Michael Hale's company is in jeopardy. In the wake of his father's death and transitioning to CEO, projects are circling the drain and that may cost him everything. Come to find out, the consultant hired to fix things is the "one who got away" many years ago. This time he's playing for keeps, and he intends to win.
SHE SHOULD NEVER SAY NEVER…
Elise Jackson swore she wouldn't come near Michael Hale again. He sucker punched her professionally, and he broke her heart. Still, a job’s a job, and they can both be adults. But high emotion and late nights working lead to passion neither of them can deny.
They have one week. Can the two of them pull Michael's company out of the fire and heal their old wounds?
Elisabeth Staab loves passionate stories and happy endings. Her books have been called “emotionally delicious,” “action-packed,” and “gloriously snarky.” When not writing romance about vampires and werewolves and emotionally wounded boxers (oh, my!), she enjoys date night with her husband, reading with her kids, and marathoning her favorite books or TV series. Keep up with all the latest shenanigans by following her newsletter, stopping by ElisabethStaab.com, or finding her on Facebook and Twitter.
Elise was a former intern for HaleStorm 5 years ago, when her then boss Michael Hale denied her advances after she kissed him. After he gave her no reference for a job she was after, she felt betrayed by him in more ways than one. So when she is hired as a consultant to help the company she believes she is going in to work for Mr. Hale, senior- but is shocked to find out that Michael is no the CEO as his father passed away. Old feelings come back quickly for Elise and she finds herself fighting to be the woman she has become and not the girl during her internship, but Michael is hard to resist.
Sounds good, right- so why did I only score it 2? Well, because the book was choppy. First, they are staying across the street in executive apartments but they have to drive to the office? One minute they are in office then they are in the care- where is the lead in? The sex scenes did not go into detail but when they talked about certain things, they were worded in such a way, that it was comical.
example: "no underwear?", "I was little low on clothes." Example: "He pulled back long enough to suit up and nudged her legs wide."- SUIT UP?? Example: ...."his skillful fingers played her like a flute..." Example: "His fingertips and cock working her in concert and the gathering storm in her core, bringing her closer and closer to an epic nuclear meltdown."
Between the gaps in the storyline and the weird intermixing of characters, i.e. Elise's mother and her drama, Michael's brothers, Tom's family drama, and then some of choppy storyline this book was not a hit for me. PLls, I had a hard time getting into the characters, they seemed so detached from each other and I could not relate. :(
*This honest review was done in exchange for an ARC through Netgalley from Fido Publishing*
When Michael Hale's Father dies and appoints him as CEO of the company in his will, he will o anything to keep his company afloat. However someone is out to sabotage him and he brings in someone from his past to get to the bottom of it, someone who has been on his mind since he last saw her. Elise Jackson knew Michael once or at least she thought she did but then he betrayed her and she has never really been able to move past it, now their paths are destined to cross again as Elise is hired to help Michael and save his sinking company. Can they work together and get over their differences?
I really enjoyed this contemporary story from Elisabeth, it was a different change of pace from her paranormals but everything I loved about them was still here. Elise, I could relate to and I loved the tension between her an Michael. I was kept guessing to the end with Elisabeth throwing out many misdirection's and false trails about what exactly was going on and who was behind everything. Loved it!
One Week was absolutely not what I expected!!! I was in for quite a shock when I started to realize that this book packed so much of a punch in such few pages.
Michael and Elise have history. Five year ago - things did not end so well. Five years later, in walks Elise to save the day (his company) and it's sparks from the first hello.
If you're looking for a quick read with a straight to point plot (and a little twist), then definitely dive in and enjoy. You can definitely finish this in one sitting (as I did lol).
A friend of mine calls Elisabeth a "rising star", and after reading One Week I can see why. I often stick with the same authors I've known and loved for years, but I decided to give this book a try after receiving a copy as an early Valentine gift. Filled with palpable sexual tension and just the right mix of suspense and humor, it kept me glued to the end. I'm thrilled that I caught what appears to be the start of a great new series.
What a fun, exciting contemporary romance! I really enjoyed Elise & Michael's story - Elisabeth Staab's take on corporate romances is definitely worth a read.
To say that Michael Hale’s company has hit a rough patch would be an understatement. His transition to CEO after his father’s death hasn’t been the smoothest, and a number of big projects teeter on the brink of catastrophe. So when the contractor hired to help his company out of the jam turns out to be the “one who got away” years ago, he’s determined to gain control in one part of his life and make her stay this time.
Elise Jackson walked into HaleStorm with the sole intention of fixing a security issue in the company’s programs. Unfortunately, Michael Hale derailed that plan. The sting from when he broke her heart remained on her mind, so she vows to keep everything professional. But she finds that pretty hard to stick to when the close quarters and late nights that lead to passion. They only have one week to save the company. Can they do that and heal old wounds?
I really enjoyed reading One Week. The premise of one week to get the project done, and the tension that created, meant I had a hard time putting this book down. Short chapters also gave me trouble. I must have said “just one more chapter” three or four times before I finally forced myself to put the book down.
Michael seemed gruff, bordering on unapproachable, as I read the first few pages. However his demeanor grew on me once he met Elise and was forced to work with her. I actually really liked him and his rough-around-the-edges personality. It made sense when the author examined his difficult relationships in his personal life and the resolve he needed to successfully manage his company.
Elise proved to be a great match for Michael’s personality. An experienced professional in her own right, she comes into the situation with plenty of baggage. I couldn’t help but empathize with her feelings about Michael and their history. Certain pieces of her past also made her pretty memorable.
My only complaint about this book is that Michael seemed to lose his gruffness around Elise as the book progressed. I understand that his relationship with her softened him to a degree, but I believe that the rough part of him made him stand out. This doesn’t completely distract from the story since he does show pieces of being an alpha male elsewhere. I just would have preferred to see snippets of that personality in their relationship.
This book would be a worthwhile read for anyone looking for an office romance that gets steamy pretty quickly.
Rating: 5/5
One Week by Elisabeth Staab is published by Fido Publishing and is available as an eBook for $2.99.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
I'm used to read paranormal romance stories by the talented author Elisabeth Staab so I didn't know what to expect with One Week whom is a contemporary romance book. It was interesting to read something different, but I could still see Staab's writing style in it.
Staab gives us a predictable love story with intense characters and funny/awkward situations like she can so well write. What surprised me most in this book was the main character Elise. I was impressed by her resourcefulness, dedication, her need to surpass herself in both professionally and personally fields. Her involvement at work is as intense as in her personal life and nothing gets in her way.
She's the perfect representation of femininity and strengths of Michael and I think this is why they are so good together. They are perfect together, they complete each other: Elise with her strength and femininity, Michael with his hardness and masculinity.
The plot is interesting, but I only had eyes for the tumultuous relationship between Elise and Michael. The author piqued my attention with a missed chance in the past and an awkward story between the two characters five years ago. This small element, although very simple, makes this story even more exciting and different.
I love this human side that Staab easily put into her stories. Elise and Michael are human beings with fears, dreams, ambitions and desires. It seems that Michael has his arms full with his collapsing company, but Elise didn't have an easy life either. Everyone has to live with a critical and bitter aspect of their life and I think that's what brings our characters together on many levels.
I enjoyed discovering this little crazy side of Elise. It happens when the first true romantic scene between our two lovebirds arrives. Elise seems to be a calm, classic and a little old fashioned woman, but it's not the case at all. This scene is unique and after that, I was hooked until the end!
Several twists will occur throughout this book that could make us doubt the '' Happy Ending'', but Elisabeth Staab will satisfy any fans of romance with a heartfelt, amusing and outstanding story.
One Week is the first book of a new series and I look forward to read the next story, which I hope will be about one of Michael's brothers! I recommend this book to all lovers of romance looking for a breath of fresh air in their daily or occasional reading!
One Week was such a good story. I loved the characters and the plot. Stories like this never get old no matter how much one reads them. I have read a lot of stories with similar plot before, but One Week definitely got me hooked. Elisabeth Staab did a good job with the details in the story that made it believable and relatable to some.
After not seeing each other for many years, Michael Hale wasn't expecting to see his ex intern and the one that got away from him, again. Facing difficulties with his company, he is forced to hire someone from the outside to help him save the company that his father left him after passing away. But seeing Elise again brought him feelings that he denied having long ago when she was working for him. Now working together again, has not only brought him memories from the past, but also his feelings for her.
Elise swore to never see Michael again, not after he hurt her so much after working for him before. Now she is successful and hired by his company to save the company and the man that hurt her in the past. But she has grown up and now she is determined to do her job and leave before anything happens to them. But their attraction to each other is strong and she can't deny just how much she might need him.
From the very beginning, I was hooked with the story. It was very well-written and the characters, especially Michael are very likable. I absolutely love his personality, he is charming and knows what he wants. I like the twists in the story and how everything comes well together. Elise is supportive and loyal to the ones she loves, her relationship with her best-friend/roommate shows that. Overall, the author has created a good romance story filled that will get anybody hooked to the very end. I highly recommend it.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
***ARC courtesy of Fido Publishing via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review***
One Week is a quick and sweet read. Got hooked the moment I started reading it and I didn't stop until I reached the final page even if it's already wee hours in the morning. I was surprised I really liked this book though it was a little bit shorter than the usual. I know that this is the first book in the series and I'm curious where the author will take this series.
Corporate romance always intrigue me. Maybe it's the excitement and adrenaline rush or the fear of getting caught up in the act of being intimate with somebody you work with and way even better be it with your boss. But if that guy would be the enigmatic and fascinating Michael Hale? I wouldn't mind either...lol!
Elisabeth Staab has written an amazing story about second chance romance in a corporate setting. Though it's not a new formula, I loved how she delivered the story. Well-written, solid concept with rich and well-rounded characters whom you can't help but get connected and fall in love with. Elise is such a strong heroine. She's intelligent, driven, loving daughter, loyal friend and very dedicated to her work. Michael is a like-able hero too. First, I thought he was a douchebag. I was surprised knowing his thoughts about Elise and what happened to them 5 years ago. Fate intervened and when their paths crossed again, he swore he'd win her back. And I could never been much happier then, seeing these two together after all the drama and some misunderstandings halted their HEA.
I absolutely recommend this book and enjoy Michael & Elise's story the way I did. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Unpredictable. Intriguing. Fun & Sweet. Never-to-be-Missed Kinda' Story
ONE WEEK. It's a story about second chances, about two people who almost had it one time but because of circumstances, the first time wasn't as fruitful. A few years down the road, things has changed a lot for both Michael Hale and Elise Jackson but the attraction between them is far from diminished. If anything, the passing of time seems to have stoked it even more and now neither of them are willing to pass up another chance at being together.
If you've read Elisabeth Staab then you'll adore ONE WEEK, better yet, if you're a feel-good romance junkie, you'll love ONE WEEK. It's not as snarky as EStaab's Chronicles of Yavn but the dialogue is just as engaging as her vampires. ONE WEEK is a feel-good and sexy HEA contemporary romance. It's a quick read and has all the wonderful elements one wants and would find from a satisfying contemporary romance. The hero is strong but not overbearing and the heroine is feminine but not wimpy. It's intense and emotional but there are no mascara-running drama, no awkward confrontations and more importantly, no scathing angry back and forth between Michael and Elise. More importantly, all the romance is complemented by hot smex which makes ONE WEEK another winning read by Elisabeth Staab.
Staab takes a break from paranormal romance with her first foray into contemporary romance, and while it might not break any new ground, it's a fun, fast read. The CEO romance may be overdone, but this time, it features a relationship complicated by the characters already having a history, giving the plot and the romance additional depth. While the mystery is fairly easy to solve, there are still several possibilities to keep you guessing. Best of all? The amazing chemistry between the characters. You can believe they have both a past and a possible future, and use of secondary characters is the perfect balance of three-dimensional while not overtaking the main storyline. Readers will want to see where this series leads next.
Five years ago, Elise Jackson left her internship at HaleStorm broken both emotionally and career-wise. When she realizes Michael Hale, the man who broke her, will be her boss for this contract assignment, she vows to keep things completely professional. But the closer they work together, the more her resolve weakens. Michael sees her as the one who got away, but Elise has to determine how she can save Michael's company as well as save her heart.
Michael Hale is now the CEO of the company his father built. The company is in a downward spiral after his fathers passing. Somebody is out to sabotage him and he has to figure out a way of fixing the hole he's in before there is no company left for him to run.
Elise Jackson swore she would never go back to Halestorm, the company she once interned at, Where she fell in love with her boss and had her heart broken at. But when her company she now works for sends her to Halestorm to fix a problem that is costing them millions of dollars what option does she have.
Fell in love!!!!! This book was everything I look for in an office romance. It was a page turner with a quick to the point plot. The characters where so developed I really felt them come to life.
It was great to read how many years later Michael decided to have the guts to go after the "one that got away" Its refreshing change.. a romance with an intellectual element it made for more interesting reading and better depth to the relationship like these two where really a perfect match in all ways.
(Take away the added drama of psycho ex's, bitter wives and mentally ill family members..dynamite reading people!)
This was my first book from this author but I cant wait for more! I want to devour this series I hope for many more Halestorm books!
If your a Fan of Melody Anne you'll love this read..
Michael Hale recently lost his father and is struggling to keep HaleStorm, the family business, afloat. One problem after another pops up and Michael finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place. He has limited time to provide documents that will help to stabilize his business and he must hire a consultant to ensure his success.
Elise Jackson has a whackadoo mother, as well as emotional baggage, and knows the last thing she should do is put herself in a situation that could potentially hurt her emotionally. Problem is, she's been assigned as a consultant for HaleStorm where years ago, Elise worked as an intern under Michael Hale and fell for him. Hard. After a miscommunication that rocked Elise to the core and left Michael feeling lost, they went their separate ways. Now they have one week to save his company, settle any issues they had between them, and hope for the best.
Well it's official, Elisabeth Staab has me hooked on another series. One Week, the first book in the HaleStorm series, was fast paced, sweet, smexy, and funny. Elise (who I adored) and Michael had fantabulous chemistry and I can't wait to see what happens next. Such a sweet office romance.
*eARC PROVIDED BY AUTHOR VIA NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW*
This is truly, a romantic and beautiful story! It gave me great pleasure and joy reading it. The premise of an office romance has always been appealing to me, so this was perfect.
Michael and Elise met 5 years ago and they developed feelings for each other, when she was an intern at his father's company and very young and something made they go their separate ways. Now, his father is dead, Michael is the CEO and the company is having big troubles, one of them needs to be resolved in a week; no one could predict that hiring a consultant, would bring Elise close to Michael.
I loved reading of they came close to each other during long hours of work, their dedication to the job, the perseverance in making everything come right. Also knowing about an enemy of Michael's that's intent in making Michael loose his company.
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"I owe you an apology. The things I accused you of were completely fucked up, they had no basis and I was wrong. I'm an asshole and you're a goddess. I hope you can forgive me."
I don't really read much contemporary, and I know pretty much nothing about the corporate office world, so I was a little nervous about reading One Week. However, I love Elisabeth Staab's paranormal books, so I figured I would give it a go. I really enjoyed the story! I didn't get lost in the corporate talk, and the plot was very interesting with plenty of twists and surprises. The characters were great! My very first impression of Michael was that he seemed like a corporate douche bag, so it was very nice to learn more about him, and find out what he was really like. Elise had a lot of depth too. I liked that she was brought in through another company, so technically Michael wasn't her boss. She had power in the work relationship too. I really liked that they were equals, and that you got a really good idea of how their relationship was five years earlier. This wasn't the typical workplace romance that one normally reads, thank goodness! It was different in a very good way! Who knew so much could happen in One Week! Great book!
This is my first book by Elisabeth Staab and definitely won't be my last.
This is the story of Elise, who works for a company that helps other companies with computer security. The company she is helping is one she used to intern for and had a serious crush on the Boss' son Michael. Michael is now the Head CEO of the company after his fathers death. Elise just needs to go in and help them and do her job and move on to the next company to help. She at least hopes it will be that simple. She was crushed when he told her no.
Michael knows that Elise is coming and is very excited. He knows that he made a mistake all the years ago by telling her know and not following on his attraction. But no matter what he needs to keep her around to help with his business or he will loose everything. He also needs to stop whoever is trying to sabotage him and his business.
This was such a great story and such great characters. I would for sure like to see more of these characters. The friends and the brothers need stories.
I was given this book from NetGalley for an honest review ... I absolutlely loved this book! Elise Jackson is a workaholic. She is good at her job and knows it. She has been contracted to fix a company and wouldn't you know it .. it belongs to a firm she interned for five years ago ... the one where she fell for the bosses son and he turned his back on her. She had hoped she wouldn't fun into MIcheal Hale - for it was his fathers company. What she didn't know was he recently passed away and Micheal was now running the show! The chemistry was still there - the things that kept them apart before were still obstacles - and then there was trust. Could they overcome all the obstacles to be together or would they finally have to go there separate ways? This book is worth the read to find out!
3.5 stars! This is an enjoyable corporate romance! Elise and Michael have history and when she returns to help him bale his recently passed fathers company out of trouble the sparks start flying. There was plenty of romance and laughs as well as some corporate and family drama. We are introduced to 1 of Michael's estranged brothers and I am curious if we will see David in the next Halestorm book, or perhaps Tom. Jeff, Elise's friend was a good comedic relief in some parts and I overall enjoyed this book with its relatable characters!
I have read other books by Ms Staab and I enjoyed those as well. She is proving to be quite the refreshing author.
*arc courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review*
I seriously enjoyed this story. I read it in one sitting and there was an actual story to it not just some fluff how the girl got hurt and everything is perfect now.
Elise and Michael worked together five years ago. He as her boss, she as the college intern. Their relationship was strictly professional, but somehow they fell in love but didnt' realize it. One kiss destroyed everything or so was thought but now five years later. Elise is called in to help fix Michael's legacy. His company is falling apart and he needs Elise to fix it. Can they put their past behind them and be professional?
This is a great story or sabotage, forgiveness, sexual tension, broken relationships, and so much more. I really enjoyed it.
A smart, enjoyable story with great dialog, a bit of corporate intrigue and a steamy romance. The relationship between Michael and Elise was interesting and exciting with some tender moments. To Michael Elise is the one that got away and Elise has been angry at Michael for years. They've got a lot against them, their past, emotional baggage, exes, family pressures, but they also have a deep connection.
I really liked Elise. She's smart and confident and excellent at her job. I also liked seeing Michael's evolution, learning what he is capable of, who he can depend on, who he can trust, what he deserves, how he can be happy.
I'll definitely be on the look out for more books by Elisabeth Staab.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy through Netgalley
Here's something you may already know: Elisabeth Staab knows how to write seriously good paranormal romance. Now here's something you may not know: She writes seriously good contemporary romance as well! One Week brings the best of office romance, swirls in some bad boy gone good, some good girl gone bad and a time crunch to save the day. It also contains some very amusing office product obsessions, witty dialogue and enough charm to have readers cheering on the hopes of happy-ever-after.
It was very nicely written with great characters, including Jeff, her roommate. The very professional and capable work had to be appreciated once Michael got on board with his feelings for her which had to be so difficult as his dad's death, the problems with the company, and with his brothers..oh, the soon to be divorced spouse was no picnic either. Michael derives a lot of comfort with regards to his growing awareness of our girl. The story was mine at that point! I loved Michael. Great ending! Thanks for Netgalley for ARC in exchange for honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance at love story from Elizabeth Staab. It was a quick read, fast paced with a well plotted story. Ms. Staab has a knack for writing really likeable characters. Her hero is strong, but not arrogant. Her heroine is soft but not a pushover. The happily ever after was quite satisfying and the love scenes were as well. The love scenes actually fir in the story and helped move it along. Well Done,Ms. Staab. I will definitely read more from this talented author. *I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Loved this book! Though I started reading this author because of her fabulous PNR series, (Chronicles of Yavn) this book has the same careful attention to character detail that draws the reader in, and not just to the two leads, but to other characters as well. This detail orientation makes the story more believable, right down to the complaints about the really cold weather descriptions that seem to plague the DC metro area. Bring on the next one, and hurry, please. I’ll read whatever she writes with reckless abandon!
Quite enjoyable very sweet love story. Five years ago, after a mistaken kiss, Michael and Elise are back together again where they first met. No longer his intern, Elise is praying to avoid Michael for the week that she was contracted to fix a major security issue.
The chemistry is still there, the feelings are still there, but can they move forward and finally have their happily-ever-after.
Loved this book. Fell in love with Michaels Character.
Billionaire boss. Michael had fallen in love with Elise years ago, but had kept his distance because he was her boss. But Elise has grown up since then.
This is an excellent romance story with some twists and turns and mystery. It's the type of book you can't put down until you've read it all. It's well written and I loved it. Can't wait to read more.