Sterling House’s expectations continue to impress me. I feel like it’s been a while since the last book but at the same time not long at all. I was excited when this one finally released this week. I’m even more excited for the next one though it seems she isn’t struggling as much as Lissa was. Oliver was the perfect dominant man. He didn’t have overly crazy preferences in the bedroom and he was respectful to Lissa. He was always making sure she felt good and was ok with everything. Actually, all the men in this series have been. It just seemed like Oliver was extra careful, even to the point where he didn’t want his extracurricular sex acts with Lissa to be known. He took care of his needs after hours and only for 30 minutes to an hour. There was no heated glances or acts done during business hours. He made all his sex toys inconspicuous around his office so they looked like sculptures or part of the furniture. He thought out his needs and made sure no one knew about them except the women he made contracts with. The others were more obvious about it. Out of all the men in this series though, Oliver had trauma. When he gets involved with Lissa, his control, inhibitions and composure are tested. He also ends up healing from his trauma when he starts being more passionate, tender and loving towards her and less dominant though that ends up still coming out once in a while. I enjoyed reading about how he was changing and the ways he was helping Lissa heal as well by instilling more confidence in her and boldness. Without even realizing it, they were helping each other. Their confidence grew and Oliver started appreciating how he came out of his trauma and Lissa realizes her worth. She started out being nervous, unsure of herself, meek and shy to doing everything she can in obeying his commands in the bedroom. From there, she started having more of a say in things sexually but she was still naturally submissive but knew when to express herself as the book went on. The book covers a lot of growth between them and I enjoyed reading about their changes taking place. Oliver gets inserted into her life so naturally that it feels as though he’s her son’s father and him feeling as though they’ve been together for years. It was a wonderful transformation and I enjoyed reading about it all. When they argued, it didn’t last long and there was never really a complete break up between them, just heated comments in the moment or actions that Lissa took the wrong way. She may have walked away from him briefly but it was to ensure she didn’t get as attached as she felt herself doing. I noticed that Oliver would do the same but it never lasted long enough to make an impact. My favorite scene, and I would say was the turning point for both Lissa and Oliver was when she finds herself at his house one night as well as her son. This happens a little after the halfway point of the book, not exactly at the direct time but enough that I was happy with it. He finally sleeps with her in his bed and ends up not doing any barriers between them, clothing or condom, even though that already happened. The clothing was a big step for Oliver because of being uncomfortable, or I guess in this instance, a hard stop to him. He refuses to take his shirt off if he has sex with women because of his own hang up about his body, but also low self confidence due to his trauma growing up. You never would have got that from him though because of the confidence he exudes in the office or whenever he works a case. When he finally lets her see him bare, it did something to me emotionally. I was proud of him and knew this was going to happen eventually in the story but when I was in the moment reading this, it felt like something had come full circle. It was the turning point for him that Lissa wasn’t just an escort anymore, she was more. She didn’t see it at the time, especially what happens shortly after this moment. In terms of this being the change Oliver experienced in himself, I felt it in his thoughts, movements and way he was acting that night even though he started feeling more serious about her way earlier than that. I’m glad this moment was put in his point of view though because it was a big step for him and I’m glad I was able to get a taste of it. It wouldn’t have had as big of an impact if this part of the book was in Lissa’s point of view. In general, the book had more sex in it than I was looking for but when you read a series that only involves escorts, it’s expected. There was a little too much of toy use and one sided pleasure with less moments where it was just Lissa and Oliver. All scenes were spicy, steamy and intense but the one sided pleasure and toy play didn’t have the same passion like there was when Lissa and Oliver were connected without the use of toys. If I had to really pick apart this book that would be my complaint, but nothing that would impact my rating. Overall, I was engaged, enjoying and couldn’t put the book down.
