The Intern

The Intern #1

by Brooke Cumberland

She’s sexy, fierce, and a loud-mouthed know-it-all…and she’s completely off limits.

Cecilia isn’t your typical college student. Hell, she isn’t a college student at all, but that doesn’t stop her from applying for one of the biggest and prestigious enterprises in the Midwest.

She wants it. She takes it.
She doesn’t let anything get in her way when it comes to finding out the truth.

When Bentley Leighton, soon-to-be CEO of Leighton Enterprises, meets “Ceci,” he’s instantly impressed. He doesn’t have time to train a new intern. However, when he sees her that first day, his intentions begin to change.

He’s the boss. She’s the intern.
Nothing can happen. It’s against the company rules.

Then again, rules were made to be broken.

What starts as innocent flirting becomes raveled up into so much more—secrets, lies, deceit.

26,000 words
*The Intern is a three-part erotic romance serial.*
Not suitable for readers under 18.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Adult

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2014

About the author

Brooke Cumberland is a USA Today Bestselling author who wears many hats on any given day. She co-wrote under the USA Today Bestselling duo, Kennedy Fox for six years before going back to solo writing. She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband, wild teenager, and four dogs. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, watching ASMR and reading vlogs on YouTube, or binge-watching a TV show she's most likely behind on. Brooke's addicted to iced coffee, leggings, and naps. She found her passion for telling stories during winter break one year in grad school—and she hasn’t stopped since.

Find her on social media:
www.brookewritesromance.com
https://www.instagram.com/brookewrite...
https://www.facebook.com/brookewrites...
https://www.tiktok.com/@brookewritesr...

Subscribe to her reader newsletter: http://bit.ly/3HfxrKU

Subscribe to her master blogger list: http://bit.ly/3iNQ7b6

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★! The Intern, part 1 of 3. Young intern determined to solve her father’s murder has to try to fly under the radar with handsome heir & CEO-in-training!

There are 3 parts to The Intern serial. I recommend these novellas be read in order:
Part 1: The Intern I
Part 2: The Intern II
Part 3: The Intern III

In The Intern (part 1) we meet high school student Cecilia West, Ceci seven years after her father was brutally murdered in front of her eyes. Ever since she has been on a mission to solve his killing. While attending school she is plotting how to weasel her way into Leighton Enterprises a company with vast access to crime information, data and statistics. Using her sister’s identity she lands an internship.

Prodigal son, ex-model and CEO in training Bentley Leighton is her new boss. From the moment he laid eyes on Ceci he knew she was the best candidate, but also dangerous to his sanity considering his company’s strict fraternization policy.

The Intern follows Bentley and Ceci as the fight their attraction (and fails miserably) while a focused Ceci continues to plot and learn her way around. Will she be able to work this closely and still keep her secrets?



Cecilia West, Ceci is a girl on a mission. Five words to describe Ceci: Determined, smart, relentless, focused and confident.



Bentley Leighton is somewhat immature for his age, but there is no denying his attraction to Ceci as the first time he heard her giggle his cock stirred. Five words to describe Bentley: Loyal, immature, smart, despondent and conflicted.

Plot has a little bit of everything; suspense, mystery, forbidden romance and drama! Story as well as their relationship moved a long a fast pace as Bentley and Ceci had a bit of insta-attraction followed by insta-lust. I struggled bit to connect with either most likely due to their ages in comparison to mine.

Needless to say The Intern, part 1 ends with a nail-biting cliffy, but fortunately part 2: The Intern II will be released shortly!

Forbidden Romance! Suspenseful plot! Entertaining story-telling!

***
Hero rating: 3.5 stars
Heroine rating: 3.5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 3.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 4 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): N/A
************************************************
Overall rating: 3.75-4 stars

Would I re-read this story: Probably not.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.



ARC provided to me by author, Brooke Cumberland in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

[image error]

This isn’t your typical intern story! This one packs a few really interesting surprises along the way as well as hot steam that all readers love.

Cecilia is actually a high school senior who is super clever and lands herself access to all the cold case files on her father’s seven year old murder.

[image error]

Bentley Leighton is the soon-to-be CEO of Leighton Enterprises, who gets saddled into hiring and working with the Saturday intern. Bentley hires Ceci, the gorgeous bright girl who appears to be everything he never knew he wanted. Our Ceci works really hard into having the company believe that she isn’t a high school student but an accomplished college student.

Bentley was perfection for me because he wasn’t the tie 'em up type and a reader could feel that he wanted and felt more with Ceci. He’s an ex-model, so yeah, he’s mighty fine looking as well!

[image error]

The chemistry between Ceci and Bentley is smoking hot while our young Ceci gets her world rocked and tries to keep her eye on getting the truth she seeks.

”Bentley wasn’t a boy. He’s a man. An older man who could make or break me. A man who could give me everything and more. A man I could see myself falling hard for.”

Overall, this story brought the steam, mystery and dual povs of two terrific main characters. The story does indeed end with a cliffhanger but the author will be delivering the next installment June 11th. Look for this book to be released on MAY 28TH.

ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars!

Boss. Intern. Off limits.

Don’t we all love a hot forbidden love type story? Add some steam, mystery and two interesting characters and you’ve got The Intern. It’s the first installment of a three part novella series, and one that I enjoyed reading.

Ceci is an 18 year old girl getting ready to graduate high school. She’s got big dreams- but more than that, she’s got a specific goal in mind. She wants to find out the truth about a family tragedy that happened years ago. To do that, she applies for an internship. Posing as her college aged sister.

Bentley is working for the family business. As a CEO in training. It’s his job to hire and train a new intern. Ceci is the only qualified applicant, and it doesn’t hurt that she’s easy to look at. Bentley is an ex-model and can have about any girl he wants, but theres something about Ceci. She’s fresh, fun and a little snarky. He can’t help the attraction thats building between them.

As the sexual tension builds up between these two, Bentley decides what lines he can cross while Ceci is trying to keep her internship safe and her identity a secret...

I enjoyed the fresh take on the CEO/intern storyline. It wasn’t the same old same old. It was a great mix of sexy an suspenseful. I’m looking forward to see whats going to come next with Bentley and Ceci...

[• Lisa • · Rating 3 out of 5]

THREE FORBIDDEN STARS.

"Secrets, lies, deceit."



Serial romances appear to be a popular trend of late and being the impatient reader that I am I haven't been able to resist diving into the most popular ones that I've seen reviewed on Goodreads. 'The Intern' caught my initial interest for that very reason and when the author approached me to read and review I happily accepted. As a new to me author I was excited to see what Brooke Cumberland would deliver and overall I was impressed with the writing style and content of this sexy but short great start to a series.

Who can resist a sexy forbidden love story? Especially one that has secrets, lies and a clever plot that makes it different from the rest. I love stories that have a little anticipation and the will they, won't they drama attached, for the most part I was entertained by this clever plot and felt intrigued as to where this author would lead this story line. I'm not fully convinced just yet that the author has done enough to make me feel connected to the characters but I'm hoping as the romance develops that I'll feel more of a like-ability towards the characters. What I do know of this story is that the author has created a partially original story line and added some sexy on top for the added naughty enjoyment and I'm hoping to get more of the dirty talking Bentley to convince me to fall in love with this three part series.



Final thoughts ...
I'd already prepared myself for a well placed cliff hanger. Authors these days must enjoy lovingly teasing their readers with anticipation for what is to come next with their story lines. 'The Intern' is no exception I'm already not-so patiently waiting to see what will happen next between the sexy CEO to be, Bentley and his sassy intern, Ceci. There were moments in this book that grabbed my attention and I found likeable but sadly I had too many niggles in this story line for me to feel some five star love. For readers who enjoy drama and low level taboo in their novels then I'm sure you will enjoy this office based romance, as for me I'm hoping that the continuation of the series brings me to fall in love with the characters and I'm almost begging that I get my must have happily ever after, until then I'm going to enjoy the Brooke Cumberland ride and embrace the suspense.



*ARC generously provided by the author, Brooke Cumberland in exchange for an honest review.*

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GODDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy shit...! I freaking LOVE the way the author ended this story. I'm chomping at the bit for more. I feel antsy! Completely antsy. Good thing the second part of this AMAZING serial is being release June 11th, I believe.

Okay a couple things.

1. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS.

2. The tummy clenches I had were ridiculous. My entire body sizzled in bliss. It's STEAMY, INTOXICATING and EROTIC. And I have to say I even panted a couple times.

3. This serial PACKS A PUNCH. The author did an amazing job of pulling us in and keeping us there the WHOLE time.

4. Bentley... OMG, girls. **swoons** YUM. YUM. YUM. YUM. He's dominant, carnal, has a touch of asshole to him BUT is so real. The DIRTY talking... Lord, it melts you into a puddle of nothingness and the BEST part of this serial is that Bentley felt TANGIBLE to me. Like I could reach out and brush my fingers across his cheek. He was simply put: AMAZING and ADDICTING.

5. This serial is completely ORIGINAL and the premise and plot line are absolutely intriguing. It was like a breath of fresh air reading it.

6. DID I MENTION THE SEX AND SEXUAL TENSION? No, maybe? HOLY MOTHER OF YUMMINESS....Yeah baby, this is hot, hot, hot. Like 1 - 10 meter its a good 9! Bentley lights you on fire.

Overall... This is an intoxicating, steamy, fun and PERFECT read. A great beginning to an addictive 3 part series. And HOLY CRAP... I NEED MORE STAT!

Wow... One of my favs as far as serials go this year.

[Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Intern is a three-part romantic suspense serial about Bentley and Cecilia.

After my initial reading I knew I'd experienced the start of something very interesting with bags of promise and potential, simply by the way it ended. But equally, for the novella as a whole, my feelings, in terms of the rating for the overall read lay between the 3 and 3.5 mark. However, since my read, the author has made various contextual changes and additions and removed unnecessary bits and pieces. I believe these changes will help with the connection to the main characters and add a greater element of subtlety to the writing. This is why my rating has increased to a solid four-I-really-liked-this-novella, stars!



