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Attraction #1
Constructing Us
When Andy takes over the lease on her friend Ethan's apartment, he warns her about his roommate, Tragan. According to Ethan, Tragan Barrett is self-centered and often inconsiderate, caring more about hanging out with his friends and hitting the local casino than straightening the living room or keeping up with his laundry. Andy isn't too concerned, though, because she isn't moving in to make a friend.
Intended as a short-term living arrangement, the apartment is close to the hospital where Andy is participating in a drug study for a rare disorder she was diagnosed with when she was twenty. Now, fresh out of college, she is trying to figure out her life--and also how to live with the uncertainty of her condition. Figuring she'll go one way and he'll go another, Andy is surprised to learn that Tragan is not exactly the way Ethan painted him. In fact, there's a whole other side to the darkly sexy construction worker...especially when it comes to Andy.
Can an unlikely friendship turn into something much more?
Contains explicit/steamy scenes that are intended for mature readers.
Intended as a short-term living arrangement, the apartment is close to the hospital where Andy is participating in a drug study for a rare disorder she was diagnosed with when she was twenty. Now, fresh out of college, she is trying to figure out her life--and also how to live with the uncertainty of her condition. Figuring she'll go one way and he'll go another, Andy is surprised to learn that Tragan is not exactly the way Ethan painted him. In fact, there's a whole other side to the darkly sexy construction worker...especially when it comes to Andy.
Can an unlikely friendship turn into something much more?
Contains explicit/steamy scenes that are intended for mature readers.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2014
76 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Lake
14 books170 followersC.J. Lake is a storyteller who is passionate about art, surfing, and skiing/snowboarding. Residing near the coast of Massachusetts, C.J. is working on a new book that will feature Tragan Barrett's friend, Matt Winter. Readers can get in touch via email (writercjlake@gmail.com), or follow C.J. on Twitter @brightbluesurf.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a really sweet read. It had potential to have a lot of angst, but surprisingly it was pretty light overall. The h and H are both likeable (and the side characters of the H's parents, the H's friends, and the h's sister), and that made them easy to root for. I liked it enough, but maybe it was all too easy for me. I don't think it will go down as one of my favorites and it might not be all that memorable in the long run. I'm curious about the h's sister's story which is next in the series, A Hot Winter, especially because I love single parent romances.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Andy and Tragan's story. Tragan's roommate tells him that he's leaving in 2 weeks, but not to worry because he has lined up his long time friend, Andy, to take his place with the room and rent. Tragan is shocked to learn that Andy is an attractive female, and not the male that he was expecting. Andy is moving in because she has a rare medical disorder and was talked in to a drug study by her boyfriend at the nearby hospital. They form a sweet friendship that always has the underlying attraction there for both of them. Tragan wants more, but he respects that Andy has a boyfriend and doesn't make a move. Eventually the attraction becomes too much, and they give in and cross the line and start a relationship. There are some issues with family, her medical diagnosis, and some bad communication/choices...but the couple get their HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing on Andy and Tragan in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I didn't feel the need to skim with this book.
Instalove: No, it had good development of the relationship.
H rating: 4 stars. Tragan. He was a great bbf. He made a stupid mistake, but then he more than made up for it by the end.
h rating: 4 stars. Andy. I liked her character. She was sweet and innocent, b up not in the annoying tstl way ;)
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I did get teary about their major conflict as a couple, but it wasn't that much and it didn't last all that long.
Heat level: Moderate. The couple do have some good chemistry.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
OW/OM drama: Yes, but it was really mild. The h has a boyfriend when she first meets the H, so there is some issues with him.
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: Not enough closure for me. It was a HFN ending for the couple.
Worth the $?:. On my kindle unlimited, so yes! For the $4.99 on Amazon, I'd still say yes if you want a sweet and pretty light read.
Overall Opinion: This was a really sweet read. It had potential to have a lot of angst, but surprisingly it was pretty light overall. The h and H are both likeable (and the side characters of the H's parents, the H's friends, and the h's sister), and that made them easy to root for. I liked it enough, but maybe it was all too easy for me. I don't think it will go down as one of my favorites and it might not be all that memorable in the long run. I'm curious about the h's sister's story which is next in the series, A Hot Winter, especially because I love single parent romances.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Andy and Tragan's story. Tragan's roommate tells him that he's leaving in 2 weeks, but not to worry because he has lined up his long time friend, Andy, to take his place with the room and rent. Tragan is shocked to learn that Andy is an attractive female, and not the male that he was expecting. Andy is moving in because she has a rare medical disorder and was talked in to a drug study by her boyfriend at the nearby hospital. They form a sweet friendship that always has the underlying attraction there for both of them. Tragan wants more, but he respects that Andy has a boyfriend and doesn't make a move. Eventually the attraction becomes too much, and they give in and cross the line and start a relationship. There are some issues with family, her medical diagnosis, and some bad communication/choices...but the couple get their HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between focusing on Andy and Tragan in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I didn't feel the need to skim with this book.
Instalove: No, it had good development of the relationship.
H rating: 4 stars. Tragan. He was a great bbf. He made a stupid mistake, but then he more than made up for it by the end.
h rating: 4 stars. Andy. I liked her character. She was sweet and innocent, b up not in the annoying tstl way ;)
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I did get teary about their major conflict as a couple, but it wasn't that much and it didn't last all that long.
Heat level: Moderate. The couple do have some good chemistry.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
OW/OM drama: Yes, but it was really mild. The h has a boyfriend when she first meets the H, so there is some issues with him.
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: Not enough closure for me. It was a HFN ending for the couple.
Worth the $?:. On my kindle unlimited, so yes! For the $4.99 on Amazon, I'd still say yes if you want a sweet and pretty light read.
December 19, 2017
No. Just NO.
I was pretty exciting about this book because the heroine has an autoimmune disease, like me. I thought I could relate, and maybe some of the fears a life-threatening/life-destroying disease like mine can cause in a relationship.
But alas, she was fine most of the book, and even her "episodes" weren't severe.
My biggest problem though was, THE AUTHOR DECIDED TO "CURE" HER AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASE.
And make it a fucking allergy to a chemical in book paper. What the ever-living fuck?
You could make such an angsty romance from auto-immune diseases and the fears of inadequacy that result. But no, I guess I need to write that book.
I was pretty exciting about this book because the heroine has an autoimmune disease, like me. I thought I could relate, and maybe some of the fears a life-threatening/life-destroying disease like mine can cause in a relationship.
But alas, she was fine most of the book, and even her "episodes" weren't severe.
My biggest problem though was, THE AUTHOR DECIDED TO "CURE" HER AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASE.
And make it a fucking allergy to a chemical in book paper. What the ever-living fuck?
You could make such an angsty romance from auto-immune diseases and the fears of inadequacy that result. But no, I guess I need to write that book.
January 23, 2015
This was a really fantastic book! In the first chapter, we read it from Ethan's point of view, and the way Tragan acted I honestly didn't think that I would like him. He seemed like a jerk, and well kind of lazy. Luckily, once Andy moves in we get to see a different side of Tray. I'm so glad that he wasn't just some douchebag, because I really liked him. He was sweet, loving, nice, and such a good guy.
Andy was my favorite! I'm exactly like her when it comes to books. Whenever I go anywhere I will take a bag filled with just books. And if I'm ever in the same situation as her, I would definitely bring a whole bunch of books.
It was such a sweet love story, and I loved it so much that as soon as I finished it I started the second book.
January 1, 2015
3.5 stars for this one. I think that this is this author's debut novel. Very nice read. The everyday dialogue was a little too drawn out to leave much room for the the plot development. I especially like the H, Tragan.
The h, Andy, was a little mousey to me, but I think that she was trying to break out of that- with no help from her mother and her, uh, Doctor "boyfriend" Brad. The om, Brad is not someone I sympathized with. No spoilers, but it all works out and the ending/epilogue was nicely done.
I will probably read the 2nd book- with Tragan's friend Matt & Andy's sister Emma.
The h, Andy, was a little mousey to me, but I think that she was trying to break out of that- with no help from her mother and her, uh, Doctor "boyfriend" Brad. The om, Brad is not someone I sympathized with. No spoilers, but it all works out and the ending/epilogue was nicely done.
I will probably read the 2nd book- with Tragan's friend Matt & Andy's sister Emma.
August 6, 2019
I rarely DNF.
Will usually skip to the middle and finish the end.
Could not even do that with this book.
The premise of the story was sweet, but it just didn't have the depth of writing and character development to be engaging.
Will usually skip to the middle and finish the end.
Could not even do that with this book.
The premise of the story was sweet, but it just didn't have the depth of writing and character development to be engaging.
Want to read
December 20, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/20/2022)! 🎁
November 26, 2014
Andy is in treatment for a rare disease when she takes over her friend’s lease of his apartment when he moves to London. He warns her about his roommate, but he offers the wrong tips. He tells her how he is a bit of a jerk, but he never mentions how hot and sweet he can be. Will she be taking over more than she has ever dream of?
Tragan is tricked by his old roommate. He is told about his new roomie, but Ethan forgets to mention his new roommate is a girl. When he feels an instant attraction, he doesn’t know what to do. Suddenly she is more than he has ever dream, and he will do anything to construct a life with her. Will she take him on?
Constructing Us is a great romance novel. All characters are well developed, easy to love and connect. Several secondary characters are fun enough to make you wish for a book of their own. The plot is well written, with some very good passionate scenes. The climax has a little twist to it, that only adds to the whole story.
Ms. Lake has created an amazing love story that will have you cheering them on and hoping for the best. It’s a modern concept of a fairy tale, with believable facts and characters that you would like to be friends with. It doesn’t have an antagonist per se, but a few people that acts against the couple a few times.
This is my first book by the author, and I was very pleased with it. I will definitely be looking at other works from her, and I hope this book has a continuation. I have high hopes for some other characters and I believe that characters such as Jamie and Emma deserves their own story told.
You may read this because you enjoy a love story; you should read this because you like Ms. Lake’s work; but you MUST read this if you like your romance with a little spice and some hot scenes!
“Here Brad had planned a special romantic night for her. What had Tragan done? Gotten jealous, gone out drinking, then come home reeking of tequila and ended up taking her on the floor.”
February 17, 2015
Cute , adorable, sweet yet passionate book that i absolutely enjoyed reading.
Genre: Contemp
Sub-Genre/Age: Early Twenties
Standalone/Cliffhanger:; Standalone
Part of a Series/Installment: Yes-BK #1
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating: NO!
Multi-Luv'n: No
Contains Children: No
Contains Flashbacks: No
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating: 3.5
Angst Level Rating: 2
Feel-Good Level Rating: 5
Steam Factor Rating: 4
Amount of Sex In The Book: Average
Overall Smex Rating: 4
Hero Description: Alpha-4, Works in Construction
Hero Likability Rating: 5 - I enjoyed reading about this H.He was not a man-hoo which i liked .He was very much into the h which made it very much enjoyable and lovable to read.
Heroine Description: Sweet and nice.
Heroine Likability Rating: 4
2nd Char. Description: H's Friends and h's Sister and mother.
2nd Character(s) Likability Rating: H's Friends - 5 , Boy they were a hoot.
Buildup Instant/Just Right/Too Long: Just Right
Any H/h Separations: Few weeks breakup
Amount of Time H/h Spends Together: Just Right
Overall H/h Relationship Rating: 4.5
Current OW/OM/Ex: None- which was wonderful. Thank-god there were no women tripping and falling in love with the H at every roadside.
Any Triggers/Warnings:
Technical/Editing Quality: 3.5
Writing/Content Quality: 3.5
Overall Rating: 4
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
Will You Re-read This Book: Maybe
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
November 4, 2014
Constructing Us - C.J. Lake
4 stars
This is a very light and sweet read with a little of bit of steamy thrown in there.
Andy's friend Ethan is moving out of his apartment and Andy is the perfect person to move in and take over for him. She's just out of college, wanting her independence and out of her mothers house. So, Andy moves in with Tragan expecting a rude, selfish, immature frat brother but she gets sweet, funny, and kind Tragan. When Andy finds out Tragan knows about her sickness she gets kind of upset and tells him not think of her as a sickness and for him not to worry about her.
Tragan is so far gone from thinking of her as a sickness it's unreal. He's intrigued by her, thinks she sexy as hell, and she can cook like a professional chef. She brings out the best in him. He's sweet and kind when it comes to her. Even though she has a boyfriend things slowly begin to heat up between them.
Will Andy break up with her boyfriend to be with Tragan? Will her sickness come back and take over her life?
I really liked this book. Like I said it was sweet and light. There wasn't a whole lot of drama with the characters. There were some awesome support characters, can't wait to read more about them.
4 stars
This is a very light and sweet read with a little of bit of steamy thrown in there.
Andy's friend Ethan is moving out of his apartment and Andy is the perfect person to move in and take over for him. She's just out of college, wanting her independence and out of her mothers house. So, Andy moves in with Tragan expecting a rude, selfish, immature frat brother but she gets sweet, funny, and kind Tragan. When Andy finds out Tragan knows about her sickness she gets kind of upset and tells him not think of her as a sickness and for him not to worry about her.
Tragan is so far gone from thinking of her as a sickness it's unreal. He's intrigued by her, thinks she sexy as hell, and she can cook like a professional chef. She brings out the best in him. He's sweet and kind when it comes to her. Even though she has a boyfriend things slowly begin to heat up between them.
Will Andy break up with her boyfriend to be with Tragan? Will her sickness come back and take over her life?
I really liked this book. Like I said it was sweet and light. There wasn't a whole lot of drama with the characters. There were some awesome support characters, can't wait to read more about them.
September 22, 2014
3.5 stars
Andy has a non life threatening innlness, but she wants to be independent and move out of her mother's house and closer to the study she is enrolled in. She moves in with Tragan (how do you pronounce that?) because her friend is moving to London and needs somebody to take over his part of the lease. But Tragan is nothing like her friend described. He's funny and sweet and kind. As time goes in, they become attracted to each other, but there is one thing wrong. Andy had a boyfriend.
I liked this story. It was kind of sweet. Tragan isn't whoring around because he can't be with Andy (like in a lot of books featuring people of this age group). There isn't a lot of drama or conflict. Both the main and supporting characters (with the exception of the Bf and Andy's mom) are likeable.Just an overall cute story.
Andy has a non life threatening innlness, but she wants to be independent and move out of her mother's house and closer to the study she is enrolled in. She moves in with Tragan (how do you pronounce that?) because her friend is moving to London and needs somebody to take over his part of the lease. But Tragan is nothing like her friend described. He's funny and sweet and kind. As time goes in, they become attracted to each other, but there is one thing wrong. Andy had a boyfriend.
I liked this story. It was kind of sweet. Tragan isn't whoring around because he can't be with Andy (like in a lot of books featuring people of this age group). There isn't a lot of drama or conflict. Both the main and supporting characters (with the exception of the Bf and Andy's mom) are likeable.Just an overall cute story.
November 1, 2016
I adore this book! The characters are so likeable and I love the message throughout. Tragen is the perfect hero. He's a hot, passionate guy with a serious bad boy vibe. Andy (Andaline - I love her full name) is funny, sweet and addicted to books - I can relate to that :)
If you're looking for a hot, passionate romance with lovable characters and a few tears you have to read this book!!
Personally I'm dying to read the next one and C.J Lake is definitely on my favourite authors list!!
P.S the author makes you wait for that first love scene but it's seriously worth it!!!
If you're looking for a hot, passionate romance with lovable characters and a few tears you have to read this book!!
Personally I'm dying to read the next one and C.J Lake is definitely on my favourite authors list!!
P.S the author makes you wait for that first love scene but it's seriously worth it!!!
August 21, 2014
Sweet story...
It was simple yet endearing. Lovely girl with a rough around the edges, unlikely to fall...guy. Well to bad for him he falls anyway.
The writing was good. The story could have used a bit more emotion or connection to characters but I liked it.
If you prefer less drama with more sweet and a dash of sexy... This is your read!
3.5 stars, HEA, standalone. Some sexy time!
It was simple yet endearing. Lovely girl with a rough around the edges, unlikely to fall...guy. Well to bad for him he falls anyway.
The writing was good. The story could have used a bit more emotion or connection to characters but I liked it.
If you prefer less drama with more sweet and a dash of sexy... This is your read!
3.5 stars, HEA, standalone. Some sexy time!
August 25, 2014
Very good!
Very good!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book !!:)definitely a page turner, I couldn't put it down!!!:) That made it a quick read, but I love the story, the characters had such a deep connection to each other, and it seemed that both had found their soul mate in the other.. right away until forever xxx
Very good!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book !!:)definitely a page turner, I couldn't put it down!!!:) That made it a quick read, but I love the story, the characters had such a deep connection to each other, and it seemed that both had found their soul mate in the other.. right away until forever xxx
September 9, 2014
Great read
good story line, a plot that you can follow. author develops characters well throughout out story. first one of c.j. lakes books for me. definitely looking up some of her other work s.
good story line, a plot that you can follow. author develops characters well throughout out story. first one of c.j. lakes books for me. definitely looking up some of her other work s.
September 28, 2014
Good quick read. 3.75. Read it in a matter of hours.
October 1, 2014
This book is very vanilla! But I really liked!!! The story take place in Boston and I liked even more! I little predictable but yet very sweet.
October 14, 2014
I really liked this book. I love stand alone books. Series books are great as all of the books have been released.
October 15, 2014
So so so good! I loved every damn bit of this book and will placing it in my LOVE-LOVE-LOVE it shelf. Did I mention I LOVED it...?!!! Even the cover the book was amazeballs...!
August 7, 2015
already miss this couple
May 1, 2016
This book wasn't half bad. The story was cute and fast. Little drama and lots of romance and sex.
Read
October 10, 2016DNF 13%
September 21, 2014
2-3 stars
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews