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Know When to Hold Him
Spencer Hightower's job is cleaning up other people's messes. And she is damn good at it. Unfortunately, being a supremely organized workaholic, she doesn’t always easily meet guys—until Liam Connelly shows up, all high-powered and really, really sexy. Sure, he makes Spencer's pulse thump...but he's also the biggest pain in her professional life. Liam can't believe his lousy luck when he learns that Spencer is his opposition in a high-profile scandal. She’s the best at what she does and the worst possible opponent. Of course, a little professional animosity can't hurt a guy's chances for a date, can it? Even as Spencer tries to keep her distance, their attraction grows stronger...and hotter. But once they cross all kinds of professional—and personal—boundaries, the situation snowballs into a disaster that even the great Spencer Hightower can't fix...
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2015
8 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 1, 2018
Olivia-Pope-type fixer (and senator's daughter) falls for a sports agent on the wrong side of a client's paternity case. They butt heads professionally while getting on like a house on fire personally.
February 22, 2015
I think that the premise of this story will appeal to both the sports über-fan and readers who would rather have their taxes audited than watch ESPN.
Football fans will enjoy that Liam was a sports agent and that the story intertwined with the NFL draft. Die-hard sports fans follow the deals of agents almost as much as they follow the careers of the professional athletes. Also, the NFL draft is a big day and, speaking from experience, fans are known to have draft updates sent to smartphones, watch the sports channels all day for in-depth analysis, and, stream the draft on work computers.
For the reader who doesn't know the difference between a quarterback [football] and a striker [futbol, uh, soccer], this is ultimately a love story. The sports aspect of this story served to ramp up the tension and conflict between the characters. But the heart of the story was the give-and-take between two driven professionals trying to balance their personal lives and their work demands.
My expectations for this book were high (maybe too high). During law school, I studied sports law for a semester and my professor was a lawyer who provided professional athletes with media strategy and crisis management. I found myself comparing Liam and Spencer to actual people I'd met during that class. Spencer and Liam were supposed to be the best in their respective professions, but I didn't think that their actions reflected those reputations. Unfortunately, the discrepancies made it difficult for me to dive into the story and lose myself in Liam's and Spencer's romance.
Reviewer's Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All errors and omissions are my own. This review is excerpted from my book blog.
Football fans will enjoy that Liam was a sports agent and that the story intertwined with the NFL draft. Die-hard sports fans follow the deals of agents almost as much as they follow the careers of the professional athletes. Also, the NFL draft is a big day and, speaking from experience, fans are known to have draft updates sent to smartphones, watch the sports channels all day for in-depth analysis, and, stream the draft on work computers.
For the reader who doesn't know the difference between a quarterback [football] and a striker [futbol, uh, soccer], this is ultimately a love story. The sports aspect of this story served to ramp up the tension and conflict between the characters. But the heart of the story was the give-and-take between two driven professionals trying to balance their personal lives and their work demands.
My expectations for this book were high (maybe too high). During law school, I studied sports law for a semester and my professor was a lawyer who provided professional athletes with media strategy and crisis management. I found myself comparing Liam and Spencer to actual people I'd met during that class. Spencer and Liam were supposed to be the best in their respective professions, but I didn't think that their actions reflected those reputations. Unfortunately, the discrepancies made it difficult for me to dive into the story and lose myself in Liam's and Spencer's romance.
Reviewer's Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All errors and omissions are my own. This review is excerpted from my book blog.
February 22, 2015
4.5 stars! This is a great contemporary romance full of high powered people, highly charged chemistry and more Machiavellian machinations than you can shake a (drowned) Blackberry at.
I really enjoyed this book – it’s sexy, smart and fun. Spencer is a woman at the top of her game: she’s professional, discreet and has contacts everywhere. Yet she has issues too, not least surrounding her father and her own need to win at all costs. She has a lot in common with Liam – loyalty to their clients, a strong desire to win – but he’s a lot more laidback and able to accept that you can’t win every time. I absolutely adored that Liam is never intimidated by Spencer’s power and connections, nor her fame and family. He takes it all in his stride and leaves room to let her shine, and when they’re alone it’s all just between them.
Their relationship is wonderful. They treat each other as equals from the start. Liam is amazing the way he accepts whatever Spencer throws at him, then comes back to keep trying for a relationship outside of work. He’s tenacious and determined, but never pushy, and once Spencer goes all in he willingly matches her. Even if she isn’t above playing dirty to get what she wants – the scene in the gym is pure gold.