This is absolutely a fantastic story about Oliver and Lissa. Lissa has a son, Henry, who needs to have a kidney removed and undergo Chemo for his cancer. Lissa is separated from an abusive husband who is constantly causing trouble for her. Lissa needs a huge amount of money for Henry’s upcoming surgery because she has no insurance and won’t tell her ex. Lissa asks Bethany, her best friend, to get her an interview with her boss because her job pays a substantial amount of money for each appointment. Lissa starts working for Oliver in the law office and the last hour of the day is what pays the huge amount of money. Lissa has the down payment and the surgery is immediately scheduled so her ex shows up to badger her and Oliver steps in to force him to leave. Lissa meets an elderly lady who volunteers to read to Henry after his surgery while Lissa is at work. Oliver investigates Lissa’s ex to find something to use for her divorce. Oliver as her attorney meets with her ex and his attorneys to settle the divorce out of court and then Oliver tells Lissa that it’s all over and that she doesn’t need to work for him any longer because she won’t need the money. This story grabs you right at the start and is so well planned and written. I loved the ending of this story especially where Lissa goes to Oliver’s house to tell him what she thinks and then finds the elderly woman she met at the hospital is Oliver’s mother. Great ending and I would recommend this book to adults only.
Lissa went away from her ex’s husband , he was violent and she forgave him a lot of times. the last he beat her she was very hurt, her friend Bethany helped her and her son to escape. Now she received the results of her son health, she needs money for his operation and for the treatment. She wants to find another job, that can pay her son’s operation, when she asked her friend to take her at sterling House, where she works, Bethany doesn’t want her friend in that situation and she tells her she doesn’t want to take her there. Her boss fired her because the school called her to go pick up her son and she had to leave, when she tells Bethany she accepted to take her to Pippa at sterling House. Pippa tells her that she has a client and that he’s looking for a new hire. When she started her first day at his firm of lawyers,and saw him for the first time,the man was very tall , and grumpy. But with time he was changing , she was also good working on lawsuit. one day she was called by Henry’s doctor , he tells her that the operation is going to be in two days and they can prepare him, she couldn’t tell her ex husband about her son sickness because if he pay for the surgery he will get the custody,But if he find out it will be worse. He found out that he son is sick and went to hospital to confront her , when he was pushing her a voice stopped him.
Another amazing book that I really enjoyed reading.
At His Beck & Call is the third story in the Sterling House series. It is so well-written and I couldn't put it down.
Lissa is in need of money for her son who needs medical care. She escaped an abusive husband and needs help. Her friend, Bethany, sets her up with an interview. The job pays very well. Lissa gets the job working for Oliver. He runs a law office. He pays her after hours to have private time with him. Lissa finally has enough money for her son to have the surgery he needs. Her ex is constantly bothering her and won't leave her alone. Oliver becomes closer with Lissa and gets to know her and her situation. When her ex bothers her he steps in. Lissa eventually gets the money she needs and doesn't have to work for Oliver anymore. What will happen when Oliver realizes his feelings for her are real?
I loved how strong Lissa was. She wanted to provide for her son and get away from an abusive husband. I loved how Oliver stepped up and helped her. Their chemistry was so good. I enjoyed it so much and look forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed Oliver and Lissa’s story. After finally escaping her abusive husband, Lissa is dealt another devastating blow when her young son, Henry, is diagnosed with cancer and urgently needs surgery and chemotherapy. Desperate to pay for his treatment without turning to her ex for help, she asks her best friend, Bethany, to recommend her to The House of Sterling so she can earn enough money working as an escort.
Oliver has scars of his own, both physical and emotional, after growing up with an abusive father. While he enjoys being dominant, he is always respectful of a woman’s boundaries, making him a genuinely caring and complex hero. As Oliver and Lissa spend more time together, she begins to heal and rediscover her strength, while Lissa slowly breaks through the walls Oliver has built around his heart.
This is an emotional, heartfelt romance that deals with some difficult topics but also celebrates resilience, healing, and finding love after trauma. I was rooting for Oliver and Lissa every step of the way and was so happy to see them find the courage to fight for their happily ever after.
At His Beck and Call was such a fun and entertaining read! I’m always a sucker for a romance with great chemistry, plenty of banter, and characters who make you want to keep turning the pages, and this one definitely delivered.
