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The Desire
I control the uncontrollable, it’s my life, it’s what I do.
Until she walks in… untouchable and tempting.
Watching her is like a crackling fire, warm and inviting.
She’ll burn me if I let her… so I need to resist.
Except what if I can’t?
With the potential to shatter my world, I’m walking away.
Until my situation changes and I need her help.
Unfortunately, not in the way I’ve dreamt of.
And here I find myself, making her an offer.
Work for me and live under my roof.
But first, I’m forced to agree to her ridiculous list of demands.
I’m not allowed to flirt, touch, or talk dirty,
and dancing in the dark is definitely out of the question.
What if these rules were made to be broken?
Until she walks in… untouchable and tempting.
Watching her is like a crackling fire, warm and inviting.
She’ll burn me if I let her… so I need to resist.
Except what if I can’t?
With the potential to shatter my world, I’m walking away.
Until my situation changes and I need her help.
Unfortunately, not in the way I’ve dreamt of.
And here I find myself, making her an offer.
Work for me and live under my roof.
But first, I’m forced to agree to her ridiculous list of demands.
I’m not allowed to flirt, touch, or talk dirty,
and dancing in the dark is definitely out of the question.
What if these rules were made to be broken?
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2024
286 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Karen Deen
51 books571 followersKaren Deen is an international bestselling author who loves to write love stories that will stay with you long after you’ve finished. Stories filled with spice and witty banter, while being full of emotion, comedy, suspense and twists and turns that you never see coming. All the time steering her characters to their happily ever after. Everything you need in a good love story.
Writing from her picturesque hometown near Sydney, Australia, Karen is enjoying life with her childhood sweetheart husband, three adult children and their ever-growing family. And can also be found out for a sneaky lunch or coffee date with friends that involves laughter until their sides hurt.
Follow Karen on Amazon for all her releases.
Writing from her picturesque hometown near Sydney, Australia, Karen is enjoying life with her childhood sweetheart husband, three adult children and their ever-growing family. And can also be found out for a sneaky lunch or coffee date with friends that involves laughter until their sides hurt.
Follow Karen on Amazon for all her releases.
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July 15, 2024Nope. Secret baby trope. Per reviews, he has a kid with OW which he didn't know about.... Avoid....Avoid....Avoid!
July 23, 2024
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: Karen Deen
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Perspective
Main Couple: Remington and Elouise
Trope(s): Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Age Gap, Billionaire
This is my first read by Karen Deen. This book is also part of an interconnected series. I did not read the first book and do not feel it impacted my understanding or enjoyment of the book. Overall I enjoyed the book. I was, however, not a fan of how Flynn’s crush played such a part of their storyline especially given his actions in the book. Karen draws some suspense into the storyline which adds some angst. This found family of friends was fun to get to know.
Elouise finds herself thrust into the world of privilege once her best friend is marrying into it. Although her friend, Tori, and her fiance and his friends have welcomed her into their circle without question, she still feels on the outside.
She has crushed on Remington since day one. He has always held her at arm’s length because their friend Flynn has crushed on Elouise, her friendship with Tori, and he doesn’t do relationships.
But, during a Christmas celebration where the drinks flowed so does their chemistry. Elouise's Christmas wish was a perfect one night stand and Remington delivered.
Now months later they have gone back to their platonic dynamic.
Until his son shows up on his doorstep, the one he had no idea existed.
Now Rem needs help. He offers her a one year contract to be his son’s live-in nanny.
The close proximity just reminds them of how amazing their night was.
But, Rem has baggage and the weight of it has him struggling with his feelings.
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: Karen Deen
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Perspective
Main Couple: Remington and Elouise
Trope(s): Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Age Gap, Billionaire
This is my first read by Karen Deen. This book is also part of an interconnected series. I did not read the first book and do not feel it impacted my understanding or enjoyment of the book. Overall I enjoyed the book. I was, however, not a fan of how Flynn’s crush played such a part of their storyline especially given his actions in the book. Karen draws some suspense into the storyline which adds some angst. This found family of friends was fun to get to know.
Elouise finds herself thrust into the world of privilege once her best friend is marrying into it. Although her friend, Tori, and her fiance and his friends have welcomed her into their circle without question, she still feels on the outside.