Beyond their relationship is the contentious world of scandals and sports stars, and a cast of characters that help keep things interesting even when Liam and Spencer aren’t together. Spencer’s work colleagues, Nora and Rainey, provided excellent foils for Spencer, often acting like a good and bad angel with their contradictory advice. There was also manipulative George Clayton, doing his best to pull as many strings as he could, not to mention Troy, the young footballer causing so many issues. His smug behaviour really got to me. I wanted to see him brought down so badly, but not at Liam’s expense.
In all this is a great read about a powerful woman and an equally successful man who aren’t afraid to challenge each other in the professional field, while also getting together in the bedroom. There are no unnecessary power-plays, no attempts to undermine or belittle each other, it’s all aboveboard, mutually respectful and great fun. Perhaps it’s a little long and drawn out in places, but it certainly kept my interest from beginning to end. The ins-and-outs of American Football definitely isn’t my forte, but I found the politics and pressure surrounding the Draft interesting, especially how Spencer messed with Liam’s head during the whole thing.
If you’re looking for a longer romance which builds a decent relationship between the main characters, but also sprinkles the plot with a several other interesting characters and plenty of action outside of the bedroom, then you should probably give this a try. I will definitely be looking out for more from this author and this series. I have high hopes for both Nora and Rainey.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I really enjoyed this book – it’s sexy, smart and fun. Spencer is a woman at the top of her game: she’s professional, discreet and has contacts everywhere. Yet she has issues too, not least surrounding her father and her own need to win at all costs. She has a lot in common with Liam – loyalty to their clients, a strong desire to win – but he’s a lot more laidback and able to accept that you can’t win every time. I absolutely adored that Liam is never intimidated by Spencer’s power and connections, nor her fame and family. He takes it all in his stride and leaves room to let her shine, and when they’re alone it’s all just between them.
Their relationship is wonderful. They treat each other as equals from the start. Liam is amazing the way he accepts whatever Spencer throws at him, then comes back to keep trying for a relationship outside of work. He’s tenacious and determined, but never pushy, and once Spencer goes all in he willingly matches her. Even if she isn’t above playing dirty to get what she wants – the scene in the gym is pure gold.
Beyond their relationship is the contentious world of scandals and sports stars, and a cast of characters that help keep things interesting even when Liam and Spencer aren’t together. Spencer’s work colleagues, Nora and Rainey, provided excellent foils for Spencer, often acting like a good and bad angel with their contradictory advice. There was also manipulative George Clayton, doing his best to pull as many strings as he could, not to mention Troy, the young footballer causing so many issues. His smug behaviour really got to me. I wanted to see him brought down so badly, but not at Liam’s expense.
In all this is a great read about a powerful woman and an equally successful man who aren’t afraid to challenge each other in the professional field, while also getting together in the bedroom. There are no unnecessary power-plays, no attempts to undermine or belittle each other, it’s all aboveboard, mutually respectful and great fun. Perhaps it’s a little long and drawn out in places, but it certainly kept my interest from beginning to end. The ins-and-outs of American Football definitely isn’t my forte, but I found the politics and pressure surrounding the Draft interesting, especially how Spencer messed with Liam’s head during the whole thing.
If you’re looking for a longer romance which builds a decent relationship between the main characters, but also sprinkles the plot with a several other interesting characters and plenty of action outside of the bedroom, then you should probably give this a try. I will definitely be looking out for more from this author and this series. I have high hopes for both Nora and Rainey.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
February 23, 2015
Originally posted on my blog: Tangled Up In Books
I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!
This book took a while for me to warm up to. I wasn't really feeling the characters in the very beginning, most especially Spencer's friends, one of whom even made some kind of a reference to "dating" being a "misogynistic concept" and I'm all for girl power and everything and not to insult my gender but that kinda stuff drives me crazy. It was also kind of slow as well though. I contemplated quitting quite early on, but something told me to keep going and give it just a little bit longer. Thankfully I did because eventually things picked up and I actually started to really warm up to all the characters as well. I ended up having a lot of fun finishing it.
