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Mateo & Lea
Mateo is riding high in life. He’s got a high-profile career, a tight-knit family, and enough wealth to afford the finer things he craves. What he doesn’t want, though, is a woman to ruin it all. While he’s not a selfish lover, he’s quite content to love-‘em-and-leave-‘em.
Until her.
Lea has had it up to here with men. All they’ve left her with is an unsatisfied need in the bedroom, and a healthy distrust for the words they spout with their lying lips. She refuses to be a doormat, and any man who thinks otherwise can take a long walk off a short pier.
Sparks are going to fly when the worlds of these two headstrong people collide, and only time will tell who will emerge victorious – and whole.
Until her.
Lea has had it up to here with men. All they’ve left her with is an unsatisfied need in the bedroom, and a healthy distrust for the words they spout with their lying lips. She refuses to be a doormat, and any man who thinks otherwise can take a long walk off a short pier.
Sparks are going to fly when the worlds of these two headstrong people collide, and only time will tell who will emerge victorious – and whole.
82 pages, Paperback
Published March 14, 2024
3 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Swallows
3 books9 followersKelsey is a first time author in Tennessee where she lives with her two kids and husband, two doggos and a orange cat.(if you know you know)
When she isn't writing she plays video games with her husband and kids!
Running on chaos and coffee, kelsey throws herself into reading immensely and gets lost in the universes of her books!
Putting her ideas down on paper for a while, she finally got the nerve to show it to the world. Who knows what her mind will give you next.
When she isn't writing she plays video games with her husband and kids!
Running on chaos and coffee, kelsey throws herself into reading immensely and gets lost in the universes of her books!
Putting her ideas down on paper for a while, she finally got the nerve to show it to the world. Who knows what her mind will give you next.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 30, 2024
A great short romance read!
Mateo and Lea's instant attraction to each other is tangible but neither one believes they are worthy of the other. Their own insecurities and tumultuous pasts threaten to detail them before they even start. Their disdain of each other is only masking their true feelings and those walls have to eventually fall. The last chapter has me wanting more and I can't wait to see where this story goes!
Mateo and Lea's instant attraction to each other is tangible but neither one believes they are worthy of the other. Their own insecurities and tumultuous pasts threaten to detail them before they even start. Their disdain of each other is only masking their true feelings and those walls have to eventually fall. The last chapter has me wanting more and I can't wait to see where this story goes!
February 27, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a fast pass enemies to lovers read that you're not going to want to miss out on. Mateo and Lea had their own dark past that caused them to put their walls up. Such an amazing read and I can't wait to read more from Kelsey!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a fast pass enemies to lovers read that you're not going to want to miss out on. Mateo and Lea had their own dark past that caused them to put their walls up. Such an amazing read and I can't wait to read more from Kelsey!!
March 3, 2024
This was a fast-paced romance. It took me no time to get through it hopping. The story pick up really quick
February 26, 2024
ARC Review:
This novella length story follows AnnaLea and Mateo and their trials and tribulations of figuring out what they want and deserve after a rough start in life.
When Lea is promoted to the CEO's assistant position, she meets Mateo and is instantly intrigued. He's handsome, dark, and broody. Lea, having grown up with a neglectful father, immediately sees the grumpy boss as a project to be fixed. And I suppose her attraction to him doesn't hurt either.
Mateo is unworthy of love, or so he believes. When he meets Lea, he feels light is brought back into his life. His self-worth is so low that he believes Lea would only cause destruction in his life, and in turn, he would destroy hers. He attempts to force Lea to hate him, playing the good ol' asshole boss. Though the feelings he very quickly develops for her will prove to make that task nigh on impossible.
Will they risk it all for a chance to be happy?
Thoughts:
The premise of this story is good. The author clearly wanted to show how people can overcome their history and make a new future for themselves.
The author came into her own with the spicy scenes. They flowed well and were well written.
The pacing of this book felt a bit chaotic. Things felt rushed, though I understand this is a novella and a first book from this particular author. But if you like the insta-love trope, then this one is for you!
The dialogue was quite stilted and awkward in places, making the characters feel less real.
I struggled to connect with the characters and felt they could have had more build up of their history that wasn't just blatant exposition. The backstories needed better development, I still don't truly understand why Mateo felt he wasn't worthy of love. Lea's backstory was a lot clearer and a sad reality for many young people who suffer parental neglect.
A lot of this book is inner monologuing, which can be repetitive at times. The story would have benefited from having more side characters to open up the world to the reader and allow the characters to feel more human.
There are quite a lot of errors - spelling, syntax, and grammar - which need to be worked out before publication for the ultimate reader enjoyment.
Mateo and Lea do get their HEA, which is always nice. I do feel that we, as readers, needed closure on Lea's dad and her healing journey after the epilogue.
Overall, I enjoyed this ARC, and I am so happy there is another author in this world achieving their dreams.
This novella length story follows AnnaLea and Mateo and their trials and tribulations of figuring out what they want and deserve after a rough start in life.
When Lea is promoted to the CEO's assistant position, she meets Mateo and is instantly intrigued. He's handsome, dark, and broody. Lea, having grown up with a neglectful father, immediately sees the grumpy boss as a project to be fixed. And I suppose her attraction to him doesn't hurt either.
Mateo is unworthy of love, or so he believes. When he meets Lea, he feels light is brought back into his life. His self-worth is so low that he believes Lea would only cause destruction in his life, and in turn, he would destroy hers. He attempts to force Lea to hate him, playing the good ol' asshole boss. Though the feelings he very quickly develops for her will prove to make that task nigh on impossible.
Will they risk it all for a chance to be happy?
Thoughts:
The premise of this story is good. The author clearly wanted to show how people can overcome their history and make a new future for themselves.
The author came into her own with the spicy scenes. They flowed well and were well written.
The pacing of this book felt a bit chaotic. Things felt rushed, though I understand this is a novella and a first book from this particular author. But if you like the insta-love trope, then this one is for you!
The dialogue was quite stilted and awkward in places, making the characters feel less real.
I struggled to connect with the characters and felt they could have had more build up of their history that wasn't just blatant exposition. The backstories needed better development, I still don't truly understand why Mateo felt he wasn't worthy of love. Lea's backstory was a lot clearer and a sad reality for many young people who suffer parental neglect.
A lot of this book is inner monologuing, which can be repetitive at times. The story would have benefited from having more side characters to open up the world to the reader and allow the characters to feel more human.
There are quite a lot of errors - spelling, syntax, and grammar - which need to be worked out before publication for the ultimate reader enjoyment.
Mateo and Lea do get their HEA, which is always nice. I do feel that we, as readers, needed closure on Lea's dad and her healing journey after the epilogue.
Overall, I enjoyed this ARC, and I am so happy there is another author in this world achieving their dreams.
April 27, 2024
Good Short.
A nice spicy novella. Some great tropes. Grumpy/sunshine, boss/assistant, he falls first and a bit of enemies to lovers. Leaves you on a small cliffy.
A nice spicy novella. Some great tropes. Grumpy/sunshine, boss/assistant, he falls first and a bit of enemies to lovers. Leaves you on a small cliffy.
June 9, 2024
Short novella workplace enemy to lover. Fast passed falling for each other! Highly recommend
March 14, 2024
I was completely enthralled by the intense buildup of desire and angst in this dark romance novel; it had me eagerly turning the pages, craving more with every chapter. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic was expertly crafted, and I found myself savoring every moment of their complex relationship - it was truly 'chef's kiss' perfection. I connected deeply with the female lead, her struggles resonating with me on a personal level, especially her journey from a challenging upbringing. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. If you're someone who enjoys dark romance and craves a suspenseful, gripping read, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It's a captivating blend of passion, intrigue, and tension that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
October 3, 2024
I’m not usually one for a build up of sexual tension, but this one may have changed me. The FMC comes from a past that I connected with on some level. I felt her heartache over her home life and could understand her thought process. The MMC gives off bad boy vibes, but is a millionaire so like the best of both worlds. I’m a dark romance reader through and through and I can’t wait to read their individual books! The cliff hanger had me literally on the edge of my seat NEEDING more. Highly recommend if you like a good office romance with all the best vibes! 💕
March 15, 2024
Arc Read:
🌶️ 3 ⭐️ 4.5
Enemies to Lovers Novella(82 pages)
Triggers:
Parental loss
Drinking
Self conscious matters
I would like to start this review by saying Kelsey If I knew how much you’d sit there and edge us (like hello elevator scene!) I’d have been more prepared! While the scenes are limited getting there was like a “let’s go already” moment! In complete honesty I had to stop and come back because Lea and I had similar father type figures and I needed to wrap my head around her overall character mindset, I’m happy that she finally found a solid gem like Mateo who really overcame all of his problems in this one book,he found his person.It gets left off as a cliff hanger and I’m so upset at how Lea left Mateo,I had a ummm no ma’am moment.
This is such a good quick,loved filled,aha moment goodness book.I can’t wait to see how they end!
🌶️ 3 ⭐️ 4.5
Enemies to Lovers Novella(82 pages)
Triggers:
Parental loss
Drinking
Self conscious matters
I would like to start this review by saying Kelsey If I knew how much you’d sit there and edge us (like hello elevator scene!) I’d have been more prepared! While the scenes are limited getting there was like a “let’s go already” moment! In complete honesty I had to stop and come back because Lea and I had similar father type figures and I needed to wrap my head around her overall character mindset, I’m happy that she finally found a solid gem like Mateo who really overcame all of his problems in this one book,he found his person.It gets left off as a cliff hanger and I’m so upset at how Lea left Mateo,I had a ummm no ma’am moment.
This is such a good quick,loved filled,aha moment goodness book.I can’t wait to see how they end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2024
I was gifted a copy from the author in exchange for and honest review!
If you’re looking for workplace, enemies to lovers with a ton of angst, this novella is for you.
Mateo is a ceo who hires Lea to be his employee. Lea comes from a broken family and has a hard time trusting that men are nothing liked her abusive father. She can’t fall in love if she compares every guy to her father, right? But that isn’t the case when their angst, hate, and ignored emotions get the best of them. The tension is high and this did not disappoint!
Being left on a cliffhanger like that though is criminal. Can’t wait for the next story!
If you’re looking for workplace, enemies to lovers with a ton of angst, this novella is for you.
Mateo is a ceo who hires Lea to be his employee. Lea comes from a broken family and has a hard time trusting that men are nothing liked her abusive father. She can’t fall in love if she compares every guy to her father, right? But that isn’t the case when their angst, hate, and ignored emotions get the best of them. The tension is high and this did not disappoint!
Being left on a cliffhanger like that though is criminal. Can’t wait for the next story!
May 15, 2024
AnnaLea is promoted at work to the CEO's assistant. However, attitudes clash and they drive each other crazy. They are both broken and neither is looking for a relationship.
This is a boss to employee romance, and a grumpy x sunshine. This was a great book, and a quick easy read. Spicy and angsty. The characters were well developed. I loved it!!!
This is a boss to employee romance, and a grumpy x sunshine. This was a great book, and a quick easy read. Spicy and angsty. The characters were well developed. I loved it!!!
March 8, 2024
First off, thank you to the author for gifting me with an ARC copy of her book!
Mateo & Lea is a short story about how two people from very different backgrounds can find love and feeling of completion within each other with a twist at the end I wasn't expecting.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - on the spice level
Mateo & Lea is a short story about how two people from very different backgrounds can find love and feeling of completion within each other with a twist at the end I wasn't expecting.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - on the spice level
February 24, 2024
If you love sexual tension 🥵 Mateo and Lea are beautifully chaotic and their attraction yet resistance to fulfill that attraction keeps you invested.
I look forward to the next book!
I look forward to the next book!
April 15, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
Cute enemies to lovers novella with an ending the shocked me!!
🌶️
Cute enemies to lovers novella with an ending the shocked me!!
April 30, 2024
Loved the book and the Characters even more! I just want more of their story!! Fast paced Romance with a cliffhanger!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews