas makes to get to know her better, and Thomas is still reeling from a cheating wife who demeaned him at every opportunity. Brianna’s husband succumbed to a terminal illness, and with three kids in tow, she’s having a hard time trusting other men. They don’t want to get caught up in her emotional baggage, and three kids? Deal breaker. Good thing that Thomas has a luggage set of emotional issues to work through, too!
As I already stated, I loved this story when it was about Thomas trying to convince Brianna and her kids that he was the man for them. Her children still miss their father, and her oldest son has a chip the size of a casino perched on his shoulder. He’s not dealing well with the death of his father, and he resents Thomas’s presence in their lives. He’s the man of the family, and he doesn’t need a smooth operator like Thomas mucking up his family or his mother’s heart. The younger children are more welcoming, and I enjoyed how they brought out Thomas’s softer side, something he didn’t realize he possessed. This is when the story worked for me, and kept me engaged in the lives of all of these characters.
I wish that I could say that the interactions between Thomas and Brianna were as compelling. I thought that both of them, even at the end, were too quick to negatively judge the other. There was no trust there, and since that is the fundamental basis of a lasting relationship, I was left wondering how they were going to keep their HEA. They were both too quick to jump to the wrong conclusion, even after establishing that they had the makings of something special. I found it frustrating and juvenile, and that aspect of the story just didn’t work for me.
Grade: C+
May 10, 2013
Thomas is a marketing executive who has come to Vegas hoping to land a big contract with the Golden Hand Casino. His company wants to branch into the Vegas market, but Thomas hates Vegas! Then he meets Brianna, the business woman he will be dealing from Golden Hand Casino. They literally bump into each other at their first meeting and things start to simmer! Besides the business deal, Thomas is drawn to Brianna..."And he liked what he saw. Perhaps too much. When was the last time he was so inescapably attracted to a woman?"
Brianna is determined to keep their interactions solely about business. What Thomas doesn't know is that she is a young widow with 3 children. The last thing she wants or needs is to be drawn into a relationship with Thomas for the short time he'll be in Vegas. But Thomas is nothing if not persistent right from the start and convinces Brianna she needs to go out with him that first night. Brianna can't fight the pull of Thomas and they end up really hot and heavy in his hotel room before she panics and runs off. Thomas wants both Brianna and the business account "And Brianna Faulk was offering more than one kind of chase, whether she knew it or not."
Brainna is struggling with moving on after her husband's death, her needs, and those of her children. She is convinced Thomas will bolt once he finds out about her children, but he proves her wrong. Thomas really wants to give things a chance and see how things go. Even with his emotional baggage from a previous marriage, he's found something worth pursuing. Brianna, despite her beauty and success, has little self confidence. Initially she wonders if she is just a means for Thomas to secure the business contract, convinced he can't possibly want her just for her!
Thomas does everything he can to prove to Brianna that he wants a relationship with her and her children, that they are worth more than she thinks to him. Brianna will have to trust in herself, her memories, and Thomas if they are to move forward and see where else fate takes them! Both of them will need to open up to the other and face their insecurities and pasts in order to move on to a future together. Can they do it? Can Thomas accept and gain acceptance from Brianna's children that he's not going to let them down, that there can be a second chance for true love?
Diane gives us a really sweet romance in Love Me. Both Thomas and Brianna were realistic people that the reader can relate too. Watching them both struggle with their past insecurities has you rooting for them both to give it one more try. With humor, hot sex, flirting and genuine people, Love Me is a smoothly written, heartwarming read!
This is the second book in a series but can eaily be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the first one yet, but will sure be heading back for it!
I give Love Me 5 stars.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing for the ARC of Love Me in return for an honest review.
Brianna is determined to keep their interactions solely about business. What Thomas doesn't know is that she is a young widow with 3 children. The last thing she wants or needs is to be drawn into a relationship with Thomas for the short time he'll be in Vegas. But Thomas is nothing if not persistent right from the start and convinces Brianna she needs to go out with him that first night. Brianna can't fight the pull of Thomas and they end up really hot and heavy in his hotel room before she panics and runs off. Thomas wants both Brianna and the business account "And Brianna Faulk was offering more than one kind of chase, whether she knew it or not."
Brainna is struggling with moving on after her husband's death, her needs, and those of her children. She is convinced Thomas will bolt once he finds out about her children, but he proves her wrong. Thomas really wants to give things a chance and see how things go. Even with his emotional baggage from a previous marriage, he's found something worth pursuing. Brianna, despite her beauty and success, has little self confidence. Initially she wonders if she is just a means for Thomas to secure the business contract, convinced he can't possibly want her just for her!
Thomas does everything he can to prove to Brianna that he wants a relationship with her and her children, that they are worth more than she thinks to him. Brianna will have to trust in herself, her memories, and Thomas if they are to move forward and see where else fate takes them! Both of them will need to open up to the other and face their insecurities and pasts in order to move on to a future together. Can they do it? Can Thomas accept and gain acceptance from Brianna's children that he's not going to let them down, that there can be a second chance for true love?
Diane gives us a really sweet romance in Love Me. Both Thomas and Brianna were realistic people that the reader can relate too. Watching them both struggle with their past insecurities has you rooting for them both to give it one more try. With humor, hot sex, flirting and genuine people, Love Me is a smoothly written, heartwarming read!
This is the second book in a series but can eaily be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the first one yet, but will sure be heading back for it!
I give Love Me 5 stars.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing for the ARC of Love Me in return for an honest review.
June 26, 2013
4.5 stars rounded up because of that HOT office sex scene!
Thomas is not looking for a relationship. In fact, he loves them and leaves them ever since he was betrayed by his wife years ago. So when he finds himself admiring the lovely lady who gives as good as she gets before a business meeting, he thinks nothing of it. That is until he finds that Brianna, the woman he was instantly attracted to, is the business associate he will be dealing with to land the account he needs to acquire the promotion he wants at work.
Thrown for a loop, fighting his attraction and working on the job he needs to complete, Thomas decides to have his cake and eat it too. The problem comes when Brianna fights him every step of the way. Never one to back down from a challenge, Thomas sets his sights on having an affair with Brianna for however long he is in town. The only problem -- Brianna comes to mean more to him than he ever expected to. All of a sudden he finds himself entertaining notions of marriage and family. Now if only he could convince Brianna to take a chance on him and love him.
Holy cow, I was NOT expecting this!!! Emotions, sexual tension, sizzling-hot chemistry all wrapped up in an intense story of second chances and letting go, Love Me took me by surprise. After reading Try Me , where Thomas appears and makes amends with Jeremy after a huge misunderstanding that tore apart their friendship, I was curious to read Thomas' story and see him find his happily-ever-after. However, I was not expecting him to be such a complex character.
I loved him! His intensity, his determination and his sexiness. Once he made up his mind he was not to be deterred, even when at times he struggled to come to grips with his new-found feelings of starting a family and remarrying. Especially since his view of marriage had forever been altered by his previous experience. Having been weary of commitment for years, he finally learns to let go so that he could pursue Brianna.
I enjoyed the way Brianna and Thomas were brought together and how they each put their emotions out there on the page for me to truly connect with them and cheer them on to come together. I liked Brianna right away. She was strong and independent and not easily persuaded by a handsome face. She was all proper and business-like but when she let go and opened up to Thomas their connection could not be denied. It was explosive! Damn, that scene in her office? Phew!!! HOT!
Diana Albert has fast become an author I will surely keep my eye out for. All the titles I have read of hers have been absolutely amazing and I can't wait to read more.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
Thomas is not looking for a relationship. In fact, he loves them and leaves them ever since he was betrayed by his wife years ago. So when he finds himself admiring the lovely lady who gives as good as she gets before a business meeting, he thinks nothing of it. That is until he finds that Brianna, the woman he was instantly attracted to, is the business associate he will be dealing with to land the account he needs to acquire the promotion he wants at work.
Thrown for a loop, fighting his attraction and working on the job he needs to complete, Thomas decides to have his cake and eat it too. The problem comes when Brianna fights him every step of the way. Never one to back down from a challenge, Thomas sets his sights on having an affair with Brianna for however long he is in town. The only problem -- Brianna comes to mean more to him than he ever expected to. All of a sudden he finds himself entertaining notions of marriage and family. Now if only he could convince Brianna to take a chance on him and love him.
Holy cow, I was NOT expecting this!!! Emotions, sexual tension, sizzling-hot chemistry all wrapped up in an intense story of second chances and letting go, Love Me took me by surprise. After reading Try Me , where Thomas appears and makes amends with Jeremy after a huge misunderstanding that tore apart their friendship, I was curious to read Thomas' story and see him find his happily-ever-after. However, I was not expecting him to be such a complex character.
I loved him! His intensity, his determination and his sexiness. Once he made up his mind he was not to be deterred, even when at times he struggled to come to grips with his new-found feelings of starting a family and remarrying. Especially since his view of marriage had forever been altered by his previous experience. Having been weary of commitment for years, he finally learns to let go so that he could pursue Brianna.
I enjoyed the way Brianna and Thomas were brought together and how they each put their emotions out there on the page for me to truly connect with them and cheer them on to come together. I liked Brianna right away. She was strong and independent and not easily persuaded by a handsome face. She was all proper and business-like but when she let go and opened up to Thomas their connection could not be denied. It was explosive! Damn, that scene in her office? Phew!!! HOT!
Diana Albert has fast become an author I will surely keep my eye out for. All the titles I have read of hers have been absolutely amazing and I can't wait to read more.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
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