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Feeling the Heat #4
Breaking His Rules
Losing fifty pounds is an incredible achievement. But for Melissa Atherton, progress doesn't come with praise—a scathing comment from an evil cousin at a bridal shower threatens to crush her new self-esteem. Who will she bring to the upcoming wedding? Showing up without a date would be humiliating. It just isn't an option.
Personal trainer Jake Sawyer was attracted to Melissa before she lost weight, but her progress has him floored. When she admits she plans to hire a male escort—and why—his heart all but breaks. Melissa's come too far to be knocked down, especially by her own family. He'll go as her date…and figure out a way to keep his hands to himself.
But when a steamy hotel room encounter takes them both by surprise, Jake balks. He's sworn never to date one of his clients, not again. And Melissa can't bear to be just friends with the man who treated her so tenderly, even if it was only for a weekend. Jake's helped her see she's strong enough to stand up for herself, but will she find the strength to pursue the only man who's ever seen the real her?
70,000 words
Personal trainer Jake Sawyer was attracted to Melissa before she lost weight, but her progress has him floored. When she admits she plans to hire a male escort—and why—his heart all but breaks. Melissa's come too far to be knocked down, especially by her own family. He'll go as her date…and figure out a way to keep his hands to himself.
But when a steamy hotel room encounter takes them both by surprise, Jake balks. He's sworn never to date one of his clients, not again. And Melissa can't bear to be just friends with the man who treated her so tenderly, even if it was only for a weekend. Jake's helped her see she's strong enough to stand up for herself, but will she find the strength to pursue the only man who's ever seen the real her?
70,000 words
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2014
15 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Alison Packard
16 books403 followersAlison’s love of the romance genre goes all the way back to her high school years when she gobbled up every Harlequin novel she could get her hands on. Back then, she never dreamed of writing her own stories. But years later, her inner writer emerged and she’s now a multi-published author of contemporary romance.
When she’s not plotting her next book, she hangs out with her adorable rescue dog, Bailey, consumes more chocolate than she should, and spends time with her friends and family.
When she’s not plotting her next book, she hangs out with her adorable rescue dog, Bailey, consumes more chocolate than she should, and spends time with her friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 22, 2014
3.5 - 4 Stars!
Melissa has lost over 50 lbs this year alone and she's finally feeling better about herself. That is until she is ease dropping on her cousin and best friend talking about her in the girls room. Saying how fat she is and how she won't bring anyone to the wedding.
Feeling defeated Melissa confesses to her trainer one afternoon that she may hire an escort to the wedding. Jake Sawyer has other ideas though, he offers to take Melissa to her cousins wedding; having had weight issues himself he knows where she's coming from .
At first Melissa is a bit apprehensive, she thinks Jake is super attractive and doesn't know why he'd want to help her. Especially since Jake has a strict policy in his gym. Never date a client. One bad experience has opened his eyes to how much he could potentially lose.
Attending the wedding with Melissa proved to be harder than he thought, there's just something about Melissa that he loves.
One night can change a lot of things. Neither though is prepared for when an old ex makes a reappearance and Jake's business is once again on the line.
He knew he should've listened to his rules, but sometimes they're just meant to be broken.
----
It was a really quick fun read. I didn't really put two and two together until it smacks you in the face! I loved Melissa she was a really strong character. She had so much going for her, and even though she wasn't always so positive towards her body image, you really go to see her grow as the book when on!
Jake was the perfect gentleman with a hint of bad boy and I loved it!
Great summer read!
Melissa has lost over 50 lbs this year alone and she's finally feeling better about herself. That is until she is ease dropping on her cousin and best friend talking about her in the girls room. Saying how fat she is and how she won't bring anyone to the wedding.
Feeling defeated Melissa confesses to her trainer one afternoon that she may hire an escort to the wedding. Jake Sawyer has other ideas though, he offers to take Melissa to her cousins wedding; having had weight issues himself he knows where she's coming from .
At first Melissa is a bit apprehensive, she thinks Jake is super attractive and doesn't know why he'd want to help her. Especially since Jake has a strict policy in his gym. Never date a client. One bad experience has opened his eyes to how much he could potentially lose.
Attending the wedding with Melissa proved to be harder than he thought, there's just something about Melissa that he loves.
One night can change a lot of things. Neither though is prepared for when an old ex makes a reappearance and Jake's business is once again on the line.
He knew he should've listened to his rules, but sometimes they're just meant to be broken.
----
It was a really quick fun read. I didn't really put two and two together until it smacks you in the face! I loved Melissa she was a really strong character. She had so much going for her, and even though she wasn't always so positive towards her body image, you really go to see her grow as the book when on!
Jake was the perfect gentleman with a hint of bad boy and I loved it!
Great summer read!
June 27, 2015
Sounded like a cute concept from blurb and only had to pay 99 cents- yay!
All that being said, this book fell short of my expectations- especially seeing many 4 & 5 star reviews from people that I follow. The character dialogue is robotic/inauthentic and the author does a lot of "mansplaining" to reader. Bummer.
All that being said, this book fell short of my expectations- especially seeing many 4 & 5 star reviews from people that I follow. The character dialogue is robotic/inauthentic and the author does a lot of "mansplaining" to reader. Bummer.
September 9, 2014
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 STARS
Review copy provided for a honest review
I’ve always enjoyed Allison Packard’s work but it’s always satisfying to me as a reader when you feel an author has really honed her craft over time and put out her best work and Ms. Packard has done that with Breaking His Rules. There was so much good in this book and a lot of it came in the message that only you can let words hurt you if you believe them, that as long as you are happy with the way you look then that is enough, and never feel bad for taking up for yourself because you deserve it. Heroine Melissa Atherton is a credit to the female race an although she credits Jake Sawyer with the change in her body, life and attitude Jake is quick to point out she’s the one that did the work he just helped facilitate it. As someone who has struggled with her weight most of her life I applaud this author for writing a heroine a lot of women can identify with and a hero who supports her. That’s not to say they don’t have their moments but when push comes to shove they manage to figure it all out.
Changing her lifestyle has made Melissa more healthy, more active, and she’s beginning to realize that she’s not only stronger physically but it is time to fight her own battles instead of letting her twin sister or someone else fight them for her. However when her cousin and her cousin’s best friend make crude remarks she overhears Melissa decides to get back at them through jealousy, she just doesn’t realize how her plan will backfire.
If Jake was honest with himself he would have realized month ago that his client, Melissa, affected him way more than she should but he has rules in place to keep him from losing his business and his reputation after a nasty incident when he first opened his gym. But when Melissa confesses her crazy plan for her cousin’s wedding he can’t help himself for jumping in with an offer to help. Little does he know that his impulsive offer to help may not only wreck his business but the happiness he’s found with Melissa.
There was such an easiness about the growing relationship between Melissa and Jake and I’m sure it comes from all the time they’ve spent together has he trained her and helped her understand the way her body works and how to fit healthy choices into her everyday life. However it’s more than that; they share common backgrounds, goals, and the love of animals. So it was no wonder they fell into a sexual relationship the weekend of the wedding that neither one planned on or that their growing feelings would not only thrill them but scare them. I’ll admit there were a few moments I wanted to knock Jake upside his head but I could also understand where he was coming from so I managed to cut him some slack.
Both Jake and Melissa value their families so I loved seeing that they turned to them when they were hurt, confused, or just needed a shoulder and more than that it was great to see some of the characters from earlier books in this series and see how they were faring. Most of all there was no doubt that no matter what their families had their backs when they needed them.
From beginning to end I loved this book; there was just so much good about it and it was uplifting to watch a woman who had very little self esteem at one point in her life learn that it was only her own opinion that mattered. Breaking His Rules had me cheering, made me laugh, made me cry, but most of all it made me very happy to watch a heroine grown stronger as each chapter progressed.