The premise of the story.
Cecilia witnessed something that will be forever in her head and she needs to gain some kind of closure, hence the need to discover the TRUTH



Leighton Enterprises is one of the largest investigative criminal reporting companies in the Midwest and this is where Cecilia goes to find her truth, but will she succeed?

or

Will she gain something she hadn't anticipated?

This is the type of story I enjoy so I had super high hopes for the enjoyment factor....

I really liked the dual point of view in the story telling. I love the way Bentley sees Cecilia and asses her in his mind, it made me warm to him immensely; he says and thinks the HOTTEST things, yes... He's lovely and SEXY!

Cecelia has a sad story to tell but it's that story that's made her into the independent, feisty girl we see on the page. She's intelligent and fearless, and has a great inner motivation for becoming an intern at Leighton Enterprises.



There’s some forbidden instant attraction/chemistry going on which makes for some sensual reading. The writer has a really lovely way of showing the feelings and thoughts of her characters.

At around 75 ish% the novella really took off, for me, and became gripping, intense and really quite delicious.

The ending is superb, yes it's a cliffy but a delectable cliffy that’s left me anticipating so much more!

My only slight grumble is that some things were a little too convenient - but I think many of these issues may have been addressed in the re-write and also, it's fiction and sometimes we have to go with it for the sake of the story as a whole.

To conclude
The story has suspense, a sad tale, a sexy hero and heroine, and a fast paced story that kept me interested and entertained throughout. If you like the sound of my thoughts and love a good novella serial, then jump on board The Intern and enjoy! I'll be keenly following this series and the lovely Bentley.


Arc provided by the author, Brooke Cumberland, for an honest review.

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounding up to 3 stars

Well...hell...Call me a picky bitch, but sadly this book just did not work for me. I wanted to like it. The synopsis sounded intriguing enough. It had every ingredient for a smuttasticly awesome book for me, but it just. fell. flat.

Cecilia is an 18 year old high school senior. But her personality read unrealistically older.

She’s sexy, fierce, and a loud-mouthed know-it-all…and she’s completely off limits.
Well, 1.5 out of 4 isn't bad I guess. I personally didn't find her to be very fierce or a loud-mouthed know-it-all. But then again, that's just my opinion.

After the unsolved murder of her father 7 years ago, Cecilia has been determined to find out what happens. Getting the prestigious internship at Leighton Enterprises just may be her key to the answers. She may not be old enough, but her sister is, so she uses her ID to fake her way into the program.

Is she qualified? Not really. But she watches a lot of CSI, Criminal Minds and Law and Order episodes. Right then.

That's not to say I didn't like her character, because I did...mostly.

But when Ceci finally comes face to face with Bentley Leighton, the son of Leighton Enterprises CEO and past model, is when things really took a turn for the worse for me.

Here's the thing, I love me a forbidden romance story. That we want but we cant story line grabs me every time. Without fail. Except here. I never felt the forbidden factor here because it felt like Ceci and Bentley give into the attraction between them pretty much right away. I love that burn of anticipation, that feeling you get where you feel the anxiety of the forbidden along with the characters, and that was missing for me here. I realize that this was a short read, but sadly it was still fairly lackluster for me.

All that aside, I was still somewhat enjoying the story...until I read this...

You should know I'm not on birth control."
"Seriously?"
"Sorry," I say softly. This is so embarrassing.

Seriously? Here you have a man that's pretty much a manwhore, who tries to stick it in you without a condom...the first time you have sex, and THAT'S what's embarrassing for you? Sure, that's exactly what I'd be worried about too

I mean, what's the worst that can happen?

And Bentley was no better. I'm usually a big fan of that alpha possessivness. You know the kind I'm talking about. Where the guy wants to have what no other man before him had, or that connection of going bare. You'd think that was Bentley's reason for pushing, but nope!

You get on that pill as soon as fucking possible."
"I will," I promise.
"Because the things I want to do to you- and the places I want to fuck you- have no time to roll a damn condom on."

Oh swoon. Be still my beating heart.

Really. It's not that time consuming.

After that, it just continues on a downhill spiral for me.

Ceci has a dream that spurs her memory, so she decides to break into Bentley's computer since his father was looking into this case 7 years ago. OK. Fine. I'll go with it. After a few tries, she figures out his password, which is....wait for it....

Modeling



Sadly this was just not the book for me. It did get some fabulous reviews, so many people obviously loved it. Don't let my review deter you from reading it. I tend to be a picky shit when it comes to my books.

Will I read the next book in the series? Possibly. I always like to give a story a second chance. Who knows? Maybe book 2 will blow me away.

Will I read another book by this author? Absolutely.

Writing style: First person POV (Ceci's)

***ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review***

For more reviews visit

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

☆☆☆☆☆ 5 Sexy Intern Stars ☆ ☆☆☆☆



First off, I want to thank Ms. Cumberland for messaging me and asking me if I wanted to read and review The Intern. I just read the blurb and was like hell yeah I would so read and review this book. This was my first time reading Brooke Cumberland’s book and after devouring The Intern, I can’t wait to check out more of her works.

OMG….I am in love and obsessed with The Intern. Holy hell...this serial novella was hot, sexy, suspenseful, and burning with sexual chemistry! Splash some cold water on me because I am craving for more Bentley. Ms. Cumberland, if you are reading this review I need Book 2 STAT!!! What’s not to love about this book… hot domineering boss..Check.. sexy witty intern..Check…forbidden romance….Check…..flirtations and sexual innuendos….Check and sizzling chemistry...BIG FAT CHECK MARK!!!



Cecilia West is unlike any college intern...hell she isn’t in college but an 18 year old high school senior. After a traumatic event in her life, she wants to investigate the unsolved case of the murder of her father and the only way she can dig and get more information is by interning at Leighton Enterprise, an investigative firm. Taking on the identity of her older sister, Casey, Ceci was able to earn an intern position for Mr. Bentley Leighton.



Bentley Leighton, is 24 years old and is being groomed to take over the family business. When Ceci walks into the Leighton Enterprise, all eyes are on her. Ceci’s fierceness, sassiness, intelligence, sexiness and beauty was a temptation that Bentley couldn’t resist. Like the forbidden fruit, Bentley had to taste Ceci. She has gotten under his skin and he craves and desires her. Both Ceci and Bentley dances around this sexual chemistry emitting off them till one day they can no longer deny their wants and needs. One word to describe the sexual chemistry is explosive. Like a volcano erupting, heat, passion, lust, raw sexual energy is flowing between them and it can’t be contained.



So when forbidden and business lines are crossed, how long can Ceci lie to the only man who has made her feel passion and raw sexual hunger? When secrets are unraveled and mysteries are solved, will Ceci find comfort in the truth? Or are unsolved cases better left buried in the past? What will happen when Bentley discovers the real identity of Ceci?

If Volume 1 already had so much steam and suspense packed into this serial novella, I can’t wait to see what Ms. Cumberland has in store for Ceci and Bentley in the next installment.



Brooke Cumberland

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.75 stars***

The Intern, Volume 1 is a three-part romantic suspense serial with each proceeding volume being released 2 weeks apart.

Lies, hatred, and secrets fuel 18 year old Ceci to seek justice for a crime against her family. Pretending to be someone she is not she lands a job as an intern for a law firm. Bentley is her 24 years boss who is fooled into believing she is someone she is not.

In closing, I felt that Bentley got hot and heavy with Ceci pretty quickly and laid claim on her before he really got to know her very well. Even though it was an insta-lust type of tale it holds enough allure to pull the reader into the plot and romance.

I love how the author made an intriguing cliffhanger. It left you wanting the next volume.


SERIES:
The Intern, Volume 2 The Intern, Volume 3
To find out when the rest of the books will be released click here.

Release date: 5/28/2014
Purchase-> http://amzn.to/1gCpQ8G

**Complimentary copy courtesy of the author, Brooke Cumberland, in exchange for an honest review.**

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

"ARC provided by the author, Brooke Cumberland for an honest review"



I love it… It has all the right components, great story line, and great characters, If you love stubborn, strong-willed characters, hot sexy male, a badass female and amazing chemistry with the right sexual tension, some LOL moments, with just the right amount of intrigue than you have to read this book.


Thanks Brooke Cumberland for this book!

[Catarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 Vindictive Stars!

 

Ceci has only one goal: revenge her father’s death, which even after a few years remains a complete mystery.
In order to do that she gets an internship in one of the biggest investigation companies, whose CEO is the only man who would possibly know all the mystery involving the murder of her father.
What she didn’t expect is for the son of said CEO to be there, as the next in line to run the company. Bentley used to be a model, a sexy playboy but now is all business, and not completely by her choice.
She has only one goal, but being trained by Bentley and having to spend so much time together things start to change, and she knows that they shouldn’t change, especially because all the secrets she’s hiding. Everything between them is against the rules, but they can’t seem to stop it.
After all… isn’t the forbidden fruit the most irresistible one?



 Rating: 3,5 Stars.
 Storyline: It has an original and refreshing plot. A girl seeking revenge for her father’s death ends up falling for the son of the only man who can provide her answers. It was a fast-paced and entertaining reading, but lacking development at some points. Some things seemed a little rushed and forced. But I have to give kudos to that ending: it was pretty well written and left me very curious about what will happen next.
 Writing Style: First person, dual POV. Engaging and sexy.
 Character Development: Ceci was good, although annoying and a little childish at some moments. Bentley was sexy but swore too much. I don’t believe there was a single phrase he said that didn’t include the word ”f*cking” or something similar. Other than that, both of them were likable.
 Steam: Hot.
HEA: A mild cliffhanger, but a pretty good one.

* Arc kindly provided by author in exchange of honest review. *

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****FOUR Stars*****
BR with Melissa
(ARC Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review)





"The Intern" is the story of Ceci West aka Casey, who is an 18 year old HS senior, masquerading about as her older sister who is a college student, in order to get a job as an intern for Leighton Industries.
It is the largest investigative criminal reporting company in Nebraska.
Ceci's dad was murdered seven years ago, and it went unsolved.
It's been added to the Cold Case files.
Ceci hopes to get access to these files while working at Leighton Enterprises.


What she didn't count on was having a seriously GORGEOUS & Sexy man as her boss.
Bentley Leighton is an ex male model.
His father made him quit the industry and come to work for him in hopes to one day appoint him as the CEO, but Bentley doesn't seem too thrilled with the job.


When the two meet during the interview process, it seems they have an instant attraction to each other.




While her main objective is to find her father's files and see if it will help her piece together the mystery, Ceci finds herself drawn to Bentley.
Bentley also seems to be forming a deep infatuation for his young intern and even though he knows he shouldn't pursue a personal or physical relationship with her, that's exactly what he ends up doing.


The premise of this story was a good one and the SEX, once it started up, was pretty darn HOT, but for me, there was something missing.
Maybe it was because it seemed there was no witty banter and neither of them had to pursue each other.
They just gave in to their attraction right away.


I didn't really like Ceci, as she just seemed to be a typical teenager.
She gave her mom attitude at home and argues with her little brother.
Nothing really that special about her.


Bentley seems to only have his good looks going for him.
There's nothing very dark or mysterious about him.
BUT, the book did end with a bit of suspense and what I'm hoping for is that there will be some major ANGST ahead for these two, as Bentley has no idea Ceci is just an 18 year old high school student.

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cecilia witnessed the murder of her father seven years ago. Now she's a senior in high school and hell bent on finding out who murdered him. What better way to do that then pretend to be your sister and apply for an internship at Leighton Enterprises.



Leighton Enterprises is a firm known for its investigative criminal reporting, as well as, for it's contributions to unresolved cold cases. Enter Bentley Leighton, soon to be CEO.

Boss.
Intern.
Offlimits.

So Ceci sets off to seduce work with Bentley in order to gain access to her father's cold case.

Honestly, I think Bentley gives Ceci just a bit too much credit when it comes to work and what she's capable of.



Afterall, she's in high school. But I guess all of those CSI and Law & Order episodes paid off.



Bentley invites Ceci to a "presentation" as an excuse to see her outside of the internship. They end up back at Bentley's place and of course have sex, which honestly was just



That night, Ceci has a dream about the day her father was murdered and decides to put all of her CSI and Law & Order skills to the test. Not to mention her hacking skills.

His password was modeling



For real?? LAME!

So Ceci easily guesses the password (duh--out of all the possibilities she guesses modeling???) and "breaks" in to Bentley's computer to try to access her dad's case--since Bentley's dad worked on it--SEVEN YEARS ago.

Bentley wakes up to Ceci missing....how could she have left him like a one-night stand??? She was HIS!

All to end with a cliffhanger...



Honestly, it wasn't the worst cliffhanger ending I've ever read. But Ceci is definitely going to have some explaining to do.

IDK, I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. I wish Ceci wasn't in high school....I think that's kind of throwing me off. Makes the overall story feel juvenile or something. I suppose that makes it a bit more taboo.

I guess I'm curious to see how it all plays out. A little. Maybe. I don't know.

ARC kindly provided by Brooke Cumberland in exchange for an honest review

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW TO COME TOMORROW!!



ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Romance with a dose of mystery



Nothing, I repeat nothing about Cecilia marks her as average. After witnessing the murder of her father as a child; Cecilia embarks on a mission to solve his murder. The first thing she needs to do to work her plan is land an internship at Leighton Enterprises, a place well known for investigating crimes. She believes it holds the info she must obtain in order to connect the pieces of the crime. And ultimately catch a killer.

Cecilia affectionately called Ceci, decides to assume her older sister’s identity because she herself is only a senior in high school. Ceci gets the internship just as she planned but what she did not plan is the strong attraction she feels toward the soon to be appointed CEO, Bentley Leighton.

Bentley is far from happy with his new role working in the family run company and instead sees it as a means to an end that will eventually land in his favor. When the sassy, confidently beautiful Cecilia becomes his new weekend intern he quickly finds himself in very compromising position…between her legs.

My Thoughts
The Intern definitely surprised me. Ceci is witty, clever and irresistible. Brooke Cumberland has a great secondary plot going with the mystery surrounding the death of Cecilia’s father. For me there is nothing like a good murder mystery being thrown in to the mix of a romance to keep you on the edge of your seat. Cumberland also has that forbidden romance aspect which appealed to my taste buds as well.


My Ratings
Characters- Clever, daring and inventive
Writing Style- Good
Plot/Storyline- A high school senior fakes her older sisters identity in order to get an internship that may hold leads to her father’s murderer
Steam Factor- High/Steamy on a scale of 1-10 I say 7
Entertainment Level- From Lo-Med-Hi I say Medium
Overall- I enjoyed it! And after that ending..I am anxious to see what happens next!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to: www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot...
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/realitybitesletsgetlost


*ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review*

[Jess-i-ca · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - Not for me - Stars

Before my somewhat of a rant begins just let me say I didn't care for this book but that doesn't mean that you won't so if you think you might like it then try it. I'm looking for more of a story than just a sexual relationship in a book.

Cecilia West is hell bent on finding out who murdered her father in a cold case years ago. She is currently in high school so she steals her older sister Casey's license and applies for an internship at Leighton Enterprises.



When she gets there she notices soon to be CEO Bentley Leighton and immediately her brain turns to mush. All she can think is dirty thoughts about him and how much she wants him.



But it can't happen since he's her employer. This lasts all of 2.5 seconds because from there they basically pursue a sexual relationship after both saying how hot and bothered they are for each other over and over and over again. He's hard, she's wet and thinking of sexual positions...I felt the main premise to the story was no longer the priority but its main focus is now on their sexual relationship.



I also found it somewhat cheesy at times and I couldn't picture Bentley's alpha male badassness.

"Bentley," I breathe out. "I want you," I confess. "So fucking bad."
"Do you have any idea what you just said? What you just told me?"

I'm pretty sure she just said she wants you badly.

"I hope you don't have a close attachment to these panties."

Why would you say that? Just rip the fuckers off and get after it.

“You get on that pill as soon as fucking possible.”
“I will,” I promise.
"Because the things I want to do to you—and places I want to fuck you—have no time to roll a damn condom on."

Wow that's so hot and makes me want you to fuck me so much more...



At this point of course a clue about her dad's murder would come to her while lying in bed with Bentley's arms around her.



And then I was confused because all of a sudden she decides to look up her dad's case info on Bentley's personal computer at his house. And guess what she figured out the password!



I might mention his computer had the dumbest password ever. Modeling
I would have rather the computer not even have a password or at least be something funny.

And finally we are left with a less than stellar cliffhanger ending.



ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 I Want You Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
(BR with Patty)





Cecilia West aka Ceci is an 18 yr. old high school senior getting close to graduation day. When Ceci was 11 her whole world changed when her father was murdered. After seven years the memory of the day he died still haunts her. She still lives in the past, and feels she can't move on with her life till she knows the truth. Her fathers murder had no leads, little to no evidence, no witnesses, and was never solved. It was one of the biggest unsolved cold cases in Nebraska.



Deciding she needs answers about her father's past, Ceci decides she will pose as her older sister Casey to try and get an internship with one of the largest investigative criminal reporting companies in the Midwest. Ceci forges documents, & uses her sister's student ID to pretend to be a college student. She hopes to get her foot in the door so she can maybe take a look at the files they have from her father's case.



Ceci goes for her interview at Leighton Enterprises, and meets the future CEO Bentley Leighton. Bentley is a 24 yr. old former model recently out of college. He works for the family business, & is being groomed to take over. Bentley doesn't look anything like a future CEO. He is a young, gorgeous, rocker looking guy with blond longish hair. Ceci finds him very attractive, and a little distracting.



Bentley is annoyed he has somewhat been forced into the family business, and hiring an intern is just one more thing to add to the list of things he doesn't really want to fool with. He ends up hiring Ceci, and can't help his attraction for her. Ceci will mainly be working for Bentley, and he is in charge of training her. As he's around her more he can't stop thinking about her. He knows she is supposed to be off limits, but he just can't seem to help himself. She is self confident, intelligent, sexy, and he wants her bad. Ceci enjoys being with Bentley while also continuing to search for the answers she needs about her father.



-While I was searching Leighton Enterprises, I came across many pictures of Mr. Leighton himself. He's gorgeous on screen, but in person, he's trip-over-yourself-just-to-lick-him gorgeous.

-He looks like more of a rocker than a CEO's son, and I think that's what I like best about him. He's not what you'd think he'd be- he's better.

-Meeting Bentley has awakened something inside me.

-He's fucking breathtaking, and I'm completely mesmerized by him.

-I struggle to fight with my head, and my heart- Part Angel and Part Devil are screaming at me, and all I can think of is how good it feels to have Bentley's mouth and body on me and how much I want more.

-This must be the difference between a boy and a man- Bentley gave no apologies for his domineering behavior, he took what he wanted, and I willingly gave it.

-Deep down, I know it's a bad idea, but my body doesn't agree. My body craves every inch of him.

-Every time I'm near you, your body is begging for my attention.

-She giggles, and it nearly kills me. That sound. The sound of her laugh is probably the best sound I've ever heard.

[Tabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew coming into reading The Intern that is was going to be hot, but what I never expected was for the heat to radiate out of my Kindle.

We got to meet Cecilia aka Ceci, a master manipulator and con artist. Ceci is looking for answers to a tragic incident that happened in the past, and the one way she knows is to get her foot in the door at Leighton Enterprise as an intern.

Then there is Bentley Leighton, the hot, priveleged, a bit pompus, did I mention he's HOT, future CEO. He quite frankly wanted no part in interviewing interns, let alone training them, but he had to.

What they both weren't expected was the primal sexual attraction and instant chemistry. The sexual tension started out as a small brush fire and turned into a blazing inferno. The playful banter, made me laugh, suggestive looks and sexual innuendos drove me completely insane (in a good way).

There was only one negative thing... it ended.

I kept tapping the side of my Kindle looking for more words, more pages but none appeared. Guess I will be waiting for volume 2 impatiently.

[Staci Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEWWWWWW!

Snarky young con artist? CHECK.

Super hot alpha? CHECK.

Ceci has noooooo idea what she's doing to him. I love that she thinks she knows, thinks she has everything under control, pushes Bentley's buttons and just has literally no idea what kind of beast she's poking. Naivete at it's finest, something that, as a woman, I've been through. I thought I had all the answers at eighteen. LOLZ.

Holy sexual tension YES. First I was like...



Then I was like...



and THEN I was like...



Can't wait for the next episode!!!!!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 intriguing stars.



I really enjoyed this one and I'm eager to read the next in the series. It was an engaging, quick read, full of sexual tension and an interesting story line.

Yes the main characters relationship did develop rather quickly, but then I prefer that to these long drawn out 'will they, won't they' plots, so it worked for me.

Any book that's has me rechecking Goodreads the minute I finish, in order to find out when the next book is due out, is a definite winner in my book!!!

First experience of this author and I have to say I'm impressed.

Arc courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review,

[Clumsy Storyteller · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was a very quick read that completely satisfied my kinky mind literaly i started this book three hours ago and here i am writing a review to say how hot it was , simple , full of chemistry , mystery , sexiness




If you like suspense with some fun thrown in this this is a must add to your list, just make sure you have the second book too cause this on ends with big questions unanswered ! #cliffhanger

[Victoria Stolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Mystery, Lies, Sexiness..
How far would you go to get the truth? With Cecilia needing to do just that and get the answers she needs we find out she will do just about anything. When the chance arises to work at Leighton Enterprises she just might get the break she needs. But can she resist the charm from the sexy Mr. Bentley Leighton? Son of the infamous owner of the company? I found the book well written and it moved at a good pace. I love the fact that their is a crime to be solved and that Cecilia isn't just going to play a victim. Her attitude and looks are enough to drive Bentley wild, and with the company's "No Fraternizing" Policy it is going to make the next months ahead very interesting and crazy. If you like suspense with some fun thrown in this this is a must add to your list, once I started I could not wait to see what happened, and with a cliffie like that I am dying for the next!!!

[Kimberly Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is it about office romance's that really get me going?! I'm such a sucker for them. I love the stolen glances or secretive kisses. That's why I'm excited that we get three volumes of The Intern!

Ceci, the heroine, is this ballsy, feisty girl that fakes her way into a college internship (see, ballsy!). I love a good suspense added into my Romances and this one has it. Ceci is on a mission. She didnt fake her way into this internship to gain success or good grades. She wants to find her father's murderer.

Enter Bentley. He's yum. He's thrown into this business by his family and forced to take Ceci under his wing.
The sexual tension is thick and I CANNOT wait to read his reaction when he finds out her secrets. Brooke Cumberland leaves us with a hell of an ending and volume 2 can't come soon enough. These two characters together are explosive, detrimental, enticing and its fantastic.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I finished that a lot faster than I wanted too!!!! Man Brooke you can suck me to your books and I can't ever get out! I hope the release date doesn't change for the next ones! Yes it does have a cliff hanger, but I promise you all it is worth it!!! Bently is a hot model who now has to work for the family business and doesn't want too! He gets sucked into the hiring process of what he believes is a new intern. He has no clue that her motives are strictly personally and she is on one mission. Cecilia wants nothing more then to solve the murder if someone so close to her. I am going to have to message Brooke because I have a hunch and I'm sure she won't tell me hit gosh I hope I'm right! Lol this was fast read, but knowing the next two are coming out soon I am ok with it!!!

[Alexis Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! Bentley and Ceci had immediate chemistry and the angst in the book was great! I loved Ceci’s backstory and her connection to Bentley. The ending left me wanting more I can’t wait for the next installment!

[Brittainy Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! Review to come closer to release date!

[aksana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked the story.. but I think the execution was a little too weak.


Ceci our heroine is a 18 years old high school senior. At the age of 11 she witnessed how her father was shot.
Since then she was very interested in crime and solving crimes because her fathers case
was never solved.


She wants to solve her fathers case but she needs the files and more information. So she decides to work as an intern at Leighton Enterprises. Leighton Enterprises is one of the largest
investigative criminal reporting companies and they also hold files to every unsolved murder in Nebraska.

But Ceci is only in high school so how can she trick Leighton Enterprises into believing she is a college student?


She borrows her older sisters ID (who is a college student) and after some phone calls she gets fake transcripts and recommendation letters and can now pretend to be a college student.

Bentley is 24 and is forced to work at Leighton Enterprises since his father is the CEO. Actually he has no problem joining the family business but he would have preferred joining the family business at his own pace.
Anyway, Bentley is in need for an intern and thats when Ceci comes into play.

Bentley is instantly drawn to Ceci.. But she is his intern and off limits..

As I said I liked the idea. But there were several parts I didn't like.
For example I don't think you can earn great detective skills by watching shows like CSI,
Law and Order and Criminal Minds.


I also think its much harder to fake transcripts and recommendation letters and to
pretend to be a college student.


Bentley and Ceci acted both too childish for me.
Their relationship was too rushed and too intense IMO.

ARC kindly provided by author in exchange of honest review.

[Ashley Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix a punchy, sarcastic young woman with an uber sexy alpha male CEO ... I'll tell you ... you get The Intern Volume One.

Sweet Baby Jesus In A Manger

Oh the tension ... it made my stomach hurt.

I yelled at my computer ... "Just do it Ceci ... DO. IT."

Bentley is quite possibly in the running for one of the best book boyfriends of 2014 ... without a doubt sexy, caring, struggling with his position of authority and OHHH EMMM GEEE did I already say sexy?!?!

This story starts out with Ceci dealing with the death of her father that is now considered a cold case. She sees an opportunity working for Bentley at his firm. Now, his firm .. how can I explain this so it makes sense because I had to play with it for a bit to fully get a grip on what they do there .... I want you to think MSNBC ... and MSNBC is cheating on his wife (Nancy Grace) with CSI Miami ... then somewhere in all this kinkiness .. there's a baby born and has the DNA of all of them ... welcome to Bentley's company.

Okay, so back on point ... She gets an internship at this love child and starts getting some tummy flutters from one sexy CEO in training ... yep .. I said it .. .INTERN/CEO ... YUMMMMMM


Okay so the actual story ... well thought out ... characters developed so well I felt like I was in the room ... plot and sub plots set up perfectly that I can only imagine the places that Brooke will take the rest of the serial. I am sold ... I can't wait for more ... It was a great short read that held my attention for the entire duration ... I forgot to smoke until I hit some good stuff and then chain smoked for the next two chapters.

Oh .. yeah ... Cliffy ... IT WAS EXCELLENT!! I don't care if you like a cliff or not, but this is PERFECT and leaves you on the edge of your seat and salivating for the next installment.

AMAZING job Brooke!!! I think you've got an exceptional story on your hands ... including all the necessary elements for a wonderful and five star romance read with some mystery and suspense behind it ... CONGRATS

Oh ... yeah ... 5 stars ... and I'm impatiently waiting to see what happens when that light switches on!!!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was...hmmm. This had a few issues for me.

Ceci is a 18 year old, Senior in high school. 7 years ago her father was gunned down in the front yard and she was shot by a stray bullet.
The case was never solved and went to the cold case files. She has this brilliant idea. She uses her older sister's ID to land an internship at a Investigative Criminal Reporting company. Posing as a college student. Cue Nancy Drew/Veronica Mars skills.

How does one do this??? Well, by watching TV episodes of Law and Order and CSI...


In the interview she meets Bentley Leighton(24), son of the owner and training to take over the business. Of course he's gorgeous and rocks a three piece suit that displays ALL of his muscles. And for kicks, he used to be a model!

Her goal is to gain access to the files pertaining to her fathers case. But once she gets the internship, and works alongside Bentley, they cant turn down the heat. They decide to break the rules and hook up

So after a roll in the sack, she sneaks into his home office to look in his files for her fathers case. Its password protected...whats a girl to do?? Well, crack the code of course! She guesses his fucking password, modeling. Bitch is good right?

What happens when Bentley wakes up looking for her? I don't know, and I'm not sure that I will find out. Maybe, out of sheer curiosity.

It was difficult to imagine her as a senior in high school. She acted and spoke older. She was flirty and sexual. The fact she based her "knowledge" on the tv shows was laughable. I've been watching law and order for 8 years, does that mean I'm a trained homicide detective?? Not likely.
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review

[Amy Eppig bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SMOKING hot.

The concept of this book is something I can really get on board with. Young girl with big dreams and a specific goals takes action and not only starts to put the pieces together but gets the hottie boiling in his seat. Double win!

Cecelia is a young 18year old. Her life has been less than perfect and she is looking for answers. Taking matters into her own hands, she applies to be an intern at a prestigious business that can help her get her foot in the door. Bentley, however, wants nothing to do with interns. He doesn't want to pick one. He doesn't want to work with one. He doesn't even want to work here ... but its the family business, so, he is pretty much stuck.
This book has passion, elegance, deceit, lies, ahhhh all the makings of a great story. With secrets in both of their pockets, I can not wait to see where this story continues to flow. I loved it :)

My only complaint .. I want the whole story NOW. hehe