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Love #1
Almost Like Love
Television writer Kate Meredith is having the day from hell. First, her show was canceled. Then her fiancé left her for another woman. Now, she's courting disaster by flirting with the hard-bodied, tattooed, motorcycle-riding bad boy of her dreams…who also happens to be the man who fired her.
If people had told Ian Hart that he'd be firing Kate in the morning and dancing with her that night, he'd have laughed in their faces. Despite her leggy body, the sweet but geeky redhead isn’t his type. At least, that’s what he thinks before spotting her in a club wearing an outfit that reveals her surprisingly delectable assets.
Before he knows it, Ian becomes Kate’s knight on a shining motorcycle, escorting her home to prevent her from running off with some random guy. But when the night is over, “Little Miss Boring” and her sexy former boss just might turn their oh-so-wrong feelings into something very right.
If people had told Ian Hart that he'd be firing Kate in the morning and dancing with her that night, he'd have laughed in their faces. Despite her leggy body, the sweet but geeky redhead isn’t his type. At least, that’s what he thinks before spotting her in a club wearing an outfit that reveals her surprisingly delectable assets.
Before he knows it, Ian becomes Kate’s knight on a shining motorcycle, escorting her home to prevent her from running off with some random guy. But when the night is over, “Little Miss Boring” and her sexy former boss just might turn their oh-so-wrong feelings into something very right.
Audio CD
First published October 28, 2014
278 people are currently reading
1382 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Strom
28 books401 followersAbigail Strom started writing stories at the age of seven and has never been able to stop. She lives in New England with her family, a variety of animals, and a towering TBR pile. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached at abigail@abigailstrom.com.
I read everything, but I especially love YA, MG, mystery, romance, sci fi, and fantasy.
I read everything, but I especially love YA, MG, mystery, romance, sci fi, and fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
October 27, 2014
I loved Strom's first book and numerous ones after, so it was no wonder I picked this up expecting everything I loved in her other stories. A sweet romance, lovable characters, a fun plot line, and the happily ever afters that I crave.
Throw in a feisty heroine and a bad boy turned good with a heart of gold and an adorable nephew to boot and you have a winner.
How can anyone not love a book that references Doctor Who and the X-Men. My inner nerd was all over it and even though I know nothing about D & D it was fun to see it referenced (and even played) in the book.
I really liked Ian and Kate and their love story was a good one. This didn't get too heavy or deep but it wasn't a light fluff read either. It was a nice balance of romance with real life circumstances and issues.
I completely gobbled this up and was sad to see it end.
Throw in a feisty heroine and a bad boy turned good with a heart of gold and an adorable nephew to boot and you have a winner.
How can anyone not love a book that references Doctor Who and the X-Men. My inner nerd was all over it and even though I know nothing about D & D it was fun to see it referenced (and even played) in the book.
I really liked Ian and Kate and their love story was a good one. This didn't get too heavy or deep but it wasn't a light fluff read either. It was a nice balance of romance with real life circumstances and issues.
I completely gobbled this up and was sad to see it end.
September 3, 2017
A pretty nice contemporary. I really liked the heroine, she was sweet spunky and insightful. Now, the hero on the other hand had his jerk moments but I still rooted for the couple.
October 31, 2014
Kate gets left by her fiance and fired from her job on the same day. Her ex fiance is already moving on and taking his new girlfriend to a wedding that Kate is in. Kate doesn't want everyone to feel sorry for her so she sets out on a mission to have a rebound fling with a sexy bad boy, something she has never done before. Ian Hart, her former boss, just happens to be at the bar that Kate decides to find her new bad boy. What starts out as a simple agreement turns out to be so much more. I loved this book! I am a sucker for a nerdy, geek type romance and this is one of the best that I have read. I adored Kate. She was funny, sweet, kind, strong and a nerd. Ian is a businessman who is raising his nephew after the death of his sister. He's not good with relationships but he's a good guy. These characters had some pretty amazing sexual tension and really great chemistry. I love the way this author developed these characters. This is a really sweet romance with a great story, mild angst and a little bit of steam. I can't wait to read more by this author!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
June 10, 2021
This came out of left field for me.
I was surprised by how easy this was to read and how much I enjoyed reading it.
Ian is nice, even when hes the one who has fired her hes still nice.
Kate is also a nice character. Easy to like not a drama queen.
I was surprised by how easy this was to read and how much I enjoyed reading it.
Ian is nice, even when hes the one who has fired her hes still nice.
Kate is also a nice character. Easy to like not a drama queen.
January 22, 2015
I'm going to start off by saying that I'm surprised that I'm giving this book the rating that I am. Because for the first few chapters I was rolling my eyes and strongly disliking the main male character. But somehow this book won me over in spite of all of that!
