My Escort

My Escort #1

by Kia Carrington-Russell

Clover is personal assistant to Debra Coorman, the merciless boss of Candice fashion magazine. The bright lights of New York are dim for Clover, who is tormented by a work schedule like no other. Debra is relentless in her determination to demean Clover.

For once, Clover dares to play Debra’s games, and intends to prove her wrong at the next glittering event. With mixed emotions, Clover contacts a male escort, Damon. If his velvet voice over the phone is anything to go by, Clover knows her money will be well spent.

But when Damon appears at her door, something unexpected happens. The taunts and the games begin. Who is truly going to win at this game?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

157 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2015

About the author

Amazon Top 25 Best Selling Author

Australian Author, Kia Carrington-Russell is known for her recognizable style of kick-butt heroines, enemies to lovers, fast paced action and romance that dances from light to dark. Including multiples genres such as Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance and Fantasy Romance. Obsessed with all things coffee, food and travel, Kia is always seeking out her next international adventure.

Now back in her home country of Australia, she takes her Cavoodle, Sia along morning walks on beautiful coastline beaches, building worlds in the sea breezes and contemplating which deliciously haunting story to write next.

Follow Kia at:
TikTok- kia_crystal
Instagram- kiacarringtonrussell
Facebook- kiacarringtonrussellauthor
www.kiacarrington-russell.com

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

High pressure, high fashion and a boss who is a merciless tyrant who love making life miserable, almost sounds like a modern day fairytale, and maybe it is for Clover. Instead of a fairy godmother and a glass slipper, Clover hires an escort for a posh business/social event. Damon’s job is to act like her boyfriend, not too cutesy, just attentive, hot and caring. He definitely has hot down pat, as every woman in the place, including Clover’s boss fawn over him. Still things aren’t going as smoothly as Clover had hoped and the quiet banter, taunting and teasing between Damon and Clover seems far more than their intended business relationship.

Talented and smart, Clover has been held back from her full potential at work and it takes a few comments from Damon to open her eyes to the fact that Clover is going nowhere in a hurry. Damon is holding back several more eye opening tidbits, but when he does a slow and drawn out reveal and Clover is mysteriously offered the position of a lifetime for her magazine’s biggest competitor, things don’t go as planned.

Can you say comedy of errors? Oops? Clover didn’t see that one coming? What follows is humorous, warm and a little heartbreaking as the man with the velvet voice rubs Clover raw with his misguided intentions. Has the clock struck twelve on any chance for love between these two?

My Escort by Kia Carrington-Russell is sweet, light and delightfully enchanting. If you just happen to need a romance that is built gently and a little clumsily, just like the real world, here it is. There is no over-blown drama, no over-detailed and dark feeling, just two people and a comedy of errors, plus some great escape reading.

I received an ARC edition from Kia Carrington-Russell in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: January 26, 2015
Publisher: Crystal Publishing
ISBN-13: 9780992502881
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 135 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've decided to institute a 5 mistake maximum. After i hit 5 mistakes I will put the book down no matter what to prevent me getting pissed off about people who can't spellcheck. This book only hit 3 (that I found) but a lot more of the language was just awkward. Contractions people! Contractions are your friend. If you avoid them your book very quickly starts to sound like my law texts and i'm reading romances for a reason. The dialogue also didn't fit together. Like one character would ask a question and the other character would say something completely unrelated to the question like they never even heard it. Also I was really just bored. I think i made it about halfway through without anything of real interest happening. There wasn't any romance and i skipped around through the rest of the book and didn't see any sex scenes so I don't really know what this was intended to be. The heroine was too insecure to appeal to me and the hero seemed to be too cool and aloof to be appealing. DNF

[Just Jules and her Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Escort was a great Romance read. The characters really made you feel within there hearts as the words bleat off the page. The characters gave you a since of an airiness and appeal. Clover was likable from the start because of her bubbling attitude. Damon was a guy that charmed his way into your heart! Can we say Hot! I did find myself craving more of those hot scenes like experienced in the end. This is not an easy task with me especially with first person POV. Not many authors can pull that off but, Kia did it exceptionally well.

I did find myself at the end saying where's the rest! lol. I'm not the basic Romance fan but found myself intrigued from front to end. I'm so hoping there's another soon because this book was refreshing indeed. Through out the book it expresses Kia's personality which sort of let's you see into her heart. This is a book I will read the next one of. Oh but watch out for that Boss from hell she's got a bite. Yes it was a light romance romance that kept you with a smile. That's kind of nice for a change.

[Sharon Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a ARC of this book for a honest review. What a wonderful gentle love story set in the world of Fashion Magazines. When the Clover decides she needs to bring a boyfriend to the latest company event to satisfy her boss's harping, she hires the escort Damon, who just happens to be involved with their rival magazine. What ensues from their first time together is timeless. Both are headstrong and both have been hurt in the past, but somehow get past it to have a most hilarious time. Between the pet love names Damon has for Clover and the sexy man himself, Clover finds herself falling for the handsome escort. Will Damon overcome his past and let go to love again? Will Clover trust again in herself?, only time will tell. A Bahama's trip might may all the difference. If your looking for a fast read that has laugh out loud scenes, than go grab this book!!! A great romantic story,

[Sydney Hopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read, loved it! What happens when your boss who dislikes you tells you that you need to bring your boyfriend to an event but you don't have one. Well you call the Escort and that's when the fun begins. Clover is stuck in a job that she likes, though she'd prefer to be a travel writer, but has the boss from hell. When she calls a number and hires a "boyfriend" for the night she gets more than she expected. The story takes you on a ride that makes you laugh out loud and wonder what will happen next because Clover is very take charge and well Damon can be also. Do they get together? Well read and find out because it's not a they met and are now a couple at the beginning book. I received this as a gift.

[Lydia Gaona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. I have to say first this is a great read and secondly it's great to read a book with hardly any typos at all! Sorry it had to be said so kudos to the editors! Now this is a great book that had all of my emotions coming out of me. It's funny, romantic, testing and sad just to name a few and just amazing! This book is brilliantly written and normally I don't read light romance books but I was greatly surprised at how I feel in love with it! Great job Kia and I cannot wait for volume 2.

[Coco.V]

FREE on Amazon today (11/11/2017)!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really happy to receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I don't usually read much light romance as I tend to favor the dark and dirty world of bikers, rockstars and deviants...but every once in a while I enjoy something sweet and funny =)
Debra has to be THE boss from hell...and the hard-working submissive Clover will do anything to please her...running herself ragged to meet impossible deadlines and prove herself worthy of working for her in hopes she will one day achieve her goal of being a travel writer.
When Clover's evil boss keeps trying to dismiss her and put her down as being not worthy of even having a boyfriend, she is forced to hire an escort to accompany her to a business function. Enter the handsome and very confident Damon who is only too happy to "play pretend" boyfriend for the curvy Clover and what follows is an adorable and at times very comedic story of two people who are shocked into changing their ways for another...and fighting the sterotypes of who they are.
There is very little romance in the book and sexual scenes are pretty much non-existent (kissing and light touching is pretty much it) so for those who don't like explicit sex in books...this one is for you. It focuses more on family relationships, getting to know what makes another person tick and how to re-invent yourself to become the person you were meant to be but kept hidden.
A quick paced and gentle love story for romance lovers from a young Australian author who writes mostly fantasy for YA readers.

**** 4 **** "what a girl wants she can get" stars

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have to say, first person POV in a story, usually makes me nervous, because inevitably I become irritated by the inner workings of that character's mind and I want to know what other characters are thinking. In this case, the author pulled it off nicely. I was never irritated with the heroine - she was an honest-to-goodness likable person and I didn't mind (even enjoyed) being inside her head. While there were times I wanted to know what Damon, the hero, was thinking, I'm glad I never did, because he was so sweet and mysterious as a result. While there was not a lot of physical romance between the two main characters, what little there was actually sparked - it was sheer chemistry and very well written. Debra was probably my favorite character, but I'm a sucker for villain-like characters. This was a good and relatively quick read.

My only minor complaints are in the pacing, which slowed a bit around the 50% mark, but it picked up at 80% with an angst that was downright palpable. Loved that! The other is in the dialogue, which on occasion felt a bit too formal where contractions might have sounded a bit more normal in speech (but maybe that's a cultural thing...I understand the author is Australian and that might explain it...).

[Amanda Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous book! Clover is a great girl with a very busy life. She is a personal assistant to a very mean boss. Debra is constantly on her and making her work ungodly hours. At the last minute Debra decides to tell clover that she has to go to a big gala for the new photographer for the magazine and that she better have a date. Well Clover has no idea what to do. Her closest friend helps her out. Clover is such a hard worker for the magazine and so she has no time for a social life let alone meet any men. Taking her friends advice, she decides to take out the card she gave her and call the number. Not knowing exactly what to expect when he comes to pick her up for the event, she is very nervous. Do you think this will all work out for Clover or blow up? Clover is just not sure that that anyone will believe that a man as hot as Damon would ever date her. How will this little arrangement she has going with him work out? With the suspense and twists n turns, you must read to find out! i was gifted this book for a honest review

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since there are plenty of reviews that discuss the storyline, I won't be going into details of the plot. Personally, I prefer to read books blind, rather than know what to expect thanks to details leaked on the back cover.