She has crushed on Remington since day one. He has always held her at arm’s length because their friend Flynn has crushed on Elouise, her friendship with Tori, and he doesn’t do relationships.
But, during a Christmas celebration where the drinks flowed so does their chemistry. Elouise's Christmas wish was a perfect one night stand and Remington delivered.
Now months later they have gone back to their platonic dynamic.
Until his son shows up on his doorstep, the one he had no idea existed.
Now Rem needs help. He offers her a one year contract to be his son’s live-in nanny.
The close proximity just reminds them of how amazing their night was.
But, Rem has baggage and the weight of it has him struggling with his feelings.
December 10, 2025
Romance rating: 2.5. Sexy times rating: 2.5. I wasn't a fan of trying to keep the relationship secret, and even less a fan of the miscommunication revolving around Cherie. The mix of American terms and the British setting was weird. The story was well told though, and Blaise was adorable.
June 30, 2024
Remington is in Rome spending Christmas with his boss and family, but Nic is more than just a boss he is one of Remington's best friends. When Nic insisted that he, Forrest and Flynn spend it with him and his fiance he couldn't say no. Since his parents spent the holiday with his sister and and her kids he tried to find anywhere else to be during the holidays. Screaming kids was something he avoided at all costs.
As the group is breaking up Nic asks him to escort Tori's best friend Elouise to her room. Despite it being one of Nic's resorts it is what he does as head of security. Making sure everyone is safe.
Eloise is still getting used to being around these gorgeous billionaires since her best friend fell in love. This is not the life she grew up in and no matter how accepting they are she still feels like she doesn't belong. Everyone sees her as the quiet teacher, but she is determined to be bold for once and have a one-night stand and she makes Remington promise that none of their friends will ever find out.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. It doesn't state that this book is part of a series, but this is a continuing series from Nic and Tori's story, The Craving. I haven't read their story, but it is now in my TBR pile.
Remington is the head of security of a billion-dollar hotel chain and keeping everyone safe is more than a job to him. When the stress builds up and he feels like he is losing control Remington is an adrenaline junkie. He picks the most terrifying thing he can find and lets the fear reset his brain.
Eloise is a teacher. She loves children and helping them learn to read and write. Since Tori got engaged, Nic and his friends have welcomed her into their tight group although she still doesn't feel comfortable in their expensive lifestyle.
This book is action-packed and smoking hot. This story has several back-stories with Tori's wedding and a major scandal, but Remington gets the biggest shock of his life and his answer to relieving the stress is a huge surprise.
This book will make you laugh, make you cry and steam up your Kindle. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend that you read Nic and Tori's story and I can't wait to read Flynn's story.
Highly recommend!
As the group is breaking up Nic asks him to escort Tori's best friend Elouise to her room. Despite it being one of Nic's resorts it is what he does as head of security. Making sure everyone is safe.
Eloise is still getting used to being around these gorgeous billionaires since her best friend fell in love. This is not the life she grew up in and no matter how accepting they are she still feels like she doesn't belong. Everyone sees her as the quiet teacher, but she is determined to be bold for once and have a one-night stand and she makes Remington promise that none of their friends will ever find out.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. It doesn't state that this book is part of a series, but this is a continuing series from Nic and Tori's story, The Craving. I haven't read their story, but it is now in my TBR pile.
Remington is the head of security of a billion-dollar hotel chain and keeping everyone safe is more than a job to him. When the stress builds up and he feels like he is losing control Remington is an adrenaline junkie. He picks the most terrifying thing he can find and lets the fear reset his brain.
Eloise is a teacher. She loves children and helping them learn to read and write. Since Tori got engaged, Nic and his friends have welcomed her into their tight group although she still doesn't feel comfortable in their expensive lifestyle.
This book is action-packed and smoking hot. This story has several back-stories with Tori's wedding and a major scandal, but Remington gets the biggest shock of his life and his answer to relieving the stress is a huge surprise.
This book will make you laugh, make you cry and steam up your Kindle. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend that you read Nic and Tori's story and I can't wait to read Flynn's story.
Highly recommend!
September 19, 2024
Didn't like either characters
It didn't like the female character coz she is childish and does silly things but the male character is even worse! His entire thoughts are of himself.. They fight and instead of addressing her worries he leaves her for DAYS with his SON yes she is his nanny but HE'S the father and he is forever leaving his son! At no point does he act like a father he hires her then it's as if she's the mother but she's not and he should be taking responsibly for his child
It didn't like the female character coz she is childish and does silly things but the male character is even worse! His entire thoughts are of himself.. They fight and instead of addressing her worries he leaves her for DAYS with his SON yes she is his nanny but HE'S the father and he is forever leaving his son! At no point does he act like a father he hires her then it's as if she's the mother but she's not and he should be taking responsibly for his child
September 21, 2024
Needs some editing
This is a forced proximity/forbidden romance between 2 people part of a friend group. The male lead has a surprise kid show up at his door and convinces her to be his nanny. The "sexy scenes" felt rushed, and the book in general felt like the author was trying to cram to much in and just flopping around between emotions. Didn't love or connect to the characters, and felt like it could use a good editor.
This is a forced proximity/forbidden romance between 2 people part of a friend group. The male lead has a surprise kid show up at his door and convinces her to be his nanny. The "sexy scenes" felt rushed, and the book in general felt like the author was trying to cram to much in and just flopping around between emotions. Didn't love or connect to the characters, and felt like it could use a good editor.
June 18, 2024
Join Rem and El on an adventure neither thought they would take, let alone together. Rem doesn’t do relationships and El isn’t part of his world, but together they work out a way to navigate the unknown.
June 18, 2024
Wow what an absolutely amazing book. I loved it. Rem and El story is captivating and enthralling, you will be enthralled from the first page. Cinderella gets her prince . Looking forward to Felisha and Flynn’s book The Desire . I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
June 19, 2024
I love El and Rem, they're just soo perfect for each other! Such a wonderful and beautiful healing love story! Soo soo good! Little Blaise he's soo cute! I absolutly loved it! Can't wait for Flynn's story! 🥰❤️😘
January 1, 2026
DNFed at page 75 (18%). The MMC is just too much of a selfish, uncaring, controlling, and demeaning asshole. I do not want to read a book when the love interest is a horrible person.
He does not care about other people and just consistantly demands female characters to do what he wants: "tell her...", "you will...", ect.
Short snippet below as example:
"“I’ve decided you should come and work for me. Be my translator and English teacher, as well as Blaise’s nanny. I don’t know how to care for a child, and to be honest, I don’t have the time. You will move in with us, care for him, integrate him into this life, and travel with me if needed at any time. I will pay you far more than you currently receive. We will start moving your things in on Monday…” I pick up my phone and push send on the email of the employment letter of offer I drafted early this morning. “What the hell are you talking about? I’m not moving anywhere, and I have a job that might not pay well but that I love. And besides that, what makes you think I would want to work for someone so arrogant!” Slamming her coffee cup on the counter, she storms toward me, poking her finger into my chest over and over. “You’ve decided? Who the hell do you think you are? I’m the only one who decides what I do in my life, asshole.” Both of us freeze at the sound of a little boy’s voice in the distance. Her eyes dart to the door entering the kitchen and back to me. “This discussion isn’t over,” she hisses in an agitated whisper, stepping back from me. “Open the email I just sent to you, and you’ll see that it is actually over. It’s an offer you can’t refuse,” I say, forcing the point that I won’t take no for an answer on this. I need her here, end of story!"
He does not care about other people and just consistantly demands female characters to do what he wants: "tell her...", "you will...", ect.
Short snippet below as example:
"“I’ve decided you should come and work for me. Be my translator and English teacher, as well as Blaise’s nanny. I don’t know how to care for a child, and to be honest, I don’t have the time. You will move in with us, care for him, integrate him into this life, and travel with me if needed at any time. I will pay you far more than you currently receive. We will start moving your things in on Monday…” I pick up my phone and push send on the email of the employment letter of offer I drafted early this morning. “What the hell are you talking about? I’m not moving anywhere, and I have a job that might not pay well but that I love. And besides that, what makes you think I would want to work for someone so arrogant!” Slamming her coffee cup on the counter, she storms toward me, poking her finger into my chest over and over. “You’ve decided? Who the hell do you think you are? I’m the only one who decides what I do in my life, asshole.” Both of us freeze at the sound of a little boy’s voice in the distance. Her eyes dart to the door entering the kitchen and back to me. “This discussion isn’t over,” she hisses in an agitated whisper, stepping back from me. “Open the email I just sent to you, and you’ll see that it is actually over. It’s an offer you can’t refuse,” I say, forcing the point that I won’t take no for an answer on this. I need her here, end of story!"
June 23, 2024
What a wonderful story!
What a beautiful written story. Karen really knows how to pull our emotions out.
This is the story of Remington and Eloise. They are characters we were introduced to in The Craving. Remington is head of security for The Darby hotels and Eloise is a school teacher and Tori’s bestfriend. Remington has watched El from afar. He knew his friend Flynn liked her. But El doesn’t feel that way about Flynn. But she does Remington.
One passionate night in Rome changes everything. Rem knows El is the one for him. He is confused by his sudden feelings because he said he would never be in a relationship, married or have kids.
El is also unsure of what to do with her feelings. She doesn’t want to change the dynamics in their friend’s circle or upset Flynn. So they keep their attraction at bay.
Remington receives some shocking news that he has a son. Sweet Blaise comes into Remington’s life at the age of 4. He only speaks French and Rem is surprised when El speaks to Blaise in French. He knows he’s going to need her to help with his son. So he offers her a job to move in and care for Blaise and teach him English. She agrees against her better judgment. She knows their attraction will be hard to fight.
I highly recommend this beautiful, emotional story. Both Rem and El have some scars from their past they need to deal with. But together they can heal. This is truly a Cinderella story.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a beautiful written story. Karen really knows how to pull our emotions out.
This is the story of Remington and Eloise. They are characters we were introduced to in The Craving. Remington is head of security for The Darby hotels and Eloise is a school teacher and Tori’s bestfriend. Remington has watched El from afar. He knew his friend Flynn liked her. But El doesn’t feel that way about Flynn. But she does Remington.
One passionate night in Rome changes everything. Rem knows El is the one for him. He is confused by his sudden feelings because he said he would never be in a relationship, married or have kids.
El is also unsure of what to do with her feelings. She doesn’t want to change the dynamics in their friend’s circle or upset Flynn. So they keep their attraction at bay.
Remington receives some shocking news that he has a son. Sweet Blaise comes into Remington’s life at the age of 4. He only speaks French and Rem is surprised when El speaks to Blaise in French. He knows he’s going to need her to help with his son. So he offers her a job to move in and care for Blaise and teach him English. She agrees against her better judgment. She knows their attraction will be hard to fight.
I highly recommend this beautiful, emotional story. Both Rem and El have some scars from their past they need to deal with. But together they can heal. This is truly a Cinderella story.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 18, 2024
What a great book to read this was.
As a teacher myself I was able to indentify myself with Elouise at some points.
This series is bringing back the Chicago Boys series vibe with this circle of friends.
This time Remington, or Rem as he's been called more often, is next.
Security at the highest level for the hotel chain Nic's the boss of. We met him in the last book, the Craving.
Rem and El had a one night stand in Rome when they were there with their friends group in celebration of Tori and Nic. A hot night for sure and their attraction never went back.
Rem and El have some demons to conquer before they are actually together.
Add in a cute little boy, Blaise, who only speaks French, of 4 years old who'd mother died and Rem is his father, but doesn't know what to do until El speaks French to him.
Add in a great castle in Edinburgh with a dungeon. Oh yeah.... those chapters were hilarious, hot and just top notch!
I really loved how they both tried to hide their feelings, because of their friends dynamics, but in the end love always wins.
You're going to see loads of the boys in this book and the story beginning in this book with Flynn.. can't wait to find out how it will go in his own book.
Anyways... Read this book! It's romantic, some twists, and loads of humour!
As a teacher myself I was able to indentify myself with Elouise at some points.
This series is bringing back the Chicago Boys series vibe with this circle of friends.
This time Remington, or Rem as he's been called more often, is next.
Security at the highest level for the hotel chain Nic's the boss of. We met him in the last book, the Craving.
