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Hale #1

Coming to Hale

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The only time she trusted someone with her heart, she was just a girl; he betrayed her and left her humiliated. Since then, Lorali Bennett has let that moment in time dictate her life.

Ian Hale, sexy as sin business mogul, has never had more than a passing interest in any particular woman, until a chance encounter with Lorali, leaves a lasting mark on him.

Their fast paced romance is one for the record books, but what will happen when Ian’s secrets come to light? Especially when those secrets will cost her everything she spent years trying to rebuild.

This is a standalone contemporary novel. The next book in the Hale series is Alexa and Garrett’s story: Begging for Hale.

Recommended for readers 18 and up due to strong language and explicit sexual content.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2015

123 people are currently reading
873 people want to read

About the author

Marie James

103 books2,918 followers
Marie James is a mother of two boys and wife of 17 years. She's spent most of her life lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Her passions include reading everything under the sun and sewing, although she doesn't get to sew much these days!.

Writing has always been a passion and she's enjoying every step of the journey!

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5 stars
291 (37%)
4 stars
281 (36%)
3 stars
150 (19%)
2 stars
39 (5%)
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10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
May 28, 2015
I will start off by saying this book was scorching hot!!

Lorali is very wary of falling for another guy since the first one she loved broke her heart and her trust.

Ian Hale is a workaholic, yet he comes to the rescue of those that he loves. On one specific night, while he was doing just that, he sees a beautiful creature but doesn't get her name. He's surprised to see this same beautiful creature at a function, but makes sure he reminds her who he is and my goodness, can his man get you all wet and bothered!!

As I read their interactions, it was like a cat and mouse game. And, to be honest, I loved it!! This book flowed very easily and was at the same time HOT. And the sex? Well, that was amazingly hot!! Will be keeping an eye out for more on this author! ~ Kara, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,419 followers
Read
June 24, 2019
DNF'd at 25%

I can't take this Lorali girl. She's judgmental, superficial, and lacking in so many ways that it's impossible to like her. I didn't even get to the juicy bits :(
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,010 reviews431 followers
June 3, 2015
This is an amazing debut novel. I was literally gripped from start to finish. It's an easy read with some brilliant hot and sexy scenes.

After being hurt by an ex boyfriend Lorali doesn't want to get close to another male. She's afraid of getting hurt again. However after bumping into billionaire Ian a few times the attraction just keeps getting stronger. Can she open her heart and trust Ian?

Great storyline with some strong characters. Fantastic secondary characters that I look forward to reading more about.

This is a standalone novel in the Hale series. Book 2, Begging for Hale, will be Alexa and Garretts story.
Profile Image for Anna.
542 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2015
3 low stars.

At first read I was pretty happy with the flow. Snappy dialogue, attraction, you get the picture. Then it started feeling a little disjointed for me. I kept reading because there were more good moments than “huh?” moments. Then the final couple of chapters ruined it for me. The h, Lorali, IMHO was just a dumba##. She’s a 4.0 GPA college graduate, trained in journalism and investigative reporting, yet she does no researching of Ian, the H, and her stupid suspicions. She drives by, sees something, freaks out, makes crazy a## assumptions, breaks up with him, and cries in her bedroom. And Ian while sexy and smart forgives her and takes her back just like that?!?!?!?!? And don’t get me started on the smart career decisions she makes regarding the work events she has to attend. A little professional disbelief from this reader.

As I’m typing this review up I’m getting more and more irritated with the h and wondering why even 3 stars. It started out with a lot of potential then it lost me.
May 30, 2015
Coming to Hale was a spectacular read for a debut novel. Marie set out to delivery a knock out novel and succeed with Ian and Lorali. This is book 1 in the Coming to Hale series and I can’t wait to learn more about the next set of characters in book 2. Let me tell you why I enjoyed Coming to Hale so much.

Ian and Lorali have undeniable chemistry between the two of them. Lust and desire was pliable and had my eager for them to finally give in and go for it. Lorali being the level headed character she is, she wasn’t sure about letting herself go and surrendering her desire for Ian knowing that she has the potential of not only losing herself in him but losing her heart in the process. Ian is a complete character of mystery. What the world around him thinks is nothing compared to who he really is. He is every bit the tall dark and handsome alpha male but deep down he has a softer side and for me that made him the perfect book boyfriend.

Ian had this ability to make Lorali forget all her doubts and concerns with just one touch of his hand, one stroke of his tongue, one whisper of his voice. Bottom line, I want him, Lorali be damned. When they both finally give in to their desires things start to heat up on a nuclear level. The things that man can do to a woman’s body they could write a book about (oh wait, Marie did). I was literally turned on the entire read and was highly disappointed when it ended. You want hot? Coming to Hale it most certainly that.

There was a bit of mystery in Coming to Hale. Ian was hiding something and the suspicion that Lorali had would be a deal breaker. When something would happen that would get the wheels in her head turning Ian would be well, Ian, and make her forget all thoughts except pleasure. Just as things start to grow strong between this couple and deep feelings start to develop it only took a split second for all her fears to smack her in the face leaving her to make the hardest decision she has ever had to make.

Coming to Hale had it all. I was blown away by Marie James debut novel. It was a page-turner that left me wanting more. Not only was Ian the sexy alpha male we all love but also he was sweet and passionate. Lorali melted my heart. She was such a strong leading lady and I wanted nothing but happiness for her. I can’t wait for book 2 in the series to get to know Garrett and Alexa more. Marie James gets an A+ from me. I would highly recommend this sexy easy intriguing read to anyone who loves great passion with a solid story line!
Profile Image for Brenda Wright.
111 reviews10 followers
May 11, 2015
Loved this story. Lorali is focused on her new job. She finally is moving up and she wants to be the best she can so that she can keep moving up. Insert sexy millionaire Ian (sigh) Hale. During a chance meeting she felt tingles. It wasn't until later that she finds out who this guy is. They meet again and Ian, who also felt the tingles has to have her.

I love their whole journey. They have great chemistry together. They both speak their minds and know what they want. This is a great story.....one you definitely don't want to miss!!! I cannot wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Ally  Cakes.
256 reviews40 followers
August 17, 2015
1.5 Stars. This book flirts with ridiculousness too much. I first it was funny, then it was just annoying. Too much lack of communication. Seemed more of a high school dating relationship instead of a grown up one.
Profile Image for Athena Freya.
670 reviews156 followers
June 5, 2015
Coming to Hale is a great and original story about a woman who doesn’t believe in fairytales but gets it anyway!

I really loved this story, because in some ways I am like Lorali. I believe in the too-good-to-be-true fact. Her story gives hope to people like us who don’t believe in the dream so much. And did I mention it’s original? It’s so hard to find a story that isn’t similar to another these days, which makes me cherish these unique, beautiful stories even more!

This is the debut of Marie James and I believe she has tremendous potential to become a constant in our book lives.

I’d also like to know this is an ARC and not a purchased copy, so there could be some differences between what you and I have read. This is just my opinion, so please, don’t come screaming at me later, if I am not 100% accurate or you disagree with me…

Like I said before, I loved the story. I really did. In fact, I’d love to re-read a couple of dozen times!

Mr. Hale is, indeed, irresistible!

But as much as I sympathized with Lorali at some point, she left me perplexed and speechless at others. She’s an intelligent, young woman who sometimes behaved like an immature girl who didn’t know which way was up. Fortunately, she had either her friend or Ian, himself, to bring her intelligent side back. I understand the concept and how the author wanted her character to be like, but the execution was lacking, in my opinion. Some parts should be rewritten, because her reactions didn’t seem believable to me. In other words, I see what the author wanted to write and present, but it wasn’t done the right way. (This could rely more on the editing part than the actual writing.)

Ian, on the other hand, was better developed. He didn’t have any relapses and he was always the incessantly irresistible man I came to love! There were one or two points that left with a ‘Seriously?’ in my head but I could never stay mad or disappointed at this man… Ian Hale is an epic man, for sure. He will haunt my dreams for a while!

The first 40% of the book was not as well written as the following 60%. The subtle change, or improvement, was clearly visible, as I went from going through the notions and striving to see the good parts I knew this story had to give to actually enjoying it and wanting to see more! By any means, I don’t imply that first 40% isn’t good; it’s not good enough and certainly not as good as the rest. I did have my ‘Seriously’ moments later on, but they were few and I was just too drawn to the story at that point to care.

I simply believe this story could be absolutely amazing and it wasn’t. I really loved the story, but that comes with expectations. Perhaps they were too high, but the author has so much potential. A mind that came up with this beautiful story could do so much better!

In fewer words, this is a truly magnificent story that had some accidents along the way. I think those flaws could have been prevented by the editor or a beta reading team.

Nothing changes the fact that I loved this story and I will be rereading it!

So, Coming to Hale receives a 4- because the story is incredible but not incredibly presented!

NOTE
I’m looking forward to what comes next in the series and by Marie James, in general.
Profile Image for Angie Harvey.
726 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2015
This is really a 6+ star book! I was lucky enough to win the whole series in a contest on Facebook and man am I glad!!!! I absolutely love Marie James' writing and this doesn't disappoint!

The chemistry and detail that she is able to get across with her writing is indescribable. As you start reading her novels you are captivated within minutes. This whole book only took me three hours to read. I carried my phone with me through the house even so I didn't have to stop reading.

The chemistry that Ian and Lorali have is so undeniable and HOT!!! I can't wait to see their relationship develop and see Alexa and Jodie develop. She lets you see just enough of their character to be aching to know more about them.

Aching, that is the best way to describe how I felt throughout the entire novel. You ached for the character and ached to find out what would happen next. Thank you Marie for another amazing read and a restless nights sleep thinking about book 2!!
Profile Image for Jackie's Book Review.
301 reviews48 followers
June 4, 2015
For new author Marie James Coming to Hale was a great debut book by far!

Very enjoyable read from start to finish. The storyline keeps you moving from the very first chapter when the main characters Lorali Bennett and Ian Hale meet for the first time.

At first meeting between these two it was pretty funny they way Marie wrote it like...what are the chances of that happening. This time however Lorli seems to have left an impression with Ian who never really ever gave a second thought to a woman before.

When they meet again by accident yet again this incounter is so much more and this is where the story really kicks off.

The story has a little of everything, a little bit of a chase and so much more. Put it on your TBR!

Profile Image for Jos.
1,832 reviews140 followers
August 21, 2015
4 Solid Stars!!!!

I truly enjoyed reading about Lorali and Ian and hope to get meow about them in the future books as well!!!! I am really looking forward to Alexa and Garrett's story in the second book of this series!
Profile Image for Heather Cavanaugh.
133 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2015
Coming to Hale was the debut book by Marie James she did a great job with this one. Lorali and Ian had a chemistry that was undeniable. 4.5 Stars

Lorali is a journalist working at The Courier she currently moved up to the Lifestyle section from the Obits. One night while at the laundromat she lays her eyes on a man that smelled amazing and had the most piercing eyes. She couldn’t get him off her mind.

The first time Ian laid his eyes on Lorali he couldn’t believe how beautiful she was. He knew he would never see her again, but she plagued his dreams and this thoughts throughout the day.

Lorali was covering her first charity event for the paper where all the who’s who of Denver would be. When she looks across the room and sees a man staring at her she can’t stop staring back till she looks again and he’s gone. She does a quick glance and he’s right behind her. When she smells him she knows it’s the man from the laundromat.

Ian and Lorali’s relationship was hot and heavy fast. Ian struggled with his feelings about being in a relationship since he never really wanted one in the past. One night stand was all he ever wanted but this time it was different. He wasn’t use to trying so hard to get a woman to pay attention to him.

This was a romantic, hot and dirty alpha male read. The only thing I did not care for in the book was the epilogue. I think it need to be more. Two words was just a little disappointing. But still a great read. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed for Marebare’s Book Shelf.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,676 reviews85 followers
July 29, 2015
Lorali seems to have a stroke of bad luck lately ...her washing machine dies a spluttering death and her car is in the workshop but every cloud has a silver lining and hers comes in the form of a promotion of sorts , she's a journalist and she now moves from attending funerals and writing obituaries to attending parties and writing for the lifestyle section .

I did mention her washing machine broke. ... well a gal does need clean clothes so she's off to the laundromat and this is where she first bumps into Ian Hale, hot billionaire who smells divine! What?! He does smell good , he wears Armani Black Code. I get all jelly knees when a man smells good and nothing stops me from walking up to them and telling them so #crazy much#

Ian Hale awakens Lorelai's inner goddess but she's sworn off men since the last one broke her heart and trust.....what a douche!

Ian and Lorelai's paths keep crossing and they evoke foreign feelings in each other . Finally , no longer being able to fight the inevitable they give into their carnal desires! Both my kindle and knickers near melted on more occasion than one!

I enjoyed Coming to Hale and for a debut author Marie James was very clever to add a subtle twist of mystery to this story,not to much and not to little. It's this clever little twist that changed my humble ★★★★ to to an awesome ★★★★★

Alexa ( Lorelai's friend) and Garret( Ian's cousin) will be an interesting couple to follow in book #2.....looking forward to it Marie James.

Reviewed by Heidi
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
448 reviews9 followers
June 2, 2015
I was really impressed by this debut novel from Marie James. It is the first book in the Hale series, but each book features a different couple and are standalones. Coming to Hale is a fun, sexy book that was a nice and easy read for me. The main characters were well drawn and likable, and there is a good cast of supporting characters too, which bodes well for future books in the series.

Billionaire Ian and reporter Lorali literally run into each other by chance, but after a brief encounter never expect to see each other again. What follows is a fun series of chance meetings that get hotter and hotter. Lorali was hurt and humiliated by a past boyfriend and doesn't want to get hurt again, so she is wary of relationships and men. But Ian is determined to spend more time with Lorali, and pulls out all the stops to pursue her. But will Ian's secrets and Lorali's past hurts push these two apart?

Coming to Hale is fun, romantic and lighthearted - but it is also really hot. I especially enjoyed Ian's attempts to woo Lorali, the art exhibition being my favourite scene. I liked Lorali, but Ian was the star of the show for me - he is ridiculously sexy and incredibly kind hearted, I loved him. I'm really looking forward to the next book, which is Alexa's story - she is fabulous, it should be a fun read. I really enjoyed this book, and give it five stars.


I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,299 reviews1,781 followers
October 23, 2015
Favorite Quotes:

“She’s now glaring at me like I drank the last of the wine and forgot to refrigerate another bottle, one of the seven deadly sins according to her.”

“I thought the kiss in the hallway was incredible. This kiss. This kiss was sell your first child just to get another perfect.”

“This man topless could end wars, everyone stopping their battle just to stare at his perfection.”

“I’ve never needed anyone as much as I need you, Lorali. I can’t even form words to explain it.”


My Review:

Coming to Hale is my virgin voyage with Marie James and I couldn’t be happier as I have found treasure. I love her fresh and sexy style. I prefer reading about couples enjoying and supporting each other versus the constant angst and conflict trope. But I don’t want to mislead you as this one wasn’t all sunshine and lollipops, there was some misunderstandings as well as uncertainty, insecurity, doubt, and a sprinkling of mystery. The story line was entertaining and alternated between humor, romance, and a bit of intrigue; yet was easy to follow and deliciously steamy. I was startled and pleased to read that this was her debut performance – as I figure she will only get better. I have a new favorite author and am thrilled to have the entire series already loaded on my kindle.
Profile Image for ByoBook Club.
458 reviews40 followers
June 3, 2015
Hot, hot , hot...

Ian Hale had a glimpse of Lorali Bennett in a chance encounter at a laundromat of all places. That awkward, yet funny, moment sets the tone for this sexy, humorous read. Lorali is happy to start covering stories about the living as her work in the Lifestyles section of a local Denver paper starts off at two local social events. What were the odds that she would meet up again with the sexy stranger? Wary of the uber-attractive, businessman, Lorali couldn’t help but see where the attraction would take them. He was funny, flirty and could sext with the best of them. When a misunderstanding erupts into full-blown drama would their budding relationship survive the fallout?

Whew, the kindle is still cooling off from this short but insanely hot story. Ian is unbelievably sexy – a man who is rich, handsome and not afraid to voice his inner desires. Well, in unbelievably scorching inner monologues and texts anyway. Lorali has been hurt before and is understandably cautious though she is not immune to his charm. I love that this story switches from his and her points of view to really get a feel for what they are feeling. Or what… lol – Ian sure knows how to make use of a steamy shower! A great story with a happy ending and many likable characters I know we will get to see more of. I can’t wait!

~Diane
Profile Image for Amy.
1,289 reviews34 followers
June 5, 2016
Lorali is an up and coming journalist. Ok maybe not, but she is a journalist, just to the dead of Denver, Colorado. Her boss gives her a chance to swing with the living, sending her to a high society charity event, where she runs into Ian Hale - again. This time, he makes a move, only to have her walk away.

Ian Hale is one of Denver's top sexiest singles. Land him and you land a God! He is fascinated by Lorali. She is beautiful, sassy, and smart. He can't stop thinking, no lusting about her and wants her. Tracking her down was easy, getting her into his bed easy, but getting her to open up and allow him into her heart, hard. Lorali makes Ian work for it. She's not handing her heart over on a silver platter. No way!

I liked the story, but I wanted a better back story for Lorali. It was sad, but it wasn't life altering, at least not to me. Maybe I'm jaded by life, but it seemed childish. What I liked about the book, it had me hooked from the first chapter. How Ian and Lorali interact, they are like magnets. Always a pulling force towards each other. Crushing!

The characters, event the supporting cast are well written and I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Bring it on!!
305 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2015
Lorali and Ian fall fast and hard, but both are completely out of their element when it comes to their relationship. Lorali has serious trust issues and goes into the relationship with eyes wide open. Ian has never experienced the pull and desire for Lorali. He can not get her out of his head. It's so bad it is effecting his work. I must say the sex between these two was intense. While it was interesting to see what Ian planned next I felt most of the first half or so of the book was just sex. I when there was excitement, mystery, and drama in the last half. It kept me turning pages excited to see what happens next. All together it was an interesting story line, great chemistry, well written characters, and intense sex scenes. I'm very excited I just saw Alexa and Grant's story is next! Can't wait to read it!
Profile Image for Lisa Cullinan.
569 reviews28 followers
June 10, 2015
I liked this story ~ Ian Hale was hard not to like - sexy, rich and sweet. Loreli was funny, sweet and sassy. At times Loreli seemed pretty immature as well. There was a turning point in the story where Loreli assumed Ian was involved in something illegal. Instead of confronting him, she ended everything in haste and threw Ian under the bus to the police. l would have liked to know more of a background and specifics about both characters. There were definitely some really funny parts to this story as well. I've a feeling that this series will keep getting better as it moves along. I'm looking forward to the next book which will feature Loreli's friend, Alexa and Ian's cousin, Garrett.
Profile Image for booklover.
1,494 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2015
Brilliant!!

**REVIEWING FOR 'ONE CLICK AHOLICS BOOK GROUP**
Where to start with this review....
Lorali ~ A journalist with a past experience that has broken her trust in men that is until she meets, or rather bumps literally into Ian Hale !
Ian ~ A wealthy men, never seen with any one woman more than once. A socialite and extremely handsome alpha man too who isn't used to chasing woman,more that they chase him in the vain hope of being the one to tie him down!
To say he's enamoured by Lorali would be an understatement, he can't get her out of this thoughts nor she him.
Great storyline with a few twists a long the way and some seriously steaming sexy scenes too !
Profile Image for Judie.
1,233 reviews
June 5, 2015
*An ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review*

Lorali is a girl that has been hurt by her ex and has guarded herself from hurt for fear of it happening again. Then enters Ian. Sexy, yummy Ian. Swoon! These two ignite something massive within one another & you will not want to stop reading until the end to see how their story turns out!!!
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,050 reviews35 followers
June 13, 2015
Oh wow what a scorching hot book, as I was reading the pages were burning lol be warned this has one intense alpha billionaire, and one feisty journalist, their chemistry together was super nova hot and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them. It is sweet, sexy, has a little bit of mystery and a lovely HEA can't wait for Garrett and Alexa's story
Profile Image for Konica.
478 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2015
When I first read the first few chapters, I thought this book had lots of potential. Though there was not enough character building. At times I thought the MC Lorali, was a little dense. The book jumped right into lust and there wasn't really a plot, but a misunderstanding... I thought this book could have been a lot better.
Profile Image for MaRanda.
413 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2015
Lorali and Ian have a wonderful story! I absolutely loved Ian. He knows what he wants and goes after it. They meet at a laundromat and a few times after... And then it gets GOOD! Their story is pretty hot!
Profile Image for French Press Bookworm Blog.
948 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 stars

This one was short and sweet. I loved Ian and his aloha hotness but I also liked that he was the kinda man who didn't need games and just went after what he wanted. I really enjoyed this read and can't wait for the next one
Profile Image for Teresa Cain.
18 reviews
May 9, 2015
Amazing!!!! Def a one click. The story is intense and I could not put the book down. Finished it in less than a day
Profile Image for Diane Norwood For The Love of Pimping.
154 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2015
OMG!!! I so fell in love with this book. I received this book as an arc copy. and I am so glad I did. This book was awesome from start to finish... love me some Ian Hale!!
Profile Image for Jessica Martell.
38 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2015
SMOKING HOT.....YOU MUST READ THIS AWESOME BOOK.
You will not be disappointed. Promise
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews

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