While romance isn't my genre of choice, I enjoyed this story and thought it was the perfect length. I'd classify it somewhere between a novella and a short book.

It is a cute, light romance very much in the style of a modern fairy tale. There were a few word choices that clued you in to the fact that the author wasn't from the U.S., but it didn't detract from the over all story. It's written from the first person perspective, which I prefer.

Over all, a nice light read for a day at the beach.


Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review:
Clover needs a date to take to a company party. She hires Damon, an escort, and almost immediately, hilarity ensues. He's supposed to be posing as her fictional boyfriend, and so takes some liberties that are quite fun. I nearly snorted coffee all over my Kindle when he called her "Angel puff"! As the two find themselves spending more and more time together, things start heating up. Will Damon want to be Clover's REAL boyfriend, not just a poseur? You'll have to read it to find out! I loved this story. It's vanilla enough to be New Adult, yet will be enjoyable to all people who love romance!

[Theresa Troutman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from author Kia Carrington-Russell. Clover is a hard working young woman who hopes that working for a hectic NY magazine will lead her to her dream job of being a travel journalist. Her insufferable boss makes it hard for Clover to keep her calm, so when push comes to shove, Clover hires an escort to take her to one of her boss' party.

Damon is smart, handsome and flirty. He can Clover share an instant connection, but Damon has things in his past he doesn't want to re-live.

Can these two overcome there individual hang ups and move forward together?

Charming, sweet and lovely romance!

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started the book with a different storyline in mind. Lo and behold, it was better than what I thought! I couldn't help but smile the whole time I was reading it, and I finished it in one sitting! The only think I didn't like was that I found the ending a bit premature. I needed a little more from the characters, but overall, I loved it!

[Devika Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Believable characters, lots of tension, and a hunky hero. I was pleasantly surprised that this was about the mind and heart just as much as about the physical attraction. In fact, the story was less steamy than I had thought it, and quite emotional. There was just a bit too much telling and too little showing to the narration style.

[Beth Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I really enjoyed reading My Escort. It wasn't want I thought it was going to be, it was better. The characters were great and the storyline flowed so well. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Taco · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the looks of the description, I think I'll enjoy this book very much as it combines an intriguingly hot plot with witty characters living in a world of earthshatteringly sophisticated fashion.

[Nicole Normand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author via AXP; this is my honest review.
Damon and Clover make such a great couple. This is a clean read.
There is a lot of purple stuff in there: purple sofa, purple flowers, purple bathrobe and the list goes on. It wasn't annoying or anything; it was surprising and funny and the same time.
Not too much drama, just enough and easily taken care of. Lots of happy and tender moments, but not sappy. Absolutely loved the end.

[Kelli Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book.

This was a nice quick read. I really liked the storyline, I just wish it was a little longer. I wasn't ready for it to be over.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clover is excited to move to NYC work at Candace magazine, hoping to expand her career in journalism. Being the personal assistant to Debra Coorman, the boss of Candice fashion magazine, seems like a step in the right direction, but after a good working relationship for the first six months, Debra has become a nasty, overbearing boss whose demanding work schedule leaves Clover exhausted.

When Debra challenges Clover to bring a boyfriend to an event, Clover snaps and hires a male escort, Damon. When the gorgeous, polished escort arrives, she reacts to her attraction to him by snapping at him and showing attitude, which intrigues Damon. Soon they are dancing around their mutual attraction.

What I liked most about this story was how Damon really saw Clover, how unhappy she was and not realizing her dream of being a journalist. He also recognizes her writing skills and nudges her to move beyond the job that is making her miserable.

[VicciReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Great story!! Loved Damon and really connected with the story. I love a strong female lead. This book has a Great sense of sweet romance sexy sizzle. Give it a read. Starting the next book now

[Mykael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not What One Would Expect

Most of the people who saw the title of this book while I was reading, assumed it was something raunchy and played out. I would say that in reality, it's a great story that speaks to most people. A great portrayal of how you can get stuck in a rut whilst chasing your dreams and every now again, you need someone (or something) unexpected and exceptional to help pull you out and guide you towards your personal greatness.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a little predictable I really enjoyed this book about Clover who hired Damon to be her “boyfriend” for one night. Sweet romance, easy to read, with likeable characters. I could feel their chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Debbie Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

I really liked this book. I usually read historian romance. But I really liked this book. I really didn't want to put it down.

[Krystsina Lentini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great romantic reading! Enjoyed it a lot - high paced, not much drama, nice atmosphere and a pleasant "aftertaste". Will definitely read more books by this author!

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This started off slow, meandering through Clover’s work life, and I nearly gave up on it since the escort didn’t entering in until well past my usual 15% decision mark, but I held out a little longer for his entrance and I was certainly glad I did since I sped through the rest of it at high speed, downing it in a single evening. This story is like a cross between The Wedding Date and 27 Dresses. While I don’t usually go for contemporary romances (and especially work place dramas), this story still won me over. Clover was wonderfully hopeful, even with her cluelessness and so downtrodden you couldn’t help but root for her to be rescued or awakened to the world around her so she could take charge on her own. Her loneliness felt genuine, especially since she was a cat lady. Damon, though obvious, was devilishly charming, devious, with that undercurrent of emotion just peeking through.

I actually expected this to be sex the entire way through (I’m not a fan of erotica, so I was cringing the entire time, expecting to be running across it around every corner), so I was pleasantly surprised when I really didn’t run into much at all and the little I ran into was relatively chaste. Meaning that this story was predominantly a romance rather than leaning on porn as a crutch for dragging in the audience and I totally applaud it for in this day and age where most of the indie authors seem convinced that the stories need sex to sell.

I do have some minor complaints however (grammar police that I am). Though this was set in New York City and the heroine was supposed to be a native of Ithaca, New York, every so often British terms would pop up like “lift” and “bum” and I’ve never heard the world “whilst” used before (outside of Shakespeare), but here the author used it once on every page (if not twice), including in dialogue.

I would easily recommend this to fans of Hollywood movie romances looking for a suave escort to sweep them off their feet.

[Gsb24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Enjoyed the characters.

[kerrie park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needing a last minute date the heroine finds her inner desires revealed plus romance.

The title intrigued me. I was curious about what hiring a Escort would entail. Two hearts seeking comfort find vast interests in common. We all want to leave a horrible job to find a dream career. I enjoyed this book and will look for other romance titles by Kia Carrington Russell.

[BooksandBeyondFiftyShades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clover is a young woman with a great writing skills that she thought will make her a great writer yet when she moved to NYC from Ithaca she landed a job as a PA for Debra an editor that Clover thought could help moved up the ladder. Boy was Clover wrong, she has been putting up with humiliations, over work. Her dream job was to write about her world traveling and land a column like the rival magazine Be True had.

When Clover is forced to attend a party that she had to organized with little or no time, not only did she not have time for anything personal she had to come up with a date thanks to her horrible boss. Like always her friend comes to the rescue and tells Clover to call an escort service. She is against the idea but when she is running out of time she sees herself calling Damon and hiring him as her "boyfriend" for the night.

Damon was an escort not because he needed the money but to do something and not think about anything else. But not only was he an escort but there is a huge secret that only his sister knows about him. He knew things would never be the same once he comes face to face with Clover.

Can Damon trust himself to let go and finally be happy, especially with Clover the woman that makes him feel loved?

I found this story interesting. I liked it and I will recommend for you to read this unconventional love story.

[2kasmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clover hires Damon to be her escort to a work function. He is surprised she seems to let her boss walk all over her. He quickly notices she is jealous of Clover since her husband is attracted to her. Damon explains to her she is beautiful and smart and deserves so much better.

Damon wants to get to know her better. He has never wanted that before. There is so much about him that she wants to learn. He is so mysterious. He asks Clover about her likes and choices. He gets that she want to write and asks why are you still a personal assistant then?

Clover has started to feel more for him than she has for any other man. She has forgotten about the person she used to be. She is smart and worth it. Not sure where to go from here she figures she will look into other opportunities.

Damon intrigues her and makes her think more seriously about her career and future plans. They are a good couple together. The chemistry is starting to heat between them. I cannot wait to see the next installment!

Such a sweet and gentle burn. It is a story that makes you root for the lead character and yet, at the same time you feel for the male lead too. I was impressed with the book and how it sucked me in where it was hard to put down.


***This copy was given for an honest review only.