Acquiring Hearts

by S. Donahue

Bradley Roberts is a CEO of a major technology company that he inherited from his deceased father. He basically gave up his life at the young age of twenty-three to take on the many responsibilities he was not ready for. Seven years later, Bradley is not ready to settle down but one day he accidentally meets his secretary’s sister, Giavonna Coppi. He immediately has an attraction to her. She's not like any of the women he has dated before. Bradley finds himself wanting to spend more time with her.

Gia is an independent, hardworking lawyer who's been hurt in the past. She invested all of her time into establishing her career. When she meets Bradley she senses the connection but is afraid to give her all.

Can their relationship withstand the dilemma’s that come between them? Are they meant to be together or is it easier for them to be apart. Only time will tell…

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Amazon, New Adult, Contemporary

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2013

About the author

S. Donahue's first novel “Acquiring Hearts” was released on October 4, 2013. She has also began writing her second book "Trusting Hearts" due out in Spring/Summer 2014.

She decided to start writing when she was inspired by her friend who published a book. The thought process was always there inspired by her love of reading. She lacked the confidence to make it happen until she stepped into the world of Indie Authors.

Her time is spent first and foremost as a wife and mother to her 13-year-old son. She is a family-oriented person. The rest of her time is spent working a full-time job as a Business Systems Analyst, working on her upcoming novels, cooking, cleaning, reading and maintaining various Facebook pages. When does she sleep?

Reviews

[Indy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whoa, props for author for writing her first book, but this was glaringly a badly written novel. The dialog was far from natural, the plot development lacked any transition, the story told versus describing or letting the reader feel the characters emotions, and the plot was so far from believable - I think there were at least 5-7 climatic moments that came as fast as they went. To top it off, had huge editing issues - almost every page lacked sufficient quote marks to show when a dialog ended, attribution wasn't given a lot of times in text messages confusing reader on who was saying what, words were misspelled, etc. Oh and at some pt, everyone has a POV, even very very minor characters - like 3 sentences suddenly of inner monologue of Vinnie?!

Surprisingly I did finish this one, was quick, but I was laughing out loud with how bad things began to sound when I read them. To show I am not trying to deliberately be harsh, here are some examples:

"He screamed out her name as he planted his impression inside her." IMPRESSION?!

"But meeting Brad's mother was different, she wasn't just someone off the streets." Weird comparison....

"To our first date, hopefully you'll agree to have many more with me. After dinner, do you want to take a walk near the river to end our perfect night? I already know it's going to be perfect cause you are." - what male says stuff like this? From the first page it seemed like they were engaged!

This could completely be a personal preference and I know I am a harsher critic than some, so maybe others will come to different conclusions, but my first suggestion would be to leverage beta readers heavily.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced quick read that I enjoyed.

Brad is thrown into being a young CEO of his fathers company after his father dies. He works hard but feels as if something's missing. His life changes when he meets Gia. She's a great character. She's successful and fiesta. These two have a great attraction. Their journey isn't an easy one but their ups and downs only make them stronger.

If your looking for a well written romantic story then I'll certainly recommend this story. Looking forward to reading more in the series.

[Stacey (sassysreadingnook) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried, I really did but this book just isn't for me. I couldn't make any connection to the characters, the writing is flat and needs work. It's such a shame, I love the story idea, the blurb really got me itching for more.

[Vanessa]

My review & rating will be posted after the tour concludes...

[Jenni Fields-Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I have loved you with all of my heart and soul from the first day I laid eyes on you.”

Bradley was thrown into the CEO position at his father’s company at an early age. Only to find that being the head of a company comes with not only fame and fortune but women. The women Bradley dated over the years only really wanted two things - fame and fortune. Brad’s way of dealing with life is to throw himself into his work. He literally eats and breaths work.

First let me say that I would never use Bradley for his money unlike some women have.*cough, Shelia, cough*

However, I might use him for his devilishly handsome features, the way he makes a women feel like she is the only one and his car service. hehe

Oh did I mention…the man can use ice cubes for more than just keeping his drink cold…if you get my drift.

Gia on the other hand is independent, ruthless, outspoken and doesn't need a man to take care of her. She has the ability to put you in your place in a way that in all honesty scares me a bit. Gia’s love life has really been non-existent. Her dates have been few and far between. So when she gives in goes on a date - let’s just say it’s time to bring out the straight jacket because Tom is certifiably nuts!

When Bradley and Gia’s meet their connection is intense and the passion between them is H-O-T!

I can’t tell a lie… Gia had me on edge a few times. Her back and forth with Bradley, her need keep things from him irritated me. I totally get being a strong independent woman but when love comes along sometimes you have to just let go and trust the other person.

“I want to do everything for you. I would if you the world if I could. No one has made me feel the way you do.”

Brad spoils Gia to no end and treats her like a queen. Any man that and constantly tells his woman how much he cares for her is a keeper. Brad has quiet a few swoon-worthy moments. But with swoon-worthy moments comes moments of doubt.

Time and time again, people try to pull Gia & Brad apart but together they learn that there is nothing they can’t face as long as they trust each other.

S. Donahue did an amazing job bringing you into each scene by describing every detail. She even went as far as specifically pointing out products and brand names. I found myself immersed in each character. I pictured how they dressed, their facial expressions, how they walked and yes, I will admit to even picturing how Brad kissed.

Being a beta reader is not as easy as it sounds. Sure it was awesome to read a book in that was still in progress and give your suggestions. But in all honesty, it is a little nerve racking. Constantly thinking “is the author going to hate what I have to say and drop me like a bad habit.”

Through late night text messages, our love Captain Crunch and New Kids on the Block, S. Donahue and I have become good friends. Thank you so much for trusting me with your AMAZING first book! You did an outstanding job!

Looking forward to Rachel's story!

[A.C. Haury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Acquiring Hearts in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I am not typically a huge fan of romance novels, but Acquiring Hearts made a believer out of me. It has a fast paced plot, well-developed and interesting characters, and it certainly kept me reading page after page. It took me only a day to read this book and it was definitely entertaining. It had everything; romance, comedy, heartache, crime, and more.

I love that Gia is an independent woman with a career and a good head on her shoulders. Some of her decisions made my head spin, but hey, it certainly wasn’t a boring read! I adored Brad from the gate. Sure, he is a total dream boat, but he is also a flawed character – and there is nothing I love more than a perfectly flawed character. Brad comes with baggage, but this only makes him a deeper character that one would expect to find in a debut novel.

I loved this book and I cannot wait for S. Donahue’s second book, Trusting Hearts, to come out. She left readers a teaser in the back of Acquiring Hearts, and it left me dying for more. She gives you just enough to leave you begging for more. C’mon S. Donahue! Give us more!

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a heartfelt romance or romantic comedies.

[FMR Book Grind · Rating 3 out of 5]

LEEANN'S REVIEW
3.5 STARS

This is the story of Brad & Gia. Brad is a CEO of a multi-million dollar corporation & Gia is a Lawyer.

This story is a quick fast paced romance. I am a bit conflicted with this one as I felt it was a bit rushed.
It had the potential to be a great story but I just felt it needed to be a bit more fleshy.
In saying that, the characters are likeable, the flow of the story even though it was fast was good & made sense.

The fantasy surrounding their relationship was stuff dreams are made of & since I read to escape reality this is a
good thing. I like the idea of two people who have no financial concerns coming together & jetting all over the
country & living it up. I like that they fell in love at first sight & that when they look at each other the rest of the world
fades away.
They do face some road bumps along the way but what couple doesn’t?

As I said this book had huge potential & if it didn’t feel so rushed I think it would have just had that little bit extra that
would have make it a 5 star book.

This would make a good quick holiday read.

[Novel Hoarders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing. A fairytale romance with a few little twists of excitement to keep you wondering what's going to happen next. The perfect combinations of good and bad characters to keep it from being too good to be true. Gia and Brad's story is one of passion and the author does a great job describing love scenes without going overboard but makes you all hot and bothered none the less.
I would highly recommend this story to any lover of romance novels, especially those of you looking for a quick read. It took me about 2 hours to finish. I look forward to reading Rachel's story next.

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading by the Book Review....

I really enjoyed this love story on how getting over you pass can be helped with the right person by your side. Gia had a hard time open7ng up her heart but Brad was on a mission to claim his love and show her she is the princesz and needs to let him prove it to her.

Although he was laid back and struggling with his own ddm8ns he LOVED hard and pushed even harder to have Gia open up and let him in. He was a romantic and many men need to take lessons in how to WOO from him.

This was a classic love story that will keep you wanted to know what would happen next. I can't wait for book 2.

[Sandra Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a copy exchange for a honest review...

I love brad and Gia story. Gia met brad through her sister. They had their up and down moments. I will say tom is crazy. He worked with Gia and Shelia brads ex was crazy also. My heart broke for Rachel Gia sister. I'm really enjoyed this book :-) and I can't wait to read more from the author. A must read!!!

[Rosemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for book 2........

[Irene · Rating 1 out of 5]

My Review

I’m sorry but I cannot finish reading this book. These characters are wonderful but the story needs some serious editing.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

First let me say I have read other books by this author and loved them. This is a very fast pace read at times to much information was given and other time not enough. This story has a good plot but it is just filled with way to much drama for me.

Let’s start off with what I like about the story. I loved that there were two people who had their own money with great jobs. Both have strong personalities which the author wrote well. I love how Gia handed the one ex with such style and class. Brad was a strong alpha (I wish I could have seen more of that) he went after what he wanted. His mother was a sweetheart I really liked her, at first I thought she was a nut case too but she came through. I really like Gia parents how her father stood up for his girls and how he took care of Vinnie. Out of all the characters I liked him best.

There are too many ex’s that are nut jobs, the real issue I have are the two sisters are so close they are best friends and one drops a major bomb shell that just doesn’t work for me. The author works around that and the way she does works but it just doesn’t work for me. This story does have potential to be a great book the author gives you likable characters. The writing style was slow and filled in with more of what they did and where they went than their relationship. The story moves around to fast where the author could have give more detail would have made it a better read. I would have liked to have read the office scene with Gia and the other employee. I didn’t not feel the chemistry between Brad and Gia, their first date was great he was such a gentleman than the second one he was jumping her bones. For me when they first met he came off more like a stalker than a want to be boyfriend. With how Gia came across with his ex I just expect her language to me more professional. She went from very class to very trash real fast. As far as editing I am the last person to even comment on that if you have read my reviews you know I could use an editor myself. So for me this was not a major issue. I have a few of issues with this story but they are small ones and not worth talking about.

With the above said I can only give this a 3 star and for me that is even pushing it. As always what I think or feel about a story is not how everyone does. There are a lot of 5 stars attached to the book, I guess they see something I do not. So please if you read the book description and think you might like this give it a try. We each enjoy different things so you might just find you love this book.

[Books Laid Bare · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5
Ok, so the scenario is not new but that doesn’t mean that the book should be dismissed because if you do you will miss a sharp quick read.
It is not perfect and there is a lot that I would have liked to have had explained or clarified better but I have to say that I liked the book. It maybe didn’t knock me on my ass but then again, that isn’t always a good thing.
It blew away the cobwebs and gave me an old fashioned romance.
The storyline was a good one but at times there was too much going on and getting my head around it all was hard work. Now I like a book that challenges me but not one that loses me along the way only to gather me back up bemused and bewildered a few pages later.
I liked Gia and Brad, I loved her attitude and her feisty side she was more than willing to raise to a challenge when necessary.
He was determined, resolute, showing just a smidge of alpha which I hope is to be further explored.
There are a fist full of characters that you will need medication in order to be able to understand – far too many crazies in one place but they are somewhat counterbalanced by the family that surround them, especially Brad – his mum, eventually came into her own and Gia’s dad well I want him– he was epic!!!
But there were some points that I struggled with, I didn’t like the tempo in some parts, I was desperately trying to hurry them along, and it was as if they were toying with me and not in a good way.
I also found the editing distracting, it wasn’t as bad as some have implied but yes, it could have done with some work. But then again, I’ve never written a book, so perhaps I should hush my mouth.
Overall the book delivered but it had the potential to bring more to the party.
It gave me characters that I loved and the prerequisite characters that I could hate.
It gave me a couple that I could fall for and watch as they developed but who I could also willingly bash around the head at times.
Would I recommend the book – Yes, I think I would have to say that I would. It was decent story that with a tweak here and there could be great.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was something that rubbed me the wrong way from the get go with this book, however I liked it more towards the end and even more because S. Donahue completed the story of Brad and Gia and didn't leave her readers hanging.

Brad is a young CEO, taking over his fathers business after his sudden death. Although it wasn't what Brad wanted to do, it is what he had to do at the time. Five years has quickly passed and Brad realizes he's missing out on a family of his own. Ready to settle down, he meets the sister of his secretary one night and feels an instant connection to her. Gia is smart and beautiful. She's an established lawyer that has also realized she's twenty nine and is letting time for a family slip by. After meeting Brad, she feels the same connection and decides to give things a shot.

