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The Love Projects #1
Taking Chances
Love Projects, 1
Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t lovable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.
The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.
Lydia’s father walked away from her when she was eight. She’s struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn’t lovable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he has the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies, and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.
The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they’ll always yearn for love that is out of reach. But together they can find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed love.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2013
149 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Maylee
12 books120 followersS.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She’s finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time.
When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict.
As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJMayleeAuthor
New Release Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/4Lc01
When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband’s music. She’s a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict.
As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJMayleeAuthor
New Release Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/4Lc01
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 22, 2014
Lydia is quiet and doesn't trust easily. However, she is interested in Jake and hoping he will take notice of her. When they are thrown together on a project, Jake takes notice and suddenly the conference room starts heating up. Jake has so many rules he never breaks. But Lydia pushes him to break those rules. I enjoyed the interaction between these two and loved that Jake wasn't heavy-handed with Lydia when her past insecurities got in the way. I think he found the right balance with his discipline.
One refreshing note about this story is that even though Jake is a member of a BDSM club there were no dungeon scenes. Rather refreshing, I'd say.
This is my first time of reading this author's book and I've already bought the next book in the series.
One refreshing note about this story is that even though Jake is a member of a BDSM club there were no dungeon scenes. Rather refreshing, I'd say.
This is my first time of reading this author's book and I've already bought the next book in the series.
June 10, 2015
Reviewed by Victoria
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Taking Chances is the first book in The Love Projects series by S. J. Maylee. I chose this book because after reading the blurb I was intrigued. I wanted to see the journey this book would take the reader and how this book would turn out.
Lydia is good at her job but she lacks confidence to voice herself at work therefor not many people know how talented she really is. Lydia struggles with her confidence every day after her father left her at the age of 8, and that made her feel unlovable. She does not even attempt to date happy to daydream about love.
Jake is a Dom and Lydia’s co-worker. He is a hot and sexy man who intimidates Lydia. They have similar thoughts and opinions after their boss bout them together to work on a project. I loved how Jake managed to build up Lydia’s confidence and become her Dom at the same time.
The chemistry between Jake and Lydia is blistering. The sex scenes were scorching. These two are a wonderful match as long as Lydia continues to open up to him. It also makes you wonder about fate and how funny it is at times.
I found this book very well written. This author does a good job of drawing the reader into the story. I had a hard time putting this book down. The main and secondary characters are not just interesting but realistic as well. Overall, this was a fabulous book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I do hope we get to see these characters again.
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Taking Chances is the first book in The Love Projects series by S. J. Maylee. I chose this book because after reading the blurb I was intrigued. I wanted to see the journey this book would take the reader and how this book would turn out.
Lydia is good at her job but she lacks confidence to voice herself at work therefor not many people know how talented she really is. Lydia struggles with her confidence every day after her father left her at the age of 8, and that made her feel unlovable. She does not even attempt to date happy to daydream about love.
Jake is a Dom and Lydia’s co-worker. He is a hot and sexy man who intimidates Lydia. They have similar thoughts and opinions after their boss bout them together to work on a project. I loved how Jake managed to build up Lydia’s confidence and become her Dom at the same time.
The chemistry between Jake and Lydia is blistering. The sex scenes were scorching. These two are a wonderful match as long as Lydia continues to open up to him. It also makes you wonder about fate and how funny it is at times.
I found this book very well written. This author does a good job of drawing the reader into the story. I had a hard time putting this book down. The main and secondary characters are not just interesting but realistic as well. Overall, this was a fabulous book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I do hope we get to see these characters again.
January 3, 2015
This book was so good!! I'm so tickled about it. I'm such a fan of S.J. Maylee. Her stories are short, exciting, and sexy with characters who have chemistry to spare.
Just a quick rundown. Lydia is struggling with the idea that there must be something wrong with her because her father left when she was a child. Jake believes that he can never actually be in love. He thinks that the fact that he's a Dom scares women away, so he sticks to unattached subs at the club.
Watching these two come together was really fun. There was angst of course, but that is necessary to move a story along, and there wasn't so much that you would want to skip chapters. There was also some humor, and to me, that just enhances the whole thing. The first time they had sex was so gratifying! It happened rather quickly, but that's mostly because "Taking Chances" is not a long book. I want to mention here that, this is a BDSM novel, so there are spankings, paddlings, and other toys. YUM!
I love the background characters (well...all but one of them). They were perfect, and I'd be more than happy to work in this office, and having friends like these would be awesome. Life would be so much cooler!!
This is the first in the "Love Projects" series. There is already a second called "Taking Courage", and it's awesome too. I can't wait to see if Ms. Maylee will be adding more. I'll happily read them. I'm recommending this one to everyone who likes their romance to be sweet, their sex to be hot, and their BDSM well written. This book is definitely for you!
Reviewed by Kenna for Cocktails and Books
Just a quick rundown. Lydia is struggling with the idea that there must be something wrong with her because her father left when she was a child. Jake believes that he can never actually be in love. He thinks that the fact that he's a Dom scares women away, so he sticks to unattached subs at the club.
Watching these two come together was really fun. There was angst of course, but that is necessary to move a story along, and there wasn't so much that you would want to skip chapters. There was also some humor, and to me, that just enhances the whole thing. The first time they had sex was so gratifying! It happened rather quickly, but that's mostly because "Taking Chances" is not a long book. I want to mention here that, this is a BDSM novel, so there are spankings, paddlings, and other toys. YUM!
I love the background characters (well...all but one of them). They were perfect, and I'd be more than happy to work in this office, and having friends like these would be awesome. Life would be so much cooler!!
This is the first in the "Love Projects" series. There is already a second called "Taking Courage", and it's awesome too. I can't wait to see if Ms. Maylee will be adding more. I'll happily read them. I'm recommending this one to everyone who likes their romance to be sweet, their sex to be hot, and their BDSM well written. This book is definitely for you!
Reviewed by Kenna for Cocktails and Books
August 1, 2014
Romancing The Book Review
Original Review Published here: http://romancing-the-book.com/2014/03...
Taking Chances is the first book in The Love Projects series by S. J. Maylee. I chose this book because after reading the blurb I was intrigued. I wanted to see the journey this book would take the reader and how this book would turn out.
Lydia is good at her job but she lacks confidence to voice herself at work therefor not many people know how talented she really is. Lydia struggles with her confidence every day after her father left her at the age of 8, and that made her feel unlovable. She does not even attempt to date happy to daydream about love.
Jake is a Dom and Lydia’s co-worker. He is a hot and sexy man who intimidates Lydia. They have similar thoughts and opinions after their boss bout them together to work on a project. I loved how Jake managed to build up Lydia’s confidence and become her Dom at the same time.
The chemistry between Jake and Lydia is blistering. The sex scenes were scorching. These two are a wonderful match as long as Lydia continues to open up to him. It also makes you wonder about fate and how funny it is at times.
I found this book very well written. This author does a good job of drawing the reader into the story. I had a hard time putting this book down. The main and secondary characters are not just interesting but realistic as well. Overall, this was a fabulous book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I do hope we get to see these characters again.
Original Review Published here: http://romancing-the-book.com/2014/03...
Taking Chances is the first book in The Love Projects series by S. J. Maylee. I chose this book because after reading the blurb I was intrigued. I wanted to see the journey this book would take the reader and how this book would turn out.
Lydia is good at her job but she lacks confidence to voice herself at work therefor not many people know how talented she really is. Lydia struggles with her confidence every day after her father left her at the age of 8, and that made her feel unlovable. She does not even attempt to date happy to daydream about love.
Jake is a Dom and Lydia’s co-worker. He is a hot and sexy man who intimidates Lydia. They have similar thoughts and opinions after their boss bout them together to work on a project. I loved how Jake managed to build up Lydia’s confidence and become her Dom at the same time.
The chemistry between Jake and Lydia is blistering. The sex scenes were scorching. These two are a wonderful match as long as Lydia continues to open up to him. It also makes you wonder about fate and how funny it is at times.
I found this book very well written. This author does a good job of drawing the reader into the story. I had a hard time putting this book down. The main and secondary characters are not just interesting but realistic as well. Overall, this was a fabulous book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I do hope we get to see these characters again.
October 25, 2016
I pretty much love anything SJ Maylee puts out and when I noticed this book was available to review I snapped it right up, I’m glad I did. This is actually a different series than the one I have been reading from her, so I was interested to see if my excitement would wax or wane any. Nope, still love her books.
I really like the fact I’m in on the first book of the series and I have the others to look forward to. The prospect of a BDSM matchmaking boss is pretty hysterical, I kinda wish I’d had one of those myself, but alas, no kink fairy godfather. Had to do it all on my own. I love that Lydia had this huge crush on Jake and all sorts of fantasies. They get assigned to do a project together and then the sparks start to fly.