Rem and El had a one night stand in Rome when they were there with their friends group in celebration of Tori and Nic. A hot night for sure and their attraction never went back.
Rem and El have some demons to conquer before they are actually together.
Add in a cute little boy, Blaise, who only speaks French, of 4 years old who'd mother died and Rem is his father, but doesn't know what to do until El speaks French to him.
Add in a great castle in Edinburgh with a dungeon. Oh yeah.... those chapters were hilarious, hot and just top notch!
I really loved how they both tried to hide their feelings, because of their friends dynamics, but in the end love always wins.
You're going to see loads of the boys in this book and the story beginning in this book with Flynn.. can't wait to find out how it will go in his own book.
Anyways... Read this book! It's romantic, some twists, and loads of humour!
June 9, 2025
Just, Wow!
Where do I even Start with Rem and El?
Rem is the head of security at Darby Hotels and he takes his job very seriously. El is a school teacher, which was a childhood ambition.
One night he is asked to escort El back to her hotel room safely, once there things start to happen between them, one thing leads to another and they have an explosive night together. They agree that the night was unexpected yet amazing and it would just be a one night thing and they wouldn't tell their friends about it.
A few months later Rem gets the surprise of his life, which shocks him to the core, he decides he has no choice but to somehow get El to help him out. Of course this was done in typical Rem fashion, demanding! El's not happy but after some soul searching and confronting Rem with her own demands she decides to help him.
This is where the "fun" starts! Will they be able to work together or will they tear each other apart?
So much happens in this story that you'll be rushing through the pages to get answers.
Geez, I can't recommend this book or the The Craving (the first book in the series) enough.
Just wow! Just brilliant!
Where do I even Start with Rem and El?
Rem is the head of security at Darby Hotels and he takes his job very seriously. El is a school teacher, which was a childhood ambition.
One night he is asked to escort El back to her hotel room safely, once there things start to happen between them, one thing leads to another and they have an explosive night together. They agree that the night was unexpected yet amazing and it would just be a one night thing and they wouldn't tell their friends about it.
A few months later Rem gets the surprise of his life, which shocks him to the core, he decides he has no choice but to somehow get El to help him out. Of course this was done in typical Rem fashion, demanding! El's not happy but after some soul searching and confronting Rem with her own demands she decides to help him.
This is where the "fun" starts! Will they be able to work together or will they tear each other apart?
So much happens in this story that you'll be rushing through the pages to get answers.
Geez, I can't recommend this book or the The Craving (the first book in the series) enough.
Just wow! Just brilliant!
November 2, 2025
El and Rem—she’s a kindergarten teacher and he’s the security manager for the Darcy Hotel group. She is best friends with the Darcy Hotel group’s CEO, so she’s part of the core group. When Rem’s son from a one-night stand is brought to him after the mother dies, Rem convinces El to move in to teach his French son how to speak English. Having spent one night together long ago and agreeing that it was their secret and they were just friends going forward, El and Rem fought against their feelings for each other as long as they could u til they ended up in a castle in Scotland together. From then on, they were together but a secret from the rest of the group for a number of reasons that sounded reasonable to them. Of course, there were a lot of bumps along the e way, but eventually everything came out into the open and they got their HEA with a baby of their own on the way. The story is engaging but needs some more proofreading and editing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2024
Heartwarming……
Such a great story!!! REM was absolutely the alpha male that I love and want to strangle all at the same time!! It was Elouise who stole the story. Her kindness was palpable. The way she cared for those in her life while ignoring what she needed was so relatable. She couldn’t see her own value which again was so relatable. I loved her sass and her strength as the story grew. She kept REM exactly where he needed to be….in line!! lol the chemistry was insane! I loved the way their family was perfect for them.
I can’t wait for more with this group of friends. They are stubborn, sexy and all alpha male with these incredible, strong, intelligent and sassy women ❤️
Such a great story!!! REM was absolutely the alpha male that I love and want to strangle all at the same time!! It was Elouise who stole the story. Her kindness was palpable. The way she cared for those in her life while ignoring what she needed was so relatable. She couldn’t see her own value which again was so relatable. I loved her sass and her strength as the story grew. She kept REM exactly where he needed to be….in line!! lol the chemistry was insane! I loved the way their family was perfect for them.
I can’t wait for more with this group of friends. They are stubborn, sexy and all alpha male with these incredible, strong, intelligent and sassy women ❤️
September 4, 2024
Wow, I did not expect that! I thought it would be a Flynn and Elouise book.. 🤣 what a twist for a beginner! Love the unexpected 😁
The 2end book in the series follows Elouise (El) and Rem. The character development was on point!
These two worked like a well oiled machine together navigating a life turning point in Rems life that threw his world upside down by just a knock on the door one night. Elouise has a beautiful personality, she is a teacher, so ofcourse she has compassion and a love that knows no bounds. Their start together was sexy and perfect.. as well as their story, just perfect!
The side characters are not so much of a side, this group of friends are family and each has their part in the story which I love! I hope we get the next book soon🥰😍
The 2end book in the series follows Elouise (El) and Rem. The character development was on point!
These two worked like a well oiled machine together navigating a life turning point in Rems life that threw his world upside down by just a knock on the door one night. Elouise has a beautiful personality, she is a teacher, so ofcourse she has compassion and a love that knows no bounds. Their start together was sexy and perfect.. as well as their story, just perfect!
The side characters are not so much of a side, this group of friends are family and each has their part in the story which I love! I hope we get the next book soon🥰😍
June 27, 2024
Brilliant read
I could write 100 words and it still wouldn't be enough.
Do you need to read this book? YES
Is this book good? ABSOLUTELY
Did I want this book to end? NO
Did I like the main characters? YES OMG Remington was dreamy, protective, moody, and totally swoon worthy. A true Prince Charming. El was quite reserved soul that knew what she wanted but just didn't like to admit it, loved her character and she was perfect to Rem. Boy did they have chemistry.
Another fantastic read that had me gripped and couldn't put the book down, a well written story with twists and turns I don't see coming.
I could write 100 words and it still wouldn't be enough.
Do you need to read this book? YES
Is this book good? ABSOLUTELY
Did I want this book to end? NO
Did I like the main characters? YES OMG Remington was dreamy, protective, moody, and totally swoon worthy. A true Prince Charming. El was quite reserved soul that knew what she wanted but just didn't like to admit it, loved her character and she was perfect to Rem. Boy did they have chemistry.
Another fantastic read that had me gripped and couldn't put the book down, a well written story with twists and turns I don't see coming.
July 2, 2024
this made me fall down a Karen deen rabbit hole
Absolutely loved rem and the way he stepped up to his responsibilities but can these blokes not keep it in their pants? I guess that’s the attraction and we wouldn’t have these books if they did, brilliant story, it’s taken me a while to write this as I’ve now fallen down a Karen deen rabbit hole and read the Chicago boys series I just have one more left and I’ve not been able to put them down.
Absolutely loved rem and the way he stepped up to his responsibilities but can these blokes not keep it in their pants? I guess that’s the attraction and we wouldn’t have these books if they did, brilliant story, it’s taken me a while to write this as I’ve now fallen down a Karen deen rabbit hole and read the Chicago boys series I just have one more left and I’ve not been able to put them down.
September 21, 2024
couldn’t put it down
This is a brilliant read I could not put it down! I read it in 3 days.
After reading Nic and Tori’s story in book one couldn’t wait to start reading it and wasn’t disappointed. It will make your heart melt, make you laugh and send you through so many emotions with REM and El! Enjoy.
I’m off to read Flynn story now….
This is a brilliant read I could not put it down! I read it in 3 days.
After reading Nic and Tori’s story in book one couldn’t wait to start reading it and wasn’t disappointed. It will make your heart melt, make you laugh and send you through so many emotions with REM and El! Enjoy.
I’m off to read Flynn story now….
June 24, 2024
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / UNIVERSAL
When Remington "Rem" and Elouise "El" had a memorable night, they agreed it wasn't to be repeated or spoken of after. Their friend circle would never be the same, and she already doesn't feel like she belongs in their world, so she isn't about to do anything to rock the boat. And then there's Rem...he's a bachelor who doesn't do relationships or commitment. But when a relationship he never wanted or thought he'd have is dropped in his lap, El is the only one he can think of to help him. But will she agree to his high-handed demand?
I normally love me an alpha, but he has to have something redeeming about him that isn't just the person he loves. I didn't find anything very likable about Rem. Not only was he high-handed with El (and others) from the very beginning, he was determined she do everything, give her all, while he gave nothing. Nope, not even. But aside from disliking Rem, there were a few other reasons why I couldn't give this 4 stars - the writing was choppy, especially in the dialogue and inner dialogue. I feel as if the author doesn't either believe in contractions, or doesn't like using them, and it took me out of the story every time. There are things I like though - El is sassy and strong, and her circle and Rem's circle are awesome, and the chemistry is sizzling hot.
ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
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June 24, 2024
The Desire.. Amazing Read
This book had me hooked and I would have completed it in one sitting if I didn’t have to do life! After reading the craving I was eagerly awaiting this and I wasn’t disappointed at all. Plenty of spice and a defo must read
This book had me hooked and I would have completed it in one sitting if I didn’t have to do life! After reading the craving I was eagerly awaiting this and I wasn’t disappointed at all. Plenty of spice and a defo must read
August 25, 2024
The story was a very interesting and exciting love story. But I was a little disappointed that it
had more to do with the previous story relative people than the characters themselves. I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced. keep up the good work
had more to do with the previous story relative people than the characters themselves. I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced. keep up the good work
October 2, 2024
This was so good. Really loved it. Hoping Flynn and Forrester get their own books too❤️
November 10, 2024
Fab as always
Another great read.
Have loved every one of Karen Deens books and looking forward to me asap!!
Need more now 😆
Another great read.
Have loved every one of Karen Deens books and looking forward to me asap!!
Need more now 😆
December 10, 2024
I hope Flynn and Forrest have a book
February 24, 2025
Hard to get into. Attempt to reread it was more successful. But felt parts of the story were a little unrealistic. (But I'm no author!)
December 24, 2025
Enjoyable Read!
This book was just the right mix of suspense and spice. Only thing I struggled with was the us of “!”.
This book was just the right mix of suspense and spice. Only thing I struggled with was the us of “!”.
July 23, 2024
Off the chart chemistry, Eloise and Rem have been friends a long time, Eloise keeps Flynn at bay as he pines for her constantly but there are sparks between El and Rem and there’s no escaping it. When Blaise arrives from nowhere, El steps up and helps sort it all out. Being too good at her children skills as a teacher, Rem has an idea which he makes it too hard to say no to.
Watch as these push and pull on their feelings, the magnetism and constantly fighting the urge to be together due to their friends and his new title as Dad. Enjoyed another corker from Karen Deen and can’t wait to hear all about the other men who are waiting patiently on the shelf for their love lives to start.
Watch as these push and pull on their feelings, the magnetism and constantly fighting the urge to be together due to their friends and his new title as Dad. Enjoyed another corker from Karen Deen and can’t wait to hear all about the other men who are waiting patiently on the shelf for their love lives to start.
June 30, 2024
Remington is in Rome spending Christmas with his boss and family, but Nic is more than just a boss he is one of Remington's best friends. When Nic insisted that he, Forrest and Flynn spend it with him and his fiance he couldn't say no. Since his parents spent the holiday with his sister and and her kids he tried to find anywhere else to be during the holidays. Screaming kids was something he avoided at all costs.
As the group is breaking up Nic asks him to escort Tori's best friend Elouise to her room. Despite it being one of Nic's resorts it is what he does as head of security. Making sure everyone is safe.
Eloise is still getting used to being around these gorgeous billionaires since her best friend fell in love. This is not the life she grew up in and no matter how accepting they are she still feels like she doesn't belong. Everyone sees her as the quiet teacher, but she is determined to be bold for once and have a one-night stand and she makes Remington promise that none of their friends will ever find out.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. It doesn't state that this book is part of a series, but this is a continuing series from Nic and Tori's story, The Craving. I haven't read their story, but it is now in my TBR pile.
Remington is the head of security of a billion-dollar hotel chain and keeping everyone safe is more than a job to him. When the stress builds up and he feels like he is losing control Remington is an adrenaline junkie. He picks the most terrifying thing he can find and lets the fear reset his brain.
Eloise is a teacher. She loves children and helping them learn to read and write. Since Tori got engaged, Nic and his friends have welcomed her into their tight group although she still doesn't feel comfortable in their expensive lifestyle.
This book is action-packed and smoking hot. This story has several back-stories with Tori's wedding and a major scandal, but Remington gets the biggest shock of his life and his answer to relieving the stress is a huge surprise.
This book will make you laugh, make you cry and steam up your Kindle. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend that you read Nic and Tori's story and I can't wait to read Flynn's story.
Highly recommend!
As the group is breaking up Nic asks him to escort Tori's best friend Elouise to her room. Despite it being one of Nic's resorts it is what he does as head of security. Making sure everyone is safe.
Eloise is still getting used to being around these gorgeous billionaires since her best friend fell in love. This is not the life she grew up in and no matter how accepting they are she still feels like she doesn't belong. Everyone sees her as the quiet teacher, but she is determined to be bold for once and have a one-night stand and she makes Remington promise that none of their friends will ever find out.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. It doesn't state that this book is part of a series, but this is a continuing series from Nic and Tori's story, The Craving. I haven't read their story, but it is now in my TBR pile.
Remington is the head of security of a billion-dollar hotel chain and keeping everyone safe is more than a job to him. When the stress builds up and he feels like he is losing control Remington is an adrenaline junkie. He picks the most terrifying thing he can find and lets the fear reset his brain.
Eloise is a teacher. She loves children and helping them learn to read and write. Since Tori got engaged, Nic and his friends have welcomed her into their tight group although she still doesn't feel comfortable in their expensive lifestyle.
This book is action-packed and smoking hot. This story has several back-stories with Tori's wedding and a major scandal, but Remington gets the biggest shock of his life and his answer to relieving the stress is a huge surprise.
This book will make you laugh, make you cry and steam up your Kindle. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend that you read Nic and Tori's story and I can't wait to read Flynn's story.
Highly recommend!
June 20, 2024
My First Karen Deen book and after reading The Desire, I’ve already put others on my TBR list. My Goodness, what an outstanding read. I loved Ms. Deen’s writing style. It combined laughter, heartache, romance, comradery, drama and so much more. The storyline has wonderful characters that I felt like I personally knew and came to understand. I read into the wee hours of the morning and hated to put it down the first night => I was so engrossed in their story.
This is Rem and El’s story. Rem is a control freak but that comes in handy since he is in charge of Security for his best friend Nic’s Hotel conglomeration (Rem and his 3 buds run various departments of the business and all are very rich men). El is a school teacher that has joined their little group by way of Nic’s fiancee. Nic and El spend one amazing night together that neither can forget but know they can’t act on it due to their group’s dynamic not to mention Rem doesn’t do relationships. It’s now months down the road, both are thrown back together when a situation arises that Rem for once can’t control. He needs El’s help. But she is resisting at every turn unless he agrees to her demands. One’s she is making to protect her heart and one’s he’s trying to figure out how to break as he can’t get their one night out of his head.
Outstanding read. I laughed, signed and I think my heart exploded a time or two. I can’t recommend grabbing up The Desire enough. As for this reader, she can’t wait for the next book which is alluded to at the end of this one.
2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars
This is Rem and El’s story. Rem is a control freak but that comes in handy since he is in charge of Security for his best friend Nic’s Hotel conglomeration (Rem and his 3 buds run various departments of the business and all are very rich men). El is a school teacher that has joined their little group by way of Nic’s fiancee. Nic and El spend one amazing night together that neither can forget but know they can’t act on it due to their group’s dynamic not to mention Rem doesn’t do relationships. It’s now months down the road, both are thrown back together when a situation arises that Rem for once can’t control. He needs El’s help. But she is resisting at every turn unless he agrees to her demands. One’s she is making to protect her heart and one’s he’s trying to figure out how to break as he can’t get their one night out of his head.
Outstanding read. I laughed, signed and I think my heart exploded a time or two. I can’t recommend grabbing up The Desire enough. As for this reader, she can’t wait for the next book which is alluded to at the end of this one.
2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars
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