"After dinner, do you want to take a walk near the river to end our perfect night? I already know it is going to be perfect, because you are." ~ Brad

"You are so beautiful when you are being pleasured by me." ~ Brad

Cheesy lines like these are what got to me right off the bat making me cringe. Plus they were babe-ing and honey-ing each other after the second date. While I'm as romantic as the next girl, that first line on a first date would have me running for the hills. The electricity Brad and Gia were feeling, didn't come through well in the story. More like a this-is-suppose-to-happen-so-it-will vibe. He wants her, she wants him, bam lets do this thing.

I liked that we got a little angst in this insta-love and that Gia's sister throws her wrench in at the last 25% of the book, making things interesting. In fact, I liked Rachel more than Gia and would read the story of her and Vinny to see how they ended up where they were at in this book. S. Donohue gives us dual point of view chapters that moves the story right along. Although the book is shorter in length, there is no cliffhanger ending and enough supporting characters for it to grow.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

306 pages

A bit corny and confusing.

I really don’t want to knock anyone’s first efforts but…at times I felt I was reading the dialogue and thoughts of a couple of adolescent teens and not a couple nearing their thirties.

Gia’s character was independent sure but she was also too stubborn, too childish and too quick to assume the worst.

Brad despite the corny lines, I liked him. He knew what he wanted and he went after it heart and soul.

I see there’s an editor in the house, so what happened?

For a 306 pager the romance between these two was rushed.

Rachel’s angst (featured in the next book) almost eclipsed the main story. I was left wondering who I should be rooting for the most. The novel could have been halved. Here is just a couple of examples of superfluous information that added little or nothing to the story. Brad speeding home careful to keep under the speed limit because he didn’t need a ticket on top of everything else. It can be safely assumed that the lead up to this behaviour will not see him taking in the scenery. And who cares to be told more than once that Gia likes to have manicures and pedicures and her hair done. She’s a lawyer so you would expect her to have a high personal standard anyway.

Needs proofreading. Spelling errors and the use of quotation marks or the lack of.

There’s almost an uncomfortable feel about the sex scenes as if the author was not really sure how they should be executed - at least on paper.

His groin was about to explode.

She grabbed his groin and began to jerk her hand up and down over it.

“You are so beautiful when you are being pleasured by me.”

hot passageway

Brad felt provoked to enter her…

I’d suggest reading some hot and heavy novels for pointers and as another reviewer suggested finding a handful of beta readers.

The F bomb is dropped a number of times.

Explicit sex scenes.

[Angela Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a contemporary romance that could be a 3 book series but can be stand alone book. This novel was fast paced and slightly unbelievable. I feel the author lacked editing as well. There were parts so confusing that I couldn't even tell what or whom I was reading about. Her more obvious weaknesses were the sex scenes. They way she described things made it more humorous than sexy. There were some good parts to the book such as the sisterly bond between Gia and Rachel and I could related to Gia's strong will and independence. I also understood the loss that Brad felt for his father. I do have to commend the author for taking a risk and self publishing. With a little more thought on the plot, and proper editing, I believe she has the ability to create something much better than this.

This book is about Bradley Roberts whom is a CEO of a major technology company whom he inherited from his late father. He basically gave up his life at 23 years old to devote his life to the business his father built up.
He was not ready to settle down until he met his secretary's Rachel's sister Giavonna Coppi (Gia). He is attracted to her immediately. Gia is a independent strong will lawyer, whom has been hurt in the past. She is completely devoted to her career until she meets Bradley. Can their relationship make it through their life's challenges.


favorite passages:
" I have loved you with all of my heart and soul from the first day I laid eyes on you."
The memory of Bradley's father crept into the young CEO's mind at the strangest moments.
His father had been gone for seven years now, but somehow he'd pop into his thoughts out of nowhere.
"You know you can tell me anything, I love you and will always be here for you. No matter what.".

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of Acquiring Hearts (The Heart Series Book 1) by S. Donahue

Review done for Hooked on Books

3 out of 5 stars

Brad Roberts’ life came to a screeching halt when his father passed away. His dreams of becoming a doctor ended when he inherited his father’s company. It seems that all he does is work and he has no time for a relationship.

Gia Coppi is a successful lawyer. She also works long hours and doesn’t date much. When she meets her sister’s boss, she is head over heels for him.

Their romance is a whirlwind and they quickly go from dating to married and pregnant.

This book had so much potential but fell flat. The writing style was quite slow which made the book a little boring. The chapters bounced back and forth between POV’s and the narration was dull.

There were so many chances in the story to add some angst and suspense but everything that happened was quickly written off without much detail.

For Gia being so independent and strong, she certainly didn’t hesitate too much when it came to accepting gifts and things from Brad. She was also quite whiny when Brad had to work; she should know about long hours being a lawyer.

I don’t feel they really had much of a connection. Brad spoiled her like crazy but that was about all the substance in their romance.

Brad’s character was ok but Gia did not live up to her potential.

This book was just ok. I might still read the next one in the series.

[Hooked On Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brad Roberts’ life came to a screeching halt when his father passed away. His dreams of becoming a doctor ended when he inherited his father’s company. It seems that all he does is work and he has no time for a relationship.

Gia Coppi is a successful lawyer. She also works long hours and doesn’t date much. When she meets her sister’s boss, she is head over heels for him.

Their romance is a whirlwind and they quickly go from dating to married and pregnant.

This book had so much potential but fell flat. The writing style was quite slow which made the book a little boring. The chapters bounced back and forth between POV’s and the narration was dull.

There were so many chances in the story to add some angst and suspense but everything that happened was quickly written off without much detail.

For Gia being so independent and strong, she certainly didn’t hesitate too much when it came to accepting gifts and things from Brad. She was also quite whiny when Brad had to work; she should know about long hours being a lawyer.

I don’t feel they really had much of a connection. Brad spoiled her like crazy but that was about all the substance in their romance.

Brad’s character was ok but Gia did not live up to her potential.

This book was just ok. I might still read the next one in the series.

[Renee W. Tyler, Battery Operated Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you believe in love at first sight. Well, when Bradley Roberts runs into his assistant and her sister he is mesmerized by Gia Coppi. He is so taken back that he feels that he must find a way to see her again. There is just something that pulls at him, and as luck would have it, opportunity comes again.

Gia is meeting her sister for lunch when they run into her sister's boss. Gia is just as taken with Bradley as he is her. After the first run in she can not stop thinking about him. Well, as it goes, Brad just happens to own the bar that Gia and her friends go out to. Well as you can guess, he manages to find a way to cross her path for a second time, but this time he manages to thoroughly get her attention.

This was a fun and enjoyable read. It is not a complicated book, and for the most part is your basic love story. That in itself is not a bad thing, because if you are an avid reader like myself, then you are able to just sit back and take in the love story that is being laid out. Don't get me wrong there is some conflict or drama, but just enough to keep the book interesting. The true story is what chemistry is between Gia and Brad. The way that their story is written is enough to have you finishing this book shortly after you open it, because you will find that it flows so smoothly that you will not put it down until you have reached THE END.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me I really struggle to write a review for a book such as this. Is it a bad book? No. Is it a good book? Yes, but, and here is the huge but for me, the writing style, for me at least, was cheesy and awkward. The story itself isn’t a bad one, very Mills and Boon/Harlequin like, but (being a lover of these books don’t judge!) I usually love these, this book however I just did not connect with.

The story is about Bradley Roberts, CEO, and Gia, Bradley’s secretary’s sister. The story charges along a swift pace, they meet, they go on a date, they get intimate, he leaves on a two month business trip, he comes back for a weekend, they move in together, they get engaged. This is close to the pace of the story with padding of course. The premise of the book is a good one but it was the execution for me that was stilted with the dialogue being quite cringe worthy.

I apologise to the author for the review as I know that others are more than likely to read it and enjoy it but this just wasn’t for me, sorry!

Please note I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for an Honest Review

This was the story of Bradley Roberts who at a very young age inherited the family company became the CEO and gave up his dream of becoming a doctor to carry on his fathers legacy Young, handsome and very rich he meets Gia who is the sister of his assistant Rachael. When they first meet the sparks fly right away they both feel it in their first meeting. Gia is a lawyer very independent not like the women Brad us used to meeting. Shes no interested in him for his money.

They have to deal with Sheila, Brads crazy ex, Gia does that beautifully and there is the stalker Gia works with that has to be dealt with. The story line was sweet has some intense moments but overall was a good story. I did have to make sure at times who was speaking the way a few lines were written but I did enjoy the story.

Kate from Two Feisty Angels and A Devil Blog

[Ronda Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifted Copy

4.5 Star Review

This is the second book by S. Donahue that I have had the privilege to read. After the first book I read and enjoyed I wanted to read more of her work. Let’s say I was not let down. This is a great story and one that you will fall in total love with.

Brad is the men of all men. When he loves he loves hard. Caring, devoted and willing to give everything when it comes down to it. He has been affected by his dad’s death not really wanting to face what is cost him in life and place the blame on someone else. He meets Gia, knows there is something special there but not sure what that something is.

Gia is a well-rounded attorney that is very independent. She has suffered some pretty hurtful things in the past that has forced her to push everything in to her career.

This two take off and keep you entertained through the whole book.

Light fun and fast read.

Looking forward to Gia’s sister’s story next!!!

[C. Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acquiring Hearts by S. Donahue was beyond refreshing in the wide world of romance. The ideal relationship wrapped up into a neat 306 pages! Gia and Bradley meet and enter into a whirlwind relationship that isn’t so different from reality, even though I’ll admit being jealous of Gia a little. lol. I loved the story line, and even though they had a few issues arise, it was different from the romances you normally come across where the woman is in complete peril and desperately needs the man to save her.


And the hot parts…are fire engine REDHOT!


Run to your devices and get this thing now if you haven’t already! You don’t know what you’re missing.


The only problem I did have was when the POV’s switched I got confused a little as to who was talking and had to go back and re-read it. Other than that this book was beyond sweet and I loved it.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hotness Batman!!! Brad and Gia are simply amazing!!! Brad is an alpha CEO millionaire and Gia is a feisty no nonsense lawyer. Together they are unbelievably amazing!! I absolutely love the way this story was written in dual pov's and must admit that reading other reviews where people were saying it was confusing, I did not get that at all. I thought the story was written perfectly!!! I sat down and started it and before I knew it I was at the end. Simply amazing!! Gia and Brad had a few obstacles to overcome and again I think the author wrote everything perfectly. I am addicted to this author and can not wait to read Rachel's story next. This is an easy 5 AMAZEBALLS stars for me!!!

Review by Tabitha

[Jamie Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad was thrown into the role of CEO at an early age. His fathers death derailing his fun and wild young twenties. He has worked to build the company into a great success but he doesn't seem happy or satisfied. On a chance meeting he is captivated by his secretaries younger sister.

Gia is a successful attorney. She is instantly drawn to her sisters hot boss :)

Gia is very spunky. Brad is adorable and hot as hell. I love that Gia jumps right in and claims Brad when his ex rears her ugly head. Brad and Gia have to deal with trust issues and must over come interference from outside forces in order to be together.

This story is a great start to a series. Great drama and story line closure. Wonderful family interactions and forgiveness.

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was given a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I loved the Characters and can not wait to read the next book but I felt the author tried to throw in a lot of teenage slang. That aside the love story between Gia and Brad was great. I got to the last page and was disappointed it was over because I wanted to keep reading about the world she created. Glad there will be a sequel to help with that.
*This review has been done in conjunction with A Girl Amongst Books Blog. For more information on our reviews, please visit our Facebook site: www.facebook.com/agirlamongstbooks*

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

S Donahue delivers a fun, entertaining story with action and suspense that keeps you turning the pages. While it is great to see how strong willed and independent Gia is at some times you just want to smack her. Why she has to keep so many secrets is beyond me. I do like that while Bradley seems to know what he wants and what he is ready for while Gia is more hesitant. Most of the time it is the other way around so it made for a nice switch up. The Rachael dilemma was a surprise I didn't see coming. This book has surprises thought out, twist, turns, and the oh so wonderful drama that makes for a fun book to read! Great job I look forward to more from this author.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free download. This was a sweet read, quite a quick book but readable. Gia is hard working, in dependant and lonely. She spends her time working hard as a lawyer with no social life. Brad is a billionaire CEO, he has everything except happiness and feels like he needs some change in his life. When they meet it's like they both flicker to life. They start a very serious relationship, which intensifies quickly. This book had a good story, and plot but felt too rushed and wooden. The characters had great potential but they didn't feel real. The language didn't really come across as realistic but regardless of this the story kept me reading. I love a HEA so it was a nice ending.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Bradley Roberts, CEO of a tech company, meets Giovanna Coppi he feels an immediate connection. Gia is a hard working lawyer and was attracted to Brad from the start. Gia is also the sister of Brad's secretary. They quickly fall in love but their relationship is tested as they deal with stalking exes and various family issues.
This is an enjoyable romance told from both Brad's and Gia's point of views. It has an interesting storyline with diverse characters, heartwarming moments and a few tense situation that will grab your attention. I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next one.
(received an ARC for review)