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A Singular Obsession #3
Stolen Angel
Sergei Damov is in love with someone who isn’t interested in him, but he’s determined to change that.
Sergei has pined for months, waiting for his assistant to turn around and see he’s the perfect man for her. But Ada only sees him as her boss. Until one night when they both have to work late and the office is deserted…
It doesn’t happen right away, but soon Sergei has Ada right where he wants her—in his bed. Then demons from his past resurface, and he brutally pushes her away before the darkness inside him can consume them both.
But Ada isn’t about to let herself be used. Soon she turns the tables on him and disappears, leaving a mystery in her wake. Why was Ada working under an assumed name? Not just with him, but at every job she ever held?
Using every resource at his disposal, Sergei desperately searches for her, before the danger she’s running from catches up with her…and to try and heal the heart he shattered.
Sergei has pined for months, waiting for his assistant to turn around and see he’s the perfect man for her. But Ada only sees him as her boss. Until one night when they both have to work late and the office is deserted…
It doesn’t happen right away, but soon Sergei has Ada right where he wants her—in his bed. Then demons from his past resurface, and he brutally pushes her away before the darkness inside him can consume them both.
But Ada isn’t about to let herself be used. Soon she turns the tables on him and disappears, leaving a mystery in her wake. Why was Ada working under an assumed name? Not just with him, but at every job she ever held?
Using every resource at his disposal, Sergei desperately searches for her, before the danger she’s running from catches up with her…and to try and heal the heart he shattered.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2015
494 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Leroux
40 books1,031 followersA 7-time Readers' Favorite Medal Winner. USA Today Bestselling Author. Mom to a half-feral princess. WOC. Former scientist. Recovering geek.
Lucy Leroux is the steamy pen name for author L.B. Gilbert. Ten years ago Lucy moved to France for a one-year research contract. Six months later she was living with a handsome Frenchman and is now married with an adorable half-french 5yo who won't go to bed on time.
When her last contract ended Lucy turned to writing. Frustrated by a particularly bad romance novel she decided to write her own. Her family lives in Southern California.
Lucy loves all genres of romance and intends to write as many of them as possible. To date she has published twenty novels and novellas. These includes paranormal, urban fantasy, gothic regency, and contemporary romances with more on the way.
Follow her on twitter @lucythenovelist or http://www.facebook.com/lucythenovelist or visit www.authorlucyleroux.com/newsletter for special offers and free reads.
*For fans of paranormal romance and adventure check out the author's award-winning Elementals series under her maiden name L.B. Gilbert.
Lucy Leroux is the steamy pen name for author L.B. Gilbert. Ten years ago Lucy moved to France for a one-year research contract. Six months later she was living with a handsome Frenchman and is now married with an adorable half-french 5yo who won't go to bed on time.
When her last contract ended Lucy turned to writing. Frustrated by a particularly bad romance novel she decided to write her own. Her family lives in Southern California.
Lucy loves all genres of romance and intends to write as many of them as possible. To date she has published twenty novels and novellas. These includes paranormal, urban fantasy, gothic regency, and contemporary romances with more on the way.
Follow her on twitter @lucythenovelist or http://www.facebook.com/lucythenovelist or visit www.authorlucyleroux.com/newsletter for special offers and free reads.
*For fans of paranormal romance and adventure check out the author's award-winning Elementals series under her maiden name L.B. Gilbert.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
January 24, 2020
This had lots of my favorite things I want in my stories.
- hero that is dominant and possessive
- heroine that is not weak and super smart
- appearances of previous book series characters
- low on other woman drama
- no cheating
- exciting plot
I think the first book in the series will always be my favorite but this one came close. Who am I kidding? I've loved every book in this series and hope more to come with the Tyler brothers.
- hero that is dominant and possessive
- heroine that is not weak and super smart
- appearances of previous book series characters
- low on other woman drama
- no cheating
- exciting plot
I think the first book in the series will always be my favorite but this one came close. Who am I kidding? I've loved every book in this series and hope more to come with the Tyler brothers.
March 13, 2019
I was never able to get involved with what’s happening in this book because of its writing which didn’t make me feel anything at all. Too much telling and very little showing! It’s written in the 3rd person point of view and up until the half of the book, its writing is based on the summaries of events that happen and the dialogues start later, when it is too late for me to show any interest in what they are talking about.
The way their relationship started involved very little talking so I never felt their chemistry, passion or attraction towards each other. But more than that, it started in one of the worst ways possible – a dubious consent!
First we learn that she doesn’t feel attracted to the hero, who is her boss, until he suddenly kisses her! She pushes him away but she feels something after the kiss.
Then, after a few weeks, when they are in Rome sealing a deal, he suggests they celebrate their new deal with a dinner. They drink too much during the dinner.
(Up until here almost no talking, no dialogues, nope ... only summaries of the writer as to what’s happening.)
Then, he takes her to his room seeing how drunk she is. He is way too drunk, as well. They have their first sex that night. No talking, no asking for permission, no words of love or anything like that (except for a few Russian words that she cannot understand) and she is way too drunk to care, question or make a decision. It felt as if it was dubious consent to me.
In the morning he sees that her body is full of blue/black marks (bruises) and there is blood in the bed. He believes he was way too wild with her and hurt her in his drunken stupor. In fact, she has a skin that bruises easily and the blood is because she was a virgin. He doesn’t think about the possibility of her being a virgin at all. His father was a cruel man and he believes he is turning into “him”. He just leaves her there and goes back to the States.
When her holiday time in Rome is over and comes back to work, he uses a woman he dates casually to push her away. Her feelings are hurt (I guess she must have had feelings and they were hurt though I can never be sure because of the unsuccessful writing). She leaves him and her job soon after that and they see that she has just vanished of the face of the earth. He feels terrible and starts to look for her. It all seems like a dead end for a long while.
And then the most stupid thing happens that always gets on my nerves. She finds out that she got pregnant from the night they had sex, because, of course, they did it unprotected!!! Yaaayyyy. My favorite pet peeve…
Then, he begins to solve the mystery about her. She has been using fake IDs and she has been running away from someone. He finds the one who protects her to reach her. When he finally finds her, he talks very little and explains very little about their first sex and why he behaved the way he did. His apology for pushing her away and making her feel like “she has been used” comes very weak. When they become lovers again, there was still no emotion in it. I didn’t feel anything. It was as if they were going through robotic motions.
It was much later when he explained how he felt about her in their first morning together and why he pushed her away later. Then she explained why she ran away… Yeap, talking starts in the second half of the book after they had a lot of sex (nope, not hot at all - don't bother) and while they were expecting a child. I would say, “Oh so romantic” with a sarcasm if the romance came while they were expecting a child but it still didn’t come at all! No romance! Just a confession of their past secrets and building up of some trust. (Maybe they will talk about feelings and emotions later, I don't know.)
Then the mystery/thriller part starts, where I can smell the scent of a very annoying plot twist of the kidnapping of a pregnant woman.
- I assumed they would first be stupid enough to let her be kidnapped,
- then I assumed she would be tortured by her kidnapper a bit
- and then I assumed the hero would save her.
And I assume I am right in my predictions 😊So no need for me to continue reading and torturing myself with this “emotionless writing style”. I call it “quits”.
DNF at 66%
Note to self:
Not trying anything else from this writer again would be best.
The way their relationship started involved very little talking so I never felt their chemistry, passion or attraction towards each other. But more than that, it started in one of the worst ways possible – a dubious consent!
First we learn that she doesn’t feel attracted to the hero, who is her boss, until he suddenly kisses her! She pushes him away but she feels something after the kiss.
Then, after a few weeks, when they are in Rome sealing a deal, he suggests they celebrate their new deal with a dinner. They drink too much during the dinner.
(Up until here almost no talking, no dialogues, nope ... only summaries of the writer as to what’s happening.)
Then, he takes her to his room seeing how drunk she is. He is way too drunk, as well. They have their first sex that night. No talking, no asking for permission, no words of love or anything like that (except for a few Russian words that she cannot understand) and she is way too drunk to care, question or make a decision. It felt as if it was dubious consent to me.
In the morning he sees that her body is full of blue/black marks (bruises) and there is blood in the bed. He believes he was way too wild with her and hurt her in his drunken stupor. In fact, she has a skin that bruises easily and the blood is because she was a virgin. He doesn’t think about the possibility of her being a virgin at all. His father was a cruel man and he believes he is turning into “him”. He just leaves her there and goes back to the States.