Jake knows of his bosses reputation as a matchmaker, and they are both doms at the same club. Though boss man denies it, Keller smirks at him. Lydia calls him Sir and the heat is on! As usual, someone always tries to interfere, and we have Gina from the office doing so.(Gina’s story comes later) and then family issues and misunderstandings. In the end though, a wonderful story.
I really like the fact I’m in on the first book of the series and I have the others to look forward to. The prospect of a BDSM matchmaking boss is pretty hysterical, I kinda wish I’d had one of those myself, but alas, no kink fairy godfather. Had to do it all on my own. I love that Lydia had this huge crush on Jake and all sorts of fantasies. They get assigned to do a project together and then the sparks start to fly.
Jake knows of his bosses reputation as a matchmaker, and they are both doms at the same club. Though boss man denies it, Keller smirks at him. Lydia calls him Sir and the heat is on! As usual, someone always tries to interfere, and we have Gina from the office doing so.(Gina’s story comes later) and then family issues and misunderstandings. In the end though, a wonderful story.
September 14, 2013
Lydia is as quiet and unassuming as a church mouse. Jake is a "no-commitments" Dom who frequents the clubs for recreation. She fantasizes about him; he's attracted to her, but knows she's hands off. When their boss assigns them to the same project and they're forced to work side-by-side, passion bubbles up. But will Lydia be able to speak up for herself? Will Jake be willing to break his own rules?
SJ Maylee has crafted a BDSM "light" story about a seemingly vanilla girl who comes to embrace her submissive nature and a gentle Dom eager to show her the ropes. What I enjoyed most about this story (besides the hot sex) was the character of Lydia and how she expresses her natural submissiveness, yet gets her needs met. I enjoyed the interaction at work between the two of them as well as the "extracurricular" activities.
Taking Chances is SJ Maylee's debut novel, and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.
SJ Maylee has crafted a BDSM "light" story about a seemingly vanilla girl who comes to embrace her submissive nature and a gentle Dom eager to show her the ropes. What I enjoyed most about this story (besides the hot sex) was the character of Lydia and how she expresses her natural submissiveness, yet gets her needs met. I enjoyed the interaction at work between the two of them as well as the "extracurricular" activities.
Taking Chances is SJ Maylee's debut novel, and she does an excellent job of creating interesting characters searching for connection while providing enough kink and spice to heat things up.
September 25, 2013
Taking Chances was one of those books where you see the story play out in your mind. I was there with Lydia in the conference room with her demanding boss and then alone working with Jake. I loved how Ms. Maylee gives the reader both of H/h’s POV as the scenes changed. Jake’s view of Lydia eating lunch complete with her innocently licking barbeque sauce from her fingers was memorable!
Ms. Maylee does a fantastic job of hooking the reader from the beginning of the story. I found myself caring about Lydia and Jake and rooting for them to get together. Oh yes, and Jake, Jake, Jake…May I just say he’s my type of man. He knows what he wants and where he wants it. Three words: Over. The. Sofa. Hot! (Okay, that was four words) I loved how he both dominated Lydia but at the same time empowered her to make her own decisions.
I won’t give too much of the story away but I will say S.J. Maylee’s debut book, Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero. I can’t wait for more from Ms. Maylee.
Ms. Maylee does a fantastic job of hooking the reader from the beginning of the story. I found myself caring about Lydia and Jake and rooting for them to get together. Oh yes, and Jake, Jake, Jake…May I just say he’s my type of man. He knows what he wants and where he wants it. Three words: Over. The. Sofa. Hot! (Okay, that was four words) I loved how he both dominated Lydia but at the same time empowered her to make her own decisions.
I won’t give too much of the story away but I will say S.J. Maylee’s debut book, Taking Chances, is a must read for anyone who wants a great story, well written, smoking hot smexy scenes and an oh so hot hero. I can’t wait for more from Ms. Maylee.
January 7, 2016
(request submitted by author for an honest critique)
I've read many BDSM books but I feel this one probably contained more emotion than about 90% of the others I have on my bookshelves. Lydia and Jake's scenes weren't all about fulfilling their kink needs, which I liked. Yeah, spankings and submitting is good but I like to see a couple connecting on a more higher level. That's what makes a BDSM story more enjoyable, more memorable, in my mind.
On a final note, watching a person eat a banana has been known to elicit carnal thoughts to a happy observer but I'm thinking BBQ sauce is the new aphrodisiac.
Curious about that statement? Good then buy and read the book. :)
I've read many BDSM books but I feel this one probably contained more emotion than about 90% of the others I have on my bookshelves. Lydia and Jake's scenes weren't all about fulfilling their kink needs, which I liked. Yeah, spankings and submitting is good but I like to see a couple connecting on a more higher level. That's what makes a BDSM story more enjoyable, more memorable, in my mind.
On a final note, watching a person eat a banana has been known to elicit carnal thoughts to a happy observer but I'm thinking BBQ sauce is the new aphrodisiac.
Curious about that statement? Good then buy and read the book. :)
December 23, 2016
New book New author for me so I was Intrigued from the get go not ten pages in I was hooked on an amazing style of writing engaging plot and characters that have you smiling and flicking the pages at a rapid rate.
The chemistry between the characters is electric and had me fanning myself and the intimate scenes omg omg yes!!!!
Fantastic read Miss Maylee has made me into a fangirl.
4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
The chemistry between the characters is electric and had me fanning myself and the intimate scenes omg omg yes!!!!
Fantastic read Miss Maylee has made me into a fangirl.
4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
October 3, 2013
Taking Chances by S. J. Maylee
4 stars
Well-written story of erotica and the BDSM world. Lydia is a shy mouse afraid to speak to anyone. Jake is a confident man who goes after what he wants. Unexpected things happen when these two are thrust together at work. Nice read.
Bobbi the Book Monster
4 stars
Well-written story of erotica and the BDSM world. Lydia is a shy mouse afraid to speak to anyone. Jake is a confident man who goes after what he wants. Unexpected things happen when these two are thrust together at work. Nice read.
Bobbi the Book Monster
September 17, 2013
Review to come.
June 15, 2014
"Love is a strange and beautiful thing with smooth and rugged edges."
Lydia has been dealing with abandonment issues ever since her father left her and her mother when she was eight years old. Most people would say that she is shy and meek, but little they realize there is more then meets the eye. Jake is strong and very easy on the eyes. His dominate side always seems to make an appearance; he likes to be in control in every aspect of his life.
A new project has come up at work and Jake has been put in charge. He must pick someone to work with and he picks Lydia, much to her surprise. The sparks fly between these two but both are scared to act on it. However as the day progresses, Jake sees something in Lydia that his dominant side can not forget. After work, he accompanies her home and pushes Lydia's limits and to her surprise she enjoys it. As the night progresses, Jake comes to realize that Lydia may be just what he is looking for and someone that can make him forget his rules. These two are electric and even through their stumbling blocks, they become stronger. Jake give everything to her and Lydia lets go of her past and gives completely to him.
This book was very steamy read that I couldn't put down. Sexy, intriguing, electric, passionate! I cannot wait to see what Ms. Maylee has to offer next!
Lydia has been dealing with abandonment issues ever since her father left her and her mother when she was eight years old. Most people would say that she is shy and meek, but little they realize there is more then meets the eye. Jake is strong and very easy on the eyes. His dominate side always seems to make an appearance; he likes to be in control in every aspect of his life.
A new project has come up at work and Jake has been put in charge. He must pick someone to work with and he picks Lydia, much to her surprise. The sparks fly between these two but both are scared to act on it. However as the day progresses, Jake sees something in Lydia that his dominant side can not forget. After work, he accompanies her home and pushes Lydia's limits and to her surprise she enjoys it. As the night progresses, Jake comes to realize that Lydia may be just what he is looking for and someone that can make him forget his rules. These two are electric and even through their stumbling blocks, they become stronger. Jake give everything to her and Lydia lets go of her past and gives completely to him.
This book was very steamy read that I couldn't put down. Sexy, intriguing, electric, passionate! I cannot wait to see what Ms. Maylee has to offer next!
December 2, 2013
Jake picked Lydia to work on a project with him not realizing what Lydia was like. Lydia knew the work and had secretly admired Jake. Watching them work through their issues and Lydia working through everything with her dad and brother. Jake was great not letting Lydia hide from him. It was an enjoyable story.
June 15, 2014
Full review can be seen on my blog on 6/15/14 as part of the Taking Courage Blog tour that In The Pages Designs (&Promos) set up.
July 11, 2014
I loved and hated it at the same time but the story was okay and it did have some sweet moments
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews