Climbing High

Daring Heights series #1

by Madelon Smid

Billionaire Jake Ingles is the media's golden boy. The cameras love his fabulous face and form, his high-powered business deals, and daring adventures. On a mountain in France, Jake saves the one incomparable woman he'll love for the rest of his life, but his fame places her beyond his reach.Siree McConnell, forensic accountant, chooses to live anonymously to avoid the press that caused her father's death. She refuses to tangle with the gorgeous male if it means stepping back into the spotlight, until he needs her help. Once she uncovers the thieves threatening Jake's conglomerate, she gives in to her longing to find ecstasy in his arms. But the cost of being with him is exposure to the media and an enemy that tears them apart.Now she has a new rescue their relationship. For he will do anything to keep her safe, even walk away. It's up to her to show him their love is worth any risk.

Genres: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Romance

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2013

Reviews

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

With scenes set in the Alps and Toronto this is a lively book with a good sense of place and danger. We move from mountain climbing to forensic accounting and back again.

I thought the lady was too paranoid about news being made of her - and everyone else, today - which was the reason she didn't want to be seen with the tech millionaire. Really, she doesn't have to read the papers, and some countries have stronger privacy laws than others so I am not sure how invasive the paparazzi could be in Canada. If she's not doing anything wrong I imagine the press would quickly tire of following her and him out to dinner.

The climbing sequences are very vivid and more than once I was thinking that the people must be crazy to do this.
The romance has some adult scenes and there is heightened tension when someone starts stalking the millionaire. I enjoyed the read.

I downloaded an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Climbing High is 50 Shades of Gray, only without the BDSM and better writing. Oh, and without the abusive "hero" and the sorry excuse for a "heroine".

Jake is filthy rich, a self-made million that got his start in computer software. Siree is the daughter of a diplomat and works in corporate finance. A chance encounter in Paris sets up a romance that takes almost two years to fully blossom. The story drags on in parts--especially when it veers to the technical on mountain climbing. I skimmed through much of that and picked up when the story picked back up. I read the book in one day. The love scenes are hot without being graphic. Siree is strong-willed and isn't easily pushed around. Jake isn't dominating--at least, not of Siree.

It was hard to ignore the parallels between 50 Shades and Climbing High. For that, I had to deduct one star. Otherwise, this was a good read and I recommend it.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well-written and interesting story. Along with the romance, the author delves into the role the media can play in the lives of the rich and famous. Jake uses the media to enhance his reputation and his company. However, Siree, still coming to terms with a tragic event, avoids the media at all costs. When the two meet, Siree realises she cannot have anything to do with Jake as it will put her back into the media spotlight; a place she has no desire to be in. Yet, the chemistry between the two pulls them towards each other despite her trepidation. The writing is descriptive and filled with emotion. There is some suspense involved which adds to the story, making this an enjoyable read.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story:)