The worst day of her life was not when Kate expected to find herself in the arms of the man who was responsible for a big chunk of it. Having lost her job and her fiance in the same day, she's in the mood for some excitement and some danger. Somehow fate leads her to be at the same bar as Ian, though, and when he tries to 'rescue' her from his nerdy friend, he ends up making her an offer that she can't refuse.
The unevenness of the dynamic and the developing relationship stayed for a few chapters - I couldn't understand why Kate was talking to Ian at all, considering their relationship and how little she knew about him, how rude he'd been. There's one scene in particular where I really wondered why she was talking to him at all, and I didn't think the author really explained it that well.
In spite of all of that, though, the book won me over. Kate is a girl after my own heart - a geeky writer who loves Doctor Who and D&D, who knows odd little facts and isn't afraid to stand up for herself in spite of everything. She's a loyal friend and Abigail Strom does a good job of getting us into her head and helping us to understand her past, where she's coming from, and where the relationship is leading her.
Then there's Ian. Oh, Ian. He is a snarky, condescending bastard at times, and a ball of contradictions - there's a nerdy side to him, the tattooed motorcyclist, and the hotshot executive. Somehow he combines it all and in the end he comes across as endearing, if a bit of an asshole at times - but an asshole who has the self awareness to admit that he's an asshole. I like those kinds.
Overall this is more a story about Ian than about Kate, in the end, which I rather liked. He has an adorable nephew, Jacob, who he doesn't understand all that well, but who he loves very much, and as Kate and Ian grow closer together she also brings Jacob & Ian closer together, which is a pleasure to watch. We get to go further into Ian's head and learn about his past and a bit about why he is the way he is, and I enjoyed it. We also get
The chemistry the two of them have is undeniable, as well, and I liked how things built - the only thing that made me roll my eyes was the standard trope of the beautiful woman who has somehow never slept with a really hot guy. Like come on, you expect me to believe that someone like Kate hasn't fallen into bed with a hottie before now?
In spite of my quibbles, though, I finished the book with a smile on my face and a feeling of satisfaction. Kate and Ian are endearing and the author has made me believe they belong together.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The worst day of her life was not when Kate expected to find herself in the arms of the man who was responsible for a big chunk of it. Having lost her job and her fiance in the same day, she's in the mood for some excitement and some danger. Somehow fate leads her to be at the same bar as Ian, though, and when he tries to 'rescue' her from his nerdy friend, he ends up making her an offer that she can't refuse.
The unevenness of the dynamic and the developing relationship stayed for a few chapters - I couldn't understand why Kate was talking to Ian at all, considering their relationship and how little she knew about him, how rude he'd been. There's one scene in particular where I really wondered why she was talking to him at all, and I didn't think the author really explained it that well.
In spite of all of that, though, the book won me over. Kate is a girl after my own heart - a geeky writer who loves Doctor Who and D&D, who knows odd little facts and isn't afraid to stand up for herself in spite of everything. She's a loyal friend and Abigail Strom does a good job of getting us into her head and helping us to understand her past, where she's coming from, and where the relationship is leading her.
Then there's Ian. Oh, Ian. He is a snarky, condescending bastard at times, and a ball of contradictions - there's a nerdy side to him, the tattooed motorcyclist, and the hotshot executive. Somehow he combines it all and in the end he comes across as endearing, if a bit of an asshole at times - but an asshole who has the self awareness to admit that he's an asshole. I like those kinds.
Overall this is more a story about Ian than about Kate, in the end, which I rather liked. He has an adorable nephew, Jacob, who he doesn't understand all that well, but who he loves very much, and as Kate and Ian grow closer together she also brings Jacob & Ian closer together, which is a pleasure to watch. We get to go further into Ian's head and learn about his past and a bit about why he is the way he is, and I enjoyed it. We also get
The chemistry the two of them have is undeniable, as well, and I liked how things built - the only thing that made me roll my eyes was the standard trope of the beautiful woman who has somehow never slept with a really hot guy. Like come on, you expect me to believe that someone like Kate hasn't fallen into bed with a hottie before now?
In spite of my quibbles, though, I finished the book with a smile on my face and a feeling of satisfaction. Kate and Ian are endearing and the author has made me believe they belong together.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2015
Plein de référence à Doctor Who (dont un chat qui s'appelle Gallifrey ^^), un môssieur tatoué loin d'être parfait mais qui s'améliore au fil du livre, une super partie de D&D et un neveu de 11 ans choupi. Une bonne petite romance ♥
September 5, 2014
*4.5 stars*
WELP!!! That was so sweet, yet so emotional!!! Thoroughly enjoyed it!!!
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Montlake Romance*
WELP!!! That was so sweet, yet so emotional!!! Thoroughly enjoyed it!!!
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Montlake Romance*
May 1, 2018
This was exactly what I expected it to be. Nothing more and nothing less.