When her holiday time in Rome is over and comes back to work, he uses a woman he dates casually to push her away. Her feelings are hurt (I guess she must have had feelings and they were hurt though I can never be sure because of the unsuccessful writing). She leaves him and her job soon after that and they see that she has just vanished of the face of the earth. He feels terrible and starts to look for her. It all seems like a dead end for a long while.
And then the most stupid thing happens that always gets on my nerves. She finds out that she got pregnant from the night they had sex, because, of course, they did it unprotected!!! Yaaayyyy. My favorite pet peeve…
Then, he begins to solve the mystery about her. She has been using fake IDs and she has been running away from someone. He finds the one who protects her to reach her. When he finally finds her, he talks very little and explains very little about their first sex and why he behaved the way he did. His apology for pushing her away and making her feel like “she has been used” comes very weak. When they become lovers again, there was still no emotion in it. I didn’t feel anything. It was as if they were going through robotic motions.
It was much later when he explained how he felt about her in their first morning together and why he pushed her away later. Then she explained why she ran away… Yeap, talking starts in the second half of the book after they had a lot of sex (nope, not hot at all - don't bother) and while they were expecting a child. I would say, “Oh so romantic” with a sarcasm if the romance came while they were expecting a child but it still didn’t come at all! No romance! Just a confession of their past secrets and building up of some trust. (Maybe they will talk about feelings and emotions later, I don't know.)
Then the mystery/thriller part starts, where I can smell the scent of a very annoying plot twist of the kidnapping of a pregnant woman.
- I assumed they would first be stupid enough to let her be kidnapped,
- then I assumed she would be tortured by her kidnapper a bit
- and then I assumed the hero would save her.
And I assume I am right in my predictions 😊So no need for me to continue reading and torturing myself with this “emotionless writing style”. I call it “quits”.
DNF at 66%
Note to self:
Not trying anything else from this writer again would be best.
April 21, 2015
Sadly, this book did not work for me for many reasons, I found myself cringing or annoyed for most of it. The first "love" scene was disturbing, we are in her head and she seems so out of it that she could not have given consent IMO. What a horrible way to lose your V-card. I guess we are supposed to be okay with him doing it because he was drunk too but I was not okay with it. Then the whole skipping out the next day then rubbing another woman in her face was just awful behaviour, I never liked him after that.
The whole kidnap plot was just annoying to read. The rich hero couldn't manage to get a team together to get her off the boat when it seemed like it would have been pretty easy. The step brother was a complete wacko who kidnapped her, attacked her, tried to make her think she was crazy, tried to get a doctor to give her drugs while pregnant - and then at the end the author tried to make it seem like he was just misunderstood? Seriously? This whole plot made the hero look like a bumbling idiot who had to have his friends do everything for him. I hated the way the birth and "rescue" was treated too.
Basically, this book was a big fail for me. I have liked her other books so hopefully she gets back on track for the next one.
The whole kidnap plot was just annoying to read. The rich hero couldn't manage to get a team together to get her off the boat when it seemed like it would have been pretty easy. The step brother was a complete wacko who kidnapped her, attacked her, tried to make her think she was crazy, tried to get a doctor to give her drugs while pregnant - and then at the end the author tried to make it seem like he was just misunderstood? Seriously? This whole plot made the hero look like a bumbling idiot who had to have his friends do everything for him. I hated the way the birth and "rescue" was treated too.
Basically, this book was a big fail for me. I have liked her other books so hopefully she gets back on track for the next one.
August 23, 2017
Brilliant, virginal on-the-run heroine is uber-PA to sexy Russian billionaire.
This started a real snoozer with the Russian lusting after his unemotional but perfect PA. He gets her drunk, seduces her, sees some bruising on her, a little blood (now an ex-virgin) freaks then decides he'll reject her to protect her. Oy vey. If I weren't reading this on my computer I might have thrown it against the wall. Not this AGAIN! Just for perversity, I decided to see what his next asinine move would be. I am glad I did.
He sets up a dirty weekend with another woman as part of his ploy to push her away. Guess what, it works. Our heroine decides not to take this lying down, and decides to get revenge, then ditch HIM. No worries, OW/infidelity safety gang, he's so disgusted with himself he does what any good Rusky would do: drinks too much vodka and punches a waiter. After his long weekend with a vodka bottle, he wakes to find concerned friends around but his uber-PA has fled.
From there the story and plausibility rocks back and forth. Characters come and go, and the story can't seem to decide if it's a on the run story, a love story, a suspense, whatever. Regardless, it was a fun read and I will definitely check out some of the others.
This started a real snoozer with the Russian lusting after his unemotional but perfect PA. He gets her drunk, seduces her, sees some bruising on her, a little blood (now an ex-virgin) freaks then decides he'll reject her to protect her. Oy vey. If I weren't reading this on my computer I might have thrown it against the wall. Not this AGAIN! Just for perversity, I decided to see what his next asinine move would be. I am glad I did.
He sets up a dirty weekend with another woman as part of his ploy to push her away. Guess what, it works. Our heroine decides not to take this lying down, and decides to get revenge, then ditch HIM. No worries, OW/infidelity safety gang, he's so disgusted with himself he does what any good Rusky would do: drinks too much vodka and punches a waiter. After his long weekend with a vodka bottle, he wakes to find concerned friends around but his uber-PA has fled.
From there the story and plausibility rocks back and forth. Characters come and go, and the story can't seem to decide if it's a on the run story, a love story, a suspense, whatever. Regardless, it was a fun read and I will definitely check out some of the others.
May 5, 2016
This book worked for me in many ways when I thought for sure I would hate it. It does have an element of dubious consent, just to warn a few. Even on his worst day the hero was better then most Harlequin romance hero billionaire bastard. I have read some reviews on this book, therefore I honestly thought it would be about her making it on her own while he had sex with everything in a dress. So glad that was not the plot!!! He does mess up but I really understood because after he saw what he had done to her, he thought he was a monster and wanted to push her away. Even thinking this he does not sleep with his ex and he is devastated by her disappearance. I loved him for that. He was doing the best he could to protect her and his baby. I just loved this book and the series was a big surprise because after the first book (hero sleeping around) I really expected this hero to do the same. He did not!!! Awesome. And the heroine was a strong woman who did what she had to do to survive. Even the "evil" step-brother was multi-demential. This book was well written and I enjoy the plot and the characters. I would recommend this book for those who like more then just sex in their romance books. Loved it! Keeper for me.
July 31, 2019
This book had a lot of things to love about it. Billionaire boss who is secretly in love with his PA. When they go on a business trip and both get drunk, they have one night together before the H freaks out and tries to push the h away. (And he does it by using an OW. Grrr.) The h is heartbroken but she knows how to cover her feelings and makes the H think she couldn't care less. Besides, it's time she was moving on anyway, you see, she is on the run from a dangerous man and has to move and change her identity regularly.
I liked the H because his motive for pushing her away was messed up, but he was only trying to protect her. And he becomes a wreck, knowing he's hurt her. And all this before he even knows she is gone. He hunts her down for months until he finds her again.
I thought this H did a pretty good grovel. The romance between these two was sweet and believable. There were some plot holes in the latter half of the book and things swerved into ridiculous territory so I skimmed a bit near the end.
All in all, a satisfying romance with 2 likeable characters.
Safety
I liked the H because his motive for pushing her away was messed up, but he was only trying to protect her. And he becomes a wreck, knowing he's hurt her. And all this before he even knows she is gone. He hunts her down for months until he finds her again.
I thought this H did a pretty good grovel. The romance between these two was sweet and believable. There were some plot holes in the latter half of the book and things swerved into ridiculous territory so I skimmed a bit near the end.
All in all, a satisfying romance with 2 likeable characters.
Safety
November 15, 2021
Too much telling and not enough showing with this one. Plus the attraction between the MCs didn't sizzle off the page. Overall, there weren't enough interactions between Sergei and Ada.
Acquired via KU
Acquired via KU
January 3, 2018
God I love it when the hero breaks down in tears for the heroine.
March 10, 2019
Well... I'm a new Lucy Leroux fan <3 Loved this book so much! Wish I could give it 6 out of 5 STARS :(
***RTC***
One of my new favs =D
***RTC***
One of my new favs =D
March 14, 2019
My favorite of the series.
Recommended.
Recommended.
June 21, 2016
2 Lukewarm stars
This book left me with more questions than answers.
When I finished and asked myself how I felt about it I had mixed feelings. I wasn’t sure where I stood with this one. It wasn’t terrible (I’ve read some pretty horrid sh’t and this one wasn’t anywhere near that) but it also wasn’t great.
The romance was instant, and I don't mind insta-love but I want to feel that instant connection, that pull that drives them to be together. This was missing here. It was almost one sided, Sergei was drawn to Ada but Ada never even lusted after him. She admits to never really "seeing" him until he kisses her. They've been working together for 9 months and she never really felt anything for him in all that time. She has more feelings and attraction for a co-worker than she does for the H. If Sergei hadn't crossed that line, Ada would still be blissfully unaware of him as a living breathing man.
To cut to the chase (because I might start rambling) it was a lot of push and pull with none of the emotional connection. I felt that the attraction was too sudden, there was no build up. One minute they didn't care about each other and then Bam! They love each other? I felt like a lot was happening that should have been fast and exciting and suspenseful but it just didn't quiet get there.
The suspense and mystery started off interesting enough but than it got dragged out. When it was finally revealed who the villain was, it was really bizarre. The time jumps also really didn't help. There was months of separation, a kidnapping, drugging, and an elaborate rescue plan that involved a very pregnant h. Sounds exciting but the writing didn't convey that adrenaline.
So it was good but needed that extra something to make it stick.
Safety:
This book left me with more questions than answers.
When I finished and asked myself how I felt about it I had mixed feelings. I wasn’t sure where I stood with this one. It wasn’t terrible (I’ve read some pretty horrid sh’t and this one wasn’t anywhere near that) but it also wasn’t great.
The romance was instant, and I don't mind insta-love but I want to feel that instant connection, that pull that drives them to be together. This was missing here. It was almost one sided, Sergei was drawn to Ada but Ada never even lusted after him. She admits to never really "seeing" him until he kisses her. They've been working together for 9 months and she never really felt anything for him in all that time. She has more feelings and attraction for a co-worker than she does for the H. If Sergei hadn't crossed that line, Ada would still be blissfully unaware of him as a living breathing man.
To cut to the chase (because I might start rambling) it was a lot of push and pull with none of the emotional connection. I felt that the attraction was too sudden, there was no build up. One minute they didn't care about each other and then Bam! They love each other? I felt like a lot was happening that should have been fast and exciting and suspenseful but it just didn't quiet get there.
The suspense and mystery started off interesting enough but than it got dragged out. When it was finally revealed who the villain was, it was really bizarre. The time jumps also really didn't help. There was months of separation, a kidnapping, drugging, and an elaborate rescue plan that involved a very pregnant h. Sounds exciting but the writing didn't convey that adrenaline.
So it was good but needed that extra something to make it stick.
Safety:
May 29, 2016
This is book three in the "A Singular Obsession" series by Lucy Leroux.
This is a standalone book so if you haven't' read the others or are jumping around in the series you should be okay. I have loved all of Ms. Leroux books but this one I could get into as much as the others. I did enjoy the book but the others books I seem to form an attachment to the characters.
Sergei who is the hero in this book I think was the problem for me. Sergei has been after his Personal Assistant for a while and when he does get close to her he ups and leaves.
Ada our heroine is not who she is pretending to be. Ada has someone in her past that she thinks will harm her and her "Uncle" thinks so too. So he has been helping her stay on the run and changing identities for at least three years. Ada knows that she has stay to long with Sergei and the area. So she starts to set the motion to change location and identities again. When Sergei finds out that she has went missing he puts all efforts into finding her and telling her that he loves her.
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This is a standalone book so if you haven't' read the others or are jumping around in the series you should be okay. I have loved all of Ms. Leroux books but this one I could get into as much as the others. I did enjoy the book but the others books I seem to form an attachment to the characters.
Sergei who is the hero in this book I think was the problem for me. Sergei has been after his Personal Assistant for a while and when he does get close to her he ups and leaves.
Ada our heroine is not who she is pretending to be. Ada has someone in her past that she thinks will harm her and her "Uncle" thinks so too. So he has been helping her stay on the run and changing identities for at least three years. Ada knows that she has stay to long with Sergei and the area. So she starts to set the motion to change location and identities again. When Sergei finds out that she has went missing he puts all efforts into finding her and telling her that he loves her.
Please follow more reviews at the below sites:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
September 2, 2016
Didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the previous two. I guess I didn't like the hero as well. He wasn't as alpha and didn't really commit himself to going after the heroine. And the way he treated her was more what I expect from a Harlequin Presents hero. Instead of offering an apology at the time it is needed, he leapt to conclusions and then threated her poorly and rubbed another woman in her face. The capture by the bad guys thing seemed a bit lame. Why weren't the bodyguards closer to her so that they could keep their eyes on her better? And the rescue attempt was sort of lame. Also
Still a decent read overall and I'm not sorry I read it.
Still a decent read overall and I'm not sorry I read it.
April 19, 2015
I loved this story. This story was by far the best of this series.
Although H acted like a jerk after he slept with h, I found his reaction reasonable after understood his background. And I liked how patient he was when he tried his best to gain h's forgiveness.
The only thing I found lacking was h's threat, the villain. Not sure why made him looked not as bad as we thought at first.
All in all, this was a great story!
Although H acted like a jerk after he slept with h, I found his reaction reasonable after understood his background. And I liked how patient he was when he tried his best to gain h's forgiveness.
The only thing I found lacking was h's threat, the villain. Not sure why made him looked not as bad as we thought at first.
All in all, this was a great story!
no-dnf-zzz-avoid
April 24, 2015Apparently H takes h's virginity when she's really drunk after an office party, he flies away for work the next day and when he's back tells her he's not interested in her and pushes it in her face that he's taking his regular fuck buddy away with him for the weekend. He actually does go away with OW for the weekend( though he is unable to being himself to be intimate with her)
Not a winner for sure:(
Not a winner for sure:(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2015
If you're into the unbelievable sort of stories where the H falls for the h for no other reason than the fact she's pretty then this is one if for you.
April 6, 2021
"That smile had been real, and he’d felt it like a knife to the heart. It had taken only a week—a week—and she was already over him."
Another hit! This is the third book and 5th installment in the "A Singular Obsession" series. I've given nothing but five star reviews to this series so far. I've gotten so attached to all the characters. I think that Lucy Leroux writes some of the best male leads I've come across. Even though some of them have been players no one comes off as too much of a horn dog which always turns me off. She writes strong, protective, possessive men that are sweet and strong at the same time. Sergei is no exception to that.
“Mr. Damov is in love with you.” “What?” she asked, startled.
I really loved Sergei and Eva's story. It was full of intrigue and mystery. I absolutely loved that when Sergei acted like the biggest jerk in the world, she took off on him and didn't leave a trace. Let him sweat it out for awhile. I hate when the heroine forgives the hero without making them suffer a little for what they've done.
The character of Karl didn't seem super interesting to me at first but during the later part of the book he had my attention! I think he was a super scary guy that was totally delusional. I was super worried about how that situation was going to turn out, even though I knew there would be a happily ever after. It had me up until almost 5am on the edge of my seat.
You should absolutely check this book out as well as all the others in the series. I can't wait to start Giancarlo's story next.
Another hit! This is the third book and 5th installment in the "A Singular Obsession" series. I've given nothing but five star reviews to this series so far. I've gotten so attached to all the characters. I think that Lucy Leroux writes some of the best male leads I've come across. Even though some of them have been players no one comes off as too much of a horn dog which always turns me off. She writes strong, protective, possessive men that are sweet and strong at the same time. Sergei is no exception to that.
“Mr. Damov is in love with you.” “What?” she asked, startled.
I really loved Sergei and Eva's story. It was full of intrigue and mystery. I absolutely loved that when Sergei acted like the biggest jerk in the world, she took off on him and didn't leave a trace. Let him sweat it out for awhile. I hate when the heroine forgives the hero without making them suffer a little for what they've done.
The character of Karl didn't seem super interesting to me at first but during the later part of the book he had my attention! I think he was a super scary guy that was totally delusional. I was super worried about how that situation was going to turn out, even though I knew there would be a happily ever after. It had me up until almost 5am on the edge of my seat.
You should absolutely check this book out as well as all the others in the series. I can't wait to start Giancarlo's story next.
April 25, 2025
Too Many Tropes, Not Enough Cohesion
This felt like two different books mashed together—one that was pretty good, and another… not so much. I actually really liked the first half, which had all the makings of a solid workplace romance: billionaire boss, smart and snappy assistant, great banter. I thought I knew the direction it was heading, but then it took a sharp turn into weird.
Suddenly it was a not-quite-mafia, kidnapping mystery, surprise pregnancy, billionaire drama—and honestly, it just didn’t work. It felt like the author couldn’t pick a lane and instead tried to include every trope, which made the story feel chaotic and unfocused.
The FMC started off strong—smart, cautious, likable—but by the end she had lost everything that made her interesting. She became this helpless, cringy version of herself. And don’t get me started on the men: the MMC, her godfather, the kidnapper… every single one was a walking red flag and gave me the ick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This felt like two different books mashed together—one that was pretty good, and another… not so much. I actually really liked the first half, which had all the makings of a solid workplace romance: billionaire boss, smart and snappy assistant, great banter. I thought I knew the direction it was heading, but then it took a sharp turn into weird.
Suddenly it was a not-quite-mafia, kidnapping mystery, surprise pregnancy, billionaire drama—and honestly, it just didn’t work. It felt like the author couldn’t pick a lane and instead tried to include every trope, which made the story feel chaotic and unfocused.
The FMC started off strong—smart, cautious, likable—but by the end she had lost everything that made her interesting. She became this helpless, cringy version of herself. And don’t get me started on the men: the MMC, her godfather, the kidnapper… every single one was a walking red flag and gave me the ick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2021
2.5✯
°Virgin heroine
°Experienced hero (33 y/o)
°Mainly dual POV
°Hero with others after meeting the heroine/celibate after sleeping with her
°Push/pull from both
°OM drama from the heroine's step-brother
°OW - the hero pretended to go on a date with OW to push the heroine away, he never touched the OW
°No cheating
°Surprise baby
°They were separated for a few months - both celibate
°No sex scenes with OP
°Epilogue: around 5 months later
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2015
My favourite of the series!
June 27, 2015
To follow
April 10, 2016
At the start of this book, I wanted to junk punch our hero Sergei. I mean, talk about jerk. He had feelings for the h and went as far as sleeping with her then because of some issues in his past he left her before she woke up the next day. If that wasn't bad enough, he flaunted a weekend date in her face to try to push her away. He never did anything with this "date" and was even drunk off his ass before the plane even landed, spending the weekend making a fool of himself to the point it ended up on TMZ for the world to see. After a drunken bender over the fact he knew he messed up and wanted the h, his friends had to get his straightened out. Only to find out the h up and disappeared. Now, once he sobered up and went on a massive search for the h, things started looking up for this story in my eyes. His sweetness and obvious love for the h diluted his jerkiness (that's a word in my world) and fell in like with him. It ended up being a great story. I could have handled a better epilogue but I'm hoping maybe it's not the end of the series. We have at least two of not four more characters who need matched up (Gio, Patrick, Liam and Ethan). ...I'll be watching for those books!
May 2, 2015
This one started off good but then it became an entirely different book. I was surprised at the direction it took. At first I was so happy when the h was able to leave the H w/ her head held high while the H was utterly crushed. I love it when it's the H that suffers when there is a breakup/separation. However, the story then dragged with a terrible kidnapping scenario that had the H in the background for almost half the book. Lastly, the first time the couple is intimate the h is drunk. There was a serious issue of consent which made the H seem like a rapist. This did not sit well w/ me and I could not forget it. Yes, I have read books w/ dubious consent but this was not a dark read. There was nothing romantic about losing your virginity while you are drunk and unable to make decisions.
May 19, 2016
I debated for a long time whether it was a 3 or 4 star, but in the end just took the average.
The book started out sooo good- but got lost somewhere along the way for me. Too many details and things happenings, and some scenes stretched on forever. I wanted more of hero/heroine scenes, more passion and less mystery/villian time.
It had all my fav elements but still..
Safe read.
3.5/5
The book started out sooo good- but got lost somewhere along the way for me. Too many details and things happenings, and some scenes stretched on forever. I wanted more of hero/heroine scenes, more passion and less mystery/villian time.
It had all my fav elements but still..
Safe read.
3.5/5
June 6, 2020
liked the characters and the story very much. The book kept my attention all the way through.Out of the few titles I'm familiar with by Lucy Leroux I liked this one the best so far.
Avie Paige narrated the book very well. I liked her voice and pace.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Avie Paige narrated the book very well. I liked her voice and pace.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer
January 29, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed this copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
Sergei has been pining for his assistant to notice him as a man for months but Ada is still being cool and professional with him until he they are working late together. Ten on a night out he gets her right where he wants her - in his bed. However demons from the past haunt him and he pushes her away, however Ada has the last laugh when she disappears leaving mystery behind - it appears that she has been working under a false name at every job she has ever held. Sergei now uses every resource he has at his disposal to find her and protect her from whatever she is running from. Can her find her and can he heal the damage he caused when he ran?
This is a great story and added another facet to the story building in the previous two parts of the series. I think you could read this stand alone although it added to the story for me to understand who some of the characters were. It was well written and the emotions and experiences were told clearly and I could feel how the characters were feeling.
Sergei has been pining for his assistant to notice him as a man for months but Ada is still being cool and professional with him until he they are working late together. Ten on a night out he gets her right where he wants her - in his bed. However demons from the past haunt him and he pushes her away, however Ada has the last laugh when she disappears leaving mystery behind - it appears that she has been working under a false name at every job she has ever held. Sergei now uses every resource he has at his disposal to find her and protect her from whatever she is running from. Can her find her and can he heal the damage he caused when he ran?
This is a great story and added another facet to the story building in the previous two parts of the series. I think you could read this stand alone although it added to the story for me to understand who some of the characters were. It was well written and the emotions and experiences were told clearly and I could feel how the characters were feeling.
December 22, 2017
Well, book 1 was more than great in my opinion, but this one doesn't even get close. I thought the same author and same series so it should be of the same quality.
What I didn't like is that we dont get to see how the relationship between H and h progress. The just kept ignoring each other until they slept together then again ignoring..it should've shown how they acted in the beginnings.
Then there are the love scenes. . They are strange,fast and wierd. Missing something .. they dont show the emotional state of the characters like the normal ones in book 1.the connection beteen Sergie and Ava was not convincing and weak.. no heat..no passion.
And then the author prolonged the actions until it was really boring.
What I didn't like is that we dont get to see how the relationship between H and h progress. The just kept ignoring each other until they slept together then again ignoring..it should've shown how they acted in the beginnings.
Then there are the love scenes. . They are strange,fast and wierd. Missing something .. they dont show the emotional state of the characters like the normal ones in book 1.the connection beteen Sergie and Ava was not convincing and weak.. no heat..no passion.
And then the author prolonged the actions until it was really boring.
July 31, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, it was much more than I thought it was going to be.
There is other woman drama but no intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
No cheating, there is a suggestion he is with someone else after being intimate with the heroine but he isn't.
HEA.
Plenty of scenes with characters from previous books in the series.
I liked the heroine she is strong when the Hero is being cruel( to be kind in his mind).
There is other woman drama but no intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
No cheating, there is a suggestion he is with someone else after being intimate with the heroine but he isn't.
HEA.
Plenty of scenes with characters from previous books in the series.
I liked the heroine she is strong when the Hero is being cruel( to be kind in his mind).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2015
I didn't really feel the romance in this book. He's her boss and she's his assistant. I felt like they got together very quickly and the rest of the book is on the threat to her.
In Calen's Captive the hero and heroine spend most of the book getting to know each other. I believed in the romance in that book.
In Calen's Captive the hero and heroine spend most of the book getting to know each other. I believed in the romance in that book.
June 27, 2017
I absolutely am in love with this series. My ovaries literally exploded over book 2 and I was really looking forward to this one as well. I loved Sergei and Eva. The high stakes last 1/4 of the book was thrilling.
This is a great series! I will continue to follow it.
This is a great series! I will continue to follow it.
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