The storyline for this book is what originally grabbed my attention. I loved the idea of reading a book about a person who "fixed" scandals for a living. I figured it would open the door to something big and juicy for these two characters to be on opposing sides about. Not only was the scandal exactly the type of juicy that I was hoping for, it had the added bonus of me wavering back and forth over whose side I was on and believed. There was never really any clear-cut right or wrong side throughout most of the book because both people involved would either say or do something that just had you question if they were being truthful or not.
The relationship between Liam and Spencer was so much fun once the book really gets going. They have this amazing chemistry. They sizzled and sparked whenever they were in the same room. You could feel the connection between them. But then they also had their moments when they fought both themselves and each other with the whole separating business and pleasure. And even in all those moments of verbal sparring and heated glares you knew that it wouldn't take long for the electric charge in the room to zap and change that competitive heat into something much, much naughtier. I love those kinds of relationships.
This book definitely wasn't perfect. I had my fair share of frustrations. But really in the end I was so glad that I didn't give in at the first sign of trouble and kept going. I felt like it was all worth it in the end. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up any other books that Lindsay Emory publishes in the future. I feel like there's a potential here of her becoming an author I could have a lot of fun reading!
Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!
This book took a while for me to warm up to. I wasn't really feeling the characters in the very beginning, most especially Spencer's friends, one of whom even made some kind of a reference to "dating" being a "misogynistic concept" and I'm all for girl power and everything and not to insult my gender but that kinda stuff drives me crazy. It was also kind of slow as well though. I contemplated quitting quite early on, but something told me to keep going and give it just a little bit longer. Thankfully I did because eventually things picked up and I actually started to really warm up to all the characters as well. I ended up having a lot of fun finishing it.
The storyline for this book is what originally grabbed my attention. I loved the idea of reading a book about a person who "fixed" scandals for a living. I figured it would open the door to something big and juicy for these two characters to be on opposing sides about. Not only was the scandal exactly the type of juicy that I was hoping for, it had the added bonus of me wavering back and forth over whose side I was on and believed. There was never really any clear-cut right or wrong side throughout most of the book because both people involved would either say or do something that just had you question if they were being truthful or not.
The relationship between Liam and Spencer was so much fun once the book really gets going. They have this amazing chemistry. They sizzled and sparked whenever they were in the same room. You could feel the connection between them. But then they also had their moments when they fought both themselves and each other with the whole separating business and pleasure. And even in all those moments of verbal sparring and heated glares you knew that it wouldn't take long for the electric charge in the room to zap and change that competitive heat into something much, much naughtier. I love those kinds of relationships.
This book definitely wasn't perfect. I had my fair share of frustrations. But really in the end I was so glad that I didn't give in at the first sign of trouble and kept going. I felt like it was all worth it in the end. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up any other books that Lindsay Emory publishes in the future. I feel like there's a potential here of her becoming an author I could have a lot of fun reading!
Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!
April 4, 2016
This fabulous contemporary romance is the story of Spencer and Liam. Spencer is in the business of cleaning up other people's PR messes, and when she finds herself across the table from Liam in a he said/she said battle, the fact that he rescued her previously from an awkward situation in no way deters her from doing her job. The sexual attraction between them though burns hotter with every encounter - will they be able to put business aside to focus on pleasure or will the reality of their opposing sides be too much to overcome?
I loved this story! I can honestly say that Spencer is the strongest female heroine I have come across in all the romance stories I've read (and I've read a lot!). She's competitive, she's feisty, she doesn't take no for an answer and she'll go to any lengths to secure victory in any situation - yet all the while maintaining a professional and friendly attitude. She plays hardball but she's still a really nice person. I loved that she recognizes her own strengths and weaknesses and has no qualms at doing what benefits all parties in the negotiations she is in, making sure that the opposing party is still treated fairly while going for the win. Brought up in a political household, she has friends in all the high places, to her benefit. But she meets her match in Liam, the former football player, now sports agent whose job it is to get the best contract for his clients. He is not intimidated by Spencer but instead finds her competitiveness a complete turn on. And this is totally appealing to me as a female reader, that he doesn't try to diminish Spencer's strength but rather relishes them and knows he just has to work that much harder to keep her interest. The sexual attraction between them sizzles from the first time they meet and leads to an intense and steamy relationship even as they try to navigate being opponents across the bargaining table. The conflict in the story between them is wholly believable and the trust that they need to find in each other is what makes the story emotional to read.
Secondary characters play a key role in the story, both Liam and Spencer's clients telling a tale spun in such a way that you don't know who to believe and who is in the right until the very end - kudos to the author for making that mystery last. You know that either Liam or Spencer is going to lose and don't know what effect that is going to have on their personal relationship. It was a really well put together, interesting and unique story with sexy love scenes, strong characters and a wonderful romance. 5 stars for this excellent debut!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I loved this story! I can honestly say that Spencer is the strongest female heroine I have come across in all the romance stories I've read (and I've read a lot!). She's competitive, she's feisty, she doesn't take no for an answer and she'll go to any lengths to secure victory in any situation - yet all the while maintaining a professional and friendly attitude. She plays hardball but she's still a really nice person. I loved that she recognizes her own strengths and weaknesses and has no qualms at doing what benefits all parties in the negotiations she is in, making sure that the opposing party is still treated fairly while going for the win. Brought up in a political household, she has friends in all the high places, to her benefit. But she meets her match in Liam, the former football player, now sports agent whose job it is to get the best contract for his clients. He is not intimidated by Spencer but instead finds her competitiveness a complete turn on. And this is totally appealing to me as a female reader, that he doesn't try to diminish Spencer's strength but rather relishes them and knows he just has to work that much harder to keep her interest. The sexual attraction between them sizzles from the first time they meet and leads to an intense and steamy relationship even as they try to navigate being opponents across the bargaining table. The conflict in the story between them is wholly believable and the trust that they need to find in each other is what makes the story emotional to read.
Secondary characters play a key role in the story, both Liam and Spencer's clients telling a tale spun in such a way that you don't know who to believe and who is in the right until the very end - kudos to the author for making that mystery last. You know that either Liam or Spencer is going to lose and don't know what effect that is going to have on their personal relationship. It was a really well put together, interesting and unique story with sexy love scenes, strong characters and a wonderful romance. 5 stars for this excellent debut!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
February 27, 2015
Thanks to Lindsay Emory I have been humming Kenny Rogers's The Gambler for over a week now (my kids are now begging me to stop singing too). Know When to Hold Him is more than a catchy title it was a very captivating story! Lindsay Emory definitely mixed together lots of entertaining things to create this great book. You get high profile movers & shakers, politicians, athletes, agents, intrigue and scandal! What a ride Spencer and Liam took us on!
Lindsay Emory is a new-to-me Author and I loved her witty dialogue, unique plot and strong characters! Know When to Hold Him is a book that is hard to describe (so I won't, you will have to read it) without explaining the whole thing! You have Spencer, who is a daughter of a Senator and is used to winning, if she can't win she doesn't play. She is a go-getter, strong, independent and ruthless in business. What is brilliant about Spencer, is she has a soft side, a side that wants her slice of happily ever after, but she doesn't know how to go for it. She settles for no strings sex to be safe and "win" in all her relationships. However, meeting Liam changes things. Liam is a smart, self-assured lead that had me at hello! He is a sports agent (see what I did there?) that works hard for his clients and is ready to ruffle Spencer's feathers. Liam was a breath of fresh air in a genre full of uber-jealous control freak men. He was able to separate (for the most part) work from personal and that is where the story heats up!
Know When to Hold Him definitely held my attention and had me turning pages way past my bedtime. I really enjoyed this story, even with all the dramatics toward the end, it kept me on my toes and I never knew what to expect with Spencer and Liam. The chemistry sizzled and the banter was fantastic!
If you are in the mood for a romance that gives you something unique, I would recommend Know When to Hold Him. You get heat, strong characters, sports, scandal and best of all two people fighting for their slice of happy!
Lindsay Emory is a new-to-me Author and I loved her witty dialogue, unique plot and strong characters! Know When to Hold Him is a book that is hard to describe (so I won't, you will have to read it) without explaining the whole thing! You have Spencer, who is a daughter of a Senator and is used to winning, if she can't win she doesn't play. She is a go-getter, strong, independent and ruthless in business. What is brilliant about Spencer, is she has a soft side, a side that wants her slice of happily ever after, but she doesn't know how to go for it. She settles for no strings sex to be safe and "win" in all her relationships. However, meeting Liam changes things. Liam is a smart, self-assured lead that had me at hello! He is a sports agent (see what I did there?) that works hard for his clients and is ready to ruffle Spencer's feathers. Liam was a breath of fresh air in a genre full of uber-jealous control freak men. He was able to separate (for the most part) work from personal and that is where the story heats up!
Know When to Hold Him definitely held my attention and had me turning pages way past my bedtime. I really enjoyed this story, even with all the dramatics toward the end, it kept me on my toes and I never knew what to expect with Spencer and Liam. The chemistry sizzled and the banter was fantastic!
If you are in the mood for a romance that gives you something unique, I would recommend Know When to Hold Him. You get heat, strong characters, sports, scandal and best of all two people fighting for their slice of happy!
April 19, 2015
Spencer Hightower's job fixing other people’s mistakes - and she’s brilliant at it. She has great connections, her Father is a Senator and potential US President - she’s been brought up to know just who is who, where to go and how to get her own way. She's also a workaholic who likes everything organised to the nth degree. When a millionaire date decides he wants more that to look, Spencer takes action - but is rescued by Liam Connelly. She’s never met him before, she’s never needed rescuing before and boy is there volatile chemistry between them! The problem? It turns out they are on opposite sides in a potentially very high profile scandal - Spencer working for the mother to be and Liam for the sports star who is denying being the father (indeed he’s claiming to be a virgin!).
Can they develop their personal relationship whilst their professional ones are also involved? The attraction is certainly strong but there are others involved who strive to interfere in all kinds of ways. There are numerous twists and turns, pitfalls and obstacles in this romance that even Spencer Hightower can’t automatically fix!
The stubborn, strong minded, competitive couple in this story are fighting on opposite sides of a potential legal battle with their love as the probable casualty - especially when misunderstandings and misconceptions together with a certain political Mr Fix-it get involved. Their love story has lots of twists, turns and interference by others to try to pull them apart. The story is well paced and is an enjoyable one to escape into.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Can they develop their personal relationship whilst their professional ones are also involved? The attraction is certainly strong but there are others involved who strive to interfere in all kinds of ways. There are numerous twists and turns, pitfalls and obstacles in this romance that even Spencer Hightower can’t automatically fix!
The stubborn, strong minded, competitive couple in this story are fighting on opposite sides of a potential legal battle with their love as the probable casualty - especially when misunderstandings and misconceptions together with a certain political Mr Fix-it get involved. Their love story has lots of twists, turns and interference by others to try to pull them apart. The story is well paced and is an enjoyable one to escape into.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2016
Know When to Hold Him by Lindsay Emory is an interesting and original story. The main characters, Spencer Hightower, a public relations guru and Liam Connelly, an up and coming sports agent, make excellent bedfellows in addition to business opponents. They are both involved in a paternity case, with Spencer representing the very pregnant mother, and Liam representing the conceivable father, a Heisman trophy winner who claims to be a virgin. Thus, it seems highly improbable that Liam's client may be the baby's father, however, his and Spencer's client dated for about two years.
Spencer is smart, beautiful and the daughter of a Texas senator. She is always in the know and she understands how to manipulate the system or situation in order to serve the needs of her clients, as well as herself. Spencer always plays fair, although she does come very close to crossing that slippery slope. Being a senator's daughter has both helped and hindered her ability to fix her clients' messes. Liam is on the brink of sport agent stardom. He is clever, good-looking and his almost professional football star client could put him over the top. However, this paternity scandal has the potential to ruin his future. He finds verbally sparring with Spencer to be fun as well as infuriating.
I liked this story, although I found some of the plot elements to be slightly confusing. The story was quite long for my tastes and from time to time I was unable to stay focused. On a positive note, I found Spencer and Liam's clever banter to be quite entertaining. Overall, I enjoyed this story.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Spencer is smart, beautiful and the daughter of a Texas senator. She is always in the know and she understands how to manipulate the system or situation in order to serve the needs of her clients, as well as herself. Spencer always plays fair, although she does come very close to crossing that slippery slope. Being a senator's daughter has both helped and hindered her ability to fix her clients' messes. Liam is on the brink of sport agent stardom. He is clever, good-looking and his almost professional football star client could put him over the top. However, this paternity scandal has the potential to ruin his future. He finds verbally sparring with Spencer to be fun as well as infuriating.
I liked this story, although I found some of the plot elements to be slightly confusing. The story was quite long for my tastes and from time to time I was unable to stay focused. On a positive note, I found Spencer and Liam's clever banter to be quite entertaining. Overall, I enjoyed this story.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
February 24, 2015
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review***
Know When To Hold Him is a great story. Spencer’s job is about cleaning other people’s messes up. That’s all she does. Think of a fixer –she fixes everything and makes it go away. Liam is a Harvard Grad lawyer turned sports agent. Liam and Spencer know each other -There are mutual friends involved and family ties.
They are both involved in a paternity case-Spencer is representing the girl who is pregnant and Liam is representing the upcoming football star who is the maybe daddy who is saying he is a virgin.
I LOVED this story. Spencer and Liam had this spark. They matched wits when it came to the case and the twists and turns this book took-WOW. I had my own thoughts on how this would turn out to be proven wrong-which I have to say that was great. The journey that the characters took to where they ended up was lovely. Spencer and Liam deserve happiness and the road they took to get there was hard but well deserved. The secondary cast of characters I really liked and hope to see more of in another book. This book had plenty of content without being blown up with just sex which is saying a lot. I like that a lot and I have to say, the author has a sure winner on her hands. I know I will read this book over and over again because of the vibe it gives. It has substance-and that says a lot. I can’t wait to read more from this author
My rating: 5 stars *****
Know When To Hold Him is a great story. Spencer’s job is about cleaning other people’s messes up. That’s all she does. Think of a fixer –she fixes everything and makes it go away. Liam is a Harvard Grad lawyer turned sports agent. Liam and Spencer know each other -There are mutual friends involved and family ties.
They are both involved in a paternity case-Spencer is representing the girl who is pregnant and Liam is representing the upcoming football star who is the maybe daddy who is saying he is a virgin.
I LOVED this story. Spencer and Liam had this spark. They matched wits when it came to the case and the twists and turns this book took-WOW. I had my own thoughts on how this would turn out to be proven wrong-which I have to say that was great. The journey that the characters took to where they ended up was lovely. Spencer and Liam deserve happiness and the road they took to get there was hard but well deserved. The secondary cast of characters I really liked and hope to see more of in another book. This book had plenty of content without being blown up with just sex which is saying a lot. I like that a lot and I have to say, the author has a sure winner on her hands. I know I will read this book over and over again because of the vibe it gives. It has substance-and that says a lot. I can’t wait to read more from this author
My rating: 5 stars *****
February 22, 2015
I love a book with a strong female character and this is definitely it. 4/5 stars review.
Spencer Hightower is the defination of Olivia Pope (with power crazy parent; one is US senator, with the exception of not being POTUS mistress). Her gladiator team is made of several powered women with different role in scandal clean-up or covered up. One night of crazy-s*tness with her drug-induced date met her with her match in Liam. He is a harvard grad lawyer turned sport agent for up-in coming newest football star the very one Spencer tried to nailed, as she represent his pregnant girlfriend. Can this two side of coin find the balance in work, life and relationship together despite all roadblock come their way?
Enough said, this is a very good book about a warrior women at the top of her game in her journey to find her own happily ever after or somekind as she did with her clients. For a 353 pages of book, it is an excellent story of both characters with a combustible chemistry wise and humour with good secondary characters. I so adored Liam even with his fault, not the perfect alpha male with enough grovelling and protectiveness in the end not to mention the sassy Spencer as she opened her heart finally. So looking forward to next book by the author, hopefully the next gladiator with one of the candidates (wink).
ARC given by netgalley for an honest review
Spencer Hightower is the defination of Olivia Pope (with power crazy parent; one is US senator, with the exception of not being POTUS mistress). Her gladiator team is made of several powered women with different role in scandal clean-up or covered up. One night of crazy-s*tness with her drug-induced date met her with her match in Liam. He is a harvard grad lawyer turned sport agent for up-in coming newest football star the very one Spencer tried to nailed, as she represent his pregnant girlfriend. Can this two side of coin find the balance in work, life and relationship together despite all roadblock come their way?
Enough said, this is a very good book about a warrior women at the top of her game in her journey to find her own happily ever after or somekind as she did with her clients. For a 353 pages of book, it is an excellent story of both characters with a combustible chemistry wise and humour with good secondary characters. I so adored Liam even with his fault, not the perfect alpha male with enough grovelling and protectiveness in the end not to mention the sassy Spencer as she opened her heart finally. So looking forward to next book by the author, hopefully the next gladiator with one of the candidates (wink).
ARC given by netgalley for an honest review
February 20, 2015
This year I have lucky enough to read so many 4/5 star book and Know When to Hold Him was no different. This was the first book that I have read by Lindsey Emory and I will be looking for more books by her in the future. The two things about this book that I want to talk about are the characters and the plot.
Both Liam and Spencer were strong characters, they knew what they wanted and would fight to get it, never backing down. I like how they challenged each other and in the end opening themselves up and let another person into their hearts. There was such competition between the two of them and they tried so hard not to start a relationship and when they did they tried not to let business get in the way of their personal relationship.
A lot of times I get tired when a book has a story like that revolve around sex scenes; instead I like a story that has a plot with a couple sex scenes inside. I feel as though a plot makes a story and that’s what this book has, a plot. Don’t get me wrong there are times where that the exact book I am looking for, but not always. I also was completely shocked at something that had happened; I was expecting the book to go another way. It’s always wonderful to read a story and not know exactly what is going to happen next.
Both Liam and Spencer were strong characters, they knew what they wanted and would fight to get it, never backing down. I like how they challenged each other and in the end opening themselves up and let another person into their hearts. There was such competition between the two of them and they tried so hard not to start a relationship and when they did they tried not to let business get in the way of their personal relationship.
A lot of times I get tired when a book has a story like that revolve around sex scenes; instead I like a story that has a plot with a couple sex scenes inside. I feel as though a plot makes a story and that’s what this book has, a plot. Don’t get me wrong there are times where that the exact book I am looking for, but not always. I also was completely shocked at something that had happened; I was expecting the book to go another way. It’s always wonderful to read a story and not know exactly what is going to happen next.
August 8, 2015
A big hit for me! I need a book to get my interest within the first few paragraphs for me to WANT to read the book and this one does.
It is a love story with quite a bit of competition between to professionals (Spencer and Liam). There are mutual friends involved and family ties that add depth and complications to the journey and I personally think there is a little teaser that might could open this up for a continuation or another book for other characters in the book. I am impressed with the fact that I thought I knew which direction the book would go at times only to be proven wrong, which was great.
I like the writing style of this author, I like the characters, the storyline, and the ending. I also love the fact that it isn't overrun, while having a love scene or two in it, with explicit sex scenes throughout the book that make up 50% or higher like some other the books lately. This book has substance and is plenty interesting without having dedicated the majority of its content with explicit sex scenes. Lately, that is saying something.
Kudos to this author! I will be looking for more of her work.
It is a love story with quite a bit of competition between to professionals (Spencer and Liam). There are mutual friends involved and family ties that add depth and complications to the journey and I personally think there is a little teaser that might could open this up for a continuation or another book for other characters in the book. I am impressed with the fact that I thought I knew which direction the book would go at times only to be proven wrong, which was great.
I like the writing style of this author, I like the characters, the storyline, and the ending. I also love the fact that it isn't overrun, while having a love scene or two in it, with explicit sex scenes throughout the book that make up 50% or higher like some other the books lately. This book has substance and is plenty interesting without having dedicated the majority of its content with explicit sex scenes. Lately, that is saying something.
Kudos to this author! I will be looking for more of her work.
February 16, 2015
This is a new to me author and I must say I really enjoy her writing style. This is an enjoyable read, well written, and the characters are great. It was a bit long but overall a really good story. The snarky banter between Spencer and Liam is highly entertaining. The story itself is unique and fresh.
Spencer Hightower is a high powered PR machine. She can take any situation and put a positive spin on it. Liam Connelly is a former jock, turned sports agent that wants to keep his star rookie out of the spot light until draft day. When a young pregnant woman comes to Spencer to help her handle getting the baby's father to come clean never would she have expected the father to be none other than Liam's client. That's when things really get interesting.
This is one I definitely recommend.
Spencer Hightower is a high powered PR machine. She can take any situation and put a positive spin on it. Liam Connelly is a former jock, turned sports agent that wants to keep his star rookie out of the spot light until draft day. When a young pregnant woman comes to Spencer to help her handle getting the baby's father to come clean never would she have expected the father to be none other than Liam's client. That's when things really get interesting.
This is one I definitely recommend.
February 24, 2015
I enjoyed reading Spencer and Liam's story. She is truly a strong independent character. Spencer reminds me of an action movie hero, with the whole you-Don't-know-who-you-are-messing-with attitude. I absolutely loved it. She could so be my alter ego. She did not let anyone push her around or let them get the best of her. She fought for her people, herself and her ways. Then there is Liam, who is the male version of Spencer. They were fabulous together with their innuendos and bantering. Several times I would be grinning as I read. The story flowed very nicely and kept me hooked. I only wish she would have dealt with George a little more than what there was. But that is just me wanting that action movie ending and sarcastic one liners.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
March 1, 2015
Spenser Hightower is the daughter of an prominent senator and she grew up on the spotlight. She runs a public relations firm that specializes in putting a positive spin on uncomfortable situations. She meets Liam Connelly, a sports agent and former football player, when she helps the pregnant ex, of a new hot football player. They have instant chemistry and struggle to keep their relationship professional. Spenser is competitive and does everything possible to help her client and Liam does his best to keep his client name out of a bad light.
I enjoyed this novel, even though it took a while to get connected with the story. I loved the dialouge between Liam and Spenser, it remonded me a lot of moonlighting. I would reccomend this to fans of office romances and sports fans. I was given a free copy for an honest review from publisher and net galley.com
I enjoyed this novel, even though it took a while to get connected with the story. I loved the dialouge between Liam and Spenser, it remonded me a lot of moonlighting. I would reccomend this to fans of office romances and sports fans. I was given a free copy for an honest review from publisher and net galley.com
March 6, 2015
Fantastic story! Spencer cleans up public relations disasters for paying customers and Liam is a sports agent, which kind of does the same thing. Great story line that kept my attention the entire time. Amazing sexual tension and chemistry between Spencer and Liam. There were misunderstandings and hurt feelings between them. Spencer was trying no to hurt the man she came to care for, even if he is the opposition and Liam tries to figure out a way to ask for forgiveness from the woman he loves. Neither is an easy thing to do when pride gets in the way. There was never a dull moment in this book. I love reading about strong female characters. They give the male characters a run for their money! This is definitely an author to keep an eye on.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2015
For me this one was just ok. As a huge college football fan I had assumed I would love this. I liked it, I just didn't love it. It seemed a little long at times but I did love the banter between them.
Spencer's whole life has prepared her for her profession in public relations. As the daughter of a Senator, she's grown up in the spin machine and has learned how to spin things in her favor and that of her clients. She finds herself representing a pregnant woman who claims a Heisman trophy winner about to make it big in the NFL is the father. Its during this case that she meets Liam.
Liam is a sports agent. He, along with his client are on the verge of making it big. He finds himself pitted against Spencer in the paternity test. He finds ruffling Spencer's feathers to be exciting but he knows the outcome of the paternity case could determine his future in sports.
Spencer's whole life has prepared her for her profession in public relations. As the daughter of a Senator, she's grown up in the spin machine and has learned how to spin things in her favor and that of her clients. She finds herself representing a pregnant woman who claims a Heisman trophy winner about to make it big in the NFL is the father. Its during this case that she meets Liam.
Liam is a sports agent. He, along with his client are on the verge of making it big. He finds himself pitted against Spencer in the paternity test. He finds ruffling Spencer's feathers to be exciting but he knows the outcome of the paternity case could determine his future in sports.
February 23, 2015
Know When to Hold Him By Lindsay Emory is a well thought out work of art. I was gifted an ARC for my honest viewpoint. If a fan of the show Scandal you will love this book. Spencer Hightower is wrapped up within her career. Afraid of being hurt again-she does not want anyone to get too close. Liam wants to get to know her despite all of the baggage. Will these people getting to know each other become affected by their careers. Can rivals become lovers? Although this was a good story it was little too much going on for me.
February 25, 2015
Great cast of characters-great beginning and grabs you from the beginning. Spencer is a tough cookie and she shows it right from the beginning. She meets Liam under not-so-great circumstances especially since they are on opposite sides. Quick read, Liam and Spencer are perfect together as they are exactly alike. I love it that Spencer is independent(like me) and has that don't mess with me attitude. Fabulous story and cannot wait until I can read another book by the author.
May 6, 2015
I received this from Netgalley/ Entangled publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is a contemporary romance set in the world of agents and PR reps. I really loved the interaction between the two main characters. It was fun and I loved reading it.
July 10, 2015
It was easy to get into this book in the beginning, but somewhere in the middle I got confused as to what was happening. The ending also seemed to be rushed to finish but still a good read. *ARC complements of the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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