The plot was fairly simple and predictable but it still is fun to read.
I think Ian was a little difficult for me to like because he was self contradictory in nature as opposed to Kate. Kate was a simple enough character and I really liked her.
Also I think there could have been a lot less of the push and pull between Ian and Kate but never mind.
Still a decent read.
The plot was fairly simple and predictable but it still is fun to read.
I think Ian was a little difficult for me to like because he was self contradictory in nature as opposed to Kate. Kate was a simple enough character and I really liked her.
Also I think there could have been a lot less of the push and pull between Ian and Kate but never mind.
Still a decent read.
July 31, 2019
What a really nice surprise.... This romance was fresh not the usual generic type you always stumble across Kate was so likable, although the Holocaust survivor thing was a bit weird for me... My Granddad was in Auschwitz as a kid... I appreciate what he went through but that's a part of his life he rarely spoke about if ever..... Kate always going on about it like it was her that went through it not her gran i found a little strange, but everyone's different.
Ian i went from liking to thinking what a complete plonker to liking again so..... Brilliant character building, a fab story, great characters!!!!!
Ian i went from liking to thinking what a complete plonker to liking again so..... Brilliant character building, a fab story, great characters!!!!!
August 29, 2017
My Musings
Good book. Great characters and a fantastic plot. Great romance between the hero and the heroine. Enjoyed the narrator as well.Happy ☺reading 📚!
Good book. Great characters and a fantastic plot. Great romance between the hero and the heroine. Enjoyed the narrator as well.Happy ☺reading 📚!
September 14, 2017
This book had me crying in the bus and at work... Loved absolutely everything about it and cannot wait to read more book by Abigail Strom
September 6, 2014
***ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley***
On the worst day of her life Kate gets fired, dumped, and then convinced by her friend to dress up like a hooker and go to a bar to maybe hook up with a bad boy for a bout of rebound sex. Luckily one of the patrons of said bar is a gentleman and decides to rescue her from her folly. Unfortunately said patron is also the guy who fired her...And even more unfortunately, the guy who fired her is hot as hell.
Well, it didn't end up the way y'all think it did. To know how the encounter in the bar did end up, I suggest you read this book. Because you won't be sorry.
For the first (less-than-a) half it reads like a romantic comedy and I had a smile plastered on my face for the first 80 pages or so (out of 224 shown on my eReader). Then the story loses the ha-ha fun and turns into a straightforward romance with a bit of drama (okay, more than a bit of drama) and a pinch of angst thrown in. But it all turns out fine in the end. I don't feel like that's a spoiler, since this is a romance we're talking about and every romance turns out just dandy.
Maybe there was a hurdle too many for my taste, the hero was occasionally too much of a dick and the heroine occasionally too much of a 'girl', but they were cute together, and the differences worked, so I'm a happy camper.
I liked the voice, I liked the flow of the story (even with a hurdle too many it didn't slow the narrative down), the main characters were nicely fleshed-out, the supporting cast wasn't there just as a background ornament, the 'hurdles' and both the hero's and heroine's 'plight' were realistic...
What more can I add but the fact that I liked it? Nothing. I liked it.
On the worst day of her life Kate gets fired, dumped, and then convinced by her friend to dress up like a hooker and go to a bar to maybe hook up with a bad boy for a bout of rebound sex. Luckily one of the patrons of said bar is a gentleman and decides to rescue her from her folly. Unfortunately said patron is also the guy who fired her...And even more unfortunately, the guy who fired her is hot as hell.
Well, it didn't end up the way y'all think it did. To know how the encounter in the bar did end up, I suggest you read this book. Because you won't be sorry.
For the first (less-than-a) half it reads like a romantic comedy and I had a smile plastered on my face for the first 80 pages or so (out of 224 shown on my eReader). Then the story loses the ha-ha fun and turns into a straightforward romance with a bit of drama (okay, more than a bit of drama) and a pinch of angst thrown in. But it all turns out fine in the end. I don't feel like that's a spoiler, since this is a romance we're talking about and every romance turns out just dandy.
Maybe there was a hurdle too many for my taste, the hero was occasionally too much of a dick and the heroine occasionally too much of a 'girl', but they were cute together, and the differences worked, so I'm a happy camper.
I liked the voice, I liked the flow of the story (even with a hurdle too many it didn't slow the narrative down), the main characters were nicely fleshed-out, the supporting cast wasn't there just as a background ornament, the 'hurdles' and both the hero's and heroine's 'plight' were realistic...
What more can I add but the fact that I liked it? Nothing. I liked it.
March 1, 2017
Loved this story..
This didn’t have an OMG moment or mystery or murder or anything like that. It was just a love story. BUT I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. I think it was because it wasn’t filled with inner thoughts or silly dialogue, like so many other romances are. This was simply about Kate, who was fired from her TV job and her fiancé who broke up with her the same day, and how it affected her. She went from a kinda’ frumpy employee to a leather-skirted, skin-tight bustier wearing, drop dead gorgeous woman, when her ex-boss saw her that same night at a club, and the affect she had on him, and all he went through to get her into his bed.
It was about his 11 year old nephew who lived with him and Ian thought he could make the kid into a baseball player or football player or some other kind of sports player but Jacob was not interested in sports. Jacob was a really good kid; he just didn’t know how to talk to his uncle. Anyway, Kate began to babysit for Jacob and the story moved right along. It was fun and romantic all the way through.
It was really funny when Ian became Spike, Kate’s bad boy boyfriend. What a totally different character he was.
There was some seriously explicit sex in this book, AND some great sexual tension, so if you don’t like sex in your books then you should pass on this. There was also swearing.
This was a free read and free listen and it was an excellent “investment.”
As to the narration: It was Amy McFadden and she is marvelous. Her voices are awesome and she reads with so much emotion: whispering, yelling, laughing, whatever is called for. She’s a terrific narrator.
This didn’t have an OMG moment or mystery or murder or anything like that. It was just a love story. BUT I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. I think it was because it wasn’t filled with inner thoughts or silly dialogue, like so many other romances are. This was simply about Kate, who was fired from her TV job and her fiancé who broke up with her the same day, and how it affected her. She went from a kinda’ frumpy employee to a leather-skirted, skin-tight bustier wearing, drop dead gorgeous woman, when her ex-boss saw her that same night at a club, and the affect she had on him, and all he went through to get her into his bed.
It was about his 11 year old nephew who lived with him and Ian thought he could make the kid into a baseball player or football player or some other kind of sports player but Jacob was not interested in sports. Jacob was a really good kid; he just didn’t know how to talk to his uncle. Anyway, Kate began to babysit for Jacob and the story moved right along. It was fun and romantic all the way through.
It was really funny when Ian became Spike, Kate’s bad boy boyfriend. What a totally different character he was.
There was some seriously explicit sex in this book, AND some great sexual tension, so if you don’t like sex in your books then you should pass on this. There was also swearing.
This was a free read and free listen and it was an excellent “investment.”
As to the narration: It was Amy McFadden and she is marvelous. Her voices are awesome and she reads with so much emotion: whispering, yelling, laughing, whatever is called for. She’s a terrific narrator.
April 2, 2018
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Ages of H and h: in their 30s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
A fab Kindle Unlimited find! A straight forward romance and the story moved fast! I love how Kate didn't take Ian's crap and called him out on it!
Ages of H and h: in their 30s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
A fab Kindle Unlimited find! A straight forward romance and the story moved fast! I love how Kate didn't take Ian's crap and called him out on it!
November 9, 2014
This book was good...cute, sweet, no over the top angst or drama. I liked the characters for the most part and I enjoyed the read. There was nothing super amazing or incredibly awful in here though, which in turn, will make it less memorable for me later on. However, sometimes it is nice to read something that doesn't twist your insides or make your blood boil, so I would check out other books by this author when I'm wanting something lighter and drama free.
June 9, 2017
The Hero is a jerk, the heroine let him off too easy.
January 1, 2022
Kate Meredith & Ian Hart
Poor Kate. Not only does she lose her job, but her fiance leaves her for another woman all on the same day. So her best friend Simone takes her out, and even thought that's not her thing, she goes.
Kate's decided to find a guy that isn't her usual type, use him for sex, take him as her date to "the wedding from hell" and then dump him. But things don't exactly go as planned.
Ian steps in when he sees her out looking less Kate like. Trying to "save" her from the men in the room, he offers to be her bad boy for the wedding, not the sex. She agrees.
I failed to mention that Ian is the executive who had a had in her losing her job.
I liked Kate, Simone, and Ian's nephew Jacob. I wanted to throat punch Ian too many times to truly like him. He knew from the beginning what went down with Kate and her ex, and yet he was still a jackass with some of his behavior. I could overlook the rest, except for the phone call and the last dastardly act toward the end.
Once I saw the book was almost over, and she was surely going to give in, I kept wishing for more so that he would have to grovel more to win her back, because he should have had to fight a shitstorm to get back in her good graces.
Still, I really like it because I liked that Kate didn't allow him to walk all over her, even though I felt she forgave him and her stupid ex, too easily. I think he knew it and used it to his advantage when he was an ass.
I'm stopping there since I'm about to ramble myself into lowering my star rating.
Poor Kate. Not only does she lose her job, but her fiance leaves her for another woman all on the same day. So her best friend Simone takes her out, and even thought that's not her thing, she goes.
Kate's decided to find a guy that isn't her usual type, use him for sex, take him as her date to "the wedding from hell" and then dump him. But things don't exactly go as planned.
Ian steps in when he sees her out looking less Kate like. Trying to "save" her from the men in the room, he offers to be her bad boy for the wedding, not the sex. She agrees.
I failed to mention that Ian is the executive who had a had in her losing her job.
I liked Kate, Simone, and Ian's nephew Jacob. I wanted to throat punch Ian too many times to truly like him. He knew from the beginning what went down with Kate and her ex, and yet he was still a jackass with some of his behavior. I could overlook the rest, except for the phone call and the last dastardly act toward the end.
Once I saw the book was almost over, and she was surely going to give in, I kept wishing for more so that he would have to grovel more to win her back, because he should have had to fight a shitstorm to get back in her good graces.
Still, I really like it because I liked that Kate didn't allow him to walk all over her, even though I felt she forgave him and her stupid ex, too easily. I think he knew it and used it to his advantage when he was an ass.
I'm stopping there since I'm about to ramble myself into lowering my star rating.
May 1, 2017
I enjoyed this contemporary romance about Kate Meredith, television writer, and Ian Hart, a television executive. On the same day that Ian fires her, Kate's fiancé tells her he is leaving for another woman. This is too much for Kate, who ends up in a bar with Ian stepping in and becoming her dream "bad boy" and then making sure she gets safely home. When Ian calls upon Kate to watch his orphaned nephew as a favor, the two start to get to know one another better. They soon give in to the attraction between them, but Ian first runs scared and then accuses Kate of betraying him and his nephew. Kate is just done with Ian, so he is in a real bind when he realizes how wrong he has been.
Good characters, enjoyable storyline, and a little humor along the way makes this a fun one to read.
Good characters, enjoyable storyline, and a little humor along the way makes this a fun one to read.
September 23, 2014
3.5 Stars
Review by Trinette Dungee
Let me start off by saying any book that can make me laugh out loud or giggle into the double digits only 8% into the book is a WINNER! This book was cute, quirky and really fun to read.
As far as bad days go….Kate Meredith is the winner hands down. Not only is she fired from her job but her fiancé dumps her for another woman all within hours of each other. Always known as the geeky good-girl Kate is determined to turn her life around. She’s determined to change her image starting that day. She decides she needs a rebound guy but not just any rebound guy; a hot and sexy rebound bad boy. She proclaims “I’m sick of being myself” and decides she needs to stop playing it safe with guys that are “her type”.
"From this moment forward, I’m going to be a selfish bitch. I’m going into that club to find a man with tattoos and piercing and bad news written all over him…….I’m going to use him for sex, and then I’m going to dump him. Ruthlessly.”
So with best friend Simone in tow she sets out to find her bad boy. Little does Kate know that her bad boy would come in the form of the last person she ever expected; her gorgeous, Armani Suit wearing, straight-laced boss; Uh, ex-boss, as in the man that fired her earlier that day. Needless to say, Kate is not happy to see him.
“I lost my job because of you.” She took a deep breath. ”Okay, that’s it. I’m going to do it. I’ve always wanted to, and now I am.” Ian looked at her again. “Do what?” “Punch you in the face.”
Attending his best friends bachelor party Ian Hart couldn’t have been more shocked to discover the; leggy, sexy-as-hell, every man’s wet-dream, woman at the bar being hit on by his (not-so-smooth) friend is non-other than Kate Meredith. The very same Kate Meredith he fired earlier that day. But how is this possible? The Kate he knows is as far from sexy as you can get. She’s far to plain and Geeky for his tastes. When Ian learns of Kate’s plan he takes it upon himself to save her from bad pick-up lines and guys that are out of her league and sets out to rescue her from herself. Right there before Kate’s eyes Ian transforms himself in the bad boy she’s looking for and agrees to be the “rebound bad boy she’s determined to find. Unbeknownst to Kate, the straight-laced Ian she knows is no stranger to being a bad boy.
Although he has agreed to be her “rebound bad boy” Ian knows that this has the potential to end badly. As much as Kate doesn’t want to admit it, Ian knows she a “forever” type of girl and he’s more of a “for the moment” type of guy. As Kate and Ian fight their way through attraction they realize neither is at all what the other thought.
It’s not long before Kate learns that Ian can relate to her “geekness” a lot more than what she thinks and Ian finds that the geek he once thought Kate to be is covering up a woman that’s perfect for him.
Although the level of humor wasn’t consistent throughout the entire book, I really enjoyed it. Ian’s vulnerability, his feelings of loneliness, loss and his struggle to connect with his young nephew left in his care gave the book just the level of somberness needed to balance everything out.
Review by Trinette Dungee
Let me start off by saying any book that can make me laugh out loud or giggle into the double digits only 8% into the book is a WINNER! This book was cute, quirky and really fun to read.
As far as bad days go….Kate Meredith is the winner hands down. Not only is she fired from her job but her fiancé dumps her for another woman all within hours of each other. Always known as the geeky good-girl Kate is determined to turn her life around. She’s determined to change her image starting that day. She decides she needs a rebound guy but not just any rebound guy; a hot and sexy rebound bad boy. She proclaims “I’m sick of being myself” and decides she needs to stop playing it safe with guys that are “her type”.
"From this moment forward, I’m going to be a selfish bitch. I’m going into that club to find a man with tattoos and piercing and bad news written all over him…….I’m going to use him for sex, and then I’m going to dump him. Ruthlessly.”
So with best friend Simone in tow she sets out to find her bad boy. Little does Kate know that her bad boy would come in the form of the last person she ever expected; her gorgeous, Armani Suit wearing, straight-laced boss; Uh, ex-boss, as in the man that fired her earlier that day. Needless to say, Kate is not happy to see him.
“I lost my job because of you.” She took a deep breath. ”Okay, that’s it. I’m going to do it. I’ve always wanted to, and now I am.” Ian looked at her again. “Do what?” “Punch you in the face.”
Attending his best friends bachelor party Ian Hart couldn’t have been more shocked to discover the; leggy, sexy-as-hell, every man’s wet-dream, woman at the bar being hit on by his (not-so-smooth) friend is non-other than Kate Meredith. The very same Kate Meredith he fired earlier that day. But how is this possible? The Kate he knows is as far from sexy as you can get. She’s far to plain and Geeky for his tastes. When Ian learns of Kate’s plan he takes it upon himself to save her from bad pick-up lines and guys that are out of her league and sets out to rescue her from herself. Right there before Kate’s eyes Ian transforms himself in the bad boy she’s looking for and agrees to be the “rebound bad boy she’s determined to find. Unbeknownst to Kate, the straight-laced Ian she knows is no stranger to being a bad boy.
Although he has agreed to be her “rebound bad boy” Ian knows that this has the potential to end badly. As much as Kate doesn’t want to admit it, Ian knows she a “forever” type of girl and he’s more of a “for the moment” type of guy. As Kate and Ian fight their way through attraction they realize neither is at all what the other thought.
It’s not long before Kate learns that Ian can relate to her “geekness” a lot more than what she thinks and Ian finds that the geek he once thought Kate to be is covering up a woman that’s perfect for him.
Although the level of humor wasn’t consistent throughout the entire book, I really enjoyed it. Ian’s vulnerability, his feelings of loneliness, loss and his struggle to connect with his young nephew left in his care gave the book just the level of somberness needed to balance everything out.
October 28, 2014
As a contemporary read, this doesn't disappoint and aside from the pages after pages of inner monologue that repeats itself it's a steamy read.
The best thing I can say about this book is that it doesn't do 'information dump'. Often an author will shove a truckload of info about the main characters in chapter one which often made me delete the book - no matter how high the rating - and pick the next book in line. In this book, we the reader will discover and get to know each character as they get to know each other. That's what made me kept on reading even though I can see where the story's end a mile away.
The heroine, really has day from hell and I understand where she's coming from. I can even feel her nerves as she struggled with the 'new' experience she's trying and admired her when her courage won and she plunge in. She really is an adorable geek who has a relateable vulnerability. What's best about her is that she never took bad treatment from the hero meekly. She stood up for herself and called him up on his jerk-ness.
The hero is a perfect contemporary character. Proud and arrogant in his position, and has a troubled past he doesn't care to remember. What made me like him is that although his power almost made him an irredeemable selfish jerk, his desire to be the best for his only family was revealed just in time before I deleted the book. The H is a character forged and hardened by a hard life. In the end I can't blame him his erected wall to safeguard himself and it's a pleasure to watch him struggle to do good.
Their chemistry is palpable and the tension handled well which made their coming together very steamy and worth reading.
In short, we have a h who has a soft heart who believes the good in every one and a H who thinks everything and everyone has a price. There was an instance where the H deserves a long bloody grovel and unfortunately, he's smart enough to wise up soon and did his bended knee grovel fast and in his own way as well.
I mentioned the plot/storyline is predictable but what's refreshing is the pacing and the character's story.
*Digital copy provided by Netgalley for unbiased review.
The best thing I can say about this book is that it doesn't do 'information dump'. Often an author will shove a truckload of info about the main characters in chapter one which often made me delete the book - no matter how high the rating - and pick the next book in line. In this book, we the reader will discover and get to know each character as they get to know each other. That's what made me kept on reading even though I can see where the story's end a mile away.
The heroine, really has day from hell and I understand where she's coming from. I can even feel her nerves as she struggled with the 'new' experience she's trying and admired her when her courage won and she plunge in. She really is an adorable geek who has a relateable vulnerability. What's best about her is that she never took bad treatment from the hero meekly. She stood up for herself and called him up on his jerk-ness.
The hero is a perfect contemporary character. Proud and arrogant in his position, and has a troubled past he doesn't care to remember. What made me like him is that although his power almost made him an irredeemable selfish jerk, his desire to be the best for his only family was revealed just in time before I deleted the book. The H is a character forged and hardened by a hard life. In the end I can't blame him his erected wall to safeguard himself and it's a pleasure to watch him struggle to do good.
Their chemistry is palpable and the tension handled well which made their coming together very steamy and worth reading.
In short, we have a h who has a soft heart who believes the good in every one and a H who thinks everything and everyone has a price. There was an instance where the H deserves a long bloody grovel and unfortunately, he's smart enough to wise up soon and did his bended knee grovel fast and in his own way as well.
I mentioned the plot/storyline is predictable but what's refreshing is the pacing and the character's story.
*Digital copy provided by Netgalley for unbiased review.
November 24, 2014
Almost Like Love by Abigail Strom is exactly what I like in my contemporary romances. Kate is a children's television writer who gets fired because her shows is tanking in the ratings. That same day her fiancé dumps her for another woman. He blames her for him cheating because she's boring and also a bit of a nerd/geek because she love comic books. Kate is sick of being walked all over and goes to a club to pick up a bad boy she can use for sex.
Unfortunately her night goes downhill when her former boss, Ian, the VP of Programming is at the same club. She wants nothing to do with him, but he overhears how she's on the prowl for a bad boy. Ian feels he has to save Kate from making a mistake because she's too kind and sweet. He offers himself in the role. He does have tattoos, and even borrows his friend's motorcycle. He feels guilty for firing Kate, but that's the biz. He offers her a job as his young brother's babysitter (their parents died in an accident recently and Ian is his teen brother's guardian) until Kate can get back on her feet. She accepts, not that she needs the money, but when she hears about Ian's brother being too quiet and closed off, she decides to help.
Slowly Ian and Kate form a friendship. He helps her out when her pathetic ex-fiancé comes back around, as well as pretending to be a bad boy toy to impress her friends. Kate finds out Ian was once a big fan of Dungeon and Dragons and why he can't connect with his brother who has become close with Kate. Then there's the issue of Ian's attraction to Kate and how he wants her in his bed but can't commit to her.
Almost Like Love was adorable. Kate has a very unique type of personality and surprised me with her attitude and the way she handles Ian, who at first comes across as this straight laced TV executive. Ian is far from being a bad boy. He has more beta tendencies then alpha. I really liked Ian and his brother's interactions, including the healing process between them.
Almost Like Love is a sweet little, feel good story.
Unfortunately her night goes downhill when her former boss, Ian, the VP of Programming is at the same club. She wants nothing to do with him, but he overhears how she's on the prowl for a bad boy. Ian feels he has to save Kate from making a mistake because she's too kind and sweet. He offers himself in the role. He does have tattoos, and even borrows his friend's motorcycle. He feels guilty for firing Kate, but that's the biz. He offers her a job as his young brother's babysitter (their parents died in an accident recently and Ian is his teen brother's guardian) until Kate can get back on her feet. She accepts, not that she needs the money, but when she hears about Ian's brother being too quiet and closed off, she decides to help.
Slowly Ian and Kate form a friendship. He helps her out when her pathetic ex-fiancé comes back around, as well as pretending to be a bad boy toy to impress her friends. Kate finds out Ian was once a big fan of Dungeon and Dragons and why he can't connect with his brother who has become close with Kate. Then there's the issue of Ian's attraction to Kate and how he wants her in his bed but can't commit to her.
Almost Like Love was adorable. Kate has a very unique type of personality and surprised me with her attitude and the way she handles Ian, who at first comes across as this straight laced TV executive. Ian is far from being a bad boy. He has more beta tendencies then alpha. I really liked Ian and his brother's interactions, including the healing process between them.
Almost Like Love is a sweet little, feel good story.
February 11, 2017
This was a pretty funny story. The heroine is the writer for a highly rated children's television program that is not getting the viewership it used to. In one day her show is cancelled and her fiance breaks up with her. She reacts by deciding to break out of her shell and be wild. In the process the man who fired her decides to save her from herself (and all the men who would be happy to take advantage of her state). This sets up a fun enemies to lovers story.
The hero has had a difficult past, and is commitment-phobic. The heroine has had a different life, but is a reserved geeky type that others make fun of and has led her to have little experience with men. Both have great best friends and there are some wonderful scenes with them. There is also an 11-year old boy who is more than a plot moppet.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a good ob, but occasionally mixed up voices so it was hard to tell who was talking from voice alone.
The hero has had a difficult past, and is commitment-phobic. The heroine has had a different life, but is a reserved geeky type that others make fun of and has led her to have little experience with men. Both have great best friends and there are some wonderful scenes with them. There is also an 11-year old boy who is more than a plot moppet.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a good ob, but occasionally mixed up voices so it was hard to tell who was talking from voice alone.
November 9, 2014
Copy for review courtesy of Netgalley.
Stand alone with HEA. Cute fun read
Kate and Ian were good solid characters. Kate's fiancée breaks up with her the same day her show is cancelled(courtesy of Ian). They start on a friendly relationship to help each other out. Ian will escort Kate to her friend's wedding and Kate will babysit Ian's nephew. Everything is fine until the cross the line of friendship. Ian is commitment shy so his reaction is somewhat over the top. He does some hurtful things to Kate. In the process he almost destroys their budding relationship. In the end he has to do some serious groveling. There is not a lot of drama or angst, just a good story.
Stand alone with HEA. Cute fun read
Kate and Ian were good solid characters. Kate's fiancée breaks up with her the same day her show is cancelled(courtesy of Ian). They start on a friendly relationship to help each other out. Ian will escort Kate to her friend's wedding and Kate will babysit Ian's nephew. Everything is fine until the cross the line of friendship. Ian is commitment shy so his reaction is somewhat over the top. He does some hurtful things to Kate. In the process he almost destroys their budding relationship. In the end he has to do some serious groveling. There is not a lot of drama or angst, just a good story.
May 21, 2015
I read this contemporary romance novel because it was one of the bestsellers amongst kindle unlimited with audiobooks. I was pleasantly surprised that it's much better than bestseller romance books by famous authors.
Kate Meredith is one of the most likable heroines in this genre. She is smart and kind. And, she is NOT a pushover. You can tell that the author herself is smart.
This novel stars like a typical romance novel, but in the middle, it starts to be something more. Well done! (There are several "hot scenes", but not too much) Well done! (Though, I have to confess that I didn't like heroine's love interest. I wouldn't waste my life for someone like him.)
Kate Meredith is one of the most likable heroines in this genre. She is smart and kind. And, she is NOT a pushover. You can tell that the author herself is smart.
This novel stars like a typical romance novel, but in the middle, it starts to be something more. Well done! (There are several "hot scenes", but not too much) Well done! (Though, I have to confess that I didn't like heroine's love interest. I wouldn't waste my life for someone like him.)
May 16, 2016
I really liked this book. Kate Meredith has the worst day of her life - losing both her job and her fiance. Her BFF Simone takes her out to a nightclub to help forget her sorrows and she runs into the man who fired her, Ian Hart. Ian sees Kate in a new light, and offers to help her by attending a friend's wedding as her date. One thing leads to another, but Ian isn't a relationship kinda guy. He was actually the jerk kinda guy during a lot of the book, but I really liked Kate, Ian's nephew and Gallifrey the cat!
February 21, 2017
This was an okay story 2.5 stars. Very good narration by Amy McFadden. (audible review).
I liked Kate more than Ian. The chemistry was okay, and the sex was nicely written. Not erotica not rated G.
The story line was okay. Not much of a plot. It was an easy listen and easy to follow along. There was a lot of dialogue throughout.
As for the narration, I am an Amy McFadden fan so I really enjoyed it. She does the men's voices very well. Everyone gets their own distinct voice. She reads with emotion and has a nice reading voice.
I liked Kate more than Ian. The chemistry was okay, and the sex was nicely written. Not erotica not rated G.
The story line was okay. Not much of a plot. It was an easy listen and easy to follow along. There was a lot of dialogue throughout.
As for the narration, I am an Amy McFadden fan so I really enjoyed it. She does the men's voices very well. Everyone gets their own distinct voice. She reads with emotion and has a nice reading voice.
January 19, 2019
I loved the synopsis of this book and really wanted to love it. However, Ian just fell short for me. I loved Kate and feel she deserved so much better! Ian was a jerk from the beginning of this book and did nothing to really redeem himself. Even at the end, the ONE “fairy tale” date just didn’t add up. The all of a sudden “I love you“ just didn’t cut it for me and that makes me sad because I was so waiting for it! I think if he had done it earlier? It would’ve been more accepting to me. In the end, I’m happy for Jacob and for them. I guess it just lost its “wow” factor for me.
October 30, 2014
3.5 stars
April 28, 2015
Good read!
Story and characters come alive. Everyone wants their happily ever after:) Makes you believe in love. Thanks for the story.
Story and characters come alive. Everyone wants their happily ever after:) Makes you believe in love. Thanks for the story.
April 30, 2015
Great read
Read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Loved the characters. I would definitely recommend reading this book
Read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Loved the characters. I would definitely recommend reading this book
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