5 STARS
Review copy provided for a honest review
I’ve always enjoyed Allison Packard’s work but it’s always satisfying to me as a reader when you feel an author has really honed her craft over time and put out her best work and Ms. Packard has done that with Breaking His Rules. There was so much good in this book and a lot of it came in the message that only you can let words hurt you if you believe them, that as long as you are happy with the way you look then that is enough, and never feel bad for taking up for yourself because you deserve it. Heroine Melissa Atherton is a credit to the female race an although she credits Jake Sawyer with the change in her body, life and attitude Jake is quick to point out she’s the one that did the work he just helped facilitate it. As someone who has struggled with her weight most of her life I applaud this author for writing a heroine a lot of women can identify with and a hero who supports her. That’s not to say they don’t have their moments but when push comes to shove they manage to figure it all out.
Changing her lifestyle has made Melissa more healthy, more active, and she’s beginning to realize that she’s not only stronger physically but it is time to fight her own battles instead of letting her twin sister or someone else fight them for her. However when her cousin and her cousin’s best friend make crude remarks she overhears Melissa decides to get back at them through jealousy, she just doesn’t realize how her plan will backfire.
If Jake was honest with himself he would have realized month ago that his client, Melissa, affected him way more than she should but he has rules in place to keep him from losing his business and his reputation after a nasty incident when he first opened his gym. But when Melissa confesses her crazy plan for her cousin’s wedding he can’t help himself for jumping in with an offer to help. Little does he know that his impulsive offer to help may not only wreck his business but the happiness he’s found with Melissa.
There was such an easiness about the growing relationship between Melissa and Jake and I’m sure it comes from all the time they’ve spent together has he trained her and helped her understand the way her body works and how to fit healthy choices into her everyday life. However it’s more than that; they share common backgrounds, goals, and the love of animals. So it was no wonder they fell into a sexual relationship the weekend of the wedding that neither one planned on or that their growing feelings would not only thrill them but scare them. I’ll admit there were a few moments I wanted to knock Jake upside his head but I could also understand where he was coming from so I managed to cut him some slack.
Both Jake and Melissa value their families so I loved seeing that they turned to them when they were hurt, confused, or just needed a shoulder and more than that it was great to see some of the characters from earlier books in this series and see how they were faring. Most of all there was no doubt that no matter what their families had their backs when they needed them.
From beginning to end I loved this book; there was just so much good about it and it was uplifting to watch a woman who had very little self esteem at one point in her life learn that it was only her own opinion that mattered. Breaking His Rules had me cheering, made me laugh, made me cry, but most of all it made me very happy to watch a heroine grown stronger as each chapter progressed.
August 8, 2014
I had to opportunity to read an ARC of this book - it's the second book in the series I've read, and even though I'm reading them all out of order it hasn't impacted my enjoyment of the series. I really liked Melissa and Jake as a couple, and I enjoyed the fact that they developed a strong friendship over the course of Jake's training her.
The fact that Jake was attracted to her even before she lost fifty pounds and that he's not pushing her to follow a strict diet or kill herself with workouts to reach her original "ideal weight" goal made me extremely happy. Jake having been a victim of bullying and having been overweight himself as a kid gives insight into why he would open a gym and why he has such compassion for his clients. These all make him a very appealing character, but that's not to say that there aren't moments later in the story that I want to smack him upside the head for being an idiot.
Melissa grows into her confidence, at least partially because of the support she receives from her sister, the rest of her family and Jake. She never loses her compassion and her willingness to give people second chances when it looks like they deserve it. I enjoyed that aspect of her growth very much - there's no reason for her to morph into Paige, just be Melissa who doesn't let people bully her into feeling bad about herself.
This will definitely be on my radar to recommend as a purchase for our library and to our readers. I would recommend it to those who enjoy Toni Aleo, Rachel Gibson, LuAnn McLane & Julie Brannagh.
The fact that Jake was attracted to her even before she lost fifty pounds and that he's not pushing her to follow a strict diet or kill herself with workouts to reach her original "ideal weight" goal made me extremely happy. Jake having been a victim of bullying and having been overweight himself as a kid gives insight into why he would open a gym and why he has such compassion for his clients. These all make him a very appealing character, but that's not to say that there aren't moments later in the story that I want to smack him upside the head for being an idiot.
Melissa grows into her confidence, at least partially because of the support she receives from her sister, the rest of her family and Jake. She never loses her compassion and her willingness to give people second chances when it looks like they deserve it. I enjoyed that aspect of her growth very much - there's no reason for her to morph into Paige, just be Melissa who doesn't let people bully her into feeling bad about herself.
This will definitely be on my radar to recommend as a purchase for our library and to our readers. I would recommend it to those who enjoy Toni Aleo, Rachel Gibson, LuAnn McLane & Julie Brannagh.
August 31, 2014
I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the Feeling the Heat series so I was pleasantly surprise when it didn’t prevent me from enjoying Breaking His Rules.
I’m drawn to books where one of the main characters has gone through a transformation. I like to see how those who have been with them from the start of the journey contrast to those who have only seen the finished product. This novel centers on Melissa and her decision to become a healthier person. Melissa met her personal trainer, Jake, when she was at her heaviest. Although she was unsure of herself, Melissa had the drive and determination to change her life. Her dedication to her health impressed Jake from the start. Admiration quickly leads to friendship and the pair soon find themselves spending more time with each other away from the gym. While these get togethers aren’t romantic by any means (most of them are meetings to discuss Melissa’s progress or training schedule) they push the line of what Jake deems appropriate for a relationship with his client.
I had a hard time deciding how I felt about this book. I hate when a character only starts to become attracted to someone after they’ve had a makeover. At first I felt that Jake had only become interested in Melissa after she lost weight. But, as the story moved on it became clear Jake had feelings for her from the start. I was glad to see that Jake liked Melissa as soon as he met her .I just wish we would have had more evidence of that from the start.
There were a couple of times where Jake toed the line of being too sweet. I know there will be plenty of readers who will swoon at Jake’s need “to find the woman who would be his partner in life. The one whom he would make memories and grow old with.” But for me it was just a little too syrupy sweet. Thankfully, Jake also had a grittier side that helped balance that out. There’s a scene where Jake takes matters into his own hands, if you know what I mean, that is a delicious contrast to his sappy outbursts. It created a well-rounded character that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The decision Jake had to make between keeping his strict “no fraternizing with clients” policy and his desire for a relationship with Melissa was also a bit weak. It was hard for me to understand why Jake couldn’t just make an exception to his rule. He was the boss, he owned the gym, it’s not like he had to answer to anyone. I get that he had a terrible encounter with a client in the past, but this situation was totally different.
Overall, Breaking His Rules was a pleasurable read. I was glad the novel wasn’t just another fluffy romance. It was deeper than I expected, which was a wonderful surprise. I will definitely be going back and reading the first three book in the series.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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September 2, 2014
Can I tell you how flipping excited I was to read Breaking His Rules? First, the idea of a formerly overweight girl falling for her personal trainer who helped her lose the weight sounded amazing! Second, I had read another of the books in the Feeling the Heat series (I actually didn't realize it was a series), Catching Heat and really enjoyed it. In my review of Catching Heat I said:
"The writing in this was probably my least favorite part, it was quick and easy, but at times I was bothered by how simplistic it was, but that certainly won't stop me from giving Alison Packard's other books a try. "
Well, I take that back. I still ended up loving the story in Breaking His Rules, although I had some issues with it, but the writing was terrible I actually felt embarrassed to be reading something so terrible and embarrassed for Alison Packard that she wrote something so terrible. Not only was the writing in Breaking His Rules even more simplistic than Catching Heat, it was just plan bad, cheesy, silly, etc. etc. etc.. If I gave just the writing in this book a star rating it would be a 1-star rating because it is truly terrible.
The story though I'll give three stars. I liked Melissa and Jake, but especially Melissa who seemed more like a real, well-rounded character than Jake (more on that in a minute). Having just lost 50lbs Melissa is feeling good, until she overhears her chronically mean cousin and cousin's best friend talking smack about her. When her cousin assumes Melissa doesn't have a date for her wedding Melissa lies and says she does, originally planning to hire an escort. Once Jake, who's had a crush on Melissa for a while, hears about this he immediately offers to go with her, an offer she accepts.
I never quite understood Melissa's job or overall lack of ambition in life and I found her relationship with her twin sister to be a tad creepy, but still, I bought her as a character and for the most part I enjoyed reading about her. However I can't say the same about Jake. Jake appeared in Catching Heat, but I have little memory of him. He owns a successful gym in Sacramento and, after a bad experience, he has a strict no dating clients policy. There are constant references to Jake's childhood when he himself was overweight, but really I never felt like I knew Jake. He was a hot bad, a strict policy, and a formerly fat child and because of that I had a difficult time being invested in Melissa and Jake's love story.
Bottom Line: Unless you want to read some terrible writing skip this one. No one is more disappointed than I am that the execution was so sorely lacking because I loved, and still love, the premise. Can someone please do a story similar to this one and do it well?
I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
"The writing in this was probably my least favorite part, it was quick and easy, but at times I was bothered by how simplistic it was, but that certainly won't stop me from giving Alison Packard's other books a try. "
Well, I take that back. I still ended up loving the story in Breaking His Rules, although I had some issues with it, but the writing was terrible I actually felt embarrassed to be reading something so terrible and embarrassed for Alison Packard that she wrote something so terrible. Not only was the writing in Breaking His Rules even more simplistic than Catching Heat, it was just plan bad, cheesy, silly, etc. etc. etc.. If I gave just the writing in this book a star rating it would be a 1-star rating because it is truly terrible.
The story though I'll give three stars. I liked Melissa and Jake, but especially Melissa who seemed more like a real, well-rounded character than Jake (more on that in a minute). Having just lost 50lbs Melissa is feeling good, until she overhears her chronically mean cousin and cousin's best friend talking smack about her. When her cousin assumes Melissa doesn't have a date for her wedding Melissa lies and says she does, originally planning to hire an escort. Once Jake, who's had a crush on Melissa for a while, hears about this he immediately offers to go with her, an offer she accepts.
I never quite understood Melissa's job or overall lack of ambition in life and I found her relationship with her twin sister to be a tad creepy, but still, I bought her as a character and for the most part I enjoyed reading about her. However I can't say the same about Jake. Jake appeared in Catching Heat, but I have little memory of him. He owns a successful gym in Sacramento and, after a bad experience, he has a strict no dating clients policy. There are constant references to Jake's childhood when he himself was overweight, but really I never felt like I knew Jake. He was a hot bad, a strict policy, and a formerly fat child and because of that I had a difficult time being invested in Melissa and Jake's love story.
Bottom Line: Unless you want to read some terrible writing skip this one. No one is more disappointed than I am that the execution was so sorely lacking because I loved, and still love, the premise. Can someone please do a story similar to this one and do it well?
I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 19, 2014
What I love about Alison Packard’s heroines are that they are relatable women with relatable issues. I’ve been hooked on this series since book 1 and wish that Packard wrote faster because the wait for the next book is agonizing!
I think Melissa is my favorite heroine to date of this series. She has recently lost a lot of weight but her confidence isn’t all the way there. She has grown up being the butt of fat jokes and her twin sister has always been her defender. Melissa has always turned the other cheek instead of standing up for herself. Despite this, I never felt that Melissa was helpless. There are people in this world who are just non-confrontational; who feel that it’s better not to engage. I can understand that. Even though Melissa lost 50lbs, she’s not model thin. But she’s gaining confidence and is liking the way her body looks. And she doesn’t feel like she needs to lose any more weight.
Jake is Melissa’s personal trainer and has seen something within Melissa that draws him to her. He has a “no dating clients” rule so he keeps their relationship strictly professional. But when Melissa asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend for her cousin’s wedding, Jake sees this as an opportunity to get close to Melissa and maybe act on the feelings that she stirs in him.
Again, this is my favorite book of the series. I loved Melissa! She is a well-written character with flaws and insecurities but knew herself. Melissa is a work in progress and I loved seeing her change from a woman who turned the other cheek to someone who finally stood up to the bullies. And through that transformation she still remained a nice and likable person. You can tell a bitch off and still be nice a nice person. Kill them with kindness. Gets them every time. :)
Jake is super dreamy. And a personal trainer….rawr! So sexy. And probably a lot of women’s fantasies….doing squat thrusts while your sexy trainer is spotting you. Whew! Oh…where was I? Anyways…Jake. He’s a good guy with good morals and comes from a good family. I liked that he didn’t want to mix business with pleasure but his stance regarding that policy started wearing thin especially when it ends up hurting Melissa. Of course, Jake is a blockhead and stubborn and drags out the road to HEA longer than necessary.
I loved this Jake and Melissa and I loved their romance. This series is awesome and I can’t wait to read the next book. I hope the H/H is Melissa’s twin sister and Jake’s mostly MIA detective brother, Justin. That would be awesome!
If you haven’t read this series, I definitely recommend!
I think Melissa is my favorite heroine to date of this series. She has recently lost a lot of weight but her confidence isn’t all the way there. She has grown up being the butt of fat jokes and her twin sister has always been her defender. Melissa has always turned the other cheek instead of standing up for herself. Despite this, I never felt that Melissa was helpless. There are people in this world who are just non-confrontational; who feel that it’s better not to engage. I can understand that. Even though Melissa lost 50lbs, she’s not model thin. But she’s gaining confidence and is liking the way her body looks. And she doesn’t feel like she needs to lose any more weight.
Jake is Melissa’s personal trainer and has seen something within Melissa that draws him to her. He has a “no dating clients” rule so he keeps their relationship strictly professional. But when Melissa asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend for her cousin’s wedding, Jake sees this as an opportunity to get close to Melissa and maybe act on the feelings that she stirs in him.
Again, this is my favorite book of the series. I loved Melissa! She is a well-written character with flaws and insecurities but knew herself. Melissa is a work in progress and I loved seeing her change from a woman who turned the other cheek to someone who finally stood up to the bullies. And through that transformation she still remained a nice and likable person. You can tell a bitch off and still be nice a nice person. Kill them with kindness. Gets them every time. :)
Jake is super dreamy. And a personal trainer….rawr! So sexy. And probably a lot of women’s fantasies….doing squat thrusts while your sexy trainer is spotting you. Whew! Oh…where was I? Anyways…Jake. He’s a good guy with good morals and comes from a good family. I liked that he didn’t want to mix business with pleasure but his stance regarding that policy started wearing thin especially when it ends up hurting Melissa. Of course, Jake is a blockhead and stubborn and drags out the road to HEA longer than necessary.
I loved this Jake and Melissa and I loved their romance. This series is awesome and I can’t wait to read the next book. I hope the H/H is Melissa’s twin sister and Jake’s mostly MIA detective brother, Justin. That would be awesome!
If you haven’t read this series, I definitely recommend!
September 8, 2014
My Review:
Wow, I loved this book. I've enjoyed this series, but I honestly thought that a lot of my enjoyment was because of the baseball setting. But nope, I honestly just love the way this author writes her stories.
This book is about Jake and Melissa. They've been friends for 9 months since Melissa started coming to Jake for training. When she started she was a size 24. She's since slimmed down to a curvy size 12-14, but Jake has always thought she was beautiful and sweet. Even though Jake is an extremely fit physical trainer, he was an overweight kid and teen. He had bullies so doesn't stand for any kind of bullying...ever. When he hears that Melissa has been bullied by her cousin and her cruel friend over her dateless status to her cousin's wedding, Jake volunteers to be her date before he thinks it through. Jake realizes that his attraction makes the weekend dangerous, but thinks he can control himself from acting on his urges...something that goes against his professional policy. He doesn't get involved with clients...never again...not after he got hit with a lawsuit early in the life of his gym. He can't lose his livelihood or reputation like that.
The basis of the story may not be baseball, but I loved it just as much. I loved how Jake honestly doesn't care about what size Melissa is. He's one of those guys that sees below the skin as long as the person is healthy. Melissa isn't quite so liberated in her views. She had such a negative body image for so long, she has a hard time believing that a good looking guy like Jake would be interested in her. But I liked that they have this great friendship/relationship to build on. I also LOVED the fact that once Jake stops hiding it, his attraction to her is undeniable. He WANTS her...big time. They are truly combustible together and I loved that explosive chemistry between them.
This isn't a new story line (fake boyfriend at the family wedding), but Alison Packard did an incredible job writing a riveting story that felt new. I loved Melissa's twin sister Paige and am hoping that her book with Jake's brother comes soon. They will be amazing together.
I definitely recommend this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Wow, I loved this book. I've enjoyed this series, but I honestly thought that a lot of my enjoyment was because of the baseball setting. But nope, I honestly just love the way this author writes her stories.
This book is about Jake and Melissa. They've been friends for 9 months since Melissa started coming to Jake for training. When she started she was a size 24. She's since slimmed down to a curvy size 12-14, but Jake has always thought she was beautiful and sweet. Even though Jake is an extremely fit physical trainer, he was an overweight kid and teen. He had bullies so doesn't stand for any kind of bullying...ever. When he hears that Melissa has been bullied by her cousin and her cruel friend over her dateless status to her cousin's wedding, Jake volunteers to be her date before he thinks it through. Jake realizes that his attraction makes the weekend dangerous, but thinks he can control himself from acting on his urges...something that goes against his professional policy. He doesn't get involved with clients...never again...not after he got hit with a lawsuit early in the life of his gym. He can't lose his livelihood or reputation like that.
The basis of the story may not be baseball, but I loved it just as much. I loved how Jake honestly doesn't care about what size Melissa is. He's one of those guys that sees below the skin as long as the person is healthy. Melissa isn't quite so liberated in her views. She had such a negative body image for so long, she has a hard time believing that a good looking guy like Jake would be interested in her. But I liked that they have this great friendship/relationship to build on. I also LOVED the fact that once Jake stops hiding it, his attraction to her is undeniable. He WANTS her...big time. They are truly combustible together and I loved that explosive chemistry between them.
This isn't a new story line (fake boyfriend at the family wedding), but Alison Packard did an incredible job writing a riveting story that felt new. I loved Melissa's twin sister Paige and am hoping that her book with Jake's brother comes soon. They will be amazing together.
I definitely recommend this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
August 26, 2014
I'm a little behind - I didn't realize this was book 4 in the series -
I got this book from Netgalley
Super cute story - I've always been a little on the heavy side - and while I may not look as sexy as most women at the gym do, I know I have a good heart -
I can relate a lot with Melissa in this story - she is very strong willed and determined to make herself better - but even after losing 50 lbs, she may still be in a size 12, but she doesn't see how amazing she really is.
Love comes in all sizes and shapes - Jake had a draw to Melissa's smile since she joined the gym 8 months ago - as her personal trainer, he looked forward to seeing her beautiful eyes and sweet smile everytime she came to the gym.
Jake worked Melissa hard, but and she didn't complain too much - she couldn't see that she was doing the work, Jake was just guiding her.
There are some nasty people in the world - Melissa's cousin and her best friend on are on the top of the list - Just because Melissa isn't a size 0 , they feel the need to lash out and make her feel like less of a person.
Melissa is happy with her weighloss progress but after over hearing her cousin talk about her not having a date for the wedding, Melissa's heart broke.
When Jake saw those beautiful eyes turn sad at their training session, he had to ask - When he heard melissa say she was going to hire an escort to go to the wedding, he saw his perfect oppertunity.
Jake's number one rule - don't date any of the members. He doesn't want to make things complicated for his work - who can blame him. So melissa knew that he was going with her just as friends, and she tried to be ok with that.
Really REALLY cute story - I enjoyed this a lot :)
I got this book from Netgalley
Super cute story - I've always been a little on the heavy side - and while I may not look as sexy as most women at the gym do, I know I have a good heart -
I can relate a lot with Melissa in this story - she is very strong willed and determined to make herself better - but even after losing 50 lbs, she may still be in a size 12, but she doesn't see how amazing she really is.
Love comes in all sizes and shapes - Jake had a draw to Melissa's smile since she joined the gym 8 months ago - as her personal trainer, he looked forward to seeing her beautiful eyes and sweet smile everytime she came to the gym.
Jake worked Melissa hard, but and she didn't complain too much - she couldn't see that she was doing the work, Jake was just guiding her.
There are some nasty people in the world - Melissa's cousin and her best friend on are on the top of the list - Just because Melissa isn't a size 0 , they feel the need to lash out and make her feel like less of a person.
Melissa is happy with her weighloss progress but after over hearing her cousin talk about her not having a date for the wedding, Melissa's heart broke.
When Jake saw those beautiful eyes turn sad at their training session, he had to ask - When he heard melissa say she was going to hire an escort to go to the wedding, he saw his perfect oppertunity.
Jake's number one rule - don't date any of the members. He doesn't want to make things complicated for his work - who can blame him. So melissa knew that he was going with her just as friends, and she tried to be ok with that.
Really REALLY cute story - I enjoyed this a lot :)
March 13, 2016
'Breaking his rules' tells the story of Jake, a gym owner and trainer and Melissa, a sweet overweight girl who decided to change her life by being healthy. Jake and her have known each other for almost a year since she first entered his gym and have quickly become friends.
Long story short, when Melissa tells Jake about her cousin making fun of her about her weight and not being able to get herself a hot boyfriend, he offers her to play the part and escort her to the wedding of her so-called cousin, as a friend.
The thing is they're both attracted to each other way before they start this charade. But they can't act on their feelings because of Jake's rules not to date his clients.
Lately, I'm a bit disappointed with my reads. It's been long since I REALLY felt something while reading and this one is no exception.
I liked Jake and Melissa but didn't love them. And the story was just okay. I liked the subject of weight-loss and the overweight heroine thing which was cute, different and realistic. But, the story kept going in circles... and it went to a point where I couldn't care less what happened to the characters. I wanted to read more about the couple together not about each character and their train of thoughts which were the exact same one, the whole book 'he can't break his rules but he wants to.' 'He can't break his rules but she wants him to.' blah blah. I mean, we get it.
But then all of a sudden, and with no warning everything's okay.
To sum up, it was an okay read but really lacking in so many ways for me.
Long story short, when Melissa tells Jake about her cousin making fun of her about her weight and not being able to get herself a hot boyfriend, he offers her to play the part and escort her to the wedding of her so-called cousin, as a friend.
The thing is they're both attracted to each other way before they start this charade. But they can't act on their feelings because of Jake's rules not to date his clients.
Lately, I'm a bit disappointed with my reads. It's been long since I REALLY felt something while reading and this one is no exception.
I liked Jake and Melissa but didn't love them. And the story was just okay. I liked the subject of weight-loss and the overweight heroine thing which was cute, different and realistic. But, the story kept going in circles... and it went to a point where I couldn't care less what happened to the characters. I wanted to read more about the couple together not about each character and their train of thoughts which were the exact same one, the whole book 'he can't break his rules but he wants to.' 'He can't break his rules but she wants him to.' blah blah. I mean, we get it.
But then all of a sudden, and with no warning everything's okay.
To sum up, it was an okay read but really lacking in so many ways for me.
September 7, 2014
***4.5 out of 5 stars***
I'm a really big fan of Alison Packard and was excited to get a chance to read a review copy thanks to the publisher through NetGalley.
I absolutely loved Melissa from the very beginning. I wanted to kick a couple of characters in the face for being mean to her about her weight. Hello, she had lost 50 pounds and they still called her horrible names and made fun of her. When she decides to hire an escort for her cousin's wedding, I loved that her trainer Jake stepped up and said he would take her. I loved more that he found Melissa attractive before she ever lost the weight.
Melissa and Jake had amazing chemistry and I loved when they finally acted on their attraction to one another. I honestly felt like they were perfect for one another. Jake has a policy against dating his clients because of a woman from his past. I knew she would show back up, but was kind of thrown by who she actually was. How Jake reacts is the only time in the book I didn't love him. His reaction did show me that Melissa was even stronger than I had given her credit for from the beginning.
I ended up really enjoying this book in the Feeling the Heat series. I actually am behind on the books in the series and can promise this book reads fine as a stand-alone. Alison Packard has become an auto-buy author for me and I think she delivered once again with Breaking His Rules.
I'm a really big fan of Alison Packard and was excited to get a chance to read a review copy thanks to the publisher through NetGalley.
I absolutely loved Melissa from the very beginning. I wanted to kick a couple of characters in the face for being mean to her about her weight. Hello, she had lost 50 pounds and they still called her horrible names and made fun of her. When she decides to hire an escort for her cousin's wedding, I loved that her trainer Jake stepped up and said he would take her. I loved more that he found Melissa attractive before she ever lost the weight.
Melissa and Jake had amazing chemistry and I loved when they finally acted on their attraction to one another. I honestly felt like they were perfect for one another. Jake has a policy against dating his clients because of a woman from his past. I knew she would show back up, but was kind of thrown by who she actually was. How Jake reacts is the only time in the book I didn't love him. His reaction did show me that Melissa was even stronger than I had given her credit for from the beginning.
I ended up really enjoying this book in the Feeling the Heat series. I actually am behind on the books in the series and can promise this book reads fine as a stand-alone. Alison Packard has become an auto-buy author for me and I think she delivered once again with Breaking His Rules.
August 24, 2014
A solid 4 Stars
Melissa decided to take charge of her health and she has been working hard at changing her life. Jake has been a source of encouragement during her journey.They have become very close friends, but being more could risk it all.
Jake and Melissa are some of the most relatable characters I have ever read. Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight can relate to Melissa. Not only identify with her but root for her. I was happy to see that she is extremely confident and successful. Jake has a business he is passionate about, and a family he loves.I love their shared experience.
The plot is simple and this was a very satisfying read. There were some great scenes with a few members of Jake's family that we met in the previous book. I understood Jake and Melissa's personal struggles and the conflict was appropriate for their relationship. The solution is high on the "AWWW romantic" scale.
Really enjoyed this book and I am loving this series.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
Melissa decided to take charge of her health and she has been working hard at changing her life. Jake has been a source of encouragement during her journey.They have become very close friends, but being more could risk it all.
Jake and Melissa are some of the most relatable characters I have ever read. Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight can relate to Melissa. Not only identify with her but root for her. I was happy to see that she is extremely confident and successful. Jake has a business he is passionate about, and a family he loves.I love their shared experience.
The plot is simple and this was a very satisfying read. There were some great scenes with a few members of Jake's family that we met in the previous book. I understood Jake and Melissa's personal struggles and the conflict was appropriate for their relationship. The solution is high on the "AWWW romantic" scale.
Really enjoyed this book and I am loving this series.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
August 24, 2014
I loved how through this book Melissa really started to see herself as someone who was worth standing up for herself. Yes, that started with her loosing weight over many months, but she had to overcome years of bullying about her weight. I loved how one overheard conversation seemed to jump start Melissa's thinking and how she wasn't going to let that happen anymore.
I loved the romance part with Jake. I thought they were cute together and while they didn't date, they did spend a lot of time together as friends. It was the friendship that made a great base for them and made it easier for them to reach for more, the wedding a great catalyst.
I was a bit surprised by some of the things that went on at the wedding. Not the nasty person, but how that person hijacked things. In some ways it was horrible, but in others it was great as it allowed so many people to wake up, even if it did take one of them a bit longer.
I loved the romance part with Jake. I thought they were cute together and while they didn't date, they did spend a lot of time together as friends. It was the friendship that made a great base for them and made it easier for them to reach for more, the wedding a great catalyst.
I was a bit surprised by some of the things that went on at the wedding. Not the nasty person, but how that person hijacked things. In some ways it was horrible, but in others it was great as it allowed so many people to wake up, even if it did take one of them a bit longer.
August 3, 2014
I loved reading this book, and I loved how down to earth Jake was, "yeah. I could tell by the way you were belting it out in the truck." Jake pulled the room key card from the back pocket of his jeans as they reached their room." He's just really sexy, "I could be persuaded into a slow dance." He brushed his fingers over the soft skin of her arm. "Or two." He lowered his gaze to her lips, then to her magnificent cleavage." And he's not hard to please, "I'll agree to anything if you kiss me," he said huskily, then lowered his head and covered her mouth with his." I really enjoyed this book and it's characters.
August 23, 2014
A thoughtful contemporary romance with two wounded but strong main characters. The male MC is a bold and vocal protector while the female MC has a quiet strength. An easy read, the characters are realistic and the plot interesting. The author does a decent job of mingling themes of bullying, weight and body image issues, and how people treat each other into the story. A sweet love story with some hot scenes. Recommended for contemporary romance fans, especially NA readers.
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August 19, 2014
I love this series!! The heroes and heroines are to die for. This book was truly one of my favorites!!! I can't wait for more of this series!! Jake was awesome and Melissa was wonderful. At times I wanted to just wake jake up but when he finally got his head out of his ass I loved him as much as Melissa did. Now wait for justin is truly going to suck but I know it will be worth it.
August 5, 2014
I'm really enjoying this series. While I haven't read the first one, I have read the other 3 and I like all the characters and their individual stories. Melissa is a great character that I think every woman can identify with and Jake's desire and love for her was great to see.
August 20, 2014
A good book with likable characters and a solid plot-line. However, the secondary characters ruined it for me a bit. I found her cousin to be beyond annoying and I'm dreading the inevitable book about Melissa's twin and Jake's brother because I just found her to be obnoxious to the extreme.
September 6, 2014
I really like this series. I was anxious to read more about Jake, and although he was a bit of a turd at the end, I adored him! :) I hope that Paige gets her story next, and that she is paid with the mysterious Justin!!!
B
Full review to come
B
Full review to come
August 12, 2014
Since coming back from RWAus2014, I have just had the best run of luck with books!
This was gorgeous! Full review to come closer to release date.
This was gorgeous! Full review to come closer to release date.
May 20, 2015
Alison Packard has knocked it out of the park again! LOVED this book!
May 27, 2019
2.5 stars. I considered DNFing early on. Nothing was wrong with the book; it was just too beginner level. I don’t recall the ages being mentioned, but the characters seemed new adult - and not in the complex way Sarina Bowen writes new adult. They were non-complex, one note people.
I rounded up to 3 stars because I appreciated that the heroine was thicker than usual. But why did her size have to be such a focus of the book?
I rounded up to 3 stars because I appreciated that the heroine was thicker than usual. But why did her size have to be such a focus of the book?
May 26, 2020
Really really good, plowed through in one day - I knew this author has lots of potential - I especially like how it is all focused on the characters and what they think/feel, rather than dealing with their environment too much or with some lopsided crazy story in the background. And this one even deals with body positivity which is a very nice plus! Will be checking out what more this author has in store for sure.
August 14, 2017
This is not a bad book, I enjoyed the story. However, I'm not a fan of books that take on causes. Save the animals, eat healthy foods, don't be a bully, don't text a drive...and the list goes on and on. This could have/would have been a 4 star books for me had there been less causes. When I read a romance I don't want to "save the world" I want to escape the world.
August 8, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
October 22, 2014
The world is a cruel place when you have bullies like Melissa Atherton’s cousin Shauna and her sidekick and maid of honor Denise around. You see Shauna’s dad is blood and forced her to ask either Melissa or Paige her fraternal twins cousins to be in the wedding party. Neither wanted to be in it because the one time Musketeer with them turned on them and became a bully. While in the stall at Shauna’s bridal shower Melissa overheard Shauna talking about why she even bothered to have Paige in the wedding when she was still a big fat pig, basically. Shauna explained the reason she picked Paige over Melissa to be in the wedding even though she had already lost 50 pounds that Melissa would have ruined all of her bridal pictures because she was so fat, not that Paige was that much better. That’s when she said neither could get a date.
So, when she goes to work out later that afternoon Jake Sawyer her personal trainer sees she’s out of sorts and asks. She explains that she’s so pissed she’s thinking of hiring a escort to be her date so she could prove her cousin wrong. Jake, who didn’t want to admit it to himself, likes Melissa and considers her a good friend. He right away right then and there says he would be her escort. She says no at first but once she gets a phone call from Shauna later that afternoon she calls Jake and says she will take him up on the offer and says she will pay for everything and he says no way. He will.
After that Jake starts suggesting that they meet up after hours to go over their background stories and stuff so they do over the next two weeks. When he gets tickets to his brothers game for the Blaze team he takes her to it with them under the pretense that they will have several hours to talk over the likes and dislikes and all other background. When to go out for dinner and drinks after the game they keep telling his brother and sister in law that they are just friends. So when she goes to the bathroom his brother J.T. hits him up and says basically what is going on? She is more to you that just a friend. His wife does too. He still says no and that he has the rule of not dating clients at work. They both roll their eyes. When his brother rolls his eyes again when he is looking at the bar, then he shakes his head no. Jake asks what’s up his brothers says well I’m glad you’re just friend’s cuz it won’t matter to you that our pitcher is making time with your friend. It’s all he can do to stay in his seat. The just friend this is killing him but his business can’t take it after what happened two years prior.
Now the thing that keeps happening right in front of him since she lost the 50+ lbs. is that guys are flirting with her, where were they 50+ lbs. ago when she was heavy? She doesn’t flirt back but it still kills him. So, it’s off to the wedding the check in, get to their room and there is a problem…a king size bed not the double beds they thought they would have. Jake tries to change it but, no can do. This is the start of one funny book. Melissa’s twin is like her alter ego. Paige has defended her sister for so long she knows how to cut to the wick quickly.
But she and Jake do have one flaming hot chemistry to say the least. The thing beside the relationship that I like is that this book is about finding yourself through fitness. Not dieting and exercise but eating when and what your body is actually hungry for. Listening to your body. Plus keeping fit, through “Yes”, exercise in the way of fitness so it is done in a way of endurance and well-being. It’s about not listening to all the garbage all the external things people wanting to shove at you. Negativity about your weight, never being happy with how much you love or what you look like, wanting to be thinner.
Learning to be happy in your own skin. I personally loved the part when Melissa stands up to Mr. Black the photographer. Bravo!!! The speech all plus size woman want to give.
I give this book 5 +++ stars. This book had a great deal of typos. I don’t know if that was due to whoever inputted the book on to the computer or if was just the way the book downloaded from Amazon. Which has happened before from the site because the typos tended to be making words that shouldn’t be compounded words. Provided by net galley.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
So, when she goes to work out later that afternoon Jake Sawyer her personal trainer sees she’s out of sorts and asks. She explains that she’s so pissed she’s thinking of hiring a escort to be her date so she could prove her cousin wrong. Jake, who didn’t want to admit it to himself, likes Melissa and considers her a good friend. He right away right then and there says he would be her escort. She says no at first but once she gets a phone call from Shauna later that afternoon she calls Jake and says she will take him up on the offer and says she will pay for everything and he says no way. He will.
After that Jake starts suggesting that they meet up after hours to go over their background stories and stuff so they do over the next two weeks. When he gets tickets to his brothers game for the Blaze team he takes her to it with them under the pretense that they will have several hours to talk over the likes and dislikes and all other background. When to go out for dinner and drinks after the game they keep telling his brother and sister in law that they are just friends. So when she goes to the bathroom his brother J.T. hits him up and says basically what is going on? She is more to you that just a friend. His wife does too. He still says no and that he has the rule of not dating clients at work. They both roll their eyes. When his brother rolls his eyes again when he is looking at the bar, then he shakes his head no. Jake asks what’s up his brothers says well I’m glad you’re just friend’s cuz it won’t matter to you that our pitcher is making time with your friend. It’s all he can do to stay in his seat. The just friend this is killing him but his business can’t take it after what happened two years prior.
Now the thing that keeps happening right in front of him since she lost the 50+ lbs. is that guys are flirting with her, where were they 50+ lbs. ago when she was heavy? She doesn’t flirt back but it still kills him. So, it’s off to the wedding the check in, get to their room and there is a problem…a king size bed not the double beds they thought they would have. Jake tries to change it but, no can do. This is the start of one funny book. Melissa’s twin is like her alter ego. Paige has defended her sister for so long she knows how to cut to the wick quickly.
But she and Jake do have one flaming hot chemistry to say the least. The thing beside the relationship that I like is that this book is about finding yourself through fitness. Not dieting and exercise but eating when and what your body is actually hungry for. Listening to your body. Plus keeping fit, through “Yes”, exercise in the way of fitness so it is done in a way of endurance and well-being. It’s about not listening to all the garbage all the external things people wanting to shove at you. Negativity about your weight, never being happy with how much you love or what you look like, wanting to be thinner.
Learning to be happy in your own skin. I personally loved the part when Melissa stands up to Mr. Black the photographer. Bravo!!! The speech all plus size woman want to give.
I give this book 5 +++ stars. This book had a great deal of typos. I don’t know if that was due to whoever inputted the book on to the computer or if was just the way the book downloaded from Amazon. Which has happened before from the site because the typos tended to be making words that shouldn’t be compounded words. Provided by net galley.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
September 30, 2014
You know that feeling when, after having many, many, many debates with yourself, you finally decide to sign up for the gym, and meet your personal trainer who just so happens to be one of the most caring, sweetest, sexiest men on the face of earth, who not only likes you for who you are from the start, becomes your friend and helps you get your confidence back, but who also helps you better yourself and understand your own body's needs-both health wise and carnal- instead of having you give up your favorite foods, and finally falls in love with you and breaks his own rules for your sake? No? Me neither. Lucky Melissa does though.
If I have to state only one problem with this book, it would be its length. It read more like a novella than a novel. When I first realized the number of pages it's got, I wanted to make sure if that was right, like I could get only half of the book-silly me I know- but it turned out this book was a little shorter than its predecessors. And although I think it could've worked, the subject matter of this book along with the lovely romance, required more pages to tell its story. Melissa is a woman with a size a notch bigger than what is accepted fashionable these days, and she's been tormented by people in the past for the way she looks. So, she not only wants to get healthier, but her story is also about her coming to love her body the way it is, and seeing herself as a sexy woman. Her eyes and anchor in this, is Jake Sawyer. Personal trainer and gym owner extraordinaire, I know he must be the last of his kind.
I liked the romance blossoming between these two characters, and I liked how Jake already set her aside from other women when he first met her, before her journey to a healthier life. I would've loved to read about their friendship first, before delving into the romance, but still, their story was satisfying and sexy. I could relate to Melissa, and adored Jake. They had their own personalities that meshed together nicely. There were also a few people, and thus relationships, around Melissa from her less healthy past, and that's where my previous statement of the problem with length comes from. As much as I would've preferred more Jake and Melissa interactions-not that what they had was not enough but you know how, once the couple is cute and sexy you just can't get enough of them- but I also would've loved to see Melissa's relationship with some of those less understanding people in more depth. That's all about the only criticism I had with this story. Except for maybe it is not being mine, but let's just forget about that.
A lovely story between two people who are happy to be themselves and love each other for who they are, this one reminded me that a gym is not the torture chamber I keep thinking it to be, but perhaps a fit place-can I snicker here? Please?- where one can also find love with a sexy man if they're as lucky as Melissa. I wish you guys all such luck. Can I be persuaded to join the gym now? I'm not sure, since I already know all the guys from my previous gym and let me tell you, they were no Jake. I guess I gotta look for love elsewhere. Oh well.
If I have to state only one problem with this book, it would be its length. It read more like a novella than a novel. When I first realized the number of pages it's got, I wanted to make sure if that was right, like I could get only half of the book-silly me I know- but it turned out this book was a little shorter than its predecessors. And although I think it could've worked, the subject matter of this book along with the lovely romance, required more pages to tell its story. Melissa is a woman with a size a notch bigger than what is accepted fashionable these days, and she's been tormented by people in the past for the way she looks. So, she not only wants to get healthier, but her story is also about her coming to love her body the way it is, and seeing herself as a sexy woman. Her eyes and anchor in this, is Jake Sawyer. Personal trainer and gym owner extraordinaire, I know he must be the last of his kind.
I liked the romance blossoming between these two characters, and I liked how Jake already set her aside from other women when he first met her, before her journey to a healthier life. I would've loved to read about their friendship first, before delving into the romance, but still, their story was satisfying and sexy. I could relate to Melissa, and adored Jake. They had their own personalities that meshed together nicely. There were also a few people, and thus relationships, around Melissa from her less healthy past, and that's where my previous statement of the problem with length comes from. As much as I would've preferred more Jake and Melissa interactions-not that what they had was not enough but you know how, once the couple is cute and sexy you just can't get enough of them- but I also would've loved to see Melissa's relationship with some of those less understanding people in more depth. That's all about the only criticism I had with this story. Except for maybe it is not being mine, but let's just forget about that.
A lovely story between two people who are happy to be themselves and love each other for who they are, this one reminded me that a gym is not the torture chamber I keep thinking it to be, but perhaps a fit place-can I snicker here? Please?- where one can also find love with a sexy man if they're as lucky as Melissa. I wish you guys all such luck. Can I be persuaded to join the gym now? I'm not sure, since I already know all the guys from my previous gym and let me tell you, they were no Jake. I guess I gotta look for love elsewhere. Oh well.
February 7, 2015
Buku yang keren abis! Menceritakan tentang Melisa yang berjuang menurunkan berat badannya dan sering jadi objek bullying dari sepupunya & kroninya. Melisa ini sebenernya udah turun 50 pounds selama 8 bulanan, dan meski masih dianggap overweight, dia udah nyaman dengan tubuhnya yang sekarang ini--tapi ya gitu deh. Masih aja dibully sama sepupunya-Shauna & sohibnya-Denise yang sinting (ups, emosi jiwa). Di beberapa part saya ngerasa senasib sama Melisa sih. Udah berjuang mati-matian nurunin berat badan tapi masih aja ada yang nyinyir dan ngebully.
So, suatu ketika Melisa tak sengaja menguping Shauna dan Denise ngejelek-jelekin Melisa tentang berat badannya dan gak ada cowok yang mau sama Melisa. Panas, Melisa pun bertekad untuk datang ke pesta pernikahan Shauna dengan menggandeng cowok male-escort yang superhot. Hohoho.... sweet revenge nih. Tapi saat Melisa menceritakan ini ke gym trainernya, Jake. Kebetulan Jake dan Melisa ini udah berteman baik sejak Jake ngelatih Melisa untuk workout di gymnya. Nah, Jake pun menawarkan daripada Melisa nyewa male-escort yang gak jelas, mending dia aja yang nemenin Melisa datang ke pestanya Shauna. Jake ini superhot dan Melisa sempet gak percaya cowo se-hot itu bersedia berkomplot untuk ngeladeni bully-nya Shauna. Sebenernya Jake dulu juga sempet dibully karena dia gemuk pas masih di bangku sekolahan, makanya Jake punya empathy sama orang-orang yang dulunya senasib sama dia. Akhirnya Jake dan Melisa pun datang ke pesta pernikahan Shauna dan berpura-pura pacaran.
Ada rules yang diterapkan Jake di gymnya, yaitu gak boleh ada hubungan romantis antara dia dengan kliennya. Ini dikarenakan dulu Jake pernah ngedate dengan klien ceweknya dan saat hubungan mereka berakhir, si cewek ini gak mau terima dan malah menggugat Jake dengan tuduhan sexual harrassment. Meski gugatannya gugur, nama baiknya Jake pun tercoreng. Maka dari itu Jake engga mau lagi pacaran sama klien. Tapi sebenernya Jake udah tertarik dengan Melisa, bahkan sebelum Melisa berhasil menurunkan berat badannya 50 pounds. Melisa memang likeable sih. Penyayang hewan dan orangnya selalu bisa melihat kebaikan dalam diri setiap orang, selain itu Jake juga nyaman berada di deket Melisa. Perasaan Jake pun sebenernya gak bertepuk sebelah tangan kok, karena Melisa juga suka sama Jake yang protektif banget. Semenjak Melisa lebih langsing, dia kan sering banget digodain cowok-cowok nakal gitu. Hehehe...
Overall, Jake ini idaman cewe-cewe deh, khususnya saya yang juga ngalami apa yang dialami Melisa. Ada pesan moral juga yang disampaikan agar reader yang overweight dan sedang berjuang menurunkan berat badan engga melakukannya cuma demi alasan estetika. Turunkan berat badanmu sampai kamu nyaman dengan tubuhmu tanpa diet berlebihan dan olahraga mati-matian. Baca buku ini bikin saya pengen rutin olahraga lagi biar bisa lebih langsing lagi. :)
So, suatu ketika Melisa tak sengaja menguping Shauna dan Denise ngejelek-jelekin Melisa tentang berat badannya dan gak ada cowok yang mau sama Melisa. Panas, Melisa pun bertekad untuk datang ke pesta pernikahan Shauna dengan menggandeng cowok male-escort yang superhot. Hohoho.... sweet revenge nih. Tapi saat Melisa menceritakan ini ke gym trainernya, Jake. Kebetulan Jake dan Melisa ini udah berteman baik sejak Jake ngelatih Melisa untuk workout di gymnya. Nah, Jake pun menawarkan daripada Melisa nyewa male-escort yang gak jelas, mending dia aja yang nemenin Melisa datang ke pestanya Shauna. Jake ini superhot dan Melisa sempet gak percaya cowo se-hot itu bersedia berkomplot untuk ngeladeni bully-nya Shauna. Sebenernya Jake dulu juga sempet dibully karena dia gemuk pas masih di bangku sekolahan, makanya Jake punya empathy sama orang-orang yang dulunya senasib sama dia. Akhirnya Jake dan Melisa pun datang ke pesta pernikahan Shauna dan berpura-pura pacaran.
Ada rules yang diterapkan Jake di gymnya, yaitu gak boleh ada hubungan romantis antara dia dengan kliennya. Ini dikarenakan dulu Jake pernah ngedate dengan klien ceweknya dan saat hubungan mereka berakhir, si cewek ini gak mau terima dan malah menggugat Jake dengan tuduhan sexual harrassment. Meski gugatannya gugur, nama baiknya Jake pun tercoreng. Maka dari itu Jake engga mau lagi pacaran sama klien. Tapi sebenernya Jake udah tertarik dengan Melisa, bahkan sebelum Melisa berhasil menurunkan berat badannya 50 pounds. Melisa memang likeable sih. Penyayang hewan dan orangnya selalu bisa melihat kebaikan dalam diri setiap orang, selain itu Jake juga nyaman berada di deket Melisa. Perasaan Jake pun sebenernya gak bertepuk sebelah tangan kok, karena Melisa juga suka sama Jake yang protektif banget. Semenjak Melisa lebih langsing, dia kan sering banget digodain cowok-cowok nakal gitu. Hehehe...
Overall, Jake ini idaman cewe-cewe deh, khususnya saya yang juga ngalami apa yang dialami Melisa. Ada pesan moral juga yang disampaikan agar reader yang overweight dan sedang berjuang menurunkan berat badan engga melakukannya cuma demi alasan estetika. Turunkan berat badanmu sampai kamu nyaman dengan tubuhmu tanpa diet berlebihan dan olahraga mati-matian. Baca buku ini bikin saya pengen rutin olahraga lagi biar bisa lebih langsing lagi. :)
December 20, 2014
When I read the blurb on this something about it drew me in. Maybe it was the fact that we are starting off with a woman who is working on changing herself physically and isn't the perfect size 3. Or maybe it is the fact that she is taking charge of her life and sitting on the sidelines. Or maybe I just like the friends to lovers troupe. I don't know, but I am glad that I read it.
Melissa is one of a set of fraternal twins. Her and her sister live together and although they share the same birthday, they couldn't be more dissimilar. Melissa has always been heavier, is more reserved and loves to putter outside with her gardens and DIY projects. Her sister is slim, outgoing and going to the police academy. But one thing is certain, they totally have each other's backs. While at their cousin's wedding shower, Melissa overhears the cruel comments that are said about her and her lack of date. Her twin is ready to create a huge scene, but Melissa decides that she will just higher an escort instead and get her revenge by "living well" as it were.
Jake is the owner of a gym and the personal trainer who has been working with Melissa. He has helped her not only with training, but insists that she not go on a diet, just learn to eat more nutritiously and actually listen to her bodies needs. When he lets Melissa know that he has nominated her for a local health magazine's change issue, Melissa lets slip about hiring an escort. Jake insists that she let him go with her instead. He will play the part of doting boyfriend. It makes more sense, since they already know each other.
I very much liked that the two characters were friends first and had a mutual, but unacted upon interest in each other. Also, Melissa was really the character that had the most growth in this book. Surprisingly, it was Jake. Though Melissa did show hidden depths during some critical moments in the book.
I'm not one for picking up a book in the middle of a series. Most of the time it just doesn't work for me. But this book was incredibly different. If it hadn't been for the fact that I went and looked to see what and who each of the books previously was about, I would never have realized it was part of a series. These stories seem to form a link to just the couple in the prior book, more like a chain than a web of characters interacting. It felt very old school romance novel that way. The story's couple is linked via Jake's brother and it feels as though the next book will be about Melissa's sister. I really enjoyed the book, it felt real and relevant and though it worked well as a stand alone, I will be looking for the next one. I gave this book 3 stars.
Melissa is one of a set of fraternal twins. Her and her sister live together and although they share the same birthday, they couldn't be more dissimilar. Melissa has always been heavier, is more reserved and loves to putter outside with her gardens and DIY projects. Her sister is slim, outgoing and going to the police academy. But one thing is certain, they totally have each other's backs. While at their cousin's wedding shower, Melissa overhears the cruel comments that are said about her and her lack of date. Her twin is ready to create a huge scene, but Melissa decides that she will just higher an escort instead and get her revenge by "living well" as it were.
Jake is the owner of a gym and the personal trainer who has been working with Melissa. He has helped her not only with training, but insists that she not go on a diet, just learn to eat more nutritiously and actually listen to her bodies needs. When he lets Melissa know that he has nominated her for a local health magazine's change issue, Melissa lets slip about hiring an escort. Jake insists that she let him go with her instead. He will play the part of doting boyfriend. It makes more sense, since they already know each other.
I very much liked that the two characters were friends first and had a mutual, but unacted upon interest in each other. Also, Melissa was really the character that had the most growth in this book. Surprisingly, it was Jake. Though Melissa did show hidden depths during some critical moments in the book.
I'm not one for picking up a book in the middle of a series. Most of the time it just doesn't work for me. But this book was incredibly different. If it hadn't been for the fact that I went and looked to see what and who each of the books previously was about, I would never have realized it was part of a series. These stories seem to form a link to just the couple in the prior book, more like a chain than a web of characters interacting. It felt very old school romance novel that way. The story's couple is linked via Jake's brother and it feels as though the next book will be about Melissa's sister. I really enjoyed the book, it felt real and relevant and though it worked well as a stand alone, I will be looking for the next one. I gave this book 3 stars.
September 26, 2014
Originally posted at Bunny's Review
Starting out Melissa and her fraternal twin Paige are at a cousins wedding. I honestly laughed during the first page when Paige stated
Yes I am been there before. Sometimes I think it would be easier to just kill me instead of trying to keep a family member happy no matter the occasion. Paige and Melissa are calling their cousin Bridezilla. At first I thought this was a little extreme until I read all the requirements the bride demanded of her bridal party members.
When I get to the part about Cousin Shauna and her maid of honor Denise I knew the Bridezilla name was not extreme. To actually hear two women downgrading someone else because they just might wear a size 12 or 14 piece of clothing was beyond my understanding.
I guess it is me but when a person is so self-centered they have to make fun how much someone weighs or clothing size then they really need to take a look at their own life. Bullies are not just in the halls at school any more they are everywhere. Sometimes turning the other cheek is old and a person needs to stand up and give the bullies a piece of their own medicine.
Near the end of chapter one reader’s are introduced to Jake. He is thinking about his no-dating policy he instituted for his business. Since he owns a gym and is a fitness trainer I am sure anyone in his position would have members trying to pick him up all the time. I can understand this to a point but I feel Jake took this policy a little too far.
This was a nice fast read. I really enjoyed the bully aspect in the book. It provided a new twist to romance. I recommend this book to contemporary romance readers.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.
Starting out Melissa and her fraternal twin Paige are at a cousins wedding. I honestly laughed during the first page when Paige stated
“Just kill me now and put me out of my misery,” Paige said
Yes I am been there before. Sometimes I think it would be easier to just kill me instead of trying to keep a family member happy no matter the occasion. Paige and Melissa are calling their cousin Bridezilla. At first I thought this was a little extreme until I read all the requirements the bride demanded of her bridal party members.
When I get to the part about Cousin Shauna and her maid of honor Denise I knew the Bridezilla name was not extreme. To actually hear two women downgrading someone else because they just might wear a size 12 or 14 piece of clothing was beyond my understanding.
“Not enough. If I had to guess I’d say she’s a size twelve or maybe even a fourteen.”
“Can you imagine?” Shauna’s tone was edged with horror. “Double digits.”
I guess it is me but when a person is so self-centered they have to make fun how much someone weighs or clothing size then they really need to take a look at their own life. Bullies are not just in the halls at school any more they are everywhere. Sometimes turning the other cheek is old and a person needs to stand up and give the bullies a piece of their own medicine.
Near the end of chapter one reader’s are introduced to Jake. He is thinking about his no-dating policy he instituted for his business. Since he owns a gym and is a fitness trainer I am sure anyone in his position would have members trying to pick him up all the time. I can understand this to a point but I feel Jake took this policy a little too far.
This was a nice fast read. I really enjoyed the bully aspect in the book. It provided a new twist to romance. I recommend this book to contemporary romance readers.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.
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