I really enjoyed the relationship between the characters and watching their connection develop. There was plenty of flirting, tension, sweet moments, and just enough drama to keep things interesting without taking away from the romance. I loved the back-and-forth between them, and some of their interactions had me smiling like a fool.
The characters felt easy to root for, and I especially enjoyed seeing the emotional side of their relationship develop alongside all the fun and steamy moments. It had that addictive quality where I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter,” and then somehow I was still reading.
Overall, At His Beck and Call was a cute, spicy, entertaining romance with great chemistry and characters I enjoyed spending time with. If you’re looking for an easy, fun romance that will keep you entertained and give you plenty of swoony moments, definitely add this one to your TBR! 💕🔥📚
I loved this story. Oliver was such a genuinely good man, and although Lissa fell for him first, it was clear that he eventually fell just as hard for her, even while trying to fight his feelings.
I really felt for Lissa. Everything she did was for the sake of her son, especially after having to deal with a truly awful husband. Watching her grow stronger throughout the story was one of my favourite aspects of the book. Her relationship with Oliver gave her the confidence to stand up for herself and take control of her life.
The conclusion was satisfying, and I particularly liked the way Oliver handled the divorce.
That said, I would have loved at least one scene involving the restraints and the chaise after they were mentioned!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is part of the Sterling House series which I really have enjoyed. This next installment follows Oliver a lawyer who childhood was filled with trauma and had made him who he is today, with not just visible scars but the hidden ones too. Meeting Lissa changes everything he thought he knew. Lissa has come from a marriage that was volatile and she has her son who is currently not well. Needing money she joins Sterling House and meets Oliver. They both have to deal with their pasts and Lissa is still dealing with a soon to be ex husband. If anyone deserves their HEA it’s these two 🥰 From how Oliver’s desires are written I was expecting the spice scenes to be pushed further but I don’t think it detracted from the story. All In all another great book for the Sterling series.
Oliver and Lissa's story was so good! Lissa is a devoted single mom who desperately needs a high-paying job to cover her son's medical treatments and mounting bills, especially since her POS ex refuses to help. When she lands a job working for the sexy and mysterious Oliver, neither of them expects their lives to change forever.
Both Oliver and Lissa are carrying deep emotional scars from their pasts, but watching them slowly learn to trust, heal, and fall in love was beautiful. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the emotional journey made their romance even more rewarding.
This was an amazing love story filled with heart, hope, and healing. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend it!
I love this series so much! Oliver is the best divorce attorney in the city. He has it all, good looks, money and status. But he needs a woman to meet his needs in private and that is what Sterling House specializes in. Lissa is separated from her abusive husband and she has a son with cancer. She needs money to pay for her son’s surgery and treatment and Sterling House can help her earn the money she needs. She is new to the escort business assigned to the a wealthy billionaire attorney, Oliver, as his executive assistant to meet all his personal/sexual needs. The way these two come together is so hot! I love their story! I won’t spoil the details so you should definitely read it for yourself.
Lissa is a strong woman and mother, doing everything in her power to give her son everything he needs for a healthy and safe life after escaping from an abusive marriage. When she desperately needs money for her sons treatment she begins a job n Sterling House where she meets, aloof, cold and billionaire Oliver. He is damaged by his own personal traumas and scars, physically and mentally and doesn’t do love until Lissa begins to break down those walls around his heart, but shes keeping secrets. Will the truth break them? Such a good read with amazing characters that have survived difficult times, plenty of steamy moments and an overall good story.
Oliver and Lissa! Oliver is the best divorce lawyer around and he doesn't have time for HEA until Lissa gets under his skin. Lissa has a deadbeat ex and a son who has medical bills piling up so she takes a job she generally wouldn't. I liked this book, but I think I loved the fact that he had "toys" hidden around his office that didn't look like toys. Can you imagine sitting behind your desk watching the pompous jerks walking around looking at your "toys" and thinking they're just ugly office decor that's worth nothing. I also adored Oliver's mom and his dog! So much to enjoy about this book.
Oliver and Lissa both have difficult past that has left them with trust issues. She is in need of a good paying job to pay for her son's treatments when she connects with Oliver. They hit it off right from the beginning and their path begins but Lissa's past isn't finished. Will Oliver be able to provide the security Lissa needs to handle her past and move forward with him. This engaging book had me glued to the drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At His Beck & Call is the next book in The Sterling House series and Alix Vaughn is chef's kiss! I love her writing and the journeys she creates. They are so unique and take you on an emotional Rollercoaster. I love it! The story between Oliver and Lissa is one that will pull your emotional strings and have you rooting for the both of them. Their growth throughout the book is amazing, especially from where they start in the beginning to the very end. I enjoyed every minute and could not put this book down. Thank you for letting me be a part of the ARC team.
I must admit that the cover and the blurb drew me to this book, but I so enjoyed it. Oliver was such a good man and would do anything for those he loved. It was nice to see the development of these two after all they've been through. My heart went out to Lissa for putting up with an abusive relationship with her ex. Oliver was just what she needed to really get her out of her shell. I'm certainly interested in reading the other Sterling House books.
This enjoyable romance has drama, threats, an arrangement, chemistry, steam, an abusive marriage, a sick child, a last-ditch option for work, unexpected feelings, a lack of clear communication and a possible HEA. There are some amazing secondary characters, and the MCs are likable, determined, intelligent, deny their feelings, and finally communicate. I liked this entertaining, engaging, and enjoyable book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Make sure your air conditioner is running when you read this one because HOLY HOT!!! I've read several "hired help" books, and many of Alix's books, but this is the hottest of them all by far. I loved how the Oliver and Lissa's lives are so parallel to, and intersected, each other. The way Oliver took to Lissa's son was heartwarming as well.
Well worth the read!
I received a copy of this book and I am leaving my honest review.
I have loved every single book in this series and couldn’t wait for this one to be released. It did not disappoint!! I loved how accepting and understanding they both were of each other. Both were so strong after the trauma they have endured. I have to say it was so different reading a book where the male didn’t have confidence and I loved how it was written and handled. Definitely will be re-reading this one!
At His Beck and Call by Alix Vaughn met all my expectations. I am loving the Sterling House series. In this book, separated and abused mother Lissa decides to go to work for Sterling House to help pay for her son's treatment. She is assigned to lawyer Oliver. Lissa is quiet and shy but develops her strength as the book progresses. Oliver has his own demons when it comes to relationships. The book is marvelous. I can't wait or the next one in the series.
This book has some intriguing twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. I was so pulled in, I pretty much read it straight through. Oliver is a lost less obnoxious than I have come to expect in these stories. I loved both him and Lissa as well as Anne and Henry. Wonderful HEA. Well written as always and some pretty great steam happening. I will keep reading the work the author puts out.
Lissa has a sick child, so takes a job as a "full service" EA with laywer Oliver. A steamy read with two MCs who know what they want, but there are things holding them back. A great read with a single mum, workplace and other drama, and some great supporting characters too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You're going to love this series.. At His Beck & Call
I truly enjoyed this book....I am hook on this series. The author Alix Vaughn makes you part of the book and takes you on for the ride. I didn't want to put it down. I can not wait for the next book.....You will enjoy this book. Remember I told you so!!!
Devoured the story in one sitting. I really liked the premise and it made much more sense, than in the 2nd book of the series. Really nice touch to add Anne in the hospital setting. The spice is great. Overall a great snack-sized book, with a "pretty woman" trope.
These stories are wonderful I totally love them however this is my favorite one ,such passion in them and I love reading them thank you so much looking forward to the next one.
This was awesome!! I love Alix's books!!! She is an amazing author! Her writing, her plots, her spice, her HEA!!! Always on point!! So easy to read! Started this morning and finished it in a couple hours.. hooked !!!
5⭐️ 4/5🌶️ Pretty woman but make her an executive assistant. - Grumpy MMC x Shy FMC - Single mom - Boss x assistant This was such fun read with yearning, slowish burn, great plot, tension, protective MMC, cute pets, and excellent spice.